The Loyal Christian Benefit Association (LCBA) Branch 1557 held meetings on June 18 and July 16 at the Udder Choice Restaurant in Ephrata. State Rep. David Zimmerman was scheduled to be the speaker at the July 16 gathering.

The June 18 event began with a light supper, after which the meeting was opened by president Linda Mueller. The Lord's Prayer was recited.

The speaker was Geoffrey Lapp, founder of Minutemen-UNITED, a local organization that connects people in need to assistance and community support services. Through that work, he saw a need for affordable transportation for people who do not own a working vehicle. Lapp then founded Waymark Transport, which offers daily driving services for neighborhood transportation needs as well as contracted driving services for transport of employees and clients.

Following Lapp's presentation, attendees discussed current and new business. The June haus and pinochle card parties were well attended, and proceeds will be distributed to community nonprofits in November. Upcoming events include a picnic on a Sunday in September, with the date forthcoming, and a cash bingo on Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Denver Fire Company. The bingo event will include giveaway drawing prizes, and the event's proceeds will be distributed to local nonprofits.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Udder Choice Restaurant, 1812 W. Main St., with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The local LCBA motto is "loving God - embracing others - impacting community." New members are welcome. For more information, call 717-471-3131.