Home Care In Pennsburg, PA

I’ve never been a fan of summer. While lots of people head to the beach, go for a run, or join a pickup game of basketball at the neighborhood playground, I hide in my house away from the sun, heat, and mosquitoes. There is one thing that I love about summer though, and that’s a fresh-from-the-plant tomato sliced up and prepared with some olive oil and basil. That simple pleasure makes enduring the heat and humidity of August all worth it.

Despite the heat wave, the pandemic has me itching to get out of the house and looking for something safe to do. A link to Rainbow Tomatoes Garden came to my rescue.

This small, roadside stand on a small farm is owned by Dan Waber, a former chef who grows and sells more than 300 varieties of tomatoes. I didn’t even know there were that many different kinds. So my family and I hopped in a car for a scenic ride into the countryside to check out his offerings. After arriving at the stand in East Greenville, we knew immediately that our trip was not in vain. Dan and his wife, Jennifer, were both wearing masks. Resting upon their beautiful handmade tables constructed by a carpenter friend were dozens of varieties of tomatoes of all colors and shapes.

Dan greeted us and offered lots of information about the tomatoes that he had available that day. He explained some of the differences among the varieties and offered us a taste of anything we wanted to try. We enjoyed filling a bag with tomatoes that looked fun, interesting, and beautiful. We took special pride in selecting the largest offering he had that day. It was a 1.75 pound Cherokee Carbon, a beautiful, dark, almost purple tomato. We ate it for lunch, and it was the most delicious tomato I have ever tasted.

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I asked Dan more questions about his tomato farm.

(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

How did you learn to grow tomatoes?

The book that made me put my first seeds in the ground was “Heirloom Vegetable Gardening” by William Woys Weaver, of Devon. My first garden included a half a dozen kinds of tomatoes. They were each, in their own way, spectacular. I have volunteered at several organic farms and spent all of last season working for an organic market gardener. This is my first season entirely on my own at this scale. I am learning every day.

After being a chef, why grow tomatoes?

Like most major decisions, it was at the intersection of a lot of stories. In my first career I was a professional chef in the Chicago area, working mostly in private clubs and hotels. After I left that industry, I remained passionate about food, and I have always been an ingredient nerd.

Years ago, I read “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan and it changed my life. After reading it I made a commitment to support sustainable agricultural practices with my purchases, and, a long-term commitment to find a way to support them with my labor, as well. I lost 110 excess pounds in 11 months after removing myself from the industrial food chain.

[My wife and I]bought a property with enough space to grow, and spent a season with it while we considered what crop or crops would best suit the land. I worked at a nearby organic market gardener’s farm to gain more experience than my community gardening years gave. In June of last year, we decided on tomatoes. Everyone knows that a homegrown tomato is better than a store-bought tomato, so the heavy lifting of education is already done.

What is special about some of the varieties you grow?

There are over 10,000 tomato cultivars, and more being created by breeders every year. I selected the 320 I grow because someone, somewhere, in some book or group or conversation celebrated its flavor. I grow for flavor.

We have tomatoes that are white when ripe, green when ripe, black when ripe, brown when ripe, yellow when ripe, striped on the outside, multicolored on the inside, tomatoes that are round, oblong, pear-shaped, dumpling-shaped, impossible-to-describe shaped, as small as a currant, and larger than a 16-inch softball. And in every possible combination of these features. We have tomatoes like you’ve never seen before that taste better than any tomato you’ve ever eaten.

Are people now referring to you as the tomato guy?

I believe the preferred formulation is “that crazy guy with all the tomatoes.”

Rainbow Tomatoes Garden

All tomatoes are $4 per pound and the stand is cash only.

If you plan on visiting later in the day, call ahead to make sure they aren’t sold out. They are often available after-hours for any tomato emergencies.

Monday-Friday: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

2979 Kutztown Road, East Greenville, Pa. 18041

570-762-6140; [email protected]

For daily updates of variety availability, check their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowtomatoesgarden

Simple Days Beer held its grand opening in November 2020, in East Greenville, PA at 226 Main St, East Greenville.

The brewery is now ready to expand and move…just across the street! As we recently learned, they will be opening just across the street at 231 Main Street. They have an estimated timeline of May 2023.

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We recently spoke with owner and head brewer Chris Hink to understand more about the new location and what beer fans can expect.

BIPA: Can you describe the new space you are moving into?

Chris: We are moving from our previous 600 sq/ft location across the street into a 1,200 sq/ft building that will be our taproom. We also will have a separate 1,800 sq/ft offsite warehouse, that will house all the brewing operations and allow us to manufacture more beer.

The building has supported a number of businesses, and most recently it was a thrift store. We will have 8 for opening, possibly expanding to 12 within some time. We also won’t have food to start and will continue utilizing food trucks as we have done in the past. Lastly, in addition to the indoor seating, we will have a small front patio to offer some outdoor seating.

BIPA: What is in the plans for this year and next?

Chris: We want to increase production. Currently, we have a 3.5 BBL system, and we will be double batching into bigger tanks in the near future. Our plans are to add more tanks, foeders for some sours, and a small canning line most likely this year.

BIPA: What stage are you currently in with the new space?

Chris: The taproom is still in the buildout stage. The bar is being built soon, and then there are some small cosmetic changes we want to make to the space. Our warehouse location is done, our system is moved, and we will start brewing there soon!

Breweries in PA will follow up once Simple Days Beer is ready for its grand opening. Make sure to follow the brewery’s growth by visiting its website, and following them on Facebook and Instagram.

Rite Aid has announced plans to close approximately 150 stores nationwide, including more than 35 locations in Pennsylvania, as part of its bankruptcy process.

Among the Pennsylvania stores set to close are locations at 1628 S. Fourth St. in Allentown and 350 Main St. in Pennsburg.

Prior to seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday, the Philadelphia-based company, with more than 2,100 locations in 17 states, in September shuttered several regional locations, including those at 601 S. 25th St. in Palmer Township, 901 Northampton St. in Easton’s West Ward, 361 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown, 1080 S. West End Blvd. in Quakertown and 674 Route 196, Suite 14, in Tobyhanna.

On Tuesday, the Rite Aid store at 2178 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem also closed.

Rite Aid provided the following statement regarding its store closures:

"Like all retail businesses, we regularly review each of our locations to ensure we are meeting the needs of our customers, communities and overall business. A decision to close a store is one we take very seriously and is based on a variety of factors including business strategy, lease and rent considerations, local business conditions and viability, and store performance. We review every neighborhood to ensure our customers will have access to health services, be it at Rite Aid or a nearby pharmacy, and we work to seamlessly transfer their prescriptions so there is no disruption of services. We also strive to transfer associates to other Rite Aid locations where possible."

A closing date for the store on South Fourth Street in Allentown has not yet been announced. The Pennsburg store is set to close on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Rite Aid listed more than 35 Pennsylvania locations on its store closure list, including the following other locations:

Rite Aid on Monday also announced plans to sell 78 store leases, including 12 in Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia-based chain has been burdened by debt and by litigation related to the sale of opioids. Competition from CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and grocery-store pharmacies has also affected sales.

A&G Real Estate Partners, Rite Aid's adviser, said any sales are subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.

The properties becoming available are suitable for a variety of businesses, according to A&G.

"The size ranges of these properties are in high demand among potential replacement users — a list that includes dollar stores, gyms, grocers, specialty discount stores and fast-growing quick-serve restaurants," A&G Senior Managing Director Mike Matlat said in a statement. "We anticipate robust interest from a wide array of retail operators, as well as non-retail medical, health, wellness and service-related businesses."

McAllister Brewing Company, a renowned name in the craft beer industry, is thrilled to announce its latest venture – the acquisition of The Carriage House Restaurant in East Greenville. McAllister’s is bringing its exceptional craft beer, along with other outstanding Pennsylvania breweries, wineries, and distilleries to match the remarkable quality and rich history of the Carriage House Restaurant.

The Carriage House Restaurant, a beautiful, rustic, farmhouse, built in the late 1700’s, has a unique charm and rich history that has been a staple in the East Greenville community. Owner’s Bob and Donna Shultheis are retiring after 22 years in business and have passed on their culinary expertise to the McAllister crew to open the next chapter in the Carriage House legacy.

“We are truly excited and honored to take the reins from Bob and Donna, great people, who have instantly become part of our family” says Mike McAllister, Founder and Head Brewer at McAllister Brewing Company. “This venture allows us not only to expand our offerings but also create a memorable destination for craft beer enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike. We see this as a tremendous opportunity to contribute even more to the vibrant communities in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.”

The newly united McAllister Brewing Company and Carriage House Restaurant will offer an unparalleled experience to patrons. Bringing an extensive selection of craft beers, local wine, and creative cocktails, to complement a revamped menu incorporating Carriage House’s unapparelled and familiar favorites as well as new options with the craft beer drinker in mind. This destination promises to be a haven for those seeking craft beer, excellent food, and a truly unique and welcoming experience.

Tentatively planned for the beginning of November (Date to be announced), the location will offer 6 draft beer options, canned beer options, PA wine and liquor as well as the debut of our new menu. Initially bar seating, dining areas, and outdoor seating with fire pits will be available for multiple dining and drinking experiences.

Big changes will be made over the course of the winter. In addition, they plan to add an open-air bar with 25 taps, including McAllister’s proprietary Sudz Capacitor, a new dining area, and plans to incorporate outdoor, garden-style, space for activities and seating for all to enjoy in the Spring of 2024.

This partnership is set to redefine the craft beer and culinary scene in the Lehigh Valley, providing a one-of-a-kind destination where flavor, quality, and history converge.

Any outstanding gift cards from both McAllister Brewing Company and The Carriage House Restaurant will be honored. For now you can follow McAllister on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more updates on this exciting journey.

PENNSBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A bit of confusion was stirred in Montgomery County after a borough mayor announced her town would be the first in the county to reopen against Gov. Tom Wolf's order. That drew a not-so-subtle response from the council president.

The borough of Pennsburg sits on the somewhat rural northern tip of Montgomery County.

In the 2010 census, the population was just under 4,000.

As of this week, Pennsburg has had a total of just three cases of COVID-19, according to Mayor Vicki Lightcap.

Following Tuesday's borough meeting, Lightcap said in a statement, "I am proud of my council and their decision to join me in reopening Pennsburg. I am currently at work drafting a resolution that the council can vote on to memorialize our stance."

Gov. Wolf Expected To Announce Friday More Pennsylvania Counties Reopening

Lightcap, who is running for state representative, wants Pennsburg to become the first town in Montgomery County to reopen despite Gov. Tom Wolf's orders. The goal is to provide relief to shuttered small businesses.

But some took the mayor's statement to mean that Pennsburg is now open for business.

To "clear up rumors," Pennsburg Council President Diane Stevens released a statement.

"Pennsburg Council did NOT permit businesses to reopen that aren't allowed under the Governor's orders. Council DID give permission for Mayor Lightcap to come up with a resolution for us to consider at our next meeting on May 26. Believe me, I want all businesses to reopen and people to go back to work BUT the health, safety and welfare of all must be paramount. To act immediately without proper checks and balances in place is reckless," Stevens said.

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Stevens did add that she has reached out to county leadership to see if they might allow rural communities that fall below the CDC closing thresholds to reopen.

Pennsburg Council will officially vote on the mayor's resolution to reopen their small businesses on May 26.