Conestoga Valley townlively.com
FEBRUARY 28, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 10
Birds of a feather flock together BY JEFF FALK
W
ild birds are free and colorful and interesting. Wild birds are also accessible, plentiful and unique. The Lancaster County Bird Club (LCBC) exists to observe and document birds, preserve them and advocate for them. For members of LCBC, birding is more than just a pastime; it’s a passion, a lifestyle. “It becomes a way to get out and enjoy nature,” said LCBC president Ted Nichols. “Anyone can walk outside of their house, and in 15 minutes, you’re going to see a bird. The fact that birds are there is something that makes birding fun. It’s not a hobby that requires a lot of money to get into. It can be done everywhere. The people who are into it as a hobby are welcoming, and they’re willing to mentor newcomers.” An independent organization founded in 1937, LCBC is made up of over 350 dues-paying
members who hail from every part of Lancaster County and beyond. They are from varying walks of life, occupations and backgrounds, and the only thing that they all share is a love of birds. “ Throw a dart at a map of Lancaster County, and ever y ZIP code is represented by our membership,” said Nichols. “But even beyond that, a large part of central Pennsylvania is represented by our membership. That’s the interesting thing about birding; it attracts people of all demographics and all ages. They’re people of a wide variety of occupations. It’s a general cross section of society as a whole. It’s a hobby that truly is open to everyone.” LCBC meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month from September through March at the North Museum of Nature and Science, 400 College Ave., Lancaster; in April, May and June at Middle Creek Wildlife See Bird Club pg 7
The Lancaster County Bird Club fosters fellowship through observing birds.
BY JEFF FALK
It’s more than just a summer experience. It’s an altruistic adventure, a chance to step outside the proverbial box, an oppor tunity to make a difference. A aron’s A cres is seeking applicants to help fill a handful of important and meaningful roles. The work is steady and the benefits are out of this world. “It becomes about the experiences and getting to see the
campers’ growth,” said Becky Miller, a summer group leader for Aaron’s Acres. “It just kind of turns into being there and growing a sense of pride in yourself. The amount of love shown at these camps is amazing. That’s what keeps counselors coming back for as long as they can.” Located at 1861 Charter Lane, Suite 114, Lancaster, Aaron’s Acres is a nonprofit that works with individuals ages 5 to 21 with physical and mental disabilities. The organization is
BY JEFF FALK
Dancing, music can chase winter blues away
Tired of the short, cold days? Suffering from a touch of cabin fever? Have you got the winter blahs? The Big, Big Jazz Band has the remedy. It involves tapping your feet, grooving to music, and leaving the house for a night out. “People want to get out of the house. By this time, people are tired of snow. We’re giving people a night on the town if they want to come out,” said Al Kernc, publicity manager for the Big, Big Jazz Band. See Winter blues pg 7 The Big, Big Jazz Band features a lot of brass.
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See Aaron’s Acres pg 2
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER FEB. 28, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
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Help sought for Aaron’s Acres summer camp
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