Conestoga Valley SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
For Local Competitors, Twirling Is Way of Life
LIFT & LEVEL YOUR EXISTING CONCRETE
BY JEFF FALK
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Local baton twirlers Mikayla Millisock (left) and Michaela Aponte display their trophies from a recent competition.
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t’s a sport. It’s a discipline. It’s an interest. For Mikayla Millisock and Michaela Aponte, baton twirling requires dedication. Michaela, a rising secondgrader at Fritz Elementary School, and Mikayla, a recent graduate of Conestoga Valley High School, are both accomplished baton twirlers. “It’s definitely a sport,” said Rebecca Aponte, Michaela’s mom. “I have four daughters in twirling, and I am amazed at what these girls can do. They put their blood, sweat and tears into twirling. I think it takes a lot more skill than people realize. It takes as much dedication as any sport. It’s not just tossing a baton. It’s hand-eye coordination.” Mikayla and Michaela are
both members of Ab-Salute Twirling, which is located at 109 Zooks Mill Road, Brownstown. Recently, they each took top honors in their age divisions at a regional baton twirling championship in Corning, N.Y. A total of more than 50 baton twirlers across five age categories competed. “We as baton moms always talk about the grow th in kids,” said Rebecca. “You see girls encouraging each other. I want my girls to take away that good sportsmanship and that drive. I love seeing the support. Baton has a great way of building these girls up and preparing them for the world.” As part of the regional competition in Corning, participants performed solo twirling routines and underwent personal interviews. A panel of judges used a predetermined See Baton Twirlers pg 3
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BY JEFF FALK
Gardens can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. A bird-friendly garden explores the nature of both those worlds. Penn State Extension Master Gardener Colleen Emmerling will provide instruction and tips for creating a bird-friendly garden during her upcoming informational presentation. “Everyone can learn about better plant choices that make a positive local impact,” said Emmerling. “People might already place water or birdseed in their space to attract birds, even bird boxes for nesting. But in a bird-friendly garden there are plants, shrubs and trees that support high-protein insects, especially See Gardens pg 2 Certain plants can make gardens more bird friendly.
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VOL LXII • NO 26
PCA&D Creatively Develops Real People BY JEFF FALK
Before you can teach students, you must first reach them. Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D) has the curriculum, the forward thinking and the professors to challenge active minds. “People often know PCA&D as an art school, but what they may not realize is how deeply connected we are to workforce development, community partnerships and the regional economy,” said PCA&D president Andy Barnes. “Our graduates work across industries because creative thinking is valuable everywhere. Employers increasingly need people who can communicate visually, solve problems collaboratively and think innovatively. We’re also proud to be an active partner in downtown Lancaster. PCA&D contributes to the city’s cultural energy, supports local organizations and creates opportunities for community engagement through exhibitions, events and educational programming.” PCA&D, which is located at 204 N. Prince St., Lancaster, offers eight undergraduate degree programs, as well as continuing education opportunities and certificates in a wide array of design, art and creative disciplines. This fall, the college will be offering a new course in creative writing. “ E d u c at i o n h e l p s p e o p l e develop not just knowledge, but perspective,” said Barnes. “It teaches us how to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others and See PCA&D pg 8
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