By: MICHELLE REIFF Review Staff mreiff.eph@lnpnews.com, Staff Writer

The former Schoeneck Elementary School, which closed at the end of the 2010-11 school year, is the future site of apartments geared to the 55 plus age group. (Photo by Preston Whitcraft)

The rooms of a West Cocalico Township building once filled with books, pencils and students will soon become home to residents ages 55 years and older.

Myerstown real estate developers Moyer & Ziegler, who purchased the former Schoeneck Elementary School building in October of last year for $201,000, expect construction to begin soon to convert the structure into 17 one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments geared to those of or nearing retirement age.

"All apartments will be one floor except the gymnasium, which will have three loft apartments," said partner Sheldon Moyer. "They will be handicapped-accessible units in a quiet setting."

Moyer said units will include appliances and washer/dryer hookups. High-efficiency heat pumps with hydrolic electric baseboards will be placed in the apartments. The average rental price will be $900/month plus utilities.

Demolition at the site began last fall/winter, and new construction will start within a few weeks.

Darren Schlemm of the Ephrata Tidal Waves comes up for air during the breaststroke event at the Ephrata Relays this past Saturday. (Photo by Preston Whitcraft)

The host Ephrata Tidal Waves swimmers placed third overall at the 45th annual Ephrata Relay Carnival held Saturday, June 23, at the Ephrata Community Pool.

Eight teams were in action as Woodridge claimed the team championship with 408 points, edging defending champ Overlook (382).

Ephrata was a distant third with 197 points while East Petersburg (128) and Skyline (98) rounded out the top five teams.

Ephrata earned three event wins on the day, two of which came in the 8-and-under girls’ division (100 breaststroke & 100 medley relay). The third and final victory was in the girls’ 11-12 division where they captured the win in the 100 backstroke.

The Ephrata legion team continued its solid play this past week, and added a forfeit victory over Quarryville Tuesday night to improve to 6-2 in District 10 League play.

Tuesday’s win also upped Ephrata’s overall mark to 7-3.

Last Thursday at Penn Manor, Ephrata scored a single run in the sixth and two more in the top of the seventh to break a 1-1 tie and lift them to a 4-1 victory in District 10 League action.

Ephrata pitchers Evan Young and Brandon Miller scattered just five hits in the combined effort. Miller picked up the win, throwing the final four innings and striking out five.

This past Saturday at War Memorial, Ephrata split a doubleheader vs. South Western in non-league action.

In Game One, Ephrata opened up a 3-1 lead with four runs in the third and seven in the fourth to key a 14-2 victory over their York County counterparts.

Evan Young, Evan Weaver, Colin Albright, Parke Martin and Shane Cochran all doubled in the six-inning game to pace the winners.

South Western was held to six hits, including triples by Josh Fry and Keith Pappas, by four Ephrata pitchers.

By: ANDY FASNACHT Review Editor afasnacht.eph@lnpnews.com, Staff Writer

(The following is the second part of a story on former Ephrata resident and star basketball player Stanley "Whitey" Von Nieda turning 90 recently) After a stellar basketball career at Ephrata High School, Penn State University, in the armed forces as well as the Lancaster Red Roses, Stanley "Whitey" Von Nieda’s career was about to go to even greater levels.

Coming off being the top scorer in the Eastern League in 1946-47 with the Lancaster Red Roses, averaging what was then a whopping 22.7 points per game, Whitey was really starting to get noticed by larger teams and cities.

"That’s how I got sucked into that," Whitey said with a smile. And that leads into the famous story of the night when the big change in his career occurred.

Whitey explains that he had just completed a playoff game in Wilkes-Barre and was about to catch a bus back to Penn State for class the next day. Leo Ferris, then the owner of the Tri-City Blackhawks, found the star guard and wanted to express his interest in him.

By: TODD RUTH Review Sports Editor truth.eph@lnpnews.com, Staff Writer

Allen Woodman demonstrates a turn to local students at the karate seminar he conducted at Iron Tiger Dojo on June 16 in Ephrata. (Photo by Michele Walter)

Renshi Sensei Allen Woodman, one of the top martial artists in the world, paid a visit to the Iron Tiger Dojo in Ephrata June 16.

Woodman, a fifth degree black belt who has studied martial arts for 40 years and has taught around the world, including Japan, was on hand to conduct a six-hour clinic with local students at the Ephrata facility run by area martial artist Kenneth Leisey.

"It went very well," Leisey said when asked if the seminar was a success. "The kids had a great time, and I think they are even more excited about karate than they were before."

Woodman, who in addition to his teachings also dabbled in the movies, acting in several films. But he found teaching was his calling and now travels throughout the country and world conducting his seminars.

By: TODD RUTH Review Sports Editor truth.eph@lnpnews.com, Staff Writer

Runners from last year's Ephrata Firecracker Run show off their patriotism during the race. (Review File Photo)

If past experience is any indication, the 35th annual Ephrata Firecracker Run is expected to draw a big field for next Wednesday’s race.

Mid-week runs have generally attracted bigger fields in the past. And according to Race Director Dave Lloyd, that should indeed be the case this time around.

"We are anticipating a big turnout," Lloyd said Tuesday. "Since it’s in the middle of the week, we are anticipating as much as 800-plus runners."

One of the things we’ve done is we’ve had a new committee join us from the Rec Center Running Club, helping to organize and add new life and some new fundraising capabilities. It’s just added some new energy to the whole thing."

As for the race itself, for the third straight year they will use the course that includes a two-mile jaunt along Ephrata popular Linear Trail.

Laura Zerbe, 87, Claymont, Del., formerly of Reading; New Castle, Del.; and Naples, Fla., died Tuesday, June 12, 2012 in Compassionate Care Hospice at St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, Del.

Born in Reading, she was a daughter of the late Clyde L. and Vera M. (Fischer) James. Her husband, Alvin R. Zerbe, died Jan. 23, 1993.

A Reading High School graduate, she worked at several banks.

Surviving are daughters: Eileen D. Zerbe, of Claymont, Del.; and Nancy L. Zerbe, wife of Peter Materna, of Metuchen, N.J.; a son: and Robert C., husband of Barbara Zerbe, of New Castle, Del.; seven grandchildren; and sisters: Alberta Schock, of Naples, Fla.; and Ann Konnick, of Reading.

A sister: Vera Eckelman, predeceased her.

Funeral services were held on June 16 from Good Funeral Home, Reamstown, with Pastor Tim Garman officiating. Burial took place in Muddy Creek Cemtery, Swartzville. Contributions to Alzheimer’s Association, Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Arden Court, Comfort Keepers and Compassionate Care Hospice.

For more information, visit goodfuneral.com.

Gerald R. White, 90, of Bowmansville, died Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born in Saxons River, Vt., he was the son of the late Eugene F. and Lois (Parker) White. He was married 68 years on Feb. 19 to Glendine H. (White) White.

Gerald worked in maintenance at Pepperidge Farms and later washed dishes at Clair’s Family Restaurant in Morgantown until age 80.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and is a member of the American Legion Colonel Jacob Morgan Post 537 in Morgantown.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons: Lawrence E., married to Judy White, of Winchester, N.H.; Francis G. White, of Birdsboro; and Eugene B., husband of Sondra White, of Denver; two daughters: Monica L. Pike and Holly H. Miller, both of Bowmansville; 12 grandchildren; 16 great- grandchildren; one great-great grandson; a brother: Warren White, of Peterborough, N.H.; and a sister: Esther Lent, of Keene, N.H.

A memorial service was held on June 16 at The Bridge, Shillington, with the Rev. Johnny Hughes officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.

George A. Wenrich, 75, of Newmanstown, entered into rest in Perry County Friday, June 15, 2012.

Born in Rehrersburg, Berks County, he was the son of the late to Herbert Elizah and Mary Emeline (Boyer) Wenrich and was the husband of Luella (Moyer) Wenrich. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this past February.

George enjoyed auto racing, NASCAR (Jeff Gordon), deer and turkey hunting, gardening and walking. He especially enjoyed his pet cats, Snuggles and Speedy.

He had worked in the maintenance department at Bollman Hat Factory, retiring in 2007. He had worked there for 53 years.

In addition to his wife, George is survived by two daughters: Donna F. Wenrich, at home; and Dawn L. Wenrich, of Ephrata; and a brother: Edwin Wenrich, of Newmanstown.

He was preceded in death by three brothers: John, Ralph and Charles Wenrich; and two sisters: Anna Wenrich and Elsie Daub.

The funeral service was held on June 20 at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, Denver. Burial took place in the Millbach Cemetery.

Arrangements were made by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.

Thomas Calvin Wagner Sr., 82, of Denver, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2012 at Ephrata Community Hospital.

Born in Brecknock Township, he was the son of the late John M. and Viola K. (Musser) Wagner and was the husband of the late Lillie (Gangaway) Wagner, who passed away in 1994.

He attended Mellingers Lutheran Church and enjoyed NASCAR and sprint car racing. Mr. Wagner worked as a concrete truck driver for the former Kurtz Bros. Concrete, High Steel and Eastern Industries, retiring after 36 years of service.

Surviving are two sons: Thomas C. Wagner Jr., with whom he resided; and David S., husband of Connie (Krick) Wagner, of Stevens; daughter: Lorraine Marie, wife of Larry Sager, of Akron; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother: Paul H., husband of Helen (Fisher) Wagner, of Denver; two sisters: Betty Bucher, of Ephrata; and Edna Zimmerman, of Stevens; and his companion: Lottie Lesher, of Schoeneck.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters: Marcella Snader and Cora Wagner.

The funeral service will be held on June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, 533 Walnut St., Denver, with Rev. Timothy L. Craven officiating. Burial will take place in Martins Cemetery, Brecknock Township.