Celebrating
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
“Columbia is a town full of history,” said John Reitzel, chair of the committee tasked with commemorating the town’s 300th anniversary. “I’m a lifetime resident, and I didn’t know all the history myself.”
Start Your Engines
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
No matter what the weather conditions are on Saturday, June 20, it’s guaranteed to thunder in Columbia. More than 525 cars, trucks and motorcycles will roll into town for the 12th annual Thunder on the River. At
noon, all participants will fire their engines in unison, letting out a roar that will rumble through the streets like a summer thunderstorm.
“We started this tradition several years ago, and it’s become something people look forward to,” said Paul Resch, president of the Columbia Lions Club, which
organizes the event. “When hundreds of engines roar to life at the same time, it’s a sound you feel in your chest. It’s one of those moments that makes this show unlike anything else in the area.”
Thunder on the River will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, on Locust Street between
See Engines pg 2
He’s hoping people will explore Columbia’s past and discover its present during multiple events and activities set to mark the milestone anniversary.
In a year where attention is focused on America’s semiquincentennial, Columbians know their place in the country’s past.
“We were a community before there was such a place as ‘America,’” Reitzel said. “We’ve been an important part of Pennsylvania and the region for 300 years.”
The opening ceremony for the 300th anniversary celebration will be held on Friday, June 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Locust Street Park, 550 Locust St.
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
In June of 1863, outnumbered Union troops and local volunteers in Columbia set the wooden covered bridge spanning the Susquehanna River ablaze to prevent Confederate troops from advancing east into Lancaster County. The action forced the Confederates to retreat west, and two days later, the troops met Union forces at Gettysburg. For the first time since the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2013, all 26 bridge piers that remain from that bridge will be illuminated as the grand finale of Riverfest 2026.
“We’ll have a few guest speakers, including state Rep. Brett Miller and state Sen. James Malone and Mayor Leo Lutz,” Reitzel said. “Old Columbia Public Grounds Company turns 200 this year, and they manage the park. They’re going to get a citation.”
Following the ceremony, Central City Orchestra will kick off the annual Music in the Park, an event sponsored by the Columbia Lions Club.
“They are a great band, and they always draw a big crowd,” Reitzel said. “It’s going to be a really fun evening.”
On Saturday, June 20, people are invited to explore Thunder on the River in downtown Columbia and the Last Ride and Macabre
Front and Sixth streets and in Locust Street Park. Admission is free for spectators.
This year’s sold-out show welcomes all makes and models of vehicles, with 86 trophies awarded across a variety of categories, including Best of Show and the Barry Doutrich Memo-
rial Trophy, named for the show’s founder. “Every year, this show feels like stepping back into the best parts of our past,” Resch said. “You’ll see the car you drove in high school, the one your dad taught you to drive in or the one you always dreamed about. These vehicles carry
stories - first dates, family road trips, late-night cruises and memories that connect generations.”
This year’s show also coincides with two historic celebrations.
“Columbia is celebrating its 300th anniversary, and the opening ceremonies take place the night before
our show,” Resch said. “At the same time, America is celebrating its 250th anniversary. With both milestones happening together, we’re encouraging everyone to wear red, white and blue and really show their patriotism and community pride.”
Several veterans organizations will be present, including Vietnam Veterans of America, the Navy Club, the Lancaster County Marine Corps League Toys for Tots and the Young Marines.
“It means a lot to have the veterans with us,” Resch added. “Their presence reminds us that our freedoms - and the celebrations we enjoy - are possible because of the men and women who served.”
At 11:30 a.m., Boy Scout Troop 35 will lead a flag ceremony, followed by the national anthem and engine revving at noon.
A Kids Pit Stop located in the parking garage at CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health, 401 Locust St., will feature face painting, crafts and fun for kids, plus free toy car giveaways by Columbia Borough Police.
“Thunder on the River is a family event,” Resch said. “Kids love the crafts and face painting, parents love the cars, and everyone loves the energy. And for
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the little ones, nothing compares to walking up to a police officer and getting a free Hot Wheels or Matchbox car. It’s a small gesture that creates a big memory.”
Official Thunder on the River T-shirts will be available for purchase at the Lions headquarters tent in front of 345 Locust St. The Lions will also collect food donations for the Columbia Food Bank and will sell tickets for a 50-50 drawing.
The Last Ride & Macabre Creations, sponsored by Mount Bethel Cemetery, will feature hearses, ambulances and flower cars between Sixth and Seventh streets, and vendors in the cemetery, 700 Locust St.
Restrooms will be available at multiple outdoor and indoor locations, including Columbia Market House and St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Food trucks and nonprofit food vendors will be set up on South Fourth Street, and people are also encouraged to visit Columbia eateries. A full list may be found at https:// columbiamerchants.com.
Participating food trucks will include Scoops Ice Cream and Grille, Halo’s Eatery and Nouveau TeaVietnamese Bakery & Café.
Spectator parking for Thunder on the River will be available on surround -
ing streets and in designated lots, including Holy Trinity Church, Janson Park, Columbia Church and Columbia Market House. Handicap parking will be available on North Fourth Street between Locust and Walnut streets.
Thunder on the River benefits the Columbia Borough Fire Department for the purchase of a new ladder truck and the Columbia Lions Club vision and eyeglass program. Since 2014, the Lions have donated $84,200 from the car show to local nonprofits.
Resch noted that the show is always held the third Saturday in June, which usually falls the day before Father’s Day.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers and father figures who’ve shaped our lives,” he said. “When you walk through the show, you’ll see that spirit everywhere: multi-generational vehicles restored by fathers and sons or even fathers and grandsons, families attending together and people proudly sharing the stories behind the cars that have been passed down through generations. It’s truly a family-friendly event, and that sense of tradition and community is a big part of what makes the show special.”
America250 Series Puts Local Spin on American Backstories
BY JEFF FALK
All humans are created equally, and peoples of different colors, backgrounds and beliefs can share the Earth and peacefully coexist. If indeed America is a grand experiment, then those are the premises.
On the occasion of this country’s 250th anniversary, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum’s America250 lecture series examines forces which have directly and indirectly affected that experiment and highlights the role that Pennsylvania and Lancaster have played in it.
The seven-speaker America250 lecture series that Long has pulled together will be presented
at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, on the last Friday of every month. There are costs involved with attending the series of lectures, which will conclude on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Kutztown University’s Patrick Donmoyer’s presentation on “The Legend of Mountain Mary” kicked off the America250 lecture series at 6 p.m. on May 29. It will be followed by historian Scott Mingus’ talk on “The Underground Railroad in Lancaster” at 6 p.m. on June 26, Philip Gruber’s discussions about “Farmer Revolts in Early America” at 6 p.m. on July 31, and Scott Sheeley’s speech on “Lancaster’s Role in American’s
Food System” at 6 p.m. on Aug. 28. At 6 p.m. on Sept. 25, Lynette Miller will put a historical spin on “18th Century Fashion in Lancaster.” Dr. William Woys Weaver will expound upon the topic of “Pennsylvania Dutch Food Traditions” at 6 p.m. on Oct. 30, while
Patrick Donmoyer
Creations in Mount Bethel Cemetery.
The 300th anniversary committee will also host a Light the Night Watch Party on Sunday, June 28, coinciding with Riverfest 2026’s finale.
Historian Scott Mingus will speak at 5 p.m. on “Bringing the Heat,” telling the story of the bridge burning that proved to be a pivotal point in the Civil War. From 6 to 8 p.m., live music will be presented by The Maxwell Project, followed by a viewing party to see all 26 piers on the river - the remains of the original bridge - lit on fire to commemorate the 1863 event.
“We’re really happy to be part of this re-enactment,” Reitzel said. “One of the many things we’re proud of as a town was the role Columbia played both in the Civil War and with the Underground Railroad. When enslaved people crossed the river into Columbia, they experienced their first sense of freedom here.”
Columbia 300 festivities will continue on Saturday, July 4, with a community celebration at Glatfelter Memorial Field, 1249 Lancaster Ave., Columbia, beginning at 6 p.m.
“The band PopScotch will play from 6 to 9 p.m., followed by fireworks,” Reitzel said. “We’re going to have free hot dogs, free chips, water, children’s activities, a dunk tank and more. It’s a totally free event for the
community. We have a very generous community here, and we’ve raised enough money to be able to put on this event at no cost to the public.”
Planning for Columbia’s 300th anniversary celebration began more than a year ago, and fundraising efforts included the creation of a commemorative calendar that soon sold out. Reitzel, who enjoys photography, also supplied photos for a book highlighting Columbia’s history, with content written by Sara Mimnall. The book will be for sale at all of the 300th anniversary events, along with memorabilia including mugs, T-shirts and yard signs.
“Columbia has been important in America’s history,” Reitzel said. “We were once considered as a location for the nation’s capital. We were a hub for transportation during the Industrial Revolution. We have a lot of pride in our town. We come together when something good happens, but we also come together when bad things happen, and we support each other.”
He said he’s looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Columbia.
“We’re a very proud, very close-knit town,” he said. “We’re excited to say, ‘Here we are. We’re still here, and we’re thriving.’”
For more information on events to mark Columbia’s 300th anniversary, follow “Columbia PA 300” on Facebook.
Students Named to Dean’s List
Two local students were named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Pennsylvania Western University. To be eligible for this distinction, degree-seeking undergraduate students must earn a minimum semester GPA of 3.4 while taking at least 12 graded credits.
Thom Mondeaux of Columbia was recognized by PennWest Global Online. Mondeaux is studying computer information systems. Brody Hinkle of Wrightsville was honored at PennWest Clarion. Hinkle is studying sport management.
Grants Awarded for Programs Aiding Youths
Advoz: Mediation & Restorative Services and the Touchstone Foundation were awarded $500,616 in grant funding to help expand their youth programs aimed at reducing student conflict and improving student mental health, respectively. The competitive grants, approved by the School Safety and Security Committee under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, are part of more than $64 million awarded to organizations across the state. The Advoz and Touchstone grants were recently announced by state Rep. Nikki Rivera. Advoz will use its $244,850 to expand its Restorative School Program at J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster city. The grant funds will cover the partial salaries and benefits of the executive director, director of training, and restorative schools practitioner. Additionally, funding will be used for advertising and marketing expenses, rent, a laptop, general operating expenses, and information technology support. The program serves approximately 750 students annually, teaching them skills in communication, problem solving, emotional regulation, and constructive dialogue.
The Touchstone Foundation will use its $255,766 award to expand and strengthen Rise Above, a youth mental wellness initiative serving approximately 1,120 students and young adults ages 12 to 26 across Lancaster County. The funds will pay a partial amount of the current program manager’s time, pay for a program assistant and an operations manager and accountant, and support employee benefits and travel to school districts within Lancaster County. Funding will also be used to support program evaluation led by Millersville University’s
Carrie Smith, as well as communications-related costs such as photography and video documentation. Rise Above responds directly to community needs documented in the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey and the Touchstone Foundation’s 2023 Needs Assessment, which showed high rates of depression, suicidal ideation, bullying, exclusion, and barriers to mental health access among Lancaster County youths. Through partnerships with local school districts, mental health professionals, and community organizations, the program blends mental health education, creative self-expression, youth leadership development, and mentorship to address gaps in early identification, access to support, and trusted adult relationships.
People enjoy a concert in Locust Street Park.
Music Will Mark Juneteenth
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
Celebrate our country’s second Independence Day at a Juneteenth concert performed by the Music for Everyone (MFE) Community Chorus. The concert will take place on Friday, June 19, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren, 777 S. Mount Joy St.
The concert was originally scheduled for February, but inclement weather caused its postponement.
That turned out to be an opportunity, said Joe Detrick, chair of the church’s concert committee.
“In consultation with the MFE director, Darla Bair, June 19, or Juneteenth, was the only available date for this spring,” Detrick recalled. “Our concert committee was especially sensitized to the Juneteenth celebration since our church has a strong peace, social and racial justice emphasis.”
Bair will lead the concert, directing a program featuring the non-audition, allage, multicultural secular
group of 50 singers that comprise MFE’s Community Chorus. The group performs fully memorized songs, incorporating choreography and American Sign Language.
“One cannot help but feel actively engaged as they listen and are invited to sing along,” Detrick said.
“For this specific concert, all the musical selections will tell the story from slavery to freedom.”
Officially enacted as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth marks the date in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas,
to alert enslaved African Americans of their freedom, more than two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday takes its name from blending the words “June” and “nineteen.”
“Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event, largely unknown to many Americans, belongs to all Americans,” Detrick shared. “The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of continuing to put one foot in front of the other and walk toward a goal of peace, love and justice for all.”
builder to transform lives in Lancaster County and beyond.
The concert complements the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren’s desire to reach audiences outside its doors.
“Our church is committed to promoting musical arts in the Elizabethtown community by uniting people through music and fostering a sense of shared experience,” Detrick said. “We are pleased to offer our accessible, family-friendly facilities for such events.”
Football and Cheerleading League Posted
The United Disabilities Services Foundation (UDSF) has opened registration for the Challenger Football and Cheerleading League for the 2026-27 school year.
The league offers opportunities for people ages 8 to 21 with disabilities in Lancaster and surrounding cities to exercise while having fun. Along with teaching football and cheerleading fundamentals, the league gives players the opportunity to participate in a group activity where they can learn skills, interact socially with other individuals, and make new friends.
The program is also looking for volunteers to
be Challenger Buddies to encourage players around the field and help with passing and catching. Games will take place every Saturday from Aug. 1 to Oct. 10. Volunteers over age 18 must complete a criminal background check and child abuse clearance.
Sponsorships are available for businesses and individual donors.
To register before the end of June or for more information, visit https://udservices.org/ services/enrichment -life-skills/challenger -football-cheerleading/. Questions may also be directed to Allison Gregory at allisong@ud services.org.
Cemetery Sets Tea Event, Guided Tours
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The nonprofit MFE has a mission to cultivate the power of music as an educational and community
The concert is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. All Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren concerts are livestreamed and available on YouTube following the performance.
Women United Hold Annual Meeting
United Way of Lancaster County’s Women United group gathered on May 19 for its annual meeting to celebrate another year of community impact, recognize past partners, and announce this year’s grant recipients.
In observance of the 300th anniversary of the founding of Columbia as Wright’s Ferry, several activities will be held on the grounds of Mount Bethel Cemetery, 700 Locust St., Columbia, on Saturday, June 27.
“Tea With Susanna Wright,” a high tea event hosted by costumed portrayer Janet Wood, will be held at 1 p.m. Tickets are limited. Reservations for the tea must be made prior to Saturday, June 20, at www.susqnha.org/events.
One-hour guided tours of the oldest section of the cemetery - where the town founders and other notable residents are interred - will take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Chris Vera, president of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society, will be on hand in this area of the cemetery to share tidbits of knowledge and interesting stories. The tours are free, but reservations are required at the aforementioned website.
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Held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lancaster Chamber, this year’s meeting carried special significance as members honored the life and legacy of longtime Women United member and past chair Kay Burky, who died earlier this year. A dedicated advocate for women and families in Lancaster County, Burky had been an active member of Women United since 2009 and played a pivotal role in shaping the group’s growth and impact over the years.
In tribute to Burky’s legacy
of generosity and service, her husband, Scott Burky, made a surprise gift that will fully fund all 2026 Women United grant awards. The recipients of this year’s grants, each for the maximum amount of $20,000, were Union Community Care, YWCA Lancaster, Church World Service, Lititz Public Library, and Girls on the Run Lancaster. The grants will support programs and initiatives focused on improving the health and overall well-being of women and girls in Lancaster County.
Women United is a leadership giving circle of United Way of Lancaster County that brings together women who are passionate about philanthropy, volunteerism, and creating lasting change in the community.
The Music for Everyone Community Chorus
In prior years, Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) was able to light three piers at a time for Riverfest, but thanks to a sponsorship from the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation, all of the piers will light up on Sunday, June 28, beginning at 7:45 p.m.
“In early 2025, we had begun to plan for this historic year and hoped to find the support to create this breathtaking experience of lighting all the bridge piers,” said Sophia Vayansky, program manager for SNHA. “It’s no easy task to prepare all the piers, load the wood and light them simultaneously. We are deeply grateful to the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation for their extraordinary generosity and vision. Their support allows us to honor this pivotal moment in American history at the scale it deserves.”
To encourage close-up viewing of the piers, Veterans Memorial Bridge between Columbia and Wrightsville will be closed to traffic, allowing pedestrians to walk directly above the fiery blaze.
SNHA expressed thanks to Columbia Water Company and John Klinedinst for their sponsorship of the
bridge entrances and safety and traffic teams on both sides of the bridge.
Festival organizers encourage the public to plan ahead and arrive early for the Sunday evening finale due to expected crowds and bridge closures.
“This is one of the most unique historic commemorations in Pennsylvania,” said Hope Byers, vice president of visitor engagement for SNHA. “There are very few places in America where you can stand on a bridge at night and witness an entire line of historic bridge piers illuminated by fire across a major river. It’s an emotional, powerful experience that connects people directly to the events of 1863.”
John Wright Restaurant will host the Riverfest Ignite Finale on its lawn, with live music and fire performances.
A Burning Bridge Bash VIP Party for 100 guests will be held in the River Room at the restaurant, overlooking the river. Columbia River Park will host the Columbia 300th Light the Night Watch Party. The lighting of the bridge piers is just one part of the multi-day Riverfest, scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 26, 27 and 28.
The 2026 Riverfest celebration takes place during
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
a landmark year of anniversaries: America’s 250th anniversary and Columbia’s 300th anniversary. To mark the moment, SNHA has expanded programming and one-of-a-kind heritage experiences that connect local stories to the larger American narrative.
The counties of Lancaster and York hold a special place in the nation’s founding. The Continental Congress met in York for nine months, where it ratified the Articles of Confederation. Lancaster’s economy and skilled craftspeople supplied critical materials for the Revolutionary War.
This year’s expanded Riverfest schedule includes boat
tours, walking tours, African American history experiences, Underground Railroad programs, live music, family activities, river recreation and America250-themed programming throughout Columbia, Wrightsville, Marietta and surrounding river communities.
Highlights of Riverfest also include the Bridge Burner Challenge Run & Paddle Race; the River Recreation Expo, featuring more than 20 vendors and demonstrations connecting people to outdoor experiences in the region; Flames Across the Susquehanna Boat Tours departing daily from SNHA’s Zimmer -
man Center for Heritage; Underground Railroad van tours and re-enactments with the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania and Bethel AME/Living the Experience; walking tours from the Mount Bethel Cemetery, Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster and Rivertownes PA USA; and Civil War presentations and museum experiences from Historic Wrightsville Inc., Columbia Historic Preservation Society and Columbia 300 committee.
“Riverfest is possible through the dedication of SNHA, our heritage partners and our sponsors,”
Byers said. “The financial and creative support of Wright’s Ferry Mansion, the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation, John Wright Restaurant and the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority was critical to the amazing expansion of programming for 2026. We would also like to thank Brightspeed, CPRS Physical Therapy, WellSpan and Discover Lancaster for their support.”
Most Riverfest activities require advance registration, and several experiences are expected to sell out. For tickets, schedules and event details, visit https://riverfestpa.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. (717-252-2417) Sunday morning service at 9:15am with Holy Eucharist. Handicap accessible. We can be found on Facebook.
Attend
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Please Note: Updates can be made to your church’s listing for 1st issue date of each month only. (Changes must be submitted by the previous Wednesday.) For More Information On Church Listings And Rates, Call Justin at 717-492-2533
Volunteers Make Wolf Sanctuary Howling Success
BY JEFF FALK
At the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania, staff members have a difficult time imagining a world without volunteers.
“I think (an absence of volunteers) would truly affect how we operate,” said Michelle Vandernewt, the education coordinator at Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania. “We started as a volunteer organization. The volunteer program is our backbone. All of our tour guides are volunteers. They come here in all kinds of weather. Some have been here a long time.”
A popular Lancaster County tourist attraction located at 465 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, the 80-acre Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania is home to nearly 50 rescued and relocated wolves. The task of maintaining and operating the wildlife refuge and caring for the wolves in their natural setting can be daunting, but it is one performed by 10 paid staff members and more than 50 dedicated volunteers.
“They are people who fell in love with wolves,” said Vandernewt. “They’re
people who genuinely care about wolves. They are people who like helping with wildlife. Our volunteers have such a passion for what they do.”
To express their appreciation for their contributions, officials at the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania recognize those efforts through posts on social media. The posts, which include photos and short narratives, are typically made on the anniversary of the volunteers’ start days, or “rescue dates.”
“We try to honor them publicly, and we try to express our gratitude when they’re here,” said Vandernewt.
Volunteers at the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania typically work five- to sixhour shifts. Many of the volunteers are local, but some drive as much as two hours to volunteer there.
On any given day, as many as 15 individuals are volunteering at the wolf sanctuary. The volunteers’ work is scheduled based on their availability.
“I really think it’s the wolves,” said Vandernewt. “Volunteers visit before their interviews, and some fall in love with the wolves. They can’t help but stick around.”
Among the duties per -
formed by volunteers at the wolf sanctuary are tour guiding, animal care, cleaning and general operational duties.
The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania hosts large fundraisers and offers guided and self-guided tours. When conditions are right, the wildlife refuge can host as many as 2,500 visitors per month.
“Our volunteers are great at interacting with the public,” said Vandernewt. “They share their passion for wolves. Our tour program is a big fundraiser, and our volunteers really help run that.”
The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania was founded by Lititz residents Bill and Barbara Darlington in 1980. The facility was a private sanctuary before becoming a nonprofit in 1993.
As it has evolved over the years, the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania has added to its resident wolf population, hired more staff members and reinvented its methods for educating the public about wolves.
For additional information, go to www.wolf sanctuarypa.org.
Performance to Focus on Underground Railroad
A benefit performance of “Leaders and Liberators: Harriet Tubman and Her Columbia Connections” will take place on Sunday, June 21, at 5 p.m. at Saint Paul Episcopal Church, 340 Locust St., Columbia.
The event will be a dramatic reading of an original script that portrays an imagined meeting on July 4, 1872, in Cape May, N.J. Those involved in the meeting are Harriet Tubman and two abolitionist allies from Columbiathe Rev. Stephen Smith and William Whipper. Tubman, Smith, and Whipper were conductors and agents who led hundreds of people to freedom through the anti-slavery network of
the Underground Railroad from the 1830s through the 1850s.
The cast features Raquel Richardson as Tubman, the Rev. Eric Jackson as Whipper, and Nelson Polite Jr., president of the African American Historical Society, as Smith. Accomplished actors in period theater, the three will present a
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historically informed script authored by Lancaster historian Randolph Harris and his wife, the Rev. Martha Harris, rector at Saint Paul Episcopal Church. The Rev. Patricia S. McAllister, retired pastor from Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbia, will serve as the interlocutor, setting the scene and introducing the presenters. Jackson and McAllister will facilitate a post-production dialogue with the actors, which will be followed by a reception in the Saint Paul Parish House.
Conveniently located near downtown Columbia, this property offers easy access to local shops, restaurants, antique stores, and riverfront attractions. Enjoy being just minutes from the Susquehanna River, Columbia Crossing River Trail, and Route 30 for an easy commute to Lancaster and York. The property includes a 1796 Sq. Ft. home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. This property features a 6000+ Sq. Ft. block building as well used for business.
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The event is sponsored by the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania, the Underground Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the Stephen Smith Community Development and Multicultural Center, and Saint Paul Episcopal Church.
To purchase tickets, visit www.aahsscpa.org.
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Volunteers prepare for a chore at the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania.
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ICCF CANE CORSO PUPPIES 4M, very nice built pups, ears cropped. UTD vet checked. #18916. Also BANTY ROOSTERS for sale. 717-654-1075
Miscellaneous
DENTAL INSURANCE FROM Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit w/all the details! 1-877-553-1891 www.dental50plus.com/macnet #6258
DIRECTV OVER INTERNET - Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-629-6086.
DON’T LET THE stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-844317-5246.
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-465-7624 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
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AGING ROOF? NEW Homeowner? Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. 1-877461-0698. Have zip code ready when calling!
BATH & SHOWER updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189.
BECOME A PUBLISHED author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or dorranceinfo.com/ads
CONSUMER CELLULAR - same reliable, nationwide coverage as large carriers. No long-term contract or hidden fees, free activation. All plans unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. 1-877-751-0866.
DENTAL INSURANCE FROM Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not a discount plan. Free info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258
DIRECTV STREAM - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Pkg $89.99/mo. for 12 mos. Stream on 20 devices. HBO Max included for 3 mos. w/Choice Package or higher. No contract or hidden fees! Restrictions apply. IVS 1-866-859-0405.
DON'T LET THE stairs limit your mobility! Discover the solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. AmeriGlide 1-833-399-3595.
DONATE YOUR CAR to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800245-0398.
HOME BREAK-INS TAKE less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, home, assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-877-907-0316.
INFLATION AT 40-YEAR highs. Interest rates are up. Credit cards. medical bills. car loans. Have $10k+ in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for much less than you owe! Free quote: 1-844-955-4930.
JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as 1-day. Limited time, waiving all installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change & vary by dealer. Ends Soon. 1-844-501-3208.
MOBILEHELP AMERICA'S PREMIER mobile medical alert system. Home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts, free brochure! 1-888-489-3936.
NEED CASH QUICKLY? We buy houses in any condition. Get a fair cash offer within 24 hours! Call today. Liz Buys Houses: 1-833-359-4707
NATIONAL
PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR may be covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence & mobility w/ the compact design & long-lasting battery. Inogen One free info kit! Call 1-877-305-1535
PREPARE FOR POWER outages todayGenerac Home Standby Generator. Receive free 5-Yr. warranty w/qualifying purchase. 1-855-948-6176 to schedule free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
REACH MILLIONS OF homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network! For more info: www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products
TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage guitars! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930s to 1980s. Call 1-866-433-8277
SERVICES RENDERED
Asphalt Needs by JACK COOPER TAR & CHIP
HALF THE PRICE of Blacktop! • Farm Lanes • Parking Lots • Secondary Roads • Sealcoating • Patching • Crack Filling 717-494-1635 S SAAV
BELLE RIDGE TREE SERVICE LTD SPECIALIZE IN LARGE/HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL. FREE ESTIMATES! CALL OMAR 717-341-1310 CHRISTIANA PA
CLOCK REPAIR - HIGH END PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED. House calls avail. Columbia | 717-478-4799
CLOCK REPAIR - TRAGER 717-786-7053
DO YOU KNOW what’s in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-996-1526
FULL PROPERTY CLEANOUT
Appliances/Furniture/Tree/Brush Removal Demo • Rolloff Dumpster Rentals YOU NAME IT, WE DO IT! MJR LLC | Millersville 717-672-6483
Grandfather, Wall, & Mantel Clocks Cleaned, Oiled, Repaired. We Make House Calls! Free Pick-up & Delivery 717-454-7925
SAFE STEP. NORTH America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-356-1954.
MULCHING Trimming/Planting. Small Tree & Shrub Removal. Soil Prep & Seeding. Neglected Overgrowth Cleanup. Fast, Professional Service. Senior Discounts! FREE ESTIMATES! Licensed/Insured : 717-208-2265 SPRING CLEANUP
STUMP GRINDING Free estimates. Insured. Call or text Mitzel’s Stump Grinding 717-858-9347
STUMP GRINDING SERVICES 717-989-7938, leave message.
TONE’S SOLID CONTRUCTION Remodel • Basements • Additions Decks • Fences, etc. We do it all! Insd./PA176621 | 717-984-3865
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT TOWNLIVELY.COM
ITEMS WANTED
BUYING CLASSIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs **American and Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING CA$H$$ Please call 717-577-8206 KRMiller1965@yahoo.com
BUYING UNWANTED HEATING OIL 30¢/gal.-will pick up. Ed 717-587-7315
HAVE SOMETHING TO GIVE AWAY?
Place a FREE Ad! Call 1-800-428-4211
NO CLEANING GUTTERS guaranteed! LeafFilter - most advanced gutter protection, backed by a no-clog guarantee & lifetime warranty. 1-833-610-1936 schedule free inspection & estimate. Get 75% off install & $250 bonus discount! Limited time. Restrictions apply, see rep for warranty & details.
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodents, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned & affordable. For service or inspection today! 1-877-916-2103. Have zip code ready!
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & restoration:
A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do repairs to protect your family & home value! 1-877-318-6832. Have zip code ready!
WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC timeshare cancellation experts. Over $50 million timeshare debt/fees cancelled in 2019. Free info package. Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 1-833-308-1971.
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT TOWNLIVELY.COM
SEASONAL
COAL/WOOD/PELLET STOVES & Inserts, New & Refurbished. Over 300 models in stock. $100-$800 & up. Buy/Sell/Trade. Call 717-577-6640
LOST & FOUND
FOUND AN ITEM? Place a FREE 15 word ad in your local issue to locate the owner of your found item. 1-800-428-4211
HANDYMAN : Landscaping. Mulch. Power Washing. Painting. Gutters/ Guards. Decks. Siding. Roofing. Mailboxes. Odd Jobs. 717-826-3680
HAULING, JUNK REMOVAL. Bsmts, sheds, garages cleaned out. Tree brush. Odd jobs. We also move people. Free est. Visa/MC/ Disc/AmEx. 717-456-6051; 410-688-7569
CRASS HAULING
INT./EXT. PAINTING
Drywall Repairs. Lite Carpentry. Cabinets Painting. Great Time to Paint Your Garage! PA032157 : Damien 717-940-5912
JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 12/27/26.) Call 1-844-826-2535.
JUNK REMOVAL
Basements, garages, attics. Appls. ($20). Five Star Property Service, 717-278-1030
NO MORE CLEANING out gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855-791-1626 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details.
PAINTING BY MR. NEIL
Residential Specialist. Int. & Ext. Also PLASTERING, Wallpaper Removal, & Custom Staining, 717-871-0110.
PAINTING DONE RIGHT Int/Ext. Res/Com
Detailed custom painting. 33yrs. exp/Refs. All related services, etc. 717-286-5464
ROOF REPLACEMENT & REPAIRS Free Estimates. Guaranteed Work. Insured. Call HACKMAN SMARTROOF today! 717-367-2348 (PA001690)
ROOFING ~ Amish Quality
yr. workmanship warranty. Lic. & Ins. EDGE VIEW ROOFING, 717-940-0501
DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-327-0686 today!
GET A BREAK on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2026. Call Heritage for the Blind at 1-844-320-2804 today!
USED CARS WANTED
Like New With Low Miles Jeff Gast, 717-575-4561 $ $
••• WANTED ••• CORVETTES & CLASSIC CARS Jeff Gast, 717-575-4561 $ $
WANTED MOTORCYCLES & MINI BIKES. ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, BSA, and other foreign models. $$PAYING CA$H$$ 717-577-8206 KRMiller1965@yahoo.com
Sierra Club Sets Potluck Picnic
The Sierra Club - Lancaster Group invites the public to its annual potluck picnic at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, in Lancaster’s Long’s Park, 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. The event will
provide an opportunity to learn about the local group of the Sierra Club, as well as to celebrate Father’s Day and the first official day of summer.
Hamburgers and drinks will be supplied, and attendees are welcomes to bring sides and desserts. Yard games will be available, and picnickers may stay to see a concert by The War and Treaty at 7:30 p.m. The husband-and-wife duo performs Southern rock and other styles of music.
Attendees should look for the green Sierra Club sign at the top of the hill in front of the amphitheater. For more details about the potluck, email janedruce@ gmail.com. Additional information about the Sierra Club - Lancaster Group can be found at www.lancastersierra club.org.
Refresh Lancaster Reaches Fundraising Goal
Refresh Lancaster, a program that operates a mobile hygiene unit, has secured the funding needed to sustain operations for the next year.
In May, Lancaster EMS announced that the Refresh Lancaster program was facing termination without additional funding support. The goal was to raise $100,000 by June 30 to keep providing two deployments a week for the next year. This goal has not only been reached, but also exceeded, with nearly $115,000 raised for the program as of May 28.
During each deployment, individuals may receive clothing items, including socks and underwear, as well as hygiene supplies like shampoo and feminine hygiene products. Lancaster city site deployments may include laundry cards for Festiva Laundry, as well. Refresh Lancaster also provides referrals for other community-based services, including housing, food, clothing, medical and dental, counseling, and financial planning.
Donations can still be made to support ongoing program operations at https://secure.qgiv.com/ for/refreshlancaster.
Refresh Lancaster offers two private, hot shower stalls and a medical office for discreet, on-site consultations and care provided by an experienced health care professional. Each person who uses the Refresh Lancaster unit is offered clean towels and toiletries, and handheld hair dryers and shower seats are available in each of the rooms. The showers are cleaned after each use, and the rooms are heated.
Lancaster EMS will now seek long-term funding solutions to keep the program running sustainably beyond the summer of 2027.
Lectures
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long rifle and back powder expert John Kolar’s talk on “Lancaster Gunsmiths of the Early Republic” at 6 p.m. on Nov. 18 will conclude the series and preview Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum’s upcoming exhibit featuring early firearms. Each lecture in the series will last about 90 minutes and will include discussion and question-and-answer periods. Light refreshments will be served.
Interested individuals are asked to register for the lectures at www .landisvalleymuseum.org. There are limits to the number of visitors who can attend the lectures in person, but the museum will also offer Zoom options and recorded video presentations on its YouTube Channel.
For more than 100 years, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum has been educating, promoting and advocating for 300-yearold Pennsylvania German history.