Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville JANUARY 28, 2026
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Good Vibes for a Great Cause
Painting the Ever-Changing River BY CAT SHANNON
BY CAT SHANNON
with parish nurse Chamaine DeLeon. “While we do not replace professional mental health care, we offer understanding, presence and hope - grounded in faith and community.” CCMHM was founded in December 2023 at a meeting of the parishes of Holy Trinity and St. Peter’s Catholic churches in Columbia. A month earlier, the Dioceses of Harrisburg had presented a workshop on mental health ministry, prompting the Columbia churches to take action.
“I will never get tired of painting the river,” said artist Diana Thomas, describing the view from the banks of the Susquehanna. “It’s always fascinated me how often the color of the river changes.” Thomas will share her love of the river and how it’s influenced her art at “The River Speaks Color,” a 30-minute illustrated talk to be held Saturday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m. at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, 1706 Long Level Road, Wrightsville. The talk will be followed by open painting time, allowing participants to create their own watercolor pieces inspired by the river and the artwork on display at the center. Thomas, who lives in Columbia, once created 53 paintings of the river over the course of a year. “I wanted to paint the river once a week to sharpen my skills as an artist and give priority to the art in my life,” she said of the 2016 project. She experienced a devastating loss midway through the year when her daughter died by suicide. Although Thomas paused her painting for some time, she didn’t give up on her series. “Painting is therapeutic,” she said. “It was my glue that held me together.” She kept a weekly journal to accompany her paintings, and a friend encouraged her to share the journal entries and the art at the project’s completion. “I was terrified,” Thomas said of putting her personal thoughts on display, but she thought others might benefit from her story. Since then, she’s shared her artwork - and her story - with numerous clubs, church groups
See Faithful pg 2
See River pg 2
W
hen Evolve Life Group hosts its annual Sweethear t Dance, people can e x p e c t m o re t h a n those two words imply, said Joe Bachman, director of the group. It will be held on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, but it’s open to anyone, whether they have a date or not. “This is a community dance,” Bachman shared. “We use the word ‘dance’ loosely. There’s a lot of people The Modern Age will perform at Evolve Life Group’s Sweetheart Dance. be available in a lot at the rear of that just come and see people they music and tap your feet!” The event will be held at the the building. haven’t seen for a long time. It’s a “ We will have non-alcoholic great night of community fellow- Hellam Fire Hall, 163 E. Market ship. You can certainly dance, but St., Hallam, from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors drinks and snacks for a freewill you also can just sit and listen to will open at 6:30 p.m. Parking will offering, along with a live band,” See Vibes pg 3
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Chamaine and Tony DeLeon light candles during a Blue Christmas service.
Through education, prayer and compassionate care, Columbia Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CCMHM) strives to fulfill a core mission: to create a community where no one walks alone. “CCMHM was founded to create a compassionate space where our community can openly discuss mental health; support one another; and accompany those who suffer toward richer spiritual, emotional and physical lives,” shared retired deacon Jim Doyle, who leads the program
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VOL LXVI • NO 46