Manheim Township townlively.com
DECEMBER 15, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXVII • NO 31
A New Pet For Christmas? oes anything push the cuteness quotient like a puppy or kitten under a fully decorated Christmas tree? Probably not, but is it wise to bring a pet into the home during the holidays only to fully grasp the reality of pet ownership when life returns to normal in January?
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Alexis Vollmer, an animal care technician, with the Humane League of Lancaster County, said that the last couple of years the organization has been lucky following Christmas. “We had quite a few less returns compared to how many were adopted out,” noted Vollmer, who credits the matchmaking skills of league members and staff with that low number. Vollmer pointed out that there are two important commitments that potential adopters should examine when considering a new pet. “I would say people who are prepared for the time and financial commitments (are more successful pet owners),” said Vollmer. She noted that while animals are spayed, neutered, and microchipped by the league, there will still be expenses related to yearly examinations and vaccinations, and she added that older pets may need special food, medicine, and joint supplements. Time commitments may vary with the animal, but Vollmer warns that this time of year may give a false
sense of reality. “Around the holidays, people are off and have free time, but once they go back to work (they will have less free time),” she noted, adding that it is essential to consider the demands of a new puppy or kitten. “Consistency (in a schedule) helps keep the animals from getting stressed out,” she stated. “We have gotten a lot of animals (back) because people didn’t have the time anymore.” Several factors are involved in helping to select an animal that fits with the family’s dynamic. “We work with the information we get on the applications and what we know about the animal,” said Vollmer of the matchmaking process. She noted that when there are already pets in the home, it is important to introduce them slowly and have plans in place in case they do not warm up to each other right away. In the case of a dog, a family may bring the pet to meet the potential adoptee. She noted that a kitten may be a better choice than an adult cat if the home already has a dog in it. See Humane League pg 3
Alexis Vollmer of the Humane League of Lancaster County helps match pets and owners.
Quilting And Preparing Students For Real Work Community Ronks Shop Makes Space For Local Groups BY ANN MEAD ASH
When Linda DaSilva walked into the Quilt Shop at Miller’s, 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, in January, she began a conversation with retail manager Annette Nauman. “I said it was a fun place,” recalled DaSilva. Nauman responded by asking DaSilva if she would like to work in the shop. Two days later, DaSilva was back to fill out an application, and she began working in the shop in March. See Highland Quilters pg 4
Students at the Stone Independent School are focused on work that is experiential and meaningful.
“ We’re trying to unite kids deeply to meaningful work so that (when they come to school), they know what they will work on will align to the kinds of people they want to be in the future,” said Mike Simpson, who co-founded the Stone Independent School with Abby Kirchner in 2017. Simpson traces the origins of the school to an experience he and Kirchner had while leading a group of students on a trip to Nepal in March 2015. He described an adventure fraught with challenges, including a high-elevation hike that See Stone Independent School pg 5
Sweet Family-Style Fun . .2 A Thrill Of Hope . . . . . . . .4 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . .6 House Of Worship . . . . . . .8
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717-721-3139
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