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Honoring Two Community-Changing Alumni BY CAT SHANNON
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od ay, we honor two individuals who have fulfilled dreams. They’ve reached goals, and they are making a difference in their communities,” said Vickie Anspach, secretary of the Columbia Education Foundation, speaking at a breakfast for the 2025 Columbia Distinguished Alumni. “Leonardo da Vinci said, ‘People of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things,’ and I think that’s true about these two honorees.” Amita Mehta, Columbia Class of 1991, and Andrew (Andy) Ohrel, Columbia Class of 1966, were awarded this year’s honors at the event held in the library of Columbia High School in early October.
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See Alumni pg 6 Andy Ohrel (left) and Amita Mehta with their awards. Photo by Cat Shannon
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To say Dawn Fisher loves Christmas doesn’t quite capture it. For her, the holiday isn’t just a season; it’s a way of life. For nearly 30 years, Dawn has poured her creativity and sparkle into designing the enchanting displays at the National Christmas Center, helping countless visitors feel the magic she’s always cherished. “I’ve always loved Christmas,” she said with a smile. “I love glittery decorations. I really like decorating inside. Outside, not so much - but inside, I just love building displays.” Dawn, who lives in Millersville, has a background in art and design. After years
Dawn Fisher with a scene from Tudor Towne at the National
See Christmas pg 2 Christmas Center. Photo by Cat Shannon
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Bridge Honors Marine’s Legacy BY CAT SHANNON
When people drive across a bridge that crosses a tributary of Kreutz Creek in Hellam Township, they are honoring the service and sacrifice of a local veteran. On Oct. 25, state Rep. Joe D’Orsie hosted a ceremony to officially designate the spot as the Roger Lee Fraker Memorial Bridge. The bridge, located at 5657 Lincoln Highway East in York, bears the name of the Marine private first class, who served in the Weapons Platoon of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division during the Vietnam War. “We are dedicating this bridge as a permanent tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Marine Pfc. Roger Lee Fraker, who served with honor in the Vietnam War,” said D’Orsie, who represents the 47th District. “His service represents a generation that answered the call in a time of great uncertainty, often without recognition, but never without valor.” A native of Hellam and a 1967 graduate of Eastern High School, Fraker was killed in action on Aug. 27, 1968, at the age of 19. “He fought not for personal glory, nor solely for America’s freedom, but in the hope of securing freedom for others,” D’Orsie shared. “May ever y person who crosses this bridge remember his sacrifice, and may his legacy inspire us to live with courage and a lasting commitment to the ideals of liberty and service beyond ourselves.” T he dedication ceremony was attended by Fraker’s family members, as well as military See Bridge pg 3
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