Lydia Harrison Takes Horsing Around Very Seriously
BY JEFF FALK
Lydia Harrison has always been around horses. The bonds, the commitment and the experiences have positively affected her development.
“When I first started (as an equestrian), I wasn’t very focused,” said Lydia. “In school, I wasn’t the best student. Through safety and a love of the sport, I’ve had to learn how to focus, and it taught me I had to do the same with school as a student. I’ve learned a lot about patience. I’ve gotten injured, and I’ve had to work very hard to get back. With horses, sometimes its two steps forward and five steps back.”
“I
BY JEFF FALK
Fire & Ice is welcoming. Fire & Ice is about community. Fire & Ice is energizing.
Not unlike its host town.
Fire & Ice epitomizes and reflects what Lititz stands for.
It’s an event that truly captures the spirit of the venue.
“When you’re in Lititz, there’s always a vibe,” said Alyssa Diehm, who’s been an executive
assistant at Venture Lititz for two years. “You can feel the pride. Then add thousands of visitors, and we get to share that feeling with them. People will drive hours to come to Fire & Ice. Our small business owners believe in Venture Lititz and Fire & Ice. It’s this feeling of pride like we’re all doing it together.”
This year’s edition of Fire & Ice, Lititz’s winter carnival, will be conducted over two upcoming
Sock Puppets, Surprises and City-Wide Theater
BY CAT SHANNON
With a tagline of “always pushing the boundaries of what theater can be,” Creative Works of Lancaster champions the power of performance.
“We believe that theater can be a powerful force for goodbuilding community, sparking connections and cultivating joy and wonder - and we want people to know that there are many ways to experience theater that go beyond buying a ticket and sitting quietly in a dark building looking up at a proscenium stage,” said executive director Lydia Brubaker. “It can happen anywhere, be accessible and relatable for everyone.”
Creative Works of Lancaster became a nonprofit in 2010 after a few years of grassroots organizing with a group of creative people in Lancaster, Brubaker said. Original board members were Brubaker, Anne Kirby, Daniel Klotz, Jenn McMorris and the late Douglas Campbell.
“The project started with plans for a community arts center, with creative co-working space, rehearsal and studio space, performance and gallery space and a cafe, but we switched gears when the economy collapsed and decided to be nomadic and create theatrical events in various spots around the city,” Brubaker shared.
The group’s mission is to nurture and promote creative opportunities throughout the community in order to provide “exquisite moments of surprise and delight in an ever-challenging world,” she said.
A senior at Lancaster Mennonite School, Lydia has been riding horses competitively since she was 6.
definitely believe horses are spiritual animals,” said Lydia. “They pick up on human emotions very
See Lydia Harrison pg 6
Lydia Harrison and her horse clear an obstacle at a recent competition.
SPRING FOODS
Fire Company Sets Potpie Dinner
Hand-in-Hand Fire Company will offer a chicken potpie dinner on Feb. 21.
Hand-in-Hand Fire Company, 313 Enterprise Drive, Bird-in-Hand, will host its annual chicken potpie dinner on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until sold out. Takeouts will be available
beginning at 9 a.m. Potpie will also be available to purchase by the quart. Complimentary delivery will be available in a 4-mile radius at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Five Generations of Family Gather
Five generations of a local family recently gathered, including Landon Kelley (front) of New Holland, (back, from left) great-great-grandfather Elwood Brice of Ephrata, great-grandfather Chris Brice of Narvon, grandmother Bobbi Jo Nolt of Bowmansville, and mother Randi Kelley of New Holland. The family was celebrating Elwood, who recently turned 98.
General
The chicken potpie recipe incorporates locally sourced, pasture-raised chicken; homemade stock enriched with local herbs and botanicals; and freshmade pie dough noodles rolled on-site. The menu also includes fresh peas, pepper cabbage, rolls, and homemade pie and ice cream.
For those who dine in, there is a discount for children ages 3 to 10, and children under age 3 will be admitted at no charge. Proceeds from the dinner will help to provide funds for equipment and training materials for the fire company.
For more information, visit www.bihfire .com/pot-pie or call 717-392-0112.
The Building Industry Association (BIA) of Lancaster County, celebrating its 70th year, officially installed its 2026 board of directors at the annual installation reception on Jan. 15. The reception, hosted at the Eden Resort, was attended by more than 85 local builders, contractors, government officials and other guests.
Officers include the following: Mike Hockenberry, EGStoltzfus Homes, president; Mike Viozzi, Lezzer Lumber, vice president; Justin Frey, B. R. Kreider
& Son, secretary; Jason Gerber, RKL LLP, treasurer; Joel Young, Rettew, associate vice president; and Claudia Shank, McNees Wallace & Nurick, immediate past president.
Hockenberry, director of residential construction at EGStoltzfus Homes, shared his vision for 2026, predicting a big year for the BIA. He noted that over the past several months, the BIA board engaged in strategic and sustainability planning with the help of CoLab and its consulting services. The board plans to finalize this plan, which focuses on four key priorities: strengthening organizational sustainability and brand visibility, enhancing member value and engagement, strengthening advocacy and industry leadership and investing in the workforce of tomorrow.
Also installed at the event were presidential advisers Nathan Van Name, JC Snavely & Sons; Russell Ressler III, Ressler & Mateer; and Rob Fluehr, High Real Estate Group.
Also installed were builder directors and associate directors. Building directors are Dylan Campbell, Cedar Knoll Builders; Chase Martin, Alden Homes; Dan McCord, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology;
Creative Works of Lancaster performs three to six times a year.
“The whole city is our stage, and we’re always looking for new spots that inspire us or feel like the right place for a particular performance,” Brubaker stated. The group has performed in more traditional venues, such as Zoetropolis, West Art and the Green Room Theatre at Franklin & Marshall College, but it has also used space in restaurants, shops, schools, public parks, barns, churches, hotels, parking lots, cemeteries and more.
The organization’s mascot is named E.E. (for the Exquisite Explorer) and is always shape-shifting and changing outfits, representative of the nonprofit’s evolving works.
“We do original plays by local playwrights, sock puppet parodies of classic films, The 24-Hour Plays: Lancaster, site-specific performances designed for particular locations and traveling performances where the audience moves from one place to another,” Brubaker said.
Some past highlights have included inviting audiences to eat hot dogs and do camp activities with the troupe, setting willing audience members up on awkward dates for a Valentine’s Day per -
formance and creating a theatrical escape room set in an Antarctic research station.
“We just got done with a busy fall, celebrating our 15-year anniversary with the Net Gala, our send-up of the Met Gala, and premiering ‘Dead Inside,’ a new play by local playwright Gwen Tulin, and ‘Dye Hard: The Siege of Sockatomi Plaza,’ our latest sock puppet parody by playwright and former Creative Works board member Erich Goldstein,” Brubaker said. The group is taking a short break but is also busy planning its 2026 season, which will include a new sock puppet show for the Lancaster Fringe Festival in May.
To keep live theater accessible to everyone, Creative Works of Lancaster uses a “pay what you decide” ticketing model, letting audience members decide what the experience was worth to them or what they can afford after a show is over.
“We’re creating brandnew theater by artists in the community. There are so many talented, creative people in the area, and while there are many other great theaters that provide opportunities for people to work on established plays and musicals, we want to give people opportunities to collaborate on
new work, take chances and bring their ideas to life,” Brubaker said.
Originally from Lancaster, Brubaker has been involved in regional theater for two decades. She directed new plays in college and enjoys collaborating with playwrights, but she also participated in Odyssey of the Mind, a creativity and problem-solving competition for students, and put on puppet shows as a child. Creative Works of Lancaster provides an opportunity for Brubaker to maintain an active creative life and work with other creative people. She particularly relies on board chair Joanna Underhill, a longtime friend and theatrical collaborator, for keeping the organization thriving.
“She’s been active in the Lancaster performing arts scene since 1996, and she’s the one who first brought up the idea of doing ‘Sock Puppet Psycho,’ our very
first sock puppet show,” Brubaker said.
Brubaker hopes audiences will continue to support the nonprofit’s work, and she encourages newcomers to check out a performance.
“Expect the unexpected!” she said. “We know it can feel risky to see something new, but you can be assured that our goal is for you to have a good time and to be surprised and delighted by something you’re not going to see anywhere else. You’ll share an experience with other people in the community, knowing that a lot of hard work, creativity and heart went into making it happen.”
To learn more about Creative Works of Lancaster, follow the organization on Facebook or Instagram or visit https://creativelan caster.org. There is also an opportunity on the website to make a tax-deductible donation to support the group’s projects and artists.
For a limited time, enjoy 40% off Miller’s traditional smorgasbord dinner. Must present printed coupon. Valid for up to 8
Sandwich OR Entree
Valid for up to 6 guests. One coupon per table. May not be combined with any other offers, coupons or discounts including group rates. Excludes groups, events, takeout, delivery, Grubhub orders, prime rib, specials, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Offer subject to change. Must present coupon to server. PLU: W26ENS. VALID: 2/8/26-3/17/26.
A production of “Dead Inside,” performed by Creative Works of Lancaster in a kitchen space
Buckskins Come up Short Against Eagles
On the court on Friday,
Saturday, February 14th, 2026 (11am-? or while supply lasts) Take-Out
The
photos by Mark Palczewski
Josiah Garcia of Conestoga Valley drives past Cocalico’s Josh Becker on Friday, January 30, during a 65-63 loss in Witmer.
On Friday, January 30, Buckskins’ Carter Gehman goes up for the shot against Cocalico during a 65-63 loss in Witmer.
Buckskins’ senior Toby Schaub goes up for the threepointer against Cocalico during a 65-63 loss on Friday, January 30.
Conestoga Valley’s senior Sawyer Esbenshade drives to the net around Cocalico’s Timmy Hambright on Friday, January 30. The Buckskins fell short 65-63.
Buckskins’ Jayden Conaway extends for the layup against Cocalico during a 65-63 loss on Friday, January 30, in Witmer.
January 30, Conestoga Valley’s Camryn Bair (11) and Kylinn Noon (20) block in Cocalico’s Josh Becker during a 65-63 loss in Witmer.
BREAKOUT MINISTRIES: Senior Pastors Ron & Mary Buch; Sundays at 10am. Contemporary worship & messages of freedom, healing, deliverance and discipleship. Children’s ministry includes nursery through Sr. High. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting 7-8pm; Check our web site for scheduled home bible studies.; JA Jesus based recovery meeting Saturday 7-8:30p. Men and Women groups meet monthly. Family Fun Night bi-monthly 6:30-9:00, Jr. and Sr. High youth group meets alternating months. Local and International outreaches. Web site: www.breakoutministries.org or Call for details. 2400 Anita Court, Leola, PA 17540. Ph.: (717)656-8366
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: 758 Spruce Rd., New Holland 717-354-8428. “Building Community with Christ, to Impact a World without Christ” Pastor: Dr. Doug Bozung. Please go to cfcnewholland.org/visit for information concerning worship services, adult ministries, youth & children’s ministries.
LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH (AG): Located at 1279 Main St., East Earl, invites you to join us for a time of contemporary worship and biblical preaching at our 9am service on Sunday mornings and 7pm service on Wednesday evenings. Kids ministry for birth through 5th grade and youth ministry for 6th through 12th grade is available. Lead Pastor: Stephen Ritchey. For more information on our services and programs, visit us online at Lighthouseag.com
MT. EDEN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH: 1241 May Post Office Rd., Quarryville, (5 mi. South of Strasburg, 3 mi. North of 372). Rev. Margaret Rohnacher, Pastor. Sunday worship service 9:30 am. Limited handicap accessibility. 717-786-7565 mtedenlutheranchurch@gmail.com
OUR LADY OF LOURDES Catholic Church: 150 Water Street, New Holland, PA 17557 Father Steven Fauser, Pastor. Visit us online at www.ourladyoflourdesnh.com Sunday 8am & 10:30am. Saturday 5pm. Weekday Mass: Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 9am.
SALEM EVANGELICAL REFORMED CHURCH HELLERS (founded 1725 / Independent / Reformed / Member of Evangelical Assoc. EARCCC), 2555 Horseshoe Rd. Lancaster. Sunday Worship 9:45 AM, Sunday School for all ages 11:15 AM. Children Welcome! Communion 1st Sunday of the month. 717-656-9249 www.salemhellers.com
ST. MATTHEW LUTHERAN CHURCH: A Reconciling in Christ (Open & Affirming Congregation). Located at 700 Pleasure Rd.Lancaster. Robin Fero, Pastor. In-person worship: Sat. 5 pm & Sun. 10 am. Online Worship at www.stmatthewelc.com For more info, call (717) 394-9607, or visit our web site.
ST. STEPHEN REFORMED CHURCH (Presbyterian Church In America): “A Beacon on the Hill.” The Word of God is central to our worship. Sunday Worship at 9:30am and 4:00pm. Sunday School for all ages following morning worship. For more information visit www.ststephenpca.org Lead Pastor: Rev. Dr. Andrew DiNardo. 249 E. Main Street New Holland PA 717-354-7871.
Please Note: Updates can be made to your church’s listing for 1st issue date of each month only. (Changes must be submitted by the previous Wednesday.)
For More Information
On Church Listings And Rates, Call Justin at 717-492-2533
Church Plans Clothing Giveaway
Pine Grove Church will hold its ninth annual clothing giveaway on Feb. 28.
Pine Grove Church, 1194 Reading Road, Bowmansville, will hold its free baby, teen, and adult clothing event on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Area residents are invited to donate items. Sorted and labeled clothing will be accepted at the church on Tuesday to Friday, Feb. 17 to 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday to Friday, Feb.
24 to 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. All items must be clean and smoke-free. Baby furniture and car seats cannot be accepted. For more information, search for “Pine Grove Church Clothing Closet” on Facebook or call the church office at 717-445-5136.
BIA
from pg 2
Luke Quickel, Hess Home Builders; and Joel Zeiset, Eby Exteriors.
Associate directors are Andrew Barninger, Personal Wealth Advisory; Lexi Sauder, Premier Settlements; Todd Shanks, Douple Agency; and Reilly Noetzel, Barley Snyder.
The BIA of Lancaster County also announced several award winners: The BIA Awards, the Young Professional Award and the President’s Award, which were chosen by association peers and staff for the 2025 year.
Award winners include the following: Building Award - Claudia Shank, McNees Wallace & Nurick; Industry Award - Rob Fluehr, High Real Estate Group; Association Award - Luke Quickel, Hess Home Builders; Young Professional Award - Brian Werntz, Builders FirstSource; and President’s Award - Lexi Sauder, Premier Settlements.
Founded in 1956, the BIA of Lancaster County is a nonprofit trade organization comprised of builders, subcontractors, suppliers and other professionals involved in the home building industry. Its mission is to empower the Lancaster County building industry through advocacy, connection and professional growth by advancing quality housing and resilient communities.
Lydia Harrison from
well. You need to remain calm and composed when you’re around them, and they’ve taught me that too.”
In February, Lydia and her horse, Archer, are competing in the prestigious HITS Ocala show in Ocala, Fla., a United States Equestrian Federation-sanctioned international competition. Over the past year, she has competed in about 15 shows in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Virginia and Florida with varying levels of success.
“Practice, practice, practice - that’s the key to success,” said Lydia. “I practice every day and I’m at the barn every day, working on jumps and messing with heights. I think it helps me get around the ring successfully.”
“There’s a lot of adrenaline at shows,” added Lydia. “I do get nervous sometimes, but I have to be focused. I have to know what I’m doing. It’s a mental game for sure. It takes a lot of resilience and focus.”
Lydia trains and practices at Foxfield Farms, which is located at 230 Holtzman Road in Reinholds. Her preparations include working with trainers Becky Weik and Larissa Fischer.
“Being able to apply my skills to an arena and showing it off is fun,” said Lydia. “I get to show the progress I’ve made, and that’s very, very rewarding. Since I started competing, I’ve kept progressing.”
“There are shows every other weekend, and sometimes it does interfere with my school schedule,” Lydia continued. “Showing and competing is just as important to me as school. I think what a lot of people don’t realize is the connections
pg 1
you make as an equestrian.” Archer is a 9-year-old gelding from the Oldenberg breed of jumping horses. Lydia and Archer are still in their first year of competing together, but their bond has begun to blossom.
“At first, it was a little scary because he’s very big,” said Lydia. “He had a hot temper at first, and I didn’t connect with him immediately. I had to work a lot with him. We connected after some time, and we’re really connected now. I’ve figured him out for the most part.”
“Archer is the funniest horse I’ve ever been around,” continued Lydia. “He’s very mouthy. He’s not mean, but he does bite. He’s very friendly, and he has a lot of energy.”
It was time spent at a horse camp 12 years ago that first ignited Lydia’s interest in equestrianism. Not long after that, riding lessons followed.
“I fell in love with it completely,” said Lydia. “When I sit in a saddle, I’m not thinking of anything else. It’s just the horse and me. It relieves stress, and the exercise helps a lot too.”
Lydia, who serves as the vice president of Lancaster Mennonite School’s FFA chapter, has future plans that include both college and horses. She has plenty of time to work out the details.
“My hope is to take a gap year after high school, go to Florida, train with Archer and compete,” said Lydia. “Then I’ll go to college for automotive engineering. I haven’t figured all of it out yet. I think I’m going to want to keep competing, but depending on what my job is, it could look different.”
Blood Drive Set at Fairmount
The Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank (CPBB) will hold a community blood drive at Fairmount in Ephrata on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The blood drive will be held in the Crest View Gathering Room at 1100 Farm Crest Drive on the east side of the Fairmount campus.
Those who wish to donate may schedule an
appointment by calling 800-771-0059. Walk-ins are welcome until 6 p.m., but those with scheduled appointments will be given priority. Donors should bring a photo ID.
All donors will receive various gift certificates and gift cards. For more information about Fairmount, call 717-354-1800 or visit www.fairmounthomes.org.
Preschool Opens Enrollment
The Parent & Preschool Center, located at Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, has opened enrollment for the 2026-27 school year. The preschool serves children ages 2 and a half to 5. The 2- and 3-yearold class is offered two half days per week. Prekindergarten for 3- and 4-yearolds is offered two half days or two full days per week. The prekindergarten class for 4- and 5-year-olds is offered two half days, two full days, or three full days per week.
The Parent & Preschool Center seeks to provide a loving and caring environment where students can develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Students practice skills to strengthen motor development, participate in activities to build pre-reading and math skills, learn Bible stories, and more. Keeping a close working relationship with the local elementary
A student in the 2- and 3-year-old class enjoys free play.
schools is a priority as the Parent & Preschool Center helps children transition into the next stages of their education.
In addition to classes for children, the Parent & Preschool Center hosts a women’s group, The Well, which meets on Tuesdays from 9:15 to 11 a.m. through the school year. This program is for all women, with or without children, in various stages of life. Child care is available during The Well
A student from the prekindergarten 4- and 5-year-old class
for a donation.
Since 1977, the center has welcomed hundreds of children from various religious and cultural backgrounds.
For more information or to schedule a private tour, visit www.mellinger church.org/preschool, search for “Parent & Preschool Center” on Facebook, or contact Hannah Hardy at 717-397-5717 or preschool@mellinger church.org.
Museum to Offer Tour Guide Trainings
The 1719 Museum is seeking volunteers to guide tours of the Herr House and Lancaster Longhouse in the spring, summer, and fall of 2026. The museum will offer tour guide trainings on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon and Fridays, March 6 and 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. The sessions will meet in the Mennonite Life Community Room at 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, and the Feb. 21 session will also require driving to the 1719 Museum, 1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street. Volunteers should plan to attend all three training sessions and be available for at least one tour date per month during the museum’s open season. Sessions will educate volunteers on topics relevant
to leading tours at the 1719 Museum, including Lancaster County’s Indigenous history, European Mennonite migration to the area, and techniques for guiding large groups through the museum. First-time guides will also have the chance to
meet with current guides. New guides do not need prior experience.
The trainings are free of charge. For more information and to register, contact Heather Strahin at museum@mennonitelife .org or 717-464-4438.
Dog Rescue Sets Open House
Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) will hold its monthly open house from 10 a.m. to noon at its Golden Gateway facility, 60 Vera Cruz Road, Reinholds, on Saturday, Feb. 14. The public is
invited to meet the golden retrievers and other dogs that are available for adoption. Admission is free. Staff members will be on hand to answer questions, and food will be available for
purchase. Photos are not permitted, and attendees should not bring other dogs to this event. For more information, contact info@dvgrr .org or 717-484-4799 or visit https://dvgrr.org/adopt/ monthlyopenhouse/.
ENJOY WINTER PAIN-FREE
YOUR HEALTH IS IMPORTANT AND YOU SHOULDN’T OVERLOOK THE DANGER SIGNALS: • Headache
Fatigue • Arthritic Pain by Stiff Neck
Loss of Sleep • Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
Tension • Leg Pain and Numbness
Backache • Arm Pain and Numbness
Whiplash Injury
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call our office for an appointment.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 6:15 PM - Dinner
Doors Open 5:00 p.m. for various displays.
Location: Yoder’s Restaurant Rt. 23, New Holland
(Sponsored by Ephrata Area Churches)
JEREMIAH J. CATLIN
Retired Amy Chaplain/Outdoor Bio
Jeremiah is from Wichita, Kansas and attended Kansas State University in 1993. He served with the 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Calvary Division from March 2006-2008. In 2007 he was medically evacuated from Iraq with a difficult case of Stage IV melanoma cancer. After 3 surgeries, radiation and chemo, received a clean bill of health in 2009 through Johns Hopkins and retired in May of 2025. He received awards like the Bronze Star medal and 2 other medals.
In November 2007 Jeremiah saw a ministry need for the wounded veterans to get into the outdoors through Chappy’s Outdoors supporting more than 1600 wounded, ill, and injured veterans in 24 different states over the past 17 years. Join us for a fun evening of good food, fellowship and stories about the outdoors.
Tickets are $35 & can be purchased at: https://sportsmansbanquet.ticketspice.com/ new-holland-sportsman-banquet-2026 or by Scanning the QR code. For Questions, Call: 717-738-0963
plays a number matching game.
The 1719 Museum will host a three-session training course for volunteer tour guides.
Wealand Tax & Financial Services
Fire & Ice from pg 1
weekends - Thursday, Feb. 12, to Monday, Feb. 16, and Thursday, Feb. 19, to Sunday, Feb. 22. Sponsored by nationally accredited Main Street nonprofit Venture Lititz, Fire & Ice is a fundraiser designed to attract visitors to downtown merchants during their slow season.
“It’s so much more than a winter event,” said Diehm. “It gets people out and interacting. Sometimes, the world feels divisive, but this brings people together.”
Conducted mainly on Broad Street and Main Street and in portions of Lititz Springs Park, Fire & Ice will unofficially kick off with Winter’s Coolest Night, a ticketed event, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 12 at Lititz Shirt Factory, 5 Juniper Lane, Lititz. The festival’s official opening night will be Friday, Feb. 13.
This year, Fire & Ice will feature 76 one-block, artist-carved ice sculptures, located mostly on Main and Broad Streets, and 32 giant, two- to 10-block sculptures, primarily situated in Lititz Springs Park. The ice sculptures are sponsored by local businesses.
“When Venture Lititz does Fire & Ice, we commit,” said Diehm. “We have some really fun ice sculptures this year, like the Minions, Lego Man, snowmen and the popular ice toilet. The merchants have Fire & Ice specials, and you just have
to try them all. And you just have to see the fire shows.”
Among this year’s highlighted events are a family-friendly scavenger hunt, a hot-and-cold crawl, an ice cream festival, a kids’ fire and ice safety showcase, the Make and Take Fibre Art Workshop, a makers’ market and the traditional Lititz Lions’ Chili Cook-Off. Fire & Ice will also feature a food truck court, including 12 revolving vendors; music; and entertainment, including dance troupe presentations and Molly Dazzle’s pyrotechnics performances.
“It is a ton of work,” said Diehm. “We start planning Fire & Ice in August. This is an event with a lot of sub-events. It takes a lot of work to pull it into a festival. These (volunteers) aren’t getting paid. Lititz shows up to help put it on. Everybody shows up.”
More than 40,000 people are expected to attend each weekend of Fire & Ice. It takes 120 volunteers to pull off the event, and last year those community members logged a total of more than 1,000 volunteer hours.
“I think the (attendees) are people who know the magic that is Lititz,” said Diehm, a resident of Lititz. “They’re people who enjoy community events. Lititz is a destination in and of itself, and Fire & Ice emphasizes it. It’s people wanting that Lititz vibe.”
Workshop Planned at Fairmount
Bill Hartman, vice president of Everence Asset Management, will present a Legacy and Estate Planning Workshop at Fairmount on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 3 p.m. The workshop will be held in the Wheat Ridge Chapel, located at 333 Wheat Ridge Drive, Ephrata, on the west side of the Fairmount campus.
Attendees will learn practical steps for creating an effective estate or legacy plan and explore how thoughtful planning can provide long-term support for meaningful charitable purposes, including benevolent care. Participants are encouraged to ask questions.
Established in 2006, Venture Lititz’s Fire & Ice has evolved from humble beginnings as a three-day offshoot of the Lititz Lions Club’s Chili Cook-Off into one of the premier winter festivals in Lancaster County. Fire & Ice is one of a handful of community-oriented fundraisers that Venture Lititz conducts throughout the year.
“Fire & Ice is a pretty big fundraiser for Venture Lititz,” said Diehm. “But during the event, we want our businesses to be successful and to be highlighted. We want to drive business there. We pour the money that we make back into town. Last year, we were able to do a beautification project. All the events are for our community, to bring people together and have shared experiences and celebrate what makes Lititz, Lititz.”
“Venture Lititz is here to make Lititz a very desirable place to work, live and visit,” she continued, “and I think we do a good job of it. We love what we do. Within Venture Lititz, it’s a board of dedicated volunteers, and me and Sam (Thrush) are the only employees. Everyone here is our friends and neighbors. Fire & Ice supports our community, and if you come out, you’ll make some good memories while you’re at it.”
For additional information, go to https://lititzpa .com/fire-and-ice-festival.
Fire Company Posts Fastnacht Sale
Everence offers an approach to legacy and estate planning that integrates faith and values with long-term goals and aspirations. This approach helps individuals develop a purpose-filled financial strategy that supports retirement planning while caring for the people and causes they hold dear.
The workshop is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. For more information, contact Kevin Nofziger at KevinN@ FairmountHomes.org or call 717-354-1814.
For more information about Fairmount, call 717354-1800 or visit www .fairmounthomes.org.
Lafayette Fire Company, 63 Lafayette Way, Lancaster, will host its seventh annual Fasnachts for Fassnacht event. Fastnachts will be available for pickup on Monday, Feb. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. There is a fee per dozen or half-dozen, and the orders will consist of powdered sugar fastnachts and glazed fastnachts. To order by Thursday, Feb. 12, visit https://lfc63.square .site. Extra fastnachts will be available for purchase at the fire company on Feb. 17 while supplies last. Proceeds will benefit the Lafayette Fire Company’s cancer prevention initiatives.
Foundation Awards Grants to LCCTC Instructors
BY GEORGE DEIBEL
It was another outstanding year for the Lancaster County Career & Technology Foundation (LCCTF).
Students and the businesses that hire them stand to benefit.
The LCCTF recently announced the awarding of a total of $142,727 in Dr. Michael K. Curley Teacher Innovation Grants that will have a profound effect on Lancaster County Career & Technology Center (LCCTC) students.
“I think we are very fortunate to be able to make the impact we do to really enhance the training and the opportunities here for our students,” said LCCTF executive director Jennifer Baker. “We want to make sure that they are at their best when they enter the workforce, and this equipment goes to that.”
Justin Findley of the heavy equipment operations and basic maintenance program at the Brownstown campus was awarded a $19,997 grant for the purchase of TOPCON GPS. That will enable students to complete projects as they would at a work site.
Brian Myers of the electrical construction technology program at the Brownstown campus was awarded a $12,000 grant to put a customized photovoltaic training system in the courtyard.
Tim Rosenberg of the computer networking and security program at the Brownstown campus was awarded a $23,322 grant for a project called Cyber City 2.0.
Doug Stevens of the introduction to manufacturing program at the Mount Joy campus was awarded a $20,000 grant to create a lab where students will design and 3D print various objects.
Brian Singer of the automotive technology AST program at the Willow Street campus was awarded a $15,000 grant to buy a CAN Bus Management System that will allow students to learn how to diagnose and repair a CAN Bus system.
Donna Maslin of the dental hygiene program at the Willow Street location was awarded a $12,655 grant to be used for funding to teach students Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT).
Jessica Weinholt of the medical assistant program at the Willow Street campus was awarded a $15,000 grant for Integrated Diagnostic Wall Systems, which will provide stu -
dents with hands-on experience with equipment that is found in medical facilities.
Lindsay Feerrar of the veterinary assistant program at the Willow Street campus was awarded a $24,752 grant for a laboratory equipment update.
The LCCTF issued grants worth a total of $74,511 last year, $176,746 in 2023-24, and $98,969 in 2022-23.
“It all depends on the funding that we receive and the requests that we get from the instructors, which is why it varies every year, but we’ve had some excellent years being able to support a number of programs,” Baker said.
The LCCTF raises funds in a variety of ways. Each May, the organization holds its Fly on the Run event. The first day features a banquet at the Mount Joy campus, with food that’s prepared and served by students and a live auction featuring items made by students. A fly-fishing tournament is held the following day. This year’s Fly on the Run event will be held on Wednesday, May 6, and Thursday, May 7.
Money is also generated from the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. “The majority of the dollars come from those two initiatives,” Baker said.
A group of people decides how to dole out the money.
“It’s a several-step process,” Baker said. “(Instructors) apply
in September. We have the principals and the CTC administration take a look at those. We then review it with our finance and allocation committee. And that goes to our executive committee, then to our board for final approval.”
The foundation board is the one that makes the final approval in November.
“It’s very collaborative with not just our board, but also the schools, admin, staff, and faculty,” said Baker.
Another collection of people weighs in. “We also rely on input from each program, which has an occupational advisory committee (OAC),” said Baker. “Each program has eight to 15 industry representatives that meet twice a year, and they help guide curriculum, help recommend any equipment that the program may need so that we are training students on what they’re going to be using currently in the industry. All the equipment that we approve first is approved by the OAC.”
The LCCTF’s mission is simple. “Everything we do is to supplement what the school’s already doing, and it’s to enhance their curriculum, training experience, and their education,” Baker said. “Just last year alone, we probably gave over $400,000 in equipment, scholarships, and financial assistance to students.
We help provide students that are in need of (school) uniforms. We have tuition assistance programs for adult students. Our impact is pretty significant across all of the programs here and all of the campuses.”
She provided an example of the organization’s effectiveness.
“We had a student that said, ‘I was working at this welding shop, and we were using this laser welder that was purchased with one of our grants, and they were so impressed that I knew how to use that,’” Baker said.
“We’re hoping that we’re giving our students a leg up when it comes to entering the workforce and finding those careers that will be life-changing for them.”
For more information on the Lancaster County Career & Technology Foundation, go to www.lcctf.org.
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Brayden Heister of Donegal High School operates a machine at the LCCTC’s Mount Joy campus. Photo by George Deibel
Madison Goretzke (left) and Averi Scott, both from Elizabethtown, work on a blueprint. Photo by George Deibel
Seth Minnick of Donegal High School welds during introduction to manufacturing class.
Photo by George Deibel
Mason Sload of Donegal (left) and Elizabethtown Area High School students Kowen Spigelmeyer (middle) and Preston Powell observe machinery. Photo by George Deibel
Intro to manufacturing students made dice and a “Yahtzee cup.”
Photo by George Deibel
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