New Wilmington has supported The Tavern for decades and is showing up for the 2023 restoration.
So many stories. They feel like waves of encouragement. Not just for us or this project, but for this place. This time. It’s easy to see where things are falling apart. Where there is break-down. It’s easy to talk about it. Co-misery. Sometimes we find comfort in it. Agreeing on what is wrong. But ever since we decided to shove our spade in the soil, so to speak, ever since we took on the work of restoring something old and something special that is of this place, we have met a surprising number of people here who have known the secret we are just beginning to unearth. They have been here all along, uplifting, protecting, enhancing, restoring.
This farm country is special. It is fruitful. It can be quiet and peaceful. The weather can be dramatic. The Amish keep it simple and clear. It is rare to see so much pasture land in Western Pennsylvania. But in this little pocket, there is plenty.
The folks who’ve come alongside us in restoring The Tavern are local craftsmen, creative thinkers, business owners, growers. They sit on boards and volunteer their time in the community. So many have been around our age and, unsurprisingly, they know each other. But there have also been a fair amount of young people reaching out, wanting to get involved. We have an intern from Westminster College who is researching sustainable practices in American restaurants. We have a clutch of mother’s helpers tending to our flock when mama needs to break away. We have a small group of eager young cooks at the beginning of their journey.
This month, we are excited to share a video made by a local film-maker. Vinnie Funari is a junior at New Wilmington High. He lights up when you get him talking about a film project. Vinnie is a model witness, if you will. A great product of his environment. His mother, Dr. Helen Boylan Funari, is the Director for the Center of the Environment at Westminster College. Her hand is in so many campus-enhancing projects like The Tiny House and the new student-run business, the Westminster Bee Company.
Vinnie’s father, Frank Funari is an old-school tailor. Yes, they still exist. He is skilled in a trade that seems of another time and yet is still so present. He makes custom men’s suits and shirts and keeps a small book of clients. Vinnie’s sister, Linnea is a Girl Scout, pursuing Eagle Scout status, continuously enriching and being enriched by this community. Vinnie, himself is professional and enthusiastic and we hope to make more of these videos with him as our story continues to unfold…or before he makes it to the big time. But something tells me he will always give back to this place, somehow.
Please enjoy our first episodes of Tavern Stories. Watch on YouTube to subscribe to The Tavern on the Square channel and see episodes 1 and 2!
