Mid Atlantic Tea Business Association 20th Anniversary

Members of the Mid Atlantic Tea Business Association gathered in Gettysburg at the Garryowen Irish Pub to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the association. Originated in 2005 by Nancy Reppert of Sweet Remembrances Tea Room, Susanna Reppert Brill of The Rosemary House, and Janet Young of Over the Teacup, the association was established to advance the knowledge of tea through networking and educational opportunities for the tea entrepreneur. 

Members meet quarterly, either via zoom or an in person meeting typically held at a members tea room. Since the Garryowen Irish Pub offers Afternoon Tea, we gathered here for our celebratory meeting so that all members attending the meeting would be able to enjoy the special day. Our Welcoming Reception was plentiful with blueberry  muffins, chocolate chip muffins, petit mushroom quiche and rolled cinnamon puffs along side a variety of fruit. Tea bags and hot pots of water were available on each table.

The room was bright and cheerful with fresh flowers on the tables, and tea themed décor adorned the shelves. The waitstaff was attentive to our needs. Members gathered from near and far to celebrate this milestone celebration.

Karen Donnelly, President, Ann Ashcraft

Marnie D'Amato, Lin Henry, Eric Tice

Susanna Reppert

Susanna introduced our speaker for the morning, Babette Donaldson. Babette is a tea educator, writer, author of "The Everything Healthy Tea Book" and "The Emma Lea Books" and is the Owner & Editor of TChing. Her topic was 'Infuse your Business with Herbs and Tea."

Janet and Erin honored the founding members with a tribute to their dedication to the association, and  presented a gift from the membership to Susanna, Nancy, and Janet.

Erin Bradley, Janet Meyers

Afternoon Tea began with a salad that featured Local greens, cucumber, chevre, mandarins, and a basil-walnut vinaigrette. The tea bag selection on the table featured Irish teas.

Following the salad a thick and rich Mushroom Bisque was served.

The tiered tray held an assortment of Savory and Sweet options. The savory selection included a Ham sandwich with spinach, and an apple-onion-brie spread on wheat bread. There was a deviled egg pate on herbed crostini, and a Tomato, bacon, and Swiss puff pastry.

The sweets included an Orange Scone, a slice of Carrot Cake Loaf, and Rosemary Shortbread.

Each member was presented with a 20th Anniversary Celebration Tea Canister with the Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association logo engraved on the canister.

 

In addition, members received a tote filled with tea samples from various venders, a copy of TeaTime magazine, surprises from fellow members, matcha flavored Kit Kat, and other small gifts. It was a celebratory day for all.