Garden Spot townlively.com
AUGUST 2, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 32
SHINE brings lasagna to locals BY ANN MEAD ASH
few years ago, Crystal Smeltzer and Brian French, Lighthouse Vocational Services’ (LVS) senior management, were brainstorming ideas to get LVS participants out into the community in a way that would give back to local residents. LVS is located at 144 Orlan Road, New Holland, and the organization provides vocational services for individuals with disabilities. “They were thinking, ‘Everybody loves to eat, and Lancaster County is famous for food,’” said Michelle Coblentz, donor relations advocate with LVS. The co-workers hit on the idea of making and delivering lasagna to area residents who were struggling in some way. The effort came to be known as SHINE, which Coblentz said stands for “Sharing Hope In Neighborly Encounters.” Until June 2023, two meals were being delivered each Wednesday, but as of June, two meals go out on Tuesdays as well. Each meal consists of a tray of lasagna to feed up
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to 20, along with a freshly made salad for each person at the home where the meal is being delivered. “Meals go to people who are needing encouragement - maybe going through some kind of rough patch … whether it’s an illness, hospitalization, death of a spouse, or (they) just don’t have a lot of food,” explained Coblentz. Denise Johnston, community participation services coordinator with LVS, explained that three participants and an LVS coach work out of two area churches that have partnered with the organization, switching back and forth between using the Trinity Lutheran Church kitchen and the kitchen at Bethany Grace Christian Fellowship. “The same group that purchases the groceries goes to the church and prepares the meal, and then they deliver the meal,” she stated. At first, word of mouth was the best way to find meal recipients, but as the program has grown, Johnston requested names from sites where LVS participants volunteer in the community. More See LVS pg 9
Participants with Lighthouse Vocational Services make and deliver lasagna to local residents as part of SHINE.
The Caernarvon Historical Society will present Churchtown Day, featuring community yard sales along with breakfast and lunch items prepared at the Caernarvon Fire Company, on Saturday, Aug. 5. The event will be held rain or shine. Yard sales will begin at 7 a.m. on Route 23 in Churchtown, as well as in neighboring communities. “Churchtown Day is a big thing. (People may find) something they really want (or a) treasure,” said Yvonne Styer, historical society See Historical society pg 3
Three decades of ASSETS BY ANN MEAD ASH
“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 Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) in an effort to
BY FRANCINE FULTON
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. Loans are only the beginning of what ASSETS offers. Entrepreneurial training programs and boot camps, which run from six to 10 See ASSETS pg 6
Flea markets will be part of Churchtown Day.
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