Harrisburg Magazine January 2023

PRESIDENT/CEO

Darwin Oordt doordt@harrisburgmagazine.com

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Darcy Oordt darcy@harrisburgmagazine.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING / SIMPLY THE BEST Chris Aloia caloia@harrisburgmagazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jo Ann Shover jshover@harrisburgmagazine.com

MANAGING EDITOR Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Christina Heintzelman cheintzelman@harrisburgmagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura Reich lreich@harrisburgmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Richard Eppinger reppinger@harrisburgmagazine.com

There’s truth in the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child.” But sometimes all it actually takes is an individual, a caring person willing to give a little bit of their time – and a whole lot of love – to someone who, through no fault of their own, is lacking a parental figure in their life. During National Mentoring Month, we would like to salute all the mentors in Central Pennsylvania – from teachers to coaches, and everyone in between – who provide local youths with the opportunity to “create themselves.”

Certainly, if you have a network – or village – of people standing behind those mentors, it doesn’t hurt. And perhaps no organization has done more to support one-on-one mentoring relationships in the local area than Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. Stephanie Kalina-Metzger’s interviews with BBBSCR’s able-bodied facilitators Mary Murphy and Krystina Schultz, as well as ‘Big’ Larry Asu and ‘Little’ Raina McGeorge, provides an insightful look at how 40 years of ‘brotherly’ and ‘sisterly’ love have impacted – and continue to impact –our greater-Harrisburg community.

Speaking of impacts on our community … for the past 63 years, perhaps no other business has had a bigger impact on local grocery shoppers than the family owned Karns Foods. Dimitri John Diekewicz interviews President and CEO Scott Karns for an in-depth look at the newest example of the supermarket chain’s dedication to the “farm to table” concept: the launching of its signature Karns Beef Program and their “PA Preferred” line of premium beef products.

Other Central PA businesses who have been impacting the local area – at least for the past 25 years! – are once again highlighted in our continuing series celebrating Harrisburg Magazine’s “Simply the Best” honorees over the past two-and-a-half decades. This month we serve up historical looks back at categories ranging from Best Bank and Best Dentist to Best Barber Shop or Hair Salon. The Silver Anniversary tributes will continue until spring.

We can’t say the words Simply the Best without also saying the words “Simply the Arts.” Christina Heintzelman’s series profiling 2022’s “Simply the Art” winners focuses this month on ceramicist/potter

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” — Steven Spielberg

Naomi Menkis, multi-genre artist Shelly Echeverria, watercolor artist Jessica Jacobs, and sculptor/woodturner Toby Bouder.

Going from the artist’s palette to our palates … our Barista’s Choice for January profiles the Tomato Pie Café’s multifaceted Kylinn Hollenbach; Toast of Harrisburg visits Keystone Diner in Midtown Harrisburg to sample their very popular all-day breakfast items, including a handheld egg sandwich served on an English muffin or bagel; and our Compliments to the Chef this month go to Colette McNitt, who has been satisfying hungry patrons at The Hershey Pantry for twenty-seven years.

Though we were once again too short on space to print a short story this month, we still have literary offerings to please all tastes. Christine O’Leary Rockey’s poem, “Turning of the Year,” is both a lyrical masterwork and a fitting start to 2023; Brad Maurer’s The Cercus takes a bug’s eye view of New Year’s resolutions; and satirist Bill Roddey, who, among other achievements, was once a standup comedian in New York City, continues to jab and poke at modern conventions with more Off the Cuff one-liners.

Looking ahead to the month of February: Christina Heintzelman provides a brief preview of the upcoming Ken Burns Film Festival in Gettysburg!

Don’t forget our columns! Michelle Haring’s By the Book pays tribute to the Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop, a haven for local mystery writers; Barbara Trainin Blank looks ahead to what’s “on stage” during January (and also early February) in Theatre Thoughts; Andrea Reed tells you how to jump-start your January with healthy eating in Nourishing Bites; Kristen Zellner provides a “ripped from the headlines” update on how locals can help find happy homes for domesticated rats dumped in Steelton and Harrisburg back in October in For the Love of Pets; HACC’s Robert Stakem offers tips on creating family safety plans for the New Year in Tailboard Talk; Film & TV historian Kevyn Knox discusses Sight & Sound magazine’s surprising choice for Best Film of the decade in Cinematic Ramblings; and, finally, in The Finance Hound, Bryson Roof advises how to use CDs to navigate rising interest rates.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy start to your New Year!

RG

Cercus reserves all reproduction rights, including the right to claim statutory copyright, in the above published Work. The Work may not be photographed, sketched, painted, or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express, written consent of The Cercus.

The

This Multifaceted Barista Excels at Her Craft!

Story By Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos By Paul Vasiliades

It’s possible that when some people hear the name Tomato Pie Café, they at first think about eating a meal. An extremely tasty meal highlighted by the eatery’s signature dish, a fresh bottom-crust pie topped with a combination of sweet roasted tomatoes and herbs and a generous layer of cheddar cheese. Regular customers are also happy to choose from unique options like Sausage & Squash Hash or Maple & Spice French Toast for breakfast, or a Bleu & Pear Salad or Pesto Chicken Bowl for lunch.

But peel back the layers of this delicious onion (sorry, excuse me, tomato) and you’ll discover that Tomato Pie Café also is quite adept at concocting a full range of soulsoothing hot and cold beverages, served with flair by team members like Kylinn Hollenbach, our selected barista for January.

As it turns out, Hollenbach is very multifaceted herself. A native of Schuylkill County, she moved to the area 5 years ago, and joined the team at the Tomato Pie Café on Tecport Drive a year later – but all that came after becoming a licensed Educator of Cosmetology and a hairstylist. Plus, Hollenbach, a skilled digital artist, also likes to dabble in traditional mediums like painting and drawing.

So, it’s not surprising that Hollenbach’s favorite thing about her job is the creativity. “It’s creating the aesthetics that everyone comes in here for,” she says with a gleam. “How the drinks are crafted, and how they look, and also how the meals come out.” Taking great pride in her latte art, she adds with a laugh, “I can do that in my sleep, at this point!”

The two well-crafted drinks that were mixed up for us on a foggy December morning were, rather appropriately, a pair of fog teas: first, a Gingerbread Latte, featuring English Breakfast Tea as a base flavored with a homemade toffee syrup, topped with steamed milk that’s infused with a molasses-and-gingerbread spice, then garnished with molasses cookies;

White Peppermint Fogged Tea

and also a White Peppermint Fogged Tea, featuring a Peppermint Tea base topped with white chocolate sauce and steamed milk and garnished with peppermint flakes.

Several months ago, management at Tomato Pie Café promoted Hollenbach to Head of Front of House, and that’s also not surprising. After all, “right now, coffee is my true passion,” she says.

Kylinn’s Dossier

Words of advice to home coffee brewers. Always buy coffee from local or small roasters. To get the best flavor from the beans, I would suggest brewing in a French press.

Is there anything – or anyone – who inspires you as a Barista?

I am inspired by the aesthetic of modern coffee shops. I will always try to make every drink look like something you would find on Pinterest, because I feel like it elevates the experience for our guests.

Favorite coffee or blend of coffee. I’m not too picky, but I tend to lean towards a Colombian medium roast.

Recommendations of two or three kinds of coffee to try.

I love the seasonal roasts from Bones Coffee Company, but they have many you can purchase year-round - such as the Aged Bourbon Barrel, Maple Bacon, and Irish Cream.

Favorite coffee-fusion drink to mix. I tend to stay with the classics, so a dirty chai!

Most commonly ordered drinks during your shift(s).

Other than our seasonal drinks, I would say a Dark Mocha Latte and a Honey Lavender Fogged Tea are most popular.

DRINK OF THE MONTH

White Peppermint Fogged Tea (12 oz)

2 oz peppermint tea 1 oz white mocha sauce 8 oz milk of choice, steamed garnish with crushed peppermint or candy canes

Philosophy on coffee brewing and/or the enjoyment of coffee.

There is no right or wrong way to enjoy coffee. Experiment and see what you like best! If you are interested in more in-depth knowledge regarding coffee brewing, then I would suggest seeking out coffee tasting classes. Many local roasters host them.

Is Barista your day job? If not, what else do you do for a living?

By trade I am a licensed Educator of Cosmetology, but I have always worked in food service through my time as a hairstylist. When everything opened up after the COVID-19 lockdown I had decided to step away from doing hair for a while to spend time doing something I truly enjoy - making coffee!

During a typical week, what days/shifts can you be found at Tomato Pie Cafe?

You can find me here from WednesdaySaturday, 7am-3pm! 7

Barista, Kylinn Hollenbach - Tomato Pie Café

By the Book/Michelle Haring

Mechanicsburg is for Mystery

For over thirty years, Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop has been a mainstay of Central Pennsylvania. The store’s tagline is “We know where the bodies are buried.” The bookstore has hosted hundreds of local and national mystery authors during its decades as a center for all types of mystery novels.

Coincidentally, Mechanicsburg has also served as the thinly (or sometimes not so thinly) veiled inspiration for several mystery authors’ settings. Misty Simon is the author of fifty-two books including romance, paranormal and cozy mysteries. Her Tallie Graver series from Kensington includes five books. The first book, Cremains of the Day, introduces the strong and independent Tallie, whose family owns the local funeral home. After her divorce, Tallie moves into the apartment above the family business, and she starts her own cleaning company. While in a client’s house, Tallie finds her first dead body. The lovely covers of several of the books reflect the actual Mechanicsburg locations which inspired Tallie’s hometown. Simon’s books create a world where dead bodies appear in downtown and the surrounding suburbs.

This year, Geri Krotow published her first Shop ‘Round the World mystery from Tule Publishing, A Santa Stabbing. The second book in the cozy mystery series, A Mid-Summer Murder, will be published in April 2023. The name of the town in Krotow’s books is Stonebridge, Pennsylvania, but Mechanicsburg inspired the architecture, the business district, and the surrounding countryside. The protagonist of the series, Angel Warren, is a retired Navy pilot and planning to become a small business owner when she and her beloved parrot, Ralph, discover a murder victim in her store before her shop’s opening day. Angel explores local stores and reconnects with her family and high school friends to solve the crime.

Krotow is also the author of twenty-nine

romance and romantic suspense novels. The Silver Valley romantic suspense series occurs in Central Pennsylvania as well. There are nine books in the series which highlight some of the felonies that happen in the West Shore area including organized crime, drug dealing and human trafficking. The heroes and heroines of these books are the brave people who solve these crimes.

The Riley Thorn series by New York Times Bestselling author, Lucy Score, happens in Central Pennsylvania, too. These books are about a reluctant psychic and her boyfriend, a private investigator. Along with their wacky friends and interesting families, Riley and Nick solve cases and deliver laughter with their antics.

Reading books set in Central Pennsylvania adds a layer of familiarity for local fans. Sometimes figuring out what an author pictures as a great place to find the clues can be as much fun as following the clues. Misty Simon, Geri Krotow, and Lucy Score are three local authors with a global reach who are showing their admirers how interesting the Mechanicsburg area can be.

The owner of Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop, Debbie Beamer, opened her store in 1990 to bring readers and authors of mystery novels together. Her influence permeates the local scene and the addition of these books set in this area illustrate the link between Mechanicsburg and mystery. 7

Michelle Haring is the owner of Cupboard Maker Books, a 6,500 square foot store in Enola, Pennsylvania, with ample parking on Routes 11/15. The store is across the river from Harrisburg and contains over 120,000 curated, unique, previously loved paperback and hardback titles including Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Children’s, History, Art, Religion, and many other genres. The bookstore cats and foster cats from Castaway Critters roam freely and love visitors. Cupboard Maker Books hosts book signings and monthly book clubs and carries thousands of new titles including fiction and nonfiction by local traditionally published and independent authors.

Jump-Start Your January with More Fruits & Veggies

We all know at least one family member or friend who has vowed to start January with a new diet or exercise plan. Not only are the people around us discussing food, but advertisements bombard us with messages that happiness lies just a few pants sizes away. The reality is good health doesn’t come in pants sizes. So as we set our sights on a healthy new year, we need to focus on actions related to better health. January is a great month to resolve to eat more fruits and vegetables, which can reduce our risk of many diseases and help keep our immune system healthy throughout the winter.

On average, only 1 in 10 adults eats the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, according to the CDC. For men and women,

this means 2 cups of fruit and 3 ½ cups of vegetables and 1 ½ cups of fruit and 2 ½ cups of vegetables, respectively, each day. Start by paying attention to what fruits and vegetables you eat each day. By creating awareness, we can find the areas we want to focus on improving. It may be easiest if you start at the beginning of your day and work your way until bedtime.

Perhaps you find yourself seeking a quick breakfast. Instead of worrying about a fancy vegetable-filled quiche, which is still an ‘eggcellent’ way to get in some morning veggies, focus on adding blueberries or bananas to your breakfast cereal or oatmeal. Top yogurt

Nourishing Bites/Andrea Reed

Nourishing Bites, continued from Page 8 with dried fruit, or throw a serving of strawberries onto your pancakes or waffles. Frozen berries defrost quickly and pack a ton of fresh flavor and will add nutrients - frozen at their peak - to your morning meal.

Sometimes we do need to plan. Keep whole fruits in a bowl where you can see them or store chopped fruit in the refrigerator where you will see them right away. Eating more fruits and vegetables doesn’t require you to give up existing eating habits, but can easily be incorporated into them. Find yourself snacking frequently? Go for some carrots, peppers, and cucumbers with a side of hummus. Embrace your snacking patterns by packing them full of fruits and vegetables. Dinner can be the most straightforward meal by preparing a vegetable side. If you find yourself pressed for time, chop vegetables at the beginning of the week or roast a large pan that you can easily toss onto pizza or your favorite pasta dish throughout the week. It can be helpful to start by writing down a few days in a “food

journal” to find where you can jump-start more fruit and vegetables into your diet. When you think about building new habits, start small, and find one specific area you want to focus on, such as adding one fruit at breakfast. This specific, measurable goal is something you can achieve. Remember, we want to focus on eating more—more fruits and vegetables for a healthy new year. 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. To find out more about Reed Nutrition visit https://reedrdn.com.

Using CDs to Navigate Rising Interest Rates

In my position I’m frequently asked: “Bryson, with Certificates of Deposits (CDs) at 4%, should I move my 401(k) to CDs?” The short answer is you’ll likely want to keep your retirement accounts invested in stocks and bonds, but depending on your financial goals, CDs and Money Markets may play a critical role in your financial plan. Let’s look at when CDs are appropriate.

Short-Term Bucket

If you’re new to the Finance Hound column, you’ll learn that I place a high emphasis on establishing and maintaining an emergency fund. These funds are designed for immediate needs, unexpected expenses, and short-term goals within a 12-month time frame. I often use the example of your car breaking down or a major kitchen appliance failure, but it could be a near-term planned expense. I like these funds to be readily available and safe. I often recommend a money market fund at your local bank or brokerage firm. This account should be separate from your checking account that you use for your monthly bills so there’s no confusion that these are reserve funds. If you shop around, you can find money market funds yielding over 3%. As of December 12, 2022, Schwab’s Value Advantage Money Fund has a 3.77% yield.

Medium-Term Bucket

A medium term-goal is less than five years. Goals that frequently fall into this category are saving for a wedding, planning for a vehicle replacement, saving up for a down payment on a house or even planning a big trip. Since these funds will be needed in a relatively short time frame, managing volatility is extremely important. In these situations, I frequently recommend fixed-income investments such as CDs, Corporate Bonds and Municipal Bonds. Many local banks are offering 4% CDs for a 36-month maturity. Managing your maturity schedule to meet the timeline for your goal is critically important as certain CDs have early termination fees.

Long-Term Bucket

The short-term bucket and medium-term buckets are classified by a time frame until the goal is met. Often the long-term bucket has more sustained goals, such as lifetime retirement income, annual charitable gifting, and inheritance planning.

Inflation tends to have a smaller impact on shorter-term and medium-term goals and the focus is to minimize short-term volatility. For longer-term goals, inflation has a longer time to impact the goal. For example, if you retire on your 65th birthday and you live a long prosperous life to age 95, retirement will last for 30 years! If we solely think about retirement as the date of retirement instead of a sustained goal over your life expectancy, it’s easy to fall into the “safety trap.” The impact of inflation over a one-year goal versus a 30-year goal can be massive. While stocks historically have more volatility than CDs, investments in stocks are one of the best offsets for inflation and tend to provide higher return potential than other asset classes.

So, is now the time to invest in CD’s?

Deciding whether to invest in CD’s or Money Markets depends on your goal and the time horizon for those goals. Before you make any major investment allocation adjustments, dust off your financial plan, and update your projections. The impact to your projections because of adjusting your return assumptions will be a major factor in determining if it’s appropriate to alter your investment strategy. 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.

The Finance Hound/Bryson Roof

What’s On Stage in January (and Early February)

Though its next full production isn’t until March, Narcisse Theatre Company has proudly announced that it finally will have a new permanent home at 312 Chestnut Street in downtown Harrisburg. The company is a BIPOC-founded and led multicultural nonprofit theater company and arts education organization dedicated to uniting the local arts community. info@narcissetheatre.org

“Verdict,” on stage at Oyster Mill Playhouse, January13-29, is Agatha Christie’s only original play not based on a story or novel. Karl Hendryk has fled persecution from his homeland to find himself, wife, and cousin ensconced in London. The play concerns the relationships the professor has with the women in his life: his wife, Anya, suffering from a progressively debilitating disease; her cousin and caregiver, Lisa; and Helen, a spoiled young student who takes private lessons with the professor. www.oystermill.com.

In “Leading Ladies,” a comedy by Ken Ludwig at Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg from January 27-Februry 12, two English actors find themselves so down on their luck they’re performing ”Scenes from Shakespeare” on the Moose Lodge circuit in Amish Country. When they hear that dear old Florence of York is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long-lost English nephews she has never seen, complications ensue. ltmpa.com

At Hershey Theatre, January 14-15, PAW Patrol is back on a roll and live on stage! The heroic pups from the top-rated animated preschool series “PAW Patrol,” airing on Nickelodeon, embark on a pirate-themed adventure to uncover hidden treasure. Hersheytheatre.com

Ken Ludwig and Agatha Christie’s names pop up again, this time

at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. The comic playwright has adapted the Queen of Crime’s “Murder on the Orient Express” for the stage. January 20-February 18. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for this time of year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer: an American tycoon lies dead in his compartment. The passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again. Dutchapple.com

“The Play that Goes Wrong,” at The Fulton Theatre. January 19-Februry 12. When backstage antics go wrong – sometimes it might be best if the “show didn’t go on.” This 1920s whodunit has everything you ever wanted in a show. Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes. Thefulton.org

Because it runs so early in the month (February 3-12), we’re publicizing Sankofa African American Theatre Company & Gamut Theatre’s Winter Mainstage Partnership Production: “Voices of the Eighth Chronicles II: Stories from Harrisburg’s old Eighth Ward.” Directed by Sharia Benn. www.gamuttheatre.org 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.

Family Safety Plans for the New Year

January ushers in a new year and, for many, a new start. The new year can also be a time to focus on renewing – or creating – a family safety plan to prepare for unforeseen emergencies.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends three components to constructing a home safety plan that addresses communication, evacuation and shelter.

• Shelter plans identify local shelters or what to do if advised to shelter in place. To prepare:

• Determine a safe room where the family will meet.

• Choose an interior room, close to the home center that is large enough for the entire family, pets, and an emergency preparedness kit.

• Put together an emergency preparedness kit that includes necessary items to survive for a few days, including water, nonperishable food, flashlight, first aid kit, batteries, blankets, pet food, and cash.

• Add items to the emergency preparedness kit to keep healthy and active, such as personal hygiene products, books, and games.

If you must shelter in place, please remember to lock doors, close windows, turn off all air circulation, and secure the shelter room from outside contamination.

• Communication plans should include family and friends’ contact information.

• Include phone numbers or means of communication.

• Include pertinent information, such as doctors, medical conditions, medications, allergies, dietary needs, and insurance.

• Communicate your location to someone outside of Pennsylvania to be prepared in the event an emergency is localized.

• Evacuation plans establish where to go and alternate routes of travel.

• If going to a local shelter, know the limitations of that shelter.

Tailboard Talk/Robert Stakem

• Find a safe location to secure pets.

• Check with others to ensure they will have a means of transportation in the event of an evacuation.

A few minutes of preparation can go a long way, especially in the event of an emergency where time is of the essence. While putting this together may elicit anxiety, there are many resources available online, such as the Department of Homeland Security’s ready. gov , for direction. Many local, county, state and federal agencies continue to plan and train regularly to assist you and your family in the event of an emergency.

Together, we can all be safe and prepared for the year ahead. 7

Robert Stakem is executive director of the Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.

The Year of the Rat…Kind of

After an estimated 2000 domestic rats were dumped in Steelton and Harrisburg on or before October 10, 2022, rescuers scrambled to save them, and authorities searched for answers. The heartless nature of the crime against the harmless creatures was covered by several local news stations, yet the public outcry was minimal. When dogs and cats are hoarded or mistreated, the news coverage and outreach from the public abounds, making it nearly impossible for anyone to miss the story. Rats, on the other hand, don’t have quite the same draw.

Truthfully, I never entertained the thought of keeping any caged animal as a pet, but now I find myself housing over 20 pet rats upstairs in my store. These rats were recovered during the rescue efforts or are the offspring of the pregnant females. Getting prepared to host my tiny friends, I read about their needs and behavior and set up some spacious habitats for them to enjoy security, good health, and mental stimulation. Given the trauma they had to endure, I want to give them the best opportunity to have a good life and find loving homes for the ones that are adoptable.

When I began talking to people about what happened to the rats, I was surprised to learn how many had them as pets, currently have them, or are interested in fostering and adopting. There are some people who are still really freaked out by the rats, but not as many as I imagined.

Rats make amazing companions. They are cute, smart, cuddly, comical, and adventurous. They like to play with their humans and can easily learn tricks. If you’ve never seen a pet rat slam dunk a tiny basketball, you haven’t experienced the full joy of being alive. Some folks even allow their rat companions to roam free in the house and go

into their cages on their own!

Contrary to popular belief, rats are amazingly clean animals. They groom themselves often and can be litter trained. Don’t get me wrong, they do still urinate outside of the litter box, but if their habitat is kept clean by their humans, there shouldn’t be much of an offensive smell. Throw an air purifier into the room and the game is changed entirely.

Unlike other pets, rats don’t need a lot of expensive food, gear, toys, and treats. They don’t require daily walks, constant attention, or a lot of space. They are quiet, easy to care for, cuddly to hold, and tons of fun to watch. Rats do need fresh water and food daily, a clean and safe environment, a companion rat, human attention, and a large enough habitat to get exercise. Toys can be made from almost anything. They love small cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, shredded paper, oatmeal canisters, twigs, and sticks. But, if you want to splurge, you can certainly spend hundreds on pet rats.

Do you want to meet a rat for the first time? Are you considering fostering or adopting a rat? Now is your chance! Contact me at (717) 232-3963 or stop by during business hours. It’s not actually the Year of the Rat, but it could be for you! 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.

So, a few columns back, I mentioned the decennial Sight & Sound Movie Poll. Sight & Sound magazine has been conducting a film poll every decade beginning in 1952. They poll critics and tally up the results to name the greatest movies of all time. In the inaugural poll, Vittorio De Sica’s “Bicycle Thieves” took the top spot. Then in 1962, Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” took over. It followed as the number one film in 1972, 1982, 1992, and 2002, before being dethroned in 2012 by Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo.”

And that brings us to 2022 and a brand-new number one movie. And it is quite a surprising and controversial choice. “Vertigo” has been knocked down to number two, and Kane to number three. Yasujirō Ozu’s “Tokyo Story” is number four, and Wong Kar-wai’s “In The Mood for Love” is number 5. These films are followed by Stanley Kubrick’s “2001” at number six, Claire Denis’ “Beau Travail” at number seven, David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive” at number eight, Dziga Vertov’s “Man with a Movie Camera” at number nine,

and Stanley Donan & Gene Kelly’s “Singin’ in the Rain” (my personal fave) rounding out the top ten. But what about that aforementioned surprise number one?

So, the 2022 Sight & Sound Film Poll named “Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles” as the greatest movie of all time. You haven’t heard of it, you say? That’s probably true. “Jeanne Dielman” is a 1975 Belgian film by Chantal Akerman, the first woman to top the list. In 2012, S&S polled 800 critics. In 2022, they polled more than 1600. With a much larger and much more diversified polling base, big changes were bound to happen, but it still surprised this particular critic.

I love the movie personally. It sits at number 76 on my own top 100. And that’s

Cinematic Ramblings/Kevyn Knox

out of thousands and thousands of movies this cinephile has watched over my 55 years on this planet. Granted, the film is not for everyone. It’s over three hours long and has no real action happening in it. Akerman shows her title character (the extended title is her address btw) doing mundane everyday things. Laundry. Dishes. Bed making. Cooking. Cleaning. Shopping. The occasional afternoon bit of prostitution. Yeah. You read that right. Akerman’s film was a cornerstone of feminist filmmaking. Putting all these so-called “women’s work” chores front and center and showing what a woman is expected to do – even the sex work she takes on to make ends meet for her and her teenage son.

Most moviegoers today would probably not have the patience to sit through the entire movie. It’s not exactly up there with the constant action of MCU movies and the like. But if you do have the patience, you should give this a try. It is a brilliant piece of cinema. The kind of cinema that just doesn’t get made anymore. But definitely well worth your time.

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.

The Turning of the Year

By Christine O’Leary Rockey

The white horses have told me the sky will be changing. Whispered it to me, whipped by my side with their whickers and whines, they say the wind will be willful, pulling the vines that anchor the willing and crumble the wise.

White horses have told me that the moon will soon change Its blind eye still burning, ‘twill shimmer and howl while we’re bleeding the broken, breaking the weak and beckon the bended to grip the bare ground beginning a banter that produces no sound.

The horses have said the day is to change, the night will be sound blackened, soiled like the site of no ground. Its sin will be silent like the features of men, its pulse will be sodden as the beating of when.

These horses, white horses, straining on high. The meat of their hearts beats the chest of the sky. Their granite hooves straining, their breath comes a roar plunging the skyline with a mighty winged score.

Wild the weeping, the whirling of then ever the gamble is the glory of men. Riding on tails of the night sky’s great loomthe time- it is changing- the great wheel churns soon.

Christine O’Leary Rockey is a poet, artist, and a member of Harrisburg, PA’s the (almost) Uptown Poetry Cartel. She is the author of three books, including two books of poetry, “A Human Auction” (Run Amok, 1993) and “The Three Faces of Brahman” (PostDada Press, 2003). Her third collection, ‘An Anthem for her Face’ is due out for 2023. She is a Pushcart nominee, and has been published in numerous anthologies and publications.

Poem/Christine O’Leary Rockey

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region Underscores the Importance of Mentoring

Story & Photos By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

When it comes to the life of a child, the importance of mentoring cannot be overstated. Studies show that mentors are important for increasing self-esteem, improving school performance, establishing better social skills, and decreasing risk behaviors.

Those who volunteer and work at Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region (BBBSCR) know this firsthand. The non-profit, whose mission is to support one-on-one mentoring relationships, has been responsible for many beautiful and blossoming friendships between ‘Bigs’ and ‘Littles’ for 40 years now.

Mary Murphy, Development Director BBBSCR, said that the

organization is facing a dire need post-COVID for more ‘Bigs,’ who were a lifeline during COVID. “We contacted everyone virtually and encouraged Zoom meetings,” she said.

Kelly Garrison’s 11-yearold daughter Aubree is enrolled in the program. “Aubree and her Big Sister Raina met on Zoom during the pandemic and Raina never missed

a beat, even dropping crafts off on the porch for her,” said Garrison. Now that they are together in person again, they have been quite active, according to Garrison. “They recently participated in a ‘Girls on the Run’ 5K marathon together,” Garrison said, adding that she views Raina as an extension of the family, and she’s seen her little girl shine as a result of the relationship.

Raina McGeorge, who lives in Susquehanna Township, said that she enjoys spending time with Aubree and hopes others will understand that the time and money commitment are minimal. And for those who prefer to meet ‘Littles’ outside of their homes, there’s a school-based program where ‘Bigs’ can meet their ‘Little’ at school for lunch on a day that works with their schedule.

Raina explains that she sees Aubree twice a month and they do low-to-no-cost things, like going to playgrounds, to coffee shops and bakeries and to BBBS-sponsored programs where they meet up with other matches. “We’re silly and laugh a lot. It feels good to share these experiences with her and see our relationship evolve,” said McGeorge.

Larry Asu is a ‘Big’ who has been matched with Peter, who has a mild form of autism. Peter becomes animated when he talks about Asu. “I just love to hang out with him, ride bikes, watch movies and he’s funny and energetic too, and I can call him when I’m feeling kind of bad,” said Peter. Asu sometimes counsels Peter when he’s being bullied. “I tell him to forgive them and take the high road,” Asu said.

Murphy hears stories like these on a regular basis and sees firsthand the good the ‘Bigs’ do for their ‘Littles.’ “The mental health crisis right now is critical, post pandemic, but these kids were resilient, and the majority of our matches maintained a relationship during COVID,” said Murphy, stating that the organization serves between 500-700 kids in the Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Perry region.

Becoming a ‘Big’

Becoming a ‘Big’ is as easy as consulting BBBSCR and filling out an application, attending an interview, obtaining clearances (which BBBSCR pays for) and submitting three references to speak on your behalf. “After we make the match, we support that match with monthly calls to discuss how things are going,” said Krystina Schultz, Communications & Marketing Manager.

Murphy said that BBBSCR has spent the last 40 years seeing children flourish as a result of the program. “We see the impact mentors have on families and their siblings and the positivity these relationships bring to everyone involved and are happy to be there to support these very important relationships.” 7

To learn about the many other BBBSCR initiatives and the various ways you can become involved, visit their website at HomeBig Brothers Big Sisters (capbigs.org).

More Than A Piggy Bank

BEST BANK, BEST CREDIT UNION, BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER, BEST ACCOUNTANT

If you’re confused about the difference between a bank and credit union, you’re not alone. On the very first Simply the Best for Best Bank we awarded first place to Commerce Bank , second to Harris Savings Bank , and fourth to PNC Bank . Third Place went to PSECU , a credit union. Refusing to admit any mistake, we doubled down the following year, this time awarding third place to Members 1st Federal Credit Union . Second went to Fulton Bank and fourth went to Waypoint Bank . Thankfully, we switched the

category name to the more generic “Financial Institution” in 2003. For the record, the difference between a bank and a credit union is their profit status. Banks are for profit while credit unions are nonprofit.

But whether you call it a bank, a financial institution, or a credit union, Members 1st has been a long-standing readers’ favorite. They have made it on the list for the past 22 years straight. They received their first Simply the Best Credit Union in 2004 and have won the award a staggering 18 times. They have also won awards for Best Mortgage Company, Best Financial Planner, Best Place to Work, Best Customer Values, and Best Stockbroker.

But Members 1st isn’t the only financial institution that is a long-standing winner in Simply the Best. PSECU has won Simply the Best or Readers’ Choice 18 years, PNC Bank has won 16 years, and M&T Bank has won 13 years.

But what good is having money if you’re not doing something with it. Which is why the categories of Accounting Firm, Financial Planner and Stockbroker are also key categories in Simply the Best.

Best Financial Planner was first added in 2003 and was won by Roof Advisory Group , 507 N. Front Street. Harrisburg, for the first

The problem is one person’s common-sense solution is another person’s radical agenda.

Despite their name, Thin Mints don’t make you thin. Sweet and Low doesn’t bring you down and high fives don’t make you high. Equal didn’t end segregation. Comet didn’t come from outer space to clean our sinks. And Juicy Fruit is not any kind of fruit.

My retired life is a day long series of naps, where I’m startled awake not knowing where I’m at.

More Than A Piggy Bank

two years before being toppled by Susquehanna Financial Advisors , 4999 Louise Drive #101, Mechanicsburg. Roof Advisory Group would take back their title in 2006, which was the last time they received Simply the Best. They did receive Readers’ Choice four times before being merged with Fort Pitt Capital Group LLC in 2019.

Meanwhile, Susquehanna Financial Advisors went on to win additional Simply the Best awards for Best Estate Planner, Best Stockbroker and Best Financial Planner. In total they have won Simply the Best 10 times and Readers’ Choice nine times in the past 25 years.

When you have a competition that has lasted 25 years, it’s not uncommon to see businesses evolve and change. Conte Wealth Advisors is one such company. In

2008, Conte Brown Group won Readers’ Choice for Best Financial Planner. They followed it up the next year by winning Simply the Best Financial Planner and Readers’ Choice for Best Estate Planner. They have also won Best Stockbroker several times. Although they changed their name to Conte Wealth Advisors and have various locations, that hasn’t changed their ability to win. All in all, they have won 23 times in the past 14 years.

And last, but not least, we must mention Gift CPA’s , with various local offices, this year’s winner for Simply the Best Accounting Firm and Simply the Best Tax Preparation. They have won Simply the Best Accounting Firm four times in the past five years and won Simply the Best Bookkeeping Company in 2021 (the only year we had that category).

In 2003, Harrisburg Magazine added the Best Dentist category. Mendelson, Foer & Harrison Dental Associates was the winner that year, something they repeated the next five years in a row. Up until 2008, when they were beat by a name you likely recognize:

Verber Family Dentistry

Verber Family Dentistry , 3920 Market Street, Camp Hill, first won Readers’ Choice Best Dentist in 2005 and have continuously been on the Simply the Best List every year since then. That’s 17

years in a row! They have received the title of Simply the Best Dentist 12 times along with winning other categories including Best Children’s Dentist, Best Cosmetic Dentist, Best Value, Best Quality, and Best Place to Work.

Since it was added in 2005, the winners of Best Orthodontist have been consistent. The first year, the winners were Minium & Kearns , various locations, Alba Orthodontics , 116 Cumberland Parkway, Mechanicsburg, and Hilton-Diminick Orthodontic Associates , Harrisburg and Camp Hill locations. You probably recognize the winners since these same three businesses won in 2022, although Minium & Kearns is now known as Minium, Kearns & Lamb .

In the past 18 years, Minium & Kearns have won Simply the Best Orthodontist seven times and Readers’ Choice 11 times. Hilton-Diminick has won Simply the Best Orthodontist 10 times and Readers’ Choice 7 times. But it’s only a matter of time before

either Alba Orthodontics , who have won Readers’ Choice 14 times, or Apicella-Lorei Orthodontics , Mechanicsburg and Carlisle, who have won Readers’ Choice 8 times, manages to topple them.

Speaking of consistency, Wood & Myers Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons , various locations, won Simply the Best Oral Surgeon (now known as Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic) when it was added in 2008 and every year since for a total of 15 years in a row. No other oral surgeon has been such a consistent presence on the list.

ASTRONOMY

In this scenario

The more the merrio. The stars are scars, So bright in the night, Light years away, they say. The moon is a balloon With the trace of a face. The sun is a gun A sun of a gun, Firing without tiring. A boiling for all, A blast from the past.

BEDDY BYE

I crawled neath the night sky, Like a blanket on high And puffed up a blue cloud, Raced to sleep my head bowed, Out of breath by my flight. The stars as my night light, I gave up my day’s fights.

NIGHT FLARES

The night unravels like a spool Rolling down from the stars, Enveloping me like a ghoul Hugging the dead in a bar. Squeezing them till they pee, Scaring the daylights out of me.

Before I start conversing with you. If you know it all, please just keep it to yourself, ‘cause I wanna be surprised.

BEST BARBER SHOP, BEST DAY SPA, BEST HAIR SALON Feelin’ Groovy

When Simply the Best began in 1998, it had five categories under Health & Beauty: Beauty Salon, Barber Shop, Health Food Store, Day Spa and Health Club. Barber Shop had four winners while Beauty Salon listed eight (first, second, third, and five honorable mentions). Interestingly, Today’s Image won both categories, something that couldn’t happen today. Not just because Today’s Image has closed, but because we have a clear distinction between the two categories.

Semoff’s Barber Shop , 205 Third Street, New Cumberland, one of the four original winners in 1998, has a long tradition of winning in the Barber Shop category with 12 placements for Best Barber Shop in the past 25 years, with their last win in 2018. More recently, Camp Hill Barber , 3401 Hartzdale Drive, # 110, Camp Hill, has been crushing the competition. They won Simply the Best Barber Shop the past two years in a row (2021 & 2022). They have won either Simply the Best or Readers’ Choice for Best Barber Shop for the past eight years in a row (2014-2022) and have an additional two wins for Readers’ Choice in 2010 and 2019.

The Hair Salon category has seen less consistency of winners over the years. Of the original eight winners, only two returned to the winners’ list: Today’s Image and Sculptured Images Sadly, neither are open today. Nor is Franklyn Studio , which first placed in 1998. Franklyn Studio made the list 12 times over the years. Thankfully, owner Frank Leo hasn’t given up the trade and is now working out of On Stage Hair Design , 205 South Sporting Hill Road, Mechanicsburg. But despite all this, the category continues

to be one of the most competitive. Each year, over 100 local salons are submitted, but one name continually makes it to the top: Jenny’s Full Service Salon & Boutique , 4500 Gettysburg Road, Mechanicsburg. They first won Simply the Best Hair Salon in 2016 and they have refused to relinquish that title with seven consecutive wins. But Bella Donna’s , 404 N Enola Drive, Enola, seems to be hot on their heels. They won Readers’ Choice Best Hair Salon in 2015 and have won it an additional 6 times since then.

Best Day Spa may seem like a luxury category, but spas offer services that many people feel are essential. A good spa will help rejuvenate your spirit, reduce your stress, and make you feel better. Which is why Best Spa has been part of Simply the Best for the past 25 years. And two of the key competitors in the category quickly made their appearance on the list: Changes Salon & Day Spa , 5121 E. Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, and The Spa at The Hotel Hershey , 100 Hotel Road, Hershey. However, of the two, The Spa at Hotel Hershey has led by winning Simply the Best Spa 15 times and Readers’ Choice 3 times. The Spa at Hotel Hershey has also won either Simply the Best or Readers’ Choice for Best Facial 16 years, with 9 Simply the Best wins.

Changes first appeared in 1999 when it received Third Place for Best Day Spa. Since then, it has appeared on the list for Best Day Spa 15 times and won Simply the Best 3 times. They have also won either Simply the Best or Readers’ Choice for Best Hair Salon, Best Hair Cut, Best Manicure, and Best Massage/ Masseuse. Changes has also won Simply the Best or Readers’ Choice for Best Facial twelve times.

AUTOMOTIVE

Auto Body Shop

Auto Dealer (New Domestic)

Auto Dealer (New Import)

Auto Dealer (Preowned/Used)

Auto Detailer

Auto Repair Shop

Auto Salesperson (Ind.) Body/Repair by Auto Dealers

BEAUTY & FITNESS

Aesthetic Physician Office

Barber Shop

Beauty/Hair Salon Dance Studio

Dermatologist Office Facials

Fitness Center/Gym Hair Stylist/Barber (Ind.)

Laser/Skin Care

Massage

Place That Helps You Lose Weight

Plastic Surgeon (Ind.) Plastic Surgery Clinic

BUSINESS

Dry Cleaners

Insurance Agency

Place to Work (101+ Employees)

Place to Work (11-50 Employees)

Place to Work (51 to 100 Employees)

Place To Work (Under 10 Employees)

Promotional Services (Merchandise, Signs, Marketing, Etc.)

Real Estate Agency

Real Estate Agent (Ind.)

Real Estate Services (Inspections, Appraisals, Management, Etc.)

Real Estate Team

Specialty Service (W/O A Category) Staffing Agency/Services

DENTAL

Cosmetic Dentist

Dental Assistant (Ind.)

Dental Hygienist (Ind.)

Dentist (Ind.)

General Dentist

Oral & Maxillofacial Clinic

Orthodontist Clinic Specialty Dentist

DINING EAST SHORE

Affordable Place to Eat Breakfast

DINING EAST SHORE

Burger Desserts Local Brewery Overall Bar Overall Dining (Downtown) Overall Dining (East Shore / Suburban)

Pizza Place

Place For a Night Out Restaurant Service Steakhouse Sunday Brunch Takeout Wings

DINING WEST SHORE

Affordable Place to Eat Breakfast Burger Desserts

Local Brewery Overall Bar Overall Dining (West Shore) Pizza Place

Place For a Night Out Restaurant Service Steakhouse Sunday Brunch Takeout Wings

FINANCIAL

Accounting Firm Bank

Credit Union

Financial Planning Company (1 Location) Financial Planning Company (2+ Locations)

Investment Company (1 Location)

Investment Company (2+ Locations)

Mortgage Company Stockbroker (Ind.) Stockbroking Company Tax Preparation

FOOD & DRINK

Asian Bakery Barbecue Chef (Ind.) Coffee Deli Diner European Food Trucks Ice Cream

FOOD & DRINK

Latin American

Local Distillery

Local Pub

Place For a Craft Beer Sports Bar

Sweets & Treats (Candy, Chocolates, Etc.) Vegetarian/Vegan Vineyard/Winery

HARRISBURG AREA LIFE

Animal Rescue or Charity Child/Day Care Center College/University Community Services

Local Television Personality (Ind.) Nonprofit Pet Adoption Agency

Pet Groomer

Pet Supply Store Place to Take Your Pet Radio Personality (Ind.) Radio Station

Senior Living (Retirement, Assisted Living, Long Term, Etc.)

TV Station Veterinarian/Animal Hospital

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Acupuncturist

Alternative Medical Specialist Clinic

Chiropractic Clinic

Counseling or Therapy Office General or Family Physician Clinic Hospital

In-Home Health Care Medical Specialist Clinic (W/O A Category) Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic Ophthalmologist or Optometrist Clinic Pain Specialist Clinic Pediatric Clinic Physical Therapist Podiatry

Psychologist or Psychiatrist Office Walk-In Urgent Care Facility

HOME BUILDING

Architect

Building Supplies

Contractor/Remodeler

Countertops & Cabinetry

Decks & Porches

Door & Window Company

Flooring Sales & Installation

Gutter Company

Home Builder / Developer

Home Improvement Specialist (W/O A Category)

Interior Design/Window Treatments

Roofing Company

Siding

HOME MAINTENANCE

Cleaning Service Electrician

HOME MAINTENANCE

Heating & Air Conditioning Company

Home Accents Company Home Repair/Handyman Kitchen &/or Bath Remodeling Company Landscaping &/or Lawn Service Lawn Care Specialist Painters

Pest Control Plumber Pool/Spa Service Renovations & Restoration Services Security Company Tree Service & Stump Removal

LEGAL

Business Law Attorney (Ind.) Criminal Defense Attorney (Ind.) Divorce Attorney (Ind.) Employment Attorney (Ind.) Estate Planning Attorney (Ind.) Family Law Attorney (Ind.) Law Firm

Personal Injury Attorney (Ind.) Workman’s Compensation Attorney (Ind.)

LOCAL INTEREST

Customer Values

Family-Owned Business Minority-Owned Business New Business (Opened After 1/1/2021) One-Man Operation (No Employees) Veteran-Owned Business Woman-Owned Business

RECREATION & LEISURE

Art Gallery

Community/Charity Event Entertainment Center (Jump, Go-Carts, Etc.) Golf Course

Historical Site Library

Local Sports Team (Professional, College, High School, Etc.) Museum Must See Place in Harrisburg Park

Place For Kids to Have Fun Place To Spend a Day Off Place To Take a Date Place To Take a Tourist Place To Volunteer Travel Agency

SHOPPING

Antiques

Clothing Boutique - New Clothing Boutique - Vintage/Consignment Farmers Market Framers

Jewelry Store Local Store (W/O A Category) Nursery/Garden Center Place To Shop for The Home

SHOPPING

WEDDING & EVENTS

Carlisle’s Ice Art Fest

February 3, 4 & 5

Downtown Carlisle will once again be a magical winter wonderland with nearly 90 ice sculpture works of art lining the streets. Photo opportunities will abound, plus downtown businesses will offer special activities, discounts, music, and more!

Sponsored by UMPC. Visit www. iceartfest.com for the latest updates to the schedule.

Food & Fun

Photo Credit: Randy Gross

Toast of Harrisburg Keystone Diner A Place Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Story By Christina Heintzelman cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com

Photos: Christina Heintzelman and Keystone Diner

If you are looking for a business with longevity in Harrisburg, look no further than Keystone Diner which has been a part of the Midtown landscape for sixty-five years, with James Mallios starting the business in 1957 after arriving here from Greece in 1951. After his arrival to the U.S., James began his restaurant career working at Hamilton Restaurant in Carlisle, which is still open for business. After five years, he was approached by a friend who suggested opening a restaurant of their own in Harrisburg and Keystone Diner was founded. James returned to Greece for a visit in 1959 and returned with a lovely wife, Evvokia. He became full owner of the diner in 1962. First located on the east corner of Boas and Third Street, it moved across the street to its current location on the west corner in 1985.

John Mallios, the current owner and James’ son, has been involved with the business since his childhood. “My brothers and I helped wash dishes and peel potatoes. When an electric dishwasher was introduced at the restaurant, my brothers and I thought it was Christmas in July! We soon

learned that there were many other jobs for us to help with such as bussing tables and cleaning the floors.” But that didn’t bother John, as he says, “My parents taught their children about the need for a good work ethic necessary to getting ahead in business. I have always been grateful for that lesson.”

Be prepared for an action-packed and fun filled interior where regulars welcome newcomers and everyone talks about their favorite sports teams (be forewarned that John is a huge Colts fan). “Think of us as Cheers without the drinking,” says John. And because

Toast of Harrisburg

the grill is in the dining area, expect John and his staff to get involved in the interactions. But he does warn, “We don’t talk politics or religion – we keep an upbeat and friendly atmosphere all the time.”

The breakfast menu, which is served all day, is everything that you can imagine – omelets; French toast; pancakes; meats, eggs, and toast; specials such as cream chipped beef, sausage gravy, corn beef hash, steak, and the most popular item: a handheld egg sandwich served on an English muffin or bagel and yes, you can get that with meat and cheese, too. Eighty-five percent of their business consists of breakfast items, which speaks to the popularity of their impressive menu.

If you are not overwhelmed with the breakfasts (but why wouldn’t you be?), look at their lunch menu which has a hearty and filling choice of meatloaf, liver and onions, salmon patties, and fried haddock served with sides. For a lighter appetite, there is an abundance of sandwiches, subs, gyros, salads, and their famous homemade soups. In addition, there is a selection of different types of combination sandwiches, each named for one of John’s grandchildren. And if you have room for dessert, check out their home baked cakes. And remember, you can always get dessert to go and have it for a late-night snack. Better yet, take home enough for your family and let everyone have a treat.

John is pleased that when Google Maps with restaurant listings came out, travelers passing through the area learned of his place, read the reviews, and stopped in town to try out the delicious items on the breakfast and lunch menu. “Parking here can be difficult because of meter parking on Third Street, but if you are aware of the free parking between certain hours that is available on the side streets, it will all work out. But in any case, that issue hasn’t hurt our business very much.”

John has never experienced a shortage of workers because everyone employed there has been acquaintances of his for years. “I’ve known some of these young guys since they were kids. We are all close in this restaurant and they’ve never let me down … there is a strong commitment to us.”

In addition, John’s parents, James and Evvokia - at the age of eighty-eight years!come in to create the delicious assortments of ‘soups of the day’ and the amazing cakes that run the gamut from coconut, red velvet, strawberry, chocolate-peanut butter and more. There is also homemade rice pudding and that amazing Greek treat baklava!

The Mallios family are a family of

restauranteurs with the brothers and sister having their own restaurants, either currently or in the past, and John’s daughter, Jacqueline, being the owner of Valley Bistro, a very popular restaurant in Enola.

In 2015, a fire caused by a loose wire in a small fan in the bathroom, closed the restaurant for six months while extensive renovations were done. “It all worked out because we were able to do many upgrades and the public was

so supportive when we opened back up in May,” John says. He then adds, “We have survived the race riots of the ‘60’s, the flood of ’72, the economic downturn in the city in the ‘80’s, the fire in our restaurant, and finally the COVID lockdown. We have survived it all and we have become stronger.” And this says it all about a close-knit family with a work ethic that got them through the worst of times to remain an icon in our city. 7

Keystone Diner is located at 1000 N. Third Street, Harrisburg. Hours are Monday – Friday 6 am – 2:30 pm and Saturday from 7 am-1 pm and closed on Sunday. The restaurant also closes for the month of August for a yearly visit back home in Greece. You can find them on Facebook: Keystone Restaurant Harrisburg.

The

Hershey

Pantry Chef Colette McNitt:

A Familiar Face at an Iconic Hershey Restaurant

Story By Christina Heintzelman cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com Photos By Will Masters

The Hershey Pantry has been in existence since 1990 with new owner, Caleb Watters, taking over the helm and celebrating his first year of ownership in January 2023.

Part of the longevity of this favorite eatery, winning Harrisburg Magazine’s Simply the Best and Readers’ Choice awards for many years in both Best Breakfast and Best Brunch, is due to Chef Colette McNitt, who has been a chef for twenty-seven years.

“I started here with Jim and Cindy Hess, the original owners, and have been here ever since,” says McNitt. She then adds, “I’ve worked in a few of the then-owned Hess restaurants at some of their locations, but mostly in The Hershey Pantry. It is exciting to now work with our new owner, Caleb Watters, and remain a part of this great team.”

Originally McNitt thought that her job at Hershey Pantry would get her through college when she would then enter the business world. “It didn’t work out that way and I am perfectly happy having remained here with Hershey Pantry, as I have always enjoyed cooking. So, whenever I would think that I might be ready to move on, there was another building to open or business to manage. My home is here!” McNitt’s degree is in business management and, in addition to her role as head chef, she is also the general manager at Hershey Pantry and oversees many of the daily duties necessary to keep this operation running smoothly.

Menu planning for the extensive breakfast and lunch menu includes bi-weekly specials which are planned ahead by the seven kitchen staff overseen by McNitt. “It is a team effort and I pick everyone’s brains for new ideas, although I love being the creator of new soups that are usually introduced weekly.” These soups always have a seasonal flair to them, such as apple butternut squash, sweet potato and ham, and pumpkin mushroom, all served during the fall. “Soup is in my brain, and I often do not have written recipes for them.” She adds, “I certainly can’t take credit for everything that happens in the kitchen as the team is amazing and everyone loves to have input. It is very enjoyable for me to watch the kitchen staff come up with their ideas as they each come from a different background and bring a variety of ideas to the table. I could not do this without them.” McNitt says that there are staples at The Hershey Pantry which may never leave the menu because of their broad appeal – items such as dill chicken salad, baked oatmeal, and stuffed French toast. The menu is varied, as there are the staple items that have appeared on the menu for years, new recipes invented by staff, and of course, McNitt’s many additions to the extensive menu.

She mentions the customers who have returned time and again for many years and how great it is to see and interact with regulars who sometimes visit the restaurant for breakfast or lunch daily. She adds

Colette McNitt and Caleb Watters

that customer return after the Covid shutdown was phenomenal. “People were ready to come back out and enjoy our great food and interact with staff.”

McNitt is the mother to two teenage sons and says, “It is great that they are now at the age where I can just prep items and put them in the refrigerator for later use by the family.” She jokes about free time (“What’s that?!”) but does say that she is often on the look out for new food ideas and presentations that will appeal to the broad range of customers that Hershey Pantry attracts. “Presentation is so important as you want every dish to leave the kitchen looking beautiful and tasting delicious.” She does find time to read a large variety of books and work out at the gym – not to mention keeping the family home in order.

The Hershey Pantry is open daily for breakfast and lunch with an amazing brunch available for a satisfying start to any weekend. If you enjoy an Afternoon Tea, served on a beautiful three-tiered platter, stop by any day between 1pm – 3pm for this very special treat consisting of a baked scone, a cup of soup, pantry club, and your choice of tea. The restaurant is a great mix of trendy urban eating place with the feeling of a cozy, relaxing atmosphere created by the enclosed, all-season porch, complete with a glowing fireplace and beautiful décor. A cocktail menu has also been added for extra mealtime enjoyment (yes please!): a spicy Bloody Mary, Mimosa, or Morning Margarita - the perfect addition to any brunch. 7

The Hershey Pantry, located at 801 E. Chocolate Ave, Hershey, is open daily, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with all day breakfast available. They are vegetarian friendly and have vegan options. Please note that The Hershey Pantry does not accept reservations. Find more information on their website, www.hersheypantry.com; or on Facebook: The Hershey Pantry.

From A Local Farm To Your Family Table Karns Foods’ Continuing Commitment to Quality and Community

Story By Dimitri John Diekewicz

Since its inception in 1959, family owned and operated Karns Foods has demonstrated a consistent delivery of the highest quality selection of grocery items to its customers. This dependability has built a faithful following of patrons who expect the best and are never disappointed. The level of excellence in product selection is immediately apparent as you browse the aisles in any one of the ten Karns locations situated across the mid-state. Shelves throughout the stores

are lined with premier brands representing every form of fundamental food product. Collectively, these consumer goods envelope customers with a vast variety of food options.

Karns has an outstanding reputation of providing the finest merchandise and is equally matched by the merchant’s heartfelt pride in its role of being a Keystone State company that not only supports but promotes the Pennsylvania brand. Over the years, Karns has cultivated a close working relationship with regional farms and food producers. This PA partnership provides Karns with a nearby source of fresh goods and in turn furnishes these neighboring businesses with an optimum outlet for their wares. The outcome is a mutually beneficial arrangement and a bumper crop of homegrown choices for the consumer. Upon entering a Karns store, the abundance of Commonwealth consumables is unmistakable. As you gaze at the seemingly countless grocery offerings you quickly notice the number of products proudly wearing the Karns

PHOTO SUBMITTED Andrea & Scott Karns

Foods ‘Buy Local / Shop Local PA Proud’ label. These products can be found in most areas, including canned goods, the refrigerator and freezer sections, produce, and now there’s an even larger presence in the meat department.

The latest illustration of the company’s ‘keep it local’ philosophy is the launching this past year of its signature ‘Karns Beef Program’ and the ‘PA Preferred’ line of premium beef products featuring 100% Black Angus Choice and Prime Beef. Assorted steaks, chuck, brisket, roasts, ground beef and other specialized cut selections are just some of the items presented. The partnering between this program and the Keystone Farm Future was the culmination of a drive begun a few years earlier by Karns to establish a selfcontained beef producing system right here in the Mid-State.

President and CEO Scott Karns shares, “It’s important for us to support local Pennsylvania farming. We carry local vegetables, proteins, honey. All of our milk comes from Dauphin and Lancaster counties. We pull as much local product as possible. But we wanted to have a ‘PA Beef Program and Covid postponed that for a while. Logistically, having product (beef) shipped from the Midwest or Southwest isn’t good for the environment and the past couple of years with Covid also presented supply problems.”

Faced with these deficiencies and needing to secure a reliable supply of the highest quality beef products, Karns found the solution through another form of farming:

PHOTO BY DIMITRI JOHN DIEKEWICZ

dairy. Scott explains, “All of our farmers were former dairy farmers that were having difficulty competing in that industry and they transitioned to raising beef. Milking product twice a day and shipping is different than what goes into raising beef cattle. It’s a longer process. They had farms and the equipment just not the financial resources. This gave them a chance to stay in the farming business and practice their trade. We supply the feeder cattle, the herdsman, nutritionist, veterinarian and a support system. We have an open-door policy … I can and do inspect the farms regularly. They raise them and then they’re returned. We presently have 15001800 cattle at the 19 farms in the area, from Berks to Juniata County.”

Though there were farms more than willing to participate in the program, critical qualifications for inclusion had to first be met. Scott continues, “We have a huge waiting list of farmers who want to be part of this program. Keystone Farm Future is our management company and farmers apply to them. Keystone vets all applicants to the program and inspects the farms for their space, supplies, water, and so on to make sure they meet all the criteria. They conduct safety training and ensure that humane conditions for the stock are maintained. Water supply, good feed, and good care gets good cattle.” The meticulous attention to detail Scott describes in the operation of this program exemplifies the quality assurance that has been a hallmark of the Karns brand throughout the store’s history and has

From A Local Farm, continued from Page 33

again proven to be a winning formula for the food supplier and its patrons. Now able to proudly claim the title of the first locally raised and owned USDA Premium Angus Beef in Pennsylvania, Scott shares some of the results of this venture: “Consumers have been excited about locally raised (Angus) beef and have made it a success. 70% of beef sales are from our program. We have a minimum of one truck of finished product available every week. Usually two to three trucks are shipped weekly. I wanted high quality Angus steer I can provide to our customers, and we have hit that 100%.”

This is yet another in a long line of accomplishments achieved by a local company that puts customer satisfaction and exceptional quality assurance at the top of their list. Scott, Vice President Andrea Karns, and the entire Karns Foods family wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you haven’t been to one of the Karns locations lately, stop in and you’ll be delighted by the variety of products to be discovered and the number of those items that are from here in your own backyard … Pennsylvania! 7

For additional information on Karns Foods and their Pennsylvania Beef Program please visit:

• Local 100% Angus Beef – Karns Meat CounterKarns Foods - www.karnsfoods.com › local-beef

• Keystone Farm Future – Innovating the Future of Farming - www.keystonefarmfuture.com

Gettysburg College’s Celebration of Films by Ken Burns A World Premiere Film Festival Event

Story By Christina Heintzelman cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com Photos Submitted By Gettysburg College

One of Ken Burns’ famous quotes is, “People tend to forget that the word ‘history’ contains the word ‘story.’” Gettysburg College, through the beautifully restored 1925 Majestic Theater, will bring this quote to life through the first ever festival dedicated totally to the work of documentary filmmaker, executive producer, and television series creator, Ken Burns, the chronicler of American history and culture.

Festival Director Jake Boritt says, “Ken Burns’ epic film, The Civil War, transformed Americans’ understanding of the defining event of our history, made Ken a national icon telling our story, unleashed a surge of interest in Gettysburg, and inspired me to become a documentary filmmaker. As Americans, it will be a singular experience to gather together in Gettysburg’s Majestic Theater to watch Ken Burns’ documentaries and contemplate that deceptively simple question that has motivated making the films: Who are we?”

The festival entitled Who Are We? A Festival Celebrating the Films of Ken Burns begins on Friday February 10, and runs through Sunday February 12, 2023. Burns will be in town February 10-11 to take part in the festival. He will speak with Gettysburg College students and the public about his work. Tickets are necessary for all scheduled events. Some events are free, and others will require an admission fee. Information for this is included at the end of this article.

Gettysburg College released this quote from Ken Burns after the announcement of this festival: “Gettysburg is both a place of remembering and imagining. It is, of course, a burial ground for those who fought here – North and South – but it is also where President Lincoln imagined a new country, one where the values we associate with our country’s founding were given new meaning. I’m honored and so appreciative for this opportunity to share our films as part of this festival and to join many of my colleagues in a conversation about our art form – and our country’s history.”

Burns’ films and he, himself, have been honored with awards too numerous to mention, which include sixteen Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, two Oscar nominations (for ‘Brooklyn Bridge’ [1981] and ‘The Statue of Liberty’ [1985]), the National Humanities Medal, the S. Roger Horchow Award for Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen. And in 2008 Burns was honored by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Burns’ use of the rostrum camera to animate a still picture or object has become so renowned that it is now termed the “Ken Burns effect” in various software applications.

“The Civil War,” a winner of more than forty film and television awards which include two Emmys, two Grammys, a People’s Choice Award, and a duPont-Columbia Award, will be a marathon presentation of 11.5 hours during the festival.

The festival, produced by Gettysburg College and the Majestic Theater in

cooperation with Florentine Films and American Storyteller, LLC, will kick off with a Keynote event by Ken Burns on Friday evening. Other scheduled events will feature special guests and longtime Burns collaborators Geoffrey Ward, writer, who has worked with Burns since 1984; Sarah Botstein, producer; Allen Moore, cinematographer; and musicians Jay Unger, Molly Mason, and Jacqueline Schwab, who wrote/performed the Grammy winning music for The Civil War.

Unger, Mason, and Schwab will present a breakout session on their musical collaboration with Burns on Saturday February 11, 2023. Another breakout session on February 11 will be presented by Botstein and Ward highlighting the craft of writing and producing documentaries.

On Saturday evening, following the screening of “The Central Park Five,” Kevin Richardson, one of the exonerated Central Park Five defendants, will take part in a discussion of this highly publicized event focusing on the 1989 brutal attack of a Central Park jogger.

Sunday events will feature cinematographer Allen Moore, who will discuss the craft of cinematography and how it is used to illustrate America’s history. Also on Sunday, Tracie Potts, Executive Director of the Eisenhower Institute, and a former Washington correspondent for NBC News, along with Susan Eisenhower, chairman emerita and expert-in-residence at the Eisenhower Institute, will take part in a post-film discussion about Episode 4 of The War, “Pride of Our Nation.”

Gettysburg College President, Bob Iuliano, states, “Few individuals throughout our nation’s history have had a more profound impact in shaping American discourse than Ken Burns. His timeless works challenge us to see our country from new perspectives and encourage us to engage in the defining issues of our time. We are both excited and grateful for the opportunity to spotlight Ken’s artistry in this first-of-its-kind film festival.”

The Majestic Theater’s Founding Executive Director, Jeffrey Gabel, has this to say about the theatre and its history: “Considering the Majestic started as a small-town movie theater, it boasts a remarkable cinematic history including President and Mrs. Eisenhower as regular patrons after retiring from The White House; the 1970 U.S. premiere of Federico Fellini’s notorious masterpiece ‘Satyricon’; and the 1993 world premiere of Ron Maxwell’s Civil War epic, ‘Gettysburg’. Hosting the first-ever festival dedicated solely to Ken Burns’ films is a tremendous honor, as well as a testament to how historic theaters continue to contribute to the vitality of small towns across America.” 7

Tickets for all festival events are available at the Majestic Theater Box Office, 25 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA, by calling (717) 3378200, or online at www.gettysburgmajestic.org

You know we’re in trouble when even the Amish say we’re all going to hell in a breadbasket. I was behind an Amish man in a Harrisburg Sheetz who was reading the folded front page of a USA Today that I was going to buy. When he finished he saw me and muttered “What a world, huh?” I said, “Yes these are terrible times.” Now in a Jeopardy contest he’d win over a crop rotation question, but I’d beat him with movie stars for fifty.

My thoughts are scattered like tumbleweeds in the desert, but not as deep.

MEET THE WINNERS

Naomi Menkis

Story By Christina Heintzelman cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com Photos Submitted By Artists

In August 2022, Harrisburg Magazine, celebrated the twenty-fifty anniversary of Simply the Best. A decision was made to expand this program and create a niche award program to represent artists. Nineteen categories representing visual and performance artists were created and the voting began. Some winners are alumni of previous art related stories in Harrisburg Magazine, but many are new artists not known to us before. Harrisburg Magazine is proud to begin presenting these winners to our readers.

program.” Her husband took an interest in this project and became the driving force in moving them both toward pottery. “We got a wheel, and we started throwing. There are so many YouTube videos out there and we used them as our training, never taking any other classes. I took one wheel course in college, but Brian is totally self-trained,” she adds.

Naomi

Nis the winner of ceramicist/potter in this first year of Simply the Art. Menkis and her husband, Brian are the owners of Menkis Works Pottery in Mechanicsburg. Menkis says that she was trained as a fine arts painter and her husband was trained as a sculptor but after they married and children arrived, they wanted to focus on something creative that was easier to deal with and decided that pottery would work well. “We each had our own studios, and we wanted a place where we could work together in the same studio, and the kids could join us and be safe; pottery was a good choice.” In fact, Cedar, age six, their oldest child, is already using a pottery wheel for throwing. The couple have been in the pottery business for four years. Naomi spends most of her time in the studio and Brian, studio technician for the arts department and the art gallery director at Messiah College, fills in part-time and on weekends. Their goal is to grow their business to a full-time occupation for both.

Menkis began her career as a high school art teacher for Northumberland Christian School and worked there for five years. “In this period, I found an old kiln that had belonged to my dad and asked him if I could take it to the school and I began doing handbuilt pieces with students as part of the arts

Menkis uses an electric kiln firing at cone 6, but her true love is outdoor wood firing. The couple built a wood fired kiln and are enjoying experimenting with it. “We built it last fall and have used it four times now and are having a lot of fun seeing what happens with the beautiful, varied surfaces.” They experiment with baking soda and ash, and various slips to create unexpected pieces.

Menkis states that all functional pieces are perfectly safe for food usage. They are microwavable, hand washable, and dishwasher safe. “We create a lot of functional wares, but we also create a few pieces that are meant to be art pieces,” she states.

Since all pieces are made by hand, each piece will be slightly different. “When making a set of dishes or mugs we think of it as creating a family or a couple. Each one has its own personality, they complement each other, and they work together as a whole although they are not all exactly the same.”

Menkis Works has two yearly open houses at their location in Mechanicsburg. Other craft people are also invited to set up during the biannual open houses. Their pottery is available online on their website.

For further information: website: www. menkisworks.com , (signup for the monthly newsletter is available via the website); Facebook: Menkis Works Pottery; and Instagram: menkis_works_pottery. The studio is located at 2401 Arcona Road, Mechanicsburg, and is open to the public for open houses and during weekends in December.

Menkis

Shelly Echeverria

Jessica Jacobs

Toby Bouder

Sis the only artist to take home prizes in more than one category. She is the winner in the drawing/illustrator category, other painting modalities, and shares the watercolor award with another first-place winner, Jessica Jacobs. Echeverria has been interested in art all her life, taking classes at Art Association of Harrisburg and, upon high school graduation, enrolled at Indiana University of Pennsylvania to study art. Her hope was to study art therapy because of her interest in psychology but the school ended the program. She stayed and received her BFA and then returned to the Harrisburg area and, as she says, “Life got in the way.” She began working for the State House of Representatives and held that job for over twenty-five years.

In between these years she married and had two children. After the birth of her first child, she began to take a few art classes at Millersburg Area Art Association with Ned Wert who did a workshop there once a year. He had also taught art at IUP when she was a student. It was after the birth of her second child that her daughter became interested in art. “I went out to the yard, grabbed some lilacs for us to paint together and started painting seriously again,” she says.

Echeverria was invited to exhibit at her friend’s Middletown gallery, Arts on Union, which got her onto a more art career-oriented path. Lipscomb Gallery is Echeverria’s home gallery which she started in 2008 and periodically opens as a popup gallery. She also began exhibiting in various businesses, AAH, Homeland, and creating greeting cards for sale at various locations.

In 2011, Echeverria was diagnosed with breast cancer and began a series of paintings during her treatment and created a book entitled So They Say I Have Breast Cancer to share with other women in treatment. In 2012, WITF was working on a series, Facing Cancer Together, and her painting series was exhibited at The Atrium with an accompanying article in Central PA Magazine: 2012 Arts and Entertainment Issue, Heart and Art, by Kathryn Carpenter.

Her oncologist bought the series of paintings for display in his office as inspiration for his patients. Echeverria has also done a mural for the office representing the tree of life. “At this time, I was doing my art for healing,” she states.

In 2015, Echeverria was contacted by her friend, Bena Hartman, and asked to illustrate a children’s book she was writing, My Elephant Sized Dream, which was published in 2016. In 2018, Echeverria exhibited at WITF’s Atrium again, and in 2021 she illustrated another book, The Fight, a workbook designed for middle school/high school aged students focusing on how to deal with conflict resolution.

In 2020, when Penn State Health opened

their office in Hampden Township Center, there was a call for artists and there are now eight of her prints on their walls. And, when Penn State Health opened in Lancaster, they purchased a series of three of her prints for their walls from the original artwork. “Although I couldn’t get the degree in art therapy I feel as if I have come full circle by creating art for healing. It is healing for me, and it is healing for the patients who view this work,” she states.

Echeverria works in many mediums and likes going back and forth between them because of the different results she achievesand it also hones her skills in all these areas. “Doing illustration for the books I’ve worked on has pushed me in my skills in realism. My acrylics do tend to be bolder in my palette and my watercolors are usually softer. I remember Ned Wert once saying, ‘if you want to work in hyperrealism, take a photo, otherwise just paint your painting.’” She admits to having ‘a thing’ about trees, saying “They are all so different, the branches reach up – up to the sun.” This is in perfect harmony with her idea of positivity in life and life’s message, and also her spiritual nature. “In my faith I am always looking up to the Lord for guidance and inspiration. My personal goal is, as I meet people, I can assist them in feeling better about themselves.” Her mantra has become, “Difficult places are temporary spaces for us to grow in our faith and become dependent on him.”

Contact Echeverria through her website, www.lipscombarts.com which has an area for ‘contact me’; Facebook: Shelly Echeverria; and Instagram: @lipscombarts. By checking her name on Vimeo and YouTube you can find some short series done during an exhibit at WITF studio. She also periodically teaches classes through Michaels Stores.

Jessica Jacobs

Jreceived the tying win with Shelly Echeverria for watercolor artist. Although her background starting in childhood at the age of seven was in oil colors, attending plein air art classes and events with her mother, her newly found love is watercolor. “I come from a family with many artistic women in it. I am second generation Greek

See Meet the Winners on Page 40

Naomi Menkis

Shelly Echeverria

Toby Bouder

Meet the Winners, continued from Page 39

on my mother’s side…and women on both sides of my family were all very creative. My mother put me in various art classes with students of differing ages, which helped me tremendously in my growth.” She adds that starting early in life she wanted to be an artist and a naturalist, with a specific interest in entomology.

In addition to oils and acrylics she also enjoys sketching with pencils. “When I was pregnant with my son in 2013, I began moving toward watercolors and that started my love for this medium which I haven’t moved away from; it touched my soul in a way that never happened with other mediums before.” Although she never took lessons in watercolor, she says that she was able to teach herself because of her studies in oil and acrylic. She feels that because of her oil and acrylic work she has developed a very controlled style with her watercolor work.

Jacobs is fortunate with her art business as she has gained collectors of her works, especially her insect or natured related art; commissions for family portraits and family pet portraits; work creating business logos, websites, and illustrations; and work with clients to create tattoo artwork which she then gives to a client to take to their tattoo artist. One of her commissions was for designing the Northern York Fire Rescue Station #15’s new Pickleman mascot, which can be seen on their hose trucks in Dillsburg. Because of her facility with various social media platforms, she has made her work available on several different art related websites and works creating tee-shirts on demand and stickers for other artists to display their own work. “Ko-Fi is a website I enjoy using because it is a fundraising platform, but it also allows you to create a gallery for your art and lets users ‘buy an artist a virtual cup of coffee for $3.00.’” She sometimes works in digital art ‘as a cleansing tool’ to create her own stickers and designs. Her online site on Etsy has the largest variety of her varying artistic items.

Jacob’s work ranges from illustrative and technical quality to whimsical in nature – one piece is of three mushrooms that have tiny little stiletto heels on their roots with the mushroom caps resembling wide brimmed hats. “I am drawn to fantasy, especially in literature and films, such as The Nutcracker, Eraserhead, Lord of the Rings and anything Tolkien inspired. And I love owls! They are definitely a theme. Every owl I paint seems to sell so quickly,” she adds.

Jacobs and her family moved here from the Poconos in 2015 and settled in Wellsville, near Dillsburg, PA. Her workspace is in her home with an atelier to exhibit her work and meet with clients on an as needed basis.

She says that entomology, nature, botany, and food are her inspiration; the little things in nature that often go unnoticed, or only exist for a fleeting moment. “The breath of life on a mushroom, salamander or moth’s wings, a delicious treat made by caring hands. The symbiotic relationship between the forest and mankind.”

Jacobs has a variety of ways to reach her on social media: Ko-fi: ko-fi. com/jtjacobs_art; Etsy shop: etsy.com/JTJacobsArt; Teepublic: teepublic.

com/user/jjacobs; Redbubble: redbubble.com and then search on Jessica Jacobs Shop; The Carlisle Artisan Market: www.thebestvendors.com/store/ category/%40JTJacobs_Art; Instagram: @jtjacobs_art; Art Grab: artgrab. co/art/jtjacobsart; Facebook: JTJacobsArt; and her website: https://jessicajacobs-art.ueniweb.com. Jacob’s works can all be found using one link that will take you to all her various art online sites: www.linktr.ee/jtjacobs_art

[Harrisburg Magazine, January 2021] took the STA win in the category of sculptor. His specialty is woodturning. Bouder’s start in the creative field began in high school when he was a photographer for the high school yearbook. When he was chosen as a participant in the highly competitive Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts program a new area opened to him. To take part in the program, a student had to choose a secondary art interest which for Bouder was sculptural welding. This unlocked the world of three-dimensional art that went on to become his passion.

After school, Bouder went to work for the US Postal System but kept his hand in woodworking and before retirement moved from his Shop Smith doing flat woodworking to a lathe so he could experiment in dimensional wood creations. He turned his first bowl six months before his retirement and ten years later he is still working exclusively in that genre.

Bouder collects wood from local trees that have either been cut down or have fallen. He is often the recipient of wood that people donate and at times these people want something created as a commission from the donated wood. “My wife says, ‘there is no more room for wood here’ but wood turners tend to be hoarders,” he laughs. He works with burls quite often because of the complexity and uniqueness of the growth but works equally well with a regular piece of wood from a trunk or large branch.

Before beginning a piece, Bouder inspects the wood and begins to make the decision as to what shape, size, and features can be created from it. He then decides whether to incorporate color and what color, if any, should be used. Even finishes will change according to the wood he is using. “From the outside trees appear mundane; however, inside this outer covering is an endless wealth of natural art. I begin by peeling back the layers to reveal what nature has been hiding,” he says.

Bouder is a member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and is the past president of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the PA Guild of Craftsmen. He also belongs to the American Association of Woodturners and is vice president of the Susquehanna Woodturners Club.

Bouder and his wife, Judy, who is an artist, now only exhibit at indoor seasonal shows but his work is readily available in sixteen galleries and shops in the area. The closest ones being Brain Vessel in Mechanicsburg, Moss Creek Art in New Cumberland, Goldcrafters Corner in Carlisle, Art Association of Harrisburg, PA Guild of Craftsmen Gallery in Lancaster, Purple Robin Reserve in Lititz, Wheel of Light Studio in Halifax, and Perry County Council of the Arts Gallery in Newport. Bouder also sells many of the pieces he posts online.

Bouder understands the value and uniqueness of hand crafted one-of-a kind pieces of art and states, “It is really a special thing when a customer buys a local artisan made product and has the opportunity to meet the artist, talk about the process of the piece and learn its history, and know that item will never be replicated again because it is handmade and there are so many variations in woodgrain.” He goes on to say, “Even though I’m retired, woodworking has not turned into a job for me; rather it is a hobby which allows me to experiment and learn new techniques – one that I truly enjoy doing and it is a benefit being paid to do something I love.”

Bouder posts on the Facebook page Creative Harrisburg Area (CHA) but also has his own page, Toby Bouder, which is the best way to contact him regarding a commissioned piece or to buy a piece that he has posted on his page. 7

TToby Bouder

Jessica Jacobs