The Tavern on the Square

BUY ONE DINNER GET ONE FREE!

2012-02-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

EVERY MONDAY IN FEBRUARY! No gimmicks. No coupons needed. You do have to buy a beverage with each meal.but other than that..you're getting a delicious homecooked Tavern meal for Free!

We have ten meals to choose from. They are: Hamloaf with pineapple sauce, Chicken and Biscuits, Pot Roast, Penne Pasta with Meatballs, Vegetable Lasagna, Chicken Divan, Chicken Tenders, Chopped Sirloin Steak, Meatloaf and and Roasted Turkey with stuffing! MMMM! You don't have to make a reservation, but we think it's going to be pretty busy on Mondays, so give us a call and we'll save a table for you.

2012-01-18T16:36:00.001-08:00

The restaurant was opened in 1931 by Cora Durrast. Cora was a former Westminster College student who saw the need to provide a place for parents to dine when they came to visit their college students. The restaurant became a huge success and was labled a FIVE STAR restaurant by many travel and dining magazines.

Beautifully restored, The Tavern is once again a must see destination.
Susan and Joseph Hougelman continue the tradition of Cora's famous homemade Sticky Buns, Hamloaf, Chicken and dumplings and many other delicious country dishes. Known for their amazing entrees and desserts, reasonable prices and outstanding service, The Tavern on the Square is a favorite restaurant by many diners far and wide.

Beautiful Murals painted on the walls, hand stenciled floors, seven dining rooms, a gift shoppe and coming soon The Little Bakery on the Square which will feature homemade pies, cakes, pasteries, fudge and many other delightful baked goods!

If you're looking to host a special function, The Tavern on the Square boasts five private dining rooms that can accomodate up to fifty guests. Give Susan a call at 724-946-2020 for more information.

Come and see us. We not only will fill your bellies with good food, we will fill your hearts up with warmth, comfort and love! Sincerely,

Susan and Joe Hougelman

Valentine's day at The Tavern

2012-01-18T16:30:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday! It's all about Love and I LOVE to LOVE people! We will celebrate Valentine's Day from Saturday February 11th through Tuesday, February 14th! We decorate the Tavern with beautiul red and white hearts and flowers. We play romantic music and even put little books of love poems and stories on the tables! It's such a wonderful time to celebrate those you love! I don't think Valentine's Day should just be for couples. Why not show your friends, children, parents, or grandparents, just how much you love them! For Valentine's Day, we make special desserts including red velvet, cream filled heart cakes! YUM! Come and get your bellies filled up and your hearts filled up too!

Call us at 724-946-2020 for reservations!

2011-12-26T12:15:00.000-08:00

"The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective."

G.K. Chesterton
Accepting New Year's reservations! We offer a free glass of champagne or sparkling juice for each guest on New Years. Come celebrate with us!

Tavern Gift Cards make Great Gifts!

2011-12-01T13:08:00.001-08:00

Give us a call, and we can mail one to you, or the gift recipient, or come by and pick one up!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-12-01T12:49:00.001-08:00

The Tavern is decorated so beautifully for Christmas. Come and see ! Fill your bellies up with good food and your hearts up with love! Let the love that flows all throughout these old walls fill your soul too. My friends, we are so excited to be able to share all that God has given us, with you! Bring your family and friends to enjoy our good old fashioned home cooked meals and listen to old fashioned Christmas carols. You might even find a treasure in our little gift shoppe. Come and experience The Tavern on the Square.

We are thankful!

2011-11-17T13:04:00.001-08:00

We are thankful for all the blessings that God has given us and we are thankful for YOU, friends and family of The Tavern. May you always have something to be thankful for. May God's love and light shine down upon you this Thanksgiving and always. Don't forget we will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, so our Tavern family can spend the day with their families. Thank you again! Blessings, Susan Hougelman

Welcome Friends!

2011-05-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Tavern on the Square! We are a family owned restaurant located in the heart of Amish Country in Western Pennsylvania. The Tavern on the Square is located in a home that was built in 1849 by Seth Poppino. Seth was a doctor and teacher and founder of the Methodist church that still resides in New Wilmington today. The Poppino family were also Abolitionists and The Tavern was once a part of the Underground Railroad. Slaves were hidden in the home and taken to freedom via a tunnel that runs underneath the building.
The restaurant was opened in 1931 by Cora Durrast. Cora was a former Westminster College student who saw the need to provide a place for parents to dine when they came to visit their college students. The restaurant became a huge success and was labled a FIVE STAR restaurant by many travel and dining magazines.
Beautifully restored, The Tavern is once again a must see destination.
Susan and Joseph Hougelman continue the tradition of Cora's famous homemade Sticky Buns, Hamloaf, Chicken and dumplings and many other delicious country dishes. Known for their amazing entrees and desserts, reasonable prices and outstanding service, The Tavern on the Square is a favorite restaurant by many diners far and wide.
Beautiful Murals painted on the walls, hand stenciled floors, seven dining rooms, a gift shoppe and coming soon The Little Bakery on the Square which will feature homemade pies, cakes, pasteries, fudge and many other delightful baked goods!
If you're looking to host a special function, The Tavern on the Square boasts five private dining rooms that can accomodate up to fifty guests. Give Susan a call at 724-946-2020 for more information.
Come and see us. We not only will fill your bellies with good food, we will fill your hearts up with warmth, comfort and love! Sincerely,
Susan and Joe Hougelman

The Tavern's Steak is AMAZING!!!!

2011-04-06T10:41:00.001-07:00

Chicken and Biscuits and Hamloaf are our most popular dinners at The Tavern, but people often want to know what is my favorite dinner at The Tavern! In my opinion, the Tavern Sirloin Steak is the best meal we serve! It comes from the same beef supplier that supplies all the steaks for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates! It's aged 28 days, which professionals say is the prime aging process for steaks! We grill each steak on a special piece of equipment called a SALAMANDER. The salamander cooks meats at a very high heat, so they are charred on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside! OH MY!!!!! Trust me, they are amazing!

Lenten Specials!

2011-02-28T13:05:00.000-08:00

The Tavern on the Square is noted for their good old fashioned homemade cooking but did you know The Tavern is also famous for their Fish? The Giant Cod Fish sandwich would rival any other fish sandwich for it's size and taste! It's been nicknamed the Giant WHALE sandwich by customers! We also have fish and chips (with homemade potato chips and malt vinegar), hand battered or baked Cod, Parmesan encrusted white fish, Honey Dijon Salmon, Blackened Salmon as well as hand breaded panko encrusted shrimp dinners! We make homemade macaroni and cheese and a sweet and sour cole slaw that is AMAZING! Come check us out during lent.

Looking for a place to have a party?

2011-02-24T22:30:00.000-08:00

Look no further! We have four private dining rooms that hold up to fifty guests. If you are looking for a place to have a bridal shower, baby shower, anniversary, birthday party or even a funeral dinner, The Tavern on the Square is a wonderful place to dine. We even do Tea Parties!

Please call us at 724-946-2020 and ask for Susan to request moreinformation.

Love is in the Air!

2011-01-26T07:25:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends of The Tavern! My favorite Holiday is soon aproaching. Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday because it's all about LOVE! We LOVE our Friends and Family at The Tavern on the Square. We LOVE good food and we LOVE to fill your bellies. We LOVE to fill your hearts up with warmth and good feelings too. Just come see what we're talking about and you will agree that The Tavern on the Square is a special kind of place...so much more than a restaurant.

We are getting together a special Valentine's Day Menu just for you! We will have a special menu Saturday, Sunday and Monday including our amazing Cream Filled Red Velvet heart cakes made with REAL buttercream icing! OH MY!!

Make your reservations soon because we fill up quickly!
May God richly bless you and fill your heart with so much love that you can't help but to share it with others! Your friend and owner of The Tavern,
Susan Hougelman

NEW YEARS RESERVATIONS BEING TAKEN NOW!

2010-12-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

WE HAVE A GREAT MENU PLANNED FOR NEW YEARS EVE! THE TAVERN WILL BE TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR NEW YEARS EVE DINNERS. WE ARE GIVING AWAY FREE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE OR SPARKLING JUICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS. COME CELEBRATE WITH US ON THE LAST DAY OF 2010.
CALL 724-946-2020 TO MAKE RESERVATIONS

CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

2010-12-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

THE TAVERN GIFT CARD IS A PERFECT GIFT FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. ORDER BY PHONE OR COME IN AND PICK ONE UP.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-11T06:36:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from your friends at The Tavern on the Square in New Wilmington, Pa.
May God Bless you richly this Christmas Season. May you rejoice and celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. May you feel the warmth of His Love this season. God Bless You friends! Susan and Joe Hougelman

Now open until 8:00 pm on Sundays!

2010-11-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

Come get sticky with us!

Autumn in New Wilmington

2010-11-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

Isn't She lovely?

Photograph by Kenn Hudack.

WELCOME FRIENDS!

2010-08-27T06:02:00.001-07:00

Many memories are made at The Tavern on The Square. It is a tradition for Westminster College students to come with their families to sit down at our table and enjoy a good old fashioned home cooked meal together. There's just something about enjoying good food, good conversation and laughter around the dinner table, that makes your heart feel good. The Tavern serves wonderful food and the prices are a value, but that's not really what makes this beautiful restaurant, more than just a place to eat. It's the feeling you get when you are here. It's a feeling of love and kindness and peace and joy. Come and see what we are talking about. Fill your bellies, and also get your heart filled up. We look forward to serving you.
Your friends at The Tavern

Summer at The Tavern!

2010-06-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!
It's summer here in New Wilmington and we are having a blast meeting new friends and visiting with our favorite customers! We have been busy cooking delicious lunches and dinners for YOU! The Tavern has become a favorite destination spot for many people. Come and relax. Bring your favorite bottle of wine, and a group of friends for a wonderfull meal. We look forward to meeting you,
With warm regards, Susan and Joe

We're so Thankful!

2010-05-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

May is a busy month here at The Tavern! We celebrated Mother's Day by serving over 450 guests! We made 60 dozen sticky buns!! It was a wonderful day. We have lots of graduation parties coming up this month along with several baby and bridal showers, two anniversary dinners and four rehersal dinners! We have been having so much fun meeting new customers and loving on our faithful ones. God has blessed us so much and for Him we give Praise and Thanksgiving! Our hearts are full of gratitude to God and to YOU! Thank you friends!

Mother's Day Reservations!

2010-04-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

It's not too early to make your Mother's Day Reservations. Mother's Day is our busiest day of the year! We will have a special Mother's Day Menu with amazing meals and desserts for mom's and their families! 724-946-2020

Tea Parties!

2010-04-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

New! Tavern Tea Parties!

2010-04-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

We are now hosting Tavern Tea Parties. If you would like more information please call Brenda at 724-946-2020

Happy Easter!

2010-04-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Tavern will be closed Easter Sunday, so our family can enjoy the celebration of Christ's resurrection with our families. May you have a blessed Day!

Lenten Specials! "OUR COD IS AN AWESOME COD"

2010-02-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

Giant Cod FIsh Sandwich!

Grilled Salmon!

Baked or Battered Cod Dinners,
Tilapia
Parmasean encrusted white fish
sO MUCH MORE... COME SEE US THIS MONTH!!!

New this month!

2010-02-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

Prime Rib!

Homemade CHerry Walnut Pie!

Chicken Mozzarella!

Now Taking Reservations For Valentine's Day

2010-01-28T06:48:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite Holidays! I LOVE... LOVE! The Tavern on the Square is going to be offering specials all weekend long (Friday Feb. 12, Saturday Feb 13th and Sunday Feb 14th) in honor of Valentine's Day! We are going to be decorating the restaurant and each table will have candlelight and a fresh flower and chocolate hearts! We want to make it so special and fun. Valentine's day is not just for couples! Bring a friend, or your family..bring anyone that you love out to eat. Don't just sit at home, show someone how much you love them with a special meal at the Tavern! It's the place where we LOVE to LOVE YOU! : ) Come and see us! Call us @ 724-946-2020 to make a reservation! Hurry because we get filled up quickly!

One Year Anniversary Party!~

2010-01-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

The Tavern on the Square Restaurant will be celebrating their one year anniversary on February 9th! (Well that's one year since Susan and Joe opened the NEW Tavern on the Square) We are going to celebrate an incredible first year with a great big party! We are having a gratitude party and YOU are invited! We want to give thanks to our Creator, for blessing us with this beautiful restaurant in this wonderful community of New Wilmington! We also want to give thanks to YOU, our family and friends and customers who have made The Tavern on the Square Restaurant more successful then we ever imagined! We are going to be having a reception in our upstairs banquet room and everybody is invited! THe date is Tuesday, February 9th from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Please save the date and come let us give you a hug and/or a handshake and say "Thank-you" for helping us to make this a wonderful first year!
God Bless You friends!

2009-12-26T07:24:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder..
The Tavern will be closed January 1st through January 10th and will open it's doors on January 11th. When we bought The Tavern on the Square, we promised ourselves that we would work hard all year, but once during the year we would close the restaurant and take a family vacation. My husband and daughters and I need some time away to re-energize, refocus and renew! We have put in a lot of hours this year, and we need some time to reconnect with each other and of course the last re word we need to do is RELAX!! : ) See you when we return! Thank you for your continued support of our restaurant! We are filled with gratitude! : )
Susan

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-12-24T20:04:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours, I wish you a Christmas Season filled with love, joy,peace, hope, and all good things. May the Love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, fill your hearts and your homes with gladness! May the New Year bring you closer to Him.
Your friends, Susan and Joe

With a heart full of gratitude

2009-11-25T06:47:00.001-08:00

The Tavern would like to wish you and your family an beautiful Thanksgiving Holiday! May your bellies be filled with good food and your heart be filled with love. We are so thankful for our friends and our Tavern Family. Most of all we give thanks to God for all that He's given us! WE LOVE YOU! Susan and Joe Hougelman

2009-11-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

Breakfast with Santa at The Tavern!

2009-11-04T05:26:00.000-08:00

Come join us on December 5th for what's soon to become a Tavern Family Tradition! Santa arrives at 9:00 am (through the chimney of course). Families are invited to partake in an old-fashioned country breakfast in our beautiful dining room and then visit the Library where Santa will be waiting! Parents are invited to take all the pictures they want with Santa Clause. No rushing, no waiting in line, no pressure to buy anything. Just let your children feel that Christmas Magic with Santa Clause. Santa will give each child a special treat bag filled with Christmas goodies!
This is one event you don't want to miss. Memories will be made that will last a lifetime! Reservations are required and we expect to get filled quickly, so don't wait too long. Cost is $10.00 per child. $15.00 per adult and that includes breakfast, a goody bag, and all the pictures you want to take! 724-946-2020

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..

2009-10-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

Oh the weather outside is frightful..

Hello friends! I am filled with the Christmas spirit. I know..I know..it's only October, but the weather outside sure is Christmas like, and I have been shopping for Christmas decorations and trees and ornaments to decorate our beautiful Tavern for the Christmas season, AND we have been getting so many Christmas parties booked, it makes me giggle! I LOVE CHRISTMAS! Christmas at the Tavern is going to be something magical and memorable! I want memories to be made here..especially at Christmas time. I want you to come and warm your hearts up in this place~
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..everywhere you go.. singing..
hmmm..hmmm..hmmm Come and see us!

Welcome Westminster Alumni!

2009-10-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

It's homecoming at Westminster College this weekend! The Tavern on the Square welcomes Westminster Alumni back to the Tavern on the Square Restaurant! Welcome Old friends and New ones! We've been cooking all weekend for you. Come and fill your bellies with good food and your hearts with good memories!

The Tavern gives back to God for all He's given us!

2009-10-04T12:22:00.001-07:00

Because the Lord has blessed us immensely, The Tavern wants to bless others. Since we opened, we have given to many local charities and organizations. We believe in supporting our community! We also believe in doing all we can for God! One of the ways you can give back to God all that He has given you, is to support people who are working for Him. I believe we are all called to use our gifts and talents for God. They don't always have to be financial gifts. You can use your time, your resources, your talents.. all for God's Glory!
This month we have adopted a missionary couple! Their names are Jody and Andrew Hawes. They are incredible people, who have literally given almost everything they've owned away to go and follow God! They live in the Ukraine and minister in many ways to the people there. The Bible verse they live by is Matthew 4:19 "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." You can visit their website at
www.fish4him.net

Jody and Andrew need more support in order to go back to the Ukraine. Jody has said, that if every one they knew would just give them 10 dollars a month, they would be able to leave tommorow to continue their ministry. $10.00 dollars a month..that's one lunch!!!!
I am asking my Tavern friends for a favor. I know that many people have their hands out and want something from you..and I know it gets all consuming to constantly give. BUT..all I ask is that you pray and ask God if He will provide you with some extra money to Give to Andrew and Jody so they can help make the part of the world they are called to, a better place! Ten dollars a month.. or a one time gift..anything you could do to help..they would sure appreciate it!
Go to their website, read about them and if you feel called to do so..click on the page that says giving and it will show you how to give a donation!
Thank you!!!!! The Lord will give back to you, all that you give! I am a living witness to His goodness when one is faithful!!!!
Jesus Rocks!! : ) Susan

The Tavern: Old and New

2009-10-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was an amazing day at the Tavern. It was Grove City College and New Wilmington Area High School's homecoming. We got completely booked up with reservations. Every dining room (there are six) was full and there was a waiting list of names for people to get a table. Wow! I definitely feel like I am a modern day miracle! What God is doing, in the midst of this recession is just..well it's just God. I give Him ALL the glory and thanksgiving and praise. I believe, without his hand upon us, we wouldn't be able to be successful. Thank you Lord!
Let me tell you what it was like to be here this past Saturday. First of all, my daughter Ally is a senior at New Castle High School, and it was also her homecoming. Knowing how busy we were going to be at the restaurant, I asked her and her date and friends if they would come to the Tavern to take pictures. It's a beautiful place, and with the Autumn decorations out front, I knew they would be able to take wonderful pictures there!
So I was a mom first, and as people filled my restaurant, I stood outside with my sweet girl and her friends and took pictures. My heart swelled with love and joy at having such a beautiful, modest, sweet and tender daughter as I wished her much fun for the evening and sent her on her way full of prayers for a safe return!
Then I put on my restaurant owner's hat, and greeted all of my customers. There were parents of homecoming couples taking pictures of their children in front of the Tavern, and there were many diners enjoying their meals.
I had to run and put my uniform on, and then put on my servers hat. I was working as a server for a party in our banquet room. The Mercer County Historical Society met in our banquet room to celebrate their 15th anniversary. As you can see from the picture they were dressed up so beautifully in civil war era costumes and just fit in with the Tavern's decor so wonderfully! It was such a sight to see.
In the smaller banquet room, next to the larger one, there was a group of high school homecoming attendees having dinner. This is what gave me chills...
Seeing these beautiful young and modern children having dinner and enjoying themselves at the Tavern, next to the older historically dressed diners having dinner and enjoying themselves.. THAT is the Tavern. That is one of the things that makes it so wonderful!
We took the traditional Tavern menu items and combined them with new, modern foods and we made something spectacular! Old and New, Young and Old..we are reaching many people and providing them with a great dining experience!
Oh..I wish I had pictures of those young kids and could post it along with this picture of the Mercer County Historical Society!
If you would sit down and look through all of the journals at the table, you would see, that there are students that come to dinner at the Tavern because they are tired of cafeteria food, and there are couples celebrating 70th wedding anniversaries. We get to experience grandmothers and grandfathers meeting with their grandchildren..we get to witness birthdays of all ages.. Oh it's so much fun being around people and hearing their stories. It's what I love best about owning a restaurant! I love my customers!

I love Autumn!

2009-09-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year! I love the oranges and reds and yellow colors of Autumn! I love the cool crisp weather. It's football season, and back to school time! My birthday and my girl's birthdays and my anniversary are in September! I love wearing sweatshirts and jeans and tennis shoes! The New Wilmington Fireman's Auction is in the fall,and that's when I stalk up on my reading supply until the Kiwana's book sale in the spring! Oh, I love to decorate for fall!
Have you seen the Tavern decorations? We had so much fun decorating!
We filled our fireplaces with little pumpkins and gourds and apples and leaves and then scattered twinkle lights all around! We dim the lights in the dining rooms..and oh..it's just so beautiful! We changed the color of the table cloths and centerpieces in the banquet room for fall! We decorated the mantles and hung wreaths and swags!
Yesterday two people asked if they could take pictures! That just thrilled my soul!
Fall is the time for Pumpkin Pie and Warm Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream at the Tavern! It's a season for a good bowl of homemade soup! MMMMMM
Come see us this fall. We'll fill your bellies and warm your hearts!
Your friend, Susan

Back to school!

2009-08-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

The Tavern on the Square Family would like to offer our prayers to all you moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas and to YOU students and Teachers. We pray that you have a year filled with hope and love, knowledge and wisdom, strength and endurance! May the Lord bless you with HIS love and wisdom and strength! May he lead you with His guidance! Go out and make a difference in our world!
Blessings upon Blessings, Susan

"There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread." Mother Teresa

2009-08-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

God is doing AMAZING things at the Tavern!

2009-08-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

I am dancing for Joy this morning! My heart is flipping and flopping and having a party inside of me today. It's boogying...singing..rejoicing..laughing..yeah..I Do get that excited ! That is really how I feel at this moment.
Do you want to know why? : ) Well here's the story...

When we first opened the Tavern (about 7 months ago) we hired a new crew! One of the young men we hired to cook for us is named Joe. Joe is from New Castle. I believe his is 20 years old. He was a rough kind of kid...swearing..talking about drinking and partying alot..and women....oh my..he had lots of stories to tell about women. His parents are divorced. Joe lived with his Dad in Las Vegas for a while, and his mom in New Castle some of the time. I could tell right away that Joe was a sweet kid. He has a heart of gold. He'd always ask if I needed help, he'd carry things in for me, when I'd ask him to stop swearing, he did. He was very respectful of me, which I appreciate very much in an employee.
Within the first week of hiring Joe, I knew that God wanted Joe. I knew that JOe was something special and God was going to use Joe to do things for him. I can't expain it, except to say that I knew God wanted Joe.
God is such a huge part of my life, so of course He gets talked about often at work. So I asked Joe, "Do you believe in God?" He said that he was Agnostic, and I don't know if he really knew what that meant, but he said He didn't believe in just one God. I said, "Oh man..that's too bad, because Joe, I really think God wants you."
(I know..it was a bold thing to say, but I knew it was true, and it just felt right for me to say it.)

I can't remember what Joe said..it wasn't anything disrespectful...but something funny..like, "Everybody wants me Sue." That's Joe : )

He's really funny too!

So..days go by and I'm starting to really like this kid. He's so sweet. I'm still feeling the pull...I know it in my heart, God wants him.
A few days later..Joe asked me a few questions. I answered them and then I said Joe, I really want to see you in heaven with me. I like you alot, and I care about you. I want you to go to heaven when I go. I want you to be there with me.

That same day, Joe's mom called at the Tavern and asked to talk to me.
Me? I didn't know Joe's mom. I had never met her.
I answered the phone,"hello?" She told me that Joe really, really liked and respected me. She said that she had some bad news to tell Joe and she needed me to support him until her husband (Joe's step dad) could get there to pick him up.
Joe's dad had a heart attack and was on life support and going to die. Someone found him in his apartment in Las Vegas and it was too late to save him.
She told me that her husband would be there in 20 minutes to pick Joe up and tell him the news.

Oh..my heart hurt so badly. It was so heavy, I felt as though I couldn't carry it. Oh no. I loved little Joe. I didn't want to see him hurt. He loved his dad so much. He talked about him all of the time. He missed him. Oh no..
It was a horrible 20 minutes.
Joe's stepdad came. I told Joe that he was here and Joe immediately looked scared.
His stepdad took him out back and I heard one of those screams that you pray you never have to hear. Those wild animal, gutteral, hurting screams. Oh, it hurt so deeply. Joe came in with a face full of tears and pain and I sat him down on the steps and we just cried together. I held him and he cried and cried and shook and I just kept rubbing his head and telling him that it would be okay. I promised him that it would be okay. I told him to go and be with his mom and sisters, and just take one step at a time, because truly, having been through it, that's all you can do. Just take one step, just get through the next minute, the next hour, the next day. You just think about the next thing..you only see what's now, what's right in front of you.. that's how you cope. You do what you have to do next. You go through motions..you just..do it. Right? Is that your experience too? That was mine.
So Joe flew to Vegas, and he said goodbye to his dad and buried him. Having lost my dad too, I know how painful it is.

Joe came back a week later, and he started working again. We started talking again. Not much though... just little things.

Along came Megan and Mandy. Megan and Mandy are two young Christian girls that we hired for the summer. Megan and Mandy are two ADORABLE young women. I told them how I felt God wanted Joe to accept Christ as His Savior and they felt the same way. So they started telling Joe little Bible stories everday. The kind of stories you'd tell small children..you know...Jonah and the Whale, Noah and the Ark, Daniel and the Lion's Den etc.. and He loved them! It was so cute...the girls would go home at night and find a story to tell Joe and Joe would come to work and say.."hey, what's my story today!?" I loved it!!

Megan bought Joe a Bible and a devotions book That was AMAZING to me! Way to Go Megan! She thought Joe should have them.

Mandy invited Joe to go to church with her. Guess what? He went! We couldn't believe it. He's not from the same kind of background as Mandy..he never had been to a non catholic church before. Ha ha!! He went!!!!!!! WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!! Isn't that awesome.?!!! Way to Go Mandy!!!

But guess what? That's not the end of the story. No..it's not.

Yesterday (August 23rd) we had a Tavern picnic! It was the end of summer back to school picnic for our team! We love getting together and having fun. Yesterday, we were all sitting around the campfire and Joe came up to me and said, out loud in front of everyone.. "Sue, I got saved today. I'm a Christian."

HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I nearly fell of my chair. I jumped up! I hugged him. HA!!! I wanted to dance with him!! Oh Joe.. Oh...YES!! Oh Joe, I AM going to see you in heaven now!! I knew God wanted you!! I knew it!!! He said, "I know."

He was so happy and filled with Joy. Oh Joe..Oh Lord...Oh my Lord and Savior, who is now Joe's Lord and Savior... Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For all you do, all you give, all of your amazing and never ending love. Oh, How I love you.

Joe.. my sweet baby Joe.. Welcome to the Kingdom of God! The angels through a party yesterday in honor of you!

That is why I am here at this restaurant. Yes..we love to cook and serve good food. We love to bring a good restaurant to the community for others to enjoy. But my heart... where it truly is..is to share the Love of Jesus Christ with everyone I can. It's like knowing a secret and wanting everybody else to get to know the secret to amazing joy too.

*sigh*

That's now the contentment that I feel after sharing this story and just sitting here with my computer on my lap, praising and Thanking God for just being God..nothing more today..for who He is. I love Him so much.
Oh, I really do!

Guess who's coming to dinner?

2009-08-19T15:21:00.001-07:00

Next Friday The Tavern on the Square will host four culinary writers for lunch. How exciting is that? Joanne McBride (A lovely lady whom I admire greatly!)from the Lawrence County Tourist Promotion agency called today and asked if we would welcome these four men and women to the Tavern! We will welcome them with open arms, warm smiles, and delicious food! These are the four writers who will dine at the Tavern next Friday:
Marlene Fanta Shyer - Mature Life Features, assignment covers Destination, culinary, history and culture, which will appears within 15 months.. Mature Life Features, San Diego, is written for the 40+ year old population. She also writes for Passport, a GBLT pub.

Deborah Grossman - National Culinary Review. Angle of article is culinary and beverage scene in Pittsburgh & Its Countryside, including food and beverage products and the diversity of dining experiences. Story to run Q1 2010.

Mary Medland - Justsaygo.com, premiere web travel e-zine, which publishes travel and travel-related articles.

Tim Wassberg - Insidereel.com is broadcasted to 200 college campuses through Zilo Networks the show is now in its 10th season and reaches over 5 million students.

You know.. How can I give enough thanksgiving for the blessings that have come our way? Thank you..Thank you..Thank you.. ALL OF YOU..and most of all my Lord, thank you for allowing us this opportunity to serve this community with love, grace, fine food, inspiration and encouragement! We are blessed, Susan

We're collecting Tavern Memoralbilia!

2009-08-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

Friends of the Tavern,
We are now gathering together pictures, articles, postcards, stories, and any other Tavern Memoralbilia. We would like photographs of events, parties, dinners anything you have in your collection for a book we are going to put together about the History of the Tavern. If you have any old newspaper articles, or pictures of people who worked at the Tavern, or recipes, make a copy and bring them into us! Every single day someone comes into the Tavern and asks about it's history! I want to put it all together into a book for people to enjoy. The Tavern is a place where many people have made memories! Thank you!! You can bring them to me personally at the Tavern or you can mail them to us. Our address is 108 North Market Street, New WIlmington, Pa 16142 We so appreciate the time and effort it will take to find these items for us! Thank you so very much! WOOHOO! This is going to be fun!!

Ruth

2009-08-06T06:17:00.000-07:00

I get to meet many people that eat at my restaurant. I love meeting new people. I love greeting them and smiling at them. I love getting to know them and hugging them and learning about their lives. I love to give love and to receive it too! Don't we all?
One woman that I got to know and love is named Ruth.
Ruth and her husband Tom, came into my restaurant one afternoon and asked for a meal that wasn't microwaved. They have never owned a microwave and believe that is harmful for them to eat any food cooked in a microwave.
Now..just think how much YOU use your microwave. We use it a lot! We warm up the sticky rolls, soup if it's cold, we melt hot fudge, we warm up hamloaf, etc...

But not everything is microwaved...so we came up with a good meal for Tom and Ruth that was microwave free! Tom and Ruth loved it!
They came in again a few days later. They found something else, and Joe cooked their meal for them and made sure there were no microwaves involved.
Again and again...It was fun, because we'd do things differently, and it took a little longer, but we knew how happy we were making Tom and Ruth, and it became a pleasure to do this for the sweet couple. We'd stick desserts under warming lamps, we'd turn the oven on...anything we could do to honor these requests!
Ruth and Tom came in so often, they were known by all my servers. They asked each server's name, and would write something kind about them in their journals. They would tell me how special each server was. The servers began to love when Tom and Ruth came in.
Ruth has trouble walking up stairs, so she'd have to use the bathroom through the kitchen. We'd lead her to the bathroom, but she came in so often, soon she'd just get up and walk through the kitchen herself..without even asking! Ha! I loved that! It was like she was part of our family!
Ruth started asking the kitchen crew their names. She'd thank them for doing such a good job cooking their meal that evening. She'd tell them how good it tasted. They beamed from that! My kitchen doesn't get to hear customers responses to often! THe servers do...but the cooks who make the food, don't get praised nearly enough! *I will have to remember to do that even more often!!*
SO Ruth would say hello to the kitchen crew..even the dishwasher and thank them. Soon, the kitchen crew got to know Ruth! If one of them was off for the night, the next time Ruth came in she'd say, "Where were you Pam? I was here and you weren't!" Pam would laugh and say, "I can't believe she noticed I wasn't here!"
Ruth and Tom are AMAZING people! They are so full of love, it makes my heart swell just to write their names and think about them.
Last night were Ruth and Tom's last visit to our restaurant. They are moving to Tennessee. They are getting older and can no longer live on the farm that they lived on for a long time. They needed a smaller house where Ruth could get around better.
Ruth and Tom brought along the family that bought their house, in last night for dinner. They are hoping the family will continue the tradition of coming to the Tavern for meals, just like they did. They wanted to pass their beautiful tradition on...
I got Ruth's new address and I promised I'd write to her and Tom. I'm going to get a card and have all of the Tavern Family sign it and write something special on it!
I love you Ruth and Tom. In the short time we got to know you, you impacted our lives. You made it a point to make each person at the Tavern feel loved and respected..you made everyone feel appreciated! You are AMAZING Ruth! I hope I can be like you. You touched my life! You showed Jesus to other people! That's Christ's love you have inside of you...you and I both know that!
I will always remember you! God will follow you to Tennessee *or perhaps you're following GOd to Tennessee..but you know He is all you need and He is with you wherever you go!* I love you, Susan

Our first Food Critic Review!!!

2009-08-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

It's a good one!! WOOHOOOO Check it out! www.youngstowneats.blogspot.com

Sunday, July 19, 2009
The Tavern is back. It’s open. It’s better than ever. I am glad. One of my favorite drives in the world is Pa Route 208 into New Wilmington. This is western Pennsylvania Amish country with beautiful and manicured landscapes dotted with buggies and horses. Keep going past New Wilmington and Volant, you end up at Route 19, which will take you to the Iron Bridge restaurant and its sister establishments: Rachel’s and The Springfield Grill.

But if you don’t want to drive that far, stop in at The Tavern in New Wilmington. This is a longtime Western PA standby, and a favorite destination in the fall. It has served the community of New Wilmington since 1931, and is the celebration place of choice for students and family at Westminster College.

Over the years, however, something was askew. It’s solid down home cooking got a bit stale. The servers reciting the menu bit instead of giving you one to look at got a bit irritating. It had no background music and tended to be noisy. What worked in the 1960’s didn’t translate into the digital age. The long time owners sold it to a couple from Poland, I believe, who did a credible job of running the place, but quickly found out that profits are spelled b-o-o-z-e, and New Wilmington was dry. When the referendum to allow beer and wine sales failed, they closed the place down and the for sale sign went up.

But some new folks, who already run a business in Volant, bought the place this past January, and seem hell bent on running the place “sans” spirits. I think, by gum, they are going to pull it off. They tweaked the décor; added some background music; spiced up the servers; and did an outstanding job on revising the menu. It is bright. It is cheery. The service is friendly. The food is good. And we are thrilled.

I don’t know who their consultants were, if any, but the menu revision is terrific. Included are the old standbys of ham loaf, turkey and the like. But the major revision to the menu was the addition of lighter type meals including a wide selection of salads and imaginative sandwiches and interesting appetizers, all of which fit how folks eat today. It doesn’t suffocate you with that “gosh, isn’t this atmosphere wonderful, have some beets” kind of thing. The menu is familiar to modern sensibilities and tastes. It also has a more casual feel. More like stop on by for lunch or some snacks. They have done a good job.

Notwithstanding, I ordered my usual ham loaf, which was served with choice of soup or salad, a veggie, and choice of potatoes. I chose a perfectly prepared sweet potato complete with sweet brown sugar butter on the side. The ham loaf was terrific. It was served with an apple based sauce which you could eat separately or put on the ham loaf. My wife ordered a vegetable lasagna, which was served with a marinara sauce that was not bad…not bad at all. For dessert, we shared a basic bread pudding. Nothing memorable, but you could taste autumn n every bite. Meals were priced in the $11.00-$12.00 range. And most important, the sticky buns are still there!! Make sure to buy some to take home.

On the down side, my potato soup was a bit bland, but fixable by adding some pepper at the table. My wife’s salad was the standard stuff. The “standard” dinner salad is one of my pet peeves. I know these folks could do better if they put their mind to it!! Booze is still not available, and most likely won’t be in the foreseeable future. But you can bring in your own wine. There is $5.00 corking fee…worth the effort.

There is one small thing. These folks are devout Christians, and there are some very minor religious references within the restaurant. But to be honest…you are in New Wilmington surrounded by Presbyterians and Amish. It’s all part of the charm.

I wish these folks all the luck in the world in bringing back this local tradition to the restaurant scene with a modern twist. We will be back.

My rating: a hearty 3 ½ meatballs. 1/2

The Tavern on the Square
108 N Market St
New Wilmington, PA 16142-1178
(724) 946-2020
Posted by Guru at 5:10 PM 1 comments
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Welshfield Inn

Love..

2009-07-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

We have good food at the Tavern. I grew up in the restaurant business. My Mom and Dad were Incredible cooks! I can still see them in the kitchen cooking together! We had many, many delicious dinners enjoyed together as a family. I would say that our family centered around food! My husband has always loved to cook. As a teenager he would cook meals for his family. He loves to experiment with different spices and seasonings to get his dishes to come out just right!
We've been in the business ourselves for 20 years now! We love to serve good food!
BUT..there's something else you'll get at the Tavern that you may not excpect.
When you walk through the doors and sit down in your seats, you're going to feel something different here. I say it's the spirit of the Lord that dwells here. It's His Love! You are going to feel loved when you walk through my doors. From the inspirational messages scattered throughout the restaurant and gift shoppe, to the smile of my hostess, to the friendliness of my servers....you're going to feel appreciated, respected, honored and welcomed! I have such a GREAT staff! They are so full of kindness! You just come in and see what I mean! They will love on you!
And from me..you definitely will get a smile, and perhaps a warm touch, and maybe even a hug. I love to hug! I'm so full of gratitude for the many blessings that God has given me. I'm full of gratitude that you come to visit me at the Tavern. I'm full of gratitude for my customers! We have become a family here at the Tavern!
We celebrate many special occasions together! So are you in the need of some lovin'? Come and get your hearts filled up as well as your bellies! We will love you!

Someone got Saved at the Tavern today..

2009-07-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

A friend called me the other day to ask a favor..

She's a counselor and she's a beautiful Christian lady.

She had been counseling a man for over a year, who was ready to dedicate his life to Christ. She wanted to bring him to the Tavern and sit in a little table out of the way and invite him to accept Christ as his Savior. She did. He did.
The Angels are throwing a party.

I love this Place.
Of all the special things that happen here.. this has been my favorite so far.

All over the world..

2009-07-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful summer it has been at the Tavern. We've had guests from all over the world visit us. There are journal entries from the Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Sweden, Uganda, Ukraine, the Phillipines, Japan and many other places from far away. It is fun to invite these new friends we've made to try our World Famous Tavern Sticky Buns and see and hear their reactions. It's always the same.. MMMMMMMMM . That sound for something good is the same in any language! MMMMMMMMM We have met many other friends of the Tavern that have come from all over the United States to visit New Wilmington and stop to eat at the Tavern. I love telling our story, about the Tavern and about our Faith, and about it being a stop on the Underground Railroad. It's fun to share.
Isn't it amazing that people come from all over the world to our little part of the world? God's world might seem so big..but at the same time it can seem small!
I hope you are enjoying your summer. With love, Susan

Laminin

2009-07-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

Stick around once you click on this video! It's very beautiful and very true.

I just love and need Jesus so very much! Don't you? : )

To my Tavern Family Members,

2009-07-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

I want to publically tell you how much you are LOVED and Appreciated. You guys ROCK! Each one of you posess such wonderful strengths and you use them to make our restaurant SUPERIOR in customer service! You work SOOO HARD. Your jobs are definitely not easy but you do them and you do them well! Joe and I are grateful to be a part of your lives. Most of you will go on to other jobs in your lives, but I always want you to look back and remember the times at the Tavern to be good times. I hope you are learning how to love others and treat others with respect even though they might be different then you. I hope you are able to laugh even though at times it is so hard you feel like crying! I hope you are learning that we are a TEAM, and if one of us fails, we all fail. I know it's not easy..it's hot in the kitchen and it stinks having to go up and down those stairs, and those trays are heavy etc....
but..KNOW that you are respected and loved and appreciated for all that you are, and all that you do, and all that you give!

The picnic was so much fun, because we got to relax and hang out together and learn to love each other outside of work. We did some team building games and we learned to work together as a team. We are all different, but we are all people with feelings. We must always respect each other, and learn to put each other up, not down! Always help..never hinder! I love you all! Thank you again, with my whole heart! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! Susan

A nice video on entrepreneurship!

2009-07-10T05:56:00.000-07:00

What I love about this message is that entrepreneurship is not about making money but about pursuing a passion and doing your part to make great products to make the world a better place.

My heart beats to make others joyful.
I love being able to do that through the Tavern.
I hear stories every single day about how much the Tavern means to people.
I am a witness to what YOU can do. Anything is possible. ANYTHING if you have enough determination and you work hard and you let the LORD lead you and guide you!
ANYTHING!
Have a day filled with love and sunshine..good friends and good food..
Be kind to someone today. Do a good deed. Tell someone you believe in them.
It will make YOU feel so good too! I love you, Susan

Just a reminder...

2009-07-08T07:31:00.001-07:00

Channel 33.. between 5:00 and 6:00 pm TONIGHT!! Joe and I will be talking about the Tavern with Stan Boney! We are so excited to be able to represent our restaurant as well as our community and our Lord! Tune in if you can! SLH

2009-07-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

2009-07-07T12:25:00.000-07:00

2009-07-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

We're going to be on TV!

2009-07-05T18:09:00.001-07:00

We are going to be on Channel 33 this Wednesday, between 5:00 and 6:00 pm! Stan Boney will interview Joe and I! We will talk about the Tavern and Stan will show some pictures of the restaurant! He wants us to bring in some Tavern Sticky buns to show on the air too! Please look for us Wednesday! WOOOHOO! We are so excited to get the word out about the Tavern. We want to represent our community and make them proud of us! We've said right from the very start that our restaurant belongs to God and to our community. This is YOUR place! We WILL make you proud!
With love and gratitude, Susan

Christmas at the Tavern!

2009-06-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

I know..I know what you might be thinking. It's July! I know..but guess what? I LOVE Christmas sooo much! It's my Savior's Birthday! Guess what else? We are getting Christmas parties booked already..and more than just a few of them! If you knw that your group and/or family is going to be having a Christmas party, start thinking of a date and give us a call! Christmas at the Tavern is going to be SPECTACULAR! I Promise you that it will be something like you've never seen before. We are going to decorate every room for Christmas with a different tree and a different theme! We will have Christmas pictures and ornaments, and Floral arrangements and so much more for sale all throughout the entire Tavern. You can walk through the whole building and view each room! We are going to have Breakfast with Santa at the Tavern and special Christmas Teas! We are going to have a violinist play Christmas carols and I want to have a noel night, with Dickens Carolers! I want to do the whole "Old fashioned CHristmas" theme!! Oh can you feel my excitement. It truly is going to be Really, REALLY wonderful! I want family traditions to be made once again at the Tavern! I want us to bring back those memories of Christmas dinners past! Give us a call! Make your reservation. We will Celebrate Christ's birth together! Oh yeah..we also have a fireplace that we'll keep lit every night in November and December! Hugs, Susan

Prayer!

2009-06-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this prayer today and I thought I'd share it with you. God is so good! With His Love, Susan

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may havewords of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.

I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly..

This is my prayer.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

With gratitude..

2009-06-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

We are quite overwhelmed with the responses we have gotten from the two articles that were published this week about the Tavern! WOW! Our phone has been ringing off the hook, and we've gotten over five hundred hits this week on our blog! YOU FOLKS LOVE THE TAVERN! I can't even put in words how much I love meeting all of you who come in and share your Tavern memories with me! I love seeing you smile and receiving your hugs and sharing the beauty of it with you! Your words are so kind and loving and gracious! I truly AM overwhelmed. The gratitude that fills my soul is enormous! Thank you friends and Tavern family! Thank you from our hearts, for your support and love and kindess. We love you back, I assure you. Please come in and let us fill your bellies up with good food and your hearts up with love!
With the love that can only come from the Lord, I thank you so very much. Your friend, Susan

Owen

2009-06-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

This is Owen. He is a beautiful little boy. Just look at those cheeks! He will give you the cutest little puppy dog look with a great big smile that will surely melt your heart. It did mine. He came into the Tavern one day with his mom and grandma and lots of other friends, and I felt my heart warm up. He is a special little boy.

Owen needs a kidney transplant. THis weekend lots of
people who love Owen are holding a benefit for him. Here's the information!

Hi Everyone!

I'm passing along the news of a benefit that is being held on June 26th and June 27th for Owen Bauer. The benefit includes a spaghetti dinner, a relay, 50/50 raffle, rummage sale, bake sale, silent auction, and the sale of t-shirts. Owen is 11 months old and needs a kidney transplant. He was born with underdeveloped kidneys. He is on ten medications and has a feeding tube. Owen has recently reached his goal weight of 22lbs needed for the transplant. Currently three people are getting tested to be potential donors, if one of them is a match Owen could get a kidney as early as late summer!

Most of you that I'm sending this email to know that Owen is the son of Shawn and Jennifer Bauer in fact, most of us that I'm sending this to have known both Jenn and Shawn since elementary school so we all know what amazing people they are. Lauren (McCann) Miller and Angela (Sweet) Polansky have coordinated this entire benefit for Owen but, they still need tons of help. Below is the schedule of events and information on the numerous ways we can all pitch in to help Shawn, Jenn, and Owen.

Friday, June 26th the benefit weekend kicks off with a spaghetti dinner being held at the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church from 4-7 pm. The church is located at 229 South Market Street New Wilmington, PA 16142.
For more information on the cost of this event or if you can volunteer in any way please contact Lauren at: lauren_mccann@hotmail.com or Angela at: asweet20@zoominternet.net.
I know some of the things they need for this dinner are: food and supplies donated, people who are willing to cook and serve, someone reliable to take the money at door for people who haven't bought tickets ahead of time, people to sell tickets to the dinner before hand, and most of all people to attend the dinner and support Owen.

Saturday, June 27th there is going to be a relay taking place at New Wilmington Area High School. The high school is located at 350 Wood Street New Wilmington, PA 16142. Registration for the relay begins at 10 am. Jill (Tekac) Baker is in charge of the 50/50 raffle. Tickets are on sale NOW. Please contact Jill if you would like to purchase tickets. The raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. A paypal account has been set up to make it easier for everyone to buy tickets. Just transfer money to owenbauerbenefitraffle@gmail.com. Please be sure to include your name and phone number so that you'll be entered in the drawing. If you would prefer to send a check it should be made out to The Owen Daniel Bauer Benefit Fund.

Checks can be mailed to:

Jill Baker
675 Scott Ridge Road
Harmony, PA

Jamie (Osborne) Cullen and the New Wilmington MOPS group is heading the rummage sale on the day of the relay. They are opening the sale at 9am and it will run until 5pm or earlier if it starts dying down before that. They are trying to find places to keep everything because Jamie's garage isn't big enough, so if you have an idea, please email her. They are also looking for some guys and gals with trucks and muscle to help them move everything to the school the day before the event. They are taking just about anything that you are willing to donate. The only thing they ask is that if you are donating clothes for the rummage sale, please separate the clothes (children's, adults, boys, and girls). It just makes it easier for those that are setting up. If you have anything to donate or would like to help them out in any way, (and they will take all sorts of help!), please email Jamie at: shjamlivlil@verizon.net.

Sarah (Bruening) Worthington has volunteered to head up the bake sale. For any and all of you who wish to contribute or knows someone who wants to donate baked goods for the sale, anything and everything is welcome! Baked goods can be dropped off on Friday, June 26th at Commerical Printing Co. They are located at 2414 Wilmington Rd. in New Castle. Her mom, Barb works there so she'll be able to accept any baked goods people want to drop off. Please drop off any goodies from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Thanks in advance for everyone's generous gifts! Should anyone have questions or if you would like to volunteer on the day of the sale, please let Sarah know at: SWorthington@inventhelp.com. Also, if you would like to bake something but are unable to take it to Commercial Printing please email Angela and she may be able to come get the baked goods from you.Lee Worthington has volunteered to be in charge of the silent auction. The auction will begin on Friday at the spaghetti dinner and will continue through the events on Saturday. If you are able to donate something for the silent auction or you need more information please contact Lee at: leemworthington@hotmail.com.

Lauren is ordering T-shirts for the event as well. The cost of the t-shirts is $10 if you get your order in to Lauren by this Monday, June 1st. T-shirts not ordered by June 1st will be available for $15 dollars at the relay. Sizes available run from Youth Small through Adult XXXL. Five dollars from the sale of every T-shirt will go directly to Owen.

If you can help in anyway...please go and do it. WE ARE COMMUNITY! We are all ONE family..one body in Christ. When someone needs our help..we need to give it. Time, money, food, donations, walking..something... DO IT!
Come on... help someone..it will make YOU Feel as good as it will help this little guy. It's amazing..but it's true!

We sell sticky buns for take out!

2009-06-20T12:32:00.001-07:00

Did you know that you could call ahead and order sticky buns for take out? YOU CAN! You can order any amount and we will bake them fresh and wrap them up for you to take home with you. They are great for any occasion! You can also freeze our sticky buns, take them out of the freezer and microwave them for 15 seconds each and they taste like they did right out of the oven! Go ahead and try it! Give us a call and order some sticky buns..make someone's tummy and spirit happy!

Our New Awning is Ordered!

2009-06-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

Oh it's going to look so beautiful! We ordered a new awning for the front entranceway of the Tavern. It is dark green and has white lettering on it!
Joe and I knew that we needed a sign that lets people know from all angles of the intersection in which our restaurant sits upon, that the Tavern on the Square is a restaurant! Local people know it..but people from out of town and people that are passing through probably have no idea what that beautiful building on the corner is!
When Gib McGill painted our sign for us, we wanted something beautiful and historical looking..something that represented that "landmark" status that the Tavern had. He did an outstanding job!! We love our sign..but it doesn't say restaurant on it.
Sooo, we walked around that building and tried to think of a way to still mantain the classiness of the Tavern, but to place a sign somewhere that stands out!
Neon open signs and the Tavern just don't seem to go together...

THEN..haha..and to me this is so the way that God works in my life.. an angelic friend of the Tavern came into the restaurant and asked to talk to me..

You have to read this story! Continuing...

She said, "Susan, please forgive me if I'm out of line, but I really feel the Lord drawing me to talk to you. I'm a crossing guard on the corner, down the street." "I stand here and look at your restaurant every day and I say to myself, there's no way anybody would know that this is a restaurant here." "You need to do something to make it more visible to cars passing by from all the angles."

I LOVED HER FOR THAT! You see..I respect other's opinions, I VALUE THEM! I've learned to accept critisizm, because it makes you stronger and better. GOd says that we can learn from other's wisdom, and I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH!!!! I thanked her so much and I told her how much I appreciated her! (If you are reading this..I can't remember your name, but I do remember you are the pastor of Clen-Moore church's wife!!) *hug* Thank you again for helping us be better!!
So we walked around the building, and she gave me the idea for the window boxes on the windows and although Joe and I thought of putting an awning up before, she also thought that would be the best option for us!
She got us going on that..we probably would have tucked it away and put it on our to do list..
YEAH!!! Our new awning should be here in a few weeks! I can't wait for you to see it! It's going to add such class to the place and because it will have restaurant written on it and our phone number, it will be a great way to be more visible!
Now.....coming soon...

VALET PARKING AT THE TAVERN!!! (It's true..on special occasions like celebrity series and perhaps on busy weekends, we're going to have valet parking!) WOOHOOO!!!
Have a great day today! Make it great! Do something kind for someone...
LOVE, Susan

Some pictures of our main dining room!

2009-06-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

We have five dining rooms at the Tavern. Each one is beautiful and different from all the others. These are pictures of our main dining room. The furniture was made for us by a local amishman named Gideon Kurtz. He is an amazing woodcrafter! I would recommend buying furniture from him anytime! The main dining room seats 60 people. It's one of two dining rooms on the first floor. There are murals on the walls of the main dining room that were painted by a local artist named Gib Mcgill. He and his wife Merrianne are WONDERFUL people too! Gib is an incredible artist! All of the murals are painted in the style of Rufus Porter. He was an artist that traveled around New England painting murals for aristocrats! Interesting, isn't it? You have to come and view the walls for yourself! There are many local landmarks painted upon the walls of the Tavern!

2009-06-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

You matter
When you love the work you do and the people you do it with, you matter.
When you are so gracious and generous and aware that you think of other people before yourself, you matter.
When you leave the world a better place than you found it, you matter.
When you continue to raise the bar on what you do and how you do it, you matter.
When you teach and forgive and teach more before you rush to judge and demean, you matter.
When you touch the people in your life through your actions (and your words), you matter.
When kids grow up wanting to be you, you matter.
When you see the world as it is, but insist on making it more like it could be, you matter.
When you inspire a Nobel prize winner or a slum dweller, you matter.
When the room brightens when you walk in, you matter.
And when the legacy you leave behind lasts for hours, days or a lifetime, you matter.

On a personal note...

2009-06-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted a personal blog column. Our Tavern blog is what we've been using as a "website" when people google "The Tavern", so I've tried to keep it more business like, but I know that this blog also has a lot of regular followers who want to know what's going on on the inside of me and the Tavern. *big breath..that was a long sentence!* So this morning, I have some free time, so I will write some words from my heart!
Hello friends and family and followers! How have you been? Are you enjoying the beauty of the summer? Oh friends, I wake up each morning and take a big breath, and feel the sunshine on my face and I can't help but to smile and praise God! I wake up every morning praising our Lord and thanking Him that I get to live another day! "What can I do today, Lord?", I ask. "How can I make a difference?" "How can I touch someone today?" "How can I show them Your Love and goodness and kindness?"
Then I pray and I ask God to help me! I ask Him to lead and guide me and to help me be more like Jesus! Then I usually get sidetracked and start thinking about what I have to do today..and what my girls are going to do today..etc.. hheeheehhe It's the truth though! We are such Children! God must just shake His head at us sometimes, just like we do to our children when they make wrong decisions or get sidetracked etc... But like we still love our children, God loves us too..INSPITE of ourselves!! : )
So to continue.. My heart is still filled with such joy and passion and a love for life that I can't contain it. I've got a song in my heart and I can't help but to sing! I love being at the Tavern. I love seeing old friends and meeting new people every single day! I get a hug just about every day! That is what is the best about working with people! I love smiling and being smiled upon and shaking hands and just loving people. I love getting emails from friends of the Tavern. I love when I read the journals that are on the tables and people say something kind. I love making people feel happy! I love giving and serving!!!! The more you give, the more your heart gets filled up! Isn't that crazy? It just doesn't seem to make sense but yet it is the truth! God designed us that way!! When you serve, when you give, it makes YOU feel so good!
Okay..so that's enough about me! My girls are really happy too! Summer is here and I have been taking a few days off of work each week, and staying home and spending as much time with them as I can, and that makes their songs in their hearts sing too! They love when we are all at home together as a family. We don't have to go anywhere, or do anything in particular, they just love having their family together! Sundays is our 1/2 day at the restaurant, and it is once again our family day! We all went grocery shopping yesterday afternoon and then came home and had a cook out! We just relaxed and hung out together..it was divine!
So, now what's going on at the TAVERN...???
I'm glad you asked!! HaHA..this is the FUN part of life for me! I get joy from talking and serving and meeting people at the Tavern. I get to have fun, by building the business, by making it great! That is another part of what I love to do.
We have only tapped into a small part of what the Tavern will become. We are still building on the foundation, working on getting it down good, and taking our time fixing it right, before we can move on! So much needed and still needs to be done.
We are working on getting the building powerwashed!
We are ordering and awning for the front entrance that will have signage on it, so we can be noticed as a restaurant from all angles of the intersection! (It will also look beautiful!!)
We are working on getting a color brochure made up for the Tavern and possible other points of interests in New Wilmington
We are working at improving our menu and adding some new specials!
We are working on letting people know we sell our sticky buns to go!
We are working on getting a new website going and then getting an email list going and getting on facebook and twitter so we can let everyone know our daily specials and events!
Oh..we are getting a list of events we want to have happen at the Tavern!!!
We are working on getting the word out that we specialize in private parties and showers and banquets! They have gone soooo well, that we know the Tavern is a great place to hold a special event.
We are ordering more placemats to grace the tables and to sell in our gift shop.
We just got stickers made up for our take out bags and gift shop bags with our logo on them!
We just put window boxes on our five outer windows on the side of the Tavern!
We are working on getting the BAKERY open!!!!!!!!!!! That's a big one..People ask us every day and they are probably doubting us, but I promise you..the Bakery is coming!!!! We want to make sure we are ready for it..we want it to be great before we open up..we want to do it right..so when we open it..it will be really good!!!
Well..that's just a little bit about what we're working on! Joe and I are building our business one step at a time. We want it to be so good..for YOU. Not for us, not for money, not for anything, but for YOU, the community. If you haven't realized it by now, that is what my heart beats for...for people! I like giving them something good, a place to make a memory. I want the Tavern to be a destination spot. A place to come and relax and enjoy your meal..not just to eat and run..but to..I don't know..just something different. .. A place to feel loved...
So ..if I haven't seen you lately, this is where we are at! We are loving it here! We are filled with love and joy! We hope to fill your bellies with good food and your hearts with gladness! May the Love of the Lord bring you a heart filled with joy too! In my Father's name, Susan

Our Gift Shoppe!

2009-06-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

When you walk through the doors of the Tavern you will come through two lobbies. The first lobby is our entrance way..
..And the second lobby is home to the Tavern Gift Shoppe. Wendy Morris formerly of Tole n' Trinkets gift shop in Volant, is the manager of our little gift shop. She does the buying and the designing for us! She is very talented! Not only does she do a great job with the gift shop, she also greets customers and answers the phone and takes reservations for us on the weekends! Wendy has a heart of gold and she is much loved by our Tavern Family and our customers! If you come to the Tavern and are greeted and seated by Wendy, make sure you say hello and tell her you saw her on our Tavern Blog!

Kindness

2009-06-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
- Leo Buscaglia

Kindness is always fashionable.
- America E. Barr, British American writer

No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.
- Aesop, Greek fabulist

A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.
- Joseph Joubert, French philosopher

Never lose a chance of saying a kind word.
- William Makepeace Thackeray, British Writer

A kind speech and forgiveness is better than alms followed by injury.
- Islamic Proverb

Kind words conquer.
- Tamil Proverb

Kindness is tenderness. Kindness is love, but perhaps greater than love...Kindness is good will. Kindness says, "I want you to be happy.
- Randolph Ray

What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?
- Jean Jacques Rousseau

Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.
- Emmanuel Swedenborg

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.
- Seneca

Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.
- Theodore Isaac Rubin

It is never too late to be what we might have been
- George Eliot

Before we can forgive one another, we must understand one another
- Emma Goldman

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.
- George Washington Carver

Kindness is a language which the dumb can speak, the deaf can understand.
- C.N. Bovee

Newspaper articles!

2009-06-11T10:37:00.001-07:00

When Joe and I first opened the Tavern restaurant, we decided not to do any advertising for a year. We wanted to make sure we got it right, before we reached out and advertised. As it turns out, so far we haven't needed to advertise, because WORD OF MOUTH has been our BEST advertising so far, and it's been really wonderful! So thanks to all of you that have spread the word! We are so excited to be able to bring this beautiful place to life once again and to have you visit here with us! We are beginning to become a family here, and we are all about family! When you come to see us, you will be welcomed with open arms (often times I mean that literally..I LOVE to hug!!) and you will be treated with kindness and respect!
Well, on with the story I wanted to tell you... (I often get side tracked) this month we have two articles that will be published about the Tavern. On Sunday, June 21st if all goes as planned, The Youngstown Vindicator will feature us in their newspaper! They came and listened to our story and took pictures and we are really excited about that! Elise was a great listener (Which makes a great reporter!) and I heard she is a fantastic writer! Bob took some great pics of Joe and I and really what everyone wants to see ..THE STICKY BUNS!!!! hehe..
One of our much loved customers works for the Vindicator, and she asked them to do a story about us! Thank you Mrs. Schaffer!!!!!!!
Sherris Moreira-Byers is not only the wonderful editor of Views and voices magazine, but she is a fantastic woman and mother as well! She is a fellow Wilmington Area High School Alumni, and she contacted us and asked to do a story for the magazine. She spent a lot of time talking to us, and taking pictures. We got to share some recipes with her and she took pictures of some of our foods! So look for us in July's edition of Views and Voices which comes out the end of June!!!!
WOOOHOOOO!!!!! Thank you Sherris, and Tiffany and Tammy! You are all three wonderful!

Congratulations Class of 2009~

2009-06-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

The Tavern on the Square would like to congratulate the class of 2009! We are so proud of you! This is a new chapter in your life. Close one door and walk through another with your heads held high. Think of the rest of your life as a new adventure! Where are you going to go? What are you going to do? Who are you going to spend it with? It's all up to you! You have choices to make. I pray that you make the right ones. Let God lead you! Trust in Him. Have Faith. Don't ever give up. If you have a dream, and you know it's where God wants to lead you, then give it all you've got and DO IT! There is nothing that can stop you, if you don't want it too. I am a witness to all that God can do with your life if you let Him.
Oh graduates..young people..you have so much life ahead of you. Don't just exist..do something great!
Congratulations especially to Katie Harlan, daughter of our hostess Brenda Harlan.
Kenneth Wesley Jones, our incredible bus person
Emily Hoffman, our wonderful bus person
Josh Hines, son of our fabulous cook, Pam Hines

We are so proud of you all! Susan and Joe and the Tavern family!

Key Lime Pie!

2009-05-30T12:45:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I was blessed with the opportunity to meet a wonderful family! They were the Venasco Family! They were some of the nicest people I had ever met, and I've met a LOT of nice people!!!! : ) Joe Venasco told me that he made a great key lime pie! I told him that I've never had a key lime pie, but it's something I'd like to sell at the restaurant. Joe said, "I'll bring you one of my pies!" So guess what? A few days later, Joe comes in with a box. Inside the box is a cheesecake (with cheeries!!!) and a Key lime Pie. I was very busy the day Joe brought those in..I didn't get the chance to taste those delicious desserts while he was here, but after our dinner rush, I passed a piece out to all of our Tavern Crew! They LOVED their desserts! I tasted the Key Lime Pie! WOW! Joe..you ARE AMAZING!!!
I called Joe up the next day and I apologized for not getting to talk to him last night, and told him how wonderful the pies were! Next week, Joe brought me two more!! Joe also gave me his recipe! WOOOHHOOOOO!
The Tavern is now featuring Joe Venasco's Key Lime Pie!!! If you are in the area, and you want a taste of summer, come and try a piece!
Thank you Joe, for being such a nice man. I've been blessed with so many people coming through these Tavern doors. God has given me some amazing friends!
Susan

The Tavern Journals..

2009-05-26T20:05:00.001-07:00

When you come to visit us at the Tavern you will notice journals sitting on the tables. So many people have memories and stories to tell of the Tavern, that we decided to put journals on all of the tables. You can write your story, or a memory or perhaps just an inspirational message in the Tavern journals. Let us know you were here..let us know what you think! One day we are going to publish a book of all the stories and memories of the Tavern written in the journals. We are going to start taking pictures also. If you have any old articles, postcards, or pictures of the Tavern, please bring them in and share them with us! We would love to include them in our book. We want you to be a part of our history and also a part of our future! We want you to share a memory, but to also make a new one! The Tavern..so much more than a restaurant. We want to be a part of your life story!

May

2009-05-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

I think May will be one of the busiest months at the Tavern! Whew! Celebrity series is this Saturday..Mother's Day on Sunday and Westminster graduation next Saturday! We are booked up for all three of these events! Thank you Tavern Patrons for making our restaurant so successful! We are filled with gratitude and thanksgiving to God, to this community and to YOU, our friends and customers.
Please pray that God gives my family and our Tavern team the strength and endurance to get through these busy times! We have so much to do, and it doesn't seem like there's time enough to get everything accomplished! We rely on those prayers! : )
I hope you are enjoying the lovely weather and thank you again for your support! Your friend, Susan

Dick Whittaker

2009-04-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

He's one of my Heroes. He may be a little upset that I'm even posting his name on my blog, because he is a humble man who does not seek recognition. I'd like to tell you about Mr. Whittaker, and why he's one of my heroes.
When Joe and I bought the Tavern, we knew it would take a lot of money to get it going. It's a very old building and it needed lots of TLC. We did our homework. We met with a business consultant. We met with accountants and we did a lot of figuring. As I've told you so many times before, Joe is not a risk taker, so this was something that he thought a lot about, before he said yes. He wanted to make sure we would have enough.
I just knew that God would provide for us.
But when we got in here..even more things needed replaced then we thought. We'd truly take two steps forward and one step back. Our money started pouring out..and Joe started to get very scared that we wouldn't even be able to open.
But, I had Faith in God. I knew that He would provide for us.
One thing that went wrong was the fire suppression system above the cooking area. We had no clue that the one there was outdated. We got it inspected and they said it would cost 3000 dollars to replace. Joe truly was beginning to panic.
I knew God would provide for us.
I wrote a little note on my blog, asking if anyone knew of anyone that put in fire suppresion systems..I told the story about it being an expense we hadn't planned on etc..
Dick Whittaker wrote me an email.
I will never forget reading that email.
Joe and I had been working for a month..18 hour days, cleaning and fixing this place. My sister Dianna came to help us out for a week. So the three of us were cleaning and I took a break to go online and check my email.
I was in the kitchen of the Tavern and I fell to my knees. Joe came running over to see what happened and i was on the floor crying and praising God.
Dick wrote an email that said, you don't know me, but I'd like to give you the money for your fire supression system. Just send me the bill.
I'm telling you the truth. That is GOD. That is how Jesus Christ works. We are His body and we are to do all we can for Him. Dick was being like Jesus.
I was surprised, but yet i wasn't because God has done that so many times in my life. I am faithful and He has provided. He has been so good to me, I can't even begin to express my gratitude. He has showered me with love.
So Dick came to the Tavern and we got to sit down and talk to him and his beautiful wife Jean. I felt an instant connection. Like..God wants us to be a part of each other's lives. I knew it was going to be more than Dick giving us a gift.
I instantly liked the Whittakers and I loved the way Dick's mind worked!.
We began to correspond and I began to realize that Dick is so very intelligent. He is a visionary, like me. He is an inventor and a business man, but he is so much more than that. He is God's son. He loves Jesus. He wrote a book, entitled "One day at a time." "All things are possible with God" It's a devotional book. Dick gave me a handfull of copies and I couldn't believe that He wrote and published his own book too! You see, God's not done with Dick yet. Dick has been God's vessel and even though Dick is in his seventies, God is still using him. That is what makes Dick one of my heroes. He's kind and loving and so very smart and he's well travelled and teaches me so many things! He is full of great ideas!
Isn't that amazing? He is truly amazing. I have grown so fond of the Whittakers. I know that God has brought them into my life, to fulfill something that is missing in me. My dad passed away three years ago, and I am missing his love very much. I am missing that person who believed in me..that encouraged me, that told me how proud he was of me. I don't have that anymore.
Dick encourages me.
I love you Dick and Jean. Thank you for being so kind to me. Thank you for visiting and encouraging me. Dick, I want to help you get your book in as many hands as possible. With God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! : )

My girls!

2009-04-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday has always been our family day. When we owned the Neshannock Creek Inn Restaurant in Volant, Joe and I always took Sundays off. We went to church and then came home and made a big breakfast,then lounged around the house or did something fun. We needed that time together as a family. Even now, we've shortened Sundays at the Tavern (close at 5:00) and Joe and I both duck out as early as we can, to be together with our girls!
I was a stay at home mom until my girls were both in school and even then, I only worked while the kids were at school. I'd rush from the restaurant at 2:30 and drive to New Castle to pick them up at the Christian Academy.
Even now, I do my best to take a break from the restaurant, when they come home from school, to have dinner with them and talk to them about their day.
I would give up all I have (except for Jesus) just to be their mom!
Today, we took the girls shopping and out to dinner. It was our family time.
The first half hour was spent arguing (Which is very typical of two teenage girls in a car with their parents) but like it always does.. the arguing stopped and soon each one of them begin to talk about their life..and they ask questions..and they make observances..and..well they just share..and they spill..and they..oh how can I explain it? They need us..and I can tell that they do! They need that time with their parents. They need to talk and they need for us to compliment them and say how proud of them we are, and for us to just love on them. They need our time..they need our words and they need us! My kids will tell you that they also need boundaries and disciplined. Honestly..they will tell you that. They know..they know it's important. They like having those boundaries and they like that I make them respect me. (they don't always do it, believe me, but they like that I dont' let them get away with it most of the time.)
Well tonight, after our day together, we were driving back home and we were all listening to music and not talking so much and Ally said this... "Mom, when I grow up, I think I'm going to be exactly like you. I mean..I hope I'm exactly like you..the way you are with people...and the way you are with us..the kind of mom you are." She said, "Mom, I love the way you are with us. I can honestly say there's nothing I would change about the way you parent me." She continued, "I want to be just like you mom." Then Lauren chimed in and said, "It's true mom. I love the way you are too."
Ally is 17. Lauren is 15
And ..My gosh I am gushing tears as I write this...I am so far from perfect. I mean, I have been working way too much..and I am so unorganized and I am not the type of mom who does a lot of different activities with their kids..and when Ally works for me at the restaurant, I scold her way too much..and Lauren gets so mad at me sometimes.. and Oh geez.. But they love me and told me that I'm their hero. Wow.

I am blessed beyond words. Thank you Father God for the love that you give me..that you pour into me so fully, that it spills out all over people..especially to my daughters. Thank you, because what they feel from me truly..is YOUR love. I love them unconditionally and they know that. I love them and respect them for who YOU made them to be..not for who I want them to be. Oh Father, I love my girls!
In Jesus's beautiful name, I pray that you keep them safe and healthy and draw them to you! Your daughter, Susan L.

Looking for a few good men..and women..!!

2009-04-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Tavern Family and Friends!

Joe and I have a favor to ask of you! I know we couldn't do this just anywhere..but this is New Wilmington, and we are an amazing community!!!
Because the Tavern is housed in such an old building, there are many things that have needed repaired and continue to need fixed and repaired! We knew, when we bought this place that the Lord would provide for all our needs and He has!! One of the ways He's shown our love to us, is through YOU! You, who have prayed, encouraged, supported us in so many ways! : )
I am asking for a favor, and it won't cost you any money, but it will cost you some time! We need the Tavern fence painted! It's a very big fence and it needs white washed! We could hire someone to do it, but because so many things have needed repaired and cost money, we are trying to conserve as much as we can, so we can make sure our restaurant survives!
You don't have to be a professional painter, you just need to put on some old clothes and show up! We'll provide the paint! (if you have paint brushes you could provide that would also help out!!) We have set a date and a time, and that will be next Saturday, April 25th @ 9:00 am! We will even provide refreshments for you!! You can come as a family, or a group or just individually! It can be a fun project to do together! If you know of anyone that could help, would you please forward this to them in an email! The more people we have helping, the less time it will take to get the job done!
If you are interested in helping us out, please send me an email at thetavernonthesquare@gmail.com My family would appreciated any help we can get!
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! We love you all so very much! Susan

Book Club! Anyone Interested?

2009-04-16T04:43:00.000-07:00

I have decided on our first book for the Tavern Book Club! It is called "The Shack" and was written by William Young. I first heard of this book from The Ayers family. Becky told me how much her dad loved the book and talked about the freedom he found through it. After Rob Ayers died, I received a copy of "The Shack" in the mail, along with a note from Rob's family. After talking to Joyce, I found out that Rob's family mailed (at last count) 400 of these books out to friends and family. What a wonderful testimony and witness to Rob's faith!
The Shack is a book that will stir your heart and touch your soul! It is the kind of book that you want to read more than once because there's sooooo much to think about! It's like taking a bite of your favorite dessert after fasting for a month! The first bite you hardly chew, it's so good, but the second bite you eat more slowly and savor it. MMMMM That' show I feel about "The Shack"! It's so wonderful!
Now..I am really, REALLY excited to start this book club! We are going to meet, one night of the week, (probably around 7:00 pm) in the Library at the Tavern! I am going to make a few posters to hang up and see how many responses we get! When we get a good group together, we will begin!
So, I need to know.. Who is interested? Would you like to read this book and then discuss it in a group setting, with some great people? We'll provide refreshments (STICKY BUNS!!!!!!) if you come!
Just send me an email (thetavernonthesquare.gmail.com) if you are interested!
Enjoy the Sunshine today! It's so beautiful! Susan

St. Francis Nurses!

2009-04-16T04:41:00.000-07:00

Last night we hosted a group of retired nurses at the Tavern. They were such a sweet group of women. Thank you ladies for having your get together at the Tavern! I hope you enjoyed your dinners. It was such a pleasure to serve you. Susan

Hello Tavern friends!

2009-04-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

There is so much to tell you I don't know where to begin! I wanted to post pictures of all the wonderful events that have gone on in the Tavern this week but I can not even find the time to do that. I need an official Tavern photographer and blogger to document all that should be documented and posted to the web!
*sigh* If only I had more time to do all that I want to do! Does anybody else feel that way? There is not enough time in my day.
This week we hosted four reunions and I was involved with one of them! : )
Some girl friends from the WAHS class of 1983 met up at the Tavern and we had such a wonderful time together.
The girls from the WAHS class of 1984 got together the previous week and it was so much fun to hear them talk and laugh!
Yesterday, the girls of the WAHS class of 1980 met for lunch! They were equally fun to watch!
Today we hosted a reunion of friends from the class of 1946! WOW! That was really wonderful to see.

This week we also got to meet a family who's great grandparents were the inventors of AUSTIN cleaning products! They are from Pittsburgh. They told me the story of how their great grandparents cut a hole in the kitchen floor that went to their dirt cellar! They would cook the carpet cleaning recipe on their stove and run a hose from the pot, through the hole in the kitchen floor, to the basement where there would be mason jars. They would fill up each mason jar with the detergent. Their grandmother's job was to lick the labels to put on the mason jars! WOW! What a fantastic story! They are such a wonderful family,it was such a pleasure to hear their story and to get to meet them!
I also got to meet Alice who is an 89 year old woman that has sky dived 5 times!! She is trying to make it into the guiness book of world records as the oldest sky diver! She said there is a 90 year old nun who beat her out! She said that nun has to get back in the convent and stay there! Alice is a BEAUTIFUl 89 year old woman that is as spry as anyone I've ever met at that age! She is such a pepper!
She was part of a red hat ladies group that met at the Tavern! They were so much fun to serve!
I also got to sing happy birthday, give out many hugs, listen to many, MANY stories and memories about the Tavern!

I got to shake hands and hold a few...
I got to host an engagement party for the HARTWELL family! (I'm supposed to post those pictures too... I will try to do that soon!) Renee, you blessed me with your cheerfulness and kindness! Thank you so much for the roses! : ) They were beautiful, my new friend!
It's been a wonderful week so far...
I love my job! I love this restaurant! I love all of YOU! Thank you for your support, love and encouragement! I hope you are filled with joy, Susan

The Tavern Gang wishes you a beautiful Easter!

2009-04-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

May your baskets be filled with wonderful things!
May your hearts be filled with love.
May your bellies be filled with good food.
May you be surrounded by friends and family.
May the love of Jesus rock your world!
We love you! Thanks for your support
The Gang!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-10T08:25:00.001-07:00

A woman who didn't ask for a child, was given one.
She loved him fiercely.
He grew up blameless and pure.
Sinless (can you even imagine..not one single sin)
How beautiful, how wonderful, how amazing He was.
If you are a mother...or father..how much do you love your children?
Well just imagine how God loved His Son..
Imagine how much Mary loved her son..
If you are a friend..
Imagine how much His disciples loved Him..

Now imagine..Your Child..or your friend..imagine the person you love most in this world..

Giving up their life to die for you. Put a face on it..someone you know..make it real.
Imagine someone you love the most saying.. "I'm going to be beaten, whipped, tortured, spit at, denied..all for you." I'm going to suffer, nails put through my limbs and hung on wooden boards...for you"
You wouldn't let them do it..would you?
"NO..you'd scream" "I'm not worth it" "Don't do it..don't do it for me! Who am I? I'm nobody, I'm dirty..I'm not good enough..definitely not good enough for somebody to go through all that..for me!"

Jesus, was a real man. He was somebody's son. He had friends. He was a brother.
He thought they were all worth dying for. But not just them... He thought YOU were worth dying for. He didn't even know you...but He loved you so much that He was willing to do that, sacrificially...for YOU.
Not just me..
not just that Christian that you know..
FOR YOU!!!!!

It's okay..He chose to do it. He loves you..He really does..He loves you that much.
Isn't it Amazing. That somebody loves us that much.
God does.
Really..He does.
So does His Son, Jesus.
He died for you.

And he rose from the dead, and is alive today. All you have to do is to invite Him into your heart..You have a door to your heart, and He is outside waiting to be invited in. Just open it. Just say Lord, if you're there, come in, live inside of me, forgive me for sinning Lord, forgive all the wrongdoings I've ever done, and come and live in me.

It's easy. Don't be afraid. God loves YOU sooooo very much!

I love you too : ) Because Jesus does and I so want to be like Jesus.

Happy Easter everyone! May you feel His love! Susan L. Hougelman

Some letters from happy customers : )

2009-04-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a wonderful meal my husband and I had at the tavern tonight! We felt like we were sitting in our own home, dining with our family. Everyone was so friendly and the dinner was sooooooooo good. We actually booked 2 Christmas parties while we were there. We're so happy the Tavern reopened and we now have a new place to go. Congratulations & best of everything in your new venture, Jody & Bruce Clingan, Tanglewood Golf Course

Had the great fortune to dine at The Tavern last night. It was my mother's 83rd birthday and she lives at Shenango On The Green. Because she is somewhat frail, we did not want to travel far with her and so opted for dinner at your restaurant. We did not have a reservation and you were exceptionally busy, but you found a table for us. I am so glad. My husband and I live in Pittsburgh and dine out often, but I can truly say that last night's meal was one of the finest I have had in ages. Each of us had a different entree and they were all delicious. Everything was yummy from the soup to the dessert. I know that we will back often in the future when we visit Mom. Keep up the scrumptious work!

Donna McNeish

Alex the April Fool..ooops I mean Alex and the April Fool!

2009-04-02T05:37:00.000-07:00

Alex Hines is one of the servers here at the Tavern. He just graduated from Westminster College, majoring in Broadcast Communications. He wants to be a news anchor. For now he is a server. He is a WONDERFUL server! He has excellent people skills, especially with older people. I watch him talk to customers and he truly is a sweet and kind man.
Yesterday,I wanted to take the afternoon off of work, so I could clean and organize my husband's office. I haven't had a true day off since we opened, and I was looking forward to having the time away.
Alex called me on the phone around 10:20 am, ten minutes before he was due to work and said that he couldn't make it in today. He said he was having problems at home. That concerned me. I began to worry that something horrible was going on with him, and I also was disappointed that I couldn't get my much needed day off..
Then Alex laughed and uttered the ole' April Fools, I'm on my way to work'
Uhhhhh...Lots of laughter ensued and I said, "You got me!" He was so happy and I was so happy that he really wasn't calling off!
If you come to the Tavern and happen to get Alex as your server, you will be treated with love and kindness guaranteed! He's not a professional waiter, but he will do his best to make sure you have a good experience!

2009-03-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

Throw back the shoulders, let the heart sing, let the eyes flash, let the mind be lifted up, look upward and say to yourself... Nothing is impossible!"
~ Norman Vincent Peale

A political opinion..

2009-03-30T06:11:00.001-07:00

What do you think? How do you feel about our government? Do you think America is the same America our founding Fathers had in mind?

We Love our Tavern Team!

2009-03-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

We had such a blast last night gathering together for fun rather than work! We had 17 of our Tavern Team together eating and playing games. It is so good to laugh together and get to know each other outside of the work environment! Joe and I are so appreciative of all the people who help to make this restaurant successful. We are blessed to have this family! We love these kids so much! At the Neshannock Creek Inn, we became a family together. WE have a bond that is hard to break. Now we have a new family! Yeah Tavern Team!! Let's make this restaurant great together!!!

Our new Sign!

2009-03-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

Have you seen our new sign out front? Gib McGill, the INCREDIBLE artist who painted the murals in the Tavern painted our sign for us that sits in front of the building. Gib was one of God's blessings that was sent our way. He painted that sign for us, while he was away from home. Gib and his beautiful wife Merrianne will always hold a special place in our hearts for the blessing they bestowed upon us! They have become a part of the Tavern's life story! : )

Game night tonight!

2009-03-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight is Game night at the Tavern! The whole Tavern team is getting together after work to hang out and have fun together!! We are going to eat and play games and laugh and have fun! I'm so excited about this, because this whole month I have had to be a boss and being a boss is not fun for me. I want my Tavern family to know me outside of work..I'm really nice..HONESTLY! : ) So tonight, I get to be one of the gang..not the boss..not the leader..just one of the group!

I'm making hot-wing dip and cream cheese pineapple dip and brownies..

Joe's making wings..

We have a lot of college and younger kids working at the Tavern..

They like to eat!! We'll need lots of food.

I better get cooking... Have a beautiful day today!
Make it beautiful! Susan

You've got to watch this video!

2009-03-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

This is what giving is..

This is what Christ's love is all about. Can you imagine what these boys must have felt like? Do you think they will ever forget that night? They knew they didn't deserve to have fans...they probably felt like trash..garbage..playing all those football games previously with no applause...teams wanting to beat them because they were "bad"...just imagine. BUT then there's this game.. fans cheering for them?? A spirit line?? WOW..

Do something like this..
Change a life today
Show Jesus to someone.
It will make your heart feel so good too.
Love and Peace, Susan

Just finished creating our logo!

2009-03-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

This will be on our business cards and on stickers that will go on our shopping bags, take out bags and bakery boxes and bags!!! I have been wanting to get this done since before we opened! Here it is...

A note...

2009-03-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

I just want you all to know that we ARE working on the bakery! It has been remodeled and it is waiting for us to fill it with incredible things! We have to go in phases and make sure our foundation is strong, before we can begin the next phase. Also,We ARE going to have a grand-opening gratitude party soon!!
Because of the death of my father in law, my husband has a new load to carry. He is in charge of cleaning, closing and selling his house. So please bear with us and know that it is coming soon. We must take one step at a time.. we can only do so much! Thanks for your patience and grace..and friends..thank you so much for your support and encouragement. I can not express adequately how much you mean to us! We LOVE this community..we LOVE the Tavern and it's family so very much! WE know that God has placed us here for a purpose and we are going to do the very best job we can to make this community a better place! Susan

Today!

2009-03-23T07:16:00.001-07:00

Good Morning my Tavern friends!
Oh what a beautiful morning it is. I sit here in front of my window, the cool air flowing in and the sunshine..oh the beautiful sun shine is pouring down on me! I take a big deep breath of it..I breathe it all in, the cool air, the sunshine, the noises of the lumber yard next door.. the day!MMMM..Have you ever just breathed in the day? You just sit back and take it all in...feel it..the sights, the sounds..the smells..
God is good. God is so, so good! I love to wake up. I love the fact that I get to live another day. I get to be among people today. I get to hug someone. I get to smile. I get to love on someone. I get to make someone feel good. I have something to do today! You know how wonderful that is? To have a purpose..a reason to exist! God has something in mind for you today too! What is it?
My father in law's funeral was yesterday. As my girls and I sat in one of the chairs in the waiting room, my daughter said to me, "I hope a lot of people come to my funeral." Ahh, that was one of those moments that I knew I could make teachable to my girls!
"That's up to you, Ally," I told her. "You have the ability to shape your own destiny. God gave us free will. He gave us this life. He didn't just create us, so we can live and take up space. He created us for a reason and a purpose." I continued, "Isn't it weird that people would want to be funeral directors, or the doctors that tell people their loved one has died, or garbage men or dentists..? God gives people gifts and talents and abilities and desires. It is up to us to use those gifts and abilities."
"Ally, Jesus used his abilities to make the world a better place. It's up to you, no matter what you do..teacher or nurse, mom, wife, student..waitress..artist.. whatever it is that God put into your heart..use it for good! Make the world a better place! Love people, help people, show them Jesus. The more you give..the more you love..the more good you do.. the more people will love you back..and the more people will want to come to your funeral."
So.. what are you going to do today, to make the world a better place? It's not a hard thing to do.. you can just smile at someone and make them feel good.
Say a kind word...buy someone lunch...send someone a card.. Just do something!
Enjoy the day. Laugh! Smile! Breathe it in.. be thankful! God's given you another day.... don't waste it! Love ya, Susan : )

Prayer request

2009-03-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

Joe's dad passed away this week. The funeral is Sunday. Please pray for our family. We will be out of town on Sunday, but we have entrusted The Tavern in the hands of our team! Please pray that all goes well Sunday. Please pray that the Lord gives us strength and endurance and peace and comfort to get through the day.
Thank you my prayer warriors! I know that you will be praying for us!
Much Love, Susan L. Hougelman

The Tavern loves those Rad Hat Ladies!

2009-03-17T20:21:00.001-07:00

On Monday we hosted the Red Hat Mommas! I think they were the Red HOT mommas! They were a lot of fun! Thank you girls for visiting us! You brighten the place with your colorful character! Susan

More famous visitors at the Tavern!

2009-03-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

Cowabunga!
Today we had the pleasure of serving Bill and Marg Kennedy!

Do you know who Bill Kennedy is?

I'll give you some hints!

He is not a moooovie actor!

He has a creamy complexion!

He is very handy!

Bill invented something that is sold all over the world!
He is udderly Fantastic!
Bill Kennedy invented UDDER CREAM!

Bill and Marg have been coming to the Tavern for over 50 years and they were so happy that we opened up again! They are from Ohio and told me that when they need to get away, they come to this area where it's so quiet and beautiful!
They came in and were so very kind and friendly. After we talked for a while, they told me about Bill's invention. I had to share the news with our cook Pam, because Pam has milked cows her whole life! She loves cows and said that she loved udder cream! Bill and Marg went out to the car and brought us a whole bag of their wonderful cream! We were so excited.
I love people! I love meeting new friends. I am so honored and priveledged to be able to meet so many wonderful people!
Bill and Marg, I hope you make many new memories at our Tavern! May the Lord bless you and bring you much joy! Susan

2009-03-11T09:41:00.001-07:00

"Alone we can do so little;
together we can do so much."
- Helen Keller

Homemade Quiche!

2009-03-08T21:47:00.001-07:00

Joe's making homemade quiche this week! He has two favorites..bacon and swiss and ham and cheddar! It is served with a fresh garden salad or cup of soup! Come and see us for lunch! : )

Our first wedding!

2009-03-08T21:40:00.001-07:00

We had our first wedding at the Tavern on Saturday. Rebecca and Len renewed their wedding vows upstairs in the Green room! It was a beautiful, romantic, celebration of two people's love for one another and love for God! What an honor and priveledge to be a part of someone's life story! : )
Congratulations Becky and Len! May your love flow freely forever!
Susan

Great News!!!

2009-03-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

I am sitting over here at the Tavern, on the internet, working on our menu. We are making some changes, fixing some things, trying to get it just perfect. BUT..that's not the exciting news. Joe and I are setting a date for our great big GRATITUDE PARTY/Grand Opening, and we are also setting a date for the BAKERY to open!! WOOHOOO! They will co-incide with each other. We will (God-willing) be open by EASTER! We will have Easter breads, donuts, muffins, nut-rolls, poppy-seed rolls, lamb cakes and so much more for sale for Easter!!!

So many exciting things are yet to come!! YOU JUST WAIT AND SEE!!

We are going to be a great community/family together!! I love YOU ALL so very much! It is so wonderful to greet friends every single day. I love to feed people well and make them feel good at the same time! When you come through the doors of the Tavern, I am so glad to see you! We are all glad to see you! Thank you New Wilmington and friends from around this area! You are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Susan

2009-03-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

Hello family and friends of the Tavern!
I'd like to tell you what's been going on these past few weeks! We're up and running and it has been A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, what GOD has been doing for us, through us, with us and all around us! We are GROWING! We are growing as a restaurant and as a team and as a family. We are all learning how to work in this new business. We are learning how to cook from the kitchen, we are learning what goes well, and what doesn't go well. We are learning how to get the sticky bun recipe just right. We are learning how to serve your food and make sure it is hot! We are learning how to get it out quickly from the kitchen! We are learning all about each other. We are learning what we like and don't like here! We are learning what YOU like and don't like! WOW!! IT has been so wonderful so far..I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the future!!!
Many of you have been asking when the bakery is coming! We are going to try to get it up and running by EASTER!!! WOOHOOO! We are going to start taking orders for Easter breads, date/nut rolls and Lamb cakes very soon! This next week Joe and I are going to try to devote some time to the Bakery! It's coming soon...we promise!!
Oh friends, everything that God has shown me is happening. It's HIS vision..This place belongs to God and we are going to do EVERYTHING here for His Glory! He helped us get this restaurant, and he helped us fix it up! It's all for Him!!
YEAH!!!! Can you tell that I'm just a little bit excited today? I am just feeling that..that Holy Spirit...His Love is just surrounding me today! It truly is a day filled with Sonshine!! : ) I hope you're basking in it too! See you soon!
Your friend Always, Susan

Our Menu is up!

2009-03-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

Check out the menu! It's over on the right hand side of the blog, underneath the telephone number and the picture of a menu! It's a link that will take you to The Tavern on the Square Menu! Wooohoo! Thanks for being patient with us! We have so much more to do yet with this restaurant. We love YOU! Susan and Joe