Harrisburg Magazine January 2022 by benchmarkmediallc

CONTENTS

b enchmark Media, LLC.

J A N U A R Y 2 02 2

30 January 2022 • Volume 28 No. 1

PRESIDENT/CEO Darwin Oordt doordt@benchmarkmediallc.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Christina Heintzelman cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com Darcy Oordt darcy@benchmarkmediallc.com

INSIDE

SIMPLY THE BEST 2022 BUSINESSES TO NOMINATE

6 INTROSPECTION 8

BARTENDER’S OR BARISTA’S CHOICE

10 IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD 13 IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS 16 BY THE BOOK 16 NOURISHING BITES 17 THE FINANCE HOUND 18 THEATRE THOUGHTS

ON THE COVER

18 TAILBOARD TALK 20 FOR THE LOVE OF PETS 20 CINEMATIC RAMBLINGS 22 #HBGMAG INFLUENCER 26 EVOLVING OUR YOUTHS

EDITOR Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura Reich lreich@benchmarkmediallc.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Anthony Bui abui@harrisburgmagazine.com — Jo Ann Shover jshover@harrisburgmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Richard Eppinger reppinger@harrisburgmagazine.com WRITING & PHOTOGRAPHY INTERN Markeshia Wolfe CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christina Heintzelman Paul Hood Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Rick Kearns Bill Roddey CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Phuong Le Will Masters Rick Snizik

28 SHORT STORY 30 SLEIGHCATION TIME! 34 GROUNDHOG DAY PREVIEW 38 TEAM 717 DARTS 40 NEW YEAR’S BABIES? 42 ARTFUL INSPIRATIONS: POTTER PHOTO BY RICK SNIZIK ‘Good Brotha’ Stefan Hawkins, see page 8.

44 ARTFUL INSPIRATIONS: CARTOONIST 48 TASTE THIS

Visit us online at: HarrisburgMagazine.com Harrisburg Magazine® is published monthly at 4309 Linglestown Road, Suite 115, Harrisburg, PA 17112. Phone: 717.233.0109; harrisburgmagazine.com. Subscriptions available. Send change of address forms to Benchmark Group Media, 4309 Linglestown Road, Suite 115, Harrisburg, PA 17112. This issue or any part thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Harrisburg Magazine®, Inc. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, photographs and disks if they are to be returned, and no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights in letters sent to Harrisburg Magazine® will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as such are subject to a right to edit and comment editorially. Name and contents ©2022, Harrisburg Magazine, Inc. Printed by Freeport Press, Freeport, Ohio.

2 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

SIMPLY THE BEST 2022

BUSINESSES TO NOMINATE AUTOMOTIVE

https://bit.ly/STBauto AutoFirst LLC AUTO DEALER (PREOWNED/USED) 717-591-2777 Lawrence Chevrolet Inc AUTO DEALER (NEW DOMESTIC) www.LawrenceChevy.com

Rina Singh DDS COSMETIC DENTIST www.westshoresmiles.com Wood & Myers Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL CLINIC www.woodandmyers.com

FINANCIAL

https://bit.ly/STBfinancial

L B Smith Ford Lincoln AUTO DEALER (NEW DOMESTIC) www.lbsmithford.com

Charney Investment Group INVESTMENT COMPANY www.charneyig.com

BEAUTY & FITNESS

Members 1st Federal Credit Union CREDIT UNION www.members1st.org

https://bit.ly/STBbeauty Camp Hill Barber BARBER SHOP www.camphillbarber.com

FOOD & DRINK

https://bit.ly/STBfood

Farrell Plastic Surgery & Laser Center AESTHETIC PHYSICIAN OFFICE www.farrellmd.com

Nothing Sweeter Bakery BAKERY www.Nothing-Sweeter.business.Site

Farrell Plastic Surgery & Laser Center LASER/SKIN CARE www.farrellmd.com

Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works LOCAL BREWERY / DISTILLERY www.tatteredflagbsw.com

Farrell Plastic Surgery & Laser Center PLASTIC SURGEON www.farrellmd.com

https://bit.ly/STBlife

watersEDGE LASER/SKIN CARE www.watersedgepa.com

HARRISBURG AREA LIFE

Abrams & Weakley VETERINARIAN/ANIMAL HOSPITAL www.abramsandweakley.com

HOME MAINTENANCE

https://bit.ly/STBmaintenance Handyside Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY https://www.handysideinc.com Home-Time Renovation KITCHEN &/OR BATH REMODELING CO. https://www.hometimerenovation.com Thermotech HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY www.thermotechhbg.com Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY www.ezimmerman.com

LEGAL

https://bit.ly/STBlegal Smigel, Anderson & Sacks LAW FIRM www.sasllp.com

LOCAL INTEREST

https://bit.ly/STBlegal

RECREATION & LEISURE

https://bit.ly/STBrecreation

RESTAURANTS

https://bit.ly/STBrestaurants Herby's El Mexicano Restaurant LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT http://orderherbyselmexicanorestaurant.com

SHOPPING

https://bit.ly/STBshopping

BUSINESS

Good Hope Animal Hospital PET SUPPLY STORE https://goodhopeanimalhospital.com

Artworks Custom Picture Framing FRAMERS https://www.artworksgalleries.com

PROFESSIONAL NOTARY SERVICES SPECIALTY SERVICE 717-510-2269

https://bit.ly/STBhealth

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Dancer's Pointe LOCAL STORE www.thedancerspointepa.com

https://bit.ly/STBbusiness

Tide Cleaners DRY CLEANERS https://tidecleaners.com

DENTAL

https://bit.ly/STBdental Glossner and McElwee Comprehensive Dental Care GENERAL DENTIST - WEST SHORE https://gmdentalcare.net Kearns and Ashby, DDS, PC SPECIALTY DENTIST www.kidsdentaloffice.com 4 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

Reiki by Rickie ~ ReikiSpace & Learning Place ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL SPECIALIST CLINIC www.ReikiByRickie.com

HOME BUILDING

https://bit.ly/STBbuilding Abel & Son Roofing & Siding ROOFING COMPANY www.abelandson.com Greenawalt Roofing Company ROOFING COMPANY www.greenawaltroofing.com

WEDDING & EVENTS

https://bit.ly/STBwedding D'luxe Lounge & Venue EVENT VENUE 717-350-0801 South Mountain Entertainment DJ/EVENT ENTERTAINMENT www.southmountainentertainment.com

HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022 5

Introspection

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Smith Steiner in Carlisle, PA

“I think we can beat this one, no matter the odds or our own strange ways, the love will stay.” — Rick Kearns

anuary is a forward-thinking time. Or it should be. And yet it can be a struggle to pull ourselves out from another December ravaged with Covid concerns – or, actually, nearly two whole years of Covid concerns – and smile while doing so. But if Harrisburg Poet Laureate Rick Kearns, with his self-confessed inclination to “scabrous reflections and dark humor,” can do it, then I think it may behoove us all to make the extra effort. The poem which I commissioned Kearns to write as a kick-off to the New Year, “To My Hometown,” appears exclusively in these pages, and I hope you’ll enjoy its sense of longing – for a past with resplendent friends, and a future aching with promise. It truly is amazing to meet new people in and around Harrisburg who not only have been “looking forward” for years but continue to do so even when faced with a 24-hour news cycle of divisiveness and death. MaDonna Atowi, an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and, by all estimates, a marketing “mastermind,” is one such individual, and it is because of the impact she has had on her peers, colleagues, and business partners, that our intern, Markie Wolfe, was asked to profile her as this month’s Influencer. We’re confident that you’ll find Atowi’s resume and Wolfe’s writing equally impressive. Other people currently making strong impressions on their community are Patricia Robinson, CEO of Evolve Training and Development, who has been running a pre-apprenticeship program 6 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

for marginalized youths since 2016; and Stefan Hawkins, founder of Fifth Acres Coffee, owner of Good Brotha’s Book Café, and goodwill ambassador for African American-owned businesses in the Harrisburg region. Hawkins is this month’s Barista’s Choice. With a second Good Brotha’s Book Café slated to open in Steelton in late summer or early fall, it was a fortunate decision to focus on the tightly knit “steel city” for our January In My Neighborhood feature, written by freelancer Stephanie Kalina-Metzger. Paul Hood also visits Steelton for a profile of Coexist Glass Gallery, a “glowing” example of owner Shawn Gold’s optimism and ingenuity (and the town’s quest for revitalization). Christina Heintzelman treats us to two equally-enjoyable Artful Inspirations profiles this month: illustrator Brad Maurer, whose bug-inspired cartoons inhabit an imaginative – and insightful – world called The Cercus; and potter Andrea Swift who, inspired by the gift of an “ugly face mug” from her sister, took up pottery and launched a successful new business venture. Another “on-target” business venture highlighted this month is Ryan C. Davis and his Team 717 Darts, a cohesive and competitive group that competes in regular dart leagues (and a year-long Mr. Harrisburg Darts Competition) at River City Blues. On the lighter side this month: a humorous tract on “New Year’s Eve Babies”; a preview of Central PA Groundhog Day celebrations; and

also a guide to “Sleighcation” destinations (bed-and-breakfasts that are only a short “sleigh” ride from Harrisburg). And, for fiction fans: “Pigeon Assault,” a delightful short story by John “Jack” Graham. Don’t forget our regular columns: Andrea Reed helps you to resolve to “eat more, not less” in the New Year in Nourishing Bites; Alex Brubaker’s By the Book lists some of 2022’s early “best-ofthe-year” candidates; in The Finance Hound, Bryson Roof suggests ways to be “fiscally” fit; Barbara Trainin Blank previews both serious fare and a lighthearted musical in Theatre Thoughts; HACC’s Robert Stakem devotes his Tailboard Talk to winter month safety tips; Kristen Zellner outlines ways for keeping pets active during the coldweather months in For the Love of Pets; and, new this month, film & TV historian Kevyn Knox starts us out with his very first hot-buttered serving of Cinematic Ramblings. As always, look for pithy Off the Cuff one-liners by humorist Bill Roddey throughout the magazine! Keep looking forward! R.G.

HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022 7

Bartender’s or Barista’s Choice

A ‘Good Brotha’ makes good as a hard-working coffee entrepreneur Story By Randy Gross

rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos By Rick Snizik

Banana Nut Latte

Owner Stefan Hawkins – Good Brotha’s Book Cafe 8 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

“Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn child could do it no better.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. On a purely symbolic level, one could say that the opening of Good Brotha’s Book Café at 1419 N. Third St. in Harrisburg on MLK Day 2021 was a sound business decision by owner Stefan Hawkins. But when visiting the cozy, literature-lined coffee shop it doesn’t take long to realize that Dr. King’s words never ring empty there, because Hawkins himself serves as the epitome of a man doing his job extremely well. Hawkins’ story is one of those “local boy does good” tales that serve as an inspiration for his community. Born and raised in Harrisburg, at an early age he dreamed of earning an MBA (because, he says, “it was like a universal degree that I could take anywhere to any company”), but that soon changed once he transferred to John Harris High School’s Vo-Tech program for business. “It was boring,” he remembers. “I didn’t want to spend my last two years of high school sitting in front of a computer screen, bored.” It was when he was walking around school one day and saw how much fun students were having in a culinary class “cooking real food” that Hawkins felt the urge to change majors. “So, I switched,” he says, “and graduated with a Culinary Certificate.” But Hawkins didn’t want to just work at a restaurant. He wanted to own his own business and was willing to put in the long hours and hard work it would take to do so. First, came the coffee. And, perhaps surprisingly, a shop to serve the coffee in, too. Most people would think that one of those two undertakings would be hard enough work by itself, but Hawkins boasts “I actually signed the lease for the coffee shop and then started making my own coffee.” Sure, he was approached by other coffee makers, all of them asking “hey, do you want to sell my coffee?” But Hawkins knew how serious coffee drinkers were and says, “I didn’t want to use a generic brand … or be like Little Amps, Part 4, or Elementary, Part 3.” Desiring to control his own narrative, it wasn’t long before he was saying “the heck with that, I’m gonna make my own coffee brand!”

Thus, the birth of Fifth Acres Coffee – which is not only served hot and cold at Good Brotha’s but is also available for sale at several Giant Food Store and Karns locations and Radish & Rye Food Hub. For Hawkins the decision was a nobrainer. “I tell people all the time, I could have every book in America, I could have the best pastries, I could have the best food, but they’re gonna be like ‘what was the coffee like?’” And the coffee at Good Brotha’s Book Café, brewed and served by a threemember team that includes Hawkins and his head barista, Muhammad Bond, is “like” heaven in a mug. Bond is the creative juggernaut at the coffee shop, and regularly comes up with the unique seasonal and monthly drinks that

patrons love. Stop by in January for a warm Peppermint Macchiato, or a cold White Chocolate Eggnog, and you won’t be disappointed. In the New Year, Hawkins is vowing to increase his efforts to “expand the brand of Fifth Acres Coffee, and the footprint where it’s at,” hoping to not only be in more Giant Food Stores but, with any luck, Weis Markets, Target, and Wal-Mart. And look for news in the near future of coffee tastings at ShopRite stores in Philadelphia. Plus, Fifth Acres Coffee is now being served at the new Harrisburg Beach Club on City Island; and, coming to Steelton by the fall of 2022: Good Brotha’s Book Café, Part 2! A job well done, Stefan. A job very well done! 7

Hawkins’ Dossier

Stefan Hawkins drink for January Iced Caramel Macchiato Grab a cold cup ADD: 1 pump caramel syrup 1 pump vanilla syrup 1/2 oz ice 13 1/2 oz oat milk 1 1/2 oz Fifth Acres Coffee Swirl around until all liquids blend.

NOMINATE A BARTENDER OR BARISTA! harrisburgmagazine.com/submissions

Words of advice to home coffee brewers: Take your time learning new drinks and always experiment when you get the hang of it. Favorite coffee or blend of coffee: Fifth Acres Coffee - Southside Blend (great for cold brew). Recommendations of two or three kinds of coffee to try: Little Amps, BLK & Bold, Fifth Acres Coffee. Favorite coffee-fusion drink to mix: At my cafe we make an amazing Banana Nut Latte. Most commonly ordered drink during your shift: Caramel Macchiato. Philosophy on coffee brewing and/or the enjoyment of coffee: The power of that little bean should be appreciated because it’s changed so many lives. Is Barista your day job? If not, what else do you do for a living? I own a vegan restaurant, aptly named House of Vegans. During a typical week, what days/shifts can you be found at Good Brotha’s? All day. I basically live there. 7 Editor’s note: because coffee has become as – if not more - popular than alcoholic beverages, we have also begun honoring the men and women who work their magic at the region’s coffee shops. Therefore, nominations are being accepted for both worthy bartenders and baristas.

Caramel Frappe HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022 9

In My Neighborhood/Steelton

PHOTO BY PHUONG LE

1.9 square miles of winning attitudes! Story By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

s towns go, Steelton isn’t all that large compared to surrounding towns in the area. At just 1.9 square miles, it’s dwarfed by neighboring communities and yet there’s still lots of Steeltown pride in the area that was once best known for its steel mill. The Steelton plant was the first mill in the United States dedicated exclusively to the process of making steel. Its construction in 1866 attracted immigrants from England, Italy, Eastern Europe, Mexico and Germany in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is one of only three rail producers left in the country and although there are only 344 employees working in the existing plant, the steel made at the formerly-named Bethlehem Steel lives on in landmarks around the world like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Empire State Building. Today you can find mom-and-pop shops located in the heart of Steelton. For women’s clothing and accessories there’s Maisha Webb’s Mean Girl Style Boutique located at 147 N. Front Street, where you can find a variety of items for the fashion forward. Shirley’s Closet, located at 25 S. Front Street, has been a mainstay in the area since 1987. Owner Shirley Carter sells church wear, suits, ladies’ hats, broaches, dresses, and masks that are anything but run of the mill. Carter said that she loves doing business in Steelton and has met many wonderful people. “The smile on their face when they like something here just warms my heart. It’s like my ministry. Sometimes people come in and we just have conversation when they just need to talk,” she said. Steelton is also home to beauty salons and barber shops. Get Booked for the Look at 23 S. Front Street is a stunner with dripping chandeliers, oblong pink rhinestone studded mirrors and pink and gold seating, once again, bedecked in bling. Owner Jennifer Jimenez offers a variety of services like hair extensions, 10 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

wig installs, makeup, lash extensions and more for ladies who want to get their glam on. For men who want to look their best, there’s Next Level Cutz located at 141 S. Front Street. Dean Powell has been in business for four years now and specializes in all types of fades and trending haircuts. Powell sets his shop apart from others by promoting a sense of community with a pool table that sits front and center, so next time you’re in the mood for a friendly game of billiards, you might want to check it out. Another unique barber shop is Heads Will Turn located at 8 S. Front Street. Owner Donald Wilson has been cutting hair there for two years now and tells his own story about famous people he meets in the pictures he hangs around the shop like Muhammed Ali and Shaquille O’Neal, for example. Jones has chess boards at the ready for customers to linger awhile and engage in a competitive game of chess. And you can’t think of Steelton without bringing to mind the Steelton-Highspire School District, which is known for its athletic programs that have earned Steelton the moniker of “Titletown.” SteelHigh’s football program started in the late 1800s and since last year at this time had won 797 games, among the most in America. Students at the school district will also be participating at the State Convention of the Elks to be held at the Elks Lodge in June 2022. Steelton council member and new youth Director Denae House explains that Elks is a community-based organization. “People can come to our lodge for food every other Friday. We also open our doors for free repasts for those who have lost loved ones and have nowhere to go.” According to House, she and Youth Director William Jones will be preparing a drill team to perform at the state convention this year. “Elks Drill Team always seem to win trophies when they perform and we want to continue that legacy,” said House.

PHOTO BY PHUONG LE

Steelton is also the proud owner of a mural that captures the essence of the area. Sponsored by and located at Mid Penn Bank, 51 S. Front Street, it pays tribute to the residents of Steelton. Jeff Copus, cofounder and artist at Sprocket Mural Works, said that the mural painted by Matt Halm celebrates the many cultures that exist next to each other and harmonize together. “The mural represents football, skateboarding, steel production, sports and depicts an aerial shot of Steelton. If you look closely, you’ll see letters that spell out Steelton,” said Copus.

Good Eats For all your grocery shopping needs there’s El Gallito located at 750 N. Front Street. There you’ll find many grocery items, like produce, meats, tortillas, beans and storemade items like churros, salsa, guacamole, along with single serve portions of freshly made mouthwatering Tres Leches cake. Drive a few blocks up the street and you’ll find Giovanni’s Pizzeria and Bakery at 620 N. Front Street. Giovanni’s offers empanadas, along with a dizzying variety of subs, gyros, wraps, wings, stromboli and more. Letta Maymi of Harrisburg is a regular and said she particularly loves the pastries. “They have all different kinds and they’re very inexpensive,” she said. Another pizzeria that shouldn’t go unnoticed is one that has thrived in the Steelton area since 1974. Naples Pizza at 121 S. Front Street sells a variety of subs, calzones and stromboli. What they’re particularly proud of, however, is their sausage roll. Comprised of slow-cooked onions with spices on top of sweet Italian sausage with American and mozzarella cheeses wrapped in homemade dough, it’s a specialty that has people talking. See Steelton on Page 12

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE KALINA-METZGER

Owner Shirley Carter, Shirley’s Closet HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022 11

Steelton, continued from Page 11

Free Skate Park Steelton is also home to a 10,000 square foot skate park. The park, located at 642 Third Alley, allows skateboarders to hone their skills free of charge from dawn to dusk. Joe Vandall, General Manager of the Steelton Skateshop at Rayzor Tattoos, said that the Skatepark was a labor of love developed by Arment Concrete, the Steelton Borough, and local skateboarders, who often patronize the Steelton Skateshop for their skating needs. The shop prides itself on being the only skater-owned, skateroperated skateboard shop in the Harrisburg area. “The last thing we want is for them to go to the mall. We say we’re here to get ‘em rollin right. We explain things and get skaters sized up correctly for what and where they will be riding,” said Vandall, calling the shop the premier force behind promoting skateboarding in the Capital Region. “We run contests, set up community programs and give lessons in the area. We were also the first to bring longboarding to Central Pa and hold the most-attended skateboarding competitions. We were the partner of choice for the Steelton Borough when they decided to open Harrisburg’s first free public skatepark,” he added.

PHOTO BY WILL MASTERS

12 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

PHOTO BY WILL MASTERS

What’s to Come According to Councilwoman House, Hamilton Health Center will be coming to the area soon. “It will be convenient for our residents who need health services,” she said. Also on tap is the continued development of “The Steel Works” across from the borough hall. Steelton native Jonathan Bowser, Managing Partner at Integrated Development Partners, LLC., said that they’re in the midst of transforming seven acres of what used to be a brownfields site. “We demolished the buildings, cleaned up the environmental concerns and redid the street,” said Bowser, adding that the Dollar General opened there this April. Additional projects include apartments for seniors, a medical building, and the Brickyard at Emuel Powell Jr. Park, named for Bowser’s 92-yearold grandfather. “It’s going to be an outdoor entertainment venue with concerts, food trucks, a beer trailer and more,” said Bowser. Also moving into “The Steel Works” complex is Good Brotha’s Book Café. This will be the second café for Stefan Hawkins, who is excited to bring his product to Steelton. “My beans come from Columbia, Brazil, Ethiopia and Barundi,” said Hawkins, adding that he works with a local roaster. “You won’t find my beans in any other coffee shop or café around here. They are 100 percent mine,” he said of the coffee he calls ‘Fifth Acres.’ The appellation is an amalgamation See Steelton on Page 14

In My Neighborhood/Business

COEXISTING for the Community Story and Photos By Paul Hood

riving through Steelton, a small, close-knit borough that appends the southern tip of Harrisburg, one may notice subtle changes taking place along its streetscape. For years, Steelton seemed enveloped in development dormancy – apart from a few thriving businesses scattered here and there, it remained for many years a place lacking much culture or identity as far as locally owned business. Now, after years of plans to make Steelton a vibrant area, it’s possibly on its way to becoming a place teeming with new possibilities. One of those possibilities, already in full operation, is Coexist Glass Gallery, located at 310 South Front Street, a place easy to locate due to a large, public art piece bearing its name that flanks the Cleveland-Cliffs steel plant nearby, a rust-colored behemoth imposing itself against the edge of the Susquehanna River, reminding one of the industrial pride residents of Steelton have for their borough with a population of approximately 6,000. Part of the changing landscape in Steelton is the undeniable optimism and ingenuity offered by Shawn Gold, the focused and determined owner of Coexist. A tall, focused man with a big heart and big dreams from Pittsburgh, PA, four years into injecting life into a small section of Steelton, Gold’s eyes widen when he humbly refers to his accomplishments in the community along with plans for more events that enhance the quality of life for Steelton residents. Coexist Gallery’s slogan, which will soon glow against the heavily traveled section of Front Street, “Unity Through Community,” isn’t something Gold takes lightly. A decorated Navy Veteran having served in the Desert Storm, Gold worked in Engineering for more than two decades when he and a group of friends collaborated to create an event called East Coast Melts, which became a platform for Artists to showcase their crafts and creations. Working with a team and applying a steel-tinted drive and enthusiasm for bringing communities together through art, Gold infuses his ideas and social adaptability into his work in Glassblower Adrienne Ladd

Dauphin County’s most urbanized borough. “One thing I noticed when I arrived here from Pittsburgh was the lack of ownership,” said Gold, referring to the scarcity of local businesses on Steelton’s picturesque Front Street. With a desire to encourage ownership and pride in Steelton, Coexist provides neighborhood events that showcase the works of world-class glassblowers. “For one event we had about 180 artists,” says Gold while pointing to the expert glassblowing on display inside Coexist’s vast retail and gallery space. Immediately one’s eyes are drawn to work created by artists all over the country, as well as stunning works by resident glassblower Adrienne Ladd. The glasswork pieces vary in size, function and aesthetic. Some pieces are elaborate, abstract and colorful fixtures solely to aide in enhancing décor; others are crafted for smoking medically prescribed marijuana. One could get lost in the store browsing the many striking offerings, while pondering the selection of CBD products and various incense. “I find the glassblowing fascinating,” says store employee Myra Menzer, who’s worked at Coexist for one month and makes the trek down from Dauphin Borough. “I enjoy working here and interacting with the people that come in the store.” Just like Gold, Menzer exudes a warm, welcoming attitude that permeates the space as she makes sure customers feel as if they belong. People and community are the keys that ignite Gold’s mission as he plans to expand Coexist by adding a coffee shop called ‘The Melted Pot’ in early 2022. Since ramping up their event schedule, the Gallery has hosted The CoExist in Kindness Global Mosaic Project, The Steelton Cannabis Event, the Mardi Gras in July, and a weekly Farmers Market which ties into the idea of healthy cooking classes Coexist wants to offer on their website. “We plan on doing numerous events for the community as we believe strongly in collaboration more than competition,” says Gold, adding See Coexist on Page 15 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022 13

PHOTO BY WILL MASTERS

PHOTO BY PHUONG LE

PHOTO BY WILL MASTERS

Steelton, continued from Page 12

that pays homage to the businessman’s background. “I grew up on N. 5th Street and Hall Manor in Harrisburg, which we used to call ‘South Acres,’ he explains. Hawkins said that he’s proud to make history with two black-owned coffee shops/bookstores in the Harrisburg/Steelton area. If you were reading this and unfamiliar with Steelton, you’d likely be surprised that all of this and more can be found in an area that spans a mere 1.9 square miles. This merely scratches the surface. The little town with the big heart is on the move and the future looks bright. Expect much more to come! 7 NOMINATE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD https://benchmarkmedia.wufoo.com/forms/ in-my-neighborhood PHOTO BY WILL MASTERS

14 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

Coexist, continued from Page 13

reflectively. “Sometimes people aren’t sure how to take the events we’re doing because they’re not used to people being so giving.” But undoubtedly there appears no way to deter Gold’s vision and need to help others feel a sense of pride in their neighborhood, something that lends itself to passersby as Coexist’s exterior is shrouded in an impressive mosaic created in collaboration with the community, along with artists Nat Moraga and Carrie Strope. But aside from taking pride in his business’s striking exterior and uniqueness, Gold says his goal is “to remain a respectful spark of synergy that helps make Steelton a cultural hub.” Beaming about his plans for Coexist to have an after-hours space offering live music and live artist collaborations, he goes on to say, “with twenty thousand cars going back and forth every day, why not give them a reason to stop.” With the mosaic along the walls of Coexist revealing words of positivity and encouragement, one may just as well assume that Shawn Gold would rather you stop, take in the vibe… and stay. 7

Shawn Gold

HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022 15

By The Book/Alex Brubaker

Some best-of-the-year candidates kick off the New Year

t’s the New Year — and with a new year comes new ambitions, new resolutions, and of course, new reading goals. Maybe you’re finally making that commitment to buckle down and read that doorstopper of a classic. Maybe you’re determined to read a book of poetry a week, or five books a month, or maybe you’d simply like to diversify your shelves, or read outside of your preferred genre. Whichever of those goals you choose, you’ll be reading more books, and we’re never short of recommendations here at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore. While January may not be the hottest month of the year for new books, it always tends to deliver a few best-of-the-year candidates to kick off the year. Luckily, we’ve sorted through the most anticipated titles, read advanced reading copies, and, as booksellers should, have our finger on the pulse of the best forthcoming year in books. We’ve picked a few of our favorites below — happy reading, and Happy New Year. The School of Good Mothers: A Novel by Jessamine Chan (January 4th) The secret’s out — in the bookselling world, this has been the notso-subtle anticipated breakout debut of 2022. “The School for Good Mothers” tackles big-brother mass surveillance and contemporary motherhood in a dystopian, adrenaline-fueled literary novel that reads like an instant classic. It’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” meets “Black Mirror,” and Jessamine Chan deserves a standing ovation. Count us in.

To Paradise: A Novel by Hanya Yanagihara (January 11th) Hanya Yanagihara follows up her bestselling novel “A Little Life” with a bold, epic novel spanning three centuries and three alternative, speculative versions of America. “To Paradise” is no easy-reading picnic — clocking in at over 700+ pages, Yanagihara delivers an emotional, powerful novel about love, loneliness, fear, shame, and the vulnerable pain of loss. Fans of “A Little Life” won’t be disappointed, and readers should anticipate one of the more acclaimed novels of the year.

Lost & Found: A Memoir by Kathryn Schulz (January 11th) Readers of The New Yorker will instantly recognize a name like Kathryn Schulz. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Schulz’s new memoir “Lost & Found” has her exploring her own life — the loss of her beloved father, the joy of meeting the woman she would soon marry, and the myriad ways we find loss and happiness in the midst of global catastrophe. Schulz is a brilliant writer and keen observer of our human condition. Described as having the “emotional clarity of C.S. Lewis” and the “intellectual force of Susan Sontag,” “Lost & Found” will be one of the year’s most-read memoirs. South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry (January 25th) From the professor of African American Studies at Princeton University comes an astounding work that explores the history, rituals, and foundational importance of the American South. Imani Perry is an intellectual giant, and “South to America” centers her concern below the Mason-Dixon Line, arguing that you must understand the South to understand America. A necessary work for our times, “South to America” should be on everyone’s reading list this New Year. 7 Alex Brubaker is the manager of the Midtown Scholar Bookstore and director of the Harrisburg Book Festival. Previously, he was the editorial assistant at Rain Taxi Review of Books and the exhibit coordinator for the Twin Cities Book Festival. He is a graduate of Millersville University and now lives in Harrisburg.

Nourishing Bites/Andrea Reed

Make a New Year’s Resolution to Eat More—Not Less

illions of Americans start each January by promising themselves this will be the year to eat healthier or lose weight. In the weeks that follow, the majority have already fallen short on their goals. The easy solution might be to blame a lack of willpower, but the reality is restrictive dieting behaviors, unrealistic goals, and genetics are more culpable than any amount of willpower. One of my favorite phrases I have learned as a dietitian is, “diets are like relationships, if you need to cheat on them, it isn’t working.” Limiting entire food groups, like carbohydrates, while constantly being hungry and ignoring the body’s hunger cues will inevitably lead to those “forbidden foods” and overindulgence. While it may seem attractive at first when the scale quickly dips, bodyweight is only one metric of health. Diets are not associated with long-term weight loss. So, ditch the diet this year and embrace eating to satisfaction. 16 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

Giving ourselves permission to eat does not mean it is unconditional. It means we eat for physical, not emotional, reasons. We nourish our bodies first but allow ourselves to enjoy the other foods after we have met our body’s nutritional needs. We do this by eating more! By focusing on foods that offer the body satiety through high nutrient density and fiber, we get to eat more! Think of nutrient density like shopping for a new car; you want to get the most for your money or, in this case, calories. This doesn’t mean we need to count calories; they are simply an inevitable part of food. This means throwing our favorite chicken on a salad with carrots, onions, tomatoes, and peppers gives our body more nutrients to meet our physical needs and helps fill us up—not forcing us to walk away from dinner feeling hungry and deprived. Eating more fresh, frozen, or prepared fruits and vegetables is

a great way to feel full and get the nutrients our bodies need while incorporating them into favorite meals. When we eat these foods in their whole form, such as an apple instead of apple juice, we get a myriad of benefits, such as the fiber that supports gut health and allows our body to tell us it is full. So, add a salad as an appetizer to your meal, pack your pasta with roasted vegetables, and listen to your body. Allow yourself to feel hungry but respect your body when it tells you it is full. So, this year, make a resolution to eat more. Give yourself permission to eat. Eat more fruits, eat more vegetables, and eat more whole grains. Find ways you enjoy these things that allow you to eat more of them. Focus on the foods that make you feel full. Tuck that scale away and stop using it to measure your success. Have realistic expectations for yourself as you begin the process. Your eating habits and health are not a competition. Step away from the social media messages that skinny is healthy and instead focus on how you feel. Do you have more energy? Are you sleeping better? Do

you feel calmer at work? Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor NOT to tell you your weight; instead discuss if your blood pressure or blood sugar has improved. Leave the guilt in the previous year and stop letting weight control your self-worth. If you need help getting started, seek out a registered dietitian who specializes in intuitive eating or embraces a weight neutral approach. 7 Andrea Reed, MPS, RDN, LDN, is a freelance dietitian with a background in agricultural sciences. Growing up in the outdoors of Pennsylvania inspired her to include agricultural education in her nutrition counseling and is the focus of her writing.

The Finance Hound/Bryson Roof

New Year’s Resolution: Get Physically & Fiscally Fit

recently met a personal trainer friend to train beagles, and he explained that the “New Year’s Resolution Rush,” is a busy time for him. Everyone wants to shed a few pounds after the holidays, including me. My significant other is amazing in the kitchen. She strives to make everything from scratch, so I may have overindulged with her baked goods this year. While my belt is a bit tighter right now, it made me think about how to tighten the belt financially and discuss how to get physically fit and fiscally fit at the same time in 2022! Review Your Employer Benefits: When is the last time you reviewed your employer benefits? Make certain you are maximizing your retirement benefits. It’s very common for employees to leave their 401(k)-investment selection as the default selection from their first day on the job. The initial investment allocation may have been appropriate when you first made the selection, but a lot can change over time: marriage, divorce, childbirth, raises, bonuses, etc. It is best practice to review your investment allocation on a regular basis, but at a minimum, complete an annual review. Your employer benefits are not limited to 401(k)s. Make sure you’re optimizing your medical benefits. Are you effectively using a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account? These tax advantaged programs can be extremely effective tools for managing your finances and your healthcare. If you are unaware of all your options, your Human Resources department will help you understand your benefits package. They will outline the benefit offered to you and assist you with selecting options that make the most sense for your unique personal circumstances. Confirm Your Beneficiaries: It may come as a surprise, but beneficiary designations trump your Will & Last Testament. As an extreme example, if your ex-husband is listed as your 401(k) beneficiary, he will inherit your funds. It doesn’t matter if your Will & Last Testament lists your children as the beneficiary of your 401(k). If your ex-husband is listed as the beneficiary on the 401(k), he will inherit the money. I recommend you make a list of all beneficiary designations, including insurance policies.

You should review this list annually to ensure your designations accurately reflect your desires. Update Your Estate Plan: Reviewing your beneficiary designations annually is often a good prompter to then dust off your Will & Last Testament to confirm your estate plan is accurately reflecting your desires as well. Estate planning is a critical step in financial planning; however, it’s often viewed as a once and done engagement. But life changes. If your children are grown adults with children of their own, do you still need a testamentary trust for minor children? It is important to update your estate plan as you navigate different stages of your life. And changes in the law exist. For example, in 2015, Pennsylvania updated certain aspects of drafting Powerof-Attorney documents. Documents drafted prior to 2015 are grandfathered, but it doesn’t hurt to ask an attorney if your estate plan is current and up to date. Reevaluate Your Budget: The beginning of the year is an ideal time to review your budget. You can view your spending habits over the past 12 months and develop a plan for the new year to prioritize saving in an emergency fund and setting funds away for retirement. As a college professor once told me, there are no scholarships, grants, or government loans for retirement. 7 Bryson J. 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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Theatre Thoughts/Barbara Trainin Blank

Original play at Sankofa; a timeless classic at Theatre Harrisburg

erious fare and a light-hearted musical will be among the offerings at central Pennsylvania theaters next month. From February 11-20, Sankofa African American Theatre Company— in partnership with Gamut Theatre and sponsor, Dauphin County Commissioners — will produce an original play by Sharia M. Benn, Echoes of the Voices of the Eighth. “This heartwarming story connects the young and old, past and present, and gone but not forgotten, to celebrate the history of contributions of African Americans who lived in the old Eighth Ward between 1850 and 1920 and who were removed from the area to expand the State Capitol,” said Benn, founder, president, and executive artistic director of Sankofa. Among these individuals were some extraordinary abolitionists, activists, change-makers, and poets who were instrumental in fighting for the freedom and rights we enjoy today — and they all came from Harrisburg. Echoes presents a very different picture than the distorted one that had been given in the past of an Eighth Ward riddled with violence and not focused on accomplishments, Benn said. The play incorporates music and poetry as well as the odyssey of two young people. Joining the upcoming Echoes cast is Lyeneal Griffin, a former Gamut Core Company member, who was in the Voices of the Eighth February 2020 production. Griffin lives in Mississippi but will be coming to Harrisburg specifically for the play. Echoes will be performed at Gamut Theatre, 15 North 4th Street, Harrisburg. Based on a popular British novel is the musical next onstage at Theatre Harrisburg — The Secret Garden, by author Frances Hodgson Burnett. Music by Lucy Simon; Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by Marsha Norman. (On a personal note, an earlier production of the show at Theatre Harrisburg was the first musical my two kids saw.) In both book and musical, 11-year-old Mary Lennox is orphaned in India and returns to Yorkshire to live with her reclusive uncle, Archibald. His invalid son, Colin, has been made to bear the guilt of

his mother Lily’s death. When Mary discovers her Aunt Lily’s hidden garden, locked shut and overgrown with vines, she is determined to revive the beauty that once was. Why The Secret Garden, playing February 11-27 at Whitaker Center? Says Artistic Producing Director Kristi Ondo: “We chose this musical for many reasons, not the least of which is the beautiful music. After a long period without live theater, we wanted to return with a season of hope. The Secret Garden is a beloved story, known by many and loved for the tale of the unlikely hero who brings a garden back to life and, in so doing, gives life back to those around her. This touching story will be familiar and heartwarming to many. We hope people will feel inspired to bring their families and enjoy this classic musical together.” Discussing the future goals of the long-lasting community theater is Lorien Reese Mahay, its new executive director: “Our charge as an organization is to produce quality work that represents the diverse and talented population that this area has to offer. I want to honor that mission and expand it to find ways to bring new and local voices to our stages. In addition, I am committed to deep-listening to what the community needs from us as it evolves. I think we can all agree that none of us, as individuals, are the same as we were pre-pandemic and that is a fair thing about organizations as well. We are all in a period of rebuilding and, beyond seeking stability, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine who we are now.” Remember to consider possible COVID guidelines at all theatres. 7 Barbara Trainin Blank is a freelance journalist, book author, editor, and playwright. She grew up in New York City in a house rich in the arts, which are a major focus of her writing. She lived in Harrisburg for 24 years and continues to contribute to regional publications.

Tailboard Talk/Robert Stakem

Be safe, rather than sorry, during the snowy season Editor’s note: Public safety professionals often hold informal discussions on the back bumper or tailboard of an ambulance or fire truck. Hence, the column’s tagline, “Tailboard Talk.”

hat is more beautiful than waking to a layer of freshly fallen snow? Perhaps it is the realization that you don’t have to worry about doing anything with it! Unfortunately, with school, work and the responsibilities of everyday life, we still have to venture out into the winter weather. In addition to driving hazards, snow and ice increase the chances for injuries or acute medical emergencies. Because of the increased chance of a heart attack when shoveling snow, the Centers for Disease Control 18 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

and Prevention (CDC) recommends following your provider’s advice before getting started. If you begin to feel nauseous, have chest pain or become short of breath, immediately stop and seek help by calling 911. When outdoors, dress in warm layers and seek shelter as needed to avoid frostbite or hypothermia. When walking, be mindful of the ground surface. Take smaller steps and use handrails where available. Avoid carrying large objects that may obscure your view or cause further injury if you fall. Around your home, clear all vents of snow to allow adequate ventilation from heating or cooking systems. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for space heaters and keep furniture and flammable objects away from heating sources and vents. Keep snow cleared away from

fire hydrants on your property. This will ensure the fire department has quick access in the event of a fire. If you will be traveling, keep emergency items in your vehicle in case you become stranded. According to AAA, an emergency kit should include the following: • Cellphone chargers • First-aid kit • Blankets • Flashlight • Ice scraper • Snow brush • Jumper cables • Small shovel • Traction aid, such as sand or cat litter

Prior to driving, remove snow and ice from your vehicle. Snow left on a vehicle can become a hazard for other drivers. During severe weather events, check on the well-being of your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled. As a community, we can remain safe and healthy, especially if we look out for one another. 7 Robert Stakem is executive director of the Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.

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For The Love of Pets/Kristen Zellner

Resolve to keep your pets active during the winter months

s we head into the freezing winter months, exercising our pets becomes a challenge. We are busy around the holidays, it gets dark earlier, and the weather is unwelcoming to even the heartiest dog walkers. As with humans, pets tend to put on a little extra weight during times of less activity. This isn’t a problem if we catch it and make the effort to address the situation. The weight gain becomes a bigger issue when we fail to notice and act. According to The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs in the United States are categorized as overweight or obese. The extra weight can be detrimental to a pet’s health, affecting their joints, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system. It can also cause diabetes, high blood pressure, back problems and ultimately shorten their lifespans. Although preventing weight gain is best, there are ways to help your pets drop the extra pounds and get back to good health. Changing the way you feed your pets is an obvious first step. It’s easy to adjust the amount of food, but knowing what ingredients belong in a pet food is more important. Counting calories is helpful depending on the source of the calories. For instance, 100 calories from high glycemic sources like rice and potatoes may satisfy the caloric intake recommendations, but 100 calories from poultry, beef, or fish will be much more nutrient-dense and satisfy a pet’s hunger for longer. Many of the “weight management” foods on the market are filled with carbohydrates and lack lean animal protein, which is essential to maintaining muscle mass. As we know, feeding tons of carbs for weight loss is counterproductive. A diet lower in carbohydrates consisting of mostly lean animal protein gives the body a fuel source that takes longer to metabolize, offering a consistent source of energy. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, provide an initial burst of energy, fill the stomach, then quickly metabolize, leaving the pet hungry and out of steam sooner. Less processed foods with higher meat content, like fresh-cooked or raw, help a pet feel full because they contain more water, therefore taking up more space in the stomach. Processed foods, like kibble/dry food, contain very little moisture and take up less space, leaving a pet feeling less satisfied after a meal.

Monitoring other sources of calories is another key in assisting with weight loss. Commercially available and processed dog chews and treats can be packed with hidden calories. As with human food, salt, fat, and sugar are added to many pet treats to make them more enticing. You can easily trade these high calorie treats for small pieces of sliced zucchini, cucumber, carrots, boiled chicken breast pieces, or green beans. If you are looking for a commercially made treat, remember to read the packaging and follow the same rules as you would for healthy pet food. Changing the diet is only one factor in successful weight loss. Like us, pets need to move. Since it is dark by the time many of us get home from work, consider going home midday for a break or hiring a dog walker to give your dog some regular exercise. When the weather keeps you indoors, try some activities to get your dog moving and stimulate her brain. Indoor scavenger hunts, fetch, tug, hide-and-seek, chase, and puzzle toys can get the blood flowing and burn some of those calories. As a bonus, exercise not only addresses weight loss but also improves stamina and mental wellbeing, making life with indoor pets more manageable. We are the key to our pets’ health. They can’t put themselves on a diet or start their own exercise regimen. We are in control of everything they eat and how much they move. Though we can’t control their genetic predisposition for disease, we can ward off weight related illnesses through healthy lifestyle. Healthy living paired with regular vet care are essential to helping our furry family members live longer lives. 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.

Cinematic Rambling/Kevyn Knox

Cinematic Ramblings with Kevyn Knox Editor’s note: as a life-long cinefile myself, I know one when I see one. And Kevyn Knox, who I first met via poetry circles more than 15 years ago, is one of the most knowledgeable film buffs in the greater Harrisburg region. Which is why I recently asked him if he would be interested in writing a monthly column about film. We feel fortunate – and I’m sure, in the ensuing months, you will, too – that he accepted our offer.

Movies. Cinema. Film. That last one may not be all that accurate a term in this digital age, but you get the drift. Motion pictures. The talkies. Cinema. No matter what you call it, it has been part of my life for, well…for all my life. I’m sure there were random Disney films I saw on TV in the first few years of my life. The annual airing of The Wizard of Oz was probably 20 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

there too. But the first film I remember seeing in a movie theatre, or at least at Haar’s Drive-In down the road from where I grew up, was The Poseidon Adventure. This may not be the typical movie watched and enjoyed by a five-year-old, but I still remember it. Well, at least I think I remember seeing it at the drive-in back then. I’m sure there was a more child-friendly film as the first feature that night, but I don’t remember what it was. The Poseidon Adventure though – I remember that. The excitement of that ship flipping over and that ragtag band of survivors trying to make it out alive. I’m sure I had no idea what was really going on, but the excitement was still there. It was at that moment this fiveyear-old began his obsession with the cinema. As I grew older, and began to understand the art of cinema more, I began making lists of all the movies I had seen – complete with short

reviews and a rating system of zero to four stars. I kept these in various little notebooks. I saw many seminal films in my self-taught film education. I saw Jaws when I was eight. That film, that ode to Hitchcock, is still one of my all-time favorite movies. After this came other popcorn style movies like Star Wars at age ten and Raiders of the Lost Ark at age thirteen. Then it would get deeper as I dove into classic film and art cinema. I still remember the profound impact many first-time viewings of older films had on me as I became an adult. Citizen Kane. Casablanca. Singin’ in the Rain. Bonnie & Clyde. The Godfather. Foreign films from Fellini & Bergman & Kurosawa. Discovering the works of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. I would watch “Siskel & Ebert” every Saturday, like it was homework. I would read any film history book I could find. All the while still watching all the movies I could. Newer art films like Terry Gilliam’s Brazil and Pedro Almodóvar’s Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown blew my mind when I saw them on the big screen. I had my first film review published in 1998. It was a review of the German film, Run Lola Run. At that time, even though I was relatively well into adulthood, I was still making movie lists in little notebooks. In fact, I still do that to this day. Thanks to the internet, and magazines like the one you are

reading this in, I am also able to put these little notebook ramblings about cinema out there for the world to see. A few years back, while my wife and I were running a local arthouse called Midtown Cinema, I took on a project where I went and watched the 1000 Greatest Films, which were compiled from hundreds of individual critic’s lists. This monumental task, I believe, completed my self-education in the cinema. From now on it’s just post graduate work. That’s it gang. See you at the movies. 7 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.

HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022 21

#hbgmag Influencer

MaDonna Atowi: Marketing Mastermind Story By Markie Wolfe

PHOTO BY MARKIE WOLFE

22 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

ntrepreneur, influencer, motivational speaker, MC, marketing mastermind, and mogul. These are just a few strong terms that describe MaDonna Atowi and yet they still fall short. A humble Harrisburg bred millennial, she makes an incredible impact on her peers, colleagues, and business partners. Atowi is consistently rising and raising the bar in her career field. She has accomplished so much yet remains modest as she tells her testimony which is an intriguing tale of success guaranteed to inspire all. Atowi is a jack of all trades in the communications field and a master chef with her hand in various pots constantly cooking up creative marketing approaches. She currently runs a marketing and branding consulting company called Sankofa Concepts, which consists of graphic design, small marketing research, brand awareness, promotions, advertising and more. According to Atowi, she walked into her destined career field “by accident.” Taking baby steps, she designed wedding, shower, party, and birthday invitations. She interned with Cheri Bailey at Seven1Seven Soul Magazine between 2009 and 2010, which served as her introduction to marketing. The demand escalated from traditional to social media marketing, allowing her to really showcase her talents in marketing and graphic design. Ten years ago, social media platforms were quickly developing and disappearing while some merged and a few thrived. Nevertheless, Atowi was unstoppable and continued to bloom amidst the transition. She took classes and went to seminars to perfect her craft and ensure that she’d excel. In one year, she was promoted from executive assistant to the President of the magazine. Though she gained valuable experience at Seven1Seven Soul Magazine, it was while assisting her dear friend at her trendy boutique, Urban Snob, that she got to hone those marketing skills with witty and forwardthinking promotional tactics. In 2022,

Urban Snob will celebrate a decade of being in business, but it will also commemorate ten years of Atowi doing what she does best. But with all the expertise, insight, and talent that she had, Atowi still shied away from the spotlight for an additional five years. For a time, she would either do work for those she was familiar with or suggest connections with other businesses. Atowi explains her temporary self-sabotaging tendency as an “imposter mindset.” “It was almost as if, if I put myself out here, and I stand in the sun, then I shine a bright light on what I do. I open myself up to criticism. I was operating my business since 2012, and here it was 2015, and I didn’t have a business card or a website. I was out here like, yeah that is something I like to do.” Atowi continues: “In 2015, I attended Vera Cornish’s 2015 workshop called ‘Dare to Dream’ and in that room were CEO’s, presidents, and vice presidents, and so many important people, and I asked, ‘why am I in this room?’ My anxiety was so high.” Atowi goes on to explain how Ms. Vera, as she lovingly calls her, had told her that she recognized her work on campaigns and branding concepts and believed in her potential that she had not yet recognized. “I understood that to know is to be responsible for the knowing. If I put myself out here, then I have to be accountable for everything that comes with that knowledge.” Later that year, she also became the communication director and marketing manager for a restaurant formerly known as PM Bistro. Finally, taking her career path to the next level, Atowi made herself business cards as a leap of faith. “Steve Harvey said, ‘If you want to be successful, you have to jump. When you jump, I can assure you that your parachute will not open right away. But if you do not jump, your parachute will never open. If you're safe, you'll never soar!’ So, I jumped, and my parachute opened every single time! I saw my work on billboards from here to California. There was a football team in Georgia that I designed everything for. Every time I get to do something like that, and God blesses me I think, ‘wow, I’m just little old me.’ It has been really cool to be able to use my ideas in a greater way and on a greater scale. My friends always tell me that I am an idea person. I have the gift of ideation where I can take any idea and make it ten times better!” “It’s like I’m rain man,” Atowi exclaims with laughter and in confidence. “For me, it’s just been a matter of stepping into that confidently and being okay with it. You have to also be okay with knowing that some people will not like your work, and many won’t even like you! And that’s okay. Those are not your people. Your people, like Cheri and Vera, will show up, encourage you, applaud you, they will support you, be loyal to you, and be there for you.”

PHOTO BY BY ATV STUDIOS

the Bible. Her entire empowerment movement is based around this scripture. She teaches the significance of setting your intentions and goals and following through with them. “Develop a habit of asking for something of and for yourself and understanding that you just have to put in some work to get it,” Atowi advises. “You can have, you can do, you can be anything that

“I jumped, and my parachute opened every single time! I saw my work on billboards from here to California.” The growth and enlargement of Sankofa Concepts’ work and client base speaks for itself. In the midst of helping established businesses expand, Atowi also finds time to tend to one of her passions: assisting small businesses to flourish. For the past decade, Sankofa Concepts has been helping small businesses transition from the concept stage to successful implementation. One of fun ways that she helps entrepreneurs transition to implementation is through her vision casting parties. In 2014, Atowi threw her first vision board party at her church, and it has been a success ever since. She finds joy in seeing women and girls manifest greatness. She stresses the importance of writing your vision and making it plain, which comes from a scripture in

you want! You are your own limit! Nothing is impossible. Make a plan, work, and manifest it! Also develop a mindset of ‘they will be fine.’ Do not overthink the response that people will or will not have to your business. They will be fine in the end whether you are in their field, if you succeed, or if you cannot support them the way you used to. That is a distraction. It’s okay to want great things for yourself. Go get it! A lot of time is wasted watching what someone else is doing. Focus your time, talent and resources on your own assignment, whatever that assignment is.” In 2015, she was having a conversation with a friend who encouraged her to buy the domains and start planning for the See Atowi on Page 24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022 23

Atowi, continued from Page 23

vision board parties to take off. MaDonna took heed to the advice and committed to five years. She created a space where women felt empowered, safe, and motivated. Women have reportedly left her sessions putting dreams into action by purchasing houses, cars, and building businesses. “Faith is the activator to make it all work,” she believes. In 2016, she opened the parties outside of the church walls. The vision board parties soared! In 2020, due to the mandated quarantine, she did an accountability check-in session via Zoom. Aside from the parties and books, she also does workshops, “lives,” and articles to educate and motivate others. Having to take a year off due to the Corona virus, her effective vision board party will be returning in 2022! Atowi is also a co-owner of a publishing company that runs in conjunction with a team of poets known as “I Am Words.” Atowi reported that, to date, “I Am Words” plays host to the largest open mic in central Pennsylvania with over 200 people in attendance. In 2009, she published a book of poetry titled, “Life on a Chocolate Canvas.” She also has “love” novels titled “Divine Envy” and “London: Tale of a Mafia Princess”; has co-authored a women’s ministry guide to help woman start and grow their ministry; has four vision journals published (and one in the works) which give people handwritten steps on how to manifest their destiny; and written a girl’s journal, well-titled “Goal Get Her,” which encourages young women. She publishes her books under “I Am Words” publications. PHOTO BY BY ATV STUDIOS

“Go start what you’re going to start and do what you want to do, and if it doesn’t work, baby go do something else!”

PHOTO BY BY ATV STUDIOS

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As the world continues to be caught up in a whirlwind known as Covid-19, Atowi has decided to literally turn things around and spread joy across the city. “Hit the Angles 360 Photo Booth” is Harrisburg’s first 360-photo booth business. If you’ve been living under a rock and you are unfamiliar with what a 360-photo booth is, it is a revolving video camera capable of capturing 120 frames per second and is all the rage right now. Patrons step onto the platform and the video camera begins to spin. It does a complete 360 degrees around them to capture a video in slowmotion and reverse. To make the videos more fun, customers can use props and signs provided to add to their experience. Users can see their videos playback on screens and have various options to download the videos based on their phone capabilities. Some even allow users to pick the background music of their liking. “Hit the Angles 360 Photo Booth” is operated by Atowi and her business savvy counterpart (aka her “honey,” as she tenderly calls him). Together, their photo booth has graced many shows as well as malls, Latino balls, comedy events, the wine and jazz festival, Kipona, and even a beauty and hair expo. “It is super cool to own a business with my boyfriend,” says Atowi. “A lot of couples aren’t able to work well in business, but our strengths and weaknesses are so evenly paired that it just works really well. All of my talents and resources are perfectly matched to do this so that I really do not have to outsource for anything.” Atowi does not just seek to impact her community through arts, entertainment, and marketing. She does not shy away from taking political action, if need be, to serve her community, and is

thus proud to be a member of the African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC). The AACC’s goal is to economically enable and strengthen African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity in our country and via interaction within the black community. With the AACC, Atowi participates in “Junior Entrepreneurs in Training” camp where the youths are mentored to take their ideas from thoughts, to plans, to implementation. Their ideas are branded and marketed, and the children go on to operate profitable businesses. “You cannot teach hustle and ambition, but you can teach them a way to achieve their goals,” Atowi asserts. As a chamber member, she strives to continue to empower her community and seek out resources to assist in the building and growing of careers and charities. Atowi’s newest aspiration is to empower women and girls with entrepreneurial goals. She would like to not only be able to train them in business etiquette, but also lessen some of the financial burden that comes with starting a business. Her dream is to be able to establish people’s businesses for free, in the same vein as a scholarship. She’d like to be able to jump start businesses with grants, free websites, and graphic design to help single mothers, women, and girls get through the most difficult and costly part of investing in their brands. Atowi’s last advise is this: “just do what you want to do. Don’t wait for a degree. Don’t wait until you save money. Don’t wait until you’re tired of what you’re doing now. Who’s to say that the opportunity will still be there. People are dying with their dreams inside of them. If nothing else, Covid has taught us that. Go start what you’re going to start and do what you want to do and if it doesn’t work, baby go do something else! My goal is to die empty. I want to take all of things that God has given me and pour it out into the universe!” MaDonna Atowi’s story is one of hope and hard work and it is currently in it’s happily ever after stage. 7

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Evolving our Youths: Patricia Robinson at Evolve Encouraging and building up young adults in our communities Story By Randy Gross

rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos By Rick Snizik

ouths often face obstacles to learning and financial stability. Marginalized youths face even bigger obstacles. It’s an unfortunate aspect of life that can easily get overlooked. Which is why Patricia Robinson, CEO of Evolve Training and Development, works hard every day to shine a spotlight on youth empowerment, education, and career training. Or perhaps “searchlight” makes for a better analogy. Patricia (or Trish, as she likes to be called) has been searching high and low for students who need a “lift up” instead of a hand-out since launching her pre-apprenticeship program in 2016, and to-date that light has largely been seeking out marginalized young adults in the SteeltonHighspire area, and helping them to learn vocational skills in plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and even graphic design. Splitting their time between in-classroom instruction and on-site training projects (including the rehabilitation of housing for low-income or homeless families) students earn certificates, receive credits toward graduation and, perhaps most important, get inspired to be community leaders. Robinson’s interest in helping to “evolve” our next generation began prior to the founding of Evolve. Though she started out in the corporate world (with stints at United Concordia and Highmark), she soon discovered that her passion was working with children, and so was willing to take a cut in pay to work in daycare. After working under someone else’s employ for a year, she launched her own daycare business – because, she says, “entrepreneurship just was in my bones” – and soon was hosting up to 50 or 60 kids at a time. With staffing shortages, that venture eventually became overwhelming, and so Robinson subsequently spent 8 years as a substitute teacher in the Central Dauphin School District. 26 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

It was her experience at Central Dauphin that led Robinson to take her entrepreneurship – and desire for empowering marginalized young adults – to the next level. “From that school, I learned there was a huge deficit, academicwise,” explains Robinson, “with black and brown students not wanting to move onto the next level of learning. They didn’t want to go to high school, let alone post-secondary schools.” When an 8thgrader informed her of his plans to drop-out, that’s when Robinson had her light bulb moment. That very day, she decided “there’s something else that we can do to help students that really aren’t interested in school … to help with that curve and fill that gap.” That gap, she determined, could best be filled with trades and “using your hands to create something,” and that something could be the spark to a viable career path. Saying that she wanted to change the narrative that says trades are the last option, Robinson came up with a better narrative - and slogan - that she now employs every day at Evolve: “trades are the first opportunity, not the last option.” And, in Robinson’s opinion, maybe a better option, considering the debts students attending 4-year colleges can amass, plus today’s fluctuating economy. “You don’t want to be paying back massive debts,” she maintains. “You don’t know if you’re going to have a job, and because of what we’re going through right now, it’s evident. There are no guarantees.” While students who attend Evolve’s Youth Trades Academy don’t receive any guarantees either, they are provided the opportunity to embark on an alternative career path – which could land them a job with sustainable income using their new-found skills. Add into the equation the goal of decreased truancy and drop-outs, and it’s easy

to see a win-win for the local community. An alumnus of Harrisburg City’s William Penn High School, Robinson is also a graduate of Lancaster Bible College. It is her mentorship by a favorite teacher at the former (Miss Johns) and biblical axioms from the latter (such as “encourage one another and build each other up”) that have helped guide her in guiding others. And, she is pleased to say, that guidance has produced some recent Evolve “success stories”: one student who attended the Youth Pre-Apprenticeship Program for two years is now serving an apprenticeship with Kinsley Construction in York; and a former female Evolve student (yes, women like creating with their hands, too!) was awarded an apprenticeship at Lebanon Carpentry last year. With successes like that, Robinson isn’t pledging to achieve any grand or lofty resolutions for the New Year but says that having a building would be nice. “We’d like to have a home base, where students could come, and we could service as many counties as possible,” she says with a hopeful smile. “Our goal is to reach somewhere between 30 and 60 students at a time.” 7 Evolve Training and Development and Youth Trades Academy are currently located at 4309 Linglestown Road, Suite 203, in Harrisburg. To find out more, visit www. evolvetraininganddevelopment.com, or email Trish at info@evolvetradesacademy.com.

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Short Story/Pigeon Assault

Pigeon Assault

Suddenly he lurched forward shaking salt madly in all directions. Story By John T. Graham • Illustration by Allison Juliana

ne shouldn't whistle when trying to sneak up on pigeons. That seems somewhat obvious, doesn't it? Well, it wasn't all that obvious to Tommy Johnson when he tried it. Of course, he whistles when he does most anything; he isn't even aware of it. He is just a happy guy. If he were a poor whistler, others would more than likely tell him to be quiet, if not something much ruder. But as his whistling is very melodious, others often find themselves whistling along, or at least humming softly if they know they themselves aren't very tuneful. The pigeons, however, really were a nuisance. One day about a year ago, a single gray pigeon had appeared in the pear tree in the back yard of the small flat where Tommy and his parents resided. "Oh, come look at the bird," they would all say to each other when they noticed it there, or on the ground beneath the tree. Of course, it wasn't long before they were throwing out bread and buns and other such goodies. Bird seed came along soon thereafter. The bird wasn't quite a pet, but almost. They would invite the neighbors over to have a look. Sue Dumpkins from next door speculated that the "poor dear must be quite lonely." Mr. Snivert from across the street offered that he had a friend who kept pigeons, and that maybe another bird could be obtained to keep the first one company. Yes, yes, that was a grand idea they all thought. Tommy didn't think that was a grand idea at all, but he was outvoted, even if it was his back yard, and even if he had planted that pear tree. Two days later, pigeon number two appeared in the yard. Now, not seven months later, there were many, too many. No one was sure where all the others had come from. Tommy hadn't seen any nesting going on, hadn't noticed any little pigeons about. But there they were. One pigeon was nice. Two pigeons were cute. Too many pigeons were noisy (and messy). It was time to do something about them. Which is precisely why Tommy Johnson was sneaking up on them. He had a saltshaker in his hand. Everybody knows that if you put salt on a bird's tail, it can't fly! So, if Tommy could salt some pigeon tails, he could catch them and take them to Mr. Snivert's friend. Or maybe he could take them to the zoo, or to the SPCA, or to the Home for Old Pigeons (there must be such a place). He would worry about where to take them after he caught some. Right now, he wasn't catching any. He would try to sneak up behind one or two, but of course they would hear him coming. Then they would watch him until the last possible moment, when they would fly. Not far mind you. Just far enough.

"Maybe you shouldn't whistle?" his mom suggested. "Maybe you should make pigeon noises." "I wasn't whistling." "Yes, you were, you never shut up." "What kind of noise does a pigeon make?" "How do I know? Maybe you should listen." Following that little exchange, Tommy realized he had no idea what pigeons sounded like. He did refuse to believe he always whistled though. "You do," said Sue Dumpkins. "Very beautifully. I love to listen to you." "Yes, you do." chipped in Mr. Snivert. "You can get very annoying." So, he listened. He decided that these pigeons made a "cuuuuu, cuuuuu, cuu" sort of sound. So, he tried it. He took his saltshaker, and slowly walked toward the yard-full of pigeons, "cuuuuuuing" mournfully as he went. It seemed to be working. He was getting closer and closer, and the birds didn't seem to notice him. Suddenly he lurched forward shaking salt madly in all directions. Then as he reached to pick up several well salted pigeons, they flew. They all flew, salted pigeons and unsalted ones too. Instead of flying only a few feet, out of reach, they flew high into the air, wheeled around in a huge formation, and disappeared into the western sky. Mrs. Johnson applauded wildly, and she rushed to put her newly laundered sheets on the clothesline. She hadn't been able to hang her wash outside for many months, ever since the pigeon flock had multiplied. Tommy was whistling, someone's Sonata Number 73, in celebration. Even if the salt thing hadn't worked, the pigeons were gone. They came back about a month later. Mrs. Johnson was most disappointed, so she bought a cat. The cat caught just enough of the pigeons to deter the rest from getting too close to her laundry. She would have asked Tommy to chase them away again, but Tommy and Sue Dumpkins had fallen very much in love, and Tommy just wasn’t interested in pigeons anymore. Sue loved his whistling. He loved her chocolate-chip cookies, and it was impossible to whistle after you ate cookies. 7 John “Jack” Graham was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. An Army veteran, he retired in 2005 after a 38-year career as a PA state park manager. He regularly performs as storyteller “Pennsylvania Jack”; is active in the restoration of historic PA road signs; and serves as a seasonal lighthouse keeper at sites around the U.S.

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THE MANOR ON FRONT

A SHORT “SLEIGH” (OR CAR) RIDE CAN GET YOU AWAY FROM IT ALL! Story By Randy Gross

rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

veryone knows the benefits of a staycation. Staying home and taking day trips to local attractions certainly saves some money. But “staying home” means exactly that: you’re unable to get away from the daily chores and regular contacts with people you’d really like to avoid for a day or two. If you’re feeling the winter blues right about now and would love to get away from home, even just for a weekend, but don’t want to drive very far, Harrisburg Magazine would like to introduce you to the newest thing in wintertime vacationing: the sleighcation! As in, an over-night stay that’s just a short “sleigh ride” away and sure to make you feel pampered. Why not start the New Year out with a relaxing, stress-free sleighcation at one of these bed and breakfasts, all within an easy drive of the capital city?

CITY HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST

915 N. Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 Cozy up with your sweetheart and experience historic charm and modern amenities along the Susquehanna River in Midtown Harrisburg. Your “sleighcation” will include your choice of breakfast for two: buffet in the comfy dining room, or Covid-conscious inroom continental. Reservations at www.cityhousebb.com or 717903-CITY (2489).

THE MANOR ON FRONT

2917 N. Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 Enjoy an unbeatable view of the Susquehanna from your room, or relax in the library, living room, parlor, or courtyard. Harrisburg’s many restaurants and attractions are just a short “sleigh” ride – or walk – away! Reservations at www.themanoronfront.com or 717-884-9596.

PLEASANT VIEW FARM BED AND BREAKFAST

315 Pleasant View Rd. New Cumberland, PA 17070 A charming c. 1700 farm featuring the original two-story farmhouse, plus a carriage house just steps away from the Main Inn. Starring Nancy’s hearty 3-course breakfast with delicious homemade seasonal selections. Reservations at www.pleasantviewfarmbb.com or 717-774-4817.

THE INN AT WESTWYND FARM

1620 Sand Beach Rd. Hummelstown, PA 17036 Fireplaces and jetted tubs are waiting for you at the end of your short “sleigh ride” to this scenic Hershey area getaway. Take advantage of their Cabin Fever Special from January thru March: stay one weekday night, get a 2nd one 50% off! Reservations at www.westwyndfarminn. com or 717-533-6764. See Sleighcation on Page 32

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1825 INN BED & BREAKFAST

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MOORELAND GARDEN INN

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202 Mooreland Ave. Carlisle, PA 17013 Snuggle up together this wintertime at the Mooreland, where you can be seated beside an inviting fireplace for an intimate three-course breakfast then sprawl out beneath heated patio lamps on the airy purple porch to reconnect with local family and friends. Reservations at www.moorelandgardeninn.com or 717-249-7053.

PHEASANT FIELD BED & BREAKFAST

150 Hickorytown Rd Carlisle, PA 17015 Experience the serenity of this historic farmhouse situated on ten acres with beautifully manicured gardens, a peaceful pond, and a labyrinth for restful meditative walks. From now thru the end of February, stay two nights and receive the 2nd night at a 50% discounted rate. Reservations at www.pheasantfield.com or 717-258-0717.

THE SMITH STEINER

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THE SMITH STEINER

155 S. College St. Carlisle, PA 17013 Four stylish guest rooms with private en suite bathrooms and modern touches like illy coffee makers, bath amenities from Aromatherapy Associates, and luxurious Yves Delorme linens; a delectable homemade breakfast served each morning in the breakfast room; and Historic downtown Carlisle - just steps away! Plus, all winter long, stay 3 nights, get a 4th night FREE! Reservations at www.thesmithsteiner.com or 717-701-8737.

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409 S. Lingle Ave. Palmyra, PA 17078 Built as a private residence farmhouse more than 191 years ago, this historic B&B is close to Hershey. Offering two specials during January & February (for midweek, Sunday thru Thursday bookings): stay two nights, get the 2nd night half-off (use code winter2nights at their website); OR stay two nights, get the 3rd night free (with code winter3nights; discount reflected per night). Reservations at www.1825inn.com or 717-838-8282. 7

With all our technological advances, like sending billionaires into outer space as if it was a fourminute river boat cruise, sometimes we still have to jiggle the commode handle to get a full flush. The Amish have a lard-based economy. Bermuda's having an affair with Miami and Puerto Rico. Behavioral Scientists call this the Bermuda Triangle. It's getting so complicated these days that you need a password to wake up or you stay in the cloud. The one thing I'm sure about life is I'm not sure about life. I'm not only over the hill, but I’m also down in the valley. Everyone who's guilty of something wrong feels sorry ONCE they get caught. I wonder about things most people don't even care about. Who would win a fight between Sybil and her other selves? If black is the absence of color and white is a combination of all colors, then why doesn't a Black and White Cookie just consume itself? If a car leaves Schenectady at 1 pm going 87 mph due west and another car going to Schenectady leaves at 4 pm going 82 mph due east, then what's the deal with Grape Nuts? There's no grapes or nuts in it, plus grapes don't have nuts. From "Yes we can!" to "Yes, we got canned!" The circle of life of a knife in the back.

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PHOTO SUBMITTED BY YORK SLUMBERING GROUNDHOG LODGE

If you know what a Grundsow Lodge is then you’re Groundhog crazy, too! Story By Randy Gross

rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

f no one has said it yet, let it be stated for the first time here: Pennsylvania is groundhog crazy. You would need all ten fingers and toes to count the number of Grundsow Lodge celebrations from Allentown to Stroudsburg, York to Philadelphia – so many celebrations, in fact, that Groundhog Day could very easily be considered the national holiday of the Pennsylvania Dutch. The three oldest Groundhog Lodges (Punxatawney, Quarryville, and York) all call PA home; one of the most beloved big-screen comedies, “Groundhog Day” (though largely-filmed in Illinois) is set in the Keystone State; plus, everywhere you turn – from billboards to TV commercials – there’s a spokes-groundhog named Gus proclaiming himself “the second most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania.” Groundhog crazy, for sure. But while the word “crazy” may conjure up images of men and women wearing silly hats and costumes while partying from star-shine to sun-up, that’s not what groundhog lodges and Groundhog Day observances are all about. Okay, so maybe some lodges do actually do the costuming and party-all-night thing. When 34 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

seen in the right context, though, and with the addition of one small word, it’s actually “crazy fun” to be had by all who take part in one of Pennsylvania’s Groundhog Day celebrations – and nobody has more fun it would appear, than the York Slumbering Groundhog Lodge, where the most friendly, easy-going groundhog in the world, Poor Richard, has been pronouncing his prognostications from Elks Lodge #213 for 93 years. Well, friendly and easy-going because … well, Poor Richard is deceased. Not in a dead-and-buried in the ground kind of way. More like a stuffed and preserved way. Seriously, did you really think that Richard was more than nine decades old and still kicking?

A Kinder, Gentler Groundhog (Day) Just slightly-more than a 30-minute drive from Harrisburg, Elks Lodge #213, at 223 N. George Street in York, has been synonymous with York Slumbering Groundhog Lodge since there was a Poor Richard. Since Richard is taxidermied, there’s no need for a groundhog wrangler, or a

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY YORK SLUMBERING GROUNDHOG LODGE

groundhog burrow; no risk of anyone receiving a groundhog bite for serving the wrong kind of groundhog chow; and no fear of a real-life Bill Murray kidnapping your star groundhog and letting him drive your pick-up truck. It all adds up to a very low-key kind of Groundhog Day observance; or perhaps “kinder, gentler” is a better way of summing things up. The Slumbering Groundhog Lodge of York’s mission statement not only promotes “True Friendship” among men and women in the local community, but each lodge member lives by the creed of “sharing fellowship and good memories,” a creed which manifests itself in the Lodge’s yearly efforts to raise and donate monies to local charities. Plus, it should be no surprise that a brother (and sister) hood that thrives on predicting weather patterns takes pride in protecting “our lands, our resources, and each other.”

Poetry In Motion The days are getting longer, and the nights are still very cold, But, as for Poor Richard and his prediction, he is not totally sold. The winter storms are fierce and still a-brewin, But Poor Richard is not ready to get everybody stewin. For if he predicts an early spring, He may regret that he said anything. Prognostication by “Skip” Lehmann, Grand Communicator It’s easy to think of George “Skip” Lehmann as York’s answer to Buster Green, the Brian Doyle-Murray character in “Groundhog Day” – only more poetical. For 39 years, he’s been coordinating and hosting the annual Groundhog Day ceremony, which always features “prognosticating” poems penned by himself. Lehmann outlines the typical February 2nd at Elks Lodge #213 thusly: See Groundhog Day on Page 36 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY2022 35

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Groundhog Day, continued from Page 35

“We meet at 6:45 (am), when we imbibe in beverages to get ready for the morning … Coffee, of course,” he says with a laugh. “At 7:14, we assemble outside the Elks Lodge 213, in an area designated as the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge meeting point. We have a prayer, and the Groundhog Pledge, and then we have a ceremony where we welcome the new Groundhog members, called Groundhog-ettes, who you’ll see [in photos] wearing a baby cap and a bib.” After taking an oath (“a rather long one,” says Lehmann), those new members are installed – and then the real fun begins. “Then,” continues Lehmann, “they [the new members] have to kneel down and kiss the groundhog. Just as a gesture of friendship. Or they can pretend to kiss him.” Next are the reports – “the north, south, east and west prognostications” - communicated via a combination of séance and “G-mail” (groundhog mail) from Richard, but also culled from the yearly Farmer’s Almanac – “each of which is read in a poetic style.” After all that, it’s time, of course, for the moment that everyone in attendance has been eagerly awaiting: Lehmann’s centerpiece poem, with a prediction for either “an early spring” or “six more weeks of winter.” With a roughly-estimated 94 percent level of accuracy, it can be said that Poor Richard is just as much of a “prognosticator of prognosticators” as Punxatawney Phil – if not more so. But, cautions, Lehmann, “there always will be six more weeks of dated winter on the calendar.” (laughs) “So, you can have all the early spring you want, but only the weather will be different, not the necessary date.”

Poor Petey Returning to Poor Richard, apparently he hasn’t always been a Richard. “Back in the 1920’s,” says Lehmann, “there was a live groundhog whose name was Petey. The story goes, they felt so bad when the groundhog died, they wanted to always keep him perpetually around. So, 36 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

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Poppy the Groundhog

they had him taxidermied, and he became Poor Richard.” (laughs) “He’s actually got gray hairs, and he still smells okay.” While the Lodge could have gone the same route as several other groups, they didn’t have access to the kind of facilities which Punxatawney and Quarryville have for housing. Therefore, taxidermy was the best option. Have there ever been any “kidnapping” attempts on Poor Richard, similar to the Bill Murray kidnapping of Phil in “Groundhog Day”? Lehmann responds with a stifled guffaw: “No. He is systematically stored, emphatically and tenaciously held in the back area of the York benevolent protective order of Elks Lodge … where he is hibernating now.” YORK SLUMBERING GROUNDHOG LODGE 2022 Groundhog Day Observance When: Wednesday, February 2 Where: Elks Lodge #213 223 N. George St. (rear), York, PA Formal ceremony begins at 7:15 a.m. More information at: 717-577-0418

Other Groundhog Day Observances In Central PA LANCASTER Poppy the Groundhog’s 2nd Annual Groundhog Day Scavenger Hunt When: Wednesday, February 2 Where: Ville & Rue 8 W. King Street, Lancaster, PA Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation is pleased to bring real-life groundhog Poppy back for a new live prognostication. Event starts on Feb. 2 and will run through the close of business on Saturday, Feb. 5, with Poppy visiting participating businesses (schedule TBA) as a way of promoting and supporting local commerce. The public will be invited to purchase Poppy related items at each business, and Acorn Acres hopes to offer an educational presentation about groundhogs (day/time TBD). Keep up to date on all the details at: https:// www.facebook.com/PoppytheGroundhog

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Fun fact: Poppy shared the screen with Bill Murray in an Emmy-nominated 2020 Jeep ad reprising the famous kidnapping scene from “Groundhog Day,” Watch it here: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=Xxe_HLixs1Q QUARRYVILLE Octoraro Orphie Groundhog Day Event When: Wednesday, February 2 Where: Chateau at White Rock Slumbering Groundhog Lodge 248 White Rock Road, Quarryville, PA Octoraro Orphie, the resident prognosticator for the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge of Quarryville, will once again make his prediction after a full morning of ceremonies that will begin around 7 a.m. A parade and the introduction of new lodge members (including the ceremonial dunking of one lucky recipient) will be followed by Orphie’s prediction. For more information, contact the lodge at 717-529-2770. MT. JOY Mt. Joy Minnie Ground Hog Day Event When: Wednesday, February 2 Where: Rotary Clock Corner of Marietta Ave. & E. Main St., Mt. Joy, PA Mt. Joy Minnie (a stuffed groundhog) will make her prediction at a ceremony beginning at 7 a.m. There will also be a crazy hat contest. Sponsored by Keystone Lawn Company. More information at: www.mountjoychamber.com. HARRISBURG The capital city’s Shipoke neighborhood has prided itself as being home to Pennsylvania’s one and only weather-prognosticating dog – Shipoke Sheena – for many years. But that came to a halt in 2021 when Sheena’s owner, Joanne Kaldy relocated to New Orleans. The Shipoke Neighborhood Association is hoping that the Groundhog Day baton will be passed onto another dog (or cat, or <insert pet of your choice here>), but at press time details were still sketchy. Keep your eyes open for potential updates here: https://www.facebook.com/ShipokeUSA 7 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY2022 37

Local league “targets” elevating the sport in 2022 Story and Photos By Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

t may come as a surprise to some, but it’s undeniable. Hollywood has a secret love affair with darts. No, not the poisonous kind that a Borneo headhunter would blow through a pipe (though certainly there have been a fair share of dart guns in films). We’re talking those small, sharp-pointed missiles tossed bare-handed at a round dartboard from a distance of roughly seven feet, most often in smoky bars, but nowadays also in competitions. Sure, there have been movies made specifically about the sport of darts – for example, the 2016 documentary “House of Flying Arrows” – but there are literally dozens of films with scenes of dart play that are either incidental or integral to the developing plot line. Like, for instance, the prosthetic-armed Inspector Kemp (played by Kenneth Mars) cheating at darts in 1974’s “Young Frankenstein”; or Steve Martin’s “Cyrano”-like character using a dartboard to set the stage for a hilarious barrage of self-deprecating insults in 1987’s “Roxanne.” Gomez played darts – while Lurch accommodated him with a moving dartboard – in 1993’s “Addams Family Values.” Evil grasshoppers used

Ryan C. Davis 38 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

mosquitoes as darts in the 1998 animated film “A Bug’s Life.” Even Marvel got in the act with the villainous Bullseye (played by Colin Farrell) being both ultra-precise and lethal in a barroom in 2003’s “Daredevil.” Even more recently, the acclaimed TV series “Ted Lasso” devoted nearly five minutes to a scene in a pub in which Jason Sudeikis’s title character makes a daring dart game bet with the conniving Rupert Mannion - and beats him on the final throw. Darts – whether they be a pub game or PDC world-championship match – are more pervasive in our culture than one might think. And Ryan C. Davis, co-founder of Team 717 Darts, a competitive darts group that meets and competes regularly inside the Dart Room at River City Blues on South Cameron Street in Harrisburg, is working hard to elevate the sport even higher. “We collectively saw a need to fill,” says Davis about the reason he, his wife, and friend Andrew Brightbill, launched Team 717 in 2015, “and that was for good dart leagues based upon what the players wanted. We just started some leagues up, and it’s taken off from there.” With anywhere from 70 to 100 active members at a time, Davis takes pride in the “hundreds and hundreds” of dart players who have tried their hands at either steel-tip or soft-tip electronic darts during the six years of the group’s existence. “We always have another league starting around the corner, and we don’t run our seasons very long,” he continues, commenting on the accessibility and flexibility of the Team 717’s tournament play. “So, the players know they can get in and get out if they have something else going on in their life.” Though Team 717 does offer a welcoming family atmosphere for competitors of all skill levels, Davis is quick to add that he and his fellow dart players take the sport seriously. “This [Team 717] is definitely for your dart players who don’t mind having a couple beers, versus drinkers who like to throw a couple of darts.” One of the “serious” offshoots of Team 717 is the annual Mr. Harrisburg competition which, Davis says, despite its gendered name, is open to “all genders, races, and religions.” It’s a steel-tip, singles (solo) competition, 501 (English) style only, with players competing year-long, in miniature tournaments, to be the last person standing. In fact, coming on January 15th at 2 p.m., the River City Blues Dart Room will be hosting the Mr. Harrisburg Darts 2021 Finale, featuring

a showdown between eight of the area’s best dart slingers. The event is open to the public. “It [Mr. Harrisburg] typically involves the best players in the area,” says Davis, “but again, we’ll take anybody if they just want to test their abilities.” Just how competitive is the Mr. Harrisburg competition? “It’s a really really tough field,” says Davis, “we have a lot of amazing players in this area. And actually, since we’ve started, which is going on a decade now, we’ve only had three different guys win the title. So, there’s a couple of top guys, and then there’s everybody else. It’s brutal.” Speaking of “top guys,” at press time the PDC World Championships had just begun at North London’s Alexandra Palace, and with four North Americans (one from the U.S.) in the 90+ person field, Team 717 members were excitedly anticipating the matches (available for viewing on PDC TV for a small fee). One Team member had even started a March Madness-style pool to help add to the excitement. Those interested in becoming a Team 717 member should first join their Facebook group (Team 717 Darts – Hbg) and then sign up to play in any league of interest. But don’t delay too long. If Davis has his way, the sport is going to skyrocket in popularity soon, locally and nationally. And then, who knows, maybe one day a film producer will come to Harrisburg asking to document Team 717’s story. 7

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Humor

A Top 10 List of the most unsung celebrants of January* Story By Randy Gross

rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

lose your eyes and picture Jerry Seinfeld reciting the following lines. Or, better yet, maybe Gilbert Gottfried. Oh, right … if you close your eyes, then you can’t read the following lines. And if you can’t read the following lines, then … Forget the “closing your eyes” part and just read the following lines with one of the two above comedians’ voices (your pick) in your head: What is up with New Year’s babies? Come on, seriously, a baby born on January 1st, big deal! So, what, they get to pose for pictures wearing nothing but a sash and a little top hat, and maybe, just maybe, if they’re born early enough, their parents may win some kind of a prize like a free dinner at Vinnie’s Pizzeria? So, they get one special day, but then every other year that follows it’s like “oh wow, ho-hum, another year has passed, and I’m reminded before anyone else this year that I’m getting older!” Forget about it! I’d much rather be born on December 31st. Yes, think about it, New Year’s Eve babies, they get a two-fer celebration to partake of each and every year: a birthday and a huge “ringing out the old” party. And then, the next day, while they’re sleeping off that big celebration, the New Year’s babies are crying “wah-wah” all I get is a dinner of pork and sauerkraut. Yeah, New Year’s Eve baby status … that’s the ticket! Sure, by the time you read this, your New Year’s Eve and Day celebrations will probably be distant memories. But we at Harrisburg Magazine would still like to recognize those unsung celebrants of January: those famous people who, if fate had allowed it, been “lucky” New Year’s babies themselves but were even luckier and born just hours earlier on New Year’s Eve. NEW YEAR’S EVE BABIES TOP 10 List Andreas Vesalius (b. 1514) Flemish physician and anatomist, author of “De Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem,” and often referred to as the founder of modern 40 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

human anatomy (though, when interviewed recently via séance, desires no credit for the incidence of love handles and muffin tops in America). Charles Cornwallis (b. 1738) 1st Marquess Cornwallis, British general during the Revolutionary War, and inventor of the game Cornwallis Hole (later to be shortened to Corn Hole). Henri Matisse (b. 1869) French painter, printmaker, and sculptor, known for both his use of color and his fluid and original draughtsmanship. Those who knew him say his latter skill was especially evident in local taverns, where he consumed many a “draught” ale. Jule Styne (b. 1905) One of the undisputed architects of the American musical theater (“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “Gypsy,” and “Funny Girl”), he composed such memorable songs as “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” (retitled from the original “A Washing Machine’s Rinse Cycle is a Girl’s Best Friend”). Joan McCracken (b. 1917) Renowned American dancer, actress, and comedian who became famous for her role as Sylvie in the original 1943 production of “Oklahoma.” Her lesser-known brother, Phil, also a New Year’s Eve baby, was inducted into the Plumbers Hall of Fame in 1971. Anthony Hopkins (b. 1937) Noted actor, film director, film producer, and multiple Oscar awardwinner. Little-known fact: during the filming of “Silence of the Lambs,” Sir Anthony, being a true Brit, wanted to change his dialogue to “I ate his liver with beans on toast and a Newcastle.”

The moon hangs in the sky like a clock on the wall. Ticking away till sunrise, floods the day with light. My memory now is like the U.S. mail. If I can’t remember something my mind sends out a letter to unknown with the question and weeks later it returns like a lost and found letter with the answer…or not. "Let a smile be your umbrella...and you'll drown in the upcoming downpours." Warning from The National Weather Service. You know you're old when your favorite TV shows are sponsored by incontinence commercials. “Be back soon. I'm on a three-hour tour on the SS Minnow.” Gilligan I'm not myself today. I went out looking for me and there I was hiding under the umbrella of a tiki drink 'cause the sky was falling. Andy Summers (b. 1942) Innovative English guitarist, solo artist, and former member of “The Police.” When the latter entity dissolved in 1984, Summers confessed that Sting rarely used deodorant, and so was quite happy he would no longer be standing so close to him. Diane von Furstenberg (b. 1946) Belgian fashion designer best known for her wrap dress (and lesser known for her recipe for Chicken Ranch Avocado Wraps, always served at her posh parties). Konishiki Yasokichi (b. 1963) Japanese-Samoan sumo wrestler born in Honolulu, Hawaii. At 6’ 0”, 633 lbs., we dare you to tell him he’s not the most famous New Year’s Eve Baby on our list. Bob Bryar (b. 1979) Drummer for the American band My Chemical Romance. Born in Downers Grove, Illinois (hmmm … Downers Grove? Emo music? Just sayin’). *Okay, okay, we know … technically, none of the birthday celebrants mentioned in this article were actually born in January. But close enough! 7

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Artful Inspirations Around Us

From Air Force Staff Sergeant to Harrisburg potter and everything in between Story By Christina Heintzelman

cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com

“Follow your bliss, find where it is and don’t be afraid to follow it. The universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”- Joseph Campbell

ife moves us in many directions but if you choose to follow your bliss you will always find yourself moving forward on your personal path. Andrea Swift, a Harrisburg area transplant from Ohio can attest to that. “I was a military brat of Army origin who joined the Air Force right after high school for a ten-year tour of duty,” she says. After 9/11, she decided to leave the military and enroll at Youngstown State University and work toward a degree in education for teaching math and English. She and her husband moved to Maryland, and she got her first teaching position with a class of 7th graders. Swift decided to pursue her master’s degree and then taught another year after that at the high school level. At this point, following her bliss was not part of Swift’s equation. But fate intervened when her husband took a job with Penn State Health, which required a move to the Harrisburg area. Swift got her PA registration for teaching but, since the school year had already started, she was not able to find a job. A gift from her sister of an ugly face mug brought Swift squarely to the path towards her bliss. “I had always collected pottery, but this ugly face mug made me realize that not only did I appreciate pottery – I wanted to create it.” She took an 8-week pottery class and then moved on with studio time to increase her knowledge of the processes. In February of 2017 Swift had bought her own wheel and created a space in her home for a studio. A kiln was soon added, and her business began in earnest. “I realized I wanted a pottery business and would never return to teaching.” At first, she was able to only sell enough work to cover her supply cost. In December 2017, Swift opened a market site on Etsy and then her business began to blossom. Swift also began doing a few pop-ups at local art shows in 2018 but realized how much work went into setting up and then closing down these often only one day shows. Another sense that she was on the right path for her bliss happened the following year when Swift’s sister-in-law, who lives in York County, gave fellow church member, Crystal Strous, one of Swift’s mugs. Crystal is the mother of Amanda Strous, a young counselor to college students who was murdered in her apartment in North Carolina. Crystal saw in that mug purple hearts running through the

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glaze, which to her represented the bravery and dedication her daughter had shown throughout her brief life both in sports competition at Dallastown High School and Shippensburg U, and her work with college students’ mental health issues. Crystal reached out to Swift for 3 more mugs to sell to raise money for the FlyHigh22 Foundation which was set up to provide funds to support mental health counseling and art therapy, support women who are victims of violence, and support those pursuing higher education in mental health counseling. The following year, an order was placed for 120 mugs which would be sold during a foundation fashion show fundraiser. Covid hit, the fundraiser was cancelled, and things looked dismal until Whitney Morgan, owner of York’s Collage Shop, decided she could sell them in her store. This now exclusive mug series is still sold only in Collage Shop biannually during Christmas and again at Mother’s Day, with a portion of the sales always going to FlyHigh22 Foundation. Another serendipitous event happened when Amy Kominsky of Mulberry Public Affairs based in Pittsburgh, PA, reached out to Swift after seeing her work on Instagram and Facebook. Mulberry Public Affairs, a woman owned business, connects small businesses that are using social media as a way of marketing and growing their businesses. Kominsky reached out to Harrisburg Magazine – yes through social media – and introduced the writer of this article to Swift to provide some local publicity, and as you can see it worked quite well! Swift says of her work, “I produce functional work rather than decorative pieces, the decorating comes in the glazes that I am always experimenting with in my work.” She adds, “The universe is my muse in replicating how crystal looks or any other magic that may occur when the glazes drip. For me it is Christmas whenever I open the kiln after firing my glazed pieces as each one is a unique and often unexpected gift.” She then adds, “When you follow your bliss everything opens. There is no need to feel as if you are in competition with other businesses, the world is big enough for all of us and social media allows us to connect from all over the world.” Andrea Swift’s contacts are through Facebook – Pottery By Andrea, Instagram @potterybyandrea, Etsy – PotteryByAndrea and her website potterybyandrea.com. 7

FlyHigh22 is a project of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) and supports mental health counseling and art therapy, services to women who are victims of violence, and supports those pursuing higher education in mental health counseling.

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Artful Inspirations Around Us

A Buggy Cartoon World as Seen Through the Eyes of Illustrator Brad Maurer Story By Christina Heintzelman

cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com

“Bugs are not going to inherit the earth. They own it now. So, we might as well make peace with the landlord.” – Thomas Eisner (German/American entomologist) If you would ask Brad Maurer what the difference was between a circus and a cercus, he may tell you that in his world of illustration there is no difference – the world is filled with performing insects, and he is only too happy to point this out to all of us through his witty cartoon illustrations entitled The Cercus. Entomologically speaking, a cercus is the small appendage occurring in pairs at the end of the abdomen of certain insects and arthropods. And, since arthropods make up about 80 percent of all known living animal species, we may want to know the fun side of these creeping, crawling members of society.

About ten years ago, while living in Mississippi and working for The Nature Conservancy, he started drawing again. “It started with doodles I would make on the side of note pages while sitting in a meeting,” he explains. “Many of my doodles looked like bugs and in my mind these bugs could be imbued with human personalities and characteristics. Since I was working digitally with my drawings, the manipulations became easier.” Sometimes his doodles became characters who were not insects by nature. “These characters didn’t interest me much and became one offs with no names. I only concentrate on the doodles that become insects - well, I should say insects that can have a human personality.” You can become familiar with all of Maurer’s insects by visiting his website, Thecercus.com. There you will meet Dori Hilaris, a

“It started with doodles I would make on the side of note pages while sitting in a meeting.” OK – enough about bug science – let’s get to the circus side of this art article by taking a circuitous route: “I was an art school dropout, leaving the Art Institute of Chicago because I became distracted with playing music; specifically blue grass music played on my mandolin,” Maurer says. He realized that the world of musical entertainment can be a low paying profession, so he enrolled at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as an engineering student. He studied surface water and learned about stream and wetland conservation and after graduation took a job with The Nature Conservancy. 44 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021

Native American stinkbug who, as a Libertarian, was born to raise a stink; or Harold Walkenshaw, a walking stick, and his pet sowbug, Nate. Walkenshaw is Maurer’s creative alter ego who plays guitar and writes songs when he is not filling in as a conductor’s baton. Maurer also uses local artists to create his insect characters. Reina 76 has become Jean de la Medianoche, a nod to graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Medianoche’s nickname is Luna Jean (because she’s a Luna moth). If you are familiar with Basquiat’s art, you will immediately make the connection to Reina 76 and will understand why Maurer turned Reina 76 into this Basquiat

inspired moth. It all started with a photo of Reina 76 taken by local photographer, Larry Lenzz, which was shown to Maurer. “I immediately knew she must become one of my insect personalities,” Maurer says. When Luna Jean was created, Maurer then commissioned Reina 76 to create a painting derived from his character. And now all three iterations hang in a row in his studio. While you peruse the cartoons and drawings of these various insects on Maurer’s website, please note the button on the right-hand side of the page which will take you to information about the real insect that has been given the personality and characteristics of various humans. You can have a great time checking out the buggy personalities and then settling down to learning about their real-life insect counterparts. As a parting thought to readers, keep in mind Mark Knopfler’s words of wisdom on the insect kingdom, “Sometimes you are the windshield and sometimes you are the bug.” Maurer can be viewed and reached on Facebook at bbugs; Instagram at TheCercus; and on his website, Thecercus.com. From the website homepage you can click a link to Redbubble for ordering merchandise available in his Redbubble store. 7 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 45

Reina 76 has become Jean de la Medianoche

Brad Maurer 46 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021

To My Hometown By Rick Kearns, Harrisburg Poet Laureate I had an old friend, a painter, poet, and flamenco guitarist at the top of his game was considered one of the best flamenco guitarists in this country, who wrote, painted and played guitar here, in the burg, for 40 years. Paco had traveled the world, and still, and still, he loved this town.

And there is an editor a friend of mine who is a playwright, copywriter, actor who somehow thought that I might be able write a positive piece to start the New Year despite my tendency to scabrous reflections and dark

I have a pal, a surrealist poet and journalist and teacher who was known to study culture and rock and roll and on that hot August day when Elvis slipped away the radio people looked for commentary and they asked my friend Marty to share some perspective.

humor especially regarding this former mill town home to a million blue suits and other upscale operators in the shadow of a glorious building and a sacred river that I love no matter the funny business and plague.

Marty from Harrisburg Allison Hill Marty who soon returned to the burg and is still here, 40 years later sowing poetry in the cracks of sidewalks and in the pointy heads of other poets while he marvels at oak leaves and he loves this burg.

Yes, even though we’re in couples counseling I love this burg and to paraphrase an old friend who worked for the county I think we can beat this one, no matter the odds or our own strange ways, the love will stay.

I knew a woman who spoke six languages had an ivy league education who spent most of her life working on behalf of the Puerto Rican and Latino community of Harrisburg and while she missed Puerto Rico just

Rick Kearns (aka Kearns-Morales) is a writer, teacher, and musician of Puerto Rican and European heritage from Harrisburg, Pa. His poems have appeared in over 70 literary publications. He was named Poet Laureate of Harrisburg in 2014. Kearns is also a freelance journalist.

about every minute of every day, she loved Harrisburg where most of her 70 godchildren lived along with a few thousand of her closest friends and her odd husband and odd children and her demented poet son and my mom really, really loved Harrisburg.

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Taste This

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