CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Iron Valley Tubing

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The hills that border Lancaster and Lebanon counties have a long history of iron mining. Remnants of that industry are preserved in towns like Cornwall. However, these same hills are now better known for swinging an iron rather than mining for iron. That distinction comes courtesy of Iron Valley Golf Club, which opened in 2000. The course was designed by P. B. Dye and is unique in that it makes use of the terrain’s topographical features on 352 acres overlooking the Lebanon Valley.
While die-hard golfers are not deterred by frozen greens, there comes a time during the winter season when the elements force them to take a break (or head south).
But, it was a shame to let that gorgeous scenery go to waste. So, several winters ago, the folks at Iron Valley closed their driving range and covered it in snow. Iron Valley Tubing was born! The sheer size of the hill (900 feet long with a drop of 130 feet), the stunning views of the Lebanon Valley and the Miner’s Pub (on-site) come together to create a unique opportunity for winter fun for the whole family. Visitors come from as far away as New Jersey to hit the hill.

Visitors who purchase lift tickets are provided with tubes (personal tubes are not allowed). Riders are also required to be at least 40-inches tall to hit the large hill (but, parents are able to link their tubes in a “daisy chain” with children). Those who fall under the 40-inch threshold can tube down a smaller hill. A parent or guardian is required to remain on the premises with riders under the age of 15. Non-riders who prefer to simply watch the action are not required to buy tickets.
The lines tend to keep moving on both the lanes and the lifts. You can spend a few minutes to enjoy the breathtaking view and then you’re headed down the hill again.
Iron Valley Tubing offers a variety of all-day sessions on weekends and holidays (and whenever the Cornwall-Lebanon School District has off due to weather). They also offer limited evening hours during the week. Birthday parties and other gatherings can also be held at Iron Valley. Of course, tubing is dependent on the weather and the facility’s ability to make snow; updates are provided on Iron Valley’s website and Facebook page.
the club house and the Miner’s Pub help to provide some shelter from the cold. The pub, which has a capacity of 100 and offers a children’s menu, welcomes guests on a first-come, first-served basis. For those wanting a quick break from the cold, there is a snack bar downstairs.

Iron Valley Tubing is located at 201 Iron Valley Drive in Lebanon.
Call 717-279-7409 or visit ironvalleytubing.com and Facebook for details.

5 Style Trends from My Generation That Are Making a Comeback

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I have a good long-term memory. Short term, not so much (which is why I have to write everything down nowadays).

But, it’s weird that I can remember certain memories, and in most of those recollections, I remember exactly what I wore.

First grade, I had to wear my acid-wash jean shorts with pink knit shorts sowed into the material underneath, and it came with white lace on the ends of the pink shorts. Then, in sixth grade, I had this awesome vest and a bronze-like bracelet that I begged my mom to buy for me from the mall. It had a sun, stars and other cool charms on it.

Do you ever wonder, “Hey, why aren’t those types of clothes and accessories still trending today?” Even though there are many fashion faux pas to avoid (like parachute pants and neon windbreakers), I have noticed that some fashion trends do come back around after so many decades. Here are five style trends from the 90s that I’ve noticed are coming back:

1. Velvet. I was never a big fan, but I did have a few velvet dresses. I wore one that was half-velvet and half-silk to my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary. My sister was gracious enough to let me borrow her pumps that matched perfectly; unfortunately, I’ve never been one to wear heels gracefully.

2. Flannel. Yes! Here is a trend that never really went out of style for me. I owned a few shirts then, and I own a few shirts now. I could always rely on my dad’s closet while growing up, just in case I needed an oversized, grungy flannel shirt for the day.

3. Chokers. Every girl growing up in the 90s had at least one of these bad boys. My daughter, who is now 6, has about 20 (one to match every outfit, I bet).

4. High-Waist Jeans. I was more of a hip-hugger type of gal during high school, thanks to pop icons like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, but it drove my mom crazy to go shopping with me. She wanted the “mom” jeans, and I wanted my belly button to breathe.

5. Denim jumpers/overalls. The coolest kids in elementary school always wore their denim overalls with one strap on, and one strap off. Both my mom and grandmother made sure both of my straps were fastened securely before I jumped out of the car. But, they couldn’t control those straps while I was in class for eight hours of the day. #Rebel #MicDrop

Do you have any trends you would like to see come back or maybe go down in flames?

Four Weddings

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Today, weddings are as unique as the couples who plan them. The tried-and-true format of a wedding has become more personalized, as couples elect to incorporate family and cultural traditions, sentiment, personal beliefs, spirituality, hobbies, interests, talents, fun and perhaps even pets into the most important day of their lives. As you will discover, it’s those personal touches that help to create heartfelt and memorable events – for couples and guests alike.
It’s also pertinent to point out that Lancaster County has become a premier destination for weddings. One-of-a-kind venues, incredible scenery, top-notch catering firms and talented professionals are captivating couples in search of a beautiful place to get married.

Lauren & Travis

A Destination Wedding | May 6, 2017

Their Story
Lauren DeTroia, who is the daughter of Mike and Lois DeTroia of Barnegat, New Jersey, is an account clerk at Towson University in Maryland. Travis Rowe, who is the son of Scott and Sharon Rowe of Fallston, Maryland, is in automotive sales.
Both attended Towson University and met through mutual friends. Their first date in March of 2014 involved ice skating followed by dinner at a Chinese restaurant. They became inseparable and soon adopted a French bulldog, Manny, who immediately became the sidekick of Moxon, who is Travis’ boxer/English bulldog.
On Christmas morning 2015, Travis presented Lauren with a large box to unwrap. It was filled with a succession of smaller boxes. Finally, Lauren arrived at what she thought was the box, only to find it empty. When she looked up to question what was going on, she found Travis on one knee. He proceeded to present her with a beautiful mahogany box inside of which was a sparkling diamond ring. Lauren’s sister was charged with the job of recording the proposal on her iPad, but she was so nervous that she couldn’t keep it level. “You have to tilt your head to watch it,” Lauren notes.
Let the Planning Begin!
Travis had always wanted to get married in a barn, so they plugged “barn wedding venues near us” into Google, only to discover barn venues weren’t really a Maryland thing. Lancaster County offered the most options. Finding a central location was also important – Lauren’s family and friends would be making the trip from New Jersey, while Travis’ would be arriving from Maryland. They visited six venues and settled on Ironstone Ranch. “We knew immediately that Ironstone was the one,” Lauren reports. “The white picket fence and the long road you drive up are enchanting. And, being animal lovers, we liked that you get to see horses, llamas, donkeys and two Texas longhorns!” Guests arrived from New Jersey, South Carolina, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and even El Salvador, where Travis’ aunt is involved in missionary work.
The ceremony took place in the apple orchard, while the reception was held in the Main Barn on the ranch. Everyone had a wonderful time – even the rain couldn’t put a damper on their spirits!
The Theme
The venue perfectly lent itself to Lauren’s rustic-elegance theme. It also meshed with the romantic ambiance she wanted to create. Vintage accents and a proliferation of florals helped to carry out the theme. Her favorite rustic touch was the dessert table that saw cupcakes spilling out of a tipped-over barrel.
Color Scheme
Lavender with mint, sage and tan accents perfectly complemented the early-May landscape.
Floral Story
Lauren achieved simplicity by utilizing baby’s breath and lavender. She notes that her favorite floral accents were the bouquets on the ceremony arch, which was draped in white linen.
The Cake
Lauren and Travis elected to go with a naked cake that featured cherry filling and vanilla frosting. Guests could choose among chocolate, vanilla and strawberry cupcakes.
First Dance
The newlyweds danced to In Case You Didn’t Know by Brett Young.
The Unique Factor
Lauren remarks that in all her life, she’s never attended a wedding in which guests could mingle with horses, donkeys, Texas longhorns and a pig.
Favorite Memory
Lauren says it was the moment they entered the reception through two large barn doors and witnessed their guests and the space come together for the first time. “It was both overwhelming and exciting,” she recalls.
Advice from the Bride
“Have fun! Don’t stress over every little detail and decision. It will all come together in the end,” Lauren says. The cover of the magazine proves her right. Instead of feeling downtrodden about the rain, Lauren, Travis and photographer Thomas Beaman used it to their advantage to capture some gorgeous – and humorous – photographs of them and their guests embracing the fact that a little rain on your wedding day brings good luck to a marriage.
Honeymoon
Following their wedding, the Rowes set off for Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Credits
Photography: Thomas Beaman Photography, Lewisberry
Venue: Ironstone Ranch, Elizabethtown
Wedding Gown: Tesi Bridal & Formal, Northfield, New Jersey
Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair Styling: Hair by Amy J., Owings Mill, Maryland
Makeup: Picture Perfect Makeup by Chrissy, Abingdon, Maryland
Floral Design: Lavender & Locks Floral Design and Flower Farm, Elizabethtown
Catering: C&J Catering, Harrisburg
Cake/Cupcakes: Sweet Confections, Harrisburg
DJ: Lance Kopp with Mixed-Up Productions, Middletown

Photo Highlights
Travis definitely got his wish when he shared with Lauren that he’d like the wedding to be held in a barn.
Lauren provided her father with a special tie that included a heart-felt message.
The couple couldn’t resist posing with one of the farm’s donkeys.
Containers filled with air plants served as party favors.
Carriages were the mode of transportation for the wedding.
Simplicity ruled the floral story – attendants’ bouquets were composed of baby’s breath.
Sparklers provided the newlyweds with a rousing send-off.

Christina & Matt

Amore in the City | October 8, 2016

Their Story
Christina Olindo is the daughter of Michael and Mary Olindo of Sellersville. Matthew Hoover’s parents are Jim and Sharon Hoover of Lancaster. Christina is a reading specialist at the Landisville Primary Center in the Hempfield School District. Matthew is a fifth-grade teacher at Hans Herr Elementary School in the Lampeter-Strasburg School District.
Christina started her career as a student-teacher with Lampeter-Strasburg. After graduating from college in 2012, she became a teacher in the district. It was not uncommon for her to stay late and work on lesson plans. Unbeknownst to Christina, her fellow teachers were conspiring to improve upon her social life. One colleague had just the solution: Christina would be perfect for her brother, Matt. Christina went along with Melissa’s matchmaking plans, and a blind date was arranged. Their first date took them to the Lititz Pretzel Fest.
Obviously, Melissa’s intuition was on target. Two years later, Christina and Matt were in Sea Isle City, where her parents had rented a beach house. She had just completed the most difficult course in her master’s program and was excited to be going to her favorite place in the world: the beach. Soon after they arrived, Matt suggested they take an evening walk on the beach. He was anxious to find shells for a bulletin board project he had devised for his classroom. Or, so he said!
At one point while they were searching for shells, Christina turned her back and Matt took the opportunity to place a special shell in the sand. When she reached it, he instructed her to pick it up. On it he had written, “Will you marry me?” Matt then dropped to one knee and presented Christina with an engagement ring. She said yes, and, according to Christina, “Of course, we took a selfie.” Matt then gave Christina two more shells on which his parents had written personal messages that welcomed her to the family.
The two then returned to the house where a celebration ensued. “It was a perfect moment,” Christina recalls. “We were surrounded by loved ones, and we were in such a beautiful place! Who could ask for more?”
Let the Planning Begin!
There was no question where the ceremony would take place – Historic St. Mary’s Church in the city, where both Christina and Matt attended mass. As for the reception venue, Christina and Matt liked the idea that their guests could simply walk from the church to the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. As there would be a significant number of out-of-town guests, the venue negated the need for driving somewhere unfamiliar. And, since there would be a lull between the end of the service and the start of the reception, the downtown area would provide guests with an opportunity to explore its galleries, shops and restaurants.
However, according to Christina, what really impressed them about the facility was the William Montgomery House, a historic mansion that was preserved and incorporated into the Marriott. The couple utilized the mansion to prepare for the ceremony and to relax before the reception. They returned on Sunday to continue the celebration and enjoy a festive brunch with their wedding guests.
The Theme
Christina and Matt both hail from Italian families, which meant the reception would “be a big, food-filled and fun party!” The resulting theme – That’s Amore! – would honor long-held family traditions, yet incorporate Christina and Matt’s vision, and in doing so, make it a day they would always remember.
Color Scheme
Maroon and gold.
Floral Story
Once again, a colleague was involved! Floral designer Darlene Noll is the mother of one of Christina’s co-workers. “Her arrangements reflected both my personal style and the beautiful fall season,” Christina says.
The Cake
Selecting this item for the wedding is what interested Matt the most. He ended up liking so many of the flavors that Colebrook Bakery presented during the tasting appointment that they decided to go with multiple cakes: chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, lemon cake with raspberry frosting, and white cake with chocolate-fudge frosting.
First Dance
As with the cake, choosing just one song proved to be difficult – she likes show tunes and belting divas, while he’s into alternative and rock. So, they decided to “mash-up” the first dance and begin with Etta James’ At Last and then go back and forth with selections that represented their individual tastes. They ended with Frank Sinatra and Just the Way You Look Tonight.
The Unique Factor
Five elements helped to make this wedding unique:
#1. Matt is a huge fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and, as a surprise, Christina reached out to the team in an effort to buy rally towels in bulk. She wanted guests to be waving them as they entered the ballroom. Incredibly, she was told there was a stash left over from the previous year stored in a warehouse in South Philly. She could have all she wanted … for free. All she needed to do was retrieve and transport them herself. “It looked amazing to see over 200 people waving their towels as we entered,” Christina recalls. And, the towels served as a fun wedding favor.
#2. It wouldn’t be an Italian wedding without the Tarantella. Immediately after the first dance, all the guests formed a circle and danced to a musical mix of three Italian songs – including the Tarantella – which provided a fun kickoff to the party.
#3. Christina and her best friend, Gina, sang in their high school musicals. Gina was not only a bridesmaid, but also the wedding singer. “It was extra special to have someone we love do that for us,” Christina notes.
#4. Matt and Christina had their students compose marriage-advice letters and used them to decorate the cocktail tables. Guests enjoyed reading them; the content of the letters “proved that many of our students are wise beyond their years,” says Christina.
#5. For “something old,” Christina wore her mother’s veil during the reception. “I had the long cathedral veil for our church ceremony, but my mom’s veil was shorter, so it was perfect for dancing. It felt incredibly special to have her pass that on to me from her own wedding day.”
Favorite Memory
Christina names the ceremony as her most memorable moment. Her parents walked her down the aisle of the church and “when we met Matt at the end of the aisle, the four of us exchanged hugs, and then my dad placed my hand in Matt’s. It was so emotional. The promises and vows we exchanged in front of God, our family and our friends were the most important – and memorable – part of the day.”
Advice From the Bride
Christina says that while the to-do list is lengthy, a bride should strive to “find joy in each task, and enjoy each moment” of the journey. She also encourages couples to “reach out to family and friends for help, and utilize the talents and skills of those around you. It will make your day all the more unique and special.”
Honeymoon
Because of their teaching schedules, the Hoovers scheduled a mini-moon to Scottsdale, Arizona, and then enjoyed a belated honeymoon to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, when the school year ended.
Credits
Photographer: Scott Josuweit of Nathan Desch
Photography, Reading
Videographer: Complete Weddings + Events, Lancaster
Reception Venue: Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
Reception Coordinator: Jenny Mercandetti, Lancaster Marriott
Ceremony Coordinator: Camrin Edwards, Reading
Wedding Gown: Casablanca Bridal from Berni Bridal & Formal, Skippack
Attendants’ Gowns: Morilee by Madeline Gardner from Stephanie’s Bridal & Formal, Pennsburg
Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: Central PA Tuxedo, Lancaster
Hair Styling/Makeup: Essentials Studio Salon and Spa, Lancaster
Floral Design: Darlene Noll, Personal Floral Design, Mountville
Catering: Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
Cake: Colebrook Bakery, Manheim
DJ/Band: DJ Joel, Complete Weddings + Events, Lancaster
Organist: Mike Bitts, Lancaster
Rehearsal Dinner: Greenfield Restaurant, Lancaster

Photo Highlights
The maroon aspect of the wedding was reflected in the attendants’ gowns and florals and the groomsmen’s ties and boutonnieres.
The cityscape provided opportunities for some dramatic photography by Scott Josuweit.
Three signature drinks were on the menu.
The gold aspect of the color scheme was carried out in the invitation suite, goodie bags and table linens.
Guests received their table assignments in the form of Lancaster Caramel bags; the treats pay homage to the fact that Milton Hershey launched his career in Lancaster.
Pre-reception cocktail tables were topped with marriage-coaching messages from Christina and Matt’s students.
Matt’s beloved Philadelphia Phillies were part of the wedding – guests waved Phillies towels as the newlyweds entered the reception.

Courtney & Billy

A Country Wedding | October 1, 2016

Their Story
Courtney Steiner, who is the daughter of Keith and Jane Ann Steiner of Fishers, Indiana, works for Soho Properties (sales/marketing in relation to new development in real estate) in New York City. William (Billy) Longenecker, Jr., who is the son of Bill and Betsy Longenecker of Lititz, is the product line manager for Clever Devices (paratransit) in Woodbury, New York.
Courtney explains that like so many young transplants in Manhattan, she and Billy met online through a dating app. Billy asked Courtney if she wanted to meet up to play tennis and get some ice cream. Courtney says little did Billy know that tennis and ice cream were two of her favorite things! It was a “match,” and the two spent the rest of the summer exploring New York City.
Billy proposed to Courtney in Cape Town, South Africa. It just so happened that they were in South Africa for Courtney’s best friend’s wedding (Courtney was the Maid of Honor). After spending the day seeing the sights and scaling Table Mountain, Billy proposed to Courtney in front of all their friends at the V&A Waterfront in the middle of lovely Cape Town.
Let the Planning Begin!
Lancaster County provided the backdrop for this combination hometown/destination wedding. They ultimately chose Drumore Estate for the ceremony and reception. “The gardens, grounds and outdoor spaces at Drumore are spectacular. We knew that we would have several options for our ceremony and reception, rain or shine,” Courtney explains, adding, “Thank goodness for that, because we had to go with our rain option.” Long-distance planning also influenced their decision. “Karyn Regitz, the owner/operator, was a true professional, and we knew that we were in good hands,” Courtney adds.
The Theme
The season, the venue and the rolling, tree-covered hills of Southern Lancaster County perfectly lent themselves to Courtney’s vision of a classic fall garden party.
Color Scheme
Navy blue with gold, orange and hunter green accents.
Floral Story
Courtney’s vision for her bouquet included bright oranges, yellows, pinks and greens. She chose orange calla lilies for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. It was important to Courtney that protea – the national flower of South Africa – be incorporated into the centerpieces, since South Africa provided the setting for Billy’s marriage proposal. Courtney remarks that floral designer, Sandra Porterfield, took her “loose inspiration and totally exceeded everyone’s expectations.” As a finishing touch, Courtney and Billy sourced numerous fall wildflower bouquets from local Amish artisans to place along the aisle for their ceremony.
The Cake
Courtney and Billy chose a white cake design with floral accents. Guests were able to choose between lemon cake with blueberry filling and vanilla cake with chocolate icing.
First Dance
Green Eyes by Coldplay.
The Unique Factor
Every wedding has a hiccup that creates lasting memories. In the case of Courtney and Billy, their pastor had recorded the wrong time for their ceremony. “By the time the ceremony was scheduled to start, the pastor was nowhere to be found!” she recalls. The couple improvised and, according to Courtney, “Instead of making everyone wait, we decided to open up the bar and start cocktail hour. All of our guests loved this – old friends got to catch up, family members connected, and everyone enjoyed drinks and food before the ceremony started. By the time we got going with the ceremony, all our guests were happy, relaxed and full.” Courtney says because of all the compliments they received, she is convinced that a pre-ceremony cocktail hour should be a new trend.
While rain is not a welcome guest at a wedding, Courtney says that in this case, “The overcast weather and misty rain gave our photos a beautiful glow. Kate Jeffreys did a fabulous job of utilizing the unique conditions to capture the magic of the day.”
Favorite Memory
“There are so many!” says Courtney. “Weddings bring together all the most important people from all over. Seeing all our friends and family was what made the day so special.”
Advice from the Bride
Courtney relates that on the day of her wedding, a bride should “relax and let the professionals do their jobs.” She advises couples to “prepare ahead of time, communicate your expectations and implement a few unique details, but don’t micromanage the process. Your day will be better for it. Also, if you can, surprise your guests with cocktail hour before the ceremony – they will love it!”
Honeymoon
Following their wedding, the Longeneckers headed for St. Maarten in the Caribbean.
Credits
Photographer: Kate L. Jeffreys Photography, Lancaster
Venue: Drumore Estate, Pequea

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Karyn Regitz and Scottie at Drumore Estate
Gown: Country Threads by Gail, Manheim
Attendants’ Gowns: Weddington Way
Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair & Makeup: Tangles Salon, Lancaster
Floral Design: Sandra Porterfield Designs, Holtwood
Linens: Karyn Regitz, Drumore Estate
Catering: Karyn Regitz, Drumore Estate
Cake: Bella Manse, Lancaster

DJ/Band: DJ Mast Productions, Lancaster

Photo Highlights
As the newly married couple made their way down the aisle, guests saluted them with bubbles.
The aisle was lined with wildflower bouquets. The flowers were grown by the Amish.
Floral designer, Sandra Porterfield, contributed to the orange aspect of the color scheme with colorful cala lilies.
Protea, the national flower of South Africa, also figured into the floral design. The floral choice was significant – Billy proposed to Courtney in South Africa, where they were attending a wedding.

Kelly & Daniel

A Wedding at Home | May 20, 2017

Their Story
Kelly Kendig is the daughter of Dennis Kendig of Lancaster and Janola Landis of Culleoka, Tennessee. She is a floral designer at Floral Designs of Mount Joy. Daniel McCaughey, who is the son of Dennis and Susan McCaughey of Lancaster, is the merchandising lead at Western Power Sports in Elizabethtown.
The two met eight years ago when they were both employed by That Fish Place–That Pet Place. “Dan began working there a couple of months after I started, and everything took off from there,” Kelly recalls, noting they began talking in December 2009 and were officially a couple by February.
On December 19, 2015, Dan invited Kelly to accompany him on an early-morning hike – as in soon after sunrise – that took them to the Chiques Rock overlook. Kelly recalls that the morning was “very cold, but it was incredibly peaceful and beautiful. We had the whole trail to ourselves.” Upon reaching the overlook, Dan proposed.
Let the Planning Begin!
Kelly considers the home of her aunt and uncle, Tamara and John Morrow, as her childhood home. “I was lucky to live under that roof for many years of my life,” Kelly adds. “It’s the one place I’ve always felt at home.” She describes the property – family and friends call it “The Mountain” – as a work in progress. “They started with this small shack and transformed it into a gorgeous house,” she says of their Southwest-inspired, art-filled home that has grown and evolved over the years. The property also features amazing landscaping. She always thought it would be a picture-perfect location for a wedding.
Interestingly enough, Dan’s mother, Sue, had the same impression. “The first time she came over to the house, she approached me and said it would be perfect for a wedding someday.” Fortunately, the Morrows were thrilled to make Kelly’s dream of getting married there come true. “There’s tons of love and memories there,” she says.
The Theme
As Kelly and Dan both love the outdoors, woodsy became the theme for the wedding. The surrounding woodland and various gardens lent themselves to the theme. “As we did our planning, we just kept envisioning an intimate, relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful backdrop of trees and flowers,” Kelly explains.
Color Scheme
Mother Nature’s canvas was accented by coral and baby blue, as well as hues of purple and green.
Floral Story
Kelly, who has a degree in ornamental horticulture, reports that this aspect of the wedding was the one she most looked forward to planning. Dan, who has grown to appreciate flowers, gave Kelly full reign, saying he was open to any and all of her ideas. Two friends – Jim Showers and Donna Chillas – gave Kelly and Tamara full access to their gardens. “I cannot express how grateful I am to Jim and Donna for the plant material they provided from their beautifully groomed gardens,” Kelly says.
Floral Designs of Mount Joy owner, Jill Erb, provided most of the flowers for the bouquets, plus all the other floral material, which in Kelly’s opinion, “made everything come together in such a beautiful fashion.” While all the ceremony and reception pieces coordinated, different themes were used throughout the property. For example, table centerpieces, which were designed and made by Kelly, utilized tree branches that were collected in the woods. Moss, succulents and air plants were attached to the branches that rested atop large hosta leaves.
The bouquets (and buffet table) deviated from the woodsy theme and exuded a garden vibe. “My bouquet had lots of different garden flowers,” she says of the hydrangea, roses and peonies she utilized. Her bouquet also had tropical touches that were derived from air plants, cushion protea, succulents and pitcher plants. Her attendants’ green-themed bouquets were designed to include “many different foliages.”
The arch, under which the ceremony was conducted, was in Kelly’s estimation a “beautiful compilation of all the different themes.”
The Cake
The topper cake (raspberry swirl cake with chocolate filling and vanilla icing) continued the floral motif, as the team at The Flour Child artistically decorated it with flowers using a watercolor technique. Guests could choose from three cupcake flavors – marble cake with vanilla icing, cinnamon cake with “spicing” and raspberry swirl cake with chocolate icing.
First Dance
I’ll Be by Edwin McCain.
The Unique Factor
The guest list was limited to 64, which, according to Kelly, made for an “incredibly intimate night. Everyone told us all night long how comfortable they were and how much fun they were having. So many of our guests told us this is what a wedding is supposed to be about.”
Favorite Memory
Kelly explains that she considers her cousin, Paige, to be her little sister. To Kelly’s surprise, Paige performed her own acoustic rendition of Anyone Else But You during the reception. “The song rings very true for me and Dan,” Kelly explains. “Paige was only 15 at the time and had never performed in front of anyone. She completely surprised us; it was so special to watch her sing in front of that many people. It brought Dan and me to tears.”
Advice from the Bride
Kelly advises couples to “take in the entire day! Everything gets a little hectic in the final hours leading up to the big moment, but no matter what, you still end up marrying your best friend, and that needs to be your focus.” Her only regret is not hiring a videographer. “Having the photos is wonderful, and while there are some cell phone videos that were taken that night, I wish we had a video of the entire event.”
Honeymoon
The newlyweds honeymooned in Portland, Maine.

Credits
Photographer: Jill Erb, Angela Sullivan and multiple friends
Wedding Gown: Alfred Angelo Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: Target
Hair Styling: Crystal Hemcher
Floral Design: Floral Designs of Mount Joy
Linens: Floral Designs of Mount Joy
Caterer: Get Smok’d BBQ
Cake: The Flour Child, Columbia

Photo Highlights
Kelly created the centerpieces for the dining tables using foraged tree branches, succulents, moss and air plants.
Kelly was moved to tears when her cousin, Paige, whom she considers to be her little sister, performed an acoustic rendition of a favorite song during the reception.
The arch, under which the ceremony was conducted, united the woodsy and garden floral themes.
The team at The Flour Child carried out the floral theme of the wedding by employing a watercolor technique to decorate the cake.
Art provided added decorative touches for the wedding.

Planting Forward

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For gardeners, the mantra is “next year.” Well, if the non-stop arrival of gardening catalogues is any indication, next year has arrived!

At this time of year, I’m inclined to think back over last year’s growing season and make lists: What did I grow for the first time, and how did it do? What plants did I lose? What mainstays have continued to bring pleasure? My resolutions always include simplifying maintenance as much as possible (but does it ever happen?). And, of course, what has survived the deer browsing?
On this gardening journey, I’d like to highlight several plants that never fail to elicit comments from visitors. Let’s call them my “Wow, what is that, and can I grow it?” plants. All of these plants have done well for years in my Lancaster County acres and are available at fine nurseries.

Spring

I can only grow bulbs that the squirrels don’t dig up, thus mainly daffodils and Tommy crocuses. However, in recent years I’ve tried several ornamental onions. The most impressive one has been the Star of Persia, Allium christophii. Like all alliums, it requires sandy to gritty, well-drained soil in full sun. It should not be planted in a wet spot. The basal clump of foliage withers quickly but pushes up a sturdy 12- to 24-inch stem topped with a dazzling globe of pale lavender to amethyst flower heads 8 to 12 inches in diameter. The flowers are excellent for fresh-cut arrangements; if allowed to mature in the garden, the dried seed heads are stunning in dried arrangements. I once visited a garden where the dried flower heads were spray-painted in bright colors; the effect was miniature fireworks.

Early Summer

For gardeners who like plants with architectural foliage and flowers that look like snapdragons on steroids, Bear’s breeches, Acanthus spinosus, will definitely draw attention. And, “architectural” is not just a descriptive since the spiny leaves are said to be the model for the sculptured leaves that topped the Corinthian columns in ancient Greece. Bear’s breeches is not fussy about soil fertility, but be sure to plant it where you want it to establish because it will creep around in really loose soils and be hard to eradicate because small sections of root left behind will sprout new plants. The bold, deeply-cut, glossy green, thistle-like foliage produces sturdy 3-foot-tall flower spikes with snapdragon-like flowers hooded by spiny, reddish-purple bracts. It’s
very conspicuous!

Summer

On first glance, visitors think the Chaste Tree, Vitex agnus-castus, is a large butterfly-bush (Buddleja davidii) because the flower spikes are similar. However, I strongly recommend against planting butterfly-bush unless you are prepared to remove all the flowers before they produce seed. I have banished it from my garden – it was coming up everywhere, even in the cracks between pavers. Besides, butterfly-bush is now on the invasive plant list of several states.
The chaste tree is a much better plant for several reasons. It is actually a deciduous shrub that dies back to the ground most winters in our area. It should be pruned back to the lower buds in early spring and will push up as much as 4 to 7 feet of new growth by high summer. The plentiful, showy loose panicles of violet-blue flowers – there is also a less-attractive white cultivar – begin to form in early summer and continue through the heat of the season and into fall. It will be covered with butterflies. The grayish-green leaves with five to seven lance-shaped leaflets are fragrant, reminiscent of lavender. There are no pest or disease problems. Deer do not touch it!

A ground-cover and edging plant that grows throughout my borders is Plumbago or Leadwort, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides. This versatile plant deserves to be more widely planted. It is far more interesting than vinca, pachysandra or English ivy, although it is not evergreen. It is an easily grown, mat-forming perennial that spreads by underground rhizomes. Little clusters of gentian-blue, five-petaled flowers appear above the 6- to 10-inch foliage over a long summer to frost bloom period. After that, the shiny green leaves turn bronze-red in autumn.
Plumbago is perfect for interplanting with spring bulbs because the foliage emerges late as the bulb foliage is dying back. It is also ideal as an underplanting for shrubs and in rock gardens. Do not plant it in a wet, poorly-drained site.

Early Fall

Angelica gigas, known as Korean angelica or Giant angelica, cannot possibly go unnoticed in the early fall garden. Everyone will say “What is that?” of this strange and darkly alluring plant.
This self-seeding biennial (blooming the second year with only foliage the first) will grow to a height of 4 feet in part shade. It freely branches and often spreads 3 feet with burgundy stems and deeply cut, bold-green foliage. The deep-plum-colored round buds that look like clubs open into extraordinary domed flowers that are often 8 inches across. It will self-seed generously (the seedlings are easy to identify and rout out). I have noticed it is typically pollinated by white-faced hornets, which fortunately seem to be more interested in the flowers than anyone nearby. In Korea, the dried roots have been considered a medicinal herb for thousands of years.

Fall

No matter how glorious the fall foliage display, the tree in my garden that draws the most attention is the Fernleaf Full-Moon Maple, Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’. It is a low-branched tree that grows slowly to 10-feet high with an 8-foot spread. Its “full moon” shaped, deeply cut, medium-green leaves explode into intense deep crimson in October. The fall color is reliable and stunning. It is one of the best small trees you can grow.

Seasonless

The Asian dawn redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, is a fast-growing – 4 feet per year – large landscape tree that is seen throughout Lancaster County on larger properties. As it matures, it displays deeply fissured bark and a broad trunk that develops elaborate buttressing. The deep-green foliage turns red-bronze in fall.
Available but seldom planted is the cultivar Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Gold Rush’, also called ‘Ogon’ (pictured). It grows somewhat slower than the species, typically reaching 10 to 15 feet over the first 10 years. Its fern-like foliage is distinctively gold-yellow throughout the summer. The fall color is orange-brown.
Dawn redwoods tolerate wet soil, clay soil and air pollution. The gold foliage shows up especially well when the tree is positioned in front of a grove of deep-green conifers like Norway spruces.

Traditional Fare with a Twist

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Owners Jim Rutolo and Mariella “Gracie” Volker describe their Leola restaurant as an “upscale diner.” According to Jim, “We don’t fit into a traditional restaurant category; we’re a hybrid of all things we love about the restaurant business. We serve breakfast all day and have some traditional breakfast items like a diner does, but there’s way more than that on the menu. Plus, we use as many local ingredients as possible while trying to maintain a reasonable price.”

Both Gracie and Jim have backgrounds in the restaurant industry. A Lancaster native, Gracie’s childhood home was above the ice cream parlor and sandwich shop her parents operated. After graduating from Westminster College with a degree in history, she found her way back to Lancaster County, managing a small café and bakery in Strasburg before opening the restaurant with Jim in 2013. She’s also no stranger to the Leola area, having spent time over summer vacations on a family farm outside of Leola.
Growing up outside of Reading, Jim set his sights on becoming a chef at the age of 5. He entered the culinary program in high school and at 16 was running the kitchen at a local restaurant. His experience spans from casual bistro to fine-dining restaurants. He owned several pizza shops, but longed to get back into the kitchen. By then, he and Gracie were married, and they decided to open a restaurant together. The dream came to fruition in 2013 when they opened Gracie’s.

The Leola building’s sense of history and character captivated the couple. “We’re both history nuts, and this is a very interesting building,” Gracie says, explaining that its front has the look of a home, but the rear is divided into several rooms. “One of the neat things about this building is that there are a number of smaller rooms that we can renovate and open as we grow,” Jim says. At one time, the building housed a bakery business operated by the Cooper family, and over the years it was home to two kitchen firms and a number of restaurants.
Gracie’s seats 120 in three dining areas. One of the hallmarks of its décor is the chalk-paint walls, which Gracie has filled with artwork and quotes she’s collected over the years. While most of the art is Gracie’s work, there is a small area in one of the dining rooms where kids can draw. “I want people to feel fed, not just in their bellies, but also in their soul,” she says with a smile.
One of the dining areas also doubles as event space. It has a bit of an industrial feel with a soaring ceiling that ends in a skylight; strings of lights crisscross the room lending a festive feel. The room also boasts several of the seven repurposed (and padded) church pews that serve as seating throughout the restaurant. While it’s a great space for a private party, Jim notes that it isn’t large enough for a wedding reception. Instead, it’s better suited for bridal showers or rehearsal dinners.

The menu features a wide range of items. If you’re a fan of bacon, Gracie’s is your kind of place. There’s an entire bacon menu, and Jim says there are seven different varieties of bacon available, including Irish bacon, caramelized brown-sugar bacon and a local hardwood double-smoked bacon. Guests can even indulge in a bacon sampler. Bacon also accounts for one of the restaurant’s top-sellers – triple bacon BLT, which features three varieties of bacon. Bacon jam is made in-house.
Gracie’s also offers an entire grilled-cheese menu. This is comfort food with a twist that includes bacon jam grilled cheese, extra cheesy grilled cheese (made with three types of cheese and house-made cheese sauce) and pulled-pork grilled cheese (pork is smoked in-house as is ham, chicken and crab cakes). There’s even tomato soup to accompany the grilled cheese sandwiches – here it’s tomato basil bisque. Soups are made fresh daily.
The menu also features salads, cold sandwiches and a variety of locally made chips such as Hawaiian BBQ, sweet potato and cracked pepper. Entrées such as Gracie’s meatloaf, chicken & waffles and shells & cheese (meat toppings are available) are offered on the dinner menu. Jim says spicy hash is the top seller. That’s not all – there’s also a weekend brunch menu.
Gracie’s has an in-house baker, who creates taste-tempting desserts such as maple bacon walnut pie and six degrees of chocolate cake. Custom-ordered cookie trays, pies, cakes and cheesecakes are also available. (Wedding cakes are not on the bakery’s menu.)

Gracie’s is also a place to celebrate special occasions; a themed seven-course tasting menu is offered on Valentine’s Day, while a special Sunday brunch is held on Mother’s Day (reservations are required for both events). Although Gracie’s does not have a liquor license, it welcomes BYOB, plus a BYOB cocktail menu is available.
On-site catering for private parties is available; the minimum is 10 people, and a 24-hour notice is required. Again, the menu offers a twist – how about a chili bar!

Gracie’s on West Main is located at 264 West Main Street in Leola. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations are suggested for weekend dining. Call 717-556-0004 or visit gracieslancaster.com and Facebook.

Winter!

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Reading Seth Dochter’s column about the activities offered at the Regency Ice Rink brought back childhood memories of ice skating and sledding the winter away. I don’t know if it’s my imagination, but when I was a kid (in the dark ages), it seemed as if we had snow on the ground all winter long.
My fist memorable snowfall was the Blizzard of 1958 (February 15-16), when a mere 14 inches fell and knocked out electricity all over the county. The second was in 1961 (February 3-4), when 17 inches of snow blanketed the county. By today’s standards, that’s not impressive, but considering that 40-mile-per-hour winds were whipping, snow drifts were as high as 12 feet. Schools were closed for what seemed like two weeks; each afternoon the neighborhood kids would gather around someone’s transistor radio to listen to the school-closing announcements on WLAN, and each day we’d rejoice when we heard Hempfield would be closed for yet another day. We entertained ourselves with marathon games of Monopoly and gigantic jigsaw puzzles.
When school finally resumed, we were in awe of what the Harrisburg Pike looked like. Barely wide enough for two cars, let alone school buses, the plowed and drifting snow was piled nearly as high as the electric lines. It was scary – you felt as if you were traveling through a white tunnel.
however, nothing is more scary than driving in the snow in the D.C. area. Mere rain showers create complete havoc on the roads, so you can only imagine what snow does. I was a member of a six-person car pool. As my fellow commuters were all from the South, I always had the honor of driving when it snowed.
On the morning of January 13, 1982, it was starting to snow when we left Woodbridge, Virginia, for D.C. By noon it was coming down, and phones lit up all over the region. Carpoolers were determining when they were getting out of Dodge. Needless to say, not a lot of work got done on snow days. The snow grew heavier. The government released its employees en masse at 2 p.m. Private offices did the same. Gridlock ensued. People were in the intersections trying to direct traffic. It took us two hours to drive from the area of the White House to the 14th Street Bridge.
Just as we approached the bridge, we heard on the radio that an airplane had struck it and plummeted into the Potomac River, taking cars with it. That was Air Florida 90, which had sat in the line for take-off at National Airport for two hours after being de-iced. As the plane flew down the Potomac, it was unable to gain altitude because of the ice build-up.
The scene on the bridge was pandemonium. Co-workers of mine were near the impact zone. People were throwing anything that floated from their cars to survivors who were struggling in the river’s icy waters. Seventy-eight people died that day.
Emergency responders were able to turn the traffic around on the D.C. end of the bridge, so we headed up Constitution Avenue in hopes of circling around the National Mall and taking Memorial Bridge. Again, we found ourselves involved in a disaster! The first subway crash had occurred along that route. We were directed to head for Capitol Hill. We encountered yet another disaster. A building was on fire!
Eight hours after leaving our offices, we finally made it back to Prince William County in Virginia. Thirty miles in eight hours. I was exhausted!
let’s get back to Seth’s column. As I said, I remember spending my after-school hours and weekends either sledding or ice skating. It made me wonder if people still ice skate at Long’s Park. Deb Martin Berkoski, the maintenance supervisor at the park, tells me that while there are no signs posted that ban skating, park personnel do not measure or test the ice, and as a result, advise visitors to stay off.
I’m sure a lot of baby boomers have fond memories of skating at the park. As soon as the ice was deemed safe, the place would be packed with skaters. On Saturday nights, a bonfire kept visitors taking a break warm and toasty.
On Sundays, we’d often go skating at Nickel Mines, where we shared the ice with Amish ice hockey teams. I wasn’t crazy about that pond. The ice was always crystal clear, and the water beneath it appeared to be black as night. I was terrified of falling through.
When I think of sledding, I have to shake my head. It’s a wonder we survived. After a snowfall, the boys in the neighborhood would head for a tree-shrouded hill known as Roundtop. They’d pack the snow down on the gravel road that circled the hilltop and create trails through the woods that had varying degrees of difficulty, especially if you went down train-style. It took them days to create our own private amusement park. We’d be up there for hours on end!
Now, when I think back on how dangerous that steep hill was – not to mention the trails that snaked through the trees – I’m thankful to have not suffered a broken bone or worse.
But, the fun wasn’t to last – Route 30 came through and ruined it all. I don’t think I’ve gone sledding since then. And, I can’t remember the last time I went ice skating. Do kids even ask for ice skates and sleds for Christmas anymore? Now, it’s a pain to pull on boots and all the winter gear to take the dog out. I’m ready for spring!
– Suzanne Starling-Long

Resolve to Take the Ice

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It’s time to make those annual New Year’s resolutions. Exercise is usually at or near the top of our lists. But, as we approach the coldest time of the year, ice becomes one of our daily obstacles to doing nearly everything, and that includes exercising.
However, maybe we should embrace the ice from a sports perspective. After all, there’s a lot of fun to be had on the ice. As this is an Olympic year – the Winter Games are being held next month in South Korea – interest and participation increase in sports such as figure skating, ice hockey and curling. The Regency Ice Rink is one local destination that can help bring that kind of fun on the ice closer to home.

In lancaster county, the name Ray Ferry is synonymous with ice hockey. The Rhode Island native played a key role in developing both the Lancaster and Regency ice rinks, as well as the competitive ice hockey programs that exist. He is passionate about the sport and would like nothing more than to make it more accessible to young people.
In an effort to achieve that goal, Ray has launched the ME Hockey program to introduce younger children to the sport. Ray is of the opinion that children should participate in a variety of sports, and by having the free sessions on Saturday mornings, they don’t have to choose one sport over another.
As many of you are aware, participating in youth sports can be expensive. ME Hockey solves that problem by providing the rink and equipment free of charge. Once it becomes obvious that a child enjoys the sport, he or she can begin to piece together their own custom-fitted equipment over time instead of all
at once.
The group size for ME Hockey is limited, and while it is free, you will be required to pay a small membership fee to join USA Hockey for insurance purposes.
The rink also hosts clinics and special programs for children, and it’s home to the Central Penn Panthers Junior and Youth Ice Hockey clubs.

But, ice hockey isn’t just for kids. Currently, there are over 30 men’s teams that play or practice out of Regency. There’s also a women’s team. Clinics are offered, as well.
Regency also hosts public skating sessions on Saturday evenings, which makes for a fun family outing. Skate rentals are available. When you’re ready for a break, you can swing by the snack bar for some drinks and snacks and spend a few minutes warming up in the heated lounge area.
The rink is also available for
private parties.
Recognizing that skating is a great way to exercise, Regency has launched Adult Lap Skating on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings (6:45-8:45 a.m.). Twelve times around the 17,000-square-foot rink equals 1 mile. You can take it at your own pace. Music is provided, and the morning news shows are televised via the on-ice screen.

Regency Ice Rink is located at 2155 Ambassador Circle in Lancaster.
Call 717-391-6065 or visit regencyicerink.com for more information.

Alive and Ticking

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Lancaster County’s history of watchmaking is not solitary in its importance. Cities like Waltham, Massachusetts, and Elgin, Illinois, rivaled Lancaster’s reputation for watchmaking. However, the movement of this “uniquely American way” of watchmaking gained heady steam here and created an industry that’s still respected by collectors and historians alike.

Lancaster in the late 1800s was a mechanized community. Industry flourished. Large- and small-scale farmers made their way to the city to meet crowds of buyers who made the trek from surrounding towns and cities to purchase tobacco. Legislators traveled by rail to our nation’s capital to expand our government west and repair the divide of the Civil War. Deadlines and schedules needed to be met, most of which hinged on the reliability of a good timepiece.
“What’s happening in Lancaster in the 1860s, 70s and 80s is what is happening in other communities where you have access to a market, raw materials and labor. This is the development of the watch industry in the American tradition of watchmaking,” explains Noel Poirier, who is the director of the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia, which began a year-long celebration of it 40th anniversary in November.
Lancaster County watchmaking has its roots in three entities: Adams & Perry Watch Manufacturing Company, Hamilton Watch Company, and Ezra Bowman.
Adams & Perry began a short and turbulent tenure in May 1874, which – due to financial hardships and disagreements between founding members – became the Lancaster Watch Company and later Keystone Standard Watch Company. (Lancaster School District’s high school namesake, J. P. McCaskey, was an original board member of Lancaster Watch Company.)
Keystone Standard operated for less than a decade, but it became the foundation for one of the most recognizable watch companies in the world: Hamilton Watch Company.
Founded in 1892 on the same site as the preceding manufacturers at 901 Columbia Avenue, Hamilton grew to prominence in 1912 with a series of pocket watches devised to standardize the railroad industry’s timekeeping. Dubbed “the watch of railroad accuracy,” Hamilton used the platform to land supply contracts with the U.S. Armed Forces at the outset of World War I.

All the while, Ezra Bowman was proving his father wrong by finding a living in watchmaking. Bowman, who initially made his own watches, opened his Lancaster City shop in 1877 and became a successful retailer and wholesaler of watches. He also shared his love of watchmaking with students and eventually became the eponymous association of the Bowman Technical School, which operated with national prominence – later under the leadership of his son, John – at the corner of Duke and Chestnut streets until 1992.
“The decline in watchmaking in Lancaster is like the decline anywhere else; there was increased foreign competition,” says Noel. “What really kills mechanical watchmaking in Lancaster County is the quartz revolution in the late 1960s and early 70s.”

At its zenith, quartz watchmaking was mass produced primarily by Asian companies. The products were less expensive and did not rely on springs like mechanical watches, which required winding and attention. With quartz watches, a battery sends an electric charge through the quartz crystal, which vibrates at a given rate and allows the watch to measure time. The ease of no winding grew popular.
“People wanted quartz watches … like they want smartwatches now,” says Noel. “Companies like Hamilton were not positioned to do that kind of work.”
Eventually, Hamilton closed the Lancaster facility and moved its headquarters and production to Biel, Switzerland. The Hamilton legacy remains under the direction of the Swatch Group. “Technically, Hamilton hasn’t gone away. It’s just changed where it is produced,” Noel explains.
Brent L. Miller Jewelers & Goldsmiths is the sole authorized dealer of Hamilton watches in the area. To celebrate Hamilton’s 125th Anniversary, the museum showcased several pieces from its collection, as well as a scale model of the factory building and pieces developed for avionics, at a special event that was held at the store last fall.

The art of watchmaking in Lancaster County is not confined to museums. Out of a former bank building at 801 West Main Street in Mount Joy, Roland G. Murphy is turning out luxury timepieces manufactured and assembled in-house. From movements to dials, these ornate timepieces straddle the line of function and fine art. RGM Watch Co. celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.
“I want to build watches like they used to be built, when people took pride in what they did and they built things to last,” says Roland, who trained at Bowman and worked for Hamilton in Lancaster.
Roland Murphy is bringing back what Noel Poirier calls a “uniquely American way” of watchmaking. Indeed, prior to watchmaking industrialization, which spawned companies like Adams & Perry, the business was a cottage industry. “The watchmaker was an assembler of parts that he purchased from other parties,” Noel continues. “What was happening in the United States was all the operations were happening under one roof.”
Ninety percent of the components for RGM’s watches are manufactured in-house or come from Lancaster County craftsmen. There are 20 different RGM watch models. Part of The Pennsylvania series, the PS-801-E features a hand-cut guillochéd dial with Arabic numerals and blued steel hands incorporating a keystone. This model, about mid-range in price for an RGM watch, starts at $9,700. Specialty and commemorative watches can fetch upwards of $95,000. There is no plating or coating on an RGM watch. “We make specialty mechanical watches. For me it is important that they last and can be refinished,” says Roland.
“There really isn’t anyone who is producing watches like RGM,” adds Noel.

Back at the Watch & Clock Museum, Noel says their collection of Lancaster County timepieces is a point of pride. Over the years, they’ve become the unofficial historian of the Hamilton brand.
“We take our responsibility to our home community very seriously, as it fits into our overall international mission,” he concludes.

National Watch & Clock Museum. 514 Poplar St., Columbia; 717-684-8261;
museumoftime.org

Brent L. Miller Jewelers & Goldsmiths. 1610 Manheim Pike, Lancaster; 717-569-5450;
brentlmiller.com 

RGM Watch Co. 801 W. Main St., Mount Joy; 717-653-9799;
rgmwatches.com

FOR THE LOVE OF ALPACAS

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 After graduating from high school, Sue Zurin became a payroll & billing clerk at Gerberich-Payne Shoe Co. in Mount Joy. Now, she handles the books for her own business — Eastland Alpacas, a venture she shares with her husband of 42 years, Kevin Zurin. 

If you were to go online to Trip Advisor and research Eastland Alpacas, you would see a five-star rating. It seems people just love visiting Sue and Kevin’s alpaca farm in Mount Joy. Alpacas are known for their gentleness, docility and cuteness — not to mention their fleece or “fiber,” which is used to make incredibly soft yarn for items like clothing, rugs, etc. Their popularity has soared in the United States over the years.

It was 15 years ago that Kevin approached Sue about purchasing alpacas for their farm. Their youngest child (of three, two girls and a boy) was graduating from high school, and Kevin figured it was a good time for two empty nesters to do something fun for themselves. Plus, they had just built a spacious new barn.

Sue was game, but after learning out how much a female alpaca would cost, she balked, saying, “No way are we spending that much money on an animal!” At the time, alpacas were considered exotic animals, and a female could range in price from $12,000 to $30,000. Today, however, they are regarded as livestock.

In 2002, Kevin read in the newspaper about two males for sale and persuaded Sue to check them out. The rest is history.

They started out with two non-breeding pet males just to see if they would like them. “After we purchased them we realized we didn’t like them – we loved them,” Kevin says of the lovable and huggable animals. “It is calming to be around these peaceful creatures,” Sue shares.

Seeing alpacas grazing in Lancaster County fields was a novelty at the time. Sue remembers how cars would drive by Eastland’s pastures and slow down or even come to a complete stop. “I’m surprised we never had an accident out front due to onlookers,” she remarks.

Kevin and Sue eventually purchased female alpacas, which arrived already bred (and came with a free re-breed offer). They gradually invested in other females in order to begin building a herd. Over time, they also invested in several stud alpacas.

It took about five years to develop a good-sized herd. Today, the herd numbers over 100 alpacas, with more being added through births. “A cria is a baby alpaca,” Sue explains. The gestation period for an alpaca is 11-12 months. Mother and cria communicate by means of a low, gentle hum.

If a grown alpaca gets annoyed with another alpaca, he or she will make a little squeal or they may have a “spit battle.” It is a misconception that an alpaca will spit at people like llamas are reputed to do.

Sue and Kevin also have two llamas. They are mainly used for educational purposes and to demonstrate the differences between llamas and alpacas. The llamas are bigger animals and weigh 260-360 pounds, whereas the alpacas are smaller and weigh between 150 and 200 pounds. They’re also much easier to handle, especially at shearing time. Both breeds are sheared once a year, in the spring, which helps them to tolerate the summer heat.

The Zurins host an open house the first two weekends of November as a way of educating people about alpacas. During the event, attendees can tour the farm, view the animals and participate in activities. The whole family helps with this event, as do friends. In 2016, more than 8,500 people attended the four-day event.

Sue’s favorite part of the business is operating an on-site store, which she stocks with a wide variety of items made from alpaca fibers: sweaters, gloves, jackets, scarves, hats, socks, sofa throws, rugs, yarn, and the list goes on. The store is open year-round – January through October by appointment, while regular hours are maintained Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. throughout November and December.

“The hardest part of raising alpacas is parting with them when they are sold,” Sue confides. However, she takes comfort in knowing the animals are going to good homes. In fact, the Zurins remain in contact with the buyers long after their “babies” leave the farm.

For more information, visit eastlandalpacas.com. 

 

 

Café 24 Hundred | A Christmas Buffet and More!

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With the holidays quickly approaching, you’re most likely checking your list and making preparations for festive family gatherings. But, what are your options if your family has dwindled or if you don’t feel like preparing or have space to host the traditional holiday dinner? As you’re probably aware, there aren’t a lot of options for dining out on Christmas Day. However, Café 24 Hundred at The DoubleTree Resort Lancaster is the exception  —  the restaurant will be serving a Christmas buffet!

“We find there’s a need for the Christmas buffet for both our hotel guests and for local families. There aren’t really many other options; this is the one day that most other restaurants are closed,” says Lisa Sellers, director of sales and marketing. “It’s perfect for small family groups — coming here can help keep the family tradition of being together on Christmas alive,” adds food and beverage manager, Craig Tillman.

Café 24 Hundred’s Christmas Buffet is served from 1:30-4:30 p.m. and is available by reservation only. Tables — a mix of tables, booths and banquettes — in the 90-seat dining room will be draped with linen, and the room itself will be adorned with festive holiday decorations.

The menu will feature salads (including Caesar and fruit); soups; peel-and-eat shrimp; carved meats such as cider-glazed ham and slow-roasted prime rib; citrus-and-sage-roasted turkey with cranberry marmalade; pasta station; garlic and herb tilapia; seafood Newburgh; red skin mashed potatoes; sweet corn; green beans almandine; and rolls and butter. Rounding out the menu will be a selection of desserts including petit fours and warm cranberry-and-walnut bread pudding. Cost for adults is $36.99; children ages 9 to 12, $13.99, and children 4 to 8, $8.99.

The adjacent lounge, which along with a deck for alfresco dining, seats 50. It will be offering a limited selection from its light fare menu on Christmas. The lounge will maintain its regular weekday operating hours of 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Seating is at the bar, hi-tops, tables and booths. There are three large-screen TVs behind the bar.

Café 24 Hundred opened when the property, formerly the Willow Valley Resort and Conference Center, became affiliated with DoubleTree Resorts by Hilton in 2010. Lisa explains that the “24 Hundred” in the restaurant’s name refers to its address. “We’re more than a hotel restaurant. We want people to stop in for lunch, dinner or even a quick bite and a drink,” she adds.

“We use local ingredients such as meats, cheeses and vegetables. It’s a way of giving guests a taste of Lancaster County,” Craig notes.

The menu changes twice a year in order to showcase seasonal ingredients. There are daily soups, as well as seasonal salads, appetizers such as wings (perfect for watching football), sandwiches and entrées. The signature 24 Hundred burger is topped with bacon, cheddar cheese and served on a brioche bun. There’s also a signature salad that features seasonal ingredients — for fall/winter the 24 Hundred salad features sundried cranberries, toasted almonds with a citrus vinegar and olive oil dressing.

The dinner menu even features a selection of “Willow Valley” comfort foods such as fish & chips, spaghetti and meatloaf. The bar menu features mussels, black bean hummus and a warm soft pretzel snack board (definitely a nod to Lancaster County).

There’s also a bit of a regional taste in the beverage area. Craig points out that selections from regional breweries such as Troegs and Lancaster Brewing Company are on tap. They also change seasonally.

Craig notes the Christmas Day buffet is not the only special holiday offering at Café 24 Hundred. Holiday brunches in the DoubleTree’s Palm Court are offered for Easter and Mother’s Day, and there’s also a special Thanksgiving Feast. “Many people remember the Sunday brunches we used to have in Palm Court as Willow Valley. We haven’t done those in quite some time. Now, that space is used for special functions. But, the holiday brunches are a way people can experience Palm Court dining again,” Lisa says.

 

Café 24 Hundred is located at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster. Breakfast hours are 6-11 a.m.; lunch is served 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and dinner is served 5-10 p.m. daily. Lounge hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Reservations are suggested for weekend dining and for special holiday buffets. Call 717-464-2711 or toll-free 888-251-4379, or visit doubletreelancaster.com/dining and Faceboo

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