Susquehanna Style April 2023

New Finds Old Friends

Some things just go together.

At Fine Wine & Good Spirits, we bring together more than what our name suggests. Whether it’s a new bottle of wine and your oldest friends, or garnishes to complete your game night, we simply provide half of your unique pairings — no matter how expected or unexpected they may seem.

Stop in stores or explore more at FWGS.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOXCHASE GOLF CLUB

Get Outdoors

By the time April rolls around, we’re comfortably settling into what’s arrived and what’s ahead for the season. It’s been over two weeks since daylight savings, and as we creep towards the summer solstice, days continue to get longer and warmer. Although April showers bring May flowers (so the saying goes), we also know that the coming season will bring longer periods of sun, giving us the opportunity and desire to get outside for both our physical and mental health. And what better time of year than now to get outside and explore your local terrain—before high temps and during a time of growth and renewal.

In this issue, we hope to build on that desire for renewal and vitamin D by motivating you to get outdoors. On page 25, check out outdoor recreational adventures all across the Susquehanna Valley that include

water sports, hiking, golfing, tennis, and more. For a more subdued and serene approach, jump ahead to page 40 to learn about five of the area’s best spots for bird watching.

Worried about what you may take with you on an all-day hiking or outdoor adventure? No need for that—just take it back to Dish It Up on page 19 for high energy and packable lunch and snack ideas for your journey. If packing isn’t your style, then make a pit stop for lunch at our latest Foodie Find on page 16. To bring your connection to the great outdoors full circle, don’t miss your chance to love the environment by switching your products to refillables. Learn more about this in our People and Places department on page 12.

No matter your approach to getting outside, we hope you enjoy all things that spring has to offer, and we hope you enjoy our Get Outdoors issue!

Theresa Stoddard Associate Publisher | tstoddard@susquehannastyle.com

@susquehannastyle

PRESIDENT/CEO

Paul Prass

VICE PRESIDENT/COO

Lisa Prass

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Theresa Stoddard

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES

Mike Matuczinski

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Kate Hunter, Sue Ottenheimer, Sherry Smith

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Madison Eckert

MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR

Madison DeWispelaere

CONTRIBUTORS

Rachel Curry, Karen Hendricks, M. Diane McCormick, Maddy Pontz, Sally Ricker, Alysha Yoder

PHOTOGRAPHER

Karlo Gesner

PROOFREADER

Kate Pistone

ACCOUNTING

Donna Bachman, Sarah Varano

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Andrea Karges

CONTACT US:

Editorial: Send your compliments, comments, story ideas, and suggestions to: Editor, Susquehanna Style (ISSN# 1540-0875), 202 Butler Avenue, Suite 102, Lancaster, PA 17601; or tstoddard@ susquehannastyle.com.

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Staff directory at www.SusquehannaStyle.com or call 717-581-6550.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: © 2023

As a Lancaster native with marketing experience for local businesses, Madison brings a wealth of knowledge to the Susquehanna Style team. Aside from her professional experience, Madison holds a degree in Leadership Studies from Villanova University, which she puts to use on two non-profit boards: Music for Everyone and the Red Rose Film Festival. During her free time, Madison enjoys working out, watching movies, spending time outdoors, and finding more ways to give back to her community.

madison@susquehannastyle.com

NATIVE

JOIN THE REFILL MOVEMENT

Learn how Refillism is bringing eco-friendly product refilling to York

Read more on page 12.

Lifestyle

THE TOWN OF

Marietta

Spring has nearly arrived, and we’re looking forward to warmer days, more hours of sunlight, and a list of adventures we can’t wait to embark upon in Marietta, PA. This quaint river town boasts many locally-owned businesses, unique activities you can’t find anywhere else, and so much more.

BY SALLY RICKER

CHICKIES ROCK COUNTY PARK

Located between the boroughs of Columbia and Marietta, Chickies Rock County Park is the county's second-largest regional park with views overlooking the beautiful Susquehanna River. In the park, you can find Chickies Rock, a massive outcropping of quartzite rock that towers 100 feet above the river. The vista offers impressive views of York county, Marietta's borough, and northwestern Lancaster County's farmlands.

SUSQUEHANNA NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

If you’re an outdoor lover, the Susquehanna River is the first spot you should visit while in Marietta. Endless outdoor activities are available here, from fishing and kayaking to bird watching and nature trails.

Access to the river in Marietta Borough is available near Musselman-Vesta Iron Furnace Center. This water access point is part of the 53-mile Susquehanna Water Trail. The lower section is managed by Susquehanna Heritage and designated as a National Recreation Trail, and this access point is also a trailhead for the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail.

1706 Long Level Rd, Wrightsville, PA susqnha.org

THE ARTFUL NEST

The Artful Nest is bringing happy, handmade home decor and accessories to Marietta, PA. This shop is the perfect spot to let your creativity run wild and uncover new treasures for yourself, friends, family, and others. Here, you can find original art, pottery, upcycled pillows, aprons, jewelry, sculpture, journals, cards, fair trade items, plants, and candles, among other goodies.

17 W Market St, Marietta, PA suzannerende.com/theartfulnest

880 Chickies Hill Rd, Columbia, PA co.lancaster.pa.us/262/Chickies-Rock-County-Park

STANLEY’S TRAILSIDE SPIRITS AND STEAKHOUSE

After working up an appetite while exploring the area, stop into Stanley’s Trailside for some delicious steaks, beers, and other bites. Not only is the food a 10/10, but the Stanley’s building also tells a rich story you can feel from the moment you walk through the doors. The original building was built prior to 1812 and home to many family businesses and restaurants. In 2015, owners Dave and Val Baker renovated the building back to its original character, restoring the 200-year-old woodwork and hand-cut hemlock beams.

392 E Front St, Marietta, PA stanleystrailside.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARTFUL NEST, STANLEY’S TRAILSIDE SPIRITS AND STEAKHOUSE, THE TURKEY HILL EXPERIENCE, TRELLIS MARKETPLACE

THE TURKEY HILL EXPERIENCE

For anyone (yes, adults and children alike!) with a sweet tooth who loves trying new things, The Turkey Hill Experience allows you to create your own sweet concoction with endless options for flavors, packaging, and more. And of course, there are unlimited samples of Turkey Hill’s famous ice cream and iced tea products available during the activity, too.

301 Linden St, Columbia, PA turkeyhillexperience.com

TRELLIS MARKETPLACE

If a home refresh for spring is on your mind, Trellis Marketplace is the spot to find all of your home goods and decor needs. Trellis Marketplace strives to sell only the most original and quirky items that bring the unique spark of joy into your home. With a variety of vendors to shop with, you’re sure to find a fun mix of old and new items available with a variety of styles.

153 E High St, Elizabethtown, PA trellis-marketplace.com

Freshen Up Your

OUTDOOR DECOR

STAUFFERS

PENN STONE

Filler Thriller

REFILLISM BRINGS ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCT REFILLING TO YORK

BY M. DIANE MCCORMICK PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARLO GESNER

Maybe you’re thrilled to find a refill store. Maybe you’re new to kicking the habit of single-use products. No matter where you are on the journey, the owner of Refillism is “super happy” to have your support.

“‘Ism’ is a movement, so that’s why I named the store Refillism,” says Elizabeth Bower. “We want people to join the refill movement with us. We really want people to join in on doing something better for the planet.”

Bower opened Refillism in York’s Market District on Earth Day, April 22, 2022. It’s designed to offer options for people who want to refill their commonly used household and personal products but haven’t found a local outlet yet.

It all comes from Bower’s personal ‘ism’—a frugal mindset inherited from her parents and, she hopes, being passed to her kids. Why buy a new pair of jeans when you can find them at a thrift store? Why use paper towels when you can set up a system for reusing clean napkins and collecting the dirties?

She has always looked for one thing more she can do for the planet, and she started wondering if others felt the same way. Research led her to the concept of refilling. She began selling cleaning concentrates from her basement and at craft shows. She realized the area needed a refill retail space when customers constantly asked, “Where’s your store?”

Refillism helps people ease into refilling, one step at a time.

“That’s our goal here,” she says. “It’s not to have someone come in and feel they have to change everything in their lives. Everybody is doing the best they can, and if you change one thing each day, then you’re doing better.”

Refillism offers products and accessories for the transition, instore and online. Large glass jars on a center island allow customers to pump hand soap, body lotions, and hair care and laundry products. Powders and concentrates of soaps, detergents, and essential oils line the shelves, along with tooth floss refills and toothpastealternative tooth tabs, popular with hikers and campers. Reusable menstrual cups save a small fortune on feminine hygiene products. Laundry sheets preserve water by, in essence, dehydrating liquid detergent.

Bring your own container or bag, or purchase a spray bottle or jar curated for your product, such as a spray pump for

dry shampoo. For many products, buy only what you need, and pay by the ounce, so you’re not adding yet another barely used item to the graveyard of “miracle” products that didn’t deliver.

“It’s the ultimate try-out store,” says Bower. “How great would it be if you could do that with the things you buy in the regular store?”

On April 22 this year, Refillism will mark its first anniversary, its second participation in Downtown Inc’s Go Green in the City, and Earth Day, “so it’s a trifecta here for us,” says Bower. The shop’s location in a building adorned with local artist Suzanne Rende’s mural of a grazing deer “just felt right,” she adds. “I like the downtown feel and being a part of the community.”

Downtown Inc, York County Economic Alliance, and Cultural Alliance have been supporters from the beginning, and Refillism returns the favor by participating in events such as First Friday, partnering with other stores, and serving as a drop-off for CRDC Global, the York-based recycler turning all forms of household plastic into a concrete strengthener.

Products from local makers include soaps and shampoo bars from Woodburne Naturals, and Green Daisy Soaps’ shower steamers that unlock a mist of peppermint and eucalyptus. “It’s a spa thing,” says Bower. “It’s not a necessity, but it’s fun to have.”

Bower’s husband, Nicholas, commutes to work at the University of Maryland Medical Center. He has been “an awesome support for the vision,” says Bower. With their kids, a daughter, 8, and son, 12, they enjoy family time with sports, movies, and fun activities.

Adults who commit to eco-friendly practices are setting an example for their children, Bower notes.

“When parents come in and refill something as simple as their multi-surface cleaner, the kids are watching,” she says. “When they’re older and in charge of their own households, they’ll remember and think, ‘Maybe I can do that.’”

Bower is an Air National Guard veteran and was a trained interior decorator who left a corporate design job to open Refillism. For her, designing the bright, tidy shop “was the easy part.” Behind the cash register, a sign tracks the number of containers saved from landfills nearly 2,200 in less than a year.

Looking back on her first year in business, Bower feels a sense of pride, especially for giving local shoppers the refilling option that many have been craving or want to embrace. The mission “makes everything worthwhile,” she says. “I love coming in here. It’s fun, and I love meeting people. Everybody who comes in the store, they’re positive and excited to have an option, to feel like they’re doing something good for their families and for the earth. That makes it so fun and so amazing every day.”

Refillism

38 S Beaver St, York, PA 17401 717-356-2982

refillism.com

@shoprefillism

Financial Fitness

EASY STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR FINANCES, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

BY MADDY PONTZ

Thinking about money can be stressful. It may even be a topic that you’d rather avoid entirely. But with a few easy suggestions from Jerrold E. Beck, a Lancaster-based financial advisor at GWN Securities, Inc. through Kades-Margolis, you can improve your financial wellness—right now and for years to come.

Make a spending plan— and don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself.

“If someone's starting from square one, the first thing is just to have a sense of your spending,” Beck explains. “Not asking you to change your habits, not asking you to do anything radical, except just understand where your money is going.” Beck recommends mint.com or youneedabudget. com to help you, “be more conscious about where you're spending.”

Know when you’d like to retire, and then work backward to plan how you’re going to achieve that goal.

Though it’s never too late to start planning for retirement, when it comes to saving, sooner is better. “If you haven't put in the work and the preparation, you're not going to get the results that you wanted,” Beck says. He suggests planning backwards based on when you want to retire and how much you’ll need in the bank to do so.

Consult a professional.

With such abundant financial information out there, a professional financial advisor can help you design a personalized plan and give you, “confidence in knowing how to move forward,” according to Beck.

Put your savings on auto-pilot.

Beck suggests setting up automatic withdrawals to both your short- and longterm savings accounts. “One of my first recommendations…is to set up automatic savings, where money moves automatically at least once a month from checking to savings, so you don't think about it,” Beck explains. “Even if you put $50 from checking into savings each month, that's $600 in a year. If you do $100 a month, that's $1,200 you have in savings in a year.”

It’s all personal.

When it comes to your finances, don’t play the comparison game, Beck suggests. “Often, what I find is that when I'm talking to somebody, they're saying, ‘Well, my friend owns a shore property, they own a boat, my friend does this and that, and so we must not be doing well because we don't have those things.’ In other words, they're kind of trying to keep up with the Joneses, if you will,” Beck says. “And that is completely the wrong measuring stick to be using. The measuring stick, again, goes back to: What is your goal?”

Planting (and Plating) Their Roots

AUSSIE HOSPITALITY IS THRIVING— JUST LIKE THE HAPPY PLANTS YOU’LL ALSO FIND INSIDE HUDSON BOTANICAL CAFÉ.

BY KAREN HENDRICKS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HUDSON BOTANICAL CAFÉ

Plants might be the first thing you notice when you step inside Hudson Botanical Café. Lush green fiddle-leaf figs, philodendrons, and snake plants—all for sale—set a welcoming green backdrop that ties into the café’s fresh approach.

That’s because, quite simply, the menu is unlike anything else you’ll find in Lancaster County—or even central Pennsylvania. Owners Madeline and Brent Hudson—transplants originally from the east coast of Australia—infuse the menu with flavors brought halfway around the globe to their cozy café in Smoketown, just east of Lancaster.

“We saw an opportunity in the market—we always thought Lancaster could do with some Aussie hospitality,” says Madeline, 31.

What exactly is Aussie hospitality?

“We’re like an elevated fast-casual, all-day brunch restaurant,” explains Brent, 36. The question was, “How adventurous do people want to be? We wanted to be approachable but also unique.”

Australian cuisine, Madeline explains, is influenced by its immigrants— hailing from the Middle East, Mediterranean, and southeast Asia. And those are the culinary influences you’ll find deliciously woven into Hudson Botanical Café’s menu.

From the Asian-inspired vermicelli salad to Thai red curry, Papi Chulo's Especial Burrito Bowl, and a beautifully colorful falafel bowl, every dish looks picture-perfect. And although they’re beautiful to the eye, each dish includes complex yet fun flavors to tickle your taste buds.

Carmel apple French toast, for example, is topped and encircled with caramel sauce (dulce de leche) and maple syrup, topped with a minislice of New York-style cheesecake, sprinkles of apple crisp, and streusel

crumble. It’s somehow sophisticated, yet playful—and just plain yummy, all at once.

Even the beverages are unique. Choices range from “wellness bevvy’s”— such as smoothies, organic matcha lemonade, and organic beet & goji berry chai—to beer and cocktails—including decadent affogato al caffe. Even the house coffee, Australian-based Proud Mary, is deliciously different.

“Australians do coffee really well,” says Brent. “We tend to roast things a bit lighter—more caramelly, more chocolatey.”

If you’re looking for typical brunch staples like eggs benedict or scrambled eggs, you won’t find them. But you will discover the popular pulled pork bennie, and chili shrimp chao dan—Asian-style scrambled eggs served on sourdough with Chinese sausage, scallions and Gulf shrimp.

“Toast”—a simple heading on the menu—is transformed. I tried the Millennial Favorite—sourdough toast topped with smashed avo, marinated feta, pickled pink onions (the star of the dish for me), sweet and crunchy pea and sunflower shoots, watermelon radish, pepitas, and a fresh burst of lime—all combined in harmony.

Every dish is like a marriage of flavors and cultures, including Lancaster County’s renowned produce. And like a good marriage itself, the restaurant showcases both Madeline and Brent’s talents. She sources the plants and “thrives” on building relationships with local farmers, while his culinary skills shine in the kitchen and on the menu.

“All’s I ever done was cook,” Brent says with an Australian twang, “My mother was a chef, my father was a chef … my grandmother was a chef. Basically, I came from a line of cooks and chefs, so I didn’t know any better.”

Brent worked his way up the ladder in Australia, starting at the bottom rung as a dishwasher, and becoming an executive chef by age 24.

So how did this Australian couple land in the U.S., much less the Susquehanna Valley?

“It’s a fun story,” Madeline begins. “Brent and I first visited Lancaster County in 2015. We were super young—we took a year off from both of our jobs in Australia and traveled the entirety of the U.S.”

Along the way, Brent worked under several chefs in L.A., but the couple wasn’t prepared for what happened in PA.

“We ended up falling in love with Lancaster County,” Madeline continues. “We were supposed to stay a few days, but we ended up staying 12 months and found jobs at a farmer’s market.”

The couple laughs while describing their Airbnb—an Amish barn with no electricity, powered by a diesel generator, gas lights, and lanterns.

Next, they moved back to Australia, got married, even bought a house, and then “almost immediately,” Brent landed a dream job working for an Australian hospitality group opening several New York City restaurants. The Hudsons bounced back across the ocean to the U.S., landing in the Big Apple for four years.

But Lancaster County was still calling their name. In 2021, ready to transplant their roots once again, the couple moved back to Lancaster and opened Hudson Botanical Café. They’re already dreaming of expanding to additional locations.

Brent summarizes it all, in true adventurous Australian spirit: “We thought we may as well give it a go.”

Hudson Botanical Café

2433 Old Philadelphia Pike, Smoketown, PA 17576 hudsonbotanical.com

Goodies on the Go

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A-YO KITCHEN

LAYERED CHILI LIME TACO SALAD

This is the perfect salad for those on the go. You can prep ahead of time and eat throughout the week. Loaded with veggies and packed with protein, you won’t need to feel guilty eating this yummy salad!

Chili Lime Dressing

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup red wine vinegar

Juice and zest of two limes

½ tsp minced garlic

1 tsp cumin

½ tsp chili powder

½ tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic salt

1½ tsp honey

Layered Salad

2 cups cooked chicken seasoned with ½ a packet of taco seasoning

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 red onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 avocado, diced

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

1 15¼ oz can of corn, drained

1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

3 quart jars

Instructions

1. Prep chicken, and allow to cool.

2. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined.

3. Chop up all your veggies, and rinse and drain canned corn and beans. Evenly distribute layers of beans, corn, and avocado between three jars.

4. Pour dressing over mixture, as it prevents the avocado from browning, then evenly layer the remaining ingredients between the three jars, topping with the romaine.

5. Place lids on jars and refrigerate until ready to eat.

6. To serve, simply dump out in a bowl for an easy salad, and enjoy!

Alysha Yoder is the photographer, food stylist, blogger, and recipe developer behind A-Yo Kitchen. With a passion for all things food, many of her recipes are inspired by her worldly travels, her many cooking classes abroad, and all the veggies and fruits her home gardens produce. She has been a photographer for 15+ years and previously worked in the corporate food sector for almost 10. She now is a small business owner running her studio, A-Yo Kitchen, out of York, PA, where she serves not only local clients, but those worldwide as well.

ayokitchen.com, ayokitchen@gmail.com, @ayokitchen

Tips

• For an extra crunch, sprinkle with some crushed up tortilla chips!

• To make this vegan, replace chicken with cooked quinoa or tofu!

• For extra protein, serve with a scoop of non-fat Greek yogurt.

CRISPY CUMIN ROASTED CHICKPEAS

Here's a great quick snack that is loaded with fiber and protein! These take less then 5 minutes of prep, and you have an easy, healthy snack!

2 15½ oz cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic salt

Lots of fresh ground black pepper to taste

2 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat over to 400°.

2. Drain and wash chickpeas , then remove any of the excess skins. Take a towel and try to remove as much water as possible.

3. Add to a bowl, and toss with all other ingredients. Make sure everything is evenly coated.

4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and evenly spread out chickpeas. The more spaced out they are, the crispier they’ll get while roasting.

5. Place in oven, and cook for 20-25 minutes until nice and crispy on the outside.

6. Remove from oven, allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, and then enjoy!

Tips

• These are a great salad topper to add some extra crunch!

• To make spicy, sprinkle with some cayenne pepper before roasting.

Tip

• Any excess granola crumbles that fall off, serve on top of yogurt or rice for a nice curry crunch and flavor!

CURRIED COCONUT CASHEW GRANOLA BARS

Sick of boring granola bars and snacks? These unique granola bars combine sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, creating an easy snack to grab when you need a pick me up.

1½ cups roasted and salted cashews (bits and pieces work best!)

½ cup flaxseed meal

½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

2 cups old-fashioned oats

2 Tbsp chia seeds

½ Tbsp curry powder (more or less to preference)

½ tsp salt

½ cup peanut butter (can substitute with other nut butters)

¾ cup honey

1 Tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°.

2. In a large bowl, mix together all your dry ingredients until well combined.

3. In a microwave safe bowl, add your peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Microwave for 2 minutes, stopping and stirring every 30 seconds.

4. Pour over your dry ingredients, and stir, making sure that everything is coated well.

5. Line a 13x9 baking dish with parchment paper. Pour your mixture in, and press everything down firmly. You want to make sure your mixture is pressed down with no gaps, otherwise your granola will fall apart.

6. Place in oven, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

7. Remove from oven, and allow to cool completely. If you cut the bars while they’re still warm, they will fall apart.

8. Once cooled, pull sides on parchment paper up to remove bars. Then, with a sharp knife, cut into desired bar shapes.

9. Place in air-tight container and store for up to 3 weeks.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SPOTLIGHTS

From zipline courses to brewery tours to exotic animals, we’ve got some exciting ideas for your next outdoor adventure.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

760 Tobias Rd, Halifax, PA 17032 717-362-9126 | laketobias.com

See hundreds of wild and exotic animals from around the world. Take a guided, openair, safari tour over 150 acres of rolling hills; stroll among the many zoo exhibits; visit our Reptiles & Exotics facility and enjoy an educational show; or tour our Museum & Education Center to find out how it all began. Open May through October.

1 W Market St, Lewistown, PA 17044 717-248-6713 | JRVVisitors.com

Discover the true “heartland” of Pennsylvania in Southern Juniata County. Taste farm fresh foods, sip locally grown wine, watch a movie under the stars, stroll across the longest remaining covered bridge, and stay at a riverside locale. Added all together, these outdoor activities make for a great weekend getaway. Learn more at www.JRVVisitors.com.

SoJCo Weekend Brewery Tours

York, PA | Hanover, PA | 717-660-0767 ultimatecraftbeerexperience.com

Craft Beer was meant to be experienced! Join our knowledgeable and experienced Beer Guides as they lead you on an exclusive, educational and entertaining craft beer experience that includes guided craft beer tastings, behind-the-scenes access, historical and local anecdotes, and more! Get the ultimate brew experience on either our York County Ale Trail or our Hanover Brewery Tours. Whether you're a craft beer aficionado, a novice, or someone who just wants to learn more about craft beer, Brewery Tours is for you!

Maryland Zoo

1 Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217 | 410-396-7102 | marylandzoo.org/outside

Get outside, and make connections with wildlife and your family and friends, too. The Maryland Zoo is a place where the whole planet feels closer. Meet endangered animals like elephants, giraffes, and chimpanzees eye-to-eye in a scenic park setting. Just imagine, exploring the savanna, posing with a penguin, and braving the tree slide all in one day! A portion of every ticket supports wildlife conservation efforts locally and around the globe. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plan your visit today!

Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center

455 Camp Rd, Stevens, PA 17501 | 717-738-1490 | refreshingmountain.com

Full of adventure, Refreshing Mountain offers a variety of activities great for all ages! Try out their zipline courses, animal experiences, escape rooms, and other indoor and outdoor activities. A NEW super package coming this year includes their Flying V zipline, Elevated Obstacle Course, Wildlife Center, Sling Shots, Farm Animal Experience, Climbing Tower, and Pedal Carts—an activity great for the whole family. Take 15% off this package for you and your family using the code STYLE15 when booking online!

Explore their property, including a large playground, hiking trails, sports fields, basketball court, and more. Enjoy lunch, Fox Meadows ice cream, or coffee at their on-site café. Then head over for a splash in the pool!

UTDOORSGet Suit Up, Step Outside, and Have Some Fun

The best ways to have fun in the Susquehanna Valley are closer than you think.

Once the crocuses and daffodils bloom, it’s only a matter of time until you’re lingering outside, savoring those warm rays and late sunsets while you have them. The Susquehanna Valley is a playground for all ages, equipped with trails, waterways, and venues for whatever sport strikes your fancy. Let this be the year you step outside of your comfort zone in the outdoors—and let us help you with six of the most entertaining ways to do so in your own backyard.

By Rachel Curry

What’s Sup, dude?

PADDLEBOARD your days away

With the Susquehanna River a central focus of the region, the more ways there are to get on the water, the better. Enter: stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). For a market that grew by more than $108 million in 2021 and continues to accelerate according to Technavio Research, what makes people gravitate towards paddleboarding?

Alicia Brommer, owner and instructor of Susquehanna SUP, says one of paddleboarding’s key benefits is that it’s not limited by age or size. Plus, she adds, it offers more mobility than, say, a kayak, which confines you to a sitting position.

You can do all of that with Susquehanna SUP, which offers beginner-friendly paddleboarding classes that put in from Washington Borough, Wrightsville, Marietta, and Columbia.

Brommer’s classes include Basic SUP, SUP Yoga, SUP Fit (including core, cardio, and strength training), Friday unwind, and SUP & Sip (with refreshments at John Wright Restaurant after your paddle).

In Brommer’s classes, anyone 10 years of age or older can paddle on their own board, and special Paddle with a Parent events let anyone younger join on a guardian’s board. Whatever path you choose, Brommer has one piece of advice for those living near the Susquehanna River: “Take advantage of this natural resource that we have right in front of us.”

717-342-9700

THE TENNIS COURTS Game, set, match: await

Another popular sport, pickleball, is grabbing attention—but its full-size predecessor, tennis, remains a hot pursuit. In addition to the free outdoor tennis courts freckling the region, there are tons of racquet clubs where you can take part in clinics, lessons, and booked match time (globaltennisnetwork.com is a good place to start your search for a court).

Tennis offers more opportunities than just playing. It’s a widespread spectator sport, as evidenced by the 33 percent jump in viewership for the US Open in 2021 compared to the previous year, according to ESPN. Locally, Susquehanna Valley residents can visit Harrisburg’s own Metzger Open, a prize money event that takes place from July 19–23, 2023 and is free for spectators.

“The Metzger Open is kind of like my little baby,” says Craig Mathias, tournament director since its inception in 1993. Named after Mathias’ friend Bill Metzger, who died of cancer, the Metzger Open attracts high-level players from around the world. In the past,

players like Jimmy Arias, Luke and Murphy Jensen, and Tim Wilkison—also known by his nickname Dr. Dirt—have hit the courts (Luke Jensen still returns annually for the Metzger Open Kids Day).

The Metzger Open will take place at Colonial Golf and Tennis Club, The Country Club of Harrisburg, West Shore Country Club, and Hershey Country Club. This year, Mathias is adding a new 40-and-over competition. Visitors can expect refreshments and musical entertainment. Proceeds from the event support the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Despite sports like pickleball gaining steam, Mathias says, “My tournament is one of the few that continues to promote the game of tennis in spite of all these other distractions.”

Metzger Open

metzger-open.com

717-805-3988

Pennsylvania may not be adjacent to the beach, but Sickman’s Mill Outfitters solves that problem. “It’s kind of like going to the beach seven miles from Lancaster,” says Joe Devoy. Devoy and his wife Dana Paparo are owners of Sickman’s Mill, a place for tubing, entertainment, food, and drinks.

Paparo says about Sickman’s Mill, “We’re going for a sixties Woodstock vibe,” and the effort is apparent. With tubing down the Pequea Creek from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and music and events extending from the spring and summer until the end of October, there’s no shortage of family- and dog-friendly vibes.

At Sickman’s Mill, a small fleet of repurposed school buses transports tubers up the creek after their float, and even to and from downtown Lancaster for those looking to drink without driving. Reminiscent of school days, the buses will “rattle the bones off ya’,” Devoy says.

With the annual Pequea Creek Races, a bus painting event, and local food and drink (not to mention pizza made from Sickman’s Mill’s own milled flour, bringing a centuries-old mill back to life), visitors have a ton to look forward to for the upcoming tubing season.

Sickman’s Mill

671 Sandhill Rd, Pequea, PA 17565 sickmansmill.com

717-872-5951

Skip commuting for some

TUBING

FORAGING

Hiking with a purpose

Foraging, or the gathering of food and resources in wild places, can bring depth to the otherwise commonplace hike. However, foraging education and safety are key. “In our classes, we teach that foraging isn’t just going out and collecting food,” says Alexis Campbell, Executive Director of Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education in York. “It’s having a reciprocal relationship with the natural world.” That reciprocity requires mindfulness, informed decision making, and humility, Campbell says. Beginners can learn plant identification in their bioregion by tapping into resources like field guides, books, and experienced foragers.

It’s imperative to note that you should never consume plants if you’re not absolutely certain they’re safe to consume, as there are a lot of lookalikes, and some plants only have edible portions.

Campbell emphasizes the importance of being aware of environmental impacts of foraging, as well as the land you’re on and its foraging laws. At Horn Farm Center, class participants can learn from experts like Wilson Alvarez, Calyx Liddick of the Northern Appalachia School, and Jonathan Darby of Riverbend Foraging. Monthly foraging walks take place on the first Sunday of every month and twoday foraging intensives happen seasonally (interested participants should book all classes in advance). Both beginners and advanced foragers can find merit in Horn Farm Center’s educational opportunities.

4945 Horn Rd, York, PA 17406

hornfarmcenter.org

717-757-6441

GOLF Tee up For a round of

The sport of golf is social and adaptable for different abilities and ages. Shannon Martin, USGTF Certified Golf Teaching Professional at Foxchase Golf Club in Stevens admits, “It’s not an easy game to pick up, but,” she adds, “it’s one that you literally have your entire life to get better at.” The proof is in the putting—Martin is still playing with her grandparents in their nineties.

Foxchase has a lot that distinguishes itself from other golf courses. The public 18-hole establishment is equipped with indoor simulators, a large putting green, and a short game practice area. It also has one of the largest pro shops and driving ranges for public courses in the area, plus its very own outdoor restaurant where you can hang out for a drink and bite to eat after your round.

When choosing a golf club, Martin says it’s important to try it

300 Stevens Rd, Stevens, PA 17578 foxchasegolf.com

Coast and climb

Hanover Cyclers

hanovercyclers.org

CYCLING in the Susquehanna Valley

To cycle, all you really need is a bike, a helmet, and a route—but some people prefer to cycle in the company of others. That’s where cycling clubs come

“You can always ride by yourself. Why would you want to go on a group ride and end up by yourself?” asks Joe Montminy, president of Hanover Cyclers. Montminy explains that all of the group rides put on by Hanover Cyclers are “no-drop rides,” which means that if you fall back from the group for any reason, “somebody will stop, and you won’t be by yourself.”

Hanover Cyclers organize weekly rides every day of the week except Sunday from March to November. Different rides have varying speed, length, hills, and terrain, and anyone can find ones suited to their ability.

Hanover Cyclers is a non-profit organization that raises money for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League. Members also volunteer to clean up roadways and cycling trails. The Labor Day Century, a 100-mile ride that starts at the Irishtown Fire Company, is the group’s biggest event of the year. For rides of all kinds, Montminy says the Susquehanna Valley is idyllic for cycling. Having lived in Southern Maryland before moving to Hanover, he says, “I thought that was a good place to cycle until I got here.”

Foxchase Golf Club

Living the Good Life

SENIORS IN THE SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY

Senior living resources in the Susquehanna Valley have never been better. Whether you're looking to move into the perfect senior living community or searching for the right healthcare options, the following pages are designed to help you make the best decisions possible.

THIS SPRING: LEARN HOW MOVING TO A CAREFREE LIFESTYLE OFFERS YOU A LIFE FILLED WITH PASSIONS

It can be fun to fantasize about moving to a new home and daydream about your life there. But before you sign on the dotted line, be realistic. Think about the time and energy it will take to maintain that home.

Don and Vivian Doolittle moved to Lancaster from Charleston, SC. They chose Willow Valley Communities, a premier 55-plus community, for several reasons, including their desire for a maintenance-free, carefree lifestyle. The Doolittles wanted to spend their lives pursuing their passions rather than worrying about their home. “We live in an apartment where everything is conveniently right here,” explains Vivian. She means award-winning amenities like a 30,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse with outdoor pool, tennis courts, bowling alleys, golf simulator, and vintage arcade; and an 80,000 sq. ft. Cultural Center with fitness and aquatic centers, Day Spa, 500-seat Performing Arts Theater, twelve culinary venues, and more. They are

all located throughout Willow Valley Communities’ 210 meticulously manicured acres right outside the Doolittles’ apartment door. Willow Valley Communities is not only extraordinarily walkable, but it also offers convenient regular transportation services across campus. The Doolittles also have fun exploring Lancaster, saying it’s no surprise that U.S. News & World Report ranks Lancaster as the #1 Place to Retire in the U.S. for 2022-2023 (Lancaster is consistently in the top 5 year after year.)

If the weather is bad, the Doolittles say they don’t have to go outside at all. Culinary venues and other services are all inside within walking distance of their apartment. And when it snows, it’s Willow Valley Communities’ grounds teams, not the Doolittles, who shovel the sidewalks and driveways. Plus, any needed repairs are quickly arranged with a phone call.

The Doolittles enjoy traveling, also often arranged through Willow Valley Communities. “Everything is taken care of,” explains Vivian. “Just pack and get on the bus to the airport!”

Donald and Vivian Doolittle chose to move to Willow Valley Communities for the exceptional lifestyle that the premier community has been known for close to 40 years. But they also chose Willow Valley Communities for the peace of mind of its Type A Lifecare contract. Lifecare means that if they ever need an enhanced level of

care, their monthly service fee will not increase because of that need. Willow Valley Communities is the only exclusively Type A Lifecare community in Lancaster County. “So you see,” Vivian chuckled, “maintenance-free is not just within your four walls. It goes far beyond that. From a clogged sink in my kitchen to arranging a European trip, my life at Willow Valley Communities is maintenance-free, and more importantly, it’s carefree.”

Spring is the perfect season for you to discover a carefree lifestyle at Willow Valley Communities. Reserve your seat at our next informative Managing Your Move Seminar and Expo on April 27. You’ll learn the latest expert tips and tricks on how to move to a maintenance-free and a carefree lifestyle at Willow Valley Communities.

EXPERIENCE LUXURY LIVING AT THE TOWNSTEAD APARTMENTS

Homestead Village is an exceptional CARF-CCAC accredited, non-profit retirement community in the heart of Lancaster County. Home styles range from cozy apartments, cottages and villas to spacious carriage homes with second floor lofts and basements. Our unique THRIVE WHERE YOU ARE philosophy allows residents to receive care services in their homes, personal care services in all of our apartments, and features robust services such as transportation and wellness programming.

Homestead Village is pleased to announce their newest opportunity for residency: The Townstead Apartments. The Townstead will feature luxury apartment living with all of the amenities that our residents expect and enjoy. With entrance fees starting at $245,000, The Townstead is competitively priced and a great value. PLUS, Homestead Village is just a few minutes west of Downtown Lancaster—this means you can enjoy all the activities that our great town has to offer, while living in a beautiful suburban location with healthcare and continuum of services all on one campus.

Living in a CCRC allows you to connect with those around you, learn new things, enjoy peace of mind, and embrace a fulfilling retirement lifestyle. Experience an active lifestyle with carefree living and all the comforts of senior living—in a community that truly offers one of the most comprehensive supportive care plans available to meet your future needs.

Once residents move into the community, they always remark that they “should have done this sooner!” So, why wait to enjoy maintenance-free and engaged living? Give us a call to request a brochure or to schedule a tour.

1800 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603 717-276-0462 HOMESTEADVILLAGE.ORG/TOWNSTEAD-APARTMENTS

BENEFITS OF AN ACTIVE MONEY MANAGER

You’ve worked hard to earn your money, and now you want to make more of what’s yours. The investment and trust services team at F&M Trust can help.

Knowledgeable advisors make all the difference when investing, and our team is bullish on a personal, educational approach to advising clients. With more than $1 billion in assets under management, our team has a proven track record of coaching clients in successfully managing their wealth.

Remaining disciplined, informed, and flexible are the pillars of wealth management. Each investor’s goals and portfolios are unique to them and need to be advised as such. Knowing when to move and when to hold steady is precisely what our team does for clients every day.

F&M Trust’s money managers offer:

• Personal investment guidance based on your goals

• Expert knowledge of the industry and market trends

• Resources online, on the phone, and in person

Have a question? Give us a call or stop into a nearby location. Our website also offers a wealth of pertinent information about investing based on where you are in your life’s journey. Learn more about how we have been defining what it means to be a community bank for more than 100 years at fmtrust.bank.

Corporate 1500 Nitterhouse Dr Chambersburg, PA 17201

Regional 4050 Crums Mill Rd

Harrisburg, PA 17112

FMTRUST.BANK

LANCASTER ESTATE SOLUTIONS HELPS FAMILIES OVERCOME OBSTACLES WITH LIFE’S TRANSITIONS

When considering how to live out your golden years, there are many things to consider! Everyone can benefit from having an estate plan developed under the guidance with an expert advisor. Once you’ve put in the hard work to make that plan a reality, actually making the transition can be daunting and is not regularly included as a component of a typical “estate plan”.

Our single focus is helping families overcome obstacles when dealing with life’s biggest transitions. We have a Solutions Team of experts ready to help you develop a transition plan, a strategy, and deliver you the results you want based on your goals & timeline.

When you and your family are facing 1) the need to settle an estate after the passing of a loved one, 2) a senior in need to transition to an assisted or long term care community, or 3) the need to downsize to a more manageable living situation, you’ll likely want some assistance or guidance on your available options to make the transition smooth. Some transition situations aren’t planned, or happen sooner than you thought, according to your estate plan. Health changes and accidents are just a couple of situations that may drive the need to make a transition.

Faced with making a move, there are plenty of decisions to make that can impact you and your family’s financial goals, time and energy, and the legacy you’re hoping to leave behind. We can help guide you through the decision-making process when dealing with personal property, real estate, and the unknown challenges that will come up along the way. From clean out crews & personal property sales to

real estate options from selling to renovating and passing along the property to other family members, we help you find & implement the resources & solutions that best fit your situation.

One call can handle it all!

Our first step is to schedule a strategy session where we’ll gather all of your needs, address your immediate concerns, and most importantly understand the goals you’re looking to achieve. Our team lays out a strategy with options to get you to where you want to be and you choose what you want to do. It’s much easier than going it alone.

Every strategy session comes with a FREE strategy guide to help you organize and plan out your transition.

Our DIY Gold package gets you a custom detailed strategy plan document including expert resource plan, introductions to the the Solutions Team, detailed time plan, and a transition support specialist designated to answer your support questions.

Our DIY Platinum package includes the Gold package plus a tips and training manual, video training course access, help with reviewing your scope of services and negotiations with preferred partners, and preferred access to support.

With the Concierge package, you get to focus on what’s important to you and let us take care of the coordination and heavy lifting. You make the decisions, and we take care of it all!

TRANSITION PLANNING

DIY– Gold

• Custom detailed strategic plan document

• Preferred partner contact introduction for each step of the plan

• Estimated time plan to execute the strategy

• Transition support specialist designated to be your client support contact

$299

DIY– Platinum

• Everything included in Gold package plus:

• Customized tips and training manual included

• V ideo training course access

• Scope review and negotiation assistance with preferred partners

• Priority access to support

$599

Concierge

• Done for you execution

• We take care of all coordination, management and details associated with the plan

• Dedicated transition manager to be your 1- point of contact for all communications

Custom Per Client

EVERYONE receives a FREE basic strategy guide as an output of your strategy session! Schedule Your FREE Strategy Session

WELCOME TO THE NEW NATURE OF SENIOR LIVING

Welcome to the new nature of senior living! If a natural, wooded setting with walking trails; maintenance-free living; excellent services and amenities; variety of residential living options; close proximity to educational and cultural opportunities and first-class medical facilities are on your “must have” list for a senior living community, you owe it to yourself to visit Cornwall Manor.

Cornwall Manor is a not-for-profit continuing care community located in historic Cornwall Lebanon County, a short drive from Hershey, Lancaster and Reading. Cornwall Manor has been providing a fulfilling lifestyle for individuals 60+ since 1949. Our 190-acre campus houses beautiful historic buildings, brand-new homes and a variety of apartments that offer a unique and comfortable active lifestyle while providing an array of services and excellent amenities. New to Cornwall Manor is the Trailside Organic Farm. The farm provides fresh produce to our residents in our dining areas in all levels of care. The Trailside Organic farm is a partnership between Cornwall Manor and the Rodale Institute, a global leader in regenerative organic agriculture. You owe it to yourself to visit Cornwall Manor and see for yourself! Contact us today at 717-274-8092 or marketing@cornwallmanor.org

1 Boyd St, Cornwall, PA 17016 717-274-8092 | 800-222-2476 marketing@cornwallmanor.org

CORNWALLMANOR.ORG

WYNFIELD AT ANNVILLE 55+ COMMUNITY MORE THAN A PLACE TO LIVE– A PLACE TO THRIVE!

For ultimate carefree living, amenities, and style, look no further than Wynfield at Annville 55+ community. Wynfield is an active adult community in Annville, Pennsylvania.

This community offers residents an expansive list of amenities that include a community clubhouse, a fitness center, pool, hot tub, pickle ball courts, and a vast network of walking trails. Wynfield homes are available in 12 single-family floor plans, with one and two-story options. Located in Historic Annville just a mile off Interstate 422, this location also puts homeowners 30 minutes to popular destinations Lancaster and Harrisburg, and just 30 miles to Harrisburg International Airport.

At Wynfield, residents will be surrounded by like-minded active adults who are ready to live a fun and low-maintenance lifestyle. Schedule your appointment or reserve your lot now!

contact: Becky

Kline, Online Sales Advisor bkline@garmanbuilders.com

717-949-7622

MAKE BETHANY VILLAGE YOUR PERFECT FIT

Discover Bethany Village, a welcoming senior living community with a culture of caring and the security of on-site health services.

The Perfect fit…for Fun! Meet friends for lunch at the Collegiate Café before heading off to an afternoon of fitness and laughter playing water volleyball and miniature golf!

The Perfect fit… for Community! Connect with a vibrant community. “I love it here, says Ginny Wilt. “The moment I stepped onto this campus, something clicked. When you have community, you feel connected, and that changes you for the better!”

The Perfect fit…for Well-Being! Gain access to extensive services and amenities, and quality health care services. “The wellness center is great, say Bruce and Kathy Seagrist, “We take water aerobics three times a week and it’s amazing how that changes your physical ability to move. It’s been a real benefit!”

Schedule a tour today! Call 717-910-4705.

325 Wesley Dr Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

BETHANYVILLAGE.ORG

VOLUNTEERS ARE UNPAID, YET PRICELESS

Research has shown that hospice programs with more volunteer involvement report higher levels of patient satisfaction. Why? Because volunteers can take the time to listen and be a comforting and supportive presence. Volunteers offer much-needed empathy and compassion at end of life…priceless. In addition to direct patient support, volunteers serve in the hospice office or find ways to work from home to create meaningful experiences for hospice patients and families.

Volunteering is a two-way street. Not only does it help those served, but a giving spirit benefits their own well-being. Volunteering helps to counteract the effects of stress, anger, anxiety, combats depression, increases self-confidence, and provides a sense of purpose…priceless

April is National Volunteer Month and Homeland is very grateful to all volunteers who selflessly share their time and talents.

As we soar into spring and warmer weather in the Susquehanna Valley, so do a variety of birds native to Central PA. If you’re an avid bird watcher or are looking for a new outdoor hobby, check out these beautiful parks and nature preserves that are known for the best bird sightings in the region! 1 2 3 4 5

Places to Birdwatch 5

BY THERESA STODDARD

RICHARD NIXON PARK & NATURE CENTER

5922 Nixon Dr, York, PA

Richard Nixon Park in York scales over 200 acres of meadows and woods, offering plenty of opportunities for bird sighting. All across the park, feeders are filled to guarantee draw to the area. A climate controlled Nature center allows you to comfortably watch for action during winter months. During the summer, commonly spotted elsewhere in the park are indigo bunting, common yellowthroat, and field sparrow.

SECOND MOUNTAIN HAWK WATCH

Unnamed Road, Jonestown, PA

Best known for its sprawling views over Fort Indian Gap and Stony Valley, Second Mountain Hawk Watch in Lebanon County offers not only breathtaking views, but also a plethora of migrating hawks August through December. During other times of year, it’s a favorite lookout for harriers, sharp shinned hawks, bald eagles, and golden eagles.

STRAWBERRY HILL NATURE PRESERVE

1537 Mount Hope Rd, Fairfield, PA

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Adams County, Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve offers ideal bird watching and programs to enhance any level of watchers’ endeavors. In addition to 609 acres of land and trails to observe, they offer the area’s only live raptor program. While watching solo, you can expect a chance to see barred owls, screech owls, great horned owls, pileated woodpeckers, American woodcocks, ruffed grouses, wild turkeys, scarlet tanagers, wood thrushes, great blue herons, and ruby-throated hummingbirds.

LETORT SPRING RUN AND NATURE TRAIL

260 E Pomfret St, Carlisle, PA

Perhaps better known for fly fishing, Cumberland County’s Letort Spring Run and Nature Trail also provides some of the area’s most ideal spots for bird watching. A variety of birds can be viewed along their two mile stream-side trail, which include common yellowthroats, Carolina wrens, belted kingfishers, and great blue herons. Also plan to see various sparrows, woodpeckers, and hawk species.

HOLTWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVE

9 New Village Rd, Holtwood, PA

If you’re looking for a vast area to explore with a multitude of bird species, then look no further. Nestled in Southern Lancaster County, the Holtwood Environmental Preserve spans over 5000 acres along the Susquehanna River. Birds you can expect to see at this preserve include cerulean warblers, worm-eating warblers, Kentucky warblers, Louisiana water thrush, and yellow-billed and black-billed cuckoos.

Do we have that?

Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Do you like easy answers to hard questions? We do. Which is why we offer so many choices for our residents to help make their retirement community decision simple. We have dozens of floorplans, a variety of financial options, and quality, compassionate healthcare should you ever need it. So when you ask, “Do you have that?” our answer is usually, “Yes, yes and yes!”