Penn Manor townlively.com
OCTOBER 5, 2022
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Meeting The Needs Of The Community BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
oft Community Partnership (LCP) recently appointed Jenna Graeff as its new edirector of strategic partnerships as part of an initiative to increase community engagement and grow the organization. Graeff, who grew up in the Quarryville area, graduated from Millersville University with a Master of Social Work and worked closely with the university’s Center for Public Scholarship and Social Change. Graeff discovered Loft Community Partnership through her efforts in the community and has worked with board members from the organization on projects such as Hettie’s Hope Chest. Graeff assisted with fundraising and various operations for the initiative, which is a nonprofit that provides diapers to families in need in the Penn Manor area. “The position of director allows a lot of room for macro social work practice and growth alongside (Loft Community Partnership),” said Graeff. “It’s a young organization and I am newly working in the field with a master’s; it’s a good match and we’ll be able to grow together.” In her first week as director, Graeff was already coordinating several community projects. Loft Community Partnership will administer a survey for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and has plans to resume its tradition of hosting a quarterly breakfast for churches and community organizations to discern what the area’s biggest needs are and how to address them. “We really want to dig into these operations and look at what is able to be streamlined, as well as how we can increase volunteers and community engagement,” said Graeff. “My experience is in the intersection of a school district and community hub like Penn Manor is.” Graeff interned at the Solanco School District, where she was able to get a closer look within the area and determine how a school district connects with community resources.
Acorn Acres Posts Supply Drive BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation will have a supply drive on Saturday, Oct. 22, from noon to 3 p.m. at Jack’s Family Tavern, 15 S. Prince St., Millersville. The event will include an educational presentation at 1 p.m., and Acorn Acres’ ambassadors Snags the squirrel and Poppy the groundhog will be in attendance. Making his debut at the supply drive will be the organization’s new ambassador: a groundhog named Elliot. Acorn Acres was founded in January 2021 by executive director Betsy Shenks, who first had the idea over a decade ago. On April 16, 2010, while mowing the grass on her lawn, Shenks saw what she thought was a dead baby squirrel, but upon closer inspection, she realized it was still alive. She quickly cleaned the squirrel and rushed to her computer to search the internet for advice on how to help the animal. At that moment, she knew her vocation was to help wild animals See Acorn Acres pg 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE House Of Worship . . . . . . .3 From The Editor’s Desk . . .4 Volunteers Sought For Parade . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Jenna Graeff
“What drew us to Jenna were her experience and qualifications,” said LCP’s community liaison, Deb Meckley. “She has connections to the Penn Manor community but also has fresh eyes for our organization; it’s a unique combination.” Meckley added that the organization has a vision to expand its services to the community, as its primary goal since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has been to provide food and clothing to those affected.
Loft Community Partnership serves a wide array of community members, from school-age children to senior citizens, with the only requirement being residence in the Penn Manor School District. Prior to the organization’s establishment, Millersville Brethren in Christ Church operated the food and clothing bank for over a decade. During this time, Meckley worked as a social worker and was a member of a committee that discussed
the area’s unmet needs. In 2019, the church decided it could no longer maintain the drive, and Meckley and the committee resolved to fill the void. In late 2019, Loft Community Partnership was created. “We are always looking for volunteers, and we always need donations,” stated Graeff. “If you’re passionate about the Penn Manor community, come check us out.” For more information, visit www.loftcommunitypartnership.org.
Business Directory . . . . . .8 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .10
scan this code for more local news
All Sizes • All Shapes All Colors
Mon.-Sat. 9-4
Ready Picked at farm market • Corn • Melons • Lopes • Veggies and lots more!
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
• PUMPKINS
Pick Your Own APPLES PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER OCT. 5, 2022
Postal Patron
PEN
L
VOL LVIX • NO 23
400 Long Lane At Marticville Road
• Pansies • Mums
(Rts. 741 & 324S) 3 Miles S. of Lancaster • Cabbages & Kales
717-872-9311
• Corn Shocks & Lots More!!
Market Open Mon.-Sat. 8-6, Closed Sun. Follow us on www.cherryhillorchards.com
R088919