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VisionCorps Slates Rappeling Fundraiser
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Dick Coyne was ready to rappel during Eye Drop 2025.
120-foot building. Other special features of the event will include livestreaming of the rappelers with masters of ceremonies George Tobler and Scott Tobler, music provided by DJ Gill Sanchez starting at 9:30 a.m., food trucks in Ewell Plaza, and giveaway drawing tickets for themed baskets. From 1 to 3 p.m., attendees may learn about accessible technology, including smart glasses. While playing games such as cornhole and jumbo Connect 4 and Jenga, people may try simulator glasses to experience what different levels
of vision are like. Kids’ activities will be available from 10 a.m. to noon., including book readings in the Lancaster Public Librar y that will teach children about their eyes and how to keep them healthy. The West Goshen Lions Club will offer free vision screenings for children, and kids may meet and take photos with Abby the Ability Bear, VisionCorps’ new mascot, and Cylo, the Stormers’ mascot. Eye Drop is free of charge and open to the public. For more information and to register as a rappeler, visit www.EyeDrop2026.org.
Celebrating Lancaster Water Week BY CATHY MOLITORIS
More than a decade ago, Fritz Schroeder was paddling on the Conestoga River when he realized something. The now president and CEO of Lancaster Conservancy saw the challenges facing the waterway but also its great potential to become a thriving place for wildlife and recreation. Lancaster Water Week grew out of that experience, and the event will celebrate its 10th anniversar y this year from Friday, June 5, through Saturday, June 13. “We have over 60 events hosted by more than 40 partners,” said Avery Van Etten, marketing and communications manager for Lancaster Conservancy. “There are so many events that no matter what you’re interested in, whether it’s paddling or hiking, taking a rain garden workshop, participating in an art event or other activities, there are so many ways for everyone to get involved.” Highlights of Lancaster Water Week include First Friday in downtown Lancaster on June 5, when people can pick up free native plants or seeds and enjoy immersive activities hosted by organizations working in the clean water movement. On Tuesday, June 9, a 10th anniversary event will be held at West Art, 816 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, from 5 to 8 p.m. “This is an opportunity to connect with members of our clean water community and enjoy water-themed games, arts and crafts and activities,” Van Etten said. “West Art’s café will be open, and we’ll have a food truck and ice cream. And then
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isionCorps will host Eye D rop 2026 on F r id ay, June 5, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Lancaster, 26 E. Chestnut St., Lancaster. The rappelling event aims to raise awareness and funding to support the organization, which is celebrating 100 years of service. VisionCorps is a nonprofit with a goal of empowering people of all ages who are blind or vision impaired, allowing them to attain independence. Headquartered in downtown Lancaster since its founding, VisionCorps ser ves almost 2,000 individuals, providing services in five counties: Adams, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York. The organization also offers prevention of blindness services, including KidSight screenings for more than 12,000 preschoolers each year. VisionCorps also provides employment opportunities. Eye Drop 2026 will feature about 100 participants, each raising a minimum of $1,000 for the chance to rappel from the roof of the Holiday Inn Lancaster to the ground. Spectators are welcome to watch and cheer on participants. Events will take place in Ewell Plaza, 123 N. Queen St.; at the Lancaster Public Library, 151 N. Queen St.; and on the terrace level of the Holiday Inn Lancaster. Included in this year’s 100th anniversary edition of Eye Drop will be 10 stories of impact about VisionCorps’ services and innovations throughout its 10 decades of service. Also symbolic of the anniversary are the 10 stories that rappelers will pass while descending the
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