CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Welcome to the Gardens of Oz

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Dennis Denenberg’s garden truly serves as a reflection of where life has taken him. “Sometimes when I look around my acre of gardens, I say to myself, ‘What have I done?’” he admits.

Next year, Dennis will have lived in his Manheim Township home for 25 years. “When I first moved in, there was nothing but grass,” he says of the acre of land on which his home is situated. “What really attracted me to the property was the protected wetlands that back up to it,” he explains.

His home and gardens have been a work in progress. “Your home should reflect who you are,” the retired educator philosophizes. In his opinion, that sentiment extends to outdoor spaces. “Your house and garden should function as a unified whole.”

A yellow brick road leads to Emerald City, the elements of which were crafted from PVC pipes. This relatively new garden is filling in with perennials.

In Dennis’ case, both reflect his love of family, art, collecting, entertaining, travel, a little movie named The Wizard of Oz, and giving back to the community he so loves.

The family element is reflected in a garden on the property that honors his late sister, Diana Denenberg Durand, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43. The garden radiates the color pink from spring through fall. Dennis, who writes about and presents seminars on the topic of heroes, says his sister, along with his parents, top his list of luminaries. “She was a model of courage,” he says of Diana, who was one of the first female math majors at Millersville University and went on to work for the CIA.

“She was an incredible fighter,” Dennis recalls. “She was an avid researcher and really did her homework about breast cancer.”

Soon after passing the five-year, cancer-free mark, doctors unfortunately discovered the disease in her other breast. Diana continued her battle, but over time the cancer metastasized to other parts of her body. Eighteen years after receiving her initial diagnosis, Diana passed away in 2007.

The Diana’s Dreamers sign contains a quote from the song “Fighter,” which was written by Liz Fulmer in 2016. The sign was designed and built by Matthew Patek.

Dennis went on to found Diana’s Dreamers: Determined to Defeat Breast Cancer, a breast-cancer-awareness program for college students. The endowment for the program was set up through the Millersville University Foundation and is believed to be unique to Millersville. “Our goal is to take it to other campuses in the state and eventually nationwide,” Dennis says.

At Millersville, students are made aware of breast cancer through the Diana Denenberg Spirit Garden, the annual Breast-a-Ville event that Dennis says is both fun and educational, and the Diana & Marsha Breast Cancer Awareness Center. (Marsha Frerichs was the wife of Dr. Richard Frerichs, one of Dennis’ colleagues at Millersville. She died of breast cancer in 2008. She was only 54 years old.) Dennis has also hosted fundraising events at the Ware Center during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Dennis is pictured in the garden that is dedicated to his late sister, Diana, who battled breast cancer for 18 years. It blooms from spring through fall in shades of pink. A boxwood hedge takes the shape of a ribbon.

Family sentiment is also evidenced in the peonies that bloom in the spring. When Dennis was selling his late father’s home in Manheim, he specified that his father’s prized peonies weren’t part of the transaction. “I ended up with 75 peonies; they’re probably 35 to 40 years old,” he says,

Ultimately, Diana’s garden and spirit helped to inspire an idea. Dennis could share the property with other garden lovers as well as with nonprofit groups. In return, all he asks is that they make a donation to Diana’s Dreamers. “The gardens bring joy,” he says.
Last year, nearly 700 people toured the gardens and the house. “We even had a bus tour from Baltimore visit,” he reveals. Nonprofit groups are welcome to use the property to hold fundraisers for their causes. “We’ve been on the Demuth Garden Tour twice,” Dennis notes.

As for The Wizard of Oz, Dennis is a fan! Inside his home, a room is filled with Oz memorabilia. In the sunroom, Oz ornaments hang from a tree. Outdoors, a garden takes its inspiration from the movie’s famed yellow brick road. His Oz obsession is an outgrowth of this love for anything Art Deco.

How does one go from an acre of lawn to one of colorful gardens? Take it from Dennis, it requires a lot of work and dedication. His first project was on the northern edge of the property. The ground under the stand of trees was barren, creating a bit of an eyesore. Dennis planted it with ferns. Depending upon the weather, the ferns can flourish until
early August.

Next, he created gardens at the rear of the property that contain water features. An Asian garden, complete with a stand of bamboo, provides a place to pause and reflect. “This one required lots of trial and error,” Dennis explains of having to overcome issues with the ground being constantly wet. Finally, he figured since the house was surrounded on three sides by gardens, he might as well finish it and turn the front yard into a garden.

When a tree had to be taken down, Dennis faced the problem of having to move his bed of shade-loving hosta plants. He solved the problem by shading them with sun sails designed by Matthew Patek.

The front yard is a showstopper! It’s non-stop color beginning in the spring, when 6,000 daffodils bloom. It transitions through the summer to include an array of perennials and plants such as large agaves, succulents and elephant ears. The display proved to be so eye-catching that a sunroom was added to the front of the house in 2007. “It helped to open the house up, plus it makes for better traffic flow,” he explains.
When August arrives, the property blooms with hibiscus. “There’s probably at least 250 hibiscus plants,” he estimates.

Fortunately for Dennis, he is aided by his two garden goddesses, Inge Storey and Greta Stoner, both of whom hold degrees in horticulture. “I couldn’t do it without them,” he says of gardening and hosting the groups that visit.

As you can imagine, an acre of gardens is quite an undertaking. Each spring, a cleanup is conducted before the plants emerge. Once that is accomplished, truckloads of wood chips are delivered to refresh the pathways. Everything is mulched. Plants are also divided and moved. New gardens are even created. In the fall, everything must be cut back. “At least 15 truckloads of debris leave from here,” Dennis says. “It’s the job I dread the most.”

Dennis periodically travels to New Orleans to visit former neighbors Dave and Sarah Holt. Seeing all the beads hanging in trees and on fences throughout the city inspired the idea to hang souvenir beads from Mardi Gras from a tree on his property. “I’ll take an empty suitcase along and bring the beads home in it,” he explains.

Despite the time and work that must be devoted to the gardens, Dennis is determined to carry on. He and the goddesses are devising plans to make the gardens lower maintenance by incorporating more hardscaping and shrubs into the landscape. They’re planning to add more container gardens as well. “There’s no looking back!” Dennis says.
For more information about touring or holding an event at the Gardens of Oz, visit gardensofoz.com.

GLAMPING – Just the Girls!

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If your idea of camping is opening the hotel window for some fresh air, an RV adventure may not be for you. But for four media professionals, a girls-only glamping getaway was the perfect way to unplug.

The foursome quickly learned that a womenpowered RV is a rarity among campground guests. “Whenever we arrived anywhere, people would say, ‘Have him pull in over here,’” Cara recalls. Lori adds, “People were floored when they saw four women get out of the RV.” Left to right are Cara Williams Fry, Lori Burkholder, Nancy Tulli and Kim Lemon.

With nearly three decades of friendship behind them, Kim Lemon, Lori Burkholder, Nancy Tulli and Cara Williams Fry have covered a lot of ground – literally as well as personally and professionally. Each having built a successful career in local media, they share an understanding of the television industry from both in front of and behind the cameras.

Cara, senior vice president and chief content officer of public broadcasting’s WITF, spent her early years at WGAL, where Nancy was the local, national and general sales manager for 20 years. Kim and Lori, both WGAL News8 veterans, share a combined 70 years as reporters and anchors on the station’s news desk.

“We drove the RV hundreds of miles, laughed, hiked, toasted life, ate some amazing food and relaxed, together,” says Cara of last June’s getaway.

Over the years, the four have bonded over elegant champagne brunches, spa days and fishing expeditions on the Chesapeake Bay. Two of them even ventured to South Africa on a photo safari. Wherever their travels have taken them, they’ve shared life’s joys and challenges along the way.

It was not a stretch, then, when Kim suggested a camping trip in an RV. True to their shared sense of style, this trip was not just camping – it entailed glamping, as in glammed-up camping to the level of luxury. “We kept our foot in the door of fabulousness,” says Kim, describing the approach the foursome took to crafting the great adventure.

Kim takes a quiet moment to relax and reflect. “It was a splendid mix of adventure and trust in each other,” she says.

With about a year’s coordination of full schedules, research and planning, the fiveday “extended slumber party” was booked for early June of last summer. The 29-foot-long recreational vehicle was packed with camping essentials and beyond, the course was charted, and the odyssey began.

With the St. Lawrence Seaway’s Thousand Islands as their ultimate destination, and a two-night stop in Watkins Glen, driving the rolling house on wheels was an adventure in itself. Cara and Kim, both nascent RV drivers, shared the time behind the wheel. “We each played to our strengths,” Lori says of the divisions of duties.

Lori called upon her skills learned as a Girl Scout to light the daily campfire.

Lori and Nancy tapped their mutual love of cooking to create gourmet-level meals wrapped in foil and ready for the campfire. A former Girl Scout, Lori was responsible for kindling the daily campfire. Cara’s tech-savvy, analytical approach put her in charge of all things mechanical in the RV and its navigation.

Kim takes the wheel of the RV.

Kim brought panache to the table with linen tablecloths, glass stemware and candles, and honed the itinerary and planning thanks to her television production training. “We are competent and confident in our own ways,” Nancy observes. “Each of us stepped up.”

“We’re all smart women,” Cara remarks. “We divided responsibilities and successfully drove, navigated, parked, dropped the jacks, bumped out the side and hooked up the power, water and, yes, plumbing, all while laughing, talking and planning the next day’s adventure.”

Besides perfect summer weather, beautiful vistas of Watkins Glen’s waterfalls and gorges, and a picturesque waterfront campsite in Swan Bay, New York, one of the best features of the getaway was the ability to be anonymous – a rarity for two very familiar faces in Central Pennsylvania. “No one knew who we were,” says Lori, which allowed for days with little makeup and the ability to unplug from television and breaking news.

The requisite group selfie vacation momento – left to right are Lori Burkholder, Nancy Tulli, Kim Lemon and Cara Williams Fry.

Of course, a vacation inevitably holds at least one unexpected event, and that was a dead RV battery that needed a jump from a helpful campground manager. “We all agreed that one thing would probably happen, and we handled it,” Kim notes. “I felt completely safe with these women because we all have each other’s backs.”

“I highly recommend experiencing a trip like this, where women support each other,” Lori says. “Outside of family, it’s important to have friends who you completely trust and feel supported by.”

Nancy adds, “At our core, our instincts and how we each approach situations are similar. We are open, embrace life and want to share experiences. I feel blessed for their friendship.”

Volunteering with Lancaster County Conservancy

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Photos Courtesy of Lauren Hillegas

In honor of National Volunteer Month and Earth Day, my coworker, Lauren, and I had the opportunity to volunteer with Lancaster County Conservancy at Wildcat Bluff in York. We were told to bring gloves and shearing tools, but other than that we didn’t really know what to expect.

 

Wildcat Bluff is right along the Susquehanna River, making for a scenic drive in. When we arrived, our leader, Steve, explained what we would be working on. He gave us a few options: picking up trash along the river, moving branches or planting shrubs along a rocky bank.

Lauren and I started by working on the bank. Steve explained that the Conservancy wanted to plant shrubs along the hill to hold the soil together better. He planted flags along the bank where he thought shrubs’ roots would be able to latch on. Then, the rest of us on shrub duty followed and raked around the flags. We covered each clearing with cardboard and wood chips to prepare for the bushes to be planted.

 

The most powerful part of the volunteer experience for me was cleaning up trash along the riverside. I have never seen an area in nature with so much litter before. Some of the trash was outright strange; we found plastic totes, tires, shoes and a bunch of other crazy stuff that made us question how it ended up along the Susquehanna River.

 

Lauren and I filled three trash bags each and still hadn’t really made a dent. The riverside was still full of litter after nearly three hours of volunteer efforts. It was a bit disheartening to look down at the shore after our hard work and still see so much litter, but a fellow volunteer reminded us to look at how many bags we had collected and how that was no small feat. That definitely made me feel better.

Volunteering with Lancaster County Conservancy was hard work, and I was definitely feeling the aftermath of two and a half hours of physical labor, but I was happy to spend an afternoon outside to help our community and environment.

 

To learn more about Lancaster County Conservancy and the organization’s volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.lancasterconservancy.org/.

The Next Generation of Volunteers

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April is National Volunteer Month. Recent studies show that the majority of those who volunteer are females; however, the data also shows a lack of interest in volunteering among younger generations.

In an effort to create a positive ripple for change, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry developed the Lancaster Chamber Women in Business Mentoring Program. The eight-month interactive program was established to provide career exploration opportunities and learning experiences for female students in their junior year of high school. The program currently serves 118 female students from 15 school districts within the county.

The students are matched with a business professional (a mentor) who connects the students with a number of possible career options that are linked to their interests, including STEM and non-traditional careers for women. The program also introduces possible educational paths that will be required, the importance of social responsibility and one-on-one experiences through job shadowing opportunities.

 

Lancaster County Magazine Publisher Jocelyn Engle has been involved with the program for more than six years. She began as a mentor and is now a liaison, working with her assigned school, the school’s representative and the mentor. “The ability to experience multiple components of how the program works, the moving parts and the integrity of the Chamber to enhance both the mentor and mentee experience year over year has been remarkable,” she says.

On March 19, the program held a volunteer day where each student participated for 2-½ hours in a volunteer experience. The participating schools chose local nonprofits located within each school’s community:

Cocalico Senior High School                  Ephrata Area Social Services

Columbia High School                             Columbia Animal Shelter

Conestoga Valley High School                Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center

Donegal High School                                 Milanof-Schock Library

Hempfield High School                           GAiN Global Logistics Center

J.P. McCaskey High School                    Mom’s House of Lancaster

Lampeter-Strasburg High School          Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA

Lancaster Catholic High School             Clare House

Lancaster Mennonite High School        Humane League of Lancaster County

Manheim Central High School               Pleasant View Retirement Community

Penn Manor High School                       Brereton Manor

Pequea Valley High School                      The Factory Ministries

Solanco High School                                Southern End Community Association

Warwick High School                              Matthew 25 Thrift Shop

* Manheim Township High School did not participate that day due to a separate school function.

  

“Everybody had a really different type of opportunity at all of these different nonprofit organizations,” Jocelyn says. “The point of the whole thing is giving back to our community, social responsibility, and driving home the fact that you don’t need a certain skill to be able to volunteer at organizations.”

 

Afterward, the students, mentors and other advisory members met at the Eden Resort for lunch. Following the lunch, each school had two student representatives present their day’s experience, answering the following questions:

– Where did they go?

– Why did their school choose that location?

– What was the impact of their volunteer time?

– Who does the nonprofit serve, or what does the nonprofit provide for the community?

Some of the students spent their time cleaning at their nonprofit organizations while others stuffed envelopes for an upcoming benefit or visited with elderly residents at a retirement community.

“I think it was eye opening for them. I think it’s an awareness of what is in your community, and how can you serve and get involved at a young age in an organization,” Jocelyn explains. “It also made them realize that it doesn’t have to be a set number of hours a week; it can be a couple hours a month.”

 

She also added, “We’re always seeking mentors in a variety of different industries because the students are interested in so many different things. … It is really fun, and it has personally been a very rewarding experience.”

   

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Lancaster Chamber Women in Business Mentoring Program, contact Sandi Thompson at sthompson@lancasterchamber.com.

Backyard Resort

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There’s a new buzz term – Outdoor Homing – that defines outdoor living in 2019. It refers to our penchant for making the outdoors as welcoming, beautiful and personal as our indoor spaces. Elaine and Glenn Pottberg’s home exemplifies the concept. Ten years ago, they were toying with the idea of downsizing. But, they loved everything about their house – except for the backyard.

The Pottbergs’ home qualifies as one of Lancaster’s storied residences. Designed by architect C. Emlen Urban, and built in the early 20s, it was destined to become a wedding gift from Andrew H. Rote to his bride, Mildred. It would be the Rotes first and only home – Mr. Rote lived there until his death in 1956 and Mildred until the early 90s, when her failing health prompted a move to a retirement community that provided nursing care. The home remained vacant until five years after her death.

When the Pottbergs first stepped inside the house, Elaine recalls her initial impression as being in a time warp – specifically the 1960s, which appealed to her love of period and vintage furnishings and accessories. “It was an amazing house,” says Elaine. “It was in perfect condition.”
She also discovered many things that were original to the house, including leaded glass, the glass door knobs and the keys for each door. The house also had some quirky elements. For example, there was a doorbell in the floor of the dining room. Elaine suspects it provided a way for the Rotes to summon their household help. (It remains in place.) The basement held a root cellar, next to which was a dumbwaiter that serviced the kitchen and second floor.

Outside of some cosmetic work, the Pottbergs left the house as it had been designed. The exception was the kitchen – it was beyond outdated. “When the new kitchen was being designed, people kept saying we had to tear down walls and open up the first floor,” Elaine explains. She and Glenn ignored the suggestions, as they preferred to maintain the integrity of Urban’s design. “So what if I have a small kitchen,” she says.

However, the backyard was in need of some serious work. “It was just grass and a tree,” Elaine explains. In 1999, they updated it by adding two patios, a koi pond, trees and extensive landscaping. But, it wasn’t the low-maintenance getaway they had hoped to achieve. “It was a lot of work!” Elaine recalls.

Ten years later, the Pottbergs started to have their stay-or-go discussions. Again, the backyard was the tipping point. The landscaping was overgrown. The trees had grown tall, plunging the rear of the house into darkness. Finally deciding they were staying put, they removed everything from the yard (except the koi pond) and started anew.

“I wanted to create my own little backyard resort,” Elaine explains, adding that such a plan would negate the need for frequent weekend trips to Rehoboth. “We were getting tired of fighting traffic every weekend,” she adds.

The Pottbergs launched their backyard makeover by installing a pool. Searching for a way to make the area as maintenance-free as possible, Elaine suggested they cover the ground with pavers. She selected the E.P. Henry pavers and hired James Stoltzfus to install them. She also came across landscape designers, Inch’s Landscaping, at the Pennsylvania Garden Show of York and was inspired by their display. “I love what they selected,” Elaine says of the river birch trees, the airy evergreens, hydrangea and other shrubs that Jeff Inch chose for the space. Lighting illuminates the area, making it perfect for entertaining.

Elaine then put her signature touch on the space. As the pool is its centerpiece, blue and white became the overall color scheme. Elaine thinks of it as Italy meets Asia. The cabana qualifies as a find. Its framework is original to the property, as it was fabricated by A.B. Rote & Co., a structural steel and ornamental-iron fabricating company that was located in Lancaster until it closed in 1996. She worked with CB Dombach to create the canvas enclosure for the cabana, as well as the sun sails that cover the dining area.

The signature blue canvas also covers the telephone booth that Elaine spied at a garage sale in New Holland. When she saw it, an idea popped into her mind: towel cabana! While the phone is no longer in place, the booth-turned-cabana is filled with everything a person would need for a day by the pool – towels, sun-tan lotion, etc. An outdoor shower, which is hooked up to the water line, stands next to the towel cabana.

The furniture is from Lane Venture – Elaine traveled to High Point, North Carolina, to visit the showroom and choose the slipcovers for the sofa in the cabana and the chairs in the dining area.

The bonneted lounge chairs represent another find. She spied the Russell Woodard chairs at the extravaganza known as Brimfield Antique Flea Markets in Massachusetts. While she passed on them at the time, she noted the dealer’s name.

As far as outdoor furniture goes, the Woodard name is legendary. Woodard and his brothers began making casual outdoor furniture in the 1930s, first making a name for themselves with wrought iron and later venturing into fiberglass and tubular iron and aluminum during the 50s and 60s. Their signature furnishings gained further fame when pieces were purchased for the White House.

While Elaine passed on the rickshaw chaise lounges, she never forgot them and tracked down the dealer – who lived in Maine – almost two years later. He still had them. She told him to consider them sold and that she would pick them up. She recruited a friend to make the trip with her and told Glenn she was going shopping and would be back in three days.

Glenn goes with the flow. He was game to haul the phone booth home. He made room in the car for the oversized cobalt-blue pottery Elaine spied in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Ditto for the Bathing Beauty sculpture that caught her eye in Delaware and now lazes by the pool. They drove the metal yucca “plants” they spied in Mexico to a town in Arizona and shipped them back to Lancaster.

DIY projects also figure into the decor. For example, Elaine spray-painted the rattan chairs so that they would echo the color scheme. She’s also a fan of bird cages – the larger the better – and fills them with plants and other objects.

Frogs also account for the garden art. “Glenn loves frogs – they’re his thing,” Elaine says.

They’ve even put the fence that skirts the back of the property to work as a living wall. It’s filling in with succulents that require very little maintenance. Last, but not least, is the bubble machine. “Round is my favorite shape,” Elaine explains. “I think bubbles are romantic and pretty. Plus, they’re fun – who doesn’t like bubbles?” she asks. The bubbles are a hit with guests, whether they’re adults attending a cocktail party or children celebrating birthdays.

Glenn and Elaine love this extension of their home. It’s their go-to place to relax, as well as entertain. It’s very low-maintenance. “Now, we don’t have to mow the lawn, and there’s no need for edging and weeding,” Elaine notes. “We use much less mulch. We can simply enjoy it.”

Why I Volunteer

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As part of President George H. W. Bush’s Thousand Points of Light campaign, April has been regarded as National Volunteer Month since 1991. National Volunteer Week – April 7-13 this year – has been celebrated since 1974.

Volunteers are the backbone of this country. Many work behind the scenes without wanting any recognition. Out of the kindness of their hearts, they give their time and effort to make life better for those who are less fortunate.

According to data from a study released in 2018 by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), 30.3% of Americans (77.3 million) take the time to volunteer (that percentage has increased from 25% in 2016). The data showed that the majority of those who volunteer are females. It also states that the age groups most likely to volunteer were Generation X, between the ages of 40-54 (36.4%), and Baby Boomers, between the ages of 55-73 (30.7%). The lowest volunteer rates were seen in Generation Y and the Silent Generation, 26.1% and 24.8% respectively. Millennials ranked somewhere in the middle with 28.2%.

Data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics states that, “From 2002 through 2015, community organizations saw record highs in volunteer hours served (topping 8.7 billion in 2014) and in charitable dollars given ($410.02 billion in 2017). But since 2005, the national volunteer rate declined from 28.8% to a 15-year low of 24.9% in 2015.”

The state ranking No. 1 in 2018 for the highest number of volunteers is Utah, followed by No. 2 Minnesota and No. 3 Oregon. Where does the Keystone State rank? No. 21. The bottom three states are Nevada, Mississippi and Florida.

Throughout Lancaster County, there are over 3,000 nonprofit organizations. Meet four nonprofit organizations and six volunteers who are making a difference. They include Jane Lesher (Ephrata Area Social Services), John Thackrah and Carlyn Darby (Clinic for Special Children), Judy McCloud (Tabor Community Services), and Stacy Emminger and Lexi Mercado (Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance).

Carlyn Darby & John Thackrah
Clinic for Special Children

It’s a bit of a hike to get to the Clinic for Special Children (CSC) in Strasburg, but well worth the visit when you learn about all the hard work, love and dedication that goes on behind the scenes at the inspiring clinic.

Celebrating 30 years this month, the CSC has been a staple in the Amish and Mennonite communities. The nonprofit’s mission is to “serve children and adults who suffer from genetic and other complex medical disorders by providing comprehensive medical, laboratory, and consultative services, and by increasing and disseminating knowledge of science and medicine.”

Kelly Cullen, the clinic’s communications manager, explains that about 90% of their patients come from the Plain community, while others may come from as far away as Texas or even Brazil. (The clinic has seen patients from all over, including 42 states and 17 countries to date.) Kelly says the clinic manages over 300 known genetic variants, identifying about 25 to 30 each year.

Special diseases need special scientific equipment and medications, which come at a cost. So, how does the nonprofit stay funded? One way is through donations and volunteers donating their time.

John Thackrah retired from DuPont Co. in 1994 after 42 years with the company. He then moved to Willow Valley Communities in 2009. He is a remarkable artist whose artwork garners funding for the clinic.

“I was introduced to the Clinic for Special Children about five years ago and was very impressed with the help they were providing for children and adults who suffer from genetic and other complex medical disorders,” he says. “I suggested that they consider selling note cards of my Lancaster area pen-and-ink sketches for fundraising and increasing the awareness of the clinic’s work.”

Sales from his cards have raised more than $10,000 for the clinic. “My experience working with the clinic has been very rewarding, and I look forward to continuing my volunteer efforts in the future,” he says.

Another notable volunteer is Carlyn Darby, who retired from her job as a pediatric nurse; however, just because she retired doesn’t mean she retired from volunteering her time and using her special nursing skills to help others.

“Volunteering is a marvelous way in which to continue to use my pediatric nursing skills to serve others, even in retirement,” she says. “These skills have enabled me to volunteer in a medical clinic, serve as a missionary nurse in Appalachia, substitute as a school nurse, give shots in a flu clinic, and even give weekly injections to my neighbor.”

John and Carlyn both enjoy giving their time and talents freely and in different capacities.

Carlyn says, “Volunteering among the quiet, reserved and gentle folk of the Plain community here at the Clinic for Special Children has been a privilege. I do not presume to understand all of the intricacies of the genetic disorders, but if I can encourage or celebrate the good news of a test result, or speak comfort into the heart of a young mother and father caring for a special child, then I think I have done what I have been put here to do.”

John sums up the definition of volunteering by adding, “If it were not for volunteers, many services and benefits would not be available. Volunteers are rewarded by having their efforts appreciated by the organizations and the people they help. These rewards come in many forms, but the best is the personal satisfaction one gets from knowing they have helped.”

Clinic for Special Children, 535 Bunker Hill Road, Strasburg. 717-687-9407 or Clinicforspecialchildren.org.

Judy McCloud
Tabor Community Services

If our lives had a soundtrack, then Judy McCloud’s would be titled This Little Light of Mine. She is a radiant beam of sunshine that can brighten anyone’s day. Whether it’s volunteering with Tabor Community Services’ (TCS) financial workshops or with her own organization, SisterLove Christian Ministries, helping single mothers, Judy is a “giver” who loves to make a connection with people.

“I’m more of a service person. I’m a ministry-minded person, but I’m also a service person,” Judy says with a smile so warm it could melt butter. “I’ve got to make connections with human beings; that’s who I am. I’ve got to make a connection.”

Judy has been volunteering with TCS as a financial workshop instructor since 2007. According to Tiffany Silveira, Tabor’s financial education coordinator, Judy regularly teaches monthly for Tabor’s on-site workshops, which are open to the community.

“She consistently receives high praise for being enthusiastic, communicating well and teaching concepts clearly by workshop attendees,” Tiffany shares. “Tabor is fortunate to have so many excellent volunteers, and Judy is an exemplary model of serving joyfully.”

Judy’s teaching skills include budgeting, creating a savings plan, understanding credit and loans, purchasing a vehicle, and working with a bank or credit union. Additionally, she volunteers frequently to serve as an instructor at off-site workshops conducted by request for clients and staff of other social service agencies and businesses.

Tabor celebrated 50 years in 2018. The work at Tabor involves “rebuilding lives and community.” Tabor was designed to help low-income families in Lancaster find housing and manage their finances. Today, the nonprofit continues that mission and has developed a variety of services that assist people in finding solutions to their housing and financial challenges. Tabor has also taken part in community revitalization projects located within the southeast area of Lancaster City.

However, so much of Tabor’s success wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers like Judy.
“It’s not about me. It’s about people understanding the information that we’re trying to give to them. That’s one of the reasons why I like to volunteer,” Judy says. “When someone volunteers, everyone wins! To know I am helping someone win in life as a volunteer financial literacy instructor is a thrill
for me.”

She adds, “Being part of the Tabor Community Services’ team is an honor. Tabor has served our community for many years providing help to the homeless, financial literacy education, credit counseling, assisting first-time home buyers and other services too numerous to name. I love to volunteer because I am given the opportunity to engage, educate and encourage others!”

Tabor Community Services, 308 East King Street, Lancaster. 717-397-5182 or Tabornet.org.

Jane Lesher
Ephrata Area Social Services

Jane Lesher has a contagious smile. Behind that smile is a warm heart and a woman who loves to volunteer.

“It makes me feel really good, just knowing that I can help someone in any way. I just feel like I’ve been very blessed in my life, and I feel like I not only need to give back, but I want to,” Jane says.

Originally from Adamstown, Jane retired in 2001 from Fulton Bank. She says that her biggest influence in regard to volunteerism was her parents.
“My biggest inspiration for wanting to volunteer has to be my parents. Both of my parents volunteered at Meals on Wheels and found it to be rewarding,” she shares. “I have been delivering meals for 17 years and really enjoy chatting with the clients each week.”

Jane says she was “fortunate to be able to retire early” and decided to pick one or two organizations where she could be of service to her community.
Jane chose Ephrata Area Social Services (EASS) for several reasons. One of those reasons being her parents; the Meals on Wheels program is operated by EASS and delivers 2,500 meals every month to Ephrata and Cocalico senior citizens. The meals are prepared daily at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ephrata.

“I also work in the office at EASS one day a week, answering the phones, handing out bags of food from the food bank, scheduling rides for senior citizens and helping with the clothing bank,” Jane adds.

EASS is a nonprofit organization that supports those in need throughout the Ephrata and Cocalico regions of Northern Lancaster County. The organization offers a number of impacting programs to assist families and individuals in need, including a food bank – which serves approximately 45 families per week, or over 2,000 annually – clothing bank, emergency financial assistance and transportation services.

EASS Executive Director Joy Ashley says, “Everyone loves Jane! She has been answering the phone, making referrals and scheduling the food bank and transportation appointments for nearly 20 years.”

Their fleet of minivans transports individuals, mostly seniors, to their doctor appointments, grocery store visits, or any other place they may need to go.
“Those trips to the hairdresser are very important,” Jane says with a smile.

Joy adds, “For any service that EASS does not provide, we reach out to our many partners in the social service industry for referrals. It is very important to EASS to be sure our clients always have a resource from which to receive assistance.”

In addition to volunteering at EASS, Jane is also a member of the Friends of the Adamstown Area Library and serves on several committees at her church, Swamp Lutheran, in Reinholds.

When asked why she thinks volunteering is so important, Jane says, “I think you will feel very rewarded. It’s something that just makes you feel good when you’re helping someone.”

Ephrata Area Social Services, 227 North State Street, Ephrata. 717-733-0345 or Ephrataareasocialservices.org.

Lexi Mercado & Stacy Emminger
Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance

There is an ongoing war in America. You hear about it every day, and it’s happening in your own backyard. The war on drugs is nothing new, and it won’t end with the snap of a finger. But, making others aware of the crisis is a step in the right direction.

According to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “70,237 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2017.” In 2017, Pennsylvania was one of five states with the highest rate of death due to drug overdose (44.3 per 100,000). The annual report from the Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission states that 168 individuals in the county died from overdoses in 2017.
In an effort to combat the local drug epidemic, Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance (DSAA) was created. Executive director and co-founder Stacy Emminger, along with co-founder Stephen Mercado, established the grassroots organization after their son, who had struggled with addiction for 10 years, died of an overdose in 2014.

“During that time, our family had no support and didn’t know where to turn for help. After his death, I decided it was important to me to help families that were going through the same struggles that we did,” Stacy says. “Families are ashamed and isolated, torn apart by their loved one’s addiction. They need to know that there is help for them out there.”

Lexi Mercado, DSAA assistant director and Stacy’s daughter-in-law, says she was raised in a family affected by addiction. “I wish to use my experience to empower others in their pain, as well as show them they can live a happy, healthy life,” Lexi shares. “I want young people to be educated in addiction, so they can be better prepared for what they may face in the future. I do this to work towards a trauma-informed community, so we can learn to accept people where they are at.”

The nonprofit’s mission is to bring awareness to the community of heroin/opiate usage; educate the community that heroin/opiate addiction is a treatable disease; provide to the community the information to obtain treatment for addiction; provide support to families affected by addiction; and provide support to those in recovery. DSAA also provides assistance finding treatment, CRAFT-based family support sessions, free Narcan kits and education about addiction.

“Thousands of families are going through it, and it’s important that they know they are not alone,” Stacy says. “People need to understand that addiction can happen in any family and that every person struggling with addiction is someone’s son, wife, mother, brother, just human beings that need help.”

Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance, 15 West Main Street, Mount Joy. 717-492-4596 or Dsasquared.org.

Top 10 To-Dos for April 2019

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1 March 30-January 5 | Costuming THE CROWN

Winterthur Museum

Costuming The Crown features 40 iconic costumes from the Emmy® award-winning Netflix series, The Crown, a dramatized history of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. View the dazzling gold of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation robe, the simple sophistication of Princess Margaret’s wedding dress, as well as royal crowns, tiaras and more.

This exhibit provides a behind-the-scenes look at how costume design is used to create riveting drama and recreate history. Explore the elegance and style of a bygone era by examining the extraordinary contributions of Emmy®- and BAFTA-winning designers Michele Clapton and Jane Petrie to seasons 1 and 2 of the series. 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware. Information: 800-448-3883 or winterthur.org. 

2 April 27 | Art for Arf’s Sake Auction

Santander Performing Arts Center

Humane Pennsylvania’s 2019 Art for Arf’s Sake Auction will allow patrons, supporters, volunteers and guests to enter the wizarding world of Harry Pawter. This year’s auction benefits the animals of Humane Pennsylvania, of which the Humane League of Lancaster County is a partner. The art auction is a lively and festive evening where guests enjoy the opportunity to indulge in the theme, dress as their favorite characters and bid on one-of-a-kind pieces from traditional paintings to unique works from renowned artists. 136 N. 6th St., Reading. 5:30 p.m. Information: humanepa.org.

3 April 7 | 4th Annual Chowderfest

Railroad House Inn

Fill up your cup at this year’s Chowderfest, benefiting local community charities and nonprofit organizations. The day will feature over a dozen local restaurants, food trucks and catering companies. Sample a variety of soups, gumbos, chowders and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites, and winners in different categories will be announced. There will also be a silent auction and entertainment provided by local musicians. In addition to the festivities, the event will also celebrate the anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. 280 W. Front St., Marietta. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Information & tickets: 717-426-4141, facebook.com/therailroadhouseinn or eventbrite.com.

4 April 22-23 | Lincoln Funeral Train Re-enactment

The Star Barn

Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train passed through Stone Gables Estate on April 22, 1865. Join The Star Barn Village for the First Re-Enactment at the 154th year anniversary honoring one of America’s greatest presidents and heroes. Bells & whistles, re-enactors and mounted troops will celebrate the arrival of the Lincoln Funeral Car, also known as “United States,” when it travels on the .62 mile of original railbed as it did on April 22, 1865. Enjoy music, photo and history displays, tractor-pulled wagon rides and more. 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: 717-902-9791, thestarbarn.com or eventbrite.com.

5 April 27-28 | Paw Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue”

Hershey Theatre

Join Marshall, Chase, Skye and the whole Paw Patrol gang in this action-packed, music-filled production! It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue! Ryder summons the furry friends to rescue Mayor Goodway and to run the race in her place. Using their unique skills and teamwork, the pups show that “no job is too big, no pup is too small,” and share lessons for all ages about citizenship, social skills and problem-solving as they make several heroic rescues on their race to the finish line. 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey. April 27, 10 a.m. and 2 and 6 p.m. April 28, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Information: 717-534-3405 or hersheyentertainment.com.

6 April 11-18 | 70s Smash Hits

Prima Theatre

When Day by Day hit the airwaves, it was the era of everything from the Bee Gees to Journey. The 1970s are a stairway to heaven lined with great tunes. Get ready to rock out to the decade’s most iconic songs in this slice of American pie.
941 Wheatland Ave., Suite A. Information: 717-327-5124 or primalancaster.org.

7 April 27 | Race Against Racism

Musser Park

Photo Credit: Cory Lyons

YWCA Lancaster invites you to attend and participate in this benefit race, which is celebrating its 21st anniversary. This race is the longest consecutive-running Race Against Racism in the U.S., attracting more than 3,000 participants annually. Proceeds support the YWCA Lancaster’s Social Justice and Advocacy programs. Rain or shine event. E. Chestnut and N. Lime streets. The certified 5K race will begin at 9 a.m. Kids’ Fun Run, a dash for kids through age 12, will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. Humanity Fest – a multicultural festival – will be held from 7-11:30 a.m. at Musser Park. To register, visit register.chronotrack.com/r/39990. Information: 717-393-1735 or ywcalancaster.org.

8 April 28 | 10th Annual Empty Bowls

Lancaster Creative Factory/Kevin Lehman’s Pottery

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger. A number of local restaurants, bakers and soup makers will be providing soup, bread and desserts. The first 400 to enter will take home free one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ceramic bowls created by potters and other craftspeople. Live music and glass-blowing demonstrations will entertain attendees. Proceeds will benefit TLC/Veterans’ Victory House Lancaster.
560 S. Prince St. 4-7 p.m. Doors open at 3:45 p.m. Information & tickets: 717-397-0156, tlclancaster.org or eventbrite.com.

9 April 6 | 4th Annual Rails & Ales

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Hop on board and check out this annual craft beer-tasting event, consisting of various breweries, food trucks, live music and historic trains. Event proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. The VIP hour will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. You must be at least 21 to attend. No infants, toddlers or children allowed. A current photo ID will be required for entry. No refunds or exchanges. 300 Gap Rd., Strasburg. 7:30-10 p.m. Information: 717-687-8628, railsandales.org or eventbrite.com.

10 April 22 | Earth Day Celebration

Oregon Dairy

Oregon Dairy Organic’s is an innovative composting facility that takes in excess manure from local farms and diverts material from local landfills, turning them into useful, high quality compost for home gardeners, landscapers, park and athletic field managers, and organic farmers. By composting manure from local farms, food waste from local schools and restaurants, Oregon Dairy Organics is turning trash into treasure while preventing polluted runoff from reaching Lancaster County’s streams and rivers. The day’s events will consist of making your own birdfeeders (from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and tractor and wagon tours to the farm and compost facilities (tours are $5 per person, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and begin at the top of each hour). Attendees will also receive a bag of Oregon Dairy’s own compost. 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: 717-656-2856 or oregondairy.com.

Planning Your Pennsylvania Summer Vacation

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Did you miss National Plan for Vacation Day on January 29? If so, it’s time to get into high gear and make plans for that all-important summer getaway!

For some reason, Americans are squeamish about taking time off from work. It seems their kids are following suit, as they don’t want to miss out on their summer activities (or be away from their friends). According to the U.S. Travel Association, in the years immediately following the recession, more than half of America’s workforce ended the year without using all their vacation days. The numbers were astounding – anywhere between 550 and 662 million vacation days went unused per year during that time period.

Fortunately, those numbers began to improve in 2015. Project: Time Off reports that the number of unused vacation days fell to 212 million last year.

The reversal is viewed as good news. After all, vacations are important. A break in routine improves our health and well-being, boosts morale and alleviates burnout. Project: Time Off maintains that people who use their vacation time are happier and healthier than those who don’t. Spending quality time as a family – or with friends – is also beneficial.

I’m not suggesting you take a month-long cross-country camping trip or a cruise around the world. Instead, you could consider a getaway to … Pennsylvania. You’re probably thinking why. Project: Time Off also finds that workers who have access to stellar scenery tend to take the most advantage of their vacation days. To whom does that apply? Residents of Colorado, Arizona and Virginia are at the top of the list.

Now, consider Pennsylvania, which in my opinion is very scenic. Do you have your heart set on seeing the Grand Canyon? Pennsylvania has its own version near Wellsboro. Is Williamsburg on your agenda? Have you ever explored Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia? America’s oldest neighborhood dates to 1702.

Are the kids begging to go to an amusement park? Hershey and Dorney parks are about an hour apart. The beach? A Great Lake borders Pennsylvania. The mountains? There’s a lot to do in the Poconos, and don’t forget that the Appalachian Trail passes through the state.

The arts? Bethlehem becomes Music City for nine days in August.

Do you love history? It was made in PA!

Hopefully, you’re feeling intrigued by the possibilities. Fortunately, our sister publication, Where & When Pennsylvania, a quarterly travel guide whose sole focus is events and happenings in Pennsylvania, will be hosting the 2nd Annual PA Family Travel Fair on April 27. (Singles, couples and groups are welcome to attend.) The one-of-a-kind event is designed to showcase the fun and affordable vacation opportunities the Keystone State has to offer.

Exhibitors will include destination marketing organizations, attractions, historical sites, amusement parks, lodging, campgrounds and more. In addition to answering your questions, the exhibitors will be raffling off getaways (believe me, there are some good ones), admission passes and other goodies.

The travel expo will also be hosting an array of children’s activities, including a scavenger hunt, a balloon artist and magic shows. Mascots will also be on hand. WJTL’s Kid’s Cookie Break will broadcast from the show (9 a.m.-12 p.m.), and at 12 p.m., Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland will present a show whose theme is the tropical rainforest.

Food trucks will be on-site, as well, selling food, drinks and treats.

The PA Family Travel Fair will be held Saturday, April 27. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (rain/shine). The expo is being held at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road. Admission is free. For more information, visit pafamilytravel.com.

 

The Focus is on Farm-To-Table | Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar

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Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar opened its Lancaster location at The Shoppes at Belmont in November. “Healthy Indulgence” is Harvest’s motto, and its mission is to create a menu that focuses on sustainable, health-conscious and locally sourced cuisine.

The Manheim Township restaurant joins eight other locations in Harrisburg, Moosic (Scranton area), the Philadelphia area, Moorestown, New Jersey, and Delray Beach, Florida. Each is committed to founder and CEO Dave Magrogan’s farm-fresh “know your farmer, know your food” philosophy.

“We’re excited to be in Lancaster. We have patrons who visit our Harrisburg location who live in Lancaster, and they’re bringing family and friends to dine with us here,” says General Manager Erin McMullen.

As for the farmer connection, Erin says, “A lot of our other restaurants use food sourced from Lancaster County through Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op, so it’s wonderful to be so much closer to them. We are using the community,” she says of local food growers, “as well as serving the community.”

The spacious restaurant has a warm, casual feel. A dual-sided fireplace in the lobby also fronts onto the lounge, which offers seating at the bar and in cozy booths. An adjoining garden room seats up to 70. It’s a four-season room, and all of the doors open onto a 70-seat patio with a firepit.

Harvest’s main dining room seats up to 150 at booths and tables. Stone accents and dark wood distinguish this area. The restaurant’s second patio opens off the main dining area. It seats about 30.

 

A private dining room boasts its own fireplace and seats 50. Windows line one side, while the restaurant’s wine selection is artfully stored on two of its other walls. Erin notes that the private dining space has become a popular spot for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and other special celebrations. It’s also used for overflow dining on weekends.

The restaurant also features a gleaming open kitchen that is headed by Chef Taylor Davis, who was born in California but grew up in York County.

“Our focus is local farm-to-table, so we’re committed to providing sustainable, health-conscious local cuisine,” Erin says of the menu, which changes seasonally. The green concept extends to materials such as recycled glass countertops and post-consumer fiber menus.

A spring menu was unveiled March 20. Although menu offerings shift with the season and availability of local ingredients, one popular item that’s on nearly every menu is the spicy shrimp noodle bowl. It’s also one of the few items on the menu that’s over 500 calories. Menu staples also include filet and scallops, but Erin points out that the accompaniments change.

Butternut squash soup and butternut squash dip (served warm with rye crostini) have become Harvest’s signature items. “They’re on the fall and winter menu, so it’s not year-round. They’re really popular; we have customers at our other restaurants who begin asking for them in August,” she explains.

There are also a number of vegan and gluten-free offerings on the menu. “We’re strongly committed to offering items for guests with allergies and food intolerances. Our chef, Taylor Davis, does amazing things with food,” Erin says.

In addition to lunch and dinner, brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. Like the rest of the menu, brunch items change seasonally.

For holidays such as Easter and Mother’s Day, Harvest will offer its regular menu plus some chef’s specials.

Harvest’s bar menu complements its local mission. Beer selections are hyper-local, while spirits such as vodka and gin are as local as possible. The wine list focuses on wineries with sustainable growing practices; 50 wines are available by the glass. “Our servers are well trained on wine pairings. We have a meeting every day before dinner service to discuss specials and wine pairing,” she says.

Guests may also opt for beer flights (a sampling of all six draft beers); wine flights (three 3-ounce samples); or sangria flights (a sample of red, white or blush sangria).
Harvest also offers special wine dinners four times a year. Bourbon dinners are also planned.

Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar, 1573 Fruitville Pike (The Shoppes at Belmont), Lancaster. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made via the restaurant’s website. Take-outs available. Call 717-545-4028 or visit harvestseasonalgrill.com and Facebook.

Going to the Chapel! A Tour of Lancaster County’s Most Charming Small Churches

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If your guest list numbers 200 or fewer, one of Lancaster County’s smaller chapels may offer the perfect intimate setting for exchanging wedding vows

“I don’t want to or need to be introduced to anyone at my wedding,” once said a very determined bride. “I want to personally know everyone who is invited.” That dictum often eliminates parents’ work colleagues, classmates you haven’t seen since high school and dozens of distant cousins. The bride and groom then have the option of choosing a scaled-down venue, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of being surrounded by one’s most cherished family and friends for this important life milestone.

 

The Chapel at Willow Valley, Doubletree Resort, Lancaster

The Chapel at Willow Valley, Doubletree Resort, Lancaster

It’s only 22 years old, but the Chapel at Willow Valley looks the part of the picture-perfect country chapel that’s been around for centuries. Originally situated on the Thomas family’s original landmark Willow Valley property, the chapel was moved last year and relocated several hundred yards closer to the Doubletree Resort. It also now overlooks the golf course. Seating capacity is 200 guests, including an upper-level loft area. Dressing rooms are conveniently located inside the chapel, and a few steps away awaits a full-service resort for the deal-is-sealed festivities.

Information: Lancaster.doubletree.com

 

Sell Memorial Chapel, Masonic Village, Elizabethtown. Provided by Heather and Andrew Martz. Photo by Deb Kepiro/Annie Sharp Photography.

Sell Memorial Chapel, Masonic Village, Elizabethtown

Be sure to pause for a keepsake photo at the bright-red doors of this non-denominational chapel located on the stately grounds of the Masonic Village retirement community. Built in 1927, the chapel holds up to 200 worshippers, plus offers a resonating organ and a choir loft that allows the photographer to capture a sweeping view of the ceremony and guests. The surrounding Formal Gardens and fountains on the Masonic Village campus are also available for beautiful photographic moments.

To exchange vows in this Gothic masterpiece, those outside the congregation or employees’ families must have an affiliation with the Masonic organization through a direct relative’s membership in the Masonic Lodge or the bride’s or groom’s membership in a Masonic-related youth group.

Information: Masonicvillages.org/locations/elizabethtown 

 

Boehm’s Chapel, Willow Street. Photo by Tawanda Faye Photography; provided by Bethany and David Georgia.

Boehm’s Chapel, Willow Street

Built in 1791, the rustic Boehm’s Chapel is Pennsylvania’s oldest existing structure built for Methodist worship and the fourth oldest in the nation. While the growing congregation of the Boehm’s United Methodist Church now worships in a much larger facility nearby, the chapel remains as a historic landmark and site of special events for the congregation to recall its simple heritage. The Boehm’s Chapel Society welcomes inquiries from all betrothed couples aligned with Christian pastors.

Modern dressing rooms and other comforts are available in a “tying shed,” intended to resemble the shelter where church-goers would have tied their horses to wait during worship services. The chapel was modernized with heat and air-conditioning in 1991, but it remains an acapella space. Brides have provided their own harpists, string quartets, guitarists and keyboardists to fill the small sanctuary with joyful noise for many a simply elegant wedding.

Information: Boehmschapel.org 

 

Santee Chapel, Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster. Photo by Nick Gould; provided by Ryan and Lara Levengood Horst.

Santee Chapel, Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster

B.Y.O.P. – bring your own pastor, that is – to the recently renovated Santee Chapel on the campus of the Lancaster Theological Seminary. Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, the chapel welcomes any Christian ceremony to its sacred space. A new cork floor, given by the family of the late Arthur B. and Marguerite “Gretel” Dodge, and Ann Barshinger’s gift of up-lighting that flatters the stained glass windows, join flexible seating that converts from joined pew-like chairs to individual seats, comfortably accommodating up to 150 guests. The pipe organ is currently undergoing renovations as well.

Information: Lancasterseminary.edu

 

Mary Dixon Memorial Chapel, Linden Hall School for Girls, Lititz. Photo by Nick Gould; provided by Susan and David Stoudt.

Mary Dixon Memorial Chapel, Linden Hall School for Girls, Lititz

Since 1885, the grand Gothic brownstone has graced Linden Hall’s campus at Church Square on East Main Street. The sanctuary is heated but not air-conditioned; however, cooling fans may be brought in should one choose to get married on an August afternoon. For those guests who cannot negotiate the stone steps at the entrance, a nearby elevator in the adjoining academic building makes the ceremony accessible to all. The charming space maxes out at 150 guests, although 16 additional seats may be placed in the loft that holds the pipe organ.

In the chancel, a Moravian Star is suspended high above the bride and groom as they exchange their vows – a signature symbol of Lititz and the Moravians who founded the picturesque town.

Information: Lindenhall.org

 

Old Leacock Presbyterian Church, Intercourse. Photo by Jessica Lynn Photography; provided by Lauren and Greg Mowrer.

Old Leacock Presbyterian Church, Intercourse

Nearly 280 years ago, Scotch-Irish settlers sought to create a comfortably familiar place to worship in their new home, so they recruited stone masons from their native Northern Ireland to replicate a church from their homeland. It stands today as an active church – the Leacock Presbyterian Church congregation leaves their more modern house of worship for special services in the summer and holidays and returns to this special space to remember their heritage. Christian weddings are welcome, provided they fit into the church’s schedule and guests number 100 or so. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. Dressing rooms and modern conveniences? No. History? Most definitely.

Information: Leacockpres.org 

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