CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Sarah Mallouk + Matt Crain | September 10, 2016

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Sarah and Matt’s wedding, which was held at Moonstone Manor in Elizabethtown, literally went viral thanks to Sarah’s almost-last-minute idea of scheduling a pre-ceremony photo session that would involve puppies. No doubt, you’ve probably seen the photos – they’ve appeared in newspapers across the state (and beyond), on online wedding sites (including Kleinfeld Bridal, where Sarah purchased her dress), in magazines, and on websites such as Huffington Post, BuzzFeed and The Dodo. News programs such as Good Morning America and Inside Edition also showcased them. “It was crazy,” Sarah says.

To fully tell the story, we must go back to the beginning. According to Sarah, her mother is of the opinion that her daughter came into this world loving animals. “I was too young to legally work in a pet store, so I volunteered at one,” she says. She became a certified dog trainer. She’s also been involved with the rescue organization Pitties.Love.Peace as a dog trainer and board member since it was founded seven years ago. Because she now lives near Philadelphia, she isn’t able to be as hands-on with the rescue and instead helps with its online presence as well as the processing of applications.

Sarah and Matt met while they were both attending Shippensburg University. “He grew up with cats,” she notes. Sarah’s influence helped to convert him into a dog lover. They celebrated their one-year anniversary as a couple by adopting a puppy. Today, their family consists of two Boxers and a Pit-mix they are fostering for Pitties.Love.Peace.

From the moment Matt proposed, Sarah knew she wanted to include a canine element in her wedding. When a litter of Boxer/Coonhound puppies arrived at the rescue, the idea of including them in a pre-ceremony photo shoot took root. When an adorable Pit-mix arrived at the rescue from New York, Sarah put her plan into action. She not only wanted to incorporate her and Matt’s love of dogs into their wedding, but she “wanted to honor the rescue in a personal and tactful way,” she explains.

Photographer Caroline Logan was game, knowing the presence of puppies would provide the ingredients for adorable and relaxed photographs. Volunteers from the rescue were on-site to help wrangle the energetic pups. “The photo shoot was done quickly, which was good, because it was a really hot day,” Sarah explains, adding that contrary to numerous reports, she and her bridesmaids did not walk down the aisle carrying the puppies. “We carried our bouquets,” she says.

A few days into their Riviera Maya honeymoon, Sarah received a call from Caroline. “I wondered why she would be calling,” she admits. Unbeknownst to Sarah, Caroline had posted a photo from the shoot to her Facebook page as well as to Kleinfeld’s page. News outlets, wedding websites, social media and animal organizations picked it up and requested additional photos from the shoot. Caroline needed the newlyweds’ permission to release them. Sarah began googling her photos and was astonished by the number of likes and views they were receiving.

Good news also came Pitties.Love.Peace’s way. All the puppies were adopted, as were dogs that had spent considerable time in the rescue’s care. Volunteers also joined the rescue’s efforts thanks to the exposure it received through the wedding.

Sarah is happy that other couples are following in her and Matt’s footsteps. “I hope everyone’s intentions are good,” she says of providing rescues and shelters with exposure and financial support as opposed to simply using puppies as props for a wedding.

Photography by Caroline Logan
Carolineloganphotography.com

Amanda Lavis + Dave Pedersen | May 20, 2017

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How They Met: Amanda is from York, while Dave hails from Clinton Corners, New York. Both were students at Messiah College, where they became fast friends over Dunkin’ Donuts and Ford Mustangs. According to Amanda, “Dave and I have been friends for over 15 years, with our friendship spanning most of our adult lives. We’ve experienced the excitement of a summer studying abroad, the giddiness of Dave purchasing his first Mustang, the anticipation of graduating college and starting our first real jobs, the sadness of Dave selling his first Mustang and the joys of furry kids. If you were to tell us back in college that one day we’d be married, we would have laughed!”

When they found themselves both single for the first time in their friendship (and living just a few miles apart), “we began to realize that friends was transitioning to friendlier. We took a chance, and that gamble paid off, as our years of friendship have only served to enhance our relationship,” Amanda says.

The Proposal: Dave contemplated proposing during a business trip he and Amanda would be taking to Hawaii. He reconsidered, thinking a proposal in paradise would be too predictable. Instead, he proposed in their driveway on April Fool’s Day as they were leaving to celebrate Amanda’s March 31 birthday with friends. She had arrived home late from work and as they were rushing out the door, Dave applied the brakes and, as Amanda recalls, exclaimed, “Wait a minute! Just wait a minute! I have a question for you before we go. Will you marry me?” He then presented her with a ring he helped design with her favorite jeweler, K Novinger. Amanda remembers she was completely caught off guard, but still managed to say yes. “We were a little late to the dinner, but at least we had a good excuse!”

Finding the Perfect Venue: The Mechanicsburg residents had checked out a few venues prior to looking at Drumore Estate. “We were looking for a unique venue that would be the perfect backdrop for our black-tie-elegant garden wedding,” Amanda explains. “We arrived at Drumore fully prepared to cross it off the list due to the distance from Mechanicsburg, but as soon as we drove up the tree-lined drive and saw the estate, we knew it was the place. Let’s be honest, there isn’t anything unimpressive about Drumore Estate.”

According to Amanda, that extends to owner Karyn Regitz, who brings attention to detail and high standards to Drumore weddings. Karyn is also a dog lover – her three Boston Terriers accompanied the couple on their tour of the property. “Karyn and her team are what truly make Drumore Estate the gem it is,” Amanda notes.

Puppy Love: “It was important for us that our wedding would include things we love and could share with our guests,” Amanda says. “We didn’t consciously select a puppy theme, but dogs are one of the many things we both love and wanted our guests to celebrate with us.”

Carrying Out the Theme: “We originally wanted to include our collies, Jack and Ruger, in our wedding; however, we realized the busyness of the wedding day would likely be too hectic for them,” Amanda recalls. So, they turned to their wedding planner, Susan Moran of That’s It! Wedding Concepts for some ideas. “She was fantastic about brainstorming ideas with us, and made sure the details were executed to perfection!”

Susan, it seems, has planned her share of weddings that included dogs. “The nice thing about this wedding was the fact that Drumore has no restrictions,” Susan says, noting that privately owned venues tend to offer more options where dogs are concerned.

“Dave and I bought a chalk collie statue at a local antique store several years prior to our wedding, and when we showed it to Susan, she thought of including it on the name-card table,” Amanda recalls. The couple custom-created the golden collie name-card holders (which doubled as informal favors for the wedding guests). To make their wedding invitations more personal, they included two collie silhouettes on the band. “It was the perfect touch to have our stationery go from stock to special,” Amanda says.

Inspiration for the final piece of the puzzle materialized in December, when Amanda and Dave attended a black-tie gala to support Keystone Human Services. Canine representatives of Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) were present at the gala. “I mentioned how wonderful it would be to have them at our wedding, and SSD made it happen!” Amanda says. “SSD is a fantastic organization, and we were thrilled to be able to include them in our wedding.” As luck would have it, the Yellow Lab “Love Bug” litter was born in time to be a part of their wedding. “The puppies were the center of attention during our cocktail hour,” she continues. “Guests could cuddle with the puppies and have their photo taken in our puppy-kissing photo booth.”

Kerry Wevodau, the organization’s director of development, notes that outside of service-dogs-in-training taking part in their foster parents’ weddings, this was a rare occurrence for SSD to be asked to participate in a wedding.
In Susan’s estimation, “It turned out to be a win-win for everyone. The couple was able to carry out their theme and Susquehanna Service Dogs received exposure and monetary support through donations and the puppy-kissing photo booth. I love clients who donate to 501(c)(3) organizations,” she says of the trend that sees couples make donations to worthy causes as opposed to spending money on favors and such. “It’s a kinder, gentler component to a wedding,” she says.

The Sub-theme: “Our wedding included many little touches that reflected our lives,” Amanda notes. “For example, our guestbook was a Mustang coffee table book, our bar featured premium bourbon from our trip on the Kentucky Bourbon trail, and our wine bar featured wines from New Zealand and Australia, where we would be honeymooning.”

Hawaii is Now Home: Four months after their wedding, the newlyweds started the process of moving to Hawaii, where Dave, who works for the Department of the Navy, serves as the Human Resources Director for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC). Both love the warm weather, but they hope to return to Pennsylvania in the upcoming years.

Photography by Svetlana Smith
Svetlana Photography: Svetlanaphoto.com

I DO … to Dogs

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For Laura and Derric Krout’s wedding, her beloved family dog was present for the ceremony and photo session. The floral garland was designed by Sandra Porterfield. Photography by Madeline Broderick.

Dogs taking part in weddings has become a trend! Just as in a Hallmark movie, they’re serving as ring puppers, flower pups and greeters, not to mention they’re bringing the aaah factor to photography.

The question is whether art (as in Hallmark movies) is imitating life or is life imitating art? I think it may be a draw. Or, make that a withdrawal. Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas movies, which began airing before Halloween, will go on hiatus after New Year’s. But never fear, the fairy tales will continue with Winterfest, Countdown to Valentine’s, Springfest … you get the picture. It all proves that the folks behind Hallmark movies have the formula down pat.

Photographer Leslie Gilbert captured some sweet moments between bride Meredith and her dog as she prepared for her wedding ceremony at the State Capitol building in Harrisburg.

Before Countdown to Christmas became a phenomenon, Hallmark aired holiday weepfests, the most memorable of which focused on dogs finding their forevers at Christmas time. Dogs still figure into the Countdown movies, only now they serve to comfort lonely, career-driven singles, bring them together at dog parks or coffee shops and ultimately provide the cuteness factor at the resulting weddings.

Floral Designer Sandra Porterfield has a willing model in her dog Abbie, who is always happy to assist in making sure Sandra’s creations are a perfect fit for canine members of a wedding party. Ashley Elizabeth Photography.

Just as most Hallmark movies seem to star Andrew Walker and Candace Cameron Bure, an adorable canine star has emerged in Gidget, a Border Terrier who is so talented that she plays both male and female roles. Her latest vehicle is the uber-romantic Marrying Mr. Darcy, which also starred some adorable King Charles Cavaliers.

To whom do we attribute the trend of including dogs in weddings (besides Hallmark)? The Millennials! For many members of this generation, dog ownership represents a rite of passage into adulthood. Millennials have even made love connections through their dogs. A dog represents their commitment to couplehood. Often referred to as fur-kids, the Millennials view their dogs as family. They want to take them everywhere – work, yappy hour, shopping, hiking, camping, grandma’s house and, yes, to their weddings.

But, as we all know – thanks to Jake the rescue dog in the Hallmark movie, A Bride for Christmas – dogs can have a mind of their own and can create havoc at a wedding. You need to negotiate this trend with your eyes wide open before you commit. Deb Erb, owner of Simply Events in Lititz agrees. “You need to take everything into consideration,” she says. “Yes, it would be fun to have your dog participate, but a dog can be unpredictable. You have to ask yourself if you can deal with the unexpected.” While Deb and her staff of coordinators haven’t been asked to plan a lot of weddings that include dogs, she estimates that each has helped with one or two such weddings. “Most involved laid-back dogs, and we had no issues,” she notes. Still, she can understand why couples would want to include their dogs. “Couples want to personalize their weddings, and including a pet can make it very special.”

What follows are some things to consider:

Be Realistic

As much as you’d love to have your dog take part in your big day, you really need to make an honest assessment of his/her temperament. Is your dog obedient? Is your dog comfortable in crowds and around strangers? Does he/she acclimate to unfamiliar places? Does your dog interact well with kids? Is your dog food-aggressive? Territorial? Is your dog high-energy? Does your dog have good manners (who wants to have her silk dress damaged by an over-zealous dog)? If any of these questions cause you to hesitate, it might be best to forgo the idea. After all, a wedding can be stressful enough – why add to it? In Martha Stewart’s estimation, a dog should be “part of the wedding and not a distraction.”

Erin and Ryan Kline were well ahead of the trend when they included their dog, Callie, in their May 2009 wedding at Lauxmont Farms in York County.

Be Proactive

If you want to include your dog, such an idea needs to be at the forefront of planning your wedding. If your ceremony will take place in a church and you want your dog to play a role, you will need clearance. You’ll also need to discuss the idea with your officiant. Even if your church would be open to the idea, the officiant might have his/her own policy regarding pets at weddings.

Plan B

If you’re still determined, there are plenty of options for ceremony sites thanks to the array of pet-friendly barn/farm venues, B&Bs, natural spaces and even hotels that have helped to make the county a popular spot for destination weddings. But, keep in mind that while they may welcome dogs to participate in the ceremony, health and safety regulations may bar them from attending the reception. That’s probably a good thing, considering the fact that a dog indulging in human treats such as chocolate, cake and rich food could result in you taking a trip to the emergency vet instead of the Caribbean.

Tasha and Angel Lopez were planning a rustic fall wedding that would include a sizeable guest list. After looking over their budget, they had second thoughts. “We decided to do a smaller wedding so that we could take a nice honeymoon,” Tasha explains. The guest list was pared to 30. The search was on to find a venue. Tasha had seen a photo of the newly opened Thistle Finch Distillery and deemed it the perfect backdrop for their wedding. Unsure if Thistle Finch hosted private events, Tasha figured all they could do was ask. Thistle Finch agreed to the proposal. “We had our wedding on December 1, 2015, which was our 5-year dating anniversary. The date just happened to be on a Tuesday – when Thistle Finch is closed for business – so it all just worked out,” Tasha notes. The two were attended by their beloved dog, Alexi Gabrielle, who served as the ring bearer and flower girl and accompanied Tasha’s stepmother down the aisle. Sarah B. Photography and Landon Wise Photography.

You’re What!

Share the fact that your dog will be in attendance with everyone. That includes your vendors (especially the planner and photographer), your families, members of the wedding party and your guests. Such a notification will be appreciated by those who suffer from allergies. A heads-up will allow them to take precautions or send their regrets.

Handle with Care

If you’ve decided to include your dog in your wedding, you will need to recruit someone to serve as his/her handler. Perhaps a member of your wedding party has a dog-loving friend who could fulfill that role. If you have a planner, he or she might be of help in suggesting someone. Or, check with your vet, groomer or a pet-sitting service to see if they could recommend someone.

Practice Makes Perfect!

If you’d like your dog to walk down the aisle as a member of the wedding party, it’s doubtful he/she could do it solo. A handler could perform that duty or perhaps a member of the wedding party could take the dog down the aisle. Martha Stewart recommends that a dog should practice ahead of the wedding – a quick trip down the aisle during the wedding rehearsal probably won’t be enough. You could set up a mock aisle at home and practice. If you have doubts, they could be pulled down the aisle in a wagon or on a float. If your dog is going to be the ring bearer or a flower girl, it would be a good idea to get him/her accustomed to carrying the basket that holds the ring or flowers. If your dog is treat-driven, be sure to supply the handler with plenty of treats to keep him/her moving down the aisle.

Best-Dressed Dog

If your dog is playing a role in your wedding, he/she needs to dress for the big day. The options are mind-boggling. Check out websites such as Amazon and Etsy for ideas. However, going all out – full tuxes and gowns – might not be the best idea. Dogs who are not accustomed to wearing clothing could become fixated on removing them. Instead, keep it simple. A bow-tie that matches that of the groomsmen, a tulle tutu, a garland of flowers or perhaps a blinged-out collar would do the job (check out websites such Muttropolis, Etsy and Paco). Local shops sell those adorable harlequin collars. If you’re going the floral route, be sure to work with your designer to identify non-toxic blooms. Also, don’t forget to schedule a trip to the groomer for a nail trim, shampoo and cut.

One Sunday, Eric Roering and his adorable red Cockapoo puppy, Stella, attended a Lancaster Polo Club match. Katie Errigo, who is a polo match regular, stopped and talked to them. By the time the match was over, Eric had signed Stella up for the puppy training classes at The Complete Canine Center, which Katie co-founded and where she served as director of training. It was a love match all around: Eric and Katie began dating, and Stella became best friends with Katie’s Sheltie, Booker. “Our dating life revolved around the dogs. I was working so much at that point that Eric and Stella had to visit me at the canine center to see me,” Katie explains. As they planned their wedding, they decided they didn’t want the stress of taking care of the dogs on their wedding day. “That was my one day off from taking care of dogs!” says Katie. However, they wanted to somehow acknowledge their love for their dogs and decided to include them in their engagement photos – one would serve as their Save the Date announcement. The foursome has taken togetherness to a new level – Katie and Eric are the masterminds behind the Fontana Candle Company, which is based in Mount Joy. Jeff Frandsen Photography.

No-Go

After agonizing over the idea of having your fur-baby take part in the wedding, you’ve decided it’s just not a good idea. That doesn’t mean he/she can’t be there in spirit. Some ideas:

  1. Include your dog(s) in your engagement photo session, during which a photo that translates into a Save-the-Date card could be taken. Such photo sessions tend to be more low-key, take less time and require fewer people.
  2. Have your dog with you as you prepare for the day. Many brides (and grooms) report that such a strategy keeps them cool, calm and collected. It also makes for some adorable photos.
  3. If your dog can’t be part of the ceremony, he/she could be present outside the church to greet guests or at the entrance to the reception venue to invite them to sign the guest book.
  4. Have a handler bring your dog to the location where your wedding photos are being taken so that he/she can be included.
  5. You could use a dog theme for the reception. Some ideas: Invitations could include imagery of your dogs. Show ribbons could be used to designate “sit” assignments. Photos of your dog(s) could top the dinner tables. A lounge could be decorated with images of dogs. The cake topper could include a dog. Guests could be gifted with “doggie bags” that are filled with treats for themselves and/or their dogs.

Give Back

It’s become customary for couples to skip the wedding favors and instead make a donation to a worthy cause. For animal lovers, that could center on their favorite local shelter, rescue or other animal-related organization.

 

Holiday Tips from a Grinch

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“It’s the most wonderful time of the year …” for some. As a kid growing up in rural Alabama, Christmas time was magical. We decorated the tree, hung up the stockings, left out cookies and milk, the whole nine. It was mostly left up to my dad, my sister and myself because my mom was always busy with house work. I never understood why she was never into decorating for the holidays … until now.

Decorating isn’t as exhausting as the Christmas aftermath of cleaning up – vacuuming the tinsel, glitter and fake pine needles, cleaning the crumbs and icing from the gingerbread house display, etc. The holidays alone are stressful enough; who needs added madness during this time, right?

To get into the spirit, without causing added stress, I’ve come up with a few fun, festive tips (and advice) to put the jingle back in your bells:

1. Christmas cards. I haven’t sent out Christmas cards since college (more than a decade ago). But, here’s a grammar hint for those tricky last names that end in ‘s,’: Just add -es. For example, my last name is Hess. I would write, “Merry Christmas from the Hesses!” Or, to avoid confusion altogether, write, “Happy Holidays from the Hess family!” #NailedIt #NoApostropheNecessary

2. Start brainstorming gift ideas in September or October. My mom usually starts asking for gifts ideas in mid-October (because who celebrates that pagan holiday known as Halloween?). And, don’t send all of those ideas to the same people, or your little ones will end up with the same toys from three different families.

3. Volunteer at a toy drive, ring the bell for the Salvation Army, donate to a coat drive, etc. It really is better to give than to receive.

4. Crank up that Bing Crosby favorite and make those cookies! You may not decorate the house, the tree, or the outside, but – dang it – make those cookies with the kids because they won’t stay young forever!

5. Buy at least one gift for the pet. When I first had Puddles, the pug, I spoiled her with gifts (boots with the fur, tutus, reindeer antlers, etc.). We now have a dog, Sesi the huskimo, who chews and destroys everything in her path. She’ll be lucky to get a treat, but we will be sure to buy her something.

6. Sings carols! I love to sing, so this comes easy for me. Here are some fun facts: According to different studies over recent years, singing spurs a social connection with others; it improves the immune system, eases stress, improves breathing and heart rate; it can even be therapeutic for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

7. Attend a theater production! Whether it’s a church Christmas play or “Miracle on 34th Street” at your local theater, go to a show. It might not be “Hamilton,” but you’ll leave in a jollier mood.

8. Visiting with the family can be dreadful for some, but a fun and festive game can be the difference between dull and delightful.

9. Drive around and look at Christmas lights. You might not decorate, but others somehow find the time to do so. So, go ahead! Be that slow stalking car this holiday season. #Goals

10. Spend as much time as possible with the fam. Leave the phones on the table (unless it’s for photos), put the tablets and game systems away. Listen to the stories your grandmother has to share at the table. Reminisce with your siblings and cousins (or kin, as we Southerners like to say). Just be happy and remember the reason for the season!

Merry Christmas!

Hotel Rock Lititz

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Want to experience rock-star treatment without leaving Lancaster County? Now you can at Hotel Rock Lititz.

Located on the Rock Lititz campus, the hotel – which opened November 18 to the public – totals 92,000 square feet and includes 139 guestrooms (81 deluxe king rooms, 40 deluxe double queen rooms, 16 king suites and two luxury penthouse suites with private elevator access).

Once you’ve arrived at the main entrance, guests will notice the vast lobby space (2,840 square feet). Towering above and behind the reception desk is a wall of vintage speakers from Clair Brothers.

Beyond the desk, one will automatically notice the moving sphere art traveling up and down two large windows that look out onto the patio. Surrounded by original concert posters ranging from Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young to Lady Gaga, guests will also enjoy a pool table, shuffle board, a lounging area and social spaces.

Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s restaurant Per Diem, which is a 110-seat “casual eclectic” restaurant and bar operated by TFB Hospitality, which is owned and operated by brothers Joshua and Jacob Funk who also own and operate Annie Baileys Irish Public House, Gravie Kitchen + Commons – also located on the Rock Lititz campus – and TFB Catering, which also caters to the Rock Lititz Studio.

“We wanted the restaurant to have a similar look and feel to the hotel. … We also offer a small menu with locally sourced items,” says Josh, referring to the 10 to 12 local farms his restaurant works with.

Each floor of the hotel has its own special installation that guests will notice once the elevator doors open. For example, the third floor has a Clair Global speaker collage installation that looks like a sound wave with the number 3 in the middle. The fifth floor has an ATOMIC scenic installation accompanied with lighting by Stray Lighting and Production Services.

Upon entering the gold suite, one will notice an accent wall that has custom wallpaper representing 40 years of shows with more than 1,000 backstage passes. The sliding bathroom doors are made from repurposed road cases, which are used to transport equipment when touring.

If you’re traveling with your entourage, you’ll want to reserve the penthouse suites. Treat yourself like a king or queen of rock-n-roll while staying in either of the beautiful suites, 1,260 and 1,060 square feet, optionally adjoining via 10-foot doors with 12-foot ceilings and farmland views.

The penthouse rooms, including the lobby area, boasts local art from artists such as Alastair Blake Peters, Loryn Spangler-Jones, Bryan Fellenbaum and Erica Milner.

The hotel also offers amenities such as room service, a pool, hot tub, fitness center, event space and more.

For more information and details about Hotel Rock Lititz, visit hotelrocklititz.com.

The Star Barn Village

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The newly restored Star Barn looks amazing! If you have yet to see the results, December offers a number of opportunities to do so during the holiday-themed events being held at Ironstone Ranch in Elizabethtown.

The Star Barn is a well-known landmark in Central Pennsylvania. Built by Colonel John Motter in 1877, its unique Gothic Revival styling was beyond that of the typical Pennsylvania bank barn. In the 1970s, when PA 283 opened just 50 feet from the barn, it started drawing onlookers from all over the world due to its unique design.

Unfortunately, the passage of time and a lack of proper maintenance caused the farm buildings to fall into a state of disrepair. Dairy operations had ceased at the farm in 1986, and in 1994, the property was reduced from 164 acres to just under four. Many organizations and community-based groups attempted to save The Star Barn, but without the means to generate income, it became extraordinarily difficult to return the barn to its former glory.

In the Summer of 2014, David and Tierney Abel began making inquiries about purchasing The Star Barn. The Abels’ attention to detail for preservation and historical accuracy was already evident – the couple had restored the 1860s-era Barn and Farmhouse at Ironstone Ranch. In 2015, they were given approval to relocate The Star Barn to Elizabethtown, where, despite the move, it would retain its place on the National Register of Historic Places. The move began in 2016. A year later, a barn-raising was held. In July of this year, the complex was officially unveiled.

This year’s holiday festivities begin with The Star Barn Village Christmas Drive-Through Light Show, which will be open to the public every Friday and Saturday from November 23 through December 29, 5-8 p.m. The 2-mile drive through the property will enable visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take in a plethora of twinkling LED Christmas lights – the projected number is 400,000! Tickets are priced at $20 per car/$30 for oversized vehicles/$200 for buses.

Other events will include:

Saturday, December 1, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Christmas at The Star Barn Village. Bring the kids out for hot cocoa, a holiday hayride, photos with Santa and much more as you get to enjoy an up-close look at the beautifully decorated Star Barn.

Friday, December 7, 5-10 p.m. (and an encore on January 11). Dinner & A Movie will feature a four-course meal, a premiere viewing of The Star Barn Movie – Moving of an Icon, a Window into Our Past, and the light show tour.

December 21 and 22, 4-6 p.m. Christmas Dinner in The Star Barn will include a family-style dinner and much more.

Looking ahead, on January 4-5, a Holiday Celebration will look to the future – the Belmont Barn will be rebuilt to house the contents of The National Christmas Center.

As with all events at the property, the net profits will be donated to Brittany’s Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to placing abandoned and special-needs children from around the world with adoptive families.

For more information, visit thestarbarn.com.

La Petite Patisserie: Taste-Tempting Treats

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La Petite Patisserie makes its home in a jewel-box of a shop along Lancaster’s Gallery Row, where sweets, savories, tea, coffee and more are always on the menu.

Owner and Head Pastry Chef Donna Lussier is a graduate of the pastry program at the Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts, a division of YTI Career Institute-Lancaster. She launched the business in her home 11 years ago and then moved to Lancaster Central Market before opening a stand-alone bakery on East King Street. The boutique bakery has been at its Gallery Row location since June 2015.

The move to Prince Street has allowed her to expand with sit-down service and baking classes for both adults and teens. The classes, which debuted last year, have focused on French macarons, cookies and, for the holidays, gingerbread houses. “It’s a great opportunity to learn a new skill and to have some fun with friends. We have a class schedule, but we’ll also do a class for a small group,” Donna explains.

La Petite Patisserie is also known for its tea service (reservations are recommended). There’s a high tea and a light tea – each with its own seasonal menu. The tearoom can also be reserved for special occasions such as showers, birthdays, etc.

“Teas are really fun. We love it when people come really dressed up, including hats,” Donna says. “People often think it’s something light,” she says of the tea ritual. “We serve a full three-tiered tea tray filled with scones and cream, savories and sweets. It’s really filling.”

La Petite Patisserie also offers an all-day lunch/brunch menu. Available Tuesday through Saturday, the selection includes biscuits or scones with jam and cream; BLT; chicken pot pie; quiche du jour; tarragon chicken salad; grilled cheese and roasted-tomato soup; lemon-blueberry waffles and more. Box lunches are available via pre-orders. All items, including breads and soup, are made in-house.

As if that’s not enough variety, La Petite Patisserie also hosts monthly dessert tastings. A sampling of personal-sized desserts is offered, and guests may BYOB.

The setting is a delight. The décor features a black-and-white checkered floor, which is complemented by pink and gray walls. A crystal chandelier adds a touch of elegance, and the large front window infuses the space with natural light.

The window also serves as display space for artfully decorated cakes and French macaron towers. The bakery specializes in cakes, cupcakes and other dessert bar items for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.

The interior seats 12. Tables are set with linens and adorned with silk flowers. A repurposed church pew also offers seating. There’s also sidewalk seating – two tables – during warm weather. “This is a place to come either by yourself or with friends to relax and enjoy a treat and tea or coffee,” Donna says.

The display case is filled with taste-tempting treats. French macarons are La Petite Patisserie’s signature item. There are 30 flavors including some seasonal flavors. Other items that can be found in the bakery case include scones, cookies, decorated cookies, gourmet cupcakes, cake pops and small cakes.

The selection of black, decaf and rooibos teas – from East Indies Tea Company – can be served both warm and iced. Tea lattes are created using loose teas that the bakery bags. Coffee – both regular and decaf – is courtesy of the Gerhart Coffee Company. Gerhart also created a La Petite Patisserie Blend, a classic French roast with a sweet finish that, according to Donna, is a perfect accompaniment for the bakery’s treats. Lattes and mochas are also available, as is hot cocoa.

La Petite Patisserie makes entertaining at home or in the office easier with its sweet or savory party trays. Holiday cookies are also available. “We learned how to make sandtarts last year and will include them in our cookie offerings this year as well. We roll them really thin,” Donna says.

If you will be going to a party this holiday season and want to take a hostess gift along, or if you’re in search of a gift for that difficult-to-buy-for person, La Petite Patisserie may have the answer – gift boxes filled with sweets such as macarons or gift baskets with an assortment of items.

La Petite Patisserie, 136 North Prince Street, Lancaster. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (Hours may expand during the holidays.) Call 717-424-1631 or visit petitedessert.com and on Facebook.

Holiday Spirits

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Tis the season to indulge in holiday spirits! This month I set out to discover what makes a quality cocktail with local flavor. In doing so, I stumbled upon a Pennsylvania history I never imagined: a heritage of distilleries in Lancaster County that transcends even that of modern-day Kentucky.

Whether or not you’re a whiskey drinker, it’s difficult to imagine Lancaster’s countryside filled with rye fields and dotted with distilleries. Such a scenario existed during the 18th and early 19th centuries. According to an article read before the Lancaster County Historical Society in the 1920s, 183 distilleries had existed in Lancaster County in 1813. Twenty-seven years later, just ahead of the temperance movement and the Civil War, the county total fell to 102 distilleries (along with 135 grist mills and eight breweries).

Distilling operations could also be found throughout the region. One of the most notable took root in neighboring Lebanon County (Schaefferstown), where John and Michael Shenk started producing pot still whiskey in 1753.

It begs the question: What would Pennsylvania’s economy and agricultural industry look like today had Prohibition never existed?

A Perfect Recipe

What was the reason behind the proliferation of distilleries? A need grew out an abundance of rye grain harvested across the region’s farmlands. A surplus of rye could fall plague to ergot mold, a hallucinogenic, which some theorize spurred on the Salem Witch Trials. Rather than let crops go to waste, farmers could preserve their rye yield and turn it into a tradable commodity, a currency by the gallon or barrel.

A bottle of Stoll & Wolfe’s first batch of Bomberger’s blended whiskey signed by Dick Stoll. Attempts to utilize the Bomberger’s name were justified but held up in court by a new, larger distillery in Kentucky that claimed the Michter’s name was abandoned, thus giving birth to the Stoll & Wolfe name.

Blending distilled whiskeys was another component to our local history, a tradition that continues today. Where bottled in bond is from one distiller’s single-season yield, blends are the opposite.

To go a step further, a wealth of rye coupled with water filtered by limestone and rich in dissolved dolomite (similar to the water content in Kentucky), paired well with German milling technology. While most of the world’s supply of bourbon comes from Kentucky, it is not a technical requirement for the whiskey to be distilled there. It has everything to do with defined “laws” as to how they’re made, including what portion of ingredients goes into whiskey such as rye, corn, barley, wheat and so on.

Rye whiskey, as you can imagine, must be 51% or more rye, producing a dry, spicy delight. Its sweeter cousin, bourbon whiskey, must be 51% or more corn-based, stored in new, charred oak barrels for added dimensional flavor and color, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.

Boehm Transitions to Beam

If I may interject a bit of foreshadowing before we temporarily depart from the subject of Kentucky, it’s of note that many early frontier-bound settlers traveled through Pennsylvania. Jacob Boehm was one of them, emigrating from Germany in 1740 to what is now Berks County, which was once a part of Lancaster County. The Boehm family owned land purchased from William Penn in Willow Street, where the Boehm Chapel stands to this day. The family name later changed to one you may find more familiar, “Beam,” which we see today on thousands of bourbon bottles from Kentucky.
In 1788, Jacob moved to Kentucky ahead of a legal revolution in the distilling community.

Original production ledgers from the Bomberger’s Distillery dating back to 1915, separately denoting the grains used in the mash bill and whiskey yields by the barrel.

Prohibition

When Prohibition took effect in 1920, the distilling industry in Pennsylvania died almost overnight. Farming rye was replaced by other crops such as tobacco. Whiskey could still be prescribed by a doctor as medication, so distilling in Kentucky continued legally on a limited basis.

Pennsylvania’s Old Overholt, founded in West Overton in 1810, was bought by National Distillers, located in Louisville, and the sale included a medicinal whiskey license. Sales of pint-sized bottles of “medication” helped to weather the storm until Repeal Day on December 5, 1933, with the passage of the Twenty-First Amendment. In that very same year, our own local distilling hero was also born …

STORY CONTINUED BELOW >>>>

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Holiday Spirits

Spoonful cocktail made of rye whiskey or bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice and ancho chili-infused maple syrup. Stoll & Wolfe was honored for their rye whiskey, achieving 95 of a possible 100 points in tasting competition.

 

Now that you’re armed with the conversational history of Pennsylvania’s rich distilling past, here are a few simple tips to party up your cocktails before a flurry of guests arrives this winter.

Vodka infused with peppers, rosemary and chilies for added dimension.

Blends and Infusions

Adding herbs, spices and fruits to your spirits will instill new flavors into the essence of a drink. The additions could include berries, citrus, pineapple, vanilla, rosemary, peppers and basil, to name a few. Dried herbs and spices can be toasted on a skillet for added dimension. Candy can also be a popular choice; try Swedish fish, Hot Tamales or peppermint. For the best results, keep the combinations simple.

Add quality ingredients to a versatile liquor such as vodka, allowing it to steep for a few days, agitating regularly. You’ll have a simple yet custom and deliciously blended conversation piece.

Stock the Pantry

Cinnamon (ground or sticks), olives and Old Bay Seasoning are some of the many seasonings and trimmings your Christmas cocktail might require. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, while expensive, last for quite some time and deliver quality flavor. Check your supply of fresh fruit and bitters for making the occasional Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Freezer Burned Ice

Even ice cubes can become freezer burned, and that undesired bitter taste will infuse in your drink. If you know you’ll be mixing a large batch of cocktails, reset your ice cube supply a few days in advance. You can also chill your glasses with ice water ahead of pouring.

Don’t Muddle the Mint

Muddlers are a great way to puree fresh fruit, spices or herbs in a cocktail, but they have their bounds. Have you ever watched (or heard) bartenders smack mint in their palms when preparing drinks? Smacking the mint releases oils and flavor without breaking down the leaf, thus eliminating bits of leaf fiber floating throughout your drink.

Shaken, Not Stirred

There’s a time for shaking and a time for stirring. Shaking a cocktail changes the drink in a way that stirring cannot. As ice is added, the drink will chill faster – you can tell it’s ready when the metal shaker frosts over (usually after about 15 shakes). The ice will melt slightly, imparting water that often opens up the flavor. If you want to serve an undiluted drink, stirring is the way to go.

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Dick Stoll

Dick Stoll was born just a month earlier in Lebanon County. Following his service in the Korean War, he became a construction worker. That spring, he received a serendipitous call from Kirk Foulke of Lancaster, regarding a new building in Schaefferstown.

What had started as the Shenk’s distilling operation in 1753 had changed hands many times over the years, finally taking up the famous Bomberger’s name. During Prohibition, Bomberger’s Distillery waited like a sleeping dragon to be awakened, and records from that period of time are difficult to confirm. The accounts vary by party, but Lou Forman came into ownership after Prohibition, and around 1949 he talked Foulke into buying it from him.

At the time Dick arrived on the job site, it was known as Kirk’s Pure Rye Distilling Company. Foulke wanted the waste grain for his cattle farm and had little interest in distilling. The distillery would soon be sold yet again to Pennco, owned by the giant, Continental, based in the Philadelphia area.

Dick was hired to work at the distillery, and in 1954 they started it up with around a dozen people working together, operating six days a week. Due to his years in the Navy, Dick had a mechanical background, so he was assigned to the barrel crew. When a spot on the maintenance crew opened up, he took it.

In 1955, Dick met Charles Everett Beam, who moved from Kentucky to Pennsylvania to work for Pennco. It was Beam who taught Dick about distilling. The two became friends and enjoyed hunting and fishing together. Beam had a heart attack in 1972, which prompted him to step down.

Lou Forman, who had repurchased the business with some partners, then asked Dick if he’d take over as master distiller, which he did. In Dick’s own words, he held “all the jobs in the plant at one time.” Four years later, Dick met his future wife Elaine, a school teacher who served as a tour guide at the distillery in the summer.

Michter’s Distillery

Forman and Beam created what they called Michter’s Original Sour Mash Whiskey. (Michter’s was a blend of the names of Forman’s sons, Michael and Peter.) It was a whiskey in a category of its own, fitting the grain bill of neither a rye nor bourbon whiskey. It was designed to stand out, primarily to pursue the market created by Maker’s Mark.

The business eventually took the name, Michter’s Distillery. According to Dick, as late as the 1970s and 1980s, people still expected rye to come from Pennsylvania, not from Kentucky. As is common in the industry, Michter’s distilled for a number of labels, including A.H. Hirsch, Sam Thompson Rye and Wild Turkey.

Last Call

Over time, the demand for wine and vodka took off, and whiskey sales dropped at the small distillery. It was again sold, and the owner, Ted Veru, legally funneled-off money before his disappearance ahead of bankruptcy in 1983. Commonwealth Bank took ownership, but the distillery never recovered.

On Valentine’s Day 1990, while serving as Michter’s master distiller, Dick was instructed by the bank to shut down operations. A sign was put on the door, “Closed until further notice.” That day never came.

The remnants of what remained in the Michter’s warehouses were distilled by the government into ethanol and racing fuel. It was also sold to settle debts. The stills were shipped off to Kentucky, and while an application was accepted for the site to become part of the National Registry of Historic Places (it also received National Landmark status), not much of the operation remains.

After more than 35 years at the distillery, Dick Stoll’s bottle had run dry.

Stoll Meets Wolfe

While we will never know what Lancaster’s economy and agriculture would have looked like in the absence of Prohibition, our distilling history has been given a new shot thanks to Erik and Avianna Wolfe, who set out to open a new distillery in 2011. Subsequently, a mutual friend and local Michter’s Whiskey historian, Ethan Smith, introduced them to Dick Stoll. According to Erik, “There would be no Stoll & Wolfe without Ethan Smith.”

Ethan recalls contacting Dick on a cold call 10 years ago, inquiring about Michter’s and meeting up with him at the old Michter’s site for the first time.

Knowing both Dick and Erik, he arranged a meeting of the two, and a partnership was born. Being the first person since Prohibition to operate both a pot and Coffey still, Dick’s wisdom has been foundational to the pair, a living legend in his own right.

It seems Dick’s wisdom might have something to do with genetics. Erik’s parents, Jim and Diane Wolfe, conducted extensive historical and genealogy research and made the remarkable discovery that Dick is related to the Beam family.

Were it not for the Smith, Stoll and Wolfe families, much of my findings presented here would have been lost to time. It is with much gratitude that I thank them all for sharing their knowledge with us.

Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, 35 N. Cedar Street, Lititz. Stollandwolfe.com.

Christmas in Lititz

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Hometown pride is particularly evident in Lititz at this time of the year. Vintage decorations, a Nativity in the town’s square, thousands of twinkling lights, festively decorated store windows, Moravian stars and history dating to the town’s founding in 1742 provide the backdrop for Lititz’s family-friendly community events. Here, we share Lititz at this most joyous time of the year, as captured by Donald Reese, who has become Lititz’s unofficial/official photographer.

Twenty-five years ago, Lititz became the focus of national attention when the American Civil Liberties Union issued a notice on December 17, 1993, that the Nativity in the town square – perceived as public property – had to be removed by December 24 or the ACLU would have no choice but to begin the litigation process. As a result, a 36-hour protest took place on December 23 and 24, drawing thousands from near and far, despite the frigid temperatures. A petition, signed by 7,000 people, was presented to borough council. In the end, research saved the Nativity. Records showed that the Nativity was not being displayed on public property – in actuality, the square was still owned by the Lititz Moravian Congregation. The Lititz Area Manger Preservation Society (LAMPS), which was established to further protect the Nativity, assumed ownership of the Nativity early in 1994. One of LAMPS first deeds was to refurbish the Nativity’s figurines, which made their first appearance in 1976. The project was completed in the fall, and the Nativity was rededicated on November 30. LAMPS then relinquished responsibility for the Nativity to the church.

The Moravian Star. The roots of this beloved symbol of Advent and the Christmas season date back to the 14th century, when Jan Hus and his followers sought religious freedom in Moravia and Bohemia (now parts of the Czech Republic). Accused of heresy, he was arrested and burned at the stake in 1415. Hus’s followers eventually found a safe refuge in Saxony thanks to Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf. On his land, they established the village of Herrnhut. Legend has it that in an effort to explain a geometry concept, polyhedron, a teacher at the Moravian Boys School in Niesky, Germany (part of Saxony), created a unique paper star to illustrate his lesson. Students followed suit, and their creations became a sensation – people were intrigued by them. Christian Madsen, a student at the Niesky school, created the ultimate star in 1820. His star included 110 points. As the school was celebrating its 50th anniversary, it included Madsen’s star in its Christmas decorations. In 1880, Pieter Verbeek, who was a graduate of the school, opened a bookstore in Herrnhut and began selling the stars, which had come to symbolize the Advent season in the Moravian Church. The stars were so successful that Verbeek registered a patent for them in 1925. His son, Harry, carried the venture a step further when he launched the Herrnhut Star Factory, which conducted business on a worldwide basis. It operated until World War II, when it was destroyed by fire. The East German government reopened the factory and operated it for a brief time but turned it over to the Moravian Church in the early 50s. Today, the factory is known as the Abraham Durninger Company. Lititz is home to a source for Moravian Stars – the Moravian Mission Gift Shop (2 Church Avenue), which is filled with stars of all sizes and made from everything from plastic to glass. Proceeds from the shop’s sales benefit the Lititz Moravian Congregation’s mission work, both locally and internationally.

Lititz Moravian Congregation will host six Christmas Vigil Services on December 16, 23 and 24. Depending upon availability of tickets, they are open to the public. Visit lititzmoravian.org for details.

Santa and Mrs. Claus play an integral role in the annual Lititz Hometown Christmas celebration being held December 8. In addition to visiting with the Clauses, kids take part in the annual scavenger hunt that is held in the downtown area. Visit Facebook.com/lititzhometownchristmas for details.

Star-enhanced street lights and the holiday decor of the General Sutter Inn and Bulls Head Public House are reflected on an icy Main Street.

Donald Reese … In His Own Words

1. Where did you grow up, go to school, etc.?

I was born and raised in Akron and graduated from Ephrata High School. My wife, Debra, and I have a daughter, Toriana. Growing up, I had no interest in photography until I was out of school a couple of years and a friend asked if I wanted to go halves on a camera. I said sure, why not, and almost immediately people started telling me I had a great eye for composition and subject matter.

2. Tell us about your photography.

My photography includes nature and scenic images, light painting, infrared cemetery images and just about anything that catches my eye. I have always felt blessed by what I can only refer to as God’s guiding hand. That may sound crazy, but I have had many instances where there is more going on than mere luck. I used to do slide shows for large groups, and almost every time I would start to introduce myself and my work, I would feel this emotional wave coming over me because I knew the images were a result of something bigger than myself.

3. Did you study photography in college, or are you self-taught?

I, basically, got where I am today by learning as I went, looking at lots of images and working with and around talented photographers who shared their insights with me. I worked with Greg Heisey who was an excellent local wedding photographer, as well as Larry Lefever, a Lititz-based photographer who introduced me to “painting with light,” which is part of the technique I use in many of the Lititz images. Most everything I shoot is done on a tripod, using a tablet to control my camera, a flash to light the parts of the scene I want to highlight and time. Using the tablet, I can venture almost 100 yards from the camera, still fire the shutter and flash, and then look at the result instantly without running back to my camera.

4. You, obviously, shoot in all sorts of weather conditions and at all times of the day and night …

I love stormy weather, and that includes snowstorms, pouring rain and whatever dramatic light I can find. I am often practically alone as I brave the nasty weather to find beautiful scenes. I use an umbrella on a pole that shields my tripod and camera in bad weather, but even with my setup, shooting in the rain is just downright miserable. Photography for me is about the whole experience, and looking back at an image can instantly transport me to that moment in time.

I have many memories of shooting in Lititz, from 4-degree winter weather where my gloved hands hurt so bad I could hardly continue to shoot, to driving there and praying I would make it when there was a snow emergency issued – I was determined to get some shots in a foot-and-a-half of snow. I also have wonderful memories of the many downtown people like Gaylord Poling of The Tiger’s Eye who was always willing to share my images on the downtown Facebook page and allow everyone to enjoy my work.

5. How do you find your subject matter, notably the out-of-the-way
farms, etc.?

I literally just drive, look and always have my camera on the seat ready to shoot in an instant. It is not unusual for me to put 100 miles on my vehicle in a day when I am out shooting. This story is about Lititz, but I am also known for my Amish and Lancaster County shots, which I have always felt blessed to live among.

6. You have come to be regarded as the unofficial/official photographer of Lititz. How did you come to do so much photography in and around Lititz? What inspires you about Lititz?

There is something about Lititz that is hard to completely put into words. I can’t tell you how many times people have said my work reminds them of Thomas Kinkade, and I love creating images that have a dreamy quality to them that seems to transport you back to a simpler, more nostalgic time. The Lititz shop windows are decorated with such care, and they are so beautiful. Many times after I am done shooting, I will sit along Main Street on a snowy winter night, listening to Christmas music emanating from the Lititz Mutual building as it echoes through the streets, and I wonder to myself, have I been transported back in time?

One thing I seem to like is cool verses warm and seeing the cold blue outside and the warm inviting inside glow that gives the viewer a unique cozy feeling. The residents of Lititz love their town, and they completely support activities like the Christmas carol sing at the park for example. All these small things come together to help make it a very special town that sets it apart. One example of friendliness in this photo series is the shot taken outside Cafe Chocolate at Christmas time. There was an empty table out front, so I went across the street to Aaron’s Books, and the owner gladly offered me a collection of Christmas classics to put on the table to enhance the shot. Only in Lititz do you get a warm reception like that.

7. Is your work available for purchase at any local galleries or shops?

I do not currently have any place you can see my images except on my website, reesephoto.me. Prints of anything I have taken are available by contacting me there.

Artfully Festive

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As Lori Sturgess demonstrates, celebrating the holidays can be done beautifully and creatively.

You might call Lori fearless when it comes to art. After graduating from McCaskey, she enrolled in the textile-design program at the University of Georgia. She eventually settled in Savannah, where she taught at the Savannah College of Art & Design and, due to her love of music, became involved with the Savannah Symphony. “I got my feet wet with the symphony,” she says of her penchant for becoming involved in fundraising efforts for nonprofit organizations. “Meetings were as old-school as it gets,” she says of the white-gloved ladies who gathered in dining rooms to conduct business.

Her next stop was Marietta, Georgia, where she launched her first company, Lori Betts, Ltd. The company “materialized” when a friend, who was aware of Lori’s artistic talents, invited her to travel with her to Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, where she was introduced to a woman who was in need of some design help. Specifically, she was searching for someone to customize small lampshades for her dining-room chandelier. “She had brought back some wonderful trims and other things from France,” Lori explains.

Lori was game to take on the assignment and hand-painted and embellished the shades. “I thought to myself, ‘I can do this,’” she says of the realization that she could launch a niche business. She shakes her head at the memory of skipping over formulating a business plan and other start-up steps and simply setting up shop. “I always seem to do things backwards!” she admits.

The venture soon translated into hand-painted linens that exhibit such motifs as florals, fruit, botanicals and holiday ornaments. She does remember visiting a friend in Florida, who invited her friends to her home to view Lori’s handiwork and offer honest assessments of her product. “They bought everything I had!” she says.

She then found a showroom at Marietta’s Design Center that was willing to represent her. “Suddenly, I had a $15,000 order to fulfill,” she recalls. At one point, she had nearly 2,000 wholesale clients on her spreadsheet. Success prompted her to hire seven artists and invest in a machine that could transfer her original designs onto the fabric.

After a dozen years, she walked away from the venture and pursued other opportunities. For a time, she marketed dried-flower arrangements for a Dutch company. She worked for Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta. She oversaw the marketing for a designer show house.

She also became infatuated with sculpture that entailed “harvesting” anything that no longer served a purpose and giving it new life as art. The new venture, Recentered Pieces, led Lori and her collaborators to create sculptures for corporate and private clients, urban areas, sculpture gardens and even a dog park. Small sculptures proved to be popular as centerpieces for corporate and benefit dinners. Repurposing even made a leap to her paintings, which exhibit unexpected elements that bring a three-dimensional perspective to the finished product.

Two-and-a-half years ago, Lori returned to Lancaster, where she aimed to continue Recentered Pieces. She was inspired to relaunch Lori Betts, Ltd., when a woman from Washington, D.C. tracked her down in the hopes of buying more linens. “She purchased my linens in Bermuda 15 years ago,” Lori explains. “Considering all the moves I’ve made, she had to work hard to find me.”

Working out of her apartment above Gallery Row, Lori began creating her trademark linens. Occasional shows introduced her to potential clients. Tabletop sculptures, which can be rented, have graced such events as the Lancaster Chamber’s Annual Dinner.

Earlier this year, Lori made the leap and opened a gallery – The Studio – on the first block of North Prince Street. She has added canvas bags and notecards to Lori Betts, Ltd.’s lineup. She is also hosting workshops for budding artists who are welcome to dig through the gallery’s buckets and baskets of harvested elements and create everything from sculptures to memory boxes. She’s also tinkering with the idea of hosting FAM trips for out-of-town designers and event planners in an effort to show what Lancaster has to offer in their fields of interest.

“It’s been a crazy, fun and flattering ride, and I can’t wait to see what’s next,” she says about her roller coaster of a career.

The Studio is located at 52 North Prince Street. Call 717-394-2072 or visit recenteredpieces.com for hours/information.

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