Conestoga Valley townlively.com
AUGUST 16, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 34
Covered Bridge Classic celebrates the joy of riding BY JEFF FALK
he Lancaster Bicycle Club exists to promote the sport of bicycling, advocate for the safety of riders and provide members with cycling opportunities. Few events exemplify that mission better than the Covered Bridge Classic. On Sunday, Aug. 20, the 400member Lancaster Bicycle Club will stage the 44th edition of its annual Covered Bridge Classic at seven start/finish points across northern Lancaster County. Some 1,300 bicycling enthusiasts from points all along the East Coast will descend upon the county to celebrate the fellowship inspired by cycling. The event is being presented as a ride, not a competition. “The purpose is to draw in cyclists,” said Leslie Arnold, communications director for the Lancaster Bicycle Club. “It’s to offer a huge cycling event to the community. It’s an eclectic mix. Some are very serious cyclists. Some people do it because they are challenged by friends. Some make it part of their vacations. People want
T
to see the covered bridges. That’s what draws people.” From the seven start/finish points, participants are treated to rides of various length - 35, 50, 65 or 100 miles - through the Lancaster County countryside in the areas of Warwick Township, Ephrata, Manheim, Stevens and Hempfield. The 100-mile trek incorporates 14 of Lancaster County’s covered bridges into its journey.
“The purpose is to draw in cyclists. It’s to offer a huge cycling event to the community.” All of the routes include rest stops, some of which feature mechanical support, parking and refreshments. “Lancaster is not flat,” said Arnold. “There aren’t steep, steep climbs, but we have climbs that are going to push you. The shortest course has the least amount of climbs, and the longest course has
Cyclists are treated to a variety of Lancaster County terrain during the Covered Bridge Classic.
the most amount of climbs.” The Covered Bridge Classic also serves as a fundraiser. From its participation, the Lancaster Bicycle Club is hoping to raise more than $10,000, some of which will be put
back into the club, some of which will be funneled into community causes related to bicycling and some of which will go toward the maintenance of the covered bridges. Since 1999, the Lancaster Bicycle
Club has awarded $545,000 in grants mainly funded through the Covered Bridge Classic. “It’s a huge way to give back to the community,” said Arnold. “The Lancaster Bike Club is all about See Covered Bridge Classic pg 4
Three centuries of worship Weaverland celebrates with bus tours and more
Helping county children to thrive BY ANN MEAD ASH
In the back of the church where the Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community meets at 210 Weaverland Valley Road, East Earl, there is a hallway decorated with historical plaques dedicated to the faith story of Weaverland. “There is a tremendous history and story of God’s faithfulness even through World War I and World War II,” said Brian Martin, lead pastor and bishop, who recounted how pacifists were jailed during World War I, but during World War II lent their talents to the community in work
camps due in part to the farm furlough plan, which was written by Weaverland members Israel B. Good and Ben Weaver, working with Congressman William Griest. “We have a copy of a handwritten letter from Woodrow Wilson (dated Nov. 19, 1917), noting I.B. Good and Ben Weaver and calling the bill a good thing,” said Brian. On Saturday, Oct. 7, and Sunday, Oct. 8, the church will celebrate “300 Years of God’s Faithfulness” with an event that will include bus tours, worship, a fellowship meal and presentation, and cemetery
Ocean Smith, family engagement specialist with Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Lancaster County began her career in the area as a home visitor with the Parents as Teachers program in the ELANCO School District. In January, she was promoted to her present position, where she facilitates and coordinates events for families involved in the program throughout the county. Smith also continues to work with families in ELANCO with whom she was engaged as a home visitor prior to her promotion. “Enrollment age for the Parents as Teachers is for
See Weaverland pg 7
See CAP pg 2
Ocean Smith serves as the family engagement specialist for the Lancaster County Community Action Partnership.
• Eagles vs. Vikings Game - Philadelphia Sept. 14 • Marvelous Maine Tour Sept. 19- 22 • 3 Rivers - 3 Cites Tours Pittsburgh, Altoona, Johnstown, Oct. 20-21
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
BOOK ONLINE @ FUNCOUNTRYTOURS.COM or CALL 717-823-2086 For More Info POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER AUG. 16, 2023
Postal Patron
CON
BY ANN MEAD ASH
R098536