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Ephrata Encapsulated

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Photo provided by Ephrata Cloister

What’s in a Name?

Ephrata is a derivation of several words that appear in the Bible, including Ephrath, Ephrathah and Ephratah. Ephrath relates to members of the Israelite tribe of Judah. The Bible also refers to Ephrathah, the wife of Caleb and whose son, Salma, is regarded as the founder of Bethlehem, hence in ancient times, the town was referred to as Bethlehem Ephrathah.

A Most Charismatic Man

In 1720, Johann Conrad Beissel, who was a baker by trade, arrived in America in search of religious freedom. After making his way from Boston to Philadelphia, he set off for the wilderness that would become Lancaster County. For a time, he lived along the Conestoga River, where he and another newcomer provided schooling to German-speaking children.

In 1722, he moved south to Maryland, where he became a student of communal living and the beliefs of Seventh-Day Baptists. When he returned to Lancaster, he traveled the countryside teaching and preaching, ultimately attracting a diverse following. In 1732, he settled in northern Lancaster County, where he founded a settlement along the banks of the Cocalico Creek that he named Mystic Order of the Solitary.

The settlement, which came to be known as Ephrata, was composed of celibate members, who lived and worked within the confines of the distinctive Germanic log, stone and half-timbered buildings that served proscribed purposes. Married householders — as many as 200 in the settlement’s heyday — lived outside its borders.

By the 1750s, nearly 80 brothers and sisters lived on-site; their disciplined lifestyle revolved around prayer and work. They subsisted on a sparse diet and limited sleep. Daily prayer services were conducted from 9 p.m.-12 a.m. and again from 2-5 a.m. Worldly possessions were non-existent, and the celibates wore a unisex uniform of white robes.

Setting the Standard for Printing

Members of the Ephrata settlement were very industrious. The Print Shop was state of the art. Its claim to fame involved a book that was originally published in Holland in 1660. Called Martyrs Mirror, it contained stories and testimonies of Christian martyrs and pacifists, namely the Anabaptist Amish and Mennonites who eventually made their way to Pennsylvania. Ephrata took on the job of translating the 1,500-page tome (Dutch to German), as well as printing and binding the 1,300 copies it produced. The job, which was carried out by 15 men, took three years to complete.

Another high-profile assignment came at the request of Ben Franklin and the Continental Congress — linguist Peter Miller, who succeeded Beissel upon his death in 1768, was asked to translate the Declaration of Independence into seven languages for the benefit of foreign heads of state. Miller completed the assignment in two years.

Birthplace of American Folk Art

Members of the settlement were also very creative. The distinctive frakturs, which combined German calligraphy and decorative motifs, are considered to be America’s first form of folk art.

The Ephrata Sound

The talents of Ephrata’s members extended to music, as more than 1,000 original compositions are credited to the settlement, with many written by Beissel. Today, the tradition of the Cloister’s unique, ethereal, a cappella, four-part harmony music is carried on by members of the Ephrata Cloister Chorus — under the direction of Martin Hinkley — who perform not only during special events at the Cloister, but also across the region.

Aiding the Revolution

Following the Battle of the Brandywine (the longest single-day battle of the Revolutionary War) on September 11, 1777, George Washington sent 500 wounded soldiers to Ephrata. In need of paper for gun wadding, the Continental Army also confiscated a wagon load of paper — ironically, it was filled with unbound pages of Martyrs Mirror. Ephrata’s buildings were transformed into a makeshift hospital. Despite the care rendered to the wounded soldiers, typhus spread through the settlement. In order to halt the spread of disease, two buildings were burned to the ground. In total, more than 260 people — soldiers and residents — died at Ephrata. Many of those who died were buried at what is now Mount Zion Cemetery.

The End Creates a New Beginning

With Beissel’s death in 1768, the settlement seemed to have lost the glue that held it together. The last celibate member passed away in 1812. The remaining married members associated themselves with a German Seventh-Day Baptist congregation that used the Ephrata buildings for services until 1934.

In 1941, the settlement at Ephrata was sold to the state. It was restored and is now operated by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (in partnership with Ephrata Cloister Associates) as the Historic Ephrata Cloister.

A Borough

Back in the olden days, the English referred to fortified towns as boroghs and hills as beorgs. The Germans called fortified castles burgs. The Norse word for wall was borg. In the United States, certain states, such as Pennsylvania, refer to incorporated municipalities that are smaller than cities as boroughs. In Lancaster County, Ephrata is the largest such municipality.

It’s Not Exactly Pikes Peak, But …

Ephrata is the only town in Lancaster County that is able to say it has a mountain.

Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous

Ephrata Mountain was the home of the Mountain Springs Hotel. Built in the 1840s by Joseph Konigmacher, the hotel became known far and wide for its elegant interiors and healing mineral waters. The hotel, which could accommodate 500 guests, became a summer playground for the rich and famous. After Konigmacher’s death in 1861, the hotel remained in operation (under a succession of owners); in 1882 it was purchased by Daniel S. Von Neida. After his death in 1920, his four sons assumed ownership.

The Psychic Connection

Ethel Riley Post-Parrish, the leader of Camp Silver Belle, a group of spiritualists with roots in Florida, liked Ephrata and turned her sights to the Mountain Springs Hotel, which was owned solely by Harry Von Neida. Camp Silver Belle, whose name honored Post-Parrish’s native spiritual guide, struck a deal with Von Neida and purchased the property in he mid-30s. The clientele included psychics, mediums and clairvoyants. Seances were held on a regular basis. Although Post-Parrish died in 1960, Camp Silver Belle, which later became known as the Temple of Truth, maintained its presence at the former hotel. However, it fell into disrepair and by 1988 was uninhabitable. An auction, which attracted quite a crowd, was held in 1991. In 1999, the Ephrata Economic Development Corporation purchased the property with the goal to restore the hotel. Unfortunately, nearly a century of neglect deemed that impossible. The hotel was razed, and new businesses took over the property.

A Community Hospital

Camp Silver Belle launched a small on-site hospital in 1937. Named Stephan Memorial Hospital, it honored Ephrata residents John Stephan and his wife. In 1940, a charter was issued to the hospital, at which time it became known as Ephrata Community Hospital. By 1949, rapid growth deemed it necessary to move the hospital to its present-day location at the intersection of routes 322 and 272. In 2013, the hospital became affiliated with WellSpan Health and today is known as WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital.

There She is …

Ephrata’s own Evelyn Ay was crowned Miss America in 1953. Her route to the crown included being named Miss Ephrata Fair, the Tobacco Queen of Lancaster County and Miss Pennsylvania. Her fans had to follow the pageant via the radio and newspapers. It wasn’t until 1954 that it began to be televised. When she returned home to Ephrata, nearly 56,000 people turned out to greet her. She died in 2008.

The Water Mystique

Who knew that a bottle of water would become an accessory in the 21st century! Lancaster was hip to spring water long before that happened. We had two Ephrata-based companies to thank for that: Cloister Spring Water and Ephrata Diamond Spring Water. Back in the late 90s, food and beverage giants were prepping to go to battle over water, which was beginning to make inroads in the popularity of carbonated drinks. In 1998, Ephrata Diamond, whose products were distributed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, was acquired by California-based McKeesen Water Products, a move that would position the company to claim 2/3 of the national bottled-water market. A year later, Cloister, whose market was the Middle Atlantic region, was acquired by Suntory, a global food and beverage company (No. 2 in the sale of water products nationwide). FYI: Richard Hess, Diamond Spring’s last president, was inducted into the International Bottled Water Association’s Hall of Fame in 2003.

Take a Dip

Speaking of water, the Ephrata Community Pool is the oldest, continuously operated pool in Lancaster County. This summer marks its 88th year of operation. Located in Grater Community Park and operated by the borough, the pool complex, consisting of a fun pool and a competition pool, was remodeled several years ago to include zero-depth entries, flume slides, climbing walls and more. It has hosted the year-end Doggy Days of Summer event since 2013.

Life Ready Graduates

Realizing that the one-size-fits-all instructional model was not of benefit to Ephrata’s diverse student population, the Ephrata Area School District went to work on a concept it calls the Life Ready Graduate project that will “help students develop a variety of knowledge, skills and dispositions beyond the state standards.”

“High stakes tests on a narrow set of criteria are not the best set of predictors for success in life,” theorizes Dr. Brian Troop, the district’s superintendent. In developing the framework for the project, the district sought feedback from alumni on how well they were prepared for the real world. Business leaders were also consulted on the qualities they deemed important when hiring new employees. The project was formally endorsed by the school board in 2017.

Speaking of Mind & Body

The title of Mr. Universe 1978 went to Ephrata native Mike Mentzer.

Take Me to the Fair

The Ephrata Fair celebrated its 100th edition last September, making it the oldest farmer’s fair in Lancaster County. Its renown also extends statewide, as it is regarded as the largest street fair in Pennsylvania.

Photo by Seth Dochter

The fair’s roots date back to 1919, when area businesses partnered to sponsor a one-day celebration through which the area’s World War I
vets would be honored. The event was a huge success and the following year, a harvest celebration was added. In 1932, the Ephrata Farmers Day Association was incorporated to oversee the fair. Soon, a parade joined the festivities, as did a midway. Tent City, which takes over Grater Community Park, is the site of the agricultural competitions and exhibits, as well as other special events. This year’s dates are September 24-28.

Speaking of Agriculture

There are so many produce stands along Route 322 that it is affectionately referred to as Cantaloupe Alley.

A Manufacturing Town

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Ephrata was known for its manufacturing prowess. Foundries, a coal plant, textile factories and tobacco warehouses abounded. In 1880, Ephrata was home to 18 cigar factories.

The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley

Founded in 1957, The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley has grown dramatically over the last 62 years. Part of its growth can be attributed to the fact that historical societies in smaller towns across the valley no longer exist, and their collections were bequeathed to the Cocalico Valley organization, which now preserves and interprets the history of the northern end of the county. Its current exhibit, Fresh Findings From the Past, features acquisitions/donations from the past 10 years.

The society maintains the Theodore R. Sprecher Museum, which makes its home in the Connell Mansion. Built in 1868 by Moore Connell and his wife, Rebecca, it was home to the Connells and their five daughters, all of whom never married and lived their entire lives in the home. The last Connell sister, Nora, died in 1961. The historical society acquired the property after her death. Each of the three floors is filled with exhibits that tell the story of the Cocalico Valley.
Next door, you’ll find the William & Jemima Brossman Library & Research Center. The center is home to a complete set of copies of the Ephrata Review for the years 1878-2005. A grant enabled the society to create microfilm files of the paper. The center is also home to a climate-controlled room in which special and rare documents are stored.

Working Out

The Ephrata Rec Center was founded in 1951. Originally located in an armory building, it moved to its present location in 1978. Building the 65,000 square-foot facility was a community effort. Today, the center serves 11,000 members/participants on an annual basis.

A Library

The Ephrata Public Library traces its beginnings back to 1917, when 35 books were placed in the Washington Avenue High School. Ten years later, an appeal for books resulted in an impressive response. It remained open to the public until 1947, when for a variety of reasons, it was forced to close. When the historical society took over the Connell Mansion, it invited the library to resume operations there. Two years later, the library became part of the county’s library system, which caused interest and use to escalate. In 1967 it moved to a location on West Fulton Street, where it remained until 1995, at which time it moved to its present location on South Reading Road.

The Green Dragon

The Green Dragon has been the go-to place for just about anything you can think of for the past 87 years and judging by the traffic that nearly gridlocks downtown Ephrata on any given Friday (the only Friday it closes is if Christmas falls on it), it’s not going anywhere. In fact, there’s a saying that describes its allure: “If you can’t buy it at the Green Dragon, it chust ain’t for sale.”
The property has a tale all its own. At one time, it was home to an auto-repair garage (actually, it was located in what is now called Building 7). During Prohibition, it was a speakeasy called Shreck’s. That all ended when it was raided. After that, it became a favorite destination for music and dancing. In 1932, Noah Burkholder bought it and transformed it into a farmers market.

Legend has it that he saw a sign with a green dragon on it during a trip to New Jersey, and it struck a chord. It changed hands in 1961, when Larry Loose and William Rohrbach purchased it.
Today, the Green Dragon, which is one of the largest farmers markets on the East Coast, is owned and operated by William and Sandy Rohrbach and their three children. Their daughter, Sally Bushong, told the Ephrata Review on the occasion of the Green Dragon’s 85th anniversary that the clientele is an even mix of locals and tourists. That’s reflected in its 40,000 Facebook followers who hail from across the world.

Embracing Technology

William Brossman was a fertilizer salesman. Working around farmers’ schedules made for long work days. Brossman saw the new-fangled telephone as an answer to his hectic schedule. The only problem was the telephone operators in Lancaster didn’t maintain a schedule that meshed with Brossman or his clients. So, he founded his own company, the Denver & Ephrata Telephone & Telegraph Company in 1911. The company grew into a family affair, as two of Brossman’s daughters, Bertha and Anne, served as presidents of the company. The company was sold to Windstream in 2009.

Long Live the Movie House

Like many of Lancaster’s small towns, Ephrata was home to a downtown movie theater. Unlike those same small towns, Ephrata’s theater is still in operation. Called The Main, it opened in 1938. The art deco marvel had a seating capacity of 800. Over the years, it fell into a state of disrepair and closed in 1990. Recognizing its value, the architects of the Brossman Business Center incorporated it into the design of the complex. Many of the art deco artifacts were restored and helped to recapture the ambiance of the original Main. The theater reopened in 1993.

Steve and Karen Brown, who operated the (now-closed) restaurant, Lily’s on Main, assumed the lease, but despite innovations such as live concerts and serving alcohol in the theater, falling attendance and rising costs due to changing technology made operating the theater a challenge. In 2017, Penn Ketchum, the managing partner of Penn Cinema, and his wife, Aimee, agreed to take over the lease of what is now known as The New Main. Over the past two years, they have upgraded the 2-screen theater yet maintained its art deco ambiance.

A National Treasure – The Susquehanna National Heritage Area

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My family and I moved to the charming river town of Marietta back in November. We’ve already had the pleasure of taking a few strolls down the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail on beautiful sunny days. The 14-mile trail is open year-round, offers beautiful views of the river and allows walking, biking, jogging, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trail also spans land owned by five different municipalities, including the Columbia Borough, Conoy Township, East Donegal Township, Marietta Borough and the Lancaster County Department of Parks & Recreation.

Since I moved to Lancaster County, almost five years ago, I’ve noticed how the trail has grown in popularity. Locals and tourists alike come for kayaking, hiking, boating, birdwatching and other recreational activities.

Part of the reason for the trail’s popularity can be attributed to the nonprofit organization known as Susquehanna Heritage, whose mission is “to enhance quality of life and economic vitality by promoting the preservation, conservation and interpretation of the river’s cultural and natural heritage.”

Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend the Susquehanna Heritage River Experience, which was held at John Wright Restaurant on June 7. The fundraising event had an array of local vendors where guests could sample various foods and beverages. There was also a beautiful cake, made by Miller’s Bakery, designed to look like the Veterans Memorial Bridge, which crosses the mighty Susquehanna.

 

There was also a “river-centered” silent auction and live music. My editor, Sue Long, and I also made a few new acquaintances while indulging in the delicious local fare. But, the highlight of the evening was celebrating the recent designation by Congress of Lancaster and York counties as America’s 55th National Heritage Area.

According to the Susquehanna National Heritage Area’s website, “Designation of York and Lancaster counties as the Susquehanna National Heritage Area caps an eleven-year community campaign to achieve this national recognition for our region.”

For more information about this national honor, visit susquehannaheritage.org.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream of a Party

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Candlelight, white twinkle lights and a moon that glowed brighter as the night progressed (thanks to spotlights) helped to transform a greenhouse into a midsummer-inspired dining room.

It was Tim Arpin and James Henning’s turn to host a party for their dinner club. They chose a date, came up with a theme and issued their invitations. The RSVPs arrived instantaneously!

A party at Tim and James’ home always equates to a bona fide event! The detail-driven twosome ensure that is always the case, whether it’s a casual barbecue for six on a Sunday afternoon or a black-tie cocktail party for six dozen on a Saturday night.

Tim Arpin and James Henning utilized A Midsummer Night’s Dream theme for three parties. They devoted a month’s time to emptying the greenhouse and designing and installing the decorative elements. Fortunately, all three parties managed to dodge the rainy weather that defined the summer of 2018.

Still, the party they hosted last summer would represent some firsts for the owners of The Gilded Lily, which Tim founded 30 years ago. The Kansas native arrived in Lancaster in 1987 to work for Witmer’s Greenhouses. After launching The Gilded Lily, he bought a property near Columbia in 1993, building greenhouses and a warehouse over the years to keep pace with the growth of his company. Since then, he’s provided residential and commercial clients with his trademark horticultural services and has helped brides, corporations and nonprofit organizations transform venues into over-the-top party sites. “We can make magic happen,” Tim says.

Thirty years of working with clients and other vendors has led The Gilded Lily to add a new level of service to its menu: party planning. “We can create the style of a party – from soup to nuts – and take a venue and transform it,” Tim explains. “If we don’t have what we need in our inventory, we can source it.”

Place chargers were made from a tree that was taken down on the property. Sarah and Brian Laborde created them as a gift for Tim and James.

He points to a woodland theme that completely transformed the Lancaster Country Club’s ballroom. Barns, meadows, an airplane hangar, restaurants, private clubs and museums have all lent themselves to the looks and themes Tim and James devise for celebrations and fundraising events. “We’ve completely redecorated rooms in private homes for parties,” James adds. They are looking forward to designing and executing a party at Wildcat Bluff, a nature preserve in York County, where the Lancaster Conservancy will be celebrating its 50th anniversary later this year.

Despite its reputation for being conservative and traditional, Tim maintains that “party town” has become an apt description of Lancaster. “It’s a socially active community – if you want it to be,” he says. “It seems there’s always something going on to support or celebrate.”

Consequently, party hosts and planners are looking for ways to set their events apart from the rest. “People are looking for different and fun ways to make their event special,” he notes. “They no longer want to settle for a pre-packaged look. They want their event to be the talk of the town.”

Guests were requested to wear white for the dinner club party. Pictured are Mary Ann Garrett (left) and Shelly Gunzenhauser.

For last year’s party at their home, Tim and James wanted to create a little magic of their own for guests to enjoy. They started making plans just as spring arrived. Tim had always wanted to hold a party in one of the greenhouses and decided the summer of 2018 would provide that opportunity. The location lent itself to a theme Tim always toyed with using – Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He did some research on the play’s background and watched the movie version, which debuted in 1999 (to mixed reviews) and starred Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci, Christian Bale and Michelle Pfeiffer among others. He loved the look of the film and the notion it conveyed – summer magic and a night in the forest.

The salad course – charred watermelon, young arugula, feta, black pepper and balsamic watermelon essence.

Another first also figured into the theme – the setting would be used for three separate parties: one for Tim and James’ dinner club, The Rascals, which was formed in 2015 by members-turned-friends of the Hamilton Club’s Holiday and Major Events Committee; another for the winners of an auction that was held during a benefit for the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra; and, finally, a party for the employees of The Gilded Lily. Incredibly, each party managed to escape the wrath of Mother Nature’s incessant storminess that defined the summer of 2018. “Last year had to be the most frustrating summer I’ve ever experienced from a gardening perspective,” Tim says. “The weather definitely posed a challenge for everything from gardening to weddings and outdoor events.”

Of course, the look of the party would be paramount to its success. Lighting would be critical. Since the grounds are always aglow, Tim and James decided to concentrate on filling the greenhouse with thousands of white LED twinkle lights. Candles and dramatic crystal candelabras defined the 25-foot-long dining table that was elevated on a stage and covered in soft-green linens. A moon, which Tim created years ago and has used in many projects, would grow brighter as dinner progressed.

The tropical gardens provided the backdrop for cocktail hour.

To create the requisite forest look, Tim and James created custom planters that were wrapped in sheet moss and planted with orchids, ferns, ginger plants, peace lilies, bird of paradise, creeping fig, ivy, alocasia and rattlesnake calathea. Birch branches also filled the 20-foot-long planters that encircled the interior of the greenhouse. A miniature version of the planters traveled the length of the dining table.

Overhead, similar plants were joined by fresh Spanish moss, tetra stigma and various vines. “Just about everything was sourced from our inventory,” Tim reports. The exceptions were orchids, which were sourced in Holland, and the faux dandelions that were custom made in China. “We saw them at a Christmas show in Germany,” Tim explains.

The dinner entrée consisted of roasted summer vegetables, toasted barley salad and bright herb chimichurri.

As for the menu, Tim and James envisioned a summer harvest theme, and the culinary team from the Hamilton Club took it from there, creating courses that celebrated the bounty of the season.

But, before the sun began to set in the west, guests were entertained in the tropical gardens that define the backyard. So as to change up the look for guests who are frequent visitors, Tim and James rearranged the furniture, moving it from the deck and patio and onto the lawn. The bar, which mimics a tiki hut, was also moved onto the lawn in order to eliminate traffic jams. “Moving the furniture created more mingling space,” Tim explains. The deck was turned over to harpist Louis Lynch.

Harpist Louis Lynch provided the perfect background music for the theme of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Finally, the magic hour had arrived. It was time to move into the greenhouse for dinner. As guests entered, gasps of amazement resounded across the property. A few days later, the thank-you notes began arriving. One guest expressed thanks for being invited to “the most beautiful and elegant dinner party” she had ever attended. Tim and James had obviously worked their magic!

Credits:

  • Design/Decor: The Gilded Lily (arpinsgildedlily.com)
  • Table Linens: Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens
  • Catering: Hamilton Club/On-site chef, Joe Moffatt
  • Bartender: Gary Hufford
  • Good Spirits: Dave Murray
  • Stage & Uplighting: Shumaker PDT
  • Harpist: Louis Lync

Lighting accents the grounds on a year-round basis.

The Story Behind A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Whether you celebrate the Summer Solstice, Mid-Summer’s Eve or St. John’s Feast Day, the traditions behind the longest day of the year are as old as time.

The tradition of celebrating the Summer Solstice dates back to pre-Christian days, when it was customary to salute the power of the sun with bonfires that symbolized the notion that fire possessed the ability to cleanse and cure people of disease and curses, as well as protect them from danger. Plants that had healing powers were also collected on the eve of the Summer Solstice and fashioned into garlands that were worn on the head. Because evil forces were perceived to be at their weakest, weddings were performed.

To changes things up, Tim and James nearly emptied the deck and patio of furnishings and placed them on the lawn in order to encourage guests to mix and mingle.

As with many holidays, the Christian world sought to take elements of pagan traditions and add religious connotations to them. The Summer Solstice followed suit, as it became a day to honor St. John the Baptist, whose birthday is celebrated on June 24. In fact, it’s one of the oldest festivals celebrated in the Christian world.

St. John’s Feast Day is unique. While other saints are so honored on the days on which they were martyred, St. John’s Feast Day coincides with his birthday.

Today, many parts of the world – notably Europe and Canada – celebrate St. John’s Feast Day. While bonfires still illuminate the night sky on the eve of the feast day, they now pay homage to the warmth and light of the sun. The day has also become family and friend oriented. For example, in areas of England, residents place tables outside their homes and fill them with bread, cheese and beer for passersby to enjoy. Families gather for festive dinners. In churches, attendees pray that St. John will bless the summer season.

The Summer Solstice (June 21) is celebrated worldwide, with sites such as Stonehenge and the pyramids in Egypt being popular destinations to greet the first day of summer. In the United States, the Summer Solstice is celebrated with a yoga session in Times Square and multi-day festivals in Seattle, Santa Barbara and Anchorage among others. Fairbanks, Alaska, celebrates with a baseball game that gets underway at 10 p.m. and utilizes only natural light – the midnight sun – for the duration of the game.

During Shakespeare’s time, the Summer Solstice was called Midsummer’s Eve. The Elizabethans viewed the period as a time of mystery and magic and believed the line that divided the human and spirit worlds was at its most vulnerable. Unlike Halloween, the spirit world did not have evil or spooky connotations; instead, fairies embodied the spirits whose purpose was to orchestrate romance. Young people believed that they could conceivably meet their future spouses on the day in which the sun reached its highest point in the Northern Hemisphere sky. It also was a popular time to wed.

In 1595-96, Shakespeare took the traditions surrounding Midsummer’s Eve and created a play that addressed various themes that relate to love – unrequited love, defiant love and the lunacy of love all play out in this comedy of errors that is based on Greek mythology, fairy lore and pure theater. It also provided the enduring observation, “The course of true love never did run smooth.”

The Hamilton Club’s signature Bûche de Noel dessert took on a summer look for guest Jim Mays’ birthday.

Hosting Your Own Summer Solstice Party

Summer is the perfect time to host a party and celebrate family, friends, food and the outdoors. Here are some tips from Tim and James to make your gathering party perfect.

  1. A theme is essential. It provides the framework for a menu and the decor.
  2. Think color. Tim is loving Living Coral, this year’s Pantone Color of the Year. He likes to pair it with lavender.
  3. Invest in birch logs and branches. Birch spans the seasons, plus it brings color, texture and depth to tabletops and containers.
  4. Shop with the fabric/elements you’ll be using – it takes the guesswork out of selecting complementary items and eliminates the hassle of returning things.
  5. Don’t crowd a table – provide each guest with at least 2 feet of space.
  6. There must be music.
  7. Create separate spaces for the bar, hors d’oeuvre station, etc. It will encourage guests to mix and mingle.
  8. Layer your light by using a mix of candles, fire pits, tiki torches, string lights and landscaping lights.
  9. Be proactive and ask guests about food allergies, dietary restrictions, etc.
  10. Position gently blowing fans around the table to keep flies and other bugs at bay.

Guests couldn’t help but to take in the magical surroundings during dinner.

Chasing Waterfalls

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Last September, we listened intently to the news, notably the weather forecasts. Hurricane Florence was making her way across the Atlantic and was primed to unleash her fury on the East Coast, specifically the Carolinas. It appeared our annual trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina would be canceled, as an evacuation order was put into effect. We needed to come up with Plan B.

You can discover more than 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius of Ithaca, New York. Pictured is Ithaca Falls Natural Area’s namesake falls. It is 175 feet wide and drops 150 feet into Cayuga Lake on whose banks six mills once operated. Their ruins are still visible. Incredibly, the falls is a short walk from Ithaca’s downtown area.

Suddenly it appeared that heading north would be the answer to saving our family vacation. But, where? We had discussed a trip to Niagara Falls in the past, so we decided to head for the U.S./Canadian border. But, before we could take off, some research was needed. The first thing we learned was that Niagara Falls is not only part of the New York State Park system, but it also holds the title as the first state park in the nation, as it dates to 1885. We were sold and decided to investigate a few other state parks along our path to Niagara. After all, New York has over 2,000 waterfalls. We quickly found ourselves planning an entire trip dedicated to chasing waterfalls.

Waterfalls are literally a force of nature. They commonly form in the upper courses of rivers that flow through mountainous regions. The Poconos, the Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone and Yosemite all come to mind. Waterfalls are grouped into 10 broad classes, which are based on the average volume of water that’s present on the fall (determining factors include average flow and height). Niagara is regarded as the most powerful waterfalls in North America, hence its Class 10 ranking. Waterfalls are also categorized by type (under which are subtypes). For example, Niagara is a ledge-type waterfalls, meaning the water descends vertically over a vertical cliff, all the while it maintains partial contact with the bedrock.

Watkins Glen

One of our stops would include Watkins Glen State Park, where I looked forward to hiking the Gorge Trail. In 2015, the park was a nominee in the USA Today Readers’ Choice Poll for Best State Park in the United States; it took third place. Unlike parks that feature one main waterfall, the roughly 2-mile Gorge Trail passes by 19 different falls on a beautiful series of interconnected pathways.

Cavern Cascade in Watkins Glen plunges 50 feet.

The Gorge Trail itself is a beautiful display of hand-layered stonework that guides visitors throughout the glen. Gorgeous stone staircases twist through man-made caves and across stone-arch bridges, all of which seemingly blend into the natural features of the glen. One of the most popular places in the park is definitely the narrow piece of path under the veil of the 60-foot-tall Cavern Cascade. Almost everyone stops for a quick selfie under the veil, and a few people stick their fingers into the falling water before exploding into a fit of giggles.

Montour Falls and a nearby namesake village take their names from Queen Catharine Montour, a prominent Seneca woman who lived in the area during the 18th century. The “valley of tumbling waters” regards itself as the southern gateway to the Finger Lakes region.

Montour Falls

While studying the map, I noticed a few waterfalls just south of Watkins Glen in the tiny town of Montour Falls. We stopped by two of the most notable, Montour Falls and Shequaga Falls, both of which are impressive and easily accessible from along the roadside. They made for handy stops to let the kids burn off some energy before hitting the road on the next leg of our journey, Niagara.

While Niagara Falls is impressive by day, at night they are spectacular thanks to an illumination system that paints them in a kaleidoscope of colors. The light show promises to get even better with the introduction of LED technology. During the summer, the falls are illuminated from dusk until 2 a.m. each day. Fireworks also light up the night sky over the falls each evening from June 17-September 2.

Niagara

The next morning, our first stop was the American side of Horseshoe Falls in Niagara. We wanted a quick peek before we started exploring the park. I have to say, words and photos do little to prepare you for the sheer size and power of the falls. Indeed, they are the widest and most powerful in North America. I struggle to find a comparison to standing next to them as they rumble and roar like never-ending thunder.

Our next task was to purchase our Discovery Passes, which provide the best (and most economical) way to experience all the activities of the park. You can, of course, purchase individual tickets for each activity, but if you want to do everything, this is the way to go.

With tickets in hand, we immediately began a whirlwind of activity. We geared up for the Cave of the Winds tour, for which visitors are provided with sandals and plastic bags for shoes and anything else you want to keep dry. We then boarded an elevator that took us down 175 feet to the bottom of the gorge that’s right next to Bridal Veil falls, the smallest of the three waterfalls.

This tour provides a stunning view of the American falls, where you’re free to explore the decking that partially extends over the rushing waters of the falls. For those brave enough, there’s a special extension called the “Hurricane Deck,” which allows you to step almost directly under the mighty flow of the falls. That part is optional, but the Cave of the Winds is not – it is the must-see attraction in the park.

Still damp, we made our way to the iconic Maid of the Mist tour, which has been in operation since 1846. Initially a ferry operation, the focus shifted to sightseeing when construction of a suspension bridge over the gorge began in 1848. After a few minutes onboard, we began slowly chugging our way upstream. Here is the only spot from the American side to get an absolutely stunning panoramic view of the American falls from river level. As we approached Horseshoe Falls, the mist powerfully consumed the decks of the boat. The force was so powerful that it made almost everyone on the lower deck step back from the railing and take cover.

The next day we stayed a bit drier and took the time to enjoy the trolley tour and visit the Niagara Aquarium. That evening, we paid a visit to the illuminated falls.

We were so busy seeing the sights on the American side that we didn’t even make it to the Canadian side. But, that’s OK – it leaves room for a future trip. Not a bad deal when you consider that my children still talk about it regularly.

High Falls is one of three waterfalls that define the Genesee River, which flows through Rochester, New York. The area around the 96-feet-high falls was the site of much of the city’s early industrialization.

On to Ithaca

On our return trip, we had to decide between Letchworth State Park in western New York and Robert H. Treman State Park near Ithaca. While Letchworth looks amazing, we opted to save that for another time and add a few extra stops en route to Ithaca. Those late additions included the High and Lower falls in downtown Rochester, followed by the gorge overlook at Taughannock Falls State Park and finally the Ithaca Falls Natural Area.

We arrived at Robert H. Treman State Park late in the evening and didn’t have much time to explore. We quickly took a walk over to the Lower Falls, which is used as a swimming hole during the summer months. We had heard about this, and it looked pretty sweet. It even has a diving board for that perfect summer photo floating through the air with a beautiful waterfall in the background.

I was concerned the family might not be up to another day of walking, so the next morning I ventured off alone to the top of the park and explored the 2-mile Gorge Trail that passes by 12 more waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls. Descending from the top of the park, the trail features gorgeous stone work much like Watkins Glen but with massive gorge walls that tower over head.

Deciding this was too good to miss, I headed back to rally the troops for one last hike. The best part was that we basically had the entire place to ourselves during our hike, prompting me to declare Robert H. Treman the most underrated park I’ve ever visited.

After the trip, we counted our blessings. Our friends to the south were marginally impacted by the hurricane, and our impromptu waterfalls road trip was better than we could have possibly imagined, especially given our limited emergency budget. With over 2,000 waterfalls across New York, we barely dented our waterfalls checklist and have no shortage of ideas for future trips.

This Was us

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I’m a huge fan of the show This is Us. Not only do I watch the show, but I also follow the chatter about it via social media. Response to the storylines of Season 3 was a mixed bag. A lot of people thought the storyline that followed Jack Pearson’s Vietnam experience was boring. No doubt opinions probably were defined by generational factors. For baby boomers, the episodes probably brought back a rush of memories, whether they fought in the war or took to the streets to protest the war. 

The episode that explored the draft lottery particularly triggered personal memories. I remember going to the student union at the college I attended on the morning after the lottery was conducted on December 1, 1969, only to find the walls covered in numbers. It was eerily quiet. Boys would find the numbers that corresponded to their birthdays and either hang their heads and walk away or breathe a sigh of relief. I made the sobering discovery that if I had been a male, I would have drawn the No. 4. 

Five years later, I was living and working in Washington, D.C. I was employed by the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), a trade association that  represents the interests of the nation’s independent oil and natural gas producers. It’s probably safe to say that 99.9% of those reading this have never heard of Lloyd N. Unsell, who led the organization from 1976 to 1987. However, if the name of a loved one or a friend is listed among the more than 58,000 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Mr. Unsell played a key role in making that happen. 

His story begins in Henryetta, Oklahoma. During World War II, he served overseas, writing for various Army newspapers. When he returned home to Henryetta, a resident thanked Mr. Unsell for his service by buying him a suit and a pair of dress shoes so that he would be properly dressed for job interviews. The ploy worked – he was offered a job by the newspaper Tulsa World. In 1948, he accepted a media and public relations position with IPAA, eventually moving to D.C. He became the association’s executive vice president in 1976 and its president in 1985. U.S. News & World Report once wrote that his “genial, old-shoe style” belied the “knowledge he possessed of the inner workings of Congress that few could match.”   

A few years after Mr. Unsell became IPAA’s executive vice president, a young man named Jan Scruggs became a frequent visitor to the office. As I was staring at the No. 4 back in 1969, Jan was fighting in Vietnam. He returned home to the D.C. area as a decorated veteran and got a job with the government. He also became a college student, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and intently researching post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through his research, he became aware of how important it was for veterans to receive thanks for their service. It occurred to him that a memorial could not only help to heal the scars of those who had served in Vietnam, but also those of a nation. 

In 1979, Jan took his savings – $2,800 – and founded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. He also convinced Congress to allocate a piece of land adjacent to the National Mall for the proposed memorial and launched an unprecedented contest for its design, attracting 1,400 entries. Ultimately, a design submitted by Maya Lin, a Yale architecture major, was selected. 

Somewhere along the way, Jan met Mr. Unsell, who signed on to help with the project.  

As the memorial would be privately funded, raising money was critical. Mr. Unsell wined and dined his lobbyist cronies, as well as his friends and colleagues from the oil and gas industry in an effort to convince them to contribute to the memorial. As I was the association’s meeting coordinator, he asked me to arrange his fundraising efforts. So, I’d call a restaurant or hotel and make the arrangements. When I explained the purpose of the event, I often received an “oh” response. You know, the type that’s never ending and has a tinge of negativity attached to it. However, almost without fail, I’d soon receive a callback. The callers would apologize for their responses and explain that while they personally didn’t support the war, they supported those who fought. They would then announce that the hotel, restaurant or kitchen staff, etc., would like to make a donation to the memorial. 

In the end, Mr. Unsell was responsible for raising over $1 million of the $8.4 million that was needed to build the memorial. 

While Mr. Unsell was a proficient fundraiser, he played a critical role in keeping the project moving forward. (Needless to say, it was accompanied by its fair share of controversy.) For a time, it ground to a halt when then-Secretary of the Interior James Watt pulled the building permit. Mr. Unsell went to work behind the scenes, appealing to the White House to put politics aside and support the veterans. 

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on November 13, 1982. Commonly called “The Wall,” it has come to embody a flood of emotions. It’s a place where many people find closure. It is one of the most-visited memorials in Washington. 

Mr. Unsell retired in 1987, moving to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, where he began writing his memoirs and helped to raise funds for a local museum and the restoration of a lighthouse. He died of complications relating to Alzheimer’s disease in 2007. 

Jan Scruggs went on to earn a law degree. He continues to support veterans’ affairs  through writing and speaking engagements. He retired as the head of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in June 2015 and serves as president emeritus.  

– Suzanne Starling-Long

No-Fuss Annuals

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Now that your beds have sprung to life, it’s time to fill in the bare spots. I’m providing a list of no-fuss annuals that provide pops of color, attract pollinators and even re-seed.

Two months ago, I recommended some plants for avid gardeners who were in search of something unusual that “no one else had.” On the flip side, there are casual gardeners who are searching for something foolproof, undemanding and will add color and cheer around their property during the summertime. For them, carefully selected annuals will fit their needs.

What follows are some suggested annuals that will not only provide color, but will also attract beneficial insect pollinators, hummingbirds and butterflies. They are all likely to be available in “six-packs” at the garden center, ready to pop in the ground. And, many will self-seed and return each year. Well, unless you insist on mulching.

All of these suggestions will do best in full or most-day sun and will tolerate average to poor soil. They are also chosen because deer, groundhogs and rabbits will not bother them.

California poppy Eschscholzia californica

This cheerful native is the state flower of California and grows on hillsides, along roadsides and in open areas from southern Washington south to northern Mexico. The poppy is a perfect choice for hot, dry areas and will grow almost anywhere without a fuss. Plant it to cover a neglected or hard-to-cultivate area. It is considered a short-lived perennial because it sometimes returns but more likely will self-seed (if not mulched!).

The mounded, fern-like, blue-green foliage is covered with single, cup-shaped and delicate bright-orange flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. (There are cultivars available in other colors including pink, red and lilac.) The flowers will close on cloudy days and at night. Deadhead the flowers regularly for additional bloom, but be sure to leave some flowers later to produce seed. If you can’t find it at the garden center, it is easy to grow from seed, preferably sown directly in the garden at the last spring frost date (mid-May). Or, spread the seed this fall for next year.

Poppies are very easy to grow in sandy or even poor soil, provided there is good drainage; therefore, they are ideal for rock or gravel gardens. There are no insect or disease problems.

Mealycup Sage Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’

I’d call this the one annual that is worthy of being in everyone’s garden. It displays showy 2-foot spikes of deep-blue flowers above gray-green foliage from early summer to frost. It is a vertical plant that goes with anything but will look especially dramatic with orange flowers (like the California poppy). It will mix with pastel colors just as well.

It is best to use purchased starts rather than starting from seed. Cut back spent flowers for continuous bloom. It attracts butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. There are no serious insect or disease problems. It’s a good choice for clay soil and will tolerate dry spells, but it can get powdery mildew if constantly wet.

Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta

Here is another easy annual that will naturalize. Its showy yellow to orange-yellow flowers with dark-brown centers will bloom from June to September. The flowers appear on stiff, upright, 2-feet-tall stems. The leaves are rather coarse (hirta means hairy). It will survive dry spells and even grow in clay soil. It will bloom the first year from seed planted earlier, but by now, it is best to get market packs. It’s mostly pest-free although watch for slugs. It’s also ideal for mass plantings and makes a good cut flower. It’s native to the central U.S., where it grows in fields and roadsides. It attracts butterflies.

Spider flower Cleome hassleriana

Cleome has been a garden favorite since the 1800s. It is dramatic, fast-growing and at 4-feet high is suitable for the back of the border or in the middle of an island bed. It blooms without pause beginning in late June and continuing until frost. The large, globe-shaped clusters of flowers have long, protruding, thread-like stamens, thus the common name. The flowers are usually shades of pink, but cultivars are available in violet or white. Cutting off the older flowers every other week will insure fresh blooms. Later, elongated seedpods will develop below the flowers.

Spider flower grows best in full sun and in moist, well-drained soil. Although it tolerates dry conditions, watering will promote better growth and flowering, but overwatering and over fertilizing causes leggy growth.

In its native tropical habitat in South America, the pollinators of the flowers are primarily bats. Here, it will attract hummingbirds and butterflies; birds will eat the seeds later in the season. It freely self-seeds. The foliage is a bit sticky, perhaps the reason why critters won’t touch it.

Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus

Another good choice for the back of the border, this native to Mexico and the southern U.S. reaches 4-feet tall with ferny medium-green foliage and will produce non-stop flowers from late spring to frost. The flowers are red, pink or white with a yellow center. There are also cultivars with double flowers and some dwarf varieties.

Cosmos does best in average soil; actually, rich fertile soil is best avoided. Space plants close together for mutual support and protect them from strong winds. Again, deadheading the spent flowers ensures constant fresh bloom, but allow some flowers to go to seed later in season for self-seeding. It attracts butterflies. The Greek word kosmos means beautiful, and that they are.

Tall verbena Verbena bonariensis

From a basal clump of leaves arises a stiff, erect leafless stem that grows to 4-feet tall and bears clusters of tiny rose-violet flowers from mid-summer to fall. It does not need staking. This see-through plant is a butterfly magnet. Native to Argentina and Brazil, the Latin species name refers to Buenos Aires. It self-seeds moderately and should be OK for this area, although in warmer areas of the southern U.S., it has reportedly become a roadside nuisance. It occasionally gets powdery mildew.

Marigolds Tagetes patula

Marigolds have been an easy-to-grow garden favorite for generations. Although commonly called the French marigold, it is a native of Mexico. The showy yellow, orange, red and bicolor flowers attract butterflies. Deadhead spent flowers promptly for continuous fresh flowers. This is a lower-growing selection on my list for the front of the border. Pests avoid the aromatic foliage.

Larkspur Consolida ajacis (also listed as C. ambigua)

This self-seeding annual is a cool-weather bloomer that becomes dormant by June. But, if you can get some seeds from another gardener, scatter them now for a display in May of next year. The 2-foot, spiky, delphinium-like flowers that bloom above ferny foliage are usually blue-violet but are also available in mixtures of blue, pink and white. It is considered an excellent cut flower.

Rose campion Lychnis coronaria

For some punch, Rose campion or Catchfly is just the thing. Grow this annual for both its intense magenta flower color and the fuzzy foliage. The flowers perch on 2-to-3-foot stems from May to July. After that, cut the flowers back, and the silver foliage will serve as a ground cover similar to Lamb’s Ears. It’s a good choice for poor, dry or rocky soils. It will freely self-seed, but dead-heading after bloom can prevent this.

If you are puzzled that I don’t have zinnias on my list, it’s certainly not because I don’t appreciate the wonderful flowers that are available in so many colors and variations. Additionally, zinnias are without equal as cut flowers. It’s just that in my garden, if they haven’t already been chewed by roving critters, by August they often become disfigured with powdery mildew.

Planting Strategies

Grab whichever of these easy annuals you can and plant in any combination – but, please, in drifts, never in rows. By doing so, you will create a splendid “cottage-style” garden with minimal fuss. And, if you lay off the mulch, many of them will self-seed and return next year.

One more thing: Snip off the first few flowers that form. This will ensure that your new plants will branch out and become more robust.

Top 10 To-Dos for June 2019

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1 Through June 30 | Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Franklin Square

This spectacular festival is a celebration of light and culture that features magnificent steel-framed and silk-wrapped giant lighted sculptures, created by hand using traditional Chinese methods. Twenty-nine larger-than-life illuminated displays made of 2,000 individual lanterns and 20,000 LED lights will glow in the square. The festival will also feature a 200-foot-long phoenix, a walk-through dragon tunnel and a host of interactive installations. Festival-goers will witness authentic cultural stage performances, such as martial arts specialists, a mysterious face changer, dancers, contortionists and jugglers.

Visitors can taste Asian cuisine and American favorites, drink a toast at the Dragon Beer Garden and shop for Chinese folk artists’ crafts as well as festival-themed merchandise. The proceeds that Historic Philadelphia, Inc., receives from the festival will provide funding for the operation and management of Franklin Square and its many free annual events. 200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia. Information: historicphiladelphia.org.

2 June 6 | Mini Pints for Pups

Twisted Bine Beer Co.

Humane Pennsylvania’s Mini Pints for Pups series is partnering with Twisted Bine Beer Co. Grab your well-behaved leashed pups and join them for a fun evening of lawn games, puppy pools and pints. You do not need to bring your dog or be a dog owner to attend this event. 93 E. Main St., Mount Joy. 4-8 p.m. Information: 610-750-6100 or humanepa.org.

3 June 15 | Lancaster County Benefit Auction

Leola Produce Auction

The Clinic for Special Children’s annual Lancaster County auction is a great day full of exciting auction items, such as handmade quilts, carriages, carts, farm sheds and more. 135 Brethren Church Rd., Leola. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 717-687-9407 or clinicforspecialchildren.org.

4 June 7-9 | Demuth Garden Party & Tour

Conestoga House

The Demuth Museum is hosting its annual fundraising event that kicks off with a Friday evening garden party – live music, a silent art auction, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails – starting at 6 p.m. and being held at Conestoga House and Gardens (1608 Marietta Ave.). The 36th annual self-guided Demuth Garden Tour will feature select Lancaster residences, offering a vast array of innovative urban gardens, distinctive architecture and unique home interiors, as well as the gardens at the Demuth Museum and Conestoga House. Reservations/tickets are required for the garden party. Advance ($18) and day-of ($20) tickets for the tour can be purchased at the museum (120 E. King St.). June 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The tour will be held rain or shine. Information: 717-299-9940 or demuth.org.

5 June | Long’s Park Summer Music Series

Long’s Park

Now in its 57th season, the Summer Music Series is regarded as a top musical entertainment destination in one of the best outdoor venues in Central PA. June’s lineup includes:

• June 2: John McEuen (founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band).
• June 8: Corty Byron & Friends (tribute to the Beatles).
• June 9: Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience.
• June 16: Allegro Orchestra Lancaster (tribute to the Superheroes of orchestral music).
• June 23: Liz Vice (70s funk/soul and indie rock).
• June 30: United States Army Band followed by fireworks.

All concerts are free and are held rain or shine (with only thunderstorms and dangerously high winds canceling the event) and begin at 7:30 p.m. Route 30 & Harrisburg Pike. Information: 717-735-8883 or longspark.org.

6 June 15-23 | Building Industry Association 2019 Parade of Homes

Various locations

Discover the latest trends in design, décor, creative floor plans and more at this year’s annual event being held weekdays from 5-8 p.m. and on weekends from 12-6 p.m. View the amazing craftsmanship of local building professionals. This year’s event also includes two new categories: apartments and renovations. Information: 717-569-2674 or lancasterparadeofhomes.com.

7 June 11-13 | Family Farm Days

Oregon Dairy

This community event helps to increase the awareness of the important role of farms and agri-business in the area. Family Farm Days provides educational, first-hand experiences on a third-generation, family-owned dairy farm. The Lancaster County Agriculture Council and The Farmstead at Oregon Dairy work together to present this agricultural outreach initiative that promotes the value of modern agriculture. Sample food, view ag exhibits and enjoy family fun, such as tractor and wagon rides, scavenger hunts, Barnyard Theatre presentations and more. 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz. Daily from 10 a.m. Information: 717-656-2856 or oregondairy.com.

8 June 22 | Ephrata Brewfest

Whistle Stop Plaza

Enjoy food, live music and various brews at this year’s 4th annual brewfest. Nearly two dozen brewers are expected to participate. All proceeds from the Ephrata Brewfest support the Ephrata Public Library, Ephrata Rec Center and Mainspring of Ephrata. Tickets and valid photo IDs are required. Must be 21. 20 E. Main St., Ephrata. 1-4 p.m. Information: 717-738-9291 or ephratabrewfest.com.

9 June 1-8 | Lancaster Water Week

Various locations

Water Week celebrates the unique waterways of Lancaster County by educating people about the challenges we face and opportunities we can create and encouraging people to take action in their watersheds and communities. With over 20 events during the week, there are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to get involved. Information: lancasterwaterweek.org/events.

10 June 28 | Celebrate Lancaster

Downtown Lancaster

Regarded as the kick-off to Fourth of July festivities, this celebration of culture and diversity features two stages of live entertainment, more than 20 food vendors, two pub areas and fireworks. For the first time, Celebrate Lancaster will have its own signature beer, Celebrate Lancaster Ale, brewed by Spring House Brewing Company. Penn and Lancaster squares. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Information: 717-291-4758 or visitlancastercity.com.

Discover the Barrens

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Hidden along the southern border of Pennsylvania are four preserves with a feature that might be unfamiliar to you. These preserves are known as serpentine barrens, and they are unlike anything you’ve seen in this part of the country.

These areas are unique because of the presence of serpentine rock. This greenish, waxy rock is believed to be bedrock from ancient sea beds that was pushed to the surface over time. Serpentine lacks the rich nutrients of the soil we’re accustomed to here in Lancaster County. While the unique toxicity of the ground doesn’t suit all plants, it still allows for a variety of plant and insect species to survive in the sometimes-harsh environment. In fact, some can only be found in the barrens. As such, it creates a landscape similar to that of the desert and prairie-like areas out West.

My favorite place to take in the beauty of the barrens has to be Nottingham County Park in Chester County. The park is monitored and maintained by on-site park rangers who are very helpful and knowledgeable about this unique area. Throughout the year, the park offers a variety of educational and entertaining events as well as playgrounds, ponds, pavilions, paved trails, rugged trails and more. We find ourselves here regularly.

The park’s serpentine outcropping measures 1 square mile, making it one of the largest barrens on the East Coast. It features former feldspar and serpentine quarries, as well as chromite ore mines. In 2004, the National Park Service deemed it a National Natural Landmark.

In order to protect the unique species that live in the park, the environment is maintained through controlled burns and other methods of preservation. That gives the park the most profound desert-like feel out of each of the barrens.

Be sure to keep an eye on the ground and see if you can spot the serpentine rocks. The ground is riddled with unique and eye-catching stones, but make sure you leave them in the park for others to find when you’re done for the day.

Other Chester County barrens include the Goat Hill Serpentine Barrens, which is part of the State-Line Serpentine Barrens near Nottingham, and Chrome Serpentine Barrens (Oxford), both of which are managed by The Nature Conservancy. They feature rugged trails through a combination of woods and barrens. (Note: These trails can be strenuous and are recommended only for more-experienced hikers.)

Lancaster County is home to the most rugged of the barrens – Rock Springs Preserve, which is located in Peach Bottom and is managed by the Lancaster Conservancy. The barrens’ ruggedness provides an excellent habitat for butterflies, birds and other small game.

One important thing to remember on your visit to any of the barrens is due to the desert-like atmosphere, temperatures can be as much as 10 degrees warmer than the surrounding area. Be sure to bring along a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of water. Bring a thermometer and test it yourself!

Details: Chesco.org, Lancasterconservancy.org, Nature.org.

Tweaking the Party Table

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If you’re bringing out the same linens and napkins you’ve used year after year, it’s probably time for a refresher. We know just the place …

A look that could span a variety of occasions includes fabric inspired by watercolor that makes for an elegant napkin, while a gray/navy/white tweed fabric delivers a table-top statement.

Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens has been dressing the tables of Lancaster’s most memorable, splashy parties for 37 years. For 30 of those years, Claudia Himes, the daughter of the company’s founder, Marcie Woodson, has been at the epicenter of the rental and custom linens business, finely honing her skills at tabletop fashion. However, her knowledge goes much deeper than selecting pretty fabrics: seams must be properly matched and aligned, and cloths must be thrown with precision alignment. Then, there are the details of folding, tying, underpinning and swagging to get just the right look for the party.

They are skills that Claudia loves to share with her clients, who range from the grand dames of charity balls to ingenue hostesses who are throwing their first social events or even planning their weddings. When Special Occasions offers an open house to showcase its latest collection of fabrics, it’s indeed a special occasion that attracts over 100 guests from throughout Pennsylvania, as well as Maryland and Delaware.

The effervescent Claudia Himes injects her contagious energy into all things tabletop.

At their recent open house, Claudia and her staff introduced their freshest finds. “We want to show different ways of thinking about linens beyond the event world as we celebrate our craft,” she explains.

From among hundreds of fabrics that are presented to Claudia and her team by representatives from the textile companies following their debut at High Point Market in North Carolina, several are carefully chosen each season to be pre-washed, meticulously pressed and seamlessly sewn to be included in Special Occasions’ extensive inventory. “Some choices are driven by a client’s need to outfit a future party,” says Claudia. Others are selected for their practicality. “Many of our college and university clients’ colors include navy,” Claudia explains of her choice of a beautiful metallic, ginkgo-leaf print woven on a navy background.

Guests at a recent open house were able to see the latest table linens as well as receive lessons in how to take them to the next level through pinning and swagging methods.

And, some selections are simply reflections of the current fashion trends, while others are based on intuition. “I’m sensing a gentle step away from rustic to a more urban feel,” Claudia predicts. “Not as much burlap in a barn but introducing more elegant linens into that rustic setting, like damask and sequins.” Creating some visual “tension” is a good thing, she observes. “Make the party dressed-up to say you care, but not so flashy that guests are intimidated and feel they don’t belong,” she says.

In her 30 years of experience, Claudia sees one constant: “Every host and hostess has the incredible role of making guests feel comfortable.” And of course, that’s what Special Occasions is all about: “No party is too small to do right. Always dress the part.”

Here are some out-of-the-box inspirations to consider for your upcoming party:

Pop Culture

Game of Thrones gets elevated to elegant with a woodgrain linen, chairs dressed in fur and chain, and a table accessorized with rustic candelabras, thorny branches and moody, deep-purple florals.

Haute Couture

Delicate organza roses, handmade by the Special Occasions team, cascade over gold organza for a hand-sewn, one-of-a-kind linen. Imagine this on your cake, champagne or entrance table!

Art

Urban landscape paintings by retired Millersville University professor Robert Andriulli set the color story for an unexpected combination of aubergine with an “Indian Summer” botanical print in coral, moss and soft teal.

Recycle and Repurpose

What does a linens company do with scores of leftover scraps of fabric? Its colleagues create comforters, braided rugs and pieced tablecloths with borders, like this collage of blue tones, patterns and textures. Special Occasions routinely donates the ends of fabric bolts to Mennonite Central Committee, for seamstresses to repurpose, and NuLife at Nimble Thimble, where at-risk women are taught to sew.

Details: Specialo.com

FROM MINING TO MISSILES

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How does one go from laboring deep in the earth to designing technology that’s capable of powering missiles into space? Al Kashner of Elizabethtown did just that and says tenacity, hard work and a love of what he was doing helped him to accomplish his second act … with a few detours along the way.

After sustaining a serious injury while working in a coal mine, Al Kashner furthered his education, went to work for AMP and then co-founded Advanced Conversion Technology (ACT), which is now based in Middletown.

Al, who was born in 1934, was raised in Sagon, near Shamokin. Mining was in his blood – three generations of his family before him worked in the mines. According to Al, “It may go back even further than that.”

Being the eldest son of Clarence “Mooch” Kashner, an independent miner and owner of Kashner Coal Company, it was expected that Al would one day become a part of his father’s business.

Al’s mining mementos include a miner’s canary cage, which was used to provide warning of the presence of toxic gases like carbon monoxide and methane. Canaries were known to be more sensitive than both humans and other animals such as mice. They would show visible distress and sway on their perches in the presence of low concentrations of carbon monoxide before toppling over.

Mooch was well known in the Pennsylvania mining industry. In 1957, he was named president of the Independent Miners Breakermen and Truckers Association of Shamokin. He was influential enough to be appointed state mine inspector by Gov. William Scranton in 1965. A book has been written about him, Mooch’s Memories, by Kathy Vetovich, Al’s niece. He was also profiled in many magazine and newspaper articles during his 52-year career. Miners trapped underground waiting for help were documented to have said, “I hope Mooch is heading our rescue mission.” When he retired in 1981, it was clear no one knew more about mining than Mooch. Al knew he had big shoes to fill!

As a high school student, Al elected to take a vo-tech course in electronics and drafting. He was wise enough to recognize this technology was coming into focus and thought it would be interesting to learn. But, he knew in reality he would go directly into mining after high school, just as his family members did before him.

The view from inside a mine.

So, in 1952, after working for a short time in Philadelphia for a company that recycled Army tanks, Al went to work at the Kashner Coal Company. He remembers being a healthy and strapping young man back then and says, “There was nothing about mining I didn’t like or couldn’t handle.”

Unfortunately, a few years after joining the family business, the mine closed due to “taking on” water. By this time, Al was married with several children and being aware of his responsibilities, he took a truck-driving job that saw him deliver kitchen cabinets all over the eastern U.S.

Al didn’t like being separated from his family for long stretches, so he ended up back in the mines working for The West Cameron Coal Company. During his tenure with West Cameron, Al sustained a life-altering leg injury that would change his life forever. Al jokes, “It was the best ‘break’ of my life.”

A miner’s safety lamp was designed to shield the naked flame from potentially explosive mixtures of methane and oxygen.

After five months of wearing a hip-to-ankle cast, and following six months of therapy, it was clear Al would need to prepare for a new career. With his high school courses in electronics and drafting to his credit, he enrolled at Williamsport Technical Institute (now part of Pennsylvania College of Technology) to further his education.

Al says, “It was tough competing for good grades with kids almost half my age.” Still living in Shamokin, he would leave home early on Mondays and head for Williamsport, where he drove school buses and attended classes in-between shifts. On Fridays, he would return home to spend the weekend with his family and repeat it all over again the following Monday. He did this for two years until he graduated from WTI.

Al was then hired by AMP, Inc. in Elizabethtown as an electronics draftsman, designing power supplies. He moved his family to Elizabethtown; by now he and his wife, Mary, had five children.

After 16 years with AMP, the company decided to phase out its power-supply line, citing it was no longer profitable to produce. Recognizing an opportunity, Al, along with six other forward-thinking, resourceful men who also worked at AMP (Louis Reis, Meade Bierly, George Richards, Charles Fendrich, Paul Wilcox and Robert Kirker), decided to form their own company. In 1981, the seven men opened Advanced Conversion Technology (ACT) in Elizabethtown.

Al’s niece, Kathy Vetovich, wrote a book about his father, Clarence “Mooch” Kashner, whose mining tools and other artifacts can be seen at the Anthracite Mining Museum at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysberg.

ACT grew at a steady rate, making it necessary to relocate to a site that could house all their operations under one roof. The move took ACT to the Middletown area.

ACT’s sophisticated technology is helping to keep America and American interests around the world safe. For example, ACT’s military-grade power supplies power helicopters (Black Hawk and Apache), ground vehicles (HIRE, Warrior and HUMVEE), shipboards (Trident subs), missiles (Patriot, Hawk and Sidewinder), helmets and laser designators. ACT’s products can also be found in the air (UAV, F-18, NAV-FLIR, F-14, F-15).

The ornamental cutouts were made by ACT to represent the role the company plays in keeping members of the military safe.

At 84, Al is retired but remains an owner of ACT. Now, he devotes his time to following his favorite sports teams. “I love all sports,” he shares. But, he admits he has a special place in his heart for football, naming Notre Dame and the Philadelphia Eagles as his favorite teams. He’s held Eagles season tickets for more than 42 years.

He also enjoys visiting the Anthracite Mining Museum at Knoebels Amusement Resort, where his father’s extensive collection of mining tools and artifacts can be found. The museum was once featured on the Travel Channel’s Mysteries at the Museum.

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