Conestoga Valley townlively.com
MAY 29, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Squaring off against human trafficking
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ontested on indoor or outdoor courts, pickleball is a sport similar to tennis and pingpong played with a hard plastic ball and a paddle. Now a local nonprofit is seeking to capitalize on pickleball’s recent popularity to battle human trafficking. Enter North Star Initiative (NSI). NSI’s next annual pickleball tournament is almost upon us. The competitive event will raise money and awareness in the fight against human trafficking while promoting the growth of the blossoming sport. “It’s a way to get the community involved with something that’s going on in our own backyard,” said Alex Wagner, NSI’s marketing and communications director. “There’s a whole community that is super excited to play. The rules are easy to pick up. It’s something that’s fun and brings everyone together.” The second edition of NSI’s pick leball tour nament w ill b e co n te s te d o n S at u rd ay, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Manor Middle School courts, 2950 Charlestown Road, Lancaster. In the case of rain, the event will be pushed back to the next Saturday, June 22, at the same time and place. Teams of two players can register by going to www.northstar initiative.org/events before Friday, June 7. “It’s a very family, fun atmosphere,” said Wagner. “There are tons of spectators and supporters. But there’s going to be a lot more going on than just a pickleball tournament. We also want people to know who we are
T he L ancaster Lemonade Concert Series (LLCS) is cool, it’s refreshing, it’s delightfully delicious - not unlike the summertime drink bearing its name
North Star Initiative supporters and staff (from left) Corrine Reed, Alex Wagner and Erica Allgyer enjoy their time at last year’s inaugural North Star Initiative pickleball tournament.
as an organization.” NSI’s pickleball tournament draw will be broken down into three divisions: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Each division can accommodate up to 25 teams. The sponsored event will also include music provided by a DJ. “It’s a mix of everyone,” said Wagner of individuals expected to attend. “It’s both supporters of NSI and pickleball players. It’s pickleball players who play regularly and neighbors. We’re hoping the brackets will make the tournament more competitive.” NSI had so much fun with its initial venture into the competitive pickleball world in 2023
that it decided to stage another tournament this year. Last year’s event netted over $4,000 for NSI, a total the nonprofit is hoping to double this year. “All of the money raised will directly support our women going through our program at The House,” said Wagner. With facilities to support up to 10 residents, The Harbor is a safe house that provides support in the form of classes, therapy and life skills development. “Different people have different capacities to give,” said Wagner. “No matter how big or small it is, it truly makes a difference in the lives of these women. NSI’s ultimate goal is to have survivors
and served at the end of each performance. T he L ancaster Lemonade Concert Series is back, as big and entertaining as ever. Quite frankly, it’s a great way to spend warm Thursday evenings in See Lemonade concerts pg 3
As part of the Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series, the Lancaster British Brass Band will perform at Highland Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Aug. 1.
With Class of 2024, LMS has molded another group of world changers BY JEFF FALK
Education is about the journey and the destination. The annual commencement ceremony at Lancaster Mennonite School (LMS) celebrates both. LMS ’ mission is to send forth students with the ability to change the world through Christ-like love and service. In so doing, the school fosters
See NSI pg 8
lifelong learning. “We’re proud of the Class of 2024, their accomplishments and who they are,” said LMS high school principal Kirk Benner. “This class is very generous, very creative, very flexible and willing to serve others. They line up with the school’s mission just by who they are. We know that God has great plans in store for their future.” See LMS pg 8
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Nothing quenches thirst for summer music like lemonade concerts BY JEFF FALK
BY JEFF FALK
VOL LX • NO 23