CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Attracting Birds to the Home Garden

by Leave a Comment

Backyard birding has become America’s newest favorite hobby. For some, it’s a rediscovered pastime, while for others, it’s a newfound fascination. Regardless, birding – or birdwatching – provides people with a way to disconnect from technology and connect with nature. 

Cindy Schlosser, the artist/owner of Gallery on Market in Downtown Lancaster, is working on a series of her signature wooden bowls that feature a mix of birds and flowers. The Goldfinch (left) is her most recent edition. For more information, visit galleryonmarket.com.

Last spring our gardening journeys recognized that with many people working and learning from home, households were adopting dogs in record numbers. Sharing the yard with Fido brought unexpected challenges for some gardeners, so I addressed those concerns and provided coping strategies. 

A year later, with so many people still working from home, I’ve been fielding yet another animal-related question: “How can I attract more birds to my yard? I love seeing them when I look up from my computer screen.” While birds provide a pleasant diversion from work, people are also discovering that birding can bring enjoyment for the whole family, as birds can provide even toddlers with an introduction to the natural world. 

How popular has birding become? According to Wild Bird Unlimited’s website, 81 million Americans consider themselves to be backyard birders. That equates to an economic impact. For example, the same company’s website estimates those 81 million backyard birders spend $5 billion annually on seed and wildlife food. The number climbs to $7.6 billion for feeders, birdbaths and other necessities. Who would have thought that “eagle cams” would become “must-see” entertainment? Or, that birding vacations would become a thing?

I can’t think of a more engaging hobby than birding. Birds have held our attention since the dawn of time. As children, we learned that the migration of birds signaled that spring or fall was fast approaching. Watching Geese in their V-shaped formations heading north or south is still mesmerizing. 

A tube feeder is a good starting point for novice birders.

Spying the first Robin was cause for celebration, as it signaled that spring was soon to arrive. (Native Americans equated the bird’s red breast to the return of the sun’s warmth.) The fact that the birds now stay put could be an indication of how global climate change is affecting their migratory patterns. Now, they join us in enduring the winter weather.  

Who doesn’t smile at the sight of a Bluebird? In fact, Bluebird of Happiness Day is celebrated each year on September 24. Bluebirds, which symbolize joy, happiness and good luck, have been the subject of poetry, art, fairy tales and music. Nashville’s famed Bluebird Café is aptly named, as many country-music stars have gotten their starts there. 

When buying wire feeders, make certain the metal is strong, as squirrels can destroy weak varieties.

Cardinals are also symbolic – they’ve come to represent hope and joy. Hence, the Cardinal is often depicted on holiday greeting cards and takes the shape of ornaments. Mourning Doves are associated with similar sentiments, as they symbolize love, hope and peace. 

Finally, all you need to do is visit Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in late winter to observe the fascination humans hold for nature. Thousands of people make their way to Middle Creek in late February and early March to observe the incredible sight of Snow Geese and other water fowl stopping over in Lancaster County during their spring migration.       

Attracting Birds 

The Original Absolute Bird Feeder from Duncraft is made of metal and does a good job of dissuading visits from squirrels.

The good news is that it’s relatively easy to get started in creating your own little backyard bird sanctuary. Be assured, you don’t have to live in a rural area to connect with this hobby. It is amazing how many birds are found in the least-natural areas of urban development. A great deal of benefit and enjoyment can result from simply providing birds with a tube feeder, a suet holder and a birdbath. After the initial outlay, you’ll need to expect the ongoing cost of feed. 

In addition to providing a source of food that they prefer, you’ll also need to supply birds with shelter for nesting and protection, as well as water in all seasons for drinking and bathing. Preferably these necessities would be located within a reasonable distance from one another. In short, you will be providing them with habitat. Preferences will vary from bird to bird. 

Birds fuel-up at a squirrel-proof feeder.

To start, the home gardener must first learn what birds are likely in the area in order to provide suitable plantings or seeds to attract them. If there is a bird enthusiast in the neighborhood, you have a head start. Keep a bird field guide on hand to begin to learn to identify species you might expect to attract or to identify a new bird that shows up. You will soon learn to look carefully and notice markings. Make notes. 

Be aware of your bird’s behavior, which is also a help in identifying your visitor. Do they feed on the ground, on a perch or at a feeder? Sometimes it’s helpful to observe the flight patterns and pay close attention to the bird’s song. With your ID book, you can compare the geographic distribution of species, male and female differences and migratory patterns. On occasion I’ve taken a photo of a new bird and sent it to a friend who is an avid bird watcher to identify. 

There might even be a regional bird club. Locally, the Lancaster County Bird Club has been in existence since 1937. It does offer a program for beginners that includes field trips to favorite birding areas. The next such outing is scheduled for April 2, with Riverfront Park in Marietta being the destination. Visit the club’s website, lancasterbirdclub.org, for details about membership, events and the beginner’s program. 

Bird-Feeding Stations

Now that you’ve identified the main species that are already in your locality, you are all set to select the seeds that are most attractive and nutritious for them. With the arrival of spring, now is a grand time to get started on establishing feeding stations. The over-wintering birds will have exhausted the local supply of berries and seeds and will soon discover your new feeding station. 

Establish a feeding station in a site where you can enjoy watching the birds from inside your house. Be mindful that windows can be a hazard because they reflect the sky and trees, causing birds to fly right into them. In order to avoid a collision, some homeowners put decals on windows or apply a grid pattern with a marker.

Baffles help to keep squirrels and other predators from reaching a feeding station.

Once the birds become accustomed to your handouts, you must be diligent. If your feeder is not refilled regularly, the birds will suffer. By next winter, the birds will have begun to depend on your feeders for food. Should you take a trip or even go away for several days, have someone in the neighborhood fill your feeder.  

You want your birds to be healthy. Dirty feeders can spread disease, especially feeders that get wet. I check my wire feeders every week or so. Invariably there are seeds that have filtered to the bottom that get moldy. I use a chopstick to reach the bottom crusts and then rinse the feeder with a diluted bleach solution.  

A Baltimore Oriole visits a feeder.

I must emphasize that it is extremely important that you accept the responsibility of cleaning your feeders regularly and keeping the water clean. Illnesses have spread among bird populations from foul feeding stations.

Squirrels and Other Predators

Figuring out how you can protect the feeders from predators is also necessary. Ideally there should be nearby trees and shrubs to provide shelter for your birds when Hawks appear above. Hanging feeders need to be positioned high enough so that foxes and raccoons can’t reach them. 

Crafty squirrels are definitely the biggest pests in my feeders and unfortunately are difficult to control. My strategy is to use squirrel baffles on the poles of the feeding stations. They work very well and are a good investment. However, I’ve learned that in a situation where several supporting poles are closer than five or six feet apart, the crafty critters will jump from under the baffle on one pole to above the baffle on the other! But even so, do not position a feeder under a branch, as squirrels can jump onto them easily. 

Raccoons have been a particularly annoying pest at my pole feeders. They are able to crawl up and over the squirrel baffle and will empty the feeder. I used a live trap a few times and transplanted the rascals but abandoned that method after catching a skunk! My solution when I spot raccoons is to take the feeders indoors every night and put them out again at sunrise, since raccoons are nocturnal feeders. 

Also remember to store your bird feed supply in metal containers to protect it from rodents. Other considerations: Birds like it when trees or shrubs are eight or 10 feet away from feeding stations, which allows them to take cover when predators appear. Pet cats should always be kept indoors for their own safety and health. Period. 

Choosing Feeders

There are many design options in feeding stations.

One can provide a simple wooden-platform table feeder on a post or windowsill. These should be four to six feet off the ground. Never put them among shrubbery or under overhanging branches that provide launching pads for squirrels and cats. Table feeders should have a roof to keep the feed dry. Obviously a gusty wind will scatter and waste the seeds.  

I prefer metal feeders with a perch design that drops down when a heavier bird like a Blue Jay attempts to feed. While they are advertised as squirrel-proof, I find that the rascals soon figure out they can lean down from the feeder roof and access the seeds without tripping the gate. 

My favorite feeder, which can be hung from a tree and is absolutely squirrel proof, is the RollerFeeder (rollerfeeder.com). Granted, these feeders are rather expensive; however, the cost is quickly recovered because there is no wasted food. In fact, I fill mine with the more high-priced sunflower hearts and avoid the messy seed hulls underneath. Goldfinches line up at this feeder. It’s hilarious to watch the squirrels stymied by the clever design.

The RollerFeeder is the first design I’ve found that truly confounds squirrels.

Cylindrical all-metal hanging wire mesh feeders are ideal for clinging and perching birds and are easily filled and cleaned. Be sure to get one with good-quality wire or the squirrels will chew right through it. Did I mention that squirrels love bird-feeding stations?

If you refill a small feeder on a daily basis, the best time to put out food is just after sunrise, as it is when birds like to refuel.

What Do Birds Like?

Seeds

The categories overlap, but in general the eating habits of birds are either a diet of insects and small organisms or a diet consisting mainly of seeds. In next month’s GJ, I will recommend plants that will attract insects to your garden and provide nectar supply for Hummingbirds. Keep in mind there will be more insect life in your garden if you do not spray pesticides.

Seeds are offered in various “wild bird” mixtures consisting of a variety of seeds, nuts and dried fruits that attract a diversity of birds. Read the labels carefully and don’t go for the cheapest bag, as those mixtures often have contents the birds won’t actually eat. Also, the cheaper mixtures of bird seed have a large percentage of millet. I’ve found that birds will not eat millet and it ends up being scratched away and wasted. Perhaps buy smaller bags until you figure out the preferences of the birds you want to attract. 

My experience is that black-oil sunflower seeds are the single-best selection. Once I’ve determined that a feeder is completely squirrel and Blue Jay proof, I buy the more expensive sunflower seed hearts (I put these in my RollerFeeder and there is no waste). The seed covering is allelopathic, meaning that plant growth is inhibited (similar to the well-known effect under a walnut tree). 

Some bird enthusiasts report success with supplying chicken feed or cracked corn.

A metal grid keeps large birds from dislodging big chunks of suet from a feeder.

Suet

Essential in winter, but a favorite all year is suet, which serves as one of the best energy sources for birds. It is a solidified mixture of animal fat mixed with seeds. Suet cakes – Royal Wing is a typical brand – are readily available at places like Tractor Supply or bird supply dealers in a standard size for wire-mesh feeders. The wire enclosure prevents large and aggressive birds from taking off with large chunks.

You’ll find DIY recipes for rendering fat and molding suet cakes or baskets online. I’ll warn you that it’s a smelly mess and you’ll never do it a second time! 

Grit

Sand and crushed oyster, egg or clam shells will supply calcium and provide the grit for the roughage birds need to digest food.

Water Source

For the birds to actually bathe in a “birdbath” rather than just perch on the side to drink, the construction has to provide a gradual depth – from a very shallow half inch to no more than three inches at the middle. A rough-textured surface is preferable to provide a foothold. 

Refilling and cleaning out the birdbath on a regular basis is important. A heater will assure unfrozen water in winter. Look for that old aquarium heater that’s somewhere in the garage and put it to use. 

Housing for Your Birds

Each species has housing requirements that include the style of house, as well as the diameter of the entrance hole and its height from the floor of the house.

Humans are not the only species experiencing a housing shortage. There is also a housing shortage for the birds, particularly in newly developed areas where woodland has been cut and brush cleared. New gardens take years to be established and sadly, poor choices – with no benefit for wildlife – are often made when planting. Plus, suburban gardens are habitually overly manicured. Hence, it’s become important to make housing available to our feathered friends.

While birdhouses do not have to be elaborate, there are certain building “codes” to ensure they will be occupied. The boxes need to be a certain size, while the holes need to be a certain height from the floor and a particular diameter. Once you decide what birds you’d like to attract to your garden, easy building plans or examples of appropriate houses are readily available on the web.  

We might like brightly painted, artsy-looking birdhouses as garden ornaments, but they should be as similar as possible to a specie’s natural nesting place. Choose those with natural wood or stain on the outside or materials mimicking settings like tree bark or dense reeds. The diameter of the entrance will be determined by the size of the bird you are wanting to attract. A large hole is an invitation to a predator. 

Secure construction is important to provide protection from wind and rain. Rot-resistant wood will provide housing for many generations of birds. Bald cypress (Taxodium) is especially desirable. Often one can get inexpensive short-end cuttings of hardwoods – ideal for building a bird box – that would otherwise be ground into mulch from a sawmill. 

Always put the rough side of the wood on the inside of the house, as it provides footing for the fledging to get out of the nest. Use rustproof hinges and hardware to make one wall removable so that the house can be easily cleaned annually in early spring. Position the back of the birdhouse to the prevailing wind. 

Information on designs favored by specific species is readily available online. What varies, for instance among common birds like Bluebirds, Swallows, Flycatchers, Robins, Phoebes, Wrens, Chickadees, Nuthatches and Flickers, will be the height of the hole above the floor, the hole’s diameter, the depth of cavity and the height above the ground.

I recommend Cornell Ornithology’s website for reliable information about selecting or building houses your birds will actually use: nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses.

Of course, not all birds use houses. Swallows make their nests on open ledges, often under the eaves of outbuildings. Many birds prefer nesting in tree holes. An example is the Eastern Bluebird. They like to nest in cavities in old trees, either natural cavities or old Woodpecker holes in dead trees. Readers with wooded areas should not always rush to remove dead trees that aren’t a risk to property.

Birds of a Feather …

I have had all of the following species at my feeders and am listing them from more to less common. Rest assured, most insect-eaters appreciate suet and the seed-eaters will check out all sorts of commercial seed mixtures. Be prepared to start your birding journal soon after you put the first feed out!

Northern Cardinal: This bird is ubiquitous in our area and feeds on insects, seeds (especially sunflower), fruits and grains. It nests in trees.

Black-capped Chickadee: This bird will readily use a nest box and favors suet, sunflower seeds, peanut butter and insects. It’s fun to watch them take a single black-oil sunflower seed to a favorite branch, place it between their feet and pound it open with their bills.

Tufted Titmouse: This bird also picks up its favorite food and retreats to a sheltered spot on a nearby tree. Its diet consists of suet, sunflower seeds, raisins, insects in summer and shrub fruits and pine seeds in fall. It’s known to cache seeds and nuts in crevices of bark. It’s a cavity nester.

White-breasted Nuthatch: This bird will dart up the trunk of a tree and, just as easily, turn around and scamper down head first, aided by its sharp, curved claws. It easily finds hidden insects. At the feeder they love suet, sunflower seeds and peanut butter. They also seek out nutmeats and shrub fruits (elderberries, mountain ash, Virginia creeper and raspberries). It prefers to nest in tree cavities but will use a nest box.

Slate-colored Junco:  Abundant in this area, they are often called “snowbirds” because they show up just as winter sets in. They will gather under your feeders to scratch for the seeds kicked off by the Chickadees and Nuthatches. Scatter sunflower seeds, grains and nutmeats on the  ground for them. Or, plant tall amaranths, which will hold their seeds high above snow cover.  

Mourning Dove: They are present year-round and are tree nesters and ground feeders that favor sunflower seeds and cracked corn.

Woodpecker (including Flickers): These much-loved winter visitors perch and forage in trees for insects and insect egg larvae. They also love berried shrubs, suet and peanut butter. They will straight away find your suet feeders and return multiple times every day. For use in a wire feeder, Lyric makes a terrific Woodpecker mix (lyricbirdfood.com). They generally excavate their own tree cavity but will use a nest box.

Goldfinch: They love seeds in flower heads, especially sunflowers and dandelions. A weedy spot is a buffet for them! At feeders they favor seed mixtures. There are often several Goldfinches at the RollerFeeder and others waiting close by. They are resident year-round. Remember, the male changes his bright-yellow and black summer plumage to duller, faded olive in winter.

Blue Jay: This bird will eat acorns, sunflower seeds, corn and even small mammals, snakes and frogs. They are noisy, aggressive and are known to rob nests of eggs. Don’t encourage them!

House Wren: My favorite bird! I can count on Mr. Wren to arrive April 14 every year to stake out his territory. While he will nest in odd nooks and crannies, I make certain I will enjoy his cheerful persistent songs nearby through providing a simple nesting box with a hole no more than 1.25 inches in diameter (such ready-made boxes are widely available). Wrens don’t care whether it is hanging from a tree or securely nailed to a pole. They prefer insects exclusively and are great for controlling insect pests. They are recognizable for their upright stubby tails.

Gray Catbird: This bird loves thick brushy areas and tangles, as well as low-growing shrubs where they uncover insects, spiders, berries and fruit.

Mockingbird:  This bird also likes to nest in shrubbery. It scavenges for insects and caterpillars in warm season, and fruits and berries in winter. At feeders, they favor dried fruits, nutmeats and raisins. They are often pushy.

Rufous-sided Towhee: This bird is a ground feeder and nester. Don’t expect this chap to stop by if you have a highly maintained landscape. They love tangled thickets and dead leaves full of insects, fallen seeds and berries.

Eastern Phoebe: A migrant that returns early to our area, this bird catches insects in flight, builds nests of mud with grass, leaves, hair and feathers often under a bridge or beam. Provide it with suet.

Baltimore Oriole: A large bird displaying a brilliant flash of black and orange, it likes to rummage in the canopies of trees for insects, grasshoppers, spiders and caterpillars. It will also be attracted by nutmeats and berries; it especially likes apple and orange halves. They build their nests that hang from the ends of branches in a framework that looks like a long open bag. 

Brown-headed Cowbird:  You can only hope that this parasitic bird does not appear near your garden.

Cedar Waxwing: This bird eats berries from Eastern red-cedar trees (of course, it’s not a cedar nor are they berries), but in spring and summer it favors insects, beetles and crickets. There’s a chance of attracting them to your feeder with pieces of raw apple and raisins.

Sources

Reading

What It’s Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing – What Birds Are Doing, and Why  
David Allen Sibley  2020 (Sibley Guides)
Knopf ISBN-10 0307957896  ISBN-13 978-0307957894  

Feeders/Nest Boxes/Seed Mixtures

Wild Bird Superstore, duncraft.com

Wild Birds Unlimited, wbu.com

Lyric Bird Seed, lyricbirdfood.com

Web Information Sources

American Birding Association, aba.org

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, birds.cornell.edu

National Audubon Society, audubon.org

North American Bluebird Society, nabluebirdsociety.org

Purple Martin Conservation Association, purplemartin.org

How Lancaster Residents Can Help the People of Ukraine

by Leave a Comment

On February 24, Russia launched an invasion into Ukraine, causing hundreds of casualties, devastating destruction to several Ukrainian cities and millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes. As the rest of the world watches this tragedy unfold, many are looking for ways to support the Ukrainian people. According to CharityWatch, providing monetary donations to verified organizations and initiatives is the most effective way to support the people of Ukraine. “Unfortunately, donating stuff often creates more costs, as well as logistical and distribution headaches for aid workers on the ground,” their website reads.

If you are willing to donate, we’ve compiled a list of organizations to consider. This obviously is not an exhaustive list, as countless organizations across the world are looking to assist in Ukraine and surrounding countries. Be sure to do your research before you donate and verify that your money will be used to directly help those affected.

 

Local Ukrainian/Slavic Churches

Bethany Slavic Church in Ephrata has already raised over $140,000 for Ukrainian refugees through an online fundraiser, according to their Facebook page. Konstantin Reznik, the missions pastor at the church, is originally from Ukraine and still has family in the country. The church staff is working through their direct family contacts in Ukraine to ensure their donations and efforts are making an impact and going to the immediate support of refugee families. Church team members have also been coordinating with refugees via phone to help them navigate crossing the border and find temporary housing. The church posts frequent updates about their efforts on Facebook. Bethany Slavic Church will be hosting a fundraiser on March 26 from 1-4 p.m., which will feature barbecue, authentic Slavic baked goods, a silent auction, music and more.

St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church in Lancaster is accepting monetary and material donations, such as medical supplies, hygiene products, baby formula, diapers, wipes, hand and feet warmers, linens, mobility aids, trash bags, undergarments and socks. Monetary donations can be contributed via checks to St. Andrew’s Church and marked for Ukraine Aid. All donations can be dropped off on Sundays from 12:30-3 p.m.

 

Organizations on the Ground

Chef José Andrés at Lancaster Theological Seminary in September 2019. Photo by Jordan Bush.

World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization founded by Chef José Andrés that provides meals in the wake of humanitarian crises, is stationed along the Ukrainian borders in Poland, Romania, Moldova, Hungary and Slovakia. The organization is serving thousands of meals each day to families fleeing their homes, as well as those who remain in the country. Because of the frigid temperatures, WCK is focusing on hot, hearty meals, such as ramen, bograch soup, żurek, sandwiches, chicken and vegetable stew, fresh baked bread and more. WCK is also providing funds to restaurants in Ukrainian cities including Odessa, Lviv and Kyiv to feed those who remain in their homes. Together with 26 restaurants, WCK has served over 300,000 meals so far and is continuing to expand their efforts. Chef Andrés has been posting video updates from the border on Twitter. To donate, click here.

Miami-based Global Empowerment Mission was on the ground in Medyka, Poland, two days after the start of the invasion. They are providing aid to the war zones of Ukraine through purchasing and coordinating the delivery of food, water, medicine and medical equipment. They are also providing relocation assistance, war-zone evacuation and stability housing and are hoping to expand their efforts into Hungary and Romania. To donate, click here.

 

Animals in Ukraine

In addition to the pain of having to flee their homes, many refugees also must endure the heartbreak of leaving their pets behind. Many Ukrainian shelters and their heroic volunteers are doing their best to stay open to provide care to the animals caught up in this conflict, while organizations in surrounding countries are ramping up their services to help with the increased need.

The Humane Society is collaborating with a partner in Ukraine, UAnimals, to assess and prioritize the needs of shelters and clinics actively engaged in relief. The organization will also be supporting animal groups in neighboring countries, such as Poland and Romania, as they assist refugees arriving from Ukraine with their pets. To donate, click here.

The German Animal Welfare Association operates a center in Odessa, Ukraine, where – despite ongoing attacks – employees are continuing to care for animals with special needs that are unable to be transported. Thanks to donations, the association was able to set up a base camp at the Polish border to assist refugees with pets. To donate, click here.

Four Paws operates the Bear Sanctuary Domazhyr, located in western Ukraine near Lviv, which is home to 29 bears who were rescued from horrible keeping conditions. Their dedicated team is staying in the area to continue to care for the bears. The shelter even welcomed seven more bears from another sanctuary near Kyiv. To donate, click here.

Casa Iui Patrocle is a shelter located in Suceava, Romania, which is close to the Ukrainian border (20 miles). The shelter is caring for all species of refugee animals – including farm animals – and finding solutions for housing, food and veterinary care for animals that are unable to stay with their owners. For pet owners who can bring their pets to their placements in other countries, the shelter is providing vaccinations, microchips and European Passports. The organization posts frequent updates to their Facebook. To donate, click here.

For more information on organizations and shelters helping animals in Ukraine, the EuroGroup For Animals compiled a list.

 

Give with Confidence

It can be difficult to navigate which humanitarian organizations to donate to in times of crisis. Websites like Charity Navigator and Give.org have compiled lists of verified, high-impact organizations with initiatives in Ukraine.

Charity Navigator’s list of credible charities includes organizations such as GlobalGiving, World Hope International and Save the Children.

Give.org’s created a list of BBB-accredited charities, including Direct Relief, International Rescue Committee and Heart to Heart International.

CharityWatch also compiled a list of efficient charities, as well as tips for making the most of your donation and avoiding charity frauds and scams.

The Pet Pantry Celebrates 10 Years of “Meeting the Need”

by Leave a Comment

The Pet Pantry is celebrating 10 years of helping to “meet the needs” of local pet owners and finding loving forever homes for stray or surrendered animals. The idea for the Pet Pantry materialized in 2012 when the three founders noticed an alarming number of pets being surrendered to shelters because of the economic downturn. Many pet owners were no longer able to afford food for their animals and were struggling to meet other needs, such as veterinary care.

The threesome knew they needed to do something to help, so they began conducting pet food drives for families in need. They collected pet food donations in Melody’s living room and began portioning out food for 12 families. As word spread, they were quickly overwhelmed by the interest in their food drives. The food donations took over Melody’s garage and eventually additional storage units. The Pet Pantry team also noticed a need existed for affordable veterinary services. As the idea for a veterinary program began to take shape, the team recognized that they would need a larger, more visible location.

In May 2014, the Pet Pantry moved to its current location on Millersville Road in Lancaster where they would have the space to not only offer veterinary services, but also operate an animal rescue.

The Pet Pantry’s thrift shop is open to the public and features pet toys, cleaning supplies and more.

The Pet Pantry was also able to open an on-site thrift shop filled with just about anything a pet owner needs. Visitors can find brand new pet beds, toys, cleaning supplies and much more. The Pet Pantry is happy to receive new or gently used pet items for the shop and all proceeds directly support their programs.

Today, the Pet Pantry – which is consistently voted the best rescue organization in our “Best of Lancaster” survey – continues to focus on “meeting the need” through three initiatives: feed, fix and rescue.

Feed

“Food insecurity is the biggest reason for pet surrenders,” states Lindsay High, who is the development director of the organization. In an effort to keep pets with their owners, the Pet Pantry hosts monthly food distributions for the families they serve. “As much as we love the animals that come through our shelter, we want to keep pets in their loving homes,” Lindsay explains. The Pet Pantry currently provides 250 families with food assistance. Last year, 71,000 pounds of food were distributed to Pet Pantry families.

Fix

To reduce overpopulation, the Pet Pantry offers low-cost spay/neuter services. Spaying and neutering also reduce the risks of companion animal diseases, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and more. Trap-neuter-return services for feral cats, vaccinations and microchips are also offered.

Rescue

Lastly, the Pet Pantry strives to find loving homes for cats and dogs that are looking for a second chance in life. Due to a lack of space, they rely on foster homes to house dogs that come through the rescue. Unfortunately, they aren’t able to coordinate as many dog adoptions because of this, so the shelter mostly focuses on cats. “The average length of stay for one of our cats is approximately two weeks from the intake date, barring there are no medical challenges,” Lindsay reports. “When a cat comes into the Pet Pantry, they receive a complete medical evaluation including all core vaccines, a microchip and if needed, their spay or neuter surgery. Once all the requirements are met, a deserving shelter cat is then placed for adoption.”

Marie
Spike
Franklin
Butterscotch
Romeo
Valentino

How You Can Support the Pet Pantry

If you are unable to adopt a new furry friend, there are still plenty of other ways to support the animals and families that the Pet Pantry aids.

In addition to monetary donations, the Pet Pantry is happy to accept donations such as cleaning supplies, toys, beds, buckets, packing tape, paper towels, toilet paper, blankets and towels, carriers/crates, kitten formula, dry and canned food, trash bags and distilled water. You can also buy supplies from their Amazon Wishlist or Chewy.com shopping registry.

Volunteers are essential to the Pet Pantry. They help to clean the shelter, feed animals, answer phones, work in the thrift shop, distribute food, represent the organization at community events and more. To apply to be a volunteer, click here.

The Pet Pantry also looks for foster homes for both cats and dogs. Fostering helps to keep animals out of cages for extended periods of time and provides an idea of how the animal behaves in a home setting. To apply to foster shelter animals, click here.

The Pet Pantry also hosts fundraisers throughout the year. Currently, the organization is holding a Candy Egg Sale for Easter. Peanut butter and coconut eggs are available in either milk or dark chocolate. Orders are due by March 18 and pick up is on April 2.

Also in March, the Pet Pantry will host Maverick’s March Madness – in memory of their adorable cat mascot, Maverick, who passed away last spring. They will collect photos from 68 of their Pet Pantry alumni and host a fundraising campaign through which you can make a donation and vote for your favorites. The final four contestants will be featured in the 2023 Pet Pantry calendar with the winner on the cover.

The Pet Pantry will be planning other events throughout the year to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Stay updated by visiting their website, petpantrylc.org, and on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

Cece Hurdleston: Born to Design!

by 2 Comments

A new generation of interior designers is tweaking Lancaster’s penchant for traditional styling by adding a nod to modernism. Cecilia “Cece” Hurdleston is one such designer. She loves working with clients who entrust her to create home styles that mirror their personalities and interests. “Pushing boundaries is truly what turns a successful project into an exceptional one,” she philosophizes. 

Cece Hurdleston earned her degree in interior design from West Virginia University. Her career has taken her from Lancaster to the San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia and back to Lancaster, where she has been on staff at INTERIORS Home for the last two years.

I discovered Cece through perusing the portfolios of area designers, including those at INTERIORS Home, where Cece is an interior designer. A project that had obviously been undertaken in a home dating to the late ’80s “spoke” to me. I had found this month’s home feature! 

Actually, fate, kismet, the Lancaster connection … whatever you want to call it, also intervened. Not long after spying the project, Cece’s Instagram postings began to mysteriously appear on my feed. Then, I saw that Nick Gould had recently photographed Cece for her website and social media. Nick had become acquainted with Cece through patronizing George Zagas’ coffee shop, Aura Espresso Room, in Downtown Lancaster. George and Cece are engaged and will be getting married in the fall. I actually crossed paths with Cece when Jordan Bush and I were stationed outside the home of one of her clients in order to photograph an INTERIORS’ delivery team for the November issue of the magazine. I decided working with Cece was meant to be, so I emailed her. 

Cece, who grew up in Manheim Township, recalls being infatuated with design from the time she was a child. “I was obsessed with rearranging the furniture in my bedroom,” she recalls. “I was constantly moving things around.” From her bedroom, she began “designing” other rooms in the Hurdlestons’ home. 

She was also genetically predisposed to become a designer. Her father, Chris, owned Marbleon, a company that specialized in cast-polymer and cultured-marble products for the home. “I just loved looking at all the samples,” she says. Her mother, Phyllis, was formerly an account rep for Learning by Design, a trade publication that focuses on the design aspects of educational institutions. She’s been an account rep for the Lancaster-based publication, East Coast Equestrian, since 2014. “I grew up riding horses,” Cece notes. 

After graduating from Manheim Township High School, Cece enrolled at West Virginia University, majoring in interior design. “I was fortunate to get into the program,” she notes. “They had 20 spots and 50 candidates.” At WVU, Cece learned the technical skills of interior design, including the computer programs that have replaced the pencils, rulers and graph paper that were once used to plot room layouts. 

After graduation, Cece returned to Lancaster, where she went to work for the architectural firm, Reese, Lower, Patrick & Scott (RLPS). “I was pulling fabrics and other materials for commercial projects,” she explains. Feeling restless, she headed for Los Gatos in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she went to work for Restoration Hardware, which is headquartered in nearby Corte Madera. “I liked living there but I really missed my friends and family,” she explains. 

Back in Lancaster, Cece jumped at the opportunity to work for AK Interiors and Steiner-Houck & Associates. “I really got a feel for residential design through those experiences,” she says. 

Her next stop was Philadelphia, where Cece worked at SHOPHOUSE, a small, luxury-design firm whose clientele includes high-profile professionals. “That was definitely a learning experience,” she says. “In fact, it shaped who I am as a designer. The level of professionalism that was required was an education in itself. I learned the importance of delivering concierge-style service and became a very detail-oriented designer. The skills I learned from working in Philadelphia are forever ingrained.” A quick learner, Cece eventually earned the title and responsibilities of project manager. 

FROM THE COVER: Nick Gould photographed interior designer Cece Hurdleston at the home of one of her clients.

Two years ago, the lure of Lancaster again beckoned and Cece returned home. Working at INTERIORS also represents a professional homecoming of sorts. “I interned there when I was in college,” she explains. She’s enjoying the opportunity she has been given to work for a family-owned business. “It’s a wonderful working environment,” she says. “At INTERIORS, we have access to really amazing companies and products.” She also enjoys working in an area where creativity abounds and people take great pride in their homes. “People really love their homes in Lancaster,” she notes. 

Thanks to her education and diverse experiences, Cece’s expertise extends to helping clients design their homes from top to bottom. While she has access to an incredible selection of products, Cece says the key to executing a successful design is “getting to know my clients and their personalities.” 

As for style, Cece says Modern-Classic is her favorite look, as it isn’t definitive and allows for deviation. You could say that Cece “embodies” Modern-Classic, as she thinks nothing of accessorizing leather with pearls or pairing a cashmere sweater with distressed jeans and high-top sneakers. “I know Lancaster still has a reputation for being traditional but the beauty of Modern-Classic design is that you can go in a traditional direction but include some modern elements to provide an edge,” she explains. Of course, the opposite is also true – modernists can include some classic pieces to change things up. “Vintage can be edgy,” she points out. In her opinion, “Modern-Classic provides the best of both worlds.” 

As with all of us, Cece likes to peruse social media and study what’s going on in the rest of the world from a design perspective. Who does she follow? “Who don’t I follow!” she remarks. She’s intrigued by the creativity and design work that are coming out of Texas. “There’s so much happening in Texas right now,” she says of the designers who are making the Lone Star State a design mecca. “And, Canada – there’s so much talent up there!” She pinpoints some favorite sites, naming Erica Gelman (Ontario, Canada), Caitlin Wilson (Texas), Ali Budd (Ontario, Canada) and Shea McGee (Utah, with a show on Netflix) as her current favorites. 

As for her next goal, Cece would love to attend Furniture Market in High Point, North Carolina, in order to be among the first to see the designs and products that make their debuts each fall. 

Follow Cece on Instagram @ceciliainteriordesign and view her portfolio at Interiorshome.com.

A sampling of her portfolio follows … 

An All-Occasions Room 

Before the re-do, the style of the dining room was very traditional thanks to the period furnishings, pineapple-embellished chandelier and Colonial color scheme. It was definitely reserved for special occasions. Now, its Modern-Classic vibe makes it a room for all occasions – holiday dinners, Friday night take-out, a game of cards or happy hour with the neighbors. The wallpaper evokes traditional styling due to the plaid effect it delivers. Its whimsical nature equates to modern styling. The black trim, molding and ceiling medallion provide “punch” to the room. Texture comes courtesy of the wool fabric on the backs of the chairs that in turn complements the wool cornice boards over the windows. Finally, the chandelier provides the wow factor. The rug is the only holdover from the previous décor.

A colleague at INTERIORS asked Cece to help her bring new life to her entryway and very traditional dining room. The client’s goal was to update the spaces but not to the extent that it would detract from the character of her circa-1930 brick Colonial home. 

In the case of the dining room, Cece was aware her well-traveled client loved art and therefore felt she could “push” the aesthetics of the room, which had become one of those seldom-used, special-occasions-only spaces. It had also taken on office-oriented duties during the pandemic. 

BEFORE

Cece chose to enliven the room with lighter-toned wallpaper. She chose a pattern called Bastoni from Cole & Son. Based on the design of a silk scarf from the 1940s, the pattern features antique walking sticks and canes, some of which are artistically embellished with carvings that take the shape of the heads of dogs and birds. The choice of paper proved to be a perfect fit, as her client is an animal lover. Gold elements in the paper add shimmer to the walls. 

As I studied the wallpaper, I asked Cece what had drawn her to it, as I doubted I would have given it a second look. Her reasoning made perfect sense. “It provides the room with a tailored Ralph Lauren-like look, yet it’s whimsical and modern. The cane pattern is plaid-like, which takes it in a traditional direction.” Cece also points out that because the paper makes an artistic statement, hanging art on the walls is not necessary and, in fact, would only detract from the paper. Ditto for accessories; here, less is more.   

As for the touch of modern, the moldings, trim, ceiling medallion and French doors were painted black, which according to Cece, makes the room “punchier.” The same philosophy applies to the black chandelier that appears to have been crafted from twigs. 

A painted, vintage-inspired, octagonal-shaped table that is surrounded by upholstered chairs makes the room all the more inviting. “This room is now comfortable for all occasions,” Cece says. “It’s no longer reserved just for special occasions.” 

Art and accessories are kept to a minimum. The one exception is the burnished-gold mirror.
A close look at the wallpaper reveals that the tops of the canes/walking sticks are embellished with carvings that take the shape of the heads of dogs and birds.

2022 Style
• Warm Neutrals
• Texture
• Wallpaper

Credits 

Chandelier: Arteriors 

Chandelier Installer: Peter Argyropolous/Petros Electric 

Buffet Lamps: Visual Comfort 

Wallpaper: Cole & Son 

Paint: Benjamin Moore 

 

New Home/New Look 

Cece maintains that the Modern-Classic styling of the dining room perfectly captures the homeowner’s vibrant personality.

Upon meeting her new client, Cece felt her vibrant personality and very traditional decorating style didn’t mesh. Now that the client and her husband were moving to a newly built home, Cece was determined to unleash her client’s inner Modern-Classic style. “I feel this dining room really reflects the shift they’ve made,” Cece says of the bright and airy space. 

First, you’ll notice the statement floral wallpaper that pairs the “dynamic-duo” colors of 2022, pink and green. The paper also provides a perfect tie-in to the gray-toned walls that define the rest of the house. “I just think this wallpaper perfectly mirrors [my client’s] personality,” Cece says. “I think it will look stylish for years to come.” 

Other highlights in the room include a buffet whose embellishments mimic the design of the molding beneath the chair rail; a hardwood table with a painted finish and brass details that pay homage to traditional styling; and a mix of chairs, some of which speak to modern styling, while the chairs at each end of the table embody traditional thanks to nailhead trim and vintage-inspired fabric. The final element is a sisal carpet that pays homage to the past (18th century) but looks very modern in 2022.        

The wallpaper reflects 2022’s dynamic color duo of green and pink. It also exhibits shades of blue and gray.
Performance fabrics are forgiving where pets and kids are concerned.
The dining table, which was crafted from hardwoods and then was painted and subtly distressed, defines Modern-Classic styling.
The glam dining chairs are upholstered with a neutral herringbone fabric.

2022 Style
• The Color Green
• Earthy Hues of Pink
• Performance Fabric
 

Credits 

Wallpaper: Thibaut 

Dining Table: Century 

 

Life’s a Beach 

The beach-loving homeowner now enjoys a more subtle connection to her favorite getaway thanks to the Modern-Coastal styling that now defines her home.

BEFORE

You know how it goes. You so love the beach that you resolve to carry that feeling of a seaside vacation back home to Lancaster County. The same could be said for a love affair with Tuscany, Charleston, Miami, Santa Fe or the latest obsession of many, a Montana ranch house, thanks to the blockbuster television series, Yellowstone. As often happens, you not only carry out your vision but you go overboard to the point that your home can start to look like a gift shop.

“So, what motivated you to turn to Cece for help?” I asked the homeowner. “Did you see the before pictures?” she exclaimed, admitting that decorating had taken a back seat to work and kids for the last 25 years. Not only did she want to tone down the beach theme and go in more of a Coastal direction but she also wanted to refresh her ’80s-era house top to bottom. “There wasn’t a surface in this house that wasn’t touched,” Cece says of the refresh that was carried out in phases.

First up was redefining the beach theme. While Cece’s client wanted to go completely in a Coastal direction, Cece maintained the look didn’t lend itself to landlocked Lancaster County. Instead, the two agreed to combine Coastal with the client’s second-favorite style, Modern.

A second-floor loft was designed to provide the homeowners’ son with his own getaway and study area. The space is furnished with a sectional sofa and a coffee table whose cubic shape echoes the angles of the ceiling.

The tide definitely turned in this powder room! The blue-and-white, trellis-inspired wallpaper, marble-topped vanity and silver plumbing and lighting fixtures make the small space pop!

BEFORE

The resulting Modern-Coastal look provided the client with the best of both worlds. The color palette – hues of blue, gray, beige and white – conveys Coastal, while design elements such as the textured grasscloth (it’s made a huge comeback), a blue/beige sisal rug and lighting fixtures harken to Modern design, as do the comfortable furnishings that will hold up to wear and tear due to performance fabric, which is a huge buzzword in the industry these days.

Accessories subtly allude to Coastal; for example, the lamps on the sofa table appear to be made from coral. The white, linen-like draperies that frame the window are trimmed in blue, while the shade admits or blocks light. The wow factor is supplied by the floor-to-ceiling fireplace whose textured surface glistens like, well, sand.

The mood continues in the dining room, where painted furniture with very modern curves stands out against the blue-hued walls. In the powder room, the beachy color scheme and wallpaper border were replaced by a blue-and-white, trellis-inspired wallpaper. In the kitchen, the Carrara marble counters mimic shifting sand. The styling continues in the primary suite, as well as the second-floor bedrooms, bath and loft area.

The results are beautiful. Despite not seeing one shell or beach-inspired throw pillow, I definitely felt the Coastal vibes, as well as the unmistakable Cece-modern touch.

The dining room is enveloped in a dramatic shade of blue paint, grasscloth and gauzy white draperies and shades.
A pop of pink demonstrates how you can add a color of the year to a space without going to extremes.

 

2022 Style
• Grasscloth
• Furniture with Curves and Angles
• Multi-tasking Furniture

Credits 

Blue Leather Ottoman: Vanguard 

Custom Window Treatments: fabrics by Brunschwig & Fils; trims by Samuel & Sons 

Dining Room Grasscloth: Phillip Jeffries 

Powder Room Wallpaper: Lee Jofa

Wallpaper Installation: Bill Mineo      

Fastnachts!

by 1 Comment

On March 1, which is Shrove Tuesday, bakeries, grocery stores, diners, coffee shops, convenience stores, fire companies and churches across Lancaster County will be selling fastnachts, those wonderfully filling treats that signal the Lenten season has arrived. Celebrated by Christians the world over, the culinary element of Shrove Tuesday is long-rooted in tradition. For example, in the United Kingdom, pancakes reign supreme. In Spain, omelets made with sausage or pork fat define the day. In Iceland, salted meat and peas are on the menu. In Finland, green pea soup and a special pastry filled with whipped cream and jam or almond paste fit the bill. 

Shrove Tuesday also signals the final day of celebrations that began shortly after Three Kings Day (January 6). The French celebrate Mardi Gras (as do various locations along the Gulf Coast, notably New Orleans), while many Central and South American countries usher in the Lenten season with Carnival. In Germany, the revelry – described as a combination Mardi Gras and Carnival – is called Fastnachtsdienstag. 

No matter the manner or the customs that accompany the celebrations, the day before Ash Wednesday is regarded as one of over-indulging. The Lenten season that follows provides plenty of opportunities to sacrifice, fast, pray and reflect. In most cultures, the gluttony aspect of Shrove or Fat Tuesday grew out of a need to eliminate extravagances such as sugar, butter, lard, animal fats and even meat from kitchens during the Lenten season. In an effort to empty the cupboards of such items, people would prepare special meals and treats in the days leading up to Lent. 

The pre-Lenten customs made their way to the United States. In Lancaster County, Columbia exemplifies the German tradition of making fastnachts, which might be described as a “Plain Jane” cousin to donuts in that they are devoid of sprinkles and fillings but can be glazed or dusted with powder or a combination of powder and cinnamon. They typically lack donut holes and take a square shape. 

Columbia’s connection to the fastnacht (which translates as “fasting night”) took root during the period 1840-1860, when newly arrived Germans settled in Columbia, with another wave immigrating over a 20-year period beginning in 1875. While the Catholic Germans were welcome to worship at St. Peter’s, which was built by English and Irish residents in 1828, the language barrier left them unable to understand the sermons. Recognizing the problem, the Bishop of Philadelphia recommended that the Germans build their own church. In 1859 the first step to achieving that goal was realized when the Germans purchased a plot of land at Fourth and Cherry streets. A year later, a parish was established and the cornerstone of Holy Trinity Catholic Church was laid. A church-sponsored school was established in 1870. 

The parish’s growth during the early years of the 20th century signaled a need for a larger church building. Fundraising endeavors were launched. In 1924, the Altar Rosary Society held a precedent-setting fastnacht sale. Initially, members of the group oversaw the baking and selling of the fastnachts but as demand grew, volunteering became a church-wide effort. Even students played a role in making fastnachts, as they brought eggs from home to donate to the cause. 

Today, making fastnachts is a community-wide effort. “We’ll accept the help of anyone,” says Jim Knapp, who has been involved with the fastnacht project for 15 years. “If you have an hour to spare, we’ll put you to work!” In view of the fact that volunteers make upwards of 7,500 dozen fastnachts over the course of a month, the contributions volunteers make are invaluable. 

This year marks the return of Holy Trinity’s legendary fastnachts. “In 2020, we had to cut the sale short,” Jim says of Covid declarations that closed schools, businesses and churches. Last year – again because of Covid – Holy Trinity’s kitchen remained on lockdown. “We had a lot of upset people,” Jim says of fastnacht fans who had to satisfy their taste for the deep-fried confections – or what Holy Trinity calls “little bites of heaven” – elsewhere. 

A veteran of the fastnacht sale, Jim says 2021 marked the first time in the sale’s nearly 100-year history that it was canceled. He prays that the fastnacht brigade that’s composed of teams such as the Holy Rollers, Holy Friars and Holy Dunkers will be able to work through March in order to fulfill orders that have been placed for February 28, March 1 and 2, as well as for bakes that will take place two days a week during the weeks of March 7, 14 and 21. While monies earned from the sale of fastnachts are typically earmarked for Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School, Jim reports that they are used “wherever there is a need.” 

Holy Trinity and its renowned fastnachts received their 15 minutes of fame back in 1989, when the Today show’s Willard Scott telecast his Shrove Tuesday weather forecasts from the church. His on-air banter included the line, “You eat three of these and you can’t get out of your chair!” 

A bite of a fastnacht also provides a taste of folklore. Legend holds that if you eat a fastnacht on Shrove Tuesday, you’ll have good luck. Back in the day, farmers believed that if they fed the first batch of fastnachts to their chickens, hawks would not prey on them (or their chicks) during the spring. Farmers’ wives also treated their laying hens to fastnachts on Shrove Tuesday, believing they would produce more eggs.

Holy Trinity’s fastnachts are available for purchase on an online basis only. Visit holytrinitycolumbiapa.com for details.   

A New Look for an Iconic Restaurant

by 1 Comment

Hinkle’s Restaurant in Columbia has served customers for more than 124 years. Saved from the brink of closing by Don and Becky Murphy, the new version of this iconic landmark, which is now operated by Robin Ortman, John Sipe and Tom Davis, is a mix of old-fashioned charm and modern décor.

The remodeled restaurant features new floors, a pressed-tin-style ceiling, a variety of seating areas, a soda fountain, a private dining/meeting room and an expanded gift shop.

Founded by Samuel Hinkle in 1893, Hinkle’s became a family affair that continued through four generations. The building became home to a pharmacy, a restaurant and a gift shop. Until 1970, the basement of the building was home to the production of Doc Hinkle’s Easter Egg Dye. In October 2017, the tradition ended, when John Hinkle III announced that the business would be closing. Fans of the restaurant – the sort of place where “everybody knows your name” – lamented its demise. 

It appeared to be an end of an era … until real estate developers Don and Becky Murphy announced they would be buying the business and remodeling the building. With the pharmacy no longer in operation, there was room to expand. The renovations included the addition/return of a soda fountain.  

The remodel included the return of an old favorite – the soda fountain. Here, Kabrina Daniels puts the finishing touch on a vanilla malt.

While the restaurant retains its original charm, improvements such as doubling the kitchen size and installing new flooring, a counter, booths and a pressed tin-style ceiling, have given the interior a more modern look. Links to the past exist, as well. During renovations, boxes were found in the basement that contained historic photos of Hinkle’s and Columbia’s downtown. Some of those photos were framed and now hang on the walls of the restaurant.

With other projects to oversee, the Murphys turned Hinkle’s over to John Sipe, Tom Davis and Robin Ortman. The trio had worked at Hinkle’s for a number of years and have a combined management experience at the restaurant and other operations of over 70 years.

Ham Club (with bacon!)

Hinkle’s now seats about 200 at tables, booths and a counter. “We went from a seating capacity of 80 to 200,” Robin notes. There’s also a small, private dining area that seats about 40 and is used for overflow dining on weekends, as well as for private meetings and events. Social distancing is also accommodated, as the number of tables in the area that offers a view of Locust Street has been reduced.    

While the atmosphere is light, casual and relaxed, there’s a hint of nostalgia with an old-fashioned soda fountain complete with stools. “People really love the soda fountain. When we put it in, our ice cream sales increased dramatically,” Robin says, adding that it, too, provides a link to the past, as is evidenced by some historic pictures that depict John Hinkle Jr. and the ladies who worked at a soda fountain that was part of the restaurant in the 1940s and ’50s. 

The new owners of Hinkle’s include Robin Ortman and John Sipe, as well as Tom Davis.

The dipping cabinet is a refurbished antique that came from Green’s Dairy, but Robin is not sure of the specific location. The back bar is also from an old soda fountain. Hand-dipped Turkey Hill ice cream is used to create soda fountain specialties such as sundaes, floats, shakes and malts. Old favorites such as cherry and vanilla Cokes and lime Rickey are also available. 

There’s even an ice cream challenge. The Great Gatsby Challenge is composed of 20 scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, cherries and toppings. Customers can select up to five ice cream flavors and up to five toppings. The Great Gatsby can be shared among friends or consumed by a single customer. If a single customer consumes it within an hour, the $40 sundae is free of charge. “We’ve had several people complete the challenge. One person came prepared with his own spoons, and he ate the entire thing in 17 minutes,” Robin explains. “We were all amazed!”  

The Susquehanna Salad: pickled eggs and red beets, tomatoes, lettuce and tuna salad.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, and the expansive menu features items prepared with fresh ingredients. Additionally, soups are made fresh daily. “We have the same menu that’s been in place for years,” Robin says. “We wanted to keep it the same so it would be familiar to our guests. We also have recipes for items that Hinkle’s is known for like chicken croquettes. Our chicken croquettes are made using the same recipe and in the same way as they have been for years.”

Another customer favorite is the old-fashioned shifter sandwich, which originated in Columbia and is a Hinkle’s staple. This ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sweet pickle and mayo sandwich was a favorite of Pennsylvania Railroad workers who operated the switch engines. Hinkle’s also offers a shifter salad and a shifter burger. 

Chicken Stir Fry

Other customer favorites include turkey club, Susquehanna salad and crab cakes. Popular breakfast items include creamed dried beef, Chesapeake eggs Benedict and the cheesesteak omelet.  

The menu is augmented by weekly specials. Robin reports that corned beef and cabbage and other Irish specialties will be featured this month in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. 

In addition to familiar menu items, frequent diners are sure to see a number of familiar faces among the wait staff. “We have a number of long-time staff members. And, our staff has been great through the COVID-19 pandemic and the [resulting] shutdowns; they’ve really stuck by us, and we appreciate that. The staff is an important part of the dining experience here,” Robin stresses.

An iconic banana split

Hinkle’s Restaurant was also known for its gift shop, and that tradition continues with Murphy’s Mercantile, which is operated by the Murphys. Robin says there’s a wide selection of items available, ranging from old-fashioned candy to merchandise crafted by local vendors. “Hinkle’s was known for its selection of cards, and the Mercantile uses that same card vendor,” she notes.

Hinkle’s Restaurant is located at 261 Locust Street, Columbia. Hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. Take-out is available. A catering menu is also available. Call 717-684-2888 or visit hinklesrestaurant.com and on Facebook. 

 

Bagels on the Brain

by 1 Comment

Twenty years ago, bagel shops were popping up on street corners and in suburban shopping centers from coast to coast. Like all trends, bagels enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame and went back to being a New York thing. Now, a new generation of bagel makers is putting their spin on this deli and bakery staple. Bagels are back in a big way! 

Grand Central Bagel Café

Over New Year’s, Jessica and I visited friends in Connecticut. We hadn’t seen Matt and Sarah Jordan since the onset of the pandemic, so a visit was long overdue. Originally from New York, they’re serious foodies who know a good bagel when they see one. In fact, they’re members of a bi-weekly bagel subscription from Popup Bagels in Redding, Connecticut. Fortunately, we happened to be there on the “right” Saturday. 

If a bagel subscription sounds like a CSA for freshly baked carbs, it is, but nonetheless, I immediately loved the idea. Popup Bagels bakes more than 400 dozen bagels over the course of a weekend and on the morning of January 1, we ended up with five of them. Yes, you read that correctly – five dozen. A comedy of what some might mistakenly refer to as “errors” led to the order being filled with five dozen bagels. Fortunately, Sarah’s parents arrived to help us and Matt and Sarah’s three-year-old celebrate the New Year with bagels.   

The selection was outstanding. Because of the quantity, individually we had boundless options, slicing bagels in half and then quartering each segment in order to explore fantastic options. The plain bagels allowed us to experiment with sweet or savory combinations. Some bagels had flaky Maldon salt on top and could be enjoyed in either direction. The happy accident also included an assortment of more than a dozen house schmears or flavored varieties of butter, cream cheese and lox (smoked salmon). The cinnamon-raisin cream cheese was as rich as cheesecake. Truffle butter, dill butter, honey butter … everything was divine. 

Bagels served with cream cheese, capers, dill and lox (smoked salmon), served with Twining’s English Breakfast tea. There are a plethora of opinions regarding the merits of toasting a bagel. If a bagel is fresh, toasting it could alter the texture and flavor. If it’s not fresh, toasting a bagel could improve its taste and deliver a crunchy crust and soft interior. The SMEG toaster is from Zest! in Lititz.

For the more adventurous, trout roe and capers were side accouterments that infused bursts of tangy, umami flavor. Dill butter on a plain bagel with trout roe, lox and capers was out of this world, as robust, savory flavors balanced one another to perfection. 

When our visit ended on Sunday, Sarah sent us home with eight bagels to freeze. They lasted about as long as our trip. 

During the long drive home, I reminisced about some of the best bagels I’d ever had throughout my travels. Two destinations stood out, which I’ll mention briefly. To my taste, bagels are worthy of a road trip, so if you are looking for an adventure, check these out.

Myer’s Bagel Bakery 

Burlington, Vermont

Myer’s Bagel Bakery in Burlington, Vermont, boils their hand-rolled bagels in honey water before baking them in a wood-fired oven.

The most unique bagel I’ve had thus far comes from this bakery in Vermont, where the bagels are honey-boiled and baked in a wood-fired oven on wood planks. Walking into the warm bakery on a cold, winter’s morning will warm your soul in more ways than one. The Jordans sent us to Myer’s, which is located next to a glass-blowing workshop in a building that qualifies as a Vermont gem. In a state with unbelievable cheeses, Myer’s bagels stand tall amidst epicurean delights. The aromas coming from the oven and the resulting flavors of the bagels are complex, tasty and divine.

A bacon, egg and Cabot cheddar breakfast sandwich on a rosemary sea-salt bagel from the wood-fired oven at Myer’s Bagel Bakery.

The bakery’s origin story is equally as memorable. Myer’s was founded in 1996 by Lloyd Squires, who learned to make bagels as a homeless 15-year-old boy after a chance encounter with Myer Lefkowitz. A Holocaust survivor of the Buchenwald Nazi concentration camp, Lefkowitz later founded the famous St-Viateur Bagel in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Myersbagels.com. 

Surf Bagel 

Lewes and Rehoboth, Delaware

A custom-ordered “egg-everything” bagel sandwich with bacon, cheese and hash browns from
Surf Bagel.

Another divine indulgence is the egg-everything bagel made by Surf Bagel, with locations in Lewes and Rehoboth in Delaware. Founded by brothers Dave and Tom Vitella, their egg-everything bagels are further perfected as sandwiches filled with bacon, eggs, cheese, home fries and hot sauce. Surf Bagel carries an assortment of cream cheeses to “Wax up your Surf Bagel.” I typically go the savory route, so strawberry and blueberry cream cheeses are favorites for a sweet departure. There’s usually a long line of hungry folks in need of breakfast and coffee, especially on summer weekends when vacation rentals turn over. Waiting in line is well worth the rewards! Surfbagel.com. 

Grand Central Bagel Café

 Lancaster

Upon returning home, I needed more bagels. Craving an egg-everything breakfast bagel sandwich, the closest thing I’ve found locally is from Grand Central Bagel Café on Centerville Road in Lancaster, where the bagel case is filled seven days a week. The menu offers an “egg” or an “everything” bagel, and their pancake bagel is a pure gem. Curious, I wanted to discover if an egg-everything bagel can be ordered. Not only that, but I also wanted to see how they’re made, which is where baker and pastry chef Michelle Drobnak comes in.

For the past five years, Michelle has been one of Grand Central’s hard-working bagel bakers. On this Monday morning, she had to navigate her Jeep through the snow as she made her way to work at 4:30 a.m. in order to prepare the day’s bagels. Today she will boil and bake almost 60 trays of bagels, which equates to approximately 1,200 bagels. Remarkably, by the end of the week, daily production will double in order to meet demand.

Michelle Drobnak bakes, boils and tops yeast-risen bagels at Grand Central Bagel Café in Lancaster.
The hole in the middle of each bagel harkens from practical, centuries-old use: bagels were stacked on wooden dowels for swift transportation and display. 

Bagels are typically made of yeast, flour, salt, water and sugar or barley malt. Temperature and humidity affect how active yeast becomes in the dough, impacting the rise, size and texture. Being a cold, dry day, an extra step must be added: steaming the dough so that it will rise. “On a 100-degree day, we love it,” says Michelle. “In the winter, we have to steam bagels. It takes a lot more effort.” If yeast rises too quickly, bagels become too large and the texture will change, eventually becoming too dense.

In Grand Central’s bakery, the temperature change throughout the room is astounding. Aside from the walk-in cooler that helps slow-rising yeast, a massive oven heated to 550 degrees warms the air in the room around it. The nearby steam kettle is rolling with boiling water. Constantly being filled via a faucet, the kettle produces heat and humidity, much of which is removed through an exhaust fan. Cooler air can be felt moving through the kitchen and bakery because of customers entering through the front door. 

Grand Central Bagel Café’s Long Island Lox bagel sandwich, with cream cheese, tomato and red onion.

To find a consistent rise, Michelle rolls a cart over to the kettle to steam the bagels before putting them next to the warm oven. While those proof, risen bagels are flash boiled for 30 seconds to lock in a chewy crust with a glossy surface without setting the dough inside.

While the first board of bagels boil, Michelle prepares wooden boards covered in burlap, which creates the signature texture on the bottom of the bagels. Toppings such as poppy and sesame seeds are sprinkled on the board for the bottoms before the flash-boiled bagels come out of the kettle. Toppings are added to the top side of the bagels before they’re offloaded into the oven and placed on one of four rotating shelves wrapped in a burlap cloth, baking for 13 minutes. 

As the oven rotates, bagels proof, while others boil. The work is dizzying, and Michelle is a one-woman army. She sets each subsequent batch of bagels in order within the oven, as each shelf starts baking at a separate time. This is another instance where humidity and room temperature can affect the bake and final product, leaving experience as the best guide. There is only one oven with four trays – “Your eyes are everywhere, constantly looking around at the oven, the kettle,” says Michelle.

Mike Casertano and Evan Yoder of Water Street Mission collect leftover bagels donated by Grand Central Bagel Café. These bagels will help nourish 200 people staying at the WSM shelter plus another 50 to 80 in the community through meals served three times a week.

As bagels are removed from the oven on a flat wooden peel, they go into wire baskets to cool. The baskets make for easy transport right into the display case. Chewy on the outside, soft on the inside, they’re ready for schmears or to use as a sandwich. At the end of the day, Grand Central uses leftover bagels to make croutons and bagel chips. Leftovers are also donated to Water Street Mission. 

To my extreme delight, I learned custom orders can be placed 24-48 hours in advance – and that includes ordering my coveted egg-everything bagel. There is no minimum order size and payment is taken at the time the order is placed.

If you buy a dozen (or five) and have a few leftovers, they can be cling wrapped and frozen in freezer bags. Reheating a bagel whole will help keep the texture chewy; toasting it changes the experience entirely. For day-old bagels, wet the bagel first with water or place it in a wet paper bag before reheating.

Sisters Emily and Eryn McCoy took ownership of Grand Central Bagel Café last year. Grand Central is celebrating its 27th anniversary this month and will be offering specials throughout March. They’ll also be celebrating with green bagels – while supplies last – on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Grandcentralbagel.com

Telling Tales Anew

by Leave a Comment

Part of my routine as a writer is making sure I read the works of my contemporaries. Mostly, I accomplish this through a selection of magazine subscriptions and by keeping up with new material from The Comic Store. I almost dropped the issue of Grendel, Kentucky I was greatly enjoying when I learned the modern spin on Beowulf was penned by someone living in Lancaster. 

Could Grendel, Kentucky make it to the big screen?

“They sang of his valor, and his deeds of great strength,
With all their power praising the hero.”
– Beowulf
When anyone Googles the name Jeff McComsey, there are two well-known writers who appear under the heading “people also search for.” One is comic powerhouse Chuck Dixon (Batman, Punisher, Green Arrow). It is good company for Jeff, the Lancaster-based writer/illustrator who teamed up with Dixon, a Philly native, after finding each other’s work on a then-fledgling world of social media. The resulting zombified WWII graphic novel, FUBAR, was one of the earliest published works by McComsey, but the genesis of his inspiration hinges on the pop culture of his childhood.

“I grew up watching cartoons like G.I. Joe and Transformers and shows like those had great lead-ins with comics. I started emulating that stuff. I guess I’ve always wanted to do comic-style storytelling, even if as a kid I knew it or not,” the now 40-year-old illustrator/writer recalls.

During his formative years, his art was just emulations of the superheroes he liked. And, like many artists, he is glad those early renderings have been lost in the sands of time. Growing up in Oxford, southern Chester County, his home was always full of art materials, so he had ample opportunity to create. He also got a good dose of Bob Ross courtesy of PBS.

Jeff McComsey grew up in Oxford, Chester County, and now lives and works in Lancaster.

“There’s no more clear-cut support than what I got from my parents growing up,” Jeff says. “At the time, drawing just felt like the normal thing to do. A lot of my friends did it. It was like a phase we all went through to pass the time. We didn’t have the most awesome video games on the planet, so we did other stuff. Most people just put that aside at some point but I never did.”

After inspiration and encouragement from his Oxford Area High School art program, he made his way to Lancaster in 2001 to attend Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Jeff’s goal was not to become a successful comic creator; instead he looked for a more commercial outlet for his talents in editorial portraiture – the art of illustrating the story of the person who is the subject. He considered other art schools but liked the intimacy of PCAD.

“With comics you can immediately start to tell your own story, so I migrated [to comics] after graduation,” he says. “I like Lancaster; it’s got a nice vibe. I stayed and now I teach at PCAD.”

At PCAD, Jeff teaches in the illustration and the animation & game-art departments. His focus is on the more advanced conceptual and portfolio-building classes. He does get to teach some comics classes and his favorite comic book character is Superman. “I mean, we’ve all seen the movies and he’s kind of ubiquitous, but I didn’t quite see the allure for a long time. As I’ve gotten older, Superman has become super cool,” says Jeff.

When he’s not writing, drawing or teaching, Jeff enjoys the kid-friendly nature of Lancaster City. He and his wife, Samantha Halsey, have two children and they all love to spend time in the city parks.

For Grendel, Kentucky, Jeff pulled from another influence in his past, a novel from Michael Crichton. Crichton’s Eaters of the Dead: The Manuscript of Ibn Fadlan Relating His Experiences with the Northmen in AD 922 was the first “grown-up” novel Jeff had ever read. The book is essentially a retelling of the Old English tale of how Beowulf vanquished the horrible Grendel (and his mother and a dragon). The 1976 novel was later republished under the title The 13th Warrior to match the 1999 film adaptation.

“The story always lived large in my mind,” says Jeff. “It was one of those things that when I got the opportunity to pitch new material, I went for it. I like the idea of a heroic band of warriors, and I had the idea of putting it into a modern context.”

Just like Crichton’s Eaters, there is talk about turning the more modern spin of Grendel, Kentucky into a film. Jeff is quick to note this is “just talk” but he welcomes the idea, for sure. “It’s garnered more interest than I generally get for my projects,” admits Jeff, taking a humble tone. “It is exciting. I just have to wait for the good or bad phone call.”

The Fourth Man is Jeff’s latest book.

For now, Grendel, Kentucky remains a stand-alone project. Jeff’s latest book, The Fourth Man, was released on January 3. The four-issue mini-series is illustrated by the legendary Mike Deodato Jr. (Batman, Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, etc.) and is published by AWA Upshot.

“It’s a quirky Fargo-esque murder-for-hire plot gone wrong, which takes place in the fictitious town of Medford, Pennsylvania,” says Jeff. His “Medford” is an amalgamation of Oxford – the town where he grew up – and Lancaster – the city where he now lives. “For the eagle-eyed reader there are some Lancaster locales that have been worked into the book,” he notes.

While growing his own reputation as an artist, Jeff has managed to surround himself with some dynamic names; as a PCAD student, he was mentored by fellow Lancaster comic artist Tim Truman. On Grendel, Kentucky, Jeff teamed up with illustrator Tommy Lee Edwards, who AIPT Comics calls “perfect in drawing horror set within rural America … mixing thick inking and a variety of many different colors.” The other name to come up when Googling Jeff McComsey is James Fenimore Cooper, author of The Last of the Mohicans and The Deerslayer.

“That is some kind of Google algorithm mistake,” laughs Jeff. “The first ever book I did post-PCAD graduation was called American Terror Volume 1: Confession of a Human Smart Bomb. I cowrote that with my friend Jimmy Cooper, so he’s James Cooper and somehow, somewhere that metadata got crossed.”

Google does not get everything right. Jeff, on the other hand, seems to be doing everything right by growing his reputation as a solid storyteller with creative ideas. Issue one of The Fourth Man is on sale now.

For more information, visit jeffmccomsey.com. 

Homes for the Brave

by Leave a Comment

Last July I visited my son, Charlie, and his wife, Jenn, for the first time following their move to North Carolina. The first thing he asked upon my arrival was, “When were you planning to leave?” Seeing the look on my face prompted him to explain that he was representing his company at a “key ceremony” that Saturday, during which a Marine veteran who had been injured in Afghanistan would receive the key to his new home. He thought I might like to go. He also sweet talked me into making a donation to the organization that was sponsoring the event, Homes For Our Troops (HFOT). 

The Homes For Our Troops key ceremony was held in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on July 10, 2021.

The company Charlie works for – United States Cold Storage – had adopted Homes For Our Troops as its charity for 2021. Each site was raising money for the organization and in the case of the Fayetteville plant, was providing volunteer manpower during the building process of an HFOT house in Jacksonville, which is home to Camp Lejeune. Charlie had gone to Jacksonville several times to help with landscaping projects at the house. 

I agreed to go, assuming it would be a low-key, short and simple ceremony in which a few people would say a couple of words and then hand the house over to the recipient. I’d probably be on the road by 10. Think again! 

As it turned out, it was quite the affair with a parade, a color guard, a flag ceremony, tours of the house and speeches – lots of speeches – that started with Senator Thom Tillis and Congressman Gregory Murphy and continued with several spokespersons for other Congressional representatives, as well as Senator Richard Burr. Then, the state and local politicians said their peace. I kept thinking, “And, Charlie’s going to give a speech?” Finally, his turn came. I held my breath. He did such a stellar job that I thought to myself, “Where’s my kid and what did you do with him?” 

During his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, Sgt. Chris Hancock was leading a patrol when an IED detonated, causing him to lose both of his legs.

The last person to speak was Chris Hancock, who would soon become the owner of the beautiful house. Chris, who hails from a military family in Tennessee, joined the Marines soon after graduating from high school. He was also motivated to serve his country by the events of 9/11. His role as a combat engineer took him to Japan, China, Guam, Australia and finally Afghanistan. He loved experiencing the various cultures. 

During his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, he was leading a battalion patrol in the Sangin Valley. As the point man, it was his job to detect explosives. During a sweep, Chris detected a device. An improvised explosive device (IED) immediately detonated. The blast caused Chris to lose both of his legs. He ultimately spent months recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center, where he underwent a combination of 50 surgeries and blood transfusions. 

He shared with the audience how much having such a house meant to him and his son – being able to easily maneuver in a wheelchair and have access to kitchen appliances and a spa-like bathroom would be life changing. 

Homes For Our Troops was established in Massachusetts in 2004, when a general contractor offered to build a home for a veteran who had been injured in Iraq. The vet agreed to the proposal on the condition that the contractor would work with other injured vets to provide them with accessible homes. Out of that gesture Homes For Our Troops was born. Based in Taunton, Massachusetts, the organization’s mission remains the same: to build specially adapted custom homes and donate them to severely injured post-9/11 veterans. 

Charlie Long was the spokesperson for United States Cold Storage at the key ceremony.

Providing such veterans with accessible homes has helped them and their families rebuild their lives. Typically, 15% of such veterans pursue college degrees or trade certification following their military service. The percentage climbs to 71% for HFOT vets. Becoming employed climbs to 99.5%.  

As of January, HFOT has provided 325 veterans with homes that go beyond being VA and ADA compliant. Each home bears the same design – 2,800 square feet of one-floor, open-concept living, with four bedrooms and two baths. The adapted floor plan features wider hallways and entry doorways; automatic door openers; roll-under sinks, stovetops and counters; pull-down shelving; sliding windows; digital temperature controls for water; roll-in showers; light switches positioned at wheelchair height and the list goes on. Chris’s house is gorgeous. Best of all, it’s paid for. His responsibilities extend to home insurance
and taxes. 

The primary bathroom in an HFOT house features a spa-like, roll-in shower.

Vets apply to participate in the program and once accepted – they must satisfy certain criteria – take part in a series of interviews and seminars relating to financial planning, budgeting, etc. Participants choose where they will live. Some obviously want to be close to family, while others prefer to stay connected to the military. Others need to stay in close proximity to medical centers. Still others have bonded with the artistic engineers who create prosthetics that allow vets to regain movement and mobility. Thanks to ever-improving technology, prosthetics have helped to change the lives of vets, hence they feel very connected to the teams they work with. 

The entire process – from applying to the key ceremony – takes an average of 24 to 36 months. At present, 70 projects are on the drawing board. Two projects are underway in Pennsylvania, one in the western sector of the state and the other in the Northeast. 

The kitchen in an HFOT house is outfitted with roll-under counters.

Homes For Our Troops is publicly funded with 65% of operating costs donated by individuals, family foundations, community fundraisers, online auctions and other endeavors. The balance of HFOT’s budget is provided by corporate donations – both monetary and materials. Some of the more recognizable corporate partners whose products are seen in the houses include Budget Blinds, C.H.I. Overhead Doors, COREtec, OakCraft Elegant Cabinetry, Progress Lighting, Harvey Building Products, Wayfair, Shaw Industries, Sherwin-Williams, Silestone and Whirlpool. General contractors for the projects are chosen from the communities in which an HFOT house is being built. They, too, undergo a screening process and must agree to abide by HFOT’s blueprints, budget and schedules. 

Attending the event was very moving – Chris shared by becoming a homeowner, he had finally achieved a sense of peace and looked forward to furthering his education, participating in Wounded Warrior athletic events and raising his son. “I look forward to what the future holds,” he told the audience. 

For more information, visit hfotusa.org. 

– Suzanne Starling-Long

Lititz Fire & Ice Festival 2022

by Leave a Comment

From February 18-27, ice sculptures carved by DiMartino Ice Company will be displayed throughout Downtown Lititz for the annual Fire & Ice Festival. This year, the festival will span over 10 days in order to spread out crowds. Sculptures will be displayed on Main and Broad streets, as well as Juniper Lane and the entrance to Lititz Springs Park.

The ice bar at Lititz Springs Inn & Spa.

The weather forecast for the week originally showed a potential for unseasonably warm temperatures, so Venture Lititz will be refreshing ice sculptures if needed. The sculptures will be on display 24/7 throughout the festival but are best viewed during daylight hours. Venture Lititz recommends visiting between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., but there is plenty to see and do outside of those hours.

New this year, the festival will feature two themed days. On Monday, February 21, from 2-6 p.m., the festival will focus on children, offering activities on West Main Street, including fire- and ice-themed fun with Lancaster Science Factory and bouncy attractions. Penn State Health will also host two family-friendly scavenger hunts, one in Lititz Springs Park and the other throughout downtown. Participants can post a picture on Instagram or Facebook with the tag #PennStateHealthHunt for the chance to win a special prize.

Thursday, February 24, will be a special Maker’s Market Day where local artists and makers will showcase their work throughout downtown from 2-6 p.m.

Also new, Lititz Shirt Factory will house the Local Eyes Photography Exhibition, highlighting iconic Lititz images. The exhibit will be open through mid-March and is free to the community during Lititz Shirt Factory’s hours. A panel of judges will choose the best images from the show and award the photographers with cash prizes.

Ice sculpture of Baby Yoda outside of Kirsch’s Antiques.

Unfortunately, there will be no fire show or chili cook-off this year due to Covid, but Venture Lititz hopes to bring back these elements next year. The fire component will instead come from the Fire & Ice Pub and Town Crawl, featuring fire- and ice-themed food, drinks and special products at local restaurants and retailers all week long.

 

The Fire & Ice Pub Crawl will feature themed cocktails such as a Polar Whitecap from Tied House and a Firefly from Blackworth Live Fire Grill. For beer lovers, Collusion Tap Works will offer red- and blue-colored beer. The ice bar will also make its return to Lititz Springs Inn & Spa’s patio.

As a part of the Town Crawl, participating downtown shops and restaurants will highlight themed items, such as Fiery Hot Cheese & Smoking Hot Jackalope Sausage from The Savory Gourmet, icy-decorated doggie cookies from Gus & Ruby’s and handmade custom fire & ice artwork at Purple Robin Reserve. For a full list of participating shops and restaurants, click here.

Participants in both crawls can post pictures of themselves on Instagram with the tags #LititzFireandIcePubCrawl or #LititzFireandIceTownCrawl, and Venture Lititz will pick their favorite post from each and reward the poster with a $100 gift certificate to the establishment in the picture.

In addition to downtown restaurants, visitors can find warm meals at the food truck court located in the Lancaster General Health parking lot off North Lane (open on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as Sunday, February 20, and Monday, February 21).

For more information, visit lititzfireandice.com.

Proud Members of: