Pequea Valley townlively.com
JULY 24, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 31
Ready for school? Donations sought for upcoming giveaway BY ANN MEAD ASH
Frank Howe (left) is retiring from Leacock Township and welcoming Chris Slaymaker (right) into the new role of township manager.
Local talent leads township BY ANN MEAD ASH
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hen Chris Slaymaker of Gap applied for the position of Leacock Township manager, the board of supervisors members who interviewed him saw leadership qualities, but they also saw something they were specifically seeking. “We wanted someone who understands the area,” said Frank Howe, retiring secretary and treasurer for the township and a member of the board for nearly 40 years. “It’s hard to teach the culture.” Slaymaker grew up in the area, and he attended Pequea Valley schools, graduating from Pequea Valley High School and immediately going to work for Lancaster County-Wide Communications, the county’s 911 call center. Slaymaker worked his way up to super visor at the call center, taking part in
leadership training and earning certifications along the way. “I can manage stress and make decisions under pressure,” he noted. Moving to the township position g ives S laymaker a chance to work closer to home and utilize the skills he has developed over 21 years. “I wanted a job where I could impact my local community more,” he said. “I wanted to help make decisions that are impactful to the region, and having the opportunity to interact with local people was a big plus for me,” explained Slaymaker, who told the board during his interview, “I would love to blend the culture and heritage with new horizons. Changes will happen, but trying to manage that change with our local heritage and histor y in mind (is important).” For Howe, bringing in a township manager has given him the chance to retire gradually. When
Slaymaker started at the office in late April, Howe took him into the community to meet area leaders. Since then, Howe has been working with him a few days a week and teaching budget fine points and other essential concepts as those tasks arise. Howe’s long career with the township has given him the experience needed to train the new manager. Howe’s employment with the township began when he worked with contractors on the construction of the Leacock Township building at 3545 W. Newport Road, Ronks, in 1996. He also oversaw the arrival of the original sewer system implementation and the expansion of the system later on, working with a consultant. The installation of a water system and the development of the park system occurred under Howe’s watch. “When I came here, there was one park with a pavilion and
a ballfield owned by the Intercourse Civic Association, which had agreed to let the Intercourse Lions Club run it,” recalled Howe, who worked with the Civic Association to turn the park over to the township. Howe designed and oversaw the building of the Intercourse Community Park, which was dedicated in 2004. “That was my big thing. I’m proud of that park. It’s a beautiful place,” said Howe. Looking ahead, Slaymaker knows that in this position, he will have to grapple with change, which is not always popular with community members. He is thankful for Howe’s continued presence when considering the future of the area. “You do it for the community and what makes it better to live here,” said Howe of the position. M o re i n fo r m a t i o n a b o u t the township is available at www.leacocktwp.com.
The Back to School Extravaganza! helps Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) students prepare to go back to school. In preparation for the second event, Karla Beiler, elementary programs director with The Factory Ministries, hopes that local residents will help meet student needs. “We could use school supplies and volunteers (for the Extravaganza!),” noted Beiler. The 2024 Back to School Extravaganza! will be held in the gymnatorium at The Factory Ministries, 3293 E. Lincoln Highway, Paradise, on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from noon to 2 p.m. The giveaway will be open to all PVSD children from prekindergarten through high school, who will be able to shop for a backpack, school supplies, and personal hygiene items and receive free haircuts. Lunch will be provided by the Kellogg’s Better Days Summer Hunger Grant obtained with help from the Rotary Club of Lancaster and the United Way of Lancaster. Those wishing to take part should register by Tuesday, July 30. According to Beiler, preregistered students will come to the event to shop for a backpack they can then fill with school and hygiene supplies. Items that are still needed to fill at least 100 backpacks include pencil cases; water bottles; ear buds; craft supplies, such as markers and colored pencils; and hygiene supplies, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and hair accessories. While Bellevue Presbyterian Church and Staples on Lincoln Highway East gather supplies See The Factory Ministries pg 4
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