Balance - April 2025

Page 1


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ASolutionfor Smart Money

Smart Moneyisthe cash reservethatyou want to have control over andaccesstointimes of emergency. Whilethereare manyplaces to keep thisreserve, permanentlifeinsurance is often overlookedasanoption. However, it canbeasmart choice.Beforeproceeding, it is important to work withyourfinancialprofessional to conduct athorough needs-basedanalysistodetermineifdeath benefitcoverageisnecessary

eSituation:

probablylooking forwaysto oveyour financialstrategyfor ementand leave something taxor the next generation while aving fundsavailable for gencies or end-of-lifecosts xeduniversal life(IUL) urancecan beagood option chieving thesegoals.With IUL, youhavethe potential for owth based on the performance astock marketindex, but th downside protection tcan help minimizelosses. ditionally,IUL policiesoffer xadvantagedwithdrawals and ans,whichcan beusefulfor ccessing funds in retirement.

However, IUL policiescan be complex andmay not be suitablefor everyone.It’sagood ideatospeak with afinancial advisor to determine if an IUL policy is the rightchoice foryour specific financial situation andgoals.Theycan help youunderstand the details of the policy andhow it fits into your overall financial strategy

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Earlycashvalue indexeduniversallife(IUL) insurance providesliquidityoptions (CD alternative) andaccelerateddeath benefits

With the rightIUL policy,you have the potential to grow cash valueand then accessthosefunds in the form of policy loans or withdrawals forthose“justin-case” needs. Youcan usethe funds anyway you like. Additionally,the policy offersaccelerateddeath benefits,meaningyou have the option to access a portion of the deathbenefittosupplementlongterm care,subjecttoeligibilityrequirements.

Happy to chat!

6Fasting and Cleansing – Krista Lockwood What you should know aboutthe pros, the cons andthe alternativesfor a healthyreset.

14 Discover Boalsburg – Mary Ellen Wright Take aday trip to this Centre County town that offershistory,shopping, dining and a summer holidayclaimtofame.

20 Kitchen Inspiration – Sally Reynolds From textures to tiles,fourdesign experts sharethe latesttrends for style andfunction.

28 Uncovering the Past – SallyReynolds Meet Peter Deen, amaster conservationist who brings painted treasuresbacktolife.

One of our favorite books at home right now is all about finding signs of spring, so we call them out on our evening dog walks too. It might be laundry out on the line, robins singing on those same laundry lines, onion grass sprouting (always before the regular grass sprouts), daffodils budding, or even the smoky smell of a burger on the grill. Every year around this time I think, “We did it! We made it through another winter!” Even more than the new year, spring feels like a fresh start to me While we are talking about fresh styles in kitchen design on page 20, we also are uncovering old as new with our fascinating story on master conservationist Peter Deen on page 28, a beautiful travel story on page 14, and an informative take on juice cleanses on page 6. This issue feels fresh and new, but with the classics at the center, it’s always a Balance. Thank you so much for reading.

For over 35 years, the Clinic for Special Children has provided exceptional care for patients with rare genetic disorders in Lancaster County and beyond.We’ve grown from treatingahandful of genetic disorders in 1989 to over 450 disorders today.

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ON THE COVER

Peter Deen , a master conservationist, works through layers upon layers of dirt, varnish and paint to reveal the original beauty of pre-1820 American painted furniture.

Portrait by Lindsey McCallum
Photo by Andrew Albright

Spring is my favorite time for a health reset before summer ’s busy schedule of travel and fun activities. Over the years, my spring resets have taken many forms, like building a meditation practice, learning how to strength train or preparing for a 5K. During the COVID era, I explored water fasting and juice cleansing as part of my reset.

Through exploring these two detox methods, I learned that not all “cleanses” are created equal. It’s worth considering the differences between fasting and juice cleanses, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.

While fasting and cleanses are popular spring detox methods, they may not be the best approaches to improving your health. If you’re looking to do a spring reset like this, it’s important to educate yourself and choose the option that best supports your body ’s unique needs

WAT ER FA ST ING

Water fasting involves drinking only water and refraining from food or calories Historically, humans didn’t always eat three structured meals a day, and periods of food scarcity allowed the body to clear the digestive system before the next meal. While our lifestyles have changed, our bodies are still very much the same, and occasional fasting could provide health benefits

BE NE FIT S

• Stimulates autophagy, the body’s process of removing damaged or unnecessary cells, promoting overall health and enhancing the body’s efficiency.

• Gives the digestive system a break and helps the body eliminate waste.

• May improve mental clarity, boost energy levels, reduce inflammation and promote weight loss.

DIS AD VA NTAG ES

• Can be challenging and cause fatigue or dizziness.

• May not be suitable for individuals who take medication or have health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease

• Long-term fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies and affect the body’s ability to function properly

JUICE CLE ANSING

Juice cleansing involves consuming only freshly pressed juices from fruits and vegetables. It’s intended to support detoxification by providing the body with beneficial nutrients from the juices.

BE NE FIT S

• Can give the digestive tract a break to rest and repair

• Provides a higher concentration of beneficial vitamins and minerals than one would typically consume

• Provides your body with vital nutrients, compared to water fasting, which provides no nutrients.

• More satisfying than water fasting, since it offers variety and flavors.

• May improve mental clarity, boost energy levels, reduce inflammation and promote weight loss.

DIS AD VA NTAG ES

• Calories are still being consumed, so it’s technically not “fasting” and may not trigger autophagy as effectively as water fasting.

• High sugar content and a lack of fiber can cause blood sugar spikes, leading to energy crashes, mood swings and potential hormonal imbalances.

• May not be suitable for individuals who take medication or have health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease

• Long-term fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies and affect the body’s ability to function properly

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Always consult a doctor or work with a professional before fasting or starting a juice cleanse. If you do choose to fast or juice cleanse, here are some tips I’ve learned:

• Plan ahead: Choose three consecutive days when you’re not working or doing heavy physical activity. This allows you to rest, if needed. Avoid fasting on days when you need to be highly focused or physically exert yourself, and stick to gentle activities like walking or yoga.

• For juice cleanses: Focus on vegetable juices to prevent extreme blood sugar spikes. Use small amounts of fruit juice (such as apple or pineapple) to improve the taste without overloading on sugar

• For water fasting: Incorporate herbal teas and hot water with lemon as alternatives to plain water. Since these drinks don’t add calories or break the fast, they can provide variety and some added nutrients.

• Avoid excessive fasting: Prolonged fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances. From my experience and research, limiting fasts to a maximum of three days may be a safer approach.

• Expect the first day to be the hardest: I personally felt more energetic on days two and three of my three-day fast, though it’s unclear whether this was due to stress hormones from not eating or actual benefits from the fast

• Know when NOT to fast/cleanse: Avoid either if you are menstruating, pregnant, feeling sick, or managing conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or liver disorders. And consult a doctor if you take prescription medications.

What’s my take? Cleanses and fasting aren’t necessary From my personal experience and education at the Nutritional Therapy Association, I’ve found that the best way to support your body ’s natural detoxification is through consistent, healthy habits Juices are still a great way to incorporate more nutrients into your diet, but rather than relying on short-term cleanses, consider using spring as an opportunity to build lasting habits and give your liver some extra love

OT HER OPTIONS

Try these gentle alternatives to fasting and cleanses to support detoxification year-round.

• Stay hydrated: Add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of lemon juice to improve water absorption.

• Prioritize nutrient-dense whole foods: Focus on high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Support liver function: Incorporate liversupporting foods such as beets, carrots, radishes, artichokes, lemons, ginger, chicken or beef liver, and healthy fats like fish, avocados and olive oil.

• Drink herbal teas: Dandelion root, burdock and schisandra berry teas can support liver function.

• Reduce toxin exposure: Switch to natural cleaning products, nontoxic body care products and organic foods whenever possible

• Limit or eliminate alcohol: Alcohol is a toxin and can disrupt the body’s detox processes and impair overall health.

• Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect the body’s natural ability to detox Support your well-being through practices such as meditation, journaling, therapy, spending time in nature or engaging in activities you enjoy.

• Move your body and sweat: Movement stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to move toxins out, while sweating provides another way to release toxins.

• Support digestion: Aim for at least one bowel movement per day to prevent toxins from being reabsorbed and recirculated in the body.

• Explore intermittent fasting: If you’re interested in autophagy, consult a health care professional about intermittent fasting, a gentler approach that may offer benefits with fewer risks.

Krista Lockwood is a nutritional therapy practitioner and restorative wellness practitioner She is also a digital marketing specialist at LNP Media Group

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GENEROSITY Theimpactof

Clients inspire theEverence team with their vision and generosity.

One couple lives out theircharitable aspirations in tangible ways.When they were raising their family,theycommitted to helping their children avoid student loan debt.Later, theyopenly discussed their legacy planswiththeiradult children, includingtransformational bequests to nonprofitsthey’re passionate about.The couple,who arebusiness owners, alsopractice generosityboth professionally and personally through donor-advised funds,aninvestment vehiclefor charitable giving.

“One of the delights of working withour clients is thattheycareabout making the world abetterplace, and we getto help themdothat,”saysMackenzie Snader, an Everence financial planner

Snader leads ateam of Everence professionals who arecommittedto listening well to clients’ aspirations and helping themmakethoseareality. Together,theycan create plans to make an impact at manystagesand in many spheres of life.

Everenceoffers traditional wealth management-focused financial planning services,including investment management, incomeprotection,

financial, retirement, taxand estate planning. Butwhatdistinguishes Everenceisanother aspectofits faithbased financialservices: charitable planning thatallowsclients to make generosity an intentionalfocus of their financialjourney.

Generosity is by no means a requirementfor working with Everence, butpeople often aredrawn to the companybecause of itsreputation for helping clients makefinancialdecisions that align with theirfaith and values, says Doug Umble, managing director forEverenceFinancialinCentral Pennsylvania.And thatoften includes charitable giving.

“It’sreally importantfor us to understand wheresomeone is at with theircurrentjourney,”Umble says.“ Whatare the thingsthatare importanttothem?…Oftentimes,it’s notaboutmakingmoremoneyfor the individual, it’s moreabouthow they’re going to utilizethoseresourcestobe impactful with other people, withother organizations or other thingsthatthey seeasimportant.”

That’swhereEverencecharitable consultant Elyse Kauffman often enters the picture, showingclientsthat generosity is possible at anylevel of wealth, it cantakemanyforms, and it doesn’thavetocomeatthe expenseof personalfinancialstability

In fact,manyEverenceclients are pleasantly surprised howgenerous theycan be with the people, causes and organizations thatmattertothem the most

“There’salot of joyinthe conversations thatIget to have with ourclients,” Kauffmansays.

Here arejusta fewwaysthatEverence helps clientsmaximizetheirgenerosity:

Impact investing

“Whenwe’re working withclients, we’renot only thinking aboutcharitable vehicles fortheir generositybut sometimes theirinvestments themselves canbetailored to invest in causes,” Umble says

Everence offersunique investing options that allowindividualsto supportcausesand organizations locally, nationallyand globally that aremeaningful to them while also generatinga positivefinancial return forthemselves.

Donor-advised funds

Also known as charitablechecking accounts,thesefunds areadministered throughEverence Foundation, the philanthropic armofEverence Financial, which serves as aconduit for distributing charitabledonations

In recentyears, Kauffmansaysshe hasseen twomain reasons whypeople areopening donor-advised funds: They want to sell an appreciatedasset,such as real estate or otherinvestments, or they ’vecomeintoalarge sumof moneytheydonot need or want.In both instances,a donor-advised fund allows them to avoidcapitalgains tax while alsogiving to causes that matter to them.

“It’s really awin-win forfolks,” Kauffmansays, noting that clients who aregifting atransferofwealth from a parentorgrandparentare coming up withcreativewaystouse their donoradvised funds.Someare planning to add large gifts to thefundtomaximize their charitabledeductions.Othersare

usingthe fund to gift organizations right away based on what they think their parents or grandparents wouldhave wanted. Still others arecreatinga family foundation from theinitial seed money they usetoopen thefund.

“It’s really interesting to seehow some of thegifts aretranslating to future generosityfor generations to come,” Kauffmansays.

Donor-advised funds canalsobe used as bequests, whereEverence Foundation serves as thecharitable arm of an estate and distributes funds at theend of life according to theclient’s wishes. That couldmean distributionof allfunds immediately,overa period of yearsorthrough endowmentaccounts paid in perpetuity. In thelattercase, socially responsibleinvestmentoptions canextend generosityevenfurther Nationally in 2024,the Everence Foundation received over$104million in contributions and distributed over $100 million to 4,393charities. Of that amount,$23 millionwenttofaithbased and communityorganizations in CentralPennsylvania

Forthose at Everence like Umble, Snader and Kauffman, there’sawealth of joyand satisfactioninhelping clients discoverthattheycan realizetheirown hopes and dreams while alsobringing hope to others throughtheirgenerosity.

It’s really interesting to seehow someofthe gifts aretranslatingto future generosity for generationstocome.”
-Elyse Kauffman

Meat 401PRIME US AT

When 401Prime opened its doors downtown in November 2022, on the first floor of the LancasterPress Building,it brought to LancasterCountysomethingithadn’thad before: atrue high-endsteakhouse.

Twoand ahalf years later, prime beef is stillits breadand butter.And now, withrecently expandedhours,guestscan have their steak on Mondays,too.Fromthe filet mignon, in-house dry-aged ribeyeand wagyutothe accompanying selectionofsauces, butters and premium toppings, 401Prime is abeef lover’sdream.

But thereismore. Under chef Cory Goshert, themenu includes salads, such as Wasabi Caesar andMediterranean Kale and Quinoa; seafooddishes, including lobstertail, Chilean seabassand jumboscallops;chicken dishes and cauliflowersteak, too. Or try401 Signature BakedMac & Cheese in severalversions, including classic,black truffle, loaded bacon and jumbo crab

Along withits diverse menu,401 Prime offers aluxurious moderndiningexperience, whether you’re celebrating a special occasionorenjoying arelaxinghappy hour at thebar

Therestaurant has alarge privatediningroomthatcan accommodateupto30guests, alongwith asmaller private room thatcan be divided forsmaller groups or opened to serveaparty of 18

TheLounge and Bar,with its lush velvet-coveredbanquette seating, is the perfect spot to enjoya handcraftedcocktail or glassofwinebeforeorafter dinner.Oryou candinein the Lounge,ordering from either thefullrestaurantmenu or an exclusivebar menuthatincludes upscaletakes on some favorite bar fare,such as prime beef chilidogs, wagyu meatballs and the 401Smash Burger —Japanese wagyu and prime filet burger,pimentocheese, Nueske’s baconand donkey sauceonasoftpotatoroll.

TheLounge and Bar is also home to happyhourfrom4to 6p.m.Mondaythrough Saturday, with itsown specialmenu of food andcocktails.

401Prime is partofthe Vescor HospitalityGroup that also manages TheBelvedereInn,Josephine’sand C’estLaVie BistroinLancastercity. 401Prime is locatedat401 N. Prince St., justablock from TheBelvedereInn,withaconvenient parking garage in between.

Evening hours are4 to 11 p.m. Monday throughThursday, and 4p.m.tomidnight Fridayand Saturday.Kitchen closes at 9p.m.Mondaythrough Thursdayand at 10 p.m. Fridayand Saturday. Therestaurant is closed Sundays. For more informationorreservations, call717-606-1515 or visit 401primelancaster.com.

DISCO V ER Boalsburg Boalsburg

From astate military museumto Christopher Columbus’ familychapel, there’s lots of history in thisCentreCounty town whereMemorialDay began

nOctober 1864, according to local lore, three women walked to the community cemeteryinthe villageofBoalsburg,Centre County,and placed flowers and wreaths on the graves of twolocal men whohad died while serving the Union Army in theCivil War.

Dr.Reuben Hunter, aBoalsburg physician who had servedasa militarysurgeon, had died of disease the month before, and Pvt.Amos Myershad been killed at theBattle ofGettysburgin1863

The three women —Reuben’sdaughter, Emma Hunter; her friend,Sophie Keller; and Amos’ mother,Elizabeth Myers—weresaid to have agreed thattheywould return to the cemetery the following Fourth of July and decorate all the soldiers’ graves

Anannual tradition wasborn.

Itis through thesethree women —two of whom were teenagers—thatthe village of Boalsburg lays claimto being the “BirthplaceofMemorial Day.”

Other townsinstatesfromNew York to Georgia also

claim thatdistinction. Butthe little Victorian village of Boalsburgembraces its local story and celebrates accordingly on the last weekend in May.

In Boalsburg Cemetery,astatue of the three women in their hats and hoop skirts,looking down at atombstone, recalls their gesture of remembrance forthe fallen. And every Memorial Dayweekend, Boalsburg comesalive with atowncelebrationthatfeaturesa firecompany carnivaland parade, acraft fair,livemusic,blacksmith demonstrations,historical tours, acar show, battle reenactments,acommunitychurch service, aceremony recalling the three women’swalk to the cemetery andeven amaypole dance.

The village of Boalsburg, named after the family of late18th century Irish immigrant settler and Revolutionary Warsoldier David Boal,isaplace youmight missas you’re traveling on Route322 toward Penn State.But take the 322 Businessexit,towherethe routebecomesBoal Avenue, and you’ll find alittle town filled with historic sitestodiscover, interesting architecturetoexplore, and

Astatue in Boalsburg’s cemetery paystribute to threewomenwho decorated Civil War graves.

niceplaces to eat, drink andshop. Built aroundwhat’scalleda center “diamond,”ratherthan atownsquare, Boalsburgisabouttwo hoursfrom Lancaster.(It’salsoaplace whereI’vespent alot of time —having grownupinnearbyState College andI still have family there.)

EXPLOREHISTORY

It’sopenfor toursSundayafternoons and by appointment; visit boalsburgheritagemuseum.org

On thegrounds of theBoalMansion, visitorscan tour achapelthat came from thefamilyofChristopher Columbus.

The state-runPennsylvania Military Museum, paintedwith brightly colored rectanglesthat resemble ribbons on asoldier’suniform, stands within anearly 70-acrepublic park along Boal Avenue. Normally filledwith artifacts celebrating Pennsylvanians who have served in the armed forces,the museumisclosed until early next year while it undergoesa$3.4million renovation

But youcan stroll the grounds,formerly the estate of ArmyCol. TheodoreDavis Boal, representingthe fourth generation of the Boal family in America. The sitefeatures ashrine to the Army’s28th Division andnearly 30 monuments commemoratingvarious fighting units.There’salsoplentyofmilitary hardwaretolook at outdoors, includinga Sherman tank andthe massiveBB-38 battle guns from the deckofthe USSPennsylvania

The BoalsburgHeritage Museum, in an 1825house at 304 E. Main St., offerslots of historic Boalsburg artifacts andrecreations of aVictorian-era parlor, kitchen,bedroom, schoolroom andgeneral store.

The Boal Mansion, 163Boal Estate Drive, owned by the Boal family foreightgenerations,began as DavidBoal’sstone house and his son’sGeorgianstylehome at theturn of the19th century.It’sfilled with 200 years’ worthofBoal family furnishingsand artifacts —including avintage Louis Vuittontravel trunk.

TheodoreBoal’swife, Mathilde, wasrelatedto the family of Christopher Columbus; shebrought the Columbus family chapel from Spain to theBoal Mansion grounds in 1909.The small stone building is filledwithColumbus family artifacts, including achapel door,altar,crucifix, painting, carvingsand vestments

Both the mansion and chapel canbetoured, by appointment, in the warmer months. Visit boalmuseum.com

You’ll find thestatue of Boalsburg’sgravedecorating ladies at the edgeofthe cemetery, near the corner of Boal Avenue and Church Street.You’ll alsosee two19th century churches nearby.One of them, St.John’sUnited Church of Christ —which, full disclosure, some of my family membersattend —boasts an impressive1868 pipe organ, made by CharlesF.Dürner of Quakertown.

Visitorscan stroll thegroundsofthe Pennsylvania Military Museum,whichistemporarily closed forrenovations.
A2024 MemorialDay procession throughBoalsburgisled by re-enactors recalling Civil War-eragrave decoration
Organist H. Ryan Ditmer sitsatthe historic CharlesDürnerorgan at St. John’s United ChurchofChrist

SHOPPING

Thereare afew cuteshops in andjust outsideBoalsburg.

One of my favorites is ABasketFull, 121 E. Main St., which sells clothingand gifts,including jewelry, teas,greeting cards, coastersand Pennsylvania-sourced jams, syrup andsoup mixes

Another is Tait Farm’s charming HarvestShop &Greenhouse, just east of Boalsburg on Route322.

In addition to selling Christmastrees and breeding generations of basset hound puppies,Tait’scarriesvegetable and herb seedlings, pottedflowersand plantsand lots of Pennsylvania- and locally sourced jams,jellies,chutneys, shrubs,mustard, salad dressing, cheeseand other specialtyfood and kitchen items.

GETSOME EXERCISE

In addition to strolling along the walking paths on grounds

BARNYARD BOYS

ASherman tank stands on thegrounds of thePennsylvaniaMilitary Museum.

of the military museum —you’ll have plenty of companyatany time of dayifyou do —thereare wooded hiking trails around the BoalMansion.

Just east of Boalsburg,onRoute322, you’ll find the Tussey Mountain ski resort,whereyou canski, snowboardand snow tube in the wintermonths

AlsojusteastofBoalsburgisthe Harvest FieldsCommunity Trails mountain biking park, which boasts adiscgolf course. Or justtakeaself-guided walking tour of the Victorian- and Federal-style homes in Boalsburg’shistoricdistrict.For details, visit historicboalsburg.com/walking-tours. You’ll find historic homes and businessesthatsport numbered historical markers featuring“the old pine tree” —atreethatonce stood on ahill in Boalsburg and is thought to have served as aNativeAmerican trading post and,later,ameeting place forlocals

ABasketFull on Main Streetisa giftshop filledwithlocally sourceditems to browse through.

EATAND DRINK

Forasmall village, Boalsburgand its immediate environs has lots of choices forameal, adrink or acup of coffee.

—You’ll find Kelly ’s Steakand Seafood, 316Boal Ave., under the giant statue of abull standing on its roof.It’smyfamily ’s goto place forspecial occasions.

—Breakfast on Boal, 603 Boal Ave., features fast,friendly service andvaried breakfast fare through early afternoon. Don’t missthe chance to smear some homemade blueberry-lemon jam on your toast

—Nextdoor in the same building, Angelo’sPizzeria serves up Italian food, includinga tastymarinara sauce Ilikeovertheir penne pasta,with abig garlic roll on the side.

—The View Restaurant&Bar at the The Wyndham Garden State Collegehotel,just east of Boalsburg, serves awonderful, variedSundaybrunch. (Be suretoscout all the selections from the omelet station to the meat, fish and salad options to the dessert table —beforestarting to fill your plate).

—Duffy’sBoalsburgTavern, 113 E. Main St., is apopular local spot thatfeatures fine dining in an 1819 stonebuilding.

—For crafted coffee andtea drinks, pastries and sandwiches from morning through mid-afternoon, ThePump Station, in a formergas station building at 103Boal Ave.,will getyour day started

—Atthe edgeofthe cemetery, you’ll find Boal CityBrewing Taproom andBeer Garden, at 281 Old BoalsburgRoad. My family tells me it has becomeacommunityhub,withaparking lot that’salwaysfull.

—For wine lovers,the UniversityWine Co.and MountNittany Vineyard andWinery arebothnearby.

—Finally,for icecream, try thenearby family-owned Wasson Farm Market,just west of Boalsburg. Their fresh strawberry icecream is full of freshfruit, and in thefall —when ahayride cantakeyou to the farm’svast pumpkin patchtopick your own —the cinnamon andpumpkin ice cream areautumnal treats I look forwardtoeach year.

Penne pasta andagarlic roll areservedupatAngelo’sPizzeria on Boal Avenue
Thehistoric Duffy’s BoalsburgTavern is apopulardining spotonMain Street.
TheBoalsburgCemeteryalong Route322 containsmanyhistoric graves.

IF YOUSTAYOVERNIGHT

The Wyndham is anice place to stay, with afreehot-and-cold breakfast buffetthathas some of the tastiest fresh fruit I’ve ever had in ahotel breakfast. (The hotel is builtaroundthe dark-wood interior of the former ElksClub, whereIattended my senior prom 50 yearsago thisyear.)

Thereare alsosuites forbooking at the Inn at Boalsburg, located in a Victorian mansion on Main Street.

The BB-38 battleguns from thedeckofthe USSPennsylvaniaare displayed on the groundsofthe Pennsylvania MilitaryMuseum.

Asign explaining theorigins of Boalsburg’sMemorialDay historygreetsvisitorstothe CentreCounty villagenearPennState

Igrew up in the 1960sinaCape Cod-style housethatretainedits original 1940s kitchen. Thattiny kitchen had knotty pine cabinets with hammered black spade pulls,faux-brick vinyl floors, sunshine yellowFormica countertops and abig fluorescent ceilinglight. My mom createdmany amazing meals in thatkitchen, but it’s not the type of kitchenI’d want today. (And it wasn’tthe kitchenmymom really wanted either.)

If you’re looking to spruce up your own kitchen, here’salook at what’shot and what’snot with the help of four local kitchen design experts: Shawna Beauchamp of Choice Home Remodeling, RogerYiengst of Kountry Kraft,Julianne Dobson of Hajocaand Nick Kurtz of Bareville Kitchens

What’shot

with thesehot trends

TEXTURES: “Addinga little textureinabacksplash adds dimension to the kitchen,” Beauchamp says.“Fluting,suchas grooveswithinwood or beadboard, bothverticallyand horizontally, looksgreat.You mightput it on theback ofanisland ora wall façade. It’sfun and adds architecturaldetail.” Yiengst concurs:“Cabinet textures arepopular in different materials likewiremesh,leather,laminatesortambourreeded panels.”Hesuggests thatyou canalsocreatea similar look with paint, so the cabinet appearstexturedbut feelssmooth to the touch.

ORGANIZATION: Gone arethe daysofhaving multiple appliances on your countertops.(I’mlooking at you, electric grill,air fryerand microwave.) Countertop appliances

contributetoclutter and reduce usable countertop space. Instead, Kurtz says,kitchen designersare creating“intentional functionality” with appliancessuchasspeed ovens, which combine amicrowave,convection oven, broilerand air fryerall in one. Or,ifyou do have separate appliances,Yiengst suggestsyou incorporate them into your cabinets,aswith adrawermicrowave. Beauchamp adds thatkitchen designers arealsothinking about your personal devices by creating hidden “dropzones” thatact as technologyhubsfor the home.

MIXEDMETALS:

Don’tfeellikeyou must stick with the same metal finishthroughoutyour kitchen. “It’sreally attractive to mix finisheslikechampaign brasswith abronze tone, or blackand brushednickel in thesame space,”Dobson says.Appliances nowhavedifferentaccentcolors, too, such as gold,instead of just being stainless, shesays.

CHOICE HOMEREMODELING

WARM

TONES

: Allthe designersagreedthatearthtone colorsare in:greens, soft browns,and even blues,often in combinations. “Weweretaughttoonlyuse twocolors,” Yiengst says.“But nowweare usingthree or even four colors in onekitchen.” These earthtones create awarm and invitingfeel, instead of using just gray or white, which canbecome abit sterile,Beauchamp says

FEWERWALLCABINETS,MOREOPEN SPACE, LIGHTER STAINS:

Kurtz says he is seeing fewerwall cabinets, whichcreatesakitchen thatismore open and relaxed. Having fewerwall cabinetsalsomeans morewindows —another reason forthatrelaxed and openfeeling Incorporating lighting into cabinetry is alsoa bigtrend,Yiengst says.“Likewhen a fridgeorcar door opens and the lightgoeson, it’s nowthe same with cabinets and drawers.

Evenifwe’re not providing the actuallighting elements, we still provide the channels and machining forlighting to beinstalled later.”

Yiengst alsonoticesthatstainedcabinets arecoming back. Stained cabinets last about 25-30 years, he says, much longer than paintedcabinets.“Contemporary stains are notlikestainsfromlong ago,”hesays. “You canhave light gray stains, so youcan still have thatwhite /graylook ifyou want,likeonyour island. Thereare ahugevarietyof stains, and theywill giveyou even morechoices depending onthe wood youuse them on.”

COUNTERTOPS: While both stone and quartz remain popularand widely used,Yiengst says he is seeing a shifttowardmorequartz. Lower-end countertops, such as laminate and Corian, arebeing used lessand less. Quartz countertops have abroad rangeof optionsand allowfor incorporation of both color and textured finishes, which work well with trendsinthe rest of the kitchen.

BACKSPLASHES: Twotrendspredominate

One, Dobson says,isaddingtexturebyusing tiles that look handmadewith unevenedges,orby stacking tiles vertically or horizontally,ratherthan the traditional brick pattern. The other trend, according to Beauchamp,is full-heightbacksplashes, often usingthe same material as thecountertop.This type of backsplash providesease ofcleaning and givesthe kitchenanunfussy,streamlined look

FLOORING: The dominantflooringtypesare tiles, stone and hardwood. Both Yiengstand Kurtz saythat wood floorsare the most popular,providingwarmth and cozinesswhen golden or medium-browntones areused. However, Yiengst suggeststhattile or stonefloorslook greatwith warm-tonedwood cabinets and will hold up longer to the moistureand wear of kitchenuse

BAREVILLE KITCHENS

What’s not

THE GRAY-ANDWHITE KITCHEN:

All the designersagree thatthe grayand-whitekitchenwith straight lines is receding in popularity.Ifyou still like thatlook, considerfreshening it by incorporating elements suchas textures and mixed metals.

REDDISH-STAINED CABINETS:

Dark and reddish wood cabinets arevery dated, recalling the ’90s,Kurtz says.Stay away from this type of stain color on your cabinets if you’dlikeyour kitchen to agewell.

CLUTTER: Having alot of countertop appliances leads to visual clutter, which is definitely against currenttrends.

SEPARATE COOKTOP ANDWALLOVEN:

Beauchamp says cooktops and double wall ovens arebeing replaced by largersizeranges,althoughnot as large as commercial appliances These large ranges mayhavetwo ovens and agriddle. Havingone appliance thatcan do manythingsis thekey

APPLIANCE PANELS:

Wooden appliance panels on refrigeratorsand dishwashers arenot agood idea, Yiengstsays. “Wooddoesn’t go well with heatand moisture,” he says.Plus,when it’stime to replace an appliance, panels add complexityand expense

All the designersagree that qualityisthe singlemost importantfactor in creating akitchen that ages well andenhances thevalue of your home. Kitchensshould last 25-30years, says Kurtz. He adds,“Toomanyhomes have cheap builders’ grade cabinetry thatcan start to fail in 5years andin10years shows excessivewear and tear.”

By choosing top-qualitymaterials and finishesnow,you willget abeautiful andfunctionalkitchenthatislessexpensiveoverthe long run.

BAREVILLE KITCHENS

AreYou ReadytoClaim Social Security? 5SimpleTipstoBoost Your Li

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IMPORTANTDISCLOSUREINFORMATION

Past performanceisnoguarantee of future results. Different typesofinvestments involvevarying degrees of risk.Therefore,there can be no assurancethatthe future performanceofany specificinvestmentorinvestmentstrategy(includingthe investmentsand/orinvestment strategies recommended and/or undertaken by JFSWealthAdvisors, LLC [“JFS”]),orany consulting services,will be profitable, equalany historical performancelevel(s), be suitable foryourpor tfolio or individual situation, or provesuccessful.JFS is neithera law firm, nora certified public accounting firm, andnoportion of itsservicesshouldbeconstrued as legaloraccounting advice

Moreover,you should notassume that anydiscussion or informationcontained in this document serves as thereceipt of,orasa substitute for, personalized investment advice from JFS. Acopyofour current writtendisclosureBrochurediscussing ouradvisory services andfeesisavailableuponrequest or at www.jfswa.com.The scopeofthe services to be provided dependsuponthe needsand requests of theclientand theterms of theengagement.

Since buildingits first storage shed in Schuylkill County over 40 years ago, Pine Creek Structures has grown from asmall family operation to thelargestmanufacturer and retailer of portablesheds, garages andother structures in themid-Atlantic.

Today,Pine Creek has three manufacturing facilitiesand over20owned-and operatedretail sales locations, including Pine Creek StructuresofElizabethtown,2863 Hershey Road, between Elizabethtown andHershey

While Pine Creek’sbusiness hasgrown,one thing that hasn’tchanged is thequalityAmish craftsmanship andthe dedicationtobuilding thefinest outdoorstructures on themarketfor every customer

alsomakeoutdoor seating options, including theSwingola—abeautifully craftedpergola that canaccommodate up to fivewooden porchswings.

Youcan purchaseashed, garage or other outdoor structurefromthe well-stocked inventoryinElizabethtown or designyour own.Theycan customizetheir storage sheds to createeverything from acozycabintoa handy home office. Rent-to-own financing is available.

Formoreinformation, or to makean appointment outside regular business hours, call 717-361-8986. You

Pine Creek Structures is still best known for its storage solutions, but it offerssomuch more,including one -and two-storygarages, carports, pavilions,greenhouses, chicken coops, huntingblinds,gazebos, elaborate hildren’s swingsetsand pergolas. They

To check out theinventory at theElizabethtown location, visit pinecreekstructures.com/ structures/PA/Elizabethtown-Hershey You can even tryout theironline 3D shed builder to createyour own customdesign andsubmit it for aquote.Orstop by in person from 9a.m.to5p.m.Monday to Fridayand 9a.m.to1p.m.Saturday.

SHEDS •GAR AG ES

OUTDOOR FURN ITURE &D ECOR

PE R GOL AS &PAV ILIONS

PL AY SE TS &SWIN GS ETS

Lancaster County conservationist reveals hidden treasures throughthe archaeolog yoffurniture restoration

Old Again Like

Asamaster conservationistofpre-1820 American painted furniture, PeterDeen painstakingly worksthrough layers upon layers of dirt, varnishand painttoreveal the original beautybeneath.

Avisit to his home andstudio in southernmost Lancaster County, near the Maryland border,reveals an assortment of intriguing wooden objects. In one corner stands acarousel doginfullstride, to the rightisalife-sized carvedfigureofa stern-faced Native American, and against the wall areseveral decorated Pennsylvania German dowerchests,all in various stages of restoration.

Thetools of histrade sit in apaint-spattered wheeled cart: hawk feathers, cottonballs,red sable brushes,Q -Tip’s, and solvents of varyingdegrees of toxicity.

Restoration work is fiddly and slow. And the natureofit—applying potentsolvents to irreplaceable antiques —can leavehim anervous wreck, he says:“I’mtrying to discover the treasurethatisthe originalpaint And likearchaeology, once Istart,I cannever put the dirtback the way it was. So,once youstart,you’re committed. Ijust workedona little slide-lid boxthatsold for$100,000 It wasavery dangerous and tedious clean, and it took me about three days afterwardstorelax from the intensity.”

with Deen and hissister mailing in their schoolwork every week.

“It wasagreat adventure,”Deen says.“ We wanted to seashell hunt on Sanibel Island andtherewas no causeway back then,sowehad to takeaferry,and the seashells were in hugepiles.” Deenstill has some of thosesame seashells in hishome today.

During thatvisit to Sanibel Island, Deen spotteda woman walking down the beach, wearing anecklace of turquoisebeads.Intrigued, he asked, “Are youanIndian?” She laughed and said no,she simply livedonaranch in NewMexico andhad excavatedthe turquoiseon her property. Eventhough she wasinher early 60s,she offered to become Deen’spen pal. She and Deen corresponded foryears,and he and hisfather visited herinNew Mexico forseveral summers. During thosevisits,Deen learned the joys of digging forpottery shards and artifacts,apastime he continuesto this dayinhis ownbackyard. In high school, Deen dreamed of becoming an archeologist, buthis dyslexiamadesuch an academic path unrealistic. Asavvy guidance counselor suggested thatDeenmight thriveinart school; this wasapivotal momentfor Deen, afork in the road thatput himonthe path to his future career.

Likethesetreasures of old,Deen’scareerpathrevealeditself in much thesame way– with life’stwists and turns slowlyuncovering thework he wasmeantto do

Achildhood adventure

Deen’sinterest in old thingswas nurtured by hisfather, aLancaster city policemanwho enjoyedarrowhead hunting, marksmanship, lcollecting andadventures.In1957, Deen’s father decided wanted to seeKey West,sohetook Deen andhis sister out entary school and piled them into thecar along with some rods.Driving south, theylived off theland forabouta month,

At York AcademyofArt,Deen excelled.But when he graduated, he felt aimlessand started bartending in Lititz. His painting instructor (and lifementor) TedFitzkee got wind of it andwas livid thatDeen waswasting his talent. Fitzkee made some calls and told Deen, “I have ajob lined up foryou with Frank Auspitz,”a well-known restorer.When Deen metAuspitz, Deen could tell the manwas goingtobeademanding and difficult taskmaster

However, providence took ahand in Deen’sdestiny,and the York restorationshop burned to the ground the daybeforeDeen wasto poli seashell that he w of eleme fishing r

Looking foraneasyway out thatwould still getFitzkee off his back, Deen alsoapplied to arestorationshop in York with amuch lesser reputation, a“diptank sort of place,”herecalls

start working there.Despitehis best efforts to avoid his fate,Deenendedupworking forAuspitz andthe talented cabinetmaker RodneyBoyer,who shared his vast knowledgeofpainted surfaces. This job setDeen’sfeetonthe path to becoming a master conservationist

Afading art

While the value of some types of antiques has gone down over the years, the value of paintedpieces has remainedstrong. Deen’s restoration work has contributed to the preservation of these rare artifacts of American history

Underthe layers of dirt andpaint, surprises often await: “I’veworked on severalJohannesSpitler pieces.Heworked in Virginia,and he wasaneccentric and highly talentedartist,and Isee alot of sexual thingsinhis dowerchest paintings.”

Becausedower chests were used by unmarriedPennsylvania German girls to storelinens andhousehold items,this might notbethe type of imagery thatcollectors expect to find on their newlypurchased

treasures.Deenhas surprised quitea few collectorsbypointingout the slyly sexual natureofSpitler’sdower chest decorations. Alittle imagination goes alongway.

Nowinhis 70s, Deen still loveshis work butistrying to slowthingsdowna bit and concentrate moreonpiecesinhis own collection,likea chest paintedbythe “black unicorn artist.” This unknown artist used black unicornsinhis painting, taking them from European heraldry.Becausehe paintedatthe time of the Revolutionary War, he alsoincludedsoldiersinhis decorativepaintings. The chest is in rough condition, having suffered aprevious amateur restoration.

“Nobody is really interested in doing this work anymore,” he says.“I’ve had apprenticesoverthe years. Onefella was betterthan me, buthesized down his client base to onespecial individual.”

When Deen fully retires,his artistry andhistorical knowledgewill retirewith him, leaving fewerskilled hands available to restoretreasures of early American craftsmanship

The propertywhereDeen andhis wife, architect Joan Fleckenstein, livewas a Quaker farm in the 1800s.The property contains afarmhousebuilt in 1827, and the remains of an earlier,smaller farmhousethatburneddownin1832.

Deen says:“Ifoundthe original house siteout of curiosity. Therewas asmall section of stone springhousethatI wastold wasthe springfor the 1827 farmhouse, but Iknewitwas toodistant awatersource forthe home. Iput some goatstheretoclear theunderbrush from around the springhouseand theykicked up some earlyceramic shards... so I

“I’m tryingto discoverthe treasurethatisthe originalpaint.”
~Peter Deen

starteddigging.”

Under 3feet of soil,Deen found manyearly artifacts from thatoriginal farmhousethathad burned down, including coins,piecesofglass and pottery,the originalkitchen fireplace and acorner fireplace from the main living room. He found three artifacts with the name Kirk on them, leavingnodoubt the original inhabitants were the Kirks.

Deen has furnished the 1827farmhouse, unsurprisingly,with antiques,manyof them Quaker,fromthe same time period as the house.

Underthe layers of dirt andpaint, surprisesoften await.

Visitingthe houseislikeopening ahistory book. Deen has astory foralmost every piece:

• An 18thcentury Quaker clock builtby Isaac Jackson. Jacksonlived about 15 miles, as the crow flies, from Deen’sproperty.

• An 18thcentury chest of drawersmade for Susanna Pusey of Puseyville,about2 milesfromDeen’s property. Deen had gone to the seller’shome to buya tractor butcame home with the chest of drawersinstead

• The Kirkfamily bowl Deen dugitup in pieces from the remains of the original farmhousethatburned down, andJoan had the pieces glued back together

• English Staffordshirechina in a pattern calledBalloon Tree from theearly 1800s.Deen found apiece of thischina in the burnedremains of the original farmhouse, andJoan spentthe next 10 yearscarrying thatpieceofchina to antique auctions until she foundacoffeepot in thesame patternata Chester County antique show.The lady who sold it collected that china patternexclusively, andoverthe yearswould sell Joan one piece at atime.Now abouta dozenpieces grace the mantelofthe 1827farmhouse,just as the Kirk family mighthavedisplayedtheir Balloon Tree china all thoseyearsago

“Nobody is really interested in doing this work anymore...I’ ve had apprenticesover the years. O ne fella was better than me, but hesized down his client base to one special individual . ” ~ PeterD een

FIND YOUR PERFECT BALANCE THIS SPRING

Spring is the season of renewal, rebirth, and rejuvenation in nature, as well as in our personal lives. With the promise of spring comes the promise of budding new life and new

growth. This is why spring is traditionally seen as the perfect season to take stock of where we are in life and explore new chapters going forward.

Willow Valley Communities embraces this mindset. As a premier 55-plus community in Lancaster, they see it played out year after year, spring after spring from prospective residents. Willow Valley Communities says they see increased interest from people reflecting on their lives during this season: where they’ve been, where they are now, as well as where and how they can find balance during the next phase of their lives.

This Spring, Say Hello to Mosaic: A Lifestyle Second to None

Sitework is now underway at Mosaic, the next expansion of Willow Valley Communities in the heart of Lancaster City The long-dormant LNP production building at the northwest corner of South Queen and West Vine streets, is being demolished to make way for the 20-story residential

tower of Mosaic The historic Jasper Yeates House (circa 1775), which sits on the same block facing Queen Street, is being preserved.

Mosaic will feature 146 apartments for active adults, ranging from 1,600 to 3,300 square feet. Resort-grade amenities at Mosaic will include a fullservice day spa, a state-of-the-art wellness center, an indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, group fitness and cycling studios, and steam and sauna rooms. Plus a library, private-event lounge, game/billiards, and theater/screening rooms, and a wine cellar and tasting room with temperature- and humidity-controlled storage. For outdoor recreation, a dog park and grooming station, rooftop garden, and an event lawn and terraces await, along with on-site bike storage and repair. Mosaic will also feature a 240-seat ballroom for private/community events, with outside reservations available.

Willow Valley Communities is the only exclusively Lifecare Type A 55+ community in Lancaster County

There’s No Better Time

Willow Valley Communities is ranked by Newsweek as No 2 among all continuing care communities in the nation and No 1 in the East. Why not use spring 2025 as the time you embrace the possibilities of a Life Lived Forward at Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities?

Reserved parking for Mosaic residents will be at the existing Steinman Park Garage, accessible by a secure covered walkway, and valet services will be available.

Outside Mosaic’s front door residents can indulge in the vibrancy of Lancaster City filled with award-winning restaurants, eclectic boutiques, art, and live theater They will also have access to the award-winning amenities at Willow Valley Communities’ suburban campuses, less than five miles away Free shuttle service will link the campuses

And since Mosaic is an expansion of Willow Valley, all residents will also enjoy the security and peace of mind of Lifecare Type A contracts This guarantees access to residential care, if needed including personal care, skilled care, or memory care with no increase in the monthly service fee because of that need

To learn more about this exciting expansion,

or call 888.893.1423.

SNIFFING OUT FUN!

Ifyou’reapet parent, this maysound familiar: Yousnapaleashonyour dog and head outthe door for apleasant stroll,only to find your furryfriend would rathersniffevery mailboxand blade of grass than trot happily by your side In frustration, youfind yourself tugging on his leash to discouragethe constantdetours.

Unfortunately,while you may succeed in speedingupthe walk, you’redepriving your dogofsomething morevaluable, saysLaurieYost,owner of Playful Pups Retreat, apremier petresort offering boarding, day care andtraining at twolocations in Elizabethtown.

“The opportunitytosmell andtake in allthe scents— that is ahugeform of enrichment,”she says Enrichmentopportunities are importantnot onlyfor the growth and developmentofour human children, but for our canine family members,too,Yost says

And much likeletting Fido stop and smell the mailbox, enrichmentdoesn’t have to be complicated.

“When we let them outtothe bathroom, when we feed themtheirdinner, when we cuddle them on the sofawhile we’re watching television,just normal dayto-day life, thatisprovidingalevel of enrichmentfor your dog,” she says “Almostevery dog,aslongasthey’re being well caredfor andthey’re lovedby their pet parents, they willbereceiving differentvarietiesofenrichment throughout thecourseofevery day of their life.”

Butboosting that enrichmen withadditional activities can help relieve boredomand stress and make your canine pal happier,healthier and more confident

“It’s goingtohelpyourdog live their very best life,”Yost says

In the canineworld, enrichmentfallsinto five categories:

•Physical: Activities such as walking and playing or even cuddling.

•Nutritional: Rewarding with treats or encouraging pets to use their natural instincts to find atreat.

•Sensory: Activities that stimulate the senses,suchasscentgamesortoys withdifferenttextures

•Intellectual: Activities that encourageproblemsolving, such as obedience training or learning new tricks.

•Social: Spending time with otherdogs or humans.

“It really doesn’t takemuch at alltoprovide your dogwith a little extramental stimulation,”Yostsays.

games,sniffingfor treats, learning commands and agility trainingfocus on mental stimulation.

Playful Pups recentlyopened Sniff Central —aroomdesigned forthe senses, wheredogs canclimb, playinaball pit or followatrail of essentialoil to hidden treats.

“The dogs arelovingit,”Yost says. “Theycan use their innate sense of smell. They’re findingthings,exploring, foraging, reallygettingtobeadog.”

The Hershey Road locationalso offers specialtytraining classes,including anew barnhuntclassthatrequires dogs to use theirnatural instincts to search througha course of haybales andfind domesticated rats safelyhidden in aseries of ventilated tubes

“It doesn’t even have to be every day.”

She offersthese suggestions to get started:

TRYSOMETHINGNEW

Novelexperiences arestimulating and mentally tiring for dogs.PlayfulPups, whichcelebrates its 15th anniversary this June, offersavariety of enriching daycar anddog training programsfor puppies andadultdogs at its HersheyRoad location. Activities such as interactive

The Milton Grove Road locationoffersovernight lodging, which includes enrichingdailyactivities, suchassniffing alonga nature traillocated throughoutthe 19acreproperty.Theyalsoofferday training andtwo Stay &Train options.

DIYACTIVITIES

Yost suggests trying these easy enrichment activities at home

(Note: Forthose involving food,adjustyour pet’smealtime portions accordingly to avoid overeating.)

•Find it game: Hide aboutadozen small treats in acorner of aroom.Thenbring your doginthe room and have himfind them.

•Lick mat: Place one of these textured silicone mats on the floor and spreadit with ahealthy treat, such as peanutbutter, yogurt,mashedbanana chunksorpumpkin. Then let your doglick it off.Itnot only tastesgood,but allthose textures offer sensory enrichment, and the licking will relieve stress.

•Try aToppl: West Pawmakes thistreatdispensing puzzle toy. Yost recommends filling it with yogurt,good-qualitywet

food,pumpkin or blueberries,thenputting it in the freezer.Giveittoyourdog when youleave home,and it will keep them entertained and challenged as theyworkon removing the treatinside.

•Throw in the towel: Loosely roll up a towel, hiding treats as yougo, and let your dogforagetofind them.

•Takeahike— and letthem sniff: Remember,taking in allthose fragrances and scents is aformofmental stimulation.

“We’re thinking aboutthe physical component(of awalk) but we don’t really think aboutthe mental component,”Yost says.“Mental stimulationisequally as exhausting as physical exercise, if not more so.”

To exploreenrichmentopportunities and otherservices at Playful Pups Retreat, visit playfulpupsretreat.com.

SECONDHAND FO R

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