Building memories with a new playground
BY CAT SHANNON
You’re invited to invest in the future of Columbia by supporting a playground project at Janson Park.
“This is more than just building a playground - it’s about creating a legacy that will serve our community for the next 25 years and beyond,” said Paul Resch of the Janson Foundation. “When you think about it, the playground we’re building today will be where countless childhood memories are made. It will be a place where kids laugh, play and grow; where families come together to share
special moments; and where neighbors connect and form lifelong friendships.”
“This playground will stand as a symbol of what we can achieve together.”
The playground project began as the current equipment, installed in 2002 in the four-acre park at 650 Cherry St., nears the end of its lifespan, Resch explained.
“Though the equipment has been well maintained, it’s starting to show its age, with some original features no longer functional or removed for safety reasons,” he shared. “The goal is to create a new, modern and inclusive play space for the next generation of Columbia children.”
Initial planning started in 2022, with significant momentum gained after securing a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), he noted. The $116,500 award, provided through the Environmental Stewardship Fund of the
BY CAT SHANNON
The Rev. Stephen Smith may not be a household name, but the Rev. Dr. Patricia S. McAllister believes that will soon change.
McAllister, who is the pastor of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church at 222 S. Fifth St., Columbia, is working on bringing The Stephen Smith Community Development and Multicultural Center (CDMC) to life.
Born a slave, Smith bought his freedom and became an influential philanthropist, preacher, businessman and abolitionist.
“Smith was brought to Columbia from Dauphin County at the age of 5 years old and was sold to Thomas Boude, who owned a lumber yard in Columbia,” McAllister shared. “He learned about the lumber business from Thomas Boude, and when he became old enough, he purchased his freedom for $50. He
would later become the owner of the lumber business.”
As Smith gained financial leverage, he became a major figure in the Underground Railroad.
“In the early 1830s, he was ordained in the Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbia,” McAllister said, explaining that the building that will house The Stephen Smith CDMC, located next door to
BY JEFF FALK
Picture this: A makeshift store containing aisles and aisles of brand-new kids’ coats separated by sizes, styles and colors. Families in need can enter, peruse the winter coats, select one and take it home.
That’s what Coats for Kids looks like. That’s what the Salvation Army means when it says, “Doing the most good.”
“My favorite part about Coats for Kids is when the kids go into where the coats are,” said Shady
Boules, who’s been Salvation Army Lancaster Corps’ operations and development manager for five years. “You see their eyes open. I tell them, ‘Go ahead; pick a coat.’ They’ll answer, ‘Do you mean I can pick a coat? Do you mean I can pick my favorite color?’ For some, it’s their first time. To see kids making a decision on what things they can wear is very rewarding.”
It is at that exact moment when all the hard work that goes into the Salvation Army Lancaster’s Coats for Kids program
Members of the local Elks Club and borough residents with a donation to the Janson Park playground
Stephen Smith
Mt. Zion AME at 230 S. Fifth St., was built first as a church because the previous church was destroyed by fire. “Later, it became the first school in Columbia for African American children. Then, it was retrieved by a member of Mt. Zion, Mrs. Ada Johnson, from the Columbia School District and used as the American Legion for Negro Soldiers.”
McAllister noted that Mt. Zion holds the deed for the Stephen Smith CDMC. “We are very proud to be able to open this historic building not only to honor Stephen Smith but also to benefit the Borough of Columbia and surrounding areas,” she said.
Despite owning the building, the church needs help to make the center a reality. In August, it received a $200,000 grant from the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority, and the funds will be used to secure the building and begin complete rehabilitation.
“This historic building, though structurally sound, is in disrepair and needs total renovation,” McAllister said. “It will take at least one to two years to secure the building and another two years, at least, to fully rehabilitate it before it is opened.”
McAllister envisions The Stephen Smith CDMC as a neighborhood hub for people from Columbia and surrounding areas.
“The purpose of The Stephen Smith Community Development and Multicultural Center is to provide programs that will address the immediate needs in the community,” she said. Plans include after-school programs with a focus on tutoring, homework assistance and reading comprehension; computer and STEM labs; arts and crafts programs; employment readiness classes; groups for drug, alcohol and substance abuse awareness; a studio lounge for recording and filming; parenting classes; cooking classes; food distribution; community service opportunities; and much more. She hopes the center will
also provide educational opportunities highlighting the significance of the center through seminars, workshops and lectures.
“It is believed that with a support system like this, youth will be able to achieve success in school and beyond,” she said. “STEM, employment and reading preparation will enable youth to go on to technical schools and universities to earn degrees, thus becoming productive citizens. This center is needed for the youth and seniors of Columbia. Our youth have absolutely no place to go for social activities, positive interaction with peers or reinforcement of core values.”
She wants the center to be a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather in a safe space to engage in positive programs and activities.
“It is important also because the legacy of Stephen Smith lives on with every mention of his name,” McAllister said. “It is imperative that a structure be named for him in the geographical location where he had great impact. Columbia, Pa., is the first place that he left an indelible mark. One cannot speak of the history of Columbia and not mention Stephen Smith.”
McAllister’s goals for the center are lofty - and so is the project’s price tag. Estimated final costs range from $3 million to $4 million. The project is currently in a fundraising phase, and she encourages people to donate.
“As part of The Stephen Smith Community Development and Multicultural Center, we know that change starts with people like you,” she commented. “Every act of kindness, every dollar and every moment of your time brings us closer to achieving our mission of rebuilding, rehabilitating and restoring the Center. Together, we can create a positive, safe and compassionate space for our children, youth and seniors. Your contributions will make that a reality.”
To support the project, visit https://bit .ly/3Wzu7RV.
becomes worth it.
The 30th annual initiative to make sure every kid in Lancaster County has a brand-new winter coat continues. Coats for Kids, which is currently being implemented at the Salvation Army Lancaster Corps’ headquarters’ gymnasium at 131 S. Queen St., Lancaster, kicked off its efforts in October, and the program will run through the end of March or until the weather turns warmer.
“Once fall arrives, some people start thinking, ‘How do I get coats for my kids?’” said Boules. “We want kids to be able to go to school and make sure the other kids can’t tell their coats came from the Salvation Army. We treat our neighbors with dignity. We want them to be proud of their coats.”
This season’s Coats for Kids initiative has already distributed 1,900 brandnew kids’ coats to kids and families in need from Lancaster County. The Salvation Army expects to hand out another 600 coats before the end of the winter season.
Individuals can still donate brand-new coats by dropping them off at the Salvation Army Lancaster Corps’ headquarters, or they can donate monetarily.
“If people have more coats, we’d appreciate it. We need more coats all the time,” said Boules. “We hope we’ll keep doing it. Every single dollar for this program goes right to Coats for Kids. It doesn’t go anywhere else. We want to make sure we have enough coats for next year and the year after.”
The Coats for Kids program is designed for kids
up to 16 years of age who reside in Lancaster County. Following an application and interview process, each child in need is permitted to choose one coat.
“We cover every ZIP code in Lancaster County,” said Boules. “Some people think we’re only serving people from the city, but that’s not true.”
“It gives hope to the children when they know there’s a community standing behind them,” Boules continued. “We have a lot of people dropping off checks and saying, ‘We were part of this program years ago. I’d like to give back and pay for someone else.’”
It takes nearly 150 volunteers - community members, members of churches, companies and service clubs and students - to make Coats for Kids run smoothly. In the early days of September, local television station WGAL helped raise $130,000 for the program.
“We’re very thankful for the people who believe in this service,” said Boules. “We are blessed to have a generous community. We want to tell the community that we’re here to help. The door is still open.”
For additional information about Salvation Army Lancaster Corps, go to https://pa.salvationarmy .org/lancaster-pa.
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A Salvation Army Lancaster Corps’ volunteer assists clients at Coats for Kids.
Dayspring schedules open house
Dayspring Christian Academy invites families with soon-to-be preschoolers, prekindergartners, and kindergartners to an open house on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. at the school, 120 College Ave., Mountville.
The event will feature A Very Hungry Caterpillar Valentine’s party that will focus on 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Do everything in love.” Parents will meet teachers and learn the distinctives of the Principle Approach, a method of thinking and living by God’s truth and the method of education used at Dayspring. The station-centered event will allow visitors to see the way Dayspring teaches math, science/STEM, the Bible, reading, and more.
The preschool program is appropriate for children who turn 3 years old by Sept. 1 and lays the foundation for a Principle Approach education. This program offers an introduction to the alphabet, and students learn about a Bible hero for each letter of the alphabet; this course of study culminates with Bible Character Day, complete with costumes. Age-appropriate history, science, literature, and math lessons are woven together and rooted in God’s Word. Guided free play incorporates principles of self-government, order, and unity. Circle time incorporates songs, the calendar, weather, colors, and Bible stories. Daily art projects incorporate a history, science, Bible, and literature focus. Preschool students attend class on Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 8 to 11 a.m.
The prekindergarten program is appropriate for children who are 4 years old or who just turned 5 at the start of the school year. The program is activity-oriented while introducing the structure and rigors of a formal classroom setting. As a first step into scholarship, the student notebook is introduced, and students begin formal steps toward reading through the Sound Sensible program. Students develop early math skills, learn a Bible verse for each letter of the alphabet, and delve into literature as they study the life of Beatrix Potter. They explore music, art, and the environment around them, and they learn to experience the wonder of creation.
The kindergarten program is appropriate for students who are 5 years old or are young 6-year-olds at the start of the school year. The program is still activity-oriented, but more emphasis is placed on paper-and-pencil activities and structured seat work. The student notebook is expanded and
Send Me a Pro launches in Lancaster
Send Me a Pro, a franchise specializing in connecting homeowners with local professionals, has announced its launch in Lancaster. Starting with a focus on handyman services, Send Me a Pro aims to provide residents with reliable, efficient and high-quality home maintenance solutions.
Ben Franco, the owner of the Lancaster branch, brings experience and dedication to the com -
munity. As a seasoned entrepreneur and resident of Lancaster, Franco understands the unique needs of local homeowners. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Franco and his team of skilled handymen are ready to tackle any home project, big or small.
In the near future, Send Me a Pro plans to expand its services to include house cleaners, personal trainers, tutors and more.
Thursday
built upon as a tool for scholarship. The Writing Road to Reading literacy program and the Really Great Reading phonics program are introduced at this level. Students expand their phonetic awareness and segmentation in preparation for beginning to read; many children learn to read before completing kindergarten.
The preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten classes use field studies to bring to life what students learn in the classroom. In all programs, the seeds of scholarship are sown in every academic subject to inspire a love of learning and appreciation for God’s hand in all the children do.
For more information or to register for the Early Childhood Education Open House, call 717-285-2000 or go to www.dayspring christian.com.
Student Elorm Seshie of Mountville participates in an activity as part of Dayspring’s prekindergarten program.
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An art form like no other
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Over the centuries, artists have used nearly every material imaginable to make their masterpieces. Since human beings first discovered how to express themselves with art, creatives have utilized anything they could get their hands on, from insect dyes to oil paints. Although there are many distinctive mediums, some artists prefer a canvas that cannot be compared to any other: the human body. The art of tattooing has existed for thousands of years, as evidenced by mummified remains adorned with ancient ink.
Civilizations in regions such as the Indo-Pacific
used a hand-tapping technique to press designs into the skin, and Native American tribes have a long history of using tattoos to signify cultural and social connections. In modern times, traditional tattoos are still an important practice among the Maori peoples of New Zealand.
Contemporary tattooing in America originated in the 18th century, when Western sailors discovered tattooing techniques during their voyages to the South Pacific. The practice quickly became popular among the seafaring crowd; for many years, tattoos were exclusively associated with rowdy sailors or soldiers. But in recent years, tattoo shops have spread to every part of the country, and more people are getting inked than ever before.
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For tattoo artist Joe Montalbano, who owns Ritual Tattoo Collective in Lancaster city, the art form’s appeal is the way it connects people to each other. “I love meeting the person I’m tattooing and getting to know them,” Montalbano said. “You also get to see the person’s reaction to the work in real time.”
Montalbano, a Lancaster Mennonite School graduate who grew up in Landisville, entered the world of tattooing in 2017, after he traded one of his paintings for a tattoo. After cutting his teeth as an apprentice, Montal -
bano became the owner of Ritual Tattoo Collective in 2019. In 2021, Ritual Tattoo Collective moved to its current location on West Orange Street, where Montalbano slings ink alongside resident artist Ian Ross. Montalbano and Ross prefer American Traditional tattoos, a distinct style that features bold outlines and simple color palettes. Although clients may choose from dozens of hand-painted designs that line the shop’s walls, Montalbano and Ross accept walk-ins who have something else in mind. A living canvas is an obvious aspect of tattooing that separates it from other mediums, but there’s another element no other artist contends with: bedside manner. Receiving a tattoo can be a painful undertaking, and many tattoo artists put a lot of effort into making their clients as comfortable as possible. “It’s about going through the journey with someone, whether it’s a quick walk-in or someone’s first tattoo,” said Anthony Sardi, a Hempfield High School alumnus who works at GrindHouse Tattoos in York. “It’s a really cool experience.”
Bedside manner is one of many things that piercers and tattoo artists have in common. Miley McMillan, who works with Sardi at GrindHouse Tattoos as a piercer, considers her clients’ comfort level to be a top priority. McMillan
keeps her station fully stocked with candy, snacks and bottles of water to make sure guests’ blood sugar isn’t too low when they get a new piercing.
“My clients really appreciate that I’m not trying to rush them out the door,” said McMillan. “We’re going to sit and chill for a couple minutes, turn off the lights and watch ‘Adventure Time.’”
“Up there in importance with quality of tattooing is the experience you provide,” Montalbano said. “The more comfortable you can make somebody, the easier they’re going to be to work with.”
As the daughter of a tattoo artist, McMillan became familiar with the world of tattooing and piercing at a young age. Although newer to the industry than McMillan and Montalbano, Sardi named the rich history of the art form and its supportive community as key factors in his decision to start tattooing in 2023. “I think working the front desk and signing people up for tattoos and piercings gave me such an appreciation for it,” added Sardi. “I wanted to give someone the experience I’ve gotten.”
“If you’re considering a tattoo, the best thing to do is to walk in here,” said Montalbano. “Talk to us in person, face to face. We’re nice people, and we want to give you your favorite tattoo.”
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Ian Ross (front), along with (back, from left) Miley McMillan, Anthony Sardi and Joe Montalbano
Joe Montalbano hand-paints a flash sheet of tattoo designs in his shop, Ritual Tattoo Collective.
Playground
Community Conservation Partnerships Program, will cover half of the estimated $233,000 project cost.
The new space will feature two distinct play areas: a Tot Lot suitable for children ages 2 to 5 and a Youth Lot for children ages 6 to 12.
The Tot Lot will have age-appropriate slides, climbing features and sensory-stimulating elements. The Youth Lot will include larger structures for climbing, sliding and swinging.
“Notably, the playground will include swings, a feature not currently available in any Columbia Borough park,” Resch said. “Accessibility improvements include ADA-compliant pathways; a small plaza with seating for caregivers; and sensory-friendly landscaping with shade trees, native plants and pollinator-friendly perennials.”
The foundation plans to begin construction in late summer or early fall.
The project addresses several community needs, Resch said, including providing a safe, inclusive space for children to play and grow; enhancing local recreation options for families and schools, including Park Elementary and Our Lady of the Angels School, which are nearby; promoting health, wellness and social connections in a centrally located park; and supporting the long-term vitality of the borough by increasing property values and fostering community pride.
The project is an initiative of the Janson Foundation, an organization established in 1924 by the brothers who owned Janson Steel & Iron Co. Its purpose is to maintain Janson Park and
assist people in need.
Members of the community can support the playground project in several ways. Personalized bricks may be purchased, with the purchase price matched by Brightspeed Fiber Internet. The bricks will line the walkway separating the two play areas.
People can also make direct donations at https:// jansonfoundation.org/ donate or mail a check to the Janson Foundation. The mailing address can be found on the website. People are also encouraged to share the playground campaign with friends, family members and local businesses.
“The estimated cost to build the project was $233,000 back in 2022,” Resch said. “The price of everything has gone up since then. The estimated cost is now $270,000. So far, the foundation has raised $155,000, with a goal of raising another $20,000.”
For Resch, the park plays a personal role in his family’s life.
“When my son Nathan was born in 2001, Janson Park was our go-to spot for fun and family time,” he said. “I can still see the smile on his face as he raced across the ripple bridge and climbed the steps to the spiral slide, ready to take off like he was on a great
adventure. He absolutely loved it when I’d push him on the overhead monorail - it felt like he was flying through the air, laughing the whole way.”
This new playground is just the beginning of a larger vision outlined in the 2019 Columbia Borough Parks and Recreation Plan, Resch shared. The master plan for Janson Park includes future developments, such as replacing the current one-and-a-half basketball courts in the southern corner of the park with two full-size basketball courts. These new courts will be reoriented to a north-south direction, preventing players from facing directly into the sun during sunrise and sunset, he said, and a 10-foot-wide runout area will surround the courts, enhancing both safety and playability.
“Once the new playground is complete, the foundation hopes to move forward with this next phase of the master plan, continuing our commitment to making Janson Park a vibrant, welcoming space for families and the entire community to enjoy,” Resch said. “This playground will stand as a symbol of what we can achieve together, and knowing it will be enjoyed by children, parents and neighbors for decades to come is deeply rewarding.”
Astronomy group plans Starwatch program
The York County Astronomical Society (YCAS) will offer a public Starwatch at its observatory at John C. Rudy County Park, 400 Mundis Race Road, York, on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. The event will begin with a screened astronomical presentation on current astronomy topics. Guests will then be
guided on a tour of the sky through one of the club’s telescopes. Attendees will be shown a host of celestial objects.
While the event is free and open to the public, donations will help the society to continue to bring astronomical events to York County and surrounding areas. If it is clear, all activities
will occur as scheduled. In the event of extreme weather, call 717-759YCAS (9227) for notice of cancellation or visit www .astroyork.com or www .facebook.com/AstroYork.
Those who own a telescope but are not sure how to use it may schedule a lesson at the observatory by emailing info@astro york.com.
“Intro to German Script” workshop set
Mennonite Life, 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, will hold a workshop, Intro to German Script, on Friday, Feb. 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the community room.
Mennonite Life archivist and librarian Julia Wiker will teach participants how to read Kurrentschrift, a distinct styling of the German script alphabet, as well as abbreviations and variations in writing and spelling. The session will also offer practice interpreting 18th- and 19th-century family records from Mennonite Life’s collections.
Learning to interpret Kurrentschrift can be a valuable skill for genealogy research, not just for those with Swiss Mennonite ancestry, but for anyone with ancestral roots in German-speaking countries. The text
Kurrentschrift is a styling of the German script alphabet.
is also found in the Pennsylvania German art of fraktur, which combines the elegant script with vibrant, colorful illustrations.
Knowledge of German is not required for this workshop. There is a fee. To register in advance, visit www .mennonitelife.org/ events. In the case of inclement weather, the workshop will be postponed to Friday, Feb. 14.
A rendering of the new playground at Janson Park
Improvements in the works at amphitheater
Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation is making improvements in anticipation of its upcoming Summer Music Series. New concrete pads are being installed for the speaker towers. To learn more, contact David Wauls at 717-471-2083.
Property chair Randy Weidner (front) is overseeing the construction.
People work on the new concrete pads.
Prima to present “Peanuts”-inspired musical
Prima Theatre, 941 Wheatland Ave., Lancaster, will present the musical “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” from Friday, Feb. 7, through Sunday, Feb. 23. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, Feb. 7, 14, and 23; at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Feb. 8, 15, and 22; at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Feb. 9, 16, and 23; and at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 13 and 20. The musical was inspired by Charles Schulz’s iconic “Peanuts” comic strip.
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Set in a thrust U-shaped seating arrangement, audiences will be immersed in the performance, and no seat will be more than four rows from the action.
The musical captures the humor and heart of “Peanuts,” from Snoopy’s playful antics to Charlie Brown’s earnest quest to be a “good man.” The story is brought to life by professional performers.
To purchase tickets, visit www.primatheatre.org or call 717-327-5124.
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REPLACE YOUR ROOF w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234.
STRUGGLING TO HEAR? Audien Hearing delivers crystal-clear sound with affordable, invisible hearing aids. Starting at $189! Call Now: 1-888-760-1015
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family & your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-888872-2809. Have zip code!
WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS-IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-844-877-5833.
WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 1-833-308-1971.
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SEASONAL
COAL/WOOD/PELLET STOVES & Inserts, New & Refurbished. Over 300 models in stock. $100-$800 & up. Buy/Sell/Trade. Call 717-577-6640
SEASONED FIREWOOD: HARDWOOD Cut, split, stockpiled, $80/half cord skid, $150/Cord. Delivery available. 1161 Clay Rd Lititz 717-341-8715 call/text
LOST & FOUND
FOUND AN ITEM? Place a FREE 15 word ad in your local issue to locate the owner of your found item. 1-800-428-4211
READ YOUR AD THE FIRST WEEK IT APPEARS This publication will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of any advertisement.
SERVICES RENDERED
A PLUS SERVICE
SPINELLO HOME IMPROVEMENTS
& siding repair, painting, kitchen & bath remodeling, decks, no job too odd or too small, references, insured. PA031727. Call Mike Spinello, 717-464-5466
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
SERVICES RENDERED
AFFORDABLE PAINTING. Drywall Instl./Repairs, Lite Carpentry. Wallpaper Removal. Cabinets. WINTER DISCOUNTS! PA032157. Call Damien 717-940-5912
AMISH MOVING COMPANY AMISH CLEANOUTS
Will move households (will go out of state). Fair prices for Clean Outs of Attics, Basements. 717-442-3301
ANDY’S DRYWALL
Interior Remodeling, Hanging, Finishing, Framing, Painting, Basements, Additions, Insured. PA 022669. 717-587-4102
BRADY'S PAINTING WALLPAPERING specialists. Res/Com. Painting, wood finishing, wallpaper, pressure washing, custom deck, complete remodeling. Free est. Insured. Tim, 717-653-8586
CLOCK REPAIR - TRAGER 717-786-7053
CONCRETE FLOOR COATINGS in DURALAST, EPOXY, METALLICS. We also offer Vinyl plank floor install. TRUFLOORS | 717-687-1300
DO YOU KNOW what’s in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little as one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1866-996-1526
DON’S KITCHEN CABINETS & INTERIOR PAINTING Call 717-449-3235.
DRYWALL & PLASTER REPAIR, warr. work; Prompt, clean, neat, prof. Satisfaction guar. 717-951-5077, MasterPlaster.
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-791-1626
HARDWOOD FLOOR REFINISHING & INSTALLATION Since 1996. Affordable. Superb work. Licensed. woodfloor.simdif.com 717-468-1164
HAULING, JUNK REMOVAL. Bsmts, sheds, garages cleaned out. Tree brush. Odd jobs. We also move people. Free est. Visa/MC/ Disc/AmEx. 717-456-6051; 410-688-7569 CRASS HAULING
JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 3/30/25.) Call 1-844826-2535
JUNK REMOVAL
Basements, garages, attics, appliances. Five Star Property Service, 717-278-1030
NEED TASKS COMPLETED AROUND HOME?
Let a HANDYMAN AT HOME RIGHT REPAIR help you today! No job too small. FREE ESTIMATES Lic./Insd. 717-449-8551
PAINTING BY MR. NEIL
Residential Specialist. Int. & Ext. Also PLASTERING, Wallpaper Removal, & Custom Staining, 717-871-0110.
PAINTING DONE RIGHT Int/Ext. Res/Com
Detailed custom painting. 33yrs. exp/Refs. All related services, etc. 717-286-5464
ROOFING ~ Amish Quality 10 yr. workmanship warranty. Lic. & Ins. EDGE VIEW ROOFING, 717-940-0501
SAFE STEP. NORTH America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step: 1-833-356-1954.
SILVER SPRING CONSTRUCTION
General Construction from Start to Finish Additions • Garages • Exteriors • Decks Site Prep. | 717-475-2924
STROKE AND CARDIOVASCULAR disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-866-518-8391.
STUMP GRINDING
Free estimates. Insured. Call or text Mitzel’s Stump Grinding 717-858-9347
TONE’S SOLID CONTRUCTION
Remodel • Basements • Additions Decks Fences, etc. We do it all! Insd./PA176621 | 717-984-3865
WE TRANSFORM YOUR kitchen in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. Call today for a free estimate. 1-844887-5145 (PA017137).
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT TOWNLIVELY.COM
ITEMS WANTED
ALWAYS BUYING Classic, Muscle & Sports Cars Jeff Gast, 717-575-4561
BUYING CLASSIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs **American and Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING CA$H$$ Please call 717-577-8206 KRMiller1965@yahoo.com
CORVETTES WANTED 1953 thru 2019 Jeff Gast, 717-575-4561
DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-327-0686 today!
GET A BREAK on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-320-2804 today!
NOW BUYING TOOLS & EQUIP. Paying cash! 223-264-0322
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH: Sixth & Locust St., Columbia. Pastor: Rev. Richard Whitesel. In-Person Worship Schedule: Wed. 10:15 am, Sun. 10:15 am. Sunday service is also available on Facebook live & YouTube. Holy Eucharist at all services. Handicap accessible. Meals on Wheels ministry 717-684-4244, church office 717-6842763. www.stjohnscol.org
We’re located at 331 Anderson Ferry Road in Marietta (off Rt 441 on Rt 772). Learn more at cbcpa.org.
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH: 243 Hellam Street in Wrightsville. (717-252-2417) Sunday morning service at 9:15am with Holy Eucharist. Handicap accessible. We can be found on Facebook.
More than man’s best friend
FAITH BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: 151 Donnerville Rd., Lancaster (one block south of Columbia Avenue). Pastor: Keith M. Long. 8:45 am Sunday School (with nursery and classes for children, youth and adults); 10:15 a.m. SundayWorship Service (with nursery and children’s church). Wed.: 6:30 p.m. AWANA Clubs (K6); Wed.: 6:30 pm Youth Group 717-285-1900. www.faithbfc.com
Attend Church this Sunday
Please Note: Updates can be made to your church’s listing for 1st issue date of each month only.
(Changes must be submitted by the previous Wednesday.) For More Information On Church Listings And Rates, Call Justin at 717-492-2533
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
If you walk into the headquarters of United Disabilities Services (UDS), located at 2270 Erin Court, Lancaster, you’ll find more than a few reasons that dogs are commonly referred to as man’s best friend. The nonprofit organization provides highly trained service dogs for clients throughout Lancaster County and its surrounding areas, and each UDS dog is equipped with a special skillset to meet its owner’s needs.
In early January, an office on the second floor of UDS’ main building was temporarily converted into a kennel for a litter of young golden Labs. The six puppies were less than 3 months old and, like all new arrivals at UDS, adorable but unruly. After a 22-month training program, each dog will be obedient enough to accomplish tasks such as
opening a door and picking up a TV remote from the floor. Outside the room of puppies, UDS volunteer Linda Rineer worked with CJ, a black Lab that is almost ready to be paired with a client. While a chorus of yelping and whining echoed from the temporary kennel, Rineer praised and encouraged CJ as he pulled a walker and opened doors on command.
“The key to successfully training a dog is food, food and more food,” said Rineer, a resident of the Buck who frequently travels to UDS’ facility to assist with training. “A lot of people think (service dogs) are working, but for them, it’s like playing ball all day.”
UDS service dogs specialize in different areas, and each canine is matched with a job that complements its personality traits and strengths. Some dogs may have a calming
presence that can help anxious children feel more comfortable in school, and others are perceptive enough to recognize the early signs of a traumatic flashback and rush to their owners’ side. Rineer said the fourth UDS dog she helped train was able to fetch bottles of water from the refrigerator for a client with mobility restrictions. The dog was even able to take the empty bottles to the recycling bin after the owner was finished.
In recent years, UDS has broadened its service area to include clients within five hours of Lancaster County. The number of local school districts requesting a service dog has steadily increased as well, and UDS dogs currently serve nearly every school district in the county. Jennifer King, a member of the UDS service dog ambassador team, said many teachers testify that service dogs
York College earns A- credit rating
York College of Pennsylvania has announced that S&P Global Ratings has affirmed the institution’s A- credit rating, reflecting the college’s financial stability, prudent fiscal management, and commitment to delivering a high-quality educational experience. The rating reflects York College’s ability to adapt to an evolving higher education landscape while maintaining a strong financial position.
S&P highlighted several key factors contributing to the college’s A- rating, including a demonstrated ability to maintain healthy operating margins and effectively manage debt; positive enrollment trends, as the college continues to attract students through its robust academic offerings and a focus on affordability; a long history of sound governance and strategic planning that allows for
resilience in a competitive higher education market; and an investment in growth through projects such as the opening of Knowledge Park, underscoring York College’s commitment to fostering innovation, workforce development, and partnerships with industry leaders.
have reached students in ways no school staff member was able. “It’s the power of a wagging tail and a wet nose,” King said.
UDS relies on sponsorships and donations from the community to sustain its service dog programs. Each dog requires an investment upward of $25,000 to cover the cost of coaching and food during the 22-month training period, and financial support from individuals and businesses allows UDS to lessen the cost of acquiring a dog for clients.
UDS will hold its annual bingo fundraiser on Sunday, March 9, at Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. The organization is always accepting volunteers who wish to help with events and training sessions. For more information, including how to become a volunteer, visit https:// udservices.org.
The credit rating indicates the college’s ability to secure favorable financing for future projects that align with its mission and to continue its trajectory of success by funding key initiatives such as expanded academic programs, campus enhancements, and student-centered support services.
York College of Pennsylvania intends to build on this solid foundation to advance its mission and deliver long-term value to its students, its alumni, and the broader community.
Future UDS service dogs await the start of their training at the organization’s office building.
Volunteer Linda Rineer teaches service dog CJ how to pull out a chair.