Manheim Township townlively.com
MARCH 8, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXVIII • NO 41
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 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
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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 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.” For some of the Chamber leaders, the role is a full-time job. For others, it’s something they do in addition to other employment. As a financial adviser for Edward Jones, Jona Green serves as head of the Southern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce on a volunteer basis, but she’s just as committed to that role as she is her paid job. “The biggest reward is absolutely the connection to our schools and community,” said Green, who has been leading her Chamber since March of 2022. “Our reach is large, but our heart is rooted in service and making more things possible for our members.”
At Township library, a world of information beckons BY JEFF FALK
Speedwell Forge Park come for the recreation, stay for the beauty BY JEFF FALK
Not unlike town halls, schools and churches, libraries have always been pillars of thriving communities. That couldn’t be more true in Manheim Township, where the public library is now so much more than a traditional library. The Manheim Township Public Library (MTPL) has evolved into a vibrant hub, sort of a safe haven of learning and exploring, for the community and its citizens. No longer the conventional “book warehouse,” The Manheim Township Public Library is about so much more than books.
If indeed it’s important to get out, exercise and enjoy the great outdoors, then there are few better places to recreate locally than Speedwell Forge County Park. Situated at 480 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, just outside of Brickerville, Speedwell Forge Park is 415 acres of undisturbed natural beauty. Its scenic setting provides visitors the perfect respite from the
hustle and bustle of the everyday rat race. “First and foremost, it’s about the welfare of our citizens,” said Bob Devonshire, director of general services of Lancaster County, which oversees the operation and maintenance of the park. “People need to get out from behind their TVs or from behind their computers, go outside and enjoy the outdoors. It’s really about getting out there and being part of nature.”
See Township library pg 3
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See At the table 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.
See Speedwell Forge pg 4
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