Barbara Barr's Column

Senior citizens: Mount Pleasant UMC recently honored its senior citizens with a delicious luncheon and homemade ice cream. Alpha Williams and Betty Lou Hood received flowers for being the oldest senior women, and Clarence Barksdale and Connie Neuf received boxes of candy for being the oldest men present.

High school graduation: Matthew Bretzin and Thomas Gunnell, graduates from Loudoun Valley High School this year, received Bibles from Mount Pleasant UMC as gifts last Sunday. After a short summer, Matthew will be attending Mary Washington, and Thomas Gunnell will be attending Longwood.

VBS: Vacation Bible School at Mount Pleasant UMC will be June 25-29, 9 a.m.-noon, under the direction of Jane and Brad Bretzin. All the children in the area are invited to attend their rewarding event. It's amazing that area children are asking when is vacation Bible school. Many thanks to the hard-working, dedicated leaders who make this week a week to be remembered from year to year.

Water workout: Here comes summer and fun as a fitness water workout welcomes you at the Lovettsville Pool beginning June 25. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. and in Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. A sitter will be available for the morning classes by a punch card. For details, call 540-822-5284.

Visitors from Hawaii: Robin Barker Gordon, Dannielle and Dustin are visiting with their parents and grandparents Jim and Betty Barker for a few weeks. The Gordons are currently living in Hawaii since Mr. Gordon is stationed there.

Baker travels: Allen and Kathryn Baker were recently treated to a mini-vacation by their son and daughter-in-law. They traveled to Virginia Beach, Ocean City and other points of interest.

Well wishes: Get well wishes go to Donald Fletcher and Sara Wenner. Birthdays: Happy birthday to Connie Breeden, Terry Ridgeway, Marty Hile, Roger Lanham, and Christopher Schzda. Anniversaries: Happy anniversary to Stephen and Julie Mayner Bergel and to David and Teresa Gunnell.

Barbara Barr's Column

United Methodist Women: The Bethel-Lucketts Unit of the United Methodist Women has arrived. Its first official unit meeting will be June 10 at 1 p.m. All women are welcome. You do not have to be a member or attend Bethel UMC to a United Methodist to join the circle.
A great day: Sunday, June 10 Mount Pleasant UMC will be honoring the senior citizens and the graduates. It is also Scouting Sunday. There will be a luncheon at noon. Please bring a dish to share.
Proud grandmother: I recently attended my granddaughter's graduation at Hampshire County High School in Romney, W.Va. Samantha Dawn Sixma was the proud recipient of several awards including the Top of the Mountain Award for maintaining a 3.75 grade average, the Pioneer Scholarship and the Promise Award which paid for four years of college at the University of West Virginia.
Trip to Hawaii: Jim and Betty Barker and their grandson recently flew to the Island of Ohau to visit with their daughter Robin and her family. A great time was had by all. Jim and Betty were there for two weeks and had a wonderful time touring the island.Well wishes: Get well wishes to Junior Wilt and Roger Lanham.
In sympathy: Sympathy and prayers are extended to family and friends of Gary Wenner. There was a memorial service at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 30 at 11 a.m.Sympathy and prayers are also extended to the family and friends of Scott Jenkins.
Birthdays: Happy birthday to Clarence Barksdale, Kevin Barr, Brian Kearney, Reese Lindsey, Emily Kearney, Jay Merchant and Chris VanWagoner.
Anniversaries: Happy anniversary to Bobby and Bertie Baker and Brad and Lynn Curl.

Heat Advisory

HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM EDT FRIDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM EDT FRIDAY. GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS TOMORROW AHEAD OF A STRONG AREA OF LOW PRESSURE OVER THE GREAT LAKES WILL TRANSPORT VERY WARM AND HUMID AIR INTO THE REGION. TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO SOAR INTO THE MID 90S BY LATE AFTERNOON. THIS WHEN COMBINED WITH HIGH HUMIDITY LEVELS WILL RESULT IN HEAT INDICES NEAR 100 DEGREES. RELIEF TO THE HEAT IS EXPECTED ON SATURDAY AS COOLER AND LESS HUMID AIR MOVES INTO THE REGION WITH THE PASSAGE OF A COLD FRONT. A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS...STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

Virtual Tour of Taylorstown

Loudoun County launched an online, interactive guide to the county's historic districts: Aldie, Bluemont, Goose Creek, Oatlands, Taylorstown and Waterford.The interactive guide includes information about historic district guidelines, the role of the Historic District Review Committee and the stewardship responsibilities involved in owning a historic property. The project was made possible by a state grant. It also features interviews with historians and residents of the six Historic and Cultural Conservation Districts. The guide allows users to start their online tour at any of the districts and to choose from three categories of information: a brief history of each district, preservation efforts, and new construction. The new online guide is part of a comprehensive effort by the Planning Department to increase awareness of the county's historic districts, including the regulations governing new construction and alterations to existing structures. In addition, the department has created a calendar featuring the historic districts, which is for sale for $10 in the Planning Department and at the Loudoun County Store, located in the government center, 1 Harrison St., S.E. in Leesburg. For more information, visit www.loudoun.gov/historic.

Barbara Barr's Column

Honoring mothers: Mother's Day was recently celebrated at Mount Pleasant UMC during both services with gifts of hanging flower baskets at the first service to the oldest mother present, Elizabeth Williams, and the youngest mother, Kristen Benney. At the second service, gifts were presented to Isabella Fletcher as the oldest mother present and Becky Hile with the youngest child.

Memorial Day: The American Legion will be having a short service in the cemetery of Mount Pleasant UMC on Monday, May 28, at approximately 11:30 a.m. honoring those who have served their country. Memorial Day lunch: Lunch will be sold in the basement of Mount Pleasant UMC on Monday, May 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the cemetery fund.

Homemakers: Even though the club is no longer in existence though the extension office of Loudoun County, the Potomac Valley Homemakers get together once a month on the third Tuesday. Recently about 14 members met at the UMCA in Brunswick for brunch.

Softball: Mount Pleasant UMC has had a softball team for approximately 30 years and it is amazing how times have changed. The team members who started years ago have children and grandchildren of their own playing on the team. Look for the next games at the Lovettsville Community Center Tuesday, May 29, at 6:30 p.m. against Blue Ridge Bible Church.

Picnic, dance: The Taylorstown Community Association will be having its annual picnic and dance on June 23. Mark your calendar in advance for a good time.

Well wishes: Get-well wishes go to David Miller, Carl Carnes, James Stream and Roger Lanham.Birthdays: Happy birthday to the Rev. Gay Lynn Tonelli, Adelle Miller, Eddie Chamblin, Andrew Towe, Pam Barker Smith, Brandt Lindsey, Kayla Bretzin, Matthew Bretzin, Katie Capilongo, Kristie Lindsey, Elizabeth Williams and Eli Lindsey. Anniversaries: Happy anniversary to Joe and Karen Tyrrell, Karen and Johnny Potts, Jerome and Kristie Lindsey, Robert and Evelyn Spinks, Troy and Susan Zimmerman, Mark and Bonnie Ridgeway and Terry and Debbie Ridgeway.

Barbara Barr's Column

Changing seasons: Spring, summer, winter? Which is it? You certainly can't tell by the temperature. However, it is definitely spring when you pass all the ball fields all over the county and you see all the children practicing. Regardless of the weather, they are earnest about keeping their schedules getting ready for the season which began this week.

Softball: Mount Pleasant UMC will be playing its first game on April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lovettsville Community Center. If you haven't signed up and you want to play please do so immediately.

Spring dinner: Mount Pleasant UMC will also be serving its annual spring dinner on Saturday, April 21, beginning at 5 p.m. The dinner consists of country ham and turkey with side dishes and will be served family style. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the church.

Historic tour: Eugene Scheel recently escorted 30 teachers in Loudoun County on a tour of historic places in Loudoun County. We were delighted that they included Taylorstown on their tour.

Benney arrival: Congratulations to Brian and Kristen Benney on the birth of their son, Vincent Walter Benney.Birthdays; Happy birthday to Emily Barker, Sylvia Merchant, Bryce Lang and Karen Golden.Anniversary: Happy anniversary to Matthew and Teresa Grezch.

Barbara Barr's Column

Avon Walk: Bingo players should come and join in basket bingo at the Lovettsville Game Club on Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. The bingo is to benefit the Avon Walk for the Cure. Refreshments will be sold by the Game Club.

Election: The Taylorstown Community Association recently met at the Mount Pleasant Church for its monthly meeting. The following officers were elected: President Tara Lindhart, Vice President Tami Carlow, Secretary Susan McKenzie and Treasurer Karen Hendershot.

KLB: If you are interested in helping to clean up the Taylorstown area during Keep Loudoun Beautiful week, please contact Tami Carlow for more details at 540-822-5939.

Lang baptism: The Mount Pleasant UMC recently celebrated the baptism of Silas Aconcaqu Lang, son of Larry and Lauren Lang during the Sunday morning worship service. A reception was held immediately afterwards in the social hall of the church where family and friends gathered for fellowship.

Body Genesis: Come and join Body Genesis at the Hillsboro Old Stone School on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. And the Lucketts Community Center on Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. The spring session began on Monday, March 6. For more information, call 540-822-5643.

South American trip: Blaine and Anne Larson recently returned from a month's vacation in South America. This was quite an eventful trip and scary at times when their ship was hit by an 80-foot wave on Cape Horn. They were able to visit the Amazon and the Antarctic.

In sympathy: Sympathy and prayers are extended to the families and friends of Thelma Brown, James Nelson, Gerri Tonelli and Marie Kennedy.

Well wishes: Get-well wishes to Brad Curl, Phyllis Spinks, Ruth Payne, Madison Fatz, Carl Carnes and Bebe Myers.

Birthdays: Happy birthday to Hannah Coates, Sawyer Shipley, Guy Pitcock, Troy Mayner, Karen Potts, Allen Baker, Hayy Loy, Jack and Craig Towe, Thomas Gunnell, Billy Coates, Joan Rollins, Jason Lang, Jimmy Barker and Bruce Loy.

Barbara Barr's Column

Season's reason: There are quite a few events coming up at Mount Pleasant during the month of December: Dec. 3 a Birthday party for Jesus was held and was a great success as usual. Dec. 10 is the date scheduled for the Christmas Program practice. The program will be held Sunday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 is also the deadline for bringing in your presents for the three families the church adopted for Christmas.

Traditions: I was shopping last week for a present for my grandchild at Kohl's and since I couldn't find what I wanted I became a little frantic. However, I asked for help from one of the store's employees. Not only did the employee look for what I wanted but to my amazement in this day and age, the employee stated they were sold out, but I could probably find what I wanted at Wal-Mart. This statement reminded me of a movie 40 or so years ago in which the employee at Macy's referred the customer to a store across the street. I was shocked, surprised and pleased that some things don't change.Bag of candy: Also, I was reading a handwritten book last week and to my surprise, it was stated that Mount Pleasant Church started treating the Sunday school children with a bag of candy back in the early 1930s and still does to this day.

Baptism: The congregation of Mound Pleasant UMC recently celebrated the baptism of Andrew Dempsey Towe, son of Jim and Emilie Towe. Andrew is the grandson of Connie Breeden and Dr. and Mrs. Jim Towe Sr.Birthday: Happy birthday to Wesley Bretzin, Maggie Grezch, Donna VanWagoner, Brandi Baker, John Baker, Debbie Barr, Sophia Coates and Johnny Wilt.

The Thanksgiving season is behind us and we must move on. Hopefully, everyone is remembering all the blessings and things we have to be thankful for each and every day as we go into this Christmas season and not focus on material things.

Editor's note: The movie Mrs. Barr refers to is "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947). Indeed when Macy's sold out of a toy, the store's Santa referred customers to Gimbel's across the street.

Weather Alert

HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING... A HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING. A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL CROSS THE AREA FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND WILL BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A LINE OF HEAVY SHOWERS AND POSSIBLE THUNDERSTORMS. LOW LEVEL WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BE QUITE STRONG THAT ANY SHOWER OR THUNDERSTORM COULD PRODUCE DAMAGING WINDS. BEHIND THE FRONT...A STRONG PRESSURE GRADIENT WILL CAUSE WINDS TO INCREASE TO 20 TO 30 MPH WITH POSSIBLE GUSTS TO 60 MPH ESPECIALLY OVER THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS AND AREAS CLOSER TO THE PENNSYLVANIA BORDER. A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT. SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH...OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR STRONGER MAY OCCUR. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Weather Alert

HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING... A HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING. A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL CROSS THE AREA FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND WILL BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A LINE OF HEAVY SHOWERS AND POSSIBLE THUNDERSTORMS. LOW LEVEL WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BE QUITE STRONG THAT ANY SHOWER OR THUNDERSTORM COULD PRODUCE DAMAGING WINDS. BEHIND THE FRONT...A STRONG PRESSURE GRADIENT WILL CAUSE WINDS TO INCREASE TO 20 TO 30 MPH WITH POSSIBLE GUSTS TO 60 MPH ESPECIALLY OVER THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS AND AREAS CLOSER TO THE PENNSYLVANIA BORDER. A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT. SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH...OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR STRONGER MAY OCCUR. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Weather Alert

HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING... A HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING. A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL CROSS THE AREA FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND WILL BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A LINE OF HEAVY SHOWERS AND POSSIBLE THUNDERSTORMS. LOW LEVEL WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BE QUITE STRONG THAT ANY SHOWER OR THUNDERSTORM COULD PRODUCE DAMAGING WINDS. BEHIND THE FRONT...A STRONG PRESSURE GRADIENT WILL CAUSE WINDS TO INCREASE TO 20 TO 30 MPH WITH POSSIBLE GUSTS TO 60 MPH ESPECIALLY OVER THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS AND AREAS CLOSER TO THE PENNSYLVANIA BORDER. A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT. SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH...OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR STRONGER MAY OCCUR. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Blog Site Featuring Tara Linhardt and Danny Knicely

Here's an interesting site featuring news and photos from their project in Nepal: http://mountainmusicproject.blogspot.com/

Barbara Barr's Column

Thanksgiving service: Everyone is invited to the community-wide ecumenical Thanksgiving service at the Mount Pleasant UMC on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Armstrong, pastor of Mount Zion and Bethel churches, will be the guest speaker for the evening.

Each One, Reach One: Each One Can Reach One is a good theme for the Thanksgiving season. Mount Pleasant has adopted four families for the Thanksgiving season. Please bring your gifts of nonperishable foods to the church by Nov. 19. We encourage every community to make this effort to go out and give beyond their immediate families this Thanksgiving season.

Craft show: Mark your calendar for the Taylorstown annual craft show at the Taylorstown General Store on Friday night, Dec. 1; Saturday, Dec. 2; and Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3.

Get-well wishes: Get-well wishes and prayers go to Brad Bretzin, Randy Coates, Leo Virts, Rev. Gay Lynn and Shirley Eichelberger.

Happy birthday: Happy birthday to Kelly Ayers, Jane Bretzin, Kathy Shipley, Joey Tyrrell, Courtne Coates, Holly Tyrrell, Judy Ross and Ronnie Williams.

Weather Alert

HEAVY RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS POSSIBLE THURSDAY AND THURSDAY EVENING ACROSS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL VIRGINIA...EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND WEST OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY... A STRONG STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE FROM THE TENNESSEE VALLEY TODAY INTO THE NORTHERN GREAT LAKES REGION BY THURSDAY EVENING. ABUNDANT MOISTURE WILL MOVE NORTHWARD FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO INTO THE MID ATLANTIC TODAY AND TONIGHT. A COLD FRONT WILL SWEEP ACROSS THE REGION THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. INTERACTION BETWEEN THE COLD FRONT AND A MOIST AIRMASS WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE 1 TO 3 INCHES OF RAIN IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. MUCH OF THE AREA RECEIVED HEAVY RAIN THIS PAST WEEKEND... AND ADDITIONAL HEAVY RAIN COULD CAUSE SMALL STREAMS TO OVERFLOW THEIR BANKS. STORM DRAINS COULD ALSO BECOME CLOGGED WITH LEAVES...LEADING TO FLOODING OF LOW LYING URBAN AREAS. SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COLD FRONT THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE STRONG TO SEVERE WINDS. WIND GUSTS UP TO 60 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE. TREES MAY BE UPROOTED WITH THESE WINDS AND MOIST GROUND.

Intruder Alert

A Taylorstown resident who does not wish to be identified reports that an unknown intruder entered her home on Booth Rd. on Friday, Nov. 10 at around 5:45 p.m.

While home alone, she was in an upstairs bedroom when her dogs started to bark in the living room and she heard a male voice trying to quiet them down. Assuming it was her mate, she continued her task until she realized that some time had passed and he did not come to say hello. Looking around the house, there was no sign of her mate -- he was still at work. The unknown intruder, who arrived and left the property on foot, most likely knew she was alone.

The Sheriff's Department assessed the scene and advised that everyone should lock their doors when they are home, particularly women who are alone.

Barbara Barr's Column

Election: Don't forget to get out and vote. There are quite a few important issues on the ballot as well at the candidates.

Senior citizens: The senior citizens in the Taylorstown and Lovettsville area love to get together to have a good time. Recently the seniors met at the Lovettsville Community Center with approximately 25 in attendance for their regular scheduled luncheon and while there decided to celebrate the birthdays of Phyllis Spinks and Joan Walls. We never get too old to joke and have fun. Joan turned 90 and is indeed a delight. Another friend, Walter, who attends the dinners also turned 90 in October, and he decided to serenade Joan and the group with songs from back in the 1970s.

Fall dinner: Mount Pleasant is preparing for its fall dinner on Saturday, Nov. 4, beginning at 5 p.m. The public is invited to this country ham-and-turkey dinner served family style. This is a fundraiser for the church.

Anniversary: Happy anniversary to Jim and Emilie Towe, Rex and Kathy Shipley, and Roger and Bonnie Lanham.

Birthday: Happy birthday to Neil Miller and Katie Merchant.

Get-well-wishes: Get-well wishes are extended to Thomas Fletcher, Leo Virts and Brad Bretzin.

Tamar Datan to Speak about the Amazon

Tamar Datan is the next guest speaker in the Taylorstown Community Association Speakers Series. Come hear her at the Taylorstown Store on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.

Tami Carlow's Letter to the Editor

Residents of Taylorstown are not happy to hear about the recent "conditional approval" of a subdivision of 79 lots at Waterford Downs along Catoctin Creek, a state scenic river. It's quite simple, this development will take more drinking water and more groundwater from an area that already can't handle it. This will not help the "family" when it comes to the quality and quantity of their future water.

Catoctin Creek is already in trouble with its base flow down by 79 percent since 1930, and many wells in Taylorstown went dry in the drought of 1999.

Who's in charge of protecting this river and our groundwater supply? A USGS study in Loudoun County showed that the water in our well is only five years old. In the not-too-distant future, will we be relying on just rainwater?The term "conditional" sounds suspicious in itself. Who's going to keep the whole process in check? It would benefit the entire community and the family so much more if they decided to put the land into conservation easement. It would benefit Catoctin Creek immensely, and they would get a big tax break. If it were not for a group of Taylorstown residents, Waterford Downs would be under water. In the 1970s, a dam was to be built on the river that would have flooded Taylorstown and surrounding areas. The local citizens stopped that from happening.

Ah, the good old days when citizens' voices were actually heard, and people cared about what happened to the creek and surrounding lands.

Tami Carlow

Taylorstown Community Association president

Barbara Barr's Column

Harvest party: Mount Pleasant UMC will sponsor its annual Harvest Hayride and wiener roast on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 4 p.m. Hayride begins at 4 with wiener roast to follow. Please bring a friend and a snack.

Slide show: On Sunday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., Tamar Datan will give a presentation slide show about the Amazon. The presentation will be held at the Taylorstown Store, and everyone is invited to attend.Jam session: On Friday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. there will be a music jam session at the Taylorstown Store. Bring your music instrument and join in the fun.

Harvest party: Mount Pleasant UMC will sponsor its annual Harvest Hayride and wiener roast on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 4 p.m. Hayride begins at 4 with wiener roast to follow. Please bring a friend and a snack.

Slide show: On Sunday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., Tamar Datan will give a presentation slide show about the Amazon. The presentation will be held at the Taylorstown Store, and everyone is invited to attend.Jam session: On Friday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. there will be a music jam session at the Taylorstown Store. Bring your music instrument and join in the fun.

Fall dinner: The public is invited to Mount Pleasant's last dinner of the year on Saturday, Nov. 4, beginning at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served family style. A freewill offering will be accepted to benefit the church.Happy birthday: Happy birthday to Madison Fatz, Maryanne Williams, Jim VanWagoner and Johnny Potts.Happy anniversary: Happy anniversary to Kevin and Debbie Barr, Harry and Donna Loy, and Marty and Becky Hile. Fall dinner: The public is invited to Mount Pleasant's last dinner of the year on Saturday, Nov. 4, beginning at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served family style. A freewill offering will be accepted to benefit the church.

Happy birthday: Happy birthday to Madison Fatz, Maryanne Williams, Jim VanWagoner and Johnny Potts.Happy anniversary: Happy anniversary to Kevin and Debbie Barr, Harry and Donna Loy, and Marty and Becky Hile.

Barbara Barr's Column

This past Sunday, stream monitoring was held at the Taylorstown bridge. This project was headed by Kristi Larson.

Historic scrapbook: Everyone in the area is encouraged to bring their historic photographs to Ann Larson at the Taylorstown Frame Shop. These will be put in a scrapbook, which will be for sale at the craft show the first weekend in December. Also, individual photographs will be available for sale. The Waterford Historic Group recently invited the Taylorstown Historic Group to its meeting at the Old Waterford School. The two groups have decided to develop and inactive Web site.

Successful mission: the Mission Team from Mount Pleasant UMC met at the home of Johnny Wilt in Taylorstown to construct a ramp and walkway for him so that he would be much safer when using his motorized wheelchair. Johnny is unable to walk; however, he "supervised" the construction work by watching from the porch. He truly enjoyed having the people around and the camaraderie and teamwork during the construction, the lunch and the cleanup was great. Lesson learned is that you are never too young to help. One little guy, Byrce Lang, about 5 years old, came prepared to help with his "own" shovel.

Operation Teddy Bear: Operation Teddy Bear was a success and because of the article in the newspaper since people in other local towns called and asked to participate in the donation of stuffed animals to the orphanages. More than 300 stuffed animals were collected and hand delivered to Richmond.

Town council: If you are interested in holding a position in the Taylorstown Citizens Association, please contact Tammy Carlow at 540-822-5939.

Happy birthday: Happy birthday to Phyllis Spinks and Joe Tyrrell.