NEWSROOM

November 11, 2011
Trust Holds Annual Meeting, Awards Ceremony

On Wednesday evening, about 120 supporters of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster
County gathered at the Lancaster Country Club for the group's annual meeting and awards
ceremony.

Two volunteer awards and five preservation awards were presented. Husband and wife Ron Funk and Nancy Bell received the Elvin N. Heisey Award for their leadership of the trust during a transitional period. Bell served as the group's president from 2009 to 2010, and Funk served as interim director in 2010 and 2011.

Marcia Trach, a former chair of the trust's awards program and countywide history tour,
received the Nancy J. Haubert Award for her years of service and extensive research on the
tour's 18 buildings.

C. Emlen Urban Preservation Awards were presented to Dr. Claire Storm for her leadership
of the nonprofit Riverstownes PA USA, the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management
Authority for its part in the relocation of the 1700s-era Reiber House and the Manheim
Township Historical Society for its restoration-work on the Stoner House's facade.
Mike Wetzel, director of capital projects at Franklin & Marshall College, accepted a new
construction preservation award on the school's behalf for its New College House, the latest
addition to its student housing system. The building is the first on campus to be recognized
by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which assists worldwide in the
construction of environmentally friendly buildings.

Community Basics, a local nonprofit that develops and manages moderate-income housing,
received the Community Revitalization Award for its Park Avenue Apartments.

Sunday, November 20, 2011
Steve Dietrich has a history of preservation
In The Spotlight
By PAULA WOLF
Staff Writer

Some people are passionate about sports, others about politics. Steve Dietrich, on the other hand, describes himself as "hooked on preservation." President of the board of directors of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, Dietrich is leading the organization in its new "Preserve Our Past" $1 million campaign.

Age: 48.
Family: Wife Christy; son Christofer, 12.
Residence: East Lampeter Township.
Education: 1981 graduate of Hempfield High School; 1985 graduate of Susquehanna University, with a degree in communications/business.
Occupation: Owner of Ville Painters Inc. since 1988. The 10-employee company is a residential and light commercial painting and decorating business serving Lancaster and surrounding areas.
How I became interested in historic preservation: I always marveled at older buildings in most any city and have
been curious about their historic significance — who lived there, what may have happened in those buildings to
shape the communities in which they stand. As a painter, I had the opportunity to work on many of these beautiful
structures. It is always rewarding to help preserve something where workmanship and materials were oftentimes
extraordinary.
When I got involved with the trust: It started in 2005, when Ville Painters was given the opportunity to work on
the Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess house (headquarters for the Historic Preservation Trust). The passion of the staff and
volunteers was infectious. I joined the cause and have been a member of this organization ever since.
As president of the board, my responsibilities: Vary at different times. Currently my role is that of a motivator.
We have begun our campaign, and that is taking a lot of our time and energy. With Joe Patterson as our new
executive director, I relinquished some of the day-to-day activities and focus more on how we move forward. We
are a very "hands-on" board and respond well to a call to action. Our collective goal is "to preserve and protect
Lancaster County's rich historic and architectural character through education, advocacy and direct action."
What is the goal of the campaign? There are many. Clearly we wish to put our organization on firmer financial
ground. We have endured a very difficult transition and through the process have formulated a detailed five-year
plan. The campaign is designed to kick off this plan. New initiatives include specific preservation projects, increased
interaction with municipalities, and continuing our education of property owners and others of the economic and
cultural benefits of preservation.
My favorite historic building in Lancaster County: That's easy. The Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House — not only
because of its architectural beauty and the history that took place there with Andrew Ellicott preparing Meriwether
Lewis for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, but also because it is an example of what can be done when the public
and private sectors work together for the good of the community. Close seconds are Bowmansville Roller Mill in eastern Lancaster County and Old Main at Franklin & Marshall College.
The person in history I most admire: Ronald Reagan. Say what you will about his politics, but he knew how to
lead a country and get things done.
The best book I've read lately: I am more of a trade journal and car magazine guy, but I did enjoy "Area 51," by
Annie Jacobsen.
The best movie I've seen recently: It's a toss-up between "Invictus" and "Cars II."
What I like to do in my spare time: Work on my 1971 Alfa Romeo with my son. I also enjoy traveling and
boating.
Something about myself I'd like to change: Discover the right balance among work, family, community and
leisure.
Websites I frequent: The Weather Channel; the New York Giants' home page; and hptrust.org.
The music I have on my iPod: Rush, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Yes, Carlos Santana.
A TV show I don't want to admit I watch: "Glee," but I don't mind admitting it because it's a great show.
Growing up, I wanted to be: A pilot and a disc jockey.
Favorite vacation spots: Raystown Lake, for RVing and boating. Also, Watkins Glen and the Finger Lakes.
Something that can always be found in my refrigerator: Sriracha and an assortment of craft brews.
My culinary specialty: Crawfish quiche — my grandmother-in-law says it is the best she's ever tasted.
The most valuable advice I ever received: Someone once told me that the days are long but the years grow shorter,
so embrace every day.

Contact Sunday News staff writer Paula Wolf at pwolf@lnpnews.com.
Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/500636_Steve-Dietrich-has-a-history-ofpreservation.
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