Penn Manor townlively.com
APRIL 30, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXII • NO 1
Loft is rising to new heights BY GEORGE DEIBEL
To paraphrase Ricky Nelson, people will come from miles around, and there will be magic in the air. But when you get to the garden party, you won’t recognize the place. It won’t look the same. Loft Community Partnership (LCP) will hold its second annual Garden Luncheon Fundraiser
Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The garden party will take place in what will eventually become Loft’s new home, 100 E. Charlotte St., Millersville. People can purchase a ticket or a table. Registration is required with a deadline of Monday, May 12. Go to www.loftcp.org/ events to register or for more information. See Loft pg 6
Penn Manor chorus members (from left) Jordan Chen, Ava Wolfersberger, Bailey Floyd, David Ferre, and Matthew Palmeri at the all-state competition
P
enn Manor High School teacher Lauren Ciemiewicz and her students are in concert over many things, most significantly their shared love of music. They do, however, disagree on one topic: Who deserves the credit for all the students’ successes? The Comets’ chorus members concluded the competition season at the state conference April 9 to 12 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Poconos.
“They did absolutely phenomenally,” Ciemiewicz said of her students. Piano accompanist Jordan Chen finished first, Matthew Palmeri placed fourth in Bass I, and Bailey Floyd was sixth in Alto I. David Ferre (Tenor I) and Ava Wolfersberger (Alto 2) also earned the opportunity to participate on the state level. “Being the piano accompanist for all-state chorus allowed me to collaborate with talented singers across the state, and I met one of my favorite directors (Rollo
Dilworth from Temple University),” Jordan said. “There was a rush of salads between rehearsals, great times in the waterpark, and bonding over late-night snacks in the lobby. In all the chaos, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to create music with other passionate musicians.” Matthew said, “(The year) was a lot of fun. I really enjoy singing, especially with my friends and with Mrs. C directing us. She really helps us, and I couldn’t have done it without her.” Bailey was thankful for the
Volunteers Erika Miller (left) and Peg Neal help hand out produce at Loft Community Partnership.
Southern End Tracksters growing by leaps and bounds BY GEORGE DEIBEL
On your mark, S.E.T., go! The Southern End Tracksters are in the starting blocks, preparing to start a third season. The Tracksters are an Amateur Athletic Association (AAU) track and field team operated by Solanco High School head coach Jen McDowell. It is made up of athletes ages 4 through 18 from the Solanco, Penn Manor, and Lampeter-Strasburg school districts. “ We h av e s t a r t e d t h i s
camaraderie in the Southern End,” said McDowell. “That was the whole idea of the Southern End Tracksters. To get other people involved. Track is one of those unique sports. We’ve got rivals, but not like you do in a lot of other sports. We are there to support and guide each other. My kids are learning from some of the Penn Manor coaches. Penn Manor kids are learning from us. We’re seeing it pay off already at the high school level.” T here is no cost to join the Southern End Tracksters
See Music pg 3
See Tracksters pg 2
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BY GEORGE DEIBEL
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Penn Manor students, teacher make beautiful music together