Solanco townlively.com
MARCH 8, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 46
Women Empowering Women kicks off 2023 program BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
On Feb. 25, Colerain Church, 1923 Noble Road, Kirkwood, hosted the kickoff for Women Empowering Women’s 2023 program. The yearlong program was developed by Wesley Church in Quarryville to provide women in the local community with a support system and tools to navigate obstacles in their lives. The theme of the kickoff was “Finding Peace in a Chaotic World,” and the event featured a talk from guest speaker Laura Troutman. This year’s program is inspired by Proverbs 31:25, which reads, “She is
clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” “We want to equip women with the information they need to navigate this time and the state of the world that we live in,” said Alexa Gruber, an organizer for the program. “We can get so focused on the uncertainty and negativity of life. God is raising a generation of women to be bold and not live in fear.” Colerain Church will host meetings through the program on the last Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. until November. Meetings are free to attend, and child care will be provided. See Women Empowering Women pg 5
Leaders of the county’s Chambers of Commerce include (front, from left) Ashley Zell, Heather Valudes, Denise Grove, (back) Jona Green, Kristie Schmid, Kerry Meyers, Rebecca Branle, and (not pictured) Liz Ackerman.
Taking a seat at the table argaret Thatcher once said, “If you want something done, ask a woman.” There’s a whole lot getting done in Lancaster County, because for the first time ever, all of the Chambers of Commerce in the county are led by women. Each woman brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role, but all of the leaders share a common goal: They want to make their community a great place to live and work. Denise Grove, who started her role as executive director of the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce in February of 2022, said the job offers her a way to really connect with others. “As a lifetime resident of Elizabethtown, I had a strong desire to work where I could make a difference
this position,” Zell said. The women also remarked that holding the job offers a chance to see their communities thrive. “It’s seeing kids dancing at the farmers market,” commented Rebecca Branle, who has been executive director of Venture Lititz since August of 2021. “It’s celebrating big wins with merchants. It’s watching this town become ever more alive with art, culture and community pride.” Her perspective matches that of Kristie Schmid, who has been executive director of the Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce since March of 2021. “I love seeing our community respond to the revitalization in town, the increase in businesses and the new community events,” Schmid said. “It’s fulfilling to put your time into something and then see others have pride in it as well.”
Women participate in last year’s program.
The Well-Led Life posts retreat BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
The Well-Led Life will host a women’s retreat from Friday, April 28, to Sunday, April 30, at South Mountain Inn, 143 N. Galen Hall Road, Wernersville. The retreat will offer Scripture-based activities to its participants and will cover a variety of topics on personal wellness. Registration is required to attend, and the deadline to register is Monday, April 3. To register, visit www.bobbiedull.com. The retreat’s activities will be based on four pillars: Rest, Plan, Love and Serve. Bobbie Dull of Quarryville, founder of The WellLed Life, hopes that participants
will be able to use the pillars as a framework to make the changes that they want to see in their lives. The first pillar, Rest, will focus on different ways that a woman can pace her life so she will be well-rested beyond literally getting enough sleep. This part of the program will offer women resources to help them schedule time to rest and refocus in daily life. The second pillar, Plan, will offer materials on how to structure one’s life to allow space for major life transformations and goals. This includes topics such as how to say no, slow down, live intentionally and enjoy life.
See Chamber of Commerce pg 8
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and be a part of strengthening our community,” she remarked, a sentiment shared by Heather Valudes, who has been president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce since June of 2022. “I love Lancaster and the work that we are able to advance to make our employer community as strong as possible,” she said, noting that the Lancaster Chamber is countywide and represents nearly 1,500 businesses, almost half of the county’s workforce. For Ashley Zell, who became executive director of the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce in January, the job brings a chance to get to know her community. “The friends and connections made and the interaction with the Chamber members and community at our numerous different events are definitely the biggest rewards of
See Retreat pg 3
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