Lancaster Family - Spring/Summer 2023

M ARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Free Admission Day!

Thursday, April 13 continues to be Free Admission Day at Hands-on House in memory of Mason. Open 9-7!

Touch-A-Truc k

Saturday, April 22! Just $6 per person. Come an d explore around 20 vehicles from bulldozers and dump trucks to police cruizers and trollies. Outside from 10-2.

S uperhero Day!

Saturday, May 27. Museum visitors can say hello an d g et photos with Spiderman and Captain America from 11:30-12:30.

Summer Camp Weeks!

June 12 - 23 for kids 4-6

June 26-August 11 for kids 5-10

Lots of fun, scheduled activities, STEM, ART, storytime, and museum playtime.

Filling your week with FUN!

Mondays - (Starting June) Story Stretchers: Hear a fu n s tory and do an activity.

T uesdays: Art Classes and Story Stretchers (through May)

Wednesdays: Cool Tots 18-36 month s

Thursdays : Art Classe s

Friday: Maker's Space (opening July )

Saturday: Art Classe s

FEATURES

Spring into Family Fun Activities for the entire family

Going, Going, Gone! The pros and cons of selling your home through an agent or an auction

A Day In The Life... When it comes to Columbia, few people know more about the town’s past and present than Chris Vera.

DIRECTORIES

Jocelyn Engle, Publisher Wendy Royal, Editor Contributing Writers

Cathy Molitoris

Wendy Royal Advertising

Greg March, Sales Manager Creative Melissa McKee Wendy Royal

Spring into family fun!

Spring is one of the most popular seasons of the year. After several months of chilly temperatures in many regions, spring provides a welcome reprieve from the cold.

Moderate temperatures make it much more comfortable and inviting to venture outdoors, particularly for families with children who might not adapt to the cold as well as adults. The following are some family-friendly activities that make the most of spring renewal.

Visit botanical gardens

Southcentral Pennsylvania is home to a number of botanical gardens, and a visit in spring or summer allows families to soak in the beauty of nature during a time when gardens are in peak form. Locally, the Conestoga House and Gardens, which has been under the care of estate manager Larry Wettig for more than 51 years, has been dubbed “the beloved gem of Lancaster.”

“There are plenty of areas to relax, read, have a picnic, or simply stroll the gardens at your leisure,” said Jara Potts, sales and event manager with Ecklin, which owns the property. “So many aspects of the Conestoga House and Gardens offer something so special and unique. Each little pocket has a treasure to be discovered.” Visitors may stop by The Orangery, which features tile from a little chapel in Italy that was installed locally more than a century ago, or wander the rose garden. “The labyrinth aspect has me enjoying each variety of roses,” Potts noted.

Even the house itself is mesmerizing. It served as a tavern inn in the 1800s prior to being purchased by James Hale Steinman and Louise McClure Tinsley Steinman and remodeled by architect Frank J. Everts in 1930. One visitor was Edgar Allan Poe’s great-nephew, who wrote a book about the grounds while visiting. “I often think if the walls could talk, just what (would be) some of the stories (they would share) that date back to the 1700s,” Potts said.

Whether visiting in spring or summer, families will find plenty to delight their eyes. “Early spring, we have some spring flowers out for day guests to enjoy,” Potts shared. “Typically by June 1, we consider ourselves in full bloom, and I would venture to say that any guests would most likely feel like (they’re) lost in an English garden oasis.”

For those who are looking for an additional educational component, the Conestoga House and Gardens offers horticulture programming, presented by its on-site staff. The site also hosts community events, such as date nights, music events on the lawn, and murder mystery dinners. Families may consider the property for photo shoots, as well.

For information on the Conestoga House and Gardens, visit www.conestogahouse. com.

Prepare a home garden

Visiting a garden is one thing; creating one at home is another. “Starting a garden is very easy,” said Kathy Trout, a second-generation owner of Ken’s Gardens, which has locations in Smoketown and Intercourse. “Just start small if you’re a beginner. Ask a lot of questions, and there is so much information on the internet.”

Some families may have yard space for a garden, while others may opt for container, raised-bed, or square-foot gardens to save space. “Container gardens are easier,” Trout noted. “Just dispose of the old soil/plants from last year and add fresh, new soil and you are ready to plant.” She added that container gardens should be watered each day and fertilized weekly or biweekly. “Home gardens take more maintenance,” she shared. “They need to be mulched and weeded, but most of the time Mother Nature takes care of watering.”

Unsure whether to focus on growing produce or growing flowers? Trout recommends planting some of both. “You can intermingle flowers and vegetables in the same garden or container,” she explained. Consider making the task of selecting plants a family experience, with each member of the family picking some. As for what will grow best, Trout shared that plants that can be purchased in local garden centers should grow well in this region. “Keep in mind that our frost date is May 15 in this area,” she noted. “That means we could get frost as late as that date. That doesn’t usually happen, but you need to be aware when planting tender vegetables and annuals.”

Whether you choose vegetables, flowers, or both, and whether you devote a section or your yard to a garden or decide to try container gardening, Trout noted that the hobby offers many benefits, such as increased exercise, stress relief, and

improved mood, not to mention the satisfaction of spending time outdoors, attracting butterflies with flowers, and growing your own food. “Gardening can be very rewarding,” she said. “It’s a great hobby.”

Go animal watching

Flowers are not the only thing to keep an eye on in the spring, as families can spend time viewing the animals that visit their yards or local parks.

According to Lisa J. Sanchez, who has been a naturalist with Lancaster County Parks for 30 years, there is no shortage of animals to see locally. “During daytime hours, lots of birds, squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs can be seen all throughout (Lancaster County Central) Park,” she said. “Pollinating insects can be found in wildflower meadows. Flipping over rocks and logs, you will often find insects and salamanders. Reptiles might be found basking in the sun.”

The weather and the time of day may have an impact on animals’ behavior, Sanchez pointed out. “Rainy days near a pond are a great time to see and hear frogs. The birds are more active when it is not raining,” she explained. “At sunrise and sunset, deer are out and about feeding. Driving on the roads that go through the park at night, you might see eye shines along the road or off in a field of deer, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, and opossums.” She emphasized that since the park is open from sunrise to sunset, those traveling through at night should drive slowly.

Safety precautions should be a priority during daytime hours, as well. “Remember you are visiting (the animals’) home and habitat,” Sanchez reminded. “Stay on the trails.” She emphasized the importance of keeping a safe distance from wild animals and not attempting to touch them. “Do not take wildlife home with you, be aware of breeding seasons of wildlife, and watch where you step,” she said, adding that people should also not feed wildlife and should not litter.

Adhering to these guidelines can allow families to have wonderful experiences with wildlife. “The quieter (people) are, the more likely they are to see wildlife,” Sanchez noted. “Visit one of our parks that doesn’t get as much human traffic.”

There are numerous public programs offered through Lancaster County Parks that can give families a glimpse of wild animals, including a range of nighttime offerings. For a list of programs, visit www.co.lancaster.pa.us/317/PublicPrograms.

“Physical activity is best when done in nature,” Sanchez said. “It lowers your stress and puts you in a good mood. Looking, listening, touching, and even smelling nature helps you connect and be aware of your surroundings. … The more time you spend in nature, the more you will respect it and take care of it.”

Get out on the water

A bright, warm day is an ideal time to enjoy the open water, and Lancaster County offers numerous options for this activity, whether through kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or boat rides.

“My favorite part of paddling is seeing your surroundings from a new perspective,” said Hope Byers, Susquehanna Natural Heritage Area (SNHA) Columbia Crossing director. “I love paddling (on the Susquehanna River) under the Veterans Memorial Bridge and around the old bridge piers. I also just love looking at the shoreline and landscape.”

“You’re likely to find me putting in my personal watercraft at Falmouth boat launch and heading north to explore the potholes at the foot of Conewago Falls,” noted Megan Salvatore, visitor services representative with SNHA Columbia Crossing. “It’s such a unique river landscape on the Lower Susquehanna.”

For those new to exploring the river, Byers recommends scheduling a trip with an outfitter.

“It’s really nice to have a guide on the water,” she noted. “They help you expand your skills and point out highlights while on the tour.” She added that KayakLanCo and Shank’s Mare Outfitters both offer youth paddling opportunities, as well.

Byers encourages families looking for a novice kayak excursion to check out the Conejohela Flats Birding Area, where they are likely to see egrets, herons, eagles, and falcons. Be sure to pick up a copy of the SNHA’s Introductory Birding Guide from the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center!

Of course, fishing is a popular activity on the river, as well. Salvatore pointed out that the region is becoming known for flathead catfish that can weight up to 60 pounds. Kayak fishing equipment may be rented through local outfitters such as Shank’s Mare and Chiques Rock, but Salvatore reminds those age 16 and up to be sure to get a fishing license before taking to the water.

Anyone who wants to try fishing legally before obtaining a license may join SNHA at Columbia Crossing on Pennsylvania Fish-for-Free Days, set for Sunday, May 28, and Tuesday, July 4. Fishing equipment will be available at Columbia Crossing on those days, noted SNHA Columbia Crossing program coordinator Sophia Vayansky.

Families may also experience the river while learning about its history by taking a River Discovery Boat Tour with SNHA on the historic Chief Uncas, with one-hour tours offered from Memorial Day through September. “Guides share the history of the Chief Uncas, stories of Lake Clarke’s special landscape, and the Susquehanna River’s lasting legacy,” said Allison Scholz, SNHA program and education manager.

Parents and kids looking for experiences on the water elsewhere in the county may want to check out locations such as Muddy Run Park, which also offers personal watercraft rentals, hiking trails, a splash pad, and more. “Tubing at Sickman’s Mill on the Pequea Creek is a great experience for families,” Salvatore added, noting that guides are available.

While there is much fun to be had on the water, Salvatore emphasized that safety should be the top priority. “The basics for any on-water trip include a personal flotation device (PFD) with an attached whistle,” she noted. “Make sure you tell someone where you are going. Adventure with a buddy when possible.” In addition to a PFD, other helpful items include a dry bag, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, a hat, and binoculars.

“When planning outdoor adventures, consider where restrooms are located, calculate activities to take longer than expected, and plan for frequent breaks or tired children,” Salvatore advised. “Spend some time looking at good maps or visit Columbia Crossing for maps and guides before you go so you know what to expect.”

Try out some hands-on activities

While the local area has a number of charms families can discover as they explore, there’s also something to be said for enjoying some hands-on fun at home.

Crafts and other projects can offer families with kids of all ages a fun and rewarding experience this spring and summer. Head to a locally owned garden center to purchase a planter or a watering can for the kids to decorate, or swing by a thrift store to pick up materials to make wind chimes. You can even use items you may already have, like old silverware, keys, bottle caps, shells, or bamboo to create the chimes, with a piece of driftwood or a hubcap serving as the base.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to crafts, so let your imagination run wild! If you need a creative nudge, stop by a local arts and crafts store or even a nearby thrift shop and ask for some ideas.

These are just a few activities that families can enjoy this spring. No matter how you decide to spend your family time this spring and summer, be sure to have fun and make memories!

1 2 3

2023 Herb & Garden Faire

May 12-13

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster

www.landisvalleymuseum.org

Lions Prowl Obstacle Course Race & Family Fun Festival

May 13

Lancaster County Christian School

2390 New Holland Pike, Lancaster

www.lionsprowlocr.com

4 5

Strawberry Festival

June 10

Lancaster

Central Market

23 N. Market St., Lancaster

www.facebook.com/Lancaster

CentralMarket

Family Farm Days

June 13-15

Oregon Dairy

2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz

www.oregondairy.com/family-fun/ family-farm-days

60th Annual Antique Craft & Collectible Show

May 29

High St. and River St., Maytown, PA 717-426-2107

60th Annual Antiques Show

June 23-24

Warwick Middle School 401 Maple St., Lititz

www.facebook.com/ events/601424995079946

9

Sweet Corn Festival

July 15

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks

www.cherrycrestfarm.com/ festivals

7 8

2023 USPA 2Goal Masters Cup

July 1

Lancaster Polo Club

70 Church St., Lititz (Rothsville)

www.lancasterpolo.org

Terre Hill Days

July 13-17

Terre Hill Community Memorial Park

210 Lancaster Ave., Terre Hill

www.terrehilldays.com/communityevents/terre-hill-days

75th Annual Threshermen’s Reunion

August 16-19

Rough & Tumble Museum 4997 Lincoln Highway East, Kinzers

www.roughandtumble.org/ viewreference/40/eventschedules

Boulders Miniature Golf

312 Primrose Lane, Mountville 717-285-7007

www.bouldersminigolf.com

Dutch Gardens Miniature Golf Course

4311 Oregon Pike, Ephrata

717-859-1616

www.dutchlanes.com/Mini-Golf

Leisure Lanes Bowling and Golf Center

3440 Columbia Ave., Lancaster 717-392-2121

www.leisurelanespa.com

Lost Treasure Golf

2521 E. Lincoln Highway, Ronks 717-391-8234

www.losttreasuregolf.com/miniature-golf-courses/lancaster-mini-golf-course

Pelvo’s Putt Putt

605 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster

Check in at Stoner Grille for clubs and payment. 717-208-6623

http://stonercommons.com/minigolf

The Shack Restaurant & Mini Golf

662 S. Oak St., Manheim

717-664-2250

www.theshackmanheim.com

Village Green Miniature Golf & Snack

Shoppe

1444 Village Road, Strasburg 717-687-6933

https://villagegreens.com

Waters Edge Mini Golf

230 N. Ronks Road, Bird-in-Hand

717-768-4653

www.watersedgegolf.net

Going, going, GONE! Going, going, GONE!

Selling your house at auction or with a real estate agent

BY CATHY MOLITORIS

You’re ready to sell your house. Now what? Where do you turn for help, and what are the best choices for your unique situation? Patrick Morgan, an auctioneer and Realtor with 30 years of experience in the industry, said homeowners have options when it comes to selling a home. Although selling at auction or with a real estate agent are both good choices, Morgan noted, there are pros and cons to each situation.

SELLING AT AUCTION

Morgan, who is a member of both the National and Pennsylvania Auctioneers associations, noted that real estate auctions can take place in person or online.

Pros

The price.

Selling at auction gives homeowners the opportunity to potentially make a lot of money. “One of the biggest pros of selling at auction is that we don’t put a price out there and work down,” Morgan noted. “When the bidding starts, the price goes up as the auction goes along, not down. It’s really the only sales process where you start with a bid and negotiate up, not down, through competitive bidding, resulting in a higher price.”

The ease.

Unlike selling with a real estate agent, selling at auction does not require the homeowner to complete inspections or other work before putting the house up for sale. “Typically, a property sold at auction is sold ‘as is,’” Morgan explained. “And once someone has put a bid on that property, their deposit is nonrefundable.”

The control.

Some people believe selling at auction is a risk because the property might go for a price far below its value. This isn’t true in Pennsylvania, Morgan said, where all real estate is sold with a reserve price that must be met for the house to sell. “You can establish what you want as your minimum sales price with the auctioneer prior to the auction, and if you don’t reach that amount, you are not forced to sell it,” he remarked.

The fit.

“If you have a unique property, with maybe a large amount of acreage or some features on the property that are very hard to estimate fair market value on or for a real estate agent to package, selling at auction may best help you get maximum fair market value,” Morgan noted. “Selling at auction is a great option for one-of-a-kind properties.”

Cons

The timing.

Although Morgan said it’s hard to come up with many cons for selling at auction, one possible concern would be the time it takes to get offers on a property. “It typically takes four to six weeks with an auction property, whereas offers can go from contract to agreement in 48 hours with a Realtor,” he commented. So, if your timeline is important to you, an auction might not be the best route.

The audience.

It’s possible you’ll be marketing your house to a smaller pool of buyers if you sell at auction, Morgan said, but he emphasized that you’ll still be reaching a good range of people. “We can list auctions on the MLS, Multiple Listing Services, so that exposes you to a lot of buyers,” he said. He did point out, however, that anyone purchasing a house at auction must have financing secured prior to buying the property, so you could potentially reduce the number of bidders on your home.

SELLING WITH A REAL ESTATE AGENT

Using a real estate professional to sell your home is a popular option, said Morgan, who is also a member of the National and Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. Here are the pros and cons of using a real estate agent.

Pros

The network.

Working with an agency means your home will be exposed to a wide range of potential buyers, Morgan remarked. Using the MLS system, a Lancaster County Realtor can connect with thousands of other Realtors in the county and beyond. “I’ve sold properties in Chester, Berks and York counties,” said Morgan, who is based in Lancaster County. Selling a house with a real estate agent gives the seller more opportunities to find potential buyers.

The details.

A real estate agent helps sellers navigate the paperwork of selling a home, from contract details to fine print.

Cons

The negotiations.

Selling a house with a real estate agent can be time consuming if the seller and buyer can’t agree on the price or if the property is overpriced, Morgan said. Likewise, a buyer can renegotiate or terminate the sale based on inspection.

Whichever option you choose, there are more pros than cons to consider, Morgan noted. “It really comes down to the seller’s comfort level,” he stated, adding that he handles about equal amounts of sales at auction and as a Realtor. “The real estate market is good, so both options are good ones. Both methods are tested and proven and good methods for selling your house.”

He emphasized that sellers should educate themselves about how both auctions and working with an agent would best benefit them. “We’re trying to get people to change their mindset, especially about auctions,” Morgan remarked. “People hear ‘auction,’ and they think distressed property or a bank-owned property, but that’s not always the case. I’ve sold homes at auction that are in perfect, eat-off-the-floor, ready-tomove-in condition.”

Kim Douglass 215.416.8837 #AY-002366 KimberlyKAuctions.com

Auctioneers: Patrick Morgan Dustin Spencer #AY-002383 pmorganauctions.com

HOMEMADE CHICKEN PIES, LLC.

Featuring one of life’s most savory and delicious comfort foods, join with those who have discovered the “from-scratch” meat pies that are made at Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies. Surrounded by Amish farmlands in the heart of the PA Dutch countryside, this family owned and operated business uses special mouth-watering recipes that are making their beef, chicken, and sausage pies more famous with each passing year.

From the humble beginnings in their Amish farmhouse kitchen to a USDA inspected commercial enterprise, the quality and taste of their pies remains the same, even as the distribution has increased from one market stand to multiple stores and farm markets throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

You are always invited to stop by the Zook’s retail store to stock up on these quick and easy meals that are tasty and nutritious too! In addition to meat pies. Zook’s has a nice selection of specialty food items, including homemade soups, bake-at-home meals and fresh bakery items.

A day in the life of … Chris Vera

BY CATHY MOLITORIS

It’s a wonder if Chris Vera ever sleeps, but if he does, chances are he’s dreaming about Columbia. The lifelong resident wears many hats – manager of the Columbia Market House, curator of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society, chair of the Zion Hill Cemetery restoration project, among others – but the common thread in everything he does is his fondness for the town. “I love the history of Columbia,” Chris said. “I love the way the town has always been sort of an outcast, but we’re self-sufficient and that’s what made Columbia what it is. We’re people who don’t mind dirt under their fingernails, who work hard and who have a lot of community pride.”

We all have the same 24 hours in a day to accomplish things, but somehow Chris makes it seem possible to do more than most people. His typical day begins at 5:30 a.m., when he rises to help his wife, Pamela, who has had progressive multiple sclerosis for more than a dozen years. Now paralyzed by the disease, Pamela relies on Chris to be her full-time caregiver, a job he does with love for the woman he married 27 years ago. “I get her out of bed, dress her, help her get everything she needs to start her day,” Chris stated. “I get her breakfast, tea, her Bible and anything else she needs for the day.”

By 8:30 a.m., Chris heads to the Columbia Market House – unless it’s a Saturday, when the market is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. On those days, he gets up at 4:30 a.m. and arrives at the market by 6:30 a.m. He jumps right into the day ahead, whether that’s working on marketing and social media posts for the market, restocking toilet paper in the bathrooms, performing maintenance and repair on the building or its stands or strategizing how to continue to build market traffic.

Chris was hired as market manager in July of 2022, and the role is close to his heart. “My mother was the market manager from 2005 to 2010,” he said of his mom, Renae Sears. “This is my mother’s legacy, and I want to honor that legacy.” He’s proud of the work he’s done expanding the market’s offerings, which now include international food options such as Brazilian chocolates and Cuban sauces and guacamole, as well as Cambodian, Hispanic and Jamaican food. In total, 16 vendors currently fill the market, selling everything from Amish-made baked goods and Lancaster County deli meats and cheeses to fresh flowers, soft pretzels and handmade knitted items.

Chris estimates he spends upwards of 60 hours a week on market business. “My goal when I first got here was to target all these small towns around us and encourage people to come into this little market and see what we have,” he remarked. Along with expanding the food offerings, Chris encouraged vendors to share the commercial kitchen on-site. “Everything is made fresh and on location,” he said.

Even though the market is only open one day a week, as well as on Fourth Fridays in Columbia, managing it is a more than full-time job for Chris. He works hard to set up private events ranging from rehearsal dinners and baby showers to birthday parties, drawing visitors from as far away as Bucks and Perry counties. “I like to think outside the box,” Chris commented, noting that he’s always dreaming up new ways to promote the market.

Along with his job at the market, Chris curates the collection at the Columbia Historic Preservation Society. He’s currently in the process of tearing down last year’s exhibit and installing a new one on Columbia’s military history, which will be ready for the museum’s opening in mid-April. He’s working on changing the scope of the museum to feature more model trains. “I’d like to put an O-gauge downstairs,” he stated, noting that it would be a nice complement to the Columbia and Susquehanna Model Railroad layout that operates on the second floor.

Chris also serves as the chair of the Zion Hill Cemetery restoration project, working to preserve the site where multiple Black soldiers and Civil War veterans are buried. He’s in the process of ordering informational panels about these veterans as well as residents of the Tow Hill neighborhood in Columbia, a Black neighborhood populated in the early 1800s by escaped or freed slaves.

On a typical day, Chris wraps up his official workday by 5 p.m. “That’s usually when my wife is calling me to come home,” he said. He helps get her to bed by 7 p.m., and then he finds time to unwind, sort of. “I don’t eat dinner, but I relax with a good IPA beer,” he shared. He’ll turn on the TV, but it isn’t long before his mind returns to the market or any of the other projects he’s working on. “I’ll have my laptop open while the TV is on, and I’ll work for a few more hours, maybe on the schedule of events coming up for the Market House,” he explained. Or, he might be planning Columbia Railroad Day, which is happening on June 10; getting started on Albatwitch Day, which happens in October; or preparing for one of the numerous historic walking tours he gives around Columbia. He also ponders how his various events are going to be received by the public and how big a crowd the market will draw each week. “I’m always worrying about how many people are going to come to an event or come into the Market House,” he commented. “I worry, ‘Are they going to enjoy themselves?’ because that’s the most important thing to me.”

Finally, he climbs into bed between midnight and 1 a.m. most nights. While a typical day for Chris might seem overwhelming for many people, he’s quick to emphasize he that he has people he relies on every day. He credits his daughter, Madison, with helping to care for his wife and his six brothers and sisters with providing support whenever he needs it. He also drinks three to four cups of coffee a day to keep his energy flowing.

But all the caffeine in the world couldn’t change the natural energy that Chris exhibits in everything he does. “My motto is ‘never say no,’” he remarked. “I’m not a ‘sit around and wait’ kind of guy,” he said. “I don’t like to wait for progress. If you want something done, give me the tools, and I’ll get it done.”

• FARM STORE • PRIVATE EVENTS • FARM TOURS • LLAMA WALKS Valais Blackn e Sheep of Pennsylvania

At Keystone Pet Place, customer service for you and your pet is our number one priority! Our pet stores have dog and cat food and supplies, small animal food and accessories, and full-service pet grooming, and walk-in services for dogs, cats and small animals! Two locations to serve you! 462 Weidler Lane, Manheim, PA 17545 • 717-459-3414 WWW.SPOOKYNOOKFARM.COM R092169

Rescue Pets

ELATION

32 Below Ice Cream Shop Bricker Village 2 E. 28th Division Highway, Lititz facebook.com/32belowicecreamshop

Down on the Farm Creamery 509 May Post Office Road, Strasburg Search “Down on the Farm Creamery” on facebook.com

Fox Meadows Creamery (2 Locations) 2475 W. Main St., Ephrata 193 E. Main St., Leola foxmeadowscreamery.com

Freeze & Frizz Drive-In 2250 New Holland Pike, Lancaster freezeandfrizz.com

Good Life Ice Cream & Treats 2088 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster goodlifelancaster.com

Greco's Italian Ices & Homemade Ice Cream 9 E. Kleine Lane, Lititz facebook.com/grecos717

Isabella's 110 E. Main St., Lititz Isabellasic.com

Lancaster Sweet Shoppe

141 N. Duke St., Lancaster lancastersweetshoppe.com

Lapp Valley Farm

244 Mentzer Road, New Holland 717-354-7988

Lickity Split

209 E. Main St., New Holland lickitysplit.info

Little Dippers

432 W. Main St., Mount Joy Search Little Dippers Ice Cream on facebook.com

Maplehofe Dairy

799 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville maplehofedairy.com

The Milkhouse at Oregon Dairy

2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz oregondairy.com/the-restaurant/ ice-cream-shoppe

Pine View Dairy

2225 New Danville Pike, Lancaster pineviewdairy.com

Rolled Cold Creamery

(2 Locations)

24 E. Orange St., Lancaster 3526 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse rolledcoldcreamery.com

Scoop's Ice Cream & Grille 312 Primrose Lane, Mountville scoopsgrille.com

Son's (2 Locations)

1991 Miller Road, East Petersburg 319 W. State St., Quarryville sonsice.com

Strasburg Creamery

1 W. Main St., Strasburg strasburg.com/strasburg-creamery

Turkey Hill Experience

301 Linden St., Columbia turkeyhillexperience.com

Twin Kiss

309 S. Main St., Manheim manheimtwinkiss.com

Udder Bliss Creamery

189 Ridgeview Road, Elizabethtown facebook.com/UdderBlissCreamery

SUMMER CAMPS

Age 3-12 Sports, Art, Science & Adventure

YOUTH SPORTS

Baseball, Soccer, Field Hockey, Basketball

INDOOR & OUTDOOR POOLS

Swim lessons and Season Passes

ADULT LEAGUES

Men’s Basketball & Women’s Volleyball

ADULT & YOUTH FITNESS

Classes & Training

Bouldering & Obstacles

Membership & Day Passes

2023 TOUR SCHEDULE

May

• Winter thur & Nemours Estate (May 9, 2023)

• St. Michaels, MD (May 17, 2023)

•Annapolis Blue Angels (May 23, 2023)

June

• Harborfest, Norfolk, VA ( June 8-11, 2023)

• Cape Cod & Nantucket ( June 12-16, 2023)

• Chesapeake Dine Around & Cruise ( June 26, 2023)

July/August

• Beach Day: Ocean City, NJ (July 3, 19 & Aug. 14, 2023)

• Beach Day : Cape May, NJ ( July 11 & Aug. 8 & 30, 2023)

• Maine Shoreline ( July 30-Aug. 4, 2023)

• Virginia Beach, VA (Aug. 20-24, 2023)

Dates subject to change

September

• Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, Filight 93 Memorial (Sept. 6-7, 2023)

• Finger Lakes, (Sept. 19-22, 2023)

Oc tober

• Pigeon Forge (Oct. 2-6, 2023)

• Vermont’s True Flavor (Oct. 9-13, 2023)

Our uniquely curated museum displays present the town, the people, and the experiences of Hershey. Our museum shop is artisan based and locally focused. Our facility offers private rental opportunities for special events.

20 Summer Camp Experiences Your Kids Will Love

As summer approaches, our kids have more time on their hands, which can mean more time on their devices. Many parents find summer camps to be a great way to get kids away from screens and outside. But is your child ready? There's no magic age when a child may be ready for camp, but generally, kids ages 8 or 9 may be willing to start a resident sleep-away camp. Day camp kids can begin as early as age 3, the same age that kids often start preschool programs. Gauge whether the child has spent time away from home at friends' or family's homes to decide whether a resident camp is a good fit or a day camp is more appropriate. One thing is sure, whether it's a sleep-away camp or a day camp, doing your research and getting feedback from the parents of previous campers will give you peace of mind and help your child have a great experience.

1. Black Rock Retreat

1345 Kirkwood Pike, Quarryville 717-775-6165

www.blackrockretreat.com

Black Rock Retreat is offering its first-ever Soccer Day Camp for first- through eighth-graders, a day camp for first- through sixth-graders to experience the outdoors, and its overnight camp for secondthrough 12th-graders.

2. Camp Conrad Weiser

201 Cushion Peak Road, Reinholds 610-670-2267

www.smymca.org

Camp Conrad Weiser features traditional summer camps as well as themed camps such as paintball training, horseback riding, and more.

3 Corn Cob Acres 191 College Ave., Mountville 717-285-7748

https://corncobacres.com/camp

New for 2023, Corn Cob Acres is introducing its Camp CCA, a day camp experience for kids ages 5-12. Children will participate in educational and supervised play activities geared toward a unique theme each of the four weeks.

4. Ephrata Rec Summer Kids Camp 130 S. Academy Drive, Ephrata 717-738-1167

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066512856328

Ephrata Rec Commission’s Summer Kids Camp is filled with swimming, crafts, field trips, special events, games, and more.

5. Hands-On House

721 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster 717-569-5437

www.handsonhouse.org/summer-camp/

Campers at Hands-on House will encounter STEM challenges, make crafts, play games based on weekly themes, and have all the fun you expect in the museum. Camps are offered for ages 4-10.

6. Lancaster Barnstormers Summer Baseball & Softball Camps

650 N. Prince St., Lancaster 717-509-4487

www.lancasterbarnstormers.com/youth-baseball/summer-baseball-camps

Your children can sharpen their skills through professional instruction at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

454 New Holland Ave., Lancaster 717-509-6363

https://lancastersciencefactory.org/ stemeducation/summercamps

Lancaster Science Factory is offering 25 STEMrelated camps for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. Camps include Junior Coders, Air & Space, 3D Printing, Making a Mural, and Video Game Design.

330 Mumma Drive, Salunga-Landisville 717-478-1921

https://lancastertechcamps.com

Lancaster Technology Camps offer a variety of camps in movie making, photography, robotics, video game designs, and more tech-related interests.

1571 Manheim Pike, Lancaster 717-415-5486

www.snapology.com/location/ lancaster#workshops

Snapology of Lancaster offers a variety of STEAM camps year-round. Its camps include RoboPets Robotics, Jedi Masters, and Amusement Park Engineering.

75 Champ Blvd., Manheim 717-945-7087

www.spookynooksports.com/manheim/family-fun/ summer-camps

Spooky Nook Sports offers camps focusing on sports, in addition to Kids Camps, Experience Camps, Ninja Camp, and more.

7. Lancaster Science Factory

8. Lancaster Technology Camps

9. Snapology

10. Spooky Nook Sports

11. Woodcrest Retreat

225 Woodcrest Road, Ephrata 717-738-2233

www.woodcrestretreat.org/summer-camp

Woodcrest Retreat offers three camps: Discover day camp for ages 6-11, Trekkers day camp for ages 12-14, and a Wilderness day camp for ages 8-12.

12. Camp Conquest

480 Forest Road, Denver 717-336-2541

https://campconquest.org

Camp Conquest offers day, overnight, and weekend camps for ages 7 to 15.

13. EPAC Center Stage Summer Theatre Camp

320 Cocalico St., Ephrata Community Park, Ephrata 717-733-7966

https://epactheatre.org/camp

Day camp for children ages 6-14 will give kids theater experience. Campers may attend for one, two, three, or all four weeks.

14. Greenview Bible Camp

520 Chapel Lane, Denver 717-445-4828

www.greenviewbiblecamp.org

Day camps for students who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade, and three overnight camps available for students in grades one to three, four to six, and seven to eight.

15. Lancaster County Environmental Center

1 Nature's Way, Lancaster 717-295-5918

https://co.lancaster.pa.us/982/Summer-Camps

Educational and fun day camps for ages 4-14

16. Lancaster Family YMCA

265 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster 717-393-9622

www.rosesymca.org/programs/15/summer-day-camp

Various summer day camps for kids ages 5 (who have completed kindergarten) through age 17.

17. Lancaster Rec Commission

525 Fairview Ave., Lancaster 717-392-2115

www.lancasterrec.org/child-care/summer-day-camps

Lancaster Rec offers three summer day camps for boys and girls, starting right after the school year ends. Each day camp is unique and has its own theme weeks, daily activities, and field trips. For students entering grades one to six.

18. GEARS

70 S. Poplar St., Elizabethtown 717-367-0355

www.getintogears.org

The Summer Youth Program offers six weeks of organized fun for kids ages 6 to 14.

19. Lititz Rec Center

301 W. Maple St., Lititz 717-626-5096

https://lititzrec.com

Sports, fitness, arts, and science camps for kids in preschool through grade nine.

20. Millersville University Camps

88 James St., Millersville 717-871-4636

www.millersville.edu/summercamps

Music, science, and technology camps for younger children through teens offer fun and positive experiences.

PYO Strawberries

Shenk’s Berry Farm

911 Disston View Drive, Lititz. 717-626-6194

Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon

www.shenkberryfarm.com/pyo-strawberries

First Fruits Farm and Orchard

51 Cocalico Creek Road, Stevens. 717-413-5967

Open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

www.facebook.com/firstfruitsfao

Farm Wagon Produce

1061 Weaverland Road, East Earl. 717-354-2041

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Brook Lawn Farm

2325 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. 717-569-4748

Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sunday. Cash only when picking. Picking hours will be posted on Facebook or call for hours.

http://brooklawnfarmmarket.com

Strawberry Freezer Jam

2 cups crushed strawberries (about 4 cups fresh strawberries before being crushed)

4 cups sugar

1.75 ounces fruit pectin (1 box or about 4 tablespoons)

3/4 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS

First, wash and hull strawberries. Next, place strawberries in a large bowl and mash well. You can also use a food processor and pulse a few times, but don’t do it too much; you don’t want it pureed or it won’t set.

Measure 2 cups (exactly) of crushed strawberries into a large mixing bowl.

Add 4 cups of sugar and stir well to combine. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In the meantime, add fruit pectin and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.

Add pectin mixture to strawberries and stir for 2-3 minutes or until sugar is completely dissolved. Fill freezer-safe containers, leaving ½ inch space at the top to allow for expansion when freezing.

Cover with lids and allow to stand at room temperature for 24 hours before refrigerating or freezing.

in Lancaster County

Cherry Hill Orchards

400 Long Lane, Lancaster. 717-872-9311

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.cherryhillorchards.com

Turtle Hill Farm

143 Turtle Hill Road (E. Main St.), Leola. 717-661-7553

Open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday. www.facebook.com/turtlehillfarmmarket

Charles Farm Produce

1137 Garber Road, Elizabethtown. 717-875-0916

Open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday. www.facebook.com/charlesfarmproduce

Kreider’s Strawberries

169 Buch Ave., Lancaster. 717-569-3421

Open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.facebook.com/kreidersstrawberries

Hoover’s Farm Market & Greenhouses

30 Erbs Bridge Road, Lititz. 717-733-1048

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday. https://hooversfarm.co/market-products/strawberries

Slow Cooker Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Makes 8 servings

4 cups sliced hulled strawberries

4 cups diced rhubarb (about 5 stalks), cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces

1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 1⁄2 tablespoons cornstarch, plus water (optional)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1⁄2 cup granulated sugar

1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar

1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger

1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1⁄2 cup butter, cut into pieces

1⁄2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Tips on picking and enjoying the sweetest strawberries

Always pick strawberries when they are ripe. They will be sweeter if they are completely red with no green or white tips on them.

Once a strawberry is red, it will not grow larger.

Try to pick all the red berries you see. If ripe fruit is left on the plant, it will begin to rot and spoil the other strawberries that are nearly ripe.

Your strawberries will stay fresh longer if you leave the green leaves on the top the strawberry when you pick it. Rinse berries before you eat them to clean off the dirt from the fields.

INSTRUCTIONS

Coat the crock insert of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place strawberries, rhubarb, granulated sugar and lemon juice in the crock and mix well. Cook on high 1 1⁄2 hours, or until fruit is tender.

If fruit is dry after cooking, add a little water. If fruit has too much liquid, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into liquid. Cook on high an additional 15 minutes, or until cooking liquid is thickened.

Preheat the oven to 375 F. For the topping, combine flour, oats, sugars, ginger, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in almonds.

Remove the lid from the slow cooker and gently sprinkle topping onto fruit. Transfer the stoneware to the oven. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until topping begins to brown.