Manheim Township townlively.com
JULY 7, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXVII • NO 8
Touching Lives With Joy Aaron’s Acres Holds Live And Virtual Camps BY ANN MEAD ASH
“It’s so good to be back (at camp) in person,” said Aaron’s Acres executive director Risa Paskoff. During 2020, Aaron’s Acres held virtual camp for 50 campers, but this year, six weeks of weekday summer camp are being held at the Manheim Community Pool and Memorial Park, along with a two-week virtual camp. The camp has programs for children, adolescents, and adults ages 5 to 21 with developmental disabilities. Camp began June 21, and twoweek sessions will be held through Friday, Aug. 6, with the exception of the week that began on July 5 because of the holiday. Paskoff explained that when the organization asked the state for approval to run the camp, COVID-19 restrictions were more stringent, including wearing masks and COVID-19 testing for those who had not been vaccinated. “They are lighter now,” said Paskoff on the second day of camp. She added that the number of campers was limited by restrictions as well. “We would normally
have 80 campers at each session, but we had to cut back, so we only have 30,” she said. Calling the in-person camps “basic,” Paskoff explained that sessions are held each weekday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In the morning, campers use the pool in Manheim or take part in therapeutic horseback riding at Greystone Stables in Leola. In addition to swimming, activities include group games, crafts, snacks, and music therapy. Special events will include visits from Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, a petting zoo, an entertainer, and more. “(These are) all activities we can have here (at Manheim),” said Paskoff, who noted that the 1-to-2 child-to-staff ratio is still in effect, and a nurse is on site. “Every child who wants to come can come, and we can meet that child’s needs,” Paskoff stated. In the spring of 2020, when parents reported that children were having a hard time adjusting to school being closed, Paskoff and program director Elaine Burnett worked to create meaningful virtual and touch-point experiences for campers. “We had 50
kids on the screen (at virtual camp),” reported Paskoff, who encouraged staff and visitors to wear their Aaron’s Acres yellow T-shirts because she knew the color would comfort campers. “While the activities were going on, staff members would call a name and say, ‘Pick that up to show it. It’s beautiful.’” Virtual activities included cooking, scavenger hunts, bingo, and singing. “It was better than we ever thought,” said Paskoff. Touch-point activities included surprise fall and spring visits to campers’ homes. Dressed in their Aaron’s Acres blue and yellow gear, the five members of the administrative team used the organization’s van to bring each child a special gift. Parents also received hot chocolate in the fall and the makings of ice cream sundaes in the spring. Burnett called ahead, asking parents to send the child to the door when the bell rang. “We wanted it to be a surprise,” said Paskoff. “(Each camper was) so excited that Aaron’s Acres was at their house.” More information about Aaron’s Acres may be found at www.aaronsacres.org.
Aaron’s Acres campers enjoy the Manheim Park pool each weekday morning during the six weeks camp is held.
Ressler’s Mill Tour Pays Tribute To Local History BY ANN MEAD ASH
“We are a best-kept secret,” said Linda Taylor, a tour guide at Ressler’s Mill in Mascot, a small village located southeast of Leola. “Anyone who has an interest in Lancaster County history would enjoy a visit here.” There has been a mill on the property at 2900 Stumptown Road, Ronks, since the 1730s. The last family to run a mill there purchased See Mill pg 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Music In The Park . . . . . . .2
BY ANN MEAD ASH
The staff of Luther Acres is ready to serve a delectable chocolate mousse for the Chocolate Walk.
“We had Chocolate Express last year, but this year, we will be back to the real Chocolate Walk,” said Karen Davis, public relations chair for the Kiwanis Club of Lititz Area. Davis noted that the club is prepared to meet any social distancing or masking protocols that might be in place at the time of the event. The walk features more than 25 locations serving treats that are both sweet and savory, and that all include Wilbur’s chocolate among the ingredients. Participants visit
Lititz recCenter To Hold Annual Triathlon . . . . . . . .3
Lancashire Hall Marks Flag Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . .5
House Of Worship . . . . . . .8
See Chocolate pg 3
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