HARRISBURG MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023

PRESIDENT/CEO

Darwin Oordt

doordt@harrisburgmagazine.com

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Darcy Oordt darcy@harrisburgmagazine.com

GENERAL MANAGER

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Chris Aloia caloia@harrisburgmagazine.com

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING

Jennifer George jgeorge@harrisburgmagazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jo Ann Shover jshover@harrisburgmagazine.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

HARRISBURG MAGAZINE

4309 LINGLESTOWN ROAD SUITE #115 HARRISBURG, PA 17112

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Imogene Gross imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

LAYOUT ARTIST

Shane Fisher (Carino) scarino@harrisburgmagazine.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Richard Eppinger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stephanie Godinez

Imogene Gross

Deanna Nikaido

Samuel J. Rob

Bill Roddey

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Imogene Gross

Will Masters

Paul Vasiliades

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS

Brad Maurer

Emily White

PHOTO BY: PAUL HANAOKA

I’m going to throw caution to the wind and voice my accusation up front: Mother Nature is a prankster! I mean, by now it’s undeniable. Who else would “treat” us to multiple summer days with a heat index above 100, and then turn around and give us full grown orange pumpkins by the beginning of September? And actually, in my own yard, mid-August!

Okay, so the pumpkin at Chateau Gross wasn’t planted intentionally. It’s what gardeners commonly refer to as a “volunteer.” Or, as I like to call it, an intra-yard invader, because it more than likely was an escapee from our compost pile. But still … a big orange pumpkin smack dab in our vegetable garden before Labor Day? Curses, Ma Nature!

If only our pumpkin was a conjuring of Henry David Thoreau. Would love to sit atop it like a throne on these cool autumn eves, in expectation of what other surprises may be coming our way!

No surprises here in our September issue! As usual, our articles and features are sure to please.

Just in time for fall, Imogene Gross details the top Home Improvement fixes and projects that everyone should be thinking of in advance of winter. And, for the hiking and nature enthusiasts, Samuel J. Rob reports on the recreational amenities – and possible expansion - of the scenic Letort Spring Run Trail in Carlisle.

In our Food & Fun section, our Barista’s Choice profile takes you to Market in Camp Hill, where barista and manager Maddy Berrier is working diligently – and creatively – to expand the café’s beverage menu beyond the typical coffees and cappuccinos. And, if you’re into awardwinning steaks, burgers, seafood – and more – get into Dodge! As our Foodies for Thought review of Dodge City Steakhouse on Paxton Street in Harrisburg, where Executive Chef Doug Krick, Jr. (our 2023 Readers’ Choice winner for Best Chef) serves up fare that is “professionally prepared and plated.”

On the literary side, camp hill author Stephanie Godinez reminisces about growing up in West Fairview in “The Point: A Love Story.” And

accomplished poet Deanna Nikaido’s “The Work of Closer” lyrically requests that we live like the bee whose heart happens around every flower it loves.

As usual, we bring you a healthy dose of humor! Brad Maurer’s The Cercus cartoon takes a bug’s eye view of City Island fireworks; and former Penn/Live Humor Blogger Bill Roddey continues to jab and poke at modern conventions with more Off the Cuff one-liners.

Don’t forget our columns! Elena Rossetto meets up with local multiinstrumentalist Michael Stipe (whose nine bands do NOT include R.E.M.) in After the Beat; Film & TV historian Kevyn Knox goes all-in with the Barbenheimer craze in Cinematic Ramblings; Tara Herweg gives a warm welcome to horror shows at local stages in Theatre Thoughts; Bryson Roof provides tips on avoiding digital scams in The Finance Hound; Dr. Sumathi Suppiah discusses the importance of good backto-school nutrition in Nourishing Bites; and, finally, Kristen Zellner provides pet food safety advice in For the Love of Pets.

Here’s hoping that the frost stays away from your pumpkins until at least November! RG

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”

― Henry David Thoreau

Home Improvement Projects and Tasks to Get Your Home Ready for This Fall

Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com

September, as we all know, brings us the last days of summer. While the month, in our area, is generally still quite warm and bright, surely enough, by its end it begins ushering us into the cool breezes and earthy colors of fall. While many mourn the onset of shorter days and saying farewell-for-now to the time of pool parties, cook-outs, and carnivals, others delight in autumn and the arrival of all its attendant activities. Fall has its perks, after all. Though summer might be a great time for casually catching some sunshine, it’s less ideal for a demanding, labor-intensive project – at least not if you don’t want to get very, very sweaty!

Fall is the perfect transition period to squeeze in your home improvement projects, between the heat of summer and cold of winter. Though September might seem early, now is the time to start to ensure everything is wrapped up in time for the holidays.

Home improvement work for the fall could involve the more unseen but crucial tasks that keep your space well-maintained, warm, and dry in the colder months, or more aestheticfocused choices that will revitalize or cozy up your space for the winter. From sealing out water damage to redecorating your living room, here are some of the best fall home improvement projects you can do this year.

Step One: Prepare for Rougher Weather

Fall and winter bring seasonal changes that are worth preparing for. To improve the condition and longevity of your home and yard, there are several things you might want to look at before winter sets in. Fall is often the time when, after a long stretch of high temps, issues with all things weather-related first come to light – and often not until you need them, like when turning on the heat for the first time. Services can get quite busy when these issues arise, so get ahead of fall repairs before the rush.

The most obvious (but certainly not less important) winterizations involve preparing for colder temps. If you have an outdoor A/C unit, you’ll want to hibernate it appropriately, which may include covering it to protect it from the elements. It’s also worth checking that your furnace is in tip top shape and consider upgrading for better efficiency. If you have a fireplace to curl up beside, you’ll need to prep it, including your chimney, for safety and effectiveness.

Of course, another important part of keeping your home warm is making sure the heat you pay for is staying inside. Improving your insulation is an investment that will save you money on heating in the long run. It can also help keep pests out as the cold drives them inside. Some specific areas to check: Have you caulked your windows and doors lately? Applied weather strips? Checked for any drafts in your attic, where hot air rises and escapes? Your choice of windows makes a difference, too. If you still have old, singlepane windows, consider upgrading to double or even triple-panes – the extra layers of glass provide a significant increase in insulation against temperatures, and sounds, too.

Low temperatures are not the only weather phenomena the colder months bring. Harsh winds, damp, and precipitation await us –and can pose a risk of damage to your home if not properly prepared for. Windstorms can dislodge parts of your house and yard and cause damage. Be sure to check bushes and trees for any problematic branches that could cost thousands in damage if blown into your house. Likewise, give your roof an inspection. If you have any shingles that are coming loose, it may be time to have it re-shingled. If you have any concerns about the state of wooden fixtures – like siding or porches, for example - have them assessed by a professional for damage and repaired before the damp degrades them further. Also, give your gutters a check.

Photos from stock

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HELPS HOMEOWNERS

The caption above references fiscal year 2022-23, which ended on July 1st. Since that time, Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area has completed two more Critical Home Repairs and has five more projects scheduled. For more information or to apply for this service, please visit www.HarrisburgHabitat.org.

How does it work?

1. Homeowners complete an application, including all accompanying documentation.

2. Habitat Harrisburg will schedule an assessment to identify and prioritize what your eligible repairs are and estimate the repair costs.

3. The assessment and application must be evaluated by our construction committee for approval.

4. Professional construction staff, volunteers, and subcontractors make repairs to your home. Homeowners participate in the project as they are able.

What types of repairs can be done?

· Roofs, windows, door

· Porches and railings (fall prevention)

· Steps, access ramps and walkways (eliminate tripping hazards)

· Kitchens and bathrooms

· Plumbing and electrical components

· Floors, ceilings, walls, doors, grab bars, stair lifts and railings

Who qualifies?

· Must own and live in a home in Dauphin County, Camp Hill, Wormleysburg, or Lemoyne that needs repairs.

· Household gross income must be below 80% of the area median family income.

During fall and winter, they’ll fill up with leaves and snow, so be sure to get them cleaned and repaired if needed and consider installing a gutter guard to protect against future debris.

Also, make sure your yard and what you keep in it are safe for winter. Be sure to clean, prep, and store lawn and garden tools, clean and cover your grill and winterize any irrigation systems, when you’re done using them for the season. Look after your landscaping and anything you’ve got growing: for example, remulch perennials to keep their roots insulated, add fertilizers or composts so they have time to break down and enrich your soil before spring, and get rid of any weeds or diseased plants that could harm healthy plants next season. If you have a pool, it will need to be treated and covered for winter, and any pool equipment will need to be properly stored. By getting these chores done when the weather isn’t too cold, you’ll ensure you’ll be ready to maintain the outdoor space you’ve invested in for another year.

Step Two: Get Your Home Ready for Hosting

With autumn aesthetics remaining everpopular, fall is a great time to refresh your style. One of the simplest ways to try on a new look is a fresh coat of paint on your exteriors or interiors. You could go as extensive or subtle with this as you like. It doesn’t have to be an entire repainting – exteriors could be accented, for example, with a new color for your front door, and new choices for interior moldings and trims can make a space pop.

As colder weather brings your household inside perhaps more than usual, it’s worth taking a closer look at your interiors. If you’ve been craving some change, now might be the time to act. Your interior projects could be as low maintenance as redecoration or allout as a full remodel. Some popular interior refreshes that don’t involve permanent modifications include rearranging furniture and using dividers to create a cozier space suited to winter hibernation, adding mirrors and changing out lightshades to compensate for dwindling natural light, and improve a room’s insulation and “cuddliness” by bringing out soft furnishings like area rugs, tapestries, throw blankets, and pillows.

If you really want to “wow” holiday guests,

you might consider bigger projects. New flooring is one investment that can increase your home’s value and guest appeal. If you’ve been fantasizing about the kitchen of your dreams, now would be a good time to start. After all, food is a huge part of the holiday season, and what could make baking cookies or preparing a holiday roast more of a joy than a newly remodeled kitchen? A bathroom remodel is another popular choice to get the house in shape for the holidays, especially if you’re expecting overnight guests.

You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but what about fall cleaning? Perhaps you have holiday memories of your family’s mad rush to get the house spotless before guests arrive. You can save the holiday tidying for the last minute, but for those bigger home cleaning projects that will pack an extra punch, it’s worth scheduling them now. Perhaps you might consider scheduling a power-washing for your house – fall temperatures are ideal for professional power-cleaning, leaving your exteriors sparkling clean for seasonal decorations. A professional carpet cleaning is another great option for a fall refresh.

Please see Fall Home Improvement continued on page 8

Spring rain and summer activities tend to track dirt through your house, and conventional vacuums can only do so much. It might seem too early to think about decorating for the holidays, but it’s worth starting your planning now, especially if you want to put up lights. Although you might be the first on your block putting up Christmas lights, getting it done ahead of winter chill could be advantageous. After all, you don’t have to light them yet. And if you’re considering the services of a professional Christmas light installation service, it’s good to book now, as slots start to fill up closer to the holidays.

Step 3: Rest Easy Knowing Your Home Is Safe and Inviting This Fall

By taking care of things now, you have one less thing to worry about when the holiday season comes into full swing, and the madness of all the festive preparations takes over. And then when it’s all done, you can take a muchneeded break. You can focus on relaxing and enjoying your safe, efficient, cozy space, resting easy with the knowledge that you can hunker down through the winter and (hopefully) not have to worry about home projects for a while. Well - at least not until spring starts it all over again. 7

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Letort Spring Run Trail: Connecting the Past and Future

The Letort Regional Authority’s Letort Nature Trail in the Carlisle area packs a lot of history, scenery, and recreation into its short distance – and plans to get bigger and even better.

The Letort Nature Trail is a 4.5 mile long out and back multi-use trail that starts in Carlisle’s Letort Park and follows the meandering of the legendary Letort Spring Run, perhaps America’s most famous trout stream. The crushed stone surface (8 – 10 feet wide) follows the relatively flat roadbed of the abandoned South Mountain Railroad, offering trail users (bikers, hikers, walkers, birder watchers, fishermen, and, in winter, cross-country skiers) a pleasant outdoor experience, free of steep hills or rough ground (the trail is an American with Disabilities Act accessible trail, with a handicap accessible fishing platform located in Letort Park). Spread throughout the trail are benches and interpretative markers that tell the history of the trail, as well as information on the flora and fauna along the route.

The trail derives its name from the stream it follows, the Letort Spring Run, itself named after James LeTort (variously spelled Le Tort, Letort, or Letart). LeTort was a French-Swiss trader credited with being the first European settler west of the Susquehanna River in what is now Cumberland County. Letort received a license in 1712 to trade with the local Native Americans and chose to build his “trading post,” a collection of small cabins, at Beaver Pond (or Great Beaver Pond) close to a Shawnee village located near the headwaters of the Letort. The village and the proximity of several

major Native American trails (Frankstown Path and the Great Trail) intersecting the area assured LeTort of a thriving business, though apparently his sharp business practices sufficiently angered the Shawnees such that they burned down the trading post in 1720. LeTort rebuilt his trading post, but, due to the influx of Scot-Irish settlers into the area, subsequently abandoned it and moved west in the late 1720’s. The exact site of LeTort’s trading post has never been discovered, but it is believed by most local historians to have been located off the East Branch of Letort Spring Run, likely in the area that later became a commercial watercress farm. This would have eradicated any archeological evidence of the trading post.

While James LeTort would fade into history, the stream that bears his name would go on to become the cradle of modern fly fishing in America. While only nine miles in length from its source near Bonnybrook Road to its mouth at Conodoguinet Creek, the Letort, its crystal-clear waters enriched by limestone springs, harbors a healthy population of wild and wily brown trout that feed on the stream’s abundant aquatic insects and hide in its lush watercress and elodea vegetation. The stream was made famous in the 1950’s and 1960’s by legendary fly-fishing writers, Vince Marinaro (“The Modern Dry Fly Code” and “In the Ring of the Rise”), Charlie Fox (“The Wonderful World of Trout” and “Rising Trout”), and renowned fly tier, Ed Shenk, who created the ubiquitous Letort Cricket and Letort Hopper fly patterns. In 1981, the use of pesticides on the commercial watercress farm on the stream’s east branch resulted in a large fish kill,

but the trout population has since rebounded. The Letort is classified as a Class A Wild Trout Stream and 1.7 miles of the stream is restricted to fly fishing with barbless hooks only and all fish caught must be released. The Letort is also designated as a Pennsylvania Scenic River as well as Exceptional Value Waters.

While the Letort Spring Run is the trail’s main attraction, the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy’s (CPC) Letort Spring Garden Preserve is a great place along the trail to stop, relax, and learn about environmental stewardship. The 34 acre preserve is located on the site of the now defunct watercress farm whose origins go back to the 1890’s. While the Preserve’s most notable features are the 1881 Melester Bank Barn (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) and a restored 1820 springhouse, the observant eye will quickly spot red-winged blackbirds, ducks, deer, and other wildlife drawn to the wetlands. The Preserve is an ideal location for carrying out the CPC goals of ecological restoration, history interpretation, and conservation education. The CPC is working to improve accessibility, through parking improvements and trail updates, in conjunction with community partners. The project is slated for completion in 2024.

While the commercial watercress farm has ceased operations, industry is still present along the trail. More than one trail user has been startled when coming upon a large active limestone quarry operation in the midst of such idyllic surroundings. The juxtaposition of quarry, stream, and trail serves as a reminder

Please see Letort Trail continued on page 10

Story and photos by Samuel J. Rob

Letort Trail continued from page 9

of the balance planners strive for in juggling recreation, conservation, and preservation in an urban setting.

As good as the Letort Nature Trail is, there are plans to make it even better. Per discussion with South Middleton Township Manager, Cory Adams, the plan is to extend the trail to the picturesque village of Boiling Springs as well as the historic Craighead House. A nearly one-mile extension was recently constructed, with the connection to Boiling Springs expected to be completed by 2026. Boiling Springs is a destination in its own right, with the beautiful Childrens Lake located in the center of the village, bordered by the Appalachian Trail and the nearby Yellow Breeches Creek (another excellent trout stream). The Café 101 in the center of town is a great spot for a restorative lunch before the six-mile ride back to Carlisle.

Once back in Carlisle, take time to eat, drink, and explore the town voted last year as America’s #4 Best Historic Small Town in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

For dining and lodging options, go online to the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau website: (https://www.visitcumberlandvalley. com).

Trail Access Points:

-Letort Park (located off East Pomfret Street in Carlisle)

-Letort Spring Garden Preserve (located off South Spring Garden Street)

-Heisers Lane (small gravel parking area at the current southern trail terminus)

A map and descriptions of the trail can be found online at the Letort Regional Authority’s website (https://letort.org ) or on Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s TrailLink website (https://www.traillink.com).

For further information on the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, a regional charitable land trust with the mission of protecting natural resources through property acquisition, conservation easements, education, and outreach, go online to www. centralpaconservancy.org to learn how you can get involved. 7

Pet Food Safety at Home

If you have a pet, there is a good chance that they’ve dealt with unexplained digestive upset. It’s a familiar scenario. Your dog or cat was just fine yesterday, perky and engaged in his normal activities. Today, he’s vomiting or experiencing diarrhea and it takes several days for him to bounce back. You wrack your brain trying to figure out what he could have eaten that made him so violently ill. Was it his food, table scraps, the garbage, or a dead animal in the yard? It could be any of those things, but have you ever considered inappropriate food storage to be the culprit?

Your pet’s health can be affected by where food is stored, how it is stored, and for how long. Pet food isn’t that different from our own food and is not made to be stored in plastic for long periods of time. However, many pet owners dump pet food into a plastic container and discard the bag. Even when sealed with a lid, food can become rancid when kept in plastic boxes. Over time, residual oils and food particles accumulate in the container, potentially causing bacteria and mold growth. Unwashed storage containers can contaminate the fresh, new food that is dumped into the dirty container.

To ensure that your pet isn’t ingesting rancid oils and bacteria that have collected in a storage container, keep all dry pet foods in their original bags. Pet food companies design their bags to keep food fresh and safe to eat. If you use any kind of storage container, keep the food inside the bag and put it into the container. If there is a recall, or your pet gets sick, you will have a record of the lot code and expiration dates. Between each bag, wash food storage containers with warm water and dish detergent and rinse well. Dry it thoroughly before placing new food inside. You should also wash food, water bowls, and food scoops after each use. As humans, we wouldn’t think of eating off the same unwashed plate each day!

Pet owners that “free feed” often make the mistake of topping off the pet food in the bowl each day without washing it. Bacteria and mold can build up on the bowl and make your pet sick. This can lead pet owners to incorrectly assume something is wrong with the pet food. Imagine what would happen if we kept a bowl of potato chips out all the time and just added new ones on the top. Those chips on the bottom would get pretty disgusting and stale.

Optimally, dry pet food should be stored in a tightly sealed bag within a climate-controlled environment, never in a hot garage or a

damp basement. Those latter environments encourage mold growth and compromise the safety and freshness of the food. And, though it saves time and money, I advise against buying a huge bag of pet food that will be open for more than a month. Even in its own packaging, food can eventually get stale and become less desirable. Just ask a picky dog or cat. They will notice the change in smell and begin to turn up their noses.

Following food safety protocols for pets does take a little more time and effort, but the payoff is a healthier pet and fewer visits to the vet. 7

Kristen Zellner owns Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals, est. 1986, Central PA’s first health food store for pets. She helps customers keep their pets healthy through better nutrition.

Fraud Protection in a Digital World

Years ago, fraudsters posing as a Nigerian prince were easy to spot. Nowadays, tactics have become more subtle and harder to identify. I received a call from a client who narrowly avoided fraud from a bad actor posing as a representative from Comcast. Because she maintained a high level of skepticism and noticed a few red flags, she was able to identify the caller as a fraud and prevent identity theft. Let’s discuss best practices to avoid getting spammed.

Multi-Factor Authorization

Whenever possible, I highly recommend multi-factor authorization also known as MFA or 2 factor authentication. Multifactor authorization is the feature that sends you a text message after you enter your password. The text usually provides you with a unique code that you must enter prior to gaining access to your account. Both personally and professionally, I have witnessed these twofactor log-in practices stop a scam attempt. The benefit of two-factor authorization is that while the hacker may have access to one method of authentication, they don’t have access to the other. For example, they may have been able to hack into your email but they’re not physically holding your cell phone.

Urgency

For my client, an individual claiming to be a Comcast representative called her. She questioned the legitimacy of the call so the potential fraudster stated that he would send her a text confirmation. The text message from Comcast clearly stated that no Comcast representative would ask for this unique code. When my client pointed this out, the caller began emphasizing that the code has a limited window until she would be locked out of her account. This leads us to our next red flag, urgency. Hackers will often emphasize time and attempt to rush things along. This should cause you to pause and question the legitimacy of the correspondence.

Is this legitimate?

If you have any questions about correspondence being legitimate, I recommend stopping the current communication and resuming with a known phone number. If you are chatting with a bank representative and you feel uncomfortable, end the conversation, and call back on a phone number listed on the bank’s website. My client ended up reaching out to a previously used Comcast phone number where they informed her that no one from Comcast called her. However, her log-in information including her username, password, and cell phone number were compromised. What saved my client was listening to her gut. She asked questions and noticed the caller’s hesitance and reluctance. Even though he was pressuring her to move quickly, she took her time and read the full multi factor authorization text message, where she was able to fully determine this wasn’t a legitimate phone call.

Next Steps

My client had to change her password. It is best practice that each log-in has a unique password. Maintaining separate passwords for each website is one of the best defenses you can practice. Managing passwords can be challenging, so don’t hesitate to use a password manager. I also recommend monitoring your credit, you can use a free website such as Credit Karma to monitor any new activity. This will let you know if someone is attempting to open a credit card or open a line of credit in your name. 7

Bryson Roof, CFP, is a Financial Advisor at Fort Pitt Capital Group in Harrisburg, and has been quoted nationally in various finance publications including CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, and Barron’s.

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Back-to-School Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential to setting kids up for success as they return to school and extracurricular activities. Whether you are packing lunches, choosing snacks, or planning meals, making healthy choices will help you and your family stay focused and maintain energy throughout the day.

Breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day. Each morning, it’s essential to eat foods that will sustain you through early afternoon — limit consumption of energydense foods (high in fat or sugar) and focus on nutrient-dense ones.

Nutrient-dense foods and beverages provide vitamins, minerals, and other healthpromoting components. Overall, you want to eat a diet rich in calcium and fiber and that includes balanced portions of carbohydrates, protein, and fat (macronutrients). Vegetables,

fruits, whole grains, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, unsalted nuts and seeds, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry — when prepared with no or little added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium — are considered nutrient-dense foods.

The start of the school year often brings a newly packed schedule. Having nutritious snacks on hand can make packing lunches and eating-on-the-go healthy and easy. Being prepared with a snack or meal gives you control over nutritional value and appropriate portion sizes for each member of your family.

The first steps in executing healthy meals and snacks are planning for the week and sticking to your list at the grocery store. Two tips for making healthy choices while shopping:

1. Limit the purchase and consumption of sweetened beverages, which, in

addition to adding expense to your budget, add sugar and calories to your diet without providing health benefits.

2. Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your family’s diet, and wash, cut, and pre-package some of them ahead of time so they are just as easy to grab for snacking as a bag of chips or a package of cookies.

This sort of preparation is also important at dinner time. When things get busy, it can be tempting to forego plans for a family meal and eat out or pick up food on the way home. Sticking to your scheduled meal helps ensure dinner is nutritious while allowing you to bond as a family each day.

Once your children are adequately fueled for the day with good nutrition, they need at

least 60 minutes of physical activity. Some kids may get this level of exercise at school or during extracurriculars, but others need more encouragement. Outside of homework, limit daily screen time and other sedentary behaviors when your kids get home from school. Consider activities the family can do together, such as a walk, bike ride, or active game.

Eating healthy, nutrient-rich meals and snacks will help you and your family stay focused at school and work and give you the energy to exercise and participate in activities — leading to healthier, more balanced lifestyles for everyone.

Sumathi Suppiah, MD, DABO, is the medical director of medical weight management for the UPMC Central PA Weight Management Center. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal health through good diet and nutrition, regular exercise, and mental health support. To learn more about medical weight management at UPMC in Central Pa., call 717-591-5638 or visit UPMC. com/CentralPaWeightLoss.

DJ Lighting

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Audio Visual

Gettysburg Community Theatre: Jekyll & Hyde (a musical telling of literature’s most famous case of split personality); plays October 13-22. Get tickets at gettysburgcommunitytheatre.org

Keystone Theatrics, Boiling Springs: Young Frankenstein (Mel Brooks gets musical! And it’s pronounced FRAHNK-en-steen.); plays October 13-29. Get tickets at keystonetheatrics.com

Open Stage of Harrisburg: The Exorcist (wait, they’re going to put The Exorcist on stage? YES.); plays October 7-31. Get tickets at openstagehbg.com

For those of you who aren’t into sitting in the dark and feeling spooked, there are theatrical offerings that steer clear of the monstrous.

Gamut Theatre Group, Harrisburg: I Don’t Speak Spanish (a world-premiere play by local playwright David Ramón Zayas); plays October 7-22. Get tickets at gamuttheatre.org

Hershey Area Playhouse: School of Rock (a musical adaptation of the film, featuring a live all-kids rock band!); plays October 19-29. Get tickets at hersheyareaplayhouse.com

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg: Forever Plaid (a musical staple that will help you forget about the boogeyman for a couple of hours); plays October 13-29. Get tickets at ltmpa.com

The Pharmacy Theatre: Orchid (written by local playwright Paul Hood and performed in Harrisburg); plays October 6-7. Get tickets at pharmacytheatre.org

Sponsorship and registration: HomelandEvents.org/5K-MemoryWalk Questions: 717-221-7890

Join Us!

Homeland 5K and Memory Walk – an annual tradition to remember!

Center whose financial resources have been exhausted.

Tara Herweg (she/her) is a native of Camp Hill, a former Core Company member of Gamut Theatre Group, and a huge fan of the Harrisburg theatre scene. Now she gets to call herself a writer, too (her 8-year-old self, Care Bears fanfic in hand, can hardly believe it)! She keeps herself busy working on her novel, watching horror movies, and raising her small human.

Nine years ago, a group of Homeland staff and board members set out to create a signature event to shine a light on hospice care and bring the community together to remember loved ones.

The event, which today is a combined 5K and Memory Walk, has become a beloved Homeland tradition. A day dedicated for families to remember their loved ones and for Homeland’s dedicated staff to honor the community and individuals they are blessed to care for.

Funds raised support Homeland Hospice supportive services like massage, music therapy and additional in-home relief hours as well as residents of Homeland

Whether you are a serious runner, a casual walker or want to commemorate the memory of a loved one, ALL are welcome on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Rossmoyne Business Center.

Registration for the 5K and Memory Walk is required, and open for runners and walkers of all ages. Participate individually or with a team and feel free to bring your four-legged friends, as well. Everyone is invited to stay after the 5K and Memory Walk for the honoring of loved ones, light refreshments, and award event prizes.

The Point: A Love Story

Sitting on the warm concrete steps, breathing in the freshwater scent of the Susquehanna River with cicadas buzzing about, you can catch the gaze in the eyes of those who grew up taking in this view. Watching the Pride of the Susquehanna out of the water with another shoreline just past, slightly out of focus. However, there are those who grew up seeing things from the other side of the same great river that divides the shores of the capital city. Across the Harvey Taylor Bridge and about a mile upriver, sitting between the Enola Rail Yard and Wormleysburg, there’s a small place where the Conodoguinet Creek and the Susquehanna River meet. A place where even fewer teens who grew up in the early 2000’s spent many hot, summer days and humid nights called The Point.

During the day, The Point fills in with people who lower their boats and park their trucks to spend a day fishing on the Susquehanna, people in waders fly fishing in the Conodoguinet Creek and even some kayakers treading from the creek into the river. Families stopping by for a lunch at the picnic table and even photographers taking photos of the Capitol reflecting off the stillness of the river.

Story by Stephanie Godinez; Illustration by Emily White

There’s a dirt path leading to where you can still see a rope swing from the daredevils who climbed up the railroad tracks to jump into the cool water below. Those brave souls left their mark in the form of graffiti begging the next generation to make theirs. Many end up heading home or out to eat when the sun starts to set. But if you grew up nearby, you know that when the sun starts to set, there’s a grass path off the beaten dirt trail hidden underneath those railroad ties that only those who know where it is can see with the moonlight guiding them. Walking back, smelling the freshness of the Earth, hearing the rippling of the current in the creek, and seeing fireflies lighting the way, you can easily forget how close this all is to the city.

Be careful if you’re still barefoot from the day in the water! There are nails hidden in the dirt from the nail mill that stood in this very place. Going deeper into the woods you come to a fork in the path. You can either cross over the arches that still remain from that mill, or you can continue walking to where you can sit underneath an arch, seeing the lights from the neighborhood across the creek.

It is starting to get darker out now and you heard the tales that this whole town was once an Indian burial ground. You think you hear something in the distance! Is that chanting and possibly the beat of a drum?

Hanging back for a moment, all alone, feeling just how small you are in the world. You know it’s late and there’s the smell of fire with the laughter of your friends up ahead, so you keep walking. You ask yourself if you should just go home but no, don’t get scared now. You don’t want to be left out, do you?

Saying you lived in West Fairview was looked at like you were from some unknown place within the West Shore. Growing up was so different when I was a teen and I’m glad I had that time to grow and experience a different side of the Harrisburg area than most did. I truly hope that teens today get to experience

the freedom I had, to roam about under the moonlight and go home smelling like campfire smoke.

Stephanie Godinez lives in Camp Hill with her husband, son, and three dogs. She enjoys road trips and hiking with her family, spending afternoons reading at the local library, and is currently writing a novel she originally anticipated finishing about three years ago.

THE BOUNTY OF ADAMS COUNTY AWAITS!

There are two flavorful ways to explore the bounty of picturesque Adams County, home to historic Gettysburg, PA. First, savor locally crafted beers, wines, ciders, mead, and spirits along our popular Adams County Pour Tour Then take a scenic outing through the region’s many working farms and orchards on the Adams County Crop Hop, our farm and market trail. The more places you visit, the more prizes you can win!

AdamsCountyPourTour.com

AdamsCountyCropHop.com

A Facebook friend of a Facebook friend of a Facebook friend is not a friend. At best, its people passing each other in a mouse click who wouldn’t give you the time of day if they were Big Ben himself. But hackers are everyone’s friend.

BREAKING NEWS! One of the newly revamped Furbys just got arrested for charming someone to death. Rumor is it was a Ken doll, but don’t tell Barbie.

Life is full of false truths that are followed fervently and faithfully into folly. One man’s folly is another man’s volley.

A current commercial conveys the message that its pill is the best for what ails you by having a large curvy woman sing and dance. She takes a break, then in a voiceover listing all the dangerous side effects, including death, she becomes even more frantic in her singing, dancing, and smiling till she’s breathless.

It takes me about four hours to get through a two-hour movie, what with falling asleep numerous times then rewinding to try to find out where I lost consciousness so I could start watching it again.

Barbie has her pink wardrobe in a pink wonderland. How about a Flintstones’ collection of cut off pants and dresses in orange, white and blue and polka dot with Fred in charge in his ratty blue tie with Barney, Wilma, Betty, and the kids? Nex up, the Jetsons!

Killer Whales are attacking boats now. So, I can soon see “The Planet Of The Orcas” at a movie theatre near you.

I got a new financial advisor: Power Ball. His financial advice is “You can’t win if you don’t play.”

“Does outer space end, or go on forever?” Johnny Mathis answered this in 1958 when he sang “Until the twelfth of never and that’s a long, long time.”

The Work of Closer

by Deanna Nikaido

There is no rug in nature to be pulled out from under. Everything dies happily and a day ago.

No eulogy for the cracked seed leaving its body to become the tree that’s cut and split for a polished man to sit on or simply tinder for light. And who are we really and by what name would we recognize ourselves when the fire is done with us? When the education of silence in its unpronounceable proportions simply gives itself away?

Perhaps we too would be more willing if we could marry ourselves to the saying of it.

Forget the details of what mattered less-

Repeat sky like a bird does with its wings the way a drop of rain immerses itself in anything that thirsts.

Live like the bee whose heart happens around every flower it loves.

Deanna Nikaido has authored two collections of poetry: Voice Like Water and Vibrating With Silence; and co-authored two children’s books: Animal Ark, (National Geographic 2017) with Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess, and How to Write a Poem with Kwame Alexander (2023).

Here’s a short ad for Threads, that’s challenging Twitter for dominance. It’s “Nice Threads!”, which could apply to a possible fine line of men’s and ladies wear to go along with its new Instagram app. A metaphor for the transitory arc of life: the most exquisite, fantastic meal you’ve ever had in our life ends up being flushed down the toilet.

“For the first-time fireballs are raining down on the sun” so duck and cover during your commute home. Use your asbestos shield when doing yard work and don’t forget to hydrate.

It’s so hot out that cook outs will start on their own.

I’m not one who earns medals or ribbons for being the best at anything. And this has always saddened me until now. I’ve just been awarded a great big, beautiful ribbon for… PARTICIPANT.

I was there briefly, but still…

One word: Barbenheimer!

The biggest cinematic event of the year happened on July 21st. Maybe the biggest cinematic event of the decade, or maybe even the century – maybe even the millennium. So, the question remains … where were you when Barbenheimer happened?

That’s right kids. Barbenheimer! For generations to come people will be telling their kids and their grandkids where they were for Barbenheimer. Where was I? I was right there in the third-row center. But hey, there may be some of you out there who know not of what I speak. Granted, these people must have just crawled out of the primordial ooze to not know of what I speak. To not know of Barbenheimer? But just in case, here’s the dealio.

Once upon a time there were two different movies. They were directed by different people. They were distributed by different studios. They were on completely different subjects. Their styles were nowhere close to resembling each other. These two films could not be more different. But, when they were both announced for July 21, 2023, releases, the floodgates opened.

Somewhere on the internet (where it all happens) somebody decided to start promoting these films as one multi-headed entity. It caught on, as things do on the internet (again, where everything happens) and what were once two films became one. What were once Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, were now, and forever will be, Barbenheimer.

Theatres were selling out, not just for one of these films, but for both. People were making it a double feature. One of those people, of course, was me. So, I went to the 12 noon showing of Oppenheimer on opening day, then followed that up with the six o’clock screening of Barbie later that same day. Boom! Barbenheimer. Level completed!

I’m not going to get into what I thought of each film (loved both btw) because this is not about the individual films (though both will surely be in my top ten come year’s end).

is about the event that will forever be known as Barbenheimer.

Being the social media whore that I am, I had to document this on that aforementioned internet where everything happens. If there are no pictures, did it even happen? So, I dressed in greys and blacks for Oppenheimer, posing in front of the poster, then I switched to an all-pink outfit for barbie. But I wasn’t the only one. People were dressing up for this double feature like they were cosplaying the latest MCU or Star Wars movies.

I saw a pair of young women who were dressed in fedoras and shirt and tie with pink skirts and heels heading into the theatre. This went beyond the movies, and even beyond the controversies (mainly led by a bunch of fragile male egos who apparently are afraid of the feminism coming out of Barbie) and became the cinematic event of the year or decade or century or even millennium. This was Barbenheimer. That’s it gang. See ya at the movies.

Kevyn Knox is a Writer, Artist, Pop Photographer, Film & TV Historian, Pez Collector, and Pop Culturist. He has written film reviews for FilmSpeak, Central PA Voice, and The Burg. His reviews & other ramblings can be found on his blog, www.allthingskevyn. com. The Cercus reserves all reproduction rights, including the right to claim statutory copyright, in the above published Work. The Work may not be photographed, sketched, painted, or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express, written consent of The Cercus.

The guys in the Y were changing in the locker room. Instead of just walking in I knocked on the door for fun. It took several knocks to stop people talking. Then confusion reigned. Finally, someone opened the door gingerly, then laughed shouting that it was just Roddey. Got you!

It should be easy to find Bigfoot as he hops on his one big foot through the woods.

“Our entire observable universe — every speck of dust, every star and every galaxy was once crammed into a volume no bigger than a peach with a temperature of over 1 trillion degrees.” Wow! A Gorgia peach started today’s universe in a trillion-degree oven, and it makes a great cobbler!

I need a memory foam implant. I’m at the point where I forget more daily than I remember. It’s bad when my mattress remembers things more than me.

“And Enormous Gravity ‘Hum’ Moves Through the Universe,” astronomers say. It’s probably the universe next door. Just pound on a wall of air and shout “Turn your hum down, my dog’s trying to sleep!”

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T h e J D K G r o u p - H e r e t o C e l e b r a t e w i t h y o u f o r L i f e .

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P h o t o g r a p h y b y R e b e c c a L e s s n e r

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I n t e r e s t e d i n j o i n i n g o u r t e a m o f e v e n t m a g i c m a k e r s w i t h a j o b t h a t f i l l s y o u w i t h p u r p o s e ( w h i l e a l s o g e t t i n g p a i d t o p a r t y ) ! ? E m a i l y o u r r e s u m e o r l i s t o f p r i o r w o r k e x p e r i e n c e t o o u r h i r i n g t e a m a t e m p l o y m e n t @ t h e j d k g r o u p . c o m !

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Food & Fun

To Market, To Market, to buy a … house cappuccino?

We’re talking Market, as in the hidden gem of a café tucked away in the Shoppes of Hampden in Camp Hill. As you’ll read in this month’s Barista’s Choice feature, barista and manager Maddy Berrier doesn’t just serve up hot coffees and cappuccinos, but also refreshers, specialty lemonades, and beverages with cold foam. And don’t forget the popular Crispy Chicken Sandwiches and house-crafted desserts, including Cookie Dough Brownies! Yum!

More info at www.3700market.com.

Photo by Paul Vasiliades.

The Marketing of Market: Full Time Barista/Manager/Student Builds Coffee Excellence

Barista and manager Maddy Berrier has a lot to like about her job. “I love the customer interactions,” she enthuses. “I just love the breakfast/brunch/lunch idea, too. I’m really passionate about our food, and I’m also just passionate about my leadership position here. I really just enjoy what I do.” Her enthusiasm shines through in the smile with which she greets each customer.

Berrier works for Market, a Camp Hill café tucked away in the Shoppes of Hampden, a small shopping center along – of course –Market Street. You would think its location, which is hard to pick out driving by, would hinder the business, but to its many regulars, it is a hidden gem. “People stop in sometimes, and they’re like, ‘Wow, I never knew this was here,’” Berrier explains. “And they end up becoming regulars – they just enjoy it so much.” In fact, despite only opening in 2018, the business managed to thrive through the pandemic – at a time when it was hard enough for more well-established businesses to stay afloat. “Our regulars are what keeps us afloat,” she affirms. Although for a while, during the pandemic, the staff was reduced to her, the owner, and one cook, sometimes the café would be flooded by enough steadfast supporters to challenge the temporarily abbreviated team.

Market opened in 2018 after previously being Sophia’s on Market, when the previous owner wanted to focus on her other location, Sophia’s at Walden, and former Sophia’s pastry chef, Meghan Seiferth, decided to buy the location. Berrier, who worked at Sophia’s on Market, was brought on for the new team. “Basically, I was just thrown into it on day one,” she comments. Quickly, Berrier, who had not worked as a barista before but previously worked in management at a fast-food chain, became an important leader within their team, cross-trained to fill in on any position. The team at Market has worked hard to make the business successful. The café has a full kitchen and has always been known for its eats, including their house-made desserts and Berrier’s recommendation of the popular Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Recently, though, the café, with Berrier’s direction, has been

Maddy Berrier

Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com

focusing on expanding its coffee and other beverage offerings. With new options such as refreshers, specialty lemonades, beverages with cold foam – all house-made – Market is, well, expanding its market.

Berrier, who went to Red Land High School, is now attending Shippensburg University for a degree in social work. Now in her senior year, she admits that balancing school and work has been difficult at times, but Market has helped her achieve her dreams. “This place has been an opportunity to achieve both,” she beams. Most who have worked with the public extensively will understand that there is just a hint of social work built into the job, so Berrier’s passion for the field makes perfect sense. “People may not compare the industries so much,” she says of her academic field and current job, “but a lot

of it is being able to talk to people and helping people.” She and her team have formed yearslong relationships with customers of all ages. “We’ve watched peoples’ kids grow,” she recounts, “like this one woman and her two daughters. (…) I remember her being pregnant the first time, and then a second time, and now they’re both almost three - like, it’s wild.” It’s clear she gets a lot out of her work – though of course that’s only one facet of her life. When she’s not behind the counter at Market or attending classes with her Shippensburg cohort, Berrier likes to recharge by getting outdoors, kayaking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

September marks summer’s last hurrah, and pumpkin spice season is now upon us. With their pumpkin spice flavor for drinks

Photography by Paul Vasiliades

being made completely in-house with natural ingredients, it’s worth adding Market to your list of pumpkin spice (or whatever you’re into!) stops this year. And while you’re there, why not pair your drink with one of their unique house-crafted desserts? I recommend the Cookie Dough Brownies.

Berrier’s Dossier

Words of advice to home coffee brewers

If I had to share some advice for home coffee brewers - it is easier than you think. The first step is to find what you like in your coffee and explore quality ingredients. I am not here to tell you to go buy a fancy coffee or espresso machine, but when you find your niche in the coffee world, it opens several doors of flavors and aromas. The magic in coffee is experimenting with different brewing methods and different coffees. Coffee is better with high-quality beans. I highly suggest buying whole beans. Another considerable suggestion is to evaluate your water source in coffee. I have learned throughout the years that a primary reason people are drawn to restaurant-grade coffee is the high-quality water used in dining establishments. Lastly, I would tell you all to enjoy the ritual. Many of us depend on our morning coffee to start our days, which should be positive and enjoyable!

Is there anything- or anyone- who inspires you as a barista?

My inspiration as a barista has come from a dear friend of mine and the catering manager of Market. Leanna and I were the face of Market

in 2018, and we have been at the restaurant from day one. Leanna has taught me so much about our coffee products and machinery. Before her leadership in our catering department, she had my position as front-ofhouse manager. Opening Market in its first days was stressful - but we were determined to grow as a business, including the cafe aspect. From day one, we had a grasp on the food part of the business, and I was determined to see the cafe flourish alongside it. Leanna and I have spent years collaborating on drink recipes and various advertising to increase sales in this department. She has taught me all of what I know and has made me a confident barista. I come from a family of bartenders, which has made me adept at getting to know my customers’ flavor profiles. My customer connections are unique in my inspiration for recipes, and the feedback I receive inspires me to continuously be creative. It has led to a path of success which I am so grateful for.

Favorite coffee or blend of coffee. My favorite blend of coffee comes from our local distributor John Gross. We have been using their coffee blends since day one. This includes a variety of combinations of flavored and unflavored. Before Market, the former

Sophias on Market had also used the same brand of coffee. It was evident that their coffee had appealed to the clientele prior, and as a former employee of the previous restaurant, it was a solid decision. Their products are high in quality and accessible to the public. I suggest anyone reading this article looking for a change in their coffee visit the John Gross distribution company in Mechanicsburg. They sell all of their coffee products with no membership necessary. Hint hint, they can grind coffee beans for you!

Recommendations of two or three kinds of coffee to try.

Throughout the years, I have some established favorites. The first is a seasonal appearance, our house-made pumpkin spice latte. The secret is a unique blend of spices, pumpkin, and milk. Rather than most, we do not use syrup in this recipe but all-natural ingredients to blend espresso, coffee, or cold brew with. This recipe has been a best seller for years, and it is the only pumpkin spice I will drink. I cannot wait to make it for you. Secondly, one of our newest drinks available is our coconut iced latte. I had coconut on my mind and wondered how well it would pair as a summer iced drink. It blends espresso, coconut syrup, vanilla syrup, Please see Barista’s Choice continued on page 36

and coconut milk. It has to be one of our bestselling drinks. Lastly, my personal favorite is our maple vanilla latte. A creative aspect of coffee specialty drinks is making syrups house-made. Not only are they more natural, but they are indeed more flavorful. Our syrup is house-made, and I can confidently say it is a crowd-pleaser. Although it is a fall drink, I can make it all year round!

Favorite coffee-infusion drink to mix. I enjoy the specialty drinks in our department. In Market, an entire coffee bar starts with our house and flavored blends. Alongside that is sugar, cream, and milk. At our coffee bar and counter, you can watch myself and the staff handcrafting each specialty drink to order. My favorite coffee infusion is our house cold brew and house cold foam. Our cold brew can be described as a dark iced blend - and the cold foam is categorized as a sweet vanilla flavor. We integrated cold foam this past year as warmer weather approached us. It has been the hit of Market in recent times. It can be added to any iced drink, including our cold brew, iced lattes, and refreshers. Its popularity has convinced us to add it to our menu officially.

Most commonly ordered drinks during your shift.

I am proud to say our specials have become our most ordered drinks for each shift. Our advertising on social media and throughout our restaurant has aided in the awareness of our ever-changing specialty drinks. Unlike chain coffee shops, something unique to Market is that we continually carry products to make seasonal drinks year-round, within reason. Currently, our most commonly ordered drinks are our house cappuccinos. The magic in our cappuccinos is a delicious layer of thick foam and rich espresso. It was crucial from day one to have consistency in our drinks based on the created recipe. Consistency has been vital in making us successful in our cafe department.

Philosophy on coffee brewing and/or the enjoyment of coffee

Coffee is an exciting concept. Most people drink it and either love, like, or hate it. Coffee is unique to some; it is a reason to gather and rejoice with others. Working in a cafe, you see a cup of coffee unite and bond people. I have built endless relationships solely because of coffee. There is a ritual of making and enjoying coffee. The reflection in each sip can aid in tackling a good or bad day. I enjoy making coffee for my guests and those I love. Coffee,

to me, increases productivity and gratitude; for that, I am thankful. I am grateful that one drink may entirely positively impact another.

Is barista your only job? If not, what else do you do for a living?

At the current moment, being a barista and manager is the only job I have. I have been at Market since day one as a manager and college student. Currently, I am attending Shippensburg University for a social work degree. I am very thankful to have a job that I am exceptionally content with but also supports me in furthering my education. I am still determining my career path after graduation, but my time at Market has made me the best version of myself. I could never express in words my gratitude to the owner Megan and the staff of Market for always being my biggest fans and supporters. They have inspired me to be the best version of myself and a leader for this establishment. I humbly take honor in my part in the success at Market, and my passion for the restaurant industry will always be a part of my identity.

During a typical week, what days/shifts can you be found at Market?

I am thankful to spend each day of the week with you all during our opening hours. These hours and days include Tuesday-Friday, 8 am to 2 pm, and Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm. Of course, there are rare occasions when I am sick or on vacation. But otherwise, I am primarily at the restaurant each day of operation. I make each guest feel at home when they join us, and I look forward to seeing my regulars and new faces in the future.

Recipe for your signature or favorite coffee drink.

Coconut Iced Late

1 tablespoon coconut syrup

½ tablespoon vanilla syrup

2 oz espresso

3 oz Silk coconut milk

16 oz cup

Ice

Nominate a Barista

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Award-Winning Western-Themed Harrisburg Eatery Delivers Seriously Creative Steakhouse Classics

Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com

Our pick for this month’s Foodies for Thought is a restaurant whose chef recently won a Readers’ Choice award for Best Chef in our 2023 Simply the Best competition: Dodge City Steakhouse on Paxton Street. This Harrisburg restaurant, which was featured in 2011 on the show Restaurant: Impossible, is operated by a father-son duo: Doug Krick Sr. (along with his wife, Debbie Krick) owns the establishment, while Doug Krick Jr. serves as the aforementioned Executive Chef. Under their direction, the steakhouse consistently delivers food offerings with the right balance of creative and familiar. More than a decade after the business was in such dire straits that the TV show’s makeover was the last-ditch effort before closing, the spacious and sleek Western-themed restaurant has steadfastly maintained the new business and reputation that it has earned. Our experience certainly proves it.

Our first taste of Dodge City Steakhouse was the complimentary rolls served with a sweet cinnamon butter. The rolls were soft,

fresh, and perfectly warm - a positive sign of what was to come. Our party chose to begin with a starter, the Street Corn Shrimp, based on the trendy Mexican street food, elote, or street corn. Elote typically consists of grilled corn topped with mayo, chili, lime, and cotija cheese. The fried shrimp is not served with any corn, but its flavors are instead inspired by the dish. The shrimp is served upon a bed of jalapeño-cabbage slaw, which serves as a refreshing and crunchy counterpoint. Members of our party remarked that the dish had a perfect balance of tang and heat, and one even said that he would happily order a full entrée portion of it if it was offered.

For our mains, we assembled quite a broad sampling of dishes to try. One person ordered the 12 oz ribeye (being at a steakhouse, after all, at least one of us had to try a steak), which is served with herb butter, a fried onion nest, and one side. She chose the petite brussels sprouts and added an additional side of sautéed onions and mushrooms. She found that the steak was prepared perfectly to her request of medium rare, and that the brussels

sprouts were well-seasoned and cooked skillfully to bring out their flavor and texture. Another diner ordered the Caesar salad, which was fresh and served with a dressing that tasted house-made, and the Smokehouse Tangler, one of their burger specials which features bacon, fried onion tangles, American cheese, and citrus chipotle sauce, and comes with fries. I ordered the Icicle Salad, featuring hydroponic icicle lettuce, goat cheese, sliced almonds, coconut, mandarin orange slices, and a creamy orange dressing. I can appreciate restaurants that go the extra mile to think of creative salad options outside of classics like garden, Greek, and Caesar. As a side, I also ordered the Lemon Parmesan Orzo, which I highly recommend. It’s so creamy and flavorful!

Of course, I can’t neglect to mention dessert. There are some restaurants where I couldn’t blame you for not being in the mood for dessert, but at Dodge City Steakhouse, it’s definitely worth saving room for. There were five or six options on their current dessert menu during our visit, and they’re all house-

“The Smokehouse Tangler, one of their burger specials which features bacon, fried onion tangles, American cheese, and citrus chipotle sauce, and comes with fries.”

White Chocolate Crème Brulée, a rich white chocolate-infused custard topped with caramelized sugar, white chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and strawberry.

made, including the Strawberry Shortcake, which I’ve heard comes from an old family recipe, and is one classic so popular they’ve kept it on the menu for many years. However, although I do love strawberries, this time I opted to try the White Chocolate Crème Brulée, a rich white chocolate-infused custard topped with caramelized sugar, white chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and strawberry. Another diner didn’t have room, but ordered a slice of their Chocolate Pecan Pie, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce, to take home. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed these perfectly portioned sweet endings to our meals. So be sure to ask for that dessert menu!

Another aspect worth mentioning is the drink menu. Dodge City Steakhouse has a full bar, and a selection of specialty cocktails. I briefly considered ordering their S’more’s Hot Chocolate, featuring a peanut butter whiskey, for dessert, but resolved to try it some other time. All their drink specials sound creative and delicious, though, so although we didn’t

end up trying any this time, they’re absolutely worth a look.

“The keyword today is fresh. Everything was very fresh,” one diner praised. “Everything was professionally prepared and plated.” Each plate was indeed artfully presented, as the pictures here, I hope, demonstrate. It’s clear that our Readers’ Choice-winning head chef is serious about the food that he and his kitchen send out, and that passion shines through in the variety of elevated, creative dishes the restaurant offers. With a menu like this, and an eagerness to continue delivering the experiences that keep customers coming in to try new specials, surely Dodge City Steakhouse will maintain the reputation it has built for itself post-Restaurant: Impossible.

Dodge City Steakhouse is located at 1037 Paxton Street in Harrisburg. Visit them online at dodgecityrestaurant.com.

After the Beat/Elena Rossetto

The multi-talented Michael Stipe (of Central PA!)

This month I met up with local musician and my good friend Michael Stipe. I’ve gotten the pleasure of playing a couple of shows with him. Michael is an unmatched talent by not only belonging to multiple bands, playing multiple different instruments, and owning a mixed multimedia venue, but also recently creating his own record label. His love for music began over 21 years ago when he started taking music classes. The teacher would eventually “fire him” from those lessons for not practicing, leading him to seek out lessons from his father and teach himself. He then went to Millersville University to study music where he learned skills like musical theory and piano. He took all his love and knowledge of music to run full steam ahead into his elaborate and blossoming music career.

Michael’s passion for music shines as he performs live with over nine different bands locally, including Baby Brains, Northern Gloom, Versus Machine, Babel Map, Gowned, Le Ghast, Tubey Frank, Muck House, and Midnight Disco. The music ranges from all different genres, from pop, to indie, to post grunge, to trip hop featuring a beatboxer. While he’s got immense love for all the projects he’s a part of, here are a few highlights.

First, we have his band Northern Gloom that has always been his baby. The three-piece band

consists of Michael Stipe (vocals, guitar), Brian Doherty (drums, vocals), and Cory Paternoster (bass, vocals). They have an upcoming album, The Surrealistic Roadhouse, that Stipe can’t wait to share. The album is highly influenced by 70’s inspired glam rock and the idea of a vintage roadhouse where all walks of life come and melt together. Stipe embodies a true and traditional rock n roll attitude of not letting anyone tell you what to do. Stipe’s lyrics are focused on social commentary meant to perplex you and make you think. He writes the structure and lyrics of the songs then the band seamlessly and uniquely fills out the songs. Northern Gloom also works closely with the talented Clint Bolduc on all their videos. This band gives a killer live show as well. Be sure to check them out on their upcoming album.

Secondly, Stipe plays with local band Babel Map. The band is made up of Jess Drummer (vocals, keys), Michael Stipe (bass, vocals), Nakiyah Wilson (drums), and Steph Werner (guitar). Stipe knew he wanted to join the band the first time he heard them live because something just clicked, and he just got the essence of the sound. Babel Map sounds dreamy, experimental, and you can certainly get lost in a trance at their live shows. Their newest record, Cancel This!, is out now and can be streamed on all platforms. The band also has an upcoming show at Lovedraft’s Brewing

Company opening for UK duo electric rock band Wargasam on September 10th.

Lastly, Versus Machine is a post-grunge band made up of Stipe, Brian Doherty, and Steve Tilly. The group’s music has “tasteful time” and heavy, full guitars pairing with dark vocals. They have more new music on the way and have a live album coming out September 29th.

When Stipe isn’t performing he runs his label Gloom Not Doom and the local Lancaster venue The Upside. Gloom Not Doom has worked with Kellii Scott of the band Failure and Steve Tilly on a collaboration and produced multiple bands in the area. He loves recording because, “every record you make is an adventure, a time stamp of your life.” Stipe praised York native Josh Kirwin, mastermind behind Tubey Frank, as one of the best songwriters coming out of PA currently. Kirwin is also signed to the label.

Michael calls his other project, The Upside, a “mixed media farm.” Started with Paternoster and Doherty, it began as a trashed, semiabandoned floor and now has grown into a strong community hub for shows, recording, practice spaces, etc. The space also includes 627 Drum Studios. Michael’s favorite thing about our local music scene is the diversity that boldly embraces all genres and multigenerational artists.

Keep up to date and follow all the incredible work Michael is creating @_northerngloom_, @babelmapmusic,@versusmachine_,@ gloomnotdoom_,@theupsidelancaster,@ tubeyfrank, @leghast

Elena Rossetto was born and raised in Mechanicsburg and has been a Harrisburg resident for over four years. She writes and plays live music with her indie rock band, The After Hours. With her vivacious passion for music, she fiercely believes in supporting the local music scene. After the Beat chases and aims to showcase the incredible local talent our community possesses.

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