Conestoga Valley townlively.com
MAY 24, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 22
Lasagna Love delivers kindness BY CATHY MOLITORIS
There’s something comforting about a lasagna. That’s the message behind Lasagna Love, an international organization that began in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, recruiting volunteers to make and deliver lasagnas to people in need. Sandi Mauer, coordinator of Lasagna Love for Lancaster County, said the organization is looking for volunteers, as well as people who would like to receive a lasagna. “We are here to help anyone in need, and there’s no judgment whatsoever,” Mauer stated. “The goal of the program is to feed families, spread kindness and strengthen communities.” Mauer began volunteering with Lasagna Love last summer, and she soon found out that the county coordinator for the program didn’t live locally. She stepped up to organize efforts in the area, and lasagnas are currently delivered throughout Lancaster County by Lasagna Love volunteers. “People can sign up for a lasagna if they have any need,” Mauer explained, adding that people can sign up at https:// lasagnalove.org/request. “It could be a financial need or a health issue or an emotional need, or anyone who just needs a break from life for a moment. They can request a lasagna, and then we match them up with a volunteer who will deliver it. We don’t turn anyone down for any reason.”
UDS Challenger Football and Cheerleading program for individuals with disabilities meets from August through October.
Flag football just for fun UDS Challenger offers program for those with special needs BY ANN MEAD ASH
eresa Wiedemer, who coordinates the Challenger Football and Cheerleading program for United Disability Services (UDS), can sum up the goal of the program in one sentence. “It’s a great way for kids with disabilities to meet other kids (with disabilities),” she said. Wiedemer, who took over the program in 2022, recalled the story of a young man who joined the flag football league last year. “In the beginning, the boy didn’t realize how active it was,” said Wiedemer. “He would play a few minutes and then sit down, but by the end of the season, he was playing the whole game.” UDS Challenger Football and Cheerleading will hold games in the gym at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster,
type of volunteer work. She said that 10 volunteers per game are needed for a successful program. Individuals who wish to volunteer may email teresaw@udsfoundation.org or call 717-715-8775. There is no cost for individuals with disabilities to take part in Challenger football or cheerleading. Registration is now open at www.udservices.org/Challenger. Those who register by Friday, June 9, will receive a free T-shirt. A parent or guardian must remain at Calvary with the participant throughout the program. Wiedemer said in 2022, about 45 participants joined the program. This year, she would like to have 60 participants to have plenty of players for each team. Wiedemer noted that the program is open to participants from within and outside Lancaster County.
See Lasagna Love pg 3
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on Saturdays from Aug. 5 through connected with the World Cup Oct. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to noon Jupiter special needs cheering each session. No game will be held team, which practices at Spooky Nook, for a visit with the Chalon Sept. 2, just prior to Labor Day. Non-contact flag football is open lenger team. “The (World Cup to boys and girls ages 8 to 21. “We Jupiter cheerleaders) will come and do their rouhave volunteer tine,” said Wiedecoaches and buddies so each kid who “It’s a great way mer, who is also needs one has a f o r k i d s w i t h working to bring the Eagles helper,” said Wieded i s a b i l i t i e s t o Philadelphia Cheerleaders to a mer. “Each kid gets to score, and each m e e t o t h e r k i d s game to do a clinic gets to kick, and we (with disabilities).” with the cheer team. “I try to have guests don’t keep track of each week,” said the score.” Cheerleading is open to boys Wiedemer, who is also in touch and girls of any age. Coach with an internationally known Sophon Bowman works with the magician from Philadelphia about team members on cheers, and a guest appearance. Wiedemer first got involved in they cheer for the flag football teams and then perform during a the program about seven years ago, break between games and at the noting that she and her husband end of the game. Wiedemer has had often talked about doing this