Living with persis tent back or neck pain cankeepyou from enjoying theactivities youlovemost. At Penn Medicine LancasterGeneral Health,spine specialist s provideyou with themos taccuratediagnosis anda personalized treatmentplan. Throughadvancedsurgicaltechniques –including minimally invasive approaches–ourteamiscommitted to superior outcomes andrapid recovery.Soyou can return to thelifeyou enjoy.
Requesta first appointmentor second opinionat LGHealth.org/Spine or call 717.544.3148.
Considering aRothConversion?
Openinga retirementsavings accounttypically means choosing between atraditional or Roth IRA. While youmay have chosen atraditional IRAfor the initialtax savings, youmightconsider switching to aRothIRA for tax-freeretirementincome. Changinga traditional IRA to aRoth IRA is knownasa Roth conversion.
Whatisthe difference between atraditional and Roth IRA?
With atraditionalIRA, youmakecontributions using pre-tax dollars,meaningyou’ll paytaxes on the distributions youtakeinretirement. With aRoth IRA, youpay taxes on your contributions nowand maketaxfree withdrawals in retirement.
Additionally,aRothIRA does nothavea required minimum distribution age, so youcan save and growtax-free dollarsfor the remainder of your life.
Should youdoaRoth conversion?
ARoth conversion is notrightfor everyone. Here’s what to consider:
Taxobligations: If youchoose to convert to aRoth IRA youwill need to paytaxes on theadditionalincome, which could push youintoahigher tax bracket.
Your timeline: If you’re retiring within the next few years, youmay want to foregoaRoth conversion. The money youconvert into aRoth IRA must stay therefor afive-year holding period. Withdrawing sooner could result in a10% penaltyand /oradditional income taxes.
Your future taxbracket: Consider whether youwill be in ahigher or lowertax bracket when youbegin withdrawingfunds.Ifyou believe you’ll be in alower tax bracketwhen youretire, youmay want to wait to withdraw funds,soyou payless in taxes.Ifyou’re currently in ajob slump thatputs youinalower tax bracket, it maymakesense to convert to aRoth now.
Howmuchtoconvert andwhen: If you’re on the cusp of ahighertax bracket, but stillwanttodoaRoth conversion, youhavethe option to convert aportion at atime, rather than one lump sum, to spreadout your tax obligation
Consult your financial advisor beforemaking changes to your retirementaccount. Together youcan reviewthese considerationsand make thechoicethat’sright for your unique financial situation.
Michael Zimmerman, M.Sc. IAR Presiden t& Fo under
BALANCEMAGAZINE
BALANCE MAGAZINE
We made it through the first month of 2025! I always feel like January is the longest month, so I’m glad we are on to February. Our winter issue is filled with all things cozy – baked goods, hot teas and new hobbies. My favorite cozy night is hot chamomile mint tea in my puppy mug, and a good book. I’ve noticed that not only does the chamomile relax me before bed, but a little honey can also help a sore throat, and the mint can settle an upset belly There are many benefits, especially this time of year, to different herbs and teas, which we dive into on page 26. We also learn about very interesting post-retirement hobbyists on page 8 and get a glimpse of a morning inside the kitchen of a busy bakery on page 16. As always, thank you for taking a moment to read Balance I hope it was a cozy one
I always love to hear from you. If you have ideas or thoughts for future issues, please email me at lmccallum@lnpnews.com.
A sourdough starter: almost every item needing to rise will share this common element.
Photo by Quinn Staley
Photo by Emma McCallum (Age 6)
N EW TRICKS O L D DOGS,
Vibrancyin Retirement.
BY SALLYREYNO PHOTOGRAPHY OLDS BY VINNY TENNIS
Thewordcan conjureexoticvacations andblissfulrelief from the workdaygrind. Or it canevoke fears of decline,irrelevancyand boredom. If anything canbesaidabout retirement,it’sthatthere is no singledefining experience; it’s what youchoose to makeof it. Four LancasterCounty retirees have chosen to definetheir retirements by embracing creativity,whether it’s rekindling long-held artisticinterests or discovering surprising new abilities.Theirstories provideinspirationtomakeyour own retirement the most fulfillingphaseoflife.
RayWar. Onecouple used to trainservice dogs.Wehavea couple who traveled aroundthe country in atrailer andworked forweeks at atime at national parks, with theircats! We have aheadchefwho escaped from Cuba,and it took him 18 tries to getout.There’s just story afterstory.”
RAY
LOEWE
Loewe is not abelieverin retirement; he refers to it as “changing jobs.” Raybelievesyou need to do threethingstothrive in life, even when youretire: Continue usingyourtalents,follow what’s fascinating to you, andbringvalue to others
When Rayand hiswife, Sandy, movedtoWillowValley Communities,Ray decided to livehis philosophybystarting a podcast dedicatedtothe residents and staff. Rayhad dabbled in podcasting during hiscareer as afinancialadvisorwith apodcast that aimed to help hisclients solvenon-financialproblems. But at WillowValleyhis newpodcast,“Life Underthe WillowTree,” would be dedicated to thehiddenstories of the people aroundhim. These people arefascinating,Ray says.“ We have agentlemanhere who still is on retainer with NASA,”hesays. “His jobthere wasto help investigate if thereislifeonotherworlds. We have fiveNavy admirals thatliveherethatran oursubmarinefleet during theCold
Rayhas recruiteda groupofabout adozen other WillowValley residents whoare alsopodcast enthusiasts.One memberof thegroup,EllenHaas, hasa doctorate in soundengineering,so naturallyshe handles podcast production. Other membershelp withfinding storiesand doing thepodcast interviews.Willow Valley enthusiasticallysupports thepodcast by providing studio space andthe help of its theatersoundtechnicians.Ray ’s group completesabout50podcastsa year;you canlisten to over 140 episodeshere: https://lanc.news /wvpod.
Aside benefit of thepodcast hasbeen that it quickly integrated Rayand Sandy into thecommunity. “One of thereal benefits Igot is whenwemoved here,weknewnobody, right? We come from southernNew Jersey.Wedidn’tknowanything about Lancaster. Butthe podcasts arewhatassimilatedusintothe communityin thefirstyear.”
Rayhas plans to expand his efforts into theassisted living and memorycareareas withapodcast called “Popcornand Podcasts.” “People whoare in medicalcaredon’thavealot of social stuff going on,”Ray says,“so sharing apodcast withthemishelpful andsometimes it canbeusefultopullout stories” that mightotherwisebelostto familymembers
With everypodcast,Ray embodies the ideathat“youmay be retiredfrompaid work,but you’re not retiredfromlife.”
WaltPoyckand CarolHawk’s charming home inMillersville is an art gallery inside and out.Carol’s watercolorsand Walt’sphotographs adorn the home’s interior,while the yard hosts Walt’swhimsicalsculptures crafted from scrapmetal.
Walt gothis start in sculpturedecades ago in ageneral art classwhen he wasa studentatFranklin &Marshall College “One of the assignments wastomakea sculpturefromfound objects,” he says “And Ihad no ideawhatIwas going to do, but Iknewafew places thatdid metal fabrication, andIwentand looked in their scrapbins and theygavemestuff and Iput together apiece forthisclass, andit's probably the only AI ever gotin college! Ireally enjoyed it,and Istillhave thatpiece.”
Lifegot in the wayofart formanyyears asWalt served in theU.S.Navy, worked in human resources in the private sector,and ultimately wasemployedin education. Retirementhas allowedhis artistic drivetore-emerge Walt’screativeapproach is to go to scrapyards and let the metal speak to him. “WhatIdoisIlook formaterials thatattract me, the pieces thatI think look interesting, and thenI try to create something from thosepieces.As opposed to saying,‘Oh, I'm gonna makea chicken’ andgofind some parts to makea chicken,”hesays.
WALT POYCK
Walt bringshis design andthe metal pieces to an Amishwelder for assembly of the sculpture. The finished pieces are abstract,ranging in sizefrom about 1foot to 8 feet high. Shapes evokeall kinds of imagery: giant eyelashes,a dancer, agiraffe, amonster, a Picasso,a school of fish.
Walt doesn’tsell hissculptures; he givesthem away “I have acouple pieces in the Lancaster Art Museum's permanent collection,”hesays. “I'vegot them sprinkled alloverthe place, from coast to coast, different people, friends, familythatI'vegiven stuffto.”
It’s impossible to meetWaltand go homewithoutasculpture. After our interview, Walt gave me abeautiful piece about 6feettall, gracefully shapedlikea surfboardwith acentral eye, to add to my ownpermanentcollection.
Bob and Carol Renzi’shome at WillowValley Communities is decoratedwith alot of art.Most arepieces by professional artists,but some were createdby Bobhimself.
Bob’scareer wasnot in the arts.He wasaradio interceptor in the security of the Air Force, listening to code communications and transcribing them.During theCuban MissileCrisis,he was tuned in to Chinese transmissionsfor 10 hoursaday.
BOB RENZI
In retirement, adrawing classatWillowValleyinspired Bob to start creating art.
Bobrecalls,“Inever drew before, but Itook theclass, and Iseemed to do well in it.One of the thingstheytaught washow to takeaphotograph and grid it on paper before drawing.I had so manyphotos of all my trips,Ijust thought it would be neattotry to draw one of themfor theclass.
People told me to frame it,soI just went from there. Itook awatercolor class too, and nowI work in pencil, colored pencil and watercolor.”
Bob smiles as he recallsthe stages of getting hisartwork on displayathome:“In thebeginning, Carol wouldonlyallow me to put my artwork in my closet.Then, as Igot better,she gave me the garage space. And thenshe allowedme to put some of the pictures in thehouse!”
In manyofBob’s drawingsand paintingsyou’ll see gorgeouslandscapes inspired by photos from Boband Carol’sexplorations.Theyhavedriven across the country three times and have visited every state,and they’ve traveledextensivelyinEurope.
If youvisit theirhome,you’llalsosee portraits of Willow Valley pets,which has been agreat wayfor Bobtoconnect with otherresidents. Anotherofhis ongoing projects has beentocomplete aseriesofintricatedrawingsofthe face cardsand aces in adeckofcards
If Bobpaints your pet’sportrait just remember thathe won’ttakepayment, although abox of chocolates is always a welcome trade.
andy Stauffer worked for42years at Armstrong World Industries,inroles ranging from data entry to human resources to sales training.Whileher career didn’t directly involvecreativity,her childhood did. “I always enjoyedsewing,”she says. “ When Iwas young,mymother taught me to sew, andIwas in 4H and had some wonderful teachers. So,out of necessity, I made clothes formyself.”
In retirement, Sandy wanted to use her sewing skills forsomething “a little different” and decided to try quilting. Shehad grownupwith quilts around thehouse, and her familyevenused a handmade quiltasa beach blanket (something shewould neverdotoday).
She found her quilting inspiration and education at TheOld Country Store in Intercourse,whereshe took abeginners’ quilting classand washooked. Of the quilting process,she says,“I love picking the fabrics and the patternsand seeing howwell theyworkwith each other.”
SANDY STAUFFER
Sheparticularly lovesvintage brics,polkadots the vibrantcolors ffe Fassett fabrics satisfies Sandy ’s creativestreak,but it also fulfills a desire to do good works. “I knewI wantedtojumpintosomethingthat could givebacktomyfamilyand to the community,”she says.“I’ve made quilts for everyfamily member, and if anybody knows somebody who is in the hospital or havingababy, Imakeaquilt forthem. I enjoy making gifts forpeople.”
Quiltinghas also addeda wholenew social dimension to Sandy ’s retirement life. Sheregularly joins agroup of quiltersinongoing classes at TheOld Country Store, and hergroup has even done athree-dayquilting retreatinthe store’ssecond floor,where theysew and laugh and enjoyeachother’scompany.
AllSandy ’s quilts thus farhavebeen from patterns andare generallythrow-sized. On her to-dolistisreplicatingher uncle’s babyquilt (she has theoriginal hanging in herhome) anda sampler quilthanded down fromher grandmother.She also wantstolearntodofull-sizebed quilts
Whenasked howmuchfabricshe has purchased sinceshe gotintoquilting, Sandylaughsand says,“Bins and bins! Myhusband, Jeff, says Ihaveenough. I say, youcan neverhaveenough!”
WhenSandy and Jefftravel, theygo to quilt stores in every state they visit so thatSandy canadd to herfabric collection.Soon, Sandy and Jeffwill headtoFlorida forthe winter.With them will go adog, twoBERNINA sewing machinesand as manybins of colorful fabric as Sandy cansqueeze into thecar Hopefullythere’s room forJeff
How to St rike th e Right Balance at 55 and Beyo nd:
Today ’s seniors are demanding more and more from their retirement. They want a lifestyle filled with inspiring activities, fun, friends resor t-style amenities, and of course, great dining experiences. At the end of a busy day, they also want a home that suits their style, as well as their lifestyle.
Willow Valley Communities, an award-winning 55+ community in Lancaster, understands this mindset. With its over-40-year tradition of excellence and innovation, Willow Valley Communities is built on a foundation of hospitality and service excellence, and its programming and amenities offer a seemingly endless array of 55+ lifestyle opportunities.
Set on over 210 acres in Lancaster County, Willow Valley Communities is already home to 2,600 residents originating from 42 states across the country. And, Newsweek just ranked Willow Valley Communities the #2 Continuing Care Retirement Community in the nation #1 in PA and the eastern U.S.!
Now, Willow Valley Communities introduces its next generation of residences: Mosaic
Rising 20 stories in the hear t of Lancaster City, just steps from Penn Square and Lancaster Central Market, Mosaic will encompass 146 beautifully appointed, light-filled apar tments with expansive Lancaster City
views.Mosaic promises adistinctive activeadult lifestyle withworld-class amenities, elevatedbyits locationinLancaster —a vibrant, walkablecity, with live theater,galleries,eclectic shops, anda thriving, nationallyrenowned culinary scene.
Savvyseniorsknowthat havingpeace of mind about thefutureisessentialtoanextraordinary lifestyle. All Willow Valley Communitiesresidentsreceive aLifecare Type Acontract, whichmeans monthly service fees will notincrease because of aneed foran enhanced levelofcare, such as personal care,skilled nursingcare, or memory suppor t. Fees areset and predictable,and more impor tantly, residentsand their families canrest assuredknowingthatsuppor tive living is available—ifand when needed —atthe highest standardofexcellence,ina place they know andtrust. WillowValleyCommunities is the only exclusively Type ALifecarecommunity in Lancaster County. WillowValleyCommunitiesoffers everything youexpect in premier senior living.
Award-winning amenities. An exceptional lifestyle, plusthe indisputable valueand assurance of Lifecare. Ranked by Newsweek as the#2CCRCcommunityin thecountryand #1 in PA andthe easternU.S.,Willow ValleyCommunitiesoffers the perfect balance in 55+ living.Reach outtoday to learnabout thisexceptional community.Besuretoask aboutNEW construction and pre-constructionpricing forMosaic.
Visit: mosaiclancaster.com |888.893.1423
WillowValleyCommunities is honoredtohaveearned the #2 nationwideranking in Newsweek’s 2025 editionof America’sBestContinuingCareRetirementCommunities.
Thank youtoour Residentsand Team Members formaking our community atruly specialplace to liveand work.
accepting reservationsfor
Rise Shine
The temperaturehoversaround freezing as Imakemyway downtown, the cold, dry air amplifying howquiet it canget in Lancaster city. In the pre-dawn hours,standholders arejust beginning to unload their wares at CentralMarket in preparation for their market day. As Ipassby, even their conversations seemed muted. Streetlights silently run through their cycles as I continue my wayupKingStreet.Not one to be an early riser,Ifeel likeastrangerinmy owntown.
But Kristen Richards- Sollenberger’sday is already in full swing.
Richards- Sollenbergeristhe owner of FrontPorch Baking Co., aMillersvillebased retail storeand bakery.After getting that space up and running, she added more production spacea fewyearslater at the siteofthe formerGoldie’sBakery at King and Limestreets,which is my destination thiscold morning
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT EVENT
on March 9th 5:30-9pm (doors open at 5pm)
Location: Vue De La Lune 360 Weaver Road, Lancaster
We’re excited to invite you to an exclusive event from all walks of life. This special day will be filled with opportunities for personal growth, connection, and empowerment.
• Take a mini class and learn from some of the most inspiring women leaders in our community.
• Connect with like-minded women and build a supportive network of friends and mentors.
• Shop and explore a marketplace featuring women-owned vendors.
• Enjoy delicious food, beverages, and live performances.
Grab your girlfriends and join us for a day of fun, inspiration, and celebration. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and connect Dress Code: Black
Arising as early as 2a.m.,Richards- Sollenberger beginsher predaylighthoursmixing,shaping,cooking andbaking alongside asmall staff to produce bakedgoodsshe has been crafting and tweaking almost her entirelife. Breads,cookies,pies,bars, quiches— she rattles off along list of items she makesand sells at her store. Theyare made with awide varietyofflours, includingrye,buckwheatand spelt, an heirloom varietyofwheatmorecommonly foundinbreadsfrom Germanbakeries.
Yams,fresh from the oven,cool on arack as Itourthe kitchen filled with professional equipment. Alarge massofdough, just formed in a
massivemixer,sitsready to be shaped into loaves. Coffeecakemade with speltflourispreparedinanother corner.The fragrance is rich and earthy.
Almost every item needing to rise will eventually share acommon element: Theywillbeleavened with asourdough starter, aslow-rise processthattakes quite abit longer (three days,infact) than breads made withayeast starter but allows fora morecomplex and flavorful profile. The slow, naturalriseallowsthe grainsshe uses to shine through. Many bakers name their sourdough starter and Kristenisno exception: her starter is named Gertrudeinhonor of hergreat-aunt.
Using sourdoughisanancientprocess alsohas theeffect of breaking down gluten proteins,making it possiblefor some gluten sensitivepeople(although notpeople with celiac disease) to enjoythesebreads.The bakery is also nut-free, making FrontPorch Baking Co.safefor peoplewithnut allergies
Kristen’sflourcomes from regional mills that useorganically grownPennsylvania grains.The bakery carries a“PA Preferred” designation, and Richards- Sollenbergeris
committed to sourcing themajority of her ingredients from as nearbyaspractical. When acustomer purchases aloaf of bread from FrontPorch Baking Co., they not only supporttheirlocal bakery but farmerswithin thestate.Buyinglocally means working seasonally.Her lineup of products is focusedontaking advantage of ingredients at their peak and baking processesthatvarydepending on thetime of year
As she rolls out dough and formspleatsfor pie crusts,Itakenotice of the recipe sheetsand volumes of referencebooksnearbyfilled with her handwrittennotes.Theyreflect along history of dialing in the characteristics of a specific loaf or roll just right.Her lifetime of experience comes from learning to bakewith her grandmother using traditionalEuropean recipesand yearsspentprofessionally baking in restaurants.Thattraditional upbringing shines through in the baked goods prepared forthis time of year.
In addition to asolid foundation ofyearround breads,you canalsofind seasonal specialtiesfromthe Old World on rotation. Forthe winterholidays,theseinclude stollen,
afruit bread, and kuchen, which she builds withaspelt shortbreadbaseand cake batter top, with sliced fruitinthe middle. The classic Germanbaked goods arepart of the uniquenessofher bakery
My coffeelong gone, Idecide to take leave to beginmyworkday, the streets nowfull of people doing the same.For RichardsSollenberger, working andbaking will continuethrough the afternoon, with paperwork and other responsibilities taking up the bulk of her early evenings. She gets to bedaround7,ifpossible.
Afew weekslater,Istopbyher storein Millersville to seeher retail operation
and marvel at the tightproductionspace she worked in foryears beforeadding her downtown production facility.
As customerscome and go,she reiterates her appreciation of the communityand her commitmenttoit. Aboard hangs next to the cash register listing the local farm partners with whom she works. Patrons stop in to see whatflavor of biscotti is available, or to grab abaguette to split with friends and familyfor the weekend. Like the slowriseofher bread, her businesscontinues to expand and develop into something bigger and more wonderful thanbefore.
WHOLEGRAIN SHORTBREAD
2-1/3cups unsaltedbutter
1-1/3 cups granulatedsugar
1-1/2teaspoons kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3-1/4cups allpurpose flour
3-1/4cups spelt flour citrus zest or desired spices (optional)*
Cream the butter andsugar until lightand fluffy (about 5minutes).
Scrape down, add in salt, vanilla, followedbybothflours.
Mixuntil just combined.The doughwill feel soft butthick.
Chill dough foratleast2 hours beforerollingand cutting into desired shapes. This doughcan alsobeshapedintoa log and sliced or used as acrustfor lemon bars!
*If addingcitruszest, do so withthe sugar.Ifadding spices, do so withthe flours.
Bakefor about35minutes at 350°, remove from theovenand then sprinkle with superfine or granulated sugar.
Romanc e AND
When restaurantreservation service OpenTablereleased itsTop 100 Romantic Restaurants in Americalast year,itwas no surprise that Josephine’smade the list. Sinceopening in downtown Lancaster alittleover five years ago, Josephine’shas proven that the best fine dining is not only aboutthe food but the experience.
Inspiredbyits proximity to iconic Lancaster landmarks, including CentralMarket and theFultonTheatre, Josephine’s embraces the city’slove of historyand the artswithanambience that harks back to abygone eraofromanceand glamour. Fromits softlighting to itsrich, tufted blue-velvet banquetteseatingto itsgold-framed black-and-white photos of legendaryHollywood stars, Josephine’screates aone-of-a-kinddate-night experience and the perfect complement to anightatthe theater
Adding to that experience, Executive Chef Rafe Hottenstein prepares acontinental cuisine with French,American and Asian influences.Signature items include seared scallops,crab cakes, duck breastand prime beef tenderloinfilet. Thereare glutenfree and vegan options as well. Everydishismade from scratch with carefullysourced ingredientsand served by an experienced staff dedicated to making your time at Josephine’sspecial.
In keeping with the Hollywood theme, Josephine’sunique cocktail menu features drinks named forand inspired by some of itsbiggeststars, including theBetty White, theMarilyn Monroe, the CaryGrant and the Bing Crosby.There’seven aBettyFord mocktail. The most popular is the Frank Sinatra, aManhattan made with WoodfordReserve Bourbon,CarpanoAnticasweet vermouth, Luxardo cherry and black walnutbitters.
While Josephine’sisthe perfectdestinationfor adinnerfor twoduring thismonthoflove, it’s alsoa perfect gatheringspot forfriends and family. Private dining roomsare availablefor special events.Orstopinfor happy hour at the barfrom 4:30 to 6p.m. every Tuesday through Thursday andtry any of the gourmet appetizersontheirdinner menu forhalf price, along with $8 espresso martinisand $8 house wine and bubbles by the glass.
Drop in forameal or acocktailonFridays and Saturdays from 6to9p.m. and enjoy MarkHuber on thebabygrandSteinway with accompaniment on bass guitar.
Josephine’sispart of theVescor Hospitality Groupthat alsomanages The BelvedereInn, 401 Prime andC’estLaVie Bistro in Lancaster city.C’est La Vieisinthe samebuildingas Josephine’s, at ground level, with viewsofCentral Market.
Josephine’sDowntown, 50 W. GrantSt., is open 4:30 to 9p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
For moreinformationorreservations, call 717-299-7090 or visitjosephinesdowntown.com.
Herbal Remedies for aHealthier,HappierWinter
BY KRISTA LOCKWOOD |ILLUSTRATIONS BY BAILEYWATRO
If you’relikeme, winter canfeel likeaseason to endurerather than enjoy. The dark days, cold weather,lingeringsnifflesand lowenergy bring on the dreadedwinter blues.While modern medicine offersquick fixes, Ifound myself lookingfor gentler,morenatural solutions for theseseasonal challenges. Could the bestremedies be as simpleaswhat’s already in my kitchen?
Staying Healthy
At the first signsoffall, I’ll beginadding teasand other immuneboosting ingredientstomyself-careroutine.Iespecially love creating my ownteasbecause itgivesmecontroloverthe ingredients,iscost-effective, andallowsmetocustomize the
IM MUNIT YB OO ST ER S
Nettles: Nettles areextremely rich in minerals. While they’re not specifically an immune booster,I drink nettle teafor the nourishment it provides, which helps to ward off illness.Nettlesare excellent at absorbing nutrientsfrom the soil, but this means they also absorb toxins such as weed killersand heavymetals. That’swhy Ialways choose high-quality dried nettlesfrom atrustedsource.
Lemon and Honey: Astaple in my routine, lemon is a wonderful source of vitamin Cand minerals.Pairedwith the antibacterial properties of honey, theymakea powerful duofor preventingand fighting off illness.Ilove howtheytaste together,and Ioftenadd them to my favorite teas for an extra boost of flavorand wellness.
Echinacea: Echinacea is known for its potent, yetsafe immune-boosting properties. Isip echinacea tea withlemon at the very first signsofa cold or flu
Determinedtofind abetterway,I began exploring naturalremedies through books, podcasts andlocal foraging classes.Over time, winterhas transformedintoaseason of nourishmentand self-care, whereIfocus inward,supportingmyhealth in effective, holistic andaffordable ways.Hereare some of my favorite naturaltools to stayhealthy, balancedand vibrantall season long.
Pleaserememberthat some herbs caninteract with medications andmedical conditions,so it’s essentialtoresearcheachherbcarefully or consult with ahealthcareprovider before use. If pickingfroma garden,pleaseresearch which part of the plantisedible and suitable for use
Rose Hips: Rosehips are excellentfor immune support andare packed full of vitamin C. Ienjoy drinking this tart, citrusy tea to help build resistance to colds throughout the winter.
Camu Camu: WhenI’m in themood for something other than tea, IturntoCamucamu powder.I love addingittomy morningsmoothies foran extraboost of vitamin C.
MedicinalMushrooms:
Medicinal mushrooms have beengainingalot of attention as immune boosters.While varietieslikecordyceps and reishiofferamazing health benefits, they canbepricey. That’swhy Ioften choose moreaffordable optionslike shiitake andmaitake, which areeasytofind at my local market. Instead of tea, I’ll sautéthesemushrooms with garlic (naturally antibacterial) and onion (rich in vitamin C andquercetin)for aflavorful, nourishing additiontomy meals.
blendbased on my specifictaste and needs. Iuse theseherbs as apreventativemeasure,aremedy when I’m feeling underthe weather, or simply as acomforting treat to sip,inhale and warm my h
on frigid days
hands
savoring a w and inhaling t clear a stuffy or e o o I e have a are my relief layer natu pai
Elderberry Syrup: Elderberry syrupisone of my trusted remedies for immune support and soothing ascratchythroat. Ialways ensurethe syrup is properly prepared,asraw elderberries aretoxic.For an alternative with the same health benefits, try deliciouselderberryjam.
Chamomile, Lavender, Valerian: On sleepless nights when I’m tossing, turning or battlingacough, I’ll implementthese calming herbs to help me getthe rest Ineed.Sipped as asoothing teablendoraddedtoawarm bath, theypromote deep sleep and helpbodyachesand headaches.
OilofOregano: Ireach for oiloforeganoincapsule form when Isuspect I’mdealing with asinus infection or strep throat. It’spotentnatural antibacterial qualities help fightoffinfections,and I use it sparingly and with the same care Iwould give a prescription antibiotic.
Tips To Grow Perennial Herbs
Plant in early springorbeforelastfrost • Plantindrainable pot Keep soil moistby watering regularly,donot overwater! Keep in area with direct sunlight
Rich in antioxidants Acts as asedative to improve quality of sleep
Canpromote heart health by regulating bloodpressure
Mayhelp relievesymptoms of premenstrualsyndrome
LAWY ER S WH OL EA D.
Ageneral practicelaw firm, morethana legal firm, alegal team. Lancaster WillowStreet Ephrata Lancaster’sleading comprehensivelaw firm, providessound counsel and expert legaladvice andsupport forclients with many different typesoflegal needs.
Beating the Winter Blues
Irelyonmedicinal herbs throughout the dark and dreary season to keep my spirits high and stress levels low. Whether sipping asoothing tea or taking aconvenienttincture,I tailor my approacheachday to support my energy and emotional balance.
SPIRIT LIF TE RS
Lemon Balm: This uplifting herb is known for restoring asense of calm andwell-being. Iloveits citrusy,subtly sweetflavor and cheerful lemony aroma. Enjoyitasatea, whichcan also help relieve cold symptoms,orinfuse it into honeyfor amood-boosting treat.
St. John’s Wort: I’ve found St.John’s Wort tobeapowerful natural mood booster,especially duringthe winter months. It’s knowntohelp with managing mild to moderate depression, anxietyand stress,but unlike pharmaceuticals,ittakes consistent usefor at least twotothree weeksto really feel the effects.I personally take it daily in tinctureform to keep my spiritslifted, making it astaple in my routine year-round.
Note:St. John’swortisnot asubstitute forprescribed antidepressants.St. John’s wort caninteractwith many medications and medical conditions, so always consultyourdoctoror pharmacist beforeuse.
ST RES SR ELIEVERS
Passionflower: WhenI’m feeling stressed or anxious,I turn to passionflowertohelpme slowdownand stay present. It’sacalming herb that canmakemefeel sleepy, so Iusually enjoy it in the evening or rightbeforebed.
MilkyOats: Milkyoats is great forcalming anxiety,irritation and emotional tension. I love drinking it as atea —itfeels likea warm hug formynervoussystem!
Holy Basil (alsoknown as Tulsi): As an adaptogen, holy basil helps reduce both emotionaland physical stress,making it a go-to remedy when Ineed to ease anxiety and tensioninmybody
Tuningintomybodyand embracingthese simple, natural remedies has transformedhow Iapproachwinter.Byturning seasonal challenges into opportunities for self-care, I’ve discovered adeeper appreciationfor the season and found joyinnurturingmyhealth. Thesepractices notonly rt ll-being butalso bring of balanc nd qualitytothe colder mon
ON EC AMPUS . AL LL EV ELS OF LIVIN G.
Acentury ago, agroup of sistersfromTheAdorers of theBlood of Christ establishedasimpleconvent on afarminColumbia. Soon,following their call to serveChristand others,theybegan taking in andcaringfor theelderly
Three yearslater,in1928, they addedanannex to theconvent,renovated a nearby farmhouseand officially opened their doorstoresidents.St. Anne’s was born.
Over theyears,St. Anne’s hasexpandedand grownfar beyond that original farmhouseintoa continuingcareretirementcommunity welcomingpeopleof all faiths.Whateveryourneeds post-retirement, you’ll findyourhomehere.
In de pe nd en tl iv in g
Forthose whowanttocontinuetoliveindependently withoutthe bother of home maintenance, St.Anne’soffers avarietyofsemi-detachedcottages, carriage houses, villas andmanors. We also offer 4differentapartment styles that mayinclude sunrooms,private patios or deckswithfarmlandviews. Cottages range in size from one-bedroom plansunder 1,000 square feet to two-bedroom plansjustunder 1,500 square feet, most with garages. Interior andexteriormaintenance,snowremoval andlawncareare included, butthose whoenjoy gardeningcan maintain theirown flowerbeds, if they choose.Pets up to 50 pounds arealsowelcome.Other perksinclude an
emergencycallbuttonsystem, shuttleservice,community activities,alacarte diningoptions in 2oncampuseateries, The VillageBistroand Carmela’sCafé, andcomplimentary daypassestothe gymfacilities at Hempfield RecCenter. St.Anne’salsooffers avarietyofone-and two-bedroomapartmentsinour main buildingat3952 Columbia Avenue.
Pe rs on al ca re
“W hate ve r yo ur ne ed s po st -r et ir em en t, yo u’ ll fi nd yo ur home he re .”
Personal care services at St Anne’s allow residents to enjoy life without worrying about all the details. All residents have private rooms, most with a mini-fridge and private bath. Other amenities include a flatscreen TV in every room, laundry and linen service, housekeeping, three meals in the dining room, a full activity schedule, an in-house medical director, in-house podiatry, optometry and dental services, and up to two hours a day of individualized care. They also have access to social, educational and wellness programming. The multiple levels of care offered, encourage an age-in-place system of comfort that allows for residents to remain independent as long as possible
Sk il le d nu rs in g
For those that need round-the-clock, individualized care, St Anne’s Skilled Nursing Center is licensed by the state Department of Health and has a friendly, knowledgeable staff of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and other health care workers dedicated to each resident’s health, comfort and spiritual well-being Private and semi-private rooms are available.
A full-time, onsite therapy team offers physical, occupational and speech therapy services.
Me mory su pp or t
Both the Robert L and Anna M Roschel Memory Support Center and Ann B Barshinger Memory Support Centers at St Anne’s provide care to meet the needs of residents who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The Robert L and Anna M Roschel Memory Support center provides a safe and secure home-like environment – including a country-style kitchen and dining room, sunroom and spas – creates a serene atmosphere for residents who may become overwhelmed by noise, lights and other stimuli. The center’s new and expanded services include enhanced calendars and activities based on an individual’s schedule/rhythm, virtual reality goggles that can transport residents to a peaceful beach or an international travel destination, and healing stations for residents who find comfort in caring for dolls and pets or doing familiar household tasks. There are a variety of semi-private, shared private and private room options
The Ann B. Barshinger Memory Support Center provides the opportunity for residents living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia diagnosis to have a sense of independence while still receiving the assistance with other needs. In this center, residents will receive assistance with personal hygiene and medication administration. There are a variety of daily activities and guidance provided on safety awareness. The Ann B Barshinger Center provides a secure space with private rooms that feature a mini fridge, bathrooms, and flat screen television.
Now Ac ce ptin g appl ic ations ! Ca ll to day to ad d your love d on e to ou r Pe rs on al , Sk il le d or Me mory Ca re fa mi ly to day!
For more information about St Anne’s Retirement Community, 3952 Columbia Ave., visit www.StAnnesRC.org. For independent living, call sales at 717-285-6197. For personal care, skilled nursing and memory support, call admissions at 717-285-1404.
