Conestoga Valley AUGUST 27, 2025
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
REACHING MORE THAN 13,770 HOMES
VOL LXI • NO 36
Bike and Hike Will Expand Hands-on House Is Ready and the COBYS Family Set for BY JEFF FALK
Y
townlively.com/ events
A COBYS supporter pedals along at last year’s Bike and Hike fundraiser.
See Bike and Hike pg 7
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For Lancaster AAPI, Diversity Is the Spice of Life BY JEFF FALK
The world would be a pretty dull place if we were all alike, if we all did the same things and if we all thought the same way. Lancaster Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (Lancaster AAPI) promotes diversity and celebrates all the things that make us different. But the social group also salutes the things we have in common.
In the process of acceptance, understanding and familiarity are essential early steps. “That’s what it’s all about, finding people with whom we have things in common,” said Cindy Lam Guo, president and one of the founding members of Lancaster AAPI. “If you don’t have that sense of belonging, it’s not home. I don’t want my kids to feel like they’re different. That sense
of connection is what Lancaster AAPI is all about.” Lancaster AAPI is civically minded and advocates for inclusivity, but the group does not conduct regular formal meetings in an office or a brick-and-mortar building. Instead, the organization hosts four seasonal potluck meals each year - “breaking rice together” - and partners with similar nonprofits to advocate for the group’s interests through a See Lancaster AAPI pg 2
R121012
Kids’ Success BY JEFF FALK
Child development and school preparation happens through touching, sparking imaginations and social interaction. At the Hands-on House, it’s not a program. It’s a mindset. Call it anything you like, but museum officials have named it Ready, Set, Success. “We’re not program-based,” said Rebecca Ackerman, executive director of Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster. “Ready, Set, Success is an initiative. It’s an approach. It’s not a program. It’s immersive in our mission. Play is one of those things you can never get wrong. Kids can always benefit from play. It’s children playing in a museum.” In a very specific way, Ready, Set, Success is a new take on what Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster, which is located at 721 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, has been doing for nearly 40 years. Ready, See Ready, Set, Success pg 5
A child engages in an activity at Hands-On House.
Hay Creek Festival
10 Adults, 2 Age 6-12, FREE Age 5 & Under
September 5-7, 2025
Historic Joanna Furnace is located 3 miles N. of Morgantown on Rt. 10
49th Annual
10am to 5pm
$
$
FREE Parking • No Pets Please
R120565
ONLINE SUMMER EVENT CALENDAR
ou can go for the exercise and physical activity. You can go for the sweet treats. You can go to support kids, families and mental health. Of course, there is also a fourth option - D. All of the above. COBYS Family Services’ Bike and Hike fundraiser is a great many things to a great many people. “Bike and Hike is really a broad event,” said Anne Stokes, who’s been COBYS Family Services director of development and communications for six years. “It’s not just one thing. There are several different ways for people to participate. However it makes sense for them. But what it’s really all about is spending time together and celebrating all the services COBYS provides.” COBYS Family Services will present the 29th edition of its annual Bike and Hike event in Lititz from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7. The event will consist of a 10-mile and a 25-mile bike ride, a 3-mile walk, a 1.5-mile Tasty Tour and a festivities-concluding ice cream social - because everyone always has room for ice cream. “The best thing about the Bike and Hike is the way you get to have fun and at the same time do good things for your community,” said Stokes. “You get to come as you are. What’s really special is that everyone comes together after the event and learns how COBYS
haycreek.org
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