WITNESSED ( Seen and Heard )
Again it was a lovely day for the 95th reunion of the Donegal Society, perfect for tea and scones on the lawn, dedication of the beautified Witness Tree site (some call it a plaza) and for dedication of a tree given by Marlene Arnold in memory of her grandmother, Elizabeth Shearer Sollenberger. The Sollenbergers lived in the home directly across the road from our cemetery from about 1920 until the fifties. Mrs. Sollenberger for many years, when our church had no kitchen, would help provide kitchen service for Donegal Reunion day.
Now that we have very adequate facilities, all it takes is the volunteers to make it happen. And for that there seemed to be men and women with endless energy providing a great luncheon, efficiently served, with a new menu that seemed to meet with much approval. However many were happy that dessert was still Montgomery Pies, and they were extra delicious -- all made by Portia and Althea.
There were colorful tables with lovely flower centerpieces, and flowers throughout the buildings, thanks to Kristi Elkner and helpers. Many appreciate seeing each year the very large arrangements at the pulpit done in the silver pitchers given to the church by Jean Withers, Al’s mother, who was the ”flower person” for Donegal for many years. One Donegal Society member was so impressed with last years flower decorations that she photographed all of them and brought the pictures to show.
Marlene Arnold is now the society’s new president, Paula Leicht, new 2nd vice president, and Michael Labagh is the youth representative taking Matt Randolph’s place.
The society’s program included an address by Peter Seibert of the Heritage Center, Lancaster, and music by performers from Fulton Theater’s current production, “Brigadoon.” All were very impressed by the beautiful voice of the soloist, whom we afterwards learned was a former Elizabethtown girl, Kathryn Zeager, who is now Katie Wieand, using her married name.
We need to express thanks to Judy Kay Bard who has professionally cataloged all the books in our archives library and also affixed labels. While there would have been access by computer, Judy Kay made the extra effort to put that computer data on catalog cards for any of us who need that method of research. We are grateful.
What good things have you seen or heard recently?
Last Edited on
06/27/2008