By Kevin Williams
AMISH CASINO: I’m not a big fan of casinos—I rarely feel like I have extra money to gamble—but I do enjoy slot machines now and then and the occasional casino buffet. Recently, several outlets have reported plans for a casino in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. While I remain unsure whether a casino belongs there, the media framing that heavily emphasizes an “Amish” connection seems overstated. The proposed site is not being placed in the heart of Lancaster County’s prime farmland and is fairly distant from the most concentrated Amish communities. The link many outlets use to highlight the story often makes the Amish connection sound more direct than it really is, so readers should take that into account when evaluating the coverage.
MILLIE’S AMISH CARAMEL PUDDING: Illinois-based writer Millie Otto has shared an update from the Arthur Amish settlement about spring activities and a tempting caramel pudding recipe. Her column offers a warm, personal glimpse of community life and seasonal cooking favorites. It’s worth checking out if you enjoy Amish home cooking and local perspectives.
This Amish buggy was clattering down the road near Fort Fairfield, Maine in the far northern part of the state. I visited there in 2015.
AMISH SAWMILL ROLLS WITH THE PUNCHES: A profile of an Amish-operated sawmill in northern Maine highlights how the business adapted after a local box and pallet company’s closure. The piece offers a look at entrepreneurship and resilience in a rural community. I’ve met the sawmill owner mentioned in the article, and they’ve been a vibrant part of the area’s economy and social fabric.
RHUBARB SAUCE: While not strictly an Amish recipe, rhubarb dishes are especially popular in many Amish kitchens once spring arrives. Rhubarb sauce and similar preparations often become staples on farm tables and at community meals. The rhubarb recipe referenced is a good example of seasonal fare that’s widely enjoyed across rural communities.
SWISS MENNONITES FORGIVE BERN: This historical piece examines a symbolic act of forgiveness from Swiss Mennonites toward the canton of Bern for past persecutions. The article presents thoughtful historical details and offers a perspective on reconciliation. While history is complex and attitudes about responsibility across centuries vary, gestures like this can be meaningful in acknowledging the past and fostering mutual understanding.
NORTH CAROLINA AMISH: Amish communities are scarce in North Carolina; one notable settlement is near Union Grove. A local TV station recently visited the area, focusing on the Shiloh General Store, run by an Amish family. Shiloh is best known for its bakery, which draws people from around the region. This is a New Order Amish community, generally more receptive to cameras than some other Plain groups. The coverage included shots of the Union Grove church and local residents. One small error in the segment appears to be a misspelling of an Amish surname—listed as “Greyber”—which is likely intended to be “Graber.” Name variations do happen in Amish communities, but that particular spelling is uncommon.