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‘We are family, I got all my sisters with me’

These lyrics have been rolling through my mind over the last 24 hours, “We are family, I got all my sisters with me.” They are part of a song performed by Sister Sledge back in the 1970’s entitled “We Are Family.” Since its release, it has become an anthem of sorts, an expression of solidarity, and that is exactly what I experienced, as did many others recently, at the Chamber’s Women’s Bloom Conference. A room filled with beautiful, like-minded women joining together with a singleness of purpose, to encourage and be encouraged. This was the fourth year for our Women’s ...

Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to school they go

I recently spent a morning on the phone with my oldest granddaughter Saylor sending her off to her first day of first grade. Where does the time go? Wasn’t it just a short time ago that I was rocking her in my arms? Wasn’t it just yesterday when she took her first steps? I must admit my eyes filled with tears when I looked at the first day of school picture her mom sent, and a flood of memories came rushing in. The first time she said, “Nana, I love you.” The day she described in detail her one-day, prince charming. All the countless hours we spent together listening to princess ...

Elder family integral part of library’s long history

I’ve spent the last several weeks writing about the Mifflin County Library during the 1940s. The Lewistown Library of the 1870s merged with other libraries throughout the county to become the Mifflin County Library in 1941. The library director, Miss Shoemaker, resigned in December 1943. Before I go on and write about the next few directors, I’d like to tell you about an unsung hero in library history. She was never the director but she and her family helped to make the Mifflin County Library what it is today. This is Margaretta Elder. Margaretta is one of the Elder family who ...

Our hope must come from God

So Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord — Exodus 4:28 The necessity of accurately speaking (heralding) God’s message is taught throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. In Revelation 22:18, there is a warning to those who would add or take away from God’s Word. Even the way we present His truth can transform it into a man-centered religion instead of a God-centered, God-glorifying message. In Genesis chapter 3, we read about Adam and Eve choosing to rebel against God. Then they hid from God and chose not to seek Him. God sought Adam and Eve, He came looking for ...

Versatile apples are a must in Bev’s Kitchen

By Bev Kauffman Hello from the kitchen! This time of year brings back memories of picking peaches and apples! I helped pack the fruit to go to the stores. I still remember the smells. In the area I grew up there are three local orchards all family-run. I don’t miss the hard work of ...

At the library

I’ve been writing about Elisabeth Shoemaker for the past few weeks. She was the librarian during World War Two who helped and led the local Victory Book Campaign, providing reading materials for the troops. I’ve listed Edward Cole as the “first” librarian in 1802 but Miss Shoemaker was “the first.” Originally from Waynesboro, Miss Shoemaker graduated from Juniata College and then from Columbia University School of Library Science. She worked at the Huntingdon County Library before taking the director position at the newly formed Mifflin County Library. A little bit ...