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From the Editor ...
HJean Knouse
ave you realized there are fewer than 50 days until we begin a new year? If you are wondering how we’ve gotten here so quickly, you’re not alone.
It seems like it was 100 degrees yesterday, but it is more accurate to say it wasn’t that long ago we were wondering if the weather would ever cool down. I liked it better — back 20 or 30 years ago — when we had a week or two of really hot weather in August, but the rest of those summer days were quite comfortable — if you were a kid.
Most of us have found a way to deal with the fluctuations caused by climate change because they are now part of our weather lives.
However, we need to take time during this Thanksgiving season to provide for those in North Carolina and Florida who have been devastated by hurricanes — some of them for the second time.
Folks in those communities are still in need of basic supplies and long-term support will be required. Their Thanksgiving holiday may be different this year, but sharing a meal — even if it is not the same as it usually is — will be a blessing and giving thanks for their family and friends will be more meaningful since there will be too many empty seats at some of their tables.
During December, there will be concerts, plays, events and all manner of celebrations for everyone to enjoy.
This year, let’s keep the thankfulness of November in our hearts and pay it forward. If you choose to help those whose lives have been upended by the hurricanes, thank you. If you know a family in your neighborhood that could use a little help, a grocery gift card purchases a variety of things. Please plan one thing for you and your family — or you and a friend —to do to bring joy to someone or some family who isn’t expecting it. Sadly, the celebration of the season does not always find those who are elderly, so please don’t forget a neighbor or someone at your house of worship.
There are many organizations in our communities that help families — especially at this time of year. If you contribute to those organizations, please don’t stop.
However, nothing ever tops a thoughtful, from-theheart tin of cookies or a small gift or the treasure of a visit to make someone’s holiday heart sing!
Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Hannukah! Merry Christmas! And, in a few short weeks, Happy New Year!
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Jean L. Knouse, Editor jknouse@dailyitem.com
TheHome e With a ContinuingCareCommunity
Cover photo by Robert Inglis: Sarah Daylton, of Dash Meals Solutions, shares recipes for holiday treats.
Gray,
Rob’s favorite
fall photos
Robert Inglis is an awardwinning photographer for The Daily Item. In 2023, Inglis’s 20-year Retrospective of Photographic Journalism was exhibited at the Degenstein Library in Sunbury.
Warrior Run’s Max Wirnsberger hits a tee shot during the first round of the individual district championship.
Alfred Gonzalez of Sunbury practices his rail tricks at the Sunbury Skate Park
Robert Inglis
Emma
8, right, Danville, stops at one of the Trunk-Or-Treat stations outside the Danville Primary School
On Nov. 10, 1969, Sesame Street, which featured a cast that included Cookie Monster, Kermit the Frog and Oscar the Grouch and their people friends, debuted on public TV.
30 shopping days until Christmas
Dec. 16, 1773: Colonists disguised as Native Americans threw 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor.
On Nov. 22, 1995, Toy Story was the first completely animated movie to achieve critical and commercial success.
On Dec. 1, 1955, Rosa Parks of Montgomery, Alabama, was seated in the 11th row on a public bus. The first 10 rows were reserved for white riders. When the driver ordered her to give her seat to a white person, she was arrested. That day marked the beginning of the modern Civil Rights Movement.
Make, customize your own wreath —
it’s easy!
Decorations can be switched out to adapt to changing seasons
Story and photos by Jerri Brouse
Don’t let the stress of decorating for the holiday season get to you — Carla Leighow can show you how to make a simple wreath that can easily be switched out for other seasons and/or holidays.
The base for this project is a grapevine wreath, which can be purchased at most craft stores or online. In addition, you will need supplies to decorate your wreath. Think wired ribbon, decorative picks (greenery, leaves, berries etc.), artificial flowers, pinecones,
jewelry, feathers — whatever you’d like to use.
You will also need zip ties — black and clear — and a pair of scissors or wire cutters (Leighow recommends Knipex).
For the first part of the demonstration, Leighow chose artificial flowers and ribbon in fall colors as well as some autumn-colored berries. For ease in shifting into Christmas mode, she utilized ribbons in reds and greens as well as glittered jingle bells and red berries.
Carla Leighow is certain everyone can create a holiday wreath with just a little guidance.
STEP 1
Set out your grapevine wreath and lay out your supplies.
STEP 5
Turn your stack of decorations over. Take a clear zip tie and slide it through the black zip tie. The clear zip tie will be used to secure the grouping to the wreath. Flip over again and, if desired, attach a decorative bow.
STEP 2
Fluff up your flowers or greenery by spreading apart the branches to fill up more space.
STEP 3
Lay picks horizontally on a flat surface. Beginning with the two main picks, layer the various picks on top of one another and hold secure with your hand.
STEP 4
Use a black zip tie to secure the bunch together in the middle; trim the excess plastic from the zip tie.
STEP 6
When you’re ready to change your wreath out for the next holiday or season, simply snip the clear zip tie and remove the decorations and swap it out!
MAKE YOUR OWN BOW
Making your own bow isn’t as hard as it looks — all you need is wired ribbon, a pair of wire cutters/Knipex, and a pipe cleaner.
❏ Take a long piece of ribbon (at least 2 yards) and create a loop. Hold in your left hand. Twist the next loop and continue adding loops.
❏ Determine the length of the tail you want your bow to have.
❏ Pinch the center.
❏ Twist, tighten, trim, and discard extra pipe cleaner length.
❏ Cut vertically up the center of your bow’s tail to create two tails.
Vendors work, grow with shop
Tara Dombroski might be the official owner of The Outpost on Market Street, in Bloomsburg, but she believes every one of the vendors who sells wares at the store are equally responsible for its success.
The Outpost, located at 601 S. Market St., is
home to more than 100 local artisan vendors who offer a variety of items including home decor, jewelry, crafting kits, refurbished furniture, stuffed animals, clothing and more.
The store opened in 2021 and Dombroski said she and the vendors all worked hard to make it through the pandemic.
“We have grown exponentially since those days,” she said.
At The Outpost, shoppers can purchase everything from holiday decor to craft supplies and they can also learn how to make items themselves during one of the many workshops or classes held each month.
Classes in acrylic painting, scrapbooking, card making, wreath making, ceramic painting and much more are offered by a variety of instructors.
In celebration of the upcoming holiday season, Dombroski hosted the Second Annual Exclusive Holiday Event from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1.
For more information, visit The Outpost on Market Street in person or visit their Facebook page.
Jerri Brouse/For Inside PA
Tara Dombroski, owner of The Outpost on Market Street, shows some of the shop’s wares.
Thanksgiving favorites
By Jean Knouse
Everyone knows a version of the traditional story about the first Thanksgiving. Native Americans helped the Pilgrims avoid starvation by teaching them to plant corn and hunt native game. Legend has it that, after the first harvest, they gathered to share a feast. No one really knows if they served turkey, but they might have!
When I was a child, we ate Thanksgiving dinner at noon! My grandmother must have gotten up at the “crack of dawn” to put a turkey for 17 people in the oven. My own Thanksgiving is very different time-wise. We eat at 4 p.m.or later.
Families have been known to establish traditions that sometimes last for decades, sometimes for a year or two. There are changes when new family members are added or — sadly — when treasured family members have passed.
Five folks were asked to tell us about their Thanksgiving favorites. Which of their dinners might you choose to attend?
Being thankful for family is a given, so we asked our panel to choose other blessings for which they will give thanks.
This is guaranteed: Every one at Inside PA wishes you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!
1. How will our readers know you?
2. Do you prefer the turkey to be roasted, grilled or deep-fried?
3. Dark meat, white meat or both?
4. Stuffing (in turkey) or filling (casserole) or both?
5. Cranberry sauce?
6. If you’re asked to bring a side dish to dinner, what will you take?
7. What time will your dinner feast begin?
8. When is dessert served?
9. What is your favorite Thanksgiving Day dessert?
10. What’s your favorite leftover after the holiday?
List three things you’re thankful for this year.
Metro Creative
KENDY ALVAREZ
CHIP MINEMYER
Publisher of The Daily Item, The Danville News and Inside PA, among others
CULVER
PASTOR TIMOTHY HOGAN - PALLAZO
Librarian at the Degenstein Community Library
I serve as the Mayor of Lewisburg Roasted
Deep fried Roasted
I can take it or leave it
Casserole of filling
While everyone is still at table or while watching the game
Apple pie with a crumb top and vanilla ice cream Pumpkin pie
Everything because it all tastes better the next day
A compassionate community; a great bottle of wine; the capacity to live my life on my terms
Turkey drumstick (if there is one left)
Close friends I still see often; being surrounded, by talented, positive people; a job where I can still make a difference
I represent the people of the 27th senatorial district Roasted White
Stuffing in the turkey
Roasted breast down
As a regular contributor for the Daily Item Faith and Reason and as a 15-year local pastor.
Later in the evening Pumpkin roll
Turkey sandwich Health; roof over my head; farmers that feed us
Both — sausage stuffing
Yes — homemade
Mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheese and bacon 3 p.m.
While watching football or later in the evening
Pumpkin pie with homemade whipped topping
Stuffing heated in a skillet
Health; friends and co-workers; the beautiful weather we have had
Baked
an
Later in the evening
Sweet potato pie
Cold turkey on a yeast dinner roll with cranberry sauce and Brie
Permission to explore my faith in safe sacred space; God’s call to ministry and presence; To participate in God’s creation, work with plants, care for animals, and live in community.
Try a holiday Charcuterie House!
By Jean Knouse
Two years ago, I had never heard of a charcuterie board. I don’t think I have ever seen the Pioneer Woman make one, but I haven’t seen every episode, so she may have.
According to Foodnetwork.com, “A charcuterie board is a selection of preserved meats and, sometimes cheeses, laid out on a board or platter.”
A board or platter can be as simple or as complicated as you would like to make it. This creation is not
meant to be the main course of a meal. It is generally served as an appetizer or as light refreshment with which you will serve one or two types of wine. And, depending upon who will be eating your holiday charcuterie board, you may want to add crackers, dried fruit, vegetables, pickles, olives, spreads and nuts for variety and contrasts in flavor and texture.
Early in the planning for this issue of Inside PA, I considered offering a gingerbread house contest for
Richard Knouse/For Inside PA Gretchen and Jodi with their Charcuterie Holiday House and Garden.
folks to enter and the results would be published in this issue of the magazine. However, logistics were a problem. Where would we hold the competition? The rules were getting complicated and I had no idea how to declare winners and keep their names a secret until the magazine was published.
In another magazine several weeks ago, I saw a charcuterie house. It was not very attractive — just meat and cheese adhered to the sides and roof of a cardboard (I think) house. I’m sure the food was terrific, but there wasn’t anything festive about it.
So, I turned to three of the most creative people I know: Jodi Schmidt, who teaches biology at Shikellamy High School, and her daughter, Aubrey, 11, and Gretchen Knouse (yes, she’s related to me, but she and Jodi have been friends for 20 years). Gretchen is a dog groomer and you might recognize her from the Muffin Man.
On these two pages, you’ll witness how they turned $12 worth of plastic containers and $60 worth of groceries into a Holiday Charcuterie House and Garden.
And, they did it in less than an hour. Planning and shopping — which took place over several days — took more time than actually creating this masterpiece of gastronomy.
Check out Jodi, Aubrey and Gretchen’s modern Charcuterie Holiday House with ham, salami and a variety of cheeses on the roof; pepperoni on the slant of the roof; doors and chimney made of crackers; rosemary adorning the eaves; windows made of cheese; a hedge made of grapes, and almonds for the base.
The garden features rice cakes with a rosemary garland topped with cherry tomatoes and containers of red and green peppers to carry away after you scoop a dollop of one of the dips into it.
Nuts, dried fruit, containers of olives made to look like garden containers, cherry tomatoes and whatever else you would like to add is easy to replenish if you provide small plates to carry food to the table where wine is being served or to refill your plate if you enjoyed what you selected and would like to sample more treats.
Creating the house was half the fun. And, after we took photographs, sampling the “parts” was the other half of the fun!
Richard Knouse
Gretchen Knouse begins adding food to the roof of the Holiday House.
Richard Knouse
Aubrey isn’t sure she wants to try what her mother is suggesting!
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PROTECTING THE TREASURES OF THE WORLD
by Jean Knouse
Robert Edsel, a young American businessman, was standing on the Ponte de Vecchio Bridge in Florence, Italy, in the mid-1970s.
Why, he wondered, was this famous hundreds-of-years-old bridge the only one the Germans hadn’t destroyed when they were fleeing the city late in WWII. Every other bridge in Florence had been blown up by the Germans as they exited.
While the answer to that question is not a simple one — there is evidence to suggest that as early as 1920, how to protect the treasures of the world in war was a topic of discussion among countries. More often than not, in WWII, the Allies and the Axis powers attempted to avoid obliterating historic and religious treasures — if it was possible.
According to Getty.com, General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “If we have to choose between destroying a famous building and sacrificing our own men, then our men’s lives count infinitely more and the buildings must go.”
However, he added, “The choice is not always so clear-cut as that. In many cases the monuments can be spared without any detriment to operational needs. Nothing can stand against the argument of military necessity. That is an accepted principle. But the phrase ‘military necessity’ is sometimes used where it would be more truthful to speak of military convenience or
even personal convenience.”
Thousands of treasures from the Louvre, including Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, were taken to safe hiding places early in WWII. However, Da Vinci’s oneof-a-kind mural of the Last Supper couldn’t be moved.
In the late 1400s, he painted it on the wall of the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazia in Milan, Italy. (A refectory is a place one goes to be restored.)
In an effort to protect the painting, crews erected a steel scaffolding-like structure on either side of the wall on which the masterpiece had been painted. Sand bags were then added on and around the scaffolding. At the end of the war, the protected wall was the only part of the refectory still standing. Please note: It was the Allies who bombed the structure in August 1943.
The Cathedral in Cologne, Germany, is an example of Eisenhower’s pledge being obeyed. The doublespired cathedral — which was built over a period of 600 years — was spared during the war, but the buildings around it were totally destroyed. The twin spires had served as an easy navigational touchstone for 262 Allied air raids. The cathedral was hit 14 times, but the damage was repairable.
After the war, on Nov. 16, 1945, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded to contribute to worldwide
peace and security, because, they reasoned, collaboration would remain a cornerstone of a peaceful world order. The founders of UNESCO believed the rule of law, respect for human rights, and freedom of expression would be strengthened through international cooperation. UNESCO is headquartered in Paris and today has 190 member countries.
In 1969, the need to work together to save treasures around the world had been heightened in Egypt when a new dam was proposed for the Nile River. The Aswan Dam was designed to provide flood protection, hydroelectric power, and a dependable water supply to people and businesses. However, it would also flood the Temple of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari. The Abua Simbel Temples had been built in the 13th Century BCE.
to formalize an organization that would identify and work to save naturally and culturally important sites around the world. On Nov. 16, 1972, the World Heritage Convention was formed and it had five strategic objectives: credibility, conservation, capacity-building, communication and communities. The U.S. was one of the first member states to join. Establishing and protecting World Heritage Sites is now part of UNESCO’s mission, but it is governed by the World Heritage Convention rules.
In 2024, the World Heritage List contains many sites you will likely recognize: the Great Wall of China, the Palace of Versailles, and the Grand Canyon. There are 1,228 sites around the world and 26 sites in the United States that have been selected for inclusion on the list.
Egypt and Sudan appealed to UNESCO for help with this dilemma. Between 1964 and 1968, the temples were cut into 30 ton blocks and moved to higher ground under the leadership of UNESCO. Countries around the world joined together to provide expertise, resources and money to move — rather than lose — these historic treasures.
The outcome was the beginning of the discussions
Until July 2024, Pennsylvania had two sites: Independence Hall and Fallingwater (as part of a celebration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work). On July 26, 2024, a third Pennsylvania site was added to this list of distinction — The Moravian Church Settlement in Bethlehem. This site is unique in that it joins the list with other Moravian Church Settlement locations around the world.
The Associated Press
In this photo taken Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, a tourist takes photographs of the Great Temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel, Egypt.
Photo provided
The Cologne Cathedral was bombed 14 times by Allied bombers. Those “hits” were repairable. Compare it to the destruction around the German landmark.
New World Heritage Site in Pennsylvania
One of 26 in the United States
INDEPENDENCE HALL, Philadelphia, Pa.
Pa.
Independence Hall was added to the World Heritage List in 1979.
FALLINGWATER, Mill Run,
Photo provided
The Sisters’ House is one of the original buildings in the Moravian Church Settlement.
In 2019, Fallingwater and seven other Frank Lloyd Wright-designed properties were inscribed on the World Heritage List.
On July 26, 2024, the historic Moravian Church Settlements of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Gracehill, Northern Ireland/UK; and Herrnhut, Saxony, Germany, joined Christiansfeld, Denmark, as part of a single World Heritage Site.
As one grouping, they represent the important universal value of these historic settlements, according to Moravian.org.
Rev. David Bennett, president of the Provincial Elders’ Conference of the Moravian Church in America, said, “While these sites were established more than 275 years ago, they remain vibrant and active centers of our Moravian faith tradition today. It is a testament to the Moravian Church’s ongoing historic, cultural, and most importantly, spiritual contributions to the world.”
“We were very interested in having the right exhibition when we hopefully got to make the announcement on our UNESCO inscription,” Lindsey Jancay, vice president and managing director of Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites (HBMS), said.
“So we looked to Moravian signage, which is ‘Welcome all Travelers and Sojourners,’ or bringing people into this community and faith.”
The Moravian Church Settlement in Bethlehem is now the third UNESCO World Heritage Site in Pennsylvania: Fallingwater and Independence Hall are the others. These locations join the other 23 sites in the United States and the other 1,222 sites worldwide.
— Jean Knouse
MORAVIAN CHURCH, Bethlehem, Pa.
Photo by Robert Inglis/Inside PA
GRACEHILL, Northern Ireland/ UK
CHRISTIANFIELD, Denmark
HERNHUTT, Saxony, Germany
CENTRAL MORAVIAN CHURCH, Bethlehem, Pa.
Walk through Bethlehem on an evening before Christmas and you’re likely to hear trombone music.
“Music is a huge part of the Moravian Church community,” Keith Sten, site manager of the Moravian Museum, said. “For the Christmas season, during Advent services a trombone choir will be playing on top of the bell tower.” Since 1754, beautiful songs of the trombone choir have welcomed folks to church.
“The bell tower is small, so usually you won’t get more than four people together there,” Sten said.
Generally, an alto, bass, tenor and soprano trombone and four people are a bit crowded in the bellfrey, but four people playing trombones together
gives a richer sound.
The Moravian Church began in the 1400s in Moravia, which is in today’s Czech Republic. In the 1700s, after years of persecution, they established a new village in Herrnhut, Germany. Eventually, they began traveling the world to share the Gospel.
Lindsey Jancay, vice president and managing director of Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites (HBMS), said visitors to the Moravian Museum often find connections to the early settlers in simple items: a textbook, a sampler or a birthday card. “Those things help bring that history to life, and it informs how we see the world.”
EARLY LIFE
Moravians had a strong sense of community, evidenced by their education of young men and young women. Their “choirs” — or groups — reflect the tradition of men and women who lived in separate communal buildings. And, they believed strongly, that if you needed to make something, you may as well make it beautiful. Their desire to infuse beauty in necessary crafts and trades provided opportunities for people to join together.
“When the early Moravians sang hymns, everyone’s voices blended together,” Jancay said.
“Because people from different backgrounds and experiences would often be living together, sometimes hymns would be sung simultaneously in different languages, which is a beautiful thing to witness.”
Last year, HBMS hosted a composer who led people in singing a selection based on early hymns.
“We had everyone singing in four different languages,” Jancay said. “So the connection is ... still there, through the practice of music, and really the early trades and connecting to the craft, all in service of the community.”
While Moravians today often live in private homes, early Moravians gathered in communal choirs, which included the Sisters’ Choir, the Brethrens’ Choir and the Widows’ Choir. Each group lived in beautiful stone houses that people love to visit today. The
Cindy O. Herman
Geimenhouse, 1741, is used as the Moravian Museum. It is believed to be the oldest log cabin that has been in continuous use.
Robert Inglis
The logs are visible by the stairs in this hallway.
Robert Inglis
Keith Sten displays a Moravian star.
choir houses guaranteed Moravian missionaries a place to live and a school for their children.
In the Moravian Community in Bethlehem, which was founded in 1741, boys and girls were taught the same subjects in school. Church leaders wanted men and women to be able to read, write and work together with others in the community, Sten said.
“There were no girls’ schools in other communities at that time,” he said. He marveled at the fact that educating girls was so highly valued.
“The Sisters’ House was actively lived in by unmarried Moravian women from 1748 to 2007,” Jancay said. “This choir system enabled early Moravian women in Bethlehem to live independently and to rely on each other as a community, and that’s incredibly unique.”
In the Moravian Museum’s main building, the Gemeinhaus, Sten showed a Schneppelhaube — a “bird’s beak bonnet.” Women wore it to cover their hair. The cap was tied at the neck with a ribbon — red for young girls, pink for single women, blue for married women and white for widows.
People are often surprised to learn about how the Moravians lived.
“Because men and women lived separately, there are some drawn connections toward monasteries or the experience of nuns. But this is a very vibrant community,” Jancay said. “And I think people are also sometimes though we make quick work of fixing this — surprised to find there are Moravians practicing today. Right over here at Central Moravian Church they have started doing tours of the church, the sanctuary and the old chapel.”
HOLIDAYS
In the Gemeinhaus, Sten showed off a set of beeswax candles that are a part of Christmas services.
“Candles represent Christ as the Light of the world,” he said. “The Christmas tradition of a candle in a window is meant to be a welcoming symbol.”
He also spoke about Putzes, a German word for Nativity scenes.
“People love seeing our Putz displays,” he said. “Putzes are always set up by the churches and at the Single Sisters’ House at this time of year to narrate the Christmas story. Frequently they use real sand, rocks and moss to fill in the scene and make it really nice.”
Malissa Grimsley, event rentals and custom tour manager of HBMS, said visitors rave about the Sisters’ House during the holidays.
“It adds to that charm and that magic,” she said, noting that docents and volunteers decorate the trees. “The docents are fantastic. They know so much about the rich history here in Bethlehem.”
Musing on the Moravians’ focus on community, Grimsley noted that it continues in Bethlehem.
“I really do sense that here. It’s so about community,” she said, listing several Bethlehem civic organizations. “Ultimately, we all are in it for the same reason.
We’re bringing people here and showing them what the city has to offer.”
Bethlehem and the Moravian Church Settlement are “quite magical” during the holidays, Jancay said, recalling a time when she accompanied a holiday tour group.
“We had this wonderful moment where we walked out of one of the sites to a pop-up of a choir singing out in front of the church. It was lightly snowing, a carriage drove by.” She smiled. “I mean, it’s just so picturesque during the holidays.”
For more information, visit www.historicbethlehem. org.
Robert Inglis
The church candles are ready for Christmas.
— Cindy O. Herman
Cindy O. Herman Sten shows a Schneppelhauve — a bird’s beak bonnet.
ACROSS
1. Visions of them
6. Bob’s son
9. A suit and a nose
10. Wise men came from
13. Early residents of faith
15. ________ are a few of my favorite things
18. A kind of pie
20. Flames
21. Giving a _____ up the chimney he rose
24. Kind of bear
25. A kind of sauce
28. One group at the 1st feast
31. What choirs do
32. For children
34. Before dawn, it’s ____
CROSSWORD PA
HOLIDAY TRIVIA
35. Bird’s first name
37. Another name for maize
38. There were three
39. Santa’s line
41. No one wants on this list
43. Will played him
46. Forthright
47. Made of snow
49. Fly ______ the roofs
50. He wrote Scrooge
51. First reindeer
DOWN
1. They were in the field
2. A kind of dumpling
3. He wore a cap
4. Sometimes at top of
tree
5. What you did at a meal
7. Wears a kerchief
8. Fourth note
11. You’ve got a ______ in me
12. Santa’s belly
13. Flavor of cane
14. The sleigh horse headress
16. Inside the turkey
17. Provides heat
19. The Grinch is this kind
22. _____ vey!
23. Light sends out a
26. Joyful
27. Eight plus
29. The one with the nose
30. Tightwad
33. The big guy
36. The landing area
37. Sugar or raisinfilled
40. Snowman
41. French Christmas
42. Lots of them under the tree
44. They spread magic
45. For riding in snow
48. Holiday wishes to
Bethlehem The Christmas City
Christkindlmarkt and more highlight the season
By Cindy O. Herman
With a name like Bethlehem, it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that Hallmark Channel chose this Pennsylvania city as the basis for a holiday movie.
“Miracle in Bethlehem” premiered last year and featured a story of a woman named Mary Ann who found a place to stay for her and her new baby with a kind man during Christmas. While the movie wasn’t filmed in Bethlehem, Hallmark also set up a camera on Main Street to livestream it to their Christmas website, highlighted the city’s shopping, horse and carriage rides and the live advent calendar.
“There are things that are really picturesque when you come down the street,” Lindsey Jancay, vice president and managing director of Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites (HBMS), said. “Sometimes
you just walk out the door, and you are greeted with (a scene that) looks like it’s out of a Victorian postcard.”
HBMS cares for 20 buildings across 20 acres in Bethlehem, including the Moravian Museum, the Kemerer Museum featuring decorative arts, the Burnside Plantation, and buildings in the Colonial Industrial Quarter. That includes the 1762 Waterworks (Page 35) which, as the first pumped municipal water system in the United States, is also a national historic landmark.
AN IMPORTANT DESIGNATION
The Moravian Church Settlements was added to the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage List in July of 2024.
Photo by Tribune News Service
“Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites is really excited about that because what we do is, we tell a story of the Moravians in Bethlehem through the museum here at the Gemeinhaus,” Jancay said.
HBMS’s current exhibition, “Checking In, Bethlehem’s Alluring Accommodations,” runs through Jan. 26. It tracks the trajectory of lodging in Bethlehem and includes two rooms in the Gemeinhaus that exemplify early inns.
“Checking In focuses on hospitality,” Malissa Grimsley, HBMS event rentals and custom tour manager, said. “It’s almost like you’re walking into a hotel. It’s really neat.”
NUMEROUS OF EVENTS
Bethlehem, The Christmas City, is also known for its Christkindlmarkt at the SteelStacks. It runs Nov. 15 through Dec. 22 this year and features works by fine artisans such as Käthe Wohlfahrt’s with her handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany.
“People love Christkindlmarkt,” Grimsley said.
“People love coming here to learn and to just enjoy Christmas,” Keith Sten, site manager of the Moravian Museum, said. “There’s a tradition of having white lights throughout town to represent candles. On the south side they have many-colored lights, and they do that intentionally because they want to show how the south side kind of expanded a little past the Moravian period. With businesses like Bethlehem Steel,
they had many people come from all over the world, creating diversity of community.”
Bethlehem residents frequently refer to the bridge connecting the south, more modern side of the city to the north, more historic sites. On the south side people can enjoy tours of the rise and fall of Bethlehem Steel. The north side hosts the Colonial Industrial Park and historic Moravian Church Settlements.
“We have a plethora of different things here,” Grimsley said, mentioning MusicFest and the an-
Photo provided
The Waterworks, built in 1762, was the first in America with a pumping system for water distribution.
Robert Inglis
The recreation of the inside of a historic inn in Bethlehem is found at the museum. This display is part of an exhibit called “Checking In.”
nual Blueberry Fest and Apple Days at the Burnside Plantation.
Visit HBMS’s newly opened 1810 Goundie House Welcome Center, on 501 Main St., to learn about walking, biking and motorcoach tours or a Christmas
City carriage ride.
“We have all kinds of ways to experience the history with the people you love,” Jancay said.
One of Grimsley’s fondest memories is looking up to South Mountain and seeing the shining Bethlehem Star — not to be confused with the Moravian Star.
The Moravian Star has 26 points, while the Bethlehem Star is designed with five points. When illuminated the Bethlehem Star can be seen more than 20 miles away. Grimsley remembers her great-grandfather pointing it out while driving.
Asked how it makes her feel, Grimsley replied, “It feels like I’m at home.”
Robert Inglis
The 1810 Goundie House.
IF — WHEN — YOU GO TO BETHLEHEM
By Cindy O. Herman
Beyond charming shops and eateries, the Christmas City swirls with holiday activities. Try some of these, and you’ll understand why Bethlehem beckons to visitors:
Live Advent Calendar
Here’s a fun, one-of-a-kind event. December 1-23, join visitors outside the door of the 1810 Goundie House Welcome Center, 501 Main Street, at 5:30 p.m. One selected visitor will knock on the door, which will be opened by a special guest from a local business or organization who will distribute treats to the crowd — a live take on the traditional Advent Calendars where people open “doors” each day to discover treats or Scriptural messages.
Info: www.historicbethlehem.org
Central Moravian Putz
Similar to a crèche, a putz tells the story of Jesus’ birth with carved figures, narration, music and tiny lights to illuminate each miniature scene. Many of the figures are German antiques, set off with lifelike touches of moss, driftwood and rocks.
Open select days from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31.
Located in the Christian Education Building, 40 West Church St.
Info: www.historicbethlehem.org.
Christmas Trees Across the Nation
Between Nov. 15 this year and Jan. 6, let yourself be dazzled by more than 20 trees decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club in the style of cities from across the United States. See how trees are decorated in places from New York to Nashville, Alburquerque to Atlanta, Hershey to Honolulu and more. While viewing the trees, complete a scavenger hunt
for ornaments highlighting World Heritage Sites and National Historic Landmarks throughout the U.S.
Info: www.historicbethlehem.org
Bethlehem By Night Motorcoach Tour
Board a motorcoach at the Hotel Bethlehem then sit back to enjoy the lights of Bethlehem while your Colonial-costumed tour guide presents the history and traditions of the city, including the famous star atop South Mountain and the historic highlights of North and South Bethlehem.
Info: www.historicbethlehem.org
Christmas City Stroll
Experience cherished Bethlehem traditions like a candle-in-every-window, bees wax candles, the community Putz and more. Learn the difference between the Star of Bethlehem and the Moravian Star while seeing Bethlehem’s Victorian and Colonial architecture and two National Historic Landmarks/ World Heritage Sites: the 1741 Gemeinhaus and the Bethlehem Waterworks.
Info: www.historicbethlehem.org
Christmas Carriage Rides
Listen to the clip-clop of horses’ hooves as you roll through Historic Bethlehem in an open carriage. From Nov. 16 through Jan. 11, rides depart from the corner of Church and Main streets with a variety of carriages and experiences. Reservations required.
Info: www.bethlehemcarriage.com
Christkindlmarket Bethlehem
Bring the family to browse through handmade crafts, including Käthe Wohlfahrt’s handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany. Bask in the sounds of school and community musical groups and strolling carolers, visit with jolly old St. Nicholas and feast on holiday foods and drinks.
Info: www.steelstacks.org
Heritage Trail
Download the Heritage Trail to your mobile device and walk, jog or bike along the Historic Bethlehem Heritage Trail at your own pace. Six links and 80 stops will guide you through three centuries of history where you can learn about the Moravian Founders, two National Historic Landmarks the newly designated Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark, Victorian Bethlehem, Bethlehem Steel and more.
Info: www.historicbethlehem.org
Cindy O. Herman
Figures for a putz await the holidays, when the pieces will be displayed in a Nativity scene complete with sand, rocks and moss to create a more real appearance.
Cookies and special days go together
Sarah Dayton, of Dash Meal Solutions, Danville, is a talented baker. She offered to share two of her favorite recipes with our readers.
3/4 cup Nutella (plus more for topping)
1/2 cup room temperature butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling the cookies)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1.5 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, blend the nutella, butter, sugars and salt. Beat 3-4 minutes until well combined. Add in the egg and vanilla, scrape the bowl well.
Add in the flour and baking soda on low speed until fully combined
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in additional sugar. Place on a baking sheets and bake 8-10 minutes.
While the cookies are still warm, add 1/2 tsp of Nutella to the top of each cookie. Spread out with a butter knife or offset spatula.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
Cannoli Cookie
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks butter)
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup whole milk ricotta (do not use low fat, it affects the moisture content of the cookie)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 vanilla extract
1/2 cup pistachio - chopped
1 cup mini chocolate
Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat butter and sugar until pale yellow in color.
Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl after each egg.
Add in the ricotta, vanilla extract and orange zest, blend until fully combined.
With the mixer running on low, add in the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, chopped pistachios and mini chocolate chips.
Allow the dough to refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cover 2 baking sheets with parchment. Scoop the dough into 25-30 balls, placing 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 12-14 minutes, allow to cool 5 minutes on the pan.
About the baker
Sarah Dayton is a chef, registered dietitian and super foodie. She owns Dash Meal Solutions at 27 E. Market St., Danville.
Holiday Baking Tips
1. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup. It’s non-stick by nature and will help your cookies to slide off easily. (note — this is not the same as wax paper. Wax paper will leave an inedible wax residue on food when it is heated in the oven)
2. Invest in a cookie scoop. I like a set that comes with 1, 2 and 3 Tbsp options, so you can make any kind of cookie. The scoop also works great for meatballs!
3. You can pre-scoop cookies — such as the cannoli cookies, chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia nut, etc. onto a baking sheet, freeze for 2-3 hours until solid and then store in a freezer ziptopbag. Make 2 cookies or 20, whenever the mood strikes you.
4. Speaking of freezing, you can freeze butter, flour and nuts to extend their shelf-life, so stock up on the sales when you see them all throughout the holiday season.
5. While you’re at it — how old is that baking powder and baking soda in your pantry?? Once open, they are only at that max potency for 3-6 months. Longer than that, and your cookies may not rise properly.
6. How bad is raw cookie dough for you really? Unfortunately, the answer is pretty bad. Raw eggs contain salmonella — as an adult, you might have some GI upset, but this can be very serious for little people.
7. After baking cookies store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread. This will keep the cookies soft for several days. (My grandma taught me that one!)
8. Semi-homemade is 100% ok. Maybe you don’t bake, or you’re short on time or you want to get your kids involved. Semi-homemade is perfect for little people with short attention spans.
— Sarah Dayton
Holiday gatherings to enjoy
Nov. 14-Jan. 5
THE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY
Limited daily performances through Nov. 22. Weekly/ multiple performances through Jan 5.
For information and tickets: rockettes.com/christmas/ calendar
Nov. 15-Jan. 1
HERSHEY SWEET LIGHTS
Hersheypark, Hershey, PA
Drive through 2 miles of wooded trails, while gazing at illuminated and animated displays from the comfort of your own car at Sweet Lights presented by PPL. Hershey Sweet Lights® is located at 1183 Sandbeach Road, Hershey. A separate admission ticket per vehicle is required upon entry.
For more information: hersheypark.com (right)
Nov. 14-17
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Degenstein Center Theater, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove
Susquehanna University’s Department of Theatre will present the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14–16, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, in the Degenstein Center Theater in the Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center. A thrilling rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for more than 50 years.
Admission: $
For additional information: susqu.edu
Inside PA file photo
The Associated Press file photo Cardinal Timothy Dolan, flanked by Rockettes, poses for a photo at the blessing of the animals from the ‘Living Nativity’ scene for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular on Nov. 2, 2023, in New York.
Nov. 14-16
“A LITTLE OFF - BROADWAY: A MUSICAL REVUE WITH A DASH OF CHRISTMAS”
Brookside Ministries Church, Shamokin Dam
This fall, a new community theatre in Central Pa., Salt & Light Theatre for the Performing Arts, is excited to present its premier theatrical event of “A Little OffBroadway: A Musical Revue with a Dash of Christmas” directed by Pastor Ryan Brosious on Nov. 14-16. Enjoy decades of Broadway with well-loved songs performed in a concert-style show. We’ll also kick off the holidays with our second act featuring a variety of Christmas songs you know and love. It’ll be a little Broadway, a dash of Christmas, and a whole lot of fun for all ages with this Broadway-quality show. Performances will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16 2 p.m. All seating is general admission — first come, first served. Tickets range from $5-$10 and can be purchased online at saltandlighttheatre.org or at the door before performances until sold out.
For more information: saltandlighttheatre.org
Nov. 15-Nov. 24
LULU SHRINER’S FEZTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS
LuLu Shrine Temple, Plymouth Meeting
Our family friendly event is open to the public. Walk through a beautiful inside forest of uniquely decorated trees, enjoy refreshments, attend children’s activities, shop the Marketplace, view an amazing model train layout, purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a tree display, and take a free digital photo with Santa! Handicap
accessible. Admission is $5 for adults, children under 12 are free. Raffle tickets will be on sale, 10 for $10 or 30 for $20. Advance timed tickets are required for Breakfast with Santa on Nov. 23, at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m. $10 adults, $5 children ages 4 to 11, ages 3 and under free! Storytime with Mrs. Claus on Nov. 24, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. is free with admission.
For additional information: lulushriners.org
Nov. 16-Dec. 21
SELINSGROVE HOLIDAY SHOPPING PASSPORT EVENT
A community favorite yearly giveaway returns! Here is your chance to discover the great shops, restaurants and services that our area has to offer. Stop at participating businesses, write down the participating business number in your passport, and submit by Dec. 21 for our end-of-year giveaway. Pick-up or download your Holiday Shopping Passport. Visit participating businesses to find their ‘Passport Number,’ Write the appropriate number on the business’ ornament. Drop off your completed passport at Graci’s or the Selinsgrove Inn on or before Dec. 21 for the chance to win exciting prizes! Winners will be notified the following week.
For additional information: discoverselinsgrove.org
Nov. 21
LIGHT UP NIGHT
127 S. Fraser Street, State College
Don’t let the holiday season escape before you experience Light Up Downtown! It all starts with Light Up Night on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 5-8 p.m, on Fraser Street’s MLK Plaza and the 100 block of Allen Street in
Photo provided
Hershey Sweet Lights.
Downtown State College. Your family will enjoy photos with Santa, free popcorn and hot cocoa, performances, crafts, live reindeer, artisan vendors and more as you wait for the Santa to light the tree and the timed lighting show to begin!
For more information: downtownstatecollege.com
Nov. 22-Dec. 22 ILLUMINATION
Prima Theatre, Lancaster
An immersive holiday concert Bask in the radiant ambiance of candlelight, where captivating renditions of beloved holiday classics envelop you. Encircled by seating on all sides, a grand piano commands the center stage, complemented by skilled musicians and vocalists poised to uplift your soul. Witness the annual reimagining of this heartwarming concert experience that is poised to become a cherished family tradition. Matinee and Evening performances available.
For more information: primatheatre.org
Nov. 23
CHRISTMAS EVENT AT ALL THREE SILVER MOON SHOPS
150 Silver Moon Lane, Lewisburg
The day will include complimentary cookies, coffee and hot chocolate as well as a cookie judging contest. There will also be a scavenger hunt with a prize of free items. Vendors will offer exclusive deals for the event
For additional information: visitcentralpa.org
Nov. 23
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Mifflinburg
The Rusty Rail Team has assembled more than40 talented vendors all with handmade items…true artisans! You will not be disappointed with the variety and craftsmanship. This is an indoor show on the second floor of the Rusty Rail in the game room and event space. The Craft Fair is handicap accessible with ramp and elevator. Come for the shopping and stay for dinner and drinks. Reservations for the Brew Pub are highly recommended during this event. For additional information: rustyrailbrewing.com
Nov. 23
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS HOME AND HISTORIC BUILDING TOUR
Williamsport
Once the Lumber Capital of the World, Williamsport had more millionaires than any other city in the USA, and during the Victorian era, lumber barons built their magnificent homes along West Fourth Street, which we now call Millionaires’ Row. The mansions will be decorated in their holiday finery and the guides will be dressed in their best 1800s garb. You may also browse
the Artisan Holiday Market, experience the Will Huffman Toy Train Expo, take a carriage ride and enjoy the Strolling Street Carolers. Many restaurants will offer holiday specials with teas presented at the Peter Herdic House and Backhouse Cafe (reservations required). During this holiday event, a trolley is available for the tour and provides hop-on, hop-off service, so you can do the tour at your own pace. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to see the jewels of Williamsport’s Millionaires’ Row. Tickets: Adults $25, students (age 6-18) $10, Children (age 5 and under) free Cash or check payable to Victorian Christmas.
For additional information: victorianchristmaspa.com
Nov. 26
SELINSGROVE TREE - LIGHTING CEREMONY
The community will come together at the Selinsgrove Commons to celebrate the official start of the season with the tree-lighting show.
For additional information: visitcentralpa.org
Nov. 29-Nov. 30
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND SIGHTS
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, Centre Hall
Get ready for a delightful holiday experience! This year, Santa will be making a special appearance, along with his cheerful live reindeer and two friendly burros. As you stroll through the festive setting, you’ll also have the chance to meet Mrs. Claus, who will be spreading holiday cheer with her basket of sweet treats.
For additional information: pennscave.org
Nov 29-Dec 20
PEPPERMINT TRAIL
Follow the Peppermint Trail in Danville. Cards are available at shops and restaurants in the downtown. Whenever you make a $10 purchase at a participating business, your card will be punched. When you secure six punches, you can submit your card to be entered in a drawing that will be held Dec. 20. You do not need to be present to win. There is one prize of $500 and 2 prizes of $250.
For information: visitdanvillepa.org
Nov. 29-Dec. 22
SANTA EXPRESS
Everett Railroad, Hollidaysburg
All Aboard the Santa Express! Santa Claus is coming to The Everett Railroad! One of Central Pennsylvania’s favorite holiday traditions returns select weekends in November and December. Children of all ages will enjoy a scenic round-trip, steam-powered ride through the winter countryside and a visit with Santa! Hot Cocoa and cookies will be provided and all children receive a small gift.
For more information: everettrailroad.com
Nov. 29-Dec. 31
JOY THROUGH THE GROVE Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg
Make memories this holiday season as you drive through Christmas light display featuring more than 400 light up pieces! The festive display includes 2 miles of holiday cheer, takes you down a winding path dazzling with twinkling lights, 500 illuminated pieces and several custom Knoebels-themed displays. Remember to stop by Christmas Village at Three Ponds Golf Course Thursdays though Sundays (4-9 p.m. before Christmas)! Christmas Village features a pop-up gift shop and graband-go food.
For additional information: knoebels.com
Dec. 1-Dec. 30
WINTER WONDERLAND
Asbury Woods, Erie
Asbury Woods’ Winter Wonderland is returning Dec. 1-31 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31) from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The community is invited to stroll along the boardwalk adjacent to the Nature Center at Asbury Woods and enjoy a festive holiday light display throughout the woods. Stop inside the Nature Center to view the animal exhibits, browse the gift shop, and take in the sprawling holiday-themed model train display. The holiday lights will twinkle in the woods and wetlands along the fully accessible boardwalk, covering 1/3 of a mile, and great for all ages and abilities. Access to the lighted boardwalk and Nature Center will be free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.
For more information: asburywoods.org
Dec. 1
8TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY ARTISAN CRAFT FAIR
Whispering Oaks Vineyard,1306 Rte. 61, Sunbury
From 12-4 p.m., sip, shop and stay local.
Dec. 2
MIRACLE ON MARKET STREET: LATE NIGHT SHOPPING IN DOWNTOWN LEWISBURG
A festive evening of shopping, music, and food. Come get your holiday shopping done from 5 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 2 in downtown Lewisburg. Shops will be open until at least 10 p.m. Food vendors and holiday spirit! For additional information: lewisburgpa.com
Weber Chapel will glow with the soft light of hundreds of candles as the voices of more than 1,500 students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and community members join for Susquehanna’s annual Christmas Candlelight Service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3. One of Susquehanna’s most cherished annual traditions, the service began in 1966 and includes traditional readings, songs and prayers in celebration of the season. Numerous student musical ensembles also perform. For additional information: susqu.edu
Dec. 4-Dec. 8
PA CHRISTMAS AND GIFT SHOW
PA Farm Show and Expo Center, Harrisburg
Christmas shop at one of the largest holiday shows in the country, featuring more than 600 specialty shops selling a wide array of unique gifts for family and friends, all on one floor. The show’s “everything Christmas” spirit offers discovery, inspiration and pure enjoyment through décor, apparel, toys, treats, special events and live
Photo provided
Joy Through the Grove will be held from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31.
Photo provided Lewisburg may have snow on Dec. 2.
entertainment, food and drink, and more. Meet Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey in the classic Christmas film “It’s A Wonderful Life,” as she showcases her cookbook and Christmas bells!
For additional information: pachristmasshow.com
Dec. 6
HOLIDAY ON BROADWAY
Ring in the holidays with this fun Milton Winterfest kick-off event. Enjoy pursuing craft and food vendors, check out the Santa Toy Run, and be dazzled by the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
For additional information: miltonwinterfest.com
Dec. 6, 8, 10
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS
Rooke Chapel, Bucknell University
For 60 years, Rooke Chapel and the Department of Music have collaborated to offer three Christmas Candlelight Services every December, bringing in hundreds of students, faculty, staff and community members each night.
The annual Christmas Candlelight Service is modeled on the Kings College Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols. Tickets are required but are free of charge.
For additional information: bucknell.edu
Dec. 6-7
WATSONTOWN WINTER WONDERLAND
Canal Street, Watsontown
The Winter Wonderland festival will feature craft vendors, traditional eats and libations, live music, gift card tree raffles and more. Santa will arrive on Friday at
6 p.m. for the annual tree lighting and be available for visits in his house on Friday and Saturday. Enjoy face painting, build-a-buddy station and other child-friendly activities that will be taking place throughout the event space. Enjoy perusing many vendors to fulfill your Christmas shopping needs.
For additional information: visitcentralpa.org
Dec. 7
DANVILLE’S HOMETOWN HOLIDAY MARKET
Mill Street and downtown Danville
Join us on Mill Street for the 3rd Annual Hometown Holiday Market.
This year, the PA Dinosaurs are going to visit boys and girls during the market to wish them a Happy Holiday. The merry dinos will pose for photos with any child whose parents would like to take one — or 10.
This will be a festive street fair featuring holiday shopping (participating businesses and craft vendors alike).
For additional information: visitdanvillepa.org
Dec. 8
SANTA’S CIRCUS
Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, Hanover
Step into a Magical Christmas Wonderland. Prepare to be mesmerized by global artists’ remarkable Christmas-themed acrobatics that blend theater, dance, and gymnastics. Experience breathtaking stunts, astonishing skills and a journey through magic, illusions, comedy and surprises. The show, decked in holiday splendor, takes you from Christmas wonder to laughter and festive warmth, promising an unforgettable evening. A 90-minute family-friendly holiday extravaganza.
For more information: theeich.org
Photo provided Downtown Milton will host a variety of events during Holiday on Broadway.
Inside PA file photo
Members of the Alpenrose Schuhplattlers performed during the 34th annual Mifflinburg Christkindl Market last year.
Dec. 12, 13, and 14 35TH ANNUAL CHRISTKINDL MARKET
Market Street between 4th and 6th streets, Mifflinburg
Old favorites and new opportunities. Always entertainment, food and artisans.
For more information: oldchristkindl.com
Dec. 31
SUNBURY NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
Downtown Sunbury
Ring in 2025 in downtown Sunbury. Come enjoy great food, drinks, live music, fireworks and more. Earlier in the day, bring the kids out to the Sunbury Ice Rink for their own New Year’s Celebration.
For additional information: The City of Sunbury, PA Facebook page.
Ice skaters enjoy the Sunbury Ice Rink on New Year’s Eve in 2022 during the free skate that was held as part of the Sunbury Downtown Celebration.
Photo provided
Santa will welcome the PA Dinos to the Danville Hometown Holiday Market on Dec. 7.
Kids Salute: The Ambassadors of Winter
Did you know folks have been building snowmen for centuries?
On a sunny Tuesday earlier this year, Jean Knouse, editor of Inside PA, visited a class of children at SUMMIT Early Learning, Selinsgrove. She was there to speak with them about snowmen.
Her time there was filled with fun conversation, as well as arts and crafts activities. The 3- and 4-year olds in the group didn’t really care that people have been building snowmen for hundreds of years.
The conception of the snowman traces back as far as seventh-century China. According to Bob Eckstein, a cartoonist for The New Yorker and professor of history at New York University, the now-loved tradition got its start as a way for the followers of Buddha to give blessings.
Eckstein’s book, “The Illustrated History of Snowmen” is a history of information on the subject. He said, “When snow fell from to the ground, it was like
Story and photos by Nicholas McWilliams
Luca Stanté, 4
Ryleih Kolovich, 3
Aubrey Madison, 3 Easton Harris, 4
Jack asks Knouse a question while Hope Getz, 3, checks out the camera.
Maggie Williams tells Knouse her idea.
free art supplies fell from the sky.”
Some of the world’s greatest artists, such as Michelangelo, were tasked with building these frigid representations of winter. According to The Guardian, the old master was commissioned to build a “statue of snow” in the courtyard of Piero de’ Medici’s palace. Medici, who was the ruling lord of Florence, Italy, at the time, was beyond pleased with the result.
While these sub-zero sculptures originated in more serious tones, the 20th century saw their use in a more light-hearted environment. Per Eckstein, the middle ages saw that “Snowmanmaking was more of an art form.”
In the 20th century, society used the popularity of these round folks for advertising, books and movies. Foxweather. com says it unintentionally created an expectation for how the figures “should look.”
Eckstein says that our modern idea of the snowman came to fruition by the end of the 1930s — essentially, they became a “celebrity” of this era. The iteration we all know and love today, with a heavyset build, straw hat and conical nose, was further perpetuated by the 1950s hit song, “Frosty the Snowman,” and later, the TV show.
In essence, this solidified the place of snowmen in North American culture. With the 2013 release of Disney’s “Frozen,” snowmen were given yet another iteration. The film saw the creation of Olaf, a not-too-bright, but lovable snowman.
Olaf wants — more than anything — to experience summer, and a sense of kindness and friendship, which warmly contradicts what snowmen had stood for
in the past.
Also, Olaf’s personality was distinct, and his dreams were realized. This personable humanization of the snowman, one filled with love and optimism, directly contradicted centuries-old depictions of the temporary figure.
In the modern generation of children, Olaf has replaced Frosty as the quintessential snowman. While at SUMMIT, Knouse lead the children through an activity where they drew snowmen on paper with crayons.
While her instruction was initially met with confusion, with the children questioning why they were making snowmen during “Halloween time,” they eventually began to enjoy themselves. The imagination of young children is unpredictable, to say the least.
As I walked through the classroom photographing the artists at work, I repeatedly heard the children saying “Look, I made Olaf!” Due to the weather in recent years, some of them may have never had the chance to build a snowman for themselves. That means Olaf is their most prominent thought when it comes to the icy effigies.
It is unclear how these pillars of wintertime culture will continue to evolve throughout the coming years. However, we can say, without a doubt, that they will remain as one of the fondest reminders of the holiday season.
Jack Treese, 3
Lakelan Dunham, 3
Evelyn Korman, 4
Front: Luca Stanté, Catherine Taylor, Lakelan Dunham. Second row: Ryleih Kolovich, Aubrey Madison and Elena Seasock. Back: Mrs. Knouse and Easton.
Finding light in the darkest of days
darkest of days
The Smallest Gift offers hope, camaraderie to grieving parents
by Lisa Leighton
The unfathomable grief that follows the loss of a child can seem impossible to navigate, but one Central Pennsylvania nonprofit organization has a mission to aid parents along that tumultuous journey.
The Smallest Gift was started in 2013 by Jeannette Gill, after the loss of her daughter McKinley who was born on May 1 and passed away on May 6, 2012. A month or so after her passing, Jeannette connected with another local family, the Manevals, who also lost a one-week old daughter, leading to the formation of a support network. In 2013, Gill and Dr. Mandy Maneval started a nonprofit, The Smallest Gift, to provide support to families experiencing the loss of an infant.
“We decided we wanted to do something, because we didn’t feel like there was support and understanding for infant loss,” Jeannette said.
Maneval recalled the early days of the organization when “We would see obituaries in the paper and reach out to families.”
that were the same weight as the deceased child
The organization’s initial projects included creating weighted hearts — fabric hearts with rice inside that were the same weight as the deceased child — to provide families with a physical reminder to cuddle and cope with their grief. One of the people who makes the hearts is Maneval’s mother, Sharon.
Gill said, “(The hearts) are something that families can hold if their arms are empty.”
The organization also makes miscarriage blankets that are embroidered with the saying, “Sometimes love lasts a lifetime, sometimes a moment is a lifetime,” along with the name of the child.
Gill noted that about 20 to 30 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, “It’s a lot more common
than people realize and there’s not a lot of support for this issue.”
“WE DECIDED WE WANTED TO DO SOMETHING, BECAUSE WE DIDN’T FEEL LIKE THERE WAS SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING FOR INFANT LOSS.”
When The Smallest Gift first started, they were making about 50 items a month, but had to cease operations during COVID-19. They have now continued their work, but limit the requests to infant passings within the past year. They have also expanded their support to include the loss of a child at any age.
From the beginning, the group has provided educational resources to grieving families and worked with organizations such as WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital to bring notable speakers and authors to the region to address topics such as grief around the holidays.
They also bring together families to participate in activities including crafting or painting, allowing them to create something while also processing their collective grief.
The organization has donated cuddle cots to hospitals, which allow family members to stay with a deceased child for a longer period of time.
Gill explained, “It runs cold water underneath in the bassinet, so for a baby that is stillborn or passed away after birth … this allows the child to stay in the room with the family and gives the family an extra day or two with their child.”
REMEMBRANCE GARDEN ESTABLISHED IN NORTHUMBERLAND
places
than 150 including three in Pennsylvania: Drexel Hill,
In 2021, the organization established a remembrance garden with an angel statue in Riverview Cemetery in Northumberland through Richard Paul Evans’ organization, The Christmas Box. Evans and his team places angel statues across the country, of which there are more than 150 including three in Pennsylvania: Drexel Hill, Northumberland, and York.
JEANETTE GILL
According to Evans’ website, “The Christmas Box Angel Statue was introduced to the world in the book, ‘The Christmas Box,’ a worldwide bestseller and hit television movie by author Richard Paul Evans. In the book, a woman mourns the loss of her child at the base of an angel monument. Though the story is mostly fiction, the angel monument once existed but is speculated to have been destroyed.”
The new angel statue was commissioned by Evans, in response to reports that grieving parents were seeking out the angel as a place to grieve and heal.
Christmas Box,’ a worldwide bestseller and hit televithat
The original monument was dedicated on Dec. 6, 1994, corresponding with the date of the child’s death in “The Christmas Box.” The face of the angel is that of Evans’ second daughter, Allyson-Danica.
Maneval said of the angel statue, “We wanted to give people a physical place where they could go to grieve and process their loss.”
A physician with Family Practice Center in Mifflintown, Maneval has experienced infant loss firsthand and offers empathy and understanding to her patients, including many Mennonite and Amish mothers.
She recalls a time when her neighbors gave back in a significant way — raising funds for the angel statue and the organization’s outreach.
The Smallest Gift was able to raise $17,000 in two days thanks to Amish neighbors near her clinic who according to Maneval, “literally arrived with a van-full of pies to be sold.”
Maneval said, “We wept. It was just so profoundly moving.”
Gill said she loves that the angel statue is placed low to the ground, “So her hands are spread out so families can actually touch and hold the hands, and see the word ‘hope’ on the statue.”
ONCE A YEAR REMEMBRANCE
On Dec. 6 each year across the world, a candlelight healing ceremony is held at the base of each angel monument, including the one in Northumberland.
This year, the group will hold its service, which usually draws about 100 people, inside the comfort of Saint Paul’s UCC in Lewisburg with Pastor Tim Hogan-Palazzo offering brief remarks at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9.
After his remarks, a song from the church’s choir, and a moment of silence, attendees will be invited to take a white flower to place at the base of the angel statue or to keep in remembrance. Then, the families
will come together in the fellowship of a hot meal.
Gill said, “(During the Christmas season) life gets so hectic and grief is something that even 20 years later comes back and you have to let yourself grieve, even if just for a little bit. We want to bring families together during the holidays when it’s a really hard time for many dealing with loss.”
She continued, “Our family talks about McKinley, who would be 12, on a regular basis — she is still part of our life. I want people to know that it’s OK to say your child’s name and to know that their child is always going to be part of their family.”
She said, “Although the grief doesn’t go away, it gets easier, because it becomes part of who you are.”
For more information about The Smallest Gift, search for the organization on Facebook.
Photos provided
Above: Jeanette Gill, left, and Mandy Maneval hold a weighted heart that their organization makes for parents who recently lost an infant. The bottom of the angel statue is at right.
Snow Angels
From a poem by Anne Keeler Evans
In the deepest, dark Mid-Winter — when there’s far more Dark than Day — when the snow is brightly gleaming, the children burst outside to play.
They ride their sleds down bumpy hills and weave amongst the trees. They make their angels in the snow and lose their giggles on the breeze.
When it’s time, they run back home — as fast as they are able. For now, their hands are icy cold, and supper’s on the table.
They leave the angels lying there quiet, pretty, white. They never stop and turn around to see those forms take flight.
They do not see the patterns as they weave into the sky. But the beasts of field and forest pay heed as they pass by.
They watch them dip and flutter across the icy land.
They hear the high sweet voices and the beat of wing and hand.
And it is of Peace they whisper. And, it is of Peace they shout. And, it is of Peace they fly for and they draw the hatred out.
These are but lesser angels that children draw in snow. But they all have angels’ vision and they know what angels know.
It is Peace for which we struggle and Peace for which we yearn. It is Peace that they must show us and Peace that we must learn.
But if you think it’s not your business if the world stays merry and bright, then never lay yourself down to draw snow angels pretty, quiet and white.
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