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 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
“Together, we can create a positive, safe and compassionate space for our children, youth and seniors.”
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,
BY CAT SHANNON
For the past two months, Historic Wrightsville Inc.’s museum has been temporarily closed. Inside the space, located at 309 Locust St., Wrightsville, big changes have been taking place, and now you’re invited inside.
A new exhibit, “Art and History: A Perfect Pairing,” will debut this month, featuring some of Wrightsville’s artists and art related to Wrightsville.
A grand opening weekend for
the museum will start on Friday, Feb. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. The festivities will continue on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15 and 16, from 1 to 4 p.m., and on Monday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday’s events will have a special focus for young artists and historians who will be on Presidents Day break, with creative activities to complement that tour.
“This exhibit is a completely unique take on local history,” shared Jeremy Young,
BY JEFF FALK
Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how some people conduct themselves, gain knowledge, speak and listen and relate to others. It’s a disorder that we continue to learn about and one that might be more prevalent than first realized.
NeurAbilities Healthcare of Lancaster approaches autism from both clinical and behavioral perspectives. Two of the
organization’s main goals are to enhance the lives of people and families affected by the disorder and to integrate those individuals into society.
“People are often coming to us because they are struggling to support their family members,” said Adriana Neumann, NeurAbilities’ senior director for applied behavior analysis clinical services. “There’s something they’re struggling to manage. They want their child to learn, to make progress, to navigate the world. Every family is different.
Stephen Smith
Art depicting scenes from the area will be displayed in the museum’s newest exhibit.
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Church sets Southern gospel concert
ValleyView Alliance Church, 200 Alliance Ave., Hellam, will host a concert by Southern gospel group Keystone State Quartet on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 10:15 a.m.
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With more than 60 years of experience between the four members, Keystone has been bringing its close harmonies to churches across Pennsylvania, as well as West Virginia and Maryland. The concert will feature a variety of Southern gospel music from both present and past recordings and will focus on praising the name of Jesus.
The quartet’s members are soprano and alto Julie Sloan of Ebensburg;
lead and baritone Tom Winger of Chambersburg; bass Jordan Bachman of Dickenson, N.D.; and lead to tenor Kim Abel. Abel was born and lives in the York area, and he was exposed to Southern gospel music as a boy. His late father, Charles Abel, played the clarinet and saxophone, and his mother, Delores Abel, plays the organ and piano. His parents were involved in area music activities and began attending ValleyView Alliance Church many years ago.
A freewill offering will be received for the quartet. For more information, visit www.valleyviewcma .org or www.keystonestate quartet.net.
Bus trip to flower show slated
The Town & Country Garden Club of Lancaster is sponsoring a bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show on Monday, March 3. The bus will depart from the Church of the Apostles United Church of Christ, 1850 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, at 11 a.m. and return at approximately
8 p.m.
The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is a horticultural event and fundraiser featuring displays by floral, garden, and landscape designers. The theme for 2025 is “Gardens of Tomorrow,” and the event will explore how gardening can help to create a healthier planet.
The cost of the trip includes transportation, the driver’s tip, and snacks. The cost does not include entrance to the flower show, as some people may choose to explore Philadelphia instead of attending the show. Proceeds from the trip will benefit the Town & Country Garden Club of Lancaster’s scholarship fund and club activities.
The deadline to register is Friday, Feb. 21. For more information, call or text Carol Feister at 717-435-8678 or cjfeister @comcast.net.
Educational programs for older adults offered
St. John’s Herr Estate, a Luthercare community in Columbia, is resuming its educational program for older adults that is open to the greater community.
The initiative, titled OWLs (Older Wiser Learners), features an opportunity for older adults to continue their intellectual growth with opportunities to hear from and engage with guest speakers and explore informative topics in a welcoming environment.
The program, which started last fall, features guest speakers from a range of fields, including history, nature, the environment, science, music and the arts. The speakers lead interactive discussions and share insights on their area of expertise. Each session is open to the greater community, and all are free to attend.
The programs will take place at 2 p.m. on the third Monday of each month
and will be held in the chapel of the Good Shepherd at St. John’s Herr Estate, 200 Luther Lane, Columbia.
The schedule of upcoming guest speakers and topics are: Feb. 17, Earthquakes in the Mid-Atlantic Region, featuring Charles Scharnberger, retired professor of geology, Millersville University; March 17: Women in the Civil War, featuring Civil War historian Cindy Beaston; April 21, Severe Weather and Climate Change, featuring Greg Blumberg, assistant professor of meteorology, Millersville University; and May 19, Forensic Botany, featuring Chris Hardy, assistant professor of biology, Millersville University.
Registration is not required for the programs. For more information, call the Rev. Dione Klepetka at St. John’s Herr Estate at 717-684-0678, ext. 125.
Museum plans photography class
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania will offer a Railroad Photography 101 class, led by noted railroad photographer and author Brian Solomon, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The program will focus on tips and techniques for photographing locomotives and railroad cars.
Attendees should bring a smartphone, digital camera, or film camera to take photos of the museum’s historic equipment, like the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Tahoe, the Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 No. 4935, and the Conrail GP30 No. 2233.
Solomon earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photographic illustration from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He produces a daily blog about railroad photography, and his articles and photography have appeared in many railway magazines. He was presented with the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society’s Fred A. and Jane
R. Stindt Photography Award in 2020 for his lifetime achievements in railroad photography.
Solomon is the author of more than 70 books and writes a monthly travel column and feature articles for Trains Magazine. He is the marketing manager for New Hampshire’s Conway Scenic Railroad. Copies of many of his books are available for purchase in the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s Whistle Stop Shop museum store. Solomon lives with his wife, Kris, in Lancaster County.
The class is limited to 15 individuals and is designed for beginning photographers age 18 and over. There is a fee. To register, visit www .eventbrite.com. In the case of inclement weather, the class will be held on Tuesday, March 4. For more information about the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, visit www.rrmuseumpa .org or call 717-687-8628.
Keystone State Quartet
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.
Lancaster County Bird Club to tour museum
The Lancaster County Bird Club (LCBC) will meet on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. at the North Museum of Nature and Science, 400 College Ave., Lancaster.
This once-a-year social opportunity will feature refreshments and an opportunity to explore the North Museum and its ornithological collection. There is no cost for the evening, and light refreshments will be provided for all attendees.
The evening will start out with a short welcome and update from leadership from the North Museum. Attendees will then have the opportu -
Snow Angels wield shovels of mercy
BY JEFF FALK
It has absolutely nothing to do with people lying on their backs in the snow and moving their arms and legs to create impromptu winter weather art. It’s more closely related to kindred spirits performing heavenly work here on Earth.
These are different kinds of Snow Angels.
“Before we had a formal name, the people who we were helping named us,” said Jennifer Jarvis, one of the founding members of the Lancaster Snow Angels. “They said to us, ‘You’re angels. We’re so thankful.’”
The Snow Angels are an independent, community-oriented group of concerned citizens who travel around the Lancaster countryside shoveling and removing snow from the sidewalks, walkways and driveways of the elderly, the disabled and veterans - neighbors who can’t remove snow on their own. It began as a grassroots movement in local neighborhoods, but the altruistic concept has gained traction and has now spread to nearly every corner of the county.
“Our veterans and elderly shouldn’t have to deal with stress,” said Jarvis. “They have doctor’s
appointments, and they have direct-care nurses coming to their homes. If they don’t have families, or don’t have families who live nearby, who’s going to help them?”
That’s where Lancaster Snow Angels come in. Persons in need of snow removal reach out to the Angels through phone calls, email and social media. The response may not be immediate, but no call for help ever goes unanswered.
“It’s mostly individuals who can’t afford private snow removal,” said Jarvis, a resident of Terre Hill. “We’re a faith-based organization. We take everyone at their word. We haven’t really been taken advantage of at this point.”
From modest origins during the pandemic, the Lancaster Snow Angels have grown in number to about 43 shovelers and snow removers - 35 adults and eight junior volunteers. The volunteers work together in teams or crews.
“Most of us are doing it around full-time jobs,” said Jarvis. “Sometimes we call off, and our bosses know what we’re doing. We’re working around obligations. We have everyone prioritized.”
See Snow pg 8
nity to explore the entire museum at their leisure. New this year is the opportunity to view the new Shallow Seas temporary exhibit that opened in June of 2024. The exhibit invites visitors to explore three distinct marine environments around the Atlantic Ocean.
Museum staff and members of the museum as well as the public are also invited to the event. Those with questions may call 717-856-3851 or 717725-2717. For more information about the LCBC, visit www.lancasterbird club.org, www.facebook .com/lancasterbirdclub or www.instagram.com/ lancasterbirdclub.
EYRA posts programs
Eastern York Recreation Authority (EYRA) has posted its upcoming programs. It is also seeking players for its youth sports teams, including girls’ soccer and boys’ volleyball.
Two courses will be offered by Point Blank Defense instructors at Lower Windsor Township. Handgun Safety will be offered on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to noon for people age 18 and over. S.A.F.E. (Scan, Assess, Flight, Engage) will be offered on
Accordion group to meet
The First Lancaster Accordion Group (FLAG) will meet on Sunday, Feb. 16, at Zion Church of Millersville, 317 N. George St., Millersville. The meeting will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.
For additional details, contact Miranda Hoffman at 717-940-4762.
Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. for people age 12 and over.
Four-week country line dance workshops will take place at Lower Windsor Township. A Beginner Workshop will be offered on Mondays, March 3, 10, 17 and 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. for dancers age 12 and over. Beginner/ Improver classes will take place on Mondays, April 7 through April 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. for people age 12 and over.
A Faux Stained Glass Suncatchers workshop will be offered at Hellam Township on Thursday, March 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. The class is for people age 8 and over.
T-Ball for children ages 5 and 6 will be offered this spring. The registration deadline is Monday, April 14.
Girls Flag Football Clinics for youths in grades one through 12 will be held on Mondays, March 24 through May 12, at Rexroth Park in Wrightsville.
In addition, the Eastern York Soccer Club is
looking for more girls born between 2015 and 2016 for the spring season. This is a travel team that plays in the Central Penn Youth Soccer League (CPYSL). All practices and home games take place at Barshinger Fields in Hellam. Weather permitting, practices will begin in mid to late March. Games will take place on the weekends beginning in April.
EYRA is also looking to determine if there is enough interest in boys’ volleyball to offer clinics for youths entering grades five through nine in the 2025-26 school year. Clinics would be conducted over the summer by the Eastern York High School coaches at the Lower Windsor Township gym. Dates and times will be determined. Boys’ volleyball plays its scholastic season in the spring.
For more information about any of the programs, email eyrec authority@gmail.com.
Museum
co-historian for Historic Wrightsville Inc. “Art depicting Wrightsville has been paired with historical artifacts in order to illustrate the town’s rich history. Guests will also learn about the relationship between history and art. Other areas provide vignettes of places and events that have not been displayed for some time.”
As Young explained, the exhibit started from a donated portfolio of work by Wrightsville artist Cynthia Abel. It has grown to include original pieces by Wayne Kauffman Crumling, Gardiner Criswell, Mike Seitz, Evelynn Eighmey, Darby Williammee, Klaus Grutzka, John Heyl Raser, Rob Evans and others. These works depict various businesses, bridges and Wrightsville landmarks.
But the new art exhibit isn’t all that’s new at the museum. All four display rooms have been updated, Young said.
“You can still find our exhibits on the bridges, railroads, canals, schools and businesses. They will be there in a new location with a fresh look,” he commented. “We have even expanded into the kitchen. If you have visited us before, you will want to return.”
Historic Wrightsville has a long history in the community. It was established in 1975 in preparation for the celebration of the country’s 200th anniversary.
“The organization was incorporated in 1983 to promote interest of the community; to identify and preserve historic
The museum at Historic Wrightsville Inc. spotlights local history.
sites; and to promote community spirit by enriching the social, educational and cultural life of Wrightsville Borough and the surrounding area,” Young said.
The museum also features a diorama, located at 124 Hellam St., that tells the story of the Wrightsville Skirmish.
“On June 28, 1863, the Union Army ordered the burning of the second bridge,” he noted. “There is a multimedia presentation for guests to enjoy.”
The diorama only operates in in the warmer weather and can be open by appointment. It will not be open for the February events.
Welcome Center
temporarily relocates
The Lancaster City Welcome Center, located at 38 Penn Square, temporarily closed to the public on Jan. 15 as renovations began. Construction is expected to take 12 to 15 months. During this time, Welcome Center staff members will assist visitors from a temporary kiosk in the lobby of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, located at 25 S. Queen St.
The renovations will
modernize the Welcome Center, addressing water damage, improving energy efficiency, enhancing accessibility with upgraded entrances, and adding new public restroom facilities. These improvements are also intended to provide a better working environment for the staff.
The Welcome Center is housed in Old City Hall, a historic building con -
At the grand opening weekend, refreshments will be available each day, and a few items will be for sale in the gift shop. Members who attend will receive a gift to commemorate the exhibit.
Appointments for the opening weekend are not required, but parties larger than six people are encouraged to call the museum at 717-252-1169 to ensure enough staff members are on hand for the visit.
After the weekend, the exhibit will run through the year and will be open on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
structed in the late 1700s that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Mennonite Life posts events
Mennonite Life, 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, has scheduled two events.
A virtual author talk with historian Troy Osborne will take place on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will be hosted on Zoom, with Osborne joining from Ontario. Osborne is the author of “Radicals & Reformers: A Survey of Global Anabaptist History.”
Mennonite Life is joining a global faith community in celebrating the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism
Troy Osborne
in 2025, and the organization will explore the movement’s history at events throughout the year. The Anabaptist-Mennonite story has been marked by centuries of faithfulness and failure, continuity and conflict, and radicalism and reformation. “Radicals & Reformers” traces the origins and development of the Anabaptist and Mennonite movements from their beginnings in 16th-century Europe through their spread around the globe.
Osborne’s research and teaching centers on Mennonite history and the Reformation, particularly the development of the Dutch Anabaptist tradition.
Osborne is a professor of history and theological studies at Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo. Copies of “Radicals & Reformers” are available for purchase in Mennonite Life stores and at www.mennonitelife .org/shop.
This event is complimentary. To register by Monday, Feb. 17, visit www .mennonitelife.org/events.
Participants will receive the Zoom information via email several days before the event.
Mennonite Life will also offer a hands-on workshop exploring the art of fraktur on Friday, Feb. 21, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The program will be held in the Mennonite Life Community Room.
Guided by local artist Emily Smucker-Beidler, participants will begin with a tulip template and create a small finished piece in their own style. Smucker-Beidler will also instruct participants on how to transform their piece into a personalized bookplate.
Fraktur was created by Pennsylvania Germans in the 18th century and features calligraphic text decorated with colorful birds, hearts, and flowers. The tradition is rooted in the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe, but has evolved into a distinctive part of local Pennsylvania German culture. Emily Smucker-Beidler is a student of Roma Ruth, an artist from Montgomery County,
Youths to present musical
“Mystery on the Airwaves,” an original youth musical by Steven Courtney, will be presented at the Junction Center, 1875 Junction Road, Manheim, on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. Set in the bustling world of a 1940s radio station, “Mystery on the Airwaves” follows a group of young actors, sound effects artists, and radio executives who are thrown into chaos when the script for their most popular show vanishes. As suspicions rise and clues unfold, they must crack the case before airtime.
The show features a cast of young performers. In addition to writing the book and songs for the show, Courtney is the producer. Also involved are Erika Lundgren, choreographer; Kami Deppen, artistic director; and Elise Deppen, stage manager and graphic designer.
To purchase tickets, visit www.thejunctioncenter .com. Tickets will also be available to purchase at the door.
and brings a lifetime of experience and enthusiasm to the workshop.
The workshop fee covers all materials, including a personal watercolor set. People of all ability levels are welcome.
Preregistration is required, and class capacity is limited. To register by Thursday, Feb. 20, visit www.mennonitelife .org/events.
COLUMBIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 360 Locust St. in Columbia, Rev. David C. Powers, phone: 717-684-6271, Sunday Morning Worship 10am. Handicap accessible. 4th Street Cafe Coffeehouse 1st & last Sunday @5pm with community meal. Free Clothing Bank Mondays 9-11am & Tuesdays 5-7pm.
COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH: welcomes you to Love God, Love Others, and Reach Out with us! Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 a.m. We’re located at 331 Anderson Ferry Road in Marietta (off Rt 441 on Rt 772). Learn more at cbcpa.org.
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
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
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH: 243 Hellam Street in Wrightsville.
Scout troop plans
spaghetti dinner
Scouts BSA Troop 28 will hold its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 22, at St. Paul’s Church of Red Lion, 45 First Ave., Red Lion. Food may be eaten on-site or carried out from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Pickup directions will be available at the
church parking lot.
The meal will include spaghetti with sauce, a salad with dressing, a roll with butter, and dessert.
To purchase tickets, call Terry Koller at 717-9685846. Payment may be made with cash or a credit card.
Fraktur designs featuring tulips will be the subject of a workshop.
Steven Courtney (far left) is joined by (continuing from left) Erika Lundgren, Kami Deppen, and Elise Deppen in putting together an upcoming youth musical.
Homeschooling is more than the latest learning style
BY JEFF FALK
For some parents, homeschooling has nothing to do with not trusting others with the education of their children. It’s simply a bonding opportunity that they can’t pass up.
“I prayed about it, and the Lord brought me to several verses in the Bible,” said Kathy Fogel, a Manheim Township homeschool mom and teacher. “When we pass away, we’re not going to take anything with us. The only thing we’re going to leave behind is people and our children. When I’ve talked with older people and asked them if they have any regrets, the only thing they say is they wish they had better relationships with their families. That (regret) is not what we want. We want to invest in our family.”
“I know a lot of moms who have been in the classroom,” continued Fogel, “and they asked themselves, ‘Why am I doing this? Why am I separating myself from my child?’”
Fogel is currently homeschooling her four children,
Kenneth, 12; Lily, 10; Alana, 8; and Aurora, 4. The Fogels moved to Manheim Township in November of 2020, during the height of the pandemic, and the children have never attended a public or private school.
“My whole thing with homeschooling is that you have to have a child’s heart and discipline first,” said Fogel. “Once that’s established, they wake up knowing this is what we do. Establishing a rhythm and expectations, it’s hard. Once it’s established, it flows well.”
In the education of her children, Fogel follows a teaching curriculum that includes all the core subjects, including reading, writing, math and social studies. She also utilizes resources from online sources, local homeschool co-ops and other parents who are teaching their children.
Some families employ the use of tutors as a way to supplement their children’s homeschool experiences.
“I graduated from a good school, and I figure things
Women’s lunch sets meeting
The Lancaster Christian Women’s Club will hold a spring buffet luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, at Casa di Fiori at The Inn at Leola Village, 38 Deborah Drive, Leola. Doors will open at 11 a.m.
Ty Fischer, headmaster of Veritas Academy, will present “Investing in Our Future Generation.” In an address titled “Soaring Above,” Nancy Williams will share how she found
purpose and value in life’s twists and turns. All women are invited to attend. There is a cost per person. Reservations and payments are required by Wednesday, Feb. 19. Those registering are asked to note the names of their guests and others they wish to sit with. Any cancellations must be made by Feb. 19. For more details and reservations, call 717-799-0088.
out,” said Fogel. “The Lord gives me the things I need to know. Because I’m in a co-op where there are so many driven and intelligent moms, we share ideas and concerns. Because we’re able to share things, we’re all better off.”
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania is regulated by state laws, and parents like Fogel aren’t required to be certified to teach their children. But homeschooled students are required to pass tests at specific points of their education journeys.
“I (administer the state evaluations) yearly just to check their progress,” said Fogel. “We do evaluations at the end of each school year and submit the evaluations to the school district (Manheim Township). This year, some homeschoolers have been able to join public schools for certain classes.”
The Fogel children are four of 193 students currently being homeschooled in Manheim Township. The Coalition of Homeschoolers
Across Lancaster County (CHALC) serves more than 600 homeschool families in the county and surrounding areas.
Fogel noted that she’s heard that the number of homeschool families is growing. “I’ve noticed it in our circles,” she noted. “I’ve heard parents say, ‘We find that it’s so much better.’
But I’ve also heard, ‘I’m not doing this again because it’s so hard.’ Your kids can bring out the best in you and the worst in you.”
“One parent has to stay home, and there is a loss of income,” Fogel continued. “It’s a sacrifice and a privilege to do. You have to be careful and aware of your resources. It can be expensive, or it can be less expensive. It’s very customizable. You have to be very wise with the things you spend your time on.”
For additional information about the Coalition of Homeschoolers Across Lancaster County, go to www.chalc.org.
Circle Legacy Center plans program
Circle Legacy Center will hold a Second Friday program on Feb. 14 from 6:30
to 9 p.m. at Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, 328 W. Orange St., Lancaster. Attendees are asked to use the Concord Street entrance.
The event will be the annual Sweetheart Dance celebrating Valentine’s Day. Native American musician Barry Lee will be highlighted in a program of Native American music and dancing. Attendees are asked to bring a food item to share if they are able; they should also bring their own place settings.
A Manheim Township student reviews a homeschool lesson.
Collectibles
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Lawn & Garden
AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING
717-208-2265 • SPRING CLEANUP, MULCH, EDGING, TRIMMING, PLANTING, SM. TREE/SHRUB REMOVAL. Sr. Discount!
FREE REMOVAL of Riding Mowers. Call/text Jim 717-940-9029
RAILROAD TIES FOR SALE
#1. Delivery Available GAP REPAIR, 717-442-4781 ext. 2
Pets
GERMAN SHORT-HAIRED POINTER
Puppies, liver and roan with ticking, great family dogs and hunters. Ready March 20th. Vet checked, shots and dewormed, $900. (717)572-7509
GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES
2F, 1M: 9 wks. old $500. 717-284-5104
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Every person is different. Our job is not to change individuals. Our job is to remove barriers and help them manage.”
Established in Lancaster in 2022, NeurAbilities Healthcare is a relative newcomer to the local autism treatment scene. NeurAbilities Healthcare, which is located at 1858 Charter Lane, Suite 201, Lancaster, serves its clients through a community-based approach and on a one-on-one basis.
“We want to provide services with excellence,” said Neumann. “Ultimately, we support largely the autism community, people with an ASD diagnosis. You have a lot of individuals who are experiencing different challenges. We like to focus on abilities. We’re supporting patients. We’re supporting learners. We try to capitalize on people’s strengths and focus on what they can do to overcome those challenges. We like to see every individual for who they are.”
The Lancaster office of NeurAbilities Healthcare is set up to be a colorful, warm, inviting space filled with toys and pictures that learners can relate to. More than 10 staff mem -
bers operate the office, including three certified clinicians.
“In Lancaster, or anywhere you go, there are people who don’t know what autism is,” said Neumann. “The field itself is growing, and there’s always a need for autism services. As we’re working to grow the Lancaster clinic, we want to enhance community engagement. There will be a push in the community to know what autism is and what NeurAbilities does. Hopefully, we’ll be able to improve awareness around that.”
Currently, NeurAbilities Healthcare is serving about 15 local learners, mostly children under the age of 9 from Lancaster County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 36 kids in the United States has ASD.
“We provide community-based services,” said Neumann. “We look at what individuals need. We do services in our clinic, in homes and in schools. It’s anybody with challenges impacting their abilities to function. Those are the people who are coming to us for our services.”
Backed by a private
equity firm, NeurAbilities Healthcare is a self-sufficient private practice.
Some of the services provided by NeurAbilities Healthcare are covered by Medicaid or health insurance.
“We have individuals who come in who have certain skill deficits in communication, in patterns of behavior, in social interaction,” said Neumann. “We also support individuals who engage in challenging behaviors. When someone is engaging in a behavior, there’s a reason for that. We want to be able to teach a different skill. We’re focused on anything that supports independence.”
Snow from pg 3
“Shoveling snow is very taxing on your shoulders, arms and back,” Jarvis continued. “The first day after a storm, you’re no good to anyone. There’s a recovery period needed. We’re going two or three days beyond the storm.”
Depending upon the severity of the storm and the amount of snow that has fallen, the Lancaster Snow Angels respond to 130 to 200 requests for help. The Snow Angels’ coverage area currently encompasses the communities of Lititz, Ephrata, New Holland, Columbia, Denver, Strasburg, Paradise, Willow Street, Elizabethtown and portions of the city.
“It is a big county,” said Jarvis. “That’s why it gets so hard sometimes. We’re talking about 10 to 30 addresses per town, or on one Angel’s list. We’re pretty much covering every town in the county. Wher-
ever there’s a need, we fill it. Sometimes it takes three or four days to clear a substantial snow. But we get it done.”
“We’ve gained a lot of unofficial grandparents who have become parts of our (extended) families,” she added. “They don’t have anyone else, so we become parts of their families. Some of these people are suffering from loneliness.”
In January of 2020, Jarvis; her husband, Fernando Rosado Jr.; and co-founder Mike Schmelder identified a need for helping their neighbors with snow removal. Through social media, word of mouth and some other very organic sources, the movement has grown steadily.
“Volunteers have come to us through multiple channels, and I’m grateful for that,” said Jarvis. “They are strangers who have become family. We’ve experienced
NeurAbilities Healthcare operates a total of three diagnostic centers and 14 applied behavior analysis clinics in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
“We’ve got improved insight into what autism is, and we have more doctors who understand what it is,” said Neumann. “There are more diagnoses. The question we are asking is, ‘What is causing this?’ There has been research into it, but there’s not a hard answer.”
For additional information, go to www.neur abilities.com/locations/ lancaster-pa.
“There are other agencies that provide similar community-based skills,” Neumann added. “Some agencies don’t have clinics - they go into schools and homes - and some only have clinics. But it seems to me that there’s always a need.”
a lot of growth client-wise and volunteer-wise. There’s a great need. It brings the communities together.”
For additional infor -
mation, search for “The Lancaster Snow Angels” on Facebook, call 717-3270361 or email thelancaster snowangels@gmail.com.
Snow angels Jennifer Jarvis (left) and Camden Thompson clear snow at a residence in Adamstown.
A therapist works with a client at NeurAbilities Healthcare in Lancaster.
