Centre Hall hosts community holiday celebration By SAM STITZER

CENTRE HALL — The Centre Hall Community Christmas, sponsored by the Centre Hall Council of Churches, was held Nov. 29 through Dec. 1.

The annual celebration began with a community tree lighting at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Citizens gathered around the tree at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and West Church Street for carol singing as the tree lights were turned on. Refreshments followed in the church social hall.

Amy Pekny Bubb attended the craft fair and showed her line of children’s books, including many of the Usborne Publishing Company’s “That’s Not My…” books. There are more than 50 “That’s Not My …” books, each with touchy-feely patches for babies and toddlers to explore and with simple text. Bubb sells the books at craft fairs as a hobby. She resides in State College.

Lori Lettiere, from Tusseyville, showed some interesting and unique wall art at the craft fair. Her art is made from discarded metal items such as bike chain, old silverware, well-rusted tools, watch movements and many other items.

“It’s a way to get rid of junk lying around my house,” said Lettiere.

Her creations are mounted on pieces of weathered barn wood, and left in their natural, often rusted state, providing a rustic, steampunk look.

Craft fair items and food were also sold at Progress Grange Hall as a fundraiser for the Grange organization.

A concert by the Penns Valley Men’s Chorus was presented at Trinity United Church of Christ at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Centre Hall Community Christmas concluded with a Christmas cantata titled “Sing Christmas” at St. Luke Lutheran Church at 3 p.m. on Dec. 1. The cantata consisted of members of the choirs in the town’s three churches, and was directed by Susan Stover. A community meal followed in the church social hall. All events were well-attended by town residents and visitors.