Manheim Central townlively.com
APRIL 2, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXVI • NO 10
Slithering into the past BY CAT SHANNON
Jesse Rothacker is a proud “herper.” As he explained, that’s the term for people who love reptiles and amphibians. Rothacker, who directs Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuar y, a nonprofit rescue and education organization in the Manheim area, is also a founding member of the Lancaster Herpetological Society (LHS). The organization
celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The group formed after Adam Darrenkamp, a student at Millersville University, wanted to open his college-based group to the entire reptile-loving public, Rothacker said. Darrenkamp connected with local nature expert Jack Hubley, who introduced the student to other local nature enthusiasts, including Rothacker, and the rest is history. See Slithering pg 2
Debbie Saylor with an artifact
F
rom archaeological finds that are thousands of years old to modern-day run-ins with ghosts, the Manheim Historical Society’s 2025 program series will feature a wide range of topics. Programs will be held once a month from April through November at the Manheim Railroad Station, 210 S. Charlotte St. “We strive to offer a variety of subjects so that everyone can learn about a topic of interest and visit our museums,” explained Peggy Cunha, chair of programs and services and coordinator of
the programs and events committee for the Manheim Historical Society. “Some programs were carried over from last year due to limited space, while others were new and had been featured at other events.” The series will kick off with a presentation by Debbie Saylor on Sunday, April 27. She’ll discuss “What the Ancient Ones Left Behind,” sharing archaeological artifacts from the nomadic people who lived in the area. On Sunday, May 18, historical researcher, consultant and author April Lynn Downey will present “Pennsylvania Dutch Traditions:
Hex Signs and Powwow.” “She will present on cultural traditions of the German-speaking settlers of the 17th and 18th centuries who brought us hex signs and powwowing,” Cunha said, explaining that the latter refers to a blend of European folk-healing and Christian faith healing. Todd Hostetter, a Lancaster County tool historian and collector, will present “Planemakers of Manheim 1806-1847 and Others of Lancaster County” on Sunday, June 15. On Sunday, July 20, retired special education teacher and guitar
Enjoy a roast beef dinner BY CAT SHANNON
For the past two years, Pleasant View Communities Auxiliary has sponsored a roast beef dinner annually, but the meal was only available in-house to residents of the community. This year, the organization is offering the dinner to the general public. The meal will be available for pickup or for dine-in at The Gathering Place, located inside the main building entrance at 554 N. Penryn Road, Manheim. It will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, April 28.
The deadline for orders is Friday, April 18. No day-of tickets will be available. “This year we are inviting the community to our table,” said Pam Hoffman, president of Pleasant View Communities Auxiliary. “The dinner is an annual favorite, and it includes roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, a roll and butter and cookies.” The meal will be prepared by SEI Catering. Proceeds from the roast beef dinner support projects of the Pleasant View Communities Auxiliary, Hoffman said, noting that the group’s mission states,
See Historical society pg 3
See Dinner pg 8
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Kids enjoy a hands-on opportunity at a Lancaster Herpetological Society meeting.
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Historical society will host diverse program series