CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Lancaster County’s Critter Catcher

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Len Lambert, the owner of Backyard Wildlife Solutions in Lititz, is the guy people call when they have a critter in their home or around their property causing a bit of a fuss. Do you have a skunk or groundhog under your deck or backyard shed? A 5-foot black snake in the basement? Len will come and relocate them.

Len Lambert’s love of animals and the outdoors prompted him to launch Backyard Wildlife Solutions, which is based in Lititz. Photo by Anya Witmer.

When I lived in Maine, I awoke early one morning to one of the strangest noises. As the loud clanging, ringing and steady pounding continued, I wondered if something was wrong with the neighbor’s car. After a few minutes it stopped. The following two mornings it happened again and so I had to climb out of bed to investigate. 

The culprit was nothing I ever expected. Perched on the reflective stop sign was a pileated woodpecker, its flaming red crest moving at the speed of blur while it pecked away at the sign. What in the heck was wrong with this crazy bird?

Thanks to a background in construction, Len is able to make repairs to damaged areas and add screening and breathable caps to chimneys and vents so that birds, bats and squirrels cannot gain access to homes.

“I had a similar issue with a woodpecker on my gutter, which is metal – like your stop sign – and it created a wild amount of noise. I’m not immune to these issues either,” admits Len. “We do get some calls about woodpeckers, but they are few.” Owning and operating a residential and commercial wildlife-control service is almost a dream come true for the animal and outdoor lover, who can be found enjoying the trails and parks around southeastern Pennsylvania when he’s not working. 

SNAKES, BATS, BIRDS …

“Black snakes are very adept at finding ways into homes; we find them in both attics and basements,” Len says, adding he comes across black and garter snakes most often. There are a few other snake species Len has come across in his line of work, but he has fortunately not encountered a venomous snake. “Snakes are a bit concerning to customers. I’ve pulled many 5- and 6-foot black snakes out of homes over the years. The snake in the basement is something that seems to send people over the edge.”

“The snake in the basement is something that seems to send people over the edge,” Len says.

Len specializes in exclusion service, a series of humane, preventative measures to eliminate future damage, entrapment or invasion. When he is called to a home because of a trapped animal or nuisance critter, he can advise a homeowner on the necessary steps that can be taken to stop the situation from happening again and also perform physical installation of deterrents and modifications on a property or structure. “I have a construction background, which is very helpful,” Len explains. “We are fully outfitted for most repairs, from something off a ladder to a repair that requires scaffolding.”

Most of the repairs Len makes are a result of our winged friends. Two of the most prolific perpetrators are house sparrows and starlings, which are both considered invasive species. Both birds like to nest in bathroom exhaust vents, especially in the spring. They also nest behind shutters and can cause quite a mess, notes Len, who even created a custom guard system to prevent the birds from returning. 

His business also allows Len to work with rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, moles, voles and shrews, all of which can leave behind unsanitary conditions to remediate. He even tackles larger animals like groundhogs, opossum, raccoons and skunks. 

Many animals can be humanely trapped and relocated to Len’s favorite out-of-the-way areas.

He also frees bats from homes (and reminds homeowners bats can carry rabies). Removal of a colony of bats – not just the one that has flown into the kitchen on a summer evening – is regulated and those bats can only be moved during the months of September through May. After squirrels, bats make up the largest portion of his service calls.

A SQUIRRELLY SITUATION

Squirrels are capable of causing considerable damage to a structure.

“I’ve chased squirrels all around a home,” Len shares, trying to recall the craziest animal exploits he has encountered. “And I’ve used a variety of objects to try and herd squirrels out of homes.” 

One of the worst cases Len has seen involved a squirrel going into a rooftop plumbing ventilation pipe, which is a rare occurrence. The squirrel did not get stuck in the pipe as one would expect, but rather the pipe became dislodged, allowing the squirrel access to the entire house … while the homeowner was away on vacation. The trapped critter chewed its way into the ventilation system, gnawed under every door and munched on windowsills in an attempt to find a way out of the house. 

After making the discovery on her return to a home filled with wood chips and vinyl shavings, the homeowner called Len, who was able to direct the squirrel out of the house almost immediately. “We installed a breathable cap on the pipe after the incident so it would never happen again,” he recalls. 

MR. WOODPECKER

Woodpeckers, like many other birds in our area, are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so most of what Len can do is create a deterrent and limit a bird’s ability or desire to drill into a home. He follows all state and federal guidelines for all animals. 

Woodpeckers can damage the fascia, siding and other areas of a home.

When animals are relocated, they are given sanctuary in one of the many designated game lands in the state. “I have a couple spots I use regularly that are less popular with humans,” Len explains. “That way there is not a crowd gathering around as the opossum or snake goes to his new home in the forest.”

As for the woodpecker on the stop sign, I learned from the biology department at the university I was attending that he was looking for a mate; having no song to sing, the louder the banging the better chance of attracting a nearby female. He just went away after about a week … happily ever after I assume.

For more information, visit paanimalremoval.com.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants

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Isn’t it odd how green thumbs tend to be genetically predisposed in families? My sister and I trace our interest in gardening back to Grandma Starling, whose farmhouse in North Carolina was surrounded by blooming plants. Several of her 10 children – including our father – shared her passion for growing things, as do numerous cousins. Now, a new generation is obsessed with gardening. 

The descendants of what are believed to be some of the earliest double-orange daylily hybrids have made their way from Virginia to my backyard (pictured) in Lancaster, and now to my son’s home in North Carolina.

My grandmother could grow anything, as could her daughter, Ruth, who had fabulous gardens at her home in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Aunt Ruth, who lived to be 100 and worked as a floral designer nearly all her life, was lauded in her obituary for being the first person to successfully raise pansies in that area of North Carolina and, as a result, became known as “the pansy lady.” (Maybe that’s why my sister and I love pansies.) It was also noted that she liked nothing more than to share plants and vegetables from her gardens with others. 

Our father, Charles Starling, brought his love of gardening to Pennsylvania. I will always remember his frustration at not being able to grow crape myrtles. Every year he’d arrive home from a visit to North Carolina with a new specimen and, no matter where he planted it and how much protection he provided, the winter weather would do it in. When the winter-friendly hybrids came on the market, he filled the yard with them. He also loved petunias and marigolds and grouped them in the craziest color combinations that somehow looked like they belonged together. To this day, I follow suit in an area of my garden. 

After being sold numerous times and even relocated once, my cousin, Deb, bought our grandmother’s farmhouse and had it moved back to what had been the family farm. Just as our grandmother had done, Deb has surrounded it with roses and other plants. Deb’s mother (my Aunt Gerry), who was born in the house, lives next door.

Always a farmer at heart, he reengaged with growing vegetables in the ’60s by renting a garden plot in an area off the Dillerville Road that Armstrong made available to employees. He later turned a portion of the backyard into an expansive vegetable garden. He added to that by gardening on a building lot he had purchased nearby. He loved to grow tomatoes. He and I were the only members of our family who ate them, so by late August, we were eating them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and giving them away to everyone we knew! He also grew Southern things like okra and sweet potatoes and gladly shared them with other “transplants.” 

Many a summer afternoon was spent husking corn, shelling lima beans and snapping green beans, but we were rewarded in the dead of winter with all sorts of goodies that filled a large chest freezer. 

When my sister and I became homeowners, we also became avid gardeners. Her house in Richmond, Virginia, had a huge backyard whose landscaping needed a refresh, so that first spring and summer, Ginny and her husband, John, devoted their time to that project. They also brought the third-floor orchid conservatory back to life and transformed it into a sewing room. 

Through digging in the far reaches of the backyard, they unearthed a cache of green marble. Curious, they asked long-tenured neighbors about the original owners and learned that they were avid horticulturists who owned drug stores in the area. The marble was no doubt the remnants of a soda fountain remodel. Ginny and John had the marble cut and polished and used it to frame a koi pond. It was gorgeous! As for the plants, shrubs and trees that filled the property, one neighbor mentioned that the homeowners were often privy to obtaining rare plants and the latest hybrids. Such was the case with the double-orange daylilies that emerged during their first summer at the house. 

Charlie is becoming quite the rose whisperer.

It just so happened that I had bought a new house in Lancaster and during a trip to Richmond, I acted on my sister’s invitation to dig up some daylilies to enliven my fledgling gardens. What accounted for maybe a dozen plants has grown into hundreds. My once sad-looking gardens have grown into themed plots that surround my townhouse (fortunately, I have an end unit). One plot has a Southwestern theme (and pays homage to the trips we’ve taken to the Western U.S.). Two areas have Southern themes (crape myrtles, roses, daylilies, a bottle tree and a birdbath that belonged to John’s parents, who lived on Richmond’s famed Monument Avenue). The courtyard is devoted to hosta and other shade lovers. The back gardens have a beach theme.

Thirty years later, I wonder, “What was I thinking!” Growing and maintaining those gardens were huge chores in the beginning. Nevertheless, I’ve enjoyed every moment. Sometimes I’ll go out to do some deadheading and before I know it, three hours have passed. My son, Charlie, showed absolutely no interest, so it was basically a one-woman show. I viewed gardening as a choice I had made and was not compelled to force chores like weeding on him. 

Fast forward 30 years and Charlie is now a homeowner who has caught the gardening bug. He says he finds it relaxing to putter around in the garden. It’s not unusual to receive a phone call or text from him with garden-related questions. When you enter his favorite gardening center, Green Side Up, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, it’s reminiscent of Cheers, as the employees always greet him by name. He’s become quite the rose whisperer and is obsessed with making palms – he loves South Carolina in general and Charleston in particular – grow and survive. He and his wife, Jen, are also into houseplants. 

He’s also cultivating new gardens and needs plants. So, every time I travel to North Carolina, I fill the car with daylilies I dig out of my gardens. The descendants of the daylilies that grew at my sister’s house have made their way from Virginia to Pennsylvania and now to North Carolina. 

Last July, I also gifted Charlie with DIY garden art. Bowling balls embellished with glass “gems” kept showing up on my Facebook feed. I had two of my dad’s bowling balls, so I decided to give it a try. After doing a test run, I made one for Charlie that is decorated with turquoise glass and seashells (he’s into the coastal look). It’s special because the two often went bowling together. 

A DIY garden-art gift for Charlie that entailed his grandfather’s bowling ball and coastal colors.

Talk about coming full circle: Two summers ago, when I was in North Carolina, Charlie took me to see my Aunt Gerry, who I had not seen in many years. Incredibly, her daughter, Deb, now lives in my grandmother’s farmhouse, which had passed through a succession of owners and had even been moved over the course of the past 60 years. The last time it was for sale, Deb bought it and moved it back to where it belonged – the land the Starling family once farmed in Autryville. Deb has surrounded it with gorgeous rose bushes and other plants. No doubt, our grandmother would be proud. Life certainly moves in mysterious ways! 

– Suzanne Starling-Long

Special Occasions

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Covid certainly impacted weddings, social events and corporate functions. Now, with such events back on the calendar, floral designers, caterers, venues and the like are once again transforming visions into reality. One such vendor, Special Occasions and Queen Street Linens, is being led by a new owner, Bev Kreider, who also happens to own Premier Linen Co., which is based in Marietta. When she was approached last year by Special O’s owner, Claudia Himes, to purchase the company’s inventory, Bev was excited by the prospect. However, her facility in Marietta was already at full capacity. So, Bev and her husband, Bruce, made an offer to buy Special O’s inventory and its North Queen Street headquarters. The transaction was completed last fall. (Premier Linen Co. continues to be based in Marietta.)

Bev welcomed visitors to an Open House at Special Occasions in late March. The event was held to introduce guests to Special O’s newest fabrics and the latest trends in dressing a table. Because of the pandemic, supplies had been limited due to manufacturing shutdowns and supply chain issues, but new fabric is now arriving. Two themes were obvious: nature and our continuing love affair with the color pink. Specialo.com

Lancaster From Above: Green in So Many Ways

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Photographer Jordan Bush’s assignment was to capture Lancaster County from above. Using his quadcopter drone, he visited a variety of sites across the county from late August to early December of 2022. As we reviewed the shots, it occurred to us that they provide evidence that Lancaster is “green” in more ways than the obvious one. 

Jordan Bush employed his quadcopter to capture photos of Lancaster from above. The cover shot was taken in the Ronks area, where the pioneering Ferree family, who arrived in the Paradise area in 1712, came to own large swaths of farmland. Today, that farmland is cultivated by English and Plain farmers. One such farm, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, has become a leader in agritainment.
Photographed August 29, 2022

Historic preservation. Restoration. Adaptive reuse. Ecotourism. Agritainment. Green spaces. Nature preserves. Rail trails. Heritage areas. Sustainability. Such words are becoming associated with Lancaster County. Increasingly, visitors are coming here to experience our natural areas, diverse restaurant scene, cultural offerings and history. Yes, they are still interested in all-things Pennsylvania Dutch, but their interests have broadened, and they want to experience all that Lancaster has to offer. Even our barn venues and historic properties are attracting wedding parties from outside the immediate area.  

The pandemic helped to convince locals that Lancaster County has a good thing going for it from an outdoors perspective. Seeking a reprieve from lockdowns, they flocked to parks, rail trails and nature preserves in record numbers. The phenomenon continues: visit small towns along the river trails and it’s obvious locals and visitors alike are enjoying the great outdoors, as well as exploring local shops and restaurants. 

Of course, social media and coverage in national publications (the March issue of Better Homes and Gardens featured foodie destinations in Downtown Lancaster) are helping to highlight Lancaster’s varied attractions. Visitors still seem to be enraptured by cows and horse-drawn buggies, while locals are sharing river scenes, wildlife visiting their backyards and menu items from their favorite restaurants. In February, ice sculptures in Lititz dominated social media postings. Now that spring has arrived, we’ll no doubt be seeing photos depicting our gardening efforts. 

Yes, Lancaster County is a place we can all be proud to call home. Hopefully, the photos taken by Jordan will further remind you that we live in a very special place. 

Agritainment: Cherry Crest Adventure Farm 

According to Penn State Extension, farms of all sizes have been turning to agritainment – pick-your-own fruits/vegetables/flowers, farm markets, festivals, corn mazes, farm-stay vacations and more – to increase their incomes. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks, has become a leader in this growing aspect of tourism. 

Cherry Crest is a magnet for visitors to Lancaster County, as it boasts a fascinating history, scenic farmland, a neighbor in the Strasburg Rail Road and a corn maze that has appeared on USA Today’s annual “10 Best” readers’ poll for eight consecutive years beginning in 2014 (including first place in 2020 and third place the last two years). 

From a historical perspective, the farmland once belonged to succeeding generations of the Ferree family, French Huguenots who immigrated to America in search of religious freedom and settled in the Paradise area in 1712. Over the ensuing years, the family prospered and came to own more than 2,000 acres of land. Cherry Crest, for example, was once owned by Cornelius Ferree (1753-1792). The renowned wagon maker welcomed settlers heading west to stop at the farm before they ventured into the wilderness. 

Photographed August 29, 2022. Last year’s maze, which featured a buffalo, paid homage to the country’s national parks, notably Yellowstone, which was celebrating its 150th anniversary.

Much of the original Ferree farmland is now owned by Plain and English farmers. Cherry Crest’s current owners, Jack and Donna Coleman, arrived in Lancaster County from New Jersey in 1987, to continue farming. After purchasing Cherry Crest Farm they raised dairy cows but later transitioned to beef cows and poultry (broilers raised for Tyson). In addition, they raise soybeans and corn on the acreage. Jack and their son, Dylan, have also developed a dust-control product called Dustkill that is marketed throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Made with soybean oil, it is 100% plant-based, is non-corrosive and is renewable and sustainable. The eco-minded Colemans operate the farm with solar power. 

Looking for other ventures to augment the farm’s income, Jack noted the success of a corn maze at Lebanon Valley College and contacted its designer, Don Frantz of the American Maze Company. Their first joint venture (1996) employed a locomotive as its theme. Incredibly, nearly 30,000 visitors showed up to negotiate the maze. 

Over the past 27 years, the enterprise has grown to offer visitors attractions such as a petting zoo, farm tours, farm-themed activities, an educational center, themed festivals, concessions, a gift shop and more. The Coleman family, which now includes a third generation, takes pleasure in providing guests with “wholesome family fun” and educating them about agriculture. They also like to think that they’ve brought the property full circle and are continuing Cornelius Ferree’s tradition of welcoming travelers to the farm. They paid homage to Ferree’s hospitality and wainwright abilities by making the Conestoga Wagon the theme of a past maze. 

For more information, visit cherrycrestfarm.com.  

Parks & Recreation: Manheim Veterans Memorial Park 

On autumn Friday nights across Lancaster County, grassy athletic fields bring communities together in support of their high school football teams. Nowhere is that sense of community spirit more evident than in Manheim. 

The renowned Manheim Central Barons play their home games at Elden N. Rettew Field, which is part of a recreational and sports complex that spans more than 50 acres in the heart of Manheim. According to the annals of the Manheim Historical Society, Rettew, who was born in 1906 and died in 1985, viewed the development of the Veterans Memorial Park complex – baseball, softball and Little League fields; volleyball, basketball and tennis courts; swimming pools; playgrounds; farm show buildings; natural areas; a relocated and preserved covered bridge and, of course, a football field – as a labor of love. 

Photographed October 14, 2022. Conestoga Valley at Manheim Central.

Rettew’s dedication to the project began after World War II, when he became involved with the Manheim Athletic Association, which purchased the initial 15 acres and bequeathed them to the borough as a “citizens’ gift.” (The area where the football stadium is located was once a cornfield.) 

Rettew went on to serve as the chairman of the Manheim Field Commission, which oversaw the growth of the park, until 1980, at which time another entity assumed that role. As part of his responsibilities, Rettew made it a priority to beautify the complex with trees, shrubbery and other plantings.

To Rettew’s surprise and delight, the football field was named in his honor during a half-time ceremony that was held on November 12, 1982. The date was significant: It happened to be the avid Barons fan’s 77th birthday.   

For information about the newest proposed addition to the park, a plaza dedicated to all who have served, visit manheimveteransmemorial.org. 

Urban Renaissance: Downtown Lancaster 

To truly appreciate the city of Lancaster, you’ll need to take a walk. No doubt, you’ll become absorbed by the architecture and history that make it so special. 

Last summer, I was fortunate to participate in a C. Emlen Urban walking tour that was led by Gregg Scott, an architect who is an authority on all-things Urban. The noted architect (Urban) designed such buildings as Watt & Shand, Hager’s, the Griest Building and Southern Market, as well as schools, churches, private homes, hotels, corporate facilities and monumental gateways to parks and cemeteries. In 1899, Urban supervised the construction of the grand Woolworth Building (designed by the New York firm of Schickel & Ditmars), which stood on the first block of North Queen Street until 1950. He maintained his office in the building for 37 years and designed all of its additions and renovations. According to Gregg, you name the architectural style and Urban could execute it. 

The group met at the corner of College Avenue and West Chestnut Street and slowly made its way to North Queen Street. It made for a fascinating morning. Traveling along West Chestnut Street on foot provides an altogether different experience, as you are given the opportunity to study the details that make the homes – several designed by Urban – so distinctive. Also of note is the Stevens School (now home to residences) that was designed by Urban. 

Photographed October 28, 2022

Now that I “know” Urban better, I wonder what Penn Square would look like without the façade of the Watt & Shand building that wraps around the Marriott Hotel. The first phase of the landmark store was designed by Urban and completed in 1898. Over the years, it grew to encompass seven other buildings on East King and South Queen streets. 

The Hager Building, which dates to 1911, was another of Urban’s projects and represents his initial venture into modern design. Fortunately, it, too, was saved/adapted, as its upper floors hold residences, while the ground floor has become commercial space. Lancaster’s first skyscraper, the Griest Building, was designed by Urban in 1925. Southern Market, which was designed by Urban in 1888, nearly met its demise on several occasions. Today, it’s a beautiful food hall whose vendors offer visitors a taste of the world. 

As for some interesting Lancaster history, did you know that Andrew Ellicott tutored Meriwether Lewis on surveying techniques at the Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House on North Prince Street prior to the Lewis & Clark Expedition? It represents one of the city’s many historic buildings and warehouses that have been saved and readapted to serve other purposes. Appropriately enough, it now serves as the home of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, which annually honors preservation, restoration and adaptive-reuse projects with C. Emlen Urban awards. 

By the way, if you feel like taking an “Urban” walk, the Trust has compiled a C. Emlen Urban Architectural Tour Book that can be purchased online at hptrust.org. 

Restore/Preserve/Adapt: The Star Barn 

Barns are beloved landmarks in this area of the state. One in particular has always intrigued us and caused concern about its longevity. Now fully restored after being moved from Dauphin County to Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown, The Star Barn has a new lease on life. 

Like most Central Pennsylvanians, David Abel had driven by The Star Barn throughout his life. He was aware of the various efforts that had been made to save it. He never envisioned himself playing such a role until his wife, Tierney, suggested they save the barn and restore it to its original glory. They were rewarded with a C. Emlen Urban Award for their efforts. 

Built by Colonel John Motter in 1877, The Star Barn was used to house his prized horses. Motter, who was a man of faith, conveyed his belief in God and country through the barn’s design that was distinguished by towering cupolas and louvered ventilators. Built a dozen years after the Civil War ended, the five-pointed stars seen on the barn represented Motter’s hope that the reunified country would prosper once again. The stars also represented the five distinctive wounds Christ suffered at his crucifixion. Other faith-oriented elements included cathedral-style windows, barn spires that pointed toward heaven and fleur-de-lis finials that represented the Holy Trinity. 

Photographed December 8, 2022

In the late 1920s, the farm became a dairy operation; over the course of time, the 164-acre spread was reduced to just under four acres. By the latter part of the 20th century, encroaching development, neglect and the environmental stresses related to traffic on nearby Route 283 caused the barn and its complementary outbuildings to further deteriorate. Despite its condition, The Star Barn was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. 

In 2014, the Abels and DAS Companies acquired The Star Barn and the other outbuildings. Over the course of several months, the buildings were meticulously disassembled. With West Donegal Township providing zoning approval, plans to move the structures to Elizabethtown proceeded. Excavation began in spring 2016 to create a site for them to be rebuilt.  

Working with a host of companies and individuals who possessed the craftsmanship and vision to restore and preserve such a treasure, the Abels were able to utilize 90% of the structure to rebuild the barn. However, its exterior is actually new construction. The purpose of taking that route was to protect the original barn and to conceal modern-day materials such as steel beams, wiring, insulation, climate-control systems, etc. 

Completed in 2018, The Star Barn Village has become an events venue that hosts weddings and other social occasions, as well as seasonal events that are open to the public. In addition, net profits from such events benefit Brittany’s Hope, a nonprofit organization founded by the Abel family in 2000, which aids orphaned, at-risk and special-needs children worldwide. 

For more information, visit stonegablesestate.com. 

Ecotourism: Bridging the Gaps 

Lancaster County is becoming a prime destination for those who love the great outdoors. Thanks to rail trails, nature preserves, waterways and the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, ecotourism is impacting the region. 

The latest addition to Lancaster County’s growing reputation as a top-notch outdoor destination can be found along the Enola Low Grade Trail, which follows the Susquehanna River from Turkey Hill south to the Safe Harbor area and then travels eastward to Atglen. After more than eight years of planning and construction, the rehabilitated Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge that once carried rail traffic over the intersection of the Conestoga and Susquehanna rivers and connected Manor and Conestoga townships, is now conveying hikers, dog walkers and bicyclists, as they travel along the continuous 30-mile stretch of trail. 

Originally constructed in 1905, the steel bridge, which was built to carry rail traffic for the Atglen and Susquehanna Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, was considered a marvel of engineering. Measuring 140-feet high and 1,560-feet long, it was the second-longest bridge of its kind in the state and the third highest in the country. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it last saw service in 1989. 

Photographed October 22, 2022

When the upper 5-mile section of the Enola Low Grade Trail opened in 2013, restoring and readapting the bridge became a priority. Thanks to municipal, state and federal funding, as well as private donations, the goal became reality last June, when the $9 million project, which features concrete and glass decking, officially opened to trail traffic. Users marvel at the views the bridge offers, including the rivers, woodland, the Safe Harbor Dam, York County, railroad traffic and the famous petroglyph-covered rocks that dot the Susquehanna. 

Trail users were also excited by the announcement that work had been completed on the restoration of the Martic Forge Trestle Bridge, which was also built in 1905 and spans the Pequea Creek. The restored bridge, which is nearly as high as Safe Harbor’s and is 634-feet long, was compromised in 2018, when an arsonist set it ablaze. Funding issues and Covid created setbacks, but the $3 million funding issue was resolved through the acquisition of state grants, enabling work to progress on creating a concrete and galvanized-metal deck for the bridge. It reopened in late October 2022.    

For details, visit enolalowgradetrail.com and unchartedlancaster.com. 

 

Ramping Up for Spring

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Often called “wild leeks,” ramps are delicate, cool-weather vegetables similar to chives or onions. This ephemeral plant is easily over-foraged, which has led to ramp patches – including a few in this area – becoming closely guarded secrets. 

Harvested ramps showcasing white bulbs and green leaves. Wild ramps propagate through the division of bulbs and through seeds produced in the fall.

In the past, only one “outsider” was granted the opportunity to visit a well-guarded ramp patch that is harvested by Jim Switzenberg, the owner and executive chef at the John Wright Restaurant. To my delight, I became the second. While I was granted permission to bring a camera to the location, like the person who visited before me, I was required to wear a blindfold and turn off my cell phone so that I could not identify the route we took to get there or pinpoint its exact location. I must admit, the CIA-like maneuvers were well worth it. Upon arriving, I was introduced to the mother lode of ramp patches!  

Community-to-Table 

If you grew up going to mountainous destinations such as Wellsboro and Coudersport in Tioga and Potter counties respectively, you may have noticed local fire companies advertising ham-and-leek dinners. Growing in cool weather, ramps (Allium tricoccum) are bulbed vegetables with flavor characteristics adjacent to onions, chives, scallions or larger, cultivated broadleaf leeks. In such places, ramp-digging is a pastime, while the aforementioned dinners are held to celebrate the arrival of spring and benefit local fire companies and other organizations throughout the Appalachians. West Virginia appears to be the epicenter of dinners and festivals that are dedicated to ramps.    

John Wright Restaurant’s owner and executive chef, Jim Switzenberg, with his dog, Zeke, ahead of their first foraging trip of 2022. Jim reports that Zeke knowingly anticipates harvest time, as it allows him to explore the myriad of scents and curiosities of the ramp patch.

Searching for ramp sources closer to home (Lancaster and York counties are about as far to the east as they grow), I came across an Etsy “store” that listed ramp oil for sale by WrightsvilleFoods. Knowing the John Wright Restaurant offered ramps for sale and infused menu items with them in the spring, I thought there must surely be a connection. It also occurred to me that for a restaurant to procure the number of ramps that would be needed for such purposes, they would need access to the mother lode of ramp patches. 

As it turns out, WrightsvilleFoods is a part of John Wright Restaurant’s efforts to diversify revenue streams for greater stability. John Wright Restaurant is also home to The Real Food Emporium, which is stocked with an ever-changing selection of unique take-out items and cooking ingredients. The new operations were launched to fulfill a need during the pandemic. “We never want to be in a position where we can’t take care of our employees,” Jim explains.  

A massive, Wrightsville-area ramp patch conserved in part with the John Wright Restaurant, is located on private land. Locating a patch of ramps filling the area of a square yard is typically considered a success.

The opportunity to add ramps to the menu arose roughly seven years ago when guests questioned Jim about his familiarity with ramps and if he knew what to do with them. One of the guests explained, “I hear I have a gold mine of ramps.” As it turned out, the guests’ property is home to a ramp patch they had been mowing over for 25 years. “Every year when we run a ramps special, we’ll invite them down,” says Jim. “I give them purée, as much as they want. I taught them a few dishes to impress their friends. These guys know that I really care. For us, it’s community-to-table.”

Going In Blind 

Visiting this acclaimed ramp patch took more than a year of conversations and planning before Jim would eventually agree to take me along on a foraging trip. It was decided that I would have to go in blindfolded. Spared from knowing the location of their ramp patch, this protected the source and I’d be freed of inquiries on how to get there (so don’t ask!). In the spring of 2021, I narrowly missed the first opportunity after uncommonly warm weather literally steamed the ramps in the ground. The damp soil and jarring heat turned the ramps yellow overnight, abruptly ending the foraging season at a third of its usual duration of six to eight weeks. Larger harvests come at the end of the season, leaving yields low and so, my foraging trip had to wait another year.

Healthy wild ramps display broad leaves that grow to about 4-inches wide. Preferring cool, damp conditions, ramp leaves develop in early spring and wilt in the warmth of late spring.

In April of 2022, the day finally arrived. It was a picturesque spring morning at the restaurant that awards guests with stunning views of the Susquehanna River. Nature roused from its annual slumber beneath clear skies, as the warm sun fended off the cool, brisk air. We met outside the restaurant, where I was greeted by Jim and his dog, Zeke (Ezekiel), who was every bit as excited about our expedition. “What every forager needs is a good dog who wants to go with them,” says Jim. “He knows. He knew the season was coming,” he says of Zeke sensing something special was in store that morning. As Jim gathered his foraging tools, Zeke and I settled into the front of his truck. “We’re going harvesting, not foraging,” says Jim with a lofty grin. Powering off my phone to disable GPS, I pulled my baseball hat over my eyes and our adventure began.

The Harvest 

Arriving at our undisclosed location, we found ourselves surrounded by ramp patches. “Just wait,” Jim exclaims. “We’re not even there yet!” Even if someone had no idea what ramps look like, their presence is alerted by your nose. The air offered fresh scents of spring, laden with robust notes of sweet onions or perhaps garlic. It was a familiar smell, yet somehow new. We walked a short distance and Jim’s grandiose claims materialized. A dense swath of green leaves filled the wooded hillside. I started to question if a camera could capture the massive scale of this ramp “patch.”

Like Jim, I soon viewed this place as special. He understood the resource that grew before us, the importance of growing and protecting the patch by limiting harvest to sustainable, though still incredible, volumes. “We treat it like conservationists,” he says, explaining that by harvesting 100 pounds of ramps, John Wright’s chefs can produce 15 gallons of purée. 

Jim is the right person to utilize this patch. He respects it and the landowners, cherishes it, shares it and even utilizes it to foster the local community. I suspect that 25 years of mowing over the patch and not harvesting from it made it what it is today, since the lawnmower blades helped to disperse seeds and force new growth. Jim has essentially taken that development a step further by bringing the flavor of ramps to the community through the John Wright Restaurant in a sustainable, easily attainable way.

Slow and Vulnerable 

While ramps are a perennial plant returning each year, they are incredibly slow to propagate. This is the reason foraging must be sustainable or else ramp patches will disappear. Ramps multiply in one of two ways: splitting bulbs in the soil or germinating seeds dropped later in the year. According to Dr. Eric Burkhart, program director at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and associate teaching professor at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, it can take three to five years until the seed turns into a bulb, creating a conservation issue. In the wild, if each forager harvests 10% of a patch, in no time at all it will become depleted.

Jim uses a pick to harvest, not forage, ramps for use in menu items and products sold at the John Wright Restaurant.

Because the land-use legacy throughout Pennsylvania has changed often over the past 300 years, ramps have been removed. As lowland areas were cleared for agriculture, they became scarce. “People are starting to chip in to move plants around,” says Dr. Burkhart. Once considered a lower-class food due to the smell, “We’ve gone from rags to riches when it comes to ramps,” he notes.

Ramp Foraging Tips 

Depending on the region and weather, ramps can be ready to forage anywhere from the end of March into early- or mid-April. Waiting as little as four weeks to harvest in May will require less than half as many plants to produce an identical volume of smaller, less mature ramps. This can make all the difference in terms of sustainability and even flavor, as it’s more developed in mature plants.

WrightsvilleFoods Ramp Oil is made and bottled in the kitchen of the John Wright Restaurant. Concentrating and preserving the flavor of ramps extends the season well-beyond springtime and across many plates.

When harvesting, select only the most mature ramps (with three large leaves) on plants that have a seed stump from the previous year. Mature plants should be surrounded by smaller seedlings, which can be moved to start new patches if replanted quickly. In commercial operations, ramps are harvested from rotating or gridded areas. 

Some advocates encourage only harvesting the leaves and leaving the bulbs in place. In any case, harvesting must be sparse, not done in groups or patches, while trying to leave the soil undisturbed to keep weeds down. Think to cull, not clear. Harvesting, not destroying.

If you’d like to forage for ramps, start by looking for them on shaded, northeast-facing banks. Their stalks can be red or green, usually with three and sometimes four leaves. Ramps can tolerate full sun if there’s enough moisture nearby to stay hydrated. They prefer damp soil rich in calcium and low in acidity. Nearby trees that thrive on water sources can be clues to finding them; they include sugar maple, tulip poplar and slippery elm. Carry a soil or garden knife; I prefer the Japanese-style hori hori knife. Also carry a drain spade to tilt the soil and carefully pry ramps out of the ground. Remember to pat down the ramps you don’t intend to harvest.

Storage and Cooking 

John Wright Restaurant’s Rampi Scampi is anything but bashful. The tangy bite of foraged ramps stands out with the tooth of the al dente pasta, sweet shrimp, silky stewed tomatoes and thin slices of parmesan cheese. It’s served with Pour Man’s Brewing Company’s Perspective Pilsner.

Bulbs will last up to three months in cold storage, while leaves will start to wither and yellow in a matter of days (store them in a Mason jar with a little cool water to keep moisture in the stems). 

Ramps, which are high in Vitamin C, can be fermented and pickled. Fresh ramps can be sautéed in butter with mushrooms or pasta. They can also be stir-fried or used to create pesto and flavored butter. Dried bulbs can be ground into powder and used in place of garlic powder or salt. Ramp oil purée preserves and extends the availability of ramps throughout the year while adding pungent flavor in smaller amounts across many dishes, including stews, eggs, pizza and bread. The possibilities are endless! 

Mediterranean-Style Gardens: What is (Very) Old is New Again

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It appears that European gardeners – even the English – discovered the allure of Mediterranean-style gardens last season. Now the trend is crossing “the pond” and will be making an impact on American landscaping and gardening in 2023. 

Mediterranean-style gardens are distinguished by vibrant colors, decorative tiles, stone texture, terracotta containers, fragrant plants and spaces dedicated to dining.

Readers who, like your columnist, have been gardening for decades, have seen many trends come and go. It took years for us to get over our enchantment with those deep English perennial borders that not only required a squad of gardeners to maintain, but sooner or later succumbed to our hot and humid summers. 

The next trend we fell for was ornamental grasses – touted as low-maintenance and the more the better. Right. Over the course of a few years, we learned they die out in the center and require the assistance of a rugby player to divide. But far worse, those Asian grasses have now seeded all through the meadows and woodlands of our county. Just look, you’ll see them. As a result, I’ve removed all my Miscanthus plantings.

Musts for a Mediterranean-style garden include: A shaded area filled with interesting architectural plants.

In recent years, the “New American Garden” has been the rage, highlighting native plants. It’s become a mania with some home gardeners. I try to appreciate their position, but we can’t overlook the countless non-native plants that deserve to be stalwarts in our borders. Besides, there are native plants that qualify as thugs. I also ask the question, native to where? Just the county? The eastern U.S.? One should not dispute that conifers (evergreens) from Asia are fundamental to providing structure in our gardens. And don’t forget that the much-loved and coddled turf grass dominating the suburbs is not native.

A Solution For a Changing Climate 

What can we learn from the gardens of Spain, France, Greece, Morocco and Italy? And why copy? While it may be trendy, the fact of the matter is the gardening style employed in those countries is determined by their hot, dry, sunny climate. Notwithstanding the fact that some areas in the western U.S. had record-breaking rain and snow in recent months, global climate change is predicted to bring hotter and dryer conditions to our northeast summers. 

Musts for a Mediterranean-style garden include: Walls (or portions of walls) painted a vibrant color.

The changes in our climate have been noticeable. Providing supplemental watering July into August has become typical. Families returning from a few days away, find their water-needy plants parched. Due to those circumstances, why not try to adapt our borders to this changing state of affairs?

Mediterranean Characteristics 

Gardens in the Mediterranean are all about sensory experiences: vibrant colors, gravel paths, decorative tiles, stone textures, cane furniture, painted walls, terracotta pots and fragrant plants. Casual gatherings with friends. Coffee with a book enjoyed under a pergola. Low maintenance. Really. 

The cushion upholstery can provide a needed pop of color in the garden.

Why not adapt this casual, elegant style to your own backyard? Such gardens have a timeless feel. Think of a Greek balcony or an Italian terrace garden. Some plants found in such gardens are native, but those grown in similar climates – California, South Africa and Mexico – obviously would be good choices for adapting the style to South Central Pennsylvania.

Structure  

All too often we think gardening is first and foremost all about the plants. But successful gardens start with structure. Mediterranean gardens incorporate natural materials in their walls and paving. The natural landscape of the area is mineral-based and entails lots of stone, sand and gravel. 

Low-maintenance, heat-loving plants flank a stone-and-gravel staircase.

Gravel is used for patios, paths and to mulch the plant beds. (Happily, the bark mulches your writer disdains have no place here.) The gravel paving takes the place of time-consuming, water-dependent grass. The light color of the gravel will reflect heat back onto the vibrant, sun-loving plants. Edges between gravel mulch and paving can be softened with low-growing fragrant herbs. Here and there some larger rocks or boulders can be arranged on the gravel (as long as it looks natural).

Characteristically, glazed tiles in patterns or pulsating colors are used on stair steps or as accents on walls or counters. These brighter touches are tempered by the earth tones of pavers on patios and terraces.

Musts for a Mediterranean-style garden include: Stone and gravel for texture.

Sure, pastel walls look great as a background to plants, but why not jazz things up a bit by painting the walls in vibrant shades of terracotta, mustard, lapis blue or even magenta, which are so often the distinctive background colors that are seen in hot-weather countries. Perhaps paint just a section of a wall or an alcove because most of the color should come from the flowering plants. 

A nice feature is a small pool or fountain (made from natural materials) to provide soothing relief from the reflected heat. For sure, include a bird bath not far away.

As the finishing touch for the style, patio furniture should preferably be a natural material like cane or rustic wood. And, of course, a pergola defining the dining spot with some climbing plants to provide dappled shade.

A pergola creates a defined space for dining.

For a small urban garden or a suburban home that has added one of the “outdoor-living” terraces featured in “landscaping” (actually hardscaping) ads throughout LCM, perhaps the Mediterranean style is just the ambiance needed for relaxed, outdoor living even in temperate Lancaster County.

Cultural Requirements 

A south-facing site that receives six to eight hours of sun throughout the season but is also protected from the elements is ideal. If you already have light sandy soil, you’re ready to go, but if you garden on clay, you’ll need to mix in plenty of gravel to provide adequate drainage. Your plants will all require good year-round drainage. If the area you want to plant is frequently waterlogged, that is, it stays wet after heavy rain or snowmelt, you’ll either need to construct raised beds or put all your plants in pots. (Ensure good drainage in your pots by mixing in gravel, sand or perlite.)  

Plants can spill over and soften rock walls.

Plants growing in conditions seen in Mediterranean countries prefer nutrient-poor soil, so hands off your beloved fertilizers! In next month’s Gardening Journey, I will suggest appropriate container and in-ground plant choices.

Containers 

The warm color of terracotta pots is traditional in Mediterranean gardens to set off the vibrant colors of the flowers, tiles and walls. Terracotta soaks up and reflects the heat and is available in pot sizes large enough to accommodate “architectural” plants like palms and yuccas. 

Musts for a Mediterranean-style garden include: Terracotta containers and decorative items.

Be certain the terracotta you purchase is frost-proof; it’s more expensive but will ensure that your pots get through cold winter weather. The cheaper versions from the box stores will shatter eventually when exposed to below-freezing temperatures. Also think about adding an enameled cobalt-blue container to contrast with the terracotta.

As you prepare your containers for planting, you’ll soon become aware of how heavy they become. Perhaps put them on casters before filling with soil if the planting will need to be moved to a protected area during the winter. Display the pots in a sunny area and water only when the soil feels dry. Use a gravel mulch on the containers for appearance and to keep the roots cool.

Spend the early spring readying your sunbaked patio for a transformation into a Mediterranean-style getaway. In next month’s column, I’ll provide your planting list. By then, soil will have warmed up and our splendid local nurseries will be well-stocked. This summer you will be transported to another world just outside your door. Only missing is a view of the sea and a bocce-ball court!

Edward Babiarz: The Paper Artist

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Edward Babiarz dips his hand into a 10-gallon bucket filled with a bright-red slurry. It is almost comforting to watch the texture move as his hand becomes the agitator. He cups a small handful of what looks like liquid but with a squeeze of his fingers against his palm it transforms, and he hands me soft, tepid and malleable pulp. This is the moment his art takes shape.

Edward Babiarz, pictured at his home in Berks County, found his artistic calling after attending an exhibition at Franklin & Marshall College. His self-curated display, The Paper Trail, runs through April at the Yocum Institute for Arts Education’s Holleran Gallery in Reading.

“There’s always been a creative component to my life that I felt I needed to get out,” says Edward, who initially thought his artistic release would come through the piano. An early stint in broadcast journalism provided a creative spark, but even though he loved his time behind the mic at WBQW in Scranton and programming for WKRZ out of Wilkes-Barre, he had to find something else. In the ’90s, Edward was living in Elizabethtown, working as a care-management professional, when he found his true artistic calling. He attended a showing by paper artist, Jeanne Petrosky, at Franklin & Marshall College and had an immediate connection with the work. “I was captivated.” 

The two chatted and soon Edward was attending her workshops on papermaking; he then began renting an area in her studio until his art outgrew the space. He then created a workspace in his current home just outside of Reading. (Edward and Jeanne became lifelong friends and he even attended her wedding to Dennis Guzenski, a faux-finish artist, with whom she collaborates to create, per artfulhome.com, “things you don’t need, but that deep down, your soul requires.”) 

A detailed look at Irene, inspired by the artist’s vibrant aunt, shows vivid hues of blue paper carefully arranged.

Edward officially started displaying his artwork in 2001 “and from there it just built,” he says. “It was a natural progression, and I didn’t feel forced to succeed.”

Well, succeeded he has. In his element in his kitchen, with plates of pastries laid out on the counter and Cuban coffee brewing, it is easy for Edward to talk about his art. His art is his voice, a reflection of his thoughts and emotions and after we chat for a bit, he leads me downstairs to his studio/office where I can observe the process and reflect on several of his pieces still in his possession.

The Process

“I began holistically making paper,” explains Edward, who limited himself to 12” x 14” sized pieces in the beginning. He worked himself into a confident comfort level and the pieces got bigger. The process starts with a raw sheet of 100% first-cut cotton linter. When cotton is processed for clothing and traditional uses, the long fibers are separated from the cotton seed; the seed is then put through a “linter” to remove the fibers remaining inside and these become a medium for papermakers. 

Edward shreds this sheet by hand into a 5-gallon bucket filled with water and then uses an industrial mixer to create a pulp or slurry. To produce the color, he adds a time-tested and proprietary blend of colorized pigments designed to penetrate the fibers of the pulp. Once the desired color is achieved, he retrieves a bit of pulp from the bucket and places it into a mould and deckle used to press the paper into form. “I create my medium; I feel like I have a personal attachment to my art because I know what it is like to make the paper, to mix, to know the right consistency, agitate and produce something that has integrity and strength,” he remarks. 

A commissioned piece, Last Look, depicts an ocean-view sunset.

After pressing, the individual sheets are allowed to dry. No two pieces of paper are the same; each piece has two sides, giving Edward something to consider even before assembly of the pieces as a whole. When the paper is ready to become part of the grand creation, it is lightly misted and manipulated by hand with assistance from any number of objects to provide the depth and motion Edward desires. Finishing sculpting is done with a simple plastic knife. Once complete, larger works can take more than a month – sometimes almost two months – to dry.

“The paper will dictate sometimes exactly what happens to it. Initially, paper is just flat; it’s lifeless. There’s nothing really to the paper at first and I want to transform it into something that has movement, life and energy. Sometimes a piece provides a different meaning for people depending on how they see things,” explains Edward. He seals each of his creations with natural methyl cellulose, an emulsifying and suspending agent, making it impervious to threats like insects and humidity.

Resurrection of My Demon Brother stirs the emotions of many viewers. Edward says sometimes art is cheaper than therapy.

Pieces like Resurrection of My Demon Brother are “cheaper than therapy,” he admits, while describing the artistic process of the piece hanging in his office. The main focus of the work is a papered-over mask with a white form thrusting forth with pages of individual paper striped through the middle with shades of crimson red – “energy that is pushing out,” he explains. The piece incorporates alpaca hair embossed onto the paper. “This piece was shown in Ohio and Canada, and it has gotten some interesting reactions,” he notes.

Exhibits

“My work has been in a number of shows in Lancaster County, and I’ve been honored by the Lancaster County Art Association; they are just fantastic people,” says Edward, whose first appearance in an Association exhibition came in 2006. He has been recognized worldwide for his art, gaining the most notoriety with Canadian curators and collectors. In 2022, he was elected an associate member of The Plastic Club in Philadelphia, a volunteer-run nonprofit started in 1897 to promote the malleable and changing nature of art and to support artists working in every medium – including paper.

Origin is power radiating beyond its constraints.

Now through April 30, Edward offers his artwork in an exhibition benefiting the Yocum Institute for Arts Education and Co-County Wellness Services. Titled The Paper Trail, the self-curated collection of more than 25 works is on display at Yocum’s Holleran Gallery. A few of the pieces included are Origin, Luminescence 1 and Intersectionality. Shows like The Paper Trail provide one of the best ways to experience Edward’s art. “I’m not a marketer. I don’t self-promote. I don’t even have a website, which I probably should,” admits Edward. “I put my voice on paper.”

The Holleran Gallery is located at 3000 Penn Avenue in West Lawn, Berks County. Hours for the exhibit are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit yocuminstitute.org for more information. 

Support a Local Author & Bookstore

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Finding contentment with what one has can be difficult, especially for children. In an often materialistic society, many kids experience the pressure to fit in with peers through possessions such as trendy clothes or the latest gadgets. Local author, Jessica Whipple, addresses the “fuzzy boundary between wants and needs” in her debut children’s picture book, titled Enough Is… The book poses the question: How many friends, clothes, toys or books are enough?

The 32-page book, illustrated by Nicole Wong of Fall River, Massachusetts, follows one child as she learns the difference between wants and needs and, in the end, feels the contentment that comes from being satisfied with what she has. Published by Tilbury House, Enough Is… is recommended for children ages 6-8 years old and will be available to the public April 18. Aaron’s Books in Lititz will be hosting a launch event for Jessica’s debut book on Sunday,
April 16, at 2 p.m.

Meet the Author: Jessica Whipple

Photo by Nick Gould

Jessica, along with her husband and two young daughters, recently moved from Pittsburgh to Lancaster. Jessica has another book on the way this year, titled I Think I Think a Lot, which will be available to the public August 29. Ahead of her debut book release, Jessica shared a glimpse into her journey to become an author.

Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: I have a communications degree, so writing has always been a component of any traditional “job” I’ve had, whether as a copywriter at a marketing agency or writing a newsletter for a nonprofit. But the inkling to see if I could write a picture book came when I was a young mom with a toddler and an infant. It started as curiosity: “Could I do this? What does it take to write and publish a book?” And the more I dug into those questions, the deeper my research took me [and] the more excited I became at the idea. 

Q: Why children’s books?

A: I like the interplay between images and text that’s balanced so perfectly in picture books. They’re the smallest iteration of an idea, in a perfect package of art and words. I like squeezing something big into such a small space.

Q: What inspired you to write Enough Is…?

A: I don’t know where ideas come from, but I don’t feel 100% responsible for my own. Maybe they come from God? All I know is, I didn’t have the idea, and then I did. I know it was fueled by my desire to share things about the world with my own children.

Q: Can you tell me about your other upcoming book, I Think I Think a Lot?

A: That one’s inspired by my experience with OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It follows an overthinking, worry-filled child as she compares her own thinking patterns to those of her friends. They seem troublingly different, but she comes to discover the beauty in her own way of experiencing the world.

To learn more about Jessica, visit authorjessicawhipple.com. 

Book Launch Details
When: Sunday, April 16, at 2 p.m.

Where: Aaron’s Books, 35 East Main Street, Lititz

What: Jessica Whipple will be celebrating the release of her book, Enough Is…, with a book signing. Enough Is… can be preordered from Aaron’s Books or purchased at the event. Only books purchased  at Aaron’s Books can be signed at the event. RSVPs are required via aaronsbooks.com. 

 

Top 10 To-Dos for April 2023

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1 Rails & Ales | April 1

Photo courtesy of Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, PHMC.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Enjoy an evening of craft beer samples among a collection of historic trains inside the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Rails & Ales will feature over 20 craft breweries, both local and regional. Food vendors will also be on-site, including Blazin’ J’s, Homage Cuisines of the West African Diaspora, Walk-O Taco and more. General admission begins at 6:30 p.m. and last pour is at 9 p.m. Tickets for VIP hour (5:30-6:30 p.m.) are also available. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be found on Eventbrite. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit, Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Information: railsandales.org or 717-687-8628.

 

2 Nature Series: Growing Community through Urban Agriculture | April 8

Photo courtesy of Madison Walter.

LancasterHistory Tanger Arboretum

Get inspired to grow something new this year at The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum’s Nature Series kickoff event. The Nature Series is a collection of nature- and outdoor-focused education programs. The 2023 Nature Series will start with “Growing Community through Urban Agriculture” on April 8 at 10 a.m. Madison Walter, who is an urban agriculture coordinator for the New Castle Conservation District, will explain how urban agriculture projects transform spaces and empower individuals to reclaim ownership of their environment. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and can be purchased online. Information: lancasterhistory.org/event-categories/tanger-aboretum or 717-392-4633.

 

3 Invincible Book Launch | April 12

Photo courtesy of Anne Schober.

Our Town Brewery

Anne Schober, Mollie Ayers and 26 other chronic illness patients have created a book called Invincible: Finding the Light Beyond the Darkness of Chronic Illness. The book is a compilation of these individuals’ stories as they experienced the anger, denial, grief, acceptance, triumphs and joys that can encompass the journey of chronic illness. When the creators began writing this book, they thought of themselves as 28 invisible warriors because many of them do not “look” sick. Through the writing process, all the authors came to understand that “they are not invisible; they are invincible.” The book will be released on April 12 during their book launch at Our Town Brewery from 6-8 p.m. Information: Facebook or 717-203-1610.

 

4 River Towns Plein Air | April 12-23

Photo by Kaylee Rex.

Marietta, Columbia and Wrightsville

Explore the river towns as 60 talented artists paint en plein air, which is French for “in the open air.” The event spotlights original artwork completed on location over an eight-day period in the historic Susquehanna River communities of Marietta, Columbia and Wrightsville. The event culminates in a juried exhibition and sale held at the Marietta Community House/Studio 264. The exhibition and sale will be open April 21-23.

On April 15, anyone can participate during the Quick Draw held in Columbia from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Participants of all ages have two hours to paint or draw from observation in a designated area of the town. From 12-2 p.m., finished works of art will be on display, juried for cash awards and available for sale. Registration for the Quick Draw is $10. Information: mariettaartalive.com or 717-314-9551.

 

5 PA Family Travel Fair | April 15

Photo courtesy of PA Family Travel Fair.

Calvary Church

How much of Pennsylvania have you explored? Our home state is filled with unique destinations and experiences, such as museums and historical sites, amusement parks, outdoor adventures and unique lodging. The PA Family Travel Fair is designed to showcase fun and affordable vacation opportunities in the state. At this free, family-friendly show, discover exhibitors from across Pennsylvania and learn how much the state truly has to offer. No sales are involved, just lots of free information, fun children’s activities, mascots, raffle drawings and giveaways. Kids can enjoy performances from magician Papa Tater and Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland. A variety of food trucks will be onsite as well. Information: pafamilytravel.com or 717-492-2544.

 

6 Spring Fling | April 15

Photo courtesy of Conestoga Area Historical Society.

Conestoga Area Historical Society

The Conestoga Area Historical Society will celebrate the opening of their 2023 season with the second-annual Spring Fling on April 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature face-painting, egg-painting, an Easter egg hunt, a balloon artist, building tours, vendors of historical merchandise and food trucks. There will also be demonstrations, such as broom-making, tin-smithing, blacksmithing, cloth-weaving and pottery-making. Be sure to check out the society’s authentic Conestoga Wagon on display! Information: Facebook or 717-872-1699.

 

7 Art at Brunch: Art Bag Challenge | April 16

Photo courtesy of PCA&D – Center for Creative Exploration.

Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse

Explore your creative side at the Art Bag Challenge hosted by PCA&D – Center for Creative Exploration. The event is similar to Chopped, but attendees create art instead of food. Participants of all ages will be given a mysterious bag of materials to use in a work of art. Every material must be incorporated. Once finished, participants will title their work and place it in the judging area. Then everyone gets a chance to vote for their favorite art and favorite title. Winners will be awarded crafty trophies. No registration is required but a $5 donation is suggested. If you plan to have brunch at Zoetropolis, reservations are strongly recommended. The event will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: PCAD or 717-396-7833.

 

8 Lancaster City Restaurant Week | April 17-23

Photo by Jordan Bush.

Downtown Restaurants

From delicious burgers to authentic cuisine from around the world, Lancaster City offers a dining option for any mood. Explore Lancaster City’s diverse dining scene during Restaurant Week as many restaurants offer special menus or discounts. Support local restaurants by dining in, ordering take-out or purchasing a gift card. Information: lancastercityrestaurantweek.com.

 

9 Race Against Racism | April 29

Photo courtesy of Michelle Johnsen/YWCA Lancaster.

Musser Park

Participate in the 25th-annual Race Against Racism hosted by YWCA Lancaster! Lancaster’s Race Against Racism is the biggest and longest consecutively run in the nation. Run the 5K as an individual or create a team. Children 12 and under can participate in the Kids’ Fun Run. The Race Against Racism raises money for YWCA Lancaster’s Center for Racial and Gender Equity, which aims to root out injustice, transform institutions and help the world see women, girls and people of color as equal, powerful and unstoppable. Information: ywcalancaster.org/raceagainstracism or 717-393-1735.

 

10 Bark for Life | April 29

Photo courtesy of Relay for Life of Lancaster County.

New Life Fellowship Church

Bring the family and your furry friends to this fundraiser hosted by Relay for Life. The event will feature a “Strut Your Mutt” parade, dog games, contests, giveaways, food, vendors, demonstrations from a local search and rescue team and a visit from the East Hempfield Police canine unit. There will also be a live auction starting at 1 p.m., featuring themed gift baskets, gift cards from local stores and restaurants, tickets to local attractions and merchandise from local businesses. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for rescues, including blankets, treats, toys, food and cleaning supplies. The event will also raise money for the American Cancer Society to help fund groundbreaking cancer research. The free event will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: relayforlife.org/barklancasterpa or 717-817-6799.

 

 

For more information on local events, click here!

Top 10 March To-Dos

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Photo courtesy of Lancaster County Wood Carvers.

1. Woodcarving and Wildlife Art Festival

March 11-12 | Millersville University Student Memorial Center

This festival will feature exhibitors displaying their woodcarving and wildlife art, live demos, door prizes, presentations, a silent auction, hands-on carving sessions and vendors. Art will be available for purchase from many artists and carvers. This year’s theme is Wonders in Wood and will feature special guest Kevin Applegate, an accomplished woodcarver and member of Caricature Carvers of America. The show will be open Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5 or free for those with a student or military ID. Parking is free. Information: lancarvers.com.

 

Photo courtesy of LAIF.

2. Lawilowan American Indian Festival

March 11-12 | Park City Center – BonTon Building

Celebrate Native American culture with drumming, singing, dancing, flute circles, crafts, vendors and food. The event will also feature a dreamcatcher raffle to raise money for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Admission is $5 per person and free for kids under 7 and adults over the age of 65. Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: lawilowan.com or on Facebook.

 

Photo by Kirk Zutell.

3. Charter Day

March 12 | State-owned Museums

Pennsylvania was created when England’s King Charles II granted a charter to William Penn in 1681. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) will celebrate Pennsylvania’s 342nd birthday with free admission to certain state-owned museums. Participating Lancaster-area museums include Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (landisvalleymuseum.org), Ephrata Cloister (ephratacloister.org), Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (rrmuseumpa.org) and Cornwall Iron Furnace (cornwallironfurnace.org). Information: phmc.pa.gov or 717-787-3362.

 

Photo by Beth Cardwell Photography.

4. WeeUsables Consignment Event

March 15-18 | Spooky Nook Sports

Find everything you need for the little ones in your life, including baby gear, toys, books, puzzles, clothing and more. Over 850 local families have consigned their new and gently used items in this sale. There will also be a variety of vendors on-site. On Saturday, everything will be half off, and from 6:30-7:30 p.m., there will be a cash-only stuff-a-bag sale. Each bag will cost $10, and all money collected will be given to a local charity. Parking is free, as well as admission on Thursday-Saturday. Tickets must be purchased for the pre-sale on Wednesday. Information: weeusablesevent.com or 717-495-2855.

 

Photo courtesy of YWCA Lancaster.

5. Taste of Success Culinary Showdown

March 24 | Listrak

Experience a culinary, interactive cook-off event featuring the talents of students from Lancaster County Career & Technology Center. Enjoy a variety of appetizers and desserts and vote for your favorite dishes. A bar featuring local beer and wine will also be available. The evening benefits the New Choices Career Development Program at YWCA Lancaster, which provides free career development through individualized coaching sessions and workshops. The event will take place from 6-8:45 p.m. Information: one.bidpal.net/newchoices or 717-393-1735.

 

Photo courtesy of Prima Theatre.

6. Into the Woods

March 10-12, 17-18, 24-25 | Prima Theatre

Enjoy this Tony Award-winning musical that takes everyone’s favorite storybook characters and brings them together for a modern classic. A host of fairytale characters pursues their happily ever after, but each must learn the responsibility of wishes that come true. The Prima production will be directed by Galia Backal, who was the resident director of the Broadway hit, SIX. Information: primatheatre.org/woods or 717-327-5124.

 

Photo courtesy of Junior League of Lancaster.

7. Run4Luck

Lancaster Country Day School | March 11

The Junior League of Lancaster is hosting their 18th-annual race to benefit the organization’s mission of improving communities by supporting women and promoting voluntarism. Lace up your running shoes and don your green gear for a 5K, 2-mile walk or a Fun Run for the little ones. There is also a virtual option available. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. Information: jllancaster.org/run4luck or 717-392-2415.

 

Photo courtesy of Zenkaikon.

8. Zenkaikon

March 24-25 | Lancaster County Convention Center

For one weekend in March, the streets of Downtown Lancaster are filled with mystical creatures, cartoon characters and video-game avatars during Zenkaikon. The three-day event features panels, workshops, screenings, cosplay, video and tabletop gaming, live action role play (LARP), anime music videos (AMV), dances, vendors, artists and more. There will also be a variety of special guests, including voice actors, authors, cosplayers and comedians. Information: zenkaikon.com.

 

Photo courtesy of American Heart Association.

9. Lancaster Heart Ball

March 25 | Lancaster Country Club

Enjoy dinner, music, dancing, an engaging program and silent and live auctions while supporting a worthy cause. Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide, while strokes rank second globally. The American Heart Association raises awareness for cardiovascular health and has invested over $5 billion in research to fight heart disease and stroke. The Heart Ball raises critical funds and promotes the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. The event will be held from 6-11 p.m. Information: event.gives/56317 or 717-329-4678.

 

Liberty Homestead from Kingsville, MO. Photo courtesy of Lancaster Quilt Show.

10. Lancaster Quilt Show

March 29-April 1 | Wyndham Lancaster Resort

Browse a variety of quilts and quilting materials from 45 vendors from all over the country at the 31st-annual Lancaster Quilt Show. Visitors can also participate in a variety of classes and learn how to create table runners, bags, unique quilting techniques and more. Be sure to enter the free raffle to win over $1,300 worth of vendor donated products. Food vendors will also be on-site. Hours each day are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Information: Eventbrite.

 

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