The Banta twins were the first of our guests to call the Ampersand Inn their “home away from home.”  During my first year as an Innkeeper, Gale Banta, their mom. passed away.  She was born in Sussex County and lived here most of her life until she moved to Florida in 2005.  Robin and Renee described her as “dedicated to her family and close friends.”  They stayed at the Ampersand for their mother’s funeral in December 2022 and I discovered a very important aspect of the Inn– that to provide comfort during periods of mourning was not only an important part of Inn ownership, but this role was incredibly rewarding as well.

During the Summer of 2023, illness struck the Banta family again – sister Sherrie was a gifted teacher and worked very effectively with individuals with special needs.  She was dedicated to her students and teaching was her passion.  She loved her family, especially her niece and nephew.  On several occasions during Sherrie’s hospital stays, Robin and Renee stayed at the Ampersand and they returned for the difficult periods that impact all of us at some point: hospice visits, funeral, and closing up homes.

I have thought quite a bit about why I want to honor ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and realize that we revere others for many reasons:  for an achievement they have accomplished, for a sacrifice they have made, a hardship they have endured, or a perspective or approach that shapes our thinking. We remember the Banta family not only because they lost two very dear members of their family within in a very short period of time, but also because of the dedication they showed to their family.  Since meeting the Banta sisters, we at The Ampersand have felt they are part of the Ampersand fabric – that they value the connection we represent, value the comfort that the Inn provides, and truly treat the Inn as their “home away from home.”  As an innkeeper, there can be no greater compliment than that and I am so very proud to anoint this space as the Banta room, in honor of Gale, Sherrie and their family.

Irene Dorzback, March 2025