Manheim Township FEBRUARY 11, 2026
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
REACHING MORE THAN 15,990 HOMES
A Girl Named Avery and a Horse Called Mickey BY JEFF FALK
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Sports can play a key role in a young person’s development. A nontraditional sport, archery is given an avenue through the Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program, which provides participation and competition opportunities for students. Perhaps the most important thing that JOAD does is bring out the best in kids. “I want (students) to learn about archery, their archery,” said Bryan Baker, an assistant manager at the Lancaster Archery Academy. “Their archery
With a tagline of “always pushing the boundaries of what theater can be,” Creative Works of Lancaster champions the power of performance. “We believe that theater can be a powerful force for good building community, sparking connections and cultivating joy and wonder - and we want people to know that there are many ways to experience theater that go beyond buying a ticket and sitting quietly in a dark building looking up at a proscenium stage,” said executive director Lydia Brubaker. “It can happen anywhere, be accessible and relatable for everyone.” Creative Works of Lancaster became a nonprofit in 2010 after a few years of grassroots organizing with a group of creative people in Lancaster, Brubaker said. Original board members were Brubaker, Anne Kirby, Daniel Klotz, Jenn McMorris and the late Douglas Campbell. “The project started with plans for a community arts center, with creative co-working space, rehearsal and studio space, performance and gallery space and a cafe, but we switched gears when the economy collapsed and decided to be nomadic and create theatrical events in various spots around the city,” Brubaker shared. The group’s mission is to nurture and promote creative opportunities throughout the community in order to provide “exquisite moments of surprise and delight in an ever-challenging world,” she said.
See JOAD pg 2
See Theater pg 4
See Avery Bracken pg 4 Avery Bracken competes at a recent horse show.
Aim of JOAD Program Is for Archers to Find Themselves BY JEFF FALK
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Sock Puppets, Surprises and City-Wide Theater BY CAT SHANNON
ecause she’s been around them all of her young life, Avery Bracken has developed a connection with animals, especially horses. That connection has helped her grow, taught her critical life lessons and helped shape her unfolding story. “Horses are very smart,” said Avery. “They’re such a stress reliever for me. I can walk into the barn and feel so calm. They feel how you’re feeling, and they want to match it. It’s cool to me how they can feel like that.” An eighth-grade student at Manheim Township Middle School, Avery is a lifelong animal lover and an aspiring horsewoman and equestrian. At 13, she has enjoyed some early success in the sport, mainly through her connection with her new horse, Mickey - a 4-year-old Belgian Warmblood. “I believe a relationship like that is stronger than with people,” said Avery. “We’re still getting to know each other. It’s crazy; I know what she’s feeling, and she can express it so much.” “(Avery’s) been riding since she could walk,” said Kristin Bracken, Avery’s mom. “She’s learned responsibility. I’d like to think she was taught to do things the right way. She knows that her
MTM
VOL XLI • NO 37
Archers enrolled in the JOAD program hone their skills.
• Over 80 in-stock options • Hundreds of options to choose from in our showroom
Thursday, February 19th • 4 - 7 PM One night only! Come visit our beautiful showroom and take advantage of special offers on carpet.
• Family & Pet Friendly
40 Glenbrook Rd, (Rt 772) Leola
• New patterns and color options that are trending
M, T, W, F 8am – 4pm Th 8am – 7pm, Sat 8am - Noon
• Make your room warm & cozy with new carpet & padding
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www.florhaus.com
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you’re invited!
(717)656-7077
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