Lampeter-Strasburg townlively.com
JANUARY 1, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Common fire safety hazards to avoid this winter BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Mennonite Life invites the public to discover the untold stories of Lancaster BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
prove to be deadly when near one notorious appliance: a space heater. According to the American Red Cross’ website, www.red cross.org, the greatest number of heating-related fires occur in December, January and February, and space heaters account for one-third of those fires. Within
Whether you are a lifelong resident of Lancaster County or a tourist who has spent a day visiting local attractions, you have likely crossed paths with members of the Plain community. Amish and Mennonite groups make up a significant portion of the county’s population, and various unique customs distinguish Plain community members from other locals. Although most people have seen a horse and buggy or passed a homestead operated by farmers who wear distinct wide-brim hats and suspenders, many aspects of the Plain community’s culture are unknown to the greater community. In most Amish and Mennonite dwellings, two books can be found prominently displayed on the mantle: the Bible and “Martyrs Mirror.” “Martyrs Mirror” may not be as famous - or as old - as its bookshelf neighbor, but the book has remained a significant piece of the Anabaptist faith for centuries. “Martyrs Mirror” was first published in 1660 by Dutch author Thieleman J. van Braght, and the book comprises
See Winter safety pg 3
See Candlelight pg 2
If neglected, Christmas trees, stockings and other festive decorations may become potentially dangerous fire hazards even after the holiday is over.
their decorations and Christmas trees up until mid- to late January. To help their local firefighters sleep easier in the new year, homeowners should ensure nothing flammable is near their fireplaces before lighting them. Additionally, Christmas trees must be watered regularly to
prevent dryness and flammability until they are removed from the home. A little bit of mindfulness can greatly lower the risk of accidentally starting a house fire with Christmas decorations, but tokens of holiday cheer are among the many things that can
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very season has its own customs and holiday traditions that are unique to a certain time of year. In summer, students vacate their classrooms to enjoy two months of leisurely days with friends and family members, and July brings barbecues and fireworks to nearly every neighborhood in America. Fall arrives with the promise of trick-or-treaters knocking at the door and Thanksgiving delights like stuffing and cranberry sauce. For many people, the winter season is the most anticipated time of year, and its cold months are full of festivities as revelers celebrate Christmas and greet the new year. Just as every season is accompanied by different holidays and traditions, different fire hazards and safety risks are more likely to occur depending on the current page of the calendar. Christmas celebrations might have wrapped up until next year, but the holiday poses a variety of fire hazards that are most dangerous in the upcoming weeks. Some of the most common wintertime safety threats are stockings that hang above a fireplace and Christmas lights wrapped around flammable objects such as dry foliage in a front yard. Although this year’s presents have all been unwrapped, many families keep
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