LCM | April 2021 | Outdoor Living by Lancaster County Magazine

A BACKYARD MAN CAVE

with a little history of its own

SMALL SPACES, BIG IMPACTS outdoor living on a small scale

BUBBLE TEA a worldwide phenomenon

DOGSCAPING

dogs and gardens can coexist

APRIL 2021

IT’S SPRING!

Go Outdoors!

WHEN IT COMES TO GOOD HEALTH, A STRONG FOUNDATION IS EVERYTHING.

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Reasons to

SMILE in 2021 “I CAN SMILE AGAIN!”

That’s because White Family Dental worked with a specialist to realign Nora’s locked jaw. After a few months of treatment, Nora was eating and talking normally again. NORA JEAN SHANK

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Manheim

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Willow Street

212 Willow Valley Lakes Dr., Suite 209 Willow Street, PA 717-740-2200

CONTENTS

APRIL 2021 | VOLUME 34 | NUMBER 12

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

20.

6. The Long & Short of It

A Backyard Man Cave

Dave Rupp razed a deteriorating shed dating to 1869 and moved it from Mount Bethel Cemetery in Columbia to his backyard, where it now serves as a combination garden shed/man cave. Also, learn how volunteers played a role in bringing two of Columbia’s historic cemeteries – Mount Bethel and Zion Hill – back to “life.”

38.

Small Spaces, Big Impacts

No space is too small to create a backyard getaway. Two landscaping companies – C.E. Pontz Sons and Indian Run Landscaping – share projects that demonstrate the possibilities that small spaces offer in creating unique outdoor-living areas. Also, learn how you can create and decorate your own small-scale outdoor getaway.

20.

14.

Should I or shouldn’t I … buy a new car.

Uptown & Down

Chef Cedric Barberet was the winner of the Neapolitan Delight episode of Food Network’s competition show, Chopped Sweets. Unfortunately, his achievement was not revealed until April 20, 2020, when the pandemic was sweeping the country and restaurants were closed for in-house dining. A year later, Michael Upton catches up with the owner of Barberet Bistro & Bakery.

14.

Gardening Journey

With planning and foresight, you can have the best of both worlds: a beautiful backyard and a canine companion. Dr. Richard L. Bitner shares the steps you’ll need to take and the mindset you’ll need to adopt in order to achieve success in dogscaping.

46.

Foodographer

Jordan Bush samples a worldwide taste sensation – bubble tea – at Bleu Bubble Tea & Bakery, which is located inside the Asian Center Supermarket in Lancaster.

52.

Table for Two

Rochelle Shenk visits The Lunch Ladle, which is owned by Enck’s Custom Catering. The two have weathered the pandemic by offering take-out and making heat-and-serve entrées and sides available for weekend and holiday dining at home.

56.

It’s a Beautiful Day

Realtor Carole Kirchner, who is a lifelong resident of Lancaster City, describes her perfect Lancaster County day.

BE SCENE! Visit our website,

lancastercountymag.com, to learn of events planned and rescheduled for the coming months.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

28.

Spring Fever

The shops and companies seen in this special advertising section are ready to help you update your look, revamp your wardrobe, remodel a room, create curb appeal for your home, design and furnish outdoor-living spaces, maintain your lawn and landscaping, make your home energy efficient and relax with a favorite beverage.

ON THE COVER: C.E. Pontz Sons came to the

rescue of homeowners whose small backyard in the city was not user-friendly. The addition of water features transformed it into an urban oasis. Photo courtesy of C.E. Pontz Sons.

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38.

Be a part of our next chapter

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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 & SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Lauren Hillegas Lhillegas@engleonline.com REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jordan Bush Seth Dochter 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.

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What’s your Life Lived Forward?

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T H E LO N G

I’ve

& SHORT OF IT

never been a car happy kind of person. All I’ve ever been interested in is having something that will get me from Point A to Point B and back again. My sister, on the other hand, has always been car happy. She’s owned a Mustang, an MG, every model of Jeep you can name, a Subaru station wagon and every SUV that Ford makes. Currently, her favorite mode of transportation is a huge RV that theoretically negates the need to stay in hotels for her dogrelated activities. I think she got it from our father, who was always car happy and amazingly could identify every model of car known to man. I’m also the type who will drive a car into the ground in order to avoid having car payments. With that said, I had to laugh when I saw the television commercial for an insurance company in which the air conditioning, windshield wipers and turn signals don’t work in a young man’s car and his friends must serve as human substitutes for them. I can definitely relate to that commercial. About four years ago, on a very rainy and windy day, I was driving east on Route 283 when the windshield wiper on the driver’s side of my 2004 Buick Century suddenly went crazy and wrapped itself around my door. I had to lean over to the passenger side in order to see where I was going. It was kind of sad because outside of regular maintenance, that car was a Trojan horse. It never gave me any trouble. By then, however, I guess it was beginning to feel all of its 150,000-plus miles. A week later, the garage I patronized in Mount Joy was able to take a look at it. They tightened both wipers and warned I may have to replace the whole kit and caboodle, which wouldn’t be cheap. During a conversation with my sister, I said, “I can’t believe windshield wipers are going to be the downfall of my car.” Fortunately, whenever the wipers acted up, the guys at Hatt’s Auto Repair were good enough to tighten them. Needless to say, I scheduled things around the weather and tried to use the wipers as little as possible. I even bought one of those FrostGuard “blankets” from QVC so that snow and ice wouldn’t touch the wipers and windshield when it was parked. That summer the car also developed a new problem. The air conditioning stopped working. And, that red check-engine light was always on. I was informed they were connected and would more than likely involve a costly repair. I decided I could live without air conditioning until my next inspection. Two years ago, I ran some errands on Good Friday and didn’t drive the car again until Monday morning. As I exited the driveway, I thought something didn’t feel quite right. I pulled

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over, only to discover I had a flat tire. Two senioraged guys walked past and said changing a tire was no longer in their wheelhouse and suggested I call AAA. I had let my membership lapse, so it was on to Plan B. “I know,” I thought to myself, “I’ll call Kirk Zutell,” a photographer I often work with and who just happens to live minutes away from my house. If he didn’t answer, Plan C was to call another photographer, Jordan Bush, who lives in Ephrata. Good old Kirk answered my call and came right over and saved the day. He also discovered the problem – a nail was imbedded in the tire. I took the tire to Hatt’s and since they were busy, they asked if I could leave the car. That wasn’t a problem, so I called our then assistant editor, Briana Hess, in hopes she could pick me up. No answer. It then occurred to me that she was in the meeting I was missing. I figured the meeting would be a short one and I would get some exercise on a beautiful spring day. So, I started walking. My phone rang. It was my son calling. I sat down on someone’s steps to discuss the state of the Washington Nationals with him. Midway through the conversation, he asked where I was, as he heard traffic whizzing by, followed by the clip-clop of a horse-andbuggy. I explained the situation. “Why didn’t you call an Uber?” he asked. “I wouldn’t know how to call an Uber if my life depended on it,” I

responded. He came back with, “Call a cab,” to which I answered, “I’m in Mount Joy.” I continued walking. As I neared the 3-mile point of my trek, Briana answered the phone and came and picked me up. Meanwhile, back at the service garage that afternoon, I retrieved my car only to notice the tire on the front driver’s side appeared to be low. I went into the office and said, “Now, I don’t mean to sound like a nervous Nellie, but could you look at another tire?” The guy took a look, shook his head, told me to pull up to the bay, put air into it and instructed me to bring it back in the morning. Problem solved. A few days later, a co-worker appeared at my office door to report I had a flat tire (a nail in yet another tire). It was back to the garage (a co-worker changed the tire). As I waited, the guys at the garage pulled me aside and asked if maybe I had an enemy in my neighborhood. I was beginning to wonder!

Once the tire situation was resolved, I had a new problem. The thermostat would climb into the danger zone if the car wasn’t moving. My service guys advised me it could be a simple fix or something substantial. We tried the simple fix but the problem persisted. It was getting to the point where I only drove out of necessity and prayed I would only encounter green traffic lights. In September 2019, I decided the time had come to buy a new car. Knowing the inevitable was fast approaching, I had been doing my homework and narrowed down my choices. I even rented cars if I was going out of town to see how they drove. Finally, I discussed the pros and cons of buying a new car or continuing to pour money into my Century with Briana. We agreed a new car was the best route to take. I saw a used Buick Encore on Whitmoyer Auto Group’s website I liked and decided to check it out on my way home one Friday night. As my luck would have it, the car in question was exiting the lot as I made my way in. Oh well, I told myself, maybe they’ll have something else. At Whitmoyer, I was greeted by sales associate, Lance Patton, who confirmed the car I was interested in had just been sold. He suggested we take a spin in a new Encore. Nice ride but the price put me off. I thanked him and said I’d keep an eye on their inventory. Suddenly, Lance got this “ah-ha” look on his face. “Wait here!” he said and seemingly vanished into thin air. About 15 minutes later, he came driving up in an SUV called a Chevy Trax (the twin of an Encore). It was a 2018 with a little over 10,000 miles on it. The interior was spotless. I loved driving it. I questioned why someone would trade in a barely used car. I was told the owner and his wife were downsizing and needed only one car, so they bought a new model that appealed to both of them. Sounded plausible to me. When I got home, I called Briana to say I had bought a new car. “Wait,” she replied. “I thought you were going to the grocery store.” I explained I did but I decided to go car shopping afterwards. I love this car! Especially the fact that all I have to do is push a button and I can see how much pressure is in each of the tires. I also get alerts from OnStar if a tire is low. Oh, and you can talk on the phone through the radio. One time I talked to a friend all the way home from Allentown, while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. I even got my garage door fixed so that the car wouldn’t have to sit in the rain and snow. Now that my son and his wife live in North Carolina, I can’t wait to make a road trip. All I can say is, it’s never too late to become car happy.

– Suzanne Starling-Long

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UPTOWN & DOWN And All Around

Chef Cedric Barberet

THE A N TI C L IMAX OF STAR DOM BY MICHAEL C. UPTON

The accolades should have rained from the heavens in recognition of chef Cedric Barberet’s latest achievement. The masses should have flooded his Lancaster City restaurant, Bistro Barberet & Bakery, just to have the opportunity to taste a dish recognized by Food Network judges as one of the best in the country. Yet, this crowning achievement in his over 25-year, starstudded culinary career fizzled into the vacuum-like atmosphere created by COVID-19.

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November 2019, Cedric Barberet won the Neapolitan Delight edition of Food Network’s competition show, Chopped Sweets. Unfortunately, the world didn’t learn of his victory until the episode aired on April 20, 2020 – right in the middle of pandemic lockdowns and government stay-at-home orders. His restaurant was empty. “We probably would have been busy,” says Cedric.

Left: Upon tasting Cedric Barberet’s “floating island,” one of the judges described it as “sublime.” Cedric created the dish by using the ingredients in the mystery box: rotisserie chicken, vanilla bourbon cheesecake, vanilla chai latte mix and dried apricots. The dish, as Cedric prepares it, is on the menu at Bistro Barberet & Bakery. Photo by Michael C. Upton. Right: Chef Cedric Barberet, as photographed by Nick Gould a year after winning the Neapolitan Delight episode of Food Network’s Chopped Sweets, at Bistro Barberet & Bakery in downtown Lancaster.

Cedric is no stranger to competition and its merits or to the accolades he has received during his career. He has been honored as Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole by the Académie Culinaire de France (for promoting French cooking and culture) and was named a Top 10 Best Pastry Chef in America in 2016 (by Dessert Professional Magazine). He and his restaurant were featured in Vogue Italia.

His resumé includes stops at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, as executive pastry chef, the M Resort Casino & Spa in Las Vegas under the auspices of chef Jean Claude Canestrier, as well as executive pastry chef at Philadelphia’s Le Bec-Fin and Buddakan restaurants. Looking for a location to open his own restaurant and bakery, Cedric and his wife, Estelle, settled in Lancaster seven years ago and

opened Bistro Barberet & Bakery. His tenure at Mar-a-Lago provided him with some notoriety – he created Donald and Melania Trump’s elaborate wedding cake. For Chopped Sweets, he set out with one objective. “My goal was not to be eliminated first,” laughs Cedric. “You never want to be the first to go.” Looking back on the experience, he describes it as “fun, but it is a lot more intense than what it seems.

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There is a lot of producing. I was running as much as anyone else in the competition, but they portrayed me as someone as cool as they can be.”

THE SHOW The show’s premise “challenges four bold pastry artists to take on one of the toughest tests of their lives.” The four contestants compete head-to-head and create desserts from a basket of mystery ingredients against “an unrelenting clock” to “demonstrate their skill, concentration and imagination as they race to see who will claim the $10,000 prize.” After each round of cooking, a contestant is eliminated until there is only one remaining. Cedric was the last chef standing, a Chopped Sweets champion on Season 1, Episode 13. His competition included a bakery owner from Dracut, Massachusetts, a pastry chef from Detroit, and the pastry chef from the world-renowned Waldorf Astoria in Chicago (the runner-up). Cedric arrived in Brooklyn, New York, the day before the 6:30 a.m. check-in time and made his way to a massive, nondescript warehouse, which served as the studio for filming the show. Viewers watching the final product do not get to see many of the elements the contestants had to deal with in this setting, explains Cedric. This is not a real kitchen. As he

As Cedric explained in the Neapolitan Delight episode of Chopped Sweets, he is a classically trained French chef who adds “modern twists” to his creations. Photo by Nick Gould.

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discovered, there was no proper kitchen ventilation and an absence of fans made the heat almost unbearable. Contestants are tasked with creating an appetizer, an entrée and, if they are lucky enough to make it to the final round, a dessert. For each course, contestants must utilize a box of mystery ingredients. For this episode, the ingredients included: strawberry rice cereal treat, cilantro, century eggs and wild strawberry liqueur (appetizer); rotisserie chicken, vanilla bourbon cheesecake, vanilla chai latte mix and dried apricots (entrée) and a 24-layer chocolate cake, chocolate wine, frozen mixed berries and honey mustard dressing (dessert). “You really don’t know what is in the box until you open it,” revels Cedric. “But you do know the theme about 12 days before. I knew we were going to do Neapolitan, but I just did not know in what order.”  The Neapolitan theme meant that one dish would focus on vanilla, another on strawberry and another on chocolate. So, he prepared himself by developing recipes that could be adjusted for a myriad of ingredients. When he opened the box at the beginning of round two, he knew exactly what to make with the vanilla bourbon cheesecake, vanilla chai latte mix, dried apricots and rotisserie chicken that filled it. Okay, the chicken was a bit of a speed bump, but Cedric incorporated the crispy skin on top of a bourbon-apricot floating island whose finishing touch was an embellishment of edible gold leaf. “You gotta do what you gotta do to win $10,000,” says Cedric in the show.

The dish wowed the judges – Matt Adlard (aka The Topless Baker), Dan Langan (the Philly native hosts the popular series, Dan Can Bake It) and Scott Conant (a James Beard Award winner, restaurant owner and Food Network host) – and catapulted Cedric to the final showdown, which, of course, he won by creating a flexible chocolate ganache from the ingredients that were provided.

THE DISH The floating island is a traditional dessert of meringue poached in either water or milk. Because of its controllability, Cedric prefers water. Milk, he says, provides a coating around the meringue, which some other chefs prefer. “The meringue is set atop a bed of crème anglaise, which is a very nice, rich, custard cream made with vanilla beans. That’s why it is called a floating island,” explains Cedric. The French dish, île flottante, first made its way into English-language cookbooks in 1747. The floating island rose to American prominence after being recorded by Benjamin Franklin in 1771. Whether incorporating liqueur-soaked sponge cakes or berry purée, the dish has had its variations over the years and ultimately fell out of favor for unknown reasons. Cedric’s variation is served with two types of caramel, crispy bits of palm

sugar and freeze-dried raspberries. “The raspberries add a little more acidity to balance the sweetness from the caramel,” says Cedric, of the way he presents the dish at Bistro Barberet. FILMING TAKES PLACE all in one day and Cedric didn’t leave the warehouse until 11 p.m. that evening. He was exhausted. But, as grueling as the competition was, he was leaving a winner. He shared with the judges and audience that he could not wait to share the news with his mentor/father, who heads the family-owned bakery in Villefranche-surSaône (eastern France), where Cedric once served as an apprentice. “He will be so proud,” he said. The win would surely give his restaurant a boost of attention and a touch of notoriety. However, before the episode could air, Cedric was forced to shut down his restaurant and pivot to takeout because of COVID-19. He also had to cancel plans for hosting a viewing party at the restaurant. Fortunately, the floating island remains on the menu today!

UTDO

Bistro Barberet & Bakery is located at 26 E. King Street (Suite 1) in Lancaster. For information about hours and in-house dining, call 717-690-2354 or visit 26eastlancaster.com/barberet.

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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.

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Most Americans are familiar with the term “Neapolitan” as an ice cream treat that entails three of the country’s favorite flavors: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. (Turkey Hill, which was recently profiled on an episode of the History Channel’s Modern Marvels, has a line of tripleflavored ice cream it trademarks as Trio’politan.) As it turns out, we have Italy – specifically Naples – to thank for Neapolitan ice cream. In the early 19th century, the Italians perfected the frozen dessert spumoni (and before that, gelato, sorbetto, granita and other icy treats), which is made with layers of different colors/flavors of gelato and often contains candied fruits and nuts. Italian immigrants brought their frozen-dessert expertise to America, where their tricolored creation became known as Neapolitan. Ice-cream makers took notice and adapted the spumoni desserts, with vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream becoming the preferred flavor combo of Americans.

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Gardening

With patience and training, you can have the best of both worlds: a pet to share the backyard with and beautiful landscaping and gardens. Photo: Chris Y, Unsplash

JOURNEY

Dogscaping

BY DR. RICHARD L. BITNER

The arrival of spring will undoubtedly inspire us to get outside and once again enjoy our gardens and backyards. Many of us will do so in the company of a new family member – a dog. No doubt, new pet parents are already having nightmares about the havoc their new companions could wreak in their beautiful flower beds, vegetable garden or pristine lawn. Relax! There are ways for pets and gardens to coexist!

’ve often heard it said, “Get a dog and there goes the garden!” That does not need to be the case. As you’ll see, there are ways to adapt your yard and garden for your four-legged buddy. A relatively new arm of landscaping – dogscaping – provides a way to keep everyone happy, as it involves identifying potential problems, eliminating hazardous plants (more on that next month), being creative and employing green solutions. First, however, you must acknowledge and/or accomplish the following:

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• If you have established gardens and/ or are planning to share the entire yard with your pet, you must accept the fact that you will need to make adjustments. • Having a dog means giving up perfectionism and learning forgiveness. (Even Martha Stewart agrees with this!) • Let’s assume obedience training and socialization are a given. • Try to think like your dog and anticipate his or her needs.

Here are my advice and solutions for keeping everyone happy.

FENCING Regardless of the breed, you will need a fence if you want to safely let your dog run and play off-leash in your yard. (Most municipalities have ordinances/ fines regarding roaming or escaped dogs.) In general, a fence that the dog can see through is best – it’s less stressful for most dogs if they can see outside their enclosures. The gate should have a secure

latch and preferably be self-closing. A lock is also essential. In a larger yard or country property where fencing is not practical, installing an “invisible” electronic fence might be a sensible solution. (In my case, the goal was to keep the dogs out of nearby farm ponds.) Additionally, the underground wires can be placed around herbaceous borders or anywhere off-limits to your pet. The system is relatively simple: The dog wears a collar that gives a high-pitched warning beep and then a harmless shock if ignored. Usually a swimming pool is already surrounded by fencing; if your dog is a swimmer, make sure it’s high enough to prevent him/her from jumping over it. A common mistake – because of not thinking like the dog – is to establish flower beds adjacent to the inner side of the fence that surrounds your yard. Dogs are territorial and will walk the boundary. There go your plants! One gardener solved that problem by fencing in her “garden area” within the greater fenced-in yard.

Dogs will be more content in a backyard that is surrounded by a fence that allows them to see through it. Photo: Tatiana Rodriguez, Unsplash

PATHS Ideally, you can establish paths within the garden that will provide movement patterns around the beds for your dog. (If your dog has already established his or her own path, forget about redirecting it.) Mulch the paths with pine bark chips or gravel. Never use cocoa-bean hulls. The sweet smell of the cocoa mulch is attractive to curious dogs, which is risky because the shells contain varying amounts of two compounds that are toxic to dogs: caffeine and theobromine.

SHADE Remember that while dogs love to bask in the sun, they also overheat easily. There should always be a structure or area where your furry friend can find shade and shelter. Obviously, a source of fresh drinking water is also essential.

CHEMICALS/TOXINS If you must fertilize, keep the dog away from the area while it is fresh. Remember, the “organic” fertilizer blends will contain fish byproducts and blood meal that might not be harmful in small quantities but can cause stomach upset. Obviously, chemical pesticides can be just as toxic to your fourfooted pal as it is to the intended target. Store all these products in a secure place. One recommendation is to spray both precious and tempting plants with vinegar. It is a natural deterrent because of its pungent smell and strong taste. It will have

Having a dog means giving up perfectionism and learning forgiveness where gardening is concerned. Photo: Richard L. Bitner

Dogs are creatures of habit and will create and follow pathways through a garden. Photo: Annie Spratt, Unsplash

The use of toxins/ chemicals should be kept to a minimum. They also should be locked away. Dogs and compost don’t mix either.

Photo: Ginny Myers

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Clockwise from top: While dogs love to bask in the sun, they also must have access to shade and shelter when they spend time outdoors on warm afternoons. Photo: BigStock Exercise is beneficial to dogs from both physical and mental perspectives. Photo: George Garrett Digging comes naturally to dogs. One way to preserve your gardens and lawn is to provide dogs with areas in which they can dig to their hearts’ content. Photo: Lawerence Chrismorie, Unsplash

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DR. RICHARD L. BITNER is a horticultural lecturer and photographer. He is the author of three books on conifers, most recently Designing with Conifers: The Best Choices for Year-Round Interest in Your Garden. He also teaches a conifers course at the Barnes Foundation’s Arboretum School in Merion. His website is ConifersForGardens.com.

to be reapplied on a regular basis but as a bonus it will also deter aphids and squash bugs. Also, be sure your compost pile is secure. The mycotoxins that are created as a result of the compost breaking down can make a dog very ill and even cause death.

ELIMINATION Female dogs tend to squat and empty their bladders completely in one spot. Male dogs are more likely to move about an area as a way to mark their territory. From the first day, establish a specific area in the yard where your dog can relieve itself. Perhaps you could situate a designated stump or other post in that area. Surround it with bricks, flagstone, gravel or chips that can be easily cleaned. Teach the dog to eliminate there and nowhere else. Trainers say to expect the learning process to take about three weeks for a puppy and longer for an adult dog. They emphasize that immediate positive reinforcement works well. Scolding does not. If the dog urinates on your prized turf and a watering can or hose is handy, you can immediately remedy the incident by dousing the area with water. Sure. Another approach is to switch to a different, more robust grass that holds up better to wear and tear. One recommendation is Buffalo Grass, a native grass of the Great Plains. It is quite tolerant of a range of conditions and establishes with seed, sod or plugs. As an extra bonus, the care of Buffalo Grass is minimal and mowing is infrequent. In the GJ series on turf (Vol. 32, No. 2, June 2018, pp. 52-54), I recommended planting clover lawns as your green-carpet alternative to grass. Clover does not “stain” the way grass does after being subjected to urine.

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DIGGING Whether your garden is a vest-pocket-sized urban retreat or a large rural one, these days you’re likely spending a lot of time and effort in it growing shrubs and flowers you love. It has to be acknowledged that dogs can be quite hard on them, even destructive. Any dog that is left outside on its own without supervision and stimulation will get into mischief. Some dog breeds are particularly inclined to be hard on gardens. Or, you could give in to a dog’s desire to dig. One gardener set up a digging pit – a sandbox in a shady area – where her terrier could dig to his heart’s content. She would bury bones and interesting items in the pit to get the dog started.

PLAY TIME Be sure to stock specific areas of the yard or the deck with toys and “puzzles” that will help keep your dog entertained, stimulated and well-exercised from both a physical and mental standpoint. Dogs will also benefit from positive activities and behaviors rather than ones that control what they can’t do or where they can’t go. If your circumstances permit, dogsports such as agility, dock diving, lure coursing, etc. are very helpful in channeling energy. By following these suggestions, you and your dog will be able to relax and coexist in your garden.

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Do Your Homework According to the American Pet Products Association, 12.6 million households in America welcomed new pets between March and December 2020. If you’ve decided this is the year you will get a dog, I’d encourage you to take the time to study the habits of the breeds that are of interest to you. As you deliberate over which breed or mixed-breed to go for, be aware there are several to be wary of if keeping a nice garden is a priority. Remember: every breed has certain personality characteristics that can give you insight into what behaviors you must expect. You will need to work with them and not against them.

TERRIER GROUP

Photo: BigStock

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JACK RUSSELL. Cute, confident and stubborn, this is a terrier that does not like to be told what to do. Originally bred in the early 19th century by the Rev. John Russell for fox hunting, the terrier was later used to control populations of rats and rabbits in England. The Jack Russell has the ability to jump five times its height and can dig up vast areas of a garden in short time. BORDER TERRIER. Great fun and full of confidence, they were originally developed in Northeast England in the early 18th century to protect sheep from predators such as foxes and to hunt small rodents. They will quickly put a landscape into disarray going after a rabbit or squirrel. OTHER TERRIER BREEDS: Remember the word terrier comes from Latin and means “earth dog.” Cousins of Toto that are vigilant in their investigation of the underground include Cairn terriers, fox terriers and the largest, the Airedale terrier.

WORKING GROUP

you have badgers living in your yard, your dachie will nevertheless find a reason to make his own tunnels.

Photo: BigStock

BEAGLE. Here, I speak from experience. I had beagles for decades. Jolly and loving, they are also crafty! They never lack for something to do when left alone, like digging up moles, eating plants and finding their way under a fence. But, they are ohso-easy to forgive!

Photo: DRZ Photography, Unsplash

SIBERIAN HUSKY. Large, mischievous and full of energy, their owners must be prepared to give them lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Expect them to dig as they search for a cool spot when they are hot. (In Siberia, they had to dig to find food or shelter). When they are bored, they are known to dig, rip up plants and climb fences. One owner shared that her yard was turned into a moonscape by her husky. MALAMUTE. An Alaskan that needed to dig in the snow to keep warm but will also dig on a hot summer day to stay cool.

HERDING GROUP

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Australian shepherds, border collies and other high-energy breeds in the herding group will create their own work when lacking stimulation. These highly intelligent dogs are not couch potatoes; they need consistent mental stimulation and physical exercise. They are the stars of dogsports such as agility.

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When Dave and Vivian Rupp bought their home in Columbia in 1998, the backyard was a blank canvas. Years of work transformed it into a green retreat that is filled with various seating areas, colorful gardens and the final piece of the puzzle, a garden shed/man cave that once stood in a local cemetery. Dave razed the shed and rebuilt it in his backyard.

A Backyard MAN CAVE 20

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Dave Rupp jumped at the opportunity to add a garden shed/man cave to his backyard. The only hiccup was he had to dismantle the structure that had stood in a cemetery since 1869 and rebuild it on his property. Thanks to his background in engineering and home repair, he was game to tackle the project. BY SUE LONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIRK ZUTELL

The

cemetery in question – Mount Bethel in Columbia – provides a history lesson of sorts, as it is the borough’s oldest, continually used place of rest. Dating to 1730, it is estimated that as many as 11,000 of Columbia’s deceased residents are interred in the 10-acre cemetery. Dave has been a member of the cemetery’s board of directors since 2005. Columbia has always been home for Dave. “Born and bred,” he says, adding that his grandparents operated a pretzel and snack food company in Columbia for a time. He followed in their footsteps by manning a roasted peanut stand (the product line came from Bertie County Peanuts in North Carolina) at Columbia’s Market House for a period of time. L A N C A S T E R CO U N T Y | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

Dave’s garden shed/ man cave is outfitted with a tool shop that is equipped with the remnants of a handyman company he once operated with one of his two sons. Dave’s love of motorcycles is also evident in the pictures that decorate the space.

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After graduating from Columbia High School, Dave joined the Marine Corps. Upon his discharge, he enrolled at Penn State University, graduating with an associate degree in engineering, which he parlayed into a 26-year career with the Pfaltzgraff Company. Four years prior to the company being sold in 2005, Dave was laid off, prompting him and one of his two sons to launch a handyman business that flourished for 15 years until he decided to retire. “I gained a lot of knowledge about home repairs through that business,” he says. Dave also became adept at making home repairs through buying a house in Columbia that dates to 1915. The house (as well as two others) sits on a block that features homes that date to the 1800s and exemplify Victorian architecture. Dave explains that the three houses replaced a large mansion that was destroyed by a fire around 1900. Sandstone blocks were the only building elements that survived the flames. Incredibly, Dave discovered some of them partially buried in his backyard and made use of them for a walkway he built. WHILE DAVE AND HIS WIFE, Vivian, didn’t have to devote much time to updating their new home, the backyard was another story. “There was nothing back there except a tree,” he says. So, in 1999, Dave went to work and over time he built a deck, a covered porch and a patio adjacent to the house. In 2003, he beautified the rear area of his 1/6-acre lot with a brick-lined pathway, trees, shrubs, a pergola and new fencing. Just as he and Vivian were preparing to install what he jokingly estimates to be “$2,000 worth of shade plants” they had bought for the flower beds, an ancient and very tall tree from two houses away came crashing down. “There went our shade!” he laughs. FIVE YEARS AGO, Mount Bethel Cemetery was at a crossroads in making a decision about the fate of the twostory shed that dates to 1869 and was built in conjunction with the caretaker’s cottage. “It was in a bad location,” Dave says, explaining that the shed had become almost inaccessible due to the fact that the tombstones that surrounded it made truck access almost impossible. “Plus, it needed a new roof,” he continues, explaining that the board was on the fence about investing in an aging building whose purpose was diminishing. “So, I said, ‘I’ll take it,’” he recounts of the day he offered to solve the question of its fate by removing it. The board agreed to his proposal and Dave began dismantling the shed in

Dave enjoyed sharing his handiwork with patrons of last year’s garden tour in Columbia.

The walls tell of Dave’s lifelong connection to Columbia.

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Decoys convey Dave’s love of the outdoors. The peanut bag is a relic of a stand he once operated at the Columbia Market House.

Left: The Keeley #20 stove was made in Columbia and dates to the mid-1800s. Dave reports it keeps the shed toasty-warm in cold-weather months. Right: The shed as it originally stood in Mount Bethel Cemetery. A lack of accessibility and a deteriorating roof prompted the cemetery’s board to consider its future, giving Dave the idea to raze it and rebuild it on his property. Photo courtesy of Dave Rupp.

December 2016, storing the pieces in his backyard. Dave took painstaking care to ensure the shed would easily and perfectly go back together. “I took a lot of pictures inside and out and numbered every piece,” he says. To his surprise, he found old tombstones stored under the shed. “They were and remain a mystery,” he says of the discovery. When spring arrived, Dave set to work rebuilding the shed whose dimensions ensured a perfect fit between the fence and the pergola/patio. He began the process by digging a new foundation for the shed and restoring its windows. Then, he started the process of reconstructing the shed, which proved to be in remarkably good condition. “I only needed to replace 12 pieces of wood,” he recalls. Outside, he didn’t stay true to the era in which the shed was originally built, as he added modern-day soffits and rain spouts to the structure. While he would have preferred to replace the cedarshake shingles (he estimated them to be 100 years old) with identical material, he chose to go with asphalt shingles “in order to keep the cost down.” He also added another window to provide the interior with more natural light. A used door provided a proper front entrance and the top and bottom sashes of a window were utilized in order to create decorative accents on the front of the building. THE INSIDE OF THE SHED is pure man cave. The wood-look linoleum floor (a bargain-basement find at Ollie’s) perfectly complements the rustic structure. An expansive tool shop is equipped with the remnants of Dave’s handyman business. Creature comforts include a small television, a fridge and a Keeley #20 stove (made in Columbia) that probably dates to the mid-1800s. “It heats the shed up really well,” he notes of the relic he purchased from an antiques dealer. Also in evidence are mementos from Columbia High School (Dave’s track and football letters), former Columbia businesses and town events. Trophies from hunting trips hang on the walls, while photographs convey Dave’s love for motorcycles. A self-published book that tracks the progress of moving and rebuilding the shed is also on display. The second floor is used for storing lumber and other construction necessities. “I’m out here a lot,” Dave says of his backyard getaway. “In the summer, we’re outside all the time,” he says of the porches and patios that provide outdoorliving spaces.

The wood-look linoleum was a bargain-basement find at Ollie’s.

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A Volunteer

Effort Art in the Gardens Columbia’s annual garden tour will be held Saturday, June 12. Gardens will cover the spectrum and range from pocket-sized getaways to larger properties on the outskirts of the borough. Artists will be working on projects at each of the stops. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in the gazebo at Locust Street Park (560 Locust St.) between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Details will be posted on the Facebook page, Create Columbia, closer to the date of the tour.

Dave used the sandstone blocks that survived a fire in 1900 and were partially buried in his backyard for one of his landscaping projects.

April is regarded as Volunteer Appreciation Month and in Columbia, volunteers have played an integral role in bringing two of its historic cemeteries – Mount Bethel and Zion Hill – back to “life.”

Mount Bethel Cemetery

Dating to 1730, Mount Bethel is a history lesson in itself, in that those who are interred there represent a cross-section of Columbia’s residents, beginning with the Quakers, notably the Wrights, who are credited with founding the town. According to Dave Rupp, cemetery records contain Susanna Wright’s account of overseeing the burial of 15 people in the graveyard. No doubt, they are buried in what is now called Section I of the cemetery that was originally called Old Bethel and later Old Brick due to the fact that it was surrounded by a brick wall that was built in 1746. Simple grave stones marked the graves of deceased Quakers, as they didn’t use tombstones. The oldest legible grave marker dates to 1745. THE HISTORY SECTION of the cemetery’s website is fascinating and contains all sorts of interesting tidbits. For example, the bricks that were used to build the aforementioned wall were ordered from England by Samuel Blunston, who intended to use them to build his home. He died before they arrived, hence they were utilized to build the cemetery wall. Four of the five men who set fire to the covered bridge in an effort to keep Confederates from crossing the Susquehanna River on June 28, 1863 are buried at Mount Bethel. As the smallpox epidemic of 1902 raged on, funerals held at the cemetery took place at midnight with only a doctor and a health officer in attendance. BY THE EARLY 1800s, plots in the cemetery had been granted to Columbia’s Presbyterian (Section K), Methodist (Section L) and Lutheran (Section M) churches. (The two Catholic churches have their own graveyards.) Yet another section was given over to the borough to serve as a burial place for indigent citizens.

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pandemic, with proceeds benefiting Mount Bethel. Events tentatively slated for 2021 include:

APRIL 23 & 25: A SPICE OF LIFE

Zion Hill Cemetery

An untold number of Columbia’s deceased Black citizens are interred in this cemetery that had nearly become obliterated by the

Artist/educator Joanna Spicer will be displaying her work at the caretaker’s cottage on Friday, 5-8 p.m. and Sunday, 2-4 p.m.

Photos courtesy of Mount Bethel Cemetery

To ensure the cemetery’s longevity, a stock company overseen by nine managers was formed and granted a charter in April 1868, via the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. DURING THE LATTER PART of the 20th century, the appearance of the cemetery began to noticeably decline. Fewer burials were held. As the board members/managers retired or died, they were not replaced. At one point, the cemetery was being managed by one manager/ board member. In 1994, the Columbia Lions Club organized a clean-up effort. More than 100 volunteers arrived to mow, rake leaves and remove debris from the cemetery. (Such a volunteer effort continues to be held each fall.) The clean-up project prompted some concerned citizens to organize a meeting to discuss the future of Mount Bethel. A year later, the remaining shares were sold and a new board of directors composed of volunteers was elected. Today, the board is headed by Jane Moore and its members include Ron Mable (the cemetery’s superintendent), Kevin Kraft Sr., Claire Storm, John Hinkle Jr., David Mountz, Kathleen Lutz, David Rupp and Kathleen Hohenadel. The cemetery also became a nonprofit 501(c)(13) corporation and its operating budget is now derived from a small trust, grants, monetary gifts, internment fees, the sale of burial plots and fundraising events. The board, aided by citizen volunteers, has been engaged in ambitious projects over the past 25 years, including the hiring of people to mow the lawn on a consistent basis, the removal of 72 trees, transferring burial records to the cemetery’s website, paving existing roadways, restoring the lawn crypts, repairing and stabilizing the iron fencing that was installed between 1890 and 1900, making repairs to the caretaker’s cottage and establishing the Helen Schlossman Memorial Garden, where cremated remains are interred. Fundraising has also become more consistent and creative. For example, seamstress/designer extraordinaire, Janet Wood, has been sewing masks throughout the

MAY 16: THE LAST RIDE AND MACABRE CREATIONS

This crypt-version of a car show features an exhibit of carriages and vehicles used for funerals. Vendors selling macabre creations will also be on hand. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Photos courtesy of The American Legion/Memorials

AUGUST 16: FETE EN NOIR Details TBA

construction and expansion of Route 30, water issues and the passage of time that caused the area to be overcome by weeds and brush. That changed in the late ‘90s, when a contingent of community volunteers, Boy Scouts, Black church leaders, park rangers and borough officials began the daunting task of reviving the landscape, unearthing tombstones, topping unmarked graves with wooden crosses and erecting signage and a flag pole. The cemetery is notable for the Civil War veterans who are buried there, including members of Columbia’s Black Company, who aided the Union Army, Pennsylvania militia and local citizens in keeping the advancing Confederate troops from crossing the Susquehanna River between Columbia and Wrightsville on June 28, 1863. Among the veterans interred at Zion Hill are Robert Loney, who was also a conductor for the Underground Railroad. Members of the famed

OCTOBER 31: DIA DE MUERTOS Details TBA

DECEMBER 18: WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Each December, cemeteries across the United States honor veterans by providing their gravesites with wreaths that have been purchased/donated by the public. (A portion of the sales benefit the participating cemeteries.) Mount Bethel extends its efforts by including gravesites at nearby Zion Hill Cemetery. 12 p.m. Mount Bethel Cemetery is located at 700 Locust Street in Columbia. Self-guided tours are available. For more information, visit mtbethelcemetery.com.

54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, an allBlack volunteer company that aided Columbia in thwarting the Confederate’s advance on June 28, 1863, and whose story was the subject of the Oscar-winning movie, Glory, are buried there, as well. Zion Hill Cemetery is located at 553 N. 5th Street in Columbia.

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Spring Fever

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Spring is a reawakening. The season adds life to a world that was cold and gray. It invites you to get organized, get outdoors and get moving. Spring welcomes you to feel the warm rays of the sun on your face again and enjoy a picnic, spend a day at the park or out in the yard with the kids.

is the season for spring cleaning and starting a clean slate. It’s the perfect time to shake things up and redecorate a tiredlooking room or an outdoor patio. Whether it’s shopping for a new wardrobe, new kitchen lighting or new outdoor furniture, Lancaster County is blooming with retailers, landscape artists and other friendly businesses waiting to help you “spring” forward this season. Want a fresh look this spring? Whether you are in need of a quick touch-up, glamorous blowout or a 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 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.

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JURA is the innovation leader in automatic coffee machines, offering a true bean-to-cup experience that is freshly ground, not capsuled. For those who want the best, JURA machines produce the finest high-pressure-brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino and more, cup by cup. Fast and easy to operate, they can grind, froth, brew and self-clean in less than 60 seconds. JURA innovations include Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.®), which optimizes extraction time to develop the full flavor of espresso and ristretto – plus the Intelligent Water System (I.W.S. ®) and integrated cleaning and maintenance systems. JURA’s app, J.O.E.® (JURA Operating Experience), allows users to easily operate selected JURA automatic coffee machines from their smartphones or tablets. BOWMAN’S STOVE & PATIO, located in Ephrata, has noticed a major increase in demand for outdoor furniture since people are spending a lot more time at home due to COVID-19. They have a large selection of in-stock furniture to choose from, for those that want their furniture right away. Of course, you can still custom order exactly what you want, but you’ll probably have to wait longer than normal for your furniture to arrive. Because of the delays, Bowman’s Stove & Patio recommends shopping as early as possible, so that you have furniture in time for the spring/summer season. Still popular this year are gas fire-pit chat tables paired with curved cushion sofas and cushion swivel rockers. New for 2021 is the Berkeley Collection by Castelle. It features clean, mid-century modern styling and is a smaller scale than the other larger crescentshaped cushion sofas sets offered at Bowman’s. SHOWCASE LAWN WORKS, based in New Holland, does things a little differently than the other lawn-care companies out there. For the past 20 years, Showcase Lawn Works has combined modern approaches with traditional services, revolutionizing the lawn-care industry in southeastern Pennsylvania. Each yard is unique, requiring different methods to achieve optimal results. Showcase Lawn Works believes communication with customers every step of the way is crucial in creating family- and pet-friendly lawn-care solutions. They take pride in being on the cutting edge of the industry by using the best products, machines and techniques. Their services include lawn, tree and shrub care, perimeter pest control, landscaping, aeration/overseeding, lime application and grub, mosquito, flea and tick control. Call 717-354-3226 or visit their website, showcaselawnworks.com, to request a free estimate and turn your yard into a “showcase.”

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UGI’s Save Smart Home Energy Upgrades Program is designed to help UGI customers improve their home’s energy efficiency and reduce their utility bills. For only $50, a certified home energy contractor will perform an evaluation that will identify ways in which you can conserve energy. They could include products and services such as a smart thermostat, low-flow showerhead, kitchen and bathroom sink aerator, carbon monoxide detector and water heater tank temperature turn-down. Once the evaluation is completed, the contractor will provide you with an evaluation report listing the recommended energy upgrades that are customized to your home. You will have full control over which upgrades you decide to pursue. When the upgrades are complete, you will receive a rebate check and enjoy the improved comfort of your home!

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With so many challenges presented this year, where to put your “stuff” shouldn’t be one of them. Working from home, schooling from home, exploring and developing new hobbies such as gardening or even a home gym, all take up valuable space in your home. The addition of a garden shed from FOX COUNTRY SHEDS, available in a variety of sizes and styles (and budgets), can solve not only your storage needs but also some of these new challenges. A new shed can easily be converted into your new home gym or a quiet home office, just steps away from the bustle of the household. The Rancher Shed’s extra-tall height is the perfect storage solution for your new garden tools, or even for items belonging to family members who have moved back home. 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 GUN-KRETE 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 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.”

In 1954, the late George Grove Sr. started what later became GEORGE J. GROVE & SON, INC. The business moved from George Sr.’s home to a shop on Cabbage Hill, incorporating in 1973. Five years later, it moved to its present location on the Manheim Pike. George J. Grove Jr. joined the business at a very young age, assisting with installations; in keeping with family tradition, George Grove III also became involved in the business. The Groves have built their business on a firm belief in a quality product and installation and in maintaining professionalism, integrity and fairness in their relationships with their customers. George J. Grove & Son, Inc. provides all types of home improvements. Their product lines include windows and doors, roofing, vinyl siding, spouting, gutter protection systems and patio enclosures. They also carry skylights, shutters, railings, retractable fabric and metal awnings. PRECISE BUILDINGS offers distinctive equestrian structures with Dutch Country character. What defines character in an equine building? Of course, aesthetics are important, but it is your personal style that brings character to your barn. Whether you like exposed timber frames, post-and-beam construction or a modern look, Precise Buildings will work with you to plan, design and construct your dream facility. With over 25 years of experience, Precise uses a combination of skilled Amish craftsmen and innovative engineering and design to deliver exceptional results every day. When they are on-site, in their customers’ homes or on their properties, everyone at Precise strives to treat people, animals, buildings and properties with care and respect. View their work by visiting them online at precisebuildings.com or give their design team a call today at 717-768-3200.

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Now that spring is here, trust A. LANE LIVING to refresh your outdoor-living spaces with quality polywood furniture, handmade in Pennsylvania. All products come in a variety of colors and are made from polywood, which is a low-maintenance wood alternative made from recycled plastic milk and detergent bottles. A. Lane Living, based in Mount Joy, has been providing excellent customer service and quality, durable furniture at a fair price since 1926. Fourth-generation owner Betsy Grady grew up spending a lot of time in the store with her uncle and learned his great work ethic and attention to customer satisfaction. Browse A. Lane Living’s selection of tables, chairs, rockers, planters and more online at alaneliving.com. They have polywood furniture in stock and are also taking special orders. Request your custom-built outdoor furniture in your favorite colors today! As a homeowner, you depend on a functioning garage door to keep your vehicle and possessions safe. As a business owner, your garage doors protect your property from inclement weather and thieves. When your garage door isn’t functioning properly, call SHANK DOOR to quickly pinpoint the problem and discuss your options. They also offer 24-hour emergency services for those inconvenient disasters. Whether you need a garage door installation or a simple repair, Shank Door’s dedicated, trained technicians will get the job done to your complete satisfaction. Shank Door has over 55 years of experience providing quality services and products to Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Reading and several other areas throughout Central

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Pennsylvania. Visit their showroom in Myerstown or their website, shankdoor.com, to browse their selection of garage and entry doors as well as other hardware and accessories. EVER GREEN TREE & LAWN CARE, which was established in 1986, is locally owned and operated. Ever Green cares deeply about protecting the environment for future generations and therefore uses organic-based fertilizers in their program, which lessens the impact of fertilizer runoff that affects the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Your landscape is a valuable investment and Ever Green wants to ensure your lawn and plants remain healthy and beautiful. Call them for a free estimate at 717-285-9221 or visit evergreentreelawn.com for more information. 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 dark-fabric 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.” Spring is always an exciting time at CLEMINTINES. The bright colors, which began arriving in mid-January, include shades of ocean blue, pale pink and golden yellow. These are just a few of the colors trending this spring in many different styles. Accessories are essential to complete your look. All it takes is that one special piece to pull your outfit together. Some staff favorites in jewelry include Sea Lily (made from piano wire), OC Jewelry (for that artistic statement piece) and Origin (a resin material that comes in an array of colors and styles). Don’t stop at jewelry. Clemintines has beautiful, lightweight scarves and purses. A clutch by Joy Susan can be used as a crossbody or wristlet. Come to Clemintines and then enjoy the rest of your day at the many other fabulous stores and restaurants that Lititz has to offer. Spring has finally arrived and with it, new ideas for in-state getaways from WHERE & WHEN PENNSYLVANIA! The state is opening up with events and bucket-list-destinations within driving distance of Lancaster County. Check out whereandwhen.com for events, destinations and things to do this spring in PA.

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SMALL S PA C E S ,

BIG IMPACTS 38

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City and suburban living may come with the sacrifice of an expansive backyard, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Designing and decorating small outdoor spaces requires innovation, intentionality and creativity. Plus, less space translates to lower renovation and maintenance costs, as well as lower utility and water bills. BY KAYLEE REX

or many, the backyard is a place of solace, which became especially evident during the past year. Not only did the backyard become an escape from the four walls of quarantining but, according to a recent study from the University of Washington (UW), having nature close to home is beneficial for mental health. A key aspect of these benefits is maintaining a level of attention and mindfulness while enjoying the outdoors. “Experiences with nature can slow the mind’s natural process of rumination in which we fret about the past and worry about the future in potentially destructive ways,” says Peter Kahn, a UW professor of psychology and environmental science. Dedicating a space in your yard to tranquility – such as a meditation garden or waterfall – can work wonders for improving your overall mental health and well-being. As you will see, Lancaster landscaping companies are proving that no space is too small for a metamorphosis.

C.E. Pontz Sons converted this Lancaster City backyard from a useless patch of weeds and grass into a tranquil oasis, proving that even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into something special.

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Clockwise from top left: After excavating the soil and installing liners, a C.E. Pontz team member takes a moment to relax. Plants, boulders and other details were added to make the feature look natural, as well as encourage butterflies, birds and other wildlife to visit. The clients' backdoor opens up to a beautiful view of the waterfall. An adjacent patio allows them to enjoy the water garden, as well. Water features are therapeutic, providing a space to unwind and relax while enjoying the sights and sounds of flowing water. The space was only accessible through a small door in the garage. Fortunately, C.E. Pontz’s excavator was able to squeeze through. Prior to the overhaul, patches of grass and weeds filled the backyard.

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A CITY BACKYARD OASIS

Water features create an interactive ecosystem, attracting diverse wildlife and changing with the seasons.

According to Bobby Kenyon of C.E. Pontz Sons, a water feature is the most impactful way to change your backyard. “It is a living, breathing feature that changes daily and seasonally. It draws you outside and gives you a space to unwind and relax, as well as entertain and play,” he explains. PHOTOS COURTESY OF C.E. PONTZ SONS

ater features are therapeutic, providing soothing sights and sounds that create a relaxing environment to help you destress. They also attract all types of wildlife, including birds, frogs and butterflies (some even allow for pet fish to be introduced). The interactive ecosystem allows you to learn all about wildlife, providing you with a new purpose and environment to care for. IN OCTOBER 2018, C.E. Pontz Sons, which specializes in backyard water features, transformed a small backyard in Lancaster City into an oasis. Before the overhaul, the space was considered useless. “It was basically a small, patchygrass area with mostly weeds. It wasn’t big enough for a real lawn, so the maintenance of mowing made little to no sense. [The clients] wanted something interactive and aesthetically pleasing,” Bobby says. “They were looking for some type of water feature, and well, water is

what we do best.” Over the course of a week, the C.E. Pontz team transformed the barren backyard into a lush, relaxing ecosystem. The project did pose some challenges in that the space was only accessible through a door in the client’s garage. “Typically, a project this size can be accomplished much quicker, but all the rock and materials had to be carried into the garage and through the back door of the garage to the yard,” Bobby explains. Thankfully, their excavator was able to just barely squeeze through the door. AFTER EXCAVATING the soil and creating tiers for a waterfall to flow into the pond, the team installed liners and a pumping system for the water, all of which were supplied by Aquascape Inc. Once the liner was put in place, it was time to organize the rocks and gravel – from Penn Stone – around the borders of the feature and along the bottom of the basin. After starting the water, the team

added plants and grasses into the pond. The area surrounding the water feature was then mulched. The final element was a slate walkway that leads to a small patio, perfect for enjoying the sights and sounds of the waterfall. OVERALL, BOBBY SAYS maintenance on water features like this project are relatively low. Adding the waterfall element to the feature creates agitation and prevents the pond from becoming algae-filled. “We install ponds with a skimmer system similar to a pool where service debris is collected into a skimmer basket that can easily be removed and dumped out,” Bobby says. “As long as you have proper size filtration, keep your fish count in check and don’t overfeed them, maintenance is minimal.” For more information on C.E. Pontz Sons, call 717-394-9923 or visit cepontzsons.com.

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A SUBURBAN RAIN AND MEDITATION GARDEN Indian Run Landscaping created the ultimate backyard getaway – a combination meditation and rain garden – that not only solved an environmental issue, but provided aesthetic beauty to a corner of the backyard, as well as mental health benefits for the homeowners. PHOTOS COURTESY OF INDIAN RUN LANDSCAPING

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Before

The client’s young son designed a meditation area, including a water feature and labyrinth, that Indian Run Landscaping incorporated into the design of the rain garden. Right: Top: Prior to the project, the unused corner of the yard contained raised garden beds. Bottom: After the beds were removed, Indian Run Landscaping excavated and constructed the area to meet the specifications for a rain garden.

ivot has become a pandemicrelated word that even applies to the building industry. Consider the Manheim Township homeowners who were in the process of planning an addition for their home, only to be informed by the township that their stormwater would need a place to go. Their builder suggested a rain garden, which led to Indian Run Landscaping’s involvement in the project. Rain gardens are a cost effective and low maintenance way to reduce a property’s runoff. Every time it rains, water runs off impermeable surfaces like roofs and driveways, collecting pollutants

such as dirt, fertilizer, chemicals, oil, garbage and bacteria along the way, according to the Groundwater Foundation. The polluted, untreated water enters storm drains and flows directly into nearby streams and ponds. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that pollutants carried by rainwater runoff account for 70% of all water pollution. Rain gardens, which are depressed areas in their surrounding landscape, collect this water, which is then filtered by the vegetation and surrounding soil. Rain gardens not only provide localized stormwater and flood control but also help to preserve native vegetation and

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MAKING THE MOST OF A SMALL OUTDOOR SPACE

A custom-built bridge provides access across the rain garden and into the meditation area where a bubblingboulder water feature is the central point.

attract birds, butterflies and insects. THE CLIENT TOOK this opportunity to transform an unused corner of their yard. “Their young son designed a meditation-garden area that he wanted to incorporate into the design of the rain garden,” says Nikki Sandman, who is Indian Run’s social media and marketing manager. Reminiscent of a Zen garden, the son’s plan included a labyrinth and a water feature. Originating in Japan, a traditional Zen garden is a minimalist dry landscape comprised of natural elements like rocks, sand, gravel and wood. Many incorporate manmade components such as bridges, lanterns and fences. The minimalist structure and décor are meant to provide a respite – devoid of distraction – for meditation and contemplation. IN THIS CASE, pairing the meditation and rain gardens would create a peaceful escape from the outside world while also benefiting the surrounding environment. Indian Run revised the custom design of the rain garden to incorporate the son’s ideas and to meet the requirements of the township; the meditation garden would be the focal point of the corner, while the rain garden would surround it. After finalizing the design, installation began, which took about five days. Work began by removing the overgrown raised beds in the corner of the yard. The area was excavated and constructed to meet the specifications of

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the township’s Stormwater Management Plan. Inside the rain garden, the team constructed the labyrinth with a bubblingboulder water feature as the central point. Large river boulders were placed around the feature for seating. Smaller rocks – some from the family’s summer vacation – as well as stones, pebbles and gravel filled the rest of the labyrinth. (Indian Run also worked with Penn Stone to obtain materials for the labyrinth.) A bridge, custom built by one of Indian Run’s foremen, was installed to provide access across the rain garden and into the meditation area. The bridge was made with a premium, pressure-treated pine wood that will last through the seasons. Wildflowers, native perennials and shrubs, supplied by Mountain Spring Nursery and Ziegler’s Ponds and Aquatic Nursery, were planted throughout the space for the functionality of the rain garden and to add to the relaxing atmosphere of the mediation area. After mulching the beds, the Zen space was complete. “The plantings will need to be maintained as appropriate for each species, and weeds will need to be removed if they are found in the plantings and rain garden,” Nikki explains, highlighting that the space is relatively low maintenance. To learn more about Indian Run Landscaping, call 717-285-2750 or visit indianrunlandscaping.com.

The first step to transforming a small space is to consider your lifestyle and how it translates to your outdoor-living area, according to London-based garden designer Ula Maria in her book, Green: Simple Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces. Do you want to dedicate the time and space to growing a garden? Do you want to make it a fun area for your kids to play? Or would you simply like a relaxing setting to enjoy the warm weather? To make the most of your space, it is crucial to contemplate how it will best serve you. “All it takes is some creativity and imagination,” Bobby Kenyon of C.E. Pontz Sons remarks. Yards, balconies, windowsills and even rooftops all have room for possibility. No space is too small.

ASK A PROFESSIONAL.

Nikki Sandman of Indian Run Landscaping emphasizes the importance of consulting with experts for ambitious home projects. “Working with a designer is key so that the client is getting an outdoor space that works best within their space and budget and is functional for their family,” she explains. “It is important to work with a full-service landscape and hardscape company that will be able to provide design, installation and maintenance services.” Bobby also recommends taking a look at the websites and social media of landscaping companies or gardening publications to create a vision for your project. “We have tons of inspirational photos of yards of all sizes and shapes on our social media where people can browse ideas and get inspired. I’m happy to help with any questions people may have. I always respond to comments and questions even if they are planning on DIY,” Bobby says. “We can still help.”

CREATE PRIVACY. Use fences and plants to envelop your space. Stripped-down fences with climbing plants can add color and soften the look of blocky fences, Indian Run Landscaping suggests. A tree line, oversized hedges or ornamental grasses can also create subtle barriers. Creating focal points based on statement decorations or water features, can also help to draw eyes away from surrounding buildings. DON’T FORGET ABOUT VERTICAL SPACE. Recognize that you aren’t solely limited to the square-footage of your yard and take advantage of the vertical plane. Hang planters or other décor from railings and ceilings. Stack planters and containers on shelves or create a “living wall.”

CONSIDER INSTALLING GREEN ROOFS on underused

surfaces. Extension roofs, garden sheds or even rooftops of storage areas can all be transformed into beautiful small-scale landscapes, according to author Ula Maria.

GET CREATIVE with storage

options. Many urban yards are too small for traditional storage options, like garden sheds. Ula recommends utilizing outdoor cabinets or shelves and combining storage with chairs, benches or tables.

LIGHTING can transform your

space. Consider using a spotlight to highlight the focal points of your outdoor space, such as prized plants, interesting planters or water features. Warm lighting – candles or strings of café lights – provide a cozy vibe. Interesting lamps and lighting fixtures can also add a unique element to your space.

OUTDOOR AND PATIO SEATING continues to trend. “As

the pandemic has forced us to spend more time at our homes, we have become more aware of the importance of having an outdoor space to relax and unwind at home,” Nikki explains. “Patios and other outdoor-seating areas will continue to be high on everyone’s list.” A focus on making outdoor-living spaces comfortable for year-round gatherings is also increasing.

Investing in heaters, weather protection and fire pits (depending on your space and local ordinances) can help you get even more use out of your yard.

ENJOY THE SOUNDS of flowing water. Nikki and Bobby both agree that water features – bubblers, fountains and ponds – are also high on everyone’s lists. These features provide relaxation and stress relief, not to mention a beautiful focal point for your space. GARDEN BEHIND GLASS. Mini greenhouses come

in a range of sizes, so there are options to suit every budget and space. These greenhouses are perfect for growing tropical plants or stretching your garden’s viability into the fall season.

ADD YOUR PERSONALITY

to the space. Feel free to experiment with unique rugs, cushions, lighting, containers and planters. You can always switch it up next year!

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FOODOGR APHER

Bubbles & Boba

Full Circle

Bubble Tea

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JORDAN BUSH

Left to right: Strawberry green tea with lychee, milk black tea with boba and pineapple green tea with lychee. The drinks are from Bleu Bubble Tea & Bakery, which is located inside the Asian Center Supermarket in Lancaster.

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Get ready to celebrate! National Bubble Tea Day is April 30! You say you’ve been in a Covid bubble for the last 12 months and have lost track of the latest trends, including bubble tea? As the uninitiated will discover, bubble tea is easy to love – the milky-sweet and colorful tea is similar to a latte.

ow huge is bubble tea? According to CNN Travel, three years ago sales increased by 3,000% in Southeast Asia. Worldwide they are expected to increase by $2 billion over the next five years (sales estimates now stand at $4.3 billion). McDonald’s German restaurants have added bubble tea to their menus. In 2020, bubble tea became an official emoji. Bubble tea pizza is now a thing. In Singapore, fans of bubble tea swarmed shops ahead of their Covid-related shutdowns last spring. The roots of bubble tea can be traced to the late ‘40s, when a mixologist named Chang Fan Shu opened a shop in Taiwan, where he used cocktail shakers to create a rich and silky tea topped by fine air bubbles. The drink was remarkable – even revolutionary – for two reasons: served cold, it was intended to be enjoyed at one’s leisure. Fast forward 40 years to 1986, when a struggling artist/ entrepreneur named Tu Tsong-He jumped on the cold-beverage trend and added tapioca balls (fenyuan) to tea. (The tapioca balls had been a favorite childhood treat.) The resulting visual made him think of his mother’s pearl necklace, hence he called his drink “zhen zhu lu

cha” (pearl green tea). Further experimentation with black tapioca balls produced a tea with an even richer taste and chewier texture. He worked with a manufacturer to produce straws large enough to imbibe the tapioca balls. His Hanlin teahouses and tea rooms can now be found across the globe. Yet another person was claiming credit for the development of what became known as bubble tea. Lin Hsiu Hui, the product manager for Chun Shui Tang (now an international chain of teahouses), proclaimed that she developed bubble tea in 1988 during a staff meeting when, out of boredom, she mixed some tapioca balls into her tea. Meeting attendees who sampled the concoction loved it and further experimentation led to the development of a bubble tea that quickly outsold the company’s lineup of ice teas. THE COMPETITION over the bubble tea market grew fierce and by 2009 the two factions were in court in an effort to determine who could rightfully be declared the inventor of bubble tea. Ten years later, a verdict was issued. The Taiwanese court determined that since the tea industry is one of friendship, the matter of who “invented” bubble tea is a moot point. According to scholars and food historians (again via CNN Travel), bubble tea gained international attention in 2004, when the Taiwanese government was negotiating an arms deal. Citizens balked at its cost and the government proposed that if every citizen would skip one serving of bubble tea per week for the following 15 years, the arms deal could easily be afforded. The Taiwanese people were so “up in arms” over the proposal that it became international news. Meanwhile, the bubble tea phenomenon caught the attention of former investment banker, Assad Khan, who tasted the drink in New York and set his sights on launching his own venture. Bubbleology became the toast of London and Khan is now researching the premise of developing a line of “skinny teas” that will appeal to health and weightconscious bubble tea fans.

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The first time I sampled bubble tea was during Apple training in California, and I was instantly hooked. Compared to a latte, the intense shades of red, orange, yellow and even green stand out. Bubble tea requires an oversized straw so large in diameter it could be described as a tube. At the bottom of the drink, and necessitating such a straw, are circular bubbles, or tapioca pearls known as boba. Think of it like finding the cherry

tea and the tapioca pudding of your childhood do share tapioca starch as a common ingredient.

Types of Bubble Tea Replace the milk with puréed fruit and you end up with a refreshing fruit tea. Both milk- and fruit-based bubble teas can be made with green or black

Tapioca flour and dark brown sugar combine with water over medium heat to create homemade boba. Instant black boba pearls are seen on the right.

at the bottom of an ice cream sundae. The discovery is just as delightful. What follows are some tips and tidbits to get you started on the path to becoming a fan of bubble tea.

Boba

Boba, or tapioca pearls, add a subtle sweetness to bubble tea. They are all about texture, too. Boba should be soft and chewy and not hard or sticky. Ready-to-cook boba, which is made using tapioca starch (or tapioca flour), brown sugar and water, is quickly boiled and chilled. The texture and sweetness of well-made boba should be reminiscent of gummy bears. When people hear the word “tapioca,” they think of the pudding their grandmothers made. Actually, the powder found in the baking aisle comes from cassava root that is native to Vietnam and gets the flavor and texture wrong. However, bubble

tea, and all else equal, the flavor change is astounding. I thought I preferred bubble tea made with black tea until discovering a new favorite: honeydew milk green tea with boba. While boba is the best-known “topping” for bubble tea, lychee is a delicious, tropical fruit native to China with a firm, gumdroplike texture.

Placing Your Order

When ordering bubble tea, specify if you want it to be made with milk or fruit. Milk-powder is chosen for the texture and for the benefit of those who are lactose intolerant. Next, choose black or green tea, followed by your preferred level of sweetness. The default sweetness for a recipe is 100% and it can be adjusted to taste at levels of 30%, 50% or 70%. Toppings are the paramount choice: boba pearls pair better with milk tea, while lychee complements fruit teas. The amount

of ice you want, if any, as well as drink size, are specified.

Bleu Bubble Tea & Bakery

When Bleu Bubble Tea & Bakery opened inside the Asian Center Supermarket (located off the Rohrerstown Road in Lancaster), it grabbed my attention. I had to check it out. The bubble tea is outstanding and begged the question: what would prompt someone to open a foodservice business in the winter during a pandemic? Who would risk starting a new business now? It was there I met Cherie (Yi) Que and her husband, John (Jiang) Lu, part-owners of Bleu. Like many others, John was laid off from his job last year due to the pandemic. “A lot of people lost their jobs,” says Cherie. “We don’t want to depend or count on the government for something. We want to bring happiness to ourselves,” she explains. “We believe in our own hands.” So, John decided he would start a business and drew inspiration from Cherie’s love of bubble tea. In September 2020, when Cherie and John learned from the owner of the Asian Center Supermarket that a spot was available for a small business, she immediately called her best friend, Erin (Yulan) Cui, whose significant other, West (Xi) Chen, was the general manager of a Korean bakery and bubble tea shop. It was there that Erin and West first met. Every morning on her way to work, Erin would stop at the bakery for fresh bread and a lactose-free coffee, specially made by West.   The pending partnership would combine their talents. West had experience operating such a business and because Erin’s parents own a nail salon, she was familiar with the process of maintaining a business. John would bring a strong background in software, while Cherie would contribute her knowledge of marketing. Together the two couples built Bleu; the heart that caps each container of bubble tea is a nod to the love they hold for each other. By October, John and West committed to the idea and took two weeks to menu plan for their bubble tea shop. They prepared “three or four

Key ingredients in preparing bubble tea include (clockwise from bottom left): tapioca flour, dark brown sugar, milk, looseleaf green tea and homemade boba (or tapioca pearls).

varieties of each recipe,” says John, who labored over quality ingredients to find the right textures, consistency and combinations of flavors. “If I don’t like it, we won’t sell it to customers,” says John. “We are proud of our boba.” West, meanwhile, kept Erin in mind while creating lactosefree recipes, knowing she could enjoy them. As for the bakery component, equipment remained from a previous business and they wanted to make use of it. To avoid any leftovers, one batch of steamed buns is made each morning around 10:30 a.m., including a personal favorite, taro buns.  Choosing the French spelling of blue – symbolizing calmness and tranquility – Bleu Bubble Tea & Bakery opened on December 11, 2020.

A Bigger Leap

It turns out that starting a new business wasn’t the first time John took a big leap. He and Cherie met in

2006, growing up together in Guangxi Province in China, where the two were high school sweethearts. While still in school, John’s family moved to the United States. Being separated by such a great distance prompted John and Cherie to end their relationship. “We never forgot each other,” Cherie says. “John called me every single year on my birthday.” On Cherie’s birthday in 2012, her then-boyfriend missed the event, causing their relationship to end. However, the ever-faithful John called Cherie from the U.S. to wish her a happy birthday only to discover it was not a joyful day. “He could tell I was a little bit down,” Cherie says. After Cherie explained what had happened, John asked, “If I could go back to China, would you give me another chance?” Two days later, John was on a 17hour flight to visit Cherie in China. “My boyfriend in another city in China can’t make it, but John lives in America and flew across the entire Pacific Ocean. He made it. He made it,” says Cherie.

“He brought me a special gift: a wedding band,” she says. Cherie recalls asking, “John, after so many years, why are you so sure it’s me? What if I had become a really ugly monster?” Nonetheless, her answer was, “Of course, yes!” She adds, “That’s the reason why we’re here!”  The pair married a year later and planned a new future together. Because Cherie had a government position working at a police department handling security data, John offered to move back to China; however, they decided she would join him in the United States.

Full Circle

Cherie points out that the shape of boba in tea and the circle in Bleu’s logo, which she designed, have a deeper cultural meaning. The shape of a circle has a timeless significance in Chinese culture, and it holds a relatability in much of Asian culture. “The circle is one, no beginning and no end, no source and no end,” Cherie explains, paraphrasing from Chinese Zen. “One is all.” Elaborating further, Cherie explains that Asian cultures teach people to be self-contained, humble in keeping to themselves while avoiding friction.

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A person exists within his or her circle, having no sharp edges to cause friction or abrasions to others. As a smooth sphere rolls forward through challenges and adversity, it slows down for nothing that could cause harm. So, too, should a person strive to be. These values can present themselves as naivety or passivity, but Cherie’s words are powerful amid a global pandemic. Over the last year, the Asian-American community has faced a dramatic increase of threats and hate crimes across the United States, brought about by COVID-19. Driven by unfounded fear, it’s hard to see a young couple with big dreams intensely and wrongfully targeted for starting the pandemic itself. It’s an immense burden the Asian community faces daily while enduring the frustrations and challenges we all face.  “It’s really scary,” says Cherie. “No matter what tone of skin you are, we’re all human beings. There is no difference between you and me. The Asian community is also suffering from Covid. No virus has any nationality. It’s global,” she observes. “Before the pandemic came, we started wearing masks. We want to protect ourselves and other people. It’s respectful for everybody. We do our best to protect everyone.” In Asian cultures, when someone has a cold, they’ll wear a mask out of basic respect and common courtesy to others. Not only is it kind, but the

alternative – getting others sick – also seems irrational. “We should work together, holding one another’s hands, like a circle,” she theorizes. Earth, our blue marble hanging in space, contains the only-known life in the universe. All life, especially human life, is an exceptional rarity. How can we not treat others with recognition, worthy of our respect and equality? A cultural symbol as simple as a circle puts stewardship and kindness into greater perspective. Looking forward, Cherie says she would love to see Bleu “grow stronger and for it to be a voice.” Their new business is building their track and creating jobs, while supporting other local businesses and bringing in tax dollars. “Money is not the most important thing,” says Cherie. “My biggest dream is for everything to be peaceful. We don’t want to see any hatred on the streets. We all live together on this planet. We are all the same.”

Where to Find It BLEU BUBBLE TEA & BAKERY 2060 Bennett Ave., Lancaster (Inside the Asian Center Supermarket) Instagram.com/bleububbletea HIPPO BUBBLE TEA Hawthorne Center 2050 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster Hippo-bubble-tea.company.site BUBOO SMOOTHIE AND TEA HOUSE Park City Center, Lancaster

Honeydew milk green tea with boba and passion fruit green tea with lychee from Bleu Bubble Tea & Bakery. The red hearts that keep the lids in place on beverage containers honor West’s girlfriend, Erin, and John’s wife, Cherie. West and John met one another through the friendship of these two women. “This entire bubble tea [business] is about two love stories,” says Cherie.

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. L A N C A S T E R CO U N T Y | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

The D I N I N G G U I D E HONG KONG GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT 1807 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster. 717-394-4336. Our chefs have been serving Lancaster Countians their favorite entrées for 41 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. Hours: Sun., 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m; closed Mon.; Tues.Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 12-10 p.m.

LOMBARDO’S RESTAURANT 216 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster. 717-394-3749. Lombardosrestaurant.com. Family owned and operated since 1946, Lombardo’s serves beloved Italian recipes and warm hospitality. Newly renovated, Lombardo’s includes a wine room, piano lounge, renovated décor, and good things cooking in the kitchen – including fresh pasta made daily, pizza, and other delicious Italian favorites. See the menu at lombardosrestaurant.com. Group dining facilities are available for business meetings, celebrations, and more.

A Century of EXCELLENCE TRADITION HISTORY and ...

THE STOCKYARD INN 1147 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. 717-394-7975. Stockyardinn.com. The Stockyard Inn is a Lancaster County tradition of dining excellence. Built in 1750, the original Inn was once owned by President James Buchanan. Specializing in prime rib, steak (cut in-house) and fresh seafood. Business meetings and private party facilities available.

LANCASTER CITY RESTAURANT WEEK

APRIL 12-18

It’s been a year since the pandemic caused unprecedented changes in our lives. Perhaps no industry has been as adversely affected as has the hospitality industry, with restaurants, cafés, coffee shops and catering companies having to endure shutdowns, ever-changing regulations, limited seating and reduced hours. Many have survived through innovation, creativity, pivoting to take-out and expanding outdoor seating well into the fall. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, Lancaster City Restaurant Week showcases and promotes Lancaster City’s diverse community of restaurants, cafés, coffee shops and other eateries that have gained nationwide acclaim and with it, a reputation as being a foodie destination. Fortunately, last spring’s week-long celebration concluded just before the state’s shutdown was put into effect. The fall version was held over an 11-day period in September, which allowed for restaurants to contend with limited seating and reduced hours. Take-out and purchasing gift cards were also emphasized as ways in which people could support Lancaster’s hard-hit restaurant scene. While the packed restaurants associated with pre-pandemic Restaurant Weeks won’t be the case this spring because of ongoing restrictions related to seating capacity, the fact that the event is being held a month later than normal means restaurants will be able to take advantage of warmer temperatures and widen their horizons to offer outdoor dining. As always, many will be offering special dishes, prix fixe menus and drink specials. Take-out will also continue to be an integral part of Restaurant Week. This edition of Lancaster City Restaurant Week couldn’t come at a better time. Spring holds the promise of rebirth and in 2021, there is the hope that we are finally seeing light at the end of a very long tunnel. Restrictions are being relaxed, spring is in the air and vaccines mean we can once again gather safely with friends and family. What better way is there to break out of our year of isolation than over a meal you haven’t had to prepare?

STEAK Take-Out and Indoor Dining Available

1147 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA www.stockyardinn.com (717) 394-7975

Details regarding participating restaurants can be found at lancastercityrestaurantweek.com and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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TA B L E

for T W O

THE LUNCH LADLE A N D E N C K ’ S C U S T O M C AT E R I N G

A Pandemic Pivot

Enck’s heat-and-serve take-out items are available weekends and holidays. The selection changes each weekend/holiday and features salads, entrées, sides and desserts. Menus are posted online and on Facebook.

BY ROCHELLE A. SHENK PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD

If you think restaurants have been hard hit due to the pandemic, consider the plight of catering companies that depend on social, corporate and nonprofit events for their livelihoods. Events such as weddings, annual meetings and benefits were canceled in the early months of the pandemic and, due to limits on capacity, those that were held over the last six months saw guest lists dramatically reduced or they became online and streaming affairs.

“R

estaurants as a whole have been really hit but it’s been even more challenging for catering businesses,” says Ken Enck Sr., the founder of Enck’s Custom Catering. The 44-year veteran of the industry goes on to share how the pandemic has impacted his company, explaining, “We had 64 events scheduled in December at our Banquet & Conference Center in Manheim, but only ended up holding about 10 of those events due to COVID-19-related concerns.” Ken, who retired a few years ago but still has a hand in the company’s operations, views catering for weddings, corporate events and the special holiday buffets that

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are held at the Banquet & Conference Center, “the bread and butter” of Enck’s operation. The business remains a family affair – Ken’s daughter, Kim Enck, serves as events coordinator, while his son, Ken Jr., assists during large events. Jon Weaver serves as chef and general manager.

which has allowed the company to pivot and offer take-out and more recently, a return of in-house seating. Catering has also pivoted to become a take-out enterprise that offers families tasty meals for weekend enjoyment as well as special fare for holidays.

AS THE PANDEMIC endured, it became obvious that Enck’s would have to improvise in order to cope with the economic havoc Covid was inflicting on the industry. Fortunately, Enck’s Custom Catering also operates The Lunch Ladle, a casual lunch eatery located in Manheim Township’s Granite Run Corporate Center,

THE LUNCH LADLE continues to be open for lunch, Monday through Friday. The light-filled space provides seating at a counter or at tables. Jon reports that pre-Covid, the restaurant seated about 40 but because tables have been separated to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines, capacity has been reduced to about 20.

The menu features daily soup and sandwich specials, made-to-order deli sandwiches and hot-bar fare. (Hot-bar items, which vary daily, can be found on a monthly menu that is posted online and on Facebook.) Even the hot bar required a pivot. As Jon explains, the sneeze guard has always been in place but has been fortified with additional Plexiglas around the hot-bar table. Additionally, guests using the hot bar are required to wear face coverings and use food-service gloves to handle serving utensils to access hotbar items. “We’ve had to rethink what we do,” Jon says of doing business in the age of Covid. “We’re more conscious of costs and food waste. We’ve made a few changes at The Lunch Ladle and we’ve also tried some different things; some worked, some didn’t.” One of those failed experiments was offering breakfast. “It didn’t work but we may try it again,” he notes. “When we tried it initially, it was spring-early summer [of 2020] and we were limited to take-out at that time. Now that we can do dine-in, we may offer it again.” WHAT HAVE WORKED are familystyle, heat-and-serve meals that are available for take-out on weekends. The meals are available in two sizes – one serves three people, while the other serves six. Menus are posted online and on Facebook. Entrée and family-meal options may include popular items on Enck’s catering menu such as soup and salad, stuffed chicken breast, chicken caprese and Pennsylvania Dutch items like ham loaf or ham balls. “We have different groups of customers – some prefer the more traditional home-cooked and Pennsylvania Dutch items, while others prefer items like chicken caprese,” Jon

Clockwise: The Lunch Ladle is open for lunch, with inhouse seating and take-out available. The heat-and-serve take-out meals enabled The Lunch Ladle and Enck’s Custom Catering to continue operating throughout the pandemic. Jon Weaver is the company’s chef and general manager.

points out. Orders must be placed by 2 p.m. on Thursday, with pick-up times available for Friday or Saturday. Another offering that’s proven popular is theme meals that are designed around holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as events such as the Super Bowl. Holiday specials are available for “parties” of 2-4, 6-8 and 10-12 people. Menu options are available for the main course and vegetables. Desserts like cherry or pumpkin pie can also be purchased. ENCK’S ALSO IS KNOWN for its smoked meats, including brisket, pork and ribs. There’s a smoker on the premises, hence smoked meats have become a

popular part of the catering menu. Enck’s also hosted special “Hogzilla Barbecue” events in The Lunch Ladle’s parking lot for 2020 holidays such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day. The Lunch Ladle is located at 244 Granite Run Dr., Lancaster. Hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. In-house seating and take-out are available. Enck’s Custom Catering, which operates out of the Granite Run location, offers off-premises catering as well as catering and special events at Enck’s Banquet & Conference Center, 1461 Lancaster Rd. (Route 72), Manheim. Call 717-569-7000 or visit enckscatering.com and Facebook.

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The B U S I N E S S A D V A N T A G E

Lancaster’s Flooring Experts. www.certifiedcarpet.com

Farm Supply BRANDT’S FARM SUPPLY, INC. 601 E. High Street, Elizabethtown. 717-367-1221. Brandtsfarmsupply.com. Founded in 1954, Brandt’s is now owned and operated by Herman and Susan Zeager. Brandt’s offers the Elizabethtown area the customer service of a simpler time, while managing the products of the future - from their line of Kalmbach feeds to the robotic automower from Husqvarna.

Fashions NEXT TO NEW FINE CLOTHING 1920 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. 717-299-2924. Next-to-New.com. Consistently voted one of the BEST consignment shops in Lancaster County year after year, Next to New Fine Clothing Consignment has something for everyone’s style, taste and budget. This one-stop shop offers women’s apparel, shoes, accessories, jewelry and more. Sizes 0-3x and maternity. Closed Sundays.

Flooring • Cleaning • Mats

“When It’s Certified,™ You’re Satisfied!” LancCoMagAd_Nov2020.indd 1

11/17/2020 9:15:29 AM

Carpet Cleaner CERTIFIED CARPET 1855 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster. 717-394-3731 or 1-800-479-9258. Certified Carpet can make your soiled, dirty carpets and furniture look like NEW again! Year after year, Certified Carpet is voted No. 1 BEST carpet-cleaning company by the readers of Lancaster County Magazine. Locally owned and operated since 1949. “When it’s Certified, you’re satisfied!” (#PA024067)

Electrical STEPHEN M. DANIELS ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. 717-299-3135. Stephendanielselectric.com. REWIRING FOR OLDER HOMES IS OUR SPECIALTY. Specializing in updating your older home for today’s needs! We can install a single receptacle or rewire the whole building. Our goal is to install wiring without cutting holes that need to be patched and painted. Indoor and outdoor lighting, dedicated computer circuits, telephone lines, ceiling fans, heavy-duty appliances lines. (#PA008272)

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Flooring CERTIFIED CARPET 1855 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster. 717-393-3001. Certified Carpet is the complete carpet and flooring center for home and office. We feature a full line of name brand carpet, hardwood, ceramic tile and luxury vinyl tile with friendly, personalized service from a highly experienced and knowledgeable staff. “When it’s Certified, you’re satisfied!” (#PA024067)

GALEBACH’S FLOOR FINISHING, INC. 202 Main Street, Landisville. 717-898-9680. Galebachsfloorfinishing.com. Galebach’s Floor Finishing, founded in 1924, is the oldest floor finishing company in Lancaster County. We specialize in residential wood floor refinishing and have extensive experience with historic restorations. Our dust containment system keeps your home as clean as possible while our workers are on-site sanding and finishing. (#PA019030)

Hair & Nail Care ATTITUDES HAIR & NAIL SALON 798A New Holland Avenue, Lancaster. 717-295-0836. For over 20 years, our mission is 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 ‘Among the Best’ salons in 2020. Call us to schedule your appointment.

Plumbing & HVAC 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 24hour 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)

Real Estate LUSK & ASSOCIATES SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Anne Lusk represents the area’s finest properties and gives unmatched customer service for all your real estate needs from start to finish, ensuring a smooth transaction every time. Call Anne and her team at 717-291-9101, or stop by her office at 100 Foxshire Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601. Annelusk.com.

MOUNTAIN REALTY, LLC 2938 Columbia Avenue, Suite 602, Lancaster. 717-390-8701. Mountainrealtyllc.com. Offering superior real estate service to anyone relocating to or moving within the garden spot of Lancaster County. The people of Mountain Realty, LLC are extremely knowledgeable about the county and would love to share their expertise. You will find them pleasant and friendly, but totally professional.

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Retirement

’s h c a b e Gal Floor Finishing, Inc.

Specializing in Residential Wood Floor Refinishing

Since 1924

Free site consultations to evaluate your floor needs

717-898-9680

202 Main Street, Landisville www.galebachsfloorfinishing.com

THE GROVES 103 West Main Street, Ephrata. 717-733-2040. Thegroveshome.net. The Groves is a personalized retirement home offering community independence and peace of mind. Housed in an elegantly restored Victorian home, The Groves accommodates a limited number of residents who prefer to not reside in a large retirement facility. Full personal care at independent living prices with no entrance fee!

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Sanding - new or old wood Staining - on-site samples Finishing - oil base or waterbase

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L A N C A S T E R CO U N T Y | A P R I L 2 0 2 1

It’s a Beautiful Day

Photo by Gary Hoover

WITH CAROLE KIRCHNER

Imagine Covid doesn’t exist and you have a day off from work. You are free to spend the day doing exactly as you please. Inspired by U2’s It’s a Beautiful Day – “It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away” – we asked Carole Kirchner to describe her perfect Lancaster County day.

About Carole

Growing up in Southwest Lancaster City, Carole learned the importance of hard work from her father, Thomas Kirchner, who ran the family-owned beer-distributing business that was started by her grandparents, Frank and Serena Kirchner, in 1933. Carole recalls that her father stressed the importance of a strong work ethic and family values, both of which helped to drive his success as a business owner. She also remembers her father saying that you can never know enough people and, as part of that philosophy, he would smile, say hello and talk to everyone he met. He was also a dedicated supporter of “mom-and-pop stores,” which Carole believes are even more important in today’s world. Like her parents, Carole feels a strong connection to the Lancaster community. She currently resides in the same neighborhood where she was raised, a testament of her commitment to Lancaster. For Carole, Lancaster will always be the place she calls her home.   Carole is a graduate of Cabrini University, having earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing. She became a realtor prior to her senior year of college as a result of her advisor suggesting she take a summer job in a profession she may pursue after graduating. Rather than spend her usual summer at the Jersey Shore, she interned at the real estate office of a family friend and obtained her license. Carole has made the lessons she learned from her family the foundation of her successful real estate business. Passionate about her profession, Carole takes pride in the fact that real estate allows her to connect Lancaster County clients to their dream homes. On a personal note, Carole is a “proud mom of three wonderful children” and has “one amazing grandson.” From a volunteer perspective, she currently serves on the boards of SoWe and the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County.

In Her Own Words, CAROLE’S PERFECT LANCASTER COUNTY DAY

My perfect day would start by waking up very early and taking care of my rescue dogs. Once they are settled, I would head to Evolution Power Yoga for the 6 a.m. class. This

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is the most peaceful way to relax and it also sets the tone for my entire day. I have been a member there for quite a long time and I love it. It is definitely a place to try if you have not been there! After class, I would head home to take my dogs for a quick walk over to my sister and brother-in-law’s house. They live in the Southwest area of Lancaster City as well and I enjoy catching up with them most mornings. My dogs love to visit them as they know they’ll be rewarded with treats. After heading back home, I would make my usual breakfast drink of kale, fruit, flax and chia seed. After that, my next stop would be Mean Cup for a delicious cup of coffee. It is truly my favorite place to sit, relax and enjoy coffee. The staff is amazing, greeting customers with smiles and providing superior service. From there, I would take a stroll down the 300 block of North Queen Street to visit and support the locally owned shops. I find that shopping online is a boring experience and therefore I truly enjoy browsing all of the amazing items you’ll find in the boutiques, jewelry stores, vintage clothing shops, the bike shop, a frame shop and more. One of my favorite stops on that block is Building Character, a huge warehouse selling recycled/ upcycled and handmade merchandise. It is a large retail destination with hundreds of interesting items under one roof. You never know what you will find – you can definitely find something for everyone there!

After all that walking and shopping, it’s time for lunch. Pepper Theo Café, located on the Lancaster Theological Seminary grounds, would be the spot for my perfect lunch. I would enjoy a meal by the fireplace, as I admire the beautiful colored-glass windows repurposed and imported from Belgian greenhouses. Next would be one of my favorite things to do – join the Lancaster Downtowners on a hike in Lancaster County Central Park. The hike would be led by fellow downtowner Celica Milovanovic. I think she knows every trail in the park and could guide us through even blindfolded! It would be a beautiful walk where I would take in all the scenery for several miles. Now it is time to enjoy dinner and we are so blessed in Lancaster with so many places to dine out. It is hard to pick just one, but if I had to do so, I would go to The Belvedere Inn. The menu features delicious, contemporary American cuisine and it is located in a Victorian space in Lancaster City. This award-winning restaurant is definitely worth a visit! As my long and beautiful day comes to an end, my final stop would be to meet up with my brother and his wife at The Fridge. It is a wonderful place to just relax while spending quality time with special people in your life. It is a great way to end a perfect day in my forever home, Lancaster County! For more information, visit caroleschoicehomes.com.

Meet your maker… At Lancaster Central Market.

Long’s has been grating fresh horseradish roots by hand at Lancaster Central Market since the 1930’s. Prepared in small batches one jar at a time, means it is the freshest, most vibrantly flavorful horseradish you can find. Like all the best foods available at market – buy it fresh, eat it fresh and you won’t be disappointed. Come in for a visit this week – get to know us, and let us get to know you. Above is Kathleen Stoltzfus of Long’s Horseradish. TUESDAY, FRIDAY, AND SATURDAY 6 AM – 3 PM • 23 NORTH MARKET STREET OFF PENN SQUARE • 717.735.6890 •

CENTRALMARKETLANCASTER.COM

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. An American Dental Association (ADA) - recognized specialist in restoring and replacing teeth for a timeless display of confident beauty and a Fellow in the American College of Prosthodontics.

- LISA KALLMAN Independent cabi Stylist

160 North Pointe Boulevard Suite 203 / Lancaster, PA 17601 717.560.9190 YourClassicSmile.com

Specialist in Cosmetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry