The Results Are In !
BEST EMPLOYER
WELLSPAN EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY
HOSPITAL, Lewisburg
Geisinger, Danville
Bottleworks, Sunbury
Mya’s Minks LLC, Sunbury
Tony’s Nails & Spa, Selinsgrove
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
SWEET DREAMS CHEESECAKE
EMPORIUM, Selinsgrove
Boondocks Wood Fire Grill, Sunbury
Mya’s Minks LLC, Sunbury
Bottleworks, Sunbury
Tony’s Nails & Spa, Selinsgrove
BEST NEW BUSINESS
IV COFFEE COMPANY, Sunbury
Our Best Friends Bakery, Mifflinburg
Back 2 Basics Classic Burger Food Truck, Selinsgrove
Mya’s Minks LLC, Sunbury
Blue Brew LLC, Danville
BUSINESSES & RETAILERS
ANTIQUES/COLLECTIBLES
STREET OF SHOPS, Lewisburg
Silvermoon, Lewisburg
Sunbury Station, Sunbury
Rollermills Marketplace, Lewisburg
Norry Treasures, Northumberland
BEER DISTRIBUTOR
KELLER’S BEER, Selinsgrove
W&S Beer Distributors, Northumberland
Brewer’s Outlet, Sunbury
Wehr’s Beverage, Mifflinburg
Beer Barn, Lewisburg
BRIDAL SHOP
BRIDALS BY J, Selinsgrove
Brides Bouquet, Selinsgrove
Fusion Formal & Bridal, Lewisburg
Exclusively You, Bloomsburg
Special Moments Bridal, Millersburg
CAR DEALERSHIP
W&L SUBARU, Northumberland
Blaise Alexander Group
Selinsgrove Ford, Selinsgrove
Sunbury Motor Company, Sunbury
Zimmerman Motors, Sunbury
The top 5 nominees in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Best of the Valley contest are shown with the winners designated in red.
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
MILLIE BOUTIQUE & JEWELRY BAR, Northumberland
Jordanna Adams, Lewisburg
Daisylace Boutique, Lewisburg
Retrah, Lewisburg
The Mystic Gem Boutique, Selinsgrove
FLOORING
GARVEY’S FLOORING AMERICA, Northumberland
Carpetman, Milton
Stauffer Bros. Flooring, Selinsgrove
MVT Flooring, Sunbury
Fike Bros Carpet One, Lewisburg
FLORIST
GRACI’S FLOWERS & GIFTS, Selinsgrove
Gilly’s Lilies, Mifflinburg
Charlene’s Petal Talk, Milton
Something Special Flower Shop, Sunbury
Stein’s Flowers, Lewisburg
FURNITURE STORE
BENJAMIN T. MOYER FURNITURE, Sunbury
Silvermoon Furniture, Lewisburg
Beiter’s, Williamsport/Sunbury
Plaza House Furniture, Selinsgrove
Shimock’s Furniture, Mount Carmel
GIFT SHOP
STREET OF SHOPS, Lewisburg
The Mercantile, Lewisburg
45W, Mifflinburg
Gracis Flowers & Gifts, Selinsgrove
The English Garden, Danville
HOME BUILDER
T-ROSS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION, Montandon
Brookside Homes, Hummels Wharf
Fine Line Homes, Winfield
Paul Q. Ross Construction, Sunbury
River Valley Builders, Selinsgrove
JEWELRY STORE
FOSS JEWELERS, Selinsgrove
Black Dog Jewelers, Lewisburg
Fedder’s Jewelers, Milton
Island Park Jewelers, Sunbury
Bernardi Jewelers, Danville
NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER
ENGLE’S FARM & GREENHOUSE, Middleburg
Brookside Acres Greenhouse, Mifflinburg
Hawk’s Landscaping, Selinsgrove
Lloyd’s Landscapes Inc, Sunbury
Reiff’s Greenhouses & Nursery, Mifflnburg
TATTOO SHOP
TOTEM TATTOO, Shamokin Dam
Acacia Tattoo Company, Lewisburg
Body Mods Ink, Sunbury
Primal Arts Tattoo Studio, Selinsgrove
Knuckles & Needles, Sunbury
CAR CARE SERVICES
AUTO BODY SHOP
KELLER’S AUTO BODY, Selinsgrove
Budman’s Auto Body, Milton
Nye’s Body Shop, Sunbury
Swartz Ultimate Collision, Danville
Zimmerman Motors, Sunbury
AUTO DETAILING
KLEEN MIST CAR WASH, Shamokin Dam
Jettpure Auto Detailing, Sunbury
Colby Co Service Center, New Berlin
Showroom Shine Detailing, Milton
Lewisburg Auto Detailing, Lewisburg
CAR WASH
KLEEN MIST CAR WASH, Shamokin Dam
Flood Zone
Mifflinburg Buggy Wash, Mifflinburg
Ultimate Express Car Wash, Hummels Wharf
University Car Wash, Lewisburg
MECHANIC
SUNBURY MOTOR COMPANY, Sunbury
Brubaker’s Auto Repair, Selinsgrove
Zimmerman Motors, Tim Latsha, Sunbury
Weaver’s Tire Service, Northumberland
B&S Automotive, Sunbury
QUICK AUTO SERVICE
QUICK LANE AT SUNBURY MOTORS, Sunbury
Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Selinsgrove
Quick Lane at Selinsgrove Ford, Selinsgrove
Steve Shannon Tire & Auto, Danville
Zimmerman Motors Mopar Express Lane, Sunbury
TIRE SHOP
BASTIAN TIRE & AUTO, Shamokin Dam
Mavis Discount Tire, Selinsgrove
Mr. Tire, Selinsgrove
Steve Shannon Tire & Auto, Danville
Weaver’s Tire Service, Northumberland
TOWING
KELLER’S TOWING & RECOVERY, Selinsgrove
Aurand’s Towing, Sunbury
CPR Auto Center, Winfield
Freedom Towing, Lewisburg
Taylor’s Garage Inc, Milton
ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION
CAMPGROUND
KNOEBELS CAMPGROUND, Elysburg
Hidden Valley Camping Resort, Mifflinburg
Little Mexico Campground, Winfield
Fantasy Island Campground, Sunbury
Yogi Bear Jellystone Park, Milton
GOLF COURSE
SHADE MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE, Middleburg
Bucknell University Golf Course, Lewisburg
Frosty Valley Resort, Danville
Susquehanna Valley Country Club, Hummels Wharf
Three Ponds Golf Club, Elysburg
FOOD & DINING
ASIAN CUISINE
CHINA HOUSE BUFFET, Shamokin Dam Asian Express, Sunbury Fuji Steakhouse, Lewisburg Star Garden, Northumberland
Sushi Masa, Selinsgrove
BAKERY
SWEET DREAMS CHEESECAKE EMPORIUM, Selinsgrove
Baked by Brina, Milton
Paris Bakery & Café, Lewisburg
Gable House Bakery, Mifflinburg
Our Best Friends Bakery, Mifflinburg
BREAKFAST
THE PEPPER TREE RESTAURANT, Selinsgrove
Kind Café, Selinsgrove
Gram’s Eatery, Lewisburg
Jay’s Tiffany Northside, Sunbury
GoodWil’s Restaurant & Bakery, Montandon
BURGER
MATTY’S SPORTHOUSE GRILL, Lewisburg
Boondocks Wood Fired Grill, Sunbury
Back 2 Basics Classic Burgers Food Truck, Selinsgrove
Bottleworks, Sunbury
Americus Hose Co, Sunbury
FINE DINING
PENN’S TAVERN, Sunbury
Elizabeth’s American Bistro, Lewisburg
Ghezzi’s Restaurant & Lounge, Paxinos
Isabella’s Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge, Selinsgrove
La Primavera Italiano Ristorante, Lewisburg
HOAGIE/SUBS
ON A ROLL, Northumberland
Bottleworks, Sunbury
Sunbury Sub Shop, Sunbury
Forest Hill General Store, Mifflinburg
Marlin’s Sub Shop, Sunbury
HOME COOKING
GRAMS EATERY, Lewisburg
EastSide Diner, Mifflinburg
Country Creamery, Kratzerville
GoodWil’s Restaurant & Bakery, Montandon Hotel Middleburger, Middleburg
ICE CREAM
THE PURPLE COW, Lewisburg
Country Creamery , Kratzerville
Old Mill Creamery, Mifflinburg
Dairy Queen, Hummels Wharf
Snyder’s By The Creek, Sunbury
4
● Best of the Valley /// Thursday, November 28, 2024
ITALIAN
CUISINE
AMATO’S PIZZA & FAMILY
RESTAURANT, Northumberland
Ghezzi’s Restaurant & Lounge, Paxinos
Isabella’s Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge, Selinsgrove
La Primavera Italiano Ristorante, Lewisburg
Ciro’s Ristorante Italiano, Watsontown
PIZZA
AMATO’S PIZZA & FAMILY
RESTAURANT, Northumberland
Bella’s Pizza, Selinsgrove
Giugi’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, Sunbury
Slice of Norry, Northumberland
Papa Johns, Hummels Wharf
SPORTS BAR
MATTY’S SPORTSHOUSE GRILL, Lewisburg
Boondocks Wood Fired Grill, Sunbury
Bot’s Tavern, Selinsgrove
Bottleworks, Sunbury
Brewser’s Sports Grille, Coal Township
STEAKHOUSE
PENN’S TAVERN, Sunbury
BJ’s M Street Tavern & Oyster Bar, Selinsgrove
Hoss’s Steak & Sea House, Shamokin Dam
Old Trail Tavern & Steak, Liverpool
Longhorn Steakhouse, Selinsgrove
WINGS
SELINSGROVE HOTEL, Selinsgrove
Boomerang’s Bar & Grille, Millmont
Boondocks Wood Fired Grill, Sunbury
Bottleworks, Sunbury
Bot’s Tavern, Selinsgrove
HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS SERVICES
BEAUTY & HAIR SALON
GENTLEMAN’S BARBERSHOP, Sunbury
Diversified VibeZ Salon And Spa, Selinsgrove
Lasting Impressions Beauty Salon LLC, Sunbury
Swirl Shop Salon & Spa, Lewisburg
Untangled Hair Salon, Northumberland
CHIROPRACTIC
ADVANCED CARE CHIROPRACTIC, Lewisburg
Boyer Chiropractic Clinic, Northumberland
Watto Chiropractic, Freeburg
Dr. Gregory Reese, DC, Chiropractor, Selinsgrove
King Chiropractic, Milton
DENTIST
DENTAL CARE ASSOCIATES, Selinsgrove
Dr. Ralph Cianflone, Northumberland
Selinsgrove Dental Arts, Selinsgrove
Brookpark Dental Arts, Lewisburg
Valley Dental Group, Selinsgrove
EYE CARE
HESS FAMILY EYE CARE, Middleburg
Eye Center of Central PA
Eyeland Optical, Shamokin Dam
Lipski Eye Center, Lewisburg
MyOptik, LLC, Mifflinburg
FITNESS CENTER
PLANET FITNESS, Shamokin Dam
Kraken Athletics & Strength Training, Milton
YMCA at the Miller Center, Lewisburg
Stack’D Fit, Selinsgrove
YMCA, Sunbury
HEARING CENTER
NORTHUMBERLAND HEARING CENTER, Northumberland
Advanced Tech Hearing Aid Center, Lewisburg
NuEar Hearing Care Center
Miracle-Ear Hearing Aid Center, Shamokin Dam
Susquehanna Valley Hearing Professionals, Lewisburg
HOSPITAL
WELLSPAN EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY
HOSPITAL, Lewisburg
Geisinger, Danville
Geisinger, Bloomsburg
Geisinger, Shamokin
UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport
MASSAGE THERAPY
ADVANCED SKIN CARE SPA & SALON, Lewisburg
Gina’s Massage Therapy, Northumberland
Acupressure Massage Therapy, Selinsgrove
Transformations Beauty and Massage for Women, Lewisburg
Yoshie’s Healing Hands LLC, Milton
NAIL SALON
TONY’S NAILS & SPAS, Selinsgrove
Paradise Spa and Nails, Selinsgrove
Top Nails and Spa, Lewisburg
Enlighten Salon, Selinsgrove
Diversified VibeZ Salon and Spa, Selinsgrove
ORTHODONTIST
STUSH & MUENCH ORTHODONTICS, Lewisburg
Dental Care Associates, Selinsgrove
Spark Orthodontics, Danville
Smiles by Wilson, Dr. David Wilson, Hummels Wharf
Susquehanna Orthodontics, Selinsgrove
PERMANENT COSMETICS
BEYOND BROWS PERMANENT
COSMETICS, Lewisburg
Mya’s Minks LLC, Sunbury
Beauty Impressions Studio, LLC, Selinsgrove
Mav & Harp Company, Selinsgrove
Susquehanna Valley Permanent Cosmetics, Selinsgrove
PHYSICAL THERAPY/REHAB
PHOENIX PHYSICAL THERAPY, Selinsgrove
Geisinger Encompass Health, Danville
CPRS Physical Therapy, SV Mall Selinsgrove
WellSpan Physical Rehabilitation, Lewisburg
Shipe Physical Therapy, Sunbury
PHYSICIAN
DR. JAMES PATTERSON, Wellspan Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg
Dr. Brian Seeley, Geisinger, Selinsgrove
Dr. Jessica Pagana-DeFazio, Family Medical Practice, Sunbury
Beth Deckard, CRNP-Family Practice Center Selinsgrove
Dr. James Pagana, Family Practice Center, Selinsgrove
PLACES FOR DRINKS
BAR/TAVERN
PENN’S TAVERN, Sunbury
Boondocks Wood Fire Grill, Sunbury
Brendan’s Towne Tavern, Lewisburg
Bot’s Tavern, Selinsgrove Bottleworks, Sunbury
BREWPUB
RUSTY RAIL BREWING COMPANY, Mifflinburg
Eclipse Craft Brewing Company, Sunbury
Jackass Brewing Company, Lewisburg Pineknotter Brewing Company, Northumberland
Axemann Brewery, Selinsgrove
COFFEE SHOP
EAGLES WIND COFFEE HOUSE, Shamokin Dam IV Coffee Company, Sunbury
Poppy’s Coffee Company, Middleburg
Kind Cafe’, Selinsgrove
Wagging Tail Coffee Company, Allenwood
WINERY
SHADE MOUNTAIN WINERY, Middleburg
Fero Vineyards & Winery, Lewisburg
Spyglass Ridge Winery, Sunbury
Union Cellars, Lewisburg
Whispering Oaks Vineyard, Sunbury
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
ATTORNEY
MATT SLIVINSKI, SLIVINSKI LAW FIRM, Seilnsgrove
Gregory Stuck, Northumberland
Kathleen Lincoln, Esquire, Lewisburg
Diehl, Diehl, Michetti & Michetti, Sunbury
Joel Wiest, Wiest, Wiest-Benner & Rice, Sunbury
BANK/CREDIT UNION
SERVICE 1ST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Danville Fulton Bank, Shamokin Dam
M & T Bank, Sunbury
Northumberland National Bank, Northumberland
First National Bank, Sunbury
CHILDCARE
SUMMIT EARLY LEARNING, Mfflinburg
Children’s Discovery Center, Selinsgrove
Jenny Baney Family Home Childcare, Sunbury
Kids Korner, Sunbury
YMCA, Sunbury
COMMERCIAL
CONTRACTOR
T-ROSS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION, Montandon
Zartman Construction, Northumberland
Diversified Construction, Selinsgrove
Silvertip, Inc., Lewisburg
Epic Construction Services LLC, Paxinos
ELECTRICIAN
UNDERDOG ELECTRIC, Mifflinburg
Longacre Electric, Clinton Longacre, Selinsgrove
K&N Electric, Sunbury
W & W Residential Services, Herndon
SRS Electric, Hummels Wharf
FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES
SERVICE 1ST RETIREMENT & INVESTMENT CENTER, Danville
Buffalo Valley Wealth Plus, Mifflinburg
Krouse Financial Strategies LLC, Shamokin Dam
Riverfront Financial Services, Sunbury
Twin River Wealth Management, Selinsgrove
HOME HEATING/AC
SJ EATON PLUMBING & HEATING, Selinsgrove
Comfort Specialists, Selinsgrove
JET Residential, Shamokin Dam
McCreary’s HVAC, Northumberland
Shaffer Plumbing and Heating, Middleburg
INSURANCE AGENCY
STATE FARM, Selinsgrove
Groninger Insurance Agency, Northumberland
Lawton Insurance, Mifflinburg
Purdy Insurance, Sunbury
Sholley Agency, Lewisburg
INSURANCE AGENT
CHRIS KENAWELL - STATE FARM, Selinsgrove
Adam Purdy - Purdy Insurance, Sunbury
Chris Reis - State Farm, Sunbury
John Groninger - Groninger Insurance Agency, Northumberland
Matt Frye - State Farm, Milton
LANDSCAPE SERVICE
LLOYD’S LANDSCAPES, Sunbury
Shaffer Landscape, Middleburg
Creative Plantscapes, Lewisburg
Hawk’s Landscape, Selinsgrove
Bower Landscaping LLC, Selinsgrove
PET BOARDING
PAWS INN, Selinsgrove
D & J Pet Lodge, Freeburg
Greenbrier Grooming & Pet Resort, Dornsife
Warrior Run Pet Care Center, Watsontown
Sunbury Animal Hospital, Sunbury
PET GROOMING
PAW’S INN, Selinsgrove
Brookpark Pet Supply, Lewisburg
Greenbrier Grooming & Pet Resort, Dornsife
The Painted Pooch, Sunbury
Warrior Run Pet Care Center, Watsontown
PHOTOGRAPHER
STACY BOYER PHOTOGRAPHY, Middleburg
Amber G Co. Photography, Selinsgrove
Lewisburg Studio, Lewisburg
Tony Bendele Photography
Tara Lerch Photography, Port Trevorton
PRIVATE/RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR
T-ROSS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION, Montandon
Brookside Homes, Selinsgrove
Cam Shaffer Carpentry, Inc., Middleburg
Tom Mowrey Home Werks, Northumberland
Paul Q Ross Construction, Sunbury
REAL ESTATE AGENT
DEBBIE BROUSE, SQUARE DIEHL REALTY, Sunbury
Aimee Buehner - Bowen Agency, Sunbury
Doug Wertz - Coldwell Banker Penn One, Lewisburg
Gary Berge - EXP Realty, Lewisburg
Kristine Horton - Bowen Agency, Selinsgrove
REAL ESTATE AGENCY
BOWEN AGENCY, Lewisburg
Square Diehl Realty, Sunbury
EXP Realty, Lewisburg
Iron Valley Real Estate, Selinsgrove
Villager Realty, Lewisburg
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
NOTTINGHAM VILLAGE, Northumberland
Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg
Brookedale Grayson View, Selinsgrove
Celebration Villa of Lewisburg
RiverWoods, Lewisburg
TRAVEL AGENCY
LIBERTY TRAVEL, Hummels Wharf
AAA, Sunbury
Boscov’s Travel, Selinsgrove
Miller Travel, Middleburg
TF Voyages LLC, Lewisburg
VETERINARIAN
SUNBURY ANIMAL HOSPITAL, Sunbury
Animal Care Hospital, Lewisburg
Companion Animal Hospital, Selinsgrove
Susquehanna Trail Animal Hospital, Watsontown
Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital, Lewisburg
WEDDING VENUE
WHISPERING OAKS VINEYARD, Sunbury
Barn Appetit, Milton
Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Mifflinburg
Stone Barn Farm & Vineyard, Selinsgrove
Willow Stone Farm, Mifflinburg
Congratulations!
We are the only Readers’ Choice publication in the valley that relies solely on the unbiased nominations and votes of our readers.
You did not just receive this win, YOU EARNED IT!
The continuity of your success has been truly impressive. Our readers and your customers have shown their approval of your fine business. You have clearly distinguished yourself from your peers with your professionalism and quality of service. As one of the winners of this annual readership award, we are happy to present this recognition to you!
Advancements That Transform Smiles
By Jerri Brouse For The Daily Item
LEWISBURG - Unlike other financial investments, a smile does not lose its value - that’s why it’s so important to make sure you get quality care from your orthodontist.
For the seventh year in a row, Stush Orthodontics has been voted the Best of the Valley by the readers of The Daily Item.
Stush Orthodontics opened its doors in 1989 and, according to Janet Stush, office manager, said her husband, Dr. Albert Stush, has installed more than 10,000 sets of braces, and each patient was treated with the same care and expertise. That’s likely why they’ve managed to stay on top of their field for so long, she said.
“Dr. (Albert) Stush and his highly trained staff are dedicated to providing you with state-ofthe-art orthodontic treatment that you can understand,” Stush said. “He is a very talented orthodontist. He’s fun, he’ll make you laugh and he can straighten teeth like no other.”
Stush noted that in the past 36 years they’ve been in business, things have changed in just about every area.
“Visiting the orthodontist is very different then it has been in the past,” she said. “There are numerous treatment options today, including traditional metal and clear ceramic braces as well as nearly-invisible aligners called Invisalign.”
Stush recalled when they first opened (in their first location at the Chamberlin Building on Market Street), they used a paper scheduling book and “it was just the two of us.”
“Then we hired two people - one who still works for us,” she noted. “Over time we got a computer and eventually more computers. We’ve consistently been adding and getting newer state of the art equipment and software.”
She recalled they started out with two patient chairs; they now have five.
“It was all about the bare necessities,” she said.
The number of employees they’ve had over time has fluctuated; there are currently about 10
right now, including clinical staff and front desk workers as well as a new partner.
This year’s recognition will be the last for the Stushes as they’ve both decided to retire at the end of this year. Stush took a minute to reflect on being voted Best of the Valley so many times.
“It’s pretty nice receiving the award seven years in a row,” she said.
Why does she think they consistently are named top dog in their field?
“I think people just like us,” she said. “I think that’s because we like the work that we do, and they see in the smiles that they get from Dr. Stush.”
They’ve always strived to treat everyone like family, too.
“We treat people as we would like to be treated,” she said.
With that approach, they’ve made a lot of friends over the past three decades.
“People will stop us in different places to talk,” she said.
That’s the part of the business they’ll both miss, she said.
“We just decided it was time,” she said. “We’ve been doing this for 45 years, and we have a grandson now and want to spend time with family.”
Patients have nothing to fear, though. Dr. Stush is leaving the practice in the capable hands of Dr. Anna Meunch, who came on as a partner in 2022.
Muench’s approach to treatment is very similar to Stush’s, and she “is very good.”
Muench was in the practice of orthodontics in the Baltimore area for 10 years prior to coming to Lewisburg
“Patients can expect the same kind of care and treatment they’ve always gotten here,” said Stush.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Dr. Albert Stush, right, and Dr. Anna Muench of Stush & Muench Orthodontics
Mini Cheesecakes Offer The Perfect Size
By Cindy O. Herman For The Daily Item
SELINSGROVE – Cheesecake: yum or yuck? People tend to have strong opinions about it, but here’s the kicker. At Sweet Dreams Cheesecake Emporium, one of the top customers used to be firmly on the yuck side.
“My longest returning customer actually didn’t touch cheesecake for 20 years before starting to buy from me, because he doesn’t like cheesecake,” owner and baker Jesse Whitmer said with a laugh. “He’s been buying for close to the full two years that my business has been going.”
Stepping into Sweet Dreams Emporium and looking at its cases of mini cheesecakes or scrolling through photos of them on Sweet Dreams’ Facebook page, it’s easy to see why the business won the Best of the Valley award. Whitmer creates up to 60 flavors in mini and full-size cheesecakes, everything from Dark Chocolate Raspberry to a Fruity Frenzy Cheesecake Cone infused with Fruity Pebbles
(Cindy O. Herman/For The Daily Item)
Tiramisu and Cookie Butter mini cheesecakes are among the many flavors offered at Sweet Dreams Cheesecake Emporium, in Selinsgrove.
cereal, Fluffernutter to Strawberries and Cream, and Caramel Apple Crisp to a Christmas Tree Cheesecake that looks like a Little Debbie snack.
“The minis are by far the most popular. People like those because it’s a nice little snack size,” Whitmer said.
Strawberry shortcake, tiramisu and white chocolate raspberry have been the most requested flavors since moving from his Sunbury Market House location to Selinsgrove this year. He also offers several gluten free flavors.
Whitmer likes to add fun to his baked goods by offering specialty items like cheesecake with an apple pie baked inside of it or cheesecake egg rolls.
“The cheesecake egg rolls have become very popular. It’s one of those things you don’t normally think about, but once people try it, they really enjoy it,” he said.
While he’s always enjoyed cheesecake, he called it a sensitive, time-consuming dessert to make. His mother helps with prep work, but he does the baking himself.
“I got tired of paying an arm and a leg for a quality cheesecake. And that’s the key word, quality,” he said. “I started making them for family gatherings and for friends, then two
years ago I had a friend finally convince me that I should start my own business, and here we are.”
Feedback ranges from good to the best cheesecake someone’s ever had. Customers travel from Hazelton, Camp Hill and other places and have taken his cheesecakes as far as New York, Atlantic City and West Virginia.
“There’s a lot of people that don’t like heavy cream cheese. So, no matter what flavor I make, I always try to get a nice blend of the cream cheese and the flavor that I’m mixing it with, so that they offset each other and it’s not more of one than the other,” he said.
Like the customer who hadn’t touched cheesecake in 20 years, people appreciate the delicate blend they find at Sweet Dreams. “It feels great, just to be able to change people’s opinions on something that they wouldn’t necessarily try because of a preconceived notion,” Whitmer said.
Each week on his Facebook page, he tries to express his gratitude to customers.
“It’s just hard to reach everybody and let them know how grateful they are,” he said of winning the Best of the Valley award. “So I just, from the bottom of my heart, want to say thank you to everybody for their continued support.”
(Cindy O. Herman/For The Daily Item) People appreciate the portion size of mini cheesecakes that Jesse Whitmer bakes at his shop, Sweet Dreams Cheesecake Emporium, in Selinsgrove.
Cindy O. Herman lives in Snyder County. Email comments to her at CindyOHerman@gmail.com
Coffee House Owner Loves A Challenge
By Cindy O. Herman For The Daily Item
SHAMOKIN DAM – It’s not so much that Rebecca Lapp loves making donuts and coffee. What she loves is a challenge, and in owning Eagles Wind Coffee House along with her husband, Emanuel Lapp, she finds plenty of challenges.
Like Fasnacht Day this past spring, when a snowstorm knocked out the power.
“That is the busiest day of the year for us. It was very windy and snowing, and it was cold,” Rebecca Lapp said. “We couldn’t fry donuts. We couldn’t check people out on a register. We just did it manually, wrote everything down, and then when the power came back on, we had to put it in the register. We couldn’t take (debit) cards unless people gave us their number for later.”
That was a real challenge, she said. Sales-wise it ended up amounting to a regular day.
(Cindy O. Herman/For The Daily Item) Eagles Wind Coffee Shop, in Shamokin Dam, offers a variety of fresh donuts, breakfast sandwiches and hot and cold drinks.
“So it really did affect the sales,” Lapp said. “That was quite a day.”
Fortunately, colossal challenges like that are rare – typical challenges are tough enough. Lapp is responsible for handling the payroll, scheduling workers’ hours and finding a knowledgeable replacement when somebody needs time off.
“Some of the girls that have been here long enough do know how to do all the different things that we do. But if you’re a new person, it takes a while to learn everything,” she said.
Still, even with all the extra responsibility that goes with owning their own business, the Lapps prefer it to working for someone else.
“I just love the challenge of keeping things running smoothly even on those very busy days,” she said.
The business opened in 2018 and faced another big challenge when the Lapps renovated in 2022. They had to close from mid-Oct to November while the former building was torn down and the new one was built, giving them more space and an updated look.
“People like the new building, the atmosphere. There’s more room,” Lapp said. “Our sales and
our customers doubled from the other building.”
Along with coffee, tea, lattes, espressos and hot chocolate, Eagles Wind Coffee House sells iced drinks, smoothies and breakfast sandwiches. They also offer novelty items like fruit cups, Emma’s Gourmet Pretzels and Eagles Wind hoodies.
Their Number One selling donut is probably peanut butter cup, Lapp said. The second is probably Boston Cream. But they offer an amazing variety of flavors, from blueberry cake to Lucky Charms, cinnamon sugar to lemon bliss, vanilla sprinkled to Snickers and many more.
The Lapps named their shop Eagles Wind based on a Christian song about eagles flying free in the wind. Owning their own business gives the Lapps a freedom that they very much enjoy.
Rebecca Lapp was happy to win the Best of the Valley award. She used to hang up copies of the flyer and ask customers to vote for the shop but didn’t get around to doing that this year.
“This year we were so busy, I didn’t have time,” she said. “I was so surprised when (her advertising representative) sent me the email that we won.”
Eagles Wind Coffee House receives lots of positive feedback, Lapp said. They often hear things like, “Best donuts and coffee in town” or “Very friendly staff.” She is grateful to the customers who voted for them.
“A big thank-you to them,” she said. “I was surprised, actually. Thank you for the compliment.”
Cindy O. Herman lives in Snyder County. Email comments to her at CindyOHerman@gmail.com
(Cindy O. Herman/For The Daily Item)
Rebecca Lapp, left, stands with a few of her employees: Diana Ivankina, second from left, Jenny Kozlova, Kaitlynn Stoltzfus and Abby Zook.
(Cindy O. Herman/For The Daily Item)
Eagles Wind Coffee Shop employees standing near a garden bench outside the shop are Kirsten Erdley, left, Jenny Kozlova, Kaitlynn Stoltzfus and Abby Zook.
Homelike Environment Is What Draws People To Us
By Jerri Brouse For The Daily Item
NORTHUMBERLAND - Retirement should be a time to relax, enjoy life’s pleasures, and find new ways to keep the spirit young. According to the readers of The Daily Item, Nottingham Village Retirement Center is the place to do just that. The retirement community has been voted the Best of the Valley in 2024.
Kristie Koch, senior living administrator, said it is an honor as a community to receive the nomination and award.
“We have a lot of hardworking dedicated employees here for benefit of the residents,” Koch said. “It’s really nice to see those efforts be recognized.”
Koch said the hallmark of the Nottingham Village campus is that it has been family-owned
and operated for 45 years.
“It started with a nursing center, then retirement center and houses were added,” Koch said.
She believes the voters chose Nottingham in part because they offer a “very homelike environment” at all level of care on the campus.
“That’s what draws people to us,” she said. “There is not an institutional feel which is at a lot of facilities.”
The caring staff - their interactions with residents and family members - enhances that homelike feel.
The retirement center itself can hold up to 90 people in 61 apartments. There is a fitness center, a large multipurpose room, daily activities, and restaurant style dining.
“All of the things that are really attractive to retirees,” Koch said. “We also have lots of beautiful common areas to visit with peers, friends and families. It makes it an enjoyable place for them.”
Most of the residents of the retirement center are age 60 and above, though there are some younger residents.
“We have a mixture,” Koch said.
The center boasts studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments. Anyone rooming with someone is by choice, not requirement.
“If you don’t need personal care services, for example if the wife needs it and husband does not, he doesn’t have to pay for the services but can live in the home with his wife for a different rate.”
Most other retirement homes aren’t like that.
“So we can accommodate room and board for one, but not include the personal care cost,” Koch continued.
If you’ve got interest in checking out Nottingham Village Retirement Center it’s never too soon.
“We keep an ongoing wait list, and we are always looking for new, interested folks to give us a call and learn more about us so we can share all the things we love here,” Koch said.
For more information about Nottingham Village Retirement Center, call 570-473-2360 or visit nottinghamvillage.org.
Among other activities at Nottingham Village the staff hosted a lovely “Pink Tea Party” in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
PHOTO PROVIDED
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Photographer Is A People Person, Loves Capturing Everyday Moments
By Cindy O. Herman For The Daily Item
MIDDLEBURG – Trying to get into the Christmas spirit? Take a look through the rich, colorful holiday photos at Stacy Boyer Photography LLC. The details she provides in her backgrounds create warm, nostalgic images that could be used in Christmas cards.
Boyer has been “taking pictures” for 27 years but officially went full-time five years ago. She now has a fully stocked, picturesque studio and a greenhouse bursting with flowers for portrait sessions. With her camera she documents the moments in life that matter.
“I just always loved having a camera and ‘capturing the moment,’” she said. “I didn’t want moments to get lost in everyday life, and
now I’ve found that my favorite photographs are of ‘everyday life.’ I offer pictures for newborns, toddlers, families, seniors, weddings, engagements, maternity, boudoir, holidays and so much more.”
She normally has a waiting list and is booking three to four months in advance. Customers love her work, which is reflected in her winning the Best of the Valley Award.
“I am a simple, people person,” she said. “You will find me in t-shirts and shorts, never dressed up. Just down-to-earth and easy to work with.”
Stacy Boyer, of Stacy Boyer Photography, LLC, enjoys capturing the “everyday life” moments that people treasure.
She offers reasonable prices, shoots lots of pictures for her customers and, she said, she never stops working.
“I also have an amazing turnaround time. You never wait weeks for pictures from me,” she said.
As busy as she is, Boyer took time to express her gratitude to the people who voted for her Best of the Valley award.
“I am blessed to have so many great followers, customers and most of all friends,” she said. “My repeat customers are the best!”
Cindy O. Herman lives in Snyder County. Email comments to her at CindyOHerman@gmail.com
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Looking Out For Customers
By Cindy O. Herman For The Daily Item
SUNBURY – The atmosphere Giovanni Tebar created in The Gentlemen’s Barbershop is almost as much of a draw as the quality of the haircuts there.
Sitting in barber Neil Bowman’s chair, Jeff Martz said he likes the friendly staff and being able to watch TV while waiting his turn at the barbershop.
“You feel like you’re somebody when you leave with a fresh, new haircut,” Martz said. Bowman noted that he and the other barbers get together outside of work.
“I absolutely love working here,” he said. “The atmosphere just feels like you’re family any time you’re in here.”
Scott Lotze also mentioned the “welcoming atmosphere” and said he always knows he’s going to get a good cut. While barber Colton Smith worked on Lotze’s hair, he said The
Gentlemen’s Barbershop has a laid-back atmosphere that he enjoyed even when he was in high school.
That laid-back, welcoming feeling is what Tebar was going for.
“I feel like that’s the biggest takeaway we get, is the experience. You come in here, the people are nice to you, they greet you, there’s always some music playing, there’s not a spotlight on you,” he said.
He has trained seven out of the 10 barbers who work for him and is currently training his middle child, Xavier. He instills in them the importance of looking out for their customers and shares feedback with them, which mostly focuses on customers’ positive experiences.
“That’s a big deal for me,” Tebar said.
As a student at Shikellamy High School, Tebar noticed his friends’ rather bland haircuts and started cutting his own hair. Originally from Brooklyn, where it seemed there were
barbershops on every corner, he was surprised to find none in Sunbury. After high school, friends kept asking him to cut their hair. When he realized he enjoyed the outcome of the work, and that there were few barbers in the area, he decided to attend barber school and open his own business.
“There are people here that are 30 years old, and this is their first time experiencing a true barber. That’s kind of crazy,” he said. “Some places you grow up, and since a baby you go to a barber. Here, guys are going to salons and places like (that).”
Having grown up with a troubled background, he now enjoys helping others. That’s one reason he designed his shop so that the waiting area is not right near the styling chairs. He’s noticed, especially with teenagers, that customers open up more when others are not right next to them.
“Guys sometimes don’t feel comfortable talking about their feelings. So you come here, you get cool with the same guy that’s been cutting your hair for a couple of years, and every time you see him you kind of just catch up on life,” he said. “I teach that early on. We’re doing more than just cutting hair here. It’s a service for the community. We’re here to help, here to guide.”
Hearing people’s stories has given him perspective. It’s tough to get too upset about a flat tire, say, when customers tell him about losing a job or burying a loved one.
“Part of being a barber, in my opinion, is that it’s not about you,” he said. “So many people, what they do for work is about them. For this it’s like, what can we do for you today? When you come in this chair for 30 minutes to an hour, it’s about what you need.”
He thanked the customers who voted for the Best of the Valley award.
“Without them, I mean, there’s no way I could be in a bigger building, there’s no way I could have 10 barbers. They’re everything to us,” he said. “I teach that here. Without them, there is no us, so they’re important.”
Whether giving or receiving insight, Tebar is happy at his work.
“I wouldn’t want to do nothing else in the world,” he said. “I love it.”
Cindy O. Herman lives in Snyder County. Email comments to her at CindyOHerman@gmail.com
(Cindy O. Herman/For The Daily Item)
Giovanni Tebar, owner of The Gentlemen’s Barbershop, in Sunbury, teaches his barbers to focus on the needs of their customers.
(Cindy O. Herman/For The Daily Item)
Sweet Dreams Cheesecake Emporium
Opened 2022
209 W. Pine St., Selinsgrove 570-259-9439
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Opened 1989
142 Farley Circle, Lewisburg 570-524-9866
www.stushortho.com
Eagles Wind Coffee House
Opened 2018
3175 North Susquehanna Trail, Shamokin Dam 570-541-8928
“Eagles Wind Coffee House” on Facebook
