Penn Manor Inside This Week’s townlively.com
AUGUST 7, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Programs will offer mental health resources for teens and adults BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Taking textures to a new level BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Mountville-based mixed-media artist James Hecker will display his works in an exhibit titled “A Decade Plus of Texture” at Mulberry Art Studios, 21 N. Mulberry St., Lancaster, in September. The exhibit will launch with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, and will remain at the studio until Monday, Sept. 30. “A Decade Plus of Texture” will showcase a collection of abstract pieces Hecker has created over
the last 10 years. Each piece incorporates a heavy emphasis on texture, which Hecker explores through his work using plaster, oil paint and acrylic paint. “It will probably look like 10 different artists have work in that space because I get bored,” Hecker said. “I like to try different styles, and I’m always trying something new.” Hecker grew up in Mount Joy, and he discovered his passion for making art during a stay at Hershey Medical Center when he was 5 years old. Due to a rare See Artist exhibit pg 2
James Hecker used experimental techniques to explore different textures and try new styles for his work in “A Decade Plus of Texture.”
Kelly Dennis
various mental health issues affect the community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This is the fifth Living Grace session Dennis has hosted at M i l l e rs v i l l e C o m m u n i t y Church, and the program has continued to grow in popularity with each session. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Dennis said she and many of her fellow counselors have noticed issues such as anxiety and depression occurring at a higher rate than normal among teenagers and young adults, prompting Dennis to organize the first Redefine Grace program this year. “I’ve been talking with other social workers and teachers, and we’re seeing that those age groups are struggling and feeling
very alone,” Dennis said. “Things haven’t gotten back on track yet, and there are significant levels of anxiety and depression that are left over.” Although similar to Living Grace’s workbook, the materials incorporated in Redefine Grace will explore topics that are more relevant to younger generations, such as how to navigate social media in a healthy way. Each chapter will detail specific methods of coping with stress and strategies to manage conflict, which participants will be encouraged to practice at home outside of sessions. To register for Living Grace, call Dennis at 717-951-0266 or email kellyfdennis@yahoo.com.
Merger ushers in new era in NSI’s war against human trafficking BY JEFF FALK
North Star Initiative (NSI) is doubling down on its mission. The local nonprofit is adding to its resources and increasing its reach in the fight against human trafficking. R e c e n t l y, N S I a b s o r b e d Freedom and Restoration for Everyone Enslaved (F.R.E.E.), a Berks County-based nonprofit with similar goals, methods
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and beliefs, into its operations. It’s a move that will allow NSI to impact more survivors and achieve an even greater good. “I’ve had a desire for collaboration,” said Melinda Clark, NSI’s executive director. “There’s too much work that needs to be done, and you can’t do it alone. We want to bring together skilled and passionate people. There’s so much chance of burnout from doing this restoration work. We See North Star Initiative pg 3
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he Living Grace small group program for adults will return to M i l le rs v i l le Com mu n i t y Church, 163 W. Frederick St., M i l l e r s v i l l e , o n T h u r s d ay, Aug. 29. The church will also host the first Redefine Grace, a new program that offers similar activities to Living Grace for teenagers and young adults, on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Both programs will involve regular meetings over a 10-week period: participants in Living Grace will gather at the church every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and Redefine Grace will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday. During meetings, group members will discuss topics relating to mental health such as stress, anxiety and depression, and sessions will incorporate Christian themes and references to Scripture. Living Grace was started by Kelly Dennis, a member of Millersville Community Church’s cong re gation and a mental health professional. Dennis structured the program around a workbook provided by nonprofit organization the Grace Alliance, which offers various materials for small groups to learn about mental health challenges through a faith-based lens. In addition to Scripture, the workbook weaves in scientific research on mental illnesses and exercises for group members to complete between meetings. Dennis said she felt called to start Living Grace after seeing
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