Conestoga Valley APRIL 29, 2026
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
REACHING MORE THAN 13,770 HOMES
VOL LXII • NO 19
Is the Those in Recovery Benefit United Only Way from Jesus Advantage BY JEFF FALK
Helping You Grow What Matters Most We Invest in What We Know Best AGRICULTURE RELATIONSHIP BANKING SMALL BUSINESS
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Breakout Ministries senior Pastor Ron Buch (left), Jesus Advantage founder Rob Weatherholtz (center) and Breakout Ministries sound and video technician Beth Weatherholtz prepare for Jesus Advantage’s See Jesus Advantage pg 3 upcoming celebration.
Our Founding Principles KINDNESS COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP FAITH
Special Olympics Explores Pure Nature of Sports
Visit Your Local Bank of Bird-inHand Branch
BY JEFF FALK
BIRD-IN-HAND INTERCOURSE PARADISE
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Some of its offerings aren’t exactly what one might consider traditional Olympic sports. But what makes Special Olympics so special is that it unlocks potential, it explores the therapeutic nature of athletics, and it enhances lives. “My favorite part is watching the growth of athletes as people,” said Lynn Lopez, a team lead for Special Olympics Lancaster. Special Olympics Lancaster athletes celebrate a triumphant See Special Olympics pg 6 accomplishment.
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BY JEFF FALK
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he category is: “Addictions for $200.” The answer: God and human interaction. The question: What are the two most important components of recovery? Pastor Rob Weatherholtz has never appeared on “Jeopardy!” But he does know a lot about recovery and addiction. “We believe Jesus is the way, the truth and the life,” said Weatherholtz, the pastor of addiction, recovery and discipleship at Breakout Ministries. “Jesus is our advantage on the battlefield of life. Without Jesus Christ, you can do nothing. When we establish biblical principles, we walk with purpose in life. The most effective long-term solutions are connections and a relationship with Jesus Christ.” Weatherholtz is also the founder of Jesus Advantage, a recovery program administered through Breakout Ministries. Jesus Advantage will be commemorating five years of recovery, truth and changing lives during an upcoming celebration. At 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, Jesus Advantage will host a fried chicken dinner at Breakout Ministries, 2400 Anita Court, Leola. The dinner, which is free to attend, will include all the fixings and sides. To register for the event, please reach out to Weatherholtz at 717-629-0429.
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There are many great methods for getting things done. There are collaborative cooperations. There are awe-inspiring approaches. There are individual initiatives. Of course, there’s also the United Way. “United Way means community,” said Maddie Seiler, the vice president of marketing and communications for the United Way of Lancaster County. “All United Ways across the world show up in communities in powerful ways. The United Way does that; we unite. We mobilize resources and get them to people who need them. At the end of the day, it’s about making the community better and making sure all of our neighbors can thrive.” The United Way of Lancaster County is a local nonprofit hub, a vehicle for connecting the counties’ generous donors and those who are less fortunate. Its history makes the United Way a Lancaster County institution. In February, the United Way of Lancaster County relocated its century-old operations from 1910 Harrington Drive, Lancaster, to 2121 Oregon Pike, Lancaster. “We’re in a very unique position to provide those in need with what they need,” said Seiler. “We are that connector in the community. We’re the place other nonprofits turn to. We’re seen as a thought leader. We have connections with all the agencies in the county. We have resources, but we never do it alone.” By par tner ing with local organizations, businesses and volunteers, the United Way of Lancaster County funds a wide variety of programs and provides a plethora of social services designed to improve See United Way pg 5
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BY JEFF FALK