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Diane Smith Puts Others Ahead of Herself, In and Out of Water BY JEFF FALK
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Aaron’s Acres Is Expanding Its Horizons BY GEORGE DEIBEL
Aaron’s Acres has the accommodations to capitalize on countless possibilities. T he nonprofit organization moved to 121 Walnut Hill Road, Millersville, on Jan. 10 and is settling into the new, expansive home it purchased while continuing to contemplate how best to cater to clients. “We are beyond excited to get to this place after 28 years,” executive director Risa Paskoff said. “We have a building, and we’ve had dreams that have been turned into realities (during) the first 28 years. Now, with this building, we can have another whole set of dreams and can meet the See Aaron’s Acres pg 2
Aaron’s Acres executive director Risa Paskoff. Photo by George Deibel
County Native Helps Ring In a Historic Year BY GEORGE DEIBEL
Bob Wagner is a part of history. A bell featuring his paintings will be displayed all year long outside the Ann B. Barshinger Welcome Center at Historic Rock Ford, 881 Rockford Road, Lancaster. The exhibit is in conjunction with the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. “Discover Lancaster will be celebrating the semiquincentennial all year long, promoting our historical sites, trails, and events,” said Wagner. “It will be headlined by a free countywide America’s Passport, encouraging visitors to collect unique stamps at 23 historic properties and provide exclusive coupons to local businesses. The bell at Rock Ford is one of the sites on this special trail.” There are 100 bells in different locations across the state, he added. “ The bell was a fiberglass 65-pound white bell delivered to my garage, and I came up with the paint, because the paint was a similar color to the actual Liberty Bell,” said Wagner. “And then I had to do artwork that I had done over the years, but I had to do special drawings of Rock Ford and also the Thaddeus Stevens house on the back. I had an Amish village, and then I was the artist-in-residence at the Pennsylvania Train Museum, and I did a drawing of the train.” He added that for for the covered bridge metric, he used a special drawing that his son did from the air. Wagner noted that his first job after graduating from Millersville University was working for the planning commission downtown See Wagner pg 3
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iane Smith is leading her best life. It is a rich, fulfilling existence in which volunteering plays a major role - and not just because doing good and helping others is important. Smith has the heart of a Susquehanna Valley Team River Runner, and she is following her heart. “I think ever yone has a time in their life when they might need someone or need something from someone,” said Smith. “I want to be that person who who can help, even if it’s a small gesture. Diane Smith (front) navigates a whitewater kayaking challenge. Mental health is such a big deal or A 1995 graduate of Conestoga fostered more than 100 children, should be. Being able to participate Valley High School, Smith notes her father served as a police officer and being there for someone is that her altruistic spirit was nur- for East Lampeter Township and very important.” tured growing up. Her mother her teachers and developmental
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