CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Crepes Take Center Stage at Rachel’s Café & Creperie

February. It’s the month to celebrate ground hogs, Chinese New Year, Presidents Washington and Lincoln, Mardi Gras and that most romantic of days, Valentine’s. Since Valentine’s falls on a Saturday, why not do something different and feel the love over brunch.

While attending Penn State University, Rachel Adams worked part time in a State College creperie. She dreamed of opening a café of her own. That dream came true in 2006, when Rachel opened Rachel’s Café & Creperie.

Adding to her dream-come-true is the fact that she’s working with family: her father, Ray Adams, and her partner and co-owner, Brent Hodge.

Originally located on the 300 block of North Queen Street, Rachel’s moved to a new, larger location on West Walnut Street – the former location of House of Clarendon – in October 2013. Fans were relieved to find that the café was able to retain its charm and flair. They were also happy to discover a deck for outdoor dining and a dedicated parking lot. There’s seating for 48 inside with space for another 25 outside. “I wanted to keep some of the things the same, so the area off the entrance has the same décor with the black-and-white checkered floor and same color palette,” she explains, noting that the rear dining room has a different look and feel.

Artwork and decorative items still reflect the Parisian theme, but there are also painted and embellished chandeliers. The rear dining area features a light-hued wood floor and darker wood tables and hi-tops. It’s done in gray and blue with a wallpaper-accent wall. A large dining table can accommodate groups or serve as a community table.

The new location allowed the kitchen to double in size – there’s now a stove and a smoker, as well as more refrigerator space. That means Brent has more flexibility with both menu items and ingredients. Soups are now made in-house, and smoked meats periodically appear as specials.

Of course, Rachel’s is known for its crepes; the menu features both sweet and savory varieties. Sweet crepes, which are filled with fruit, butter and sugar, nutella or ice cream, are the perfect choice for dessert. Savory crepes make for hearty breakfast or lunch items. “You can put almost anything on a crepe,” Rachel comments.

Customer favorites include egg crepes, build-your-own crepes and Thai chicken crepes. In fact, Thai chicken is so popular that Rachel’s has “Thai Tuesdays,” at which time they are half-price. The entire menu is available all day, every day and is augmented with weekly and seasonal specials. A variety of smoothies and coffee drinks are also available. There’s also a kids’ menu.

On valentine’s day, Rachel plans to serve a special sweetheart menu. But, it seems as if romance is always on the menu at Rachel’s. Since opening in the new location, there have been two engagements. “A lot of couples have their first date here – the atmosphere is fun, and crepes are reasonably priced. We do special things at customer requests – we can write a special edible message on the crepe,” she points out. Rachel recalls a touching moment that transpired at the café: “A soldier who was overseas came back and surprised his wife, who is one of our [regular] breakfast customers,” Rachel says with a smile.

Rachel’s Café & Creperie is located at 201 W. Walnut St., Lancaster. 399-3515, www.rachelscreperie.com and on Facebook. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Since Valentine’s Day is a Saturday, you could make a weekend of it. Dinner on Friday. Lunch on Saturday. Brunch on Sunday. The options abound! Some food for thought:

  • On Orange, 108 W. Orange St., Lancaster, 299-5157, http://onorange.wordpress.com/. This jewel-box of a restaurant is located in a historic 1850s building. Known for its Swedish oatmeal pancakes and waffles, the menu also includes creamed chipped beef (made from a family recipe) as well as chilaquiles (a hearty Mexican dish) and muffuletta (a traditional New Orleans sandwich). For Valentine’s, the menu will include a special omelette.
  • Carr’s Restaurant, 50 W. Grant St., Lancaster, 299-7090, www.carrsrestaurant.com. Warm wood tones combine with a warm, golden wall color to provide a backdrop for local artwork. A glass wall provides a view of the wine cellar. Carr’s menu emphasizes local produce and fresh, local ingredients. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch are available. For Valentine’s Day, Carr’s will be offering the regular dinner menu augmented with specials. Brunch will be offered on Sunday. Guests may want to consider chocolate fondue for dessert ‒ it’s fun and perfect for sharing.
  • The Circular, Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Rd., Hershey, 533-2171, http://www.thehotelhershey.com/dining/the-circular.php. The Circular combines casual elegance with fresh flavors. The circular-shaped room is accented with large stained-glass windows that capture the view of the adjoining gardens during the day. At night, when the lights are dimmed, there’s definitely an aura of romance. For Valentine’s, the Circular’s dinner menu will be augmented with specials. The Sunday brunch selection is sumptuous! And, since Hershey is regarded as “the sweetest place on earth,” you can be certain that decadent chocolate creations will be part of the dessert menu.

If you’re an incurable romantic and want to go the wine and roses route, our 2013 Readers’ Survey named The Log Cabin, Belvedere Inn and Greenfield Restaurant as having the most romantic settings in Lancaster County. Add stellar menus and fantastic wine lists and you’re sure to plan a Valentine’s Day to remember!

 

 

 

 

YWCA Lancaster Celebrates a Triple Crown:

An Anniversary, a Retirement and a Charted Course Ahead

The organization’s gala celebration, marking its 125th anniversary, was the culmination of a year of events that brought volunteers, staff and beneficiaries of the YW’s programs back together to forge an even stronger sense of purpose and commitment as the organization moves into a new era of leadership.

“My mother grew up when the YW held Y-Teen dances, and she attended many of them,” says Heather Warwood Colosi, co-chair of the year-long anniversary events committee. When asked why she is drawn to supporting the organization, Heather, who also co-chaired the celebration gala with her mother-in-law Geri Colosi, relates, “It feels like the right place for me. The women and men here are making a difference.”

THE PAST: 125 Years in the Making

It was only fitting that the destination for this 125th anniversary celebration was the historic Montgomery House, an exquisitely preserved Federal Period mansion that has stood on South Queen Street since 1804. This same property served as the first headquarters for the Young Women’s Christian Association Ω now YWCA Lancaster Ω from 1889 through the early 20th century. Beautifully restored and tastefully tucked between the Lancaster County Convention Center and the Lancaster Marriott, the multi-floor home hosted an intimate reception for the YW’s Endowment Campaign donors, its board of directors, trustee board members and staff.

The quietly elegant reception was just the beginning of an evening of surprises, thank-yous and celebration. A crowd was gathering in the adjoining Marriott ballroom for a much bigger party.

THE PRESENT: A CEO Retires

Attention turned to the remarkable career and imminent retirement of Maureen Powers, a dynamic leader at the YW for 30 years, 28 of which were spent as its CEO. “Maureen is a remarkable leader who is relentless in eliminating racism and empowering women,” credits the evening’s emcee Diane Dayton. “Inspired,” “energetic” and “dedicated” are just a few of the adjectives of praise that were offered in tribute to Maureen, both in person and through a video recapping the impressive legacy she leaves behind.

While Maureen graciously acknowledged the YW’s many achievements as the results of the work of many people Ω staff and volunteers Ω she shared that currently 50 women live at the YW, and another 40 sleep on mats overnight in the gym. The need is great, and it continues.

“What will I do after I retire?” she reflected, “Hard to say, because I am so closely intertwined with the YW.” She continued, “I am honored by the trust you have placed in me, and I know that we will always be ‘Together for Good,’” referencing the YW’s 125-years-strong catchphrase.

THE FUTURE: Empowerment by Endowment

As the presentations concluded, yet another reason to celebrate was shared by the YW’s Board President Trudy Brandt and Board of Trustees President Steve Mitchell: The Endowment Campaign, which was set to end at the close of 2014, had already surpassed its $500,000 goal by $62,000, ensuring a solid foundation to build a strong future for an organization that is needed so very much in our special Lancaster. Among the organization’s supporters in the room, their joy and gratitude were palpable. With much to celebrate, it was time to dance!

Precision Medical Products

Gold Award/Small Business Category

Located in Denver, Precision Medical Products engineers, manufactures and packages life-saving medical devices that are used by its medical, dental and pharmaceutical clients. Needle assemblies are a specialty of the company. The needle design used in smallpox vaccinations is exclusive to Precision Medical.

The Unique Factor: Hospitals the world over use products made by Precision Medical. “Nobody sees our name,” explains Bob Rhoads, the company’s executive vice president. Precision Medical, which has 100 employees, went into high gear following 9-11, when the government placed an order for an unprecedented number – 400 million – of smallpox-vaccine needles.

“Healthy living” has become the philosophy that guides Precision Medical Products. “It’s just something I’m passionate about,” says Bob. “In order to be part of this industry, you have to care about people, and here, that starts with our employees.” Most notably, it extends to company benefits. Medical insurance is free of charge (family members can be added at a low rate). “A benefit should be just that,” Bob theorizes. “It should be helpful and beneficial.” Coupled with that are low deductibles and free immunizations, mammograms and well-baby checkups.

The company’s headquarters is stunning. Constructed of glass, metal and rich woods, natural light floods the building’s public spaces, offices and common areas. Walking trails wind around the property. Patios provide spaces to enjoy breaks and meals in the fresh air. The campus has been smoke-free from day one. “Proving an environment that is clean and safe is important,” Bob comments.

Bob is a convert to leading a healthy lifestyle. “Back in my 20s, I weighed 250 pounds and led a sedentary lifestyle,” he remarks. “A friend from church provided the push I needed to change my ways.” He got moving, changed his diet and within six months had lost 50 pounds. “Walking the talk is important, and it needs to start at the top,” he notes.

Like other companies, Precision Medical began to feel the pressure that increasing health-insurance rates were putting on the bottom line. Determined to retain the free benefit, Bob began to explore how costs could be controlled. “Health insurance is different from any other kind of insurance,” he explains. “With health insurance, there’s no incentive to be healthy; there’s no accountability,” he stresses. “Everyone is treated the same. The only accountability that’s involved is on the employer’s part.”

So, Bob initiated a program in which employees are held accountable. A Wellness Committee, which is composed of nine employees from all levels of the company, oversees HEARTS, which entails education, nutrition and physical activity. If employees participate in the program, their health benefits continue to be free of charge. If they elect not to participate, they must contribute toward their premiums. (Less than 10% of the workforce falls into that category.) “Employees drive our program,” Bob notes, naming Denise DePaul, the company’s human resources manager, and Laura Poole as being in the driver’s seat. “We need fresh ideas and people who are willing to go along for the ride.”

Participants must earn 40 “hearts” per year. By getting flu shots, regular dental exams and a yearly physical, employees are well on their way to earning their hearts. A HEART program for spouses was also launched; participation helps to lower insurance premiums.

Hearts can be earned any number of ways. Professionals involved in the food industry are invited to conduct Lunch & Learn sessions that entail demonstrations and seminars. A personal trainer visits once a quarter. For those wishing to further utilize her services, discounts are offered for classes. (A group she works with has collectively lost 150 pounds.) A Health & Safety Fair enables employees to become acquainted with health providers and health-related businesses in the community.

Hearts can also be earned by being good stewards of the community and participating in 5Ks and other fundraisers that involve physical activity. “A lot of our employees do things together outside of work,” Bob notes, pointing out that camaraderie builds good relationships that transfer to the workplace. A Hiking Club attracts family participation.

Like other companies, Precision Medical is exploring healthy options for its vending machines and has adopted a policy that food brought in for meetings must include healthy options. Employees also take part in Healthy Eating Days and look forward to sharing recipes. “Food equals love,” Bob notes.

And, Precision Medical is thinking outside the box, taking into account that physical health can be affected by outside stressors. For example, seminars have addressed such topics as fiscal responsibility and identity theft. “Stresses can come at you from all sides,” Bob says, referring to factors such as marital strife, children’s issues and aging parents. Help kits are made available to employees to take home. Seminars are also recorded and made available to employees and their families.

Mental health is also being addressed. The company is encouraging its employees to take full advantage of the EAP program. “The mind is just as vulnerable as the other organs in our bodies,” Bob says. “The stigma connected to mental illness has to be removed.”

Bob takes pride in the strides Precision Medical has taken. “The success stories are endless,” he says. “One classic couch potato is now running half marathons. Our program is helping to make us a better company. By building relationships, the work atmosphere improves. Everyone communicates better. Stress is reduced. Trust can be a powerful thing.”

Mad About Cocktails

Even though this issue is literally about your health, there may be a few occasions on the horizon where you might want to raise a toast to it.

if you’re having a winter get-together – perhaps binging on past seasons of Mad Men, which will air its final episodes this spring – that will entail some simple mixology, you’ll want to consider the food you will be serving as well.

Pairing cocktails with food employs the same concepts as pairing beer or wine with food: Match weights, match or contrast flavors, or use the cocktail in the preparation.

I’ve paired three classic cocktails – the Manhattan, the Moscow Mule and a Martini – with some appetizers. If you want to channel your inner Don Draper, do give them a try. They may be just the break you need from the same old, same old. You just might be surprised by the taste some of these oldies but goodies deliver.

Manhattan and Polynesia

Bill_PolyOne of the most classic of cocktails is the Manhattan. Initially made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters and a maraschino cherry, the famous cocktail is a substantial sipper. The flavors are a little fruity, yet somewhat dry, with a touch of spice.
In order for food to share the spotlight with this libation, it needs to be equally as substantial. For some reason, the combination of the rye and the cherry makes me think of Hawaiian pork barbecue. Feeling inspired, I wrapped hardwood-smoked bacon around pieces of chicken thigh and green onion. It then gets baked until crisp. Finally, the bundles are lightly brushed with a roasted-pineapple and soy glaze. There’s something about the way the subtle flavor of the cherry in the drink finishes off the “Polynesian thing” that the food provides.

Martinis and Sushi

Bill_SushiMartinis are about as classic as it gets. Of course, nowadays Martinis are made with just about anything, but the classic gin and dry vermouth combination, garnished with a few olives, is the original. The taste sensation is citrusy, herbaceous and briny and just begs for something like chilled salmon, oysters or tuna. I chose the latter: Raw, sushi-grade tuna, which is finely diced “tar tar-style” and dressed with a little olive oil, lemon, radish and chives and served in heart-of-romaine leaves, is just the ticket. A “dirty” Martini, where some of the olive brine is added along with the olives, would introduce a Mediterranean flavor. And by using chili pepper vs. pimento-stuffed olives, you would be set for that cold winter night!

Moscow Mule and Quesadilla

Bill_QuesdThe Moscow Mule reigns as one of my new favorite drinks. Concocted in the 1940s at Los Angeles’ infamous Cock and Bull Tavern Ω reportedly it was created to help sell the newly arriving Russian “Stoli” Vodka Ω this vodka, lime and ginger-beer combination still manages to be a new discovery for many. I especially love the refreshing qualities of the ginger and lime. If possible, make an effort to use Jamaican or Bermudian ginger beer as opposed to ginger ale. Ginger beer is a little sweeter, spicier and much more flavorful.

Figuring I’d pair exotic flavors, I chose to go with “quesadilla-like” brie en crut that entails toasted almonds and apple chutney. Whole-grain honey tortillas are stuffed with the cheese, toasted nuts and chutney and are then folded in half and browned in nutty, clarified butter until crisp. The tortillas are then cut into wedges for an appetizer that’s super-easy to pick up and enjoy. Cheers!

Hawa Lassanah & Mulan

Hawa’s reversible black/red cape and infinity scarf are from Festoon.

Hawa’s reversible black/red cape and infinity scarf are from Festoon.

Hawa hails from the North Shore in Massachusetts. Franklin & Marshall College brought the psychology major to Lancaster. During Hawa’s sophomore year, tragedy struck. Her mother died.  The Ghana native, who was once a stewardess for Pan-Am, had suffered a debilitating stroke. Complications led to her death. She was only 49 years old. “I had to go home and pack up the house,” Hawa explains.

Hawa returned to Lancaster and finished the school year. During her junior year, a fascination with photography prompted her to enroll in a studio art program. Her creative efforts were later rewarded with a first-place finish in 2013’s Expanded Visions exhibit (Lancaster Summer Arts Festival). XXC, which was taken from the series, The Last Frame, represented her film experimentations. A year later, she earned second place for Step One: Introduce Yourself, which came out of her How to be the Life of the Party series.

After her junior year, Hawa had to make some decisions. Paying for school became impossible. She didn’t feel compelled to return to Massachusetts. New York? Maybe. In Hawa’s mind, Lancaster had become home. “I had a great group of friends here,” she says. “I viewed them as my family.”

With the realization that Lancaster was her future, Hawa began exploring her options. In order to support herself, she worked at area restaurants and at Coe Camera Shop.

Having explored Lancaster’s art scene convinced Hawa that something was afoot. “I liken what’s happening here to what put New Hope on the map,” she says. “Artists are building a legacy here. Anything that comes out of Lancaster is worth something.” Realizing that “Lancaster is very much on its way” to becoming an art center, in 2010 she launched The Discerning Eye, a blog that covered Lancaster’s art scene. The following she developed convinced her that “Lancaster was ready” for what its artists have to offer. She also began curating shows at retail sites such as Seasons and the now-closed Roaring Brook Market. Pop-up shows also became her realm. Art had become her passion.

Her life was changing in other ways. Through one of her restaurant jobs she met her husband, Greg Good. “Nothing would be possible without him,” she says. “He believes in me.” Greg supported her dream of expanding the local art scene by opening an art enclave she envisioned as being an “incubator” for new talent.

She explains a path that was forged through her psychology classes and involvement in the art scene ultimately led to the Discerning Eye Center for the Arts, which makes its home on West New Street. Open since fall, the center enables member artists to share studio space, exhibit their work and literally “takeover” the space and help to plan scheduling during a designated month. She views the center as being a place where artists can receive support in a “realistic and tangible manner.” She also hopes that DECA can help expand the art scene beyond the downtown area and bring it into Lancaster’s neighborhoods, as well as encourage youth participation. “The ideas are endless,” she says, noting that in addition to art, the center has hosted music, films and First Saturday events.

Hawa is especially eager to help younger artists, women artists and unsung artists gain a foothold and grow in confidence.  “Support is everything,” she says and points to Clinton Reckart as an example. The collage artist, who often took part in the Center’s Sip & Snip events, doubted his ability until a famous collage artist bought one of his pieces. Now, he will be having a show at DECA in February. In March, PCAD’s senior class will be exhibiting their work at the Center.

Hawa and Greg have become city dwellers and live in a house that dates to 1792. A year ago, they welcomed a dog to the family. “I hadn’t thought about getting a dog, but I had a friend who moved to Philadelphia and was working at the animal control center,” Hawa explains. “She was always posting photos of animals that needed homes.”

A pitbull-Lab mix caught Hawa’s eye. But, she didn’t act on it fast enough, and the dog was moved to a shelter in the Allentown area. Hawa was able to track her down. Despite a medical issue (her back legs were injured due to being kept in too small a cage) and an aloof nature, Hawa adopted her. “She’s doing good now,” Hawa says of two-year-old Mulan. “I think that’s a perfect name,” she says, referring to the warrior princess of Chinese lore who was made famous in a Disney film. “She can be a bit of a diva, but I love her and she loves me back. She motivates me to exercise. And, she’s my protector. If we’re walking down the street, people cross to the other side!”

Exercise is part of Hawa’s healthy-living strategy. “My mom’s death was a wake-up call,” she remarks. “She had high blood pressure. For a while I completely avoided salt.” In addition to walking Mulan, Hawa enjoys running, hiking, yoga and dancing. She relies on natural remedies and makes an effort to eat well. “Between our schedules, that can be difficult,” she notes.

Despite not earning a college degree, Hawa maintains that life is filled with educational experiences. “I had a tough ride, but you do what you need to do to survive and succeed,” she says. “And, you learn along the way. Working with artists has been educational. The best part of my business has been seeing all the young artists come out of the woodwork.” And, she’s continuing with her own artistic expression:  Her photographs Step 1: How to be the Life of a Party and XXA and XXC (both from the series The Last Frame) are on exhibit at the Women’s Center at F&M.


Discerning Eye Center for the Arts is located at 12 W. New St. in Lancaster. Visit DECA-PA.com.

 

Column contentHeart Disease and African-American Women

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke disproportionately affects African-American women.

The statistics speak for themselves:

  • Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 50,000 African-American women on an annual basis.
  • Of African-American women over the age of 20, 49% have heart diseases.
  • Only 1 in 5 African-American women believes she is personally at risk for heart disease.Red-Dress-Logo
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the greatest health risks that African-American women face. In fact, more than 40% of non-Hispanic black women have high blood pressure. Known as the “silent killer” because it is relatively symptom-free, high blood pressure can be controlled/reduced through making lifestyle changes.

 

 

My 10 Favorite Things About My Least Favorite Time of Year

Since I’m the blogger for Where & When, Pennsylvania’s Travel Guide you probably expect me to say that all seasons in PA are created equal, right? But I can’t. I’m sorry, I just can’t. It’s not winter in general – it’s late winter that seems to go on endlessly. Early winter brings the anticipation of the holidays… the lights, shows, downtown shopping and family gatherings.

After the holidays are over we all take a deep breath and relax a little. When the snow arrives we enjoy the prospect of skiing, tubing and just playing around in the white stuff. But, something happens to me just after Valentines Day. It never fails, there is always one day in there that is sunny and the snow begins to melt. It may even hit 60 degrees! I remember last year thinking..”Maybe that groundhog didn’t lie after all. Maybe we will have an early spring.” But alas, temps in the 20’s were just 3 days away.

This year I have decided to look at all the things that I do like about this time of year, and here they are…

10. Soup. I love soup and I don’t have to worry about breaking into a sweat when I eat it.

9. Lancaster County Amish Mud Sales – if you don’t know what this is, check it out on www.whereandwhen.com/Articles/Mud-Sales/

8. No mosquitoes, flies or stinkbugs…yet.

7. Manure. Yes, farmers spread manure on the fields this time of year and no I don’t really enjoy the smell. But manure in cold weather is slightly better than manure in hot weather.

6. People tend to look on the bright side of almost anything. For instance, when it rains, I hear people say, “Well, at least it’s not more snow.”

5. There are still several weeks left to fit back into your skinny(er) clothes.

4. It’s a great time to see a show or go to a museum. You won’t hear your friends say, “I’d love to go, but I hate to stay inside on such a nice day.”

3. It’s really the only time of year that 55 degrees seems balmy. Just see how you feel about 55 degrees in the middle of July!

2. There are still (give or take) 300 shopping days left until Christmas

and my favorite thing about this time of year….

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

 

Tags: Pennsylvania, spring, winter, blahs, favorite, top ten, travel, tourism, events, attractions, museum, show

All the World’s …

Broadway may be more than 150 miles away from Lancaster, but that doesn’t mean quality theater can’t be found in PA Dutch country. In fact, if you subscribe to the notion that all the world’s a stage, then Lancaster County surely adds to its production value! I revisited some of my old favorites and even found some new theatres that substantiate that notion.

Fulton Theatre

Fulton Theatre

Fulton Theatre

The Fulton is easily the most iconic venue for live performances in Lancaster County. The theater’s history is fascinating and I’d suggest that you visit the Fulton’s website (Thefulton.org) to read it in its entirety.
True to the National Historic Landmark Theatre’s original functionality, the Fulton continues “to produce exceptional theatre that moves the collective soul of our community” as worded in The Fulton Opera House Foundation’s mission statement. Through community engagement, the board of trustees, theater employees, and like-minded community members offer an array of educational programs for all of Lancaster County. The Fulton Theatre provides theater-arts training to students of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Apprenticeships, internships and volunteer opportunities allow emerging professionals the opportunity to apply their talents. The teen-lounge program is one way the community can directly benefit from the knowledge of stage professionals and enjoy a performance.
Other innovative programs allow theater-goers to enjoy more than a show. Thirsty for History Night, which is presented by Lancasterhistory.org, is offered an hour before curtain time. Guests enjoy wine and cheese, all the while they gain an historical perspective of the show they are about to see. Wine and Theater Night invites patrons to sample wine that’s provided by Thorn Hill Vineyards (tickets are $10). There’s also a Pay-What-You-Want Night for select shows. These programs are just the tip of the iceberg for The Fulton Opera House Foundation and their community interaction.

Coming: Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, January 27-February 15. Visit Thefulton.org for details.

Ephrata Performing Arts Center

Ephrata Performing Arts Center

Ephrata Performing Arts Center

For the past five summers, my daughter has attended Center Stage Theater Camp at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center (EPAC). This wallet-friendly camp runs four weeks under the professional tutelage of Wyomissing native, Irving Gonzalez, who studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and often directs EPAC’s annual Kids4Kids productions. The Kids4Kids performances usually kick off the season for the playhouse in the park (Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. runs February 6 through 22) and are no small assemblies. I’ve witnessed many a shocked face exiting the theater, stunned by the level of professionalism that is presented by actors whose ages range from 5 to 15. Tickets for these shows go fast and rightly so.
Kids4Kids shows are part of what EPAC calls “theater that matters.” The phrase is on the tip of Artistic Director Ed Fernandez’s tongue at every show. Past main-stage shows like Cabaret (2014), Angels in America (2013), and Spring Awakening (2012) demonstrate a dedication to “theater that matters” by exposing the community to performances that test our limits of acceptance, righteousness and need.
I like to provide my children with the experience of theater. Of course, I know better to take the kids to see Spring Awakening, but I don’t hide appropriate theater from them, even if the subject matter may seem too heady for their ages.
Coming: August: Osage County, March 19-April 4. Visit Ephrataperformingartscenter.com for details.

Hole in the Wall Puppet Theatre

Hole in the Wall Puppet Theatre

Hole in the Wall Puppet Theatre

With my kids in mind, I was a recent first-time visitor to the Hole in the Wall Puppet Theatre. I’m surprised it took me so long! The 50-seat theater, which makes its home in a building on N. Water Street, is the creation of Robert Brock (pictured ablove). Serving as artistic director, Brock has aimed to educate while entertaining since opening the one-of-a-kind theater in 1990. In addition to the family-friendly shows, the theater offers shows for more grown-up audiences, plus is home to the John Durang Puppet Museum, which boasts puppets from around the world, as well as from shows that were staged over the past 25 years. Durang, who was born in 1768 (he grew up on Water Street) and died in 1816, is regarded as the first American-born professional actor, dancer and puppeteer to achieve renown.
Performances geared toward children run approximately one-half hour, but parents will be equally as entertained. A recent performance of Aladdin & His Magic Lamp made parents and children joyful; this original adaptation of Tales of the Arabian Nights was written by Brock, who was joined by local director and composer, Jack Hughlett. I recommend taking the pre-show backstage tour. Through the tour, I learned there is much more to puppetry Ω and the Hole in the Wall Puppet Theatre Ω than I imagined.

Coming: January 10-February 14 (Saturdays), Sleeping Beauty. Hiwpuppets.org.

Theater of the Seventh Sister

A familiar face is the new face of the Theater of the Seventh Sister. Cynthia Charles, former stage actor, office manager and education and marketing director is now executive director for the theater company. In taking on that role, Charles announced the planned 2015 main-stage production of Almost, Maine. The romantic comedy is set in the high north of The Great State where a town, being so small, never incorporated and thus is “almost” a town. Almost, Maine was created by Cape Cod Theater Project Artistic Director Andy Polk in 2002. After premiering at the Portland Stage Company in Portland, Maine, the play has been produced more than 2,500 times around the United States.

Seventhsister.com

PRIMA Theatre

PRIMA Theatre

PRIMA Theatre

Place and the players within it also take center stage at Lancaster’s youngest production company PRiMA, which will kick off its fifth season on January 29 with Five, a cabaret that will serve as a retrospective, as well as put PRIMA talent in the spotlight. In September, PRIMA will present its production of Children of Eden. This musical is based on the Book of Genesis with lyrics and music by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and book by English director and writer John Caird. The original cast production opened in London with poor reviews and a quick run, but that did not stop the show from growing in popularity among smaller theaters. PRiMA, whose motto is “fresh theatrics,” may be the perfect group to put a new and energetic spin on Children of Eden.

Primatheatre.org.

Of course, there are many other venues in Lancaster County providing live, theatrical entertainment. I often enjoy catching a meal with a show at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre.
The good news is that there’s even more theater coming soon. Terry Kreider, the new theatre manager at the Ephrata Main has revitalized the defunct Ephrata Area Community Theater (ACT) and created the Community Arts Foundation of Ephrata (CAFE). Stay tuned, as the group plans to conduct seminars and camps regarding live theater  −  and even going beyond − starting in 2015.

A Holiday Wedding on the Farm

The holidays. A Victorian-era farm. Cherished family members. Dear friends. The perfect ingredients for a wedding!

Candace Abel is a regular client of Floral Designs of Mount Joy. In November 2013, owner Jill Hoffines-Erb assumed the reason Candace was calling was to go over the holiday-decorating schedule. That would be true. But, Candace also had some exciting news to share. She and her fiancé, Paul Rouse, were planning a wedding … for December 28! And, she needed Jill’s help.
Jill headed for Candace’s farm in order to get the planning underway. Candace knew the direction she wanted to take from a decorating perspective. Now, it would fall to Jill to execute the ideas and fill in the details. Once Jill heard Candace’s ideas, she knew the next six weeks would be all-encompassing. “This would prove to be one of our most ambitious wedding projects,” Jill notes. “And, it came at a really busy time of the year: Christmas. Thank goodness, I have a staff that could take over for me at the shop so that I could devote all my time to the wedding.”

Feel Free To Share And Tag But Please Do Not Print, Alter, Copy or DownloadFeel Free To Share And Tag But Please Do Not Print, Alter, Copy or DownloadThe Vision

Candace’s plan was to invite 125 friends and family to a “holiday party” and let them learn a wedding was going to take place once they were gathered together on the farm. Unfortunately, the secret was leaked and in the end, only a few attendees remained in the dark. Those on the invitation list were asked to bring canned goods that would be donated to a local food bank.
The farm would serve as the site of both the wedding and the reception. From a décor perspective, Candace wanted to incorporate her favorite things: antiques, vintage, nature and family. Repurposing and sharing were also on her mind.
The decorating process would be two-fold: Floral Designs would proceed with the holiday decorations for the house and exterior areas and go full-tilt for the wedding in the week leading up to it.

Feel Free To Share And Tag But Please Do Not Print, Alter, Copy or DownloadThe Chapel in the Barn

When Candace purchased the property, she was aware the house would not be large enough to accommodate family gatherings. So, she transformed the lower level of the barn into a multi-purpose room that would provide ample space for family events, parties and other activities.
Thus, the barn would be central to the wedding. Candace envisioned its upper level as the site for the ceremony. It would be divided into thirds, with one portion serving as a guest entry, the second dedicated to the ceremony and the final third transformed into a lounge.
The entry held vintage signage, an old suitcase in which guests could drop “love notes” and an antique sleigh that was filled with throws that invited guests to “wrap themselves in the warmth” of the occasion. (The upper level is not heated.) “They served as gifts for the guests,” Jill notes of the throws.
The ceremony site was lined with wooden benches. Floral Designs placed towering branches of white birch, creating a canopy effect for the space (uplighting further enhanced it). Live evergreens filled the front of the ceremony site. (They would be planted on the property after the wedding.) The trees twinkled with white lights and were decorated with various kinds of birds, which were handcrafted by Jim Showers at Floral Designs. Jill also recruited Randy and Diane Brubaker to make Moravian stars that would illuminate the soaring space. “The largest was 64 inches, the smallest 18 inches,” says Jill of the dozen stars that served to create an intimate space in which the vows were exchanged.
The highlight of the lounge area was the “sectional sofa” Jill crafted from hay bales, which were covered in fabric and made more comfortable with throw pillows. The lounge was used for cocktails and dancing.

Feel Free To Share And Tag But Please Do Not Print, Alter, Copy or DownloadFeel Free To Share And Tag But Please Do Not Print, Alter, Copy or DownloadDinner: Rustic Elegance

The decorative elements used upstairs continued below. Elegant chandeliers contrasted with the wood and stone that denote the space. Tables, the fireplace and windowsills were all topped with greenery that was embellished with magnolia leaves, pinecones, birch branches, snow-white hydrangea, moss and woodland creatures. Mercury-glass containers held floral designs that included ranunculus and roses. Flower-filled cloches topped the tables, as well. Candlelight twinkled from within mercury-glass votives. Two dozen terrariums – dainty-sized woodland “creatures” peered from within them – also topped the tables. “They were intended as keepsakes for family members,” Jill explains. “We kept them simple so they would be easy to care for.”
Dinner was accompanied by music provided by The Silverwood Trio. Dessert consisted of a woodland-themed cake and an array of cupcake flavors. Outside, s’more-making stations were situated around firepits that dotted what once had been the barnyard. The trees surrounding the barn twinkled with white lights. The final touch: illuminated lanterns were launched into the night sky. “Every detail was addressed and met,” says Jill. “It was just magical.”

Credits:

Floral Design/Decorating: Floral Designs of Mount Joy
Live Trees/Exterior Lighting: J. Hubler Landscaping, Elizabethtown
Interior Lighting: Schumaker PDT, Lancaster
Custom Moravian Stars: Randy and Diane Brubaker, Elizabethtown
Linens: Special Occasions, Lancaster
Catering: Hershey Pantry, Hershey
Wedding Cake/Cupcakes: Hershey Pantry
Photography: Epic Photography, Elizabethtown

Falling-Off- the-Bone Deliciousness

It’s January. In my book that means cold-weather cuisine. Nothing hits the spot like meat on the bone, which after long, slow, braising is rendered more tender and flavorful than any other cut. I’m referring to shanks, short ribs and oxtails.  Something truly special happens as these otherwise tough bovine cuts are transformed into delicacies.

Ossobucco

Ossobucco

Ossobucco Milanese

Ossobucco or “bone with a hole,” is made from cross-section slices of veal shank. This hard-working part of the animal literally resembles donuts of meat wrapped around sections of marrow bone.  This classic Italian dish is typically made by seasoning and dusting the shank slices in flour, browning them well, and then braising them in white wine and broth, along with diced vegetables, until the meat is literally falling off the bone.  As the meat cooks, the cooking liquids thicken into a luscious sauce that is finished with diced fresh tomato and a traditional “gremolata” of fresh chopped parsley, optional garlic and a scatter of fresh lemon zest, which serves to lighten and brighten the entire dish.  Serve it with the classic pairing of Risotto Milanese and this dish may become one of your new favorite special-occasion meals.

Oxtails

OxtailsFilipino-style Soy-Vinegar Braised Oxtails with Jasmine Rice

Oxtails look somewhat like Ossobucco, only they’re much smaller, so you’ll want to have plenty. Oxtails always make me think of my friend Ron, whose mother hailed from the Philippines. She introduced our group of friends to that country’s marvelous food. Goat, mussels with bitter melon, pancit and those super tasty, meat-wrapped bones (oxtails) come to mind.
Mrs. Decanay simmered her oxtails in vinegar and soy, which reduced down to a broth-like glaze. She served them with steamed jasmine rice and plenty of sriracha sauce. The resulting dish was a study in spectacular simplicity.  I remember being one happy teen when I ate dinner at Ron’s house. It didn’t even occur to me that being introduced to these different flavors would help to shape my culinary future. If you like the more tender bits of braised goodies Ω and licking your fingers as you nibble between the little nooks and crannies to get to the good stuff Ω then you will love oxtails!

Short Ribs

Short Ribs

BBQ Braised Short Ribs With Butter Beans

Thanks to the growing interest in all things barbecue, more and more people are falling in love with the world of slow-cooking with smoke. As a result, smokers have become backyard staples, not to mention the number of take-out shops that are on the rise.  At this time of the year, even the most die-hard barbecue aficionado might have to throw in the towel and give in to Mother Nature.
If you find yourself not wanting to brave the cold, try an easy-to-prepare barbecue fix that utilizes short ribs. When rubbed with barbecue seasoning, roasted and then braised in broth-thinned barbecue sauce, this cut of meat becomes deeply flavored, tremendously tender and supremely satisfying. Serve them over luscious butter beans and I guarantee the combination will get you through your craving. Just think, only another two months until you can fire up the grill or smoker!

Austin & Tara Groff … Happy New Year!

New Year’s weekend provided the perfect backdrop for a wedding that was planned in a matter of four months.

Holiday ornaments served as gifts for the guests

Holiday ornaments served as gifts for the guests

The Backstory

Austin, who grew up in Lancaster County, is the owner of Embroidery by Artwear, a full-service company providing apparel and promotional items with embroidered or silk-screened logos. The company is currently based at Schaum’s Corner in Brownstown. Tara , whose Irish-Italian roots are Philadelphia-based, has been a Lancaster resident since 2000, when her father’s job brought the family here. Until her marriage, she was a paraeducator at Carter and MacRae Elementary School in Lancaster.

How They Met

The date was October 30, 2011, a Sunday. They were attending a football party. Ironically, Tara and Austin are not football fans. Each simply wanted to go out for the evening. Especially Tara. Two months earlier, during an early-morning run along a rural Lititz-area road, she was hit by a car. Her injuries ultimately required five surgeries. “I was able to leave the house once a week and Sunday was usually the day,” she explains (she depended upon her family for transportation). That Sunday evening, she planted herself in the vacant chair next to Austin. They talked non-stop. “Five hours later, I got up and left,” she recalls. Their first date took place five days later. “We went to Starbucks and took turns reading Scripture to each other,” Tara says. From that day forward, the two became inseparable. “We were best friends from the beginning,” Tara reports.

 Shades of salmon were used for attendants’ gowns./ Winter-inspired “trees” topped the dinner tables.

Shades of salmon were used for attendants’ gowns./ Winter-inspired “trees” topped the dinner tables.

The Proposal

Recognizing marriage was in their future, Tara and Austin enrolled in pre-engagement counseling sessions offered by their church, Harvest Bible Chapel-Lancaster. As for the formal proposal, most expected Austin to pop the question during a Biblical Missions trip that took the couple to Trinidad in July 2013. Only known to Tara’s father, Austin had indeed purchased a ring prior to the trip. But, he didn’t want to risk losing it and asked the store to keep it safe while he was gone.
Instead, he chose to propose on a day in late August. “It was a beautiful, sunny day and I was spending my last day before school started in the backyard,” Tara recalls. “Suddenly, Austin walked into the backyard. It was unusual to see him during the day; he’s usually at work.” Austin remembers asking Tara if she would be his wife.

Why January?

Tara and Austin knew they wanted to get married within the year. But, when they started perusing the calendar, they discovered 2014 would be filled with weddings of friends and family – seven in all – some of which they would be involved. They were faced with the choice of getting married in early 2014 or waiting until fall of that year. “A friend pointed out that 1/4/14 would be a memorable date,” Austin notes. On closer inspection, they decided the date would work well for all involved: Austin generally closes his business over the holidays and members of Tara’s family who lived in other parts of the country were already scheduled to spend New Year’s in Lancaster.

The salmon-and- white color scheme echoed in the cake and floral arrangements.

Let the Planning Begin!

With only four months to plan their wedding, the couple had to begin making decisions. Tara points out that she is a rarity where wedding-planning is concerned. “As a little girl, I never dreamed about my wedding,” she relates. It was Austin to the rescue! The Inn at Leola Village is a client and he suggested they meet with them. Thankfully, the date was open. And, to the couple’s relief, working with the venue equated to one-stop services, as the inn provided everything: food, flowers, cake, rooms for the ceremony and reception, guest accommodations and even spa/salon services. “We did get to do taste-testing for everything,” Tara comments. “That was so fun!” For other vendors, the inn was able to provide a list of recommendations. One of the needed vendors was the photographer. Matthew Tennison came highly recommended by both the inn and a friend.

The Forecast Includes Snow!

Early in the week prior to the wedding, forecasters began using the word “blizzard” to describe the weather for Thursday/Friday. Wonderfully, the warnings were reduced to a mere snowstorm. An icy snow began to fall Thursday evening. Tara and Austin remained unflustered. “I love the snow,” Tara says. “I thought it would be cool to have snow from a picture perspective.” The two discussed the situation with Matthew and decided they would take advantage of the winter-wonderland scenery and shoot some portraits along the backroads of Leola between the morning rehearsal and the 4 p.m. ceremony. “We loved Matthew’s approach,” Tara comments.

The salmon-and- white color scheme echoed floral arrangements.

The salmon-and- white color scheme echoed floral arrangements.

A Perfect Day to Praise God

The inn proved to be the perfect choice for Tara and Austin’s wedding. Knowing the weather could be problematic and with 240 guests scheduled to attend, they decided to hold all aspects of their big day at the inn. In regards to the ceremony, Austin is of the opinion that “a church is not a building; it’s a group of people.” He adds: “We wanted to focus on giving glory to the Lord.”
The plan was to hold the ceremony in the Dietro Room and then move the guests to another area for hors d’oeuvres. A sit-down dinner would then follow. The newlyweds chose to dance to Inland by Jars of Clay. The day closed with an after-party. Guests were given gifts of Christmas ornaments that bore words taken from Scripture (Austin imprinted the ornaments himself). “We thought they would be meaningful,” he says.
Tara’s favorite memory from the day is two-fold: She will never forget seeing “most of the people we love gathered in one room.” She also cherished the fact that she and Austin were “worshipping Christ for the first time” as a married couple. As for Austin, he’ll never forget his first glimpse of Tara at the “First Look” photography session.

A Year Later

The Groffs will be expanding their family this month. “A 1/5/15 delivery date would be amazing!” Tara says of the birth of their first child.

 

 

 

lockwise from left:/ Because so many guests would be arriving from out of town, the Groffs decided to have the ceremony and reception at The Inn at Leola Village./ Holiday ornaments served as gifts for the guests.