Lampeter-Strasburg townlively.com
FEBRUARY 5, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 40
Schreiber Gala to be held March 8 BY GEORGE DEIBEL
Pam Oleksa is dedicated to making sure everyone has access to the same kind of care her family did. That’s why Pam and her husband, Greg , are co-chairs of the Schreiber Center for Pe d i at r i c De ve l o p ment’s annual gala. S c h r e i b e r ’s 4 1 s t annual gala is schedu l e d fo r S a t u rd ay, March 8, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, The Oleksa family, including (front) Alex, 2400 Willow Street (back, from left) Pam, Greg, Nick, and Pike, Lancaster. The Ashley, at last year’s Schreiber Gala theme is “Havana Nights,” so Hero sponsors are Faulkner, there will be a Cuban influence, Pe n n M e d i c i n e L a n c a s t e r including some Cuban ideas General Health, Highmark/ infused into the food. PennState Health, and Miter Local organizations purchase Foundation. There will be silent sponsorships, which is a main and live auction items, including source of revenue. Schreiber’s a seven-day trip to Africa. A DJ
JJ Landis is the new director of the Strasburg-Heisler Library.
Landis returns to lead library This library story features a happy homecoming. For mer Strasburg-Heisler librarian Jennifer “JJ” Landis has returned as the branch’s director, officially beginning her new post Jan. 1. Landis came back a few weeks earlier to work with her predecessor, Kristin Fernitz. Fernitz, who served as director for 17 years, is still working at the library to ease the transition. Landis had previously worked at the Strasburg-Heisler Library for about a decade as the children’s librarian before accepting a job in the propane industry in 2021. When the library needed
a new director, it seemed like an ideal fit. “When I knew they needed someone, I was very interested in applying,” Landis said. “I felt like lightning struck me and I thought, ‘Of course I want this job.’” The first several weeks have gone as well as she had hoped. “Coming back here felt like coming home,” said L andis. “Many of the same staff are here, and it’s been so welcoming from staff members, board members, and patrons that I know. It’s been easy to feel welcomed, but there’s still a learning curve.” Landis said she does not plan to institute any big changes because none are necessary. “My
goal is to keep things moving in the direction they’re moving,” she said. “We currently have good momentum. We have lots of community support, wonderful programs set up, and my goal is to keep it moving in that direction. I don’t have any plans to make any big additions or changes because the ship is sailing smoothly.” The director says the library must continue to work on increasing public awareness. “Always a goal is more community involvement,” said Landis. “I want people in the community to be aware of what we have to offer and to realize that we’re here. We have eight pre-K programs a week, lots of programs for adults, and the materials we circulate. I See Landis pg 3
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FFA members earn Keystone Degrees, jackets BY GEORGE DEIBEL
It was a banner day for Garden Spot FFA members of Lampeter-Strasburg High School at the PA FFA Mid-Winter Convention Jan. 6 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. Garden Spot FFA celebrated members receiving their first blue corduroy jacket and others achieving the milestone of earning their Keystone Degree. “The receiving of their Keystone Degree is a marker of
success and reflection,” adviser Katie Ranck said. Six Garden Spot FFA members received their Keystone Degree. To be able to receive the Keystone Degree, members had to have invested over $1,000 or have over 300 hours invested into a supervised agricultural experience (SAE), completed at least 30 hours of community service, participated actively in their FFA chapter events, and held various leadership roles. FFA members Sarah Firestone, Ava Immel, See FFA pg 4
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BY GEORGE DEIBEL
See Gala pg 8
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