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
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
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
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!
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
Christmas Magic
Last year, photographs of the Pinetown Bushong’s Mill Covered Bridge seemed to be everywhere. While Lancaster’s covered bridges are legendary — with nearly 200 covered bridges, Pennsylvania has the most of any state — this one could be described as magical due to the Moravian Stars that decorated the inside of the 124-foot-long bridge during the 2016 holiday season. We can only hope that the stars reappear this year!
The bridge, which spans the Conestoga River at Pinetown and Butter roads in Upper Leacock Township, was built in 1867 – it’s celebrating its 150th birthday – by Elias McMellen. Officially christened as Big Conestoga #6, the bridge has been known as Pinetown Covered Bridge, Nolte’s Point Mill Bridge, Bushong’s Mill Bridge and Pinetown Bushong’s Mill Covered Bridge.
The bridge has a storied history; it was destroyed by flood waters associated with Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Thanks to a petition started by residents of the area, the bridge was rebuilt by Amish craftsmen a year later. However, despite having raised the bridge more than 17 feet above the average water line, it was once again impacted by flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. It was repaired and reopened to traffic in 2014. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
All Aboard for Christmas!
In the eyes of some eager youngsters — and nostalgic old-timers — a train is as synonymous with Christmas as are those stockings hung by the chimney with care. While the Tannenbaum’s peak has its star or angel, in many American homes, the space under the lowest boughs is reserved for a model train. Obviously, there’s a reason why you can’t spell choo-choo without Ho, Ho … HO!
According to the folks at the National Toy Train Museum in Strasburg, toy trains (made of wood) date back to 1860s Europe. Electric trains made their debut as window displays at the turn of the 20th century.
Lionel was the first and remains the most recognizable — and collectable — model train on the market. One of the most sought-after model trains is the “Brute,” a Buddy L-sized locomotive owned by one of the country’s most prolific collectors, Al Cox, who put a $1-million price tag on his rare collectable.
In 2006, a Lionel 20th Century Limited State Set consisting of a 400E black locomotive engine sold for $253,000 at auction. This record-setting sale goes well beyond what is found living in attics 11 months out of the year only to surface as a holiday decoration. As I discovered, some people take model trains very seriously, which led me to Ephrata …
Short Line Model Railroad Club
The 4,960-sq. ft. basement of 11 South State Street is home to the Short Line Model Railroad Club, a collection of more than 25 enthusiasts who have dedicated hours of their time to creating one of the most magnificent model railroad displays in the area. Entering from the back of the building (which is currently for sale, but still houses the club) via Sugar Alley, I met club president Sean Gaston, who was joined by a handful of members one Thursday evening for a regular, weekly work session. I was stunned at the sheer magnitude of the permanent display.
First, I had to learn the lingo. According to Sean, there are eight predominant sizes, or scales, in model railroading, with HO being the most prolific; at 1/87 scale, it is the third smallest. The largest scale in model railroading is Standard, with a 1/27 ratio of the model to a real train.
The club’s HO set-up symbolizes (more than replicates) a section of the Pennsylvania Reading Anthracite Line running from Sunbury to Reading. Miniature coal carriers, passenger trains and supply cars run on east- and west-bound main lines through detailed towns similar to those found on the actual, now defunct, coal line; the towns in the display are named after past club members. During a full operation, the club will run three trains on each of the two main lines.
“What you do when you are creating a model railroad is pick an era and a region,” Sean explains. “When you get into model railroading, it’s just as much learning about history as it is learning about model railroading.”
The Short Line Model Railroad Club, which was founded in 1989, represents the transition era of the 1950s, when steam engines and locomotives were sharing the tracks. During my visit, the club was hard at work creating a new logging line, which promises to be detailed with cut timber, foresting equipment and new buildings; it will be up and running in time for the club’s annual open house this holiday season. “The old saying in model railroading is that your model railroad is never finished,” Sean remarks. “We are constantly changing and working on things.”
Many of us can remember operating electric dials and levers to control our model trains, always hoping to go just fast enough to make the turns at an exciting speed without having the train derail. Today, train operation is controlled digitally. Sean pulls out his iPhone and, with a touch of an app, he has control of all the trains on the layout.
“It takes a lot to maintain a layout this size,” he observes, referring to both the manpower and the man hours that go into the setup. The detail is phenomenal. If you go, see if you can find Jimmy Hoffa! (He’s there.)
11 South State St., Ephrata. Open Saturdays and Sundays through January 14, 2018, 1-4 p.m. (admission by donation). For more information, call 717-355-5510 or visit slmrc.com.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Children have a special attraction to full-size trains. A testament to this fact is the popularity of the Christmas with the Conductor Parties that are held at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg. On two Saturdays in December (this year’s dates are December 2 and 9) the museum opens one of its historic railroad cars for little guests and their parents who get to enjoy a special reading of a holiday classic story, create a craft in Jack Frost Station, and leave with a small bag of goodies and their special golden ticket punched. Kids can even send personal telegrams to the North Pole and visit Santa in Steinman Station.
“They are very popular. We book those parties in advance, and they sell out,” says Museum Director Patrick Morrison. “In December the museum will look very festive,” he continues. “It is a different feel at Christmas time here.” The festive look sets the stage for another family-friendly event, Home for the Holidays, which is also being held December 2 and 9.
Patrick, whose favorite Christmas movies are National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story, saw a spike in interest with trains when the book, The Polar Express, was published in 1985.
“The book has always been something that I’ve enjoyed, and I think a lot of our visitors have enjoyed it, too. But, a whole new generation of interest in railroads picked up with the movie,” he notes. “It has increased interest in places like the museum.”
300 Gap Rd., Strasburg. For details, call 717-687-8628 or visit rrmuseumpa.org.
The Business of Decorating for the Holidays
For many businesses, the holidays have a decided effect on the bottom line. For some, holiday décor is the element that sets them apart. However, business establishments are conscious of the fact that they must walk a fine line between celebrating the season and not offending those who do not observe Christmas. Gene Marks, who is Jewish and wrote on the subject for Inc. magazine, offers a perspective that might explain why the month of December may be the most wonderful time of the year for people of all beliefs: The season “spreads joy.”
If you grew up in Lancaster, the holidays usually entailed a trip downtown to view Watt & Shand’s windows. The huge window on the corner was always magical. I remember how it shimmered and glowed. And, it was always filled with an amazing assortment of toys and larger-than-life stuffed animals in the weeks following Thanksgiving. With the approach of Christmas Eve, the window would become majestic, as it paid homage to the night on which Christ was born. The window was always a perfect balance of dreams and wonder.
Studies have shown that businesses that decorate for the holidays reap benefits that extend beyond the bottom line. Holiday décor creates a warm and inviting environment. It puts customers and employees in good moods. And, holiday décor in a commercial setting is an attention-getter that creates the kind of buzz that is priceless. People remember it long after it disappears — Watt & Shand’s windows, for example — and make a point to return to see what the next year brings.
We asked two business owners – Bob Fenninger, who owns the restaurant FENZ, and Cle Berntheizel, who owns the multi-faceted venue Garth — for their perspectives on decorating for the holidays.
FENZ … Achieving the Right Balance
Bob Fenninger isn’t sure when decorating restaurants for the holidays became a phenomenon, but his guiding light has always been Gramercy Tavern in New York, where the restaurant’s staff – led by an in-house decorator and a floral designer – swing into action right after midnight on Black Friday and complete the transformation by lunch time. “It’s always stunning,” he reports.
While Bob doesn’t have an in-house decorator or a floral designer on staff, he does have Skip Bickert, who helps to manage the restaurant when he isn’t making decorating plans for the holidays. Skip is a local legend – the farmhouse he once lived in at the intersection of Fruitville Pike and Petersburg Road was always a must-see at holiday time. “People still remember the blue lights I used,” he says. Now, his home in the city attracts a steady stream of passersby over the holidays.
Bob appreciates Skip’s non-traditional approach to holiday decorating. “Everyone likes sparkle and lights,” Bob theorizes. “And, that’s Skip’s forte – the look isn’t about a specific holiday, rather it’s about providing a festive backdrop for celebrating a family get-together, a job well done, office camaraderie, life-long friendships or even a life-changing event.” FENZ is celebrating a milestone of its own this year – its 10th anniversary.
Skip begins to contemplate next season’s look as he removes the current year’s holiday decorations. He shops year-round but gets serious after Labor Day, when his main mission is to find the perfect ribbon.
The world is his oyster as far as ornaments are concerned. He shops big-box stores, specialty shops, garden centers and catalogues to find what he needs. Look closely and you’ll discover a lot of the ornaments are made of plastic; 
diamond dust, glitter and faux jewels transform them into objects of beauty. “There’s a lot of wear and tear, plus breakage,” he explains of the economics that are involved. Recycling also figures into the game plan. “We change things up, move them around, and it all looks brand new,” he says.
Skip also uses the tried-and-true white twinkle lights. “I’m not a fan of LEDs for interior spaces,” he says, noting he buys two or three cases of lights each year. As much as Bob and Skip would like to use natural trees and greens, longevity doesn’t allow it. “You almost have to work with faux,” Bob notes.
Last year’s décor played off the sienna and acid-green color scheme that defines the restaurant. Silver ornaments added the sparkle element. “The colors need to be tight,” Bob points out.
Skip works on the display over Thanksgiving weekend. “I’m always amazed by the number of people who follow it and ask when it will be done,” Bob comments. The effort goes into full gear on Sunday, when the restaurant is closed. Staff members, family and friends join Skip and Bob in transforming FENZ. “It’s become kind of a party,” Bob reports. “People just like to help.” By Sunday night, the “restaurant is glowing,” he notes. Then, it’s all hands on deck, as December equates to a full house. “Between parties and dinner reservations, we’re on track to have a busy holiday season,” says Bob.
FENZ: 398 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster. Open Sundays in December. Fenzrestaurant.com or 717-735-6999.
Garth – The “Art” of Decorating
“It took me a while to notice that the word ‘art’ was in my name,” says Cle Berntheizel of his middle name, Garth. You might call the discovery serendipitous. Today, Garth entails an array of artful enterprises under one roof: gallery, framing, event venue and a cafe.
Cle originally operated his frame shop out of the basement of his home on Chestnut Street in Columbia. Tiring of his solitary existence, the outgoing Cle looked to relocate his shop to the downtown area. In 2009, he found the perfect location on South Second Street and set up a frame shop and gallery on the first floor.
Incredibly, the building provided Cle with a sense of “home.” Built in 1870, it was originally the site of the Boston Five & Dime store. From 1920 to 1933, its second floor served as the headquarters of Columbia’s first American Legion post, which was co-founded by Cle’s great-grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Cleon N. Berntheizel, and 
General Edward Shannon, both of whom had served in France and played roles in founding the national organization. “To think that my great–grandfather attended meetings and socialized in this building is kind of amazing,” Cle says.
When the second floor became available, Cle took it over. He expanded the gallery and opened a café. Then, it evolved into an events venue, hosting everything from birthday and 
anniversary parties to showers and weddings. In July of this year, Cle purchased the building; he is making plans for further expansion into the outdoors and basement. “The ideas never shut off,” he laughs.
Cle loves the holiday season, and Garth fully reflects that fact. “I’ll admit, I like to take it a little over the top,” Cle confesses. The building, he notes, provides the perfect backdrop for holiday decor. “The windows and the floors reflect the lights,” he points out. “It’s kind of magical.”
Cle explains that the décor serves as a backdrop for clients’ holiday parties and as a thank-you of sorts – each December he hosts a holiday party for clients, friends and family. “I want it to be really special,” he says of the evening’s festivities that feature food, beverages, live music and most of all, friendship. “I really wish my 
parents were here to see what Garth has become,” he says, noting that Garth the Frame Shop is currently working on its largest art installation to date — the new wing of Donegal Mutual Insurance Company. “It’s huge for us,” he says.
Themes for the venue’s holiday decor are formulated a year or more in advance. Fortunately, he has a very creative partner in Kerry Kegerise, who is a floral designer and owns the event venue Bear Mill Estate in Denver, as well as a creative friend, Dawn Fisher, who has designed displays for the National Christmas Center. He bounces ideas around with Kerry and Dawn and they help him with the decorating.
Last year’s theme was White Christmas, while this year’s will be retro, as the decor will celebrate the 50s and 60s. Knowing that retro would be 2017’s theme, Cle spent a good portion of 2016 looking for ornaments and other decorative items. “We’ll work on it Thanksgiving weekend and have it ready for the December 1 exhibit opening,” Cle promises.
Garth: 22 S. Second St., Columbia. A Miniature Holiday Exhibit will open Friiday, December 1, 6-9 p.m. Garthart.co or 717-847-1718.
Dishing with Lancaster’s Savvy Home Entertainers
Two of our favorite books for inspiring recipes and entertaining tips are Park Avenue Potluck and its sequel, Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations — a compilation of recipes and secrets to elegant home entertaining, from the most accomplished grand dames and socialites of New York City. In honor of the first Potluck’s 10th anniversary, we asked some of Lancaster’s party-savvy hostesses to open their homes and share their essential “secret weapons” for home-entertaining success.
Jeanette Hines – California Casual
Originally from California and now a Lancaster County resident, Jeanette has imported a “California casual” air to her style of entertaining. Rarely hosting a sit-down dinner, she instead allows guests to “enjoy things as they will, when they will.”
A custom-made cocktail is her signature, and it’s different at every party, often setting the theme. When traveling, she takes notes and tips from bartenders and brings innovative mixologists’ recipes home to share with friends in her suburban home. For our photo shoot, she made one of her fave signature drinks, Hibiscus Sparkling Kiss.
Jeanette’s “Bubble Bash,” thrown every February, is well-timed to “bring sparkle to a lull season of the year,” she says. “Guests bring their favorite bubbly, and wear winter white.” And, a diverse mix of vibrant people keeps it interesting for both guests and the hostess.
Another entertaining essential for Jeanette: Gougères — French cheese puffs — are deliciously retro. Jeanette’s tried-and-true recipe is from a 1960 issue of Home and Garden magazine!
Mary Chairs — Back to the Classics
Weeks of planning and engraved invitations are not Mary Chairs’ style. She prefers the relaxed elegance of a last-minute dinner party, with “good friends” being the most important ingredient. Her casual dinners often include 15 to 20 guests, and not necessarily couples.
Mary returns to the classics for her menu choices, and a never-fail is her recipe for Tenderloin of Beef with Horseradish Cream. “Served with a simple salad or grilled asparagus, perhaps a bit of olive oil and Feta cheese,” she describes, “it’s no-fuss at the last minute.” All can be prepared well ahead of her guests’ arrivals, then assembled and ready whenever the hostess senses the perfect time to summon everyone to the table.
Her nod to the classics continues in her presentation, the entrée served on a traditional silver platter with horn handle serving pieces. “This recipe felt like home,” she says of her signature centerpiece for her at-home entertaining. From her usual spot behind the kitchen island, she can preside over her free-flowing dinner parties as an observer and a participant, which are centered in her kitchen and dining room.
Deborah Barber – City Chic for a Crowd
“I don’t cook; it’s not my jam,” says Deborah Barber, surrounded by white faux fur pillows, contemporary artwork and retro furnishings in her penthouse loft in Lancaster’s historic East Side. “When food is involved, it’s either because a caterer is bringing it, or it’s super simple.”
Deborah and her husband, Rob, understand the “theater” aspect of home entertaining, with both holding long-time careers in live-event production, design, lighting and set construction. For their entertaining, it’s all about creating an experience — and making it a sensory treat.
“From the moment people hit the door, the experience unfolds,” she explains. Her go-to candle is Labo: Cade 26, an earthy, moody, smoky scent. Music — “the heartbeat of the party” — is “always funky, always edgy and slightly louder than I think it should be.” Guests are visually dazzled by the open space and its eclectic décor, which Deborah describes as “artwork meets industrial meets amazing views. The roof deck is truly something special, offering one of the best views in the city.”
Her signature cocktail may be as simple as a beautiful stem of Prosecco punctuated with a hibiscus flower, or her latest passion, Casamigos Tequila Reposado (the tequila brand created by George Clooney). Whatever the beverage, it is served in glassware — no red Solo cups allowed!
When the menu is of her own making, sweetly simple figs drizzled with honey, high-quality cheeses, rustic bread, almonds and dried peaches often join a spicy Thai beef. When sourced from a caterer, Deborah prefers to offer up something unexpected, like an octopus ceviche. “Nothing beats passed foods and drinks that are ready to go,” she says. “A bartender is a must.”
The Barbers’ guest lists often range from 150 to 350, numbers that are easily accommodated in the committed city dwellers’ spacious loft. They often use their unique space to host fundraising events for local causes that are near to their hearts, including Habitat for Humanity, Music for Everyone and Leadership Lancaster, from which Deborah is a graduate and current board member. “Rob and I want to give back to the community through the organizations we support,” says Deborah. “We are about the spirit of being grateful that we have this space and are able to give back to the city.”
Her advice for a successful party? “Mix up the guest list and let the fun unfold.”
Sherry Qualls – Seasonal Sunday Suppers
With collections of family heirloom china inherited by both she and her Southern-born husband, Scott, Sherry Qualls loves the formal side of entertaining. Sunday Suppers for six to eight are perfectly intimate and strategically timed to allow her the luxury of a day to pull together a visually stunning table of her family treasures.
Sherry keeps the menu simple but elegant, usually offering three courses of a soup or salad, entrée and light dessert. A favorite go-to is Coq au Vin, able to be prepared well ahead and perfect for a winter’s night. Changing her menu with the season, Sherry also opts for the Silver Palate Cookbook’s heart-warming chili. “Spring might be an angel hair pasta with light cream and mint, and summer is all about grill time,” Sherry says. “Fall might be a pumpkin chutney, with or
without sausage.”
A career opportunity at Armstrong Industries brought Sherry to Lancaster. Fast forward a few years when she had the opportunity to buy an established advertising and marketing firm, White Good. The couple has lived in their graciously scaled Lancaster city home for just over 20 years. Scott, who serves as her “sous chef for entertaining,” enjoys shopping at Central Market, while Sherry stays closer to the kitchen when preparing dinner.
Her must-have recipe is a savory-sweet hors d’oeuvre she calls “Granny Crostini,” a decades-old classic from Bon Appetit magazine, which is made with green Granny Smith apples and crusty bread, topped with white cheddar cheese and toasted. Simple to assemble, they can be ready in minutes.
Check Out Recipes From Our Hostesses’ Collections
Holiday Central
You name the holiday, and Nathan Mountain and Glenn Taylor decorate their home for it. The décor for Christmas involves at least a dozen trees, floral accents, vintage items, a collection of nutcrackers, homemade stockings, a beloved nativity and a gazillion lights. And, the calendar is filled with non-stop dinner parties!
In the late 80s, Nathan became intrigued by a farm in West Hempfield Township. The 2-1/2-acre property held two barns (one of which was falling down), a corn crib, a milk house and what Nathan calls a turn-of-the-century, 4-over-4 Pennsylvania Dutch-modern farmhouse. The acreage was part of what had once been a large tobacco farm. The most recent owner was also into farming, but unfortunately for him, his crops landed him on the wrong side of the law.
Nathan remembers that the property, which was surrounded by a high stockade fence, “was a mess. It was overgrown, the house was trashed and there was no running water.” Despite its appearance, Nathan stuck to his mantra that “everything has potential.”
The farmette had been acquired by a bank. Nathan and his real estate agent, Rina Aliotta, successfully negotiated the sale via phone calls made between Lancaster (Rina and the bank) and New York (Nathan). Finally, Rina called Nathan to tell him he was now the owner of a farmette that needed a lot of TLC.
Over the course of the next year, Nathan “gutted everything” in the house. After that was accomplished, he built a large addition that holds the kitchen and living room on the first floor and a master suite on the second. “People would drive by, stop, and thank me for saving the property,” he says.
If Nathan’s name rings a bell, you’ve probably seen it on For Sale signs around the county. Originally from Indiana, Pennsylvania, he moved to Lancaster as part of the management team for the restaurant chain, Mr. Steak. An interest in collectibles, cooking and gardening led him to open a specialty shop in East Petersburg that he named The Discovery Bin. “It was a floral shop, bakery and collectibles shop rolled into one,” he explains. Realtors were among his biggest customers. “Marilyn Berger was one of my best customers,” he continues. “She kept telling me I should go into real estate.”
That opportunity presented itself when, out of the blue, someone offered to buy the shop. Nathan followed Marilyn’s advice and became an agent in 2001. His timing wasn’t the greatest, as the market went through a downturn in the aftermath of 9/11. He went on to become associated with Castellum Realty and weathered the bottom dropping out of the market during the Great Recession.
Five years ago, he struck out on his own and founded Mountain Realty. The multi-faceted company serves all of Lancaster County and specializes in assisting everyone from first-time buyers to corporate relocations and downsizers. There are 15 agents on staff, some of whom are bilingual. Glenn, who is originally from Blue Bell in Montgomery County, is employed by the company.
Nathan and Glenn began remodeling the house — for a second time — four years ago. This time around, the projects included a new kitchen, new flooring and refacing the fireplace. Nathan, who inherited woodworking talents from his father, installed the floors himself, using new pine lumber that he distressed. And, they’re still at it, as a new addition will hold a large dining room. They hoped to have it finished in time for Thanksgiving dinner and, following that, Christmas entertaining. They plan to convert the current dining room into a game room or sitting area. What began as a 2,000 square-foot house has grown to include more than 5,000 square feet.
Decorating the house is a year-round endeavor. “Both of us are into holiday decorating and by ‘holiday,’ I mean all of them,” says Nathan, who appropriately enough was born on Christmas Eve. “We love to change the look.” Glenn adds, “We feed off each other.”
For them, the holiday season begins on Black Friday, when they travel to Indiana and visit a tree farm near Nathan’s parents’ home. Wreaths are made, lights are strung, paper whites and amaryllis are grown and Glenn’s collection of nutcrackers take center stage in a cabinet that Nathan’s father made from barn wood.
This year, the tree count will climb to an even dozen, as Nathan and Glenn’s bulldogs will have a dog-themed tree in their honor. Nathan’s mother, who is an accomplished seamstress (she made all the stockings) and quilter, will be making a special skirt for the tree. December will also mark the pups’ first birthday, so a festive birthday party is planned.
Once the holidays are over, the decorating theme morphs into winter, followed by Valentine’s and then Easter. For summer, the focus is on the outdoor areas, and as fall approaches, Halloween and the harvest take over.
Nathan and Glenn love to share their home with friends and family. “We love to entertain,” Nathan remarks. “It’s nice to have people in to enjoy the trees and decorations.” Nathan, who inherited the “cooking gene” from his parents, prepared all the food for the 20 dinner parties he and Glenn hosted last holiday season. “I love to cook and bake,” he says. Glenn takes charge of creating the unique party favors that wow their guests.
If you think cooking all those meals is a feat, Nathan had to take responsibility for all aspects of entertaining for a time last year, as Glenn was under the weather — he had to undergo an emergency appendectomy the week before Christmas!
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