CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Are You Lonesome Tonight?

by Leave a Comment

Who knew that when Elvis Presley released this angst-filled song – “Are you lonesome tonight, do you miss me tonight, are you sorry we drifted apart … do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?” – that 60 years later it would define the feelings that so many people across the world are grappling with due to the pandemic? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the pandemic is taking a devastating toll on our mental health. Lisa Marsh Ryerson, who is president of the AARP Foundation, calls loneliness and social isolation “a very real public health crisis” and portrays them as being “worse for your health than obesity and smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” The foundation even developed a website – connect2affect.org –
to address the crisis. 

Seniors aren’t the only age group being affected. According to a survey conducted by CBS News, 75% of respondents (ages 18-24) shared they are feeling lonely and anxious. According to Psychology Today, loneliness, which it defines as a sense of being isolated and alone, “can consume the mind and soul” and have an adverse effect on our overall health. 

The CDC points out that loneliness isn’t necessarily about being alone – after all, you can be in a crowded room and still feel lonely. It’s more about the lack of meaningful social relationships in your life. Unfortunately, the pandemic and its social distancing, lockdowns and other related mandates, have only magnified loneliness and other mental health concerns. 

Yale historian, Frank Snowden, who is the author of Epidemics and Society, maintains that social connections are “vital to human survival.” The pandemic is driving that fact home: everyone – from the youngest school children to the most senior members of society – is feeling the effects of being socially isolated from friends and family. Being physically separated from co-workers and classmates is frustrating. Job loss and uncertainty about paying rent or the mortgage and basic bills has led to non-stop anxiety. 

Loneliness does have physical ramifications. It can compromise the immune system. It can contribute to high blood pressure. It can decrease mental sharpness. It can lead to increased smoking, drinking and use of drugs. It can compromise the cardiovascular system. It can contribute to poor eating habits and weight gain. It can disrupt sleep patterns. It can only compound other mental health issues such as depression. It is contributing to increases in suicide. 

The impact of loneliness and other mental health issues is telling. In June, the CDC released the results of a survey in which 41% of the adults that were surveyed reported experiencing an “adverse mental or behavioral health issue.” Results verified that anxiety disorders had tripled when compared to the same time period in 2019. One in 10 respondents admitted they had increased their use of alcohol and illicit drugs. 

Unfortunately, statistics reveal that only 11% of the population takes advantage of the resources that are available to help them cope. One-third of the population admits to feeling uncomfortable sharing their feelings relating to loneliness with friends and family. Scott Kelly, an astronaut who is the brother of the newly elected Senator (and former astronaut) from Arizona, Mark Kelly, finds this alarming and explains in an article that appeared in Psychology Today in support of the AARP Foundation’s new initiative, that during his 300+ days in space, NASA was persistent in keeping tabs on his mental health and required him to communicate with a psychologist every two weeks. “It’s too bad that same concern isn’t demonstrated on Earth,” he notes. 

There are ways to cope. Exercise is an oft-touted approach. Communing with nature – even for just a short time each day – is another. Making an effort to connect with friends and family is very beneficial, whether it’s during a socially distanced meet-up, a phone call or Zoom session. Involving yourself in a new hobby can be beneficial. Seeking out virtual “gatherings” that address things that are of interest to you, i.e. book clubs, or even social media sites that focus on topics that are of interest to you (history, photography, home décor, DIY projects, etc.) provide opportunities to interact. Psychology Today also encourages you to adopt an “attitude of gratitude” and remind yourself what you are grateful for each and every day.     

Make a Date for a Valentine’s Staycation

by Leave a Comment

It’s February and love is in the air. Considering the year we’ve been through, I’m sure couples are more than eager to bask in the glow of their relationships away from home. Because of the ongoing pandemic restrictions related to traveling beyond the state’s borders, you might want to consider putting a staycation on your Valentine’s itinerary.

The patio at The Belvedere Inn was made even more enchanting with the addition of climatized “villas” that provide for social distancing and add a touch of romance for dinner under the stars. Photography by Molly Schlachter.

It just so happens that Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, which makes 2021 the perfect time to enjoy the company of your life’s companion with a lovely, weekend-long, staycation. Or, if Covid is a concern and restrictions are still in place, why not schedule your own Valentine’s celebration for a weekend of your choosing? I’m already hearing of people who are planning to hold Christmas and New Year’s parties in July, so why not move Valentine’s, as well? 

Regardless of your direction, I have found a perfect itinerary that includes a stay at the Historic Smithton Inn, which would provide the foundation for a well-deserved respite and could serve as the starting point for a weekend of love-filled adventure and commemoration.

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep. The more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.” 

– W.S., Romeo and Juliet

Stay

Built in 1763 by stonemason Henry Miller, the Historic Smithton Inn is perched just outside of downtown Ephrata, overlooking the Cloister and other historical buildings of its time. The building served as a tavern for many years and stayed in the Miller family for seven generations. The house went up for auction in the 1980s and was bought by architect Alan Smith, who fitted the building with proper plumbing and electricity for a bed and breakfast.

A renewed friendship with a former high school classmate who now owns a winery in the Lehigh Valley led to Rebecca Gallagher establishing a satellite tasting room and wine bar at her Historic Smithton Inn property in Ephrata. Photography by Nick Gould.

Seven folk art-decorated guest rooms, featuring two king suites with jacuzzi tubs, are all named after colors. The Inn mixes a charming, historic vibe (think handmade Amish quilts and working fireplaces in every room) with touches of the modern through room-dedicated Wi-Fi and hard-wired smart TVs. There is even a Tesla charging station out back.

As for the presence of televisions, Rebecca observes, “For a romantic date night, you might not think of watching TV, but if you are parents with young kids, when was the last time you watched an R-rated movie?” 

Throughout all its old-world charm and state-of-the-art additions, one part of the Smithton stands out above all else, and that is its wine bar. Several years ago, Rebecca met up with an old friend from high school who was now running a winery in New Tripoli in the Lehigh Valley.

“We were going there twice a month to hang out. It was a great way to get away, see some friends and drink some wine,” says Rebecca, who eventually had a self-proclaimed epiphany to join the winery with an otherwise unused section of her inn and the Weathered Vineyards Ephrata Tasting Room & Wine Bar was born. “We opened it up in 2016,” she says of the quaint and cozy bar and tasting room that spills outdoors to a stone patio during warm-weather months. 

Photography by Nick Gould.

The bar atmosphere has given the inn an additional feature guests love for both convenience and camaraderie. Since the room shuts down at 9 p.m., it never becomes a bother to residents who are relaxing in their rooms. Serving Weathered wines by the glass, as well as mulled wine, wine slushies and craft beer, the bar is the perfect accoutrement for late-arriving guests to order wine and Mediterranean-inspired small plates from the kitchen.

The Historic Smithton Inn, 900 W. Main St., Ephrata; 717-733-6094; historicsmithtoninn.com. (Note: The Historic Smithton has remained open and is operating with many Covid-related safety measures in place.) 

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.”

– W.S., A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Do

Creative expression joins couples at the Lititz Clay Studio during Date Night at the Studio, where they can enjoy a two-hour crash course in pottery and share a wheel to throw clay. “Date Night is meant to provide everyone with an experience and allow everyone to give the pottery wheel a try. I wanted to have as many people in the community as possible try out the studio and Date Night serves that purpose,” says owner/instructor Nate Nixdorf. “The easiest way to get people in is to have them bring someone with them they like. Working on the pottery wheel can be difficult when you are a beginner, and you have to be able to laugh about it.”

Nate Nixdorf, an art teacher at Warwick High School, realized his dream of operating his own pottery studio with the opening of Lititz Clay Studio. Date Night at the Studio is one of the ways in which he welcomes the community to experience making pottery.

Two hours is the perfect amount of time for someone to get acclimated to the wheel and the clay and make something they will be able to take home after Nate glazes and fires the piece. He opened the studio three years ago because it was something he always wished he had access to when starting out in pottery as a student at Warwick High School, where he now teaches art.

“The first time I ever worked with ceramics was in high school and I never stopped,” says the 42-year-old who went on to graduate from James Madison University with a degree in art education. “I want to share my enthusiasm with students and, through the studio, with the entire community.” 

Most Date Night participants are beginners and choose to make “simple bowls,” a small vase or a cup. Nate is willing to provide as much or as little help as guests desire. He will even snap that quintessential photo for a couple’s Instagram account. Even those who have never seen the 1990 movie, Ghost, will be familiar with the iconic scene between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in which the departed lover embraces the artist as she works a pottery wheel.

“People like to reenact that scene. That pretty much happens every Date Night. And, it’s totally fine and I am happy to take that picture for them,” laughs Nate.

But not every couple coming to Date Night is romantically inclined. Nate says about a third of the participants are friends or family members just looking to enjoy an activity together. 

“I classify it as Date Night, but I’ll have two best friends come or a mother-daughter pair,” says Nate. “And, I’d say two-thirds of the people coming in have never worked with a pottery wheel.”

Lititz Clay Studio, 307 E. Lexington Rd., Lititz; lititzclaystudio.com. (Note: Because of Covid restrictions, Date Night has been on hiatus; check the website for updates.) 

“Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark

That looks on tempests and is never shaken.”

W.S., Sonnet 116

Dine

The Belvedere Inn bills itself as serving “seasonal, new American fare in a homey, Victorian space.” And while this is true, the Lancaster restaurant’s recent adaptations to accommodate exterior dining are what have been drawing the most interest over the past few months. The new “villas” that are located on the second-floor patio, serve as the perfect alterations for new demands on dining and downright qualify as one of the most romantic venues being offered in the county.

Photography by Molly Schlachter.

Rooftop dining has always been an attraction at The Belvedere. The “villas,” which resemble small greenhouses, take the experience to a new level by providing a climatized enclosure to enjoy some of the dishes this restaurant has become known for, like the signature grilled Caesar salad, dry-aged steak or jumbo lump crab cake. Cocktails are also a specialty at The Belvedere, including a line of creative martinis and the ever-changing house infusion. Make sure to call ahead to book a “villa” for your perfect date-night dinner.

The Belvedere, 402 N. Queen St., Lancaster; 717-394-2422;  belvederelancaster.com. (Note: The Belvedere closed its outdoor dining area during the month of January. Check the website for further updates.) 

The Cure for Cabin Fever: 28 Ways to Get Through February

by Leave a Comment

According to a series of polls conducted by Gallup, February consistently ranks as America’s least favorite month. And, understandably so – even though it is the shortest month of the year, February often feels like the longest. 

The reasons mostly relate to the weather, which is often blustery, frigid and dreary. Additionally, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), caused by reduced levels of sunlight and a disruption in the body’s internal clock, can impact our mood and levels of motivation. Being cooped up inside leads to a phenomenon known as cabin fever. It’s also prime time for colds and the flu. Toss in an ongoing pandemic and there’s no question that we need to especially look after all aspects of our health this month. 

With that said, what follows are some things to do to get through February and only hope that spring is just around the corner.

 

1. Get a physical. According to Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health (lancastergeneralhealth.org), routine checkups are crucial for staying on top of important health screenings and immunizations, as well as identifying factors that may put you at risk for a variety of conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

It’s also National Children’s Dental Health Month, so be sure to make an appointment for those all-important checkups. Sponsored by the American Dental Association (ada.org), the month-long endeavor emphasizes the importance of oral health. 

 

2. Wear Red. As a way to bring attention to heart health, February is American Heart Month. The American Heart Association’s women’s initiative – Go Red for Women – kicks off with National Wear Red Day (February 5). As has become customary on the first Friday in February, millions across the country will either don red from head to toe or add some red to their outfits to raise awareness about heart disease being the number-one threat to women’s health, as well as the leading cause of death in the United States. Even if you are working from home or quarantining, put on some red and post a photo with the hashtag #WearRedDay. For more information, visit goredforwomen.org. 

 

3. Do a wine tasting at Nissley Vineyards (nissleywine.com) in Bainbridge, Grandview Vineyard (grandviewwines.com) in Mount Joy, Thorn Hill Vineyards Tasting Room (thornhillvineyards.com) in Lancaster, and Britain Hill Venue & Vineyard (britainhillvenueandvineyard.com) in Quarryville. (Be aware that Covid restrictions could affect the services they offer.) Another option is to visit your favorite wine shop – Waltz Vineyards (waltzvineyards.com), with locations in Manheim, Lititz and Intercourse, has suspended tastings but its shops are open for purchasing wine – or Wine & Spirits store and choose a selection for an at-home tasting.  Although a direct link between heart health and wine has not been proven, studies have shown that the antioxidants in red wine may increase levels of good cholesterol and protect against cholesterol buildup, according to Mayo Clinic. 

 

4. Go to Gobbler’s Knob. Punxsutawney Phil will be making a virtual prediction this year! On February 2, the famous groundhog will emerge from hibernation and forecast when spring will arrive. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club (groundhog.org) is developing live virtual events that will take the place of the traditional in-person celebration. Unfortunately, the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge in Kirkwood won’t be disturbing Octorara Orphie’s hibernation this year.

 

5. Take a cruise. While the pandemic has ruined most travel plans, an all-aboard staycation at the Fulton Steamboat Inn (fultonsteamboatinn.com) would make for a safe and relaxing getaway. Dine at Huckleberry’s Restaurant & Tavern, shop at The Emporium Gift Shoppe, feed the ducks, sit by a fire pit and relax in their heated indoor pool and hot tub. Outdoor recreation areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Indoor recreation areas (indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center) will be available by reservation. All guests are required to wear masks and follow all social distancing guidelines.

 

6. Go hiking. February might sound like one of the least appealing months to go hiking – the Norwegians are of the opinion there’s no such thing as bad weather only bad clothes, so be sure to bundle up – but staying adventurous keeps the winter months interesting. Lancaster County has become a hiker’s paradise, offering such destinations as the Enola Low Grade Rail-Trail, the Warwick to Ephrata Rail-Trail, the Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail, the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and the many preserves maintained by the Lancaster Conservancy (lancasterconservancy.org).  Frozen waterfalls are an especially beautiful sight and can be found locally at Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve and further afield at Ricketts Glen State Park and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

 

7. Perform a random act of kindness. February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day! Pay it forward at the café, volunteer at a local nonprofit or do something special for a friend or loved one that will make them smile. 

 

8. Stream a show from Prima Theatre (primatheatre.org), Servant Stage (servantstage.org), Sight & Sound Theatres (sight-sound.com) or other local performing art venues. The performing arts industry is struggling right now. You can help the local theatre community by streaming their content, supporting their virtual events and buying gift cards and season subscriptions. On February 12, you can tune into Prima Theatre’s Stage Brawl to see local leaders perform famous songs and scenes while competing to be Champion of the Stage. All raised funds benefit Prima Theatre. The Ephrata Performing Arts Center (ephrataperformingartscenter.com) is slated to launch its 2021 season on February 21 with Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. The show will be offered virtually through EPAC At Home.

If you prefer live performances, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (dutchapple.com) plans to resume its season on February 21 with Happy Days. The American Music Theatre (amtshows.com) is hoping to resume shows in March.  

 

9. Show your love. Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Host a virtual Galentine’s celebration with your closest girlfriends. Send a family member a Valentine’s card. Take yourself to your favorite restaurant, park or shop. Adopt or foster a dog or cat. 

 

10. Watch the Super Bowl on February 7. Even if your team isn’t playing, it’s always fun to watch the final game of the season and rate the commercials. The Weeknd will provide entertainment for this year’s half-time show. Prepare a smorgasbord of tasty appetizers, snacks and local beers for the ultimate Super Bowl experience. 

 

11. Embrace the snow and ice. Take a trip to Roundtop Mountain Resort (skiroundtop.com) in York County for some skiing or snow tubing. Or, grab your sled and head for the highest hill in your neighborhood or nearby park and become a kid again. You could also stroll through Lititz, February 12-20. Because of Covid, the annual Lititz Fire & Ice Festival has pivoted to the Lititz Ice Walk. Sponsored by Venture Lititz, visitors will be treated to DiMartino Ice Company’s artistic ice sculptures throughout the downtown area, as well as trees hung with Edison bulbs. For more information, visit lititzpa.com.   

 

12. Have breakfast in bed. There’s nothing better on a Sunday morning than a stack of pancakes and bacon, a hot cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice (or better yet, a mimosa). Turn off the TV and put on some music. Pair all that with your warm, cozy bed and it’s a sure cure for the Sunday scaries.

 

13. Indulge on Fat Tuesday. Eat as many fasnachts as you want on February 16. Find them locally at Oregon Dairy, Central Market and bakeries all over the county. We hate to break the news, but Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Columbia, whose Holy Rollers have been making fasnachts since 1924, will not have fasnachts available this year. Now, that is a sacrilege!!! It’s also time to celebrate Mardi Gras, so put your baking skills to the test and make a King Cake. 

 

14. Celebrate Black History Month. Stream movies and shows by Black creators (most streaming services have a section dedicated to Black stories). Don’t miss the late Chadwick Boseman’s final role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which is generating Oscar buzz and can be seen on Netflix. Support local Black-owned businesses and Black-led organizations, like Blazin’ J’s, Crispus Attucks Community Center and A Concrete Rose Book Bar, just to name a few. 

15. Buy yourself some flowers. Brighten up your home and show yourself some love with a beautiful bouquet. Or, for a glimpse of spring, force open some blooms like forsythia or quince. You deserve it! 

 

16. Binge something new. Get cozy on the sofa and finally tune into that new show or watch that new movie you’ve been wanting to see. With all the new streaming options available – Peacock, CBS All Access, Disney+ and discovery+ – not to mention Netflix, Hulu, HBO and more, you’ll forget the NFL season has ended.  

 

17. Go Wild! You could visit the Wolf Sanctuary of PA (wolfsanctuarypa.org) and stay at the very cozy Speedwell Forge Bed & Breakfast, which is located on the property. It’s been over 100 years since the last wild wolf was known to exist in Pennsylvania, but thanks to the sanctuary, wolves and wolf dogs are being given back their dignity. Reservations are required to meet the beautiful animals and learn their touching stories. Or, you could visit ZooAmerica (zooamerica.com) in Hershey and get up close and personal with more than 200 animals native to North America, including owls, alligators, bears and wildcats.  

 

18. The Chinese New Year is February 12! Already slacking on your New Year’s resolutions? Give yourself a fresh start and new motivation with the Chinese New Year. This will be the Year of the Metal Ox, which, according to Reader’s Digest, will bode success for those who work hard. 

19. Start a DIY project. Whether it’s a home renovation or crocheting a scarf, the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a project by yourself is awesome.

 

20. Pamper Yourself. There’s nothing quite as soothing and relaxing as a facial or massage. The Lititz Springs Inn and Spa (formerly the General Sutter Inn) is home to the Däs Spa (lititzspringsinnandspa.com) and offers such indulgences as Red Wine and Salted Lime Tequila body polishes and Wine, Hops and Rum wraps. The Spa at The Hotel Hershey (chocolatespa.com) offers services that involve chocolate.  

 

21. Get a head start on spring cleaning. Sort through closets, drawers, clutter and cabinets. Donate what you can and toss or recycle the rest. 

 

22. Support Local Restaurants. Dress up and go out to dinner at your favorite local restaurant. If you aren’t comfortable with indoor dining yet, create the experience at home with take-out. Either way, you’ll be showing your love for the hard-hit hospitality industry. 

 

23. Take a virtual grocery store tour with a dietician or nutritionist. Giant offers a variety of free grocery store tours and classes for both kids and adults through Eventbrite.com.
Get ideas for healthy dinners and snacks and receive personalized advice for dietary restrictions. 

 

24. Get away. Head for a secluded cabin in the Poconos, western Pennsylvania or upstate New York for a cozy winter getaway and spend a weekend ice fishing, cross-country or downhill skiing and relaxing by a fire. Or, rent a cottage at your favorite beach destination and spend quiet time shelling and birdwatching. 

 

25. Take a cooking class. Perfect as a Valentine’s date, Zest! (zestchef.com) offers cooking classes throughout the month of February, including pizza night, bread making and Southern comfort foods. You can also book a private class with Sylvie’s Recipes (sylviesrecipes.com) and choose from a variety of French appetizers, entrées and dessert options.

26. Get active in a new way. Try a new activity or class at your local gym or rec center. Explore a new trail or park. At home, give yoga a shot; West End Yoga Studio (westendyogastudio.com) has a slew of virtual instruction videos on YouTube. Also, be sure to check out Lancaster’s newest fitness center, The Your Life Gym, which is the brainstorm of Jake Luhrs, the lead singer of the Grammy-nominated metal band August Burns Red. Always cognizant of mental health issues – both his and those of his fans – Jake initially founded the organization, Heart Support, which addresses mental health. Realizing that mental and physical health are intertwined, it became his goal to open a comprehensive fitness center that offers physical exercise, mental health classes, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, personal training and more. Check it out at theyourlifegym.com. 

 

27. Visit Longwood Gardens. During February, Longwood (longwoodgardens.org) will be shrouded in the beauty of winter. Walk through towering trees and contemplate their winter garden. Inside, enjoy hanging baskets and flowers bursting with color that will surely get you excited for spring.

 

28. Experience all things chocolate during Chocolate-Covered February® in Hershey. Indulge in decadent events throughout the month like chocolate and wine pairings, chocolate dinners and more. Certain events have been postponed until 2022, so be sure to check their website (hersheypa.com) for the latest updates. 

Trees Are No Longer Just for Christmas!

by Leave a Comment

On October 25, as I was leaving a friend’s house after watching an NFL game, I thought my eyes were deceiving me. Christmas trees were already visible in several homes in the neighborhood. By Thanksgiving, many homes across Lancaster County were decorated above and beyond the efforts of previous years. It seems holiday décor had become a panacea for the pandemic. 

Dr. Dennis Denenberg has made it a tradition to let his Christmas tree stand in his sunroom through the winter. The tree not only helps to make winter more bearable but it blocks the views of the barren gardens that fill the front yard. He changes the tree’s decorations to reflect holidays such as Valentine’s, Mardi Gras and Easter.

As Christmas Day approached, nextdoor.com members were asking how long other members planned to keep their trees up. Many responded with the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6). That date came and went and again the question was posed. People didn’t want to take their trees down! Some people responded with the idea of removing the ornaments and keeping the lighted trees up for another week since they were so comforting. Still others responded with Candlemas (February 2).

I wasn’t familiar with Candlemas and did a little research. Candlemas is a Christian holiday that commemorates the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary after giving birth to Jesus (an ancient Jewish law that essentially entailed 40 days of quarantine and ceremony, which for Mary culminated on February 2), the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and the Holy Encounter, in which Simeon proclaims Christ to be the “light of the world.” The events are chronicled in Luke 2:22-24 and are commemorated to varying extents by Christians across the world on February 2. 

Wait! Isn’t February 2 Groundhog Day? As it turns out, February 2 has been a significant day in the world since ancient times. The Celts, for example, celebrated what is now early February as the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. 

In the 11th century, it became customary for Christians to honor Christ on February 2 by bringing the candles that would see them through the remainder of winter to their local churches to be blessed, hence the name, Candlemas, which signifies a sense of renewal and hope. 

Legend also holds that February 2 marks the first day on which snowdrops bloom. 

Europeans – especially those in Eastern Europe – also began a Candlemas-related tradition that equates light to the behavior of animals. The folklore involves animals such as hedgehogs, badgers and bears, who hibernate the winter away but emerge in early February to gauge the weather for the next four weeks. (They actually emerge for mating purposes.) In Germany, February 2 is known as Badger Day. Farmer’s almanacs and books alluded to the resulting weather predictions with such ditties as this one from England: 

“If Candlemas be fair and bright, 

come winter, have another flight. 

If Candlemas bring clouds and rain, 

Go winter, and not come again.   

Of course, the tradition made its way to America, where the Pennsylvania Germans lengthened the timeframe of the groundhog’s weather prognostication to six weeks.

The notion of keeping a tree up that spans several holidays made me think of Dr. Dennis Denenberg, whose tree that lords over his sunroom at Christmas oftentimes remains on view until Easter. 

Dennis typically puts the towering tree in place just before Christmas, hence its longevity. He also changes out the decorations to reflect the approaching holidays. Over the years, decorations – some handmade – have included hearts, Mardi Gras beads, Easter eggs and even dried hydrangea blooms from his gardens. “The tree just helps to make winter more bearable,” he says. 

– Sue Long

Spotted Lanternfly Prevention

by Leave a Comment

I’m sure we all woefully remember the abundance of spotted lanternflies that hopped around Lancaster County last summer. I couldn’t go anywhere without several buzzing past me; just thinking about the leaping insects sends a shiver down my spine. During the winter months, we may not have to deal with the invasive species flinging through the air, but their eggs remain alive, waiting to hatch in the spring.

If we want to prevent increasing numbers of lanternflies, we need to take preventive action. “Every egg mass can have 50 eggs in them that will hatch in the spring,” says Lisa Sanchez, who is a naturalist for Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation. “The more we scrape and kill now, the less there will be in the future.”

Spotted lanternflies made their first appearance in Berks County in 2014. Lancaster County was added to the quarantine zone for the invasive insect in 2017. “Lancaster County is a hot spot for the insects and residents should do what they can to prevent them from spreading to other counties or states,” Lisa emphasizes.

Spotted lanternflies feed on sap from over 70 different plant species, specifically plants of economic importance to our state (grapevines, maple trees, birch and more). Lanternflies cause damage that can significantly stress the plant, leading to decreased health and possibly death. If uncontained, spotted lanternflies could potentially drain Pennsylvania’s economy of at least $324 million annually, affecting thousands of jobs.

Lisa encourages Lancaster County residents to look around their properties and local parks/preserves for egg masses. They can be found just about anywhere, but they are most often found on the trees that lanternflies feed on like ailanthus (an invasive/nuisance planting known as Tree of Heaven that is like a magnet for them), maple, grapevines and fruit trees. They also can lay their eggs on buildings, walkways or other unnatural surfaces. The masses are grey in color, about one to two inches long and look similar to gum or putty on the tree. To kill the egg masses, Lisa says they need to be scraped off the surface into a bag of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. If they are just scraped onto the ground, there is a chance the eggs could still hatch in the spring.

On January 24 from 1-2:30 p.m., Lisa will be hosting a hike through Speedwell Forge County Park where attendees will explore the grounds and destroy any egg masses they find. If you would like to attend, register online by Friday, January 22.

 

For more information on upcoming Lancaster County Parks events, click here.

 

 

 

It’s a Beautiful Day with Sandra Porterfield

by Leave a Comment

Imagine Covid doesn’t exist and you have a day off from work. You are free to spend the day doing exactly as you please. Inspired by U2’s It’s a Beautiful Day – It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away – we asked floral designer, Sandra Porterfield, to describe her perfect Lancaster County day. 

Sandra and Bill Porterfield, who have been married for 22 years, on their farm in the Southern End. Their beloved dog, Abbie, wears one of the floral collars Sandra designs for canines that are taking part in weddings. Photo by Ashley Elizabeth Photography.

About Sandra: Growing up on a farm in the the Southern End of the county provided Sandra with a love of the outdoors and the plants, trees and animals it nurtures. “I always saw beauty and texture in everything,” she says of the perfect strawberry or the scraggliest roadside weed. 

A love of the natural world inspired her to launch a floral-design career more than 25 years ago that allows her to work with gorgeous flowers (her favorite changes from day to day) and other elements that help to distinguish her designs and perfectly complement each bride’s style. 

She also feels fortunate to be inspired by her surroundings that include the farm on which she and her husband, Bill, live (actually, it’s where Bill grew up), the nearby Susquehanna River, the Southern End’s many natural areas and the carefully tended gardens she spies on her travels. She’s also an avowed animal lover and cherishes the time she spends with her dogs.   

For more about Sandra, visit slpfloral.com. 

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

I’d start the day as I usually do by waking up early and joining my husband and our dogs on the back porch. We’d ease into the day over coffee and watching the birds. We are blessed to have so many assorted feathery friends that are drawn to the Susquehanna River visit us. 

A hike every morning  is expected with our two active dogs – Abbie, our German shorthair, and River, a hound who is appropriately named after our property, River Wind Farm. We rarely ever miss a day (even in rain and snow); with the Pinnacle Overlook literally in our backyard, it is hard to make excuses not to walk!  

 If the day is going to  be perfect, breakfast at home will include some fresh fruit from our favorite produce stand – in my opinion, The Blue Bell Fruit Market in New Providence is a must! This is actually my family’s farm and everything they sell is seasonal, grown on the farm and harvested by my siblings. It’s top notch and I am bragging because it is that good and they are all such hard-working and amazing people! 

When we do get the chance to go out for breakfast, On Orange in downtown Lancaster is our place. We also like to go antiquing, so off we’ll go to Columbia to visit as many shops as we can fit in before we get hungry again and head to Mad Chef in East Petersburg for a beer and some amazing food (fish tacos). To be honest, we have never had a bad meal – or a beer for that matter – at Mad Chef. 

To end the day, some live music would be great. We’d head to Tellus360 for some Bluegrass /Americana-style music or Corty Byron singing anything. The Long’s Park summer concert series is also wonderful – hanging out on the lawn and listening to live music on a Sunday evening would provide the ending to a perfectly beautiful day. 

The Greenfield’s First Family

by Leave a Comment

The Greenfield is owned and operated by former White House chef John Moeller, who serves in the same capacity at the restaurant, and his wife, Suryati. The couple’s son, Zach, is the restaurant’s general manager. The Moellers, who have owned and operated the restaurant since 2018, offer guests an imaginative menu, attentive service and a setting that exudes an upscale but relaxed ambiance.

Chef John Moeller and his wife, Suryati, became the owners of the Greenfield in 2018. Their son, Zach, serves as general manager. The Moellers are pictured in the restaurant’s wine cellar.

A restaurant since 1979 (its most previous owners were Ray and Sue Hottenstein), The Greenfield Restaurant & Bar is housed in a restored 1790 farmhouse that combines a modern vibe with elements of its 18th-century heritage. Seating for about 200 guests (pre-COVID-19) is divided among several dining areas, including the main dining room that features a hearth fireplace, as well as a number of smaller  rooms, each with its own ambiance. Seating is also available in The Trellis Lounge, which delivers the look of an airy sunroom and has a more modern feel with its black granite bar and high-top tables. The plant-accented patio is the perfect spot for seasonal outdoor dining. For a touch of romance, guests may reserve a table in the wine cellar. Another special nook is the balcony that overlooks the lounge. “There are about four or five proposals every year at the restaurant. It’s always great to help put together a special evening,” Zach says with a smile.

“People enjoy the history of the building and love to explore the restaurant’s rooms. Some features of the stone farmhouse have been incorporated into the restaurant such as an original entry door and deep window openings. We also have a table that was crafted using wood from the original front door,” Zach says.

Chef Moeller’s tenure at the White House is also recalled through the mementos that hearken to the three presidential families he served, including those of George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. 

Linguini Seafood Pasta entails littleneck clams, sautéed shrimp, sea scallops and tomato-basil sauce.

Chef Moeller, who hails from Lancaster County, began working in restaurants during high school. He is a graduate of Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island. Early in his career he worked at restaurants throughout New England. Wanting to immerse himself in French cuisine, he spent more than two years living, working and learning in France. From there, he landed in St. Croix.

In 1987, he relocated to Washington, D.C., where French-trained chefs held regular networking events. As a result of attending the events, he met chef Pierre Chambrin, who became the White House’s executive chef in 1989. He, in turn, recruited chef Moeller, who chronicled his White House experiences (1992-2005) in the book, Dinner at the White House – From the President’s Table to Yours. Upon returning to Lancaster 15 years ago, he operated State of Affairs Catering before taking over The Greenfield.     

The Greenfield began offering take-out/curbside pickup in March.

The Greenfield’s menu highlights high-quality, fresh local proteins and produce and therefore evolves in order to take advantage of what’s fresh and in-season. Local partners include Thom’s Breads, Sauder’s Eggs, Lancaster Coffee Roasters, Brogue Hydroponics, Bill Houder Cheese, Mr. Bill’s Seafood, Shenk’s Poultry, Fox and Wolfe Farm, Barr’s Produce and Kegel’s Produce. “We put a lot of care into our menu items. We want the ingredients to speak for themselves,” Zach says.

Customer favorites include seared diver scallops, seasonal fish, steaks and, for winter, braised short ribs. The Greenfield’s lunch menu offers a signature burger that is a house blend of chuck, brisket and Angus beef. Another special lunch creation is the turkey BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato). One of the dinner appetizers is a PA Preferred cheese plate – a selection of local cheeses served with date-nut bread, Stockin’s Apiaries honey comb and seasonal fruits. 

The wine list features both locally produced and worldwide selections. The staff is trained and well-acquainted with the wine list and can make recommendations on food pairings. The Greenfield typically hosts regular wine dinners but Zach says they’re currently on hold due to the pandemic. 

The Greenfield has responded and adapted to the ever-changing mandates and regulations surrounding COVID-19 in an aggressive way. Since March, their social media sites have been used to introduce weekly and daily menus that are available for take-out and curbside pickup. When outdoor dining was able to open, The Greenfield’s always-popular patio was in high demand. 

Indoors, the restaurant’s COVID-19 response includes tables spaced six feet apart, contactless QR codes to scan for the menu at each table, servers wearing PPE and increased sanitation practices. Capacity is limited in accordance with current regulations. “We appreciate how understanding our guests have been during the past few months. Our goal is and has always been to ensure a safe and memorable experience,” Zach stresses.

The wine cellar has always been in demand for special occasions.

The Moeller family and The Greenfield staff are dedicated to providing personalized service for restaurant guests, as well as for in-house private parties and off-premises catering. Zach says the smaller dining rooms are perfect for private parties such as rehearsal dinners, bridal showers or other special occasions. While there are catering menus, he stresses that a menu can be tailored to fit the event. 

“John has a lot of experience creating private events – no matter if it’s a party for two or a wedding with 500 people,” he says. “Our high standards are the same whether it’s an intimate dining experience or a large event. We do recommend proper planning for an event but we can often work with short notice. Whether it’s a week or a year in advance, we make sure it gets done properly.”  

Farmhouse styling – with a modern twist – defines this dining area.

The Greenfield Restaurant & Bar is located at 595 Greenfield Rd., Lancaster. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday, 4:30-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 4:30-9:30 p.m. Brunch is served Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made on their website. Take-out and curbside pickup are available. Both onsite and off-premises catering are available. Call 717-393-0668 or visit thegreenfieldrestaurant.com and on Facebook. 

The Case for Less Meat

by Leave a Comment

With immense hope, a new year has arrived! As is often the case, many of us resolve to embark on new nutritional choices in the pursuit of a “better you.” Over the last year, I’ve weighed my own health and dietary concerns and have arrived at a personal challenge that calls for expanding Meatless Mondays into a meatless lifestyle.  

Beyond Meat’s Beyond Beef formed into 8-oz. burgers and cooked over lump charcoal are accompanied by toasted brioche, Parmela Creamery’s plant-based, aged sharp cheddar, local arugula, russet potato steak fries, Sriracha-mayo aioli with lime and a dill pickle. Wash it down with Athletic Brewing Company’s juicy and indistinguishably non-alcoholic, Run Wild IPA.

Let’s get this out of the way right from the start: I love eating meat. Few things are better for Sunday brunch than crispy, melt-in-your-mouth bacon. And, don’t get me started on chicharrones (fried pork belly) with lime for dinner. Oh, and a juicy burger with all the fixings is pure heaven. Barbecued anything and I’m in. 

Regrettably, I’ve come to learn that my body does not share that sentiment. Over the last several years, my blood pressure, LDL and total cholesterol levels have climbed to concerning levels. I’m a young, fairly active guy, so yes, it was eye-opening to see those test results. My primary care physician immediately implemented a course correction, suggesting I alter my diet to include a wider array of fresh, whole foods. Recognizing that I needed to reduce my meat intake long-term, I started on a path to find healthier, plant-based substitutes without feeling as though I was giving something up.

My first revelation was Impossible Burgers, plant-based burgers that are wholly convincing ground-beef substitutes. I’m not talking about those rather unappealing frozen veggie burgers. Impossible Burgers look, smell, cook and fully taste like meat. Free of cholesterol, they do contain some saturated fat from coconut oil, so while these burgers are delicious, they’re not fully guilt-free. Burger King of all places sells them – you’ve probably seen the television commercials – if you want to take a quick taste-drive (you can opt for cheese and bacon). 

Sliced Tofurky Beer Brats, cauliflower roasted over lump charcoal, my homemade sauerkraut, mustard and Athletic Brewing Company’s All Out Extra Dark Stout. The bratwurst has a nice snap to it and is especially convincing with mustard. The non-alcoholic stout has a roasty flavor with a thinner mouth feel but it’s delicious and packs just 90 calories.

It’s also a fun experiment to put an Impossible or Beyond Meat burger on someone’s plate at a cookout and see if they notice the difference. (Without drawing attention to the switch, it almost always goes unnoticed. Hand your guinea pig the grilling spatula and they still might not notice.) In our household, plant-based meat effortlessly made its way into burritos, meatballs and chili, so we stopped buying ground beef altogether.

What surprised me, however, was how I felt after the one or two occasions I had ground beef in the last year. In short: sluggish and groggy. I chalk that up to the fact that meat takes more time and energy to digest. 

Based on my body’s reaction, I decided to move forward by ruling out beef and scaling back all meat consumption. I found it easy to go a day without consuming meat; if you’re considering setting a starter goal, one day a week is the perfect place to begin. Meatless Monday has been on trend for a few years and you can probably pick up some tips and menu ideas by googling it. If that’s too ambitious, start with one meal each day. I found it was easy to go multiple days without meat. It now occupies a smaller segment of my life and where it does exist, I make it count.

Parmela Creamery’s Plant-Based Sharp Cheddar is aged for 60 days. With a creamy texture and perfect melt, this cheddar completes the transformation of a vegan burger.

Vegetarian Versus Vegan

A vegan lifestyle is 100% plant-based, free of any animal products, whereas those living a vegetarian lifestyle refrain from consuming animal meat. I once thought that a vegan diet was predominantly a moral position – more so than just nutritional – but recent academic studies are reporting that consuming any animal protein can lead to inflammation within the body. For example, consuming high levels of heme iron contributes to increased risks of various types of cancer, Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Many athletes are adopting vegan lifestyles, citing such benefits as the ability to digest plant-based protein at a faster rate for quicker recovery, improved blood flow and increased endurance. Among them are retired professional bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger (who spent most of his life chasing “The Pump” and backing it with steak), Novak Djokovic (tennis), Chris Paul (basketball) and Jackie Chan (an actor with a martial arts background). All four were executive producers for the documentary, The Game Changers, which debunks myths that (professional) athletes need animal protein to perform at high levels. It makes a convincing, data-driven argument for replacing all animal products with plant-based, whole foods based on health alone. In the documentary, Patrik Baboumian, Germany’s Strongest Man (2011) and a devotee of the vegan lifestyle, remarks, “Someone asked me how I could get as strong as an ox without eating any meat. My response was, ‘Have you ever seen an ox eat meat?’”

Economies and Scale

Another consideration is the economics of meat. Depending on the animal, roughly six times as much plant-based energy is required to create animal-based protein and calories, compared to crops we eat directly. It’s an inefficient process and entails costs that go beyond financial. The acreage of farmland nationwide needed to feed animals raised for beef consumption is high. Its byproducts include wastewater that ends up in waterways and methane pollution, which, quite baffling, is roughly equal to the emissions of all forms of transportation globally. Consider that more than 600 gallons of water are required to produce one hamburger patty, starting with growing the crops that feed and nurture cattle. As more plant-based meats come to market and options continue to expand, there is plenty of room for the price of plant-based meat to decrease. 

It’s worth mentioning biosecurity, a concern farmers have to contend with to fight the spread of disease, particularly in large, dense populations at factory farms. There are obvious risks of a virus jumping from animals to people, too, including swine flu and mad cow disease. Even deer and elk hunters in Pennsylvania, who help control the population size, keep tabs on chronic wasting disease, a neurologically degenerative infection that, to date, does not affect humans.

A Dietician’s Perspective

Kilene Knitter, MS, RD, LDN, is a regional nutritionist at GIANT in Lancaster. The team of nutritionists at GIANT offers free, virtual nutrition classes for both kids and adults. I reached out for her thoughts on nutrition and meal planning.

Kilene Knitter, Regional Nutritionist at GIANT

“No matter what direction we go in with our diet, whether it’s vegetarian, vegan or just trying to get healthier in general, it’s always important to remember that the goal is to choose foods that nourish our bodies,” Kilene notes. “Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and protein – animal or plant – are going to nourish our bodies the best. There are prepared plant-based substitutes available but always double-check their nutrition information because they can sometimes be higher in sodium, fat or added sugars to boost flavor and texture. If you can make it yourself, you’ll be more in control of the ingredients and portion size. You can visit giantfoodstores.com/recipes for plant-based protein inspiration and recipes,” Kilene points out. 

For those who prefer to consume animal protein, Kilene advocates for leaner cuts. “Skinless chicken, turkey and fish are all going to be leaner options. For fish, the recommendation is to have two servings a week, especially from salmon, tuna or sardines, which contain omega-3 fatty acids. These may be beneficial for reducing inflammation and providing heart health benefits.” As for beef and pork, “there are leaner ways to enjoy those meats.” For beef, she suggests you look for cuts that contain the words “loin” or “round.” For pork, “chop” and “loin” will also indicate leaner cuts containing less fats. Look for ground meats at least 90% [lean] or higher. In addressing portion size, Kilene says, “When you go to a steakhouse, if the cut of meat is bigger than your head, that is not an appropriate portion size. Aim for three ounces – the size of a deck of cards. It should fill a quarter of your plate. If you have leftovers, take them home to enjoy at another meal.” 

She also suggests that you consider adding legumes and veggies to ground meats – she refers to the technique as “The Blend” – for added nutrition. Kilene elaborates: “This meal extender idea is from the Mushroom Council and is a cooking technique that combines chopped mushrooms with ground beef, turkey, pork and even tofu. It helps to stretch your budget because you’re getting more volume. Plus, it gives you the same meat-like texture but with added nutrients, like fiber. You can roast the mushrooms beforehand so they have even more flavor. Once you blend together the ground meat and chopped mushrooms, use this mixture for burgers, tacos, meatballs or meatloaf. It’s a really budget-friendly and sustainable way to add more veggies and create different flavors in your kitchen.

Beyond Meat’s Beyond Beef looks and cooks like real beef patties. Cooked over charcoal for added flavor complexity, the coconut oil in the recipe sizzles and pops for a mouthwatering, juicy burger.

“Making healthy choices at each meal doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated,” she continues. “Keep it simple by filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts or green beans. Non-starchy veggies are full of fiber, so you’re going to feel fuller for longer, as well as many vitamins and minerals to keep our bodies healthy. To stretch your dollar and get the most flavor, aim to include seasonal produce options.”  

A quarter of the plate should be filled with starches and whole grains: brown rice, whole grain pasta, legume-based pasta, sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn or peas. “They’re going to give us complex carbohydrates, which keep our bodies energized,” she explains. Finally, according to Kilene, “The last quarter should be protein and that’s where normally we see the most variation. This portion could be from lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey or fish and plant proteins like tofu, beans or lentils, or a combination of both! We are always aiming to have a variety of color, flavors and textures on our plate at each meal. As long as we are setting up our plate this way, we know we have a great balance of all the nutrients we need to be fueled and nourished.” 

For more information on GIANT nutritionist events, visit thegiantcompanynutritionists.eventbrite.com.

A Choice in the Matter

Seasoned vegetarians share that choosing such a lifestyle has become much easier to navigate. Expanded food options improve variety for everyone – including vegans and vegetarians – at grocery stores and on restaurant menus. Grocery stores increasingly have sections dedicated entirely to plant-based alternatives, which is both eye-opening and convenient. I’d encourage you to check them out.

The good news is that after making revised nutritional choices that minimize meat, my blood markers have all improved to healthier levels. I’d much rather control portions and opt for plant-based foods than pay a long-term price with my health. When it comes to going vegan, a position I respect and admire, there are some foods that I’m not sure I’d ever be able to give up, including eggs, fish and milk, to name a few. Several vegetarians I’ve spoken with cite a sense of missing out at the dinner table, especially when they travel, although menus and recipes that address their needs continue to develop all the time. As convincing plant-based meat alternatives arrive on the scene and improve with mouth-watering flavors, reduced levels of sodium and lower costs, such options are good for our bodies, livestock, economy and our planet.

The Wedding of Nicole Austin and Doug Bernardini, September 27, 2019

by 1 Comment

The lakeside ceremony site at Historic Acres of Hershey, which is surrounded by woodland and gardens, perfectly lent itself to the couple’s desire to hold their wedding at a venue that provided spaces for all the elements of the wedding.

Nicole and Doug were among the fortunate couples who were able to hold the weddings of their dreams during the fall and winter of 2019. Weddings such as the Bernardinis’ provide hope that life as we knew it will return to normalcy in the very near future and we will again be able to celebrate life’s special moments with family and friends. As they celebrated their first year of marriage with dinner at Fogo de Chão and ate a piece of their wedding cake, Nicole and Doug couldn’t help but think of their friends who have had to re-think their weddings. “I don’t know what I would have done,” she says. 

Their Résumés 

Nicole, who is the daughter of Bobbi and Cain Austin, is an auto mechanic at M&R Auto Center in Lancaster. Doug, who is the son of Nancy and Doug Bernardini, is a service plumber with Cocalico Plumbing & Heating in Denver. 

Instead of a first look, Nicole and Doug met – without looking at each other – at the corner of a building and read the personal notes they had written to each other.

The Meet Cute 

Having graduated a few years apart from Warwick High School, the two were not acquainted. Years later, the closest they came to being “friends” was through mutual friends’ Facebook pages. “We still didn’t know each other and had never met,” says Nicole of their social media connection. One day, the two happened to be at the High Car Wash on Route 501 in Lititz and recognized each other from their Facebook pictures. They exchanged pleasantries and began texting each other. Two weeks later, they were officially “hanging out.” 

The Nightmare Before Christmas Proposal

Fast forward about a year. Agreeing that marriage was definitely in their future, the two began window shopping for an engagement ring. “I knew a proposal was coming but I didn’t know when,” Nicole explains. Doug seized the opportunity when Nicole expressed a desire to visit Koziar’s Christmas Village in Berks County. They set off on the evening of December 9, 2017, and along the way, Doug ran over a black cat. “I’m driving along and I’m a nervous wreck and I had to run over a black cat – not a rabbit or a raccoon, but a black cat!” he laments. 

Now, anyone who has ever visited Koziar’s knows that it’s bedlam on pre-Christmas weekends (think of it as Berks County’s version of Times Square at holiday time). Doug managed to find a somewhat quiet and secluded spot, asked a random woman to shoot a video of the proposal and dropped to his knee to ask the clueless Nicole to marry him. “I wondered why people were applauding,” Nicole recalls. 

Historic Acres’ barn-inspired pavilion, dazzling chandeliers and views of the grounds met Nicole’s vision for a reception venue.

Their bad luck continued. Instead of a video, they “ended up with about 500 quick-action pictures,” Doug explains of the snafu. A lightbulb goes off in Nicole’s head. “I bet we could have someone string them together and make a video,” she suggests. A look that says “I’m busted” comes over Doug’s face and he confesses he deleted all but a few of the photos. 

The evening ended in Reading, where they dined on “the worst Chinese food we’ve ever had,” Nicole reports. 

Let the Planning Begin 

Nicole admits she was “all over the place” and had “multiple visions” regarding a theme and look for the wedding. “I wanted a barn setting but I didn’t want to be inside a barn. And, I didn’t want a tent,” she explains. “Because we would have a lot of out-of-town guests, we wanted to have everything – rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception – in one place.” 

Roses and seeded eucalyptus decorated the pergola at the ceremony site.

What Nicole does like is a rustic vibe. She is also a fan of vintage and anything pink. Her very organized aunt, Angie Kunkle, who is a teacher by day, volunteered to help her focus on a vision and serve as the planner/coordinator for the wedding. 

“I bet we looked at 15 venues,” Nicole recalls. “When we saw Historic Acres of Hershey, I knew that was it.” The property, which is located between Elizabethtown and Hershey, offered everything she desired, including a lakeside ceremony spot, a barn-inspired indoor-outdoor pavilion for the reception, gardens and a 19th-century farmhouse that is made available to wedding parties. 

Working with Angie, Nicole arrived at a theme that would match the setting: Rustic Enchantment. 

The newlyweds took time for photographs while guests enjoyed cocktail hour that included passed hors d’oeuvres and cheese/fruit stations. For dinner, guests dined on salmon, filet and farm-fresh veggies. The evening’s signature drinks were Orange Crush and a Strawberry Margarita. The couple honeymooned in Estes Park, Colorado.

Saying Yes to the Dress 

Like many women, Nicole and her mother, Bobbi, are huge fans of the television show, Say Yes to the Dress, which is filmed at the legendary Kleinfeld Bridal in New York. “I knew she had her heart set on going there but I suggested we start by visiting local shops,” Bobbi recalls. 

Nicole’s vintage-inspired gown – from Enaura Bridal – was purchased at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York.

Finally, Bobbi gave in to Nicole’s Kleinfeld obsession and scheduled an appointment in April 2018. Just as is conveyed on television, walking into Kleinfeld’s was like experiencing nirvana. “It’s beautiful!” Nicole says. “It was packed!” Bobbi recalls, adding, “We saw Diane!” referring to one of the consultants who has been a mainstay of the show since its debut. Despite filming taking place, they were disappointed to learn that Randy Fenoli wasn’t in the store that day. 

Nicole said yes to a gown from Enaura Bridal, whose owner/creative director, Sohil, studied the art of beaded design in India and upon returning to the United States, launched Blossom Veils in 2011. Two years later, he founded Enaura Bridal with a vision of combining exquisite embroidery, intricate beadwork and beautiful fabrics to create very modern gowns that evoke a vintage aesthetic. Nicole’s strapless gown, which was made in India, entailed a trumpet silhouette, a sweetheart neckline, scalloped beadwork and ruffled tulle accents. A cathedral-length veil completed her bridal look. 

Pink was utilized for the color of the attendants’ dresses and for the ties Doug and his groomsmen wore.

In ordering a dress, Nicole assured her consultant she would be 20 pounds lighter by her wedding day – courtesy of her trainer, Eric Schwarz of Showtime Training in Lititz – but she was encouraged to order the size she was at her appointment, as it’s easier to take in a gown than it is to let one out. True to her word, Nicole lost the 20 pounds, which required three trips to New York for fittings. For the last appointment, Doug and Nicole’s father went along and took in a Yankees game. 

The Details 

Nicole incorporated her love of pink into her bridesmaid dresses, the ties Doug and his groomsmen wore (which beautifully complemented their charcoal-gray tuxes) and the floral designs. Her bouquet entailed roses, eucalyptus, dried berries and baby’s breath. 

Nicole’s love of pink and vintage were reflected in the couple’s sweetheart table.

Wishing to complement the farm-like setting, they worked with The Scarlet Runner to design a farm-to-table-inspired menu that started with cocktail hour and continued through the seated dinner. 

The simplicity of the cake design belied its dynamic layers of flavor, including lemon-strawberry, white raspberry, chocolate and orange-chocolate. 

Each layer of the cake featured a different flavor.

The couple and their 120 guests danced the night away to tunes provided by Klock Entertainment, starting with the first dance that featured Perfect by Ed Sheeran and Speechless by Dan + Shay.  

Guests could also socialize at the cigar bar and around a fire pit. Vintage furniture was rented for the occasion. 

Favorite Memories 

Instead of a first look, Nicole and Doug met at a corner of a building and without looking at each other, exchanged notes they had written to each other. They read them privately and then departed for the ceremony. They also exchanged gifts with each other during the reception. They were touched by the video their friend, Justin Rosado, made that included “interviews” with guests.    

One of Doug’s favorite wedding details was the cigar bar.

Advice to Share 

Nicole was surprised by the speed in which venues are reserved. “Make that the first thing you do,” she says. They loved having their wedding on a Friday, pointing out that it takes the party atmosphere up a notch and doesn’t tie up an entire weekend for guests. Doug was surprised by how fast the day flew by and advises couples to enjoy the results of all the work and planning that they devoted to their weddings. 

Credits 

Photographer: Eve Aigler, Eve’s Photography 

Venue: Historic Acres of Hershey

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Angie Kunkle 

Gown: Kleinfeld Bridal 

Attendants’ Dresses: David’s Bridal 

Tuxedos: Central PA Tuxedo (York) 

Hair: Josi Hershey, West London Salon 

Makeup: Carmina Cristina 

Floral Design: Florals by Heather Ann 

Catering: The Scarlet Runner 

Cake: Colebrook Bakery 

DJ: Jason Klock, Klock Entertainment 

Vintage Furniture: Swoon Vintage Rental 

Personal Trainer: Eric Schwarz, Showtime Training

The Wedding of Olivia Hertzler & Shannon Fairchild, June 20, 2020

by Leave a Comment

While Olivia envisioned a misty rain as the perfect backdrop for a proposal, she had to instead settle for rain on her wedding day, which according to some is good luck.

You could say Olivia had been planning her wedding all her life. Olivia is the granddaughter of one of Lancaster’s grand dames of weddings – Vivian Abel, who with her husband, Bob, was at the forefront of the weddings-with-a-farm-setting concept when they opened Pheasant Run Farm Bed & Breakfast in 2001. Olivia’s mother, Deeann, has been heavily involved in the business, as well, hence, the observant Olivia has seen weddings of nearly every style over the past 20 years. “I grew up around weddings. They’ve been part of my life,” she explains. 

When it came time for her to plan her own wedding, there was no question that it would be held at Pheasant Run. However, Olivia envisioned going in a direction she had never seen Pheasant Run brides utilize – formal, black-tie, elegant. “I thought the contrast would be interesting,” she says. 

When Shannon proposed in December 2018, they agreed a long engagement would provide them with the opportunity to plan their wedding at a leisurely pace and consider where the next stage of their lives would take them. 

The original invitation suite entailed a church wedding and a reception at Pheasant Run. Renee Connors updated the invitation with a save-the-date card (for July 10, 2021) that bore the headline, “Love is Patient.”

Then, Covid happened. Their world fell apart. Olivia spent the last semester of college attending classes remotely from home. The Class of 2020 was deprived of a graduation ceremony. And, the wedding …
what were they going to do about the wedding? 

The two also received real-world lessons about life, as both their families own and operate small businesses. All of Pheasant Run’s spring events were canceled. Reservations for the bed & breakfast slowed to a trickle. “We had a few outdoor ceremonies here, but no receptions,” Vivian explains. “Olivia’s wedding was really our first for 2020.” The pandemic continued to wreak havoc, as summer and fall weddings were reimagined, rescheduled or canceled. 

Shannon’s mother, Cindy, and her sister operate Village Greens Miniature Golf Course in Strasburg, which was launched by their golf- and nature-loving father, Oscar Peters, in 1972. While Village Greens makes for a perfect Covid outing, new procedures had to be put into place (once it could open), including reserved tee times on weekends, reduced capacity, increased sanitation measures, mandatory masks in public areas, the removal of seating along the two courses and the list goes on. “It was a lot of work for them,” says Shannon, who worked at Village Greens during high school. 

It was only appropriate for the newlyweds to pose for pictures with Pheasant Run Farm’s resident horses, Desperados Song and Junes Legacy, since an interest in horses led Olivia and Shannon to become involved in the same 4-H club.

On May 20, the two realized they had arrived at a turning point and had to decide whether to reschedule the wedding or proceed and abide by the state’s guidelines, which as of June 5 (yellow phase) would allow social gatherings to include no more than 25 people. 

Their Résumés 

Olivia is the daughter of Deeann and Paul Hertzler II. She is a 2020 graduate of Penn State University (Economics & Business Management). Shannon is the son of Cindy and Jim Fairchild. He is a 2019 graduate of Penn State University and is a nuclear engineer with General Dynamics Electric Boat in Connecticut. 

Their Meet Cute 

The two, who attended different high schools, met in 2011 through 4-H. Their mutual love of horses prompted them to become members of the 4-H Rough Riders Horse & Pony Club. They began dating and continued their relationship at Penn State.

The Proposal 

Olivia had a definitive vision of the perfect proposal. “I always thought the Old Main Lawn at Penn State would be an amazing place to get engaged,” she says, adding, “And, there had to be a misty rain falling!” On December 23, 2018, Shannon took Olivia to dinner (she was convinced he would take that opportunity to pop the question). However, it seems Shannon had been paying attention; dinner was just a decoy. As they walked across the Old Main Lawn under a star-filled sky, Olivia suddenly noticed Shannon was no longer by her side. She stopped, turned and found him on bended knee. 

As for the ring, Olivia’s doodles often included renderings of her dream engagement ring. Shannon took mental notice of them and when it came time to select a ring, he worked with a designer at Kay Jewelers to bring Olivia’s ideas to life with a custom design. 

Let the Planning Begin 

Olivia and Shannon consulted Pheasant Run’s date book and ultimately chose June 20, 2020 as their wedding day. They booked the nearby Pequea Church for the ceremony. The long engagement would provide them with plenty of time to plan their wedding – their vision entailed the church ceremony, cocktail hour on the patio at Pheasant Run and a seated dinner for 125 inside the barn. It would also allow Olivia to concentrate on her last year of college. “We were going to have a busy couple of months,” Olivia says of her May graduation, the June wedding and then making the move to Connecticut and finding a job or perhaps furthering her education. 

The Dress 

Olivia and Deeann began shopping for a dress in early spring 2019. Their quest took them to three stores, where she recalls “trying on everything they had.” Nothing clicked. One day, Olivia and her sister, Violet, were at a downtown coffee shop and decided to stop by In White just as the store was preparing to close for the day. Olivia was instantly drawn to a dress in the window. “I loved its silhouette and simple elegance,” she says of the strapless silk ballgown. Olivia made an appointment and returned with Deeann and Violet. When she slipped into the dress and got “that feeling,” Olivia announced she had found her dress.

Olivia and Shannon make their grand entrance.

The dress perfectly lent itself to the formal, black-and-white color scheme Olivia devised for members of the wedding party and the invitation suite that Renee Connors would be designing. The wedding’s white and blush-hued florals would complement the theme through roses, peonies, eucalyptus and flowers cut from the farm’s gardens. 

An Unwanted Guest 

As February 2020 gave way to March, COVID-19 was making its relentless advance across the world. Pheasant Run was forced to close as it was deemed a nonessential business.  

Hoping for the best, Olivia and Shannon proceeded to mail invitations to their 125 guests in mid-April. “People didn’t know what to say or do,” Olivia explains of the response they received. As April progressed, the families realized changes might be necessary. “It was hard to stay positive,” Olivia admits. Added to the stress was the fact that Shannon was now living in Connecticut. He and his groomsmen had to order their tuxes online through Men’s Wearhouse. “They came in three days before the wedding,” Shannon recalls. 

When it became obvious dinner had to be moved indoors, the socially distanced tables were set up in the dining room of the barn’s lower level. They were dressed with linens, china and crystal that Vivian already had on hand.

A New Plan 

By May, Olivia and Shannon realized they would indeed have to come up with a Plan B. They ultimately decided they would go ahead and get married on June 20 in the presence of immediate family members at Pheasant Run. “We just wanted to get on with our lives,” Olivia says. Still, the decision was heartbreaking. “Our dreams and work were just gone,” she shares. “I stayed in bed and cried for two days.” 

Once the decision was made, Olivia swung into high gear. “We had one month to re-plan our wedding. I talked to all my vendors to get a sense of where they stood and what our options were.” Fortunately, nearly everyone was game to participate. However, they had to find a caterer. Vivian suggested they contact Enck’s Custom Catering, which is frequently onsite for Pheasant Run weddings. Enck’s was happy to accommodate Olivia and Shannon. “Ken [Enck] was so upbeat and positive,” Olivia recalls. 

Olivia and Shannon with her parents, Deeann and Paul Hertzler II.

Olivia credits her second cousin and bridesmaid, Alicia (Hertzler) Ehrhart, for helping to put her on a positive path. Olivia talked all the new plans through with Alicia, who was in the process of planning her own wedding. “She was just the best sounding board,” Olivia says. As for having to pivot from a church ceremony to one outdoors, Olivia recalls Alicia pointing out that “being in a big church and looking out and seeing all the empty pews would only make me envision the wedding I had originally planned.” As she continued bouncing ideas off her cousin, Alicia’s enthusiasm for the idea of a micro-wedding made Olivia grow more excited. At one point, Alicia told Olivia she was ready to scrap her own plans and go in the micro-wedding direction. 

Olivia and Shannon received some good news when the state announced Lancaster County would move to the yellow phase of reopening on June 5. That meant they could have 25 guests at their wedding. According to Olivia, despite knowing that the situation was completely out of her control, having to break the news to 100 family and friends that they would not be attending a wedding on June 20 was the “hardest thing I had to do.” 

That sense of dread prompted Olivia and Shannon to come up with a Plan C. With her parents and grandparents support, Olivia and Shannon will be having the wedding reception they originally planned on July 10, 2021 at Pheasant Run. Special “Save the Date” cards that bore the headline “Love is Patient” were designed and sent to the 100 guests in order to update them on the new plan. They were also presented to the 25 family members who attended the June 20 nuptials. The wedding party will once again don their gowns and tuxes. “I got the idea from a friend who got married in May and held her reception in September,” says Olivia. 

Because there were only 25 guests, Olivia and Shannon were able to splurge on filet and crab cakes.

Olivia and Shannon were deeply touched by the manner in which family and friends stepped in to ensure their big day would be special and filled with memories. For example, Olivia has known floral designer Kim Kauffman (KimRik Garden Center) for years through 4-H. Caleb Lianza and Janet Hershey, whose college majors lend themselves to videography, created a special commemorative video for them. Family friend, Bernie Hershey, created clear masks for all the participants and guests. A friend recruited The Prince Street Quartet, which is composed of area high school students, to provide music. After the wedding, the newlyweds left Pheasant Run in Paul Hertzler’s beloved Mustang. “I took my driver’s test in that car,” Olivia says of the personal connection. 

Finally, Shannon’s parents took charge of the purple-themed rehearsal dinner that was also held at Pheasant Run. For the occasion, Jim Fairchild prepared his beef stroganoff that is a favorite of Shannon’s, while Cindy decorated the space with flower-filled bottles she had collected over the years. “It was personal, fun and happy,” Olivia says.  

The white velvet cake featured a strawberry cream filling and was served with fresh strawberries.

June 20, 2020 

Olivia got her wish for a rainy backdrop – unfortunately, it fell on her wedding day and not on the night she got engaged. “Oh, it was a horrible day!” Vivian attests of the monsoon-like rains that fell during the day but gave way to an incredible sunset as Olivia and Shannon prepared to leave. 

As luck would have it, the rain slowed enough to allow the ceremony to proceed outdoors. “I looked outside and saw that people were busy wiping down the chairs,” Olivia recalls. 

It also became obvious that the dinner would not be able to be held outdoors, so Plan D was executed and the seven tables were moved indoors. To ensure everyone’s safety, all the doors were opened to allow for air circulation. To further meet Covid guidelines, guests from the same household were seated at the same table. “Three to five people were seated at each table,” Olivia explains. 

The floral story focused on roses and peonies (ranging from white to blush tones) and eucalyptus.

The tables were covered with white linens Vivian had on hand from previous events. Black napkins carried out the wedding’s color scheme. White and gold-rimmed china from a previous family event topped the tables, along with sterling flatware, crystal glassware, black-and-white name cards (designed and crafted by Olivia, Alicia and Violet) and simple floral arrangements. “Because we only had 25 people, we were able to splurge and serve filet and crab cakes instead of the chicken dish we originally planned,” notes Olivia. The string quartet provided background music. Their first dance was to Shania Twain’s Forever and For Always. The white velvet cake, which included a strawberry-buttercream filling and was served with fresh strawberries, was made by Elizabeth Pinkerton. 

“You know, everything ended up just right,” says Olivia. “We had a wonderful day. We got to have conversations with everyone. The guests could relate to each other and to the speeches our sisters gave. We took pictures with everyone. We did a commemorative group photo. We got to take pictures with the horses. It was perfect!” The only missing elements were Shannon’s sister and brother-in-law, who live in Seattle.  

Olivia and Shannon with his parents, Jim and Cindy Fairchild.

Honeymoon

After nixing the idea of going to Hawaii, Shannon and Olivia arrived at the idea of taking a three-week road trip across the United States. “We had such a good time,” Olivia says. Upon their return, the two bought a house in Connecticut. “And, we got a puppy!” Olivia reports. 

Family friend, Bernie Hershey, made special clear masks for all the guests. Seen are Olivia’s grandparents, Vivian (left) and Bob Abel, and Shannon’s mother, Cindy Fairchild.

 

Credits 

Photographer: Ruth E. Blazer Photography 

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Vivian Abel and Deeann Hertzler 

Bridal Gown: In White 

Attendants’ Gowns: David’s Bridal 

Groom/Groomsmen Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse 

Floral Design: Kim Kauffman, KimRik Garden Center 

Linens: Pheasant Run Farm/Special Occasions 

Catering: Enck’s Custom Catering 

Cake: Elizabeth Pinkerton 

Officiant: Chris Shelly, Lampeter Church of the Brethren 

Invitation Suite: Renee Connors, Designs by Renee 

Music: Prince Street Quartet (Alarie Hurst, LeeAnna Russo, Anne Leaman, Laura Leaman)  

Guest Favors: Miesse Candies

Proud Members of: