(Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese)

Friendship Community (FC) is a Lancaster County icon to individuals who have disabilities. In 1972, a group of parents concerned about the future care of their children joined together to develop a plan and seek assistance in the opening of a 12-person Personal Care Home. Today, Friendship serves 142 individuals through 29 properties and settings based in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties: Group Homes, Lifesharing, Respite, Home Based and Apartments.

In keeping with the Anabaptist traditions in which Friendship Community was founded, other programs and services are offered affirming the worth of those with disabilities. Spiritual, social and recreational activities provide personal growth, church and community inclusion and an overall awareness and advocacy for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

(Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese)

The Ephrata High School Student Council sponsored their second blood drive of the year to support the Central PA Blood Bank. Nearly 100 students and faculty volunteered to give the gift of life during this event. Shown in the photo is Ali Shewell donating while friends Loran Kachel and Kara Fox offer support.

(Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese)

Members of Junior Girl Scout Troop 192 at Our Mother of Perpetual Help School are recognized for completing the Family of God Medal Program. Family of God is a nationally recognized program through the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry in which the girls explore a wide range of activities to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of a family and a parish. Recipients include Lauren Brezina, Ceanna Davis, Gabrielle DeTrempe, Rachel Houser, Amanda Mueller, Angeline Rann and Margaret Scarff. Back Row (left to right): Sandy DeTremper (scout leader), Margaret Gardner (principle), Father John McLaughlin and Shereen Rann (scout leader).

(Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese)

Garden Spot High School Students of the Month were selected recently. Shown in the photo are (left to right): Ryan J. Fischer and Tatum Murray.

Ryan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John and Jeannie Fischer, East Earl. His accomplishments include: member, National Honor Society (10-12); member, Jazz Band (10-12); member, Marching Band (9-12); section leader, Marching Band (10-12); member, Concert Band (9-12); member, Science Olympiad (11-12); vice president, Science Olympiad (12); volunteer, Altar Server (9-12); member, Squires (Knights of Columbus) (9-12); transcribed documents for New Holland Historical Society (11); member, Youth Group (12); recipient, Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award (11); recipient, Outstanding Chemistry Student Award at York College (11); recipient, 3rd place for Protein Modeling, Science Olympiad (11).