Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville
JANUARY 5, 2022
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Sharing His Love Of Music BY CATHY MOLITORIS
hristopher Prestia has a passion for music, and it shows. It shows in his knowledge of the subject, in his talent on multiple instruments and in his new home, which is furnished with four organs and a piano in his living room. And now, lucky for Columbia residents, Prestia is sharing that passion with others. He recently opened The Columbia School of Music on the first floor of his home, 401 Walnut St., Columbia. Prestia started playing the piano at age 6. He also plays the cello, the flute and the organ, and he sings. When he’s not teaching private lessons or getting his school off the ground, he works as the organist and choir director of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd “My vision for this school in Lancaster. Although Pres- is for it to truly be a part of tia has been a this ... I want to hear this musician most of town ringing with music. I his life, he didn’t i m m e d i a t e l y want to get to know the envision opening musicians who are already a music school here and have things grow when he moved organically from there.” into the property in November. Although the While working on renovations of the Victorian home, Prestia began school’s physical brainstorming ideas for what to do address is on Walwith the space on the first floor. nut Street, Prestia The living area of the home, includ- has plans beyond ing the kitchen and bedrooms, is the building. “I upstairs, leaving Prestia with don’t see this options for the lower level. “I con- being a school sidered an art gallery and then I with walls,” he thought, ‘You’re a music teacher. c o m m e n t e d , adding that he Make a music school,’” he said. He has decorated the first floor hopes to partner of his home with some of his most with Columbia prized instruments, all of which School District he has named. The front room and local churches houses a 1900s reed organ, which as well. “I want to he named Viola. Edy is a portable be out in the folding organ dating to 1907 and community.” Outside of work, Kathryn is a 1930s pipe organ, although the pipes are currently Prestia loves to stay in storage. Prestia plans to one active with cycling
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and running, and he’s a hang-gliding pilot. But most of all, he wants to share his love of music with everyone, no matter his or her skill level. “The word ‘amateur’ is derived from the word ‘amore,’ which means ‘love,’” he stated. “That’s what music is to me. It’s joyful. Most people are looking for something that brings them joy, and that’s what I’m trying to do.” For more information on The Columbia School of Music, visit www.csmusic.school.
A Saving Grace For Young Mothers BY CATHY MOLITORIS
When Candace Abel became involved with the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program in Lancaster, she noticed something. There were plenty of programs in place to help the children she was advocating for, but it was a different story for the young mothers. “The mother of my very first CASA child appointment was developmentally disabled and only 19 years old,” Abel recalled. “She was really in need of strong and loving
guidance, but she did not fit into any of the local programs for single moms. … I kept thinking what she needed was a reliable ally who could offer both advice and comfort to make the difference in her future life.” From that experience, Second Grace was born. The two-year program for single mothers below the age of 25 will match “Graces” - the mothers - with “Sages” - trained mentors who will advocate on the mother’s behalf. The Sage might do anything from offering advice to driving the Grace to court or child care classes, helping with budgeting or assisting with finding housing. Each Grace will have her own Sage, but the Graces will move through the program in groups of four who will attend monthly Grace Gatherings. “This will give our Grace clients the opportunity to build community with someone who can understand their challenges,” Abel explained. “Additionally, they will need a better peer support system to get and stay healthy.” See Grace pg 2
Candace Abel
Girls On The Run Goes Live!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Lancaster And York YMCAs Merge . . . . . . . . .5 Poetry Contest, Workshops Planned . . . . .5
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Coming off a successful 5K at Millersville University in November, Katie Sandoe, executive director of Girls on the Run (GOTR) Lancaster, and Jen West, program director, are excited about the 2022 season. “ We are looking ahead to spring,” said West. “We are excited to be back to a 10-week season in person.” Christopher Prestia
See GOTR pg 2
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day install them in the basement so music from the organ can play up through the vents. Esther is a late 1800s Grand Salon pump organ. “There are fewer than five of those in existence,” he marveled. Ivy, a baby grand piano, rounds out the room. Prestia is currently looking for more pianos, and he’s also looking to expand his school, which is accepting new students. “My vision for this school is for it to truly be a part of this town,” he remarked. “I want to hear this town ringing with music. I want to get to know the musicians who are already here and have things grow organically from there.”
VOL LXII • NO 46
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