Elizabethtown townlively.com
FEBRUARY 14, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXV • NO 1
Igniting the light within BY CATHY MOLITORIS
Larry A. Derr
Dancers warm up at ExHaLTT Performing Arts Academy.
Finding healing and hope through the arts
A
t E x H a LT T Pe r fo r m ing Arts Academy, Jill Thomasson offers opportunities for people to express themselves through dance, music and more, all with a faith base. “Our tagline is, ‘Where the ar ts thrive, the soul comes alive,’” she stated. As the nonprofit organization blossomed this past year, Thomasson faced a personal struggle, but she hasn’t let it stop her vision of bringing the arts to everyone. Thomasson was just putting the finishing touches on the studio’s move to the second floor
of The Elizabeth, 18 N. Market St., Elizabethtown, in August, when she received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Within days of her diagnosis, she also received word that ExHaLTT had been approved for its official 501(c)(3) designation. “I am an overcomer,” she stated. “Nothing was going to deter me in my mission. To get hit with this diagnosis was really tough, but the ExHaLTT community just rallied around me.” Thomasson had surgery and began chemotherapy, but she continued to move forward with her studio, starting the season in October after completing
extensive renovations to the new space. The studio offers classes for children and adults in hip-hop dance, modern dance, creative movement, musical theater and adult fitness. Along with classes, Thomasson wants the studio to offer people a chance to get out into the community and give back through the “Dancers Make a Difference” initiative. The organization held food drives in November and December and performed for a Valentine’s Day tea at Paramount Senior Living at Lancaster County in Maytown. Thomasson recently began
Larry A. Derr
commonwealth, as well as the Masonic Charities, which include the Masonic Villages, the Masonic Children’s Home, the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program and the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania. A g rad u ate o f M a n h e i m See Light pg 3
Bringing God’s Word to the stage
BY JEFF FALK
It’s one thing to hear the Word. It’s one thing to read the Word. It’s one thing to process the Word. But it’s another thing to experience the Word live. Piercing Word, headquartered at 1821 Oregon Pike, Suite 210, Lancaster, presents Scripture passages from the English Standard Version Bible word for word through dramatic and musical performances. The nonprofit’s mission is to “ignite passion for
the Word of God in the heart of the church.” “ We d o n’t j u s t p e r fo r m Scripture; we challenge people,” said Piercing Word’s founder and executive director, Aaron House. “Scripture is our script. The Word of God is so powerful, and not just for the people on stage, but also for the people who come. Their lives will be changed when they come. It’s not just another entertainment. It’s a life-changing opportunity.” Piercing Word will br ing its unique form of spiritual See Stage pg 2 R102845
See Arts pg 4
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BY CATHY MOLITORIS
Two months ago, Larry A. Derr of Mount Joy was installed as the 125th Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Masons of Pennsylvania. The role is an honor, he said, and offers him an opportunity to promote an organization that’s had a major influence on his life. “B eing the 125th Grand Master means you are a part of a very long tradition of service, one I am extremely honored to continue,” he said. “I have been a member for more than 50 years, so Freemasonry has been a significant part of my life and significantly shaped the man I am today. This is a way for me to give back for the lifelong learning, friendships and experiences this journey has afforded me.” In this role, Derr is responsible for leading the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which oversees 388 lodges and approximately 87,000 members across the