Lancaster County Magazine | January-February 2025 | The Wedding Issue
Jill Distler and Zach Weire’s Farm Wedding
Savannah Graybill and Chris Strup’s Celebration at IronSpire
On the Cover Haley Timmons photographed the wedding of Savannah Graybill and Chris Strup, which took place at IronSpire Complex in Adamstown on July 19, 2024.
46. Foodographer
Jordan Bush visits Threefold Farm in Mechanicsburg, where owners Tim and Katherine Clymer are utilizing a technology called climate battery to create an atmosphere perfect for growing tropical plants and citrus fruit year-round.
50. Table for Two
27. Two Weddings, Lancaster-Style
Meet the couples whose weddings we are profiling this year. While the weddings are decidedly different, they exude the charm of Lancaster County and are brimming with both traditional sentiments and modern trends.
28. Jill and Zachary Weire … Opposites Attract
Held at the Distler family’s Buttonwood Ridge Farm near Marietta, this wedding featured a Friday night welcome party, a splash of the color purple, a unique wedding gown and animals galore. Jill and Zach met in a college classroom and, despite having no shared interests, they just clicked.
34. Savannah Graybill and Chris Strup … Sliding Into Marriage
Held at the IronSpire Complex in Adamstown, the couple’s Friday night wedding was on-trend,
as it allowed them to celebrate TGIF-style and then spend the weekend with guests who came from near and far. An Olympic sport called skeleton introduced Lancaster native, Savannah, to Ohio-born Chris.
Departments
10. Event-Full
Don’t hibernate! There’s plenty of things going on in January!
14. Uptown & Down
Michael Upton pays a visit to The Elkridge Furnace Inn in Howard County, Maryland, which is owned and operated by Lancaster native, Dan Wecker, and his wife, Donna.
24. Life of a Party
Jill Brown pays a visit to the new events venue, Lincoln Shoe Co, which was remodeled and updated by owners Chris and Melody Strayer, but in a way that pays homage to its 95 years as a Lititz shoe manufacturer.
Rochelle Shenk visits Decades, which is fast becoming a venue that caters to pre- and postwedding festivities, as well as other social and business gatherings.
56. Neighbors
Meet Tristan Bair, a senior at Donegal High School, who recently completed his Eagle Scout project that will help residents and visitors alike learn about the past of some of Mount Joy’s most historic buildings.
Special Advertising Sections
6. Health & Wellness
The advertisers in this section can help you make 2025 your healthiest year yet!
17. & 40. Wedding & Entertaining Essentials
Weddings and other functions are back in full swing. If you are in the planning stages, the advertisers in this special section would be more than happy to be at your service.
We make party planning easy!
Simply coordinate with us, show up and enjoy. Located a block away from the Marriott and Holiday Inn Lancaster, we have beautiful venue options on our second and third f lo ors, including our rooftop terrace to accommodate private events for wedding rehearsal dinners, receptions, bridal showers, baptisms. birthday events, and more With custom food and beverage packages available, we guarantee you can have the exclusive event you imagined. Elevator access is available. Book your event for every reason and season!
PUBLISHER
Jocelyn Engle
EDITOR
Suzanne Starling-Long Sue@lancastercountymag.com
ART DIRECTOR Ashley Kendrick Kennedy Ashley@lancastercountymag.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Shaun Lucas Slucas@engleonline.com
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
WRITERS
Jill Brown
Rochelle A. Shenk
Michael C. Upton
Kathleen Wagner
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jordan Bush
Nick Gould
Kirk Zutell
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
717-492-2525
SALES MANAGER Greg March Gmarch@engleonline.com
ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE Lori Secord Lori@lancastercountymag.com
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Health & Wellness
Special Advertising Section
A Shed for Every Garden
Year after year, health-related goals top New Year’s resolution lists, but according to U.S. News & World Report, 80% of people abandon their resolutions by the second week of February.
A beautiful backyard shed from FOX COUNTRY SHEDS is the perfect solution for any number of needs. Adding a row of sunny windows along the south-facing side of a Farmhouse Shed will create the ideal location to start early seedlings. The extra-tall height and overhead loft of the Rancher Shed will accommodate seasonal gardening equipment. You could even convert a shed into a home gym! Our website allows you to customize and view your ideas in 3D. You can even “place” your new shed in your backyard virtually with the Augmented Reality feature. A “Fox Shed” will add valuable storage space to your home while enhancing the exterior of your property.
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Health Awareness
According to the organization, Pep Talk, the Business of Life, one of the most significant factors in staff retention and workplace happiness is caring for employees’ health. As a result, days, weeks and months throughout the year are now devoted to health-awareness initiatives that serve as reminders that healthy living is critical to both our personal lifestyles and our careers. What follows are health-related initiatives that will be observed in the first quarter of 2025. See lancastercountymag.com for the full list.
Sick days can lead to personal stress, as well as incur major costs and disruptions for businesses large and small. As a result, employee well-being has become more of a focus in the workplace. By observing days, weeks and months that are focused on health issues, companies can create a healthier and more supportive workplace. Not only does this demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee care, but it also fosters a culture of well-being, reducing absenteeism and boosting morale and productivity in the long run.
January
• Self-Love Month
Encourages people to prioritize self-care, self-compassion and personal well-being.
• Mental Wellness Month
The focus is on raising awareness about mental health and promoting strategies for maintaining mental well-being.
• National Stalking Awareness Month
Raises awareness about the dangers of stalking and aims to educate the public on how to recognize and prevent it.
• Dry January
A public health campaign encouraging people to abstain from alcohol for the month to promote healthier lifestyles.
• Veganuary
A campaign encouraging people to adopt a vegan diet for the month, promoting animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
• Blue Monday | January 20
The third Monday of January is often cited as the “most depressing day of the year,” based on factors like post-holiday blues, weather and financial strain.
• No Name-Calling Week | January 20-24
A weeklong educational initiative that promotes kindness and discourages bullying in schools and communities.
February
• Heart Month
Heart disease is America’s leading cause of death, and February serves as a reminder to take care of your heart health.
• Children’s Mental Health Week | February 3-9
Raises awareness of the importance of children’s mental health.
• Time to Talk Day | February 6
A day to encourage open conversations about mental health.
• Red Dress Day | February 7
Sponsored by the American Heart Association, wearing red recognizes the threat heart disease poses to women’s health.
• Safer Internet Day | February 11
Focuses on promoting safe and responsible internet usage. This year, scams will be the focus of the initiative.
• National Random Act of Kindness Day | February 17
Encourages people to be kind to each other.
• Eating Disorders Awareness Week | February 24-March 2
Tackles myths and misunderstandings around eating disorders.
March
• Self-Injury Awareness Day | March 1
Raises awareness about self-harm and self-injury.
• World Compliment Day | March 1
Encourages people to share compliments to spread positivity.
• Zero Discrimination Day | March 1
Advocates for the right to live with dignity and without discrimination.
• Insomnia Awareness Day | March 10
Focuses on insomnia awareness and sleep health.
• Creative Arts Therapies Week | March 17-23
Promotes the use of creative arts in therapy for mental health.
• International Day of Happiness | March 20
Promotes happiness as a fundamental human goal.
• World Bipolar Day | March 30
Increases global awareness of bipolar disorder.
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facility provides family-centered education and therapy for infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities, developmental delays and acquired injuries.
Our comprehensive range of pediatric therapies is designed to support and enhance each child’s unique development and help them to reach their full potential. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond therapy services, as we are proud to offer comprehensive educational services designed to support children of all abilities in their academic and developmental journeys by providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment.
January Resolve!
Even though the winter gloom is upon us, don’t laze January away. Resolve to get out and make new discoveries! See our website, lancastercountymag.com, for a full list of events; February’s calendar will be posted online later in January.
Lancaster City Scavenger Hunt
Select Dates in January
Downtown Lancaster
This interactive scavenger hunt is brought to you by Unique Lancaster Experiences. Visit 18+ local shops and historical sites, where each location will host a fun and engaging hands-on activity perfect for all ages. All you need to do is follow the prompts in the scavenger hunt app to find each activity in this race against the clock. The more missions you complete, the more treats and goodies you will
collect from local vendors! Of course, you will learn some Lancaster history along the way! Dates/times vary. Note: the tour is held year-round. Information: experiencelancasterpa.com
We the People First Fridays
January 3
Ware Center
Millersville University hosts a communitycentered event each First Friday that is designed to showcase Lancaster’s diversity from an artistic and cultural perspective. Each First Friday features an art exhibit in the Regitz Gallery and a performance in Steinman Hall. This month, Joseph Strider, a Texas-born Native American singer/songwriter who has produced four albums of original music and performed throughout the U.S. and Canada, plus has been nominated for numerous awards, will take the stage. Expect an evening of eclectic and original acoustic music with accompaniment by violinist and Millersville
alum, Liz Mallin. The Regitz Gallery will host Stolen Views II – New Lancaster Scenes, an exhibit of plein air paintings by a group of artists who gather each week to paint. (The exhibit will be on view through January 31.) 6 p.m. 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Artsmu.com/ware-center
Winter Hike in the Woods
January 4
Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve
A wintertime walk in the woods delivers a magic all its own. The Lancaster Conservancy-led hike will take participants through the oak forest of Welsh Mountain, whose overlook offers spectacular views of the countryside. You can also expect to see sightings of wildlife, including deer, fox and birds. This is a 3-mile loop hike on a rocky trail with mostly flat terrain. Recommended for ages 10+; participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring water and a snack if desired. 1 p.m. 835 Gault Rd., New Holland. Registration required. Information: Lancasterconservancy.org
Pennsylvania Farm Show
January 4-11
Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center
Now in its 109th year, the Pennsylvania Farm Show celebrates the state’s agriculture industry through showcasing nearly 4,000 animals, over 12,000 competitive events and exhibits, 245 commercial exhibits and hundreds of educational and entertaining events. The 2025 Farm Show will feature such fan favorites as the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, the famous Farm Show Food Court, youth showmanship, sheep-shearing competitions and cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection. Visitors can explore the more than 1 million square feet of hands-on agricultural education opportunities and engage with the people who power Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry.
This year’s theme, Powering Pennsylvania, was announced in September by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding during an appearance at Oregon Dairy. “Agriculture powers Pennsylvania,” said Secretary Redding. “We hope you’ll join us in January to kick off your 2025 with people like Oregon Dairy’s Hurst and Forry families, who power our families with nutritious food every day. Thousands of farm families join them in powering our economy, supporting 593,000 jobs and pouring more than $132.5 billion into our communities every year, and increasingly producing green energy that literally keeps lights on and businesses running. The Shapiro Administration is proud to support Pennsylvania agriculture and the innovative Pennsylvanians who power our daily lives and make us a national leader.”
The setting for the announcement was a Lancaster County success story. Since 1952, Oregon Dairy has grown from a momand-pop dairy farm to an innovative dairy destination that includes a full-service supermarket, bakery and restaurant. It also provides community education and entertainment programs and is a tourism hub that fosters an understanding of sustainable food production. It’s also a
modern-day working farm that is powered by solar panels, recycling and a manure digester that turns waste into energy. Admission to the Farm Show is free, but parking at the complex is $15. Regular hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily (closing January 11 at 5 p.m.). In addition, the Food Court will be open January 3, 12-9 p.m. 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. Information: Farmshow.pa.gov
Cabin Fever Hike
January 5
Lancaster County Central Park Naturalist Rachael Albright will introduce participants to the beauty of nature that defines the cold-weather months. Dress for the weather and bring a warm beverage along. Appropriate for all ages. 11 a.m. Meet at the Environmental Center, 3 Nature’s Way, Lancaster. Information: Co.lancaster.pa.us
Suburban Pennsylvania Home Show
January 11 & 12
Lancaster County Convention Center
It’s time to start thinking about spring and those home remodeling projects you’d like to tackle. This home show will inspire you with ideas, products and feedback from the industry professionals you’ll meet. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterhomeshow.com
Strings of Passion
January 17-18
Gardner Theatre
The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra will present a passionate program that will feature violinist, Juliette Kang, and the symphony’s incredible strings. The concert’s diverse line-up will include Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte, Marjan Mozetich’s Affairs of the Heart, Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3, and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. 725 Hamilton Rd., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersymphony.org.
Polar Bear 5K Trail Run/Hike
January 18
Lancaster County Central Park
Now in its 14th year, the event is the Sierra Club-Lancaster Group’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds are used to support local efforts to ease climate change, notably through the group’s “green project” program that awards monetary grants to organizations seeking to make positive environmental changes (95 such organizations have benefited over the past nine years.) Proceeds also assist the club in providing outdoor activities and educational programs that are free to the public. The Lancaster branch of the Sierra Club is one of 10 in the Pennsylvania Chapter and has 1,500 members. Leashed dogs are welcome to participate. Awards will be presented, as will special door and dog-participant prizes. Registration/ check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Event begins at 10 a.m. Pavilion 22 (Kiwanis Lodge) in the park. 1050 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersierraclub.org
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Additions Additions and more and more
Dancing With the Stars Live!
January 19
American Music Theatre
TV’s hottest dance competition show is on tour across America this winter and it’s making a stop in Lancaster, providing fans with the opportunity to see the best ballroom dancers in the business perform live. This all-new production showcases ballroom and contemporary dances from ABC’s hit show Dancing With the Stars, including sizzling group numbers, intricate duets and over-the-top original pieces. Packages offer an array of perks including preferred seating and photo ops with the cast. 3 p.m. 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Information: Amtshows.com
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast
January 20
Millersville University
Acclaimed author and activist, Ijeoma Oluo, will headline the 37th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast and share her thoughts on Dr. King’s enduring impact and the continued fight for equity and justice. Oluo is a Seattle-based writer, speaker and social media commentator whose first book, So You Want to Talk About Race, was published in 2018 and earned #1 on The New York Times bestseller list. She has been published in major newspapers and magazines and has appeared on network and cable news shows. This year’s theme, Unity in Diversity: Our Single Garment of Destiny, draws inspiration from Dr. King’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech. The event will also feature vibrant performances, inspiring writing from local students and the presentation of the Essence of Humanity, Ruby Payne Cook and Crispus Attucks Legacy awards. Tickets are $75 for in-person and $25 for livestream. To make the event accessible to all, there is also a pay-what-you-will, in-person ticket option. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Breakfast buffet will be available from 7:30-8:15 a.m., at which time the program will begin. Millersville University Student Memorial Center, 113 Shenks Lane. Information: Caplanc.org/MLK
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Uptown & Down and all around
Dan Wecker A Dutchman at Heart Destination
In 1989, Dan and Donna Leigh Wecker took stewardship of an historic iron forge property that consisted of decaying buildings and 16 acres of land along the Patapsco River in Howard County, Maryland. The venture, a unique partnership between the Weckers, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Patapsco Valley State Park system, allowed the Weckers to settle into a dream.
BY MICHAEL C. UPTON
Dan grew up playing baseball in the Manor Ridge area and went to school in the city at Sacred Heart. “I don’t have a single bad memory of my childhood growing up,” Dan says, leading me on a predinner walk around the Elkridge Furnace Complex.
Returning to Lancaster County after serving in the Korean War, Dan’s father worked at Sperry-New Holland and Donnelley Printing before packing up Dan and his six siblings in 1970 and heading to a new job in Maryland. “I am Pennsylvania Dutch,” remarks Dan, who also notes that his great-grandmother was Amish. “There are a lot of things that we learned growing up in Lancaster County, like responsibility and work ethic. We had never been taught to be prejudiced about anything, and we all thrived.”
HE STILL HAS family members in Lancaster County, and he credits his aunt and uncle, who owned a small farm on Owl’s Hill in Lititz, for
spurring his interest in cultivation. His restaurant, The Elkridge Furnace Inn, was farm-to-table before it was a trend. As we round the side of the building, he points toward a thin copse of trees and low bushes, reporting, “We have figs, raspberries, plums, persimmons, all grown using organic practices.” There are hothouses filled with greens and herbs, as well as a mushroom house with Pleuratus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) clinging to suspended bags of sawdust. Steps away from the gardens, a soon-to-be bride and groom are planning their big day, which will be held here in a few weeks. Weddings are a forte of the Elkridge Furnace Complex, as are celebrations such as showers, vow renewals, engagement, anniversary and birthday parties, as well as corporate events.
HISTORY RESTORED
Dan and Donna met in their early 20s, and they have been a culinary and creative team ever since. “We were young enough and naïve enough to take on a project like this, to restore and maintain this building and the lands,” recalls Dan.
When the couple moved onto the property 35 years ago, the tavern (circa 1744) and manor house (circa 1810) were scheduled for demolition. Their task was to restore the buildings, upgrade the property, and create a successful restaurant and event space. Dan, Donna and their children lived on the property in a small country home now referred to as the Garden House. “This house didn’t look like this when we got here; it was boarded up. Donna could tell you lots of funny stories, but it was difficult at the start. We had no money, and it was a lot of work. But it’s a cozy little house,” says Dan.
THE PROPERTY, which was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Place in 1990, was first used for hunting and fishing by the Susquehannock people. It was explored by John Smith in 1608 and surveyed by James McCubbin (who built the original tavern) in 1744. The Wecker family took on the task of restoring the complex of Federal- and Greek Revival-style buildings and opened a catering facility in 1992, followed by a restaurant in 1994. The nature of their unique public-private venture does allow for some rent credit today, but the Weckers’ capital and “sweat equity” were used to restore the property on behalf of the state.
A CULINARY EXPERIENCE
What do the French Ambassador to the United States, Liberace and Vice President Walter Mondale have in common? They have all eaten dishes prepared by Dan. But his culinary voyage started small. “My sister got me into the food service industry at age 14, working at the Columbia (MD) Ice Rink concession stand,” says Dan. In high school he worked at a local, fast-casual restaurant. He began to consider cooking as a career option and entered an apprenticeship under French chef Michel Beaupin in 1976. “I trained in every position of a traditional French kitchen – pastries, sauces, butchery,” says Dan, who credits Beaupin as an important influence.
“THIS IS DAN’S signature dish,” says Donna, who has joined us at an upstairs table. “This is far superior to any cream of crab soup. It’s crab soup with a twist.” Chef Dan learned the recipe for his Cream of Baltimore soup from retired Charm City chef, Debbie Crabtree. The soup is based
The event space, which is steps away from the
Shrimp and scallops entrée with vol-au-vent pastries and Gruyère mornay, and whipped root vegetables.
On-premise greenhouses provide yearround greens.
The Elkridge Furnace Inn dates to 1744.
Donna and Lancaster native/
chef Dan Wecker
Patapsco River, can hold up to 250 guests.
Chef Dan's Cream of Baltimore soup is a menu staple.
All meats are butchered onsite and steaks are hand-cut.
A HEAVY ROAD
The Iron Road is a multi-state driving tour stretching from nearby Hopewell Furnace through Northern Maryland, down to its terminus at Nassawango, a furnace on the Eastern Shore. The Elkridge Furnace is a stop on the history trail, which explores museums, industrial revolution-era villages and historic sites in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The program was created by the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society and Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. Downloadable maps can be found at catoctinfurnace.org/ironroad.
on two of the colors of the Maryland flag. Potato leek represents the white and sweet potato curry crab is the gold. “They are both good soups by themselves, but when you put them together, they become Cream of Baltimore,” explains Dan, as I sip from a complimentary sample portion … and wished I had more!
I realize as entrées arrive, the key to dining at The Elkridge Furnace Inn is taking time to enjoy the accoutrements of each dish. Meats like smoked duck breast, bresaola and veal pinenut salami are made in house, just like the cheddar cheeses, pickled vegetables and fragrant mustards. “All of our meats are butchered here, and all of our steaks are hand cut,” explains Dan.
Overall, the entrées appearing from The Elkridge Furnace Inn kitchen can be best described as localized, rustic French, somewhere between haute and provincial cuisines. The emphasis is on quality ingredients and seasonality, but there is a definite homage to necessity and invention.
“We are not really a trendy restaurant. We update the menu for each season,” says Dan, who eventually leaves me to the rest of my meal and heads back downstairs. A visit to Elkridge Furnace is definitely worth the trip!
The Elkridge Furnace Inn is tucked away in a quiet area of Howard County, where Chef Dan runs the kitchen and makes sure to visit with each diner. Donna is also on site, usually planning one of her popular tea events. For more information, visit elkridgefurnaceinn.com.
Michael C. Upton works as a freelance writer specializing in arts and leisure covering subjects ranging from funk punk to fine wine. He graduated with a BFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maine at Farmington and is actively published by trade journals, specialized websites, and regional and national magazines. Upton lives in Lancaster County with his wife, Mel, and two youngest children, Halligan and Teagan. Tyler, his oldest son, is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America.
The braised beef cheek appetizer is paired with housemade mustard and pickles served openfaced with capers, arugula and glace de viande.
W EDDI N G & Entertaining Essentials
Special Advertising Section
From new beginnings such as weddings and baby showers to milestone birthdays and anniversaries, the following local businesses are ready to help you plan and host a stress-free, unforgettable event, no matter the occasion.
BARNES FARMHOUSE TABLES originated in 2012, when Neil Barnes made handcrafted wooden tables for his own wedding because his wife, Missy, could not find the table style they were looking for at a reasonable price. With Neil’s woodworking skills, he knew he could handcraft the tables himself. This was the beginning of Barnes Farmhouse Tables. In December 2024, Christian and Lauren DeAngelo acquired Barnes Farmhouse Tables and will continue the legacy of providing top-quality products and excellent customer service. Barnes Farmhouse Tables, now based in Lititz, Pennsylvania, offers a wide variety of handcrafted farm and high-top tables, benches, multiple styles of chairs, bars and other event rentals.
THE GILDED LILY , based in Columbia, is a multifaceted company dedicated to all things horticultural and decorative. Tim Arpin, who
Providing Warmth & Beauty to Any Event with Our Handcrafted Farmhouse Tables
Samantha Joy Photography
CUSTOM . CREATIVE TRANSFORMATIONAL.
CUSTOM CREATIVE . TRANSFORMATIONAL.
From understated elegance to all-out-glamour, The Gilded Lily creates unique environments that transform your special occasion to an unforgettable event.
From understated elegance to all-out-glamour, The Gilded Lily creates unique environments that transform your special occasion to an unforgettable event.
Using distinctive flowers, lush plants, topiaries and accent lighting, we create an atmosphere that takes beauty beyond the basics.
Using distinctive flowers, lush plants, topiaries and accent lighting, we create an atmosphere that takes beauty
Stunning CELEBRATIONS
Special Advertising Section
the shoppes at belmont 1573 fruitville pike lancaster, pa harvestseasonal.com
start planning today
with an abundance of gluten-free, plant-based, and allergy-friendly options, our seasonal, farm-to-table menu & private events spaces make harvest the ideal venue for your
bridal shower & rehearsal dinner
is a graduate of Chicago’s DuPage Horticultural School, launched The Gilded Lily in 1989 in order to provide residential and business clients with exceptional seasonal and special occasion décor, floral arrangements, container planting and maintenance and more. Using distinctive flowers, lush plants, topiaries, vibrant colors and accent lighting, The Gilded Lily creates atmospheres that take beauty beyond the basics. From simple, understated elegance to all-out glamour, The Gilded Lily can craft whatever environment you desire. Visit arpinsgildedlily.com for more information.
HARVEST SEASONAL GRILL believes that everyone should enjoy nutrient-dense, farm-fresh flavors. Every three months, they introduce an all-
new, seasonally inspired menu created with honest ingredients from local farm partners.
Harvest also offers private dining space and off-site catering services. Perfect for birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, corporate board meetings and wedding receptions, Harvest’s attentive service and farm-to-table menu will make your event spectacular, whatever the occasion.
Whether you are dining at one of their convenient locations or searching for the perfect caterer for your private event, Harvest Seasonal Grill looks forward to introducing every guest to “farm-to-table for everyone.”
STONE GABLES ESTATE , located on 280 acres of scenic beauty, offers a truly unforgettable setting for your special day. With three unique wedding venues to choose from, couples can select from
Nepali Food Prepared with House-Made Spice Blends for the Most Authentic Flavor, Including House-Made Desserts. House-Made Juices & Lassi Yogurt Drinks
indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, all set against natural backdrops. Beyond the ceremony, Stone Gables provides seamless event services, including reception spaces and lodging, allowing guests to celebrate and relax without ever leaving the property. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand affair, Stone Gables Estate delivers the perfect blend of elegance, convenience, and charm for your dream event.
Follow your nose and the intoxicating scent of exotic spices will lead you to HIMALAYAN CURRY AND GRILL in Downtown Lancaster, where the
restaurant’s expansive menu features fine Nepalese and Indian cuisine, including appetizers, vegetable dishes, seafood, Tandoori creations, curries, lentils, Naan/breads, rice and biryani, specialty beverages and dessert. The legendary lunch buffet is served Monday-Saturday, as well as Monday evenings. Take-out available. Having an event? Party trays are also available. Be sure to visit our sister restaurant, DIYO FUSION , in Ewell Plaza, which features a menu of Nepalese fusion.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 40
A Reimagined Event Venue Gets a Vintage Vibe
Like a spunky old man, the building that was home to the Badorf Shoe Company worked hard in its day, refusing to conform to modern-day comforts and fancy-schmancy updates. That’s exactly what drew Melody and Chris Strayer to the 1929-era shoe factory at 101 West Lincoln Avenue in Lititz.
“We
BY JILL BROWN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM ROE PHOTOGRAPHY
saw the ‘good bones’ of the building,” says Melody.
“On our late-night walks through Lititz, we kept coming back to it, talking about how we could possibly afford to take on the project. I was starry-eyed,” she laughs. “When I look back at the before photos, I didn’t realize how extensive the transformation would be.”
All you need is love. And money. And creative vision. And elbow grease. And more money. OK, so you need a lot more than love to transform an old
factory into an events venue. For the Strayers, the love part was easy. Their 20-year marriage has survived the entrepreneurial stresses of building a thriving business as Stray Production Services, raising three daughters and working side-by-side on a daily basis, with Melody as president and Chris as a very hands-on CEO.
The Strayers’ combined talents resulted in a vintage-inspired space with a distinctively retro edge. With enough space for 175 seated guests, or 150 seats and a dance floor, the Lincoln Shoe Co is perfectly sized for intimately sized weddings, business gatherings and life’s celebrations. “This is an accessible, affordable space,” says Melody, whose eye for décor leans to the nostalgic. She remained true to the building’s 1929 era by adding suspended pendant lighting that features blown glass from molds of that time, locally sourced from Olde Brick Lighting of Lititz. Even the functional exit signs are charmingly vintage.
The former Badorf Shoe Company has been transformed into an events venue. Inside, original exposed brick and plaster walls create a texture-rich background. Pendant lamps were added to create an authentic vintage vibe.
Clockwise from top left:
Chris and Melody Strayer are the new owners of the former Badorf Shoe Company building in Lititz.
The 95-year-old building has been reinvented as Lincoln Shoe Co. The event venue opened last August.
The recent wedding of Rachel and James Geissel featured a charming bride-and-groom’s table. The space is perfect for an intimate wedding. “Gathering is important,” says Melody. Shelby Lynne Photography
The entryway pays homage to the building’s history.
The lounge near the bar offers guests a quiet place to converse.
Live music welcomed guests to the grand opening of Lincoln Shoe Co.
The private reception held for local business associates, friends and family served as a thank-you. Melody praises the Lititz community with “rallying around us with its support,” from zoning board to vendors to neighbors.
“This community collaborates instead of competes,” she notes.
Top to bottom:
The original rock maple flooring retains some grooves and oil stains from its manufacturing days. Large windows invite ample natural light.
The 4,500 square-foot venue includes a catering area that is concealed behind frosted-glass doors with separate loadin/out accessibility that is completely unobtrusive to the celebrating guests.
“We leaned on our vendors to tell us what caterers’ must-haves are in an event space,” Melody points out.
A nod to the shoe factory’s past is seen in the copper-topped bar’s back wall that is decorated with shoe lasts, once used to shape and size the children’s shoes in the manufacturing process.
Deconstructed plaster blends with brick walls and the original rock maple flooring for a rustic backdrop to the bentwood black chairs and couches that invite guests to settle into a comfy spot. “People want an elevated space with a cool bar, lounge areas and lots of natural light,” Melody notes. The bar area is indeed cool; its back wall is decorated with dozens of shoe lasts from the building’s previous life. The ceiling’s fiberboard was removed to expose the pipes and ductwork, now painted industrial-chic black.
A storage closet full of lanterns, brass candlesticks, arches, linens and glass votives is also available to clients for their décor needs. “Not everyone can afford elaborate florals. It’s nice to have those ‘fillers’ available,” she adds.
Those “fillers” are constantly being added to under the talented eye of venue manager, Leah Zubik. Having planned events for many years with Melody for Stray Productions, Leah is in sync with Melody’s carefully curated sense of style. “It’s such a pleasure to have the role I have,” she says. “It’s fun to brainstorm; it feels like play with Melody.”
Leah enjoys seeing prospective clients’ eyes light up when they enter the space for their first tour. Recent corporate clients quickly changed their party theme from fire-and-ice to the 1920s when they saw the potential.
As for weddings, Melody has sensed a shift in couples’ priorities post-covid. “People don’t value the same things now. They are more intentional with their money and their circle of guests. This venue is a great fit for that. The space is classic and can be decorated but it’s also pretty on its own.”
For more information about the Lincoln Shoe Co, visit Lincolnshoe.co.
Owner of Jill Brown Publicity, Marketing & Events, Jill brings highlights of Central Pennsylvania’s social scene and special events to Lancaster County Magazine’s readers. Do you have an event that you would like to have covered by Life of a Party? Contact her at jillianbrown@live.com.
Two Weddings, LANCASTERSTYLE
There’s nothing quite like a summer wedding, and the two we are presenting are quite different, as are the stories of how the couples met and made their way to marriage.
Jill Distler and Zachary Weire, who met in a college classroom, represent the notion of opposites attract, as the two had no shared interests but forged a common ground through animals and travel; however, they are still worlds apart where shoe fashion is concerned! They exchanged vows and celebrated with family and friends at the Distler family farm near Marietta in June.
As for Savannah Graybill and Ohio native, Chris Strup, the two literally sledded into each other’s orbit at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York. Their shared interests led to a love match that was celebrated on a Friday evening in July at the newly opened IronSpire Complex in Adamstown.
Photo by Tea Ceresini
Photo by Haley Timmons
When Jill met Zach, she lived on a farm; doted on her horses, dogs and cows; worked for a veterinarian (her mother); attended college; preferred to wear Crocs and enjoyed traveling to far-off places. She could not believe that a man who loved designer shoes and never had a dog or traveled widely was open to being a part of what she calls “my crazy life.”
BY SUE LONG | WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEA CERESINI
Jill, who is the daughter of Dr. Janet Distler and the late John A. Distler, began her life in Augusta, Georgia. The family later moved to Bucks County due to her father’s ill health and to be close to family. After John’s death, Janet and Jill settled in the Mechanicsburg area, where one of Jill’s aunts lived. Janet found employment with a veterinary practice in the area and Jill became a student in the Cumberland Valley School District. In 2018, the two relocated to Lancaster County, where Janet bought a Marietta-area farm and became the owner of the Elizabethtown Animal Hospital.
Jill, who has a degree in communications from Elizabethtown College, is the hospital’s practice manager. She dreams of becoming a veterinarian. It was at Elizabethtown College that Jill first set her eyes on Zach, who was intent on earning his MBA. “He was touring the college and sat in on one of my classes,” she explains. Talking together led to hanging out. When Zach accompanied Jill to the wedding of one of her friends, they ran into another one of her friends, who took one look at Zach and asked what he was doing there. It was obvious to Jill that the two had a history. A lightbulb went off. It suddenly occurred to Jill that “her” Zach was the same Zach that her high school friend dated and always talked about. “I never met him,” Jill adds.
Jill and Zach pose with her horses, Bogo, Jman and Crete. The two were wed in front of a horse jump decorated by Jill Hoffines-Erb of Floral Designs of Mount Joy.
Jill Distler and Zachary Weire OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Jill
Zach
Zach, who holds a BA in business from Millersville University and an MBA in data analytics from Elizabethtown College, is an E-commerce specialist with Apex Advertising in Lancaster. He became totally immersed in Jill’s life, even becoming what she calls the ultimate “dog dad.” Jill has always been a fan of working dogs and initially her pack was mainly composed of Australian cattle dogs.
Now, besides the two cattle dogs (Carnaby and Rigby), the two are pet parents to Rue, Lennon and Amstele, who are members of the Mudi breed; the herding dogs are indigenous to Hungary and were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in late 2021. The AKC describes the mediumsized dogs as being intelligent, alert, agile and protective, which makes them excellent herders of sheep and cattle. They haven’t strayed far from their homeland (except for Finland, where they are being successfully used in search-and-rescue operations) and are a rarity in the United States and
for
Canada, where they have proven to be adept at dogsports such as agility, flyball, Fast CAT and obedience.
Rue hails from Flyaway Farm in Montana (Mary Mytych specializes in the breed). Zach mainly serves as Rue’s handler on the show circuit, but at the 2023 National Dog Show (which is hosted by the Philadelphia Kennel Club), Zach’s nerves got the best of him, and Jill had to take over. “I ended up on TV,” she says of the nationally televised show (NBC on Thanksgiving Day) in which Rue was honored with the Best in Breed award. Rue, who is currently ranked #3 Mudi, has also competed at Westminster.
Popping THE QUESTION
The two were engaged on June 15, 2022, during a trip to Greece that Zach had planned (only after getting the permission of Janet and Jill’s horses). That trip made Jill realize that Zach
was truly one in a million.
One of Jill’s favorite memories of her father entails a jewelry store in Augusta that they often visited. Knowing the special connection she had with Windsor Fine Jewelers, Zach contacted the store and worked with them to design an engagement ring (and later, their wedding bands). He also chose a gorgeous spot overlooking the sea in Santorini to pop the question and made arrangements with photographer Franklin Fezollari to capture the moment. He also arranged for Jill to take part in one of Fezollari’s famous “flying dress” photo shoots. “I’d always wanted to do that,” she says. What happened next truly made Jill realize how much she loved Zach. She began receiving texts from the New Bolton Center animal hospital in Chester County, and learned that her horse, Jman, had to be rushed there for emergency surgery. Since Jill was linked to her mother’s texts, she saw what was happening. It was Zach who immediately said, “We need to go
Clockwise from top left: The proposal took place on June 15, 2022, in Santorini, Greece.
putting Rue through her paces at the National Dog Show in 2023.
arranged
Jill to take part in one of Franklin Fezollari’s “flying dress” photo shoots in Santorini. Zach and Rue at the Westminster Dog Show.
Clockwise from top right:
There was no question where the wedding would be held: the Distlers’ Buttonwood Ridge Farm near Marietta.
Jill was adamant that she wanted her horses and dogs to be involved in the wedding.
Jill Hoffines-Erb of Floral Designs of Mount Joy worked with the bride to design a floral story that carried through from the ceremony to the reception, utilizing the color purple and incorporating sunflowers.
From start to finish, the color purple set the tone.
Jill and Zach pose with their attendants and groomsmen.
home.” In view of the fact that Zach had put so much work into planning the trip, Jill felt terrible that they had to cut it short. Fortunately, by the time they arrived home, Jman was on the mend and has since made a full recovery.
Let the PLANNING BEGIN!
There was no question where the wedding would be held. “I wanted all my animals to be there for the wedding,” Jill explains. The setting, therefore, would be Buttonwood Ridge Farm, where Jill and her mother settled after moving to Lancaster County. Located on the outskirts of Marietta, it was part of the Penn Grant and originally consisted of more than 100 acres. Today, it’s comprised of 11 acres. The farmhouse dates to the early 1800s and has grown in size over time.
Clockwise from top left:
Jill and Zach pose with their
The aisle was lined with purple wildflowers.
Jill wore white Crocs, while Zach wore purple velvet shoes.
Buttonwood Ridge is where Jill became a bona fide farm girl, recalling that she once bottle-raised a calf and entered the competition for queen of the Elizabethtown Fair. Competing with her horses and dogs is a passion of hers.
The date was also written in stone –June 15 – which meant if they wanted to be married on a Saturday, they had to do so in 2024 or wait until 2030. They chose 2024.
There was also no discussion about the color scheme. Purple, Jill’s favorite color, would be the focus of that, right down to the purple Crocs her attendants would wear under their gray purple-hued gowns. (Her bachelorette party included a trip to a Crocs emporium in New Jersey, to ensure all her attendants would be wearing the same style/color.)
As for her wedding gown, Jill decided to make “saying yes to the dress” eventful and made an
appointment at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York (the location of the TLC show, Say Yes to the Dress). Her gown was truly a custom creation, as five elements of Martina Liana’s designs were combined into one. Ah, but Jill wasn’t finished. The completed gown was then sent to Alteria Garment Dying in Orlando, Florida, where it was dyed to achieve an ombré effect that extended from lavender at the top of the gown to purple at the bottom. “Purple is my color!” she states.
In planning their ceremony and reception, Jill and Zach worked to create a wedding that would serve as a reflection of their interests and lifestyle. On Friday, they invited guests to Farm Night, which ran from 3-9 p.m., and featured a rehearsal ceremony, a bonfire, games and food from Stoney’s Burgers & Fries (drinks were BYOB).
For the late-afternoon ceremony on Saturday, the 150 guests were asked
Jill’s engagement ring had a sentimental connection to her late father.
mothers, Dr. Janet Distler and Vicki Nelson, and Zach’s grandmother, Linda Green.
On Trend
Jill and Zach’s wedding exemplified several trends that will carry into 2025.
PERSONALIZATION
Non-traditional vows, Italian Ice instead of a wedding cake, the presence of animals … it definitely wasn’t cookie-cutter!
UNEXPECTED VENUE
The family farm presented guests with a unique experience.
FRIDAY FUNDAY
The trend is to involve your guests in all the festivities, hence the staid rehearsal/dinner has evolved into a festive welcome party that includes the rehearsal, followed by a fun mixer that takes the shape of a barbecue, pool party, bonfire, etc.
BOLD COLOR
Purple!
NON - ALCOHOL BEVERAGES
At this wedding, lemonade hit the spot on a day in June.
DRESS CODE
While Jill and Zach specified cocktail attire, some couples are going as far as denoting a color code for guests.
to wear cocktail attire and gather in a seating area (along with 10 dogs) that took the shape of a horseshoe (for good luck). The two were married in front of a horse jump that was decorated by Jill Hoffines-Erb of Floral Designs of Mount Joy, who employed the bride’s favorite color (purple) and favorite flower (sunflowers) for the jump, as well as for the bouquets and table centerpieces. “She said the horse jump was a first for her,” the bride notes.
Jill and Zach also painted the barn with the help of a few family members and strung lights in the trees. Getting the farm wedding-ready, was “truly a labor of love,” says Jill. “We didn’t have a backup for rain,” she reports. “We decided if it rained, we’d get wet.” (Still, she admits to reading six years’ worth of farmer’s almanacs to gauge the chance of rain for the date.) Fortunately, the day was cloud-free, breezy and 78 degrees. Jill and Zach did not recite traditional vows, but
instead told stories about each other and their journey to the altar. “We wanted to incorporate humor into our big day,” says Jill.
They also paid homage to Jill’s favorite band, The Beatles, as she walked down the aisle to the song Here Comes the Sun. (Many of the dogs in attendance had Beatles-related names.)
They elected to forego a cake and instead had the Rita’s Mobile Fun Truck onsite. “It was just a fun day,” Jill recalls. “It turned out exactly according to plan.”
After the wedding, the two honeymooned in Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Over the July 4th holiday, they were off to Montana to pick up their new additions to the family, Amstele and Lennon.
As for Zach’s love of shoes, Jill shares a story that relates to one of their first trips together that took them to Iceland. “He took along 10 pairs of shoes but not a jacket,” she says, shaking her head. “Who does that?!”
• Engagement/Flying Dress Photography: Franklin Fezollari, Santorini, Greece
• Bride’s Gown: Kleinfeld Bridal, New York, and Alteria Garment Dying, Orlando, Florida
• Groom’s Attire: Central PA Tuxedo, Lancaster
• Jewelry: Windsor Fine Jewelers, Augusta, Georgia
• Florals: Floral Designs of Mount Joy
• Food: Stoney’s Burgers & Fries, Lancaster, and Sir D’s Catering, New Cumberland
• Dessert: Rita’s Mobile Fun, Elizabethtown
• Videographer: Thomas Kuhkowski
• Music/DJ: Sam Taggart Event
Perfectionist, Lancaster
• Fun: FX Photobooths, Elizabethtown
Jill’s gown was a custom creation from Kleinfeld Bridal in New York. It was then sent to a company in Florida for the dying process.
SLIDING INTO MARRIAGE
Savannah Graybill and Chris Strup
Savannah and Chris stole away to take photographs at neighboring Stoudtburg Village.
A winter Olympic sport known as skeleton led Savannah and Chris to become members of Team USA. While they didn’t achieve their goals of competing in the Olympic Games, Chris and Savannah agree that they won gold when they became husband and wife on July 19.
BY SUE LONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY HALEY TIMMONS
Savannah, a graduate of Cocalico High School, was a heralded field hockey player who went on to play for American University in Washington, D.C. During her senior year at AU, representatives of the Winter Olympics came calling in search of athletes who were strong and fast. Field hockey players fit that criterion. Adventure awaited those who expressed interest, as they would initially train to become bobsledders. The prospect of becoming a part of Team USA and traveling the world appealed to Savannah, and she successfully applied to become a part of the program.
Meanwhile, Chris, who had been a high school track star in his hometown of Defiance, Ohio, continued to climb the ranks of his sport at Loyola University in Chicago. After graduating, he learned that a friend of a friend had tried out for bobsledding. “I thought to myself, ‘I could do that,’” says Chris, who signed up for a combine event being held in Cleveland. “I missed being an athlete,” he says of the factor that motivated him to attend the recruiting event. So, accompanied by his father and grandfather, Chris made his way to Cleveland, where his successful showing resulted in an invitation to rookie camp in Lake Placid, New York.
Once at their respective rookie camps, the two were free to explore other sports. Both gravitated to skeleton, a sport in which a person rides a small sled (so named a skeleton) headfirst down a frozen track that winds and twists its way
Chris
Savannah reads a touching letter from
Savannah shows off her engagement ring to her
Taking a post-wedding stroll.
Chris reads a letter penned by Savannah.
Savannah’s grandmothers, Betsy Hecker and Mary Jane Graybill, get the privilege of a “first look.”
Clockwise from top left:
Savannah’s mother, Angela Graybill, and aunt, Jean Morgan, help her get ready for her walk down the aisle.
Strup Sr. helps his son with his tux.
Chris.
flower girls.
to the finish line, reaching speeds approaching 90 miles per hour. “I had to gain 20 pounds,” says Chris. Skeleton, which was developed in St. Moritz, Switzerland, is considered to be an offshoot of tobogganing.
Skeleton was contested in the Games that were held in St. Moritz in 1928 and 1948. After that, it was deemed too dangerous a sport until 2002 (Salt Lake City), when it was permanently added to the Winter Games’ schedule.
It was in Lake Placid that Chis and Savannah’s lives converged. One night they happened to be in the same bar when Chris took notice of Savannah.
“She didn’t give me the time of day,” he recalls. Later, a teammate pointed out to the clueless Savannah that Chris seemed taken with her. “No,” Savannah replied.
The two continued to semi-ignore each other, although Chris wasn’t one to give up. In 2019, they were on separate tours, which gave Chris the idea to ask teammate Andrew Blaser to put in a good word for him, as he was on the same tour as Savannah.
“I’ll think about it,” said Andrew on his departure. After playing a silly game in which Andrew came up with a “word” of the day, he finally told Savannah that Chris had asked him to plead his case.
Finally, in early 2020, Savannah agreed to go on a date with Chris. “Our first official date was scheduled for March, and you know what happened then,” she says, referring to the pandemic. The two departed Lake Placid for their respective homes in Pennsylvania and Ohio and began facetiming each other every night. At the end of May, Savannah visited Chris
in Ohio, where he and his brother own a farm. “We decided to keep our relationship under wraps,” she says.
In 2021, Chris decided it was time for a change and left Team USA. At the invitation of Savannah’s parents, Dwight and Angela Graybill, Chris took up residence with the empty nesters and began working full-time for Breakthru Beverage Group, a national company whose portfolio includes premier wine, spirit and beer brands. Chris had interned with Breakthru while at Loyola and a sales opening in the company’s Philadelphia office prompted him to apply.
Meanwhile, Savannah continued her training regimen in Lake Placid. Her deep disappointment at not being named to the 2022 Olympic team prompted her to consider her future. She elected to retire and forge a life with Chris. They took that first step by buying a house in Lancaster City.
They agree that their time spent with Team USA was one they would always treasure, notably the opportunity they were given to travel to some of the most beautiful places in the world. (Chris names competing in St. Moritz for the first time as a favorite memory.) They’ve also made lifelong friends. “We don’t regret any of it,” says Savannah, who works in corporate communications at Zimmer Biomet.
She’s also resumed playing field hockey in an adult league. “We learned a lot from skeleton and will always have wonderful memories,” she shares.
Popping THE QUESTION
In the summer of 2023, Chris did his due diligence and discussed the prospect of asking Savannah if she would marry him with her father. However, it was agreed that it would also be a good idea for Chris to discuss it with Savannah’s twin brother, Donny, who was stationed in California with the Navy at the time, as well as her brother, Ben, who lives locally in Reinholds. Of course, they all welcomed Chris to the family with open arms.
As luck would have it, Chris was offered an incentive trip to Napa Valley just ahead of a trip they had planned to visit Donny and his family. It provided the perfect opportunity to propose. Chris had designed a ring with their mutual friend, Sarah Nguyen, of Sarah Michiko Designs, a jeweler in New York. “I had an idea of what she wanted,” he says.
Pre-season training in Denver (PA).
A pre-wedding photo shoot coincided with rehearsal.
Savannah competing in Lake Placid.
Chris takes off!
Chris traveled to Napa and arranged to later meet Savannah in San Francisco. Poor Chris was so paranoid that the ring would be lost that he carried it with him throughout the Napa trip. Once in California, Donny’s wife, Suzy, was afraid her three children would spill the beans and encouraged Chris to propose sooner rather than later.
Taking her cue, Chris took Savannah to Fort Ord Dunes State Park, where a picnic basket awaited that held the ring and a bottle of Champagne. Following a walk along the beach, Chris popped the question and a shocked Savannah said yes to applause provided by Donny and his family.
Chris and his groomsmen.
Dwight Graybill walks his daughter down the aisle.
The greenery at IronSpire perfectly complemented the color scheme.
Let the celebrating begin!
Savannah and her attendants.
Let the PLANNING BEGIN
Determining a date was the first project on their To-Do list, as an annual two-week family vacation in Stone Harbor in early July had to be accounted for. “We started looking at venues and loved IronSpire,” Savannah says of the Adamstown venue that was formerly home to the Black Angus and Stoudt’s Brewery. “It felt like home,” says Savannah, who grew up in nearby Denver. They settled on July 19, which was a Friday. “Friday weddings are totally underrated,” says Chris, who appreciated the fact that they had the weekend to spend with out-of-town family and friends, including a contingent of former teammates. The 110-person guest list consisted of friends and family who arrived from as far away as Monterey, Boise and Australia. July weddings can be iffy from a weather
perspective, but fortunately the heat of early July dissipated, and the weather was perfect.
Apart from having Emily Ross on board as the day-of coordinator, Savannah and Chris planned the wedding themselves, along with the incredible help of family. For her dress, Savannah and her mother visited In White, where finding a simple, formfitting gown was on Savannah’s mind. She found two dresses that fit the criteria and decided to sleep on it before saying yes to one of them. “I went back by myself and tried them on again and made my choice,” she recalls.
Green, white and gold became the color scheme of the wedding (Savannah’s attendants wore eucalyptushued dresses in various styles). Because of the greenery that beautifies the IronSpire Complex, they did not have to bring in an overabundance of florals and decorations.
Savannah and Chris also relied on the talents and the recommendations
of friends and family to select vendors. In addition to Sarah Nguyen, they asked Haley Timmons, a high school friend of Chris’s from Columbus, to photograph the wedding. “She always told me that she wanted to do the photography when I got married,” Chris explains. Savannah asked her grandmother’s friend, Sharon Zimmerman, to do floral design for the ceremony and reception.
As for food, Catering by John Lowe handled that aspect of the wedding, which included passed hors d’oeuvres and a buffet dinner. “They make you feel so special,” says Savannah. “The food was delicious, and the service was incredible.” They also liked the fact that the company donates leftover food to charitable organizations. Dinner ended on a sweet note with a small wedding cake (red velvet) from La Dolce Vita and desserts from Costco. After dinner, the newlyweds and their guests danced the night away. The two did steal away for photos at the neighboring Stoudtburg Village.
The reception dinner began with passed hors d’oeuvres.
The bouquets reflected the color scheme.
The table settings and décor embodied the green, white and gold color scheme.
The green theme began with the invitation suite.
Hand-held fans were made available in case of high temperatures.
Savannah and Chris thoroughly enjoyed their wedding. As she posted to Instagram a few days later, she will always remember the “joy, laughter and unforgettable memories” that made her wedding day one to remember.
Credits
• Photography: Haley Timmons/Haley Elizabeth Studios, Columbus, Ohio
• Rings: Sarah Nguyen/Sarah Michiko Designs, New York
• Venue: IronSpire Complex, Adamstown
• Bridal Gown: In White, Lancaster
• Hair/Makeup: Events by Youphoria, IronSpire Complex
• Tanning: Iconic Tanning (mobile service)
• Florals: Sharon Zimmerman, Ephrata
• Catering: Catering by John Lowe, Berks County
• Cake: La Dolce Vita, Lancaster
• Desserts: Costco, Lancaster
• DJ/Music: DJ J-Willz/Wilson Event Group, Lancaster
• Day-of Coordinator: Emily Ross
On Trend
Savannah and Chris’s wedding included several trends that will carry into 2025.
SENTIMENT
According to The Knot, honoring grandparents, parents, siblings and friends who have passed away in a meaningful way has become a part of weddings. Savannah and Chris did so by honoring their late grandparents on their wedding day.
SUSTAINABILITY
Chris and Savannah appreciated the greenery that IronSpire provided, which in their case, fit in beautifully with the color scheme. They also liked the fact that leftover food would not be discarded but shared with charitable organizations.
TGIF
There’s no rule that weddings must take place on Saturday. Consider that Friday-evening weddings take the party atmosphere up a notch, while Sunday weddings lend themselves to brunch, lunch or even backyard barbecues.
INTIMATE AND PERSONAL
Savannah and Chris’s guest list consisted of friends and family with whom they tend to interact on a regular basis.
GUEST INVOLVEMENT
At Savannah and Chris’s wedding, that began with a unique guest check-in that invited attendees to write endearing messages on Jenga blocks and add them to the growing tower of blocks. Guests could also engage in cornhole.
The couple paid homage to their late grandparents.
The guest registry took the form of Jenga blocks.
Dancing in the moonlight.
Cutting the cake.
Cornhole entertained guests.
With the wedding, Chris officially became a member of the Graybill clan.
W EDDI N G & EssentialsEntertaining
Special Advertising Section
DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE is
“Your Ticket for Great Entertainment at a Great Value!” Don’t miss award-winning theatre right here in Lancaster. Experience one of the longestrunning dinner theatres in the U.S. Dutch Apple has entertained audiences since 1987 with live Broadway performances, stunning sets, brilliant costumes, and delicious dining options all in one place. It’s simple yet sophisticated charm you won’t find in many theatres.
Voted one of the “20 Best Things To Do In Lancaster County,” Dutch Apple offers something for everyone. Enjoy contemporary shows, classic musicals, tribute concerts, and children’s productions all year. Convenient onsite free parking.
THE JDK GROUP is more than just a catering and event production company. We are a team of passionate people who are powered by the purpose of transforming people’s lives for the better. We believe that your wedding day is one of those magical life-changing experiences. It is our greatest honor to be a part of helping you celebrate your most special day.
Handcrafted, flavor-packed food is one of our greatest passions. Every menu focuses on incorporating fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients and transforming them into inventive dishes. Whether you are searching for fully custom culinary creations and diverse cuisines or enjoy nostalgic classics with a slight twist, our talented team can craft a menu curated just for you.
LOVE STORY Retell your
by JDK
Weddings by JDK
At The JDK Group, we’re passionate about bringing your love story to life on your special day! We have a talented team of passionate event magic makers who are ready to make your wedding day better than you could ever imagine. From flavorful food and personable service to jaw-dropping design, we’ve got every detail covered.
your
LOVE STORY Retell
At The JDK Group, we’re passionate about bringing your love story to life on your special day! We have a talented team of passionate event magic makers who are ready to make your wedding day better than you could ever imagine. From flavorful food and personable service to jaw-dropping design, we’ve got every detail covered.
In addition to our catering services, we also have an award-winning Floral and Event Design Team . With over a decade of combined experience and boundless creativity, they can transform your vision into reality. Whether it’s elegant centerpieces or dramatic installations, they’ll craft designs that make your day unforgettable.
In addition to our catering services, we also have an award-winning Floral and Event Design Team . With over a decade of combined experience and boundless creativity, they can transform your vision into reality. Whether it’s elegant centerpieces or dramatic installations, they’ll craft designs that make your day unforgettable.
Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or an extravagant reception, our team works with your inspiration and budget to create a celebration your guests will rave about for years to come.
Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or an extravagant reception, our team works with your inspiration and budget to create a celebration your guests will rave about for years to come.
The JDK Group - Here to Celebrate with you for Life.
The JDK Group - Here to Celebrate with you for Life.
With experience in managing and producing weddings at our exclusive venues, and as a preferred caterer at over 50 venues across Central Pennsylvania, our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect setting to showcase your unique style and love story. Get in touch with us at info@thejdkgroup.com
With experience in managing and producing weddings at our exclusive venues, and as a preferred caterer at over 50 venues across Central Pennsylvania, our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect setting to showcase your unique style and love story. Get in touch with us at info@thejdkgroup.com
One Thirty Nine Photography
Photography by Jordan Fern
One Thirty Nine Photography
Photography by Jordan Fern
Photography by Courtney Dueppengiesser
ELIZABETH FURNACE Lititz, PA
THE BOND York, PA
Historic Silk Mill with Stunning Views of the River
Bridal
With a breathtaking view of the Susquehanna River, locally sourced food and dedicated staff, JOHN WRIGHT RESTAURANT is an all-in-one venue for your special occasion. As a full-service venue, they can accommodate bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, corporate parties, weddings and any other reason to celebrate. Large events can be held in the River Room, while smaller celebrations can be accommodated in their main dining room, outdoor dining room or on their seasonal pizza patio. John Wright Restaurant is proud to offer a wide variety of options to make your special event memorable and hassle-free.
KREIDER’S CANVAS SERVICE, INC. has been installing awnings in Lancaster County for over 40 years. Leslie Kreider shares that Kreider’s Canvas offers an option that makes outdoor areas more useful and comfortable. “We developed a ‘Roof Vent System’ that can be used on the flat back wall of a deck or patio canopy. This increased venting area provides more air flow and minimizes trapped hot air,” Leslie says.
Bridal Showers to Receptions
When choosing John Wright, all details are covered and your guests will talk about the food and venue for years.
What’s trending? “There has been an increased use of clear drop curtains around porches and pavilions to block the cold, wind and rain when needed. The clear inserts in the curtains block the cold, but not the view,” Leslie notes.
THE BARN AT PARADISE STATION is a meticulously restored and technologically enhanced 1812 Pennsylvania bank barn. Located on the grounds of the iconic Red Caboose Motel, guests will experience weddings in a unique setting unlike any other while surrounded by thousands of acres of Lancaster County farmland.
The Barn at Paradise Station offers multiple options for indoor and outdoor ceremonies and reception sites, including a pond and bluestone patio. Climatecontrolled and fully accessible, a 50-foot viewing tower, professional lighting and sound system and a catering kitchen will take your event to a whole new level: Paradise!
It’s Show Time!
Yes, winter tends to be a slow time for wedding-related venues and vendors, but that doesn’t mean they go into hibernation. With all the holiday engagements that occurred, couples are in need of help in planning their weddings and the downtime experienced by vendors is perfect for making connections, hence it’s Wedding Show season.
Attending wedding-related events and expos can help you to begin planning your wedding or even putting the final pieces into place. Wedding shows enable you to gather valuable information, connect with seasoned professionals, see the latest fashions and trends, sample everything from beverages to cake and hors d’oeuvres and develop a theme for your big day. What follows is a list of upcoming shows/events.
Central
PA Wedding Show
January 12, 12-3 p.m.
Eden Resort & Suites, 222 Eden Rd., Lancaster
Information: Centralpaweddingshow.com
The Traveling Tap Couples Tasting
January 18 & February 22, 4-6 p.m.
2060 Miller Rd., East Petersburg
Looking for a bartending company? Explore The Traveling Tap’s services during their tasting events. 21+. Registration required. Information: Tratap.com
Melhorn Manor Open House
January 26, 1-4 p.m. (timed entries at 1 & 2:30 p.m.)
977 W. Main St., Mount Joy Information: Melhornmanor.com
The Imperial Wedding & Style Showcase
February 23, 1-4 p.m.
The Imperial Event Center, 26 E. Chestnut St., Lancaster Information: Theimperialeventcenter.com
Springtime Wedding Open House
March 2, 1-3:30 p.m.
The Booking House, 210 S. Penn St., Manheim Information: Thebookinghousemanheim.com
Central PA Wedding Show
March 16, 12-3 p.m.
Mount Hope Estate, 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim Information: Centralpaweddingshow.com
Lancaster County Convention Center, 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster Information: Bridalshowspa-lc.com
RETTEW’S CATERING is family owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team with extensive industry experience. Jennifer Rettew Bushey states, “We take a full-service custom approach to ensure each event is exactly what our clients are looking for. It is rewarding to help our couples curate the perfect day to tell their story.” Executive chef, Steven Bushey, is meticulous about sourcing the best ingredientslocal whenever possible - and believes that when you cook with love, you can taste it. Exquisite cuisine combined with flawless service and impeccable attention to detail has been Rettew’s recipe for success for 20plus years.
How does getting married affect one’s life insurance, auto insurance and other policies? The team at UNRUH INSURANCE AGENCY explains that “marriage presents another side of insurance that most newlyweds don’t think about. There are many present and future considerations that come with marriage, including purchasing or renting a home, planning a family and protecting what is important to you.”
Now is the perfect time to purchase life insurance and consider combining auto policies; combining policies makes couples eligible for lower rates.
Photo by Brittney Kreider Photography
Threefold Farm
Growing Fruit With Climate Battery Technology
Greenhouses are magical places, as they envelop you in warmth and provide visuals of lush plant life. This is what you’ll experience at Threefold Farm in Mechanicsburg. However, what’s growing in the greenhouses comes as a complete surprise, especially at this time of the year.
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JORDAN BUSH
There’s
an opportunity in nearby Mechanicsburg for local growers and greenhouse owners to learn a new magic trick to extend growing seasons. While the mission of Threefold Farm is rooted
in the Bible (“...make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands” 1 Thessalonians 4:11), its owner, Tim Clymer, is totally attuned to modern technology.
Meeting Tim in his orchard of “unusual fruits,” consisting of kiwi berry vines, pawpaw, fig and persimmon trees, you’d never guess he started as a software engineer. “My love for growing things, especially unusual fruits, wasn’t even a thought in my head when I was in college,” he says, referring to the Rochester Institute of Technology. “That passion began post-college, and my love of fruit trees and unusual fruits was probably birthed when we lived in Texas [20082010] and could plant citrus and fig trees outside. My love for design and order was influenced heavily by
my education and initial career as a software developer.”
In 2014, Tim and his wife, Katherine, bought their Mechanicsburg farmland after Tim left his tech job. They started by planting cover crops in 2015, followed by brambles and kiwi berries the next season. In 2017, they planted fig trees and started their first greenhouse. Their growing philosophy is rather straightforward. They utilize organic compost and fertilizers to help build soils that will support healthy plants and in turn, produce healthy produce. They also choose plant varieties that are disease-resistant and tend to require less in the way of sprays.
While the Clymers’ focus is on growing products for wholesale customers, their farm also offers a curiosity that is drawing the attention of engineering students and growers alike: Threefold’s greenhouses.
Star fruit, a tropical variety native to Southeast Asia, offers a texture similar to apples, but with the flavors akin to citrus, pears and grapes.
Because of climate-battery technology, Threefold is able to grow tropical plants and fruit during the coldest months.
Large drain culverts (with 24-inch fans) cycle air through the greenhouses. The air serves to cool the houses during the heat of the day and is stored for warming purposes on cool nights.
growing
Greenhouses, The Pros and Cons
Greenhouses are microclimates that foster plant life and stretch the growing season. Those that take the shape of a more permanent structure will usually require an additional heat source in order to provide warmer temperatures and humidity controls. Such houses are typically oriented south to maximize sunlight and warmth. Extra layers of cold protection – frost blankets and windbreaks in the form of a tree line or other structures – are often utilized.
An alternative is high tunnels, also known as hoop houses, somewhat less permanent structures that usually serve as unheated greenhouses and rely on sunlight for warmth.
THERE ARE INHERENT limitations and extra work required to operate a greenhouse. If frost blankets are
placed over plants at night, they must be removed later to prevent mold and withering heat in sunny conditions. Heating a greenhouse over winter with gas or electric heat is expensive. Add in an unusually cold winter and escalating operating costs and you have the answer why the plants you buy each spring seem to grow more expensive.
AT THREEFOLD FARM, warmseason temperatures in a greenhouse can reach “120 degrees if you keep it fully sealed,” says Tim. “You have to open something to flush out that excess heat and avoid baking your plants. But at night, when the sun starts to go down, you have to button it all up and then throw a bunch of propane heat or some kind of heat in it. You’re throwing out a ton of heat during the day, then you’re buying heat at night. It just doesn’t make sense,” he says. If only the mid-day
heat could be removed, captured and released at night. Hmm.
Climate Battery
Tim landed on an alternative solution that enables problems to work together. Known as a climate battery, the basic idea is to regulate temperatures for heating (and cooling) by warming the soil with an underground radiator. “The goal of the climate battery is to push heat underground at the same rate it’s being produced by the sun,” he points out.
By using electric fans attached to an optimized system of pipes buried directly beneath the greenhouse, excess mid-day heat is removed from the greenhouse. As warm air circulates through the cool soil, the air temperature lowers as the soil warms. With the heat transferred to
Clockwise from left:
Katherine and Tim Clymer, owners of Threefold Farm in Mechanicsburg, stand among tropical plants that grow in climatebattery greenhouses.
Tim and Bill Lauris of Off the Beaten Path Nursery in Lancaster, head for one of Threefold’s greenhouses.
the soil, fans circulate cold air back at night through the warmer soil, raising the air temperature in the greenhouse without the expense of burning fuel. Win-win. How growers utilize that stored heat depends on their application and climate. While Tim doesn’t use a secondary heat source, one could be installed as a backup or for extreme winter conditions.
TIM WAS NOT the first to invent the idea of a climate battery; it was his goal to develop a more compact, efficient implementation that could be repeated. “I heard about some guys in Colorado who were doing this kind of battery, as well as another guy in Nebraska,” Tim explains, referring to Russ Finch, who was an early climate or “earth battery” pioneer and grows citrus, grapes, pomegranates and fig trees in an otherwise brutally cold region.
Finch’s “Greenhouse in the Snow” concept differs in that his greenhouses are built partially underground, with radiator pipes buried 8-feet deep and running in a large loop outside the foundation. That specific low-grade geothermal system creates a farming
advantage: lower shipping costs. Citrus grown in Nebraska eliminates the need for products to be shipped in from a warmer climate hundreds of miles away.
HOWEVER IT’S DONE, the installation is an investment, but the operational costs offset the expense in the long run. Climate batteries require less labor, deliver a longer growing season and save fuel costs. The point becomes clear when comparing energy use. “A propane heater has a burner attached, which is only so efficient at converting chemical energy to heat energy,” says Tim. “The higher ones are around 90%. It’s pretty good, but they also have distribution [fans] attached. They’re expending 800 or 1000 watts just pushing that heat out into the greenhouse. So, for 1,500 to 2,000 watts, I’m essentially doing the same thing. I’m extracting heat and pushing it around the greenhouses,” he says.
Elaborating on the efficiency, Tim uses a term called the “coefficient of performance” (COP) or a “ratio of energy out to energy input.” Therefore, a COP above one means that you’re getting more energy out of the system
than you put in. “A space heater, for example, is one-to-one, as it perfectly converts electrical energy to heat energy,” Tim explains. “Heat pumps essentially extract heat energy from the air outside, they’re [achieving an] efficiency of two or three to one. Geothermal is better, maybe they’re at four or five in terms of the coefficient.”
For the climate battery, “We did some early calculations and it’s certainly north of 10 to one. I think it’s somewhere like 30 to one,” he says.
Gray & Blue Houses
Threefold Farm has two greenhouses equipped with climate batteries that represent different design generations. “I come from the software world where the cost of iteration is very low,” Tim points out. “If I want to change a couple of lines of code and see what it does, seconds later I can test that. The feedback loop is immediate,” Tim continues, noting that technology moves at the speed it does due to software.
“There’s not that luxury here,” he adds.
Each of Threefold Farm’s greenhouses gains roughly two USDA
Threefold Farm is home to two climate-battery greenhouses. New construction is best utilized for climate-battery structures.
Enough said!
The climate inside the greenhouses resembles Florida’s Zone 9.
A plastic inflation fan is used to add air space for insulation between two layers of plastic in the greenhouse covering.
Paired with a climate battery, the set-up reduces the amount of manpower that is needed to keep the greenhouse from freezing or overheating.
Figs grow in the Gray House, where the climate battery is equipped with smaller (6-inch) manifolds. A double cordonand-spur training method is used to allow for branches to grow horizontally.
Crates of persimmons and figs await delivery to customers. Tim inspects a rare fig tree variety named “Threefold Variegated” that exhibits partially variegated leaves, fruit and lignified branches.
Zones in the wintertime. That protected climate is similar to Florida’s Zone 9A and 9B, growing tropical varieties and tender perennials, but in Pennsylvania. Working in conjunction with the climate battery, fans are programmed on a thermostat to automatically vent excessive heat during peak hours in the summer, lowering the time and labor commitment to manage the greenhouse.
“The Gray House is the first iteration [2017] and is the one that contains all the tropicals and has the windscreen. The Blue House [34x96 feet in size] is the second iteration [2018] but was done before we knew what we were doing tubing-wise,” Tim explains. “Both required large rocks to be excavated. The Blue House also uses over 2,000 watts now with the addition of new fans and booster fans. The Gray House uses something like 1,800 watts and is a more efficient design but by no means is it perfect.”
After taking a trip to Florida, Tim was inspired to begin growing tropical plants in the Gray House. It’s here that avocado, starfruit, lychee, banana plants, jackfruit, eucalyptus, lemons
and limes grow. Inside the house, 24-inch fans and 18-24-inch-diameter drain culverts cycle the air 15.63 times per hour using 1,100 watts. By comparison, a central air conditioner for a 2,000-square-foot residence might use several thousand watts.
Fig trees grow as well, using a double cordon-and-spur training method unheard of in northern climates. This method is similar to espalier pruning used in vineyards to maximize space, light, airflow and grape yield. Avoiding dieback every winter, the fig tree trunks are abnormally large. Two massive branches extending 16 feet in diameter grow horizontally a few inches above the soil. Using thinning cuts, the branches are spaced to grow vertically every 12 inches.
Where to Start
Tim underscores that the most efficient implementation takes place in a greenhouse before construction, not retrofitting established greenhouses. Having access to a backhoe will lower installation costs.
Through a separate company, Atmos
Greenhouse Systems, Tim sells climatebattery blueprints. Installation is up to the grower and a build sheet is included with estimated costs for project planning. Tim also offers a separate consultation service to consider more specific growing needs. Plans are available for standard greenhouses at 24- and 30-feet-wide by 48-, 72- or 96-feet- long.
“I try to be genuinely helpful to people who want to learn more about these systems,” says Tim.“I’m convinced it’s a really promising solution for a lot of people.”
Visit threefold.farm and atmosgreenhouse.com for more information.
Jordan Bush is a commercial photographer. His work has allowed him to discover and document cultures and food across five continents. A graduate of
and
Garden Spot High School
Millersville University, Jordan and his fiancée, Jessica, reside and cook together in Ephrata.
Clockwise from left:
A Mix of Food, Fun & Events
“This space has so much history,” says Jonathan Yeager, who is a partner in the venture along with Chris Trendler and Adam Ozimek.
“It served as the armory and as a place to host dances and community events. We’re continuing the tradition of being a gathering space for the community.”
BY ROCHELLE A. SHENK PHOTOS COURTESY OF DECADES
The three have known each other since childhood and, after graduating from Hempfield High School, they set off on different career paths that led to hospitality (Chris), graphic design (Jonathan) and economics (Adam). Their shared Interests in food, beer and wine prompted them to launch Joycat Events in 2012, with their first collaboration being the Lancaster Craft Beerfest in 2013. (it returned in 2024 after being sidelined due to Covid and construction in Ewell Plaza). Jonathan
credits Adam for dreaming bigger and envisioning something with a bowling alley and retro arcade. That inspired the idea of building “a community space where people can come and play games and enjoy camaraderie and food,” Jonathan explains.
The trio looked at a potential space in 2016, but that didn’t work out. In 2017, they found the vacant Stahr Armory building on North Queen Street. The building, which had been constructed in two phases in the 1920s and ’30s, is on the National Register of
The mezzanine, which overlooks the full complex, is perfect for small wedding party gatherings. There are a variety of spaces at Decades that can hold 20 to 300+ guests for wedding events.
Six full-sized bowling lanes are complemented by a lounge area.
A new tiramisu dessert was recently added to the inhouse catering menu for events hosted at Decades.
Historic Places. The National Guard left the space in 2010, after which it served as the performance venue for Theater of the Seventh Sister for several years. With its wide-open interior and soaring ceiling, the partners deemed it a perfect fit for their purposes and set about transforming it. Preserving original elements of the building was important, which is reflected In the wood flooring on the main level (once the armory’s gymnasium), as well as the tiles along the lower portion of the walls. Metalwork and other features were also preserved. “The historical aesthetic blended with our intentional designs makes it a great, elevated
space for wedding events,” says Jonathan.
DECADES BOASTS six full-size bowling lanes and a lounge area that can accommodate about 40 people. Bowling is $10 per person per hour, including shoes. The bowling lounge is a full-service area, so bowlers and their friends can enjoy food and drinks.
There are also 40-plus retro arcade games, including four full-size SkeeBall lanes (in keeping with the retro feel, wooden balls are used for SkeeBall). For the comfort of guests, small drink stands, which were custom-
made, are positioned near each game, as well as between the Skee-Ball lanes. Arcade games use Decades tokens, which are 25 cents (most games use one or two tokens).
The arcade lounge area also features casual seating in front of a fireplace (with a TV/N64 gaming console within the mantel), and at high-tops. A 44-foot bar and back bar that were custom-built for the space by Denver-based Bench Dogs, fills a side wall. To the rear of the space are two confined dining areas that seat 30 and 50 guests.
Crafted cocktails are a Decades’ specialty.
Props – including sparkling chandeliers – were procured from the Netflix show, House of Cards, when production ended.
Twenty-four craft beers are on tap.
Wedding-related parties are a popular way to entertain guests before or after the main event.
IF YOU’RE A FAN of the Netflix series, House of Cards, you may recognize a number of décor items from the show at Decades, including chandeliers, lighting above the bar and the bowling desk, the fireplace mantel in the arcade area and a telephone booth in the entry way. Jonathan reports that another high school friend was part of the House of Cards production team and when the show ended, set props, which were stored in a warehouse in Maryland, were slated to be sold at auction. Knowing his friends were in the process of launching Decades, he let them know about the treasure trove of items that was available. “We walked into this warehouse that was filled with items from the show and were able to find some things that worked for Decades,” Jonathan explains.
“ELEVATED CASUAL” IS Jonathan’s description of Decades’ food. “We try to be approachable. We focus on good quality ingredients, and the menu includes many housemade items.” Customer favorites include fried soft-pretzel bites, burgers (including the signature Decades Cheeseburger) and wings (available in 12 flavors). Other menu items include brisket fettuccini, Caesar salad, Decades cheesesteak, BBQ vegan chick’n sandwich and Decades tacos. Taste-tempting desserts are on rotation throughout the seasons, including
brownies, cheesecakes and ice cream.
There’s a curated beer menu with 24 craft brews on tap. A variety of wines are available by the glass (6 oz. pour) or bottle. Decades also has an extensive craft-cocktail menu (with some tasty mocktails, too). Several of the cocktails are served in pouches. “We’ve had people describe the cocktail pouch as an ‘adult Capri Sun,’” Jonathan remarks. “It was created during Covid by our bar manager, when restrictions only allowed us to sell cocktails ‘to-go.’ After the restrictions were lifted, we liked the pouch idea, so we kept it for in-house sales. The
pouches work really well for guests playing arcade games,” he adds.
DECADES NEWEST venture is the mezzanine, which was unveiled in January 2023, and provides a great overview of the space. It’s outfitted with foosball, air hockey and a retro arcade game or two, as well as a dining area.
Because of the expansive space Decades offers, Jonathan reports there have been as many as three events going on at the same time. The option to rent the entire space is also available. A catering menu is available for private events.
“We’ve hosted business events, birthday parties, bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners and wedding afterparties. We’ve even had a wedding ceremony,” Jonathan says, noting that Decades is a “great ice-breaker place, which is really helpful for our events business.”
JONATHAN REPORTS that the partners aren’t quite finished providing Decades with amenities. Their next project entails transforming the front exterior of the building into an outdoor dining area (complete with games such as cornhole, of course.)
Clockwise from top left: Decades has also been the scene of wedding proposals.
Decades’ dinner menu includes many shareable appetizers, burgers and more.
Decades offers a wide variety of in-house catering options curated for weddingrelated events that include carving stations, tacos, fried appetizers, fig & jalapeno bites, salads, seafood, pastas, vegan selections, a chocolate fountain, wings and much more.
Besides bowling, Decades offers 45 retro arcade games, as well as Skee-Ball.
Having celebrated Decades’ fifth anniversary over the past year, the team is proud of the challenges they’ve overcome and the accomplishments they have achieved. “It truly does feel like a gathering space for anyone and everyone – friends, couples, first dates,” says sales and marketing manager, Tony Gorick. That sentiment was substantiated in October, when Chris and Jonathan accepted the 2024 Rising Star Award that is presented by the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. The award honors emerging leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry who
demonstrate “exceptional growth, notable industry involvement and strong leadership potential.”
Decades is located at 438 North Queen St., Lancaster. Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m.12 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday,12 p.m.-12 a.m. Take-out food is available and can be ordered via the website. Private parties and special events welcome. A catering menu is available. Call 717-282-1421 or visit decadeslancaster.com or Facebook.
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Thank You, Lancaster, for Voting Us #1 Chinese Restaurant Again this Year!
Family-Owned and Operated for 44 Years! At Hong Kong Garden, you’ll find consistency in taste, generous portions, a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere and excellent service. We offer lavish lunch and dinner menus, made with quality, fresh ingredients, for dine-in or take-out.
Certificates
Scouting Out MOUNT JOY’S HISTORY
Tristan Bair may only be a high school senior, but of late he’s been thinking about people and places much, much older than he is. Tristan, a member of the Donegal High School Class of 2025, recently completed his Eagle Scout project for the Mount Joy Area Historical Society.
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
Forhis project, Tristan chose 10 locations within Mount Joy, and then created an outdoor sign for each that contains a brief description of the building’s history, along with a QR code that can be scanned. “The
QR code will take you to the historical society’s web page and give further information about the location, as well as some pictures of what the building used to look like,” he explains.
Some of the locations featured in Tristan’s project include Cemetery Road Schoolhouse (120 Fairview Street), now used by the Mount Joy Area Historical Society; Central Hotel and Bube’s Brewery (102 N. Market Street); the Gerberich-Payne Shoe Company (240 W. Main Street), now home to a seniorliving complex; and Beanie’s Bar & Grill (78 W. Main Street).
Tristan got the idea for his project after talking to his grandmother, Kim Bair, who is active with the Mount Joy Area Historical Society. He has been a junior member of the society for the past few years, as well. “I wanted to do something that would last for many years and mean something to the town I grew up in,” he states. “I know the historical society has been wanting to expand its connections beyond its physical location, so I thought I could help do that.”
A member of Troop 349 in Mountville, Tristan joined Cub Scouts
when he was 6 years old. He is currently a Life Scout and earned his Eagle Rank on November 4, which happened to be the day before his 18th birthday. He is the son of Diane Bair and Justin Roberson of Mount Joy.
Tristan began working on his Eagle Scout project in May. He attended Mount Joy Borough meetings to get approvals, and he discussed his project with the historical society to obtain feedback on the sites where he planned to install the signs. “The most challenging part of this project was definitely the steps it took to prepare and the amount of time each of the individual steps along the way took,” he notes.
The best part of his project, he says, was installation day, when friends helped him post the signs. In addition to his grandmother, Tristin also credits Carper Signs, which agreed to make the signs for him, and Linda Eberly of Eberly Designs for helping him with the project.
Now that his project is complete, Tristan is looking forward to hearing feedback from the community, and he hopes his efforts will boost interest in local history. “A project like this is important to me because I think it could potentially open a gateway for people to connect more within the community,” he says. “I am hoping that this will bring more interest from the community to learn more about Mount Joy’s history. I am hoping it is a way to have others become more involved with our historical society. I feel like not a lot of people are aware of the really cool things that they do for our town.”
A complete list of properties featured in Tristan’s project can be found at mountjoyhistory.com/placesof-interest
Cathy Molitoris writes for the community newspapers –Merchandiser, Advertiser and Pennysaver – that are published by Engle Printing & Publishing, Townlively.com.
Left to right:
Tristan Bair installs a sign with help from friends as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Tristan Bair earned his rank of Eagle Scout in November.
The signage that denotes the history of Bube’s Brewery and the Central Hotel.
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