Penn Manor townlively.com
JULY 10, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 11
Washington Boro’s Firefighter honored for tomato-filled tradition decades of dedication BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
For most Americans, July is a time for age-old traditions and festivities. One of the most popular summertime traditions is, of course, the celebration of the Fourth of July, during which every town in the country signifies the birth of the United States with fireworks, cookouts and grand displays of patriotism.
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
I
n May, the Lancaster County Fireman’s Association (LCFA) chose Paul Thomas of the Conestoga Volunteer Fire Company as a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for 2024. During the annual LCFA meeting on June 1, Thomas was presented with the award to recognize more than 50 years of service as an active member of the Conestoga Volunteer Fire Company and his dedication to making the community a safer place.
Although Washington Boro is no exception, this time of year includes a tradition that is unique to its community, and it involves a heap of tomatoes. The annual Tomato Festival will be held on Saturdays, July 13 and 20, at Washington Boro Park, 2010 River Road. Food will start to be served at 3:30 p.m. on both days, and live music and activities will See Tomato Festival pg 4
“He was certainly a leader who would teach and mentor … everyone in the department.”
Schreiber Pediatric reimagines annual Rubber Duckie Race Paul Thomas was given the Distinguished Service Award by the Lancaster County Fireman’s Association to recognize his commitment to serving the community.
term as a board member since he was elected in 2008. Fire company bylaws state that a fire chief cannot simultaneously serve on the board of directors. Thomas was appointed as the first assistant fire chief in 1978, and he assumed the role of fire chief in 1995 once his term on
the board ended. Thomas stepped down as fire chief in 2007, and he took up his former title of first assistant fire chief from 2008 to 2024. Frankford said that he credits much of his knowledge of the fire department and his role as fire chief to Thomas’ guidance. “He
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development will hold the 2024 Rubber Duckie Race and Festival on Sunday, Sept. 8, at its facility, located at 625 Community Way, Lancaster. The rain-or-shine community event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m., and it will include a variety of family-friendly activities in addition to a new
tradition that will replace the Rubber Duckie R ace in the Conestoga River. This year, the festival will incorporate several races for the first time since it began 36 years ago, including the Duckie Dash at 3 p.m., the Duckie Dash relay at 3:30 p.m. and the Duckling Dash at 2:30 p.m. The Duckie Dash will entail a 1-mile race that is open to runners 13 years old and above. Teams of
See Firefighter pg 2
See Schreiber pg 8
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“(Thomas) is the kind of guy who will help anyone,” said Larry Frankford, the current fire chief of the Conestoga Volunteer Fire Company. “It could be anything, even outside the fire hall. He steps up to the plate, and he’s been that way as long as I’ve known him.” Thomas joined the fire company in 1969. Although he has worn many hats over the course of his career, Thomas has always served as an active firefighter, and he continues to go out on calls today. Thomas served as an ambulance attendant and EMT with the Conestoga Ambulance Association from 1972 to 1978, and he served his first term on the fire company’s board of directors from 1974 to 1994. Thomas is currently serving his second
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Washington Boro park will be the site of the annual Tomato Festival.