The End of a Season - Ursinus Field Hockey

The End of a Season

The Ursinus Bears field hockey team won their Division III regional field hockey bracket on Sunday, November 14 against Middlebury 3-0. For the third straight year the Bears earned the privilege of competing in the semi-final match of Division III field hockey.

It has been a wonderful 4 years for the seniors, including my daughter, Megan. They have won the Centenniel Conference each of those years. Many individual awards have been achieved, but no national championship has been secured. Individual awards never replace the satisfaction of the team winning.

Pictured above is the celebration which took place after the regional final win. Megan is hiding her face, while Michelle Wimmer and Nicole Hanby proudly displayed their Bear pride. The team, coaches, staff and parents have enjoyed many meals together where relationships have been established and cemented. The humor, fun and food shared over these past four years will long be remembered.

The Bears and parents traveled to Newport News, Virginia to compete in the semi-finals against Messiah College. It was the second straight year the Bears have played the Falcons of Messiah. Last year Ursinus lost 4-3 in a very exciting game. This year ended with a disappointing 4-0 loss. The game was tied 0-0 at half, but the Falcons erupted for 4 goals in the second half.

The season has ended and another season of life has also ended. The writer of Ecclesiastes says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." I have spent many days, weekends, and years following my daughter's athletic events. There have been many times of excitement, but there have also been some disappointments.

This is life, but realizing this chapter of athletic competition is a thing of the past, is somewhat bittersweet. It has been so much fun and I will miss it. I will miss the people I have learned to know over the years and especially over the past 4 years while Megan has been at Ursinus College. I will miss the excitement, the nervousness of games, the intense emotions. I will miss it all.

However, I am also excited to experience the new reality which will unfold before me. What does the future hold? I do not know. But I know with faith, with perseverence, with humor and a positive attitude I will experience another great and exciting chapter.

Enjoy this season of your life. Be well my friends.

An agent who places your interests as his first priority.

Cal Yoder

Keller Williams Realty Lancaster

1630 Manheim Pike Lancaster, PA 17601

Office Phone: 717-735-1145

Cell Phone: 717-413-0744

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A Remarkable Family in Lancaster, PA

A Story of Adoption

 I met the Conklins when I  began as pastor at Forest Hills Mennonite Church, Leola, PA. Mike and Thelma participated in the church where Thelma was a member. I learned of their passion for children, especially children with special needs as I visited with them the first time we met. They originally were fulfilling this passion to share their love through foster parenting.

Fast forward 10 years and this family is only more remarkable. They have adopted or are in the process of adopting 12 children. Mikey and Zachariah are the oldest children who Mike and Thelma birthed. I was personally able to attend three adoption proceedings  conducted in Lancaster, PA and Chambersburg, PA.

Below is the Hummer Limosine which transported the family and me to Chambersburg. This was a happy day as Christian was adopted by Mike and Thelma. This adoption proceeding was very different from the ones held in Lancaster, PA. I was even called to testify. This was sprung on me as we arrived at the courtroom in Chambersburg. It was an honor to answer questions about the Conklins love and passion for caring for special needs children.

However, as we know, life is also filled with difficulties. On Saturday, November 6, I received a phone call from Thelma informing me that Victoria who was only a little over a year old had died. Victoria's adoption had just been finalized in New Jersey very recently. Victoria will be missed very much by the Conklins.

Yesterday we remembered Victoria's life at a funeral and burial service held at Rohrerstown Mennonite Church. The love and care this family extends to one another was very apparent. The oldest children participate in caring for the younger. We all have needs, some have special needs, which require even more attention. But we all need to be loved and this family does that.

Family, friends, Victoria's nurses and therapists gathered to say, "Good-bye." It was a time of grief, but also a time of thanksgiving. I was inspired to commit myself to loving others and giving of myself to the betterment of my surrounding community.

 As painful as it is to grieve, the above picture symbolizes how life goes on. Two of the Conklin children  play in the leaves which were raked away from the grave site.

How are you giving of your time, talents and finances to help your community?

If you would like to learn more about adopting children with special needs, give me a call and I will help you get connected to the Conklins.

An agent who places your interests as his first priority.

Cal Yoder

Keller Williams Realty Lancaster

1630 Manheim Pike Lancaster, PA 17601

Office Phone: 717-735-1145

Cell Phone: 717-413-0744

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13 N Laurel Street, Manheim, PA 17545 Home for Sale

Lancaster Home for Sale

This Lancaster Home for sale, located in Manheim, PA 17545 at 13 N Laurel Street is a beautiful home. It has been well maintained with updated mechanicals, newer windows and a great location.



If you are looking for a home among all the Lancaster homes for sale, this may be the one for you. Priced reasonably with great features. This home features wonderfully refinished softwood floors on much of the first and second floors. This Lancaster home has your name written all over it.

This cozy Lancaster home for sale is tastefully decorated, a safe haven from the challenges of daily living. Come home from work, sit back, kick up your feet and relax. This Lancaster home has almost 1300 square feet and features a first floor bedroom.

Is this Lancaster home for you? It may be, if you are a first time home buyer or if you are wanting to downsize. This Lancaster, PA home for sale has a large, bright kitchen. It also has a formal dining room with a wonderful corner cupboard. If you are looking for a Lancaster home with character and modern amenities, this can be your home. Imagine entertaining family and friends in this Lancaster home.

In the market for a Lancaster home  and wanting to see this great home, give me a call. Schedule your personal showing of this Lancaster, PA for sale and find a place of comfort, character, and coziness. Come home and live the Lancaster, PA experience.

An agent who places your interests as his first priority. Cal Yoder Keller Williams Realty Lancaster 1630 Manheim Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 Office Phone: 717-735-1145 Cell Phone: 717-413-0744 facebook LinkedIn twitter

Gifts That Give Hope

On November 20, 2010 an alternative gift fair will be held in the Lancaster, PA area. This fair will be held at the Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Gifts that give hope is a volunteer group which has banded together to promote giving gifts to non-profit organizations during the holiday season. After coming through a tense political time, it is important for all people in a community to come together to promote the well-being of their communities. Gifts that Give Hope is a great way to achieve this goal.

This fair is promoting organizations which are working at fighting injustice and inequality in the world. This gift fair is an opportunity to learn more about non-profits, give gifts to these non-profits and to receive a very nice card to be given to a loved one. This card explains money has been donated in their name to a worth cause.


An agent who places your interests as his first priority. Cal Yoder Keller Williams Realty Lancaster 1630 Manheim Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 Office Phone: 717-735-1145 Cell Phone: 717-413-0744 facebook LinkedIn twitter