Archive for February, 2012
Denver Elementary goes digital
Two Denver Elementary School students enjoy activites together on a laptop computer during Digital Learning Day.Two Denver Elementary School students enjoy activites together on a laptop computer during Digital Learning Day.
The students at Denver Elementary School recently participated in the very first Digital Learning Day along with over a million other kindergarten to 12th grade students worldwide. This event was hosted by the Alliance for Excellent Education.
Digital learning is any instructional practice that is effectively using technology to strengthen the student learning experience.
The activities at Denver Elementary included digital storytelling, individualized online math practice, interactive books and iPod app instruction. In addition to Digital Learning Day, Denver Elementary School has several blended learning experiences planned for this spring, and everyone is looking forward to learning with history experts and other students who are physically located all over the world.
Posted: February 22nd, 2012 under Cocalico.
BC Chicken remains at site once intended for community center Several other income options under consideration
By: MICHELLE REIFF Review Staff mreiff.eph@lnpnews.com, Staff Writer
BC Natural Chicken will continue to occupy 1975 N. Reading Road, a taxpayer-owned site once earmarked for a community center.
The lease agreement, which was announced during the Feb. 15 East Cocalico Township supervisors meeting, will keep the meat processing facility as a municipal tenant through 2013.
"That is good news," said Noelle Fortna, township secretary. "I’m glad they decided to stay."
East and West Cocalico townships, who own the property along with Denver and Adamstown boroughs, have decided to hold onto the site during the current tough economic times. Consideration for a Cocalico Community Center has been put on hold indefinitely, although Lancaster YMCA officials recently discussed the site as a possible satellite location.
The municipalities bought the property for $3.76 million more than six years ago. Since then, they have been looking for ways to avoid taking a financial loss.
In addition to continuing to rent to BC Natural Chicken, several other actions will be taken to ensure incoming revenue.
The structural engineer has decided to repair a few items to maintain the building, including caulking, the chimney and cracked cinder blocks in the walls which seem to be moving inward due to change in temperature.
Posted: February 22nd, 2012 under Cocalico.
Italian feast benefits pet therapy
Union Barrel Works of Reamstown will host the Italian feast spring dinner to benefit KPETS-Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services on March 4 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Seating is limited seating at this five-course fundraising dinner; each course accompanied by Union Barrel Works beer (wine substitution available upon request). Tickets are $50 each or a table of eight for $375. Sponsorships are also available.
Proceeds from the event benefit KPETS, a local non-profit organization that promotes and provides free pet therapy visits to communities in hospitals, schools, libraries, hospices and long-term care facilities. Registered volunteers and their pets serve the elderly, at-risk teens, special needs children and adults and work with patients in physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies. Funding is needed for KPETS to continue recruiting, training, screening and registering of volunteers as well as coordinating those volunteer with facilities and needs in communities, without a fee to those served.
Call KPETS at (888) 685-7387 or send an e-mail to konnections@kpets.org for tickets by Feb. 24.
Posted: February 22nd, 2012 under Cocalico.
Music to their ears
The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) gave Cocalico High School the good news that three of its students were selected to perform in the PMEA District 7 Lower Band Festival held Jan. 13 and 14 at Central York High School. Shown above (left to right) are Rachel Hibbert, clarinet; Zacheriah Mell, euphonium; and Sarah Hibbert, clarinet. This year's festival included approximately 141 talented musicians from Adams, Lancaster and York counties. Sarah Hibbert and Mell were also selected to the PMEA Region Band Festival to be held Feb. 24 and 25 at Chambersburg Area High School.The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) gave Cocalico High School the good news that three of its students were selected to perform in the PMEA District 7 Lower Band Festival held Jan. 13 and 14 at Central York High School. Shown above (left to right) are Rachel Hibbert, clarinet; Zacheriah Mell, euphonium; and Sarah Hibbert, clarinet. This year's festival included approximately 141 talented musicians from Adams, Lancaster and York counties. Sarah Hibbert and Mell were also selected to the PMEA Region Band Festival to be held Feb. 24 and 25 at Chambersburg Area High School.
Posted: February 22nd, 2012 under Cocalico.
THON raises millions for pediatric cancer
Ephrata graduates Ryan Trella, Caitlin Eckman and Vanessa Fetter were among thousands of Penn State students and supporters who helped raise a grand total of $10,686,924.83 for The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital as part of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, or THON, held Feb. 17-19. The weekend kicked off with 708 dancers parading through a human tunnel from the Multi-Sports Complex to the Bryce Jordan Center, their home for the weekend. Dancers were motivated by the performance of hourly line dances, visits with Four Diamonds families and mail and packages from friends and family. They were entertained throughout the weekend by a kids' fashion show featuring Four Diamonds children, a pep rally and performances by live bands. (Photos courtesy of Caitlin Eckman)Ephrata graduates Ryan Trella, Caitlin Eckman and Vanessa Fetter were among thousands of Penn State students and supporters who helped raise a grand total of $10,686,924.83 for The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital as part of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, or THON, held Feb. 17-19. The weekend kicked off with 708 dancers parading through a human tunnel from the Multi-Sports Complex to the Bryce Jordan Center, their home for the weekend. Dancers were motivated by the performance of hourly line dances, visits with Four Diamonds families and mail and packages from friends and family. They were entertained throughout the weekend by a kids' fashion show featuring Four Diamonds children, a pep rally and performances by live bands. (Photos courtesy of Caitlin Eckman)
Posted: February 22nd, 2012 under News.
Less than 100!
Excitement continues to build toward the Memorial Day opening of the new Ephrata Community Swimming Pool, which is now less than 100 days away. The arrival of the big slide (shown here) at the upper pool raised enthusiasm around town, with residents envisioning the warm days and joys of summer. The Ephrata Review will continue monitoring the progress of the new pool in the coming weeks and count down the days until its debut. (Photo by Preston Whitcraft)Excitement continues to build toward the Memorial Day opening of the new Ephrata Community Swimming Pool, which is now less than 100 days away. The arrival of the big slide (shown here) at the upper pool raised enthusiasm around town, with residents envisioning the warm days and joys of summer. The Ephrata Review will continue monitoring the progress of the new pool in the coming weeks and count down the days until its debut. (Photo by Preston Whitcraft)
Posted: February 22nd, 2012 under News.
DEI moves forward Downtown group leaving train station and considering office in Sprecher building; planning new visitor’s guide
By: GARY P. KLINGER Review Correspondent, Staff Writer
Despite a prolonged and painful national economic slump, Downtown Ephrata Incorporated or DEI continues its attempt to adapt to the times and prove beneficial to the downtown business district.
This is quite the feat considering ever-increasing challenges groups like DEI, throughout the state, face as grant funds and other sources of operating funds have become stretched or dried up altogether. Yet, DEI tries to commit itself to acting as a role model for other organizations.
One such example was a recent decision for DEI to move from its location in the historic Train Station along Main Street. For the time being, the DEI board has decided to operate without a permanent physical address.
DEI’s Executive Director Marsha DiBonaventuro recently discussed the move.
“Like so many other businesses, opportunities to maintain revenues were dwindling, while costs, of course, were moving in the opposite direction,” said DiBonaventuro. “For any business, there are three main ways to positively impact the bottom line: identify ways to increase revenues, cut costs, and improve efficiencies.”
Posted: February 22nd, 2012 under News.
Senior project provides ‘Books for Everyone’
By: ANGELA CABEZAS Review Staff acabezas.eph@lnpnews.com, Staff Writer
Hugh Good, a senior at Ephrata High School, is collecting financial contributions to provide the district's English language learners with books written in their first language. (Photo by Stan Hall)Hugh Good, a senior at Ephrata High School, is collecting financial contributions to provide the district's English language learners with books written in their first language. (Photo by Stan Hall)
As is the case in all Pennsylvania schools, students at Ephrata High School are required to complete a senior project in order to graduate. Though there are many students who view the project merely as one more assignment to check off their "To Do" list, one soon-to-be graduate is using the requirement as an opportunity to give back.
The project of Ephrata resident Hugh Good, entitled "Books for Everyone," aims to collect enough money to purchase foreign language translations of popular children’s books. The books will then be given to the Ephrata Area School District’s (EASD) four elementary schools for inclusion in their libraries. The hope is that the books will allow foreign language learners to retain their native language while continuing to learn and grow.
Posted: February 22nd, 2012 under News.
Mike Lammer, Wolf, Mueller Win Sectional Titles, B-1
Posted: February 22nd, 2012 under News.
Middle Creek drama, eh?
Although the conditions were sunny at Middle Creek wildlife area last week, the relationship between these two Canada geese was not. The two birds appear to be having a heated discussion as to who was going to have control of this nesting site. The answer is pretty obvious here, eh? (Photos by Stan Hall)Although the conditions were sunny at Middle Creek wildlife area last week, the relationship between these two Canada geese was not. The two birds appear to be having a heated discussion as to who was going to have control of this nesting site. The answer is pretty obvious here, eh? (Photos by Stan Hall)
Posted: February 22nd, 2012 under News.