Penn Manor townlively.com
AUGUST 10, 2022
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Scholarship To Honor Former Penn Manor Teacher
VOL LVIX • NO 15
Celebrating Southern Lancaster County BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
The Penn Manor agriculture program offers students several opportunities in their desired field. BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
he Penn Manor Education Foundation has created the August “Gus” Birchler Memorial Scholarship to benefit students in the agriculture program at Penn Manor High School. “We set up a scholarship in his name and ask the agriculture program staff to select students to receive it,” said Jan Mindish, executive director for the
August “Gus” Birchler played a prevalent role in Penn Manor’s agriculture program.
considered himself a farmer first. He loved connecting with kids he taught through Penn Manor’s agriculture program and the FFA. “I watched him build kids up, ninth-graders who didn’t have a lot of presence,” Mindish said. “By the time they graduated, they were emceeing banquets. It was amazing to watch.” The Penn Manor agriculture program has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and praised for its advancement over the years. Courses are offered on subjects ranging from environmental education to veterinary science, and the program has seen substantial growth over the last 30 years. “The program gives kids a home base just like a sport or music program would,” said Mindish. “They get to see opportunities for after they graduate. Some students decide to go to college, and others begin working on their family farm.” Participants in the program
are paired with other students in order to better achieve their goals; students with interests in veterinary science who lack the accommodations for their own animals are placed with students who may live on a farm and have the ability to house a large animal. “The difference a teacher can make for kids is incredible. We got so many cards and checks from Gus’ former students remembering the difference he made in their lives,” said Mindish. “He’s just one example of someone who really made a difference in the lives of so many students.” Those who wish to support the program and make a donation in Birchler’s memory can contact pmef2@penn manor.net. Funds received will directly support grants given throughout the agriculture program. For more information, contact Mindish at janmindish@comcast.net or visit https://pennmanored foundation.org/.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE HUMC Slates GriefShare . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Free Community Meal Announced . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Business Directory . . . . . .8 House Of Worship . . . . . . .9 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .10
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foundation. “The scholarship goes to the kids who would benefit the most, which is what he wanted.” Birchler spent his early years working on his family farm and enjoyed an adventurous life. He was an avid baseball player throughout high school and spent time working at Philco Ford as an industrial engineer after graduating. Unsatisfied with his position, he set his sights on joining the Air Force as a pilot. When his injuries from playing baseball prevented him from continuing training, Birchler decided to join the Navy instead and was assigned to a destroyer as a mail courier. After traveling the world during his service in the Navy, Birchler attended Penn State University, initially to become a veterinarian. He later changed his major to agriculture and earned a bachelor’s degree, eventually obtaining his doctorate. Despite his wealth of experiences and higher education, he always
Southern Lancaster County Community Night will be held at the Barnstormers’ stadium, 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster, on Saturday, Aug. 13. Entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a baseball game pitting the Barnstormers against the Lexington Legends at 6:30 p.m. The event has a set ticket price per person, with a discounted price being offered to Solanco community members and residents. Both presale and walk-up tickets will be available. Although an annual tradition, this year’s community night surpasses previous events in ambition and scale; organizers estimate that over 500 people will attend, and 20 to 25 vendors will be present. “Our goal is to make it seem like you’re on Main Street in the Southern End,” said Tate Weismandel, account executive
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