CENTRAL PA TOOL LIBRARY
& MAKERSPACE
About The Tool Library
Central PA Tool Library is working to establish a hand and power tool lending library for short-term, off-site use. Tool Libraries provide a low cost alternative to purchasing and storing tools, making it possible for members to undertake projects that involve equipment that may be out of reach in price or difficult to store. This type of library reduces wasteful spending on tools that are needed for a limited period or simple repair.
As we grow, we plan to create a maker space for members to work on their personal projects. We also intend to provide educational opportunities and hands on programs for our members and the community. These will include Do-it-Yourself (DIY) workshops, Dare-to-Repair clinics, and Community Give Back Days.
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Discounted membership rates will be offered to veterans, first responders, seniors, and students.
We recently found the perfect commercial space to open our first tool lending branch. If you choose to donate, your funds will be used to stock and build out the location. We also accept hand and power tool donations.
The organization has been established as a 501(c)(3) domestic nonprofit corporation and all donations will be tax deductible.
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MEET THE BOARD
Doug Etter
President
Doug retired from the Army after 34 years of service as the Division Chaplain for the 28th Infantry. His last duty station was in Central Pennsylvania and he loved it so much, he decided to stay. He now serves veterans both in his full time role at the Lebanon VA Medical Center and during his off-duty hours.
A recent visit to the Carlisle Tool Library inspired Doug to bring a similar tool lending organization to Lebanon Valley. It is Doug's dedication and commitment to the community that is bringing this tool library to life. His collegial mindset and enthusiasm for the project provides a constant source of motivation for the team.
Doug is excited to see the impact this project will make on our community and the creativity and self-sufficiency it will inspire in our neighbors.
Lorita Valente
Vice President
Lorita has been serving children and families in Lancaster and Lebanon County for over 20 years. She currently works as the Executive Director of Luthercare and serves as the co-chair for PA CARES, a statewide referral program dedicated to matching individuals with resources within the commonwealth.
Lorita is actively involved in the community, helping both military and civilian families. She holds a Bachelor's degree in political science from Penn State and is married to a retired Army Master Sergeant.
Lorita currently serves as a member of several community boards including the Central PA Tool Library.
She looks forward to connecting people with the resources offered by the organization and believes people should have access to basic tools regardless of income. She hopes the Tool Library will provide a forum for members to connect, make friendships, and learn new skills.
Dawn Blauch
Secretary
Dawn is a proud resident of South Londonderry Township and serves as the Lebanon's Recorder of Deeds. This position requires her to preserve and maintain all land records for the county.
Dawn also serves as the Chairman of the South Londonderry Planning Commission. She is an ardent supporter of veterans and her work with the Lebanon Valley Chamber's Military Affairs Committee led to her involvement with the tool library.
This project holds personal meaning for Dawn. Both she and her husband completed the majority of the renovations on their home while raising their two children. Dawn understands and appreciates that tools can be cost prohibitive but are necessary to make repairs. She hopes that this organization will give greater access to tools and bring similar feelings of joy and self-sufficiency to those within the county.
Wanda Bechtold
Treasurer​
Wanda began her career as a Realtor® with RE/MAX® Pinnacle nearly 30 ago, following her military service in US Army Intelligence.
She is the proud mother of two sons who have also served in the military. Driven by a desire to support her fellow veterans, Wanda founded Central PA Supports The Troops, an organization that has uplifted deployed troops for over two decades, providing care packages, emotional support, and a connection to home.
Central PA Tool Library's mission aligns with Wanda’s dedication both to veterans and the Lebanon Valley area. The organization's initiative not only reflects Wanda's belief in the power of fellowship but brings to life a practical resource for those in need. She looks forward to making a positive impact, bringing her skills to bear in building a stronger community.
Kimberly Boltz
Kimberly is an Army veteran and retiree with nearly 24 years of service to our country. She has been a licensed real estate agent since 2019 and currently works as a Realtor® in Lebanon county with RE/MAX® Pinnacle.
Kim's passion lies in helping service members and their dependents. She was recently certified as a Military Relocation Professional and works to find housing solutions that meet the unique needs of veterans, active duty service members, and their families.
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Kim's former work as a investigative case analyst for the military police helped to develop her analytical and organizational skills. She is excited to create this library from scratch and looks forward to developing lending and organizational systems that will make the library more efficient and effective for the community and its veteran population.
Hollie Manwiller
Hollie grew up in a military family and has a head for numbers. She graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in Elementary Ed. with a minor in Math. After starting a family, she spent a few years substitute teaching and working for several local banks. She served as the CFO at QUEST in Lebanon for 23 years. In this role, she administered payroll, negotiated contracts and employee benefits, and handled the non-profit’s invoicing and finances.
Hollie recently retired from her service in the non-profit world but continues to put her skills into practice to help those around her. Over the past few years she worked with several local military sites, contracting third party services for these organizations.
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Hollie has devoted much of her time serving the local area. She looks forward to continuing this service and putting her financial experience to use. She hopes the Tool Library will provide a much needed resource to our community and its residents.
Robert Shawver
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Robert is a retired, disabled veteran. His career has included various management positions in Information Technology at Idaho First National Bank, Fannie Mae, Coca Cola, Bally Gaming and CMIT.
More recently, Bob has been engaged in the antique business, specializing in furniture restoration and repair. His love of woodworking and tools brought him to the Central PA Tool Library. He looks forward to using his project management skills, making tools available to a greater number of people through this unique organization.
Adam Squibb
Adam hails from the great state of Ohio and planted roots in Lebanon County in 2016.
After retiring from the United States Army, Adam transitioned into both the private investigation and private security fields before making a more recent shift to industrial safety. These skills will be critical in bringing a high standard of safety and security to the tool library.
As a veteran, small business owner, and current maker himself, Adam is thrilled help build a local tool library and maker space from the ground up. This organization will help veterans and residents within the county and surrounding areas build their small businesses and improve their lives.
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Adam is excited to bring his skills to bear in establishing the library and looks forward to making new connections in the community.
Hilary Sumner
Hilary is a native of Connecticut and relocated to Central PA in 2009. She was raised in a large military family and this legacy fuels her support of veterans. Hilary is honored to serve as a volunteer in several veteran-based projects within Lebanon Valley and was excited to be asked to participate in the tool library.
Hilary began her career as a mechanical engineer and currently works as a patent and intellectual property attorney. She is passionate about bringing old things back to life and spends her free time renovating historical buildings.
Hilary takes great pride in restoring properties to their original character and looks forward to equipping others with the tools they need to pursue their own projects and renovations. She is thrilled to participate in the library and is confident that this organization will bring positive change to the area.
