HEM_062426

Hempfield

Volunteers Help Samaritan Center Hit Home Runs

BY JEFF FALK

It is not enough to appreciate the contributions of volunteers. Nonprofit organizations must express that appreciation.

At its upcoming event, the Samaritan Center will validate the contributions its volunteers constantly and consistently make.

“Our volunteers are super important,” said Nancy Pleger, the development officer for the Samaritan Center. “They are the ones who keep the place running. They give support to staff members and the executive team and allow us to do more. They use their connections to help us get in doors. Volunteers are the backbone. Without these dedicated volunteers, we’re just people offering services. We’re not a community lifting each other up.”

The Samaritan Center’s appreciation will be on full display during its Community and Volunteer event on Sunday, June 28,

at Penn Medicine Park, 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster, the home of the Lancaster Stormers professional baseball club. On that day, the Stormers will take on the Gastonia Ghost Peppers at 1:30 p.m. Gates will open at 12:30 p.m.

As part of the Samaritan Center’s volunteer and community celebration, game tickets can be purchased at reduced rates at https://samaritanlancaster.org/event/ community-and-volunteer-event.

The event is also designed to serve as organizational outreach to make the community aware of what the Samaritan Center is all about and what it does.

“We wouldn’t be here without our volunteers,” said Pleger. “The Samaritan Center was established in 1988 as a mission of Highland Presbyterian Church, and it was started by volunteers.”

At the ballpark that afternoon, a selected volunteer will throw out the first pitch, and a Samaritan Center official will address the fans about the work that the nonprofit performs in the community.

See Volunteers pg 4

BY LOGAN MOYER

It’s a patriotic year for the Lancaster County Cruisers.

The group, which holds its annual car show on the first Saturday of July every year, will present this year’s show on Saturday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Willow Street Fire Company, 2901 Willow Street Pike North, Willow Street.

No registration is needed for the 26th annual show. Anyone wishing to participate can bring their cars, trucks and motorcycles. There is a fee to take part; the event will be held rain or shine.

See Cruisers pg 2

BY LOGAN MOYER

Cowboys and Eagles, a classic rivalry. But this game doesn’t take place in Philadelphia or Dallas, Texas. It hails from the Manheim Brethren in Christ Church.

The Chuckie Magee Flag Football and Cheerleading League, a Lancaster-based nonprofit that offers a competitive avenue for individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is set to kick off its sixth season in July.

See Rivalry pg 3

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More than 20 trophies will be awarded, and the first 200 participants will receive a dash plaque.

Because of the event’s schedule, this year will not be the first time that it has been held over the holiday. Club member Judy Andrews said that she does not expect to lose attendees with the holiday weekend.

“It’s done by 2:00, so people still have time to go on and do fireworks and picnics,” she said.

The Cruisers will have T-shirts available for purchase at the show. There will also be door prizes available. For food, there will be breakfast, hot dogs, hamburgers and sausages available. Lemonade, as well as the Mocha Motion Coffee truck, will be available for drinks. There will also be a DJ, who will mix in some patriotic tunes to match the occasion.

gives attendees rides from the parking area to the center of the field. “When it’s July or August, it’s hotter than blazes. You get your food and you’re in the sun; it’s hot. We actually have a pavilion in the shade, which is really nice.”

Hogs and Heroes Foundation, a community of motorcycle riders who support military causes, will have a stand.

Those attending the car show are asked to bring nonperishable canned goods to support the food pantry at the Willow Street United Church of Christ (UCC).

Proceeds from the registration fees and bake sale will be donated to Solanco Neighborhood Ministries, Hope’s Haven, Building Bridges, and Willow Street UCC.

HOP Program to Focus on Appreciation

Healing Our Planet (HOP) will offer a program on Friday, June 26, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, 328 W. Orange St., Lancaster. Attendees should use the entrance on Concord Street.

The program will highlight appreciation. HOP will provide cards so that attendees may write a note of appreciation for someone they know, and attendees may join in a discussion about how people can show appreciation for others, the environment, and themselves. An art

and craft table will be available to keep younger people engaged during the program. HOP exists to cultivate a world where people are united and kind to each other and the environment. HOP seeks to unify communities with kindness programs, events, projects, the arts, and actions for people of all ages.

For more details, email thecirclelegacy@aol.com. Information about HOP is available by visiting www .healingourplanet.net or searching for “Healing Our Planet” on Facebook.

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One big advantage that the Cruisers have over other summer car shows is the pavilion at the fire company.

“I’ve been to lots of car shows, and Judy has too,” said club member Christine Weir, who noted that club members can also

The weather was not great for last year’s show, but the event still pulled in around 350 vehicles. Weir said that the show typically pulls in around 300 to 400 vehicles, depending on weather and when the event falls on the calendar.

“We’ve always lucked out pretty good with the weather,” Andrews said. “That’s why we started doing it rain or shine, because it’s too confusing for the food vendors to come when they have stuff the next day, then they can’t come.”

Church Posts Patriotic Concert

First Reformed Church, 40 E. Orange St., Lancaster, will present a concert, “Stars, Stripes, and Pipes,” on First Friday, July 3, at 8 p.m. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. The 30-minute program will feature guest organist Ken Krause, who is an organ builder with Columbia Organ Works and the organist at St. John Lutheran Church in Lancaster.

In celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday, the concert will

include “You’re a Grand Old Flag” by George M. Cohan and “Prayer for Peace” by Paul Fey, along with “Patriotic Prelude” by the late Gordon Young, who was an organist at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. The concert will conclude with Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America.”

The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the church office at 717-397-5149.

The club has been in existence since 1994. It meets on the second Sunday of every month at 6 p.m. at Willow Street UCC, 2723 Willow Street Pike North, Willow Street. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if they do not own a classic or antique car.

“We just like the people that are in it,” Andrews said. Weir added that the club is looking for new members to come to the show and to bring their significant other.

The club’s other major events include an annual Christmas party; outings to local restaurants; and trips to the Morgantown Auto Mall, located right on the border between Lancaster, Chester and Berks counties.

For more information about the club or car show, call Weir at 717-413-1699 or president Joe Snyder at 717-405-4068.

School Appoints Interim Leader

The Montessori Academy of Lancaster has announced the appointment of a new interim head of school, Melissa Gaeta. She was scheduled to take on her new role following the retirement of head of school Karen Rubenstein in May. During Rubenstein’s more than 23 years of service, she guided the Montessori Academy through a period of growth and transformation. Under her leadership, the campus experienced multiple expansions intended to strengthen learning environments for students and families. Notably, Rubenstein led the school through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to ensure continuity of education

while maintaining a strong sense of community. She is a strong advocate for Montessori peace education.

Gaeta has a strong background in Montessori elementary education along with leadership experience as a child care director. Her career reflects a commitment to nurturing young learners, supporting educators, and fostering inclusive school communities aligned with Montessori principles. Montessori Academy alumni, family members, and friends may submit well wishes for Rubenstein by emailing Celebrating Karen@montlanc.com.

To learn more about the Montessori Academy of Lancaster, visit www.mont lanc.com.

The league offers two teams, the Cowboys and the Eagles. The two teams will play a 10-game season that will begin on Saturday, July 25, and run through Saturday, Oct. 17. All games will be played on Saturdays, and most will be played at Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, 54 N. Penryn Road, Manheim. Select games (Aug. 22 and 29) will be played at Lancaster Brethren in Christ Church, 1865 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster.

“It’s like sandlot football,” said league founder Randy Samuels. “We show up and we play. There’s always shenanigans going on, a lot of fun and sneaky stuff being done. ... They come out, they have fun and get to exercise.”

Naturally, most of the league’s participants are fans of the Eagles. Samuels, who coaches the Cowboys, is a diehard Dallas fandrawing the ire of many of his players.

The league’s cheerleaders are referred to as “Lancaster’s Sweethearts,” a registered trademark owned by Samuels. The term references the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, who are known as “America’s Sweethearts.”

“I get booed so much, and

I egg them on,” Samuels said. “The cheerleaders will play that ‘Fly Eagles Fly’ song a couple times a game. As the president of the league this year, I issued an executive order banning that, but they will ignore me.”

The league is completely free for participants and is funded through sponsorships from local businesses. About 30 individuals took part in the league last year. Samuels had hoped to have four teams this season but decided to stick with only the Cowboys and Eagles. Samuels obtained nonprofit status for the league in December. After the last game of the season, there will be a celebratory awards banquet.

Students Earn Master’s Degrees

Three local residents recently received master’s degrees from Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre. The commencement ceremonies were held on May 16.

The local graduates were Lori Kish of East Petersburg, receiving a Master of Science in education; Christy Lam of East Petersburg, Master of Science in Nursing; and Haley Midgley of Mountville, Master of Science in education.

Church Posts VBS for Adults

Faith United Methodist Church, 1290 Fruitville Pike, Lititz, will offer its first-ever vacation Bible school (VBS) for adults each Friday from July 17 through Aug. 7. Participants will gather from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year’s theme was inspired by Beatles songs, such as “All You Need Is Love.” Each week will include Bible-based devotions, a light lunch, low-key games, and a craft. Music

may also be part of the program. All activities will take place in the church’s air-conditioned fellowship hall and are designed for adults age 50 and older. Participants may attend as many weeks as their schedule allows. The entrance to the church’s driveway is on Koser Road. Preregistration is requested by contacting the church at 717560-0321 or faithumc@ hotmail.com.

The league is still searching for sponsorships, as well as volunteers. Volunteers assist with every aspect of the game, including serving as a “buddy” for the more challenged playing members of the league.

“The buddy will catch the ball for them, hand it to them and guide them towards the end zone,” Samuels said.

The league is named after Chuckie Magee, a Lititz resident who passed away in 2015 after a fight with undifferentiated pleomorphic bone sarcoma. Magee, a 2013 graduate of Warwick High School, was heavily involved with challenger baseball and football.

The league’s logo is modeled after Magee and uses

the color red, which was his favorite color.

“Doctors (said) he wasn’t going to live to be a year old,” Samuels said of Magee. “If you knew Chuckie, you loved Chuckie. Everybody loved Chuckie.”

Registrations for the league are open. Samuels asks that those interested sign up as soon as possible, giving the league a chance to order shirts before the July 25 kickoff.

Those interested in signing up to play, volunteer or sponsor the league should visit www.recleague.net/ leagues/cmffl or “The Chuckie Magee Flag Football & Cheerleading League” on Facebook or email Samuels at cmffl@ ptd.net.

Student Named Academic All-Conference

Brynn Axe of Landisville earned Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Academic All-Conference honors for the spring season. Axe is a student at Kutztown University, Kutztown.

This new honor for the 2025-26 school year was created to increase academic recognition for high-achieving student-athletes - a priority for the league’s members that was highlighted in its most recent strategic plan. Academic All-Conference awards were previously chosen for the fall and winter seasons.

To achieve an Academic All-Conference classification, a student-athlete must have completed both seasons of athletic eligibility and four semesters academically with at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Additional criteria vary by sport. For team sports, such as baseball, softball, and lacrosse, a student-athlete must have played in 70% of his or her team’s games through the completion of the conference championship. Exceptions are made for baseball and softball pitchers who recorded either 30 innings pitched or 15 total appearances. For track and field, which PSAC defines as an individual sport for the purpose of Academic All-Conference honors, an eligible student-athlete must have achieved a PSAC qualifying standard in an individual event or have been listed among the top 25 performers in an individual event on the PSAC performance list. Eligible student-athletes from the indoor season are included for the awards.

Volunteers

There will be promotions staged throughout the stadium, and the Samaritan Center will man an information table.

“We’re hoping it’s a fun, high-energy event,” said Pleger. “People can bring their families out and have a great time. The goal is to have a fun day, and so people can learn about (the) Samaritan Center as well. We’re celebrating service and connecting our community.”

The Samaritan Center, which promotes mental health; provides related services; and operates locations at 1803 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, and at 33 N. Market St., Suite 400, Lancaster, is staffed by 50 employees, mainly therapists and administrative personnel.

But the nonprofit also benefits from 1,000 annual volunteer hours donated by more than 70 altruistic individuals. The majority of the volunteers reside in Lancaster County.

“They’re a group of

individuals who really care about mental health in our community,” said Pleger. “They want to make sure services are affordable and available to everyone.”

“We can play a lot of different roles, depending on where we are,” said Nick Heller, the Samaritan Center’s marketing manager. “We break down barriers for people needing mental health services. We are here to help.”

From January to May this year, the Samaritan Center has provided more than 8,000 counseling sessions to clients. In 2025, the Samaritan Center furnished more than 17,000 counseling sessions, 2,000 more than it did in 2024.

As part of its services, the organization also offers mental health screenings, educational series, therapeutic programs, consulting, church programs, ministry assessment and its TeenHope program for kids.

OAK SHADE TREE SERVICE

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Family Needs Met Inside Unlocked Closet

BY JEFF FALK

Sometimes, wonderful things can spring from places of hurt.

When Chelsea Clark’s sons, Amir, now 9, and Adam, now 8, were initially adopted, a lack of support led to the cancellation of a baby shower for the boys. But Chelsea turned the negative into a positive.

From a personal challenge, the Ephrata woman created a public nonprofit called Unlocked Closet.

“I wanted to do what I could to have people not feel what I felt,” said Chelsea. “We started in a storage unit and quickly outgrew it. Where we’re going, I don’t know. I’m not in a rush to get there. I want to make sure whatever we do, we do well. Currently, we aren’t doing any fundraising, but we’re going to need to do it.”

Unlocked Closet, which is situated at 24 Orange St., Ephrata, is like a store for foster and adoptive families, except no money ever changes hands. Operated entirely by volunteers, Unlocked Closet consists of 1,200 square feet of donated items, but Chelsea performs many of the administrative chores for the organization at home and through a Facebook page.

Unlocked Closet’s hours of operation vary from week to week, but they are posted regularly on its Facebook page. Typically, the nonprofit is open for

two to five hours, five or six days a week.

“‘Unlock’ means we want to unlock the positivity in kids,” said Chelsea. “When kids enter into foster care, they don’t come with anything. When they walk into the store, we want them to feel value. We have suitcases, and we fill them. We will never send a kid out with stuff in a garbage bag.”

Among the items available at Unlocked Closet are new and gently used hats, coats and clothing sized from newborn to adult 3X, diapers, toiletries, books, games, toys, bikes, balls, cleats, baby gear and seasonal items. Families must show proof of fostering or adoption to receive the goods, and a vast majority of the items have been donated - some by churches and some by families who have benefited from Unlocked Closet in the past.

“Every foster child’s family receives a stipend from the county in which they live,” said Chelsea. “But a lot of times, those stipends don’t reach. It’s not covering basic needs. We want to take off some of that financial need, and we want kids to have a sense of normalcy. We want to create a community for families. We want to fill in the gaps for the families who aren’t being supported.”

Last year alone, Unlocked Closet served families nearly 700 times and distributed almost 30,000

items valued at nearly $142,000. Most of the families being served reside in Lancaster, Lebanon, York and Chester counties.

There are currently about 15,000 children enrolled in the foster care system throughout Pennsylvania, and about onethird of them are available for adoption.

“It’s far and wide,” said Chelsea. “If somebody needs something, they can message us, and we do everything we can to get them an appointment. I just love seeing the kids light up when they walk in the store. Needs are being met before they’re even known.”

Unlocked Closet is staffed by 15 volunteers, the majority of whom are parents and some of whom are foster or adoptive parents.

“Every time we have someone new walk in, they tell us they need to tell a friend,” said Chelsea. “So, I think the need is greater

than I realize, especially in this current economic climate.”

Unlocked Closet moved from a 200-square-foot storage unit to its current location in August of 2022, and a year later created a bike and outdoor toy room in a storage area there. In December of 2023, the nonprofit conducted its initial Christmas Gift event, and in October of 2024, Unlocked Closet awarded its first scholarships.

“It’s getting there,” Chelsea said. “We’ve sent out letters to churches and organizations, but we’ve seen very little return on that. A lot of our reach is word of mouth. Now we need a bigger space.

“Kids are valuable, and we want them to realize they’re valued,” she added. “That creates good humans, and we need that in the world.”

For additional information, go to www.unlocked closet.org.

Pressure Canning Program Slated

Penn State Extension will offer “Home Food Preservation: Pressure Canning” from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, July 8, in the basement training room at the Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. Pressure canning is the only safe way to can low-acid foods, such as vegetables and meats. During this in-person workshop, attendees will learn the science behind pressure canning recommendations, as well as the basics of using a pressure canner based on current U.S. Department of Agriculture canning guidelines. There is a fee, and regis -

tration is required. To register by Wednesday, July 1, visit https://extension.psu

.edu/home-food-preserva tion-pressure-canning or call 877-345-0691.

Art Association Posts Summer Exhibit

The “Summer Media Wars” exhibit at the Lancaster County Art Association, 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg, will return with an opening reception on Sunday, June 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. The exhibit is a progressive show, and every three weeks it will feature a new theme and additional artwork. Members of the public

will vote to decide which medium wins the challenge. The first exhibit will be “Red, White and Blue and Patriotic 250th.”

The exhibit will be open from Thursdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For additional information, visit www.lcaaonline .org or call 717-687-7061.

Riverfest Will Ignite History

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.

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 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

Church Posts Hymn Sing

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 Zimmerman 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, Well -

Span 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.

PUBLIC AUCTION

“We will continue to use them in the future”

We knew immediately the ad was out. The customers were calling to place their orders and bringing in a copy of the ad. We had some new customers who had never ordered from us before. Our ad representative was very helpful and we will continue to use them in the future.

– Jessica McGinnis, Stoltzfus Feed & Supply

Medical Equipment

Donations Sought

Jewish Family Service of Lancaster (JFS) is asking the community to donate clean, functional durable medical equipment to help meet a growing local need. Items in especially short supply include walkers, rollators, shower chairs, and bedside commodes. These essential items help individuals maintain safety, mobility, and independence while recovering from illness or injury, or while aging at home.

Larger equipmentincluding power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, hospital beds, and patient lifts - can be redirected to the Durable Medical Loan Closet at Grace

Church in Lititz. JFS provides support to individuals and families throughout the community, guided by the values of dignity, compassion, and service. Through programs that assist older adults, caregivers, and vulnerable community members, JFS works to ensure that neighbors in need have access to practical resources and human connection. Because storage and staffing are limited, equipment donations cannot be dropped off without prior arrangements, and JFS is unable to offer equipment pickup. To arrange a donation drop-off, call JFS at 717-537-1863.

BREAKOUT MINISTRIES: 2400 Anita Court, Leola, PA 17540. Sundays: 10 AM; Contemporary worship & messages of freedom, healing, deliverance, discipleship, and Children's classes. The youth group meets bi-weekly. Coffee and snacks are available. We have Local and International outreaches. Wednesday at 6 PM - Prayer Meeting; Saturday at 6:30 PM, JA, Jesus Advantage, a Jesus-based recovery meeting. Men's and Women's groups meet monthly. For other scheduled events and times, check our website. Senior Pastors Ron & Mary Buch, Website: www.breakoutministries.org or Call for details; (717)656-8366

CHIQUES METHODIST CHURCH:

1215 E. Main St., Mount Joy. Chris Ritchie, Interim Pastor. Worship Service at 9-10 am Children’s Sunday School: 9-10 am. Refreshments & Fellowship: 10-10:30 am. Adult Sunday School at 10:30-11:30 am. Nursery Provided, Handicapped Accessible. For more information, call: 717-653-5175.

CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES: “Inclusive Refuge – Compassionate Justice –Environmental Advocacy.” 1850 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, 17603. Rev. Kathryn Kuhn, Sr. Pastor. Sunday Worship: 10 AM at the Bachman Center - 633 Community Way Services also available by phone at: (888-440-0106) or online on our web site: www.apostlesucc.org

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.

Event to Focus on Revolutionary War

The Historic Ephrata Cloister, 632 W. Main St., Ephrata, will commemorate its role as a Revolutionary War military hospital during a celebration on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will also commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary.

The Historic Ephrata Cloister was the site of a Revolutionary War military hospital from December 1777 to June 1778. The hospital accommodated 260 soldiers, 60 of whom died and are buried on the grounds of the historic site. During this commemorative event, visitors may learn more about the military hospital and its impact on the pacifist members of the Ephrata Cloister.

paying admission. Wristbands are required for select performances and will operate on a first-come, first served-basis.

Among the programs requiring a wristband is the Lantern Tour Reprise, which will be held multiple times in the 1741 Meetinghouse, also known as the Saal. The tour will focus on the impact of the military hospital on the pacifist community.

PLACE AN

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

ST. MATTHEW LUTHERAN CHURCH: A Reconciling in Christ (Open & Affirming Congregation). Located at 700 Pleasure Rd.Lancaster. Robin Fero, Pastor. In-person worship: Sat. 5 pm & Sun. 10 am. Online Worship at www.stmatthewelc.com For more info, call (717) 394-9607, or visit our web site.

TTRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST: 2340 State St., East Petersburg. Rev. Dr. Christopher Rankin, Pastor. Phone: (717) 569-1632. Summer Sunday Schedule:7:45 am Holy Communion; 9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion twice a month. Online service is available by visiting www.trinityeastpete.org “Catch the Vision, Share the Joy!”

WAYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 600 Stony Battery Rd., Landisville (near Hempfield High School). Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Fritz, Pastor. Summer Worship 10am with Nursery & Children’s Ministry. For more info, visit www.waysidepc.org or (717) 898-1551.

ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH/ LANDISVILLE: 85 East Brandt Blvd. 717-898-2911; adminzelc@comcast.net

In-person worship at 9am. Live-stream link can be found at zionhempfield.net under the worship tab and on the Zion Lutheran Hempfield Facebook page. Adult Sunday School in-person at 10:15am. Pastor Timothy Seitz-Brown.

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

Visitors may learn about 18th-century medicine, printing, camp life, and being a pacifist during wartime. They may visit the Witness Tree on the property as well as the monument honoring the soldiers in the Mount Zion Cemetery. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will give a special performance at 4 p.m. in the Amphitheater, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Some activities will require a wristband, which can be obtained upon

“The Life of a Sister” will be held in the 1743 Sisters’ House, also called the Saron. Attendees will learn about the lifestyle of a solitary Sister and how the Sisters aided the soldiers through herbal medicines and remedies. A wristband is required. The event will take place rain or shine. On-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is an admission fee for people over age 2 who are not members of the Ephrata Cloister Associates. Members and children age 2 and under will be admitted for free. Tickets will be sold on the day of the event, and no advance sales will be available.

People with disabilities who need accommodations should call in advance to discuss their needs. Pennsylvania TDD relay service is available at 800-654-5984.

“The 24 Hour Plays” Slated

Creative Works of Lancaster will present “The 24 Hour Plays” on Saturday, June 27, at 7 p.m. The event will be held at West Art, 816 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster.

Six writers, six directors, 25 actors and a production team will write, rehearse and perform six 10-minute plays in a 24-hour period. There will only be one performance of the plays.

The six plays will have undergone a process that starts on the evening of Friday, June 26. In this 24-hour period, six writers will choose their actors from a pool of talent, then write through the night

and hand their work to the directors early on June 27. After negotiating for their choice of play, directors will rehearse with their actors and a crew of stage technicians to prepare for a 7 p.m. curtain and debut performances of the plays. Creative Works utilizes a “pay what you decide” ticketing model with no fixed ticket prices. Potential audience members are never turned away due to financial limitations. Individuals may reserve a ticket in advance and pay what they think the experience was worth after the show. To reserve tickets, visit www.creative lancaster.org.

YOUR ATTENTION

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Golfers Tee Up With HOPE

BY JEFF FALK

YOU TASTE IT

There are few things as relaxing and inspiring as a day on the golf course. Unless of course it’s a day on the golf course for a great cause.

HOPE International, a local faith-based nonprofit designed to aid underserved individuals around the world experiencing financial difficulties, is gearing up this year’s edition of its annual fundraising golf outing.

On Friday, Sept. 11, HOPE International’s golf

outing will be staged at 8 a.m. at Iron Valley Golf Club in Cornwall. On the same day at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., the event will be conducted at Wyncote Golf Club in Oxford.

“For 25 years, this golf tournament has been about so much more than golf,” said Jeff Rutt, HOPE International’s founder and chairman of the board. “Every dollar raised has gone toward giving hardworking entrepreneurs in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities access to

the small loans, savings and training they need to build a better future for their families.”

In addition to an enjoyable round of golf, participants will enjoy on-course activities and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Currently, organizers of HOPE International’s golf outing are seeking players and sponsors for the event.

To register or for more information, go to https:// engage.hopeinternational .org/event/26th-annual -golf-tournament/ e744182.

All proceeds from the golf outing will go toward HOPE International’s mission “to invest in the dreams of families in the world’s underserved communities as we proclaim and live the Gospel.”

of HOPE. There will be images of clients, stories of transformation and plenty of prizes.”

A total of more than 300 participants are expected to attend HOPE International’s golf outing at both venues - mission supporters, community members, sponsors and golf enthusiasts.

“The purpose and goal behind the golf tournament is to raise funds to help further HOPE’s mission to equip millions of families and entrepreneurs globally by giving them a safe place to save, the opportunity to receive small microfinance loans to start businesses, as well as training to overcome poverty and find hope in Christ,” said Emma McMurray, events fellow for HOPE International.

“The day will be relaxed and fun,” said Paige Snyder, senior event planner for HOPE International. “People who know each other and people who are meeting for the first time will be gathered around a shared love of golf to support the work

The golf outing serves as HOPE International’s largest fundraising event. Over the past 25 years, HOPE International has positively affected the lives of 9.5 million people, both directly and indirectly.

HOPE International is headquartered at 227 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster.

Student Named to Dean’s List

Gabriella Root was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at PennWest California, part of 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.

Root, from Landisville, is studying veterinary technology.