Conestoga Valley townlively.com
JULY 26, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 31
Celebrating Aaron’s Acres at 25 BY ANN MEAD ASH
hen Risa Paskoff’s children were small, she almost never got to read the Sunday paper, but on one Sunday in early 1989, Risa noticed an article about Janiece Seldomridge, who was raising her autistic son, Aaron. “I said to the kids, ‘Give me a second to read this story,’” recalled Risa, who specifically remembered one line from the article that read, “(Seldomridge) and a group of parents want to start a camp program (for their children with disabilities).” “I needed to find out about that,” Risa said. “That was my dream.” Risa met with the group of parents several times and eventually became the director of Aaron’s Acres, an organization that bears the name of Seldomridge’s son and provides socialization and recreation for children and young adults with special needs. That first summer camp in 1989 welcomed children ages 5 to 9. Aaron’s Acres now offers both summer camp and
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Aaron’s Acres has been offering camping experiences for individuals with special needs for 25 years.
school year programs for those ages 5 to 21. On Saturday, Aug. 26, starting at 1 p.m., the organization will hold Aaron’s Acres’ 25th anniversary celebration at Mickey’s Black Box, 101 Rock Lititz Blvd., Lititz. “It will
be a celebration of the community,” said Risa. “We are where we are because of the support that we get from everyone in the community.” The celebration will be divided into two parts, with a carnival-themed family fun event happening from
1 to 4 p.m. featuring inflatables, bounce houses, games, food trucks, face painting, and popcorn. “All (area) families are invited. It’s open to everyone,” said Risa. For the evening event, doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the celebration for
guests age 18 and older will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. The Mama Tried Band will play and a mentalist from Philadelphia will stroll through the gathering interacting with guests. Food will include heavy appetizers and beverages by See Aaron’s Acres pg 5
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First Back-to-School Bash planned
Preparing for the first Faith Evangelical Congregational Church Backto-School Bash are (from left) Chris Latschar, Heather Leicy, Michelle Shertzer, and Kristin Hershey.
Three decades of ASSETS
BY ANN MEAD ASH
BY ANN MEAD ASH
The autumn celebrations held at Faith Evangelical Congregational Church have been evolving over the last few years. “(Originally), we did Trunk or Treat (in October),” said Heather Leicy, who has been helping to organize the event for several years. For September 2022, the church switched to a Fall Fest, including food and games for children and adults. “Now (we will hold) a Back-toSchool Bash instead,” said Leicy. The bash will be held at the church, 2124 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, on Sunday, Aug. 6, from
“Historically, we’ve done a lot of work in Lancaster city,” said Kevin Nofziger, business development officer with ASSETS. “But more of our clients are coming from all over the county.” On Tuesday, Sept. 12, ASSETS will celebrate 30 years serving Lancaster with an event at Southern Market, 100 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets, which are necessary to attend the event, called ASSETS at 30, may be purchased at https://assets-at -30.eventbrite.com. ASSETS was started by the
See Faith Church pg 4
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) in an effort to create stateside opportunities for entrepreneurs. “ We are a CDFI (community development financial institution),” said Nofziger, who noted the organization plans to expand beyond Lancaster County. ASSETS can offer loans from $1,000 to $50,000. Three main lending products are available: a small business loan of up to $10,000; an impact loan of up to $30,000; and a special Reimagining Our Community loan of up to $10,000 for one year at 1%, accompanied by a 30% matching grant. See ASSETS pg 3
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