MTM_012424

Page 1

Manheim Township townlively.com

JANUARY 24, 2024

SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954

VOL XXXIX • NO 34

Lancaster Catholic prepares students for life BY JEFF FALK

Education doesn’t mold us; it unfolds us. Schools don’t build character; they reveal it and nurture it. Fo r 9 6 ye a r s , L a n c a s te r Catholic High School (LCHS) has been influencing the development of Lancaster County

adolescents. It’s the type of influence that can stick with an individual for a lifetime, one that has given rise to the notion “once a Crusader, always a Crusader.” “We’re focused on the holistic development, which is mind, body, spirit,” said Lancaster Catholic’s director of enrollment, See Lancaster Catholic pg 2

Occupational Development Center clients build confidence from being gainfully employed.

ODC to celebrate 75 years of good work BY JEFF FALK

“There’s pride that comes from doing a job and doing it well.” history of ODC, and state and local government officials will be on hand to present citations and proclamations. Tours of the facility will be given, and light refreshments will be served. “Our organization was started by two ladies (Marian R. Headrick and Olivia Stoner) who had relatives with intellectual disabilities, and they weren’t happy with how society treated people with disabilities,” said Mueller. “There

was no special education at that time. The original name was the Help-Self School, and eventually it became known as the Child Development Center.” The Child Development Center was designed to provide instruction to children with disabilities in an attempt to assimilate them into the community. “In 1958, the state mandated special education in schools, and there wasn’t a need for what we were doing,” Mueller added. “That’s when we made the shift to the occupation center. What we do has changed over the years, but we’ve been doing it for a long time.” Typically, ODC trains young individuals with disabilities who have graduated from high school around the age of 21. ODC accepts those people around age 24, after they’ve had three years to search for employment on their own. Currently, ODC is working with 35 individuals with disabilities

Lancaster Catholic students receive a holistic education.

PAD trains dogs to make a difference BY JEFF FALK

Statistically, dogs are the most popular pet in America. Through the years, dogs have become humans’ best friends through a symbiotic relationship that revolves around service. No one has to tell Phoenix Assistance Dogs of Central Pennsylvania (PA D) about canine service and its importance. The local nonprofit has built its reputation by filling a need for assistance dogs.

See ODC pg 3

“I believe dogs have a powerful impact on society,” said PAD director and founder Linzey Zoccola. “For children, it’s as a companion. Recent studies have shown that interacting with dogs can strengthen immune systems. We have so many roles for working dogs. The physical and emotional roles that dogs play in families’ lives are so important.” PAD, which recently moved from 30 Copperfield Circle, Lititz, to 55 New St., Ephrata, See Assistance dogs 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

MTM

E

mployment can be cons i d e re d a n h o n o r a n d privilege, and some believe that everyone should have equal access to work. It’s a belief that Occupational Development Center (ODC) has grown into over these last 75 years. “It’s a situation where we’ve all had great jobs we’ve loved,” said Ken Mueller, ODC’s public relations and development manager. “But we’ve all had jobs we don’t love. I got to go to work today, and I enjoy what I do, even though there are challenges. A lot of people don’t want to hire individuals with disabilities. ... Our folks want to do their jobs. They don’t complain about work. They complain when they don’t have the work.” Located at 640 Martha Ave., Lancaster, ODC trains and helps employ individuals with emotional

and mental disabilities. On Thursday, Feb. 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., ODC will recognize its 75th anniversary with a Founder’s Day celebration and open house. Mueller will open the festivities with a short talk on the


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.