Manheim Township townlively.com
JUNE 26, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XL • NO 4
For many local kids, MTPL is their first learning center BY JEFF FALK
T
he library is for gathering. The library is for books. The library is for getting things done. The library is for learning. The library is for kids. T h e M a n h e i m To w n s h i p Public Library (MTPL), located at 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, has forged a strong tradition of serving its constituents in myriad creative ways, not the least of which is its continuing dedication to developing young minds. MTPL’s commitment to children’s learning doesn’t just happen; it’s deliberate and intentional. “I think one of our most important roles is to create memories,” said Joelle Block, MTPL’s youth services manager. “The library is a wonderful place. I still remember going to the public
library growing up. Of course, our goal is reading; we want to create a community of readers. We want to create a community within a community. Our free plays are a great way to meet other families. The Summer Reading Program is community-sponsored.” By cloaking it in stories and play, MTPL aims to make learning fun and engage emerging brains. By name the youth programs go by Kindergarten Readiness, Toddler Time, Patio Play, Family Story Time, Duplo Free Play, Preschool Party, Baby Mania, Parachute Play, Wee Build Free Play and Ready, Set, Go! In all, MTPL sponsors up to 12 programs or activities for infants to kids up to 7 years of age at any one time. Some are more structured than others, some are as long as 55 minutes, but all have the same mission in mind. “It’s intentional,” said Block. An infant is shown a picture book as part of an early education program at the Manheim Township Public
Cadet Campers try on first-responder lifestyle to see if it fits The need for first responders, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics and volunteers is real, both locally and beyond. The severity of the shortage seems to hinge on perspective, location and definition. East Lampeter Township’s L afayette Fire Company is addressing the shortage with
Leadership skills move Luke Oles to become Eagle Scout BY JEFF FALK
its Cadet Camp. The annual summer camp is designed to spark an interest in service for younger citizens. “All over, volunteerism is a dying thing,” said Kim Herskowitz, a certified firefighter and EMT and Cadet Camp’s organizer. “Everybody needs that paycheck and to support their family. You really have to have a certain personality and that drive for service. We’re trying See Cadet Camp pg 3
Does Boy Scouts of America (BSA) expose and bring out inherent leadership skills or develop them? Maybe it’s not an either/ or proposition. Through his involvement with BSA, Luke Oles has certainly explored the concept of leadership. It was that same leadership that helped Luke ascend to BSA’s highest rank. “I guess Boy Scouts helped me to realize I had good leadership capabilities and that I should
See Eagle Scout pg 2 Luke Oles displays his Eagle Scout project at St. John Neumann Church.
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BY JEFF FALK
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JUN. 26, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
MTM
See MTPL pg 3 Library.