LCM | February 2023 | Meet Poppy the Groundhog

Perry J. Argires, MD, FAANS, FACS

Neurosurgeon Specializing in Cervical Disc Replacement and Spine Care Voted as the Best Surgeon in Lancaster County LNP Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurosurgeon

Louis A. Marotti, MD, PhD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon Specializing in Spine Care

as the Best Surgeon in Lancaster County

Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurosurgeon

Steven M. Falowski, MD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon Specializing in Spinal Cord Stimulators LNP Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurosurgeon

Jack Smith, MD Pain Medicine

Jarod B. John, MD Neurologist

a focus on elderly care, migraines and MS

Readers’ Choice

Neurologist

Esther DiGiacomo MMSc, PA-C

Brendan Garrett MHS,

Nichole Beaty, LPN Neurology LEAD

Laurie Rice, LPN

Fueled by the belief that some of life’s richest moments are born out of meals shared together, Lombardo’s has been serving authentic home-cooked Italian dishes as their labor of love since 1946.

What better way to honor the people you love than with a hearty plate of pasta made from family recipes and a bottle of wine. Make time for making memories with friends and family in Lombardo’s warm, inviting atmosphere. Pull up a chair and raise a glass—the table is set for you.

PUBLISHER Jocelyn Engle

EDITOR

Suzanne Starling-Long Sue@lancastercountymag.com

ART DIRECTOR Ashley Kendrick Kennedy Ashley@lancastercountymag.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Kaylee Rex Kaylee@lancastercountymag.com

MARKETING DIRECTOR Rachel Stebbins Rstebbins@engleonline.com

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Dr. Richard L. Bitner Jill Brown Rochelle A. Shenk Michael C. Upton Kathleen Wagner

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IDENTIFYING RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE EARLY CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE.

Blood pressure. Cholesterol. Glucose. Weight. And family history. These are just a few of the things doctors use to identify risk factors for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the country for both men and women. February is American Heart Month. Don’t put off getting your heart checked — in-person or through virtual visits — to know your risk factors. Learn more at UPMC.com/CheckYourHeart.

ON THE COVER: Being the diva she is, Poppy was ready for her closeup! With Groundhog Day still weeks away, photographer Nick Gould covered his bases by styling the photo with comfy throws and pillows to signify winter and bright-red tulips (from Floral Designs of Mount Joy) that hold the promise of spring. Poppy, of course, will make her weather prediction on Groundhog Day, February 2. Poppy was photographed at Ville & Rue in Downtown Lancaster.

Features 8. Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center … The Art of Medicine

Penn State Health’s newest medical center in East Hempfield Township utilizes art to create a sense of welcome and inclusiveness, put people at ease and comfort the soul.

20. Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation … Nature Calls!

Meet Poppy the groundhog, who starred in an Emmy-nominated commercial (with Bill Murray) in 2020 and has turned Groundhog Day into a days-long event in Downtown Lancaster.

26. Ville & Rue … Rebecca Addington Finds Her Niche

One of Poppy’s favorite destinations is the all-things home store, Ville & Rue, which is in the process of expanding for a second time. As has become a tradition, Ville & Rue will be unveiling an exclusive line of Poppy products for the home on February 2.

Be Scene!

Live music, theatre, art gallery and museum exhibits, art/craft/maker shows, outdoor activities and fundraising events are back on the calendar. Visit our website, lancastercountymag.com, to make plans and purchase tickets.

The Lititz Fire & Ice Festival returns to full speed this year. Meet third-generation ice carver, Jared McAlister, of DiMartino Ice Company.

14. Health & Wellness

This is the year to concentrate on becoming the best you. Whether it’s taking charge of your health, focusing on skincare, developing an exercise routine or making your house a comfy retreat, the professionals in this special advertising section are ready to help you achieve your goals.

Farms Fantastic mosaic by Stevo Sadvary of Pittsburgh

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We offer patients the most advanced chemotherapy treatments, compassionate care, and support at our office which is conveniently located on Lampeter Road. New patients and second opinions will be seen within 24 hours, call 717.291.1313.

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Uptown & Down and all around

Rollin’ Into the Future of Bicycles Rollin’ Into the Future of Bicycles

Nationwide, sales of electric bikes (or e-bikes) grew by 145% in 2020, outpacing sales of all other bike styles. I was one of those people who jumped on an e-bike that year. I endured the naysayers claiming my ride was not a “real bike” or that I was “cheating.” Now, e-bikes are everywhere. With its fat tires, leather grips and bulky frame, my bike still turns heads and prompts questions. So, I thought I would write an e-bike primer and get caught up on the newest trends from two Lancaster County e-bike specialists.

BY MICHAEL C. UPTON

irst up, classes and styles. Several years ago, advocacy group, PeopleForBikes, and the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association helped establish three classes of e-bikes. Most fall into the Class 1 category, which are simply two-wheel bikes powered by pedal assist only; pedaling is made easier with the use of an electric motor helping the wheels spin. In addition to pedal-assist technology, Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle to propel the bike forward without pedaling. Top speed for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes is limited to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are specialty items, a.k.a. not for beginners, and can reach speeds up to 28 mph.

Styles range from mini to racing bikes. The most popular style of e-bikes is the commuter bike, which looks most like a regular bike but with motor assist. The second most popular style

is a tie between fat-tire bikes and city cruisers, which often incorporate racks, baskets and other accessories, and are built for ease and comfort. My bike is a combination of these two styles.

Perfect for Errands

I ride a RadRover Step-Thru by Seattle-based manufacturer, Rad Power Bikes. It is a beast; weighing in at over 70 pounds without my twin panniers (saddlebags), it is a tough pedal without electric assist, so I always keep an eye on my battery gauge. Charging my bike’s battery takes approximately six hours and will provide me with a max range of about 45 miles. As with any e-bike, the length of time a battery charge will last depends on riding conditions and how much pedal assist or throttle is employed. The five levels of pedal assist on my RadRover allow me to

climb the hills of eastern Lancaster County with ease.

Helping to conserve the battery are my bike’s seven-speed gears, which operate like a regular bike with a handlebar-mounted shifter.

The Step-Thru frame (a design also used on other brands) makes it easy to mount and dismount the bike, especially when I have the panniers loaded with groceries. At the grocery store I can remove the key and lock the battery to prevent theft, but I still slap a chain around the frame. My e-bike is used more as an errand runner, but it can handle paved and off-road trail terrain.

And Riding the Trails

Trail riding is something Ryan Finger, co-owner of Let’s Roll electric bike shop in Lancaster, is hoping to capitalize on as he expands to a

When gas prices were sky high, Michael Upton elected to park his car and rely on his e-bike for running errands in and around New Holland. Now, using the bike to visit the grocery store, post office, a coffee shop or a farmstand is just second nature.

second location. In Downtown Lancaster, the narrow space Let’s Roll occupies at 23 East Walnut Street consists of two showrooms with dozens of bikes by brands such as Aventon, Himiway and Murf. The shop also includes an accessories room and a repair facility in the back.

If you don’t want to pedal, then just go around like a moped. If you want to get a workout, you can ride like any other bike. A lot of people love e-bikes because they can enjoy an activity they really haven’t been able to do anymore. And some people love that their bike rides can be even longer now with electric assist.”

“Lancaster did not have any electric-bike shops in the city, and we saw the demand growing,” says Ryan, whose store opened in May 2022. He and co-owner, Tim Hill, plan to open a satellite location in Columbia’s Riverview Terrace in 2023. The location will put Let’s Roll right next to the 14-mile Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, which is popular with all manner of cyclists. “We expect to do a lot more rentals in Columbia,” says Ryan.

E-BIKE TRAIL RIDING is regulated on local, state and federal levels, which brings us to the legal portion of this primer. Act 154 (2014) defines “pedalcycles” as vehicles propelled solely by human-powered pedals or … with electric assist. These bikes are required to weigh less than 100 pounds and employ an electric motor system rated at 750 watts or less. The e-bike cannot reach a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on a level surface when powered solely by the motor – in other words, at full throttle. Unlike motor vehicles, i.e., cars and motorcycles, e-bikes are not subject to registration, licensing or insurance requirements. And, here’s the biggie kids, “no person under 16 years of age shall operate a pedalcycle with electric assist.”

Improving Technology

Mike Farrington, owner of Green Mountain Cyclery in Ephrata, has been handling e-bikes before Act 154 was amended to include them. He started converting bikes to electric for just a handful of customers 10 years ago. “The early stuff was really simple. It was hub motors with big, clunky batteries. The types of e-bikes you see now have exploded in popularity over the last three years,” Mike explains, crediting battery technology for helping to increase e-bike adoption. E-bikes newer than mine feature

– Ryan Finger, co-owner Let’s Roll

longer-lasting, lighter and smaller batteries. As battery technology advances in general, e-bike makers will adopt and incorporate the new tech. Green Mountain carries a number of top brands, including Cannondale, GT and Trek. One of Trek’s newest bikes weighs only 35 pounds, says Mike, which is half the weight of my ride! A lot of the weight loss can be credited to battery technology. “Everything is getting sleek and streamlined,” says Mike. “Motor technology is advancing, but batteries are where the greatest advancements are at.”

Everyone Can Now Ride

An often-unknown advantage to an e-bike is the power of ability. “E-bikes change the perception of what people think they can do – longer rides, riding more frequently,” says Let’s Roll’s Ryan Finger. Although working from two different parts of the county, the shop owners sound the same. Green

Mountain’s Mike Farrington says, “Of the biggest things e-bikes have allowed people to do is to ride again when they thought they may never be able to.”

Michael’s e-bike, which he purchased in 2020, features a step-through frame, a battery with 45 miles worth of charge, fat tires and the ability to accommodate twin saddlebags. The only detriment is weight: the bike weighs in at 70 pounds. However, he reports that improving technology has solved the weight issue: newer models weigh in at as little as 35 pounds.

Ryan and Mike take care to offer brands they can stand behind. One warning both local experts like to share about e-bikes is, “You get what you pay for.” As e-bikes have become more popular, cheaper brands – which often equate to inferior products – have hit the market, especially through online retailers. According to industry experts, e-bike sales are estimated to reach 40 million units worldwide, generating about $20 billion in revenue in 2023.

This year, try one out for yourself. Each shop offers test rides. You might love it!

For more information, visit letsrolllancaster.com and greenmtncyclery.com.

“E-bikes are what you want them to be.

“E-bikes are what you want them to be.

The Art of Medicine

Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center

Dorothy Perez of Lebanon shares that as she progresses as an artist, she finds herself gravitating to subject matter that depicts diverse cultures. Diversity Abounds at The Central Market (watercolor/colored pencil on clayboard panel) was inspired by photos she had taken and collected. Perez appreciates the lengths Penn State Health went to in order to select artists whose work reflects the diversity of the community.

If you didn’t know better, you would assume you mistakenly entered an art museum and not Penn State Health’s new Lancaster Medical Center in East Hempfield Township. The emphasis on art is purposeful, as it provides a sense of welcome and comfort to patients and visitors alike. It also addresses another dimension of Lancaster’s growth, as the county’s diversity is reflected in the faces that bring the art installations to life.

BY SUE LONG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN BUSH

The modern concept of integrating art and medicine is embodied in the National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH), whose roots extend back to the late ’80s, when the first meeting of healthcare and arts administrators was held in Durham, North Carolina. The resulting organization became known as the Society of Healthcare Arts Administrators. The organization disbanded in 2014 but reorganized four years later as NOAH. It is now a thriving organization whose intent is to “advocate for the inclusion of the arts in medicine through an established strategic plan and code of ethics and standards.”

According to NOAH’s website, its 453 members believe that “the arts are an integral component” to our health and wellbeing. Peruse its online newsletters and you will find the projects hospitals and medical centers hope to accomplish encompass the concept of integrating medicine with the arts. For example, Johns Hopkins hopes to launch “Sound Rounds,” whereby live music is performed at a patient’s bedside. NYC Health + Hospitals unveiled plans for a mural project and with it, a need for artists. The Miami Cancer Institute was in need of a music therapist to work with patients.

Claire de Boer, the founding director of Center Stage Arts in Health at Penn State University, has been involved with NOAH since the beginning and is its immediate past president. According to Claire, the artistic component of medical care “has been a professional field for over 30 years.” She views the collaborative effort as “exciting work,” adding, “It’s come a long way over the last six years.” She is proud of the work Center Stage Arts in Health has accomplished in carrying out its goal to “integrate the healing power of art, music and creativity” with medicine at Penn State Health. “Art can fill a gap,” she says of its ability to tap into our emotions and reach a part of us that medicine cannot: our souls.

“Art is also very humanizing,” she points out. At the height of the pandemic, art even helped to raise the spirits of Penn State Health staff members, who were given art kits that allowed them to take a break and create, thus relieving the stress that had become a way of life. The art kits proved to be such stress relievers in the Emergency Department

and Covid Unit that other departments began to request them for their staff members. “The kits just provided our staff members with a way to relax,” Claire says of the program that debuted in 2020.

Center Stage Arts in Health also took advantage of Zoom technology to provide patients who were recovering at home with lessons on how they could use common household items to engage in creative projects.

When the Lancaster Center was in its infancy from a design perspective, Penn State Health saw it as an opportunity to create something very special. “Lancaster would represent our next great step,” Claire explains. The project would address the creation of a medical center from multiple perspectives, including architecture, interior design and art. For example, the building’s plethora of windows addresses biophilic design, which relates to our relationship with the natural world. The views that extend east to Lancaster are stunning, especially at sunrise. Claire tells of a visitor who shared with her that he loved the views, as they induced nostalgic childhood memories of picking strawberries where the hospital now stands.

Visitors who take a break in the hospital’s café are surrounded by glass walls that extend two stories high. Lighting here and throughout the hospital adds an artistic element to the design. “They did an extraordinary job with the lighting,” Claire remarks. The café’s adjacent patio is surrounded by gardens. Patient rooms are bright and airy. (Studies demonstrate that patients whose rooms provide a view of nature tend to be released 8.5% earlier than do patients who don’t have such views.) A connection to nature is also found in the walking path that encircles the property.

The hospital’s interior spaces also exemplify the philosophy that color has a profound effect on our psyches. Shades of blue – ranging from Penn State’s signature blue (officially Pantone/PMS 282) to hues such as turquoise and lavender – distinguish walls and furnishings. The hues serve a purpose. Blue, of course, embodies serenity and therefore has a calming effect, as it possesses the power to reduce blood pressure and slow respiratory and heart rates. It also instills a sense of trust and confidence. Turquoise symbolizes friendship and fosters a sense of peacefulness. Lilac conveys compassion and kindness, hence it’s a perfect choice for the Children’s Miracle Network area of the hospital.

The color choices tie-in with a theme that is employed on each floor of the hospital; they include welcome, hope, healing, discovery, serenity and unity.

The art that patients and visitors encounter is beautiful, intriguing, inspiring and thought-provoking. According to Claire, an art committee, comprised of an intentionally diverse

Top to bottom:

Gardens and walls of glass that reflect the sky, make an outdoor patio a peaceful place to dine or enjoy some fresh air.

October’s grand opening festivities included a pep rally – We Are Penn State! – that was led by the Nittany Lion mascot.

The medical center’s café is a study of Penn State’s blue and white colors. Lighting throughout the building reflects the artistic approach that was taken by Penn State Health, architects and interior designers.

Above: Aya Kinoshita, who is from Tokyo and now lives in Lancaster, is a mosaic artist whose A Glimpse of Flight is composed of stained glass, smalti tiles and broken plates. Her goal was to provide onlookers with a sense of hope.

Above: Multiple artists contributed to a wall that is filled with portraits of children. Lower left: Kayode Malomo emigrated from West Africa and now lives in York, where he is a multimedia artist who likes to incorporate themes such as happiness, hope, beauty and the importance of education into his work. This print (from an original watercolor) is titled, Beauty, Hope and Peace: Road to Healing.

Lower right: Lancaster resident Keisha Finnie’s contribution is titled, Unity. “I want people to see themselves,” she says of the colorful mixed media on canvas that she hopes will make visitors feel welcome. “A little thing like art on the wall can really make a difference in how confident and included you feel,” she observes.

Top to bottom:

One of the more compelling installations is titled The 24/7 Project. A collaboration of Darcie Goldberg (photography) and Rhoda Kahler (clay artist), the installation tells the story of the role the area played in the Underground Railroad. Seen here is one panel of the three-part installation. It is the artists’ hope that through studying the installation, onlookers will see “the things that unite us instead of divide us.”

Aqua Niva by Abner Gonzalez of Lancaster focuses on water as being a sign of life. The original acrylic on canvas features children at play in Binns Park, while the woman who is depicted is a city resident whose work and support of the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster has impacted generations of youth.

Cara Enteles, who is from Damascus, Wayne County, is known for her naturebased landscapes that are uniquely executed on aluminum and acrylic panels. For Penn State Health, she created a vivid rendering of wildflowers that are found in the area. Her work is often seen in healthcare buildings due to the colorful, calming and positive imagery it imparts.

group of professionals, was charged with the job of selecting the artists whose work would fill the walls of the Lancaster Medical Center. The criteria were straightforward: the resulting art had to be welcoming, restorative and inclusive. “People visiting the Lancaster Medical Center had to be made to feel that they belonged,” Claire explains. “At Penn State Health, art is not a decoration – it’s a narrative that teaches, conveys hope and gives a nod to all the populations who walk through the door. It says, ‘We see you, and you are welcome here.’”

Lynette Chappell-Williams, Penn State Health’s vice president and chief diversity officer, expands upon Claire’s philosophy, noting, “Seeing artwork that reflects yourself has a calming effect and communicates that you were thought about, and you are part of us. It represents our devotion to culturally responsive care.”

The plan called for commissioning original work – in various media – from approximately 50 artists. Nearly 500 giclée prints would also be selected. A call was put out in early summer 2021 for artists to submit proposals. The response was immediate and resounding. “We received so many fantastic submissions,” Claire says of the artistic talent that abounds across Pennsylvania. The commissioned artists would be required to be involved in the interior design process, as they would be receiving information (and paint samples) relating to room/hall colors and floor themes. “We’ve found that artists do well when they are given minimal parameters,” Claire notes of the freedom they were nonetheless given. The artists had a year to complete their work.

Artists from all over the state were welcome to submit proposals, however priority was given to regional and local artists. “We were also looking to include the artists who are often overlooked,” says Claire. “We find that they have a lot to say.”

The art committee had its work cut out – nearly 700 artists submitted proposals. Among the commissioned artists are seven from Lancaster County, including Thaddeus Pasierb, Aya Kinoshita, Heidi Lietzke, Robert Andriulli, Michael Shaw, Keisha Finnie and Abner Gonzalez. Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks and York counties are well-represented among the giclées that were chosen.

Patient rooms (seen here is a maternity suite) are also enlivened with art. Claire de Boer reports that some patients become so connected to the art in their rooms that they ask for contact information in hopes of obtaining a print or giclée.

Wall colors throughout the medical center make statements of their own, as each color was chosen to deliver a message or put a patient or visitor at ease.

The walls of the Children’s Miracle Network waiting area are painted a shade of lavender, which denotes compassion and kindness. The painting, Love Light #5, is by Adriano Farinella of Easton, who describes his landscapes as “meditative.”

Tobacco Barn, a giclée from Lancaster’s Dave Krantz, demonstrates the collaboration that existed between interior designers and the artists, as elements of the painting perfectly complement the wall color.

Future plans call for reserving a wall for rotating exhibits. “We’d love to work with local schools,” Claire says of collaborating with the art departments of local high schools. Such a collaboration was in evidence during the October grand opening, when members of Hempfield High School’s marching band kicked off the festivities with highenergy music.

“The ideas don’t stop!” Claire says of integrating art with medicine. It appears art will be playing a major role in Penn State Health’s future. “The art program is being extended across the system,” Claire reports.

For more information, visit pennstatehealth.org.

To See More of the Art

that fills Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, visit our website at lancastercountymag.com.

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Clockwise from top left:

Health & Wellness

Year after year, health-related goals top New Year’s resolution lists, but according to the U.S. News & World Report, 80% of people abandon their resolutions by the second week of February.

Now that the excitement of the new year has subsided, it’s the perfect time to revisit your health-related resolutions and decide what is realistic and achievable. Whether your resolution was to exercise more, reduce stress, create a blissful home or simply make more time for yourself, Lancaster is home to top health centers, fitness studios, beauty salons and more that are ready to help you become the best version of yourself.

COMPILED BY KAYLEE REX

If you are experiencing foot pain, don’t delay seeking treatment. The experts at MARTIN FOOT AND ANKLE can help you get back on your feet pain-free. Chronic conditions like ankle instability

or arch collapse can keep you from participating in activities you once enjoyed. Heel pain can be a symptom of untreated chronic ankle instability or early arch collapse. Schedule an appointment at their locations in Lancaster and Lititz. Their podiatrists will conduct a thorough examination and provide you with a customized treatment plan specific to your needs. Call 717-757-3537 to get back to what you love this year.

WEST END YOGA STUDIO provides a holistic approach to healing the body and mind with diverse practices for all skill levels led by passionate, innovative teachers. There are classes for all, including Yin, Vinyasa, Hatha, Meditation, Tai Chi, Accessible Yoga, Barre, Pranayama, the Great Yoga Wall and more. Buy classes individually or become a Community Member for unlimited classes, local perks, a monthly bring-afriend pass and more. Membership is $45 for the first month and then $95 monthly. All are welcome, no matter the path. The studio is located at 221 West Walnut Street in Downtown Lancaster with free off-street parking.

Photos by Shelah Riley

Located on North Duke Street in Downtown Lancaster, GLAMOUR ROOM is the premier salon for bridal and special occasion hairstyling, skincare, esthetic services and makeup. Their stylists can give you a quick touch-up, a glamorous blowout or an updated look with the latest beauty trends, including balayage hair coloring, HaloCouture extensions or a lash lift.

Owner Bobbi Nicole Bentzel has been making people feel their best since 2004. “After going to school, taking extensive classes and working in Los Angeles, New York City and Philadelphia, I wanted to bring what I learned from the big cities back home,” she says.

JOSIAH’S OILS , a family-run natural apothecary in business since 2011, is proud to offer over 125 direct-from-farm essential oils, as well as puritytested CBD (made from organic hemp) products handcrafted in Lancaster. Josiah’s Oils offers a Certified

Aromatherapist with over 18 years of experience in the shop to assist you in making the best selections. Josiah’s offers natural products for pain management, sleep issues and anxiety and often works alongside medical professionals to ensure the safest use of natural products for your health. Located at 8 Meadow Lane in Lancaster, Josiah’s Oils is open daily except Sundays.

Step into BODYWISE CENTER FOR WELLBEING and restore your sense of balance through the help of massage and Pilates. Located in the heart of Downtown Lancaster, Bodywise started out strictly as a Massage Therapy practice and has blossomed into much more. Owner Leslie Hitchcock is nationally certified as both a Massage Therapist and a classically trained Pilates Instructor. Because no two bodies are the same, Bodywise offers a number of different Massage Therapy options to best suit each client’s needs. Clients can also experience the benefits of Pilates through group classes or private lessons.

We can coordinate everything for a complete home look including room, walls and windows or just give you a few ideas.

Stop in or call for an appointment: 717-354-2233

Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 1064

Whether you’re remodeling your home, building a new office or need to enhance a single room, HERITAGE DESIGN IN TERIORS is here to help you make the most of your home or office. They’ve been helping homeowners and businesses with their decorating needs since 1990. Heritage Design Interiors specializes in window treatments and home décor. Their design consultations will help customize to your wants and needs. Check out their website and social media for more information about their products and services. Be sure to check out the upcoming Spring Open House from March 9-18! Heritage Design Interiors looks forward to bringing your creative vision to life!

Are you looking to get your child involved in a new sport that will encourage positive life skills like self-confidence, resilience and problem-solving? The junior tennis program at RCW ATHLETIC CLUB , a family-owned tennis club in Lancaster County, is the perfect option! The junior tennis program at RCW not only teaches children the foundations of tennis, but also reinforces key life skills, like resourcefulness, independence and resilience. As one parent recognized, “Our daughter is learning important life lessons as well, like being a teammate and good sportsmanship.” With options for ages 3 to 18, RCW Athletic Club promises your child will grow as an athlete and as a person.

ACORN ACRES WILDLIFE REHABILITATION NATURE CALLS!

BY SUE LONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD

Rehabilitating nature’s smaller creatures – squirrels, rabbits and groundhogs – is the driving force behind the nonprofit organization that took root in 2010, when Betsy Shank discovered a squirrel that was near death in her own backyard.

Betsy recalls the day very clearly. “It was April 16, 2010,” she recounts. Betsy was mowing the lawn when she found a squirrel in trouble. Going online to seek guidance on rehabbing a squirrel, Betsy discovered a community of squirrel lovers exists across the globe. She also discovered that squirrels and the people who love them somehow find each other. Betsy’s name eventually became familiar to that community’s members. Over the course of the next year, she rehabbed 14 squirrels. “I had found my calling,” she states.

Despite having the best of intentions, Betsy soon learned she was breaking the law. Pennsylvania law states that a person cannot possess a wild animal for more than 24 hours. After that time period, the animal must be tended to by a licensed caregiver. The penalty for not abiding by the law is $1,500 for each animal. “So, I found a licensed rehabilitator to work with,” she notes. She also began dreaming of opening her own rehab center, but was daunted by the red tape that was involved.

An Entrepreneur

Once a part of corporate America, Betsy became an entrepreneur by putting her talents as a seamstress to work and creating bedding and other items for the small-animal community. “The squirrel community went nuts!” she says of reaching underserved consumers with a few social media posts. Soon, Betsy was invited to become a vendor at wildlife conferences and other gatherings. “I was traveling all over the country,” she says.

When the pandemic reached the

United States in early 2020, Betsy began sewing masks and donating them to veterinary offices. Again, social media prompted the public to take notice; due to demand, Betsy began selling her masks for $8, which essentially covered her expenses.

When the dust cleared, Betsy had made at least 7,000 masks. “And that doesn’t include the free ones,” she notes. She also had made a small profit. “I felt guilty about that, so I decided I would use it to do something good.” Already in possession of a menagerie permit from the state, she decided to work toward a rehab permit that would allow her to rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife. “The problem was I couldn’t take the exam because Covid shut down government offices.” When the office reopened, Betsy was able to take the test for the rehab permit.

Acorn Acres launched on January 1, 2021 for educational events only. In March of 2021, Betsy took her state test and oral interview and obtained a rehabilitation permit. After obtaining a permit in late March, Acorn Acres opened for rehabilitation on April 4, 2021. Obtaining the rehab permit enabled Acorn Acres to be listed on the Game Commission’s website as a state-certified rehab location.

Betsy then turned to SCORE, whose volunteers mentor entrepreneurs as they launch businesses and in Betsy’s case, nonprofit organizations. “We officially opened for business on April 4, 2021, which was Easter Sunday. I thought a day that represented rebirth was appropriate. It was a day that would never let me forget why I’m doing this.”

Poppy!

In the spring of 2019, a fourweek-old groundhog was discovered by a homeowner in Conestoga. “She was stumbling around his yard all alone,” Betsy explains. Had she been abandoned by her mother? Had she wandered from her burrow? That was the question that needed to be solved. Poppy, as she was later named, was taken to a nearby rehab center but failed to thrive. Betsy, who was a volunteer at the time, was asked to

Poppy’s enclosed play yard allows her to venture outdoors and enjoy fresh air and engage in exercise.

Betsy

Poppy lounging in her pink and animal-print themed boudoir that is furnished with a “Sleepy Slipper” cocoon that is an example of Betsy’s handiwork.

Poppy’s little “brother” Elliott arrived last fall dealing with a bone infection and malnutrition. Today, he’s a friendly little guy who likes to play and have fun. “They adore each other,” Betsy says. Snags has her own Facebook page, while Poppy and Elliott share one.

work with her and determine why she didn’t want to eat.

In need of an environment in which she could receive one-on-one attention, Poppy moved to Betsy’s home. Betsy began by concocting a slurry out of baby food. “She had a difficult time feeding from a bottle, so we switched to dish feeding,” Betsy notes. While the technique improved Poppy’s eating habits, she was still showing signs of discomfort. A visit to Dr. Nelson Bricker at Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital revealed the problem: Poppy was dealing with a birth defect called malocclusion – her teeth did not align properly.

Like all rodents, a groundhog’s teeth are ever-growing. Chewing keeps them in check. However, because Poppy’s teeth didn’t align, they continued to grow. “A groundhog’s teeth are huge,” Betsy reports. “They extend all the way to their ears.” As the options included dental procedures every 10 to 12 days, euthanasia or extraction, Betsy chose the latter. Dr. Bricker, an exotic-animal vet with rodent dentistry experience, performed the procedure in late 2019.

The malocclusion also helped to explain Poppy’s circumstances: because of her defect, Poppy was likely abandoned.

Groundhog Day

There’s a reason why February 2 is now regarded as Groundhog Day. It seems the date has been significant for eons. Ancient civilizations held festivals to mark the mid-way point – February 2 – of winter. It also relates to the Jewish tradition of parents presenting their first-born son at the temple 40 days after his birth. In the case of Mary and Joseph, presenting Jesus at the temple would have occurred on February 2.

In Christendom, February 2 became known as Candlemas Day. It serves as a reminder that Christ is the “light of the world” through ceremonies in which candles are blessed and distributed.

In some instances, notably in Eastern Europe and in orthodox religions, the date officially marks the end of the Christmas season.

Taking a cue from ancient festivals and other celebrations, February 2 came to be associated with the weather. Farmers, for example, held the belief that if the weather was fair and bright on February 2, winter would continue. If it was cloudy and rainy, spring was due to arrive early.

The Germans are credited with adding the animal aspect to February 2. They believed that if a badger emerged from its burrow and saw its shadow (meaning the day was sunny), winter would endure. If the badger didn’t see its shadow, spring would arrive early.

As Germans settled Pennsylvania and other areas of the country, they continued the tradition, substituting the badger with a groundhog, whose male population conveniently emerges from their burrows on, you guessed it, February 2.

Groundhogs stay above ground until their food supply dwindles, which is typically in late fall. Then, they go underground to hibernate in their burrows. The males wake up on February 2 and leave their burrows in search of female companionship.

“The reason why most of the prognosticators are male is because they are the first to leave their burrows,” Betsy explains.

A female groundhog’s gestation period is 28-32 days. The babies stay underground until their eyes and ears open. Then, it’s up to mom to rear them for the next five to six weeks.

GROUNDHOG DAY HAS grown into a modern-day celebration –the perfect excuse to have a midwinter party at the crack of dawn. The festivities in Punxsutawney, for example, have been ongoing since 1887. Closer to home, Octoraro Orphie has been on the job since 1908.

Those Punxsutawney festivities provided the inspiration for a movie –Groundhog Day – that stars Bill Murray (oddly, his character’s first name is Phil) and Andie MacDowell. It debuted in theaters 30 years ago this month and has become a cult classic of sorts. As has become customary, it will run over and over again on AMC from 10 a.m. on February 2 until 1 a.m. the following day.

Olivier Francois, who was then the chief marketing officer for Fiat/Chrysler,

Top to bottom:

and Snags the squirrel, who is an Acorn Acres ambassador and educator.

had met Bill Murray at a charity event in 2015 and the two sporadically kept in touch. In late summer 2019, Francois noticed 2020’s Super Bowl would fall on February 2, Groundhog Day, for the first time in the event’s history. Wanting to advertise the company’s newest Jeep model, he visualized a 60-second version of the movie in which Murray would drive the Jeep over and over again as he engaged in a variety of activities.

Knowing that the elusive Murray is difficult to contact – he has no agent or social media presence and only provides an 800 number to those seeking his attention – Francois laid out the premise of the commercial via a letter that he posted in September. Months went by without a response. Francois was resigned to the fact that Jeep would not be represented on the telecast of the 2020 Super Bowl.

Then, a miracle happened. Murray reached out after the holidays and asked when the shoot was going to take place. Francois went into overdrive in order to bring his commercial to life. Like the movie, it would be filmed in Woodstock, Illinois.

MURRAY’S CO-STAR would be a live groundhog. An animal agent in New York called one of the state’s nature centers; word had it one of their turtles had done a spot for the New York State Lottery. “I don’t have one but I know who does,” Betsy relates of the conversation that led to an “acting” gig for Poppy. An employee of the nature center, who is also a wildlife rehabilitator, put in a call to Betsy, who said the last weekend of January was already booked with a wildlife conference in North Carolina. There was no way she could do it. Besides, Poppy was still recovering from her dental surgery.

More calls followed. Finally, at 6 a.m. one morning, the agent called. She was not willing to take no for an answer. “I told her to give me two hours and if I could rearrange my life, we were a go.” Fortunately, Betsy was able to find subs for the conference and made arrangements to have product shipped to North Carolina. She then asked the agent to charter a plane for her and Poppy. She was told that would not be possible, as Poppy’s

status as an “unproven talent” was not on par with animal stars such as Morris, the spokescat for 9 Lives cat food, or Gidget, the dog who stars in movies on the Hallmark Channel.

So, Betsy had no choice but to make the 14-hour trip by car, which meant she had to contact the proper authorities in all the states she would be traveling through in order to obtain their permission to transport a wild animal across state lines. She had to be in Illinois by Thursday evening, January 23, and be on set Friday through Sunday.

Clockwise from top left:

Betsy and Poppy, who is attired in her signature pink harness.

Three years ago, Betsy and Poppy set out for Illinois, where Poppy co-starred with Bill Murray in a Jeep commercial that was inspired by the movie Groundhog Day. It was the only time in the event’s history that the Super Bowl was contested on Groundhog Day. The Groundhog Day Jeep commercial proved to be one of the public’s favorite commercials that aired during 2020’s Super Bowl and went on to earn an Emmy nomination.

Photos courtesy of Betsy Shank.

Upon arriving, she and Poppy spent time with Murray so that the two could become acquainted. “I couldn’t just hand Poppy over and expect her to ‘perform’ – she has a language all her own that lets you know if she is uncomfortable or needs something,” Betsy explains. She also learned that Murray was leery of groundhogs. It seems he was bitten multiple times by the one used in the movie. “He was incredible with her,” Betsy says of Poppy receiving star treatment from a movie star.

While Bill Murray ad-libbed a majority of his lines, Poppy performed like the little diva she is and became an instant star with the production crew and cast. “When we were getting ready to leave, Bill came to say goodbye and told me, ‘Take care of our girl,’” Betsy recalls.

Poppy’s Big Day

Even before the commercial, Poppy was going to be the star of a project that was being launched by the home furnishings store, Ville & Rue, in Downtown Lancaster. Owner Rebecca Addington, who now serves as the treasurer for Acorn Acres, was working with the Bucks County company, Eric & Christoper, to produce Poppy throw pillows and other products. “My husband gets credit for that,” Betsy says of Dave Aichele, whose last name ironically translates as “small acorn.” He was shopping for Betsy’s Christmas gifts and asked Rebecca if she had any pillows with squirrels or groundhogs on them. “She didn’t, but it got her thinking,” Betsy says.

Rebecca shared her idea with Betsy and then approached Eric & Christopher, which produces curated, screen-printed pillows and other items, to produce Poppy products. The launch of the first Poppy products was scheduled to take place on the afternoon of February 2, 2020. “I told Rebecca she might want to order more pillows,” Betsy says. “I had signed major contracts that didn’t allow me to discuss the commercial, so I couldn’t tell her why I thought we may need more pillows.”

On the morning of February 2,

Betsy’s phone and social media began blowing up. Fiat/Chrysler elected to launch the Groundhog Day commercial at 6 a.m. – à la the movie – via social media. “It went viral almost instantly,” Betsy recalls. Major media outlets began calling. People began ordering the Poppy items via Ville & Rue’s website. The event was packed.

The icing on the cake came when Groundhog Day proved to be one of the most popular commercials that aired during the Super Bowl and was later nominated for an Emmy.

Poppy to the Rescue

One month later, the world was dealing with Covid. When stores and restaurants began to reopen (with restrictions) in early summer, it was obvious to Betsy that Covid had wreaked havoc on businesses.

“I have friends with small businesses in Lancaster,” Betsy says. “The pandemic was bullying them. I asked Heather Kreider, who owns Hempfield Botanicals, how Poppy could help.”

The two devised a plan for 2021 whereby Betsy and Poppy would put in appearances at downtown businesses in conjunction with Groundhog Day. A scavenger hunt was also launched that they deemed would help from a social distancing perspective. Betsy credits the success of the endeavor to Heather, saying, “It was totally her brainchild.”

LAST YEAR, WITH Groundhog Day falling on a Wednesday, the event grew into a nearly week-long affair that included stops at Ville & Rue, Miesse Candies & Ice Cream, Blossom Med Spa and Zoetropolis, where the movie Groundhog Day was screened and special Poppy drinks were on the menu.

This year’s festivities will also be carried out during the course of the week with Ville & Rue, Decades and Zoetropolis hosting appearances by Poppy. Her weather prognostication will be taking place at Hempfield Apothetique at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 2. Ville & Rue will be selling the newest edition of Poppy pillows and other items. In addition, Our Town Brewery will be introducing a Poppy-

inspired brew called “Looking Within,” while Miesse Candies & Ice Cream’s event will coincide with Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on Saturday, February 4. Clipper Magazine Stadium will also be part of the festivities. Poppy and Betsy will also be part of educational events at Lancaster Recreation Center and Nixon State Park in York County. “We started planning this in September,” Betsy says of the event that has taken on a life of its own.

EducationTeaching others about wildlife has become one of Acorn Acres’ most important endeavors. After the Jeep commercial, Poppy became a certified celebrity. While Covid kept her from making personal appearances, Poppy maintained a high-profile presence via social media.

Now that things have returned to a semblance of normalcy, Poppy and Betsy have been engaged in educational pursuits. “Over the summer, we couldn’t book programs fast enough,” Betsy says of appearances at day care centers, summer camps and retirement communities. With the arrival of fall, their itinerary expands to include schools. “We’re also being asked to present and teach at national conferences,” she reports. For such outings, Poppy is sometimes accompanied by her “brother” Elliott and a squirrel named Snags.

BETSY IS VERY AWARE that people question her dedication to rehabbing wild animals. After all, we’ve grown up hearing that nature should be allowed to take its course where wildlife is concerned. In Betsy’s opinion, humans need to become involved in the natural world due to the roles animals such as squirrels, rabbits and groundhogs play in the overall health of the environment. “Squirrels are the number-one propagators of the forests,” she says. “Squirrels helped to expand forests into the Midwest.” Such animals disperse seeds, aerate the soil, feed on pests such as grubs and yes, provide food for larger species. Abandoned burrows provide shelter for other animals.

Groundhogs even play a role in medicine due to the fact that as they hibernate, their bodies undergo tremendous changes: their breathing slows, heart rates plummet to 10 beats per minute and body temperatures dip to 35 degrees. They dig their burrows so that sleeping chambers are below the frost line and therefore stay warm. In Pennsylvania, a groundhog will hibernate for 100 days.

“They’ve been studied in relation to heart procedures,” Betsy says. “They are true hibernators and through them, it was determined that if cardiac patients are kept cooler during long procedures, not as much anesthesia is needed.” Groundhogs are also

Poppy’s Big Day … Groundhog Day 2022

providing researchers with the keys to understanding hepatitis B, certain cancers, obesity, metabolism, the endocrine system, biological rhythms and even SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and mental health.

BETSY IS GRATEFUL to have a community that is vested in the work Acorn Acres carries out. “Being a nonprofit is hard,” she says of the fundraising that is critical to being able to operate. She truly appreciates the support that is shown through events such as the Millersville Parade (Acorn Acres had the best float in 2022) and the ExtraGive (contributors donated more than $11,000 to Acorn Acres in 2022).

Betsy is also indebted to the community in another way. Because so many Lancaster residents were spending time outdoors during the pandemic, they became one with nature. “People are now asking us better and moreinformed questions,” she says. “When they find an animal in need of help, they want to provide assistance. They call us and ask for guidance or ask if we can take in the animal.”

For details about Acorn Acres and their Groundhog Day activities, visit acornacreswr.com.

Poppy’s big day lasted for nearly a week last year. Her packed schedule included (clockwise from top left) an appearance at Miesse Candies & Ice Cream; a visit with her regular vet, Dr. Amy Fish of Landisville Animal Hospital; some R&R at Blossom Med Spa, where her Jeep commercial played on a loop; a specialty drink named in her honor at Zoetropolis; cupcakes in her likeness she shared with fans; and a weather prediction and the unveiling of Poppy products at Ville & Rue. She and Betsy will maintain a similar schedule this year from February 2-5. Photos by Sue Long and Kaylee Rex.

VILLE & RUE Rebecca Addington Finds Her Niche

Rebecca Addington could not be happier. After years of following along a circuitous career path, she became a business owner when she opened Ville & Rue in 2019.

BY SUE LONG PHOTOS BY NICK GOULD

Anative of southern York County, Rebecca had a Lancaster connection early on, due to attending Lancaster Mennonite High School. After graduating, she headed for Susquehanna University, where she earned a B.A. in communications and public relations. She parlayed her degree into a job with a Baltimore advertising agency. “I just wasn’t happy,” she says. “I started doing a lot of soul searching.”

What really spoke to her was anything home-related. “So, I went back to school,” she says of earning a degree in interior design from the Art Institute of York. From there, Rebecca went on to work for architectural firms, a real estate company and Pottery Barn, where she held positions with the company’s Lehigh Valley store. While exploring Bethlehem, Rebecca was drawn to a unique home store called Domaci. She struck up a friendship with its owners and in 2016 became associated with Domaci, serving as its design services coordinator. Two years later, she transitioned to becoming a co-owner and chief design officer. The role allowed her the best of all worlds: retail, customer relations, technology, marketing, design and working with vendors were now part of her responsibilities. The experience definitely broadened her horizons.

Ville & Rue (City and Street)

When Rebecca’s husband, Wesley, became associated with a law firm in South Central Pennsylvania, the plan was for Rebecca to open a Lancaster location of Domaci. In the end, Rebecca and her partners agreed that such an expansion was not in the best interest of Domaci, so she struck out on her own and opened Ville & Rue in a small space at 101NQ in the fall of 2019. She admits that going out on her own was daunting. “It was just me,” she says of trying to do it all, from manning the store to working with vendors and customers. “My sister helped out in order to give me a break,” she notes.

After a year of working solo, she knew she could not keep up the pace. She had fortuitously made a connection with a customer who was not happy with the course his career was taking. “Michael was my best customer. He loves all-things home just as I do. We’d find ourselves talking about

Rebecca Addington and Michael Chiodo are excited to be offering a fourth edition of Poppy products, which will make their debut on February 2, Groundhog Day.

Rebecca reports that customers have been concentrating on creating comfortable, attractive and cozy living rooms as of late.

If Poppy proclaims that spring is around the corner, you’ll need a water bottle for hikes and bike rides. Ville & Rue carries a bottle that is embellished with a map of Lancaster. A line of tea towels – from Eric & Christopher – features images of dogs and cats. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County.

No matter the time of the year, candles and home fragrances are always in season.

life for hours on end,” she explains. In November 2020, Michael Chiodo became Ville & Rue’s brand manager.

VILLE & RUE was a hit from the day it opened. The store’s tagline –Home is the Destination – conveys the fact that Lancastrians care deeply about the places where they live. “Our customers really care about the products they buy for their homes,” she says. “They want to know the stories behind the people and companies they are supporting.”

As a result, Rebecca views her role as more of a curator rather than a designer. For example, the upholstery company that is well-represented at Ville & Rue is based in Virginia. “I was in a store in North Carolina and loved the upholstered pieces I saw, so I asked the owner who she buys from and then got in touch with the company. Customers love their sofas.”

Rebecca also has a knack for finding those all-important elements that add to the cozy factor of a home. Her throws and pillows are sheer indulgences – especially on a winter’s day. Then there are the fragrances. A line of candles named for places like Italy and Santa Fe have the ability to transport you to a favorite destination just by inhaling the subtle scents they exude. She also takes pride in working with and carrying the products of local and regional makers and artisans, as is evidenced by the variety of “Lancaster-made” products that are available.

The Poppy Effect

Meeting Dave and Betsy helped to propel Ville & Rue to another level. “I love animals so I was onboard

Clockwise from top right:

If Poppy predicts six more weeks of winter, you can up the cozy factor with throws and pillows for yourself and a teepee for your pet.

(Poppy loves hers!)

This year’s Poppy collection will include pillows, tea towels and wine (or flower) carriers.

instantly,” she says of working with Acorn Acres. When she began mentioning the upcoming launch of Poppy products for Groundhog Day 2020 to customers and acquaintances, Rebecca was surprised by their excited responses. “I never knew there were so many people out there who love groundhogs or know someone whose birthday is February 2,” she says.

Rebecca was more than overwhelmed when February 2 arrived. The early release of the Jeep commercial prompted buyers to go online to purchase Poppy products. “I was in the grocery store that morning and my phone kept chirping in response to sales that were being made online,” she recalls. When she arrived at Ville & Rue for the launch of Poppy products, people were lined up down the street. “It was chaos! The police even showed up on their horses to see what was going on.” Needless to say, Poppy admirers outlasted the products that were available. “So, we started taking orders,” she continues. Eric &

Christopher put the Poppy products back in production and promised Ville & Rue would be restocked in two weeks. “So, we did it again two weeks later,” Rebecca says.

A Pandemic Phenomenon

A month later, Rebecca confronted Covid. “I was so scared,” she says of not knowing what the future held. Incredibly, Ville & Rue not only weathered the storm but business hummed along just fine due to the fact that so many customers were redecorating and updating their homes.

A year ago, Rebecca decided to take a “giant leap of faith” and move to a larger location on West King Street. Now, she is taking another ambitious step and is expanding into the adjoining building and adding 1,000 square feet to her realm. “It’s going to allow us to have an office and storage space,” she explains. “Plus, we’ll have more room to hold events. Our customers will also be able to enjoy a more leisurely shopping experience.”

Rebecca reports that post-Covid, homeowners remain in-tune with their homes. The pandemic taught us to put all the rooms in our homes to use and, as a result, Rebecca reports that people now seem to be focused on taking second looks at their living rooms. No, not as the museum-like environs of the past, but as rooms that get lived in. “It’s a tricky space,” she says. “You want it to look its best [for entertaining purposes] but at the same time, you don’t want it to look overwhelming [for daily living].” She finds that in designing modern-day living rooms, customers seem to be using the same three words to describe their perfect getaway or gathering spot: attractive, comfortable and cozy. “And, that applies to friends, family and pets,” she emphasizes, adding, “Our goal is to help our clients love where they live.”

Ville & Rue is located at 8 W. King St. For more information, visit villeandrue.com.

Beignets & Café au Lait

LANCASTER BEIGNET CO. A Taste of New Orleans

AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JORDAN BUSH

TEXT

A taste of New Orleans has come to the area, thanks to the opening of Lancaster Beignet Co., which is located on North Prince Street. Owned by Annie and Collin Dawkins, the beignets take their inspiration from a Dawkins family recipe. As with all beignets, the Dawkins’ version features a generous topping of powdered sugar. The café also serves the perfect accompaniment to beignets: coffee. Among the choices are a Ugandan blend from Lancaster County Coffee Roasters and café au lait, made with the famous chicory blend from Café du Monde in New Orleans.

Does your bucket list include traveling to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras? If that’s not in your cards for 2023, you can at least indulge in a treat –the beignet – that is specific to New Orleans, thanks to the opening of Lancaster Beignet Co. The good news is that unlike our fastnachts that are generally only available on Fat Tuesday – February 21 this year – beignets are available year-round.

Firstthings first, for the uninitiated, beignet is pronounced “bin-yay.”

Second, beignets are not a version of funnel cake, which is an oft-made comparison. Louisiana locals might consider them a French donut and therefore, it could probably be argued that the beignet is a cousin to the Pennsylvania Dutch fastnacht.

These square, airy donuts that are served hot out of the oil and are doused with tons of powdered sugar are at their best when they’re dunked (sugar and all) in chicory coffee. Chicory is essential for a New Orleans-style café au lait. Derived from a woody root, roasted chicory adds robust earthy and woody flavors to coffee, making it slightly bitter. Café au lait, however, is typically brewed using a drip or French press method; scalded milk is added, although steamed milk is now more common, thus adding a note of sweetness to the beverage.

The world-famous Café du Monde has been a fixture in New Orleans since 1862.

I WAS FORTUNATE to have lived in Baton Rouge for a time. Needless to say, I often ventured to New Orleans, where one of my favorite haunts was the famous Café du Monde in the French Quarter. Dating to 1862, it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and only closes for Christmas and hurricanes. Owned by the Fernandez family since 1942, it has carried on the tradition of operating as a coffee shop, only breaking with its status quo in 1988, when it added iced coffee and soft drinks to the menu. Over the years it has expanded to include 10 locations in and around New Orleans. Café du Monde also operates a lucrative online store that offers mix to make your own beignets and its signature brightorange cans of chicory coffee.

My favorite time to visit this beignet and coffee mecca was midto-late winter (after the hoopla of Mardi Gras festivities). Tourists and the often hour-long line had vacated by then, leaving the streets and seats wide-open. With a chill in the air and the bellow of a lonely trumpet echoing down streets paved with stone ballast, hot beignets and café au lait hit the spot on a winter’s day.

While I love Pellman’s cheesecakes, every time I hear jazz legend Louis Armstrong singing his song, Cheesecake, I cannot help but sing along, trading his weakness for mine: beignets.

Lancaster Beignet Co.

Finding someone to make me beignets locally was always a penultimate hope. In the summer of 2022, a promising venture – Lancaster Beignet Co. – announced via Instagram its plans to open on North Prince Street in Lancaster. My optimism wavered between glass-half-empty to glass-completely-empty: it seemed too good to be true!

By August, owners Annie and Collin Dawkins had taken the next step by leasing space that was formerly occupied by the restaurant, Ma(i)son. That sounded promising!

The pair had found their footing during the pandemic, working out

of Crowded Kitchen Community Cookhouse on North Plum Street as Mississippi Gumbo Cajun Kitchen. Described by Collin as a “cloud kitchen,” they only offered delivery and take-out of prepared family recipes such as gumbo, po’boys and beignets. Their beignets were a standout item. “There’s something that people connect on, that we picked up on,” says Collin of the popularity of the confections. The success of their venture prompted the couple to contemplate opening a brick-andmortar café of their own.

ONE ACE UP THEIR SLEEVE is the Dawkins family’s southern roots –Collin grew up in Tennessee – through which a heritage of family recipes came to be enjoyed across generations.

“My mom and dad would make beignets,” Collin says of childhood memories created by Morgan and Jennifer Dawkins. Homemade beignets celebrated birthdays in the Dawkins family. As for a New Orleans connection, he remembers taking summer trips to the Crescent City from his grandparents’ home in Picayune, Mississippi.

Collin and Annie, who hails from North Pole, Alaska, met as high school students in Oxford, Chester County. They went on to attend Millersville University and elected to put down roots in Lancaster following their marriage.

As for their delicious beignets, “We use a family recipe,” says Collin. “I’m not sure where it came from, it’s just the one we’ve always used.” However, Collin and Annie made a few tweaks to the recipe and brought it to scale, due to the fact that they initially (and quickly) sold out of product before increasing their dough-making capacity. “Not everyone knows what a beignet is,” reports Annie’s mom, Laura Maloney. “They come in because they are curious and leave with a newfound love of beignets.”

LANCASTER BEIGNET CO. opened on October 22 (2022) and was embraced by foodies (and those who simply love beignets) as a great addition to Lancaster’s diverse

Jordan Bush is a commercial photographer. His work has allowed him to discover and document cultures and food across five continents. A graduate of Garden Spot High School and Millersville University, Jordan and his fiancée, Jessica, reside and cook together in Ephrata.

culinary scene. The menu features beignets (including Beignet Bites for small appetites), Beignet Breakfast Sandwiches and a variety of coffee drinks, including café au lait made with Café du Monde’s coffee-and-chicory blend. On First Friday in December, Lancaster Beignet Co. joined the festive atmosphere in Downtown Lancaster by offering po’boys and gumbo, which is made using Collin’s version of a family recipe. The menu served as a callback to their cloud-kitchen days. Hoping to have the items available from 5-7 p.m., both the gumbo and po’boys sold out in as little as 30 minutes.

ANNIE AND COLLIN SEE their horizons expanding. They have created Sunday’s Bloody Mary Mix, a jarred cocktail mix that is sold directly to consumers and is used at local restaurants. (After years of trials, I’ve discovered a Bloody Mary pairs well with coffee and beignets to kick-off a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning.) They now offer delivery via Door Dash and will be expanding the menu to have gumbo available full-time and po’boys on First Fridays. Catering is another venture they are considering.

“We want everyone to feel welcome, that you belong here, [enjoying] high-quality food and beverages,” says Annie. “We care about the products,” she says of their efforts to source ingredients that are ethically and locally produced. “I love seeing the reactions when we bring the food out,” she continues.

Without a doubt, you’re sure to leave wearing a smile … and lots of powdered sugar.

Lancaster Beignet Co. is located at 230 N. Prince St. For hours and other information, visit lancasterbeignetco.com.

Clockwise from top left:

Co-owner Annie Dawkins prepares to open the door and welcome beignet lovers to the city’s newest restaurant.

Annie and Collin Dawkins launched their business in a community “cloud kitchen” in the city, offering take-out and delivery of Cajun-inspired menu items.

Their brick-and-mortar café made its debut in the fall of 2022, specializing in beignets, breakfast sandwiches and coffee drinks. The public’s enthusiastic reception now has them contemplating adding other services to their venture.

The process of making beignets begins with leavened dough that is cut into squares and then is proofed on baking sheets.

Beignets are then fried in hot canola oil.

The beignets come out of the fryer with a light and airy texture. They are then topped with generous servings of powdered sugar.

The best way to enjoy a beignet is to dunk it in coffee or in this case, café au lait.

Sunday’s Bloody Mary Mix, which was created by Annie and Collin, is available for purchase at the café. It has also gained a fan base of local restaurant owners who purchase it for use in their bars.

Table

for Two

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

The served dinners on Thursday evenings include entrées such as beef tenderloin with broccolini and cheesy mashed potatoes.

Alex Rosario has been Dutch Apple’s executive chef for the last two years.

Another served entrée: rainbow trout topped with honey mustard/soy sauce, broccolini and couscous.

Dinner And a Show

Dinner And a Show

While the concept of the dinner theatre can be traced to the Middle Ages, it didn’t become a favorite form of entertainment in America until the 1950s. In Lancaster, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre has been carrying on the tradition for the past 37 years.

BY ROCHELLE A. SHENK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD

Located just off the Centerville Road intersection of Route 30, Dutch Apple’s 328-seat dinner theatre provides dining options and live entertainment to about 150,000 guests annually. Founded 37 years ago by Tom and Deborah Prather, Dutch Apple continues to be owned and operated by their sons, William and David. It’s one of three operations that fall under the Prather Productions umbrella, with the other two being Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers, Florida, and Prather Touring Company/APEX Touring, a national touring company.

As the term “dinner theatre” suggests, the Dutch Apple experience begins with a meal and transitions to providing

Clockwise from top left:

guests with top-quality entertainment. As their website states, Dutch Apple’s goal is to provide guests with “great entertainment at a great value.” The main stage schedule for 2023 offers eight productions. Three child-friendly shows are also offered with their Children’s Theatre.

REGARDING THE MENU, options exist. On Sunday through Wednesday evenings and all matinees, the buffet features an assortment of salads and a variety of tasty hot entrées complete with potato and vegetable side dishes. Dutch Apple’s signature desserts are also included. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the buffet is augmented with a prime rib carving station.

On Thursday evenings, a four-course meal is served tableside. Menus are show-themed and include soup du jour and a choice of salad, entrée and dessert. A show-only option is also offered Thursday evenings where à la carte appetizers and desserts can be purchased. “Thursday nights are great for ‘date night’ because we offer served meals,” says Nanci Jo Anderson, Dutch Apple’s marketing manager. Menus are posted on Dutch Apple’s website. Wine, beer,

Clockwise from top left:

The buffet includes a salad bar complete with local favorites and freshly cut toppings.

The hot buffet features a wide selection of vegetables, starches and protein such as chicken, meat and fish.

A full selection of beer, wine, cocktails and specialty mocktails – some reflecting the shows’ themes – are available.

cocktails and mocktails are available for purchase.

Executive Chef Alex Rosario explains that the menus change to reflect the theme of each show. “For entrées, we always have dishes that include three proteins, pasta and vegetables,” he explains. “We also offer gluten-free options and sugar-free desserts are available upon request.” Chef Alex notes that locally sourced ingredients are used as much as possible.

CHEF ALEX’S CAREER in the hospitality industry began when he worked in a restaurant during college. He was studying to be a mechanical engineer, but says he ultimately decided to go in another direction career-wise. “Growing up, I watched my mom cook. I learned a lot from her and by working in restaurants,” he explains. “My daughter was performing in a show at Dutch Apple two years ago and she told me about the opening here at the theatre.” Chef Alex’s story prompts Nanci Jo to remark, “We’re very family-oriented.”

Dutch Apple and its sister theatre, Broadway Palm, are also community oriented. When the Fort Myers area was hit by Hurricane Ian in September, the Broadway Palm sustained no damage and no loss of power. Nanci Jo shares that William Prather, who is an active member

Top to bottom:

Dutch Apple’s intimate 328-seat theatre provides an unobstructed view of the stage from every seat in the house. The dessert selection is legendary! Pictured are examples from Thursday night served desserts: blueberry-swirl cheesecake, triple chocolate cake and old-fashioned carrot cake.

The lobby features seating, a step-and-repeat backdrop for commemorative photos and a gift shop.

of the Fort Myers community, saw a need and offered his help and support. “The Broadway Palm quickly became a resource for many of those who were not as lucky and opened its doors to be of service to the community. Along with World Central Kitchen, the employees, many of whom were affected themselves, were able to provide water and meals,” she explains.

WITH VALENTINE’S DAY fast approaching, Nanci Jo notes that Dutch Apple has become a favorite place to celebrate. “You can have dinner and see a show all in one place,” she points out. For Valentine’s, Dutch Apple will offer a special menu for the buffet from February 10-14. When you purchase two tickets for these dates and use the promo code SweetheartLCM, you’ll receive a complimentary half carafe of wine and a box of chocolates. “People will often celebrate special occasions here,” Nanci Jo says. “If you let us know ahead of time, we can mention your special occasion in our opening curtain speech.”

In addition to tickets for individual shows, group rates and season memberships are also available. Nanci Jo says you can save up to 25% off the regular ticket price when you sign up for a yearly subscription.

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre is located at 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. For more information, call 717-898-1900 or visit dutchapple.com and Facebook.

REUZIT ON STATE

Start the new year by decluttering a closet, the basement or garage and donating gently used items to Reuzit On State. Donating and shopping at Reuzit On State positively impacts your neighbors (all proceeds on February 14 go to Ephrata Social Services) and 50 countries around the world through Mennonite Central Committee.

1054 S. State Street, Ephrata Reuzitonstate.org

HALDEMAN MECHANICAL INC.

Founded in 1939, Haldeman Mechanical Inc. has been providing plumbing, heating, cooling and water conditioning services to residential and light commercial customers for three generations. We are a certified Rheem ProPartner offering sales and 24-hour service as well as service agreements to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency. Free estimates are available by calling 717-665-6910 or visiting our website at haldemanmechanical.com. (PA#007777)

CASEY JONES’ RESTAURANT

All aboard! Join us in our two original P-70 80-ton dining cars that once rode the rails of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Featuring 175 seats, this unique property offers indoor dining, outdoor deck seating with train and farmland views, and take-out. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Casey Jones’ Restaurant is a one-ofa-kind experience for all ages!

312 Paradise Lane, Ronks 717-687-5000

CaseyJonesRestaurantPA.com

ATTITUDES HAIR & NAIL SALON

Celebrating 24 years in our mission of helping you LOVE your hair and nails! We specialize in trendy and traditional hair design, refreshing color, brightening highlights and perms for added style. Rejuvenate your hands and feet with relaxing manicures and pedicures. Thank you for trusting us to help you look and feel your best and voting us ‘The Best’ salon in 2022.

798A New Holland Avenue, Lancaster. 717-295-0836.

ANCHOR LANCASTER

Anchor Lancaster, voted #1 nonprofit, provides a hot breakfast, warm showers and a warming center every weekday to our neighbors in need. Guests are received with dignity, respect and compassion.

• 7:00 a.m. Showers

• 8:30 a.m. Hot Breakfast

• 10:30 a.m. Winter Warming Center (funding by CommunityAid and High Foundation)

29 East Walnut Street, Lancaster Anchorlancaster.org • 717-394-7231

Director@anchorlancaster.org

HONG KONG GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT

Our chefs have been serving Lancaster Countians their favorite entrées for 42 years. To add variety, they are always creating new and exciting specials. Vegetable entrées and children’s menu available. We offer lavish lunch and dinner menus, made with quality, fresh ingredients, for dine-in or take-out.

1807 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster. 717-394-4336.

2938

Lititz Fire & Ice Festival

Get ready to bundle up and hit the streets of Lititz because the Fire & Ice Festival is back from February 17-26. The 10-day festival features ice sculptures and live carvings by DiMartino Ice Company, shopping at downtown businesses, warm bites and beverages from food trucks and restaurants and a familyfriendly scavenger hunt. Special activities and events will also be taking place throughout the festival, including the return of the Lititz Lions Chili Cook-Off and Fire in the Park after a two-year hiatus.

Meet the Artist: Jared McAlister

Jared McAlister has been around ice sculpting his entire life. His grandfather, Art DiMartino, started DiMartino Ice Company in 1968 as an ice packaging company. However, as the business is located in Jeannette, Westmoreland County, the business needed a way to stay relevant during the winter months when demand for packaged ice decreased. Jared’s uncle,

Ernie DiMartino, learned how to carve ice from a neighbor and thus, a new division of the family business was born. Jared represents the third generation to be involved in the family business. After receiving a chainsaw for Christmas at the age of 14, Jared began to learn the art of ice sculpting and eventually apprenticed under his Uncle Ernie, as well as other sculptors at the company. Ahead of the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival, Jared gave us a glimpse into his craft.

Q: What is the process for creating a sculpture and how long does it take?

A: I always tell people it took me 22 years to carve their sculpture because it’s a skill that is improved with time and experience. When I first started, it would take me hours to do a single block of ice that I can now do in 30 minutes to an hour-and-a-half depending on the design. The larger giants we do live take sometimes hours to concept and design, about an hour or more to build and up to four hours to carve.

Q: What is your favorite piece that you’ve sculpted?

A: I did a huge interactive dragon that you could sit on and “fly.” We did a smaller version in Lititz a few years back, but that was a fun one for me. I like anything with a lot of intricate detail or of an abstract nature.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: I love live carving. It is the most fun part because I can’t answer the phone or look at emails.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival?

A: I really like the community here. We always have such a warm welcome from everyone in the town. The food is great here and the event always has a ton of activities going on in addition to the ice. It’s also a nice drive from western PA.

For more information on DiMartino Ice Company, visit dimartinoice.com.

Event Highlights

Winter’s Coolest Night Out: February 16, 6-9 p.m., at Lititz Shirt Factory. Tickets Required.

Local Eyes Photography Exhibition: February 17-26 at Lititz Shirt Factory during their hours of operation

Lititz Lions Chili Cook-Off, Vendor Fair & Kids Carnival: February 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Warwick High School

Winter FUNderland: February 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Lititz Springs Park

Fun & Fire in the Park: February 24-26 at Lititz Springs Park

Sunday Funday: February 26, 11 a.m.3 p.m., at Lititz Springs Park

Lititz Maker’s Market – The Fire & Ice Edition: February 25-26, 11 a.m.4 p.m., at Linden Hall

For more information, visit lititzpa.com/event/fire-ice-festival.

Jared McAlister performing a live carving at the 2020 Fire & Ice Festival. Photos courtesy of Amy Spangler Photography.

CARE LIKE NO OTHER. FOR NO OTHER BUT YOU.

A breast cancer diagnosis causes many emotions. But one you don’t need to feel is alone. That’s why we pair every patient with a specialized Nurse Navigator. Your consistent, compassionate guide. Because gaining a deeper understanding of you, your family and your treatment plan leads to personalized care like no other.

Learn more at WellSpan.org/BreastCancer

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

Our daughter’s wedding was quickly approaching. While it was a highlight on our calendar, my teeth were far from ready for the date. Even with short notice, Dr. Weierbach accepted the challenge with his signature grace, confidence and assurance. Dr. Weierbach’s opportunity to shine gave me something to smile about on the big day. I was hoping for a dazzling, natural-looking smile, and he delivered. No more hiding the smile I now love thanks to Dr. Weierbach and his amazing team.

American Dental Association (ADA)recognized specialists in restoring and replacing teeth for a timeless display of confident beauty and Members in the American College of Prosthodontists.

- LISA KALLMAN Independent cabi Stylist