People & Places Archives - LebTown

Eclectic collection contains a lifetime of memories for Ono businessman

James Mentzer — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Ed Anspach with a print featuring Mario Andretti racing in a dead heat with his son, Michael Andretti. (Photo by James Mentzer)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3007-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3007-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" />Classic car dealer Ed Anspach has collected a lifetime of memorabilia that he displays at his Ono-based business.

Bomgardner enjoys incredible ‘ride’ as 2023 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen

James Mentzer — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:30:00 +0000

Jonestown's Chloe Bomgardner caps off prolific year promoting agriculture as the 2023 state fair queen.

Lebanon County well ‘connected’ at Pennsylvania Farm Show this year

James Mentzer — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Nathan Graybeal of Hidden Hollow Herefords, Annville, grooms one of his two Herefords he entered for judging at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/DSC_1338-Enhanced-NR-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/DSC_1338-Enhanced-NR-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" />On the first day of the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show, LebTown toured the annual agricultural extravaganza to capture some of the imagery that showcases the county’s footprint in the largest industry in Pennsylvania and Lebanon County.

Zimmerman brothers keep family tradition alive at PA Farm Show

James Mentzer — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

The Zimmerman brothers are the fourth generation to show animals at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The brothers, along with friend John Stauffer, are four local 4-H club members to show at the 108th edition of the statewide show. Left to right are Carter Zimmerman, John Stauffer, Ian Zimmerman and Noah Zimmerman. (James Mentzer)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3051-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3051-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" />Noah, Carter, and Ian Zimmerman are keeping a family tradition alive at the 108th edition of the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

A winter walk through the newly paved Lenni Lenape Park [Photo Story]

Emily Bixler — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 11:30:00 +0000

Last year, North Lebanon Township completed the walking path at Lenni Lenape Park. LebTown took a leisurely winter stroll through the newly paved trail.

Taylor Swift may belong to the world, but she has a few roots in Lebanon County!

Tom Knapp — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:45:00 +0000

Taylor Swift in concert. (Source: https://twitter.com/taylorswift13/media)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/12/Swift-twitter3.jpg?fit=300%2C187&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/12/Swift-twitter3.jpg?fit=780%2C487&ssl=1" />As Taylor Swift's star keeps rising, Pennsylvanians like to remind others with pride that the superstar hails from the Keystone State. But did you know, she also has a few ties right here in Lebanon County?

Travel down the Swatara Creek without getting wet with SWA’s 360° virtual tour

LebTown Staff — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:30:00 +0000

Screengrab from the Swatara Creek’s virtual tour.

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Coleman Memorial Park unveils disc golf course [Photo Story]

Emily Bixler — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 11:15:00 +0000

Coleman Memorial Park held a dedication ceremony for the Lebanon Federal Credit Union Disc Golf Course Saturday.

Fort Indiantown Gap’s police department gets a new chief, moves into new station

Tom Knapp — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

The Fort Indiantown Gap police department this fall welcomed a new police chief and moved into a new, bigger station on the sprawling military base.

Stone Gables owner: Coleman Chapel move likely complete in a few years

Davis Shaver — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:15:00 +0000

The Coleman Chapel in West Lebanon Township will be moved and restored at Stone Gables Estate, adding to the Abels' collection of historical buildings and artifacts.

Overcoming adversity: Katie Trainer’s journey from injury to art exhibition

Thyme Steele — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Katie Trainer's art exhibition, 'An Exploration of Life and Timelessness,' marked her triumphant return to the art scene after a five-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and a severe shoulder injury.

3 Lebanon County residents sweep top honors in PA wool clothing competition

James Mentzer — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Lebanon County's Madison Copenhaver and Hope Wagner triumphed in the junior and senior categories respectively at the Pennsylvania Make It With Wool contest, while Rachel Seigel won in the adult category.

Tim McGowan’s on a quest to identify the unmarked graves at Lebanon fairgrounds

James Mentzer — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:15:00 +0000

Tim McGowan has embarked on a quest to identify the individuals interred in an unmarked cemetery on the grounds of the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center & Fairgrounds.

Lebanon County couple finds joy in creating ‘Hoodie-Hoo’ and other holidays

Tom Knapp — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Ruth and Tom Roy (Source: Facebook)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/10/RUTHnTOM_ROY.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/10/RUTHnTOM_ROY.jpg?fit=780%2C584&ssl=1" />A local couple has created nearly 100 holidays ... and the world has noticed.

Hey, have YOU seen a ghost at Harper’s Tavern? Annville eatery may be haunted

Tom Knapp — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Is there a ghostly woman haunting the stairway at the old Harper's Tavern in Annville? Or is there a man – a sailor, perhaps, with a mischievous sense of humor and a blatant disregard for current smoking laws – hanging around the bar?

LVC professor mines the depths of love, loss, guilt and hockey in debut novel

Tom Knapp — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Holly M. Wendt (Photo credit: William Zeiders)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/10/Holly-M-Wendt_Credit-William-Zeiders-2023-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C233&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/10/Holly-M-Wendt_Credit-William-Zeiders-2023-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C606&ssl=1" />"Heading North," the debut novel of Holly M. Wendt, an associate professor of English and Creative Writing at Lebanon Valley College, will be released in November.

Penn State Extension of Lebanon County welcomes its second 4-H educator

Lexi Gonzalez — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Penn State Extension Lebanon County recently welcomed Julie Weaver as its second 4-H educator.

Lebanon native Alex Stanilla releases ‘Savior,’ his latest retro-pop single

Kira Schlechter — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:55:00 +0000

Singer-songwriter Alex Stanilla has released his new retro-pop track "Savior," inspired by a psychedelic dream and out today.

Congregations merge at 2 historic Lutheran churches in Lebanon city

Tom Knapp — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:45:00 +0000

Two Lebanon city churches – one more than 200 years old, the other over a century – have merged into a single congregation.

Lebanon Valley Wine Club uncorks its 51st anniversary celebration

Rochelle Shenk — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Interested in wine and/or winemaking? Check out Lebanon Valley Wine Club, which celebrated its 51st anniversary during a September meeting.

Conserving his farm and his way of life is a priority for Lebanon County farmer

James Mentzer — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:30:00 +0000

While Lynn Struphar had no doubts about conserving his farm, the decision to enter the farmland preservation program requires consideration and planning.

Lebanon Valley Council of the Arts unveils mosaic at South Hills Park

Thyme Steele — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Local artist Autumn Krouse led the design of a new mosaic at South Hills Park, a community project coordinated by the LVCA, featuring salvaged tiles and reflecting the park's natural elements.

[Photo Story]: Risser-Marvel Farm Market corn maze opens for season

Lexi Gonzalez and William Trostel — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 10:45:00 +0000

The Risser-Marvel Farm Market corn maze will open for the season this week, weather dependent.

Fifth-generation JDS Family Farm is an island in a sea of local development

James Mentzer — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The fifth-generation JDS Family Farm in North Londonderry Township, surrounded by residential development, is adapting to the changing landscape by focusing on local sales through a roadside market.

At Annville-Cleona High School, it’s ‘Keeping Up with the Gingrichs’

Jeff Falk — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Matt and Carrie Gingrich, head coaches of Annville-Cleona High School's football and field hockey teams respectively, balance their demanding roles with family life and community service.

For Frank Reich, head coach job with Carolina is next chapter, new challenge

Jeff Falk — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:45:00 +0000

The Carolina Panthers, under new head coach Frank Reich, aim for sustainable success and playoff qualification, with Reich's mentorship of top draft pick Bryce Young playing a key role.

Bomgardner seizes her moment as Pennsylvania FFA state president

James Mentzer — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:15:00 +0000

As Pennsylvania FFA president, Crystal Bomgardner will promote agricultural education and a need for more ag educators in the coming year.

49th Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show lauded as anticipation for ‘Year of the Arts’ rises

Lexi Gonzalez — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 11:15:00 +0000

The art show attracted over 200 artists and 10,000 visitors from near and far to celebrate creative expression and craftsmanship.

Travis Shirk’s Cave Paint shows Lebanon continues to be hotbed for ambient rock

Kira Schlechter — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Lebanon is unexpectedly turning into a hub for ambient rock music, with bands like Phase Materia, Soporus, and Cave Paint, led by Travis Shirk, setting the stage for this evolving musical landscape.

Does local collector Bill Werner have the Bethlehem Steel jersey Babe Ruth wore?

Jeff Falk — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

He doesn’t collect cards or signatures or balls. Bill Werner collects memories.

A corporate guy with a side musical life? Or a musician with a side corporate life?

Kira Schlechter — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 10:15:00 +0000

Most working local musicians have day jobs. And some grumble about them, wishing they could make a living doing what they really love. Annville’s Ffej Herb, though, has the best of both worlds.

Myerstown singer Al Shade is country, proud and still going strong at age 95

Tom Knapp — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Al Shade will perform again this year at the Lebanon Area Fair.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/07/al-shade.jpg?fit=300%2C158&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/07/al-shade.jpg?fit=780%2C410&ssl=1" />Al Shade is proud to say he's given his heart and soul to country music.

Cafe Panache reopens in North Cornwall Township with new chef, diners thrilled

Paula Wolf — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:30:00 +0000

After closing in May, the North Cornwall Township eatery Cafe Panache opened its doors again after a groundswell of support from patrons.

Annville Township manager Candie Johnson relishes chance to serve her hometown

Davis Shaver — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Annville native Candie Johnson has spent her career in local government, but her latest position is a capstone in so many ways.

Mural helps artist and hopefully others housed at county correctional facility

James Mentzer — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:45:00 +0000

Artist finds painting to be therapeutic and hopes her craft is comforting to inmates and staff at the Lebanon County Correctional Facility.

Cavalry squadron takes training to new heights at Boxcar Rocks

LebTown Staff — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:10:00 +0000

Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division faced new heights in a rappel training session at Boxcar Rocks, a distinctive formation in northern Lebanon County, on June 13.

Chuck Musser’s musical legacy lives on via Music in the Park

James Mentzer — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Chuck Musser, the late director of Music in the Park who brought gospel music to Coleman Memorial Park for over 30 years, left a lasting legacy on the program, which continues to thrive and adjust despite challenges and changes brought about by his passing.

Coleman Memorial Park hosts 9th annual Spinstock Flow Arts Festival

William Trostel — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:30:00 +0000

The ninth iteration of the Spinstock Flow Arts Festival brought a rush of color, rhythm, and magic to Coleman Memorial Park on Saturday, June 10, with this year's event being one of the biggest and most dynamic to date.

Wandering Woodsman works to document the Union Canal in video

James Mentzer — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Local man is determined to create video series commemorating the history of the 82-mile Union Canal.

Steve Todd Davies retires after 45-year DJ career, last 38 in the Lebanon Valley

James Mentzer — Tue, 23 May 2023 11:15:00 +0000

With the final words, “Thanks for listening,” Steve Todd Davies dropped the mic Friday on a radio career that spanned 45 years, the past 38 at the same station in the Lebanon Valley.