Manheim Central
Breakfast With a Bit of Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo
BY CAT SHANNON
AFinding Fellowship on the Homeschool Journey
BY CAT SHANNON
Homeschooling can be a worthy but lonely task. The Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania (CHAP) wants to help.
The organization will host a stop on the CHAP Hometown Tour on Friday, March 13, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at Hope Community Church, 1806 Harrisburg Ave., Mount Joy.
The event will take place on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Kreider Farms Cultural Center, 547 N. Penryn Road, Manheim.
The menu will feature pancakes, bacon, sausage, pastries, fruit salad,
ttention, fair citizens of Lancaster County. You’re invited to meet royalty when Pleasant View Communities and students from Manheim Central High School host a Cinderella Breakfast.
Writing Toward Recovery, Healing and Hope
BY CAT SHANNON
Every week, Scott Feifer gets people to share their innermost thoughts. He’s not a clergyman or a therapist. He’s a writer, and he believes in the power of the pen.
Feifer, who taught language arts for almost 30 years at Hempfield School District, has been leading writing circles since his days as a teacher. He left his public school position in 2020 and has since
focused on the transformative power of writing.
Feifer leads writing circles at Manos House, a residential treatment program for young men in Columbia; Blueprints for Addiction Recovery; Domestic Violence Services; and the Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center, among other locations throughout Lancaster and neighboring counties.
“We run from our stories and the trauma and the hard things we’ve
See Writing pg 8
orange juice and coffee. Members of the cast of the high school’s upcoming production of “Cinderella: The Enchanted Edition” will be on-site, adding a touch of magic to the event.
“We will have photo opportunities with cast members, autograph
See Breakfast pg 3
“Most homeschoolers feel like they are on a bit of an island and feel like they are going about this enormous task alone. But they are not!” shared Ginger Wayde, CHAP board member. “There are many resources available for encouragement, connection and equipping. CHAP provides many resources to do all these things for the homeschooling family. If they are wanting a boost to get to the end of the school year, this is the place to be.”
As Wayde explained, the Hometown Tour is a series of events hosted by CHAP designed to give homeschool families an opportunity to connect with other homeschoolers while simultaneously providing encouragement for their homeschool journeys.
“This year’s speaker is Lauren Gideon, who is with Education Independence,” Wayde said. Education Independence is a network of advocates for education freedom that promotes parent-led, private-funded and state-independent education.
Gideon will speak on the topics of “The ‘Well Done’ of Homeschooling - Beginning
See Fellowship pg 4
The cast of “Cinderella: The Enchanted Edition”
Scott Feifer
Templin, Keiffer Punch Ticket to States
On Friday, February 20, Barons’ Barrett Keiffer (139) tries to pin Northeastern’s Austin Wompler during the PIAA District 3A Individual Championships held at Spring Grove. Keiffer placed third.
Manheim Central’s Noah Templin (189) works to flip over Elco’s Brinkley Donmoyrer during the PIAA District 3A Individual Championships on Friday, February 20, at Spring Grove. Templin brought home the gold medal.
During the PIAA District III Class 5A consolation semifinals, Central’s Gianna Walters drops a trey with 22 seconds to cut the lead but Barons’ come up short against LS in a 38-36 loss on Monday, February 23.
On Monday, February 23, Baron’s Madelyn Gehman drives the lane as Pioneer’s Trinity Carter defends in a 38-36 loss during the PIAA District III Class 5A consolation semifinals round in Lampeter.
R125810
Basketball photos by Mona Steinhauer
books for signatures from the cast, prince and princess hairstyling from Interact Club students, a kids’ craft, Fairy Hair sparkles by Zarah and a performance preview from the cast members,” shared Aubrey Smith, community engagement coordinator at Pleasant View Communities.
Food for the event will be catered by Pleasant View’s on-site restaurant, Hearth & Harrow. It’s a fitting choice, since the restaurant played a part in the event’s creation.
As Smith explained, she got to know Tyler Shull, now a Manheim Central teacher and the musical director, when he worked at Hearth & Harrow in high school.
“Later, when he began working at the school, we reconnected and started talking about his involvement with the Baron Stage and my passion for creating intergenerational events that allow students to share their talents with our residents,” Smith said. “When Tyler mentioned that the spring musical would be ‘Cinderella,’ I immediately envisioned hosting a Disney-style princess breakfastand the concept grew from there.”
Shull said the cast members are looking forward to the opportunity to interact with the public outside of the auditorium.
“We will have 16 cast members present,” he remarked. “They are excited to engage the community in character and full costume!”
An event like the Cinderella Breakfast is important for Pleasant View, Smith said, because
it reflects the organization’s mission of creating community.
“Partnering with our neighboring school gives us the chance to highlight the amazing talent of their students and support all the hard work they pour into their production,” she commented. “At the same time, it also brings our mission to life - creating opportunities for healthy, vibrant living filled with joy, meaning and purpose.”
She’s also excited to invite people into the new cultural center, which opened last summer.
“Seeing residents, students and families come together in our brand-new event space is a powerful reminder of how intergenerational experiences enrich everyone involved,” Smith said.
“It’s fun, it’s meaningful, and it strengthens the partnership we’re so proud to share with the Manheim Central School District.”
Tickets are not required for the breakfast, but people are encouraged to register early as space is limited. To register, call Smith at 717-664-6288.
“Cinderella: The Enchanted Edition” will be performed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, through Saturday, March 28, with a 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, March 29. A senior-citizen-invited pay-what-you-will performance will be held on Wednesday, March 25, at 6 p.m.
To purchase tickets, visit https:// tinyurl.com/fpemsjsb. Tickets for the show will also be sold at the Cinderella Breakfast.
Women’s Group to Meet
Women of all ages and preschool children are invited to attend Neighbors Sharing and Caring, a women’s ministry of the Chiques Church, 4045 Sunnyside Road, Manheim, on Tuesday, March 10, from 9 to 10:45 a.m.
Susan Joy Simkins will speak on “Your Inner Healing Matters.” She will discuss how shame, heartbreak, and fear can distort how people see themselves, others, and God and how Jesus steps into the brokenness to bring healing. She will use illustrations from her life and Scripture to explain why inner healing matters for attendees and their walk with Christ.
Simkins has been a professor at Penn State University for more than 30 years and is also the award-winning author of “Divine Reversal,” which tells See Group pg 8
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Fellowship
With the End in Mind” and “Charting the Course: Education Independence - A Refuge for Generations to Come.”
Drawing on Jesus’ parable of entrusted treasure, the first session will encourage homeschool families to focus less on grades and more on faithfully stewarding hearts, priorities and purpose. The second session will help families clarify responsibility and freedom, define Education Independence and gain practical tools for confident decision-making and advocacy amid shifting education policies and cultural pressures.
“We will also be having a light meal together in between the sessions, which is a great opportunity to make new friends and make connections,” Wayde said.
People of all ages are welcome at the Hometown Tour, and coloring pages will be available to keep little ones occupied.
With a history that dates to the 1980s, CHAP hosts an annual convention, lobbies for improving the homeschool law, provides speakers and other support to homeschool groups and offers a variety of
homeschool resources.
The CHAP Hometown Tour will make five stops throughout Pennsylvania in Warren, Pittsburgh, State College, Scranton and Lancaster.
Along with the tour, CHAP hosts a YouTube channel of podcasts, located at www.youtube.com/ @chaphomeschoolpennsyl vania5953. Wayde is the host of the podcast, called “Chattin’ With CHAP.” The organization also has a page explaining the Pennsylvania homeschool law and offering support at https://homeschool pennsylvania.org.
Wayde hopes homeschooling families will consider attending the CHAP Hometown Tour.
“They can expect to be given a vision for homeschool, courage to continue this noble path and hope that the work they are doing now for their children will yield manifold benefits for their children in the future,” she said.
There is a charge to attend the CHAP Hometown Tour, and registration is required. To learn more, visit https://chaponline.com/ hometown-tour-2026.
Extension Posts Alzheimer’s Workshops
Penn State Extension will offer several workshops in March for those looking to better understand Alzheimer’s disease, recognize its warning signs, and learn ways to support a healthy brain and body. The workshops will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster.
“Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” will be held on Wednesday, March 11. The educational program, presented in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, will provide a general overview of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
“Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” will be offered on Wednesday, March 18. Participants will learn about typical age-related
changes, common signs of Alzheimer’s, and how to approach someone about memory concerns. Additional Alzheimer’s resources will be provided.
“Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body” will take place on Wednesday, March 25. Penn State Extension and the Alzheimer’s Association will guide participants through the connection between brain health and overall well-being. Presenters will draw on the latest scientific research to show how lifestyle choices may help keep the brain and body healthy as one ages.
The workshops are free to attend, but preregistration is required. For more information, visit https://extension.psu.edu/ alzheimers-lancaster.
People attend a session with the Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania (CHAP).
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experienced,” he said. “But when we write it down, we realize that ultimately, there’s no running from our past.”
Ironically, the man who gets people to bare their souls on paper wasn’t always so open.
In 1998, he signed up for a summer writing workshop at Millersville University. As part of the class, students shared their writing with their peers.
CHIQUES METHODIST CHURCH:
1215 E. Main St., Mount Joy. John Lynch, Pastor. Worship Service at 9-10 am Children’s Sunday School: 9-10 am. Refreshments & Fellowship: 10-10:30 am. Adult Sunday School at 10:30-11:30 am. Nursery Provided, Handicapped Accessible. For more information, call: 717-653-5175.
COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH: welcomes you to Love God, Love Others, and Reach Out with us! Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 a.m. We’re located at 331 Anderson Ferry Road in Marietta (off Rt 441 on Rt 772). Learn more at cbcpa.org.
GRACE COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH OF MANHEIM: 1483 N. Colebrook Rd., Manheim. SUNDAYS: Adult Bible Class at 9:30am and Worship Service at 10:30am. Wednesday Evening Prayer is held from 6:30pm-7:30pm For more details, please visit http://www.gcfmanheim.org or call 717-665-7222.
HOSANNA! A FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIANS 29 Green Acre Rd., Lititz (717) 626-2560 Worship with us in person @ 9:30am, online or livestream @ www.hosannalititz.org Children & Youth Ministries
MARY MOTHER OF THE CHURCH (A Roman Catholic Parish): 625 Union School Rd., Mount Joy. Pastor: Rev. Ted Keating. Mass Times: Saturday Vigil 4:30pm, Sunday 8:30 & 11 am; Monday thru Friday 8:30 am. Confessions: Sat 3:30pm. 717-653-4903, visit us online at www.marymotherparish.org
NEWPORT CHURCH: 656 W. Newport Road, Elm, www.newportchurch.net
We are a vibrant family- oriented contemporary church that meets for Sunday “celebration” service at 9:30 a.m. and throughout the week in home groups, including junior-high and senior-high groups. Children love our Kids Town ministry every Sunday morning! Our mission is to share God’s Love generously and lead people to new life in Jesus. For info. or directions, see our Website or call 717-664-2635. Lead Pastor: Merle Shenk.
RUHL’S CHURCH: A growing church committed to Christ. Worship on Sunday morning at 8 am for a traditional feel. Sunday School for all ages at 9:15 am., 10:30 am. Worship led by praise band. (Nursery available. Handicap accessible.) For more information, please call 717-665-3400 or visit www.ruhlschurch.org Located at 4810 Elizabethtown Rd, Manheim.
ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH: 505 Woodcrest Ave., Lititz
Ph:717-626-5580
Rev. Stephen D. Weitzel Confessions: Sat. 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm and anytime on request Daily Masses: Tues.-Fri. 9 am Saturday Vigil Mass: 4 pm Sunday Masses: 8:30 am & 10:30 am www.stjameslititz.org for livestream Masses
TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH: 596 West Newport Rd., Lititz. Are you looking for a Church that preaches from the King James Bible? Helps your family grow spiritually? Enjoys the old-time hymns? Look no further! Sunday School 10am, Sunday Morning Worship 11am, and Sunday Evening Worship 6pm. Wednesday Evening Prayer & Bible Study 6:30 pm. Pastor Joshua Freeland (717) 575-0292.
TRINITY EC CHURCH
48 Market Sq., Manheim Sunday School 9:15am/Worship 10:25am Livestream www.trinitymanheim.com 717-665-3633
TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST: 2340 State St., East Petersburg. Rev. Dr. Christopher Rankin, Pastor. Phone: (717) 569-1632. Sunday Schedule: 7:45 am Worship with Holy Communion; 9:00 am Sunday School for all ages; 10:00 am Koinonia (Fellowship Time); 10:30 am Worship (Holy Communion twice a month) Online service is available by visiting www.trinityeastpete.org “Catch the Vision, Share the Joy!””
WATER'S EDGE MINISTRIES: Learn and grow in your relationship with God at WEM. Come visit our service and join us in fellowship immediately following. We meet at 15 S. Wolf St, Manheim on Saturdays at 6:00 pm and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. (watersedgemin.com) Hope to see you there!
WAYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 600 Stony Battery Rd., Landisville (near Hempfield High School). Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Fritz, Pastor. Sunday morning Worship with Nursery: 9am Traditional, 10am Fellowship, 10:30am Contemporary with Children & Youth classes. www.waysidepc.org or call: (717) 898-1551.
WHITE OAK CHURCH : 1211 N. Penryn Rd, Manheim, PA. You are invited to our Sunday services: Sunday School for all ages at 8:45am; Worship at 9:45am; scheduled evening services at 7:15pm and Wednesday evening Bible Study at 7:15pm. (1st Wednesday of month).
Please Note: Updates can be made to your church’s listing for 1st issue date of each month only.
(Changes must be submitted by the previous Wednesday.)
For More Information On Church Listings And Rates, Call Justin at 717-492-2533
“I didn’t want to reveal something so private,” Feifer recalled. “I decided I would go to the first class, but if I was uncomfortable or I didn’t like it, I would leave during the break.”
Not only did he stay for the class, but he also found a new outlet for his emotions.
“Something broke open for me in a way that I hadn’t expected,” he said of his writing. “I wanted my students to taste what I had experienced that summer.”
He began offering writing circles at Hempfield, focusing on ideals expressed in Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones.”
“It’s free writing, stream of consciousness, just get your thoughts down on paper,” he said. “I had kids writing about their dog dying. Kids wrote
about their parents splitting up. They wrote about their dad in prison and wondering what he was doing while they were in class.”
In 2002, Feifer took a sabbatical and began offering his writing circles at various locations around the county, including domestic violence organizations and detention centers.
“Honestly, when I started going to the Youth Intervention Center, I was shocked by how respectful most of the kids in the unit were,” he said. “They were eager to be heard.”
This is Feifer’s 22nd year volunteering at Manos House, where he leads writing circles with young men, facilitates joint groups with women from a local recovery house and incorporates writing into group counseling sessions.
As a former teacher, he said he most enjoys that this writing is not graded or required to fit any standards.
“There’s no rubric, no box they have to fit into,” he shared. “This writing lets people know they have a voice and a story, and they can use their voice to tell their story. These writing circles are for people who are struggling just to
survive, when we all deserve to thrive.”
Feifer’s sessions typically begin with a prompt, which could be a poem or a writing passage, but participants may write about anything they like. He also shares his own story with his writing circle, encouraging the writer to embrace the idea of putting their thoughts onto paper.
“I explain that writing slows us down and gives us time to reflect and respond and not just act on impulse or just react,” he said.
Ultimately, he’s not concerned with the final product; instead, he’s focused on the process.
“It’s not about the quality of the writing,” he said. “It’s about the quality of the people who sit and do the writing. It’s about what comes out of them. You can hear when somebody’s heart is in their writing.”
His goal is “writing toward freedom, recovery, healing and hope.”
Participants are invited to share their writing out loud during the circles if they’d like to, and Feifer collects the writing and responds to each submission.
“I believe in writing back to them on the back of their paper, by hand,” he said. “I read everything they submit, even if it’s not shared in the circle.”
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Feifer, who grew up in Lancaster and graduated from McCaskey High School and Franklin & Marshall College, earned his teaching certificate from Millersville University. He’s been honored with local accolades as a volunteer, including receiving the Jefferson Award and a Teacher Impact Award.
He doesn’t do it for the honors, he said. Instead, he’s motivated and inspired by the change he sees in the people who join his writing circles.
“Someone will tell me, ‘This was not what I expected, but it was what I needed,’” he said. “Writing like this allows you take off the suit of armor we all wear, let some light in and really be yourself, who you truly are.”
He encourages participants like the young men at Manos House to keep their writings to share with their parole officers as evidence of their growth in the program.
“I tell people, ‘When you take what I’m doing seriously, you’re taking yourself seriously,’” he said. “I hope that through my writing circles, I’m giving people a tool of greater personal awareness and that is giving them power.”
To learn more about Feifer and his writing circles, visit www .thewritingcircleprogram.com.
her life story. To learn more, visit www.divinereversal.com.
During the program, child care will be provided for infants through prekindergartners.
Readers may contact Bonnie at 717-361-2613 or Veronica at 717-626-7603 for more information and a copy of this year’s schedule.
