Around the Stump
BY LOGAN MOYER
What was once a towering maple tree has turned into a gathering place for a West Lampeter Township neighborhood.
Jane and John Weigel had to cut down a threedecade-old maple tree in their front yard. The tree had grown sick and was out of control, but Jane did not want to get rid of it entirely.
Instead, she instructed her son, Luke, a woodworker, to leave just the stump of the once-imposing maple tree. Luke and a friend then built Jane a fairy house and mailbox before she did some gardening in the area where the tree once stood.
Thus, a fairy garden was born.
In the Weigels’ front yard sits a fairy garden, consisting of six
unique fairies, Frederick, Felicia, Fiona, Felicity, Faith and Flora. All six have different unique traits and distinct personalities.
The fairy garden is now a hangout spot for kids in the neighborhood. It
started in the pandemic, during the era of isolation, but has now become the epicenter of the neighborhood.
“They could come down here and play,” said Jane, who is known as “Mrs. Fairy” to the kids. “See what’s
See Fairy Garden pg 2
BY JEFF FALK
When you start a nonprofit, you’re focused on the work and
not necessarily thinking in terms of future mergers. The founders of Hope Inspire Love kept their noses to the grindstone, and natural
evolution produced organic growth.
“My heart was always collaboration and participation,” said Amy Thurston, who, along with her
Historic Rock Ford Will Host Social Dance
BY GEORGE DEIBEL
Put on your dancing shoes. No experience necessary.
Historic Rock Ford will host a Social Dance event Sunday, July 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Langmuir Education Room located on the first floor of the Rock Ford Barn, 881 Rockford Road, Lancaster.
Register by going to www .historicrockford.org/special -events/social-dance-1-8583h. Walk-ins will be welcome.
Attendees are advised to wear clothes people can dance and move around in and flat-soled shoes that won’t stick or skid on the concrete floor, Historic Rock Ford executive director Christina McSherry said. People are not required to bring a dance partner.
Visitors should bring water. The activity is recommended for peoples age 7 and up. There will be a nominal fee for nonmembers age 12 and up.
The Rock Ford dancers will perform on the porch of the Hand Mansion at 1 p.m.
“We started social dances last year because there was so much interest in our historic dance group,” said McSherry. “People were always asking, ‘Is there a place I can learn this? I’d love to try it.’ The historic dance group requires a pretty extensive commitment to practicing and getting a costume, so we were starting to think (that this) is a good way to have people try out English country dance, which is the type of dancing that the Hand family would have done.”
McSherry added, “English
Jane Weigel, known as “Mrs. Fairy” by the kids, started the fairy garden in 2020.
Fairy Garden
in there, move the fairies around, move the rocks and just kind of have a good time. They weren’t going to school, they weren’t going to preschool, so that’s how it began.”
Located off Millport Road across from the Turkey Hill and Pie in the Sky, the garden’s attendance has rapidly grown via word of mouth from family to family. On any given week, 20 kids come by to play and see what is new.
Each week on Sunday, one of the fairy friends leaves a small surprise in the wooden mailbox. Sometimes the fairies leave a packet of
seeds to plant, a glow stick or art supplies. There are always small notes attached to the items with a message of hope and a task of kindness for the kids to try.
Sometimes, the mailbox is cleared out as early as Monday.
“I think it’s a good place of nurturing,” Jane said. “I have such a hatred of screens for kids. It takes kind of my two passions that I want kids to be healthy, be social, be physically active and not be hauled up in the house on the screen. Combine that with a little curiosity and imagination, they come out and play.”
Jane tends to the fairy garden, but the kids leave their own impact. They leave rocks, decorated pots and more. The garden has a loving vibe, with a do-it-yourself mindset that leaves the kids free to move things around and rearrange as they please.
“I just want it to be more earthy,” she said. “Kids make gnomes and different things, and people make donations.”
Sometimes, the Weigels host garden parties in their front yard, where kids are formally invited to come and hang out. There’s also a
new bench that was just installed near the garden.
In an era of closing community pools, screens and attendance dropping at recreation centers, the fairy garden serves as an all-important third space for the children, outside of school and home.
“I think they need to know that somebody else cares about them,” she said. “They think that the world is this big scary place, but here’s this place that’s full of imagination, beauty and delayed gratification.”
Many of the small trinkets in the garden were made by neighborhood kids.
husband, Steve, founded Hope Inspire Love nine years ago. “Did I think about a merger? No. We weren’t coming here to reinvent what someone else was doing. She’s Somebody’s Daughter was doing things other people weren’t doing. You’re taking the strengths of both organizations and putting them together.”
More than simply a merger, Hope Inspire Love and She’s Somebody’s Daughter recently joined forces, pooled resources and intertwined missions all in the name of fighting human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The names have remained the same under the umbrella of a single nonprofit. Hope Inspire Love will serve as the lead organization, and the Lemoyne-based She’s Somebody’s Daughter will perform outreach services.
“This was just a beautiful next step,” said Amy. “This allows us to better impact and really help survivors in our region. It’s a natural alignment in the right direction. It’s not a mission drift; it’s a mission realignment. We don’t ever want there to be barriers for Hope Inspire Love. This was an easy ‘yes.’ There was no pause or reservations.”
The consolidation allows the two nonprofits to work as one and to provide better services and reach more victims and potential victims of human trafficking in Lancaster, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, York, Berks, Cumberland, Adams, Perry, Montgomery and Lehigh counties. Operating under the tagline “Better Together, Stronger Together,” Hope Inspire Love, which is headquartered at 1380 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, now also operates offices in Lemoyne and Chambersburg.
Under details of the merger, every former staff member of She’s Somebody’s Daughter was retained by the new organization.
“This partnership is a bold investment in the future of survivors and our community,” said Rosemarie Davis, executive director of She’s Somebody’s Daughter. “The exponential power of partnership with Hope Inspire Love enables us to support and expand our mission to women exploited in the commercial sex industry.”
“She’s Somebody’s Daughter’s mission is going out and meeting individuals in dark places and meeting the needs, instead of waiting for people to be referred to them,” said Amy, who will remain in her role as CEO of Hope Inspire Love. “They’re going into that moment and into vulnerable situations like massage businesses, strip clubs, motels and prisons. We’re there for long-term support.
“We’ve been working together for years,” added Amy. “(She’s Somebody’s Daughter was) looking at where they were going in the future. We were working with them like, ‘What do you need?’”
Ultimately, it was a conversation at a conference between Thurston and She’s Somebody’s Daughter officials that got the ball rolling toward a merger. Thurston took the idea to Hope Inspire Love’s board of directors in January of 2025, and by the fall of that year, the proper documentation was submitted to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office.
“We made sure this was truly a great fit,” said Amy. “It’s not just two organizations joining names. It’s a collective force for good in our community. We have to be willing to consider what’s best for the people we serve. Neither organization was looking for this, but this came about. We didn’t force it. It was meant to be.” Amy and Steve Thurston founded Hope Inspire Love in the basement of their home in 2017. The
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from pg 3
organizations do. They do it for different types of dances. There’s a very strong English country dance, social dance community around the country. We tapped into that network to try to start our own program, and it was very successful last year. … It’s been a really fun time,” said McSherry. “It’s been a great success. We get people of all ages, from young kids.”
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All of the dances are taught. “You don’t have to have any experience,” McSherry said. “People explain how it works, and you get to walk through it a few times before we try it with music. There’s a nice mix also of experienced and not experienced, so, if you have questions, someone around you can also help.”
The dances that will be performed originated from music in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. “Some of those dances are much older,” said McSherry. “They just do new movements to them, new choreography to them. They get updated, but the tunes themselves are pretty old. It’s a fun chance to come and try something new, something maybe you’ve been curious about, whether you’ve seen it in films or on different TV shows.”
SINGING SPRING FOODS
Grocery Aisle
PUBLIC AUCTION
AUGUST 13 • 6 P.M.
Located At 10 Mylin Ave., Willow Street (W. Lampeter Twp., Lanc. Co.)
Lancaster, take Prince St. South (which becomes Willow Street Pike).
left on W. Willow Rd., Followed by a left on Pleasant View Dr. Turn right on Mylin Ave. To property on left. The real estate consists of a 2½ story brick dwelling, built in 1928, containing a kitchen with breakfast bar; dining room; living room; office; and a full bath / laundry all on the main level. There are three bedrooms and a full bathroom upstairs. There is approx. 1,628 sq. ft. of living space throughout, with attic storage above. The full, walkout, basement is finished into a studio-style inlaw suite and contains a full kitchen; living room w/ brick hearth
Situated on a 0.50 (+/-) Acre lot, this property also features a frame workshop / shed as well as a covered front porch and a rear brick patio. The large, level, yard offers plenty of room to run, garden & play. This is a solid dwelling, situated in a fantastic area. Some cosmetic updating would go a long way – an ideal way to build some sweat equity! You will not want to miss this excellent property being offered for sale via public auction!
Lic. #: AUOO5308 (717) 336-6983 www.pannebeckerwolf.com
Open House To Be Held Sun., Aug. 2 & Sat., Aug. 8 From 1-3pm, Or By App’t, Contact Auctioneer At (717) 371-9603. 10% down day of sale, balance due at settlement. 1% broker participation offered. Call auctioneer for details. Terms By: Mary S. Wise Estate D. Hartranft, Att’y
PUBLIC AUCTION
COUNTRY BRICK 3 BDRM. RANCHER ATTACHED 1 CAR GARAGE – SHED .36 ACRE RURAL LOT LANCASTER – SMOKETOWN – WITMER AREA FRIDAY, JULY 24 • 4 P.M. 2136 Hobson Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602. From intersection of Rts. 30 & 340. Take Rt. 340 E. Right Oakview Rd. Left Hobson Rd. to property on right. (E. Lampeter Twp., Lanc. Co.)
HELP WANTED General
ALL RENOVATION & DESIGN is Hiring a CARPENTER TECHNICIAN who wants to build a long-term career in remodeling. Explore allrd.com/careers/ or email julia@allrd.com for more info.
CAREGIVERS NEEDED: CNA'S, HHA's & care assistants, make a difference in the life of a senior & put your caregiving experience to work. All shifts available. Visiting Angels at 717-393-3450.
***DRIVER NEEDED*** For market run in New Jersey. Also some local driving. Call: 717-940-9308
FT/PT DRIVERS Non-CDL box truck. Mostly local. Retirees welcome! Punctual Services Inc. 717-252-0487
HELP NEEDED INSTALLING SHED PADS & DELIVERING FURNITURE IN NEW JERSEY. MUST HAVE A VALID DRIVERS LICENSE. CALL 717-406-2947
PT DRIVER NEEDED: For local runs & also Fri. to Columbus Farmers Market in NJ. 717-327-6240
Small family run septic company in Southern Lancaster Co. looking for FT SEPTIC PUMPING & PORTA TOILET ROUTE DRIVER Class A or B CDL license required. Paid holidays, vacation, health insurance & matching retirement. 717-284-0303 or smexcavating@aol.com
General
WANTED DRIVER to drive our company vehicles. Approx. 10 to 30 hrs. a week. 717-847-3711 lv. msg.
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REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS
August 1 at 1:00pm 4 Hoover Road Lancaster Township .5 acre Vacant lot Beautiful farmland view! AND
AUCTION of PERSONAL PROPERTY to be held at 2 Hoover Road, Lancaster Twp Saturday, August 1 at 9am FURNITURE-ANTIQUES-HHGOODS LAWN - GARDEN - TOOLS
AUCTIONEER AU-3414-L
ELDER CARE
ASSISTANCE FOR ELDERLY, caregivers provide hygiene assistance, meals, light housework in your home. Insured, Bonded, RN owned & operated. Call Visiting Angels, 717-393-3450.
FOR SALE
Collectibles
BUYING TOYS & COLLECTIBLES www.DNRCollectibles.com PA’s Largest Buyer of Toys & Collectibles 27 E Lancaster Street, Red Lion, PA Hours: Mon.-Sat. by appointment only 717-329-8167 • rhoward1771@gmail.com Toys Vintage or Modern, New or Used, Hess Trucks, Barbies, Diecast, Hot Wheels & Matchbox, Action Figures, Models, Trains, Sports Cards/Memorabilia, Movie/Music Memorabilia, Video Games & much more!
Lawn & Garden
AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING 717-208-2265 • SEASONAL CLEANUP, MULCH, EDGING, TRIMMING, PLANTING, SM. TREE/SHRUB REMOVAL. Sr. Discount!
FREE REMOVAL of Riding Mowers. Call/text Jim 717-940-9029
PINE SHAVINGS, RAILROAD TIES, Fence Posts/Fence Supplies. Large/Small Quantities. Call For Prices. HOLTWOOD SUPPLY, 717-284-0883
Livestock
HORSE BOARDING for info go to www.boyerrunservices or call 717-665-3753/717-371-7350
y NEW HOLLAND BALER 276, NEW HOLLAND HAYBINE 488, 16ft. HAY ELEVATOR. KUHN 4100 RAKE Call 610-869-3959
Pets
ACA WELSH CORGI & COCKAPOO PUPS, UTD vet checked, family raised. $450 obo. 717-201-5850
ENGLISH CREAM RETRIEVER PUPPIES, 12 wks. old, friendly, adorable. UTD shots, $695. 717-354-7478. GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES AKC certified, vet checked/registered, M/F $1,200. 717-548-0886 X3 MINI GOLDENDOODLE
laundry w/washer & dryer included, attic, full bsmt. w/rec. rm. & utility rm., oil forced air heat, central AC, beautiful hardwood flooring thru out, low maintenance exterior w/covered soffit, fascia & insulated/tilt windows, attached 1
storage & utility bldg. 12x8, level .36 Acre country
professional landscaping, & along
traffic
Been in the Brubaker family for 65 years! Ideally located custom
w/
w/farmland
clean & well maintained rancher. Great location, minutes to Lancaster, Smoketown & Bird In Hand. Easy access to Rts. 30, 340 & 222. Personal inspection by appointment or open house July 11 & 18 from 1 to 4 PM. For more detailed information visit www.klinekreidergood.com. Financing, deposit or bridge loan available to qualified buyer. Call Randal V. Kline 717-733-1006 (Lender NMLS ID #834368 & #384426).
AREA #1 FURNITURE
TRENDY GARDEN DÉCOR
LAWN - GARDEN - TOOLS
AREA #2 COLLECTABLES
ANTIQUE & VINTAGE SMALLS
JEWELRY - COINS - STERLING
AREA #3 CHRISTMAS
50+ Byer’s Choice - 200+ Hallmark 200+ Teddy Bears and accessories
TERMS: Cash and Checks only. No buyer’s premium. No PA sales tax