Pequea Valley OCTOBER 29, 2025
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
REACHING MORE THAN 7,160 HOMES
Reflecting on a Career at VisionCorps
FROM SNOW REMOVAL TO POWER OUTAGES, STOP ON BY!
BY FRANCINE FULTON
Lancaster and Chester counties. It has really grown; it started as 18 cemeteries,” noted Plum. “We hold fundraisers throughout the year to pay for the wreaths.” In addition to the craft show, the chapter holds a golf outing and a bingo. This year, wreaths will be laid locally and nationwide on Saturday, Dec. 13. Locally, the day will begin with an opening ceremony at noon at the Pequea Valley Secondary School, 164 S. New Holland Road, Kinzers. “Everyone disperses, and there is a team that goes to each cemetery,” Plum noted. “The public is invited to the ceremony, even if they don’t want to lay wreaths.” Wreath placement will take place at area cemeteries such as Glen Run Cemetery in Atglen and cemeteries at Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church in Parkesburg, Bellevue
“I think I am most proud of the work that we have done over the years and how we have been able to expand our services and our footprint to serve more people,” reflected Dennis Steiner, president and CEO of VisionCorps, who recently announced his retirement. “That is what our mission is - to empower people who are blind to achieve independence. To me, that is what we are here for.” Steiner, who star ted as a VisionCorps case manager in 1984, has 42 years of experience working in the field of blind and low-vision services, including 17 years as president and CEO of VisionCorps. He will be succeeded by Megan Tomsheck effective Friday, Oct. 31. “I have been blessed to have a great leadership team here. Many of them have been here for quite some time,” Steiner noted. “Megan is an 18-year employee. I have a good mix of longevity and newer people. They are all committed to our mission. They are all passionate about their work and a good team to lead.” Steiner was responsible for helping to establish new services during his tenure. His accomplishments include introducing youth programming to the agency and mentoring young people; expanding VisionCorps from one facility in Lancaster to additional rehabilitation and employment sites in Adams, Chester, Lebanon and York counties; and increasing the focus of rehabilitation services to include new technology offerings such as smart glasses, magnifiers and apps. “ Technolog y has been the
See Craft Show pg 2
See VisionCorps pg 5
Wreaths Across America committee members plan several fundraising events throughout the year, including the upcoming craft show.
Craft Show To Benefit Wreaths Across America
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f u n d ra i s i n g c ra f t a n d vendor show to benefit the local chapter of Wreaths Across America will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Gap Fire Company, 802 Pequea Ave., Gap. Proceeds from the event will help fund the cost of placing wreaths on the graves of veterans at cemeteries in the Pequea Valley and Octorara areas. This is the second year for the craft show, which will feature additional vendors this year. “Last year, we had right around 20 (crafters); we will have at least 25 this year,” noted committee member Deb Plum, who is planning the event along with Paula Diem. “We will have wood décor, primitive décor,
candy, pet treats, candles, jewelry, greeting cards, 3-D printed items, crocheted items, skin care items and kitchenware. We go for a variety. No one goes to craft shows and wants to see the same thing.” Vendors, who will be stationed both inside and outside the fire company, are asked to pay a registration fee and to donate one item for a random drawing that is held as part of the event. The prize drawing includes gift baskets as well. The Gap Fire Company will serve food, including breakfast sandwiches, lunch items and beverages. Wreaths Across America volunteers place wreaths on the graves of veterans every holiday season to remember and honor those who served in the military. “We place 3,000 wreaths at 30 cemeteries in
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