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AUGUST 12, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVI • NO 35
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Spreading A Pandemic Of Love By Ann Mead Ash
Looking back at the abrupt changes he dealt with last March when COVID-19 restrictions temporarily closed the state, Spencer Browne, now a rising senior at The Stone School in Lancaster, was philosophical. “When something as shocking as a pandemic happens, there are many different ways to (react),” noted Spencer. “I think it consumes a lot of people and they are stuck in shock about the world being so different they can’t do anything … but we saw it as an opportunity to help people who are in that stasis.” Spencer, along with his family, which consists of his parents, Jen and Sean Browne, and his brother, Jayden, home from college in Minnesota, joined forces with volunteers Michelle Simon and Deb Miller and fellow students
Jayna Ribner and Henry Willis to form the Lancaster chapter of Pandemic of Love. The grassroots, nonprofit organization connects those in need with those who have something to give. It has more than 650 volunteers nationally and, as of late June, had matched nearly 190,000 donors with those in need for $25.1 million in transactions. Pandemic of Love was founded in Florida by Shelly Tyglielski. “She started it for her community,” said Jen, who noted that the idea spread quickly and soon became a global network. Jen shared the story of the nonprofit’s founding with her family, and by late May, she had contacted Tyglielski through www.pandemic oflove.com. By early June, all the Lancaster volunteers had been trained via an online forum, and the Lancaster County chapter was ready to let the public know of its existence.
Jen lauded Spencer and Jayna and their expertise in social media for helping to get the word out. “I really credit the young volunteers with making this as successful as it’s been,” said Jen. “They know how to tag the right people. We are fortunate to have young volunteers who know what they’re doing.” Thanks to the volunteers’ hard work, by early July, the Lancaster Chapter had matched 30 donors with recipients. “What was shocking in the beginning is that I had so many donors who were interested,” recalled Jen, noting that at one point she had more donors than people in need. “I was so impressed with that,” she said. Jen explained that Pandemic of Love focuses on putting together the puzzle pieces of donors and recipients. “We look at what someone wants to give and try to connect people who are a good fit See Pandemic Of Love pg 7
Spencer Browne (left) and Jayna Ribner are part of Pandemic of Love’s Lancaster chapter. The new organization was designed to match donors with those affected by the pandemic to help cover utility bills and other needs.
CON
COBYS To Offer Free Online Educational Classes Hiking In Green
Abby Keiser, director, recently announced that the Family Life Education Department at COBYS Family Services, Lancaster, is offering free online support classes.
By Francine Fulton
By Ann Mead Ash
Local families now have an opportunity to receive support and educational services all without leaving their homes thanks to online programming being offered by the Family Life Education Department at COBYS Family Services, Lancaster. Among the virtual programs being offered is a kinship support program, which is taking place on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 19. The program is open to kinship caregivers - those who are raising a relative’s child. During the sessions, grandparents, aunts and uncles and others who have taken on the new role of caregiver can talk about topics specific to kinship care and network with other people in similar situations. “We are doing everything virtually to break down time barriers. These families are overwhelmed because they are taking care of children they were not expecting to take care of lovingly and open-armed,” said Abby Keiser, director of Family Life Services. “We are able to provide the services; they don’t have to bring their children to a building. They can even be in pajamas.” See COBYS pg 2
Outdoor exercise is encouraged during COVID-19 restrictions as a way to stay healthy and positive and maybe even increase defenses against disease. Benefits of exercise may include lower cholesterol and blood pressure, while improving strength, balance, and coordination. Social distancing is usually easier when exercising outside, as well. See Hiking pg 10
The White Cliffs of Conoy in Marietta (right photo) and Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve (left photo) are both scenic hiking trails located in Lancaster County. Kristen Holloway, founder of the Facebook page Day Hikes of Lancaster County PA, combines her love of hiking and photography to share information about the trails with others.
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