Lampeter-Strasburg townlively.com
JANUARY 24, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 38
Groundhog Day 100 years of giving 100% Celebrate with Acorn Acres
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
B
ill McIlwaine was born on Jan. 4, 1924 in Fall River, Mass., marking the start of a remarkable life that would span more than a century. Bill’s journey eventually led him to Lancaster, where he recently celebrated his 100th birthday with his children and close friends. In the many decades that Bill has called Lancaster home, the retired professor and decorated combat veteran has left a major impact on the community and the people in it.
Millersville-based wildlife rehabilitation center Acorn Acres will host its annual Groundhog Day celebration on Friday, Feb. 2, in downtown Lancaster. The festivities will kick off at Ville & Rue, 8 W. King St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The celebration will continue with an all-ages Groundhog Day party from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Imperial, 26 E. Chestnut St. Both events will be free to attend. At 11:30 a.m., Acorn Acres ambassador Elliott the groundhog will predict the weather forecast for the remaining winter months. This will be Elliott’s first prognostication, as the yearly ritual was previously completed by the wildlife center’s former mascot, Poppy. After Poppy’s death last February, Elliott has taken over the late groundhog’s responsibilities as the face of Acorn Acres. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available at Ville & Rue, and Poppy-themed items such as
B ill g raduated from hig h school in 1942, and he enlisted in the armed forces in 1943. The United States had officially entered World War II only a few years prior, and the conflict would continue to rage around the globe for another two years. Bill was assigned to the United States Army 80th Infantry, where he saw combat in a few of the war’s bloodiest battles. During the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, Bill was wounded by an artillery round, and he was awarded the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, a Combat Infantryman Badge and four Theatre of Operations stars for his role in the fight. After the war ended in 1945, Bill returned to America and enrolled at Boston University to study geology and chemistry. Bill married his wife, Melva, in 1950, and they had four children
pillows, tea towels and tote bags will be available to purchase. Once the party moves to the Imperial, guests may enjoy various family-friendly activities including groundhog-themed crafts, cornhole, Jenga and live entertainment. A game of bingo will begin at 5 p.m., but there See Groundhog Day pg 3
On Jan. 4, Bill McIlwaine (center) celebrated his 100th birthday with his children, (clockwise, from bottom left) Deb Shenk, Meredyth Van Scherpenseel, David McIlwaine and Doug McIlwaine.
together. While Bill was taking classes at Penn State University in 1957, he heard about a small school that was known as Millersville State Teachers College at the time; he didn’t know it then, but the school would become an accredited university and the home of his long teaching career. Bill and his family moved to Millersville one year later, and he earned both a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in the following years as he taught in Millersville. Bill was heavily active in the Millersville community both on and off the university’s campus.
He helped obtain more than $1 million in grant funding as Millersville University’s director of grants and awards, and he personally testified before a House of Representatives committee to advocate for educational equipment programs. However, Bill’s endeavors were not limited to his own community; he traveled to China and the Soviet Union in the ’70s as a member of the U.S. State Department’s scholar diplomat program. Following his retirement in 1991, Bill served on Millersville University’s board of trustees for more than 20 years,
Become a friend to bees BY CATHY MOLITORIS
“Hone y b e es p ollinate a third of everything we eat,” said Master Beekeeper Denny Gorman. “Without them, we wouldn’t have most of the fruit we eat. Honey bees also pollinate 100% of the almonds grown in this country.” Gorman, who is vice president of the Lancaster County Beekeepers Society, is passionate about the insects. He invites other people who are interested in learning more to attend the 2024 New Beekeeper Workshop. It will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, from
See 100th birthday pg 3
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 6 Pine St., Mount Joy. The event will cover everything people need to start the hobby of beekeeping. “We provide a continental breakfast and a very nice lunch,” Gorman said. “I personally teach a class in honey bee biology and hive biology. We teach classes in how to extract honey, where to place your hives, a little bit on diseases. We try to prepare a new beekeeper with the basic info they need to start beekeeping.” Gorman has been a beekeeper for seven years. He started the hobby after he retired from a See Beekeeping pg 5
• Sweet Pears • Citrus • Soups • Salsas • Yams • Potatoes • Fresh Veggies • Jar Products • Lots of fresh Bakery • Donuts • Pies • Cookies • Bread • Fresh Cider & More! OPEN ALL WINTER! Mon.-Sat. 8-6
400 Long Lane at Marticville Road (Rt. 741 & 324) 717-872-9311 www.cherryhillorchards.com Follow us
R103448
MORE than just APPLES APPLES!! POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JAN. 24, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
LSA
“When our dad was involved with something, he attended all the meetings and took his involvement seriously.”
Elliott the groundhog, Acorn Acres’ mascot, will make his first official prognostication during this year’s Groundhog Day celebration.