Manheim Township townlively.com
JULY 31, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XL • NO 9
National Night Out to explore police-community dynamic BY JEFF FALK
S
ome believe that trust must be earned. But trust must also be cultivated, nurtured and fostered. That’s the premise upon which the Manheim Township Police Department’s (MTPD) approach to National Night Out is based. It’s an opportunity to revisit and reinvent connections with the community. Some 45,000 residents call Manheim Township home. “It’s a great night to meet us, and it’s a great night to meet your community,” said Natalie Littlehale, MTPD’s coordinator for National Night Out. “It’s just this great fact-finding night. There are so many interactions going on. We really want people to take advantage of the community spirit we have.”
This year’s National Night Out in Manheim Township will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Manheim Township Community Park, 209 Petersburg Road, Lancaster. A neighborhood block party conducted in a carnival-like atmosphere, the free, family-friendly event will feature a DJ spinning tunes, games, hot dogs, ice cream, drinks, a candy scramble, bounce houses, an obstacle course and the popular police-versus-firefighters kickball game. “Once again, we are looking forward to celebrating National Night Out with our friends and neighbors here in Township,” said Duane Fisher, MTPD’s chief of police. “We are hoping to make this year bigger and more fun than ever. It is a great way to celebrate your community as well as get to know those who live and
work around you. After all the fun, our goal is to develop the camaraderie and build partnerships that will turn into positive relationships that improve the quality of life here.” “No matter where you live, you want to have confidence in your police department,” said Barry Waltz, MTPD’s public information officer. “When residents call for us, it’s going to be at a time of crisis. But we don’t want that to be the first time they’ve talked to us. We want to be here when you don’t need us as well.” No fewer than 12 officers from MTPD will be in attendance at National Night Out, along with members of the Manheim Township Ambulance Association, Manheim Township Fire Rescue De p a r t m e n t a n d M a n h e i m Township Recreation and Park Planning Department and their Manheim Township police officer Matthew Bender works with K-9
officer Ruck during a demonstration at last year’s National Night Out
Merger ushers in new era in NSI’s war against human trafficking BY JEFF FALK
North Star Initiative (NSI) is doubling down on its mission. The local nonprofit is adding to its resources and increasing its reach in the fight against human trafficking. R e c e n t l y, N S I a b s o r b e d Freedom and Restoration for Everyone Enslaved (F.R.E.E.), a Berks County-based nonprofit
with similar goals, methods and beliefs, into its operations. It’s a move that will allow NSI to impact more survivors and achieve an even greater good. “I’ve had a desire for collaboration,” said Melinda Clark, NSI’s executive director. “There’s too much work that needs to be done, and you can’t do it alone. We want to bring together skilled and passionate people. See North Star Initiative pg 2
Tee it up “fore” a great cause BY JEFF FALK
The Friendship Community is looking to increase its circle of advocates. A social sporting experience, golf can strengthen connections, while raising funds and promoting fun. The next edition of the Friendship Community’s annual Irvin C. Enck Memorial Golf Tournament is upon us. It’s one of three major fundraisers that the Manheim Township nonprofit conducts regularly. “It seems to be a popular event,” said Calista White, Friendship Community’s development Staff members (from left) Ashley B., Deb L. and Caleb C. prepare
for last year’s Friendship Community’s Irvin C. Enck Memorial Golf
See Friendship golf pg 5 Tournament.
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See National Night Out pg 3 event.