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Two Times the Love

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Ashley Goss and Matthew Bushong
October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2021 

Matthew Bushong and Ashley Goss were married on October 31, 2020, at the home of her parents and hosted their wedding/anniversary reception a year later on October 31, 2021. Because they love the city, many of their photos – from both dates – utilized scenic and historic backdrops. For example, this shot was taken at the Shreiner-Concord Cemetery, which is located at the corner of Mulberry and Chestnut streets.

“Covid changed our plans quite a bit,” says Ashley Goss. “We knew we couldn’t have the large wedding we had originally envisioned, unless we wanted to delay it further. We weighed our options and decided we couldn’t wait any longer to officially tie the knot,” she says, referring to her and Matthew’s 10-year-long relationship. A celebratory reception would have to wait. 

When Ashley Met Matthew

Ashley, who is a branch manager for Lanco Federal Credit Union, met Matthew at a party some co-workers were having to mark the end of summer. Matthew, who is a children’s library assistant at Lancaster Public Library, had tagged along with Reid Cummins, one of Ashley’s friends and co-workers. “That was 10 years ago,” she says. 

Matthew and Ashley re-enact his proposal that was delivered atop a city parking garage on a snowy day in 2018.

The two discovered they shared a wide range of interests, including a love of snow days. “One of our favorite things to do on a snowy day is to explore the cold, quiet, snow-filled city,” she explains. On a snowy day in March 2018, Ashley and Matthew went for a walk that ended atop the Penn Square Parking Garage. That’s where Matthew proposed. “It was a perfectly romantic moment that ended in an amusing snowball fight,” she recalls. 

Not wanting to rush into things, the two decided they would take their time in planning their wedding. Finally, after a few months, they shared the news of their engagement with family and friends, announcing the wedding would be held at Mulberry Art Studios on October 31, 2020. They lined up their vendors and waited for their big day to arrive. 

“Little did we know that Covid would cause our plans to change quite a bit,” Ashley says. 

Despite not having a reception in 2020, the two danced along West Chestnut Street.

Pivot Time 

As 2020 progressed, it became obvious to Ashley and Matthew they would need to alter their plans. “We contacted our vendors to determine what would happen with our contracts,” Ashley explains. “Fortunately, they all basically gave us the ability to cancel the contracts or reschedule.” Ashley and Matthew considered their options and decided to get married on October 31, 2020, and postpone their reception to October 31, 2021. “We really wanted to get married and we really wanted to have the opportunity to celebrate with our friends and family once Covid settled down, so we planned a ceremony for 2020 and a reception for 2021,” she explains.  

Ashley and Matthew exchanged vows through conducting a self-uniting ceremony that is permissible in Pennsylvania. Such ceremonies are often referred to as “Quaker weddings.”

Their new plan called for moving the ceremony and a small family gathering to the home of Ashley’s parents, Marcia and Robert Goss, who reside in Conestoga. The festivities were livestreamed via Twitch to family and friends who could not attend in person. The couple also announced that a wedding celebration would be held at Mulberry Art Studios on October 31, 2021. 

Halloween? Think Again 

In Mexico and other Central American countries, October 31 through November 2 is celebrated as Día de los Muertos. Many mistakenly assume it’s the Mexican version of Halloween. Instead, it’s a holiday that pays homage to those who have passed from the Earth. 

The rituals connected to Día de los Muertos date back thousands of years, predating the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. The Aztecs, for example, believed that death was a process through which the deceased must travel though nine challenging levels before their souls reached Mictlān, or the final resting place. Loved ones would help the departed reach their final destinations by providing them with food, water and other necessities during Nahua ceremonies that were held each August. 

Centuries later, the arrival of Catholicism and the influence of Spanish culture combined with the ancient rituals to create Día de los Muertos, which coincides with two Catholic observances, All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). Because of the growing Mexican and Latino populations in the United States, Día de los Muertos has become a part of American culture in places like Texas, the Southwest and California. 

Matthew’s Mexican heritage prompted the couple to embrace the tradition of celebrating Día de los Muertos as the theme of their 2020 wedding and 2021 reception. Their ofrenda (altar) paid tribute to family members and friends who have passed away.
Matthew and Ashley included a First Look moment on their October 31, 2020, wedding day.
Ahead of their wedding ceremony, Ashley and Matthew visited Lancaster Central Market, where they composed a bridal bouquet with help from Central Market Flowers.
Family friend, Holly Palacios, created a cake for the 2020 wedding that complemented the color scheme and evoked Matthew’s Mexican roots.
Guests who witnessed Ashley and Matthew exchange their wedding vows included their dog, Pablo.

While Día de los Muertos shares similarities with Halloween, it remains rooted in ancient beliefs that hold that beginning at midnight on October 31 and continuing through November 2, the border between the spirit world and the living world dissolves, allowing the departed to reawaken and return to their loved ones (children on November 1 and adults on November 2) for 24-hour periods. 

The ritual of welcoming back the dead takes place in cemeteries – where graves are laden with food and drink, candles and flowers – and in homes, where altars (or ofrendas) are filled with photos, food, candles and other mementoes of the departed. Marigolds create colorful paths through cemeteries – it is believed the dead rely on their color and scent to lead them home. 

Skulls and skeletons – some exhibiting vibrant colors – are part of the costumes and parades that accompany the event. Monarch butterflies, which are believed to hold the spirits of the dead, also play a role, as their return to Mexico typically begins on November 1.   

Ashley and Matthew invited their attendants and groomsmen to choose their own attire for the reception. In the case of Ashley’s female attendants, each was assigned a color.

The October 31, 2021, reception, held at Mulberry Art Studios, included elements that were missing from their 2020 wedding day, including attendants for Ashley, groomsmen for Matthew, dinner and dancing. Carryovers from 2020 included the color scheme and the Día de los Muertos theme.
Ashley and Matthew have embraced Día de los Muertos because of Matthew’s Mexican roots. The two erect an ofrenda in their home and, because of the state of the world, thought it would be a meaningful gesture to incorporate the concept of remembering the deceased into their October 31 wedding. “We both love that the holiday represents a time to remember those loved ones who have passed and take the time to celebrate them even though they are no longer with us,” notes Ashley. 

The holiday provided Ashley and Matthew with a canvas for designing the look of their wedding. The color scheme took its inspiration from the vibrant color palette that accompanies Día de los Muertos. Warm tones of gold, yellow and orange were paired with shades of purple, maroon and red through florals such as marigolds and chrysanthemums and even fallen leaves. Ashley’s dress and shawl reflected Día de los Muertos’ colorful backdrop.  

Ashley’s bouquet tied into her and Matthew’s love for exploring the city, which was commemorated with a pre-wedding photo shoot with their photographer, Margarita Stamatelopoulos, who was a classmate of Matthew’s at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. “We thought that rather than have a bouquet made for me, why not create one at Lancaster Central Market and have Margarita photograph the event,” Ashley explains. The two turned to Central Market Flowers for help and loved the results. “The photos Margarita took of us picking out the flowers are some of my favorites from the whole day!” Ashley reports. 

Ashley and Matthew utilized the same theme for their October 31, 2021, reception (in the industry, such events are being referred to as anniversary receptions), which included a video of the festivities from 2020. 

For their official first dance, the couple chose to dance to Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time.

The Unique Factor

Upon returning to her parents’ home from the photo shoot, Ashley and Matthew performed a self-uniting ceremony. “Only certain states allow such ceremonies,” she explains. “Because of the state’s strong Quaker heritage, Pennsylvania is one of them. In fact, they are often referred to as ‘Quaker weddings.’” She goes on to explain that such a ceremony entails the bride and groom announcing their love for one another and their intention to marry. Such a ceremony must be conducted in front of at least two witnesses. The witnesses are afforded the opportunity to “speak their peace” and offer their support or objections. Once the couple and the witnesses sign the marriage contract, the union is declared official. 

A year after their wedding, Ashley and Matthew held a wedding/anniversary reception at Mulberry Art Studios in Lancaster.

Ashley and Matthew did practice their vows beforehand. “The first time we shared our vows, it was in private. I’m so glad we did because I bawled,” Ashley recalls. “They were happy tears but Matthew wasn’t so sure at first. I would not have wanted my friends and family to see those reactions!” Practicing their vows together provided Ashley and Matthew with the confidence that what they had written was on the right track. “I believe we both made a few edits,” she reports. 

Favorite Memory 

Ashley and Matthew have several, including the fact that despite hosting a very small wedding, it had some large ramifications. “I adore that we were able to vote [they dropped off their ballots at the courthouse], marry ourselves and celebrate my birthday [Halloween] and Día de los Muertos all in the same day!” says Ashley, noting that October 31 has gained another reason for celebration – their wedding anniversary – in the Goss-Bushong household. 

Despite having to forgo a large wedding – for the time being – Ashley discovered a small wedding can be just as meaningful. “Being able to spend the day with our families and close friends in the familiar setting of my parents’ house and being able to share that intimate moment of uniting ourselves in marriage with them and those watching via Twitch was very meaningful,” she says. 

Ashley and her parents, Robert and Marcia Goss.
Matthew and his parents, Matt Bushong and Irma Bushong, who lives in Edinburg, Texas, and was unable to attend the 2020 event.
Courtney Wooters’ cupcakes complemented the reception’s color scheme.
A Día de los Muertos ofrenda (altar) paid homage to family members who are deceased. As is typical, the ofrenda included photos and food (skull-shaped cookies) that welcomes the deceased back during the period, October 31-November 2.
Colorful skulls that are associated with Día do los Muertos celebrations served as decorations for the reception.

However, the larger reception did have its rewards. “It was so nice to finally get to do our first dance,” she says. 

One aspect of the wedding is still on hold. Their honeymoon! The two snow lovers want to experience Quebec’s Winter Carnival, which is held the first two weeks of February. Now that the Canadian border is open again, they are making honeymoon plans!   

Credits 

October 31, 2020 and 2021

Photographer: Margarita Photography, Baltimore
(margarita-photography.com) 

Videographer: Rob Goss, Goose Media, Philadelphia 

Groom’s Suit: Online from StudioSuits.com 

Florals: Central Market Flowers

Makeup: Oui Cosmetics & Glam Studio, Pittsburgh 

October 31, 2020 

Bridal Gown: Online from torrid.com 

Hair: Luxe Salon & Spa 

Caterer: Lancaster Dispensing Company 

Cake: Holly Palacios 

October 31, 2021 

Bridal Gown: Online from Azazie.com 

Hair: Ego Trip Hair Salon 

Venue: Mulberry Art Studios 

Catering: Catering by John Lowe 

Cupcakes: That Awesome Little Bakery/Courtney Wooters

DJ: Jim Marlin 

A Photographer’s Life … Margarita Stamatelopoulos

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Q. Trace Your Travels … how did you go from Greece to Baltimore?

A. My father’s cousin was the first family member to move to the United States – she told everyone about the opportunities, how beautiful it is and how life is easier. So, my father and his immediate family decided to make the move to Ohio. My parents met when my father made a trip back to Greece. They got married in Greece and eventually had me. Almost a full year after I was born, my mother and I immigrated, as well. 

I very much disliked growing up in Ohio (Canton to be exact) and knew that I wanted to leave as soon as I could. So, I only applied to out-of-state schools for college. I attended The Art Institute in Pittsburgh, where I studied photography. It was far enough away to experience something new and gain full independence but close enough to where my parents lived, which made the change easier on them. 

I graduated in early 2011 and worked a lot. While living in Pittsburgh, I worked multiple jobs at the same time to make ends meet. I always had at least one job that was photography-related, from a location scout for Rue 21’s photography to photographing vacuum parts for a company’s catalog. Pittsburgh is a wonderful place to get that “city experience” at a miniature level. 

After spending about seven years in Pittsburgh, I felt I was ready to move somewhere new again. I had two choices in mind – either Austin, Texas, or Baltimore, Maryland. I had friends in both. I decided to visit Austin during the hottest month of the year to test it out. Ugh! It was a really cool city with lots to do, but I didn’t think I could live like that. Baltimore’s weather was better, plus it was still within driving distance from my parents. It felt like home pretty quickly. I discovered that once you put roots down in a neighborhood, the people really champion you and want to help and see you succeed. It was a new but welcomed experience. I’ve been in Baltimore for almost seven years now.

Q. What prompted your interest in photography in general and wedding photography specifically?

A. My mother always told me this story about the day I was born. Back then, you were in a room with multiple other patients. My mother took a lot of photographs of me while we were in the hospital. One of the other patients asked why she was taking so many photos of me. And, she replied, “So she can look back at these and see the best day of my life. Who knows, maybe she’ll become a photographer one day herself.” 

My mom was always documenting everything when I was growing up; I have a ton of photos from my childhood and it really is amazing being able to have all these memories at hand to look back on. At some point when I got old enough, my mom started handing off the camera to me and I just became the documenter. But, I don’t really remember making the choice of wanting to be a photographer until well into high school. I was taking an AP art class and my teacher introduced me to a more advanced camera. I ended up excelling in that class and figured since it was something I was good at, I’d try and pursue it.

Wedding photography didn’t come into my radar until after college while I was living in Pittsburgh. My original focus was on photojournalism. One day I got home from a job and saw a notice that a wedding photographer needed help for a wedding that day. I figured since I wasn’t doing anything I’d step in. She really liked me and asked me to work with her again. I quickly went from being just an assistant to a photographer. We photographed almost 50 weddings together over a year’s time. Then, I decided to try it myself. I wanted to grow it slowly because weddings take a lot of back-end work to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Q. Where does your work take you?

A. It hasn’t taken me very far yet, mostly just the DMV (D.C., Maryland and Virginia) and Pennsylvania. Ashley and Matthew’s wedding and reception brought me to Lancaster for the first time. I photographed a wedding in Jamaica a few years ago. I will be heading to Texas for a wedding this year and I’m really excited about that. My goal is to move back to Europe and build my business there.

Q. What prompted you to begin using cityscapes as the background for your wedding photography?

A. I really felt that it was important to include a wedding’s actual setting. It’s another aspect of the day and it’s another memory to keep. Places change all the time – they get built up or even sometimes destroyed. I want couples to be able to look back and remember how everything looked on their wedding day.

Margarita-photography.com

A “Rosie Cake”

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After the dress, guests at a wedding are anxious to see the cake. Lancaster County is fortunate to have so many talented and creative bakers who help to make celebrations all the more festive! 

One of those talented bakers is Rosie Rohrer, who works out of a farmhouse that sits along a country road near Manheim and bears a small, rather nondescript sign that reads Rosie’s Creative Cakes. In business since 1989, Rosie has made a pivot this year, deciding that she will be concentrating solely on what she calls “the heart and soul” of her business: wedding cakes. 

Art and design have always been a part of Rosie’s life – she just chooses to express her artistry through flour and sugar. As you can see, art and baking have found common ground. Some cake-painting techniques, as seen in the second photo, deliver a watercolor effect. The technique seen on the cake in the first photo is called buttercream palette knife painting and takes its inspiration from palette knife painting: oil paint is applied to canvas or wood and is transformed into textured and multi-dimensional shapes such as flowers, leaves, shells, etc. Confectionary artists use tools such as forks, knives and spatulas to transform the surfaces of cakes into works of art. 

Rosiescreativecakes.com 

Rosie and her husband, Dwight Rohrer. Photo by LDT Foto.

4 Questions for Rosie 

1. First Job

As a high school student, she worked in the bakery of a family-owned grocery store in Manheim, assembling birthday cakes and keeping the refrigerated case filled with decorated cakes. 

2. Who Does She Admire From the Industry?

Earlene Moore, a cake designer from Texas, who is known for her lace work and gum-paste flowers. “I had the privilege of taking one of her classes,” says Rosie. 

3. Largest Cake She Ever Made

A pre-Covid bride asked Rosie to create a wedding cake “just like her mother had.” It consisted of 10 tiers – four in the center, two two-tiered cakes on either side and two satellite cakes. And, a fountain also figured into the design. Rosie remembers someone from the catering staff commenting, “Now, that’s a wedding cake!” 

4. Her Favorite Cake Flavor

Rosie loves anything chocolate. In regards to cake, she names chocolate mocha chip – with Kahlua buttercream and chocolate ganache – as her “ultimate favorite” choice. 

New(ish) to the Venue Scene

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Lancaster has become a bona fide wedding phenomenon! Locals and out-of-towners alike are in search of venues that will fit their style and provide guests with an unforgettable experience. Despite the ramifications of Covid closures and restrictions, new venues have continued to open, while others have evolved. What follows are a few we’ve discovered during our travels. 

Warehouse 100 

100 W. Franklin St., New Holland • Warehouse100venue.com 

If industrial chic is your style, head for New Holland, where the husband-and-wife team of Taylor and Brandon Holmes transformed what had been the home of a metal fabrication business (and before that it was part of Case New Holland) into an event venue. The transformation started when Taylor needed a place to park her food truck and the building’s owners offered her the space. The entrepreneur took one look and her creative juices started flowing. Remodeling began in 2019 and was finished in time for the couple’s own wedding in late 2020. Warehouse 100 opened to the public in January 2021. 

River’s Edge at Long Level 

1829 Long Level Rd., Wrightsville • Riversedgell.com 

Owned by Dave and Sharon Kline, who operate the adjacent Long Level Marina, the venue is actually the brainstorm of general manager, Jordan Woodworth, who watched as boaters gathered on the lawn and deck of the property after a day on the river to linger by the water’s edge and enjoy food and drink. That observation prompted him to envision the property as an event venue. The Klines grasped his vision. In 2019, the property was transformed into a venue (capacity is 150) that offers a large patio, lawn area, pavilion-style tent, an indoor dining facility and best of all, a gorgeous view of the Susquehanna River. 

Britain Hill Venue & Vineyard 

790 Little Britain Road, North, Quarryville
Britainhillvenueandvineyard.com 

Ken and Debbie Helm launched their dream of operating a vineyard/winery and event venue five years ago when they purchased acreage in Southern Lancaster County. Ken, who has a construction background, built a bank barn that can accommodate up to 185 guests. The large deck offers unsurpassed views of the vineyard and the rolling hills. The vineyard/winery offers a full range of wines. The Helms recently expanded the venture with the acquisition of The Livery, which is located in Lampeter. 

Osbornia Farm 

74 Clendenin Rd., Quarryville • Osborniafarm.com 

History abounds here. Dating to the 1800s, the farm was once part of the Robert Fulton Birthplace. Owned by the Osborne family since 1934, it features a 19th-century farmhouse and a barn that has been repurposed for use as an event venue. Making its debut two years ago, the venue also features beautiful outdoor areas, including a grove of chestnut trees near the barn. While the venue can accommodate 200 guests, it offers unique Micro-wedding and Elopement packages for up to 25 guests. 

IronSpire Complex 

2800 N. Reading Rd., Adamstown • Ironspirecomplex.com 

Open since mid-June, the former Stoudt’s complex has been refurbished and reimagined as an event venue that features an open-air banquet hall, a cozy courtyard and a covered garden. Unique to the complex are shops overseen by vendors that specialize in weddings. Columbia Kettle Works is the new brewer in town, as it operates a taproom on the premises; future plans call for CKW to open a full-service brewpub in the complex. Yes, the antiques venue is still on the premises. 

The Mill at Manor Falls 

380 Old Blue Rock Rd., Millersville • Themillatmanorfalls.com

A mill has been located at this site that’s just outside of Millersville since 1771. During the Civil War, flour made at the mill helped to sustain Union troops. More recently, the mill was the site of a popular French restaurant that opened in the early ’70s and closed in the mid-80s. It sat vacant until 2012, when the current owners began restoring it. Open since 2018, the site features the climate-controlled mill building, gardens, waterfalls and a bridge. 

Twin Brook Retreat 

5697 Strasburg Rd., Gap • Twinbrookretreat.com 

Owned by Merv Beiler since 2015, Twin Brook Retreat makes its home on acreage that was originally part of the Penn Grant and more recently was home to a winery. Beiler, who is a contractor, purchased the property, intending to “create an environment where people can glorify God and experience His presence.” The grounds were excavated and the buildings were restored and updated. The 18th-century barn on the property can accommodate up to 120 guests, while the outdoor environs can expand that number. The property also has four apartments. In addition to weddings, Twin Brook makes itself available for church retreats, family reunions, business meetings and social events. 

Drumore Mill on Harmony 

1658 Harmony Ridge Rd., Drumore • Facebook.com/DrumoreMill 

Six years in the making, this gorgeous property will appeal to history buffs and nature lovers alike. The first record of a mill being built aside Fishing Creek dates to 1734. Remnants of a mill add to the atmosphere at Drumore Mill, whose amenities include a farmhouse, a barn that offers get-ready spaces and ample space for a ceremony/reception, a unique creekside indoor/outdoor reception area, a secluded chapel, paths that meander through stands of ferns, wild cabbage and pawpaw trees, waterfalls and views of woodland. As for history, the property is believed to have served as a lookout during the Civil War and as a stop on the Underground Railroad. 

Railroad House Inn 

280 W. Front St., Marietta • Railroadhouseinn.com 

The Railroad House has always hosted weddings but over the course of the last two years, owners Joey Bowden and Freddy States have worked to make it a wedding and special events destination. The property has been transformed inside and out. The most ambitious project saw the carriage house become a venue that can seat up to 60 guests. In addition, it boasts a patio surrounded by gardens. The original summer kitchen also received a makeover and can now accommodate up to 20 guests for a private event. The inn’s guest rooms were also updated, as was the Perry Street Cellar. Finally, the patio and gardens adjacent to the inn were refreshed. 

A Toast to Your Health

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If your New Year’s resolution is to cut back on alcoholic, caffeinated and sugar-laden beverages, now might be the perfect time to explore kombucha. 

Purple Butterfly Kombucha (top right) is made with organic ingredients including butterfly pea flower, cane sugar, lavender, blueberries and kombucha culture. The naturally decaffeinated drink is a brilliant purple in color and offers a clean, slightly tart flavor. The lavender does not overpower the flavor. Hibiscus Mint Green Tea Kombucha (bottom right) is made with organic ingredients including green tea, hibiscus, peppermint, cane sugar and kombucha culture. The drink is delicate, with floral undertones, a little sweet and fizzy and finishes with a green tea note. The purpose of the protective plaid blanket (left) that encases the growlette is to “stop the clink” of glass bottles during transport.

What Is Kombucha? 

I love sparkling water and am always looking for fizzy, refreshing drinks without the sugar contained in soda. Kombucha certainly qualifies. Technically, it’s fermented tea, but everything you might associate with those two words should be temporarily set aside. Rather, think of fun flavors centered on fruits, herbs, spices or ginger that deliver tart, sweet, funky or floral taste sensations. Kombucha is also carbonated, which enhances the refreshing quality with a crisp finish.

• National Booch (kombucha) Day is January 15

• World Kombucha Day is February 21

While I enjoy kombucha almost exclusively for the flavor, there are purported health benefits that act as a primary driver for folks to seek it out. The first among these is the inclusion of probiotics, such as those found in yogurt, which is fermented milk. They’re beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion. Kombucha is also rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, amino acids and polyphenols like those found in olive oil. 

“Some people like to drink a cup of kombucha in the morning,” says Jessica Butzer, owner of Renewal Kombucha in Lititz. “It’s routine. They know how much they drink in a day.” (FYI: the Centers for Disease Control recommends limiting consumption to 4-oz. servings one to three times per day.) 

Michelle Ibberson and Jessica Butzer are the co-owners of Renewal Kombucha.

Jessica also points out that kombucha is an “alcohol alternative, a casual drink” as it contains less than 0.5% alcohol. It can also be used as a cocktail mixer with gin or rum, such as in a mojito. (Hence, it’s become a popular alternative to alcohol at bars and restaurants.) Because of that, January would be a perfect time to add kombucha to your routine – the Dry January movement has gained popularity over the last eight years or so. Viewed as a way to make a clean break from the excesses of the holidays, health organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic tout the benefits – weight loss, better sleep, an improved immune system, healthier skin and less brain fog – of an alcohol-free month.   

A Little History 

It is believed that kombucha originated in Asia – more than likely China – as early as 212 B.C. Its health benefits prompted it to be called the Tea of Immortality. Legend also has it that centuries later, the Japanese emperor recovered from a serious illness thanks to a tea that a Korean physician by the name of Komu-ha prescribed. 

Expanding trade routes allowed kombucha to be introduced to Russia, India and Japan. It was popular in Europe until the start of World War II, when tea and sugar shortages curtailed its availability. It enjoyed a European resurgence after the war and became popular in the United States during the latter part of the 20th century. 

According to Grand View Research, global sales of kombucha reached $1.67 billion in 2019 and are expected to increase by nearly 20% annually through 2027. North America is the largest consumer of kombucha.    

How Kombucha is Made 

The process starts with steeping large bags of black or green tea, dried botanicals and herbs in hot water. The tea is added to a tank containing a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast). It looks a little alien, but the process isn’t too distant from brewing beer and it’s almost identical to making vinegar. 

Dried organic butterfly pea flowers used in Renewal’s Purple Butterfly Kombucha.

A familiar characteristic of kombucha compares to the tartness found in apple cider vinegar, which also uses a “mother” to produce the final product. (A vinegar mother converts sugars and oxygen from the air into acid in a similar fashion that a SCOBY produces kombucha.) Yeast feeds on sugar and bacteria to create the fermentation process. Because Renewal uses organic cane sugar, which is almost entirely consumed by yeast, only a few grams of sugar remain in the final product. They prepare batches from five to 50 gallons and draw only enough kombucha to keep the SCOBY healthy. There are backup batches in case something goes wrong to ensure consistency, and pH levels are checked regularly.

Michelle Ibberson steeps a blend of organic ingredients to make Purple Butterfly Kombucha.

The process lasts for about 30 days before the kombucha is filtered and force-carbonated in a keg with carbon dioxide, again much like beer. Because the ingredients lack any added preservatives, it’s necessary to keep it refrigerated and enjoyed within about a week or two of filling a growler for optimal freshness.

A healthy SCOBY in a large stainless-steel tank. The dark spots are accumulations of yeast during fermentation.

Renewed Vision 

Established in 2015 by Jeremy Sayer, Jessica expressed interest in acquiring Renewal Kombucha in 2020. It wasn’t her first new project. Earlier that year, on a handshake agreement, Jessica agreed to buy Bruno’s of Lititz – a hoagie, salad and soup shop open for lunch – from Jedd Erdman “Then the pandemic happened,” she says.

Tanks of fermenting kombucha at Renewal’s new production space.

 Buying Renewal initially proved to be a bit intimidating. “I took off a day at work, came into Renewal, and decided I didn’t want to buy it,” Jessica recalls. “We didn’t know anything,”  co-owner Michelle Ibberson elaborates. Fortunately, Jeremy agreed to stay on to help in the transition, as did brewer Katie McGann. 

For the first three months, Jessica worked a full-time job, plus put in hours at Bruno’s and Renewal. As for Michelle, she was working as a carpenter at TAIT when the pandemic hit. She was laid off and when she was asked to return to work in the spring of 2021, she decided that helping to get Renewal off the ground would offer her more opportunities, even in the midst of a pandemic. “The time gave people the opportunity to grow, to take chances that maybe they would never take,” says Michelle. “TAIT will still be there and they’ll continue to grow.” 

Trading Places 

In the fall of 2021, Renewal Kombucha and next-door neighbor, The Savory Gourmet, traded adjacent locations. Facilitated by the property owner, the trade offered Renewal a smaller tasting room with an opportunity to take on additional production space in a separate building. It was a win-win, with The Savory Gourmet adding to their retail space.

Signage outside of Renewal Kombucha’s tasting room on North Broad Street in Lititz.

“When I did decide to buy the business, we needed to separate the taproom from manufacturing,” Jessica explains. “We have 100% made it our own. The recipes are the same – moving forward we’re going to invent some of our own.” 

According to Katie, Jessica was adamant about not changing any of the recipes for the first 12 months in order to ensure consistency for current customers. Consistency would also enable her to learn the inner workings of the business, with the idea of improving the production process. 

Her past work training included that of Lean Six Sigma, a method made famous by Toyota for relearning and improving processes within a business. Jessica applied those tools to Renewal, with the goal being to improve efficiency and make it their own. Katie taught Jessica and Michelle the processes and standards and together they redefined their workflow in their new production space. “She came in and said, ‘We’re going to change this and this and this,’” says Katie. “It’s not just talk. You know she has this vision, so you go with it.” Jessica gave Katie the freedom to come up with new production and workflow ideas. “It was a very collaborative time, and it still is,” Katie notes. “The solution has to involve all of us,” says Jessica.

Consider the Source  

For a while, I bought kombucha at a big-box store. The flavors tended to be the same. I also discovered that the six-bottle boxes go quickly and tend to be expensive. Touted with a longer shelf life, widely distributed kombucha also tastes different. When it comes to mass-produced kombucha, producers “ferment tea then add flavors after,” Katie explains. “It could ferment in the shipping process, it’s harder to control quality. We ferment all of the ingredients, so it has a much more mild flavor.”

Michelle Ibberson bottles Purple Butterfly Kombucha.

Getting people to try kombucha can be a real challenge. “It’s converting people with bad experiences with kombucha, and convincing people who have never had it to try ours,” says Katie. “I try to gauge flavors to find what they like, like fruity or ginger, then get them to try other flavors. People try brewing it themselves, which can be dangerous,” says Katie. “It’s just
like canning – it can go bad and you can get sick.” 

Throughout the process, sterility is critical to keep the kombucha from contamination of mold or even fruit flies. As with sauerkraut, the acidity from fermentation must be high enough to destroy bacteria. Since kombucha is fermented and often unpasteurized, start with a trusted source, and begin by trying a small portion to see how your body reacts, if at all.

Visiting Renewal Kombucha 

Experiencing Renewal Kombucha’s tasting room in Lititz is like going into a brewery, only it’s devoid of alcohol. They offer free tastings to experience their mainstay and seasonal kombucha brews. Bottles are available for purchase. My preference is growler refills: a 64-oz. refill costs $15, while a 32-oz. growlette refill costs $9. I keep growlers in both sizes stored in a collapsible crate in the car.

Bottles of kombucha are available for sale at Renewal’s tasting room and a variety of locations.

Recently, Stauffers of Kissel Hill has started carrying a selection of Renewal’s bottled flavors in their stores. In addition to Stauffers, it’s available at this growing list of area locations:

Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie, Lebanon

Green Ridge Acres, Harrisburg Market 

Harvest Lane Farm Market, Lititz

Kari’s Tea Bar, Lancaster Central Market

Leg Up Farmers Market, York

New Holland Coffee Co., Lancaster and New Holland locations

Pharma-Free Remedies, York Central Market

Sarah’s Snacks, York

Slate Café, Lititz

Renewal Kombucha is located at 53 N. Broad Street in Lititz. For more information, visit drinkrenewal.com. 

A Dining Experience Awaits

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PepperTheo is an intriguing name for a restaurant. Launched by Joe Hess and his business partner, Christine Hess, in December 2019, the two also operate Cracked Pepper Catering. Hence, the “Pepper” part of the name. As for “Theo,” that references the fact that the café is located in Dietz Refectory on the grounds of the Lancaster Theological Seminary.

PepperTheo makes its home in Dietz Refectory on the campus of the Lancaster Theological Seminary. In addition to maintaining lunch and dinner hours, it specializes in hosting social and corporate events.

The restaurant’s setting simply oozes character. Dietz Refectory, which dates back to 1916, was built in the Tudor Revival style and features timber roof trusses, as well as two large fireplaces whose mantels boast original Mercer tiles crafted by the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Doylestown. The windows, which are embellished with stained-glass medallions, were made from green glass that was repurposed from Belgian greenhouses damaged during World War II.  

Joe and Christine (who are not related) have spent a combined 50-plus years in the hospitality industry. They opened Cracked Pepper Catering in September 2016. They both credit the late Bob Fenninger for helping them achieve success and cherish the “Z” that was gifted to them when the FENZ sign was removed from the restaurant’s exterior following Fenninger’s death.  

Dinner features a four-course, prix fixe menu. Smoked eye round steak with whipped potatoes, red wine bordelaise, baby carrots and pearl onions was a November offering.

As for opening PepperTheo, “We call this our COVID-19 journey,” says Joe, who always admired the space. When the opportunity to open a café there arose, he was excited, but was aware the space needed a new kitchen, which he says a donor to the seminary provided. 

Plans called for PepperTheo to open in March 2020, but then the pandemic hit and its debut was pushed back to October 2020. “We started with lunch and then added dinner hours,” Joe explains. Christine adds, “Initially, we focused on outdoor dining in the courtyard outside the building. We made the decision to close in December 2020, when we could no longer seat people outside.” PepperTheo reopened in May 2021. 

PepperTheo’s courtyard is open to lunch/dinner guests during warm-weather months and is perfect for cocktail hour preceding a social event.

Joe describes PepperTheo as having a rustic, classic supper club feel thanks to the setting. “We want our guests to have a great dining experience. It’s interesting to see people’s reactions when they step through the door,” Joe remarks. “We had a young adult guest approach the entrance with his head buried in his phone. When he crossed the threshold, he looked up from the phone and got this amazed look as he took in the room.” 

PepperTheo can seat just over 100 guests. Seasonal outdoor dining is available in the adjacent courtyard. The lunch menu features traditional fare such as sandwiches, soups, salads and sweets. Dinner features a four-course prix fixe menu that changes weekly with a price range of $40 to $50 per person. Weekly menus are posted online and on social media. “Our chef, Zach Blair, shops Central Market for his ingredients, so we can provide fresh, local fare,” Joe explains.

Christine Hess and her business partner, Joe Hess, bring more than 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry to their newest venture, PepperTheo Café & Events. The two have operated Cracked Pepper Catering since 2016.

Seating for dinner is by reservation, and menu items are made to order. “When you call to make a reservation, our staff asks about dietary restrictions or special requests,” he says. “We maintain information about our guests’ preferences and dietary restrictions, so they don’t have to provide it to us every time they make a reservation.”

Since the menu changes weekly there’s no signature menu item. However, there is a signature sweet – a dark-chocolate bark created by Miesse Candies. It’s available exclusively at PepperTheo. Note: PepperTheo is BYOB.

The venue’s fireplaces are covered in original Mercer tiles from Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Doylestown.

PepperTheo also uses the space for private events such as rehearsal dinners, bridal and baby showers, birthday parties, holiday gatherings, anniversary celebrations, corporate events and small weddings. “We do a lot of second weddings,” Joe reports. For such events, the space can accommodate approximately 100 for a seated dinner and 127 for cocktails. “The look of PepperTheo really lends itself to a Harry Potter-themed party,” Christine observes. “We hope to host such a party in the near future.”

The November Petite Sweet offering: chocolate-fudge cake with vanilla custard, nutter butter, cacao nibs and sea salt.

PepperTheo Café & Events is located in Dietz Refectory on the campus of Lancaster Theological Seminary, 555 West James Street, Lancaster. Lunch is available 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday through Friday. Dinner is available starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Reservations are required for dinner seating and can be made via phone or text. PepperTheo also has private event space. For more information, call 717-341-6565 or visit peppertheocafe.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Humane Pennsylvania’s 12 Days of Adoptions

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Are you looking to add a furry companion to your family this holiday season? Humane Pennsylvania wants every animal in their care to have a forever home for the holidays, which is why they are waiving fees for all cat, dog and critter adoptions during their 12 Days of Adoptions event.

Midnight, a 6-year-old female pitbull, is a bit shy at first, but once she’s comfortable her tail starts to wag and she gets the wiggles! Photo courtesy of Humane Pennsylvania.

 

The offer runs from December 13-24 at their Reading and Lancaster locations. All potential adopters are required to go through Humane Pennsylvania’s diligent adoption screening process. The adoption includes a 30-day health supplement, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, deworming medication, flea treatment, microchipping and chip registration and a one-pound bag of Science Diet pet food.

Meet Burger, who is a young female Syrian Hamster! Photo courtesy of Humane Pennsylvania.

 

To view Humane Pennsylvania’s adoptable animals, visit humanepa.org/adoption or meet them at the shelter during scheduled operating hours. Humane Pennsylvania’s Lancaster shelter is located at 2195 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602. Adoption hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week.

Noel is a 7-year-old female who has been at the Lancaster shelter for over 130 days. Photo courtesy of Humane Pennsylvania.

 

If you are unable to adopt a new pet but would still like to support the animals in the shelter’s care, consider donating to Humane Pennsylvania’s Howliday Donation Drive. Throughout the month of December, Humane Pennsylvania will be accepting wet and dry cat food, dry dog food, peanut butter and copy paper for the animals in their care. The donations also help to stock the shelves of Spike’s Pet Pantry, which provides pet owners and food pantries with enough food to make sure no pet goes hungry. For a list of drop-off locations, visit humanepa.org/events/howliday-donation-drives/.

Give the Gift of Hope

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Photo courtesy of Jenny Foster.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the countless sales and excessive buying that often define this time of year. In 2007, Jenn Knepper was searching for a way to escape the consumer-laden holiday season when she came across a newspaper article about an alternative-gift fair in Harrisburg. The article inspired Jenn to introduce a similar event in Lancaster the following year with the goal of refocusing holiday spending on helping others.

On December 12, the 14th annual Gifts That Give Hope Fair will make its in-person return to the Farm & Home Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair offers opportunities to donate to local nonprofits in the name of a loved one (also known as alternative gifts), as well as purchase ethically and sustainably sourced gifts from businesses with charitable backgrounds.

Last year, the volunteer-run virtual fair brought in over $22,000 worth of alternative gifts that supported local nonprofits and charitable organizations during a time when they desperately needed funding. Over the past 21 months, local nonprofits have worked tirelessly to provide those in need with housing, mental and physical healthcare, educational services and addiction counseling. They have also welcomed refugees into our community, provided children with mentoring and extracurricular programs and offered aid to struggling communities both near and far. Unfortunately, the effects of the pandemic continue to linger and there is still a lot of work to be done to keep our neighbors safe, housed, fed and healthy.

Photo courtesy of Jenny Foster.

This year, 30 local nonprofits will host tables at the fair where attendees can learn more about how a donation will give hope to those they support. If you choose to donate, you will be given a greeting card with a descriptive insert about the organization’s mission to give to your loved one. Nonprofits in attendance will include Aaron’s Acres, Clare House, Rafiki Africa, Music for Everyone and United Way of Lancaster, to name a few.

The fair’s marketplace will feature fair trade and sustainable gifts from social enterprises and charitable organizations, such as Revolution Lancaster, Friendship Heart Gallery, Lush Bazaar, Girl Crush Company, My Peruvian Treasures and more. Be sure to grab a bite to eat from their food vendors, including Lancaster Stroopie Company (which provides refugee women with meaningful employment), Character Coffee Cart, Walk-O Taco, Gourmet Julie’s Way and Homage.

For kids, the gift fair will offer a Human Rights Scavenger Hunt. Human Rights Day was first recognized on December 10, 1948, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was announced by the United Nations. Eleanor Roosevelt spearheaded the drafting of the declaration as a commitment to work towards a world where the horrors of human rights violations would no longer take place. Since the alternative-gift fair falls close to Human Rights Day, kids of all ages will be able to participate in a scavenger hunt that matches the various articles in the declaration with the nonprofits that are working towards human rights initiatives, including ending slavery worldwide, providing safe and affordable housing, making healthcare and clean water accessible and more. After completing the scavenger hunt, participants will be able to select a free book about human rights from The Get Stuff Done Book Club. Father Christmas will also be in attendance and will host a story time for kids every 30 minutes.

 

To learn more about the Gifts That Give Hope Fair, visit giftsthatgivehope.org/lancaster. Donations can also be made online here.

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

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Local makers, artisans and businesses are ready to help you find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Small businesses across the county are hosting special events and offering discounts on Small Business Saturday, so be sure to get out and shop local!

Events

Creatively Lancaster Makers Market: Local makers will be taking over the former Bon-Ton Space from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

 

Baldwin’s Gallery @ Altana: Visit the second floor of Altana from 12-3 p.m. for a special shopping event with a hot chocolate bar, vendors with handmade items, swag bags for guests and special discounts on art.

 

Small Business Saturday Wrapping Event at Horst Arts: Shop downtown Manheim on Small Business Saturday and Horst Arts will take care of the wrapping. Make a donation to the Manheim Food Pantry and the elves at Horst Arts will wrap your gifts. All of the proceeds will benefit the food pantry. In addition, be sure to pick up a punch card at Mill 72 Bake Shop & Café, Divine Consign, Boutique 1780 or Horst Arts. Spend $5 or more at three of the locations and you’ll be entered to win one of two gift baskets.

 

Red Raven Art Company: Red Raven Art Company will hand out over 50 gifts throughout the day (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.), including chocolate, holiday socks, chapsticks and more. Be sure to reserve your free timed-entry ticket if you plan to attend.

 

Keystone Artisan Werks: Enjoy free popcorn and hot chocolate while you shop. From 1-3 p.m., Santa will be onsite for photos. Free face painting will also be available for kids.

 

Holiday Makers Market in Ephrata: Support local crafters and businesses who will be set up at Whistle Stop Plaza from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Also enjoy ice sculpting, kids’ activities and visits with Santa.

 

Goot Essa’s Tour, Taste & Shop: Goot Essa is offering special tours of their cheese caves. Learn about the cheesemaking process and then sample some of your favorites. Click here to buy tickets.

 

Root’s Country Market: Join Root’s for their last Saturday Flea Market of the year. Admission and parking are free.

 

Columbia Market House: From 7 a.m.-3 p.m., the market will be open and feature pop-up vendors, Christmas cookie decorating and a Santa’s workshop. Columbia will light their Christmas tree at 6 p.m.

 

Kitchen Kettle Village: Enjoy pictures with Santa, live music and candy-making demonstrations.

 

Artisan Pop-Up Market at Zoetropolis: From 12-6 p.m., shop for holiday gifts, art and handmade goods from local vendors.

 

West End Yoga: From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., enjoy fun photo opportunities, henna by Keisha Finnie, music, women-owned vendors and more.

 

Special Offers & Giveaways

A. Lane Living: 10% off outdoor furniture and décor.

 

Always Never Done: Door prizes.

 

Boutique Tana Kaya: Free socks with $100 purchase.

 

curio. Gallery & Creative Supply: Receive a free art supply with your purchase. Also, enjoy an exclusive tote bag with a purchase exceeding $100.

 

Ellicott & Co: 20% off storewide.

 

Fashion Cents Consignment: Everything at both their Ephrata and Strasburg locations will be 20% off.

 

Foxduck: Raffle entry with $30+ purchase. On Cyber Monday, 15% of proceeds will benefit Milagro House.

 

Freiman Stoltzfus Gallery: 15% off in-stock prints. On Cyber Monday, get free shipping.

 

Gallery Grow Plant Bar: 10% off all merchandise and terrarium projects.

 

Interior Fancies: 10% off everyday items. 15% off Christmas merchandise. 25% all jewelry.

 

James Street MedSpa: Gift card discounts, 15% off all products and receive a free gift with your purchase. On Cyber Monday, get 15% off and free shipping.

 

Ken’s Gardens: 10% off all plants.

 

Miesse Candies: 10% off purchases of one pound or more. On Cyber Monday, get free shipping.

 

My Aunt Debbie: Free refreshments and free gift with purchase. On Cyber Monday, get free shipping.

 

Penn Stone Outdoor Living: 40% off select in-store items. 20% off most outdoor furniture. Free refreshments.

 

Read Rose Books: Spend $10, get $10 off your next $50 purchase. On Cyber Monday, get 25% off with code Cyber2021.

 

Reclaim Teas: 20% off.

 

Sophie Stargazer Boutique: Free refreshments and free gift with purchase. On Cyber Monday, get free shipping and online-only discounts.

 

Sweetish: Take 50% off of over 45 items, including chips, candy bars, bagged candy and more.

 

Telltale Dress: Free holiday greens with purchase while supplies last. On Cyber Monday, receive a free gift with your online order.

 

Tellus360: Bring your receipt from a purchase at a local small business and they will give you a draft pint on the house.

 

Tiger’s Eye: 20% off all clothing.

 

Twice Found Consignment: 25% discount and free gift with purchase.

 

Ville & Rue: Enjoy raffles and 10% off storewide. On Cyber Monday, get 20% off sitewide.

 

Wish You Well Bakery: Discounted store merchandise. $5 off gift cards over $50.

 

It’s a Beautiful Day With Julia Jones

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About Julia 

Julia was born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in York, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from William Penn Senior High School. She is married and is the mother of six grown children, who have provided her with 11 grandchildren.

Julia is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. “I was fortunate to have been stationed in North Carolina, Hawaii and Japan,” she notes of where military service took her. When it became increasingly difficult to juggle both the Marine Corps and motherhood, Julia was voluntarily and honorably discharged. “I applied to work for the United States Postal Service upon learning that I could carry over my military service toward their retirement system,” she explains. “This January, I will have been employed in Lancaster for 26 years for a combined 35 years of total federal service.”

Neither snow nor rain nor heat … 

“I enjoy being a letter carrier,” says Julia. “To begin with, I actually get paid to exercise! Secondly, I come in contact with all sorts of interesting people from various walks of life, many of whom I regard as family. Lastly, I have the distinct pleasure and benefit of marveling in God’s handiwork in nature. I am fortunate to witness firsthand the subtle changes that take place each season as the year progresses.”  

Julia has been on her current route for six years, serving the Chestnut Hill section of the city. As for the exercise perk of the job, she walks anywhere from nine to 13 miles a day! 

During her 26 years on the job, Julia can’t recall any real challenges that she’s faced while delivering the mail. “My military training has instilled in me the ability to adapt and overcome with ease,” she explains. That philosophy extends to encountering dogs. “My strategy when it comes to dogs is to stay clear and give them the automatic right-of-way!” she notes. 

While the last 20 months have been filled with their share of challenges, Julia prefers to stay positive. “The nicest thing I observed this past year was that a customer of mine offered to make masks for me free of charge,” she recalls. “I asked instead that if I identified the seniors and disadvantaged on my route, could she make masks for them and I would pay her. She refused payment and made them for me to distribute. It was satisfying to observe humanity at its best. She is a true hero for sure!”

Get Those Cards and Packages in the Mail … Early! 

The pandemic, of course, has placed added pressure on the postal service due to the fact that consumers continue to take advantage of the ease of online shopping. “What they once purchased at the grocery store, they now have shipped to their homes,” she says of necessities such as toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, etc. Add in the fact that December is the busiest time of the year for the post office and Julia recommends that you mail cards and packages early. “The sooner you mail cards and packages to loved ones, the better the chance they will reach their destinations by Christmas,” she says. 

In Her Own Words: Julia’s Perfect Lancaster County Day 

The perfect day for me would begin after a full eight hours of continuous sleep without any bathroom breaks! I would then commence with an hour of Bible study. Fellowshipping with the Lord helps me to stay grounded in the positive. Breakfast consisting of a western omelet, home fries, sausage gravy and biscuits, as prepared by Kountry Kitchen Family Restaurant in Manheim, would be a great way to kickstart my day.

My morning would be filled by spending time with my grandchildren. We usually engage in chaotic fun! They love when I actively entertain them, whether it’s reading a story, playing tag or visiting our playground. It is pure joy to converse with them and watch them learn. The things that come out of their mouths! I am gratified by their innocence and laughter. On this day in particular, we would visit the Hands-on House Children’s Museum of Lancaster. This would give them the opportunity to earnestly participate in fun hands-on activities. Next, we would enjoy the horses and go for a ride at AAA Buggy Rides. After returning them to their parents, I would take a leisurely nap, which is a pleasure that I rarely get to relish.

Since I have no talent at all, I believe that God gave me the gift of appreciation. I am the world’s biggest cheerleader. I love watching people achieve. Any event would do: music (Broadway, concert or play), art (museum) or sport (football, basketball or track).  

Following a scrumptious dinner at The Belvedere Inn, my evening would be spent at the Sight & Sound Theatre, where I would be amazed by a brilliantly performed show. I would love to end the night with either chocolate or ice cream. Since it’s my perfect day, I think I’ll have both!

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