Rotary Bike Ride Planned

The Education Department of Lancaster EMS announced its “Learn While You Earn” program. The program will be the first fulltime academy for eligible candidates to earn a Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS-approved EMT Basic Certification. This program is a collaborative effort between Lancaster EMS and PA CareerLink.

Eligible candidates will be hired as a full-time Lancaster EMS employee and compensated at a training hourly wage while in attendance at the Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS’ EMT- Basic Certification course, which requires a minimum of 40 hours per week. Upon successful completion of the program and after obtaining a Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS certification, the employee will be promoted to EMT-B with the commensurate pay rate increase and associated benefits.

Candidates will also agree to an 18-month employment commitment to Lancaster EMS after certification. EMT candidates will be recruited from the general population with emphasis on high school graduating seniors.

Classes will begin in September at the Lancaster EMS Millersville Station, 100 E. Charlotte St., Millersville. The first academy class is expected to be completed by mid-December, with candidates working effective Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022.

The application and employment process will consist of a phone interview, program entrance assessments as well as a personal interview by a formal panel of current Lancaster EMS employees. Following completion of all pre-acceptance processes, the individual will either be offered a position or placed on a potential candidate waitlist.

Those with potential interest in this full-time education to work program should contact 717-481-4841, ext. 234, or emtacademy@lemsa.com or visit www.lemsa.com/ems certification.asp.

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The Lancaster Sunrise Rotary has planned its 17th annual bicycle ride for 2021, dubbing it the Ride for the Community. Club member Steve Bareuther noted that in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 ride was postponed and then finally canceled, but this year, the ride is set to go live.

This year’s Ride for the Community will be held at the Manheim Township Community Park, 209 Petersburg Road, Neffsville, on Saturday, May 8, with rolling starts beginning at 7 a.m. Riders must register and checkin between 7 and 9 a.m. The event will follow Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 guidelines, and it will be held rain or shine.

Formerly called the Literacy Ride, the event was renamed to better reflect the many community organizations that benefit. The ride is designed to appeal to bicycle enthusiasts at a variety of riding levels, so the club offers four routes - a 10-mile family ride; a 21-mile ride through scenic countryside; a 43-mile ride showcasing farms, schoolhouses, and covered bridges; and a metric century ride of 100 kilometers, equivalent to approximately 62 miles. Metric century riders must depart by 8 a.m. On this course, an optional hill stage called the Cat’s Back challenge will be offered near Fairmount in Ephrata. Ride participants will find water and rest stops located along each of the marked routes. Cue sheets, SAG support, sports beverages, snacks, lunch, and comfort stations will also be provided to registered riders.

Since 2018, the Rotary Club has partnered with The Common Wheel, an organization that works to encourage a culture of biking for transportation as well as recreation. The park became a drop-off location, with club members accepting quality, gently used bikes throughout the ride. This year, the partnership will continue, and riders and nonriders are invited to donate bikes from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park. More information about the organization may be found at www.thecommonwheel.com.

This year, a Shred Event Fundraiser will be held in the park from 9 to 11 a.m. in conjunction with the ride. Bareuther said that this is an opportunity for community members to clean out their basements and file cabinets and make a donation to the club at the same time. Club president Bill Weik noted that shredding by Marco Technologies will happen on site and that 100% of the donation will go to the club.

Beginning in 2019, the club offered a more inclusive sponsorship package for local businesses and individuals involving both the club’s Literacy Ride and the car show that members hold in the Neffsville Park each September. Through fundraisers, the club supports a number of local organizations. Weik noted that recent contributions have included scholarships for Manheim Township students, grants to United Disability Services, and funding for the Lancaster Early Education Center playground area.

Those who would like to register to take part in the bicycle ride may do so by searching for “Rotary Ride for the Community 2021” at www.active.com. Questions may be directed to Bareuther at sbareuther@msn.com.

Sunrise Rotary welcomes new members. Readers who would like to learn more about the organization may visit www.lancastersunrise rotaryofpa.com.

Lancaster Sunrise Rotary members who took part in the last fundraising ride the club held, in 2019, included (from left) Clayton Dickerson, Jeff George, Rick Dickerson, and Steve Bareuther. The 2021 ride will take place on May 8.

Chicken Barbecue Planned

The Marine Corps League Detachment 294 and the Auxiliary Unit 274 will hold a chicken barbecue on Saturday, May 8, at Stauffers of Kissel Hill, 301 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster, from 10 a.m. until the food is sold out.

Each dinner will include a halfchicken and a baked potato from Charlie’s Chicken, a roll and butter, applesauce, a beverage, and a dessert. Half-chickens may also be purchased separately. Proceeds will benefit many projects that help veterans and their families.

The Marine Corps League is a nonprofit organization that meets at 2340 Ironville Pike, Columbia.

For more information or to preorder tickets until Friday, April 30, call Mike Mastriania at 717-7153354.

Group Plans Virtual Discussion

The Chatting group will offer a discussion on the topic “President Biden Announces Full Withdrawal of U.S. Troops From Afghanistan” on Monday, May 3. Chatting takes place every Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom.

To participate, readers may visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86190 453518.

Chatting, originally called Lifetree Café, is sponsored by several local churches from different denominations as a way to foster positive dialogue in the community. Readers can find more information at http:// chattingatthegeneralsutter.us.

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Ewell Plaza Survey Posted

The next phase of community engagement for Ewell Plaza began recently with a survey to gather input and inspiration for the façade artwork on the future parking garage and public library. This survey is the first step of additional community engagement opportunities taking place this spring and summer. Artists Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt will host listening sessions and workshops with the Lancaster community that, along with the survey, will inform the design concepts of the façade artwork. Members of the Lancaster community will have the opportunity to rank their favorite of at least two concept designs.

The Lancaster Parking Authority has contracted Behar and Marquardt to create the façade artwork on its development in Ewell Plaza, which will be affixed to the new Lancaster Public Library building. The City of Lancaster is facilitating the community engagement for this public art project. The artists are currently coordinating with the city to finalize dates and formats for the upcoming public participation.

Readers may visit www.engage.cityoflancasterpa.com and click on the Ewell Plaza Art Explorations project to complete the survey. The survey will be open until Friday, May 14.

Nearly two years ago, the public space on the east side of the 100 block of North Queen Street was renamed after Barney Ewell, an Olympian from Lancaster. To learn more about Ewell Plaza, the new home of the Lancaster Public Library, visit www.ewellplaza.com.

Landis Valley To Reopen

Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, will reopen on Friday, April 30. The site will be open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Hours are subject to change.

The agriculture and farm exhibit and the Mennonite exhibit/leather shop will both be open for self-guided exploration, with one-way routes marked. The tavern, textile shed, Brother’s House and Country Store will be open for guided tours only. CDC guidelines must be followed.

Standard fees and discounts apply. Members are reminded to bring their membership card. For information about becoming a member or renewing a membership, visit www.landisvalley museum.org and click on “Become a Member” under “Support.”