Pequea Valley townlively.com
JULY 26, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 31
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 to 20, along with a freshly made salad for
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See SHINE pg 4
Participants with Lighthouse Vocational Services make and deliver lasagna to local residents as part of SHINE.
Celebrating Aaron’s Acres at 25
Three decades of ASSETS
PEQ
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Aaron’s Acres has been offering camping experiences for individuals with special needs for 25 years. BY ANN MEAD ASH
When Risa Paskoff’s children were small, she almost never got to read
the Sunday paper, but on one Sunday in early 1989, Risa noticed an article about Janiece Seldomridge, who was raising her autistic son, Aaron. “I
said to the kids, ‘Give me a second to read this story,’” recalled Risa, who specifically remembered one line from the article that read, See Aaron’s Acres pg 2
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 recently flyers
“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 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 See ASSETS pg 3
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