Penn Manor
National
Small Business Week
April 28-May 4 townlively.com
MAY 1, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 1
On the same team BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Lancaster artist featured in Eagles’ art gala JJ Roach of Lancaster doesn’t see the world in the same way most people do. The 20-year-old artist has a keen eye for complex patterns and intricate details, which he often quickly spots in what appear to be ordinary settings. In 2020, JJ began leaning into his unique instincts to create elaborate, large-scale drawings that spare no detail. Over the last four years, JJ has continued to hone his craft by expanding his portfolio and participating in art shows and events in Lancaster County and beyond, including
the Philadelphia Eagles Art Gala Charity Auction held in March. “Green Is the Heart Inspired” was held from March 25 to April 15 at Arch Enemy Arts, a gallery located in Philadelphia’s historic Old City. The art gala and auction, which benefited the Eagles Autism Foundation, featured 35 pieces created by artists from the greater Philadelphia area. JJ was among three of the featured artists who have been diagnosed with autism. JJ’s mother, Carol, first learned about the Eagles Autism Foundation in February from her other son, John. After doing some
research and making a few phone calls, Carol received a response from the foundation, which invited JJ to participate in the upcoming gala by submitting a green piece of artwork. JJ had been working on a large drawing that he hadn’t colored in yet, and he decided to apply the Eagles’ green and white color scheme to have it included. Despite the short timeframe, which necessitated several late-night drawing sessions, JJ finished his piece “Eye of the Eagle” in time for the gala. “It was fun and crazy all at once,” JJ said of the exhibit’s
Manor High School alumnus, and Wendy moved to Lancaster County with him in 1997. Wendy developed a love for officiating field hockey after her father became a referee in her home state of New Jersey, and Steve acquired experience as the head coach of Penn Manor High School’s wrestling team for 14 years. Steve also coached wrestling as a volunteer at Lampeter-Strasburg High School for six years before he became an See Referees pg 2
Rolling along to grant wishes BY CATHY MOLITORIS
W hen the Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy rolls through town on Sunday, May 12, it will honor a tradition that began 35 years ago with the wish of one child. “It all began with Wish Kid Matt Strawser,” said Michelle Ruel, director of marketing and communications for Make-AWish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley. “Matt was fascinated with big rig trucks, so
it was no surprise he wished to ride in a big rig and talk to his sister, Heather, on the CB radio.” Since 1990, almost 12,000 tr uck s have dr iven in the Convoy, and the event has raised more than $9.2 million, granting wishes to more than 900 children in the Susquehanna Valley. This year’s Convoy will kick off with a carnival beginning at 9 a .m. at the Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction, 1190 Lancaster Road, Manheim. The Convoy will depart
See JJ Roach pg 3
See Make-A-Wish pg 2
For MOTHER, Beautiful Flowers! Stop in, treat your senses!
Perennials • Plant Now! Cool Season Veggies Azaleas • Lilacs • Evergreens Berries • Shrubs • and Lots More! POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER MAY 1, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
PEN
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Steve and Wendy Hess
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8-6 Closed Sunday 717-872-9311
400 Long Lane At Marticville Road (Rts. 741 & 324S)
717-872-9311
www.cherryhillorchards.com
R106450
JJ Roach shares his drawing “Eye of the Eagle” with the Eagles’ mascot, Swoop, during the opening night of the exhibit.
If you are a fan of any sport, you are likely familiar with the referees who oversee the games. These black-and-whiteclad envoys of every sport’s rulebook make sure that players and coaches alike abide by the official guidelines - even if they aren’t happy about it. But referees don’t just exist to wear iconic uniforms and make tough calls; they keep competing athletes safe, and they are often former players who love the game as much as the fans sitting in the bleachers. Steve and Wendy Hess of Strasburg are veteran referees. The husband and wife share a deep love for their respective sports; Steve frequently officiates wrestling matches, and Wendy referees field hockey games throughout the Lancaster-Lebanon area. The couple met while attending Lycoming College, where Steve competed as a wrestler and Wendy played field hockey. Steve is a Penn