Manheim Central JUNE 12, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXV • NO 20
Celebrating five decades of service BY CATHY MOLITORIS
BY JEFF FALK
Louise and Walt Gerhart
of special recognition, telling Walt, “We honor your service, your courage, and most of all, your sacrifice.” Walt served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was discharged as a corporal and worked for many years for an asbestos plant in Manheim. Walt and Louise are the parents of three children. They have nine g randchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. They have been married for 58 years. During his time at the post, Walt held every post position, including serving as commander twice. He’s been the post quartermaster on and off for the past 25 years and served as post chaplain, and he was instrumental in supporting the VFW youth baseball program in Manheim. Louise has served as state historian for the
A surprise party for the Gerharts
auxiliary and as auxiliary district president. She currently serves as chair of the trustee, scholarship and hospital committees at the post. “Walt and Louise have made a
difference both in Manheim and at the state level,” Fisher said as he presented a proclamation from Manheim mayor Scott Funk. Fisher also presented Walt and Louise each with proclamations
Long’s Park has a history with music in Lancaster. It’s a history of culture. It’s a history of diversity. It’s a history of symbiosis. It’s a history that continues to evolve. T he 62nd season of the Long ’s Park Amphitheater Foundation’s (LPAF) Summer Music Series is upon us. More than bigger and better, this Summer Music Series is as varied as ever. “What we’re trying to do is bring diversity in genre and people from different areas of the world to Lancaster,” said Kristin Chronister, LPAF’s president-elect. “I think rather than top ourselves each year, we’re looking for high-end music we haven’t showcased in a while. We’re looking for different themes in order to bring different kinds of music to Lancaster. It’s more about, ‘Let’s do something different and have fun.’” This summer’s music series, which includes 12 concerts at Long’s Park Amphitheater, 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, will feature artists performing genres of music from American rock to gospel rock, from the blues to bluegrass, from country to pop rock. All of the shows will be performed on Sundays starting between 7 and 8 p.m., and most of the concerts last from 90 minutes to two hours. The sponsor-supported, publicly funded, all-weather shows are free to attend. “As a foundation, we believe that music is not only important
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“A
ny definition of a full and productive life must include service to others.” Those words from a proclamation by Sen. Ryan Aument perfectly describe Walter and Louise Gerhart. The Manheim couple have dedicated more than 55 years of service to the Manheim VFW Post 5956. On June 1, they were treated to a surprise party honoring their commitment to the post. “Without Walt and Louise’s steady hand, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” said post commander Craig Fisher. “Thank you for everything you have done for us.” During the party, held in the community room of the post, 149 S. Charlotte St., Manheim, the Gerharts were toasted with words of praise from Trac y Tunstall, president of the auxiliar y; Joan Faddis, district auxiliary president; and Barbara Loncar, VFW state commander. “We are honoring both of you today for your service,” Tunstall said, noting that the Gerharts live across the street from the post and could always be counted on to pitch in wherever needed. “I’m pretty sure Louise has cleaned a toilet or two here. She’s mopped the floor. I don’t think there’s much Louise has not done in this room. Words cannot express the knowledge that has come out of this woman and this man. And they’re still teaching us.” Faddis said she’s known Louise for 47 years and was honored to present a citation of congratulations from the state auxiliary. “Your untiring work of service and sacrifice is unmeasurable,” she told Louise. Loncar presented a certificate
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