IN THIS ISSUE: PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES MEALS page 4
Octorara /townlively
MAY 20, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXX • NO 16
MONDAY • MAY 25 • 2020
National
EMS Week
• mail a card • create a banner and deliver it when restrictions are lifted • connect with EMS organizations on social media and leave an encouraging message • leave a message on your own social media page expressing your gratitude • donate to an organization that supports EMS groups • schedule a time to drop o a meal when restrictions are lifted • volunteer (o-site tasks may be available while restrictions are in place) • simply say
thank you
REMEMBER AND HONOR
Time To Plant “Victory Over Virus� Gardens By Francine Fulton
During World Wars I and II, Americans were urged to plant “victory gardens� as the nation faced potential food shortages. At the time, fresh vegetables were grown in people’s yards and at public parks, churches and schools. Today, a new movement to create “coronavirus victory gardens� has begun locally and nationwide. Since nurseries and garden centers have been designated as essential businesses in most places, gardeners are able to purchase necessary supplies, including soil and starter plants. Locally, the Penn State Chester County Master Gardeners are promoting “victory over virus� gardens,
a term used by Master Gardener Tony Buck. Local residents are encouraged to plant vegetables for themselves and to share the harvest with neighbors. “Victory gardens were promoted by the government during World Wars I and II to increase people’s self-reliance in growing food at home,� said Meagan Hopkins-Doerr, Master Gardener coordinator. “Harkening back to that, it is about self-reliance, particularly as we go to the store and see empty shelves.� She explained that even those without large backyards can create gardens in containers. “Many plants lend themselves nicely to growing in containers, including lettuces, eggplants and tomatoes,� Hopkins-Doerr
said. “It is crucial that any container have good drainage, so you need to make sure there are drainage holes. There are also some plants that are specifically marketed as container varieties as they stay smaller and have other features that lend themselves to tighter spaces. An example is the compact eggplant.� She said that people can use locally purchased vegetables to plant, while some gardeners prefer planting from seed. “The cheaper option is to start from seeds,� she stated. “But before buying seeds, make sure you have enough time to germinate, transplant if starting indoors and harvest during their optimal growing environment.� Hopkins-Doerr notes that See Victory Gardens pg 2
“Victory over virus� vegetable gardens, like these created by Meagan Hopkins-Doerr, Chester County Master Gardener coordinator, can be grown in containers.
Rebels With A Cause
MHALC Offers Mental Health Support
“Star Wars� Fans Feed Homeless In Lancaster By Ann Mead Ash
Kaden Stetler of Lancaster, one of the founders of Rebel Cause, an organization that began feeding homeless people in Lancaster on March 19, credits “Star Wars� with the inspiration behind the group’s mission. “‘Star Wars’ has always been my inner mythology,� explained Stetler. “It’s about helping others and hope and inspiring other people to do the right thing.� Rebel Cause, a group made up of about 15 members living in the Lancaster area and beyond, was founded in 2015 with a dedication to uniting “Star Wars� fans and doing good in the community. See Rebels With A Cause pg 5
Kaden Stetler of Rebel Cause stands with a truckload of food that he and his crew of volunteers then turned into meals for Lancaster’s homeless population. Rebel Cause is made up of “Star Wars� fans with a mission to aid the homeless.
By Dayna M. Reidenouer
A lot has been said lately about the importance of physical health as it pertains to the novel coronavirus. However, as people stay confined to their homes or report to jobs where they might be putting themselves at risk of illness, mental health must not be forgotten. “It is just as important to take protective action and precautions for your mental health as you would for your physical health. One cannot exist without the other,� advised Kim McDevitt, executive director of Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC). “COVID-19 has changed the way we think about things. Where we had safety, we have
insecurities. We are also conflicted with feeling anxious but also grateful for some of the gifts that we have received as a result of this crisis. The forced series of events and feelings associated with them can throw our equilibrium off.� See MHALC pg 4
Mental Health America of Lancaster County leaders, including (from left) president Tracey Lavallias, executive director Kim McDevitt, and vice president Julie Weaver, have worked together to ensure their organization is prepared to offer increased mental health support.
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May 17-23 Here are a few ways to say thank you:
MEMORIAL DAY