Faces of Lancaster County 2023

FACES

of Lancaster County 2023

tney Beiler, Sophia Mapes and Teresa Mulligan are members of vide stability

Oral Health Care Soultions

Dr. Anthony Skiadas grew up in Lancaster County, the son of Greek immigrants who were involved in the restaurant business.

When he graduated from Temple University’s dental school in 2005, his father offered him the opportunity to open a dental office in Lancaster County Even though he had chosen a different career path, Skiadas still had his family’s entrepreneurial spirit – and a vision.

“I wanted to build a practice looking through the eyes of the patient,” he says “What would be an ideal experience?”

The answer was Smilebuilderz, a team of doctors that would integrate many dental specialties under one roof, serving patients from their very first dental visit through their senior years.

What began 17 years ago with one dentist and a dream is now a practice that employs about 250 at three locations: a main campus off Oregon Pike and two primarycare offices in Ephrata and at Route 30 and Rohrerstown Road.

“We developed a team to provide oral health care solutions for our patients,” Skiadas says, “but in essence, we make

people smile every day.”

The Smilebuilderz team includes general dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists and pediatric specialists, allowing the practice to offer a continuity of care that can handle everything from routine cleanings, braces and wisdom teeth to dental implants and cosmetic dentistry to surgery and anesthesia – all while maintaining a small-office feel.

The Smilebuilderz model allows the practice to offer services that many other providers cannot.

“I think from a community standpoint, the No 1 thing we do is provide access to dental care,” Skiadas says Smilebuilderz is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and accepts walk-in appointments. Because of its depth of specialists and services, the practice offers urgent care and has become a destination for dental emergencies.

The Smilebuilderz business model also provides economies of scale, Skiadas says Unlike many sole practitioners, the team of specialists can share equipment and operational expenses and pass the savings to patients.

The practice not only accepts many insurance plans, but also volunteers its services to low-income patients through Dental Access Lancaster County Smilebuilderz also has its own dental plan for employers and groups that do not carry their own dental benefits.

Smilebuilderz offers many benefits to its employees as well. One of the biggest is work-life balance. Many positions offer flexible work schedules, whether an employee prefers part-time hours, evening hours or maybe only Saturday hours to supplement another income There’s plenty of opportunity to build a career, too.

“I think what makes our company the most special is not only what we do but who we are. It’s our people. We really have some amazing doctors. We have some amazing people who have gotten really good at what they do,” Skiadas says “We’ve developed quite a family atmosphere. We are not a corporation. We are a family business. We are from the community We love what we do We love helping people We love each other We love working together. I think, really, that’s what makes us special.”

For 25 years, Fox Country Sheds has built a reputation for quality hand-crafted sheds. The Kontis family –Adam and Jeannie Kontis and their son Alexander – have continued that tradition as owners since 2008, manufacturing backyard storage sheds and prefabricated garages from their facility in the Brickerville area. Fox Country Sheds is a manufacturer supplying to wholesalers, as well as selling directly to retail customers through their website or onsite from their manufacturing facility. Truckloads of sheds depart daily for local deliveries, as well as to customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic area. Sheds and prefab garages in a number of styles, sizes and colors are available to meet your storage needs while matching your property for a complementary look. Specialty buildings include Pool Houses and Two-Story Garages. Customize and view your shed in 3D right on their online shed design software

They are also retailers of locally-made Amish gazebos, backyard playsets and outdoor furniture. Standard delivery of a pre-assembled shed is included for all local customers. For hard-to-access areas, you can ask about their “Mule” delivery service. For more information check out the website, or social media such as Facebook or Instagram.

537 E. 28th Division Hwy., Lititz 717-626-9560

www.FoxSheds.com Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm & Sat 10am – 2pm

Faces of Compassionate Care

COBYS Family Services caseworkers embody the COBYS Difference, which is why and how we provide services in foster care, adoption, counseling and family life education to children and families. For COBYS, that means treating each client with dignity and providing hope for a brighter future.

“Building connections with the kids, the foster parents and the bir th parents so all have common ground to work together is a privilege.”

COBYS ser ves children and families at risk in our community

We are called to provide care with a servant spirit that goes beyond the basics of providing safety and well-being for kids and families.

Inspiring Lifelong Learning

WITF, founded by a group of educators in 1964, exists to inspire lifelong learning; we make connections with people and their communities through our trusted journalism, thoughtful discussions, entertainment and educational experiences. In person, WITF brings neighbors together, so we can learn and connect more deeply with each other through shared experiences.

We hope you can join us for two free events in October First, a preview screening and community conversation of Ken Burns’ newest film, The American Buffalo, Thursday, October 5 at Willow Valley Communities at 6 p.m. This film is a biography of the continent’s most magnificent species, an improbable, shaggy beast that nonetheless has found itself at the center of many of our nation’s most thrilling, mythic, and sometimes heartbreaking tales.

Then, bring the whole family to Ready, Set, Explore Media & Makers at Ewell Plaza in downtown Lancaster on October 14. Designed for kids and teens, ages 3 – 14, this drop-in event will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and feature a variety of STEM activities including coding and robotics, interactions with green screens and cameras, and meeting professional journalists and graphic designers. Our special guest, The Cat in the Hat, will be there to meet and greet families and inspire creativity!

Look for the free registrations, available soon, at witf.org/Lancaster. We look forward to meeting you then!

Fox Country Sheds owners Jeannie and Adam Kontis, and their son Alexander, welcome you to stop by their sales office.

(l to r) Afton Machingo, Courtney Beiler, Sophia Mapes and Teresa Mulligan are members of COBYS Family Ser vices Foster Care team representing the dedicated staff who provide stability and hope to kids and families.

- Foster Care caseworker Afton Machingo

1- WE CREATE A MORE DYNAMIC BUSINES S CLIMATE

Succes s leads to succes s. The more prosperous busines ses we have, the more the local climate will encourage other entrepreneur s to set up businesses and create still more jobs .

2- WE GAIN MORE PROPERT Y TA X INCOME TO INVEST IN OUR INFR ASTRUCTURE

The more thriving busines ses we have, th e more th ey will be able to expan d. The more th ey expand , th e more prop er ty and busin es s tax th ey will pay, generating money that can be used for th e good of our town and our citizens

3- WE IMPROVE SERVICES

A prosperous local economy is condu cive to improvement s in social, medical, and spor ts and leisure services , as well as in tourism, th e ar ts , and entertainment.

4- WE HAVE MORE CHOICE & A WIDER VARIET Y OF PRODUCTS

The sales figures of a business reflec t it s financial health , and wh en busines s is good, expansion projec ts multiply Expansion brings new pro duc ts and new services to our community

Reitz Oil Company

For more than half a centur y, Reitz Oil Company has been a stalwart in the Lancaster County community, providing top-notch fuel ser vices and HVAC solutions to its loyal customers. As a family-owned and operated business, Reitz Oil Company has earned a reputation for being fast, friendly, and competitively priced.

Founded in 1971, the company has remained committed to its core values of integrity, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Now on the cusp of a momentous transition to its third generation of ownership, Reitz Oil Company continues to exemplify excellence in the energy industr y.

One of the key figures at Reitz Oil Company is Jesse McNeely, a leader in the heating fuels industr y. Jesse has been spearheading an exciting project, using his own house as a test case for implementing 100% biodiesel heating. This groundbreaking initiative showcases the company’s dedication to sustainability and its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of traditional heating methods. By embracing renewable resources like biodiesel, Reitz Oil Company is setting a remarkable precedent for other energy providers in the region.

The commitment to innovation and environmental consciousness is just one aspect of Reitz Oil Company’s success stor y. Their 24/7 HVAC ser vice ensures that customers never have to worr y about being left in the cold during harsh winter nights or sweltering under the summer sun. Their highly skilled and certified technicians are always ready to respond promptly to any HVAC emergencies, showcasing their dedication to customer satisfaction.

Beyond the impressive range of ser vices, what truly sets Reitz Oil Company apart is their deep-rooted ties to the Lancaster County area. The company’s longstanding presence has allowed them to foster strong relationships with their community They genuinely care about their customers and take pride in delivering personalized solutions that cater to their specific needs. As the company embraces the future, they continue to prioritize their customers’ comfort and well-being, ensuring that their legacy of exceptional ser vice will endure for many years to come.

5- WE BENEFIT LOCAL COMMUNIT Y ORGANIZATIONS

Non-profit organizations receive many donations from local busin es s people. Donations are es sential to th eir sur vival, so it follows that the healthier th e economy, th e healthier our organizations

6- WE MAINTAIN THE UNIQUE CHAR ACTER OF OUR TOWN & REGION

The charm of a municipalit y is in it s dynamism and charac ter. Those go hand in hand with it s economic health A municipalit y that can count on it s population to buy locally is a municipalit y to be envied

7- WE CREATE MORE JOBS IN OUR TOWN & REGION

A thriving job market depends on th e economic health of our region

8- WE HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Local enterprises purchase a lot more local product s, greatly reducing th e transpor tation of produc t from out side th e region

9- WE SUPPORT OUR REGION IN THE SE ARCH FOR INVESTOR S

If our region has a dynamic economy, it is bound to at trac t investor s. If our municipalit y receives revenues from busin es s and prop er ty taxes , it can work to at trac t investor s as well Investor s are like consumer s: th ey are at trac ted to regions that are at trac tive!

10- WE INVEST IN OUR REGION

For all th e reasons listed above, buying local is logical, beneficial, and highly efficient Buying local creates th e economic leverage that is vital to th e dynamism of a region. By working together we can suppor t our local economy.

LET OUR FAMILY TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY

Fo r more than 80 ye ars, Jo hn We idman & Sons, Inc. have always va lued their customers. This has led them to be known fo r being one of the most dependable heating and cooling sales and ser vice bu siness in Lancaster, Ber ks and Lebanon counties. No matte r what season it is, yo u can count on Jo hn We idman & Sons, Inc. to prov ide outst anding ser vice to both re sidential and commercial customers.

Jo hn We idman & Sons, Inc. wa s st ar te d by Jo hn We idman in the mid-1930s as a coal deliver y bu siness Afte r WWII, his sons joined their fa ther as the company changed to an oil and HVAC bu siness. Jo hn We idman & Sons, contin ues to be a tr ue, gen uine fa mily- ow ned bu siness to day. Along with their employe es, yo u will see fa mily members inst alling and ser vicing their equipment, deliver ing fuel oil, answe ri ng the phones and wo rk ing all divisions of the company. Gr anddaughter Ca ro l We idman Hill, along with Pa ul Hill, Sr., Pa ul Hill, Jr and Davi d Hill, contin ue to carr y on the fa mily bu siness

They ser vice, re pair and inst all all ty pes of equipment including Br ya nt air conditioners, heat pumps and ga s fur naces Oil fur naces are from tr usted man ufacturers like Wi lliamson and Ther mopr ide Boiler br ands include Bur nham, New Yo rker and System 2000. Jo hn We idman & Sons, Inc. also offe rs sales, ser vice and deliver y of heating oil, ke ro sene and diesel fuel at competitive pr ices

Front Row (L-R): David Hill, Paul Hill Jr., Tad Hill.

Back Row (L-R): Paul Hill Sr., Kyle Hill, Carol Hill, Shane Hill, Carey Olson, Bryn Olson.

We ekly Ne wspapers fo cus on hyper-lo cal ne ws coverage.

The Lititz Record Express covers hyper-local news from the Lititz and Manheim regions as the sole weekly newspaper dedicated to local coverage in those areas. The Lititz Record Express began as two publications that were town rivals until the Lititz Record and Lititz Express merged into one weekly newspaper in 1937

The Ephrata Review covers hyper-local news from the Ephrata and Cocalico regions as the sole weekly newspaper dedicated to local coverage Founded in 1883, this paper was formerly known as both the Saturday Review and the Ephrata Ensign.

Both publications focus on coverage that includes government, entertainment, business, church, school, and sports. Local residents turn to the Ephrata Review and the Lititz Record Express for their news, making it the best place for your business to advertise No one can reach this community and your potential customers better than these publications, whose subscribers eagerly await each issue Benefit from our variety of advertising products including print and digital advertisements and special sections on pages where your customers turn.

If you have a news or feature story idea, contact Andy Fasnacht at afasnacht.eph@lnpnews.com or call 717-721-4421 For subscription information, call 717-721-4412. For advertising, call 717-291-8800

PCI Au ctions East Coast

Located in Manheim, PA PCI Auctions East Coast has come a long way since its humble beginnings almost ten years ago. Initially operating with just four part-time employees in a converted barn, the company has since blossomed into a formidable force with over 25 full-time staff and an impressive 20,000 square feet of warehouse space brimming with equipment.

The team at PCI Auctions East Coast takes pride in their responsibilities, overseeing the efficient removal, remarketing, and sale of 20-30 complete restaurants, businesses, and schools ever y month. Renowned restaurant chains such as Joe’s Crab Shack, Pizza Hut, Subway, Ruby Tuesday, Dunkin’ Donuts, Au Bon Pain, and TGI Fridays have sought their expertise to liquidate equipment.

The team at PCI Auctions East Coast isn’t just about auctioning equipment; they extend a helping hand to businesses in various stages. Whether it’s assisting startups, facilitating improvements for existing businesses, or aiding those in renovation or relocation,

they ensure an affordable and seamless process. By helping businesses liquidate existing equipment, they empower entrepreneurs to reinvest the funds back into their ventures.

Customers and clients can rely on the dedicated staff at PCI Auctions East Coast, who are available to address any inquiries. The company boasts a user-friendly auction process and a consistently diverse selection of items. They vow to resolve any urgent issues that may arise, assuring their clients of a seamless auction experience.

If you seek assistance with liquidation or wish to participate in their user-friendly auctions, reach out to PCI Auctions East Coast at 717-450-7241 or visit www.pciauctions.com

Ov er 15 Years of developing dynamic performers!

Popovsky Performing Arts was started in 2007 as a private voice studio by Michael Popovsky while pursuing his own performing career But it didn’t take long for him to realize that Popovsky Performing Arts could grow into something more. And over the last 15 years, it certainly has. Today, Popovsky Performing Arts, under the guidance of co-owners Michael Popovsky and Christyn Rutter, focuses on the artistic and personal growth of its students while offering the triple threat programming - acting, singing and dancing - with a full slate of acting classes for all ages, musical theater classes, the early childhood music program Music Together, private lessons (voice, piano, guitar and ukulele), summer camps, shows and more!

“We’re grateful to play such an active part in the Lancaster Country arts community,” Popovsky says They have offerings available everyone from babies to adults, from beginners to those who are college bound/career minded.

“We welcome everybody through our doors and

that’s been a big part of our mission,” he says, noting the studio is an inclusive environment where individuals can grow as artists and humans with the support and guidance they need to thrive. The experienced staff of 12 has worked with students from a variety of backgrounds, from the neurodivergent to those in the LGBTQIA+ community

“The biggest blessing from what we do is getting to see people grow,” Popovsky says “We are dedicated to honoring whatever journey people are on as they grow as artists and individuals. What we do is allow students to go out and be successful in their schools, in other theaters and in many other ways in their lives, and we take a lot of pride in being part of that process.”

As Popovsky Performing Arts Studio wraps up its 15th year of nurturing students in the arts, it is also celebrating its biggest summer camp season ever, a hugely successful area premier of Mean Girls: The High School Version and a new partnership with LCDS’ Gardner Theatre. This year, the studio is focusing on educating parents and performers about getting involved in the performing arts, rolling out new classes, and adding a fourth main-stage performance!

As Lancaster’s vibrant arts community continues to grow, Popovsky Performing Arts Studio plans to grow with it.

“It certainly had no idea what the studio’s full potential was when I started,” Popovsky says “But I’m thrilled with where we are and I know we will continue to grow. I think that there are so many more things that we can continue to offer the community.”

Urban Fore str y of Pennsylvania

We are a family owned tree and landscape company that we built together from the ground up shortly after getting married and quitting our fulltime jobs to dive in head first! Our dreams, dedication and drive carried us through the early years when it was just the two of us and a pickup truck and it is by the grace of God we have had the opportunity to expand over nearly a decade, adding large equipment and an amazing crew helping hundreds of clients all over Lancaster with their outdoor needs and concerns.

With over 15 years of experience we specialize in tree ser vices offering anything from trimming, removals and stump grinding to land clearing, forestr y mulching, logging and site prep. We utilize only the safest and most efficient trucks, equipment, cranes and climbers for quick ser vice and our team is trained in attention to detail and genuine care for our client’s properties. We offer 24/7 emergency storm remediation as well as expedited ser vice for standing hazardous trees presenting a threat to homes and properties. Our team also handles aesthetic solutions such as landscape mulching ser vices, lawn repair/renovations, spring and fall cleanups and more.

We are committed to providing affordable solutions and exceptional ser vice based upon our core values of trustworthiness, accountability and positive work ethics. We recognize our client’s homes and properties as one of their most valuable assets and guarantee to treat each encounter with the respect and care it deser ves. We firmly believe in building relationships and trust with ever y encounter and we strive to leave a lasting impression not only through our work but also through the personal connections we establish. We look forward to ser ving you!

Video Marketing with LNP Studios

Our in-house video marketing team is dedicated to bringing your visions to life, whether it’s through brand videos, TV commercials, short films, web videos, music videos or corporate presentations. We’re ready to shoot on location or in our state-of-the-art video studio in the heart of downtown Lancaster. We’ve also got

certified drone pilots on our team who can shoot aerial videos or photos as well as professional, HD, multi-cam live streaming services to Facebook, YouTube or your custom RTMP. And, naturally, our team also consists of talented photographers who can capture still images of your business, your team, or your products.