Lampeter-Strasburg townlively.com
MARCH 8, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 44
Reading on the Rails returns BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, will offer its yearly Reading on the Rails event on Saturday, March 11. The event will be included in regular museum admission and will incorporate book readings from various members of the community every 30 minutes after the museum opens at 10 a.m. During the morning, community
members such as the director of the Strasburg-Heisler Library, a local author and the arts and communications manager from the Ware Center in Lancaster will have readings. In the afternoon, the director of the Railroad Museum and volunteers will present for attendees. Some of the books that will be read are on topics relating to the railroad; however, many readers choose to just bring their favorite books to share. See Railroad Museum pg 2
Leaders of the county’s Chambers of Commerce include (front, from left) Ashley Zell, Heather Valudes, Denise Grove, (back) Jona Green, Kristie Schmid, Kerry Meyers, Rebecca Branle, and (not pictured) Liz Ackerman.
Taking a seat at the table argaret Thatcher once said, “If you want something done, ask a woman.” There’s a whole lot getting done in Lancaster County, because for the first time ever, all of the Chambers of Commerce in the county are led by women. Each woman brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role, but all of the leaders share a common goal: They want to make their community a great place to live and work. Denise Grove, who started her role as executive director of the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce in February of 2022, said the job offers her a way to really connect with others. “As a lifetime resident of Elizabethtown, I had a strong desire to work where I could make a difference
position,” Zell said. The women also remarked that holding the job offers a chance to see their communities thrive. “It’s seeing kids dancing at the farmers market,” commented Rebecca Branle, who has been executive director of Venture Lititz since August of 2021. “It’s celebrating big wins with merchants. It’s watching this town become ever more alive with art, culture and community pride.” Her perspective matches that of Kristie Schmid, who has been executive director of the Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce since March of 2021. “I love seeing our community respond to the revitalization in town, the increase in businesses and the new community events,” Schmid said. “It’s fulfilling to put your time into something and then see others have pride in it as well.”
A volunteer reads to participants at a previous Reading on the Rails event.
Scholarship available to Lancaster County students BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Several years ago, two local families donated a large amount of money to The Salvation Army. The organization decided to use the donation to create The Olga Ruth Stratton and Thomas E. Wolf Scholarship, which will benefit a select group of applicants from schools across the county. The scholarship was created to assist students of low- to moderateincome households to receive a higher education, whether through earning a college degree or earning a trade. In order to be eligible to
receive the scholarship, students must be Lancaster County residents, demonstrate a need for financial assistance, have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and be graduating seniors, among other requirements. Each student must submit a high school transcript, an academic recommendation letter, a community service-related recommendation letter and a one-page essay describing his or her career goals. For more information, visit www.salvationarmylancaster.org or contact 717-397-7565. The deadline to submit an application is Monday, March 20.
See Chamber of Commerce pg 8
Pansies & Violas Helleborus & more!
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Mon-Sat. 8-6 POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER MAR. 8, 2023
Postal Patron
LSA
M
and be a part of strengthening our community,” she remarked, a sentiment shared by Heather Valudes, who has been president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce since June of 2022. “I love Lancaster and the work that we are able to advance to make our employer community as strong as possible,” she said, noting that the Lancaster Chamber is countywide and represents nearly 1,500 businesses, almost half of the county’s workforce. For Ashley Zell, who became executive director of the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce in January, the job brings a chance to get to know her community. “The friends and connections made and the interaction with the Chamber members and community at our numerous different events are definitely the biggest rewards of this
See Scholarship pg 6
400 Long Lane at Marticville Road (Rt. 741 & 324) 717-872-9311 Follow us
www.cherryhillorchards.com
Apples, Veggies & MORE!
R093330 30
BY CATHY MOLITORIS