Sweet Taste of Summer!
BY LOGAN MOYER
KLife Turned Upside Down
arly Burkhart was only five months removed from treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma when she found out that her youngest son, Grant, was being diagnosed with FOXG1 syndrome, an ultrarare genetic disorder that affects less than 2,000 individuals worldwide.
Many children with FOXG1, sometimes referred to simply as “FOX”, never speak properly. Furthermore, 70% of children with the syndrome never walk independently.
Grant and his older brother, Logan, live on a dairy farm in the Southern End with their parents, Burkhart and Troy Kirk. As you can imagine, making an old farmhouse handicapped-accessible will be no small, nor cheap, challenge for the family.
“It’s a big fear of ours on how we’re going to figure out how to get him around the farm and the rough terrain,” Burkhart said. “This is our lifestyle, and we can’t really change that. Figuring out how to adapt has been a difficult thing.”
Grant struggles with severe development delays. His parents took him in for genetic testing after he was not hitting milestones that many kids his age were.
While his family is hopeful, there is a strong chance that Grant may never be able to live independently. His only chance of doing so is extensive physical therapy. Many individuals with the syndrome also have to eat out of a feeding tube.
Very little of what Grant will need to survive is covered by insurance.
“We just want what’s best for him,” Burkhart said. “We want to be able to provide the therapies
that we can for him to get the most success that he can have for life.”
A benefit lunch and silent auction will be held for Grant’s family on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Little Britain Mennonite School, 352 Nottingham Road, Quarryville.
There will be a meal by donation consisting of a pulled pork sandwich, potatoes, macaroni salad, baked beans, a dessert and a drink.
Southern Press Coffee will also have drinks available for purchase.
Many impressive items have already been donated for the auction, including a Blackstone grill, a KitchenAid mixer, a wine fridge, chainsaws, leaf blowers and Yeti coolers. A Facebook page showcasing some of the items can be found by searching “Grant Kirk’s Benefit Lunch & Silent Auction” on the platform.
See FOXG1 pg 5
Library Will Feature Talk on Lancaster’s Big Day
BY GEORGE DEIBEL
Lancaster was the center of the United States for one day in the fall of 1777.
That day will be the topic of a talk on Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m. in the C. X. Carlson Cultural Room at the Quarryville Library, 357 Buck Road, Quarryville. Registration is preferred by going to https://quarryvillelibrary.org; walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.
Adam Zurn of Uncharted Lancaster will deliver the free program, “Yes, Lancaster Was the U.S. Capital for a Day.”
“The presentation tells the remarkable story of Sept. 27, 1777, when Lancaster served as the capital of the United States for one day,” Zurn said. “The Continental Congress had fled Philadelphia as the British army advanced, and its members gathered inside the courthouse that once stood in the center of Penn Square.”
Zurn added, “I’ll explain the dramatic events that brought Congress to Lancaster, what happened during its brief session, who was in the room, and why the delegates continued west to York after only a few hours. It was a short chapter in American history, but it placed Lancaster at the center of the nation’s struggle for independence during one of the darkest moments of the Revolutionary War.”
Zurn is looking forward to giving the talk in the Southern End. “I’m excited to bring this story to the Quarryville Library
The family will hold a benefit for Grant at Little Britain Mennonite School in Quarryville.
Foundation Receives Funding to Expand Program
Touchstone Foundation has been awarded $255,766 through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grant program to support the expansion and strengthening of its Rise Above program.
Launched in 2022, Rise Above was created to help eliminate stigma surrounding youth mental wellness while empowering young people with tools for resil-
ience, self-awareness, and advocacy. The program brings mental wellness programming and youth mentorship to Lancaster County schools for students in grades seven through 12 as well as to young adults ages 18 to 26 in community groups.
The program seeks to create inclusive spaces that foster belonging, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health. One of its
goals is to reduce long-term risk factors associated with trauma and mental health challenges. Through creative expression and guided conversations, students may build emotional awareness, develop coping skills, and gain confidence to advocate for themselves and others.
The consistent presence of a caring, supportive adult is a protective factor for many childhood adversities. Supportive adult mentors can protect and
“EVERYONE WELCOME”
141st Session of the RAWLINSVILLE CAMP MEETING
475 Clearfield Rd., Holtwood, PA 17532
July 27th-August 9th
Evangelistic Service, Youth & Children Services at 7:30pm Nightly
Day Programs For Children and Youth
~ Saturday, August 1st ~
1:00-4:00pm Kid’s Carnival around the Tabernacle Lickity Split will provide free ice cream for all ~ Sunday, August 2nd ~
3:00pm - Piercing Word, a theatrical ministry from Akron, performing the Gospel of Mark in the Tabernacle ~ Saturday, August 8th ~
1:00pm - Chris Ivey, a character juggler in the Tabernacle
2:00pm - Children’s march around and Camp birthday party at the back of the Tabernacle
~ Sunday, August 9th ~
3:00pm - Service to feature RCM’s favorite hymns plus testimonials of God’s grace during the 2026 session (Followed by the traditional closing ceremony with the march around)
Evangelists: Rev. Tim Valentino & Rev. Steve Lennox
Preaching Nightly at 7:30pm
Bible Teachers: Rev. Jerry Lingenfelter & Rev. Scott Phillips
Teaching Daily at 10:00am
For more info. call (717) 284-2746
All RCM evening services will be livestreamed!
buffer children from toxic stress, help children heal and build resiliency, and inspire young people to build strong relationships.
Through the recent competitive award, Rise Above will expand its reach significantly, with a goal of serving 1,120 Lancaster County students and young adults by 2029.
With support in 2024 from the Lancaster County Community Foundation’s $35,000 Shaping Tomorrow Next Generation Grant, part of a broader $1 million investment into Lancaster County initiatives, Touchstone Foundation is expanding Rise Above into Lancaster County schools through school-day workshops, after-school programming, summer intensives, and community-based groups for young adults. Additional support for Rise Above was also received in 2025 from the City Limits Foundation, helping strengthen the program’s long-term impact and reach.
With the new VIP grant funding, Touchstone Foundation is expanding Rise Above into Lancaster County schools, serving students in grades seven through 12 during the school day and through after-school programming. The expansion also includes new opportunities for young adults through community-based groups, extending support beyond high school.
A key component of the expansion is the development of a Safe Space Facilitator training program. This initiative will equip mental health professionals, artists, and community members - as well as Rise Above graduates - with the tools to serve as mentors. Training includes Youth Mental Health First Aid, trauma-informed care, and child abuse prevention and reporting.
The program expansion has also received recognition and support from Pennsylvania leaders and community partners who continue to advocate for youth mental wellness, violence prevention, and mentorship initiatives across the commonwealth.
Fulton Financial Merges Subsidiary Into Fulton
Bank, N.A.
Fulton Financial Corporation announced the merger of Blue Foundry Bank with and into Fulton Bank, N.A., effective July 11, and the subsequent conversion of Blue Foundry Bank’s systems onto Fulton Bank’s banking platforms. Blue Foundry Bank customers now have access to all of Fulton Bank’s products, services, and digital platforms, as well as its more than 215 financial centers throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
Fulton Bank has established dedicated support resources to assist customers during the transition
and address questions. Customers are encouraged to visit their local financial center or contact Fulton Bank’s Customer Care Center at 800-3858664 for assistance. More details are available at www.fultonbank.com/ welcomebluefoundry. As previously announced, in conjunction with its acquisition of Blue Foundry Bancorp on April 1, Fulton Financial Corporation made a $1.5 million contribution to the Fulton Forward Foundation - designated to provide impact gifts to nonprofit community organizations in New Jersey.
Church to Host Music Group
The Ollis Family will perform at Wakefield Bible Church, 2310 Robert Fulton Highway, Peach Bottom, on Sunday, July 26. The group will sing a few songs during the morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. and will present the entire program during the evening service at 6 p.m.
A freewill offering will be received.
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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 organization has performed a wealth of good in those short years since.
“It started as a dream of something we had to do,” said Amy. “It started with awareness and education. We have expanded our services, and now we have over 100 volunteers giving back. If you look at the years that have passed, we’ve been able to put together a strong team that supports the mission and community.”
For additional information, go to https://hope inspirelove.org.
Are
Grocery Aisle
Tootie Fruities
Cereal (Reg. $2.00), 12.5 Oz. $1.75
Festival Planned in Downtown Lancaster
The 10th Lancaster Craft Beerfest will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Ewell Plaza and Binns Park, 120 N. Queen St., Lancaster. All attendees must be at least 21.
Attendees may choose from two sessions when purchasing tickets: noon to 3 p.m. or 4 to 7 p.m. Each session will have breweries, live music, and food vendors such as Cabalar, Souvlaki Boys, and Raggamuffin Kitchen. More than 35 breweries will be represented at the event.
To purchase tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/ LancasterCraftBeerfest. Special designated driver tickets are available. The presenting spon -
sors of the event are Decades and the Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square, and the latter will once again benefit from a portion of ticket sales.
Community sponsors include John Gross & Company, Visit Lancaster
City, and Waterfront Financial. Event partners include Signarama Lancaster, STRAY Production Services, RockHound Apparel, and BUiLDiNG CHARACTER.
To learn more, visit www.lancastercraftbeer fest.com.
Members of the bigger and stronger Hope Inspire Love team
Attendees socialized and visited vendor stands in Ewell Plaza at a previous Lancaster Craft Beerfest.
Shop Learn. Explore
Shop Learn. Explore
Program to Focus on Removing Stitches
Lancaster Area Sewing Network (LASN) will present “Undoing Things” on Monday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at Lancaster Friends Quaker Meeting, 110 Tulane Terrace, Lancaster. Carrie Rhinier will share techniques for removing many types of stitches without damaging the project. Rhinier will also discuss tools that can be used to safely rip out stitches and how to avoid the stitch-rip-stitch cycle. Attendees will be given the opportunity to try their hand in undoing stitches. They should bring a pair of snips with a fine point, as well as a seam ripper.
Rhinier has been sewing for 51 years. She has a Bachelor of Science in interior design and has accumulated a wealth of sewing experience through various avenues, including operating her own sewing and alterations business for the last 27 years. She is retired from Sight & Sound
Theatres, where she was a sample maker. She has volunteered as a sewing instructor for a Lebanon 4-H program for the last nine years.
Guests may register for the program on arrival. There is a fee for nonmembers, payable by cash or check only.
LASN’s 2026 theme is “Sewing Revolution,” with all monthly meetings touching on an aspect of the topic.
LASN is a group for people who love to sew. Its members range from beginners to intermediate hobbyists to professional dressmakers. The group’s main focus is fitting and construction skills related primarily to garment sewing. It meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of most months, with Zoom meetings held during the winter. Retreats, service projects, and a fabric swap are optional activities. For more information, contact lancastersews@gmail.com.
Promise Players Post Auditions
The Promise Players will hold auditions for the group’s fall play, “See You in Bells,” on Sunday, Aug. 23. Auditions will be held between 1 and 6 p.m. at Lampeter Church of the Brethren, 1900 Lampeter Road, Lancaster. The play will be performed from Thursday to Sunday, Nov. 5 to 8, and Thursday to Sunday, Nov. 12 to 15.
“See You in Bells” is a comedy centered on a wedding that faces numerous obstacles, including three generations of weddings with inexplicable disasters, a church building that is falling down, half the wedding party missing, and the
bride’s sisters still fighting over what happened at the last wedding. But the bride’s brother is determined to end the sisters’ feud and the family curse.
Roles are available for 16 actors: six males, six females, two teen girls, one teen boy, and a good-natured minister. Those auditioning should come prepared to read from the script, and they may arrive early to complete the audition form and look over the script selections.
Audition times may be requested by emailing the director, Glenn Grubb, at promiseplayersproductions @gmail.com.
FOXG1
pg 1
Individuals do not need to be present to win in the silent auction.
The benefit has been in the works for four or five months, but the idea is much older.
“A couple of our friends wanted to do something for us while I was going through cancer, to help pay for treatment,” Burkhart said. “We didn’t want to do that. Asking for help is hard, but once we figured out Grant’s diagnosis, we knew it was going to take a lot.”
Despite his struggles, Grant was described by his family as being the biggest bundle of joy, smiling from ear to ear with his big blue eyes wide.
“Grant is the happiest little boy,” his mom said. “He has every right to be frustrated or upset, and he’s not. ... He finds so much enjoyment in so much stuff and loves being around people.”
Even before the benefit,
Despite his struggles, Grant was described by family as being the happiest little boy.
the outreach from the local community and support for the benefit has shocked the family.
“We knew that a lot of people cared about Grant, and planning this benefit has really shown that love and support we felt from friends, family and the community already,” Burkhart said.
Touchstone from pg 2
To learn more or schedule a meeting to bring Rise Above to a local school, contact programs manager Madeline Mitchell at mmitchell@touchstone found.org. For more information and applications, visit
https://touchstonefound .org/rise-above/. Touchstone Foundation is a nonprofit organization that has focused on elevating the mental well-being of youths and children in Lancaster County for 25 years.
HOME Summer Improvement
Farm-Themed Bible School Set
High View Church of God, 2470 Leaman Road, Ronks, will host a “Let’s Go to the Farm” vacation Bible school (VBS) from Sunday to Thursday, July 26 to July 30. The VBS will begin at 5 p.m. on July 26 with a family picnic featuring a farm animal petting zoo. Afterward, VBS activities will take
from 6:30 to 8:30
p.m. Sessions will continue from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. through July 30. The VBS will include Bible stories, songs, games, crafts, and snacks. Classes are available for people of all ages, from infants to adults.
To register, visit www.hvcog.org. For more information, call the church office at 717-687-0523.
LCCF Has Got Monetary Awards for Weavers
BY JEFF FALK
Weavers see the big picture. Weavers are servants. Weavers unite communities.
Weavers are leaders.
The new Weaver Awards from the Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF) promote, advocate for and celebrate weaving - not the textile, yarns or thread type, but the social fabric kind.
“A weaver is someone who sees a need and invites their neighbors to pitch in and find a solution,” said Val Schade, LCCF’s communications manager. “They understand that a healthy community strengthens all of us and creates opportunities to build strong, lasting relationships in everyday places. A weaver may lead a monthly river cleanup, or have started a board game club for seniors, or host a book club or lead a group of stay-at-home parents. There are so many
ways you can build lasting relationships and weave our community together.”
Through a national Weaver Awards program, LCCF is distributing 20 awards of $2,500 - a total of $50,000 - to people or small organizations that foster connections in Lancaster County. Individuals or nonprofits can apply for or nominate others for the awards at www.weavelancaster county.org through Friday, July 24.
Applicants must be 18 or older, serve or reside in Lancaster County, have a project that fosters relationships and be welcoming to any neighbor seeking to participate in the initiative. Organizations that apply must have an annual budget below $250,000. All completed applications will be reviewed by Lancaster County Weaver Awards team members and community members.
Successful recipients of the awards will be notified in September, and winners will be recognized at a public celebration on Thursday, Oct. 1.
“We know that no matter the size of their platform or influence, weavers are the ones seeing needs and inviting their neighbors to pitch in and find a solution,” said Tracy Cutler, LCCF’s executive vice president. “They’re the ones creating opportunities to build strong, lasting relationships in their own backyards, on their blocks, at the park or in the coffee shop. They’re doing things like creating gardens, managing regular creek cleanups, organizing walking groups or hosting clubs at libraries. Weavers understand that a healthy community strengthens all of us.”
“We know there are countless folks in Lancaster County who are weaving their community together, so we hope to see many nominations come in,” said Schade.
“The Lancaster County
community is incredibly varied,” said Schade. “There are so many types of people from so many different backgrounds who are interested in so many different things. But one thing we all have in common is our love and care for each other and this place. The community is uniquely committed to making Lancaster County strong, vibrant and resilient.”
Established in 1924, LCCF, which is located at 24 W. King St., Suite 201, Lancaster, has been responsibly stewarding the community’s endowment for more than a century. Currently, the foundation manages nearly $269 million in funds that support Lancaster County.
“The community foundation works with people throughout Lancaster County to care for what we all have in common - Lancaster County,” said Schade. “The Weaver Awards is a unique opportunity to
LCCF executive vice president Tracy Cutler (left) and LCCF communications director Val Schade promote the organization’s Weaver Awards.
HOME Summer Improvement
CAP Members Earn Promotions and Awards
The Jesse Jones Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has announced the recent promotions and awards earned by cadets and senior members at the group’s June 29 meeting.
Cadets John Barger of Manheim and Warren West of Lititz earned their promotion to cadet airman and received the Curry Award.
Cadet Senior Airman Luca Hermosillo of Wrightsville was recognized as Cadet of the Month for April.
Cadet Staff Sgt. Rowan Bacci of Mount Joy was promoted to cadet technical sergeant and received the Rickenbacker Award. Cadet Staff Sgt. Gabe Catherman of Windsor was presented with the Wright Brothers Award.
Cadet Tech Sgt. Brendon Ortiz of East Earl earned
a promotion to cadet master sergeant, along with Achievement 5. Cadet Master Sgt. Sara Dalrymple of Oxford was promoted to cadet senior master sergeant and earned the Doolittle Award.
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Michael Petrangeli of Lebanon earned Achievement 8. Jesse Jones Squadron 304 meets each Monday except holidays at 7 p.m. in the Venture Jets hangar, which is located at the Lancaster Airport near the intersection of Lititz Pike and Millport Road. Visitors are welcome. CAP is the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. To learn more, visit www.cap .news or www.gocivilair patrol.com. Information about Squadron 304 is available by or following the squadron on Facebook.
National Night Out Event Set
Providence Township will hold its eighth National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m., rain or shine. The event will take place at the Providence Township Municipal Building, 200 Mount Airy Road, New Providence. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign intended to strengthen police-community partnerships and encourage neighborhood camaraderie, all with the
goal of making the community a safer and more caring place to live. Activities will include games for children up to age 10, a barrel train for kids, the event’s first-ever peach pie baking and eating contest for adults, a balloon twister, food and drinks, and giveaway drawings. In addition, local first responders will be available to answer residents’ questions about their role in serving and protecting Providence Township.
Dunn Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Michelle Dunn, a longtime leader with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, has been honored with the Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of more than two decades of service to communities across the commonwealth. The award was presented on June 25 at the Harrisburg Hilton during the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence ceremony, hosted by the Pennsylvania Environ -
mental Council. Dunn joined Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful in 2004 as a program coordinator, traveling across Pennsylvania to help communities organize volunteer illegal dumpsite cleanups. Over the years, her role expanded along with her impact, and she became a guiding force behind Pick Up Pennsylvania, a statewide community improvement program. Known for her warmth,
See Dunn pg 8
from pg 6
bring a national movement to our community that celebrates and elevates people who are building connection and trust with their neighbors and co-workers.
“We create impact by working with donors and volunteers to grant money to local organizations and students,” concluded Schade. “We inspire giving by helping individuals, families and organizations
support causes they care about. We ignite action by bringing people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas together to care for what we all have in common. We look forward with optimism by simultaneously meeting today’s needs and shaping our shared tomorrow.”
For additional information, go to www.lanc found.org.
The CAP cadets who were honored at the June 29 meeting are (from left) Rowan Bacci, Sara Dalrymple, Brendon Ortiz, Gabe Catherman, Michael Petrangeli, and Warren West. Not pictured are Cadets John Barger and Luca Hermosillo.