Elizabethtown townlively.com
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
A new place to play
Come shopping at the library bookstore
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
lizabethtown residents have a new place to play, and it’s open for everyone. The playground at Community Park held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 31 at Elizabethtown Community Park, 1 Ken Lane. Hundreds of community members and project partners turned out to celebrate the new space, said Rebecca Denlinger, borough manager. “There were likely a few hundred people out and about on the playground after we cut the ribbon and allowed everyone to race on the playground to find their favorite piece of equipment,” she stated. “And we got a lot of thumbs up from kids and families as they left at the end of the evening, all promising to come back and play again soon.” The playground has truly been a community effort, she noted, adding that plans began at the start of last year to replace the 30-year-old Fun Fort that closed on the site in November of 2022. “We engaged the community with a survey, through which nearly 500 people shared their thoughts and hopes for the design of the new playground,” Denlinger stated. “Staff and our amazing consultants helped make the community’s wishes come to life.” Features of the new playground include opportunities for imaginative play and sensory experiences. A nature-inspired design highlights a vibrant color palette that complements the natural surroundings of the park. A poured-in rubber surface provides a smooth and safe surface for people of all ages, and inclusive play elements can be found throughout the playground. “Key components featuring back and core supports, such as the bucket swing, seesaw and spinner, are a testament to our commitment to inclusivity,” Denlinger shared. “These elements provide not only fun but also benefits for all children,
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
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The next time you’re looking to buy a book, stop by the Elizabethtown Public Library. You may think a library only lends books, but the Friends of Elizabethtown Public Library operate a bookstore in the building, located at 10 S. Market St. “We carry a wide selection of books,” said Pat Casper, secretary
of the Friends. “We have history, biography, fiction, nonfiction, children’s books.” The store features a collection of classic and antique books, including series like the Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew, and sells coffee table and specialty books as well. Along with books, the store sells DVDs, puzzles, jewelry, artwork and doll clothes. See Library pg 3
Members of the Friends of the Elizabethtown Public Library Rhonda Friese (left) and Pat Casper in the bookstore
Building connections and giving back BY CATHY MOLITORIS
Children enjoy the new playground at Community Park.
regardless of their mobility abilities.” A communication board fosters interaction between speaking and non-speaking children as well, she said, adding, “It serves as a means to support and enhance communication, ensuring that every child’s voice is heard and understood.” Denlinger noted that the project would not be possible without the support of community members, consultants and borough staff members. The consultant team
included Lancaster Civil Engineering Company, YSM Landscape Architects, General Recreation Inc. and Play for All Consulting. “And a heartfelt acknowledgment goes to all contractors, subcontractors and professionals involved, including the primary contractor, Willow Playworks, who put their years of experience with playground installation across the United States to work right here in Elizabethtown,” she stated, acknowledging additional
Great things happen when women on a mission get together. Lancaster County Women for Good formed last year with the goal of raising money for local nonprofits. So far, the group has donated more than $23,000, with 284 women contributing to the effort. Most recently, the organization presented a check for $7,000 to Arch Street Center at Lancaster County Women for Good’s quarterly Gather & Grant meeting. Located in Lancaster, Arch Street Center
provides support and services for adults living with mental illness. Lancaster County Women for Good began as an outreach of Grapevine, a social giving platform that brings people together for philanthropic work. “Grapevine initiated a bunch of groups in different areas of the country and from that point handed it over to local leadership,” said founding member Anna Horst. She’s joined by the local leadership team of group host Joelle Terranova and event coordinators Susan Klapkin and Kirstin Knopp. See Connections pg 4 R098509
See Play pg 5
Let us show you the difference a caring neighbor can make. Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Palmyra | 717-838-9211 Travis S. Finkenbinder, Supervisor
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