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The Lifestyle Magazine for Franklin County A supplement to Hagerstown magazine PUBLISHER Hagerstown Publishing, LLC EDITOR-IN-CHEIF Matt Makowski PRODUCTION MANAGER Matthew Piersall GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Annie Ellis Matthew Piersall Dan Jae Smith ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kyra Rodgers • Ext. 117 Kyra@hagerstownmag.com Angela Niessner • Ext. 120 Angela@hagerstownmag.com Stephanie Dewees • Ext. 120 stephdewees@fredmag.com Jean Wright • Ext. 115 Jwright@fredmag.com Leslie Lillo • Ext. 110 llillo@fredmag.com Linda Dove • Ext. 111 ldove@fredmag.com BUSINESS & CIRCULATION Stephanie Dewees :: Ext. 120 Subscriptions@hagerstownmag.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Yvonne Butts Mitchell Cheryl Keyser M.L. Marotte III Pepper Van Tassell Beth Vollmer CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Turner Photography Studio BUSINESS OFFICE Hagerstown Publishing 152 W. Washington St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 SEND MAIL TO: P.O. Box 2415 Hagerstown, MD 21741 PHONE: 240-313-3940 FAX: 240-313-3943 WWW.HAGERSTOWNMAGAZINE.COM

frank. is a supplement to Hagerstown magazine (ISSN #1555-337X), a publication of Hagerstown Publishing, LLC. ©2016 by Hagerstown Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Distributed through subscriptions, advertisers and at newsstands and other locations throughout Franklin County, Pa., Washington County, Md., and the surrounding area.

For additional copies of frank., please contact the Hagerstown Publishing office at 301-662-8171 or visit www.hagerstownmagazine.com. Subscription price for Hagerstown magazine is $18.87 per year, and includes 6% MD state sales tax. To subscribe, send a check or money order to the business office payable to Hagerstown Publishing, visit www.hagerstownmagazine.com, or call 301-662-8171.

HAGERSTOWN PUBLISHING

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28

Features 28

Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Fearless Flier?

Chambersburg Skydiving Center’s education and preparation can unleash the inner daredevil in us all, allowing those who dare to experience Franklin County from 10,000 feet above.

34

Spotlight Chambersburg Writer Cheryl Keyser takes readers on a brief tour of some of the storied history, destinations, and modern highlights worth exploring in this borough that has been described as one of the most uniquely American towns in the county.

34 Departments

22 46

7

View Of The Valley

8

Calendar Of Events

16

In Short

22

A&E: The New Mural Project, And The Email That Started It

40

Dining: Roy-Pitz Brewing Company & Beer Stube

46

The Time Traveler With M.L. "Mike" Marotte III

48

While You Were Out

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frank. 5

LETTER

From the Editor

THE DAYS ARE GETTING SHORT AGAIN hough I’ve generally adjusted to what winter brings since my days as a New Orleanian, I still get the occasional shudder when thinking about shoveling the sidewalk. That being said, there is still plenty of autumn to enjoy, which is hands down my favorite time of the year. The sunsets are a little crisper and luminous. The air conditioning bills disappear, and the seemingly endless baseball season finally intensifies for the final stages of the playoffs. Also, I always feel a little less self-conscious when I can hide my slight paunch under a chunky sweater.

As a kid, spring seemed to be the standard-bearer for seasonal dominance among my classmates.

Everybody went on and on about flowers coming into bloom, warm weather, birds chirping morning wake-up calls, and longer nights and the end of daylight saving time. But really, I think spring’s glorification was more symbolic of summer being around the corner and school was that much closer to letting out for the year. I personally, could take it or leave it. Give me a cool fall night and a hunter’s moon, and I’m much more likely to be motivated to get outside and reconnoiter the milieus — a sentiment I tried to express with the stories in this issue.

When we first started planning the fall/winter edition of frank., I didn’t want to lean too much on the wellworn tropes of hibernation or winter sports — and that is not to discount all the fun that can be had at Whitetail Ski Resort, or while visiting neighbors to the east in Adams

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ito r-i nCh ief

T

i, sk ow k a M Matt

Ed

County at Liberty Mountain. Trust me, I know! The intention was to disregard seasonal boundaries, and share fun things that can be enjoyed (just about) all year-round, which is how we settled on this issue’s story line-up. A little adventure, some good food and drink, a touch of history, something a little quirky, plenty of reasons to explore and break the convention of chilly reclusiveness, and like that, an issue is born.

I at least partially blame my poor grasp of geography, but this is about where things might go a little sideways for some readers. I typically try to diversify the stories we run within each issue — we are, after all, trying to champion Franklin County as a whole. A little Mercersburg limelight here, some Greencastle action there…but sometime between the planning meeting and when we started actually laying out the magazine, I realized that there was an inadvertent concentration on Chambersburg. So, this issue will henceforth be known as “The Chambersburg Issue” — but that’s

not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination. In terms of scope, we zeroed in on a tiny footprint — a mere fraction of what Franklin County has going on. Yet we were able to explore new heights (quite literally), learn of an entreated artistic conquest from Philadelphian Isaiah Zagar, munch and drink with childhood-friends-turned-brewmasters Jesse Rotz and Ryan Richards of Roy-Pitz, and play tourist throughout Chambersburg.

And that’s not to mention the newfound relationship the magazine recently forged with local historian and all around knowledge-haver Mike Marotte III, who was kind enough to let us dig through his stacks of black and white photos to share them with readers.

In some ways, this magazine may still be a work in progress some two years in, but it’s definitely got an opinion, and that is that Franklin County has plenty of reasons to keep crossing the Maryland border to come back — and to be frank with you, I’m OK with that as long as you are. I welcome any feedback from readers, and hope to hear from you before the days grow warm and the flowers bloom.

All the best, MATT MAKOWSKI, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF mattmak@hagerstownmag.com

VIEW of the VALLEY DO YOU HAVE THE EYE OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER?

TAKE A PICTURE, IT’LL LAST LONGER For more than a quarter century, the springtime tradition of bird walks has taken place at Renfrew Park. Whether you’re looking to break out your brand new DSLR, are content snapping the shutter of your camera phone, are an old school film photographer who eschews the spray-and-pray capabilities of digital photography, or just like to get out for a nice walk and mingle with birding enthusiasts, this is a great opportunity to do so. While the walks took place in spring and summer in the past, this year the program will continue throughout fall and winter — weather permitting — on the first and third Saturday of the month from 7:30–10 a.m. And the best part about the Studying Ornithology at Renfrew (SOAR) bird walks, which are sponsored by Renfrew Institute, is that they are free and open to the public.

Sharon and Larry Williams of Waynesboro will lead the walks in the upcoming months, and the institute’s regular weekly Saturday bird walks led by Jack Olszewski will resume in April. Sharon and Larry joined SOAR this past spring and did not want the activity to stop for the rest of the year, and offered to help lead the walks to keep them going yearround. Formerly of Bowie, Md., the husband and wife team are past board members of the Prince George’s Audubon Society where they enjoyed birding with many top experts in the Washington, D.C., area. “I just love being outdoors and enjoying nature,” Sharon said. “Once you start birding, you really begin to notice birds and other things in nature everywhere.”

And for those concerned about the off-season sighting possibilities, worry not. “We go out in all seasons and all weather,” Larry said. “I’m amazed, but some of the most unusual birds I’ve seen have been there on the worst weather days.”

The Franklin County Visitors Bureau (FCVB) is holding a photo contest, looking for the best pictures that showcase the beauty of the county.

Photos can be indoors or outside, feature a favorite meal, a special event, one of the many local landmarks, or just about anything showcasing what you love about Franklin County. This is a great chance to be a tourist in your own town. The winner of the contest will have their image used for the 2017–2018 Franklin County Visitors Guide cover and receive a $250 prize.

Additionally, the visitors bureau will be selecting photos for the cover of its Franklin Fresh guide and Military Trail of History booklet. Each photo selected for these covers will receive $100, and five runner-up prizes of $50 will also be awarded.

Each submission must be made as a digital file, and a print photo on quality stock in 8 inches by 10 inches or 8.5 inches by 11 inches sizes. A completed entry form that can be found at www.explorefranklincountypa.com must accompany each submission. The deadline is March 10, 2017, so get snapping!

Anyone interested in participating should meet in Renfrew’s lower parking lot off Welty Road in Waynesboro, and can bring bird identification books, binoculars, or something to snap a picture with. And of course, wear comfortable walking shoes or boots. For more information, contact the institute at 717-762-0373 or visit www.renfrewinstitute.org.

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Calendar

Fall & Winter

November 4 –6 ,11 –13 TH

TH

TH

TH

“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”

Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg

The Chambersburg Community Theatre will be performing this timeless tale in which Belle — a young woman in a provincial town — is imprisoned by the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Showtimes vary per day, and tickets range from $8–13. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cctonline.org.

NOVEMBER

10

TASTE OF THE HOLIDAYS

Blue Heron Event Center, 407 S. Washington St., Greencastle, 6 p.m.

This year’s Taste of the Holidays event will spotlight three local chefs who will prepare an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. There will also be wine tastings and food samplings from local vendors. For more information, call 717.597.4610, or visit www.greencastlepachamber.org.

MEET THE POOKA Academy Theater, 58 E. Washington St., Hagerstown, 8 p.m.

St. Maria Goretti and Cumberland Valley School of Music will be joining forces for a special stage performance

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of Harvey, which follows the amicably eccentric Elwood P. Dowd and his drinking partner Harvey — who happens to be a 6-foot-3-inch tall invisible rabbit. The play was notably brought to the big screen in 1950 with James Stewart playing the part of Ellwood. For more information, call 717.261.1227, or visit www.cvsmusic.org.

Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute’s “Band Against Cancer” campaign, which aims to ensure people have access to the best possible medical resources close to home. Tickets range from $59–79. For more information, call 717.477.7469, or visit www.luhrscenter.com.

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12

MARTINA MCBRIDE

H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Grove Theater, 1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg, 8 p.m.

Between the 14 Grammy nominations, four Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year awards, and more than 14 million album sales, chances are you’re familiar with Martina McBride. The country pop superstar will be performing to help launch

A VERY GOSPEL CHRISTMAS The Star Theatre, 23 E. Seminary St., Mercersburg, 2 p.m.

Join the Pennsylvania Opry for some good ol’ fashioned family entertainment. This musical revue will feature Christmas tunes that harken back to a simpler time.

In addition to their November performances, there will also be follow-up performances on Dec. 1 and 8. For more information or tickets, call 717.328.5959, or visit www.paopry.com.

Christmas Kickoffs

17 & 19 WHITETAIL JOB FAIR

Whitetail Resort, 13805 Blairs Valley Road, Mercersburg, 6–9 p.m Thurs.; 9 a.m.–noon Sat.

Work where you play, play where you work. Whitetail Ski Resort is holding their annual winter season job fair with offerings in both full– and part-time positions available. They will be interviewing for various positions including guest services, lift attendants, and instructors, among others. Employees are privy to free skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and complimentary rental equipment.

Potential employees are encouraged to submit an application online in advance.

More information can be found at www.skiwhitetail.com/employment.

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SHENANDOAH

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Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg, 7 p.m.

Downtown areas throughout Franklin County

With gospel, country, bluegrass, and even a touch of R&B influences, Shenandoah has been touring in support of their nine studio albums off and on for more than 30 years.

This Alabama-born quintet has been credited with ushering in the new traditionalism in country music for rejecting the pop urban cowboy image that was popular in the ’90s.

For more information or ticket costs, call 717.263.0202, or visit www.thecapitoltheatre.org.

Black Friday still may be the biggest shopping day out there, but for a chance to keep your money local, Small Business Saturday is the recent trend set up to help independently-owned local businesses get in the mix.

Events, details, and deals vary by location.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Greencastle will be hosting its annual tree lighting ceremony to mark the beginning of the holiday season on Nov. 18 from 6–7:30 p.m. in Center Square. That same day, Waynesboro will commence the Yuletide season in Center Square with music and festivities from 6:30–8 p.m. culminating with the tree lighting ceremony. The celebration will also feature some of Santa’s elves giving out treats to children, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and a parade the following day through downtown.

Shippensburg will usher in the holiday season with its 25th annual holiday parade on Nov. 18 starting at 5:30, which features marching bands, school groups, church youth groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, and Santa Clause taking up the rear of the procession. The parade ends at the end of Prince Street and closes with the lighting of the tree.

Chambersburg welcomes the season on Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. with its annual Christmas parade featuring bands, floats, dancers, and Ol’ Saint Nick himself. The route starts on Main Street in front of the Coyle Free Library, turns left on Washington Street, turns left on Second Street, and ends at Queen Street.

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DECEMBER

2

COCOA CRAWL

Downtown Chambersburg, 5–9 p.m.

The annual Cocoa Crawl features special hot cocoa recipes served up by your favorite downtown businesses. Purchase a commemorative mug, and stroll, sip, and shop and don’t forget to cast your vote for which business made your favorite hot cocoa. There will be extended shopping hours, music around town, and Memorial Square will be shimmering with holiday lights. For more information, call 717.261.0072, or visit www.downtownchambersburgpa.com.

2, 9, 16 CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE Downtown Greencastle, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Enjoy heritage holiday activities throughout the square with horse and buggy rides, cookie decorating, caroling, free s’mores, and soup and hot dogs available for purchase. For more information, call 717.593.9990, or visit www.greencastlepachamber.org.

3

CHRISTMAS CASH DASH

First Church of God, 2230 Grand Point Road, Chambersburg, 8 a.m.

The early bird may get the worm, but only the fastest receive the rewards. And with $9,000 in cash prizes out there for the taking, you better have been training.

The 1-mile Elf Run starts at 8 a.m., the 10K at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K at 8:40 a.m. Proceeds benefit NETwork, an urban youth ministry located in Chambersburg, that equips at-risk youth with life skills necessary for spiritual growth, academic achievement, life management and leadership, and the Chambersburg Road Runners Club. Register now at www.ChristmasCashDash.org.

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2–4

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM

Renfrew Museum & Park, 1010 E. Main St., Waynesboro, 5–8 p.m.

Fri.; 2–8 p.m. Sat.; 1–5 p.m. Sat.

Join the staff and volunteers at Renfrew for a walk back in time as they celebrate Christmas 1800s style. Featuring music and caroling, the museum house will be decorated and attended by actors in period clothing. There will also be a one-act play titled “A Renfrew Christmas” performed on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 717.762.4723, or visit www.renfrewmuseum.org.

3

ART GARFUNKEL: IN CLOSE-UP

H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Grove Theater, 1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg, 8 p.m.

Blessed with what the New York Times described as a “beautiful countertenor,” singer Art Garfunkel has made an indelible mark on the music world as both a solo artist and half of the unrivaled Simon & Garfunkel. Art continues doing what he does best: singing for an audience. He admittedly relishes the opportunity to perform new and classic material for fans around the world. Tickets range from $39–55. For more information, call 717.477.7469, or visit www.luhrscenter.com.

4

CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW

Green Grove Gardens, 1032 Buchanan Trail East, Greencastle, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Bring your Christmas list, and come check out what some of the area’s top vendors have for sale. You’ll find unique one-of-a-kind items, jewelry, home goods, and more at this annual get together of like-minded crafters and artisans. For more information, call 717.597.0800, or visit www.greengrovegarden.com.

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10

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

Conococheague Institute, 12995 Bain Road, Mercersburg, 1–4 p.m.

Explore some of the oldest structures on the site, including the DavisChambers house, and check out the institute’s various buildings and collections of historic costumes and other textiles, furniture, weaponry, and tools amidst the holiday decorations. For more information, call 717.328.3467, or visit www.cimlg.org.

BRUNCH AT SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Green Grove Gardens, 1032 Buchanan Trail East, Greencastle, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Santa is coming to Green Grove Gardens, and he’s bringing the missus

Your

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13

THE LENNON SISTERS CHRISTMAS

H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Grove Theater, 1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg, 8 p.m.

11

UNEARTH

with him to read a story to all the children. All are invited to enjoy a specially prepared brunch menu, and the kids will have the opportunity to have their picture taken and share their wish list with The Jolly One. Tickets are $1 for those 2 and under; $10 for 10 and under, and $16 for adults. For more information, call 717.597.0800, or visit www.greengrovegardens.com.

Their first Christmas appearance on “The Lawrence Welk Show” welcomed them into millions of homes across America where they quite literally grew up in front of their audience for 13 years. When Dianne and Peggy retired, their younger sister Mimi joined Kathy and Janet in

1999. In this performance, The Lennon Sisters will be bringing their holiday gift of music during their final tour, filled with their unmistakable harmonies, video highlights of their fabulous career, heartwarming stories, medleys from the past and present, tributes to great performers, many traditional Christmas melodies, and so much more. Tickets range from $45–59. For more information, call 717.477.7469, or visit www.luhrscenter.com.

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CHRISTMAS AT THE PASS

Monterey Pass Battlefield Museum, 14325 Buchanan Trail East, Waynesboro, noon–4 p.m.

The Monterey Pass Battlefield Museum is hosting a Christmasthemed event with a living history presentation to show how the people of Washingotn Township celebrated Christmas during the Civil War. There will be children’s activities,

storytelling, and crafts, with light refreshments being served. This event is free. For more information, visit www.montereypassbattlefield.org.

22

A WHITE CHRISTMAS SOCIAL HOUR

Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg, 3 & 6 p.m.

Get in the holiday spirit with a 3 p.m. showing of “White Christmas,” and stick around for an hour of socializing, snacks, and a cash bar with beer, wine, and festive mixed drinks. Or to maximize the mingling, join the first wave at 5 p.m. and stay for a 6 p.m. showing of the Bing Crosby holiday classic. Tickets cost $5 at the door. For more information, call 717.263.0202, or visit www.thecapitoltheatre.org.

JANUARY THE ELVIS EXPERIENCE Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg, 7 p.m.

For more than 25 years, David King has been traveling up and down the East Coast with his popular Elvis tribute show. For this show, David King & The Spin Outs will work their way up and down The King’s massive musical catalog. For more information or ticket costs, call 717.263.0202, or visit www.thecapitoltheatre.org.

Adapted from the Broadway version, this musical — intended especially for young audiences — features The Cat in the Hat as the host and emcee (and all-around mischief-maker) in this romp through the Seuss classics. This program is approximately one hour in length and is appropriate for audiences in grades K-5. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 717.477.7469, or visit www.luhrscenter.com.

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PRINCESS PARTY

22

Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg, 1 p.m.

SEUSSICAL

H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Grove Theater, 1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg, 1 p.m.; 4 p.m.

Two performances are scheduled for this performance of Dr. Seuss’s bestloved stories colliding and cavorting in an unforgettable musical caper.

Amidst the frigid fun of IceFest, The Capitol Theatre will host an hour of princess activities and snacks, followed by a 2 p.m. showing of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Admission is $5. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, call 717.263.0202, or visit www.thecapitoltheatre.org.

Scout RX1 Red Vacuuming Has Never Been So Intelligent

The Vacuum Store Frederick Location

1219 A W. Patrick St. 301-695-8222

Hagerstown Location

17549 Virginia Ave 301-582-0575

www.thevacuumstoremaryland.com

FALL/WINTER

frank. 13

FEBRUARY

8

ILUMINATE

H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Grove Theater, 1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg, 8 p.m.

iLuminate gained fame on America’s Got Talent, and in addition to touring, perform their high-energy shows in the heart of Broadway eight times a week. This entertainment technology company, founded by iLuminate producer/creator/director Miral Kotb, combines state-of-the-art technology with electrifying entertainers who perform dance moves in the dark to create the ultimate performing arts experience.

Tickets range from $20–35. For more information, call 717.477.7469, or visit www.luhrscenter.com.

skits, musical numbers, dancing, and some audience participation. Some audience members will even leave with a prize. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, visit www.cctonline.org.

17

MOUNTAIN MUSIC & MOONSHINE

Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg, 7 p.m.

Join local favorites The Plate Scrapers and Mountain Ride for a wild night of American roots music that made Appalachia famous. The audience can expect a captivating compendium of original compositions, covers, and traditional bluegrass favorites. To help seal the deal, Capitol Theatre will be serving whisky and beer all night long.

Tickets are $14. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 717.263.0202, or visit www.thecapitoltheatre.org.

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CUMBERLAND VALLEY SAMPLER

Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg, 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

This family-friendly musical variety show comes complete with comedy

MARCH

5

THE YOUNG IRELANDERS

Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg, 3 p.m.

The Young Irelanders are an octet with traditional Irish song and dance running through their veins. With some members still in their 20s, these whippersnappers have already had the honor performing for presidents of Ireland, U.S. presidents, the Queen of England, and at Radio City Music Hall, the U.S. Capitol Building, and the Pantages Theatre in L.A. They have also toured as lead performers with Riverdance and Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. Enjoy a

The taste of home for the Holidays!

HOURS: SAT 9AM-5PM • MON-FRI 8AM-5PM McCutcheons.com • 301.662.3261 13 S. Wisner Street, Frederick, MD 21701

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night of song and dance hailing from the old world. For more information or ticket costs, call 717.263.0202, or visit www.thecapitoltheatre.org.

APRIL

11

CHAMBERSBURG HALF MARATHON

Chambersburg Area Middle School, 1151 E. McKinley St., Chambersburg, 8:30 a.m.

Now in its 39th year, the everchallenging annual Chambersburg Marathon begins at CAMS South, and takes participants over rolling hills and rural roads. All finishers will receive a medal, and men’s and women’s cash prizes will be given to first, second, and third place finishers in age groups separated by 5-year increments. And fair warning, the course closes at 11:30 a.m., which means participants must maintain a

13:44 minute per mile pace. Hopefuls can register for the race online at www.chambersburghalf.org.

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H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Grove Theater, 1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg, 8 p.m.

KOOL & THE GANG

AN IRISH HAPPY HOUR

Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg, 4–7 p.m.

Keeping on with their Irish theme for March, the Capitol Theatre will be hosting a fun-filled happy hour(s) replete with adult beverages and dishing to summon Emerald Isle visions. Across the Pond Band will turn up the volume with their highoctane Celtic tunes, and revelers can attempt an Irish jig with help from the Hooley School of Irish Dance.

Tickets are $10 at the door, and groups can order a table of eight in advance for $120. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 717.263.0202, or visit www.thecapitoltheatre.org.

In 1964, Khalis Bayyan (AKA Ronald Bell) and his brother, Robert “Kool” Bell, joined several Jersey City neighborhood friends to create a unique musical blend of jazz, soul, and funk. Over the years, Kool & the Gang has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and has influenced generations of musicians. The group has since gone on to perform continuously for the past 45 years, longer than any R&B group in history. Kool & the Gang continue to tour and delight fans around the globe with their timeless hits. Tickets range from $55–69. For more information, call 717.477.7469, or visit www.luhrscenter.com.

FALL/WINTER

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(In)

SHORT

Take a quick peek.

VETS HELPING VETS

RENOVATIONS BEGIN AT WAYNESBORO HOSPITAL aynesboro Hospital kicked off a four-phase renovation project at the beginning of August with technical additions and cosmetic updates that will allow the aesthetics of the facility to match the exceptional care administered there.

Once completed, the renovated spaces will ensure patients continue to experience the highest levels of

W

care, safety, and relaxation as they heal at Waynesboro Hospital.

“The overarching goal of this renovation project is to offer an even better experience for patients while they are in our care,” said Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Melissa Dubrow in a press release.

SHALOM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CELEBRATES 40 YEARS the entrance doors When finally swung open at Shalom Christian Academy in Chambersburg for the first time on Sept. 7, 1976, a school board had already been meeting for three years planning and preparing. Before the hallways ever echoed with the footsteps of students, many questions were asked, and a thorough mission was planned after meetings were held at various locations to gauge interest and find a focus. When school doors first opened in 1976, there were six classrooms serving 87 students in Kindergarten through eighth grade.

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Using volunteer help, the original building was constructed in a mere six weeks. Today, the school serves approximately 540 students from pre-K to high school.

When approached by the Vet-Traxx Project Inc. — a California-based 501(c)(3) organization that is devoted to helping disabled veterans who have served our country — Chambersburg’s Soundproof Cow felt honored to partner with this fellow veteran-owned company on their studio project to give back to those who have given so much for our country. Vet-Traxx Project Inc. was founded by U.S. Navy disabled retiree William Eric Lewis Jr., who recognized the need for disabled veterans to be able to utilize their musical and vocal talents as therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other service-related injuries. By founding the Vet-Traxx Project studio, Eric is able to offer a professional quality studio environment for disabled veterans to utilize their musical abilities, learn a new instrument, and discover their own voice. Soundproof Cow donated their Quiet Batt sound dampening insulation for the walls and ceilings to achieve the desired absorption quality needed in a studio environment.

If you would like to join Soundproof Cow in donating to the Vet-Traxx Project, Inc., contact Vet-Traxx’s Director of Philanthropy by emailing publicrelations@vet-traxxproject.org to make a tax deductible donation and begin changing lives one note at a time.

STROKE AWARENESS r. Stephen Flack shared his first-person account of the risk factors, warning signs, and treatment of a stroke at the Brooks Complex Auditorium at Wilson College on May 26. Dr. Flack, of Summit Primary Care, says he was often left fatigued and stressed from the long hours he spent caring for patients, but at just 40 years old, he had a very low risk for stroke.

However, on May 20, 2011, Dr. Flack, who was used to caring for others, had the tables turned when he became the patient. “As I

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tried to get ready for work, the vertigo continued,” said Dr. Flack.

“I started losing feeling in my left arm and leg. My speech slurred. I was lucky my wife, Tracie, was home and recognized the signs of stroke.” Dr. Flack shared his story and how the quick thinking of his wife and quick care from the stroke team at Chambersburg Hospital saved his life. “Many people think that they’re too young for a stroke,” noted Dr. Flack. “I’m living proof that it can happen — and that with quick action, you can survive.”

WHERE BUSINESS BOOMS year has brought Thissubstantial economic growth to Franklin County, with more new businesses, expansion projects, and jobs than ever before, President of the Franklin County Area development Corp.

L. Michael Ross said during a Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce breakfast in August.

He elaborated by submitting a list of 10 projects already in the works, including competition for tenant space in Antrim Commons Business Park, the consolidation of Manitowoc Co.'s crane production, and a potential $100 million investment by Herbruck's Poultry Ranch.

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SUPPORTING RENFREW, SUPPORTING EDUCATION &M Trust presented a check for $1,500 to the Renfrew Institute for Cultural and Environmental Studies this past May with the intention of supporting two programs for students: “Wake up Earth, it’s Spring!” and “From Field to Table.”

“Wake up Earth, it’s Spring!” is a program for kindergarten students, involving trail walks to find signs of spring, and along the way exploring several stations where they have opportunities for sensory exploration. The “From Field to Table” program teaches students in

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grade five and up about Pennsylvania German food preservation and preparation.

Students will learn how the Pennsylvania German settlers provisioned themselves for the winter.

Summit Health shows support for National Child Abuse Prevention Month

f you drove along Fifth Iduring Avenue in Chambersburg April, a field of silver and blue pinwheels may have caught your eye, and that was exactly the goal.

The display, in the lawn of a Summit Health building, was decorated to support Pinwheels for Prevention —a national effort to raise awareness for child abuse

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during the month of April. Summit Health aims to support children in all stages of development, in wellness as well as when they are sick or injured.

In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the new national symbol for child abuse prevention.

GETTING WITH THE GUIDELINES

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hambersburg Hospital Cardiology services have again been honored with awards from the American Heart Association. The team was presented the Get With The Guidelines— Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and the Mission: Lifeline Gold Receiving Quality Achievement Awards this past August.

Chambersburg Hospital earned the awards by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients.

“Research has shown there are benefits to patients who are treated at hospitals that have adopted the Get With The Guidelines program. Get With the Guidelines research has demonstrated the impact of lowering 30-day re-admissions and reducing mortality rates,” said Paul Heidenreich, M.D., M.S., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines Steering Committee and Professor of Medicine at Stanford University in a press release.

WAYNESBORO HOSPITAL NAMED TO TOP 100 HOSPITALS LIST Award winners (L-R): Michael Lehman and Katrina Moore-Perry of American Micro Industries; Dr. Barbara Mistick of Wilson College; John Baker of Menno Haven Retirement Communities; Suzanne Trinh and Joel Zullinger of Zullinger-Davis-Trinh; Mark Story of Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County; Jon Luetzelschwab of Menno Haven; Anita Crawford of Springboard Entertainment; and Amy Hicks of United Way of Franklin County.

CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER HONORS BUSINESSES & COMMUNITY he Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce honored seven businesses and community members for their leadership, community engagement, and achievements at the sold-out Annual Awards Breakfast on April 7. “We are honored to be able to shine a light on our members and the contributions they make to the community,” said Noel Purdy, president

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of the Chamber, during the morning breakfast. Amy Hicks was honored as this year’s international ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, which honors professional, community, and personal leadership and those who actively assist women in reaching their full leadership potential and/or personal and professional advancement. Also presented at the breakfast awards ceremony were the following awards:

Environmental Sustainability Award: Menno Haven Retirement Communities Innovator of the Year: American Micro Industries Nonprofit of the Year: Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County Property Improvement — Rehabilitation over $500,000: Wilson College’s John Stewart Memorial Library Property Improvement — Rehabilitation under $150,000: Zullinger-Davis-Trinh P.C., 74 N. Second St.

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aynesboro Hospital has been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics, a leading provider of data-driven analytics and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. “We are thrilled to receive this honor,” said Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Melissa Dubrow in a press release. “I’m proud to have such a dedicated, skilled staff that works hard every day to ensure high-quality care is administered safely to our patients. Waynesboro Hospital truly is filled with great people, great care.”

The Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals study identifies hospitals and leadership teams that provide the highest level of value to their communities based on performance across 11 key measures including patient care, operational efficiency, and financial stability.

Volunteer of the Year: Anita Crawford, Springboard Entertainment

FUNDING RESEARCH TO FIND A CURE ngela Tatum, VP/ relationship manager for Orrstown Bank, completed her fund-raising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Central Pennsylvania this past June and raised a whopping $58,157.

Angela’s efforts contributed to a record-

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breaking total of $537,621 for the Central Pennsylvania Chapter. “I am thrilled that as a group we were able to fund eight grants to continue critical research. My father, Paul, lost his battle with lymphoma cancer last year at age 60 and it is my personal hope that our efforts will help support the

research into finding a cure for blood cancers,” Angela said in a press release. Orrstown Bank also supported Angela’s efforts through the sponsorship of a fund-raising event, a direct contribution of $5,000, and employee donations of more than $8,000.

PROFILE

E.L.M. Shoes

QUALITY, STYLE, COMFORT & SERVICE SINCE 1930 .L.M. Shoes is a renowned retailer in its fourth generation of ownership that boasts a long-standing history in Greencastle. The E.L.M. retail business began in 1930 by J. Ira Eshelman and sons-in-law David Lehman and Norman Martin as the result of ingeniously repurposing their bus fleet into traveling “stores on wheels,” delivering groceries and dry goods directly to customers’ doorsteps.

As the company grew, in 1941 Eshelman, along with sons Charles and John and sons-in-law David and Norman, purchased the Ryder building in Greencastle’s downtown square, forming E.L.M. Department Store, which offered groceries, hardware, dry goods, clothing and an

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on-site, full-service tailor shop.

E.L.M. Department Store has successfully grown into a full-service family clothing store specializing in Big and Tall men’s sizes, ladies’ casual and dress wear and accessories, and children’s clothing and gifts.

In 1957, Norman’s oldest son, Lester Martin, implemented a separate “shoe department,” which in 1983 became E.L.M. Shoes. Through the years, Lester and sons Lowell and Loren championed significant renovations and expansions, resulting in 6,000-plus square feet of storefront and warehouse, with nearly 20,000 in-stock pairs of quality men’s and women’s footwear by over 40 highquality shoe manufacturers.

Loren Martin, a member of the National Shoe Retailers Association

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Board of Directors, owns E.L.M. Shoes and works with son Gavin, who is in the company’s fifth generation.

“We offer quality footwear that looks good and feels great. Our staff is trained to expertly fit our customers with footwear that is comfortable and stylish. Our goal is to make shoe shopping fun,” Loren shares.

E.L.M. Shoes specializes in all sizes and widths in many casual and dress styles, ranging from narrow and extra wide, and including footwear to women’s size 12 and men’s size 16, plus soft- and safety-toe work footwear. “We work closely with podiatrists to ensure proper fittings, offer already-made orthotics, and have an in-house i-Step machine to determine appropriate orthotics,” explains Loren.

The company also has its convenient mobile shoe truck stocked with 1,000-plus pairs of safety-toe footwear. “We can come to any job site or manufacturing facility and fit employees immediately. We save valuable time and ensure they have job-appropriate footwear,” Loren states.

Loren attributes E.L.M. Shoes’ longevity and success to its signature excellent customer service, quality, and expertly-fitted footwear. “We have always focused on our customers and that has become our reputation.

E.L.M. is a fifth-generation business.

It is great to be a part of that unique heritage,” he concludes.

E.L.M. SHOES 3 Center Square, Greencastle, Pa. 1.866.ELM.SHOE (1.866.356.7463) www.elmshoes.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Commmunity

Holly Baker Strayer, an art teacher at Chambersburg Area High School, was the catalyst behind this Chambersburg mosaic mural project. It all started with a simple email to artist Isaiah Zagar, whose works were first spotted in Philadelphia.

ALL THAT GLITTERS The recent mural projects in downtown Chambersburg create a lasting bond and future blueprint for all those who worked on them.

BY YVONNE BUTTS-MITCHELL

“

He’s such a visionary.

His work puts an instant smile on your face.

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”

| PHOTOS BY HOLLY BAKER STRAYER

If you visit South Street in Philadelphia — the city’s upscale, edgy blend of culture, food, and art — you can walk among the amazing mosaic murals created by renowned artist Isaiah Zagar. But travel south down Main Street in Chambersburg and you can see amazing murals created by Isaiah Zagar and the people of Franklin County. Two of the artist’s most expansive pieces are always open and free for public viewing at 33 N. Main St. and at the corner of South Main and Queen streets.

It all started with a simple email.

“I was blown away by Isaiah’s work in the Magic Gardens of Philadelphia the first time I saw it 10 or 12 years ago,” says Holly Baker Strayer, an art teacher at Chambersburg Area High School and the catalyst behind this Chambersburg project. “He is such a visionary.

His work puts an instant smile on your face.”

When she visited Philly again in January, she felt compelled to bring Isaiah and the energy of his work to Chambersburg, so she emailed him.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Commmunity

When she posted her thoughts about bringing his mural project to town, she had 360 Facebook likes in an hour. “I knew then we had to make it happen…like yesterday!” Holly remembers.

“It was clear from the start that Holly is a change-maker,” says Noel Purdy, president of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce. “This project is a perfect fit with our other downtown initiatives, and Holly’s passion and enthusiasm were contagious. With her lead, we connected all the dots with clearances, community partners, donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Together, we brought her vision here.”

No Rest For The Theory The pace went from zero to 60 at the beginning of fundraising in May through completion of the murals at the end of July — an incredible timeline for an undertaking this complex. The first $3,000 infusion came from the proceeds of Holly’s “Soup for the Soul” fundraiser, a campaign she orchestrates every year to support a local project or nonprofit.

Social media only fueled the groundswell. “One woman saw a video clip and immediately brought us a huge mirror directly from her home,” Holly reports. “We didn’t even unload it; we cut it right in the bed of her truck.”

“It all just clicked,” Noel recalls, noting that grants, gifts, and sponsorships followed. “It was as if it had all been part of the downtown master plan from the start, like it was meant to be.” On-site work included prepping the building surfaces, cutting mirror pieces and breaking the tile. Dozens of volunteers worked several full days at each location, on the ground, from donated scaffolding and on-loan aerial platforms. Among the faces, and nearly ever-present from planning to clean up, was Corey Alleman, a downtown

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Isaiah himself laid down the outlines, and volunteers then filled the original art that would be outlined again with mirror tile, colored tile, and grout.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Community

Corey Alleman, a downtown business professional and chairman of the design committee of Downtown Chambersburg, Inc. was one of the many people who were ever-present for the project. “Public art like this brings a community together,” says Corey. “Hundreds of people stopped by to watch or install a piece of tile as we worked.

business professional and chairman of the design committee of Downtown Chambersburg, Inc., a subsidiary of the Chamber.

“Public art like this brings a community together,” says Corey.

“Hundreds of people stopped by to watch or install a piece of tile as we worked. It didn’t matter who they were; the conversations were all the same. No walk of life was excluded from the people who came up to talk to us.”

Isaiah himself laid down the outlines, the original art that would be outlined again with mirror tile and then filled with colored tile and grout by volunteers. “I watched those works come alive while Isaiah moved up the wall with a brush and paper cup of black paint,” says Holly, smiling.

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“For me, that part was just magical.”

Magical might be the perfect word to describe the process as the artist himself admits he didn’t come to Chambersburg with any preconceived ideas about what path the two local murals would take. “I have a passion to make idiosyncratic art,” says Isaiah. “It is art without a political message and a mystical content. And it’s as mystical to me as to anyone else,” he quips. In truth, he was influenced by what he saw around him as he painted.

For the careful observer, the murals are filled with tiny surprises, artsy little details that are reflections of the day or secret reminders to those who worked there. Among those details is the Oriole’s logo Isaiah captured from Corey’s ball cap and the dancer

inspired by Holly’s daughter. There are also fired clay pieces interspersed commemorating the people behind the process. It is the small pieces — not necessarily the murals as masterworks — that will be the touchstones for individuals as they press their fingers against them in years ahead.

Like Noel and Corey, Holly knows that art is a reason to pull people downtown. “It gives you a second to just breathe and take in the community’s charm and character,” she notes. “People told us over and over: ‘This makes me proud to live here.’”

Training Days Since meeting Isaiah, both Holly and Corey have traveled to Philly to apprentice with him, a part of the artist’s own master plan for passing

along his passion and vision. “Isaiah has created a plan for creating his art,” says Corey. “This project isn’t over for Chambersburg; it’s just beginning.”

After years in the Peace Corps and bringing his work to other communities, Isaiah says he has many homes, and Chambersburg is now among them. “The people here have done a spectacular job, never naysaying, never saying it was too difficult, or too hot, or that they were too tired,” he says. “Now they have the courage to tackle a big mural on their own. They know the strategy to make it happen — and it will happen in a glorious way.”

On-site work included prepping the building surfaces, cutting mirror pieces and breaking tile. Dozens of volunteers worked several full days at each location, on the ground, from donated scaffolding and on-loan aerial platforms.

“The goal of this project from the start was to eventually install permanent, large-scale murals,” says Corey.

“When I asked Isaiah how we got so lucky to get him here, he told me: ‘There are lots of towns between here and Chambersburg but none of them have Holly.’”

“In the big picture, the story behind the murals is about one person with one idea,” Noel concludes. “It is about the power one community member with energy has to take an idea and make a huge impact. That’s what we had in Holly. I hope it inspires others and makes them think: ‘Maybe I can do something like that...’”

“That’s the key to everything,” Isaiah adds. “If you have power and don’t use it, you lose it. If you use it and use it well, things begin to happen.”

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A BIRD’S EYE VIEW

BY BETH VOLLMER Photos Courtesy of Chambersburg Skydiving Center

AFTER A PROPER EDUCATION IN THEIR HANDS-ON CLASSROOM, CHAMBERSBURG SKYDIVING CENTER OFFERS THOSE WHO DARE THE GIFT OF FLIGHT.

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HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO SKYDIVE, BUT WEREN’T QUITE SURE WHERE TO SAFELY LEARN AND EXPERIENCE THE EXHILARATION OF FALLING AT TERMINAL VELOCITY? The Chambersburg Skydiving Center in Chambersburg is the local drop zone to contact– where the simply curious and adrenaline junkies alike meet to get their hearts racing, all the while creating memories that won’t soon fade away.

Owner J.R. Sides has logged decades of experience to ensure participants have a safe and successful experience. Even though some see skydiving as a dangerous sport, there are a rules and limitations, just like with any sport, to keep the actual danger in check. Despite 30 years of jumping out of planes, J.R. has never had a major incident, thanks to careful, well-thought-out plans to make sure he and potential jumpers learn and pay attention to the instructions that are given and demonstrated. He emphasizes, “This center is a school and a training center. We’re not an amusement park. We teach people what they need to know.”

During the training classes, instructors show students a specific move — such as how to land on the ground — which is followed by pupils practicing and having their moves critiqued. One-on-one instructions are also readily available so everyone feels comfortable and safe. “It was absolutely fantastic and has been on my bucket list for a long time. It was a birthday present from my husband. The instructor was wonderful and made the experience perfect,” says first-timer Margie Blumenthal of Carlisle, Pa., of her experience.

While skydiving is often seen as a death-defying act for the devil-may-care set, it can just as likely be a transformative experience for enjoying life, making friends, and establishing lifelong bonds. When a suitably instructed or experienced skydiver leaps from the door of a plane, fear doesn’t cloud one’s

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judgment. It’s not even on the mind’s radar, because confidence in what was taught takes over.

Where To Begin Skydiving takes place off a Cessna 206, 182, or a larger plane if needed, and guests rise 11,000 feet in the air, which is two miles. This is where rote knowledge takes over. Free fall lasts between 45 seconds and a minute, and the parachute cord is pulled when still 6,000 feet off the ground. Within the next 2,000 feet, the parachute should be fully functioning as jumpers spend the next four minutes calmly floating back down to earth before utilizing all they learned to land safely on the ground.

A tandem jump is what most skydivers begin with. This is when one jumps from the plane with an instructor who is wearing a harness that’s also securely hooked to the parachute of the rookie jumper. It’s not until several tandem jumps are completed that skydivers are eligible to advance to the Accelerated Free Fall Program (AFF).

Accelerated Free Fall is when a person pulls their own parachute, while talking to another instructor on the ground using a radio, and instructors remove themselves from the person in the air.

The goal in this program is for each person to learn to fly the parachute without assistance, which adds to the amazing experience of skydiving.

The thrilling static line jump is Instructor Assisted Deployment (IAD), and consists of the skydiver climbing out of the aircraft with a strap attached to the parachute that’s attached to the inside of the airplane. When the person starts falling, the strap from inside the plane pulls the parachute open automatically.

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Another type IAD is when a pilot chute — a small round parachute — is tossed from the airplane by the instructor, which pulls the bag containing the parachute off the skydiver’s back and the parachute opens automatically. There are many avenues to learn to skydive for those who are truly interested and want to try a new sport.

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Round Up Some Friends Groups often book appointments to practice “relative work” where depictions like snowflakes, letters, numbers, or stars are represented with people touching hands in the sky. Chambersburg Skydiving Center has hosted special occasions and celebrations like bachelor/bachelorette parties, graduations, birthdays, team building with businesses, women’s empowerment groups like SOAR (Speaking Out About Rape) and SIS (Sisters in Skydiving), as well as teams of military personnel, and even terminal

parachute and the reserve parachute.

After the parachutes are packed, a “lead seal” is used to ensure it is tamper proof and then signed with J.R.’s name, the date, his seal number and what was done to the parachute to ensure safety. In addition to knowing all the ins and outs of absconding from a plane, J.R. is also a pilot and is close to completing the credentials to become an aircraft mechanic.

Beyond Enthusiasm Achieving J.R.’s level of expertise requires years of practice and dedication to the safety and accountability of the sport.

After a skydiver completes 100 jumps, becoming a coach is the next step. A coach is someone who jumps with a person but doesn’t engage in life-saving action, which is opening the parachute.

The coach works on all basic skydiving skills such as how to wear a wing suit, head down jumps, and relative work. The next step is becoming an instructor (mainly for static line or IAD) who is responsible for hooking up the parachute, for the parachute opening, and is responsible for a person in a life or death situation. At 500 jumps, becoming a tandem instructor is another step, which is a federal rating synonymous with being an airline pilot because you’re essentially in charge of another person.

The Price Of Re-Entry

cancer patients. Stars from the movie “Band of Brothers,” the 506 airborne unit, held a reunion and did static line jumps to mark their get-together.

J.R. has tremendous experience in all aspects of skydiving and has made 13,000 jumps, receiving scores of certifications. And as an “instructor examiner” who teaches the instructors all the basics of skydiving, J.R. is truly involved in all aspects of the sport. He is also a “master rigger” with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), meaning he is qualified to pack the main

The cost of a tandem jump is $250, and that includes instruction and training for a total of 4–6 hours so guests feel comfortable. The AFF is $350, and Static Line and IAD are both $200 and require committing a full day for hours of teaching and instruction so everyone is safe and prepared to jump. Participants can also purchase a video, which is an additional $115 and includes still pictures and live video while in the air.

The video is fully edited with music in the background to ensure visitors have a sharable memory of their experience.

The videos are also streamed on Chambersburg Skydiving Center’s YouTube account unless otherwise specified.

J.R. emphasizes the life-giving and life-changing experience that awakens after skydiving, especially for first time skydivers, “From that point on, you’re in a totally different situation than you were before you jumped. It’s something inside of yourself where you take yourself to the edge and go beyond. You have to have a lot of strength internally to go to the edge of the airplane and jump out.

There is so much trust involved with every aspect of skydiving,” he says. Many people leave feeling like their life was changed and perspective of situations and importance of family and friends are gained, he adds. Jumping out of a plane at 11,000 feet can be a seemingly daunting, scary, and downright impossible task at first, but with the correct training and teaching, can be rewarding and no doubt a memorable undertaking for anyone with the nerve to give it a go.

Get Airborne!

CHAMBERSBURG SKYDIVING CENTER 3506 Airport Rd., Chambersburg 1-866-JUMP-USA www.skydivingcenter.net

HOURS: Wed.–Fri.: 9 a.m.–dark Sat. & Sun.: 8 a.m.–dark Mon. or Tues. are available by appointment only In January, February, and March when the weather can be frigid, dives are based on the conditions. The cutoff temperature on the ground is below 40 degrees since it’s 30 degrees colder at altitude.

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A look at the storied history and modern highlights that have earned Chambersburg its reputation as the heart of Franklin County.

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Suspended from the ceiling in the Heritage Center in downtown Chambersburg is a replica of a Rex Smith biplane.

In 1911, it became the first plane to fly over the town and did so for 17 minutes at an elevation of 1,000 feet.

Looking down on this flying machine is an eight-foot tall, 250-pound goldleafed statue of Benjamin Franklin that was sculpted in 1865 in honor of the county that was baptized with his surname, of which Chambersburg is the county seat.

The Heritage Center, housed in a 1915 marble bank building — complete with a massive safe — offers a great variety of such exhibits that provide detailed information on the town and its history, establishing a good foundation for a visit.

On the center square, officially known as Memorial Square, are several impressive government buildings. In its center is a lovely fivetiered fountain, which honors the more than 5,000 men from the county who served in the Civil War. An accompanying bronze statue of a soldier is said to stand guard, warding off any further military incursions, and a bronze star marks the site of the meeting between Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and A. P. Hill where they decided to advance east to Gettysburg.

Chambersburg has a distinctive past as the only northern city to be devastated by fire during the Civil War. Confederate forces led by General John McCausland demanded of the citizens a ransom of either $100,000 or $500,000 in Yankee dollars or they would burn the town. Unable to raise such an outrageous sum, the Confederates enacted their wrath, burning 550 homes and businesses. Every year the event is commemorated with a striking light and laser show that illuminates the night sky as if the town were again on fire.

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An Accompanying bronze statue of a soldier is said to stand guard, warding off any further military incursions.

Despite this ignominious event, today’s downtown retains its original form with a central square around which traffic flows, leading to a variety of streets with small shops, historic sites, and cultural centers.

Where The PasT remains Visitors to Central Presbyterian Church on the square are rewarded with a view of an original 25-foot tall Tiffany window; two other Tiffany gems are at Falling Spring Presbyterian Church just a couple of blocks away. All three present com-

pletely different views of Tiffany's work, of which Franklin County is fortunate to have several sites graced with these original pieces of stained glass art.

One major legacy still survives from the earliest days of the town's settlement — the Rose Rent. This represents the payment required by three congregations — Falling Spring among them — for land on which to build their churches. The only condition was that a single rose be “paid” annually to a member of the Chambers family, a tradition that continues to this day.

nating from a mix of teas, herbs, spices, and lotions are sure to beguile visitors.

For the bibliophile, Main Street is also home to Northwood Books, one of the last independent bookstores that is highlighted by a comforting atmosphere encouraging one to curl up in one of the nooks and read on site. It features a blend of new and used books, with some 90,000 volumes to tempt. So well known is the store that according to owner Ann Plessinger, 65 percent of her customers come from out of town. And before you leave the central square area, be sure to snap a selfie of you and your significant other on the Lincoln Highway where a cutout of a couple stands on the sidewalk with an opening in which to place your face.

Take a Break

C And C Coffee, which presents a rotating drink of the day, are one of the many downtown spots to grab a little R&R, and recharge for a proper tour of Chambersburg. If looking for something more substantive, menus of culinary classics at various restaurants serving Italian, Latin American, Korean, Japanese, and Indian food are just as accessible.

Independent shops have long been a hallmark of downtown. Prominent among them on South Main Street are a pair of jewelry stores — Ludwig’s and Gartenberg’s — which combined have been offering a wide variety of luxury goods to residents for more than 200 years. Nearby is Lyons Apparel, which offers classic clothing for both men and women, featuring everything from fashionable denim to made-to-measure pieces in a classic haberdashery setting. And for that feminine finishing touch, head to Merle Norman Cosmetics, just a few doors away.

Talking Shop Looking for a unique gift? Visit Gypsie, which features original contemporary items and antiques sourced from all over the world by owner Mark Miller. There is also Gift Enclosures, which just reopened in its newly renovated space that features everything from household adornments to bath and body care items and clothing. Here’s Looking At You is yet another one-of-a-kind boutique with designer clothing, accessories, and gifts. Also nearby, Gardens by Grace will entice the minute you open the door. The rich scents ema-

Looking for a good meal and a respite from shopping? There is no shortage of restaurants to indulge one's appetite. There is cafe d'italia and their wonderful Italian selections (especially the seafood lasagna). E. J.'s Grille is an upscale dining option that also has live music on weekends, and for caffeine fiends, there is C & C Coffee, which presents a rotating drink of the day. For some casual fare, there is Molly Pitcher Waffle Shop, a menu of culinary classics at Bistro 71, as well as various ethnic restaurants serving Latin American, Korean, Japanese, and Indian food.

If you’re looking to wet your whistle, try some selections from Tuscarora Mountain Winery’s special fruit blended wines, or stop for a tasting at Jan Zell wines and its weekend special events. If your taste leans towards the sudsy, Roy-Pitz's (see p. 40) serves brewed “liquid art” and the new GearHouse Brewery is scheduled to open its doors later this year.

Chocoholics can cure their cravings where some serious sweets are on the menu at Olympia Candy Kitchen, which is noted for its small-batch chocolates produced since 1903.

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And not too far away, Nathan Miller Chocolate creates delicious candy bars from the beans in cocoa pods right in their chocolate kitchen.

Fill Your Fridge Two farmers markets not to be missed are the North Square with local growers selling produce and flowers (open only on Saturdays in May–October) and Jim’s Country Market with its fresh meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more. A vital stop for foodies is The Butcher’s Market for its great meats and wild fish, prepared foods, tempting produce, and a bakery, which will leave you salivating. You can also have a cup of coffee and a snack at its Big Oak Café.

Are You Not eNtertAiNed? The Capitol Theatre, housed in a striking building built in 1927, is a magical world where one can watch classic movies or live theater productions — many of which are presented by the Chambersburg Community Theater. There are also live performances by national touring companies, and such homegrown arts groups as the Chambersburg Ballet Theater, which shines with a stirring combination of local dancers and talent brought in from such major markets as New York. Outside the city proper is the Totem Pole Playhouse, a summer theater located in Caledonia State Park, which presents wellknown dramas and musicals with professional actors in a sylvan setting.

Opening in Spring 2017, Totem Pole will present “Driving Miss Daisy.”

The Cumberland Valley School of Music teaches music rigorously in just How about some shopping and a show? The Capitol Theatre presents classic movies, live theater productions, and live performances by national touring companies, and such homegrown arts groups as the Chambersburg Ballet Theater.

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about every instrument, including voice. Its recitals and concerts are open to the public, and often include native son and renowned tenor Corey Evan Rotz, whose proficiencies extend from opera to Sinatra.

The visual arts are likewise represented by the Franklin County Art Alliance. With some 100 artists on its roster, the organization holds an annual art exhibition. There are also classes offered by the Council for the Arts that include lessons from glass blowing to portrait painting. Of special note is its annual miniature art exhibit where no piece can be submitted larger than 4 inches by 6 inches. Relatively new to downtown is The Foundry Art Co-op that features works by artists from throughout the Cumberland Valley.

Looking Back: considering confLict

war. World War II is remembered not just for the men who fought, but also the tower at Letterkenny Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war.

The Franklin County Historical Society — Kittochtinny is the repository for genealogical records and a favored site for original displays of local history. It holds extensive family files and state documents.

The historical society’s home is the Old Jail on King Street. Built in 1818, it is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a rather ominous site. The five domed dungeons in the cellar — reached by rough steps — reveal the cramped cells where prisoners were shackled to the walls and floor.

Spring Into History ramble tours 20 historical sites. That same month there is also the Spring Fling Cumberland Valley Antique Engine and Machinery Show, reflecting the area's farming origins.

Make room in your calendars now.

Not to be missed is a series of events starting in July. There’s ChambersFest and Old Market Day, an 1864 Civil War Ball and the 1864 Burning & Rebirth Illumination of the city.

Come August there is a Pop-a-Cork for the Capitol Beach Party — a nice touch for a landlocked city. October is highlighted with both an Oktoberfest and an AppleFest, while December brings the Cocoa Crawl and Heritage Christmas. If that’s not enough, May through October feature First Friday nights to attract shoppers to downtown merchants and there are the similarly themed Second Saturdays.

Also not to be ignored are the various parks in and around the city. There is the one-acre Park of the Valiant with its memorial fountain and a steel footbridge crossing Falling Spring Creek, and the Chambersburg Bike Park to test one’s cycling skills. Another option is hiking on the 1.7-mile Rail Trail that adjoins Wilson College, or a visit to Chambers Fort Park and its old water wheel that was once part of a Grist Mill, and the Founding Father’s Memorial Statue depicting Benjamin Chambers and his sons.

Also in the borough is Mike Waters Memorial Park with basketball courts, a pavilion, playgrounds and a splash pad for the young ones, and picnic areas.

No matter the time of the year, Chambersburg offers a myriad of places for learning, exploring, and having a great time. Truth be told, the list could go on, but there’s only so much paper to print on.

The Foundry Art Co-op features works by artists from throughout the Cumberland Valley.

History is of principal interest in Chambersburg.

With sites that recall its frontier existence, to the Civil War, to genealogy, it can all be found here.

The county has established a Military Trail of History that one can follow and explore sites from the founding of the town by Benjamin Chambers to 21st century conflicts. The Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park has pavers representing every war, and also provides a way to honor one’s own heroes by purchasing a paver with the name of their loved one inscribed.

Even beyond the razing of the city, the Civil War left its mark. Preparing his plans for raiding the Harpers Ferry Union arsenal, John Brown stayed in the Ritner Boarding House, which is open to visitors. It was also the site for a secret meeting with abolitionist Frederick Douglas.

World War I is commemorated in a striking statue of a doughboy with the name of all the individuals from Franklin County who served in that

no Lack of Lodgings Staying in the area, there are a number of chain hotels, as well as some cozier bed-and-breakfasts. Both the Craig Victorian B&B and Lillie’s Garden B&B are located near Wilson College. The latter also boasts an original Tiffany work. The Inn at Ragged Edge is a little farther out of the main downtown, but still quite convenient and comfy.

occasions for ceLeBrations Chambersburg is also very involved in holding a continual array of attractions to draw residents and visitors alike to its downtown, opening the year with its annual IceFest and the assorted stunning ice sculptures that line Main Street. There is also an associated Snow Ball. In April, the

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FOOD Brewpub

STATE OF THE LIQUID ART Roy-Pitz Brewing has quietly grown to include a brewpub and is planning a forthcoming Barrel House pub for its aged offerings in Philadelphia.

BY PEPPER VAN TASSELL

“

I do remember the first keg we sold. It was May 2008 — and back then we did it all — so we loaded the keg in the van and delivered it to the account. It’s just amazing to see where it’s gone since then. —Jesse Rotz

”

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PHOTOS BY TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

ver since they were kids, Jesse Rotz and Ryan Richards say they’ve had a knack for “pushing the limit.” From the time they met as pupils at Corpus Christi Catholic School in Chambersburg to the years they washed dishes, flipped pizzas, worked as apprentices, and drew up business plans in pursuit of their childhood dream to open a brewery together, Jesse and Ryan have also been priming themselves to push the boundaries of craft beer.

E

About eight years after the fresh-fromcollege duo opened Roy-Pitz Brewing Co. in a century-old hosiery factory on a deadend street in their hometown, Jesse, 33, and Ryan, 32, are preparing to open a 4,000-square-foot brewpub in the Spring Arts District of Philadelphia. They are also in the midst of eyeing up space to house a distillery where they can expand their trademarked “Liquid Art” to specialty vodkas and gins.

“I do remember the first keg we sold. It was May 2008 — and back then we did it

all — so we loaded the keg in the van and delivered it to the account,” Jesse says. “And it’s just amazing to see where it’s gone since then.” The short rundown is that business is booming.

Growing at about 53 percent year over year, a watchful eye can spot Roy-Pitz beers — in more than 30 varieties — on store shelves in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., and in about 800 bars and restaurants throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Sheer popularity has prompted them to somewhat outgrow their current brewery space in the basement of their 140 N. Third St. building in Chambersburg. In turn, they plan to start a small production of sour beers and wood-aged beers at their Philadelphia brewpub when it opens in the spring.

This Ain’t No Homebrew The two trained to brew through World Brewing Academy at the Siebel Institute of Technology — which took them on tasting and brewing adventures through Germany, The Czech Republic, and Holland. As a result, they consider European-style lagers

The Beer Stube, Roy-Pitz’s 99-person brew pub offers a menu that expresses the brewery’s classic takes on American fare. Head Chef Michael Richards takes pride in the Stube’s dishes, and the ability to highlight Roy-Pitz beer.

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FOOD Brewpub and beers their specialty. Though India pale ales remain the craft beer market’s potable du jour, sour beers are creeping up in second place. But no matter your preference, Roy-Pitz’s catalog of options has you covered.

“Ryan and I, as brewers, are also the owners calling the shots, and that’s very rare that the owner is the brewer as well,” Jesse says. “We don’t have any marketing study telling us the beer we’re supposed to brew. It’s us as artists brewing what we want to brew,” he adds. Craft beer — or beer made the old-fashioned, non-mechanized way in a small brewery — has been gaining popularity since about 1992. Now, about 1.3 breweries open a day in the United States, crowding the market and increasing competition, Jesse says. “We are very well into the next boom,” he says. “It started and it is nowhere near finishing now.”

Throwing Back About the time the childhood friends started calling each other Roy and Pitz, they also started dreaming about opening a lavish brewery on the beach together. “We got a little more realistic as life went on and we grew up. And then we said, ‘Hey, maybe we can’t open this surfboard brewery in Florida, but maybe we can open a brewery in our hometown.’ So that’s when it changed pretty quickly,” Ryan says.

After graduating from Chambersburg High School in 2002, Jesse headed south to Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla., to major in business, and get his commercial pilot’s license; Ryan rode east to West Chester University William Hensley, who is a fine artist from the in Philadelphia, where he Eastern Shore, does all of Roy-Pitz’s label was a pre-med major. design. “In any sort of thing we do, supporting artists is very important to us,” says Roy-Pitz “But we still always had co-owner Jesse Rotz.

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this lingering desire to open our own brewery someday,” Ryan says.

“And it was at the same time when you first started to hear about all these small mom-and-pop breweries,” Jesse adds.

The summer before their sophomore year, the friends decided that Philadelphia — where craft breweries were beginning to take flight — was the best place to learn to brew. Jesse transferred up to West Chester University as a business major, and Ryan changed his major to business, too.

“In that first year, we rented an apartment together, hit the books

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FOOD Brewpub hard, and put our business plan together,” Ryan says. Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pa. — about 15 minutes from their apartment — served as their first brewery classroom. Jesse got a job there as a dishwasher, and then Ryan scored a job flipping pizzas.

During their junior and senior years, they worked as apprentice brewers at Twin Lakes Brewery in Delaware, and then earned international degrees in brewing science from

Parrott, with the menu managed by Ryan’s brother, Head Chef Michael Richards — who take pride in the fare for its ability to highlight RoyPitz beer. The restaurant regularly hosts live music from local and regional bands on the weekends.

Jesse’s cousin, William Hensley, who is a fine artist from the Eastern Shore, does all of Roy-Pitz’s label design. “In any sort of thing we do, supporting artists is very important to us,” Jesse says.

Siebel Institute in 2006. They returned to their hometown to open a brewery with just $115,000, supplied by small business and economic development loans, and $40,000 from angel investors. For months, Jesse and Ryan were the only employees, and even when the workforce slowly grew, they didn’t pay themselves for two to three years, Ryan says.

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY

It Runs In The Family Long after the dust settled, the pair continues to reinvest in Roy-Pitz, and just last year added a full restaurant, managed by Jesse’s sister, Desi

Mon.–Sat.: Kitchen Closes at 10 p.m.

ROY-PITZ BREWING COMPANY 140 N. Third St., Chambersburg 717.496.8753 www.roypitz.com Mon.–Thurs.: 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Fri.–Sat.: 11:30 a.m.–midnight Sun.: 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Looking Forward Jesse and Ryan — who are now both married with one child each — believe they are living the dream, but admit that they aren’t finished imagining. Other brewery owners assure them that Roy-Pitz is the perfect-sized brewery, and Ryan and Jesse are mindful of getting “too big.” It’s an idea that comes up relatively often. “We battle with that a lot: What’s too big? For me, the question is, if

you are so mass produced, are you still an artist?” When the two were starving artists working as apprentices at other breweries, production was just a little higher than Roy-Pitz’s production is now, Ryan says.

Some 10 years later, certain beers from those breweries are sold in 50 states and even internationally. “I don’t think we ever want to get to that size,” Ryan says.

“We want to get to a point where we are well-known, well-respected, and recognized along the East Coast.”

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HISTORY The Time Traveler ow many times have you heard someone mention the “Good Old Days?"

Talk of the vanished and long-forgotten businesses, modes of transportation, and activities of a bygone era are more infused into the conversation than ever. Whether it stems from a wistful longing for a simpler time, or a reflective look back at how far we’ve come, a review of the past helps contextualize one’s perspective. Here we offer you the opportunity to look at some of those memorable images of yesterday.

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This is a 1911 American LaFrance Chemical apparatus operated by the Friendship Engine & Hose Co. No. 1 in Chambersburg. This picture was taken right after it arrived in Chambersburg. The old fire station is located at the east point where today a barbershop is located.

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Here, the Eckels’ bread wagon is ready to make its deliveries during a cold winter morning in Chambersburg during the early 1900s.

Here, a young lady is ready to make a milk delivery in the Chambersburg Dairy truck circa 1934 in the Chambersburg area.

Pictured is Chambersburg's North Main Street in 1914, where you can see the trolley car tracks in the foreground. Many of these buildings on the right have long since been razed.

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WHILE YOU WERE OUT

Come back soon.

SAMPLER-FEST unny skies greeted some 25 breweries, 40 styles of beer, and hundreds of revelers who converged on the Antrim Way Honda parking lot for the third annual Greencastle Craft Beer & Wine Festival on April 16. New to the event this year was the addition of five wineries for imbibers to sample and purchase from, and an expanded menu from the John Alison Public House who catered the event. Live music from Made in the 80s set the celebratory tone for the day. Mark your calendars now for next year’s festival on April 17, which promises to only continue the growing momentum.

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CHEFS WALK he Cumberland Valley School of Music’s annual celebration of food, drink, music, and community has quickly become one of the area’s most can’t-miss events to help kick off the summer, and this past year’s affair held along Alexander Avenue was no exception. It featured seven deliciously themed dining stations from area chefs, beer samples from Roy Pitz, and wine sampling stations from Jan Zell Wines, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard of Dundee, NY, Tuscarora Mountain Winery, and Shade Mountain Winery of Middleburg. Don’t miss next year’s walk, which has already been set for Jun 3.

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OKTOBERFEST hambersburg wasted no time celebrating all things Deutschland this year during the third annual downtown Oktoberfest on Oct. 1.

This year’s fun-filled day of events for all ages featured German food and music, craft beer, and the everpopular Duck Derby, which awarded cash prizes to the owners of the first five

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rubber duckies to cross the Falling Spring Creek finish line under the foot bridge between the rail trail and Chambers Fort Park. In addition to all things Bavarian, the John H. Harmon Memorial 5K took place for those interested in burning off a few calories before replacing them with a little German futter. Proceeds from this event will be used for downtown revitalization efforts.

CORKS A POPPIN’ he back lot of the Capitol Theatre was transformed into an island retreat on Aug. 20 for this year’s Pop A Cork for the Capitol fundraiser. Amidst the beach balls and palm trees, Jimmy Buffet cover band Panama Rex and the Philly Reggae Band treated the crowd of tiki-themed cocktail holders to live sets of upbeat tunes as the

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rich smells of barbecue filled the air. While the event in past years featured a wine tasting, the event changed directions a bit in favor of tropical concoctions that paired perfectly with this mid-summer celebratory campaign to raise money for the historic theater.

Dr. Anthony Johnson, who specializes in electrophysiology studies, which assess the heart’s electrical system or activity and are used to diagnose abnormal heartbeats, joined Summit Cardiology in 2016. Dr. Johnson is performing electrophysiology studies at Chambersburg Hospital.

Here for you, in more ways.

Award-winning heart care with expanded services.

Chambersburg Hospital is continuing to improve the quality of patient care & outcomes for heart patients The American Heart Association recognizes this hospital for achieving 85% or higher composite adherence to all with all Mission:Lifeline® STEMI Receiving Center Performance Achievement indicators for consecutive 24-month intervals, 75% or higher compliance on all all Mission:Lifeline® STEMI Receiving Center quality measures, and First-Door-to-Device time of 120 minutes or less for transfers, to improve the quality of care for STEMI patients.

The American Heart Association recognizes this hospital for achieving 85% or higher compliance with all Get With The Guidelines® -Heart Failure Achievement Measures and 75% or higher compliance with four or more Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure Measures for two or more consecutive years and for documentation of all three Target: Heart FailureSM care components for 50% or more of eligible patients with heart failure discharged from the hospital to improve quality of patient care and outcomes.

SummitHealth.org/Heart

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