By Kevin Williams
Lovina Eicher has decided to no longer write The Amish Cook column. I wish her well in life's challenges and opportunities ahead and feel blessed to have spent so much time with such a super family.
Nothing lasts forever. And in the media business, personalities come and go. “Regis and Kathy Lee” becomes “Regis and Kelly,” which becomes “Kelly and Michael.” Personalities change, but shows can stay the same. The Amish Cook column was never supposed to be about one person; it was supposed to connect an increasingly complicated world with a simpler, slower pace. And The Amish Cook will continue to do that.
The Amish are a diverse and varied group and no one person can or should lend a voice to the entire community. So I think changing the author occasionally offers insight and variation. There are close to 200,000 Amish residents in the USA and growing, among them are many talented writers and cooks. Now is a good time to hear from another one.
As creator and caretaker for a column that has become a tool for spreading simplicity, I wish to continue. I created The Amish Cook when I was just 18-years-old when I first teamed up with Elizabeth Coblentz. That was in 1991 and I'm not ready to let it go yet, although some times I think I am crazy for wanting to hang on.
It has been a long journey with challenges and struggles and wonderful moments. But a watershed moment occurred last autumn, when my wife and I welcomed our first child. This year has been full of blessings and joy at watching her grow. Armed with a new outlook, it’s time for this column to grow also, to spread its wings. And I need to move forward, personally.
A BIT ABOUT GLORIA
Today is about focusing forward and I'd like to talk a bit about Gloria's Amish settlement. Out of all the ones I have visited over the years the rural Flat Rock community has been one of my favorite. There is a family feeling to the church and I find that very appealing. They are a New Order settlement which a lot of people mistakenly think of as less conservative, but I've never really found that to be the case. The New Order church is actually considered a subgroup of the Old Order. Gloria's church is a horse and buggy community. They also allow bicycles for transportation. Land line phones are permitted, but cell phones, which are becoming more and more accepted in other Amish settlements, are not permitted. Here is a bit more information about the New Order church.
The church will work on a lot of projects, like an annual watermelon harvest. The melons are grown in a community field and harvested and sold to raise funds for the local Amish school. The Amish youth of the settlement also host an annual community supper in the nearby town of Robinson to raise money for their school. The meal is a home-cooked Amish supper that anyone in the community is welcome to attend. It's that type of family feel and warmth that I think you'll enjoy in Gloria's version of The Amish Cook.
Colleen Rohrer
Dear Lovina - I am saddened to learn that you will no longer be The Amish Cook!! I started reading the column back when your mother Elizabeth was the author. Even though we have never met - I feel as though I know you personally. I remember being so very sad when your mother passed away. I can only imagine how very busy you are with your family and all that you do every day - so I would imagine that one less thing on your plate will be a help.
I will miss reading your column - you have done an excellent job and your mother would be pleased. I will pray for you and your family and always know that you have a friend who will never forget you!!! Colleen
Kevin - I am glad that you are continuing The Amish Cook!! Thank you for all you do. Would you please get the above message to Lovina. I am sad to see her go! Colleen
Bonnie Pavel
Welcome Gloria! The pie sounds delicious. Good luck and best wishes to Lovina. I really enjoyed your column and
recipes.
Joan Peterson
I have thoroughly enjoyed Lovina's columns over the years and am sad to hear she has decided not to continue as the Amish Cook. I look forward to reading Gloria's columns and, particularly, her old fashioned methods of cooking and baking.
Keep up your good work, Kevin. You give us a bright spot in our days.
Joan
Chris
I have enjoyed Elizabeth and her daughter Lovina's columns.
But I am also glad you will continue with a new family.
Bonus - this family is in near my hometown.
Charlotte
I welcome Gloria, but I am sad about Lovina. She, and her mother Elizabeth previously, have been The Amish Cook for so many years. Is there anything else you can share with us, as to her reason not to continue?
Kentucky Lady 717
I too am sad and will miss Lovina's columns also , I feel as if I know her and her family too, I was shocked to hear this.....But glad Kevin you are still doing this and look forward to Gloria's recipes and learning about her family too. Good luck Kevin in everything you continue to do to bring us the Amish recipes and all the other info you give us on here.....
lorraine stoddard
Welcome Gloria! Kevin I'm glad you will continue the column.
Amy
I am sad to hear Lovina is no longer the Amish Cook. I learned so much about the Amish from her. I want to thank her for sharing her life's journey with us and wish her and her family the best. They say "as one door closes another opens".... with that in mind, I'd like to say "hello and welcome" to Gloria. I look forward to reading about her and her family each week. I'd like to take the time to thank Gloria for becoming the new Amish Cook and thank her for inviting us into her life.
Barb
I am also sad to see Lovina go, but as a mom I understand she is very busy with her family and most likely finds it tough to fit in writing along with everything else she does. Kevin, thank you for continuing the column with another writer! I am curious, what state is Gloria's community of Flat Rock located? I'm sure it's in your book but I don't have it here handy!
Kevin
Barb, Illinois....