Manheim Central MARCH 23, 2022
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Becoming A Citizen Scientist BY CATHY MOLITORIS
n early April, Laurie McClure will find herself face-to-face with leatherback sea turtles. The Manheim Central High School science teacher was chosen out of hundreds of applicants to participate in an eight-day teacher fellowship in Costa Rica. Organized by the nonprofit Ecology Project International (EPI), the trip partners scientists with local and international students and educators in ecology hotspots around the globe. During her fellowship, McClure will gain skills and resources she
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can bring back to the classroom. She’ll be immersed in the rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica, spending her days collecting data and planning hands-on lessons near Pacuare Reserve, a field research station managed by EPI. McClure was originally chosen for the trip in 2020, but COVID put her plans on hold for two years. At the time, she was chosen for EPI’s program in Yellowstone National Park, but when the programs resumed, she was given her choice of destinations. She picked Costa Rica because she’d never been there and because it offered the opportunity
Laurie McClure
to experience so many new things. “I love to travel to as many places as possible, and I’ve been to every continent except for Antarctica,” she said. “I’ve been to every biome except for the tropical rainforest, so that’s what is really exciting about this trip.” A teacher for 18 years, McClure has taught at Manheim Central for 16 years and currently teaches biology, climatology and Advanced Placement environmental science. She’s excited to bring back what she learns on the trip to her classroom. Along with identifying sea turtle nesting sites, McClure will participate in population counts of primates in the rainforest. Her students will also be doing parallel lessons during her trip. “I’m really looking forward to being immersed in what actual researchers are doing,” she said. “You can read all you want or visit museums, but there’s nothing like getting the chance to do the work directly. The opportunity to be a citizen scientist is exciting.” McClure said one of her favorite travel experiences was a 2018 visit to Africa, where she climbed part of Mount Kilimanjaro and took a selfie with a wild elephant. She has previously participated in population studies of both Delaware Bay horseshoe crabs and Isle Royale wolves and moose. “I teach through my trips,” she stated. “My trips are an opportunity for my students to have a real experience they can attach to their classroom learning.” When she returns from her trip to Costa Rica, McClure plans to incorporate what she’s learned into lessons at Manheim Central. She hopes to inspire her students to take action whether it’s in another country or right here in Lancaster County. “There are things we can do right here in our backyard,” she stated. “I want to share my passion about nature and the environment with my students. I love seeing those ‘aha’ moments when they really connect to something.”
Library Will Hold Children’s Book Day Celebration BY CATHY MOLITORIS
The Manheim Community Library plans to celebrate National Children’s Picture Book Day and International Children’s Book Day, and you’re invited to the party. The Children’s Book Day celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, in the community
You’re Invited To Join The Battle BY CATHY MOLITORIS
There’s a war going on around you, and you’re invited to join the fight. Welcome to the Battle will be held on Friday, March 25, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Road, Lititz. The event, which will begin at 5:30 p.m., is organized by North Star Initiative (NSI), a Lititz-based nonprofit that supports victims of human trafficking. See Battle pg 4
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
“Apple of the Week” 99¢ lb.
See Library pg 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE BSA Posts Breakfast And Hike . . . . . .3 Business Directory . . . . . .4 “Remember America” To Emphasize Education . . . .6 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .12 House Of Worship . . . . . .16
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room of the library, 15 E. High St. Weather permitting, some activities will also be held outside in the mini park adjacent to the library. This is the first time the library is holding this event, said Alissa Booth, community relations coordinator. “We were looking for a way to celebrate local authors and businesses and our love for children’s books while raising funds for the library,” she said. “With National Picture Book Day and International Children’s Book Day on April 2 and National Library Week beginning on April 3, it seemed a natural fit.” Festivities at the celebration will include story times and meet-andgreets with local children’s book authors, along with lots of handson activities. “Come out and meet local teen and children’s book authors and maybe discover your next favorite book,” Booth stated. “Kids can get artsy with one of our free crafts or welcome spring by planting a mini garden.” Children can learn how to draw the owl and the dog from “What if Night?” with illustrator Sarah Holden providing
Author Jeanne Moran
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VOL LXIII • NO 8
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