LCM | June 2022 | The Summer Issue by Lancaster County Magazine

Summer Issue! Steamed Crabs and Shrimp on the Barbie

MR. BILL’S PROVIDES THE FIXINGS JUNE 2022

Summer Bucket List 25 TO-DOS

JUNETEENTH

Impacting America’s Food Culture

Adaptive Reuse

FROM A DAIRY BARN IN 1873 TO A PARTY BARN IN 2020

He UNDERSTANDS patients’ pain. 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

Not only does Dr. Perry J. Argires have 22 years of experience in relieving patients’ pain, but he’s experienced that pain, first-hand. “I’ve had two neck surgeries myself, so I’ve been in the patient’s chair too,” says Dr. Argires. “It gives me a deeper understanding of what my patients are going through—I have more compassion for their pain, and it makes me more appreciative of quality of life.” Dr. Argires is the senior partner at Argires Marotti Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster— a practice he originally founded with his father. Today, there are five highly-skilled doctors on staff, addressing a wide range of spinal, neurological, and chronic pain disorders. “I’ve had a special interest in neck surgery, specifically disc replacement surgery, since 2007—going back 15 years,” says Dr. Argires, considered a leading expert in spinal disorders, including cervical disc replacement surgery. He practices minimally-invasive approaches, and his patients include those with Spinal Stenosis, disc disorder, and spinal tumors. Dr. Argires encourages anyone with chronic pain to call Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster to begin their healing journey. Treatment plans are customized for each patient to alleviate pain and restore quality of life. “Back pain and neck pain are a leading cause of missed workdays, for those over the age of 40,” says Dr. Argires. “The doctors in our practice provide the highest level of spinal surgical care, neurological care, and treat-ment of chronic pain disorders in south central Pennsylvania.” Argires Marotti Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster also treats patients with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and migraine headaches, and offers screenings for

1 6 0 N O R T H P O I N T E B LV D.

early-onset Alzheimer’s disease/dementia. The practice also includes Dr. Louis A. Marotti, a spine fellowship-trained neurosurgeon; neurologist Dr. Jarod B. John who treats patients with migraine headache disorders, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease; Dr. Jack Smith, a fellowship-trained physiatrist who specializes in interventional treatments for spinal pain. Additionally, Dr. Steven M. Falowski recently joined the practice. A worldrenowned expert in neuromodulation therapies for chronic pain disorders, he was recently recognized as a leader among his colleagues and was chosen to serve on the board of the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS). Dr. Falowski also provides innovative surgical treatments for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Community ties are extremely important to the entire staff at Argires Marotti Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster. “I lived in Lancaster County throughout my grade school and high school years, and I grew up in the Greek Orthodox Church,” says Dr. Argires. “Lancaster County and south central Pennsylvania is such a great place to live and raise a family, so I’m very fortunate to feel like I’m always surrounded by extended family.” (by Karen Hendricks)

LANCASTER

•

OUR OTHER DOCTORS...

Louis A. Marotti, MD, PhD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon Specializing in Spine Care Voted as the Best Surgeon in Lancaster County LNP Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurosurgeon

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

Jarod B. John, MD Neurologist With a focus on elderly care and migraines LNP Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurologist

Jack Smith, MD Pain Medicine

(717) 358-0800

•

ARGIRESMAROTTI.COM

A FATHER IS NEITHER AN ANCHOR TO HOLD US BACK, NOR A SAIL TO TAKE US THERE, BUT A GUIDING LIGHT WHOSE LOVE SHOWS US THE WAY.

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Manheim

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Contents

JUNE 2022 | VOLUME 36 | NUMBER 2

Features

18.

Summer Bucket List

22.

Another World

22.

With COVID restrictions eased, summer events are back on the calendar. Kaylee Rex has compiled a list of 25 To-Dos that are sure to make your summer enjoyable, entertaining and educational.

We’ve discovered that there’s nowhere quite like home when it comes to entertaining friends and family. Learn how Paradise-based B&D Builders is helping property owners transform barns and other outbuildings into personalized party barns.

Departments

ON THE COVER: A Chester

Uptown & Down

Michael C. Upton spent the pandemic reading books about the culture, history and science that pertain to Iceland and other North Atlantic ports of call that will comprise the cruise he and his family will be embarking on in June.

38.

Foodographer

44.

Table for Two

48.

Why We Love Lancaster

County barn – circa 1873 – that was being used for storage, was repurposed as a party barn by Paradise-based B&D Builders. Photo courtesy of B&D Builders.

Jordan Bush delves into the food history of Juneteenth and how the culinary traditions of West Africa ultimately influenced modern-day America.

Rochelle Shenk visits The Fat Crab Café and Mr. Bill’s Seafood, where “crab picking” is synonymous with summertime entertaining.

Ned Foltz of Foltz Pottery in Reinholds, exemplifies Lancaster’s creative spirit. In celebration of his 60 years in business, Ned will be hosting a special anniversary show on June 18.

Special Advertising Sections

10. Explore Lititz

Lititz-area businesses are ready to help you make this summer one to remember. If you will be hosting guests this summer or are looking for a fun outing, special events – especially July 4th celebrations – help to make Lititz a must-visit destination.

30.

Celebrate Summer!

Whether you’re looking to update your home or backyard, entertain friends and family, travel near or far or treat yourself to a new look, the businesses in this special advertising section are at your service.

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Be Scene!

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

38.

What’s your Life Lived Forward?

Willow Valley Communities offers residents almost limitless opportunities to pursue their passions. Professional dog show competitor and resident Bets Keen trains her two golden retriever therapy dogs regularly and keeps them healthy and happy. Miles of rolling trails satisfy Pride’s urge to cruise, while the community’s social dog parks indulge Ribbon’s love for playtime and connect Bets with like-minded friends. “There’s so much for the three of us to explore and learn together,” she said. “We are all living life forward!”

Find your Life Lived Forward. Explore Willow Valley Communities today. 800.770.5445 | WillowValleyCommunities.org | Lancaster, PA

YOUR CANCER FIGHT IS OUR CANCER FIGHT 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

H. Peter (Tracy) DeGreen III, DO and Lena Dumasia, MD

Cancer is an unexpected and unwanted illness. It will change your life forever in a way that no other illness can. Together, we found that treating the cancer as well as supporting the patient and their well-being, provides the ultimate outcome in winning the fight. New patients and second opinions will be seen within 24 hours, call 717.291.1313.

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS

P H OTO G RA P H E R S

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

Jordan Bush Nick Gould Kirk Zutell

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Lancaster County Magazine is published monthly. Statements and opinions are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of Lancaster County Magazine. Materials are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Suggestions welcome. Single copy price $2.95 (discounts available on quantity orders). Subscription price is $16.95 for 12 issues. Use address below. Lancaster County Magazine P.O. Box 500 Mount Joy, PA 17552 Lancastercountymag.com FOR SUBSCRIPTION INFO: 717-492-2556

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Surrounded by expert primary care. Welcoming new patients. With more than 50 convenient locations across central Pa., it’s never been easier to find a primary care provider. Our providers offer wellness services and treatment for medical conditions that range from common to complex. To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit UPMC.com/CentralPaPCP.

Uptown & Down and all around

Near the continental divide where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate to slowly form an ever-enlarging Iceland, glacier-fed streams flow with crystal-clear water.

Frábært norður Atlantshafslestur Deep in the onset of the pandemic, when we could not even leave our homes, I sat in bed one evening scrolling through Instagram on my phone, double tapping to create hearts on posts I liked and flipping past advertisements until one caught my eye. A cruise. A cruise was just a dream in a world where disinfecting packages delivered by newly anointed essential workers had become the norm; even a simple trip to the grocery store was an apprehensive adventure. A cruise was next level. BY MICHAEL C. UPTON

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

he ad was for sun-bleached, sand-filled destinations and that is just not me. I wondered where else this cruise line could take me. The next thing I knew I was convincing my wife to get onboard with a floating vacation in the then-distant year of 2022. With plenty of time to prepare, I went old school by immersing myself in culture, history and science pertaining to the North Atlantic through a series of books. Hence the title of this month’s column, which translates – in Icelandic – as Great North Atlantic Reading. WHAT FOLLOWS IS my great reading list for North Atlantic nautical travel. Sagas and Vikings. Science and gods. Prehistoric settlements and modern architecture. This is my list, and it is not complete, of what I read before setting out to visit Iceland (again), Scotland, Orkney and Norway over a span of 13 days in June.

Left: Michael C. Upton offers up his "great North Atlantic reading list” comprised of English, American, Icelandic and Norwegian writers. Below, clockwise, all photos from the Uptons’ first visit to Iceland in 2017: Seen from the harbor, Mount Esja is known as the mountain queen of Reykjavik and is a source of pride to residents of the capital city. Trolls, fairies and gnomes dwell in the lore of Iceland and Michael found one welcoming shoppers to a Reykjavik gift shop. On their first trip to Iceland, the Uptons visited natural wonders of southern Iceland, including Geysir, the geothermal spout defining the word geyser for all other occurrences around the world. Geysir doesn’t erupt with the regularity she used to, but visitors can still find a great photo opportunity here.

Northmen by John Haywood Northmen was a recommendation by a Conestoga Valley High School teacherfriend long before I planned this trip. He knew how my affinity for all things from the great, cold North grew after I first visited Iceland in June of 2017. Haywood’s treatise on the history of North Atlantic adventurers we know as Vikings covers the years of 793 through 1241, when robust men and women made their way from Scandinavia to islands like Orkney, Iceland and Ireland, and beyond to the cities of London, Paris and Constantinople. This is no casual read. Stuffed with historic details of minutia and emblazoned with grand and fierce campaigns of war and expedition, Northmen straddles a thin line between creative nonfiction and textbook. This book led directly to the reading of the next two.

Orkney: A Historical Guide by Caroline Wickham-Jones The only thing I knew about Orkney – once I located it on a map – is where it is located in the waters between the mainland of Scotland and Shetland, home of the adorable, fuzzy ponies. Now, without having been there and only having read this book, I feel like I know the roads from Kirkwall to Stromness intimately and could distinguish between the coastlines of Papa Westray, Rousay and Hoy – a few of the 70 islands

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

and islets comprising Orkney. This text will be most enjoyed by those who have a deep interest in the history of ancient civilizations as it dedicates most of its ink to life prior to the 12th century and only a few chapters to “modern” Orkney. Soon I will be at the preserved Neolithic village of Skara Brae and will have a deeper understanding of its importance thanks to this book.

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.

Orkneyinga Saga

L ANCASTER’ S

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Having delved headlong into the prehistoric and modern history of Orkney through the eyes of an archaeologist, it was only right to read the island’s namesake Saga. Sagas are the written records of the oral histories of the early seafaring, European explorers who voyaged to Orkney, Iceland, Greenland and even the Americas. During my first visit to Iceland, I took a bite out of one of the largest tomes I could find; trying to immerse myself in a culture before I arrived on its shores, I read only a quarter of The Sagas of Icelanders edited by Örnólfur Thorsson, a 700+ page, historical missive, complete with a glossary, maps and appendixes. So, when I picked up the much smaller Orkneyinga Saga I was already accustomed to the writing style, which mimics the familial and journalistic prose of the Old Testament. There are splashes of humor, usually at the expense of other, less fortunate humans, but for the most part the Sagas, including Orkneyinga Saga, are mere records of places, deeds and family trees. Interest level in the subject must be high to fully appreciate the Sagas.

The Book of Runes by Ralph H. Blum After throwing myself into books on Vikings, I thought it would be a good idea to understand the written “word” of the people. Runes are symbols that exist as letters, words and phrases, or meanings associated with gods and the natural and spiritual worlds. This is an eloquent and simplified description of runes. I say this not to brag, but to serve as a contrast to The Book of Runes, which is a dull and repetitive read. I read this so you do not have to. Instead, if you want to experience and learn runes, download the app Runic Divination or Runic Formulas by Evansir. These are much more fun.

How Iceland Changed the World by Egill Bjarnason How Iceland Changed the World is the newest book on this list. I did not know how new until I got to the Afterword and read how Bjarnason wrote through the recent pandemic. Divided into historical periods, the book covers everything from medieval history through current politics from the vantage point of an embedded Icelander with a keen sense of place. Throughout, tidbits of information linked to Icelandic history – like the etymology of Bluetooth – are woven into deep, experienced looks at world war, space exploration, climate change and women’s equality. How Iceland Changed the World is also a book about literature of place with enough suggestions of further reading woven throughout to keep even the most avid reader occupied through the next pandemic.

Shark Drunk by Morten Strøksnes Journalist and creative nonfiction writer Morten Strøksnes has penned a love letter to the sea with Shark Drunk. The subtitle, The Art of Catching a Large Shark

from a Tiny Rubber Dinghy in a Big Ocean, only serves as a synopsis of the overlying actions and adventures of Strøksnes and artist/friend Hugo Aasjord on the remote coast of northern Norway. A quarter way through the read I started to realize the deep human connection between the sea and the stars. Yes, even children know the moon pulls the tides, but there is a deeper, often unrealized, connection between the depths of the ocean and space and the human species. We are the filament connecting the sea and the stars for time immemorial. This is only a bit of the reflection and knowledge awoken in me from reading this book.

•

Cab 79 by Indridi G Thorsteinsson. Detailing the social changes of Iceland during WWII, this novel was quite controversial when first published in 1955.

•

Stone of Destiny by Pat Gerber. This book about the most important rock in Scotland was on my list early, but I ran out of time to read it.

•

Women in the Viking Age by Judith Jesch. I just added this book by the Viking studies professor at the University of Nottingham to my list, too late for this voyage.

•

Icelandic Folk & Fairy Tales (Jón Árnason). A compilation of 50+ tales of elves and trolls, ghosts and sorcerers, saints and sinners and more, I keep this book on my headboard for a quick read before bedtime.

Further Reading: •

The Pirate by Sir Walter Scott. This book, which takes place in Orkney, was originally on my list, but I lost it. Seriously.

•

Voluspa and Havamal, Bellows translation. My pocket-sized edition of runic verse is going with me on my trip.

•

Landnamabok: The Book of Settlements. Iceland’s first history book was compiled in the 13th century.

Want to travel along with us? Readers can check on our adventures by searching #UptonsGoEU22 and following on Instagram at @michael.c.upton and @drinkitwriteit.

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LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

explore

Lititz Visit LITITZPA.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION |

COMPILED BY KAYLEE REX

These Lititz-area businesses are prepared to help you decorate your home, enjoy tasty creations, prepare for your summer vacations and so much more! FOOD & DINING One of the many popular specialties at WILBUR CHOCOLATE is their signature Wilbur Buds packaged in many different gift types or casual pouches for total chocolate Bud enjoyment! Other favorites include chocolate-covered fruit, triplecoated almonds and the kitchen-made Lititz Bark. Stop by the Lititz store today to find all kinds of sweet treats for yourself or the perfect gift for any occasion! Visit wilburbuds.com to find out more about their long and unique history or to shop for your favorites online.

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LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

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If you would like a side of rock ‘n’ roll with your meal, head to PER DIEM at the Hotel Rock Lititz. The restaurant is located on the Rock Lititz campus, which is a one-stop shop for A-list artists who are preparing to go on tour.

Please check website for hours and to make a tour reservation.

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Starring fresh ingredients sourced from regional farms, foragers and producers, Per Diem offers dinner every night, as well as brunch on Sunday. For dinner, choose from starters, salads, pizza and main dishes, including steak, seafood, pasta, burgers and more. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available. Signature cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine are also offered. Be sure to leave room for a decadent dessert from their in-house pastry chef! Call 717-500-3436 or visit their website, perdiemlititz.com, to make reservations. Come visit America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, JULIUS STURGIS PRETZEL BAKERY, and take a family-friendly tour (offered every half hour). The bakery’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Be sure to visit their website, juliussturgis.com, to schedule a tour. General manager Kurt J. Van Gilder says, “We offer more than just hard pretzels and fresh-baked soft pretzels. Check out our pretzel-themed gift items such as T-shirts, magnets, pencils and books. We also offer wonderful chocolate-covered pretzels, some with caramel or peanut butter.”

Inspired Designs For The Home Old Barn Wood Furniture & Home Decor Imported Pottery & Antiques Collectibles from Around the World Custom & Special Orders Always Welcome

Stop into THE SAVORY GOURMET in Downtown Lititz to sample flavors from around the world. The family-owned shop offers international cheeses and a substantial range of unique meats, including venison, elk, lamb and Kobe-certified beef from Japan, as well as exotic selections such as alligator, boar, python and rattlesnake meat. Owners Bill and Missy McMahon are passionate foodies and can make suggestions based on your tastes and preferences. Have a special occasion coming up? Order a custom-made charcuterie board or bring your group of eight or more people and join The Savory Gourmet for an After Hours Private Tasting. Enjoy an evening of cheese, charcuterie, drink and laughter. The twohour feast is BYOB, but Bill and Missy are happy to suggest drink pairings. Make your reservation by calling 717-625-1949 or visit savorygourmetlititz.com for more information.

ALL-THINGS HOME CHERRY ACRES is a manufacturer and retailer of custommade furniture crafted primarily from reclaimed lumber. Cherry Acres specializes in tabletops and bar tops made from live-edge slab wood. Besides domestic species, Cherry Acres carries many exotic species imported from Costa Rica. Stop in and view the several hundred slabs at their store and warehouse.

Specializing in Live Edge Wood Slab Tables & Tops

Old Barnwood

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www.cherryacres.com 23 East Main Street | Lititz, PA | 717-626-7557

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Since 1972, GARMAN BUILDERS has earned its reputation through building homes with exceptional workmanship, attention to detail and customer service. Whether you want to build a new home or renovate or restore the home where your fondest memories were made, Garman Builders will work closely with you to incorporate the personal choices and style you want and within a budget that is right for you. Garman Builders also offers an award-winning design studio to help homebuyers see, touch and experiment with the myriad of fixtures, finishes and other elements that make a house a distinctly personal home. From consultation to project completion, Garman Builders considers every detail, using only high-quality materials to create homes and additions that are made to last for generations. When you work with Garman Builders, you’ll know you’re getting a home that’s solidly built and carefully constructed for the way you live.

From the moment you step inside the MAIN STREET PEDDLER, you’ll feel at home. Located at 22 East Main Street in Downtown Lititz, this charming home goods and gift shop has four rooms filled with farmhouse, garden and vintage décor. Peppered with antiques, collectibles, books and lovely gifts, this shop has been in business for 28 years. Their friendly staff warmly welcomes you and is happy to help you find the perfect item you’re searching for. You’ll be delighted as you tour each unique room of the shop. Every item for sale has been hand-selected. You’ll find seasonal décor including florals, candles, Meadowbrooke Gourds, Lori Mitchell (aka skinny-legged people), Byers’ Choice carolers, Nora Fleming stoneware and minis and Mariposa giftware, frames, tableware and more. The shop’s home décor includes such items as pillows, blanket throws, tableware, gardening pots, Woodstock chimes, picnic items, vintage tableware, as well as beautiful April Cornell linens. The Main Street Peddler has everything you need to make your house a home.

Make your house a home.

the

Main Street Peddler

Hand selected collection of urban farmhouse decor & unique, collectible, inspiring gifts. 22 E. Main Street Lititz, PA 17543 | 717.627.4511

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SENIOR LIVING

and residents appreciate taking a stroll (or a short shuttle ride) to the unique community events, quaint boutiques and fantastic restaurants. On Saturday, June 4, Luther Acres is celebrating the return of its annual Strawberry Festival, complete with strawberries, ice cream, shortcakes and more. The on-campus event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., raises funds for the charitable activities of the Luther Acres Residents’ Council. Tickets will be available for purchase at the event.

At LUTHER ACRES, a Luthercare community in Lititz, residents have many opportunities to celebrate the summer season, whether they are walking their dog across the 55-acre campus or relaxing with a meal and a glass of wine in front of the fire pit on the terrace. Residents relish the chance to garden at the campus Horticulture Center or practice their swing on the putting green. Charming Downtown Lititz is walkable from Luther Acres,

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LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

MORAVIAN MANOR COMMUNITIES is a one-of-a-kind place to live and retire. The walkable community within a community features two campuses, just mere steps away from Downtown Lititz. Moravian Manor Communities offers the area’s widest array of residential home styles, as well as a full continuum of Life Plan options and more – all supporting active aging and your every pursuit in life. In today’s uncertain times, “peaceof-mind” takes on a whole new meaning. Residents at Moravian Manor Communities are assured of support that’s available 24/7. Not only are they prepared to handle any emerging issues or health situations that arise, but they stand ready to assist residents during times of need. Discover an abundance of opportunities that are accessible to residents and support a healthy, safe and happy retirement lifestyle. Call 717-626-0214 to learn more about their two distinct campuses, community amenities, dynamic lifestyle opportunities, enticing dining options and engaging groups that can help you strike the perfect balance in life.

Summer vacations are taking shape. If you’re searching for a pet-care provider to care for your furry companions while you’re away, look no further than GOCHENAUER KENNELS, located on Fruitville Pike. Gochenauer’s provides long- and short-term boarding of cats and dogs, doggie daycare and professional dog-grooming services. For more than 50 years, Gochenauer Kennels, which is family-owned and operated, has provided quality care for pets. Their professional staff is committed to giving your pet individualized care and attention to ensure it adjusts to its temporary home. At Gochenauer’s, your pet is always treated like family and provided with all the essentials to keep it happy and healthy until you return. Request an appointment 24/7 at gochenauerkennels.com or during normal business hours by calling 717-569-6151.

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stablished in 1971, Gochenauer Kennels is a family-owned and operated pet care facility built on a strong work ethic and a commitment to providing the highest quality care for pets. The Gochenauer family and their dedicated staff provide doggie daycare, long- and shortterm boarding of cats and dogs, and dog grooming services.

BOARD WITH CONFIDENCE Pets will enjoy a clean climatecontrolled living area, dishes, a diet of premium food, bedding and plenty of exercise and playtime at Gochenauer Kennels.

Gochenauer’s is proud to be voted a favorite doggie daycare, dog groomer and pet boarding facility by the readers of Lancaster County Magazine and by the readers of Lancaster Newspaper. They are winners of 57 people’s choice awards from 4 different local and regional publications since 1996. The Gochenauer’s and their staff are honored by this recognition, but it’s being your choice to care for your pet that means even more to us. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, & 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Visit www.gochenauerkennels.com or call 717-569-6151

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THE FRIENDSHIP HEART STUDIO is thrilled to announce the opening of a second studio location at 1159 East Oregon Road in Lititz, behind the Friendship Community main office. This brand-new space will provide opportunities for more individuals with intellectual disability and autism to express their capabilities through art. As more individuals participate, their instructor and volunteer needs increase. Anyone interested in working at the studio can contact Eric Brobst by calling 717-723-8876 or emailing EBrobst@FriendshipCommunity.net. Interested individuals, or support persons on behalf of individuals, can fill out the digital inquiry form online at friendshipart.net/studio. Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio is a faith-based, nonprofit gallery and state-licensed studio cultivating capabilities of individuals with intellectual disability and autism since 2007. Supporting over 40 individuals in Lancaster and surrounding areas, Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio continues its vital work every day of expressing capabilities.

HEALTH & WELLNESS FEDDOCK FAMILY DENTISTRY provides state-of-theart dental procedures for patients of all ages. The practice is dedicated to gentle patient care and offers cosmetic procedures, routine cleanings and exams, emergency visits, restorations, dentures, implants and more. Dr. Todd J. Feddock and his staff understand the importance of providing a comforting and relaxed atmosphere in which Dr. Feddock can connect with patients on a one-to-one basis. Every

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

patient will receive the full attention of Dr. Feddock, who is happy to answer questions and explain dental procedures clearly. Dr. Feddock received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997 and is a member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association and Lancaster Dental Society. The core of Feddock Family Dentistry is its friendly team of dental professionals that is committed to providing each patient with the utmost in comfort, trust and knowledge. To learn more, visit toddjfeddock.com or call 717-569-8282.

It’s summer in Lititz! The streets and parks are bustling, shops and restaurants are open and best of all, the events that help to make Lititz one of the “coolest small towns” in America are on the calendar. June 3, 5-9 p.m.

TASTE OF LITITZ Set on East Main Street and surrounded by historic architecture, Taste of Lititz invites you to try local restaurants’ very best bites. Also, enjoy live music, family activities and shopping at your favorite small businesses. June 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

LITITZ SPRING INTO HISTORY FESTIVAL History comes to life in the Mary Oehme Gardens at the Lititz Historical Foundation. Enjoy lunch and sweet treats, chat with

historians, watch artisan demonstrations, visit the 1792 Mueller House and more. June 11, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

AMBUCS CRAFTS IN THE PARK Spend the day at Lititz Springs Park browsing locally made crafts, art and décor. June 24-25

59TH ANNUAL ANTIQUES SHOW Join the Lititz Historical Foundation at Warwick Middle School for their 59th annual antique show. Nearly 50 dealers will present a wide range of interesting country wares and dry goods. The show will be held Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission will be $10. July 1-2

THE 205TH ANNUAL JULY 4TH CELEBRATION The celebration kicks off on Friday, July 1 in Lititz Springs Park with the Lions Club Parade, a free concert from Flamin’ Dick and the Hot Rods and the Queen of Candles program. The festivities continue on Saturday with live music, food trucks and family activities, concluding with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are required for admission on Saturday. July 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

NEW STUDIO OPENING!

Friendship Community is looking for students to fill our new Studio! For more information and inquiries, go to FriendshipArt.net/studio

LITITZ ART ASSOCIATION OUTDOOR FINE ART SHOW Browse the works of over 130 artists, both local and out-ofstate, during this year’s show at Lititz Springs Park. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, ceramics and sculptures will all be on display or available for purchase. August 7, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

LITITZ RECCENTER TRIATHLON Swim, Bike, Run! Athletes of every level are invited to take part in the Lititz RecCenter triathlon. August 9, 6-8:30 p.m.

UNITED ZION’S ANNUAL CAR & MOTORCYCLE CRUISE Held at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, check out classic cars and motorcycles and enjoy food trucks and live music. All funds support United Zion Retirement Community. August 13, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

LITITZ ROTARY CRAFT SHOW Drawing 700 crafters from throughout the U.S. and Canada, this is one of the largest craft shows on the East Coast! August 14, 6:30-8 p.m.

EVENING OF MUSIC Hosted by Lititz Historical Foundation, enjoy a free night of music in Mary Oehme Gardens. For more information about these and upcoming events, visit lititzpa.com.

E V E RY O N E L O V E S A G E N T L E D E N T I S T ! We Welcome the Fearful, Sensitive Patient.

Dental Services Include: Cosmetic Procedures Cleaning and Exams • Crowns and Bridges • Implants and Dentures Root Canals • Dental Restoration • Digital X-rays • Emergency Visits

FEDDOCK FAMILY DENTISTRY Todd J. Feddock, D.M.D. 1887 Lititz Pike, Suite 4, Lancaster 717-569-8282 • toddjfeddock.com

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Summer Bucket List Summer in Lancaster County means farm-fresh produce, a bounty of community events, dining alfresco at local restaurants and exploring the county’s many trails and preserves. What follows are ideas for soaking up every moment of summer in Lancaster County. COMPILED BY KAYLEE REX

Enjoy summer music festivals. The beloved Long’s Park Summer Music Series (longspark.org) will be back every Sunday from June through August. This year’s lineup will include A Night on Broadway with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra on July 17. Music takes over New Holland Community Park (newhollandsummerarts.com) July 4 through September 5. (The Fabulous Greaseband is scheduled for July 20.) Explore a variety of downtown venues during the Lancaster Roots & Blues festival (lancasterrootsandblues.com) on July 9-10. Columbia Animal Shelter’s Summer Concert Series (columbiaanimalshelter.com) offers live music every second Saturday through October. At Nissley Vineyards’ Summerfest (nissleywine.com/summerfest), enjoy live music, wine and food on Fridays and Saturdays from July 8 to August 27. The Cicada Music Festival

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(originalcicadamusicfestival.com) will feature a variety of musical acts in the Mount Gretna Playhouse, August 8-16.

Take me out to the ball game. Nothing beats a summer evening in the ballpark. The Lancaster Barnstormers (lancasterbarnstormers.com) have plenty of home games scheduled throughout the season, which ends in September.

Protect Lancaster’s streams and rivers. Lancaster Conservancy’s Water Week (lancasterconservancy.org), June 3-11, celebrates the 1,400 miles of streams and rivers in Lancaster County. Water Week will offer volunteer opportunities, workshops, river paddles, tours and other events at preserves, parks, businesses, churches and other locations across the county.

Cheers to local beer! Beer lovers can sample local and regional brews at fests such as Mount Hope Brewfest on June 11 (parenfaire.com/brewfest), Ephrata Brewfest (ephratabrewfest.com) on June 25 and Nook Brew Fest (spookynooksports.com) on August 13. The Lititz Craft Beer Fest (lititzcraftbeerfest.com) will be held September 24-25.

Bring the family to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. Enjoy over 50 family-friendly activities, including games, corn mazes, educational exhibits and more. Cherry Crest (cherrycrestfarm.com) will also be holding summer festivals dedicated to Baby Animals (June 11), Cider Donuts (June 18), Sweet Corn (July 16) and Sunflowers (August 20, 27 and September 3).

Taste-test a plant-based diet. Enjoy delicious vegan food and drinks, fresh produce, vendors, animal sanctuaries, music, yoga and more during Lancaster VegFest (pavegfest.com) on June 4-5 in Buchanan Park. Proceeds benefit the Lancaster Farm Sanctuary.

Support Lancaster’s refugees. In honor of World Refugee Day on June 20, Church World Services Lancaster (cwslancaster.org) will host a concert at Binns Park on June 17 to celebrate the refugees who call Lancaster home. Bring a blanket, grab some take-out from an immigrantor refugee-owned local restaurant and enjoy a family-friendly night of celebration and music.

Take a walk down memory lane. On June 18, Columbia Lions’ Thunder on the River Car Show (columbialions.org/carshow) will feature music, food and more than 400 vintage cars along Locust Street between Front and 6th streets.

Attend Open Streets Lancaster. Hosted by Lancaster Rec on June 19, Open Streets Lancaster (openstreetslnc.org) is an opportunity to get active and involved in the community. During the event, Water Street shuts down from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and temporarily transforms into a pedestrian mall with music, food, shopping and activities promoting wellbeing, civic pride and community connections.

Take a day trip to Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love is just a quick drive or train ride away and is full of culture and events to experience. The Philadelphia Flower Show (phsonline.org) will be held outdoors again this year at FDR Park from June 11-19. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival (historicphiladelphia. org/chineselanternfestival) is returning for the first time in three years. Enjoy performances, Asian cuisine, a beer garden and over 30 larger-than-life, colorful displays in Franklin Square throughout the summer (June 21-August 7). The world premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition is on view at the Franklin Institute (tickets are required, visit fi.edu) through September 22.

Celebrate Lancaster! On June 24, enjoy Lancaster City’s (visitlancastercity.com) largest festival of the year, which features live music, food trucks and fireworks.

Stroll through an outdoor art show. The Lititz Art Association will present the annual Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show (lititzartassociation.com) in Lititz Springs Park on July 30. From August 20-21, 160 exhibitors will take part in

their annual festivities with the 205th Fourth of July Celebration on July 1-2. On July 4 in New Holland (newhollandsummerarts.com), the New Holland Band will present a patriotic concert in the park followed by fireworks. the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show (mtgretnaarts.com) on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua. Wrap-up summer at the Long’s Park Art Festival (longspark.org), where 200 juried exhibitors will be on hand September 2-4 for this show that is regarded as one of the best on the East Coast. Root’s Country Market & Auction will be the site of the annual Heart of Lancaster Arts & Craft Show (hlcshow.com), which is being held September 3-4 and involves 200 juried artists and craftspeople. In addition, the shows offer food and music.

Taste the bounty of Lancaster’s farms. Summer provides us with an abundant harvest of sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, squash and so much more. There is no shortage of ways to partake, whether you are growing your own vegetables in the backyard, stopping at roadside stands or visiting your local farmers market.

Celebrate Independence Day with the community. Towns across Lancaster County will be hosting Fourth of July celebrations. On July 1, visit East Petersburg Community Park (eastpetersburgday.com) for their annual Movie in the Park & Fireworks celebration. In Mountville (mountvilleborough.com), Froelich Park will host a fireworks display on July 2. In Marietta (marietta-pa.com), enjoy activities at CBC Church on July 2, including food trucks, a barrel train, yard games and fireworks. Musser Park (musserpark.org) will host a celebration on July 4 that features entertainment, food and family fun. Of course, Lititz (lititz4thofjuly.com) will be continuing

Pick your own flowers. Add some color to your home with a handpicked, custom bouquet. Ever Fresh Produce, Inspirational Blossoms (inspirationalblossoms.com) and Country Joy Flowers (countryjoyflowers.com) offer cut-yourown opportunities for a variety of flowers during the summer. Harvest Lane Farm (harvestlanefarmmarket.com) and Masonic Village Farm Market (mvfarmmarket.com) offer cut-yourown sunflowers in late summer. Be sure to check with each location for exact dates and availability.

Support your local library and bookstores. Looking for some new reading material for lounging by the pool or ocean? Sign up for a library card at your local library or buy your books from local stores like Aaron’s Books in Lititz (aaronsbooks.com) and Read Rose Books in Downtown Lancaster (readrosebooks.com).

See a show. Take a break from the heat and enjoy a show from a local theatre. The Fulton Theatre (thefulton.org) will present Jersey Boys from June 28-August 7. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (dutchapple.com) will offer Great Balls of Fire (June 3-25) and The Little Mermaid (July 1-August 6) this summer. From June 16-25, enjoy The Crucible at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

conservatory. The show runs June 30 through October 30. Timed tickets required, visit longwoodgardens.org for details.

(ephrataperformingartscenter.com). Prima’s (primatheatre.org) thrilling rock-n-roll tribute concert, The Music of Queen + Journey, is back by popular demand on June 17, 18, 24 and 25.

Visit Spooky Nook Farm. Make a unique summer memory by spending time with llamas, alpacas and Valais Blacknose sheep. You can even take a llama for a walk! Don’t forget to visit Pamela’s She Shed for assorted llama and alpaca fiber products, jewelry, home décor and more. Learn more at spookynookfarm.com.

Say goodbye to The Cheeze Brothers and Sisters. One of Lancaster County’s favorite bands will be disbanding at the end of this year after over 25 years of performing. The Cheeze Brothers and Sisters (cheezebrothers.com) appeals to all ages and performs R&B, Motown and disco/funk from the ’60s through ’80s. Don’t miss your last chance to see them live! The band will be performing at Mountville’s Fourth of July celebration on July 2, Columbia Music in the Park on July 15, Nissley Vineyards’ Summerfest on August 6 and Maytown Music in the Park on August 14.

A Light Show at Longwood Gardens. Ten years ago, Bruce Munro enchanted visitors to Longwood with his dazzling artistry and stunning light installations. The visionary is back with an all-new show – Light: Installations by Bruce Munro – that will encompass the grounds and

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

It’s not summer without ice cream. In Lancaster County, ice cream is regarded as a vital component of the Food Pyramid’s Dairy Group. The options are seemingly endless and range from old-fashioned soda fountains to farms and all-American drive-ins. FYI: Fox Meadows Creamery’s (foxmeadowscreamery.com) Leola location is slated to open this summer!

Visit a museum. History abounds in Lancaster County and can be explored at the Ephrata Cloister (ephratacloister.org), 1719 Hans Herr House and Museum (mennonitelife.org), Historic Rock Ford (historicrockford.org), Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum (landisvalleymuseum.org), President James Buchanan’s Wheatland (lancasterhistory.org) and many others. For the kids, visit Handson House (handsonhouse.org), the Lancaster Science Factory (lancastersciencefactory.org) or the North Museum (northmuseum.org). For art, visit the Demuth Museum or Lancaster Museum of Art (demuth.org) in Downtown Lancaster. Other unique museums include the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (rrmuseumpa.org) and the National Watch and Clock Museum (nawcc.org).

Take a boat tour of the Susquehanna River. Go on an hour-long pontoon boat ride hosted by the Susquehanna National Heritage Area (susqnha.org). You will experience the joy of being out on the water, hear stories about the river and view beautiful scenery and wildlife. The tours are free and depart from the Zimmerman Center for Heritage every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer. Online reservations are recommended.

Revisit Camelot at the Winterthur Museum in Delaware. The museum’s latest exhibit, Jacqueline Kennedy and H.F. du Pont: From Winterthur to the White House, explores how du Pont, a horticulturist and collector from Delaware, played a key role in Jacqueline Kennedy’s restoration of the White House in the early 1960s. Through artifacts, archives and images, this exhibit invites visitors to experience the behind-the-scenes collaboration between the two during a captivating time in American history. Learn more at winterthur.org.

Take your dog to happy hour. Thanks to the Humane League’s (humanepa.org) Mini Pints for Pups, you can enjoy a brew and treat your best (four-legged) friend to an afternoon of socializing with other pups at breweries throughout Lancaster and Berks counties. Raney Cellars Brewing Company (raneycellarsbrewing.com) in Millersville will host the event on June 25. After that, venues in Berks County take over until October 31, when the event returns to Wacker Brewing Company’s Roadhouse (wackerbrewing.com) in Willow Street. A portion of every sale will support the Humane League of Pennsylvania.

Celebrate our 50th Anniversary with Us June 13-18 - Daily Prizes & Specials June 17-18 - Food Trucks, Kids’ Activities & More Watch our social media or website for details!

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Another World Paradise-based B&D Builders has made a name for itself where barns are concerned. Whether it’s adaptive reuse, restoration projects or new builds, B&D’s barns are extraordinary. Since its launch in 2000, the company has expanded its focus to include equestrian centers, event venues, party barns commercial projects and custom homes.

BY SUE LONG PHOTOS COURTESY OF B&D BUILDERS

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

urn south off Route 30 in Paradise, and the landscape immediately transitions into farmland and countryside. That’s where B&D Builders makes its home. The company’s office building is stunning and could conceivably qualify as a museum dedicated to timehonored building techniques and materials. “When we built it, we thought it would be a good idea to show clients our capabilities,” says co-owner, Daniel Glick. The company’s reception area is furnished with comfortable chairs and a table that is topped with glossy magazines that provide a glimpse into another world – the equestrian life – that entails its own unique lifestyle. The barns, arenas and other horse-related buildings B&D creates for clients are beyond beautiful. I must admit, until this story was pitched

to me by Alpha Dog Advertising, a marketing agency in Lancaster, I was not familiar with B&D Builders. As is often the case, we are unaware of or don’t appreciate what we have right in our own backyard. Ashley Kendrick Kennedy, our graphic designer, and I found ourselves salivating over the pictures we were seeing of one of the company’s projects and decided to move things around to include it in this month’s issue. We also oohed and aahed over the photos on the company’s website. Curiously, no photos of Daniel or his business partner, Ben Esh, appear on it. Glick, Esh … Could they be Amish, I wondered? As I sat and leafed through the glossy pub, Equestrian Living, a man appeared. “You must be Suzanne,” he said. “I’m Daniel.” He led me into a conference room that demonstrates the company’s abilities.

Clockwise from left: The doorway that provides access to the main level of the barn represents a custom design by B&D Builders. During inclement weather, the white “barn doors” that flank the main doorway can be closed to provide protection for the period glass. The cupola was also built by B&D craftsmen. The exterior of the barn and other outbuildings underwent a total rehabilitation. Roofs were replaced with cedar-shake shingles, stone was repointed, an addition was added and a barnyard was transformed into an outdoorliving area. The main floor of the barn contains several sitting areas, a bar and a dining area.

I looked around and then looked at him.

Dumbfounded, I asked, “Are you Amish?” He answered in the affirmative. I was aware of the carpentry skills the Amish possess, but this was beyond anything imaginable. Daniel simply – and humbly – calls the creativity of the company’s employees “a God-given talent.” Daniel and Ben also credit B&D’s success to their upbringing. “Our families have worked with animals and the buildings they call home for generations. We were raised with that knowledge, as well as a strong work ethic, and it’s part of everything we do,” they share on B&D’s website. The company also promises clients that their projects will be “built right or not at all.” Daniel and Ben have been friends since childhood. Both grew up on farms in the Leola area. They attended school through

eighth grade. Realizing that dairy farming would be a challenge, the two decided to go in another direction and took a few carpentry classes through vo-tech that met once a week. They went to work building backyard sheds and later shifted to constructing pole barns. “I really enjoyed that,” Daniel says. The two founded B&D Builders in 2000. By 2003, they had expanded to doing renovation work that involved timber framing and custom millwork. Five years later, the Great Recession began to create havoc in the building industry. However, B&D Builders was able to weather the storm thanks to a new client in Chesapeake City, Maryland. Horse enthusiasts, John and Leslie Malone, were looking to expand and upgrade Riveredge Farm. “They had a creative vision but were open to new approaches,” Daniel explains.

The project would involve combining two barns to create one that included stalls for 28 horses. As Mrs. Malone is involved in dressage competitions, an indoor arena would be needed. Mr. Malone’s interest in breeding required separate facilities. Plans also called for the eventual addition of offices and residential accommodations. The initial project encompassed four years. Since then, B&D has returned to Maryland to carry out other projects and inspect all buildings on a biannual basis. The Malones so loved working with B&D Builders that they have contracted with the company to oversee projects at their properties in Vancouver, British Columbia, Florida, Colorado, Virginia and Wyoming. “We’ve never had so much fun,” John Malone shared on a video that can be seen on B&D’s website. So, what’s it like to work with such LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Daniel Glick reports that an increasing number of property owners are transforming barns and other outbuildings into party barns. In an age in which people are leery of having large gatherings in their homes due to COVID, such spaces provide a separate but personal alternative for entertaining. Owner Erik Kolar says the barn provided the perfect setting for the family’s annual Christmas party in 2020. “Between the roominess, the high ceilings and the fans circulating the air, everyone felt very safe,” he says of the Christmas during which COVID was a major concern. “There’s no way we could have held it in the house, where everyone would have ended up in the kitchen.”

The oak floors are original to the barn. They were removed, remilled/restored and reinstalled. The chandeliers were crafted by B&D Builders’ Mid-Atlantic Steel Fabrication division. B&D craftsmen even built the dining room table.

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

high-profile clients as the Malones? “Because we’ve spent so much time with the Malones over the years, we’ve come to think of them as family,” Daniel says.

Working on all-encompassing

projects such as Riveredge Farm convinced Daniel and Ben that B&D needed to be selfsufficient. As a result, they developed five subsidiaries they call “brand partners.” Mid-Atlantic Timberframes specializes in Old World craftsmanship that dovetails with CNC technology. Mid-Atlantic Steel Fabrication creates metal gates, fencing and railings. Vintage Millwork & Restoration creates/restores doors, windows, cupolas and other architectural elements. Vintage Wood & Forged Iron sources reclaimed wood and vintage hardware to create unique flooring and architectural accents. Blackwood Equestrian Stalls melds precision craftsmanship with high-quality materials to create top-of-the-line horse stalls. “There’s a synergy among the businesses,” Daniel notes.

The fact that B&D is a one-stop shop played

perfectly into the project that’s seen here. Located in Chester County, the property dates to 1789 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was once the home of Owen J. Roberts, an associate justice of the Supreme Court (1930-45). Erik Kolar, who grew up in the area and appreciated the property for its natural beauty, history and proximity to metro areas, and his wife, Christine, purchased it in 2007. A year later, they began working with architect Doug Mancuso of Period Architecture to build an addition on the farmhouse (circa 1789). “The place was pretty much a mess,” Erik recalls. “The orchard had fallen into disrepair. I think in all, we had to have work done on 350 trees.” Restoring and enlarging the house was a three-year process. “By the time that was finished, we were exhausted,” he shares. However, Erik also had designs on the bank barn that dates to 1873. “That was a mess, too,” he explains. “It smelled old and musty. Stuff that was put in there over the years had deteriorated.” Initially, the Kolars contemplated transforming the barn into a home for Erik’s aging father. Following his death in late 2018, Erik wondered if the barn could serve as the “glue” that would hold him and his seven siblings and their families together. Hence, Erik envisioned transforming it into a party barn that would accommodate family gatherings and other events. “When COVID kept me home, Christine suggested that I get the barn project going,” he says. So, Erik contacted Doug Mancuso and said he was ready to move on the project. But who could bring the project to life? Mancuso put a call into B&D. “I had talked to some people about the project, but when I met Daniel, I was done,” Erik says of their meeting in late 2019. Erik had an ambitious “must-have” list that included multiple seating areas, a guest suite, a LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

A full kitchen was built inside the barn. “My wife wishes it was in the house!” Erik says of the beautiful space. The ceiling represents B&D’s problem-solving abilities. Erik was not a fan of dropped ceilings until B&D came up with this solution that involves tin inserts that were painted and then heated to look as if they are 200 years old.

Eddie’s Bar pays tribute to Erik’s father, Edward Kolar, whose 18 grandchildren called him “Grandpa Eddie.” The wine cellar was crafted from Jim Beam whiskey barrels and metal work created by B&D craftsmen.

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full kitchen, fireplaces, a game room, a bar, rest rooms and an outdoor-living area. The list didn’t faze Daniel until he learned that the project needed to be completed by Christmas 2020, as Erik and Christine wanted to have a family party on Christmas Eve. Of course, by March of 2020, the nation had shut down due to COVID. While B&D had lost valuable time, Daniel and Ben were convinced they could still meet the deadline. B&D went to work in July. “It was intense!” Daniel recalls. The project presented its share of challenges including incorporating plumbing, electricity and mechanicals into a building that once sheltered dairy cows. “It also had to be fully insulated,” Daniel notes. In looking back, Daniel maintains that because B&D could rely on its brand partners to create everything in-house and bypass supplychain issues, the project could stay on track. “If we had to rely on subs, it never would have been finished on time. It probably would have taken another year to complete. As it was, we finished up on Christmas Eve.” While the barn, which was built of Chester County fieldstone, was in decent shape from a foundation perspective, time had taken its toll. A new cedar-shake roof had to be installed. Two layers of floorboards inside the barn were removed, remilled and reinstalled. Windows and doors had to be created. A kitchen and bar had to be built. Beams needed to be restored or replaced. All the stone needed to be repointed. A chimney needed to be built. Then, there was what Daniel calls the “fun stuff” that truly brings the unique factor to a project. “Our metal shop made all the chandeliers,” he notes. Elements such as the cupola and pergola were made in-house, as well. The unique wine cellar was crafted from Jim Beam whiskey barrels, while the metalwork was created by B&D craftsmen. Horse stalls provided the foundation for rest rooms. Outdoors, the barnyard was repurposed to serve as an outdoor-living area, complete with a fire pit, heated flooring and a pergola created by B&D. Erik calls the experience of working with B&D “incredible,” as he relished the opportunity to work with “amazing people” who proved to be artists, craftsmen and problem solvers all rolled into one. “We’d sit in the field and brainstorm – the guys from B&D were always on-board to come up with new ideas. The fact that they were always excited about finding solutions was gratifying. The results speak for themselves – the beauty of it is in its simplicity.” When it was completed, architect Doug Mancuso was also beyond impressed. “The new elements don’t stand out,” he noted in a Q/A that appears on B&D’s website. “They look like they were always there.”

B&D also continues to work on a project

that perfectly meshes with the company’s abilities – The Star Barn, which was moved from

Seating areas that are scattered throughout the barn include this secondfloor loft.

A covered balcony provides scenic views of the 40-acre property. LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

What was once the barnyard is now a modern-day outdoor-living area complete with a fire pit and dining area that’s topped by a pergola. “We’ve been using the fire pit a lot since spring arrived,” Erik says of relaxing at the end of a day with his wife and three children. The floor of the area is heated to prevent snow from building up.

Above: Riveredge Farm in Chesapeake City, Maryland, represents one of B&D Builders’ first major projects. Owners Leslie and John Malone were so happy with the equestrian and breeding center B&D Builders created that they have had them work on other projects at properties they own. Below: B&D Builders helped to restore The Star Barn, which was moved from Middletown to Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown, where it now serves as an events venue. B&D is collaborating with owners David and Tierney Abel to rebuild and restore the Belmont Barn that will serve as the home of the National Christmas Center.

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Middletown and relocated to Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown, and the growing village that surrounds it. Daniel says it has been a privilege and honor for B&D to bring owners David and Tierney Abel’s vision to life and create a venue that honors the past but plays a modern role in celebrating life’s momentous events. According to a blog entry on B&D’s website, the project holds “a special place in the hearts of B&D Builders employees due to the fact that they played an integral part of saving a piece of history.” “I learned about B&D through a friend in Virginia – B&D worked on a barn for him,” David Abel recalls. “I was impressed.” David contacted Daniel Glick and the rest is history. Currently, B&D is working with the Abels to restore some smaller buildings that have been moved to Stone Gables Estate, as well as a barn that dates to 1812. “We’re also working on a limestone barn and are getting ready to do work on a gristmill and a stone chapel,” he explains. “I’ve never seen that level of craftsmanship and it takes that level to work on the buildings we have here,” David notes, using words such as “incredible” and “phenomenal” to describe the talents and work ethic of the company’s employees. “Most of all, they listen to my ideas and do everything in their power to make them happen. If you can dream it, they can do it and believe me, I can dream!” he says. The company will also be assisting the Abels to rebuild the historic Belmont Barn that will house the National Christmas

Center. “That’s probably another year-anda-half off,” David says.

In the meantime, Daniel is counting

his blessings and shares that the company is “very fortunate to have good clients and good employees.” Projects are currently taking them as far away from home as Florida, Idaho and North Carolina. “Idaho was a huge stretch for us,” says Daniel, who recently returned from a visit to the ultimate in horse country, Louisville, Kentucky. “We’d like to do more local projects,” Daniel says. As for employees, like every other business in Lancaster County, help wanted signs are posted along the road in front of B&D Builders. “We could use a lot more employees,” says Daniel, who considers a job with B&D to be a huge opportunity for someone who loves the creative aspects of working with wood and has an appreciation for Old World craftsmanship. “We like to take green 18-year-olds and train them ourselves,” he notes. “But they must be willing to work – we put in an average of 55 hours a week.”

As we wrap up our conversation, Daniel notes the time. “Just in time to catch my carpool,” he says of his transportation home. As I leave the building, I notice a line of “carpool” vehicles waiting for their riders. Only in Lancaster County! For more information, visit banddbuilders.com.

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COMPILED BY KAYLEE REX

Whether you’re spending summer in the city or enjoying a nice summer breeze in the country, celebrate the season in Lancaster! The following businesses can help to make your summer enjoyable, relaxing and carefree.

Whether you are in need of a quick touch-up, glamorous blowout or blissful body treatment, a visit to GLAMOUR ROOM will make you feel brand new. Glamour Room is an Aveda salon featuring vegan and cruelty-free products. Located on North Duke Street in Downtown Lancaster, it is the premier salon for bridal and special occasion hairstyling, skincare, esthetic services and makeup. Update your 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,” Bobbi Nicole says. Visit lancasterglam.com to book your appointment or purchase a gift certificate to pamper a loved one. MR. BILL’S FRESH SEAFOOD and THE FAT CRAB CAFÉ are your premier seafood sources in Lancaster. Perfect for cookouts or any gathering, Mr. Bill’s has the finest in live and hot steamed crabs, oysters, shrimp, lobsters, fresh fish and more. You’ll love their shrimp and crab-claw party trays! Treat your family and friends to Mr. Bill’s classic

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717-299-2008 430 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster • Mrbillsseafood.com • Fatcrabcafe.com Central Market Stand Hours:

Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 6 am - 3 pm

Store Hours:

Sun. - Thur. 11am - 6 pm • Fri. & Sat. 9 am - 7:30 pm Open Every Day All Summer Open Memorial Day, July 4th & Labor Day 9 am - 3 pm

Cafe Hours:

Wed. - Sat. 11am - 7:30 pm Sun. 11am - 6 pm • Closed Mon. & Tue. LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

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summertime special, Crab Feast To Go, which is an overstuffed half bushel* containing crabs and six ears of corn trimmed and steamed in their husks, as well as one pound of slaw. The feast adequately feeds six people. For more information about Mr. Bill’s and The Fat Crab Café, visit mrbillsseafood.com. *Slightly under a half bushel of crabs and six ears of corn to make an overstuffed half bushel.

PLAYFUL PUPS RETREAT is a premier pet resort committed to providing a clean, healthy, fun and nurturing environment for your dog at their two Elizabethtown-area locations. Playful Pups Retreat offers dog boarding at their Milton Grove Road location and dog daycare and training at their Hershey Road location. When you’re away from home, have peace of mind knowing that your furry family member will receive attention, love and high-quality care, as well as enjoy tons of fun at Playful Pups Retreat. Their team members are dog lovers who are chosen for their knowledge of dog behavior, dependability and exceptional attitudes. The Playful Pups team gets to know each dog and provides individualized care, enriching activities, socialization and of course, a lot of belly rubs and snuggles. For more information, visit playfulpupsretreat.com. Step out of the heat and dive under the sea to Disney’s The Little Mermaid this summer at the DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE! Ariel, the free-spirited daughter of King Triton, is a mermaid obsessed with the human world. She makes a bargain with Ursula, the sea witch, but deals are not always as simple as they seem. Join Ariel and her friends, Scuttle, Flounder and

FAMILY FUN AT DUTCH APPLE! DINNER & SHOW ALL IN ONE PLACE! THURSDAY EVENING SERVED DINNER An upscale dinner served right to your table FRIDAY AND SATURDAY PRIME RIB DINNER Prime rib, salad bar, full buffet and over 12 desserts

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ORDER TICKETS TODAY! 717-898-1900 • DutchApple.com 510 Centerville Road • Lancaster, PA 17601 32

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

T H E A R E A’ S L A R G E S T S E L E C T I O N O F

outdoor furniture • FARM STORE • PRIVATE EVENTS • FARM TOURS • LLAMA WALKS By Appointment Only

Valais Blacknose Sheep of Pennsylvania 462 Weidler Lane, Manheim • 717-459-3414

WWW.SPOOKYNOOKFARM.COM Sebastian, as they work to break Ursula’s curse in this fulllength musical adventure. The Little Mermaid splashes into Dutch Apple July 1 and runs through August 6. Also running this summer is How I Became a Pirate, from July 15 to August 5. This shorter, Children’s Theatre performance follows Pirate Braid Beard and his friends as they work with Jeremy Jacob to find the perfect spot to bury their treasure. Tickets for both productions can be purchased at dutchapple.com or by calling the box office at 717-898-1900. Visit SPOOKY NOOK FARM for a perfect summer day in Lancaster County. Hang out with their many llamas and alpacas, as well as their Valais Blacknose sheep, and learn all about the beautiful creatures and how they are cared for. The farm breeds, shows and sells the animals, so they will be sure to answer any questions you may have. The farm offers tours of the property and llama walks. To visit Spooky Nook Farm, you will need to schedule an appointment, which they can personalize to your needs. They welcome schools and small groups, as well as birthday parties and special events on the farm. Be sure to visit their farm boutique, Pamela’s She Shed, for alpaca clothing, candles, fiber and yarn and much more! Call 717-459-3414 to schedule your visit and discuss how Spooky Nook Farm can make your experience unforgettable. BOWMAN’S STOVE & PATIO, located in Ephrata, has noticed a major increase in demand for outdoor furniture over the past two years. People are spending a lot more time at

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LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Special Advertising Section Journey Through Time aT The 514 POPLAR ST. • COLUMBIA, PA 17512 717.684.8261• WWW.MUSEUMOFTIME.ORG

home and building new larger patios and decks. Bowman’s has a large selection of in-stock outdoor furniture to choose from that can be picked up or delivered right away. You can also custom order furniture exactly how you want it, but lead times are a little longer than normal right now. Popular this season are gas firepit chat tables paired with large, curved cushion sofas and cushion swivel rockers. Large dining tables are also popular, such as rectangular extension tables that seat eight to 10 people or octagon and hexagon tables that seat six or eight. The NATIONAL WATCH & CLOCK MUSEUM has been a beloved Lancaster County attraction for more than 40 years, providing kids and adults alike with hours of learning and enjoyment. As you enter the museum’s beautiful rotunda and begin your tour of international timepieces, you’ll know you’ve stepped into something special – all the time in the world! Learn what makes a clock tick and how clocks revolutionized travel at sea and life on land. Find out how the pocket watch evolved into the wristwatch. Discover the history, art and technology of timekeeping as told by more than 13,000 items, the largest collection in North America. Visiting the National Watch & Clock Museum is the closest you’ll come to time travel! And while you’re there, check out a unique, time-themed gift shop filled with books, gifts and gear. Visit museumoftime.org for details on admission, hours, tickets and upcoming events. KREIDER’S CANVAS SERVICE, INC. has been installing awnings in Lancaster County for more than 40 years. Leslie Kreider shares that Kreider’s Canvas offers an option that makes outdoor decks and patios more useful, more comfortable and a lot cooler. “Our experience with observing the life of a canvas roof is that dark-colored fabrics last three to five years (or more) longer than light-colored fabrics. The main downside to a darkfabric roof is that it’s warmer under them, especially when the top area is closed to seal out rain. We have 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 natural air flow and minimizes trapped hot air,” Leslie says. What’s trending? “Side curtains around porches, pavilions and outdoor kitchens are increasing in demand. The main trend has been the increased use of curtains to block wind when needed, while still having the ability to open up to full view of the outside.” The addition of a backyard shed from FOX COUNTRY SHEDS, available in a variety of sizes and styles (and budgets), is the perfect solution to your storage needs. Organizing your cluttered garage to make room for your car that has been left in the driveway all winter? Consider a beautiful backyard shed for that lawn equipment. Or, perhaps convert your new shed

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

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LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

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passionate about safety, and once our work is complete and we’ve eliminated the trip hazards, our customers and their guests will be much safer.”

into a much-needed home office as you continue to WFH, just steps away from the bustle of the household. The Rancher Shed’s extra-tall height is the perfect solution for overhead and out-of-the-way storage, or the swimming pool equipment for the staycation your family has been planning. Whatever your current storage needs are, adding an attractive “Fox Shed” will not only add valuable storage space to your home but will enhance the exterior of your property, as well. Concerned about your loved ones tripping on your uneven sidewalk, patio or pool deck? KEYSTONE GUNKRETE specializes in concrete solutions for commercial, residential and agricultural needs. Owner Richie Zook says, “Lifting sunken concrete using our Poly Foam equipment is generally a fraction of the cost of replacement. When homeowners see the cost savings from lifting sunken concrete instead of tearing it out and starting over, they are delighted. Plus, there is no mess.” Keystone Gun-Krete simply drills small holes through the slab and injects their expanding foam below to raise the concrete back to its original location. The holes are then filled with mortar so the concrete is ready for foot traffic immediately. He adds that homeowners “will generally lift sidewalks to make them look great again; however, at Keystone Gun-Krete, we are

KITCHENS BY EILEEN (KBE DESIGN & BUILD) has over 25 years of superior, award-winning design and construction experience. Each renovation project is carefully handled by their expert designers who specialize in space planning and design. Their project management team handles your job all the way to completion, giving you peace of mind from start to finish. KbE Process: 1. Schedule a consultation in their showroom. 2. Designer measures your space and designs floorplans for you to choose from. 3. Designer guides you through the selections process. 4. Project managers oversee your renovation from start to finish. They also offer an option for those who want the look and convenience of a custom closet without paying a skyhigh price. Their patented system, VICTORY CLOSETS, allows you to reconfigure your closet any time without tools, fasteners or support pins. Simply lift and move! Visit their new showroom, located at 4224 Oregon Pike in Brownstown (next to Martin Appliance).

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LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Foodographer Juneteenth

The Culture of Food 38

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Brown stew chicken over cilantro-coconut rice consists of grilled chicken thighs with red pepper and delivers the aroma of a Saturday morning church barbecue. Like the chicken, the rice is tender, juicy and savory. West African ginger-pineapple juice is loaded with cinnamon upfront, followed by sweet pineapple in the middle and a tangy ginger finish that continues well after your last sip. It’s anything but shy due to its bold, bright and refreshing flavors.

America’s food culture reflects the people who arrived on its shores and made a contribution to its many culinary traditions. The food traditions of enslaved African Americans have had a profound and lasting influence on America’s culinary heritage. Centuries later, that impact is finally garnering the attention it so deserves thanks to a book and a Netflix documentary called High on the Hog. TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JORDAN BUSH

The History of Juneteenth On January 1, 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared freedom for all enslaved people through an Executive Order known as the Emancipation Proclamation. While many of us were taught this act immediately ended slavery, the reality was quite different. It took more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was issued for Union soldiers to deliver notice to the last Confederate state – Texas – that slavery had been abolished and the war, which ended on May 9, 1865, was over. On June 19, 1865, General Order Number 3 was read in Galveston, Texas, by General Gordon Granger. It stated: “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.” WHILE WE AS A nation celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, Juneteenth festivities are rooted in the event that took place in Galveston on June 19. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people – of our fellow Americans who were left behind – after the final Confederate States recognized the end of slavery. In 1980, the Texas legislature established Juneteenth as a holiday, known as Emancipation Day in Texas. The holiday is often celebrated with lots of food, outdoor barbecues, gatherings with family and friends, church services and reflection. Other states and jurisdictions have since followed suit. On June 19, 2019, Gov. Tom Wolf signed legislation (HB 619) that designates the date as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Pennsylvania. In 2021, Juneteenth was declared a holiday in Lancaster County (beginning in 2022), and also became the newest federal holiday – Juneteenth National Independence Day – since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was added to the calendar in 1983. WHAT HAPPENED IN Galveston, Texas, on June 19 wasn’t so much a finish line as it was a milestone for the African American community. Ending slavery was no guarantor of liberty and certainly not of equality. Juneteenth did not atone for centuries of unpaid labor and brutal suffering. “Free-ish” has been used to describe what Juneteenth brought forward into the Jim Crow era, the start of an on-going, generations-long climb towards equality. On that centuries-long journey, the food that came along with it became an important part of this country’s food history.

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Left: West African peanut-butter soup bestows an aroma that begs to be experienced. Sweet and savory, creamy and a little salty, it’s loaded with chunks of carrots, onion and spices that deliver robust flavor. Right: Cream of turkey soup is akin to chicken pot pie that is enlivened by African spices. Hearty and savory with delightful textures, it consists of shredded turkey and a creamy base, carrots, peas and corn. There are no misses here.

The African Diaspora - The Journey of Food Because of the African diaspora – bringing seeds, recipes, expertise and skilled labor from Western Africa to the Americas – American cuisine was profoundly influenced by enslaved people. High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America, a New York Times best seller by Dr. Jessica B. Harris, led to the Netflix documentary series that shares the same name. Harris explores the African diaspora, the journey of food from Africa to the Americas and the Caribbean. She details how cooking

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.

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

traditions and cultivating expertise arrived in what is now the United States through the Transatlantic Slave Trade. I’m sure you’ve heard the term “living high on the hog” and perhaps questioned its meaning. The phrase has a literal connection to hogs and was originally a food term that relates to the fact that the best meat from a hog is said to come from its back and upper legs. In the ninth century, when the phrase first originated, it pertained to anyone who could afford to eat the “high parts” of the hog while those less fortunate were afforded pork belly and other “lowly” parts. That practice certainly applied in the case of plantation owners and the people they enslaved. The fact that the enslaved people got “creative” with their meager portions and provided us with the makings for barbecued ribs and other dishes is now part of food history. IN THE NETFLIX SERIES, Harris remarks, “Through food, we can find out that there is more that connects us than that separates us. What we eat and what we discover brings us together. It’s a communal table. It’s how we know who we are, and it’s how we know we’re connected.” For example, Harris shares that starches such as rice, cereal and yams (not to be confused with sweet potatoes) were cooked throughout all of Africa with stews for sopping up the rich flavors of meat, vegetables and sauces.

Chef Oliver Saye shares his personal culinary heritage, as well as that of West Africa, with Lancaster through his food truck, catering service and teaching appearances. Photo courtesy of Oliver Saye.

Chef Oliver Saye In February, the Dorothy Height Social Justice Club at the YWCA Lancaster hosted an online event that expanded on the Netflix series, High on the Hog, which was suggested viewing before the conversation featuring Lancaster chefs, with their cooking available for advance pickup. Among the speakers was chef Oliver Saye, owner of homage: Cuisines of the West African Diaspora. He also works at the Boys & Girls Club and is deeply passionate about sharing West African history through food. Perhaps un-ironically, chef Saye is a distant cousin to Michael W. Twitty, a James Beard Award-winning author and culinary historian who is featured in the High on the Hog series. Chef Saye has graciously shared several lengthy conversations about his history and the rich history of his dynamic cooking. “Every food in the [African] diaspora is us,” he relates. Born in Liberia, he grew up in Lancaster after coming to the United States when he was 5 years old. His maternal ancestry is native Liberian, while his father’s is Guinean. As such, chef Saye shares a deep connection to the people who were taken from West Africa through the Transatlantic Slave Trade. He also maintains a deep connection to their food. “There’s this dish in West Africa called Jollof. It’s red rice,” he explains, noting that in America, red rice came to be known by various names. “We get the same kind

of rice in different locations,” he points out. “In the Carolinas, it’s called red rice. In Louisiana, it’s jambalaya.” “WHEN OUR ANCESTORS CAME HERE, whatever country they came from, they made that [country’s food]. That’s us,” chef Saye states. “That had a foundation from West Africa. Yuca in the Caribbean is cassava in West Africa. In the American South, it’s sweet potato pie. That’s us. There are all these linkages and it happens for a reason. When they came here, they were trying to cook what they were familiar with.” Hence, American cuisine is rooted in history, and a great deal of it is from West Africa. “THE INITIAL WEALTH of this country – before it was a country – was rice,” he continues. “It was enslavers that went to West Africa to get people who knew how to cultivate rice. The narrative of the enslaved is that they were ignorant, stupid and unskilled, but they had centuries of cultivating rice. It wasn’t picking people blindly. You could relate that to indigo, tobacco, cotton, all of these other slave trades,” he says. “Eight of the 10 millionaires were from South Carolina, and that was based on rice.” In Charleston, South Carolina, gold rice dominated the economy for centuries, giving the region the nickname, the “Rice Coast.” African Americans, including the Gullah people, built that economy. However, before and soon after the Civil War, rice was no longer a productive industry. In 1910, the start of the LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022

Great Migration further brought that period to a close with the movement of 6 million African Americans from the rural South to northern urban cities. “The perception was that slaves were uneducated or unskilled,” says chef Saye. “You couldn’t build a nation on the backs of unskilled people. We were experts in those fields. We need to carry that.”

How I Learned About Juneteenth My first encounter with Juneteenth was from a coworker, Tavorice, years ago, when I lived and worked in Louisiana. I can’t recall how the topic of Juneteenth came up; it could have been in a conversation or something shared on social media, but I’m certain it was through Tavorice.

Jerk beef tips over cilantro-coconut rice.

Chef Oliver Saye (left) and his distant cousin, Michael W. Twitty, whose book, The Cooking Gene, claimed two James Beard awards in 2018, including Book of the Year. In a blog on his website, afroculinaria.com, Twitty writes, “Facing my/our past has been my life’s journey. It’s also been at times devastating and painful. But reflection in no way equals one second in the lives of the enslaved women and men whose blood flows in my veins. I had the privilege of rediscovering my roots on a North Carolina plantation at a dinner we prepared for North Carolinians of all backgrounds. Knowing that the enslaved people who once occupied those cabins could never have dreamed of that rainbow of people sitting together as equals in prayer, food and fellowship while my Asante and Mende roots were being uncovered after centuries of obfuscation was for me a holy moment.” Photo courtesy of Oliver Saye.

WHEN I MOVED TO BATON ROUGE, I quite naively walked into a job situation where I was seen as an outsider. Day-to-day interactions were full of subtle, often unspoken animosities that made work and social interactions difficult. It wasn’t always what people said so much as how they said it, though sometimes it was indeed what was said. Resentment manifested as inaction in challenging situations or in being thrown under the bus, with constant reminders that I didn’t belong. One night, a manager took me aside in private and said of the staff, “They’re never going to accept you. Do you want to give your two weeks’ notice?” The issue was structural: I didn’t belong and I took someone else’s job by being there. Another coworker later admitted with regret, “I hated you. I did everything I could to make your job hell.” IN THE MIDDLE of that environment stood Tavorice. He was genuine and kind, offering real perspective and kindness when it wasn’t popular to do so. A young Black man from the South, Tavorice offered encouragement that kept me going, and he likely understood what was happening better than I ever could. My experience wasn’t about race and it doesn’t compare. All I had to do to escape that situation was move back home to Lancaster. Yet that experience was the closest I’ve come to understanding what being labeled and treated as different really means. Today when I think of Juneteenth, I’m reminded of Tavorice. A sense of gratitude and strength comes to mind. I can’t fathom the complexities and joy Juneteenth brings to the African American community, but I will share in celebrating it.