Penn Manor APRIL 23, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Home is where Harting is
Historical society to hold its Spring Fling
Penn Manor High School teacher wins award
BY GEORGE DEIBEL
It was kismet. Penn Manor Hig h School language arts teacher Courtney Harting was instructing her firstblock class on March 11 when a group of visitors entered her classroom. “ We were in the middle of an analysis of Act 5, Scene 1 of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and during a deep text analysis of Romeo’s characterization,” Harting said. “In walked our team of administrators - Mr. (Thomas) Bechtel, Mrs. (Jenna) Fisher, Mr. (Chris) Telesco - and a few of my former students. Then the representatives from Citadel came in.” In the second line of Act 5, Scene 1, Romeo says, “My dreams presage some joyful news at hand.” Joyful news was, in fact, at hand. The guests had come to Harting’s room to inform her she had won a Citadel Heart of Learning Award, which is sponsored by Citadel Credit Union. Harting is one of three teachers from Lancaster County to earn the honor, which recognizes exceptional teachers who inspire their students and make a significant impact on their communities. Until she was presented with the award, Harting had no idea she had even been nominated. “It was humbling, I guess, but also took me by complete surprise,” said Harting. “It was a moment of shock and excitement. I think the coolest part of it was watching my students’ faces when they were watching me receive the award. They were proud, which was really cool.” She unassumingly downplayed her accomplishment. “Part of my feelings in receiving the award is
The Conestoga Area Historical Society, 51 Kendig Road, Conestoga, will hold its annual Spring Fling on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt for kids ages 2 to 8 starting
at 10 a.m., and the Easter Bunny will be on hand to oversee the proceedings. An artist will provide free face painting. Spinners, wheelers, and blacksmiths will demonstrate their crafts, and visitors can take self-guided tours, with docents available to answer questions. See Spring Fling pg 2
Penn Manor High School teacher Courtney Harting with her Citadel Heart of Learning Award
I am just here doing my job as I’m supposed to be doing,” said Harting, who also helps coordinate Link Crew, a mentorship program that connects upperclassmen with incoming freshmen. “There are a lot of other educators in our district, especially, who I think deserve just as much if not more. I don’t know that I do anything particularly unique.” Cajoled into offering a summarization of what makes her successful, Harting said, “I care ver y deeply about each and every minute of what goes on in my classroom. I lesson plan tirelessly. Building relationships with my students is my No. 1 priority. That takes precedence over everything. … I think that drives my practice and allows me to (motivate) students and allows them to be receptive of it.”
Harting credits school officials with fostering an environment that allows teachers to excel. “Our administrative team really trusts its teachers and believes in us,” she said. “They definitely provide opportunity for us to be the experts of the instruction. They trust that we have our students’ best interests at heart at all times. That’s huge in developing that culture where teachers feel free to take risks academically and sustain a sense of passion for teaching.” Harting was nominated for the Citadel award by colleague Pamela Lindstrom. “Courtney’s extraordinary love for her students has guided her to create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere, where students are genuinely seen and cared for as learners and as people,” Lindstrom wrote
Jim Kauffman with a Conestoga wagon
Find your next adventure at the PA Family Travel Fair BY CAT SHANNON
“If you’re looking for a getaway that’s within driving distance of home, this is the perfect place to find it,” said Wendy Royal, organizer of the PA Family Travel Fair. “Come here and see what’s right in your backyard.” The PA Family Travel Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Spooky Nook Sports Complex, 75 Champ Blvd., Manheim. The event will feature free entry and free parking.
Organized by Where & When Pennsylvania, a free seasonal travel magazine, the PA Family Travel Fair will spotlight more than 50 vendors. “ We will have destination marketing organizations from all over the state,” Royal shared. “Probably the farthest one is VisitErie or Warren County, but we have representatives from across Pennsylvania, from nor theast Pennsylvania to Bucks County and the Laurel Highlands.” Several of the vendors have
See Harting pg 3
See Travel Fair pg 6
Beautiful Gardens Start Here! Butterflgybird in & Hummrites! Favo
delicious
Awesome Selection!
• Annuals • Vegetables • Herbs • Perennials • Shrubs • Strawberry & Raspberry Plants & Lots, Lots More!
Strawberries 400 Long Lane At Marticville Road
Containers = Our Best Potting Soil, Proven Results!! POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER APR. 23, 2025
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
PEN
BY GEORGE DEIBEL
VOL LXI • NO 52
(Rts. 741 & 324S) 3 Miles S. of Lancaster Follow us on
Mon.-Sat. 8-6 717-872-9311 www.cherryhillorchards.com
R117105
townlively.com