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Strasburg Senior Citizens celebrated its 60th anniversary in May, offering a special place for those age 50 and older to join in fellowship, friendship and fun.

"I think we are a little unique," said member Kay Graybill. "For 60 years we've maintained this organization, which is really hard at any day and age. I belong to several other groups, and it's like pulling teeth to get them to do things anymore. It's been fun to have a group that is willing to do the work and have fun."

Read more about the organization at https://www.townlively.com/strasburg-senior-citizens-celebrates-60th-anniversary/

ADVERTISER | Solanco

House of His Creation (HOHC) is a Christian-based nonprofit mission and maternity home helping women such as Abby Hendricks. Hendricks is a 21-year-old mom to Mateo, a 17-month-old bundle of joy born during Abby's 10-month stay at HOHC from July of 2024 through April of 2025.

"They were very caring and kind, and they always wanted what was best for us," said Hendricks of the staff at HOHC. "When I first moved in, I was the first mom there. Then after that another mom moved in, and then another mom moved in. Their situations were similar to mine."

Read more about Abby and Mateo's story at https://www.townlively.com/hohc-sets-the-stage-for-abby-hendricks-story/

MERCHANDISER | Lititz

Connor Wasko is the only member of Scouting America Club Scout Pack 150 to earn the Arrow of Light rank, recently completing a service project by collecting food and supplies for Pet Pantry of Lancaster County.

"I am very proud of Connor's perseverance and his continued commitment to Scouting," said cubmaster Frank Splain III, who noted that Connor had to complete six required adventures to earn the Arrow of Light rank.

Read more at https://www.townlively.com/growing-through-scouting/

MERCHANDISER | Donegal

PCA&D - Pennsylvania College of Art & Design offers eight undergraduate degree programs and numerous continuing education and certification opportunities in art, design and other creative disciplines. More than 400 students are enrolled in programs for the fall of 2026, with the school also now offering a new creative writing degree program.

"People often know PCA&D as an art school, but what they may not realize is how deeply connected we are to workforce development, community partnerships and the regional economy," said PCA&D president Andy Barnes. "Our graduates work across industries because creative thinking is valuable everywhere. Employers increasingly need people who can communicate visually, solve problems collaboratively and think innovatively..."

Read more at https://www.townlively.com/pcad-creatively-develops-real-people/

MERCHANDISER | Manheim Township

Owen J. Roberts (OJR) High School held its 2026 graduation ceremony on June 5, feature words and stories from valedictorian Alejandro Vidal, class salutatorian Sohun Bandyopadhyay, executive council president Vansh Agarwal and senior class director Ben Herreda spoke to their peers.

"I want you to board that plane and make that leap, no matter how uncomfortable it feels," Vidal said. "Because sometimes, the most important moments in life happen off-script. When you look back on your life, you'll never regret the opportunities you took advantage of, only the ones you missed."

See more of the speakers' insights at https://www.townlively.com/ojr-celebrates-71st-graduating-class/

COMMUNITY COURIER | Morgantown

Ashley Page, a certified end-of-life pet doula, is the owner of Willow Bridge Crossings, providing in-home services and virtual grief support for those caring for an aging and/or chronically ill pet. Page created her organization in 2025 after 13 years of working with animals professionally, also feeling motivated to help other pet owners after the loss of her soul dog, Jackson.

"My role is to help families feel supported emotionally, practically and compassionately," she said. "That support can look very different depending on the family's needs. Some people reach out because they need help understanding quality of life changes, while others are preparing for euthanasia, struggling with anticipatory grief or simply feeling overwhelmed caring for an aging pet."

Learn more about Page and her services at https://www.townlively.com/navigating-a-pets-final-journey/

MERCHANDISER | Manheim Central

"Our town of just 1,330 people, most people hear that and think that they understand rural life. Fields, livestock, space and quiet, but rural life to me means so much more than that."

These were the words of Sloane Wolfe at Twin Valley School District's graduation ceremony on June 6, describing what it meant to grow up in Elverson, also telling stories of working at a roadside strawberry stand during the summers. This year's graduating class featured 253 students, 116 of these students either being members of National Honors Society or graduating with distinguished honors.

Pictured are valedictorian Madelyn Vandergoes (left) and salutatorian Sarah Lerch. Learn more at https://www.townlively.com/growing-up-in-elverson/

COMMUNITY COURIER | Morgantown

The theater program of Elizabethtown Area School District earned several honors during the 2026 Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards, with students being recognized for their work in "Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical" and "Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic." The former show earned the award for Outstanding Musical, also receiving the acknowledgment for Outstanding Student Orchestra.

"I am very proud of all of the students involved in these productions and grateful to our theater community for their talent, passion and dedication to keeping the arts thriving at EAHS," said Christine Blaisdell, theater adviser at the school.

Read more at https://www.townlively.com/eahs-earns-standing-ovation/

MERCHANDISER | Elizabethtown

This summer, the New Holland Park will serve as the venue for numerous community events hosted by the New Holland Summer Arts Association. The fun will begin with the association's annual craft show on June 27, set to spotlight more than 85 vendors offering handmade and repurposed items.

"It's not just about the New Holland community, but New Holland itself is a very tight-knit community," said Sue Noll, the secretary and treasurer of the arts association. "It's not just New Holland people who are coming to the park. It encourages people to come out and spend time with their neighbors and friends. We have a beautiful park in New Holland."

To see more details and upcoming events, visit https://www.townlively.com/in-new-holland-summer-is-time-for-music-crafts/

PENNYSAVER | Garden Spot

In June of 1863, the wooden covered bridge spanning the Susquehanna River was set ablaze to prevent Confederate troops from advancing east into Lancaster County. For the first time since 2013, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area will be lighting all 26 bridge piers that remain from that bridge, marking the grand finale of Riverfest. The multi-day Riverfest will feature plenty of festivities from June 26 through 28, including the Riverfest Ignite Finale hosted on the lawn of John Wright Restaurant, featuring live music and fire performances.

"In early 2025, we had begun to plan for this historic year and hoped to find the support to create this breathtaking experience of lighting all the bridge piers," said Sophia Vayansky, program manager for SNHA. "It's no easy task to prepare all the piers, load the wood and light them simultaneously. We are deeply grateful to the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation for their extraordinary generosity and vision. Their support allows us to honor this pivotal moment in American history at the scale it deserves."

See more details about the historical moment and the rest of Riverfest at https://www.townlively.com/riverfest-will-ignite-history/

MERCHANDISER | Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville