“Sometimes the greatest adventure is simply a conversation.”
~ Amadeus Wolfe

Each of us has an opportunity to meet someone new every day: making a best friend in kindergarten, having a drink with new coworkers, or meeting that special someone at a park, a bar or even online.

This year we added a few new categories to our “Best of Lancaster” 2017 Annual Readers’ Survey and revived an oldie: Best Place to Meet New People. The survey concluded with the following top three results: church, Tellus360 and a dog park. So, we sought out local individuals, dog park members and Tellus360 staff to share their stories.

 

Church   “A Divine Intervention”

The Rev. Canon Stanley and Sandra Imboden met at St. James Episcopal Church in downtown Lancaster on Easter Sunday 2005, and they possibly had a little help from above.
Sandra explains that her only brother, Andy, passed away December 19, 2004. A few weeks before his death, she had started a new job with the Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. She says it was a very difficult and lonely time for her, especially with Christmas being a few days away.

A few miles north of where Sandra lived, Stanley’s wife, Diane, passed away the very next day – December 20, 2004. Having been married to Diane for 49 years, this was a deeply sorrowful time for him, as well.

While attending St. James that particular Easter, Sandra, at that time, was working as the Rector’s Verger. She explains that the rector liked to invite all the retired clergy to participate during Easter service; therefore, Stanley attended. Although the two of them had never met at this point, they both knew about each other because of their roles in the church and their recent losses.
After the day’s service, Sandra noticed Stan in the vesting room. She decided to approach and offer her belated condolences, as did he. Sandra says, “When I asked how he was doing, he replied, ‘Lonely as hell!’” He then asked if she would like to accompany him to dinner one evening. Not knowing if it was going to be a counseling session or a date, Sandra agreed.

A few months later, the two were engaged. They were married on February 11, 2006, at 10 a.m., to be exact. Both are now retired and enjoy visiting the different churches, traveling, playing Scrabble, attending local events and enjoying their family (two sons, three grandchildren and two black labs).

When asked why they think “a church” is the best place to meet new people, Sandra says, “If you want to meet new people, I would think you would want to meet new people who have similar values and interests that you have. So, if you were a person who goes to church, you might want to meet another person who goes to church so you already know that you have something in common with them.” She continues to say, “Most churches have social opportunities for people beyond just the Sunday or weekend services. They have newcomer dinners and different classes.”

“I’ve had numerous weddings that I’ve officiated for people who met at St. James after losing a beloved or meeting for the first time,” Stan adds. Saintjameslancaster.org

TELLUS360       “A City Connection”

It wasn’t just any pub in the county that took second place in our survey for the Best Place to Meet New People: Tellus360 has turned into one of the most popular venues in Lancaster because of its employees, its atmosphere and its patrons.

“We’re a lot of fun! The building offers several different experiences throughout,” says Bar Manager Kate Cannon-Davis. “Live music, DJs, story slams, even Connect Four tournaments, there’s always something going on.”

Tellus360 opened during the earlier part of 2011. Owner Joe Devoy operated it as an Irish antiques and refurbished wood furniture store at first. Over time, the building transitioned to the popular pub and event venue it is today.

“We love what we do. We realize that it’s our connection to this city and its amazing residents that make us special,” Kate shares.

As far as the type of events they host, Kate says, “You name it, we’ll give it a shot.” She lists weddings, gallery openings, fashion shows, CD release parties, baby showers, bar Olympics, refugee concerts, salsa dancing, birthdays and World Cup watch parties, just to name a few. The photo-booth-style photos seen here were shot by Nick Gould during the Velocity event held at Tellus360 on September 28.

Of course, many friendships and relationships have been established at the Irish pub. When asked how many married couples have met at Tellus360, Kate says, “It would be hard to pin down a number because there have been quite a few. So much so that the owner, Joe, is now an ordained minister.”
As far as the most unique event to have occurred at Tellus360, Kate mentions, “A Cirque du Soleil style performance from the ceiling of the front bar. It was an amazing sight.” She also adds, “the incredible turnout for every game when the U.S. was playing in the World Cup.” Tellus360.com

DOG PARK      “A Common Thread”

At Dog Park Mount Joy, many of its members agree that taking their furry friends to the dog park is an advantage not only for their dogs, but also for themselves.

“Not only do the dogs socialize, but it gets you to socialize with their owners,” says committee member Tina Varnes, who is the owner of Bridget and Dillon. “For someone like me, who doesn’t really approach people, I would approach someone more when they have a dog. I’m not an outgoing person, per se, but I’ll talk to anybody who has a dog.”

The park's president, Lynn McCleary, owner of Karlee and Kyan, says a lot of work and planning went into the construction of the park, which opened November 2016 and currently has over 350 members.

“No matter what your political affiliation is or your religion or any of that, there’s a common thread here that runs through all the people, and that’s the dogs,” Lynn says. “I think it’s just a great place to come because there’s not many places you can go with your dog and have a good time.”

A lot of members attend daily, like Gene Garner, his wife and their two dogs, Trixie and Perry. “It’s really casual here,” Gene shares. Member Jim Cummings, who also has two dogs, Candee and Riley, likes the fact that Dog Park Mount Joy has “responsible owners. All dogs here have had their shots, members have homeowners insurance, and the people here really care about their pets and keep an eye on them.”

teve Douple, who visits with his Great Dane, Waldo, says, “I've met a lot of people that have moved to the area that I wouldn’t have met had it not been for the dog park.”

The group’s bond has become so strong that when Annie Ritsch, the park’s youngest member, unexpectedly passed away in late September at the age of 23, a large contingent of the park’s members attended her October 7 funeral service. (Annie is pictured with her dog, Frankie, in the group photo at the top of the page – she is on the left.) “She was a member from day one,” says Lynn of Annie’s dedication to the park. Members will be holding a memorial service and tree dedication in Annie's honor at the park on November 1.

Dogparkmountjoy.com

 

 

Twenty-two years ago, Elaine Bowman built a home on 2.75 acres of land in West Cocalico Township that had originally been deeded to her family by Thomas and Richard Penn in 1728. In designing the house, Elaine’s goal was to combine the amenities of modern-day living with antiques, family treasures and finds that relate to the area she has always called home.

“Essentially, I wanted a modern house that looks old,” Elaine explains. “And, it had to be livable and user-friendly.” Elements such as butter plaster, barn-wood floors, wooden beams and a staircase that replicates one she always admired in her grandparents’ farmhouse helped her to achieve that goal.

Additionally, a connection to nature was achieved through various outdoor-living areas and expanses of windows and glass doors that define the great room and master-suite sitting room.

“I was fortunate to work with people who got what I was trying to do,” she says of builder Donald Sensenig, Stoltzfus Cabinet Shop in Talmage, Andy Wood, a retired teacher turned remodeler, and Dwight Graybill of Cocalico Builders, who created the outdoor fireplace and patio expansion and is on speed dial to incorporate Elaine’s finds into the ever-evolving design of rooms and outdoor spaces. She describes her collaborators as “talented people who possess the gift of
listening – they ‘get’ me.”

Elaine and Dwight share history of another sort – she was his 8th-grade teacher at Cocalico Middle School. Elaine says she knew she wanted to be a teacher from the time she was in 4th or 5th grade. “Fortunately, I had a mother who recognized that girls had options,” she says of growing up in the late 50s.

Merla Shirk Hulshizer was indeed a fitting role model for her daughter. In addition to the traditional roles of wife and mother, she was Cocalico School District’s first school nurse. She was also an aspiring historian, as she collected artifacts and memorabilia that related to the Schoeneck area. For example, she had the foresight to inscribe her name and address on one of her father’s envelopes – Alger H. Shirk, Elaine’s grandfather, was the area’s Justice of the Peace for 40 years – and mail it to herself on November 28, 1972, which was the last day of operation for the Schoeneck Post Office. Elaine now possesses the envelope.

Merla also involved herself in a variety of civic activities. And, she was a budding artist who dabbled in painting toleware, some of which decorates the mantel in Elaine’s great room.

Elaine also inherited a love of the land from her mother. “I developed an appreciation for the deep roots that we have on this land from my mother,” she notes, sharing that the most cherished gift she ever received from her is the acreage on which she lives. “As kids, we roamed all over the 100 acres that our grandparents owned,” Elaine says of herself, her sister, Barbara Wilson, and her brother, Gilbert Hulshizer.

The 100 acres were part of the original Penn Grant – comprised of nearly 800 acres – that was made to Swiss-born Ulrich Sherrick (later shortened to Shirk). “She bought a tract of land during the sale that was held for my grandfather’s estate and divided it into three plots – for me, my sister and my brother,” Elaine explains of her mother’s gift. Technically, the plots weren’t gifts. “She charged each of us $1,” she adds.

 

Elaine followed her mother’s advice and set her sights on a career in teaching. She earned her teaching degree from East Stroudsburg University and administrative degrees from West Chester and Widner universities. Her first job in 1965 took her to Annville-Cleona High School as a health and physical education teacher; she returned home to teach in the Cocalico School District in 1969.

In 1992, Elaine became Penn Manor High School’s assistant principal; two years later, she once again returned to Cocalico – “in time to ruin my daughter’s senior year,” she quips – to serve as assistant principal at the high school and later, principal of the middle school.

She retired in 2005, took six weeks off and then accepted a succession of what she calls “rent-a-principal” assignments in the Ephrata, Penn Manor and Cedar Crest school districts. “One day I realized I was old enough to be the students’ great-grandmother and said, ‘Enough is enough,’” she recalls. She adds that she came away from her assignments “impressed by the amazing school systems we have in Lancaster County,” further noting, “This county is filled with a lot of people who are dedicated to our schools.”

Like her mother, Elaine is a history buff. “My mother was always interested in local history, and she collected a lot of stuff that related to it. I always listened to her stories, but I didn’t really gain the appreciation I have for it now until I was older. I suppose that it’s true that with age your appreciation for such things deepens,” she theorizes. Furniture, artifacts, antiques, public sale notices and other collectibles that relate to the northern end of the county decorate the house. “I believe in using the stuff,” she says. “Why hide things?” Always the teacher, Elaine can share stories and the historical connotations of everything in her house.

Her interest in history led Elaine to become a member of the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley and the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County (she’s a board member for both organizations). She’s also the proud president of the Schoeneck Veterans Memorial Association, which oversees the memorial that was dedicated on Memorial Day 2011.

 

Elaine also has an artsy side, which is most evident in her living room. What appears to be a creative take on a Christmas tree stands in a corner of the room. Take a closer look and the tree trunk is actually an architectural column. The columns, she explains, were removed from the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Reading during a refurbishing project. “I bought four of those,” she reports.

The idea of making one into a permanent “tree” for displaying the ornaments she has accumulated through traveling the world – 40 countries and 35 or so states to date – occurred to her. “I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn’t know how to go about doing it,” she explains. So, she did the logical thing and called upon another pro who gets her – floral designer Kerry Kegerise. Kerry devised a design that entailed blocks of moss-covered Styrofoam that were wired to the column. Tree branches were then inserted into the blocks to which Elaine’s ornaments were attached. White lights add sparkle. “I keep it up all year,” Elaine says. “It reminds me of where I’ve been.”

As was previously mentioned, travel is one of Elaine’s passions, and she often accompanied student groups for travel studies through the organization People to People. However, one of her favorite places in the world is just a three-hour ride away – Yankee Stadium in New York. If it’s game day, Elaine is known to jump in the car on a whim and head for New York. “I don’t know how I got hooked on the Yankees,” admits this die-hard baseball fan.

A nook under the staircase is dedicated to the team. The intriguing space is filled with photographs, baseball cards, Christmas and birthday cards from the organization, shirts, memorabilia and her most prized possession, her own jersey from the inaugural (2011) Women’s Mini Fantasy Camp that is held in Tampa each January. The camp was comprised of 72 women who ranged in age from 25 to 70. “I was one of the oldest girls,” Elaine says, adding that she and several other camp veterans hold a reunion once a year and take in a Yankees game.

Elaine’s love of baseball has prompted her to adopt a game-related viewpoint on aging. “I’m determined to go down swinging!” she says.

The Belvedere Inn

Voted best Dinner and best Special Occasion

Despite offering inventive dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, the Belvedere’s owner, Dean Oberholtzer, and executive chef, Corinna Killian (pictured), agree that guests prefer to take the traditional route. “We’ve tried to do different things over the years, but guests want a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” Dean says. “About 70% of our guests order our turkey entrée,” Corinna agrees.

The Belvedere, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, began opening for Thanksgiving 15 years ago. “Our regulars asked us to open, so we tried it,” Dean says. “It’s become a huge day for us. Some guests make reservations for the next Thanksgiving as they head out the door.”

Christmas Eve is also one of the Belvedere’s most-requested nights for reservations. “People will designate the table they want that night,” Dean says, noting the attraction is the holiday décor and the creative menu that Corinna designs. “We do a lot of lobster dishes that night.” Corinna adds, “A lot of steaks are ordered that evening.”

As for Thanksgiving, Corinna, who has been at the Belvedere for nine years (the last four as executive chef), and her staff will roast 15 turkeys and prepare all the trimmings using fresh produce from local farms. The dish she prepared for the cover includes turkey, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce and potato/root vegetable au gratin. And, we can’t forget the gravy!

Belvederelancaster.com

 

Luxe Lancaster … and Lititz

Voted best Women’s Hair Salon, best Manicure/Pedicure and best  Spa

Nine years ago, Ana Kitova (center) opened a salon that was a bit different, as it is located in an old manufacturing building on the west side of Lancaster. Frilly it was not. Instead, it was defined by bold colors, industrial elements and minimalism. It turns out Luxe was at the forefront of a trend – Urban Chic has become all the rage.

Since then, Ana has gained two partners – Nate Fox (left) and Lindsey Kress (right) – a second location at the Shops at Brighton in Lititz and a “dynamic team” that is comprised of 80 employees. “We’re always receiving inquiries,” Nate says of expansion opportunities. “We’re waiting for the right project and location before we make our next move.”

For now, however, the two current locations are their top priority. “We completely remodeled the Lititz location before opening in 2016,” Nate explains.

In preparing to celebrate Luxe’s 10th anniversary next year, the trio deemed it was time for the Lancaster location to undergo a makeover of its own. In July it was freshened with new paint, new flooring, new furnishings and new chairs at each of the hair-styling stations.

It had long been Ana’s dream to add med-spa services to the spa menu. She has achieved her goal – Dr. Maxwell Adams serves as its medical director, while Adrienne Hughes is the clinical director and medical esthetician. Under their direction, the spa now offers Botox, fillers such as Juvederm, laser treatments, micro-blading and more in addition to the regular spa treatments.

Luxelancaster.com

 

EGStoltzfus

Voted best Residential Builder/Remodeler

In 1968, Elam G. Stoltzfus, Jr. launched his own home-building company. He loved to build houses, but even more, he derived pleasure from working with his customers. His goal was to always exceed their expectations. His Parade of Homes entries were considered must-sees.

Over the past nearly 50 years, the company has diversified by adding commercial construction (churches, medical, educational and corporate projects), adaptive reuse (the Keppel Building on the 300 block of N. Queen Street), historic preservation (Steeple View Lofts on N. Water Street), remodeling and residential communities throughout South Central Pennsylvania to its resumé. The newest community in Lancaster County, Landis Farm (East Hempfield Township), is nearing completion of Phase One and is in pre-sale mode for Phase Two. The models feature 21st century amenities such as the “lifestyle triangle” (kitchen, dining, entertainment configuration) and the “Costco room” (a pantry that accommodates bulk items).

Most recently, the company was again recognized as one of the region’s Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies by the Central Penn Business Journal.

Today the company is being led by a second generation of Stoltzfuses – EG’s children, Chad, Colleen and Brent (pictured above) – along with a seasoned management team. In addition to overseeing the business, they are carrying on EG’s belief that it is a responsibility to help those in need. As a result, the company has supported nonprofit organizations such as Tabor Community Services, Homes for Hope, Habitat for Humanity, Mennonite Central Committee, North Star Initiative, Family Legacy Missions International and Water Street Mission.

Note: EGStoltzfus will be participating in the Holiday Homes on Parade tour being held December 1 & 2. For details, visit holidayhomesonparade.com

EGStoltzfus.com

 

Jill Erb, Floral Designs of Mount Joy

Voted best Floral Design

Fifteen years ago, Jill took over a small convenience store in Mount Joy and opened her floral-design business in time for Valentine’s Day. Success was instantaneous – to the extent that she had to rent facilities around town in order to store her seasonal decor and other supplies. “It was exhausting!” she says. At the shop, employees worked elbow-to-elbow to prepare for weddings and other events.

On November 1, that will all change. Floral Designs of Mount Joy is moving west on Main Street and taking up residence in a state-of-the-art building that Jill and her husband, Shawn Erb, designed. Shawn, who operates his own construction company, has devoted the past two years to the project. The results are breathtaking. “It’s his design and my take on ergonomics,” she says of their collaborative efforts. The public can see the results for themselves during an Open House that is planned for November 7-9. “It will be decorated for Christmas,” Jill assures.

Jill hopes her customers are wowed. “They’re the best part of the job,” she says. “As designers, we take pleasure in meeting their needs, whether it’s for a joyous occasion or a sad one.” And, she can’t wait to introduce her employees to their new digs. “They’re the best,” she says. “They’ve been along with me for the journey and have been so supportive.”

Floraldesignsofmountjoy.com

 

Anne M. Lusk of Lusk & Associates/ Sotheby’s International Realty

Voted best Realtor

With the exception of two years spent selling real estate in Florida during the late 80s, Anne’s turf has always been Lancaster County.
Anne earned her Pennsylvania real estate license in 1995 and went on to work for a number of local firms. In becoming affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, which is typically found in more exclusive locations like Beverly Hills, Manhattan and London, Anne turned the tables and used the talents she reserves for clients – personal attention, hard work, local knowledge and sheer willpower – to convince the company that Lancaster is worthy of its presence. It probably also helped that in 2012 she was the top agent in Pennsylvania for closed sales volume.

While HGTV and other home-related shows tout tactics such as baking cookies or a pie in order to make a house smell more inviting to prospective buyers, Anne, who was photographed in a Bent Creek home she has listed, has a different theory. “Allergies have become such a big issue,” she remarks, noting that some people are very sensitive to the smell of vanilla, while others can’t tolerate scented candles. “It defeats the purpose,” she says. “People with allergies just want to get out of there!” Besides, Anne is too busy to bake cookies. “It’s probably been 15 years since I baked cookies – for anyone! It’s easier to go to La Dolce Vita.”

Annelusk.com

 

Ben Mitchell, Hempfield High School

Voted best Teacher – Hempfield School District

A junior-level government and economics class. I’m envisioning an older gentleman pontificating about Adam Smith. Disinterested students would be catching some precious post-lunch zzz’s. This might be a tough photo shoot.

Instead, photographer Nick Gould and I walked into a classroom that pulsed with energy. The adoration the students have for teacher Ben Mitchell is palpable. When asked what makes Ben Mitchell the best teacher in the county, hands wave in the air. “He’s so good at explaining things,” says one. “He’s very relatable,” says another. “He connects things we are learning about to our own lives,” another interjects. “He makes government and economics fun,” another remarks. “He relates to our lives,” one student points out. “He cares about us,” says another, which prompts her classmates to nod their heads in agreement.

The students so enjoy the class that they came up with the premise of the photo seen here – each wanted to hold something that relates to what he or she feels represents government and economics. The props ranged from the American flag and a portrait of Abraham Lincoln to a stapler and a model plane. Ben went with the flow and supported their idea (as did Nick).

Ben, it turns out, is a Hempfield grad (by way of Charleston, South Carolina). He’s been teaching in the district for nine years. What does he love about the teaching process? “The best part of my job is when I can make a difference in a student’s life – whether it’s once in the course of the school year or every day.”

Hempfieldsd.org

 

Lionel Adriano

Voted best Makeup Artist

Whether it’s special occasions or special effects, Lionel can provide the perfect makeup. Born in Hawaii, Lionel was working in a salon – “I was between majors,” he says of college – when a customer, who worked for a cosmetics company, suggested he should become a makeup artist. Following her advice, he went on to become a certified M.A.C. makeup artist and settled in California, where clients included stars such as Alicia Keys and Queen Latifah. Five years ago, he joined the team at Luxe. “My grandfather lives here,” he explains of his path to Lancaster