Pequea Valley /townlively
DECEMBER 9, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVI • NO 52
Hometown Heroes - Meeting Needs In PVSD BY ANN MEAD ASH
athy Koenig, director of student services for Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), can quickly name the main issues that became concerns when COVID-19 restrictions hit in March. Food insecurity, internet connection for PVSD students, and the potential of homelessness spill out in that order. Koenig set about tackling those problems on March 16, when the state shutdown occurred. She began by connecting with Adam Nagle, director of The Factory Ministries, about partnering to provide lunches to students in need in PVSD. She also worked with Gavin Scalyer, food services director for PVSD, and soon families were picking up lunches at the Together Community Center in Paradise. Making sure PVSD students had access to internet services so they could complete virtual schooling was another issue in the district, which covers a wide area. “We were able to work with Comcast,” said Koenig, who noted that PVSD tech director Ashley Rednak worked
Local Author And Illustrator Bring Seaside Tale To Life BY ANN MEAD ASH
Author Kim Kluxen Meredith had only met illustrator Lisa Madenspacher once before they began working together on Meredith’s latest book, “Henri’s Home,” which was published in October. “Henri’s Home” was inspired by summer vacations on the Jersey shore with Meredith’s grandchildren who prefer her made-up stories to books. “Henri the hermit crab and See Local Author pg 12
education at West Va. Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, W.V., where she played basketball. She received her master’s degree in special education from Marshall University in Huntington, W.V. Her principal certification is from Penn State University, and she is completing her superintendent letter at California University of Pennsylvania. Koenig came to PVSD in March 2009 to serve as assistant principal at Pequea Valley High School. She later served as director of special education. Prior to coming to PVSD, she taught physical education, coached girls basketball, and oversaw special education at Donegal High School in Mount Joy. In her current role, she oversees English as a Second Language programming, gifted services, 504 plans that fall under the Americans With Disabilities Act, and safety. She cochairs the safety and wellness committee. Koenig noted that having a relationship with The Factory Ministries has been invaluable. “We can’t do everything in house,” she said. “Having The Factory (partnership) has been so helpful.”
Cathy Koenig, director of student services for Pequea Valley School District, has been working with area organizations to meet needs caused by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Insurance Group Sees BIG Growth Three years ago, Baron Insurance Group (BIG) outgrew its Manheim office and opened a second office at 48 Queen Road, Gordonville. The company, which offers personal and commercial insurance products, has continued to flourish and expects even more growth. With the future in mind, BIG has moved its office to a larger building located at the front of the same business complex.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Helping To Bring The World Within Reach . . . . . . . . . .2 Atglen Boy Scouts Hold Court Of Honor . . . . . . . . .6 House Of Worship . . . . . .13
See BIG Growth pg 4
Baron Insurance Group manager Caleb Stiger (left) and owner Chris Vogt welcome clients to the new office in Gordonville.
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .13
Dec 8 - 31
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with Koenig and PVSD social workers to complete home visits to get families connected. Koenig also worked with The Factory to figure out where hubs could be created. “There were places Comcast didn’t go, but we could talk to churches and libraries about families going there to use the parking lot,” said Koenig, who added that getting students connected could be a special problem when parents worked two jobs or worked late. “We were able to get some hotspots to help some families,” Koenig said. As the homeless liaison for the district, Koenig works with families that become homeless, connecting them with The Factory Ministries for aid in a variety of areas. “That partnership with The Factory can help find housing and resources,” said Koenig. Although homelessness was held off by freezes on rent, Koenig has alerted counselors and social workers that issues may arise. Koenig was born in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Her father worked for the United States Forest Service so the family moved often. Koenig received her bachelor’s degree in health and physical