ASHLAND - The season of Lent may be a time of fasting and abstaining from certain foods, but for many churches and organizations in the area, it is also a time for handmade chocolate-covered candy Easter eggs.
Many towns have their favorite egg makers. In Ashland, many people favor the sweet treats made by the Friends of St. Joseph. They have been making eggs for many years, with the money raised going to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church to help defray expenses.
About 15 members came to the church hall, which is also the rectory for St. Joseph and St. Mauritius Roman Catholic Church in Ashland and Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church in Gordon, on Monday to get started making the Easter eggs.
The group makes four varieties: peanut butter, butter cream, coconut cream and cherry. Cost is $1 each or a dozen for $11.
Member Mary Lou Gaughan said the annual holiday project is a very important fundraiser for the group.
"I've been doing this for at least seven years," said Gaughan, who was getting slices of homemade cakes ready for the volunteers for lunch. The pizzas were on order.
"We start at 9 o'clock and usually work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. We're finished between 2 and 4 o'clock, depending on what has to be done," Gaughan said. "I like doing this. I couldn't wait until it started."
On the first day, peanut butter eggs were being rolled. Within two hours, more than 700 eggs were made. Some volunteers made the peanut butter cream, followed by others rolling the cream into the egg shape. Placed on trays, the eggs are put in commercial refrigerators to cool for the chocolate coating.
"We make a lot of eggs, and we give the church $5,000 every now and then," she said.
The group makes 10,000 to 12,000 eggs each year. About 1,000 eggs are made each day, and the varieties are made separately each day to avoid any problems with people who have food allergies, such as peanuts. Many eggs are sold after weekend Masses at St. Joseph's.
The Friends had a new helper this year. Clare Schachte, 12, of Ashland, who is home-schooled, was helping where she could as the adults made the eggs. However, she did have a very important job.
"I will be taste-testing them later," Schachte said with a smile. "This is the first time I am here to make Easter eggs. I made candy for Christmas."
Orders can be placed by calling the parish office at 570-875-1521.