Manheim Township townlively.com
AUGUST 14, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XL • NO 11
Hearts of church and school beat as one BY JEFF FALK
I
s St. John Neumann a church or a school? It’s kind of like asking if Jesus Christ was a leader or a servant. It’s difficult to decipher where one ends and the other one begins. St. John Neumann is both a Catholic church and school. In a way, they are two separate entities functioning as one. “They’re related to each other because the school is supported by the parish financially and through prayer,” said Fr. Dan Powell, the pastor of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and School. “ They ’re separate in the sense that the school draws students from other Catholic parishes and other religious backgrounds. This past year, 20% of the school’s budget came from the parish. People know their money is going to the school. It’s an investment in the future. We think that Catholic education
makes a difference in a child’s life and spiritual well-being.” Located at 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, St. John Neumann Church is home to 2,600 families and 7,500 total parishioners. This school year, St. John Neumann School, which is named in honor of the Philadelphia bishop who founded the Catholic school system in the United States, will host 220 students from prekindergarten through eighth grade. Since the former St. Anne’s Catholic School moved its operation to St. John Neumann four years ago, the school has witnessed steady growth, from 130 students in 2020-21 to 170 in 2021-22 to 200 in 2022-23 to 210 students last year. St. John Neumann’s 2024-25 school year will begin Monday, Aug. 26. “There are some people who are looking for better education opportunities for their children,” said Powell. “We have the ability See St. John Neumann pg 2
Mascot Roller Mills, Ressler Family Home steeped in history BY JEFF FALK
As Lancaster County’s history was evolving , dozens of water-powered, grain-grinding mills dotted the local landscape. Few are left standing, much less still operating, except for maybe one - Mascot Roller Mills. That’s what makes Mascot Roller Mills and the Ressler Family Home unique and so intriguing as an attraction. The historic site whisks visitors away
In Township, community pools are thriving BY JEFF FALK
to a time 300 years ago when mills supported communities, provided a places for residents to gather and socialize and ground their crops into food. “I really think we sometimes believe that where we are is created out of our own making,” said James Landis, executive director of the Ressler Mills Foundation, which owns and operates Mascot Roller Mills and the Ressler Family Home. “There is wisdom in the past, See Mascot Roller Mills pg 2
There was a time not that long ago when summers revolved around the community pool. It was a place to meet friends, hang out and simply play outside. It’s a tradition that Manheim Township continues to honor. “I think (the community pool is) a place for people to go, enjoy the warm weather and enjoy friendly faces,” said Alex Gordon, Manheim Township’s aquatic and recreation manager. “It’s a place for people to come and have fun. See Township pools pg 3 Patrons take a dip in the Overlook Park Pool on a recent summer day.
Our Peaches
• Shrubs • Perennials 20-50% OFF
Nectarines
• Ready Picked • Pick Your Own POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER AUG. 14, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
MTM
Teacher Michael Oles instructs a class at St. John Neumann School.
400 Long Lane At Marticville Road (Rts. 741 & 324S) 3 Miles S. of Lancaster
Original Price
Great Selection!
Mon.-Sat. 8-6, Closed Sunday • 717-872-9311
R109744
www.cherryhillorchards.com