IN THIS ISSUE: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT EVENT HONORS CLASS OF 2020 page 12
Solanco /townlively
MAY 27, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVII • NO 7
Working To Grant Wishes Virtual Convoy Scheduled For Aug. 16 By Ann Mead Ash
In April, COVID-19 restrictions put Make-AWish of Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley, an organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening diseases, in a precarious position. Concern for the children served by Make-A-Wish, who fall into high-risk categories, was of the utmost importance. Wishes were postponed, and the popular Mother’s Day Convoy, which was ready to make a move to the Manheim Auto Auction, was postponed. The convoy is now scheduled as a virtual event to be held on Sunday, Aug. 16.
Make-A-Wish of Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley grants the wishes of children with life-threatening diseases. While COVID-19 restrictions have made that mission difficult, the organization recently held a giving week that raised nearly $100,000 toward making that goal easier.
In the meantime, Make-A-Wish needed to raise funds, preparing to grant more than 450 local wishes when the organization is able. To make those wishes come true, the organization embarked on a virtual giving week, held from April 22 to 29. Area residents responded positively to the effort, and by mid-May nearly $100,000 had been raised mainly by 18 teams and 66 participants. Clowns gathered for a photo at a past Mother’s Day Truck Dennis Heron, president and CEO of Convoy, which raises funds for Make-A-Wish. The 2020 Make-A-Wish of Philadelphia, Delaware convoy has been rescheduled as a virtual event on Aug. 16. and Susquehanna Valley, said that the organization was “blown away” by the support. “On The decision was based on concern for the Make-Abehalf of the children and families we serve, we thank Wish children and the members of the community who everyone who donated for their dedication to the visit the event. No carnival will be held; however, a Make-A-Wish mission, especially during these challeng- modified small truck convoy featuring the top 30 drivers and key sponsors will leave the auto auction ing times,” said Heron. On May 9, Make-A-Wish announced that the deci- during the day. The convoy will be broadcast live from sion to turn the convoy into a virtual event had been the Make-A-Wish Facebook page. In addition, organizmade by staff and volunteer convoy planning commit- ers are working to create other ways to share parts of tee members, and that the August date had been set. the traditional convoy festivities, such as the food, See Make-A-Wish pg 7
Sweet Pea Launches Special Garden Online
By Dayna M. Reidenouer
By Ann Mead Ash
“2020 Lancaster County Little Miss Agriculture USA” might be a big name for a young girl, but titleholder Riley LaBow was eager to take it on. Riley was just 7 years old when she applied for the title with the help of her mother, Kaire LaBow. The youngster celebrated her eighth birthday on May 17. Kaire noted that Riley became interested in agriculture, particularly soil cultivation, as a result of the family’s box gardening practice. “Dad (Craig) is enjoying this as well, with the box garden,” Kaire remarked. “He’s been getting (Riley) out there to pull weeds.” The LaBows added chickens to their agricultural ventures at their home in a Landisville development last year. “Raising the chickens last year was awesome,” Kaire remarked. She pointed out that their place of residence was not a drawback in Riley’s application to be Lancaster County Little Miss Agriculture USA. “You don’t have to live on a farm to promote agriculture, and that’s what we’re doing: spreading the word about local farmers,” Kaire explained. “I thought this would be a great experience for her - for the whole family, really.” See Little Miss Agriculture pg 2
More than 10 years ago, Stephanie Paige Cole, founder of Sweet Pea Project, an organization that offers comfort and support to families that have experienced the death of a baby, and her board members began holding a Sisters and Brothers Picnic for children who had a sibling who was lost
The 2020 Lancaster County Little Miss Agriculture USA is 8-year-old Riley LaBow of Landisville.
during pregnancy or infancy. This year’s event was to be held on Saturday, June 6, at Dutch Wonderland. When the picnic was canceled due to COVID19 restrictions, Cole wanted to re-create a part of the picnic in time for Mother’s Day, which was held on May 10. A special part of the picnic is a chance to visit an area inside Dutch Wonderland that has been designated as a permanent Sweet Pea Project Remembrance Garden. “It has a big tree and hundreds of flowers, and our logo and sign is there,” said Cole, who noted that she is continually amazed at how the siblings flock to the garden during the picnic. “There’s pizza, ice cream, and roller coasters, See Sweet Pea Project pg 2
Sweet Pea Project, an organization that offers comfort and support to families that have experienced the death of a baby, has created a virtual flower garden that mothers and other family members may use to honor the child they lost. Although the virtual garden was created for Mother’s Day, it will be available into the future for those who would like to dedicate a flower to their child.
Create Beautiful Gardens! Stop in & Treat S Your Senses! Mon.-Sat. 8-6 Closed Sunday
400 Long Lane at Marticville Road
717-872-9311
(Rts. 741 & 324S)
www.cherryhillorchards.com
R059118
•H Hanging Baskets • Annuals • Vegetables • Herbs • Perennials • Shrubs • Berries & Lots More!
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Landisville Girl Holds “Little Miss Agriculture” Title