Warwick townlively.com
MARCH 8, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXIV • NO 1
Taking a seat at the table BY CATHY MOLITORIS
argaret Thatcher once said, “If you want something done, ask a woman.” There’s a whole lot getting done in Lancaster County, because for the first time ever, all of the Chambers of Commerce in the county are led by women. Each woman brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role, but all of the leaders share a common goal: They want to make their community a great place to live and work. Denise Grove, who started her role as executive director of the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce in February of 2022, said the job offers her a way to really connect with others. “As a lifetime resident of Elizabethtown, I had a strong desire to work where I could make a difference and be a part of strengthening our community,” she remarked, a sentiment shared by Heather Valudes, who has been president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce since June
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of 2022. “I love Lancaster and the work that we are able to advance to make our employer community as strong as possible,” she said, noting that the Lancaster Chamber is countywide and represents nearly 1,500 businesses, almost half of the county’s workforce. For Ashley Zell, who became executive director of the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce in January, the job brings a chance to get to know her community. “The friends and connections made and the interaction with the Chamber members and community at our numerous different events are definitely the biggest rewards of this position,” Zell said. The women also remarked that holding the job offers a chance to see their communities thrive. “It’s seeing kids dancing at the farmers market,” commented Rebecca Branle, who has been executive director of Venture Lititz since August of 2021. “It’s celebrating big wins with merchants. It’s watching this town become ever more alive with art,
culture and community pride.” Her perspective matches that of Kristie Schmid, who has been executive director of the Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce since March of 2021. “I love seeing our community respond to the revitalization in town, the increase in businesses and the new community events,” Schmid said. “It’s fulfilling to put your time into something and then see others have pride in it as well.” For some of the Chamber leaders, the role is a full-time job. For others, it’s something they do in addition to other employment. As a financial adviser for Edward Jones, Jona Green serves as head of the Southern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce on a volunteer basis, but she’s just as committed to that role as she is her paid job. “The biggest reward is absolutely the connection to our schools and community,” said Green, who has been leading her Chamber since March of 2022. “Our reach is large, but our heart is rooted in service and making more things possible for our members.” See At the table pg 3
At Hands-on House Museum, kids play, have fun - and learn They’ve got a lot of cool things going on at the Hands-on House Children’s Museum of Lancaster, both inside and out, both individually and in group settings. Touching is fun, fun is learning, and learning is a key element in healthy development. Located at 721 Landis Valley Road, the Hands-on House Children’s Museum of Lancaster is an energetic space for kids to be kids. It’s an engaging place where children from ages 2 through 10, and even younger, are encouraged to explore, be creative and be curious.
“We want kids to develop a love for learning,” said Jim Bland, executive director of the Hands-on House Children’s Museum. “Everyone learns best by doing. Some are more auditory; some are more visual. The number one way to learn and retain is by teaching. In a freeform environment, kids are taking control. Then kids give instruction to grown-ups.” The 8,000-square-foot Hands-on House Children’s Museum is broken down into about seven or eight different interactive play/learning areas. There, kids are mentally stimulated and presented with items that may be new or may be familiar. See Hands-on House pg 2
Colin and Ethan’s upcoming adventure will provide opportunities for growth BY JEFF FALK
Ethan Peifer (left), Jared Peifer (center) and Colin Peifer believe that helping others is a way to help themselves.
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Few things can help us grow like getting out of our comfort zones. And few things possess the power to get us out of our comfort zones like traveling. Colin Peifer and Ethan Peifer, 17 and 16, respectively, are preparing to embark on a mission of mercy, hope and service. But it is also a mission of exploration and understanding and personal growth. Colin and Ethan will be accompanying their father, Jared Peifer,
on a 10-day human service trip to Taiwan from Saturday, March 18, to Tuesday, March 28. The journey will be made in association with the nonprofit organization Youth With A Mission, Caribbean Partners Inc., whose stated purpose is “To know God and to make Him known.” The former Lititz-area teenagers, who now reside in Montana, have been on family mission trips before. But this one will be Colin and Ethan’s first in their late teens. See Peifer Brothers pg 5
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BY JEFF FALK
Leaders of the county’s Chambers of Commerce include (front, from left) Ashley Zell, Heather Valudes, Denise Grove, (back) Jona Green, Kristie Schmid, Kerry Meyers, Rebecca Branle, and (not pictured) Liz Ackerman.