Manheim Township townlively.com
SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XL • NO 15
HOPE International funding makes world go around BY JEFF FALK
(HOPE) International’s story is one of compassion and empowEvery individual, every orga- erment and the human spirit. It’s nization has a story to tell. a story that continues to evolve, Helping Other People Eternally continues to change - one whose See HOPE International pg 2
The Zoeller family poses with Judge Jeffrey J. Reich of the Lancaster County Orphans Court on Aug. 31, 2023, the day of Izabel, Oaklee and Carson’s adoption.
Rooted in COBYS’ support, Zoeller family tree sprouts branches
T
he experiences of fostering and adopting children can be both challenging and rewarding. They’re experiences that COBYS can both enhance and make more manageable. Louis and Melissa Zoeller have been married 16 years, and they are the parents of seven kids, two of whom are their biological offspring and five of whom they adopted through the help of COBYS Family Services. For the Zoellers, who have affectionately dubbed their family “The Zoeller Bunch,” it’s sometimes a hectic,
topsy-turvy existence, but one that they have no regrets about. “If there was one thing that b ro u g h t ( M e l i s s a a n d m e ) together, it was that we felt God was calling us to adopt,” said Louis. “It was the one thing we could agree upon. When we got involved with COBYS, it helped that they were a faith-based organization. When they asked us if we wanted to adopt, we prayed on it and said yes.” In addition to L ouis and Melissa, the Mountville-based Zoeller Bunch includes Coral, 15; Dominic, 14; Sophie, 8; Izabel, 6; Tatum, 6; Oaklee, 5; and
Carson, 4. Sophie, Tatum, Izabel, Oaklee and Carson were all under the Zoellers’ foster care first before being officially adopted at various times over the last six years. B e fo re t h e y w e re l e g a l l y adopted, the children were wards of the state, meaning they could’ve been removed from the Zoeller household at any time. “Foster care exists to give biological families an opportunity to get safe,” said Melissa. “Foster care exists to provide safety for children. Kids need to be safe. If (biological) parents can’t meet those safety standards, the goal See Zoeller Bunch pg 2
EPC will celebrate 70th anniversary with community event BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
In 1954, Alvin Engle bought a printing press with a dream of starting his own publication. Alvin, who had been working full time in the printing business, put the press in the basement of his home in Mount Joy, and together he and his wife, Pauline, laid the foundation for what would become Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc. (EPC). As
EPC celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, the company invites members of the community to attend an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at its facility at 1100 Cor porate Blvd. in Lancaster. Refreshments will be available to purchase from food trucks such as Auntie Anne’s, Cupcakes by Casey, Tri-County Barbecue and Homage. Guests may enjoy See EPC pg 3
R110454
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER SEPT. 11, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
MTM
BY JEFF FALK
Friends Joyce (left) and Caroline walk hand in hand during a HOPE International trip to Zambia in February.