PA Governor Announces BrightFarms to Construct a Hydroponic Greenhouse

Harrisburg, PA – BrightFarms, Inc., a producer of grown leafy greens and herbs, will expand into Pennsylvania by constructing a new hydroponic greenhouse, announced Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. The project is expected to create more than 50 jobs at the selected Snyder County project site.

BrightFarms plans to construct a new, 250,000-square-foot greenhouse operation in Penn Township. The new facility will serve as one of the company’s four primary facilities in the U.S. and will utilize hydroponics to grow its greens and herbs without soil. BrightFarms plans to invest more than $20 million into the project, which is expected to create 54 jobs over the next three years.

“BrightFarms is extremely grateful for the support we have received while searching for our next location in Pennsylvania,” said Paul Lightfoot, CEO of BrightFarms. “This is an exciting chapter for our company as we push forward with our mission of providing more Americans access to the freshest, tastiest and most responsibly grown local produce through their supermarkets. Our next step will be recruiting members of the community to fill over 50 ‘green-collar’ jobs at the greenhouse. These employees will receive competitive pay, industry-leading benefits and world-class training from our team members.”

BrightFarms is a producer of leafy greens and herbs. Its produce is grown locally, picked at the height of freshness, and delivered to supermarkets within 24 hours. Each greenhouse uses sustainable farming methods that take advantage of natural sunlight and conserve water. The company uses hydroponic systems with mineral-based nutrient solutions in order to grow its products in a soil-free environment while reducing the overall environmental impact.

Note: The above is a press release from PA Department of Agriculture.

Divine Collaboration Holistic Expo

The first Divine Collaboration Holistic Expo was held yesterday (Sunday, 24 March 2019) at the Inn at Herr Ridge. The show ran smoothly and was quite well attended. It was put on by Leslie and Lloyd Runkle of Etheric Connections in Gettysburg.

Being the first expo, the Runkles kept this small and intimate but are already planning a Fall expo. The next will be held at the Inn at Herr Ridge as well, but it will be in the larger building, the one affectionately called “the Barn.” The date still needs to be confirmed so check back. We will list it on our Calendar Page.

Vendors at this first show, in addition to Etheric Connections of course and Therapeutic Thymes Magazine, were: Alta View Wellness Center; Ask John Tarot; CHI; Doterra; Enchanted Realms; Feed Your Spirit; Honoring Your Energy; Journey with Judy; Native American Jewelry; Oils and Oracles; Peace and Laughter; Remnants of Magic; Soleful Reflexology; Young Living Essential Oils; and Your Message Awaits.

At every show, we – Therapeutic Thymes Magazine – hold a raffle for a one-year subscription. Yesterday’s raffle winner is Rachel Acker, of Baltimore! Congratulations, Rachel. Her subscription will begin with the next issue – the Summer Issue.

Thank you to everyone who came out, and stopped by our booth.

Our April Shows are: PA Herb & Garden Show, York, PA (5 & 6 April); Natural Living Expo by Pathways Magazine, Hyattsville, MD (7 April); Illuminate Frederick, Frederick, MD (14 April); and and the Lancaster Native Plants, Lancaster, PA (27 April). We hope to see YOU at one soon!

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC 2019

Spring … from the Editor

Spring … a time of fertility and fire, a time of producing crops, a time of new and abundant possibilities. It is a time to sow. It is the time when many of us work with the earth to perform our part in the magic of gardening.

There are many ways we can honor this time-honored ritual. Plant a moon garden, recognizing those plants that bloom at night. Sue Morris writes of cosmic gardening in our Garden Thymes section. Design your garden to celebrate the elements. Emma Cate discusses the benefits of using crystals with plants. Many of my plants – inside and out – share their space with Moss Agate.

Living in a townhouse, my space is sadly limited. So, I personally do a lot of container gardening and plant a lot of herbs. The herbs are used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Need ideas where to start your garden? Check out local herb and garden shows in your areas. Pamela Ruane has a great primer for what you should know before attending an herb fair. All of our writers have done a wonderful job again this issue.

As always, whether you are new to the holistic and self-sustaining lifestyle, or an expert in a related field, I am so glad you’ve joined us for this exciting journey. Grab a cup of your favorite tea and join us a spell.

Blessings!

~ Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

Editor

Creamy Hot Cocoa

by Heather Winfindale

1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

Pinch of salt

Pinch of cinnamon

2 1/4 cup milk

1 cup half & half

1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla** 

Melt Chocolate chips in a saucepan on low heat, once melted stir in the salt, sugar and water.- Turn heat up slightly to medium, stirring constantly until it comes to a simmer.-Add milk and half & half, keep stirring on the heat until fully heated through-Remove from heat and add vanilla to taste. Whisk until frothy and foamy. Pour into mugs and top with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, or powdered sugar. 

** Heather personally loves extra vanilla.
(Makes about 4 servings) 

Note: Heather’s recipe, and related article, can be found in the Winter 2018 Issue of Therapeutic Thymes Magazine.

Jeanne’s Journeys: Solomons, Maryland

WP_20181027_08_04_35_ProThis past weekend, we loaded up the Honda and headed South for Illuminate Solomon. The show was held in Solomon, Maryland at the Hilton. The Illuminate Festivals are always a great show for Mind, Body, & Spirit entities. This was the second year there for the show. Judy and her staff do a great job putting on these shows.

It was our first time attending in Solomon, Maryland. Years ago, when our oldest – Mary – was just little, we used to live just North the Mason-Dixon and so hopping over the line for something was not unusual. She used to think the state was actually named after her! But I digressed …

WP_20181028_10_00_50_ProLocated in Calvert County, Solomon’s sits where the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay meet. Solomon’s Island is a beautiful area with a long history, dating well back to the late 1600’s. At that time, it was known as Bourne’s Island. It was not until 1870, when a prominent businessman from Baltimore named Isaac Solomon, advertised his canning operation, located there, as “Solomon’s Island”, that the US Postal Service officially recognized it as such. Understandably so, Solomon’s became known for its shipbuilding, ship repair, and seafood industries. Today, there are seafood restaurants scattered across the Island.

Inner Equinox
Inner Equinox

Friday night, after we checked in at the Hilton, we checked out the lone metaphysical shop on the Island. Inner Equinox. Incredible shop. Great staff. This unique little shop sells crystals, tarot cards, holistic jewelry, essential oils, smudges, tapestry, statues, candles, and more. They also have some touristy things for sale. Given their location just off the Bay, this was not surprising at all. In addition to the retail shop, they also offer a number of services and readings. For a full list, please do check them out on Facebook. They were also at the Illuminate Solomon show and are now our newest carrier! If you missed us at the show, stop in at 14560 Solomons Island Rd. S, in Solomons to pick up your copy.

Kingfishers
Kingfishers

Saturday, after the show, we had dinner at Kingfishers. The food was excellent. Just the right serving sizes. I had ½ pound shrimp. Glenn had bourbon salmon with asparagus and crunchy onions and brussels sprouts. The flavors complemented each other perfectly. Both of us had cup of shrimp chowder. OMG delicious. Only thing that would have made dinner more perfect would have been had we got there before dark since we were seated at the window to the bay. Server Alexis absolutely great too. Chef Andrew or was he manager came out very friendly. Said this was a new menu too. Check them out virtually at: http://stoneysseafoodhouse.com/kingfishers/.

Had we had more time, I would have loved to check out some of the other sites. Also on the Island is the Annmarie Garden & Arts Center. This is a sculpture garden along a wooded area near St. Johns Creek. In a future issue, I would like to feature garden art and thought the sculptures would make incredible photos, but they have pretty strict photography regulations so – to be honest – I didn’t even try to see this one. Other places on the “next time” list are: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, he Calvert Cliffs State Park, and (for the hubby) the Spaceflight America Museum and Science Center in nearby Prince Frederick.

This weekend, we’re off to Hamburg, PA. Hamburg is named after Hamburg, Germany. We’ll be there for the annual Fall Inner Peace Holistic Expo, held at the Fieldhouse.

Until then …

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC., 2018.

Jeanne’s Journeys: Solomons, Maryland

WP_20181027_08_04_35_ProThis past weekend, we loaded up the Honda and headed South for Illuminate Solomon. The show was held in Solomon, Maryland at the Hilton. The Illuminate Festivals are always a great show for Mind, Body, & Spirit entities. This was the second year there for the show. Judy and her staff do a great job putting on these shows.

It was our first time attending in Solomon, Maryland. Years ago, when our oldest – Mary – was just little, we used to live just North the Mason-Dixon and so hopping over the line for something was not unusual. She used to think the state was actually named after her! But I digressed …

WP_20181028_10_00_50_ProLocated in Calvert County, Solomon’s sits where the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay meet. Solomon’s Island is a beautiful area with a long history, dating well back to the late 1600’s. At that time, it was known as Bourne’s Island. It was not until 1870, when a prominent businessman from Baltimore named Isaac Solomon, advertised his canning operation, located there, as “Solomon’s Island”, that the US Postal Service officially recognized it as such. Understandably so, Solomon’s became known for its shipbuilding, ship repair, and seafood industries. Today, there are seafood restaurants scattered across the Island.

Inner Equinox
Inner Equinox

Friday night, after we checked in at the Hilton, we checked out the lone metaphysical shop on the Island. Inner Equinox. Incredible shop. Great staff. This unique little shop sells crystals, tarot cards, holistic jewelry, essential oils, smudges, tapestry, statues, candles, and more. They also have some touristy things for sale. Given their location just off the Bay, this was not surprising at all. In addition to the retail shop, they also offer a number of services and readings. For a full list, please do check them out on Facebook. They were also at the Illuminate Solomon show and are now our newest carrier! If you missed us at the show, stop in at 14560 Solomons Island Rd. S, in Solomons to pick up your copy.

Kingfishers
Kingfishers

Saturday, after the show, we had dinner at Kingfishers. The food was excellent. Just the right serving sizes. I had ½ pound shrimp. Glenn had bourbon salmon with asparagus and crunchy onions and brussels sprouts. The flavors complemented each other perfectly. Both of us had cup of shrimp chowder. OMG delicious. Only thing that would have made dinner more perfect would have been had we got there before dark since we were seated at the window to the bay. Server Alexis absolutely great too. Chef Andrew or was he manager came out very friendly. Said this was a new menu too. Check them out virtually at: http://stoneysseafoodhouse.com/kingfishers/.

Had we had more time, I would have loved to check out some of the other sites. Also on the Island is the Annmarie Garden & Arts Center. This is a sculpture garden along a wooded area near St. Johns Creek. In a future issue, I would like to feature garden art and thought the sculptures would make incredible photos, but they have pretty strict photography regulations so – to be honest – I didn’t even try to see this one. Other places on the “next time” list are: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, he Calvert Cliffs State Park, and (for the hubby) the Spaceflight America Museum and Science Center in nearby Prince Frederick.

This weekend, we’re off to Hamburg, PA. Hamburg is named after Hamburg, Germany. We’ll be there for the annual Fall Inner Peace Holistic Expo, held at the Fieldhouse.

Until then …

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC., 2018.

Spirit of Oneness Holistic Expo Continues

WP_20181006_09_46_33_ProHARRISBURG — The Spirit of Oneness Holistic Expo continues today at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg, PA. The expo offers two floors of readers, healers, massages, aura photography, crystals and gems, art, jewelry, Therapeutic Thymes Magazine, and more. There are also talks scheduled throughout the day, as well as live entertainment. You will enter the expo from the 3rd Street entrance. Vendors are located both on that main level when you enter and downstairs. The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

You can find us in the upper room straight back as you enter (booth C42).  That’s our stand pictured on the right here. We have back issues available, and the current issue (Fall 2018). We also offer subscriptions. In addition to the magazine, we have mandala cloths. You can use them for your beach cloth or a table cloth, or even a wall hanging. They are a large circle shaped 100% cotton cloth. There are two choices: one is a blue gradient, and the other is black and has a ring of elephants worked in the design (which to be honest, is what caught Jeanne’s attention!). We also have a selection of artwork by Lititz (PA) area artist Shaun Hutchinson. He offers a Celtic Tree, a Mucha style woman, and a Watercolor Mandala.

Yesterday, we were blessed to be near author Amber Nightingale. A review of her book Reiki Healing for the Modern World was included in our Fall 2018 issue. She was there offering book signings and tarot reading. Crystal Sage (out of Maryland) is there this weekend and they have new autumn scents. I picked up a couple Pumpkin Spice bath bombs Saturday. Today, I actually have a list of things to get from them (soap, a few more bath bombs, lip balms, some sprays – stocking stuffers!). Judy Kay, a psychic medium, is offering readings there this weekend. She is incredible. If there is something you seek, advice or information, consult with Judy. Her schedule fills up fast though. If you are looking for crystals, check out Odds and Ends Corner. Zak is downstairs this weekend and has tables of crystals and geodes from which to choose.

Shopping for those unique holiday gifts? Check out Rustic Magic & More. This was the first I had seen Jim Caufield’s work but wow – he is very talented. He offers “fun, useful, and magical things made with sticks and other natural materials.” The grapevine works is what caught my attention and drew me into his stand. These are just a quick handful of the talented vendors and readers who are at the Spirit of Oneness Holistic Expo this weekend. Special thanks go to Sharon and her team at the Alta View Wellness Center for putting on the expo each year.

The Scottish Rite Cathedral is located at 2701 N 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA. There is plenty of free parking in the parking lot opposite the street from the venue.

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC, 2018.

Jeanne’s Journeys: Mother Earth News Fair

MENFairAs I write this, It’s Monday evening and the Mother Earth News Fair has come to another close and I have safely made it home, despite being extremely wore out. I had a great time at the show this year, both professionally and personally. I always go away though wishing I could have seen more or could have attended more talks. It is simply that huge of a show.

Ladies Homestead GatheringOur booth – as a media sponsor of the Fair – was in the bookstore and we were fortunate enough to be placed next to the National Ladies Homestead Gathering. Essentially it is a network group, designed to be both small local groups and a national group, of like-minded women of all ages who desire to be more self-sufficient. The founder, Cyndi Ball, spoke each day at the Fair as well. I caught her Saturday “Lunchtime with the Ladies Homestead Gathering.” One of our aspects is promoting a more sustainable way of life so this group fits right in and – I am excited to announce – Cyndi will be a regular contributor to Therapeutic Thymes! She will, naturally, be writing seasonally appropriate articles about homesteading.

I made a quick round of the vendors outside. There were vendors selling everything from herbal remedies and lotions to solar power equipment to crystals, to tractors to … use your imagination. The list just goes on. The Fair literally takes over the Seven Springs Ski Resort. There are vendors and talks everywhere. Oh – and livestock! I found an alpaca farmer from whom I purchased an infant hat (for our grandson, Tyr, who was born Friday) and two adorable finger puppets for his two big sisters.

I was excited to see the Wild Mountain Soap Company there. Phillip and Mary are the owners. They make their own products: soaps, deodorants, lotions, bath bombs, and – my favorite – muscle rubs. Their muscle rub is made with aloe, menthol, capsaicin, and camphor oil. After a long day on my feet, the rub was greatly appreciated.

Brew Beer Like a Yeti by Jereme ZimmermanUp in the bookstore, presenters were doing book signings as well. Jereme Zimmerman was there signing his recent “Brew Beer Like a Yeti.” Picked up a signed copy for a reviewer. Look for a review by Mathieu Gascon. He is an insurance agent by day and a homebrewer by night and weekend.

There was so much to see and learn. Watch for more both here and in the magazine itself. Don’t have a subscription yet? Click HERE to go to our “subscribe” page. Also, we’d love to hear your advice for first time attendees. Share your suggestions in the comments section.

The next Mother Earth News Fair is next month in Topeka, Kansas.

Until next journey …

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC., 2018.