BLAKE LYNCH: POLICE LIAISON TO THE COMMUNITY
DISCOVER FUN IN NEW CUMBERLAND CELEBRATING FATHER FIGURES
CONTENTS
b enchmark Media, LLC.
J U N E 2021
22
32 June 2021 • Volume 27 No. 5
PRESIDENT/CEO Darwin Oordt doordt@benchmarkmediallc.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Christina Heintzelman cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com Darcy Oordt darcy@benchmarkmediallc.com Nativity School Mentors
Fighting food insecurity
INSIDE
44
4
SIMPLY THE BEST VOTING
6 INTROSPECTION 8
BARTENDER'S CHOICE
10 IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD 14 PHOTO ESSAY 16 NEATO BURRITO 18 #HBGMAG INFLUENCER 22 NATIVITY SCHOOL MENTORS 28 CONTACT HELPLINE Row, row, row your boat
ON THE COVER
32 FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY 36 UNDERSTANDING CBD 40 VISION SERVICES 44 SUSQUEHANNA ROWING ASSOC. 46 FISHING AFICIONADOS 50 ARTFUL INSPIRATIONS: PAINT 52 ARTFUL INSPIRATIONS: MURALS
EDITOR Deborah Lynch dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura Reich lreich@benchmarkmediallc.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Don Bair dbair@harrisburgmagazine.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mike Jurosky mjurosky@harrisburgmagazine.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jo Ann Shover jshover@benchmarkmediallc.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tyler Freeman Christina Heintzelman Toron James Shadeed Muhammad Jahfi Logan Kent Sariano
Visit us online at: HarrisburgMagazine.com
57 TASTE THIS FRIDAY HARRISBURG MAGAZINE'S "SIMPLY THE BEST" 2019 CORPORATE SPONSORS:
PHOTO BY SOURCE CREATIVE HOUSE Blake Lynch: Police liaison to the community. To read more about Lynch, see page 18
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THE NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OVER. While thousands were nominated, only THE BEST had enough votes to make it to the next round.
VOTING BEGAN APRIL 15, 2021 AT 12:01 A.M. HERE'S HOW TO VOTE: 1. If you voted before, you need to find the link 3. For each category, scroll through the list emailed to you to log in. until the bottom to ensure you see all the entrants. Entries are listed alphabetically. If you can't find the link, go to the voting Most categories have 5 nominees. A few page and click on "Already registered" at the categories where the nomination count top of the ballot. This will resend you the link. was tied or very close, may have more than 5 nominees. If you haven't voted before, you will need to register. You can do this by entering your 4. Choose the nominee you think is the best, email address when prompted after voting. then click on the green "Vote" button next Email address must be valid and belong to to it. the person casting the vote to be considered 5. If you haven't registered or logged in, it will valid. Invalid votes will not be counted. ask for your email address at this time. Enter 2. To start, navigate to the category by it and complete the registration process. selecting on the group button, then the category from the drop-down menu. 6. If you make a mistake, just click on "Change Vote" to fix it.
THAT'S IT! YOU MAY ONLY VOTE ONE TIME PER CATEGORY.
VOTING ENDS AT 11:59 P.M. ON JUNE 15, 2021. 4 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 5
Introspection
PHOTO BY SOURCE CREATIVE HOUSE
Of June, Fathers, and Role Models
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ur cover model Blake Lynch exemplifies the content perfectly for June. As a young father of two energetic boys who unwinds from the pressure of working as the director of the Community Services Division of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police by creating mouth-watering dishes for his family, Lynch is role model, father, husband, influencer, chef, and community activist rolled into one enthusiastic person. As might be expected, Lynch and the police officers he works with encounter some skepticism in the community. “By our actions is how we’re judged,” he said. “The only way you can continue to do good and help is by giving without expectations.” That’s what he does and will continue to do alongside the seven new community aides who are being hired to work under him starting this summer. Building a sense of community and respect starts young, too. At Nativity School of Harrisburg, teachers, staff, and volunteers provide mentorship to inner-city middle school boys. Full disclosure: Before coming to Harrisburg Magazine in February, I worked as a volunteer graduate support director for Nativity School for more than three years. That means I got to see personally how Nativity School was changing lives, giving disadvantaged boys guidance, nourishment (both spiritual and physical), and a chance to go to college. I profile five of their male role models in this issue, and we feature essays by two former students as well as the son of the Nativity principal. During the past year when many of the high schools where I supported Nativity students were closed for in-person school, I volunteered to take PA211 calls for CONTACT Helpline after seeing their call for volunteers. After completing online training, I started taking two- and three-hour shifts several times a week for nearly a year. The huge need I encountered was sobering. Being able to find services that might assist callers and 6 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
listening to their stories was gratifying — but some days it weighed heavy on my soul. After one particularly troubling week in late 2020, I wrote the poem that accompanies the story about the services offered by CONTACT Helpline. The staff and volunteers are unsung heroes. Among the most needed referrals to PA211, were those for help with food. In this issue, we also take a look at the food banks, agencies, and individuals who help to feed the mid-state. Also for this issue, I was challenged to write about the Susquehanna Rowing Association by learning how to row myself. Now, I have rowed — kayaks and canoes as well as rowers in the gym — but I have never rowed like this — sitting backwards in a long, narrow, lightweight shell with two oars to coordinate in rhythm with my legs. My coach Bruce Herring was truly a saint to talk me through my awkward motions and brain farts. In less than two hours, I started to feel the rhythm — and the freedom — of gliding across the lake. If I could do it, anyone could. In April, I put out a call for ideas about what to profile in New Cumberland, the focus of June’s “In My Neighborhood” feature. The volume and fervor of the responses speaks to the sense of community that permeates the small town on the west shore of the Susquehanna. The “In My Neighborhood” business profile unwraps the Neato Burrito story. Also in this issue, we explore great fishing spots and those who have made a living off fishing, explain the differences in CBD and cannabis products, and highlight the many services offered for those with vision disabilities in the Harrisburg region. In “Artful Inspirations,” Christina Heintzelman looks behind the art of Bryan “Prolifik” Hickman, and expands on the continuing beautification of Harrisburg by Sprocket Mural Works. For “Taste This Friday,” we were treated to the savory and sweet baked
goods of Raising the Bar Bakery, which paired perfectly with coffee roasts from Harrisburg’s newest coffee shop, Denim Coffee. Our featured bartender in “Bartender’s Choice” is the outgoing and talented Cheyenne Nickle of Mellow Mink Brewing in Hampden Center. Also this month, we welcome guest photographers from Source Creative House in New Cumberland who have provided some photos for our “In My Neighborhood” feature on New Cumberland as well as some for the business feature on Neato Burrito. Coincidentally, they also took the cover photo of Blake Lynch, director of the Community Services Division of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. We continue to seek reader participation through photographs and poems, and nominations for “Bartender’s Choice” and “In My Neighborhood.” Send poems for consideration to poems@harrisburgmagazine.com and photos to photos@harrisburgmagazine.com. In July, we are planning to go “Daytrippin,’ ” so if you’d like to submit photos of summer activities and events for consideration and credit, we’d love to see what you’ve got. Your suggestions for bartender profiles can go to dlynch@harrisburgmagazine. com. To nominate a neighborhood, please complete the form at https://benchmarkmedia. wufoo.com/forms/welcome-to-my-hood. 7 — Deborah Lynch, Editor Happy June and Happy Father’s Day
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Bartender’s Choice
Young bartender shakes herself a creative opportunity Story and Photos By Deborah Lynch dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
T
Frank Sinatra
Bartender Cheyenne Nickle 8 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
he big rectangular bar surrounded by small tables and knickknacks celebrating one of Pennsylvania’s most efficient predators, the mink, creates a chill atmosphere for those walking into the oxymoron that is Mellow Mink Brewing in the Hampden Center shopping complex on the Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg. It is perhaps this contradiction of easygoing and wily weasel that creates a curiously welcoming atmosphere highlighted even more by the creative, loyal Virgo named Cheyenne Nickle who has been tending bar there since opening day for Mellow Mink in 2018. The 26-year-old, who has been bartending for six years, is a Cumberland Valley High and HACC grad whose love for craft breweries and creating her own specialties make her perfect for the job. “I love the quality of brews we put out,” she said of Mellow Mink, which is known for its sours with owner Matt Miller writing the Sour Beer Blog. “The owners, Matt [Miller] and Cole [Taylor], have done a fantastic job of starting a business from the ground up and NEVER skimped on the quality of product they put out.” As her creative Virgo nature would lead one to expect, Nickle loves to match drinks to her customers’ tastes and is happy to mix something special for them. She also designs sweet and fruity drinks for her friends and herself, so she came up with the Princess Peach (recipe on next page) to match their tastes. This is not a drink you’ll find on the menu at Mellow Mink. Mellow Mink, however, crafts new cocktail menus seasonally, keeping some favorites such as the Frank Sinatra and Jalapeno Mule. It can serve only Pennsylvania spirits, and currently is serving mostly those from Hidden Still Spirits in Hershey, but also has some from Stateside, Midstate, and the Revivalist on hand. The owners give their bartenders freedom behind the bar. Nickle said she and other bartenders have created some signature cocktails in the past and are also consulted for inspiration on both the cocktail menu and the brews. Drinks on the current cocktail list, including the flavorful Blackberry Gin Fizz, are Taylor’s recipes. “It’s empowering to know you are backed up creatively by management,” Nickle said. Known also for its brews, Mellow Mink offers a Superfruit #10 (golden sour beer), Traverse Town IPA, Copious Darkness (English Oatmeal Stout), and Crush: Blood Orange Gose among others that rotate on its taps, including small batches and guest beers. It also offers ciders. Mellow Mink partners with Cork and Fork Osteria, also located on the Carlisle Pike, to offer food for its customers, and Nickle noted that customers are welcome to have food from anywhere delivered to the brewery. She says they are a BYOF establishment — Bring Your Own Food, which allows them to focus on their brews. For more information on Mellow Mink, go to their website at https://mellowmink.com. To read the Sour Beer Blog, go to Blackberry Gin Fizz http://sourbeerblog.com.
Nickle’s Dossier
Words of advice to home mixologists: Don’t be afraid to try new things. There are so many different spirits, mixers, and flavors out there that sticking to just the simple things gets boring — and quickly. There will be hundreds of drinks you try to make for the first time that don’t taste right. That’s okay! Try it again. Bartending is a trial-and-error business. You learn best from your mistakes. You could be bartending for 20+ years and you will still learn new things every day. Inspirations: It might sound silly, but the TV show Bar Rescue — I’m obsessed! Every day there is usually an episode before I go to work, and I think to myself, “Would John Taffer approve of the drinks I make? How I bartend? How quickly I can put out a drink?” Favorite spirit straight: Tequila. A very misunderstood liquor with a huge stigma on its shoulders. I hear people talk all about how tequila gets them in trouble, or they tell me about their bad experiences and hungover horror stories. You have to give it a chance in the correct setting. The spirit itself is complex and delicate. There’s a lot to enjoy from tequila over a nice cube of ice. Recommendations of this spirit to try: Some of the tequilas I like to use are Sauza Blue Silver, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Teremana, and 1800, if I’m sipping on ice.
Nickle’s signature drink: Princess Peach 1½ ounces Grey Goose Vodka ¼ ounce peach syrup ½ ounce prickly pear syrup 2 ounces lemonade Want a nice, sweet summer drink by the pool? Shake and strain this drink over ice for the perfect poolside cocktail. Her pretty pink color and sweet complexion could rival Princess Peach herself.
Thoughts about your cocktails: Mellow Mink’s cocktails meet the palates for a wide variety of people. I love that we don’t stick to one or two spirits. We keep a complex mix of different liquors to factor in everyone’s specific tastes and interests. Whether it’s a seasonal drink or long running fan favorite, there will be something on the menu for you to try. When Nickle works: You can find me every weekend behind the bar. I always work FridaySaturday, and every Wednesday. Throughout the week, my schedule varies, but chances are you will see me, and if not, you can meet one of my friendly co-workers. 7
Favorite spirit to mix: Definitely vodka. It’s incredibly versatile and usually very forgiving if you are mixing a particular drink for the first time. There are dozens of great and relatively inexpensive brands to try as well, which makes it so readily accessible to play around with. Most commonly ordered drinks at your bar: At Mellow Mink, our craft beers have always been the driving force and focus. Nothing beats a long day like a nice cold beer, but I will say, our cocktail menu has definitely taken off over the last year or so. The fun and seductive Pornstar Martini is a huge hit, as well as our more sophisticated concoction, Frank Sinatra — one fruity, tart and flirtatious, the other elegant, bold, and classic. Two completely different drinks to broaden our menu. They are as refreshing to drink as they are enjoyable to make. Philosophy on drinks: Please stop ordering, “whatever you think I’d like.” That is such a loaded question, because like any career, hobby or practice, there are a lot of factors that determine a person’s palate. Give us some more information. Tell us what spirits you usually like, tastes and mixers you enjoy or try to avoid, and if you like sweet or dry flavors. HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 9
In My Neighborhood
New Cumberland Story and Photos By Deborah Lynch dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
I
t’s not necessary to know much more about New Cumberland than to see the overwhelming response social media posts about Harrisburg Magazine’s plan to feature it brought. The Facebook post reached more than 5,000 people and was shared 13 times with more than 38 comments about what makes this little town across the river from Harrisburg and Steelton a great place to live and visit. The people and businesses of New Cumberland are passionate about one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Getting to know other neighborhoods and communities is a way to build greater understanding and appreciation of all of the people and places that make up the diverse Harrisburg region. We hope you will join us in this exploration in coming issues. We ask readers to get involved by nominating neighborhoods and detailing what makes them special. To nominate, go to https://benchmarkmedia.wufoo.com/ forms/in-my-neighborhood.
Physical boundaries: New Cumberland is a borough in the easternmost part of Cumberland County with the Susquehanna River and Dauphin County as the eastern boundary. It is bordered to the south by the Yellow Breeches Creek and York County. To the west, Lower Allen Township, and to the north Lemoyne are the boundaries. I-83 tracks the western border with access to New Cumberland from Ext 40B (Simpson Ferry Road). According to the borough’s website, New Cumberland, which covers 1.7 square miles, recorded a population of 7,277 in the 2010 census. Early on, the community was called Shawneetown, then Chartiers Landing, then Lowther Manor, then Haldeman’s Town, then Cumberland before in 1827, the name was changed to New Cumberland to avoid confusion with Cumberland, Maryland. The borough is 95 percent residential, but also has some commercial, industrial, and public land.
Businesses: New Cumberland offers an interesting mix of businesses reminiscent of days of glory for downtowns. Bridge Street is the main thoroughfare with a mix of churches, charities, banks, restaurants and small businesses. Brew Cumberland’s Best coffee shop sits on the north end of Bridge Street while Nick’s 114 Cafe anchors the southern end of the street. Neato Burrito sits a block off Bridge in the former fire hall across the street from the current fire hall. Several people recommended Hanna’s Ice Cream Shoppe, others gave shout outs to Kelly Financial, Weist Hardware, Moss Creek Art, Retro & Rad, Source Creative House, Yak & Yeti, the Russian grocery store, Brother’s Pizza, Funtastik Skate and Snow, American Anchor Tattoo Co., Tickle My Senses Gallery, Fountainblu Skating Arena, Chaka Crossfit, Villa Roma Pizza, and BCB Enterprises. The town also offers auto repair businesses, healthcare businesses, real estate businesses, salons, and much more. (Yak & Yeti is temporarily closed while staff open a new location in Lancaster). 10 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
Shops/groceries: Grocery shopping could be one of the more difficult tasks to accomplish without leaving New Cumberland although a Giant Food Store is located just across the Yellow Breeches Creek from New Cumberland proper, on Old York Road. Goldy Market (Russian Grocery store) and Gourmet offers imported food in Kelly Plaza at 400 Bridge Street. A downtown Market Mart offers convenience market items on Bridge Street. Oxford Hall Celtic Shop offers UK and Irish grocery items.
HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 11
Other notable features: This May, the borough opened the New Cumberland Community Garden at 12th and Market streets, which includes 26 raised bed garden plots of 4x8 feet each for residents to reserve for a $30 annual fee. The Friends of the West Shore Theatre have been working diligently to restore the vintage downtown venue. The stage has been extended to accommodate big and small groups. A new concession stand is located closer to the stage and will feature new equipment. To donate or help with the restoration, go to www.friendsofthewestshoretheatre.org. The New Cumberland Farmers’ Market on 4th is held from 9-1 every Saturday in the parking lot of Kelly Financial Services. The community is also planning an inaugural Iron Bridge Music Festival from noon-9 p.m. on Aug. 29. The New Cumberland Town Band will kick off the free festival followed by local, regional, and national acts, including guitarist Paul Nelson, blues and jam band Harper and the Midwest Kind, and local rock favorites The Jellybricks. Also in August, on the 14th the borough will host a summer cruisein featuring all types of antique, classic, and muscle cars. For more information on New Cumberland and events going on there, visit https://newcumberlandborough.com.
Next month, when we go “Daytrippin,’ ” we profile the tourist mecca of downtown Hershey for “In My Neighborhood.” Send us your nominations for future profiles by completing the form at https://benchmarkmedia.wufoo.com/ forms/in-my-neighborhood.
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Living here: New Cumberland has an active and proud business community that supports one another, the town, the residents, and the town’s events. Tamara Weiss, whose family owns American Anchor Tattoo Co,. runs a Facebook page called “The Block on Bridge” to promote 2nd Thursday’s Downtown, to celebrate downtown — and its shops, eateries, artists and community — and “to highlight the many nuances sometimes missed and help spread the word of what this incredibly unique town and community has to offer,” Weiss said. The town holds 2nd Thursday’s Downtown from 5-7 p.m. with food trucks and specials at downtown shops. She also runs the @newcumberlandpa Instagram account to promote New Cumberland. Residents responded gleefully to a Facebook request for information on their town. “We love taking our dog to Borough Park and having drinks outside of Dead Lightning,” Meghan Kane wrote on our post. The Borough Park sits on the Yellow Breeches Creek with a dam that attracts fishermen. The park has baseball fields, horseshoe courts, a pavilion, a playground, and much more. “Love Oxford Hall Celtic Shop and their Tea Cafe,” Joan Gulden McBride responded. “Carpe Diem is awesome, 4th & Market,” wrote Rachel Henry. “The whole town is great to walk and bike — our town actually stops for people in crosswalks and borough park is a great spot if you want to walk along the Yellow Breeches,” Amy Felton wrote. “We have met some wonderful people here in New Cumberland, and love the potential they see to make New Cumberland a hub for arts and creativity here on the West Shore,” said Emil Rodriguez-Powell of Source Creative House and Slice of Lime Photography located above Neato Burrito since 2019. “It is our dream that Source can be a part of that. … While Covid threw all of our plans for events down the tubes, we’ve got many ideas in the works such as pop-up markets, that we hope will continue to attract creatives and artists to our block.”
Last word: From Tamara Weiss of “The Block on Bridge” and American Anchor Tattoo Co.: “Also a side note about the kind of place New Cumberland is. My husband Steve Skelly grew up here in New Cumberland. He skateboarded these downtown streets as kids with shop owner Aaron from Funtastiks. He moved away and was tattooing in Philadelphia and New York. When we decided to open our family shop, we knew New Cumberland was the right fit. We moved from Philly and we opened American Anchor Tattoo Co. almost five years ago this July. We are raising our two kids here. It’s home now and was the best choice. And now Steve and Aaron have shops across the street from one another.”7 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 13
Emil Rodriguez-Powell, Landon Wise, and Stephanie Fletcher team in Source Creative House.
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Photos Courtesy Of Source Creative House
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PHOTO BY SOURCE CREATIVE HOUSE
As throwback as its name, Neato Burrito wraps fun By Deborah Lynch dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
N
eato Burrito has a checkered past. The mission-style burrito business was born on 3rd Street in Harrisburg in 1995, but when owners, husband and wife team Shayne Edmunds and Grace Graybill, went looking for a new home for Checkered Past, their vintage clothing and body piercing business that was losing its lease in The Point Mall on Union Deposit Road, a new opportunity opened for the burrito joint as well. New Cumberland’s “small-town vibe” complete with a (then) operating movie theater, an independent coffee house that brought in live shows from national artists (the now defunct The Wire/Why’re), and a music shop spoke to them with “some like-minded energy.” While exploring other properties in New Cumberland with a real estate agent in 1998, they spied the former fire house with a For Sale sign on it, and knew they had found a home for their business. The bottom floor of the building still had cigarette butts in ashtrays from a former brew pub that had been there. They couldn’t ignore that it was already set up to be a restaurant, so a third Neato Burrito was born in 1999 (the second opened in Lemoyne in 1997). Checkered Past took over the second floor until reaching a turning point and closing in 2012. The burrito business itself grew out of four or five retreats a year for Checkered Past to the Javits Center in New York City, where the shop’s team connected with clothing and jewelry retailers while agreeing every year to eat at Benny’s Burritos. The big mission-style burritos brought back memories of home for the California-born Edmunds who said, “I can’t believe this isn’t a thing everywhere.” He decided to make it a thing in the Harrisburg area. Edmunds and Graybill partnered with Jon Rohrer to create what has grown into seven locations for Neato Burrito — Paxton Street in Harrisburg, New Cumberland, Lemoyne, Windsor Park in Mechanicsburg, Silver Creek Plaza on the Carlisle Pike, Lancaster, and Carlisle (which has 16 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
PHOTO BY SOURCE CREATIVE HOUSE
remained closed since the start of Covid). The other six locations went to takeout (ordering via a downloadable app, online website, QR code, and Doordash) during Covid and will remain that way for the near future for safety of staff and the public. “We are cautious people in nature in the way we operate our business,” Edmunds said. One thing Neato Burrito is not cautious about is creating a consistent, high quality menu. The burrito ingredients have been preservative free for nearly 10 years and contain 75 percent less salt than typical. The flavor instead is enhanced through salsas, pestos, and spices. While known for daily special burritos, that has been cut back since Covid to save staffing and prep time. Edmunds said he hopes to bring all of that back. In the meantime, the undisputed favorite is the Cowboy Crunch burrito, available in vegetarian, beef, chicken and ancho chili pork versions. Though Edmunds developed the recipes over the years, he said it was an employee who brought in some ranch sauce that he coupled with crushed tortilla chips and put on a basic burrito of barbecued rice, refried beans and cajun chicken to Edmunds’ dismay. Everyone else, however, loved it, and it soon became a bestseller. “I’ve made peace with it,” he laughed. Edmunds and Graybill used the second floor as their offices for Neato Burrito and other businesses, so the New Cumberland location became the de facto headquarters for the restaurant. Then, in 2019, three photographers seeking a light-filled home had the same kind of eureka moment that Edmunds and Graybill had experienced 21 years earlier. Source Creative House is a collaboration between Stephanie Fletcher of Philter Photo, who had a studio Derry Street in Harrisburg, and Emil Rodriguez-Powell of Slice of Lime Photography and Landon Wise of Landon Wise Photography, who shared space on Front Street in Uptown Harrisburg. The trio wanted to “take over the world” together, but noting a lack of rentable studio space in Harrisburg, found New Cumberland to be the center of their world. “What makes moving into this space even more special is the connections that all three of us have with the space,” Rodriguez-Powell said. “Stephanie purchased her wedding jewelry at Checkered Past and also got a piercing there. Landon’s grandfathers were fire chiefs at New
Cumberland Fire Co. when it was still housed in our building [we even have one of their old fireman helmets in the studio]. And when I was dating my now husband, one of the first places he took me when I visited Harrisburg for the first time was the New Cumberland Neato and Checkered Past. “We feel such a sense of gratitude that we get to be part of the history and legacy of this amazing building and never lose sight of how lucky we are that Shayne and Grace vibed our vision for the space and gave us the opportunity to rent it out.” Both Edmunds and Rodriguez-Powell noted that the mural that covers the building, which was freshly painted less than six months before Covid hit, brings daily traffic to gawk at the fun, colorful design, and to shoot Tik Tok videos and photos. “It’s one of the things that we are the most happy that we’ve ever done,” Edmunds said of the mural. “The energy it brings!” Stephen Michael Haas, the artist who painted the mural, first worked as an employee for Neato Burrito and says it’s there that he learned how to “hustle my art.” He said he was trying to “nail down what the vibe [Edmunds] is trying to communicate as a restaurant through art, and to me Neato has always been just that — NEATO — and that’s what I wanted to put out there.” One of the fun parts of being NEATO preCovid was hosting fundraisers for groups. The restaurant hosted sports teams, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and all kinds of groups, and would split proceeds 50-50. “We were trying to give something back after all the years of support after all the years in town,” Edmunds said. That sense of community is what connects Neato Burrito. Along with Tamara Weiss, who owns American Anchor Tattoo and runs a social media account called Block on Bridge, Edmunds credits other businesses for banding together to create a vibrant close-knit community. To learn more about Neato Burrito, check out their website at http://neatoburrito.com or social media at Neato Burrito. To learn more about Source Creative House, visit their website at www.sourcethespace.com/welcome. 7 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 17
#hbgmag Influencer
Community ‘architect’ builds bridges between police and community By Deborah Lynch dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
A
few years prior to the tumultuous year that was 2020, credit Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter for recognizing that Harrisburg police could not continue to “do things the way things used to be done,” particularly that the unit needed to “change the way we interact with the public.” In 2017, he brought back the community policing unit that had existed since the 1980s, but had been hit by Act 47 downsizing. To reinstate it, he needed a connected coordinator with a big heart for the Harrisburg community. Blake Lynch was the perfect person for the job. “I thought he was in tune with the Harrisburg residents and understood the pulse beat of the city,” Carter said. “You need someone like that. “Police sometimes tend to be one way,” Carter continued. “I need to know how the people feel — what we don’t perceive as a problem, and they do — Blake Lynch understands that. He understands both sides. I tell him … ‘I want you in the neighborhoods to understand what the people need and the conversations they want to have with police, and he does a good job with that.”
He lived it
PHOTO BY DEBORAH LYNCH
Brendan, Brytanni, Blake and Blake Jr. stroll in a park near their home.
PHOTO BY SUBMITTED
Blake Lynch and a young girl from the community attend a Harrisburg Police Community BBQ. 18 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
PHOTO BY SUBMITTED
Blake Lynch spends time with Ms. Spencer's sophmore SBI class at John Harris High School, discussing policing and other topics.
Lynch came to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police in March of 2018 as Community Policing Coordinator after working as director of development for the Boys and Girls Club of Harrisburg. With the creation of the Community Services Division this year, Cpl. Josh Hammer was promoted to sergeant, Lt. Milo Hooper was promoted to captain, and Lynch was promoted to director of the division. Lynch had also previously worked for the city as a programs administrator under former mayor Linda Thompson. He speaks with reverence about his job for the Boys and Girls Club. “I was a product of the Boys and Girls Club, so to return to a place that did so much for me and my family — my uncle worked there, my dad used to play basketball there — to go back and help raise funds [over $1 million every year] to make sure they have a safe, positive place after school to go to was really important.” Taking the job as the director of the Community Services Division and Community Engagement has been a “different opportunity — just being able to serve in a different way, but
PHOTO BY SUBMITTED
Captain Milo Hooper, Blake Lynch, and Sergeant Joshua Hammer after being sworn in as the new division leaders of the community services division.
still affect the same community,” Lynch said. Directors of community organizations, volunteers, business owners, and residents all know Lynch and they light up when they see him or at the mention of his name. “He’s kind of my go-to in the community policing work he does,” said Gloria Vasquez Merrick, executive director of the Latino Hispanic American Community Center. “He’s a great bridge builder between the community and the police. He’s boots on the ground on a regular basis. That speaks to his character, his personality, his desire to make sure that if the community organizations have needs or impediments or barriers to getting things done that he tries to help us the best he can.”
The role of the division
The division is tasked with quality of life issues and to assist with street crime. Lynch, a civilian, is director, and the city is currently working to fill positions for seven community aides, who will work alongside him in civilian positions to help bring resources to the community and to bridge the gap between community and police. As part of that, over the past year in response to Covid, the community division worked together with more than 200 volunteers and a partnership with the Central PA Food Bank to distribute more than 1.2 million pounds of food — 838,00 meals to more than 22,000 families in and around Harrisburg. Lynch is a proud member of the board of directors for the Central PA Food Bank. Some of what Lynch has done over the past three years that the new aides will also help with include working to end illegal dumping and diffusing situations such as loud calls, dogs, illegal parking, restaurant noise, etc. — quality of life issues. They have also helped with vaccine distribution. The unit will canvas the neighborhoods.
“It affects who you are, where you live. Everyone wants to live in a clean, safe community.” — Blake Lynch “These are things that are serious to the neighbors on the block,” Lynch said. “It affects who you are, where you live. Everyone wants to live in a clean, safe community.” That is why, Lynch said, it is so important for his unit to help the community to learn to trust those associated with the police. The role of the new CSA program will be to help facilitate and grow that relationship. Each new aide will serve a specific district of the city (seven police districts). They will be expected to form relationships with neighbors on the block, nonprofits, churches, and schools. Resources will be deployed to those areas, needs will be determined, and it is hoped that residents will feel “safe and protected,” Lynch said. Carter said the Harrisburg Bureau of Police also did a study with the Lancaster police, which has had 20 community service aides (CSAs) for some time and determined that police don’t need to go out on some of the calls they get — that CSAs could take some of those calls and make a better connection with the people. He said the CSAs will be there to “handle situations that don’t arise to police issues.” He also said three mental health workers ride with officers to help diffuse situations with their different expertise. While Lynch and the CSAs will not be dispatched to most calls, they will work every day to build long-term trust in the police HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 19
department. “Giving that expectation is the most important thing we can do,” Lynch “Continuing to serve, continuing to help, continuing to said of building trust. “People will eventually respect that and understand that this person move the narrative forward that community policing is really wants to help us. so vital — officers knowing neighbors ... quality of life “Communities of color can be skeptical due to the historical nature of policing. I issues addressed ... trash being picked up — all the quite understand that,” Lynch said. “That’s things that make for a safer community.” something I don’t take lightly. Continuing to serve, continuing to help, continuing — Blake Lynch to move the narrative forward that community policing is so vital — officers knowing neighbors ... quality of life issues addressed ... trash being picked up — all the things that make for a safer community.”
A difficult year
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Byron Acklin, Blake Lynch, Arlene Crowder, and Qyana Smith receive boxes of food to give away to the community.
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Sergeant Joshua Hammer and Blake Lynch divide and sort new toys to distribute during Christmas to families. 20 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
Lessening the load for police officers will allow officers more time to focus on active calls,” Lynch and Carter stressed. That also includes city officers working to take guns off the streets. In a March 30 press conference on community policing, Commissioner Carter noted that since 2015, his department has taken 1,370 guns off the streets (the attorney general’s office and other agencies also confiscate guns making that number even higher). The police officers also handled more than 20 protests in three months last summer. Not only did 2020 present the myriad of issues associated with Covid, it also featured frequent organized protests — many based around policing, the George Floyd death following a police neck restraint in Minneapolis, and Black Lives Matter. Carter says the enhanced Community Services Division was not a response to that — that it had already been planned. “I’d had conversations with the mayor and expressed our views on policing — especially 21st Century policing,” he said, and Lynch added that the mayor, the commission, the city council, and everyone involved listened to the needs of the community. That same type of cooperation helped Harrisburg avoid the turmoil between the police and the protesters that many cities and towns suffered. Harrisburg police were proactive behind the scenes by meeting with protesters, helping them plan march routes, and stopping traffic. He said police prepared “to ensure public safety for everyone and to ensure that everyone had their right to protest and exercise first amendment freedom of speech.” With Lynch canvassing the neighborhood along with his seven new community service aides, Harrisburg residents have someone “willing to go the extra mile to help as many people as he can,” Carter said. And, as Vazquez Merrick noted, Lynch has helped to change the perception of police in her community. “At first, I was really unsure,” she said of having police around her center. “He’s helping us and we’re helping him to create a positive image of the police force in our community. In the long run, we hope that goes a long ways towards people feeling safer, feeling more secure, and feeling like people outside of our immediate community really care about them,” she said. With Carter’s vision, Lynch’s connection to the community, and the commitment of more than 140 officers who risk their lives every day, Harrisburg policing is on a path to creating a new type of community relationship. 7
Will work for empanadas — and anyone who needs help By Deborah Lynch
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dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
riminals worry about following police departments or officers on social media, lest the police follow them back. One member of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police that people might consider following, however, would be the director of the Community Services Division, Blake Lynch, because to follow his Instagram account is to be treated to a culinary feast for the eyes. Lynch regularly posts advertisement-quality photos of his mouthwatering kitchen creations along with others of his sweet family. Seeing these images makes him immediately approachable. Who wouldn’t want to chat with someone who seems to be so connected to life and family? “I do enjoy cooking. It’s something that is relaxing for me after a long day,” Lynch said. “Being in this profession is crisis mode most of the time, so spending time with my family — with my wife and with my boys - they’re everything.” Lynch and his wife Bryttani have been a couple since their high school days at Susquehanna Township. They are now parents to two boys, Blake Jr. (6) and Brendan (2). Bryttani works in human resources for a large regional engineering firm and the family now lives in a wonderfully diverse neighborhood in the Harrisburg area. Being there as a father and doing things together as a family are high on Lynch’s list of priorities. His father died when he was young, so his mother worked even harder to raise him and his brother. “If I can be there for my boys to try to provide them with anything I can as a dad, and also for my wife as well to be a great partner and husband, I always will be. Most important is to take care of home first,” he said. When he’s not spending time with his family, he’s meeting with city residents in his civilian community services role. He’s helped individuals and
organizations get food during the pandemic, he’s helped with vaccine distribution, and he’s there to help solve problems for anyone who needs help. “I’m just a guy who likes to help people,” he said matter-of-factly. Part of how he connects to people is to reach them through experiences and culture. He’s working on improving his Spanish to better help the Spanishspeaking community of Harrisburg. “The good thing about working in the community is that there’s so many talents,” he said. “When I do have Spanish speaking needs, I reach out to community partners to help with translations, etc. They are just as much a part of the fabric of the community as anyone else.” One of those partners is the Latino Hispanic American Community Center located in the heart of Allison Hill. Executive Director Gloria Vazquez Merrick said Lynch’s efforts at speaking Spanish go a long way in her community. “When Blake is there, he’s sitting there, eating the rice and beans, the empanadas — it helps people to feel more welcome and inviting. “He’s a rock star in the community. Everybody loves Blake,” Vazquez Merrick said. Lynch’s boss, Commissioner Thomas Carter of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, echoes her views. “He’s just a great guy. A great talent. A great family man. I couldn’t ask for a better person to be in the position he’s in.” Lynch is on Instagram at @_blakelynch 7
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FATHER FIGURES: Paying it back, again, and again, and again By Deborah Lynch
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dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
o better role model exists than the person who wants to give back. The innocent wide-eyed boys who walk the halls of Nativity School of Harrisburg have role models at every turn as they are surrounded by a community of teachers, volunteers, and administrators who are giving back every single day. The boys get daily doses of reality, humility, generosity, and humanitarianism at their middle school located at the corner of N. 5th and Maclay streets. The 45 inner-city boys from disadvantaged homes who find educational, nutritional, and spiritual sustenance daily at their second home know they can turn to any one of the school’s team at any time. While the female leadership at the school is a key part of each student’s life, what many of the boys really need in their lives are father figures. Nativity has five larger-thanlife male mentors to fill that role.
‘A father figure, for sure’
Lavelle Muhammad, the principal and executive director of Nativity, has been described as “curious,” “corny,” “a big role model,” “a father figure, for sure,” as someone who “brings good vibes,” and “a role model for life” by some of his former students. At 6-3, the former college football player makes a large presence in the school. He’s stern, but he’s calm. He doesn’t get overly excited. “A lot of them [the students] probably look to him as a father figure ...,” said Sheri PhillipsLane, secretary for the Nativity School Board of Trustees.
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Sgt. Steve Holmes instructs his color guard.
Grandpop’s jokes and inspirations lift Trinity student By Jahfi Logan
Special to Harrisburg Magazine
My grandpop, Jeffrey Abney of Harrisburg, is probably the strongest in our family, and is highly intelligent. Our relationship is unbreakable, yet he does get on my nerves most times, just as most parents and grandfathers do for teenagers. Back when I was little, I remember the times where we traveled to Philadelphia and other places, and just had fun. He was very oldschool, so we used to have to take the train a lot also. But he also is a jokester and jokes a lot, like when I’m down he likes to try and be funny and it sometimes cheers me up. Some more facts about him is that he is 66 years old and was born in 1955. His birthday is in April and he reminds me that he was alive when MLK was assassinated because he was killed in 1968 in April. He really doesn’t look his age at all — he can actually walk for a far distance at his age. My grandpop went to Most Precious Blood school from 1-7 grade; then he went to Holy Angels School in 8th grade. He went to Cardinal 22 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
See Fathers on Page 23
Dougherty High in 9th grade, and next he went to Olney High from 10-12 grade. Finally, he did one year of college at Nassau Community College. He moved schools a lot because he had moved to a new house or a different state. Me and grandpop like to go to Starbucks together a lot or even walk around the neighborhood or walk somewhere for a long distance. We get a Vanilla Bean Creme from Starbucks, and I PHOTO SUBMITTED recommend you try it! Our favorite Jahfi Logan on the field for Trinity. food together is McDonald’s. I have no clue on why it is that, but that’s just what we eat a lot together. My grandfather is always there for me. I know he cares about me and wants me to do well in life. That’s one of the reasons I work hard at school, in baseball, and in everything I do. Jahfi Logan just completed his sophomore year at Trinity High School. He attended Nativity School of Harrisburg from 6th-8th grades. 7
Nativity is more than just males
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Fathers, continued from Page 22
“When we were looking for his position, I remember being so frustrated because of changes going on. I prayed so hard to find someone who would be really good in that position, and Lavelle applied for it,” Phillips-Lane said. “I had tears in my eyes [after the interview]. I thought, ‘God has answered our prayers. I think he’s going to be perfect.’ He handles so many issues. He does it so well — as well as you can.”
“They are me when I was young. I’m just a reflection of them, but just older now.”
Nativity students are embraced and guided by strong female leaders at the school, too. Alicia Hernandez, who runs the office as the administrative assistant to Muhammad, is there to answer every question and reach every parent or student. Michelle Stine supports students both while they are in middle school and on into high school and college as the Graduate Support Director. Felicia Ellzy plans their curriculum and follows them throughout each day. The female subject teachers include Milagros Richardson, the enthusiastic English and lead teacher; Janet Mitchell, the first-year math teacher who believes that “teaching is more than just subject matter”; and Poncie Smith, the Harrisburg native who teaches social studies and is a trained therapist. Denise Hirn takes care of external relations for the private school. Longtime graduate support volunteer Barbara Greenlee has supported Nativity students at Bishop McDevitt for many years and has been with Nativity as a volunteer since the school started in 2001.
— “DJ” Bates, Dean of Students
While he is a father figure at the school, Muhammad notes that some of the boys are blessed with fathers in their lives and that the current sixth grade class has more involvement by fathers than is typical. Muhammad surrounds himself with other caring yet strong men who help to teach the boys how to survive in the chaotic world around them. Just as Muhammad grew up in a house riddled with addiction, Dean of Students Demond “DJ” Bates said he “grew up the same way that our kids do. Their daily struggles were my daily struggles. I had a single mom, and a dad that didn’t live in the house. Whatever they’re going through in their daily life and school, I went through. They are me when I was young. I’m just a reflection of them, but just older now.” Bates has been at Nativity for 13 years, first as a mentor, then as Muhammad’s Dean of Students. Meanwhile, science teacher Vernal Simms, who is also pastor at Mountainview Christian Fellowship Church in Dillsburg, brings a different kind of calm and experience to the students even though he says, he too, grew up as they did. “My story, people would not believe because one of the richest men in the country, his son adopted me and took me in,” Simms said of his relationship with educator and philanthropist Charles Merrill Jr., the son of Charles Merrill, the founder of Merrill Lynch Pierce, Fenner & Smith. See Fathers on Page 24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 23
Fathers, continued from Page 23
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Nativity Dean of Students “DJ” Bates.
Merrill was the principal of Commonwealth School in Boston, a school similar to Nativity, which is part of the larger Miguel Nativity network of faith-based schools around the country that were founded to offer hope and to break the cycle of poverty in inner cities. “He saw me and saw that I wanted something different. I wanted to really be something, so he helped me,” Simms said of Merrill, his benefactor. “One of the things he said to me was that I needed to give back,” he recalled. “Of course, I could never repay him the money, but he just wanted me to give back and help somebody. Coming here to Nativity has helped me to give back — to try to give the boys some wisdom on life, on being black in a community. “I remind them all the time that I grew up just like them — nine kids in a threebedroom apartment. I tell them all the time that one of the reasons I wanted to go to college is because I was not ever going to sleep on a rollaway bed again nor was I going to shake roaches out of my underwear.” While Simms dealt with roaches and poverty, he says he was fortunate to not have had to grow up with some of the violence and shootings the Nativity students have faced in their young lives. “When I was growing up, there was a code of respect. … Today they are confronted by so many things.”
Teaming up PHOTO BY DEBORAH LYNCH
Science teacher Vernal Simms is also a pastor.
Nativity students also have two dedicated volunteer teachers and instructors to consult
Tutor’s family provides ‘loving community’ By Toron James Special to Harrisburg Magazine
When I think of family, I think of a loving community. That's what the Shiery family has been to me — loving and caring. I first met Mr. Lyn Shiery in 6th grade at the Nativity School of Harrisburg, where he taught religion and tutored math. He did it all for free, no cost at all to the school. Mr Shiery and I started to build a relationship there at the school. He would always ask me questions about God and was on me non-stop. It was like he wanted me to be perfect. When I was in school, I knew not to do anything around him badly or he was going to be on my case. I remember first going to his house I was about in 7th grade. I was amazed by how nice his house was and the pool he had in the back of his house. For an inner-city, low-income kid like me, it was just a blessing to be there. I got to meet his wife. She would always cook for me every time I came over. I then met the rest of the Shiery family, which includes nine grandchildren, who I really love. They look up to me as a big brother. 24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
not just for help with their homework, but for lessons in discipline, faith, and life. Lyn Shiery and his wife moved to the Harrisburg area 15 years ago to be near their son, Dr. Jon Shiery, who is pastor at Brookfield Bible Church in Harrisburg. Before that, he taught math and computer science for more than 30 years in Montgomery Blair High School, located in Silver Spring, MD, near Washington, D.C., a school with students of more than 60 different nationalities. Shiery learned about Nativity School from others in his Sunday School class and decided to start volunteering with them one day a week at the school. “I said, ‘Oh my gosh. One day would do nothing. I came two days, then three days, then the whole week, week after week after week,” he said.
“The school takes them from a lot of negatives in the community. … It’s like an island of peace.” — Lyn Shiery, tutor
“A lot of them really like sports and I really like sports, so we would talk about the different sports and different athletes. I joke around with them,” he said with a smile of his relationship with the Nativity students. “The school takes them from a lot of negatives in the community. … It’s like an island of peace.” He also invites the boys to his home with See Fathers on Page 25
With Mr. Shiery, I experienced many new things; I learned how to garden, mow grass, clean a pool, and many more things. I even went on a trip to Florida to stay with him and his family there. It was my first time on a plane. I had a great time. With the Shiery family, I found God, got into the Church, and became a better person. Now I attend church every Sunday when I am not in school. Mr. Shiery always tells me he wants me to stand out from the rest of people and be different. I love Mr. Shiery for life. He’s my best friend. I love the whole family so much they are there for me every time I need them, through it all. I know I can depend on them for anything. They changed my life. I spend Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving with their family. Now I consider the Shierys my family, and I can't forget about the Campbells in Florida, which is Mr. Shiery’s daughter's family. I thank God for putting Mr. Shiery in my life. I don't know where I would be without Mr. Shiery and his family. Toron James attended Nativity School of Harrisburg from 6th-8th grade, then was supported by Nativity to attend Trinity High School. He graduated from there in June 2020 and has just completed his freshman year at Bloomsburg University, where he is majoring in communications with a dream of becoming a sports broadcaster. 7
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Toron James with Doris and Lyn Shiery.
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The Shiery family with a photo of Toron James
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his family, takes them to the batting cage, and integrates them into his family. Of course, this is with the approval of their mothers or guardians. The yin to Shiery’s yang is Steve Holmes, a former Master Sergeant in the Army who served as a paratrooper in Europe, South and Central America, Grenada, and Operation Desert Storm before retiring in 1999 and working for the Department of Defense in New Cumberland until he retired again in 2011. The two men teach religion classes together at Nativity, modeling for students the cooperation that can exist between different faiths. Shiery is Protestant and Holmes is Seventh-day Adventist. Holmes also does prison ministry at Dauphin County Prison and at the state prison in Camp Hill. “We cover a gamut of things,” Holmes said. “We deal with them from a unity position; we deal with them with leadership. We both deal with them from the religious aspect also.” Nativity students have religion class for 90 minutes every Thursday. The rest of the day and week, Shiery helps with math. On Tuesday and Thursday morning, Holmes also instructs the boys in the art of drill team. “Our motto is unity and discipline in drill,” Holmes said. If he shouts, “What are you?” the students respond with “I am my brother’s keeper.” “They understand what that means,” he said, noting that while drill is a military discipline, it also ties in with the soldiers from the Bible. Sixth graders’ first encounter with Holmes is meant to be a mystery. He stands off in a corner in full dress uniform while the new students are being introduced. He says nothing. At the end of introductions, he stands in front of them and barks commands. “I start up just like basic training. I know they’re not getting it, but slowly they start getting it. One of the unique things that is so beautiful is when they see each other in a unified group of men. You can see their pride coming up. “I am very regimented in what we do. If anyone walks in here, they know you are a Nativity man. If you are outside of here, you’re a Nativity man,” Holmes said. “Everything we do from drill to math to science, social studies, and Bible, it all connects in a circle that fits in their brain. … When I leave here, I’m on a natural high for about an hour-and-a-half.”
Mutual respect
Shiery and Holmes have great respect for the Nativity staff, too. “A special shout out for Coach DJ [Bates]. [He] has a PhD in wisdom that he shares with the boys,” said Shiery. “It’s very rare. DJ does it from the perspective of where he was to where he is now. DJ came from the rough side of the mountain. He’s seen it all. He is a respected adult in this system now that kids can look up to.” As Dean of Students, Bates is the school disciplinarian, but even though that’s his title See Fathers on Page 26 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 25
Fathers, continued from Page 25
and role, he has the students call him Coach DJ (he coaches many of their sports teams) and said he wants students to know that they can talk to him without fear of discipline. “I just sit down and talk to them and show them different ways about how to communicate ...,” he said. He stresses the need to show understanding, to recognize that the students come from different backgrounds, different cultures, different walks of life. He said that listening works better than punishment. “Sometimes we don’t have an outlet where we can just go in and talk. We were taught in our culture to just suck it up. Men don’t cry,” Bates said. “In reality, that’s not life. Sometimes they do cry — because it’s OK to cry. That doesn’t take your manhood from you that you cry.”
From tears to talking
Nativity helps them move past the tears with a lot of counseling instruction. “Our Boys-to-Men group is probably very unique because we get a chance to talk to the students about all the problems going on in the community — the shootings, the family problems,” Muhammad said. “We get to challenge them on decision-
PHOTO BY DEBORAH LYNCH
A father like mine makes dreams come true By Shadeed Muhammad Special to Harrisburg Magazine Not every child has a father in their life, and I’m blessed to have one. I don’t mind sharing my father with other youth because a father is one who furthers someone in their growth and development. He has done that for me and I have watched him do that for other young men. Typically, a child would get jealous when they see their father giving another child attention. However, that was not the case for me. Each child he helped, I created a bond with and sooner or later, they became like family. Growing up most of my life as an only child, siblings were all I ever dreamed of. He touched the lives of so many youth, and in the process, he made my dream come true. He went from working with adjudicated youth to the educational system where his focus became helping to break the cycle of poverty through education. Apart from helping children as a principal at Nativity School of Harrisburg, he also helps children as a house parent at Milton Hershey School. His help isn’t restricted to young men, but also young women. Having a father that makes such a big impact in the lives of other children makes me extremely proud.
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making, controlling their anger. We give them some tools to handle their anger a lot better. That’s huge.” The Boys-to-Men group is held once a week, led by either Bates or Muhammad or both. “It works because they’re able to talk, to express themselves, and the things they are experiencing outside in their communities,” Muhammad said. Muhammad has been with Nativity for nearly 10 years now. One of his greatest joys is to have the students come back. Because Nativity is a middle school (for the 2021-22 school year it will add a fifth grade class for the first time), its graduates attend several different local high schools including Bishop McDevitt, Trinity, Harrisburg Christian School, Harrisburg Academy, CASA, Sci Tech, and Dauphin County Tech School, among them. Nativity’s goal is not only to support them through high school graduation, but also through college. “The blessing is they all come back,” he said. To learn more about Nativity School of Harrisburg and its mission, visit https://www. nativityschoolofharrisburg.org 7
I’m also proud of my father because he exemplifies what a real father is. Although he may preach about what to do and what not to do, his real strength is not in words, but in being an example. Dads come a dime a dozen, but fathers are virtually extinct. I’m extremely thankful to have a father that pushes me to be better than even he has. Without him, I wouldn’t be PHOTO SUBMITTED Priciple Lavelle Muhammad and his the young man I am today. son Shadeed. He taught me the ins and outs of life. He showed me how to avoid the mistakes he made. He also taught me that one of the most important things a man should do is to love, protect, and respect the female. When you teach a man, you teach an individual, but when you teach a woman, you teach an entire nation. Shadeed Muhammad graduated from the Sci-Tech High School campus of Harrisburg High. He attended Harrisburg University. His father Lavelle Muhammad is principal and executive director of Nativity School of Harrisburg. 7
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Alyson Long, program supervisor for CONTACT Helpline, takes calls.
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A CONTACT Helpline staff member takes notes.
Happy 50th CONTACT Helpline: Listeners provide an ear or services to ease burdens By Deborah Lynch dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
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he Covid pandemic affected the entire world population in a myriad of ways, sending many more to precarious conditions and unknown situations. For many living in Pennsylvania, an organization celebrating its 50th anniversary through November of this year became a lifeline. CONTACT Helpline saw an immediate spike in calls from the start of the pandemic in March 2020 with call volume doubling and barely letting up throughout the past year. Because of cloud phone technology, CONTACT Helpline was able to have its staff and volunteers work from home throughout the pandemic to handle the agency’s calls for emotional listening support in 11 Central Pennsylvania counties. CONTACT also assists the 33-county Eastern PA Continuum of Care by assessing callers’ needs for rent assistance, shelter or housing to prevent homelessness. In addition, it takes calls for the PA Safe Haven Baby Line, and since 2011 has been the Capital Region’s PA211 provider through a partnership with United Way of Pennsylvania, connecting callers with agencies and organizations offering services and provisions. CONTACT has always provided information and referral services — only the name and partnerships have changed. Calls are routed depending upon the numbers callers dial and their choices on option menus. For listening support, callers can dial 1-800932-4616 or 717-652-4400. For resources and referrals, callers should dial 2-1-1. CONTACT offers 24-hour service. Noting that calls for help with housing, food, and utilities have always been the high volume calls for the PA211 part of the CONTACT Helpline calls, executive director Kelly Gollick said that compared to 2019, in 2020 calls for housing were up by 180 percent, for food by 140 percent, and for electric by 90 percent. “With that being said, we were also very proactive, ensuring and asking our staff to ask callers about food needs,” she said. “We were able to provide that information that helped to increase those food calls.” Part of providing accurate and complete information to callers entailed checking with community agencies to update services and new programs in their databases that cover thousands of referral agencies, organizations, and programs. 28 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
Because of an increase in calls to 2-1-1 for referral and services during the pandemic, the ability to answer listening calls dropped, but by the end of 2020, call volume was comparable. Total call volume for 2020 was 64,840 compared to 54,149 in 2019. Seven people work the phones for CONTACT during the days, but according to Gollick, that still wasn’t enough to meet demand. She noted that the organization got a surge in volunteers at the start of the pandemic after putting out a call for help and offering a pared-down training session to help only with 2-1-1 calls. Normally, volunteer training for listening and 2-1-1 is a 55-hour commitment. The agency currently has 23 volunteers (with three doing only 2-1-1 calls). “It would be impossible to do what we do without volunteers,” she said, noting that in 2020, CONTACT logged 5,500 volunteer hours.
“It would be impossible to do what we do without volunteers.” — Kelly Gollick, executive director CONTACT Helpline will hold its next volunteer training session beginning in July. As part of the training and even well after training, CONTACT staffers offer full support and self care tips, a necessary action for volunteers who often carry the weight of their callers’ needs. “We talk about separating yourself and taking care of yourself and making sure that you’re mindful of the burden,” Gollick said. “We encourage individuals to call us and talk to us. … We try to encourage and support. We are a tool in the toolbox for our callers, and we have to be OK with that. You have to wrap your mind around that. We are not the solvers of problems necessarily. We can provide tools. … We have to be content with our role and the bigger picture.” Volunteers also help to provide training for new volunteers. Husband See Helpline on Page 30
Calls for Help By Deborah Lynch The caller is crying as she asks for help — her daughter’s family has Covid and needs food. I search, she cries; I ask if she’s OK; the dam breaks, and she sobs that she, too, has Covid; Her husband had a stroke, and he has dementia. How will he understand that he can’t come home from the hospital?
His prescription is running low after he leaves rehab. He needs the number for a physician who won’t ask questions, but who will order refills for pills he has learned to control, well, until recently, when he slipped and took more than he should have. He was depressed, but he won’t do that again. If only he can find a doctor who won’t ask questions, and who will give him what he needs to get back on track.
Searching for referrals — and words of comfort.
Searching for referrals to dry guilty tears.
He paid the bills with his wife’s social security, but she died four months ago; now the rent is due. He’s 61, but says he can handle hard work as he tries to convince me not to worry about him. Her son lives with him, but his check can’t cover their grief, let alone their bills. Can I help him find assistance to pay those bills, and some sustenance to fill the holes?
Who can prepare her to take on the landlord because she knows he’s going to ignore her unless she has some legal weight behind her when she calls to complain that cleanup in front of her unit after the poor man from the second floor jumped left bloodstains and other residue she doesn’t want to describe. She shouldn’t have to see daily reminders of the despair dismissed by a landlord who only cares about the check.
Searching for referrals to feed his needs.
Searching for referrals to provide dignity and quality of life.
Without notice, a man imprisoned for 20 years goes home thanks to a compassionate release program. Compassionate? He doesn’t have anything except a phone number for a kidney dialysis center that only rings and rings. He’s missed one treatment, but the kidney is doing OK — so far. He doesn’t want to rely on his aunt’s generosity, but he feels like a baby without skills born into a world he no longer recognizes.
What if those referrals don’t exist? Is it possible to comfort when no good solutions to problems exist? Do the referrals I offer even bear fruit for these desperate souls? Kind words and understanding. Listen, acknowledge, repeat. Does it make a difference? With every call, I search for hope.
Searching for referrals for an appreciative soul.
HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 29
“I feel grateful that I can be there for someone with no one else to turn to.” — Linda Hunter, longtime volunteer Helpline, continued from Page 28
and wife team Dave and Linda Hunter have 57+ years of volunteer experience between them. Those years have given them depth of perspective and ability to acknowledge both the power of listening as PHOTO SUBMITTED Linda and Dave Hunter have 57 years of volunteering between them. well as the need for stepping away. Dave Hunter said that while it can be draining to speak with desperate people, the volunteer training program explains how to best handle those calls and other calls using active listening and other guides to avoid burnout. “Our main philosophy of empowering the callers is paramount,” he said. “Caller owns the problem; caller owns the solution. We allow them the dignity and respect needed to help them overcome their problems.” Linda Hunter concurs and adds that “I feel grateful that I can be there for someone with no one else to turn to. I am convinced that our listening recognizes the dignity in all people, and provides the emotional release that can prevent callers from engaging in harmful actions. It bridges the gap of loneliness and social isolation, which are recognized threats to the mental and physical health of society.” She has acquired many “stories” from her years of “just listening.” During the pandemic, she listened to a caller who was a successful doctor with a small practice living far from family. The caller was surprised at the effect the pandemic was having on her, and her office had been vandalized during protests. She worried that her condo value would drop, and felt isolated and stressed. At the end of the call, she told Hunter, “You have given me the best gift today. I can breathe again. I feel like I can face the situation now.” Besides volunteers, and full- and part-time staff, the agency also offers internships, and many stay with the CONTACT Helpline in some capacity later. In addition to the United Way, which is a funding partner for CONTACT, the agency also works PHOTO SUBMITTED Kelly Gollick, executive director of CONTACT Helpline.
30 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
closely with housing programs like New Hope Ministries, HELP Ministries, BELL Socialization, the Community Progress Council, the Dauphin County Coalition against Homelessness, the York County Coalition against Homelessness, and county human service providers and community health coalitions. “We have to be engaged because if we aren’t engaged, we don’t know what’s going on in the community, and if we don’t know what’s going on in the community, we can’t help our callers,” Gollick said. Gollick wants Central Pennsylvania residents to know they are not alone. “When you provide listening out of love and compassion that our volunteers do, you know at least for a few minutes that someone cares about you,” Gollick said. “If you think you’re alone, reach out. Even though it can be hard to swallow your pride and reach out, the people on the other end of the line are not judging you; they just want to be there for you.” 7
More information on CONTACT Helpline is available at its website at http://www.contacthelpline.org or 1-800-932-4616 or 2-1-1.
HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 31
FOOD INSECURITY
Food banks, agencies, individuals work to fill stomachs By Deborah Lynch dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Volunteers for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
N
o one in Central Pennsylvania — or anywhere — should have to go hungry. Yet, many still do despite a plethora of food banks, soup kitchens, community gardens growing food for the poor, agencies, organizations, and individual volunteers working tirelessly to help make sure everyone can have a nutritious meal. The Harrisburg region forms a perfect geographic and transportation hub for farms, agencies, truckers, and trains to meet up for food distribution that covers a wide swath of the Mid-Atlantic. Couple that with fertile farmland and a large warehouse presence, and the Harrisburg region becomes the mothership for meeting food needs. What’s not as easy to understand is how, what, and where to get that food as an individual. Food banks supply agencies and organizations who have outreach with smaller groups and individuals that can then get the food out to those who need it. It’s an intricate web of nonprofit organizations that coordinate and complement one another to feed the greatest number of people possible. “We’re a central player in a network, so folks don’t generally come to our warehouse for food — they go to our partner agencies,” said Joe Arthur, executive director of the Central PA Food Bank. Part of the equation is devoted volunteers. Some are warehouse stockers, driving forklifts and training others. Others distribute food directly to the hungry. Others pack food boxes or contact organizations or man phones. Behind every organization is a large network of volunteers. Some individuals are so concerned they take the burden to feed others upon themselves. Michele Frey Orsinger flipped her 35 years of restaurant cooking into a Sunday food event for the homeless in downtown Harrisburg. She coordinates with Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven to provide services and uses their commercial kitchen to prepare huge trays of her home-tested specialties like Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, Chicken Taco Pasta Casserole, Spaghetti and Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf, and so much more. “She’s like the MacGyver of cooking. It’s like Top Chef every time she comes here,” said Krista Farah, the program director for Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven, which serves 25 men with mental health diagnoses. She said Orsinger and her husband volunteer at the shelter and cook dinner for the men every Sunday night, then package up the rest to take to the tent encampment by the I-83 bridge along the Susquehanna River 32 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
“Our mission is to take care of individuals and families who are going through tough financial times … there are a lot of reasons why people struggle to put food on the table and a roof over their heads.” — Eric Saunders, executive director of New Hope Ministries Organization leaders don’t encourage a lone wolf approach to helping feed others — both for their safety and economic output, and for the safety of those they serve. They recommend that those interested in helping serve the homeless or helping with food insecurity volunteer at registered non-profits. Orsinger, with Farah’s guidance, also realized she could access more resources and support if she formed a 501(c)(3), so her application is filed, and that will make her eligible for training and food from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank among other resources. That means her “Feed the Harrisburg Homeless” Facebook group will become a charity known as “Everyone Eats.” She will get training with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and will then be eligible to get food from them as well to help with her creations that feed the homeless each week.
Training and Resources Noting that partner agencies work under agreements with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Arthur said that compliance and training protocols are followed. “When you’re dealing with food and dealing with vulnerable populations, we encourage those who are independent to work with a local organization to serve. … When you do it in a systematic way, there’s much less chance for something bad to happen,” he said. Another example of individuals, groups, and agencies working together includes the work done by Vera Ann Williams, pastor of The God Is Love Family Inc. in Harrisburg, who works with a big volunteer group to regularly distribute boxes of food to Harrisburg residents. They work through churches and other organizations to distribute 100-
200 boxes of food, which has been supplied by Cocoa Packs and also the outreach ministry of Fountain Gate Church, among others. “Everybody can help somebody,” is Williams favorite slogan, and she says a bishop from Fountain Gate says her name is now “Restore.” “Anything or any people that need to be placed — I’m like the restorer,” she said. Williams uses Facebook for her outreach to help her find those in need, then find the resources they need, and finally to find volunteers that help her in her mission.
A role for agencies and ministries Along with individuals who work in tandem with churches and other groups are the agencies that work at the next level up in the hierarchy with the larger food banks and organizations. Eric Saunders, executive director of New Hope Ministries, says local churches banded together in three counties (Adams, Cumberland, and York) to form New Hope Ministries’ eight locations with warehouses and walk-in refrigerators to serve their communities. New Hope is a member of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank as well as the York Food Bank, and is the beneficiary of many other warehouses, shippers, and grocery stores in the area. “Our mission is to take care of individuals and families who are going through tough financial times … there are a lot of reasons why people struggle to put food on the table and a roof over their heads,” he said. New Hope’s eight fixed sites are open five or six days a week, and the ministry also offers a traveling food pantry to serve smaller communities. The fixed sites are in Dillsburg, Dover, Enola, Hanover, Littlestown, Mechanicsburg, New Oxford, and Lemoyne (the West Shore Center). In a typical year, New Hope sites serve more than 22,000 individuals. When Sandy Sack moved to Mechanicsburg from Tennessee five years ago, she needed something to do. She found New Hope and has been volunteering there for 2½ years now, answering phones, helping with the food pantry, making appointments, filling out forms, and just whatever help is needed. She noted that along with food, New Hope offers so much more including GED and job training programs, parenting classes, and shelter. “It’s really hard when you’ve grown up in an atmosphere and you don’t know how to get out of it,” she said. “You need someone to hold your hand and show the way. We’re here to hold hands … .”
Others that help the food banks and organizations confronting food insecurity include local and state gardens, like the Capitol Hunger Garden, located between the Main Capitol building and the Ryan Office Building on the Capitol grounds, run by a bipartisan Hunger Caucus of the state House and Senate. More than PHOTO BY DEBORAH LYNCH 700 pounds of produce is grown each Vera Williams (center) distributes food with her volunteers behind Broad Street Market. year, then donated to Downtown Daily Bread for its soup kitchen. Another local garden reaping large volumes for charity is the Hershey Community Garden, where seven garden plots are farmed by volunteers to grow food for Cocoa Packs, a Hershey-based backpack meal program that serves more than 1,400 students in Derry Township, Harrisburg, and across five counties in Southcentral Pennsylvania. Volunteers plant, maintain, water, weed, and harvest the plots with help from Patti Wells, the master gardener who works for The Hershey Company. Last year, a total of 14 plots at the PHOTO BY DEBORAH LYNCH Hershey Community Garden produced Rows of food at Midwest Food Bank warehouse. more than 3,400 pounds of vegetables and 1,000 flower vase arrangements. More than 1,000 families benefit from items grown in the garden, and food was donated to groups including Hershey Food Bank, Palmyra Food Bank, Middletown Food Bank, and Cocoa Packs. “We have been very fortunate to be one of the organizations receiving fresh produce from the Hershey Community Gardens on a weekly basis during the season,” said Odette Bergloff
Smaller food banks and gardens In addition to larger food banks, some communities have their own, such as Hershey Food Bank, which served nearly 10,500 individuals in 2020, providing 280,920 pounds of food. Many of the food banks and agencies like New Hope Ministries also offer help with emergency utilities and rent, which was even more important for even more people during the pandemic. HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 33
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Joe Arthur, executive director, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
of the Hershey Food Bank. “We have a few families that are vegetarian and truly appreciate receiving fresh produce.” Anne Hartzfield, who coordinates volunteers at the Hershey Community Garden’s seven plots for Cocoa Packs, said one of her favorite parts is working together with the families and groups who volunteer at the garden. Groups include the Vista School and Hope Springs Farm. “It’s just awesome to do and be a part of,” Hartzfield said. “We have adults with autism coming out and serving other people with their work. This is a beautiful circle of service. We’re providing a service for food insecure families, and it’s also providing them [the volunteers] with the opportunity to learn skills and be productive. In the process of doing it, they are helping other people. “You get more than you give,” she noted. The garden’s bounty supplements the non-perishable items families get with Cocoa Packs. “The excitement people have when they see fresh tomatoes. They saw these beautiful tomatoes, and people get excited,” Hartzfield said.
Finding healthier options People do want — and need — fresh foods along with the non-perishables that are easier for food pantries to provide. As Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Arthur noted, the goal is to achieve a 70 percent rating on the Foods to Encourage scale (where snacks get a 0 percent rating and healthier foods are closer to 100 percent). “We achieved that in 2020 for the first time. Our job is to keep it there. We had help with the USDA [U.S. Department of Agriculture] providing a lot of extra produce,” he said. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, which provides food to more than 1,000 partner agencies and programs in its 27-county area, has 300 steady food donors and a list of 50 businesses that they can purchase food from (brand name companies with whom they form relationships). The food bank gets food from larger commercial farms, too. “We’re also blessed with agriculture,” Arthur notes, adding that Central Pennsylvania Food Bank also works together with a food bank cooperative, called The Mid-Atlantic Regional Produce Cooperative, through which 26 food banks pool resources to get deeply discounted produce from the surplus at the port in Philadelphia. Another partner is Feeding Pennsylvania, which is a network of food banks across the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture also helps distribute food in Pennsylvania through different programs. TEFAP (Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program) provides food from the federal government to each state, which is then distributed to each of the 67 counties by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Food Assistance. Counties can distribute on their own or designate a lead agency. In Dauphin County, that is the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, which is the lead agency for two other counties, too, and serves 27 34 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
counties total. Last year more than $80 million of food was provided through that program. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture also administers a state food purchase program totaling $18 million, which again is allocated to each of the 67 counties, but in the form of cash grants that counties can use to purchase food. Ten years ago, the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) was enacted, but funding wasn’t secured for the program until 2016. This program is contracted through Feeding Pennsylvania, which then subcontracts with 13 food banks to cover all of the counties. Through this program, each food bank works directly with agriculture providers to secure products that are safe and wholesome, but not necessarily ideal for the retail market (picture the oddly shaped carrots, for example). “This uses funding to help farmers recoup costs to produce and package the food. Instead of apples being left to rot, we can pay the orchard to harvest, package, and deliver to the food bank for distribution,” said Caryn Long Earl, director of the state’s Bureau of Food Assistance, noting that more than 20 million pounds of produce have been distributed through this program. The bureau also got $10 million in CARES funding (plus another $5.1 million from the state budget) to purchase produce, dairy, meat, and other protein products helping Pennsylvania farmers and those with food insecurity at the same time.
“Distribution is the heart of our model. Pennsylvania is the perfect place. Every major road comes here. We can channel food in and out.” — Lori Renne, executive director for Midwest Food Bank Finally, the bureau administers the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which offers a monthly food box to 36,000 low-income senior citizens. The food banks advertise the program in their communities. Feeding America has provided grants in response to greater food insecurity because of the pandemic, in particular for people of color and rural communities. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will use its grant from that program to find solutions to this issue in the mid-state to determine how the Food Bank can better respond now and in the future. “Having access to enough food to sustain a healthy, productive life is a basic human right,” Arthur said. The food bank also will use the grant to make the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) available to everyone who needs it, including offering bilingual staffers and a language line.
PHOTO BY DEBORAH LYNCH
Some of what Midwest Food Bank offers.
More is always better A new player in the area is Midwest Food Bank, which is leasing a large warehouse on Commerce Drive in Middletown as a MidAtlantic distribution point for the growing food pantry ministry. Currently, the food bank serves 25 agencies in Pennsylvania (including Bethesda Mission, Camp Curtin YMCA, Cocoa Packs, and the Boys & Girls Club among others) with the numbers growing each month. For Lori Renne, the executive director for Midwest Food Bank, Pennsylvania, joining this newcomer to the Harrisburg area was a no-brainer. “I’ve been very fortunate my entire career that every company I worked with had good social responsibility — I had done things at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, the Boys & Girls Club, and others. I just had such a passion for the helpers. I wanted to be a helper, too.” She’s happy that Midwest Food Bank can be another source for the many mid-state agencies that seek food. “When you think about a feeding agency, it’s so good that they have a variety of sources. What if something happened to us? Let’s lift up the support. We’re like another grocery store for them to come to and get what they need.” Renne acknowledges the benefits of agencies to have choices saying that one food bank might offer one thing, and another might have something else. “Our main job is to get that excess and get it to where it’s needed most,” she said, adding that Midwest was born when its founder, who had a farm in the Midwest, couldn't figure out how to get all his food to all the hungry people. “Distribution is the heart of our model,” she said. “Pennsylvania is the perfect place. Every major road comes here. We can channel food in and out.” Add to that the great crew of volunteers, and Renne sums up the food distribution system in Central Pennsylvania perfectly: “One of the things I love about this area is everybody steps up. We’re so fortunate in this area.” Individuals and families suffering from food security can find pantries and soup kitchens with a zip code search through the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s website food locator at https://www.centralpafoodbank.org/find-help/ find-food CONTACT Helpline’s PA211 services can also help refer callers to resources (see related story on page 28). 7 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 35
CBD and cannabis in Central PA:
Business, medicine, and healing By Kent Sariano
W
For Harrisburg Magazine
ith medical cannabis and products like CBD becoming more and more mainstream, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Pennsylvania is now taking a look at legalizing recreational cannabis for all. Right now, a bill proposing the legalization of recreational marijuana is awaiting committee assignment. That could mean a big change in the way consumers purchase and interact with cannabis products. Despite efforts to legalize cannabis and the ever-growing presence of CBD, plenty of confusion exists over what is what in the world of green flowers. After all, there’s medical cannabis, CBD, THC, hemp, vapes, oils and tinctures — the list goes on and on. And then there’s the age-old question: Is it legal? The answer is complex (and nuanced), but with some explanation, it can be made easier to understand. Let’s start by tackling the big green elephant in the room: Is cannabis legal in Pennsylvania? The answer is (mostly) yes. Medical cannabis was legalized when Bill SB3 passed in 2016. It permits people with patient cards and active certification to purchase and consume medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries in Pennsylvania. To qualify for medical cannabis in Pennsylvania, a person must first register for the program through the state’s Medical Marijuana Registry. Next, they must get certified by an approved physician for a qualifying medical condition, such as epilepsy or PTSD. Once certified, that person must complete an application in the Medical Marijuana Registry and pay $50 for a medical marijuana ID card. Only then are they allowed to purchase medical cannabis in a dispensary. Recreational cannabis, however, is still illegal. That means people who want to smoke simply to kick back and relax can’t. The good news is enforcement isn’t as harsh as it once was, and possession of cannabis by non-medical users has been decriminalized in many municipalities, including Harrisburg, Steelton, and York. So where does that leave CBD? Cannabidiol (CBD) has been touted as a cure-all by some and snake oil by others. A chemical compound found in cannabis plants, CBD is known for its healing effects like pain relief, lower anxiety, and lessened depression.
“You always want to focus on good quality products for your customers to help them.” — Jeff Johnson, owner of Headquarters Gifts in Mechanicsburg
CBD products like oils and balms are produced by extracting the chemical from the cannabis plant, and many people seek them out because they treat symptoms without the intoxicating effects of medical cannabis. For everyday users who experience minor aches and pains, CBD is a useful alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. To 36 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
PHOTO BY DEBORAH LYNCH
Christine and Garrett Brann rely on CBD and cannabis to treat his symptoms.
Christine Brann and her son, Garrett, CBD is part of a larger regimen to treat a serious condition, Dravet syndrome. A rare illness that causes seizures and cognitive impairment, Garrett, who is 10 but has the cognitive and behavioral development of a 3- to 4-yearold, has suffered from Dravet since birth. Traditional pharmaceuticals left Garrett feeling drowsy and uncoordinated, often resulting in falls. “He ended up getting stitches,” Brann said. “Not because he fell during a seizure, but because the medication levels were so high that he was clumsy and would fall.” Brann first sought out CBD as a potential treatment for her son after seeing it covered by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN in 2013. Medical cannabis, which had been legal in Colorado since 2012, had quickly been adopted by patients suffering from rare, chronic diseases, including Dravet. But for Christine and Garrett Brann, who live in Hershey, the treatment was off limits because medical marijuana and CBD were still illegal in Pennsylvania. “It just seemed archaic for the United States to treat medicine differently from state to state. … I thought, ‘are we going to have to move in order to get this?’ Because we’ve known other families that have done that.” Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. After the passage of legislation in 2016, which Brann, an attorney with JSDC Law Offices in Hershey, helped push through, Garrett gained access to medical-grade CBD to treat his Dravet. In Pennsylvania, anyone can buy hemp-derived CBD to help with their pain, but that’s different from what Garrett receives for his Dravet. Hemp-derived CBD is low on one special ingredient: THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical compound that creates the intoxicating effects of cannabis. Hemp is cannabis, but a strain with a lower THC count. CBD can come from either hemp or cannabis. CBD made from hemp contains less than .3% THC, which is the federal limit for recreational usage and low enough that it won’t cause any euphoric effects. That means the CBD people can buy at the gas station or grocery store has a lower level of THC and they don’t have to worry about accidentally getting high. The problem with that, Dr. Elizabeth Ardillo, Director of Medical Education for Rise Dispensaries in Mechanicsburg, Steelton and York, points out is that See CBD on Page 38
Who can buy what where? RECREATIONAL CBD STORES Open to the general public • Headquarters Gifts 5040 E. Trindle Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 (717) 591-2400 • Deep Six CBD 3506 Capital City Mall Dr. Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 678-6674 • CBD American Shaman of Harrisburg 2250 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 510-6686 • CBD Supply MD York 3923 E. Market St. York, PA 17402 (717) 817-1097 MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARIES For patients with medical marijuana ID cards only • RISE Dispensaries Mechanicsburg 507 N. York St #5 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 400-5610 • RISE Dispensaries Steelton 801 S. Front St. Steelton, PA 17113 (717) 279-5818 • Zen Leaf Harrisburg 137 S. 17th St. Harrisburg, PA 17104 (717) 678-6707 • Harvest HOC of Harrisburg Dispensary 2500-2504 N. 6th St. Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 356-0800 • Organic Remedies 4425 Valley Road Enola, PA 17025 (717) 562-7758 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 37
PHOTO BY DEBORAH LYNCH
Rise Dispensaries in Steelton.
CBD, continued from Page 36
over-the-counter CBD isn’t always third-party tested. Speaking for the Chicago-based company, Ardillo says, “You don’t necessarily know exactly what you’re consuming, if there’s any CBD in the product at all or if there’s any kind of harsh chemicals or additives in the product.” That could be disconcerting to recreational users of CBD who need relief, but don’t want to go through the process of receiving certification for medical-grade products. Cannabis-derived CBD, on the other hand, does contain THC, meaning users will experience euphoria. Plus, it’s verified by third-party testing. “The testing that the products undergo before they reach our dispensaries are going to help prove the CBD and THC content, but it’s also going to prove that it’s a safe product to consume,” Ardillo said. Jeff Johnson, owner of Headquarters Gifts in Mechanicsburg, stresses the importance of stocking quality CBD products. “You always want to focus on good quality products for your customers to help them.” Johnson performs extensive market research and verifies lab reports before stocking recreational CBD products. His client base ranges from 20 year olds to senior citizens, and he says he believes everyone understands the benefits of CBD. For those curious about CBD, but unsure of the best product for them, Ardillo recommends choosing dosage form over potency. “If somebody has chronic pain that’s lasting all day long, typically those patients will benefit from an orally consumed product lasting a little bit longer. But if they have breakthrough pain or migraines, they would usually benefit from a tincture or vape product, something that’s pretty fast acting,” Ardillo said. With all the fanfare around CBD lately, it might appear as if medical cannabis has faded 38 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
into the background, but the iconic green plant is actually as popular as ever. “Flowers remain our most popular products and are always in highest demand,” says David Spreck, Director of Communications for Verano holdings, a medical cannabis company. Ardillo says medical cannabis offers additional benefits, such as the entourage effect, which occurs when CBD and THC interact with other cannabinoids to provide “the best all around medicinal effect.” Even Brann notes how her son has used cannabis to treat his symptoms. When people ask if she’s worried about the long-term effects, she explains that, “We were quick to dismiss any concern trying cannabis.” When she was campaigning at the Capitol in Harrisburg to legalize medical cannabis, people would question her about addiction or damage from long-term use. Brann’s reply? “These kids are faced with such debilitating conditions. I would love to sit my son down one day and talk to him about the dangers of drugs and everything, but that’s not going to happen. The damage cannabis might do is so far outweighed by what he’s already suffering.” Garrett requires a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, behavioral therapists, at least three specialized physicians, and a dietitian. He will never be able to live independently, and requires constant supervision. One thing is for sure. As medical cannabis and CBD use becomes more commonplace, more have come to view it as medicine. Johnson, owner of Headquarters, puts it this way: “When you’re dealing with people who are potentially sick, you want to make sure you get them good medicine. It is medicine. Always keep that in mind.” For Brann and her son, that is certainly true. “We didn’t go into this thinking it was a miracle drug or something -- but it has helped with recovery from seizures.” More importantly, it has allowed Garrett to live more of a normal life. “He couldn’t even jump for the longest time,” Brann said. “If he does a big jump, you know, if he jumped from the street onto the curb, he’s so proud of himself. … now he just has a little more life in him.” 7
PHOTOS BY DEBORAH LYNCH
Can work for organic food
I
n our April issue, we highlighted local farms providing Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) memberships. We missed a few farms, and recently discovered that Earth Spring Farm in the Carlisle area not only offers CSA memberships, but that it still has some available. The growing season is still young, and fortunately for those craving healthy produce and other farm specialties, one local organic grower still has some CSA (community supported agriculture) options available. Earth Spring Farm, located at 366 Stought Road in Carlisle, not only has regular memberships available, but also is looking for some farm hands who want to work for a CSA box each week. Mike Nolan, the farmer/owner of Earth Spring Farm, said he is seeking people who will make a 4-hour work commitment through the rest of the season (around Thanksgiving). In return for those four hours of work each week, someone will get a CSA box stockful of healthy goodies. Regular CSA boxes can be picked up by members each Friday between 2-8 p.m. at the farm. The farm uses the flexible Harvie.farm payper-box plan so members can customize their boxes. Prices range from $59 for a small butcher box to $129 for a large butcher box or $49 for a small farm box to $109 for a large farm box. Boxes include things grown on the farm along with products from local partners including homemade bread, farmstead cheese, sustainably grown fruit, grass-fed yogurt, locally produced cooking oils, ethically sourced coffees, and more. The farm — which offers naturally grown non-GMO produce including a variety of fruits and vegetables from Pennsylvania heirlooms to exotic specialties, pastured eggs, and healthy soil — also features a small soon-to-be-expanded farm shop where members can stop by any day between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. to pick up veggies and eggs from the farm, along with bread, yogurt, milk, cheese, pickles, kombucha, coffee, and other goods from local partners. Grass-fed, pastured meats are available online. Earth Spring Farm partners with IXX Breads, Susquehanna Mills Co., Elementary Coffee Co., North Mountain Pastures, Apple Valley Creamery, Stockin’s Apiary, Spring Gap Mountain Creamery, Peters Orchards, Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Craft Kombucha, Diem’s Flowers, and No1 Sons. More information is available at www. earthspring.farm. — Deborah Lynch HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 39
PHOTO BY SUBMITTED
Anna Pantalone with a client.
Those with vision loss gain with many local resources By Christina Heintzelman
H
cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com
ow often do we take for granted the sound of birds chirping, the decadent taste of dark chocolate, the touch of a baby’s soft skin or the fluffy fur of a beloved pet, the smell of our morning coffee or our favorite perfume, or the joy of seeing a blue sky on a sunny day? Most people accept the five senses — hearing, taste, touch, smell, sight – without considering what life would be without one of them. Blindness robs more than a million Americans of the joy of seeing a blue sky. Another three million people have visual impairments that cannot be totally corrected with refractive lenses. One in approximately 5,000 babies in the United States are born blind. Blindness can be caused by a serious accident or health crisis or through four major diseases of the eye — macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Some of these diseases can be treated, but some eventually lead to blindness. Often the issue of blindness or vision loss is not even on someone’s personal radar unless someone they know has been affected by it. Vision loss can be overwhelming, but the Harrisburg area has many resources to tap into for support and services when necessary. Pennsylvania Council of the Blind (PCB) is a statewide nonprofit organization that has been in existence for 85 years. It is a peer network for all impacted by vision loss. About 40 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
230 members are part of eleven chapters and one at-large group throughout Pennsylvania. A special group exists for guide dogs and their users. Membership is open to anyone who wishes to be involved with the organization. PCB is a small organization with a volunteer board that also hosts various committees made up of volunteers, a part-time administrative secretary, and a full-time outreach director. Funding is mainly through donations and fundraising events. Melissa Carney, director of outreach and engagement for PCB, says the organization provides mentorship and advocacy for members, and their families and friends. “There is a place for grief and then there is the inner grit you must have to move forward, especially with the right resources and necessary mentor and role models’ stories of struggle to help people move up from their rut. It is so important not to leave anyone behind and support everyone in their journey no matter what it looks like. At the end of the day what is important is for us to empathize and be good human beings bringing marginalized identities into our midst.” Carney has worked diligently, along with the technology team, to give PCB’s website a major revamp with its listings of community resources and service referrals — especially important during Covid — and to spread resources
VROCP Client Services • Case management: includes in-home support, transportation to doctor appointments, life skills education meetings, information and referral services, and enrichment activities. • Access technology training: Provides individualized training appropriate for individual’s needs, skill level and situation; training for iPad, smart phones and other mobile devices; and introductory applications for word processing, database management, and using the internet. • Low vision care: Includes services of a low vision rehabilitation optometrist, low vision occupational therapist, rehabilitative and adaptive training, and in-home therapy and low vision occupational therapy and devices. • Necessities store: Features large print and Braille bingo or playing cards, signature and check guides, bump dots, low vision pens, large print address books, and talking watches and glucometers. • Audio services: Print-impaired individuals can receive news, information, and entertainment 24 hours per day through the Vision Resources Programming Network (VRPN), which offers local news from PennLive/Patriot News and other local newspapers, weekly drug store and grocery sale ads, obituaries, popular magazine articles, and educational and informative interviews. It can be accessed anywhere via the website: www. vrocp.org 24 hours, seven days a week. • Full-service eye clinic: Located in their headquarters, which provides no-cost eye exams and glasses to adults and children who meet financial eligibility guidelines. Call 717-238-2531 for more information on services and to schedule an appointment or visit their website www.vrocp.org.
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school system after students return to classes. This will be focused on educating young people regarding disabilities, especially vision problems and learning how those with vision loss use white canes and/or guide dogs, these programs will include visually impaired children and their families. “Legislative advocacy is key at the federal, state, and local levels,” Carney said. “Currently PCB is examining transportation issues caused by route cuts and changes to fixed routes, and advocating for improved paratransit services so that blind individuals can reliably travel to medical appointments, grocery stores, etc.” She noted federal advocacy for issues such as Disability Access to Transportation Act (DATA) and the Exercise and Fitness for All Act (H.R. 4561). It also includes lobbying for better Medicare coverage to include magnifiers and low vision aids. At the state level, PCB advocates for accessible voting (both at polling places and for absentee voting). PCB’s efforts helped bring Democracy live – accessible electronic PHOTO SUBMITTED absentee ballot marking tools used in official elections in 20 states – to Dr. Teets tests a client's vision. people with disabilities in Pennsylvania. about how those with disabilities PCB Outreach coordinator can be reached at mcarney@pcb1.org and can independently schedule other contacts are Facebook @ PACounciloftheBlind and Twitter @PCB_ vaccination appointments to Advocate their website is pcb1.org. avoid inaccessible web portals. The Pennsylvania Association for the Blind (PAB) was PCB also helps spread the word founded in 1910 and is a network of 25 member agencies across the about paratransit programs that state serving 66 of the state’s 67 counties. PAB works on behalf of its may offer free trips to vaccination member agencies to secure and manage statewide funding for local sites for those who are struggling services and to speak with one voice in support of Pennsylvanians PHOTO SUBMITTED to get to their appointments. experiencing vision loss. Production pen assembly crew PCB offers a quarterly magazine, “It is the nation’s only statewide private non-profit organization for the The PCB Advocate, which is available blind providing services for the blind and visually impaired,” according to in various formats according to the Dan Zalewski, executive director. PAB is funded annually through the state needs of the reader. The magazine fiscal code, and it also is seeking federal funding for assistive technology. is published online as part of the PAB uses its funding to help member agencies within its network. PCB website, in braille, in email PAB serves as a starting point for people who are blind or have vision for persons with screen readers, in loss. Its website connects visitors with a member agency that can provide large print, and on a thumb drive services based on county of residence and also provides information on DAISY Reader. The magazine is independent living, assistive technology, talking clocks, CCTV, who is PHOTO SUBMITTED filled with helpful hints for learning considered legally blind, and what is considered low vision. VROCP Art Room new skills, the latest in available PAB’s website is pablind.org and has been developed for those with technology for the blind, upcoming low vision. legislative issues, stories from readers, information from the various Vision Resources of Central PA (VROCP) is Harrisburg’s local chapters throughout the state, emerging issues from the American Council area network agency for PAB. “VROCP serves a 2,400 square mile area of the Blind, and information on self-advocacy and peer support. made up of Dauphin, Perry, Cumberland and Franklin Counties,” said In addition to the quarterly magazine, PCB hosts a yearly four-day Paul Zavinsky, director of development and public relations. conference with many varied topics and speakers regarding the vision VROCP is celebrating its 100th year of services to the blind and low loss community, an exhibit hall which has products popular to the vision community. Formerly known as Tri-County Association for the blind and visually impaired, side trips, audio described movies, and a Blind, the organization has undergone a few name changes in those fundraising auction to top off the weekend. The 2020 conference held years as originally services were only provided to Harrisburg residents via Zoom was successful, and this year’s event with a theme of “Unity from a house rented in the city. The organization has expanded into a Through Community” will also be through Zoom. 36,000 square foot building on 19th Street in Harrisburg, which used “We all learned a lot about various virtual platforms and new to house the Davis Bottling Plant. technology. We explored multiple ways to connect our peers in the The prevention department conducts free vision screenings, primarily of vision loss community to ensure maximum accessibility at each event preschool children ages 3-5. Zavinsky said in the fiscal year prior to COVID, through a host of volunteers who provided individualized services to prevention conducted 4,040 preschool screenings. In most screening visits, our conference attendees,” Carney said. prevention specialists also provide a short introduction for the children to As Covid restrictions are relaxed, more in-person events will be held. C. Well Bunny, a clever and lovable hare who gives the children easy-toOne of these scheduled outreaches will be with understand eye health and safety tips. When a residents of Cherry Orchard Place, a senior “At the end of the day what child’s screening warrants a follow-up professional living residential complex on Linglestown Road, eye examine, a letter is sent home to the parent(s). is important is for us to Harrisburg. “Since the pandemic, people are not The adult can make the decision to schedule a empathize and be good going out, often they are far away from families, free appointment at the VROCP Eye Clinic for a they may not have computers and they are not thorough, professional examination by the doctor. human beings bringing sure how they can get needed services. My goal If glasses are prescribed, they would be provided marginalized identities is to assist with referrals and any advocacy that free of charge, under most circumstances. into our midst.” would be necessary. And I always put a positive A wide variety of client services are available, — Melissa Carney, director of perspective on vision loss,” Carney said. including case management, access technology Another area of outreach will be within the outreach and engagement for PCB training, low vision care, necessities store, eye 42 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
clinic, and perhaps the most unique – an audio service designed for print-impaired individuals. This program is a streaming and podcast service programmed especially for the blind and it can be accessed anywhere via their website, www. vrocp.org 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Given the aging of the population, it has been estimated that within 30 years the number of people with vision impairments will double,” Zavinsky said. “We are already halfway through that 30-year period and the numbers are proving to be correct.” He said VROCP is preparing for that future by generating 85 percent of its revenue through its VR Business Services that provides jobs for individuals with disabilities. The organization also raises money with fundraising events including “Visions of Monte Carlo,” a dinner, auction, dance, and casino event. “Evening in the Shadows,” a five-course wine pairing meal is served blindfolded, and “Vision Bowl” is a bowling competition in which teams wear lightweight glasses to mimic the vision loss experienced from different eye diseases, Zavinsky said. In addition to the various fundraisers, services, and business offerings, VROCP also has a large and unique gallery filled with art prints of various sizes, which were donated several years ago by a couple who had a gallery and wanted to donate to a local charity for fundraising. Some well-known artists’ prints are among the collection and are available from $1-$15 with limited styles of framing offered. Those interested can call VROCP to schedule a time to visit the gallery. To reach VROCP, call 717-238-2531, email info@vrocp.org, or visit the website at www. vrocp.org or Facebook page, Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania. 7
Need employees? This state office can help The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is offering a solution to many Pennsylvania businesses struggling to find employees in the aftermath of Covid: Allow them to develop programs that will help both their clients and the business community. Jeremiah Underhill, the deputy executive director for the office under the department of Labor & Industry, said that his office is tasked with providing services for individuals with disabilities to help them get into the labor force. That means they provide services for students to transition from school or college into the workforce or whatever they choose to do. Although Covid brought a dip in need because
it wasn’t a good time to join the workforce, he noted that things are starting to pick up. An increase in teleworking has helped OVR clients, many of whom might struggle with transportation to jobs. Underhill said that hiring OVR clients could be a good public relations boost for companies as well as a guaranteed lowrisk way to find employees. He said OVR can help businesses develop programs to specifically train people for their needs, get them on-the-job training, then provide financial assistance when they start. For more information, contact Underhill at 717-743-6658 or jeunderhil@pa.gov. — Deborah Lynch, Editor
VR Business Services Production: Fulfillment, packing and assembly of products, warehousing and distribution, product pickup and delivery, audio recording services, braille transcription, storage and logistics, coffee sales, and packaging. Laser Printing: High speed digital color and monochrome printing, bound booklets and manuals, folded brochures, posters. Custodial Care: Commercial cleaning, trash collecting, floor maintenance, carpet cleaning. Mail Services: Mail merge, bulk sorting, inkjet addressing, collating, folding, inserting, Cass, NCOA, and Intelligent mail Full-Service Flooring Center: Commercial and residential, sales and installation, in-house residential showroom, carpet recycling. Photo ID management for PennDot. Call 717-238-2531 for more information on business services or visit the website www. vrbusinessservices.com. HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 43
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All engines fire to find tranquility on the lake
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By Deborah Lynch dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
any people have giggled their way through the grade school trick of physical coordination by trying to rub their belly while patting their head. It’s hard to do at first, or maybe at all. With practice, most people can eventually get their hands moving in different ways at the same time. This is an accomplishment of complex motor pathways, and is helpful for much more than recess tricks. Many activities require active brain engagement along with physical prowess. Activities like these can be more stimulating overall than a stagnant movement. Compare running or jogging to playing tennis, for example. Making a good tennis shot involves much more than just swinging a racquet. Some players, like legendary player Roger Federer, plan a winning shot at least 10 shots in advance. Each shot in between is carefully calculated for its placement and where it moves the opponent. Making the shots requires handeye coordination, leg movements, and coordination with steps and swings. Jogging really requires only keeping the same natural pattern going with the body while being mildly aware of surroundings (if running on a path or sidewalk off the roadway). Most people prefer AirPods in their ears with music or podcasts to help pass the monotony of a jog. Monotony isn’t an issue in sculling or sweeping in a boat. The brain must constantly fire to find the coordination between pressing the legs and pulling the oars in tandem to propel the sleek shell across the surface of the water. Add two, four, or eight people to a boat, and coordination becomes even more important to ensure all rowers’ oars are entering and leaving the water at the same time and maintaining a matching stroke rate. “Rowing is an aerobic activity like running and biking, but much more technical and as a result, more engaging mentally,” said Dennis Martin, a nine-year rower and member of Susquehanna Rowing Association. “It requires some muscle and quite a bit of skill,” said longtime member Jack Sanstead. “It can be such a pretty sport. When I’m out there rowing, it’s meditative to me. I’m going through the same cycle of pull, relax, get set up for another pull, then relax. At the same time, it’s like doing breathing exercises and meditation.” — Dennis Martin 44 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
Learning to row is not for the faint of heart. A sculling boat is a long, narrow carbon fiberglass shell that sits on the water. A seat sits on a track that glides along the bottom just like the ergometer rowers found in gyms. The feet are secured in velcroed shoes/bindings. Instead of the single handle that those rowers have to pull back on, the boat has two oars secured into oarlocks on the side. The left oar is slightly higher than the right one. The rower must keep the left hand and oar above the right at all times. When pulling back to propel the shell forward, hands and arms are in a straight line. When finishing the stroke, the hands press down while turning the oars a quarter rotation, so the blades skim flat across the water on the return. That motion in itself takes great concentration and skill to achieve. Couple that with timed movement with the legs, which are the real motor for this type of boat, and the brain is constantly firing. It “works the legs, arms and core,” Martin said, noting that “most of the power comes from the legs as the rower, sitting on a seat on tracks, extends the legs on each stroke and then contracts them to prepare for the next stroke. The stroke is a continuous motion of balance and power tempered with finesse.” Susquehanna Rowing Association, which has existed since the late 1980s, started out on City Island. The unpredictable levels of the Susquehanna, a less-than ideal boathouse, and minor league baseball led the group to depart for the smoother waters of Pinchot Lake at Gifford Pinchot State Park between Rossville and Lewisberry in northern York County. The group has grown over the years to now have between 35-40 active members. Each year, the club holds Learn To Row sessions, although Covid has changed that the past two years. For 2021, individuals interested in learning to row can contact the association and set up a series of five lessons. All prospective members should be able to swim. Participants are taken through different stations, starting first on land, where they practice on erg rowing machines. From there, they advance to getting a feel for the oars while sitting on the ground, the oars secured in the ground beside them. Next,
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they move to the water in a single person boat, which is tethered with a rope to the instructors who coach the rower through a few strokes before pulling them back in. Finally, if all continues to progress well, novices will join an experienced rower in a two-person shell. The coach will help the rower through strokes while guiding the boat on the water and being the “eyes.” Rowers sit backwards in a boat, so a coach will usually wear a rearview mirror attached to a cap to help navigate. If the novice begins to catch a rhythm with steady strokes, the coach will join in and the boat will feel like it’s flying across the lake. “It requires some muscle and quite a bit of skill,” said longtime member Jack Sanstead. “It can be such a pretty sport. When I’m out there rowing, it’s meditative to me. I’m going through the same cycle of pull, relax, get set up for another pull, then relax. At the same time, it’s like doing breathing exercises and meditation.” Rowing can be either “sweep” or “sculling.” Both use the same shell, but sweep involves a rower having two hands on one oar and being in a shell with at least one other rower. For sculling, a rower has two oars, one hand on each oar. Sculling can be performed alone. Most rowing with SRA is sculling, but some boats can be rigged for double- and four-person sweep. After completing the five lessons coordinated by club coxswain Bruce Herring, rowers are asked to join the club if they want to continue using equipment. The club has more than 15 shells (singles, doubles, and quads)
that are stored in two sheds at Boat Mooring area #3 of Pinchot Lake. Members can join in group rows spring through fall on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, when as many as 15 members generally gather. Teaching and coaching is provided to all during group rows. For a yearly membership fee of $200, members also can take boats out on their own whenever they want. The club enters some racing events, such as the Head of the Ohio in Pittsburgh and in races on Boathouse Row on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Whether to enter competitions is up to the individual, “with some members performing at a high level and others focusing more on the satisfaction and fun of having participated in an event much like a local foot or bike race,” Martin said. Susquehanna Rowing Association also holds its own event — the Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference championships held on a Saturday in early April (although scuttled the past two years due to Covid). The race is a qualifier for the Division III NCAA college championships and has attracted colleges and universities from Chicago to Connecticut to race at Pinchot. It is the club’s major fundraising event. The club doesn’t have a youth level, but welcomes all rowers 18 and older. Its oldest active rower is 88-year-old Bill Smith, one of the original founders of the group. “He’s impressive,” Sanstead said. Many people head to an indoor gym to work off the stress of a day at work. Susquehanna Rowing Association offers an escape from that with long, lightweight boats that can skim across smooth peaceful waters on a warm summer evening framed by a setting sun, woodland trees, birds, and tranquility. “Rowing on the erg [(in the gym)] is mindless,” Sanstead said. “But when you’re out on the water, you’re not only thinking about where you’re going, you’re also thinking about making sure you don’t hit a fisherman, taking into account the waves, the wind; you’re looking at all the birds, taking all that in. To me, it’s just wonderful. When I’m out on the lake, I truly am on the lake, I’m not thinking about work — I’m not thinking about anything.” For more information on Susquehanna Rowing Association, go to the website at https://www.susrowing.com or check out its Facebook page at @susrowing. 7 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 45
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Fly fishing legend Joe Humphreys casts.
Greg Goldthorp shows his trophy golden trout.
This is a really big fish story
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s much as the internet has added to our lives, including YouTube videos that assist with DIY projects and new hobbies, it also has subtracted from the personal connection that could become the catalyst to fire new passions. Take the somewhat passive sport of fly fishing, for example. It’s a relaxing day or night on a stream that for many is a “lower-the-blood-pressure sport.” According to fishing guide and fly fisherman enthusiast Greg Goldthorp, who is also the athletic director at Central Dauphin East High School, this sport is “all about the passion. I don’t know how many people I’ve turned on to this sport.” He laments the crowded streams and replacement of mentors like his by the easy click, click, click of a keyboard to find tips, form, and equipment via Google, YouTube, and Amazon. “The sport has hit a peak where everything is kind of out there. All the information is out there. The fly fishing legends like Joe Humphreys are gone.” Humphreys, Goldthorp’s 92-year-old mentor and surrogate father figure, has probably taught more people to fly fish than anyone in the world, if not in person, then via the nationally broadcast “Fly Fishing Journal” he hosted for ESPN or his many videos. A former wrestler, boxer, and figure skater — and then a wrestling coach at Bald Eagle Area High School — Humphreys took over as Penn State’s fly fishing instructor in 1972 when his mentor George Harvey retired, and taught the course for 19 years. Among other places, Humphreys taught fly fishing at Yellow Breeches Creek in Boiling Springs, known to be one of the best spots to cast in Central Pennsylvania.
By Deborah Lynch dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
Later, he competed in World Fly Fishing Championships in Ireland and Wales, and won a bronze medal in Portugal in 2017. He’s fished in Finland, Italy, and around the United States, including several times trying to catch a record in Arkansas. In 2018, a documentary by Nomadic Studio Production Live The Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys won awards and acclaim. Ever in pursuit of the record-sized fish (he was the record-holder for Pennsylvania brown trout with a 34-inch caught in 1977), Humphreys landed a 30-inch brown trout at 1 a.m. in September of 2020 at the age of 91. Humphreys has written articles and books, and created much-referred-to documentaries on the sport. “I’ve been fishing since I was 6 years old. From that moment on, I have lived, breathed, taught, and competed in the wonderful sport of fly fishing,” Humphreys says in the documentary. He’s taught Penn State students, children, men and women, and guided dignitaries like Jimmy Carter, actor Liam Neeson, and former vice president Dick Cheney who agreed to be Penn State’s commencement speaker if he first got to fish with Humphreys. “Growing up, kids had idols — baseball players, football players, race car drivers — he was my idol,” Goldthorp said, noting that he lost his father to melanoma when he was 8 and Humphreys, who was a wrestling colleague and friend of his father’s, took him in. “I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t think of him or mention his name to somebody. That’s the true sign of an idol.” Humphreys says novices will know pretty much immediately whether See Big Fish on Page 47
Local fisherman catches a career
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Tyler Freeman enjoys his catch. 46 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
By Tyler Freeman
Special to Harrisburg Magazine
grew up in Camp Hill and my childhood was spent waist deep in our local waters catching smallmouth bass, trout, catfish, bluegill, turtles, snakes, frogs and anything else my friends and I could get our hands on. Fishing was something we could do before we had cars, riding our bikes from our houses down to the Conodoguinet Creek with a fishing rod in hand. Little did I know that years later, our favorite weekend and after school activity would become my full-time job. After college, I moved to Florida and landed a job as a videographer for a major fishing lure
company based out of Port St Lucie. I have traveled all over the United States and abroad chasing some of the craziest game species with some of the best anglers in the world. Today, I find myself back in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, chasing smallmouth bass with my childhood friends as the owner of my own media production company, Freeman Ventures, LLC, which specializes in fishing, hunting, and other outdoors productions. I currently shoot for Yo-Zuri America, Inc., Chasebaits USA, Nomad Design Tackle, and Gajo Baits. I strongly suggest to anyone who lives in this area to get out and experience the extraordinary waters See Local Fisherman on Page 48
Big Fish, continued from Page 46
fishing is for them. “That first experience — either you’re hooked or you’re not,” he said with a chuckle, noting that his grandson was not hooked. “We’d fish for a while — 15 or 20 minutes — and then we would throw stones. One bank … I don’t think has a stone on the left-hand side. He just didn’t have it.” As for himself, he said he fell in love with the sport when his dad took him out at age 6 with a $7.50 fly rod, neither of them knowing what they were doing. “We had bait. We all start with bait as children and then graduate to fly fishing. I finally got the worm in the water, and I felt a couple tugs. Instinctively, I set the hook, and I threw the fish up over my head. It fell off behind me. I saw the weeds wiggling back and forth, and I captured my first trout — an 8-inch brown trout. I was so enamored by that fish. “I took it home. First, I had to parade it around. I put it in a pan at home. I was so awed and thrilled by the colors of that fish — red and orange spots, halos around them, mottled brown fish — oh my God! This fish is so beautiful! It captivated me,” he said. “My mother made a fish sandwich for me and I thought it was the best sandwich in the whole world.” “Most of us who fish with him would rather watch and learn than fish ourselves,” said Geoff Brugler, owner of Appalachian Outdoors in State College and longtime fishing friend of Humphreys, who can be seen on-screen with him in Live The Stream. “He is truly a master with a fly rod and is captivating to watch.” Brugler noted Humphreys’ penchant for darkness, which Humphreys noted in Live The Stream is the best time to get the big nocturnal fish. Humphreys advises novices to practice casting. He suggests going to a good tackle shop for help with that — and for help selecting equipment, which he says shouldn’t have to cost a lot of money. Orvis and others sell complete kits (reel, line, fly rod) for less than a couple hundred dollars. Goldthorp also suggests looking for courses through local Trout Unlimited chapters. He has taught fly fishing/fly tying classes, too (from 1983-2008). He’s also guided in Pennsylvania and in Montana through Upper Canyon Outfitters in Alder, MT. With retirement on the horizon, he plans to teach and start guiding even more. Pennsylvania has no shortage of great fishing, Goldthorp said. In Cumberland County, along with the Yellow Breeches, he suggests Mountain Creek and Big Spring Creek. In Dauphin County, he says the fish are jumping in Clarks Creek, Stoney Creek, Manada Creek, and Wiconisco Creek. The fish one can expect to hook include brown trout, brook trout (the Pennsylvania state fish found in many mountain streams — native brookies), rainbow trout (top trout stocked by the PA Fish Commission), and palomino or golden trout. 7 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 47
Local Fisherman, continued from Page 46
Central Pennsylvania has to offer, and hopefully my experiences can help you do that. Pennsylvania is a beautiful state that is well known for its hunting population, but it also provides endless streams and rivers that anglers can access year-round. Whether visiting the big mountains up north, or the rolling hills/farm lands in Central Pennsylvania, some amazing fishing locations should be within walking or driving distance. Those who live in Central Pennsylvania like I do, have access to two world-renowned bodies of water – the Susquehanna River and the Yellow Breeches Creek. Both of these systems are home to a variety of game fish, and anglers who put the time in can absolutely catch trophy fish that will live in their memories PHOTOS SUBMITTED for a lifetime. Tyler Freeman The Yellow Breeches is nearly 50 miles long and is a cold water, limestone stream, which basically means the water comes from the ground and is some of the cleanest water in the state. Limestone streams make for excellent fishing, especially for trout, because they provide perfect conditions for different types of bug hatches throughout the spring and summer months. Because of this, fly fishermen can simply look up a Pennsylvania hatch chart to see an estimated time of when certain bugs will be emerging from these beautiful waters, and choose their flies accordingly. The first hatch of the year is the “little blue winged olive,” which begins in mid-March, and the last hatch of the year is the “slate drake” which begins in early August and lasts through October. This means that more than 15 different species of bugs are hatching from these waters for nearly eight months, providing a plentiful food source for these cold water fish. Those who don’t fly fish shouldn’t worry because I don’t either! The majority of these fish are stocked from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and holdover fish from previous years quickly learn how to survive off of larger, faster, aquatic food sources like crawfish, fry, and minnows. Anglers like me who want to use a spinning rod/reel can still target these beautiful trout by using small jerkbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Spin fishing for trout is great year round, but sometimes in the spring months these rivers and streams can get fairly busy with fly fishermen, which makes it hard to find a good spot on the creek. Luckily for us (spin fishermen), the fly fishermen tend to disappear with the bugs, meaning that the popular fishing holes are more accessible, and trout are now forced to begin eating smaller fish as their main food source. Unfortunately, this happens at the end of October and some of the best jerkbait-trout fishing begins when the snow starts to fall. It is cold, but it is one of the most beautiful times of the year to be on the water. My two absolute favorite hard baits for late fall, winter, and early spring trout are the Yo-Zuri Pins Minnow, and the Yo-Zuri 3DS Minnow. These lures come in a variety of colors, but fishermen should be sure to “match the hatch.” When on the water, it’s important to keep an eye open to the smaller fish swimming around at the feet. The different colors in these 48 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
baitfish should be observed to help select a lure in a similar pattern. For this type of fishing, a medium-light, light, or ultra-light fishing rod that is around 6 feet long works best. The size of the rod depends on the size of the lures and the type of water. For example, if fishing swift, deeper rapids with the larger 3½ inch (¼ oz) pins minnow, a rod with a bit more of a backbone might work better than an ultra-light. If fishing slower moving, shallower waters and throwing smaller baits such as the 2 ¾ inch (⅛ oz) pins minnow, then a light or ultra light rod should work. Some anglers like to throw braided line, but I highly recommend a 4- to 6-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon mainline for this type of fishing. The Susquehanna River is a beast of a fishery and has created a lovehate relationship with many anglers. It is the longest river in the eastern United States, and is extremely shallow in some areas and deep in others. It has slow moving currents that quickly turn into swift, fast, dangerous rapids, which can cost fishermen hundreds of dollars a season in lost jig heads, hard baits, and boat props, and it is notorious for ripping holes in waders. Thankfully for Central Pennsylvanians, multiple areas are easy to access by foot for wade fishing and to launch a kayak. For those new to fishing, catching fish on the Susquehanna yearround may be a challenge, but certain times of the year might bring banner days where a fisherman can lose count of how many fish have been caught after only an hour or so on the water. In general, people chase four main “trophy” species on the Susquehanna: smallmouth bass, walleye, flathead catfish, and muskie. Panfish anglers may have something to say about that, but for me, panfish are for ice fishing. Every once in a while, someone will post a picture of a striped bass, but they are hard to target on the river, and anglers will have a better shot at them by taking a trip to Raystown Lake, or by driving south and fishing the Chesapeake. Spring is by far the busiest time on the river for fishing. We have one of the best smallmouth bass migrations that takes place anywhere in the United States, and they can be caught in staggering numbers beginning in April and slowing down in late May. During this migration, these fish inhale anything that moves as there are plenty of crawfish and banded darters in the river systems this time of year. Banded darters are small baitfish that were introduced into the Susquehanna in the 1960s and have a banded green/brown coloration. Tubes and soft plastics on ¼ oz jig head is by far the easiest way to catch these hungry smallies, but keep in mind that the bottom of this river is extremely rocky and unfortunately filled with trash and debris, so fishermen must be prepared to lose a lot of jig heads. Larger jerkbaits and squarebill crankbaits can be thrown in the spring months, which is an extremely entertaining way to catch these aggressive bass. By June, these fish have made their way into the small tributaries such as the Yellow Breeches, the Conodoguinet, the Swatara, and Penns Creek. Plenty of fish can be caught on these smaller bodies of water using the lures mentioned above, but as the water warms a bit, these fish will absolutely demolish topwater baits. Small poppers and prop baits work best for me. I highly recommend the Yo-Zuri 3DB Prop Bait. These baits come in a traditional painted finish, but also are available in “real” colors like “real rainbow trout” and “real bluegill,” which are perfect colors for central Pennsylvania.
A medium or medium heavy rod is a great selection for the Susquehanna spooled up with 8- to 12-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon mainline. As the water gets warmer in July and August, it’s still possible to catch a few fish here and there, but the water gets uncomfortably hot and the fish aren’t nearly as aggressive, or as big. This is the time of year when raw chicken livers or shrimp work to cast out for catfish. For me, the summer months are my beach months. I would much rather drive three hours to the shore and pick off flounder and striped bass in the canals than sit on the stinky banks of the Susquehanna fishing for flathead catfish, but that’s just me. Summer months can also be good for fishing local ponds and lakes for largemouth bass, but be sure to ask permission before fishing a pond as many of them in Central Pennsylvania are on private property. No matter where someone is fishing, casting should always be at, or around structure, deep pockets, or breaks in the current. Fish are smart creatures and don’t like to waste energy fighting swift currents unless they are migrating to spawn. Most of the time, fish will find a rock, log, or deep pocket to hang out in while they wait to ambush their prey. A lot of trout fishing takes place in water that ranges from 6-12 inches deep, which obviously limits where they can hide and what baits can be thrown. This is why it pays to hike the stream banks in search of a darker, deeper pocket.
When that pocket is discovered, a fisherman can slowly make his or her way into the water and start casting lure past, then through that hole. Smallmouth tend to be found in big moving bodies of water. The Susquehanna has plenty of large rocks, shallow rock beds, and extremely swift rapids. During the spawn, smallmouth find lazier, deeper water protecting their beds, but during the famous spring run they will be in some of the fastest moving water hiding behind large submerged boulders and logs, gouging their stomachs with anything that swims by while making their way upstream and into the smaller tributaries. The bottom line is, to catch more fish, someone should simply look for breaks in the current created by rocks, boulders, logs, sand bars, and bridges, and cast at or around those areas. Eventually, a hungry fish will want to come out after the lure. Fishing is a fantastic sport and easy to get into. It gets enthusiasts out of the house and opens eyes to just how beautiful Central Pennsylvania really is. While I don’t know about rod or reel rentals in the area, affordable rod/reel combos are available on Facebook Marketplace, Bass Pro Shops, or any mom-and-pop tackle store. Plenty of resources are available online as well like YouTube where would-be fishermen can learn how to use specific baits and what rods and reels are best for each type of fish. 7
WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW TO FISH SPECIFIC FISH TROUT
October through February: Penns Creek, Yellow Creek, Yellow Breeches Hard Baits: Yo-Zuri Pins Minnow / Yo-Zuri 3DS Minnow Soft Baits: Chasebaits Fork Bait
SMALLMOUTH BASS
March through June: Susquehanna River, Swatara Creek, Conodoguinet Creek Hard Baits: Yo-Zuri Prop Bait / Yo-Zuri Rattlin’ Vibe / Yo-Zuri 3DB Jerkbait Soft Baits: Chasebaits Curly Bait / Chasebaits Paddle Bait / Chasebaits Flip Flop / Gajo Ned Rig
LARGEMOUTH BASS
May through September: Lake Jean, Memorial Lake, Golf Course ponds (don’t get caught), private ponds with permission Hard Baits: Yo-Zuri Rattlin’ Vibe, Yo-Zuri 3DB Jerkbait, Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil, Yo-Zuri 3DB Prop Bait Soft Baits: Chasebaits Curly Bait / Chasebaits Paddle Bait / Chasebaits Flip Flop / Gajo Ned Rig
PANFISH (CRAPPIE/PERCH/BLUEGILL) December through February: Lake Jean, Pine Grove Furnace Bait: Fathead minnows
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Artful Inspirations Around Us
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Artist paints a message into work and life By Christina Heintzelman
cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com
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ryan “Prolifik” Hickman states in his Instagram account, “I paint on stuff.” He has a line of painted custom clothing ranging from face masks for Covid, to sneakers, baseball caps – one style which caught the eye of LeBron James and was worn by him and the LA Lakers during last year's playoffs — and many other cool items. He also paints on canvas, with some of his work exhibited at Good Brotha’s Book Café. His talents and ideas spread even more broadly through his work with area children. Hickman was born and raised in Harrisburg and stays here as a conduit for young artists. “I have dedicated my artistry to uplifting my community and liberating other artists who feel that their voice may not be heard,” he says. He feels the importance of helping other artists through the emotional message contained in his work that he feels is important for every artist to convey. “I have experience in the Black community and my experience is centered in personal growth. I feel that our community is lacking a self-knowledge of our history and I want to help change that.” Hickman attended Harrisburg High School, SciTech Campus, which is a math and science magnet school with just 400 students. It is affiliated with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. This is where Hickman developed his skills in graphic arts. “Since I was a kid, I always had a brush and pen beside me, so people began to associate me with art, but I only produced my art in my leisure time even though it was a passion for me.” Although he planned to pursue graphic design at Shippensburg University, he later declared his major in art. “I never thought about art as a career until I had to provide a portfolio of my work to the university. I was hesitant because all of my art was done in leisure time — I really didn’t have a portfolio of art per se. When 50 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
my portfolio was reviewed by the art professors and they really liked what they saw, I began to think that I could have a career in the world of art.” Hickman is drawn to the work of Chuck Close because “[l]arge scale realism is a skill I’ve always admired in artists and one that I aspire to sharpen during my journey as an artist. Chuck Close’s work provided that initial inspiration for me.” A look at Hickman’s Instagram page shows the true range of his abilities as an artist. In some instances, he works on a painting with not only brush and acrylic, but also fire. He can create a painting upside down and then when turned right-side up, the image of what he is painting becomes clear. Many of his videos of him creating art are available to watch on his Instagram account. In 2018, Hickman took part in the “Everything is Art” event held at The Bishop Gallery in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. The Bishop is an offspring of the Lamont Bishop Gallery in Washington. It is a creative hub where innovative art and artistic representations fill the gallery. All exhibits have a socially conscience element which adds to the depth of the content. This black-owned gallery operates with the notion of bringing accessibility to the art community. Here, everyone is welcomed to view art or have their art displayed regardless of economic status or level of success. Hickman is a volunteer in a Harrisburg area after-school art program, Youth 10X Better, which is run by the Rev. James Lyles. It is a social service non-profit organization that includes children from third grade through high school. There are many different facets of the program, and Hickman oversees the art. The 10X Better Ministry is also responsible for various mini-pantries that have popped up all over Dauphin county and are stocked with food
“The kids call Bryan “Mr. Lit” because he is so full of energy and good vibrations,” — Rev. Lyles and other items available to anyone who decides to open the pantry door. Hickman was instrumental in getting many of these pantry boxes painted in vibrant and welcoming style. “The kids call Bryan “Mr. Lit” because he is so full of energy and good vibrations,” Lyles said. “He is an excellent teacher, and even when a kid messes up, Bryan turns it into something right. He uplifts these kids to a higher level.” Hickman can be contacted through his Instagram account - @kingprolifik or on www.bonfire.com/store/prolifik-asf and www.prolifikasf.bigcartel.com. His canvases are not sold on either website because of shipping costs, but he can be contacted through Instagram for a local pickup. 7
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Artful Inspirations Around Us
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SPROCKET MURAL WORKS
Artist Aron Kylene Rook at her mural on the side of the new Zeroday.
Mural, mural on the wall: Harrisburg’s outdoor art proliferates along a planned trail By Christina Heintzelman
cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com
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he intersection of Calder and 3rd streets features a can’t-miss who works as creative director for The Burg monthly magazine. huge Necco Wafer purple wall along with a darker purple “In 2019, we had 370 people apply during our request for artists’ ampersand (&) along the east side of Calder. This mural on proposals,” said Caruso, explaining that the platform they use spreads the side of the local Sayford Market was one of the first murals to be the word far and wide. “These artists are international, national and painted for the 2017 Mural Art Festival in Harrisburg through Sprocket local.” Along with a group of Harrisburg artists who select the winners, Mural Works. Would the general public consider this to be art? It sure the community can also get involved by voting for a particular mural for is and this is why: The artist, Craig Welsh, who is a graphic designer and their area of the city. The process starts with the board looking around architect, wanted to create a mural about inclusion and friendship. He the city for available walls to paint, contacting the building owners, and has succeeded. Many people stop at this mural then polling the community for ideas. with a friend or family member for a photo op. “There are always four things that people “Sprocket Mural Works has been a Think of it this way: You & me, me & my dog, tremendous addition to Harrisburg, are attracted to when asked about their mural me & some neighbors. preferences: The first is nature, the second is Harristown, and the community by Sprocket Mural Works has existed in some animals, the third is people, and the fourth is bringing a love of the city and love bright colors,” Caruso said. form since 2014. In 2017, the president of the of the community for public art.” organization, Megan Caruso, along with her One of the recurring sponsors for the mural Board of Directors, came up with an idea — — Brad Jones, President and CEO of project is Harristown Enterprises, which has what if they could do 10 murals in 10 days in sponsored at least a half a dozen murals. “Sprocket Harristown Enterprises various locations in Harrisburg. What emerged Mural Works has been a tremendous addition from this was 18 murals in 10 days just in time for their Harrisburg to Harrisburg, Harristown, and the community by bringing a love of the Mural Festival in September of 2017. city and love of the community for public art,” said Brad Jones, President “Sprocket Mural Works has a small board and a huge number of and CEO of Harristown Enterprises. “I could not be happier as to how it volunteers, 500 at last count, who help prepare and prime walls for has all turned out. We are dealing with extremely talented people who are artists, and provide other help as we need it,” said Caruso, an artist quite skilled in identifying artists. It has been a pleasure to build a reservoir 52 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
of murals in our city. They deserve all the credit they can get as a small nonprofit who are really mighty and pack a huge wallop.” Harristown, along with Downtown Improvement District (DID) and the McCormick Foundation, hopes to create three more murals — for a total of six — on Blackberry Alley in 2021. Sprocket likes the concept of developing a mural trail for Harrisburg. It would start near the Amtrak Station, continue through SOMA (South of Market), move into Downtown, and finally cross through Midtown. This year, the group hopes to add paintings along the Mulberry Street bridge toward Derry Street, the Market Street underpass, and up through Allison Hill. The Allison Hill mural will be on the side of the Recycle Bicycle shop at 1722 Chestnut St. Funding is still needed for this project. Sprocket concentrated on murals along the 3rd Street corridor in 2019 to add to the cleanup and beautification of that area, which was being revamped by Capital Water with new bump outs created to assist in draining water away from the area during heavy rains. The bump outs have also been planted with various seasonal perennials. It is hoped that Harrisburg could garner interest from Amtrak riders from Philadelphia or Lancaster who could take a stop in Harrisburg to view the murals and perhaps stay in town and visit a few stores and restaurants in the process. One mural that stood out was the one painted on the side of The Jackson House in 2017 by artist Cesar Viveros and dozens of volunteers, who added finishing touches. It fell to an unfortunate demise during building restoration in December 2020 when the wall on which the mural was painted collapsed. The historical Jackson House was located on the corner of Boas and Seventh, and the mural was created for the purpose of honoring the Jackson House’s legacy of economic prominence for African Americans and particularly of prominent people in the jazz scene such as Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. Joe Louis, the heavyweight world champion boxer also stayed here. German Jackson, the son of slaves and founder of The Jackson House, purchased this building as a hotel for blacks traveling to this area and as a place to host music by black performers. Although the hotel was created for blacks who were not welcome in other hotels, Jackson always welcomed everyone who came to stay or have dinner in the attached restaurant. “This mural will probably not be replicated, but we may do a special project in which some of those painted bricks are collected for a project; this, though, is not totally planned,” Caruso said. “It is important to talk about moving forward and what we can accomplish with more art depicting black lives in our community. It is so important to tell the story of that mural and Sprocket was proud of the opportunity to do that.” Another mural with a story behind it is painted on the back of the home of Nancy and Russ Mueller at 263 Oliver Alley. Nancy wanted a mural that celebrated the people and diversity of Harrisburg, so Russ reached out to sponsor a mural as part of the 2019 Mural Arts Fest. The mural, created by Anat Ronen, features children from the community who attend St. Stephens School. Ronen, an Israeli artist who now lives in Houston, learned of the Sprocket project while Googling for art calls. A mural located behind Millworks on the Millworks lumber storage building was created in 2017 by Brandon Spicer-Crawley, a student at The Center for Creative Works in Wynnewood, Pa., which is a unique art studio focusing on developing creative workplace potential and cultural identity for people with intellectual disabilities. “We created a special project for Brandon by buying parachute cloth to create the mural and by providing paints, which we took to him in Wynnewood. The mural was installed onto the wall with a gel medium and his family was invited to stay in Harrisburg to watch the completion of the process,” Caruso said. Plans to add to the mural and to convert the grassy area into a park
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA HEINTZELMAN
Ampersand on the side of Sayford Market.
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA HEINTZELMAN
Jackson House
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SPROCKET MURAL WORKS
Mural behind Millworks by Brandon Spicer-Crawley. HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 53
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SPROCKET MURAL WORKS
Anet Ronen's mural features the children of St. Stephen's School.
“It is important to talk about moving forward and what we can accomplish as more art depicting black lives in our community. It is so important to tell the story of that mural and Sprocket was proud of the opportunity to do that.” — Megan Caruso, President of Sprocket Mural Works
54 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
this year are under way, but unfortunately this project has not been funded this year and Sprocket is reaching out for monetary support to complete the project. The Sprocket team is also working on creating a pocket park that includes murals and a rain barrel to collect water for new plantings planned near Yellow Bird Café in Patrick Alley. One of the first 2021 season murals is located on the side of Zeroday Brewing located at 925 N. 3rd St. The mural was commissioned by WCI Partners who managed the building project for Zeroday owner Theo Armstrong. The mural was created and painted by Aron Kylene Rook, who has contributed her artistry on three other Sprocket mural projects. “The new mural on the side of Zeroday is entitled ‘All us friends with our face[s] toward the sun.’ Working with Sprocket reminds me of some of my favorite days growing up on our family farm where we would all work together. Megan Caruso often volunteers long days and into the nights on site to assist artists. She is out there priming, painting, sweating with the rest of us. She is very accessible, and I am very thankful,” Rooke said. Another new mural celebrating the roots of the Steelton community will be painted and sponsored by Mid Penn Bank at 51 S. Front St., Steelton. Stay tuned for more information on the 2021 mural painting season and its artists. Sprocket, which is always looking for donors to help pay the artists and fund the projects, is a 501(c)(3). This year, rather than a weeklong session of mural painting, Sprocket will move to an entire mural season. The kickoff for fundraising and mural sponsorship is happening now. Sprocket can be reached through its website, www. sprocketmuralworks.com, and Facebook page of the same name. 7
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Taste This
New roaster in town preaches coffee
Molly Martinez and owner Matt Ramsay.
Story and Photos By Deborah Lynch dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
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ollowing a successful grand opening May 3 and steady business since, Denim Coffee in Harrisburg has created a new go-to in the Harrisburg coffee shop scene. It’s evident, however, that the coffee roaster is not new to roasting. Starting 12 years ago as Mosaic coffee, the roaster supplied other coffee shops. It wasn’t until a trademark dispute and rebranding as Denim Coffee in 2015 that the roastery went the retail route, opening its first shop in Carlisle. Chambersburg was next before Matt Ramsay and a partner opened the Harrisburg spot at the corner of Walnut and 4th streets, in the direct path of Capitol workers and Strawberry Square. Ramsay, who is a part-time campus minister at Shippensburg University, was roasting beans and brewing coffee in a Huntingdon, Pa., coffee shop while also ministering to students at Juniata College before he moved back to the Shippensburg area to open his own roastery. That means he knows a thing about beans, and recognizes the great partnership between good coffee and fellowship. Like most coffee shops that roast their own beans, Denim uses specialty grade coffee meaning it is handpicked by farmers from the top 1 percent to 3 percent of coffee in the world. Small roasters like Denim get their beans through importers who source the coffee overseas and bring them samples. Ramsay says that from the hundreds of samples he tastes a year, he whittles it down to 10 or so of his favorites to roast at his Shippensburg warehouse. Along with aroma and taste, he considers ethical and ecological criteria in choosing the beans he will use with the Denim name. Noting that most dark roasts tend to be more charred, which hides the nuanced flavors of the beans, he said most of Denim’s coffee is light or medium roast, which helps to bring out the subtle flavor differences like floral or fruity notes, lavender to lemongrass flavors, citrus, berries, honey flavors, and darker things like milk chocolate, caramel, dark chocolate bitters -- “the whole sweeping end of the flavor world is available in coffee.” In fact, Ramsay said that coffee has more than 2,000 distinct flavors. Compare that with 1,300 for whiskeys or 700 for wines, which most people think of for their complex flavor profiles. “I think it [coffee] is the most complex beverage on the planet,” Ramsay said. Harrisburg Magazine was fortunate to be able to do a coffee tasting of three of Denim’s roasts. Before starting our tasting, Ramsay advised us to cup them side by side. “Triangulate them to see the differences in the coffee. Don’t taste them on their own.” He said this allows flavors like blueberry or citrus to stand out a lot more. If doing a coffee tasting at home, keep in mind that it might taste different than coffee made at Denim with itsw filtered water. Coffee also changes chemically after it brews and as it cools down. “Sip it while it’s hot. You’ll get very different notes from when it’s cooled down,” he said. Denim Coffee is located at 401 Walnut St. in Harrisburg. Hours are 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The website is https://www.denimcoffeecompany.com/pages/denimcoffee-harrisburg-pa. 7
Harrisburg Magazine staff reviews of Denim Coffee “I’m not usually a fan of citrus notes in coffee, but Denim’s Kenyan roast had such a light, citrusy nuance that it was my overall favorite compared to a heavier Honduran and more bitter berry Ethiopian roast.” — Deb Lynch, Editor “The coffee was perfect with the baked goods.” — Jo Ann Shover, Account Executive “I loved all three coffees, but the Ethiopian was my favorite because I liked the blueberry notes.” — Mike Jurosky, Account Executive “I could taste the difference in the flavors and the berry one (Ethiopian) was my favorite. Their coffee has such a robust flavor compared to other coffees. The Ethiopian coffee with the chocolate chip cookie from Raising the Bar was a great pairing.” — Laura Reich, Graphic Designer “I liked the coffee, but I don’t have a good palate.” — Darwin Oordt, Owner “Each roast had a unique flavor. Kenyan was the richest. I liked the contrast of the citrus of some coffees with the salt and herbs of the baked goods from Raising the Bar.” — Don Bair, Account Executive “My favorite thing from Denim were the scones [almond, cranberry] — they were absolutely delicious. The coffee did pair well with baked goods, especially the Kenyan. I always have a bit of creamer in my coffee, which really makes a difference.” — Christina Heintzelman, Operations Director 7 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021 57
Taste This
The sweet...
Timishia Goodson and Casey Callahan, Raising the Bar owners.
... and the savory.
Bakers have raised their own bar with international specialties Story and Photos By Deborah Lynch
T
dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com
he British aren’t coming, but if they were, Harrisburg residents might greet them and barter for their pastries. Timishia Goodson and Casey Callahan, owners of Raising the Bar Bakery have discovered that Harrisburg loves English desserts. Could it be we are a bunch of royal watchers or watchers of The Great British Baking Show? In either case, we enjoy our crumpets and tea. The bakery, which turns five next month, decided to switch up its menu and started with English month, a tea party around the time of the royal wedding a few years ago. Their baking projects have since spread to other regions — Scandinavia, France, Italy, and even the Southern United States. One thing they don’t do though is compete with the other bakers located inside the Broad Street Market. Raising the Bar Bakery is the only bakery in the stone building at the front. The brick building behind it features three other bakeries, but they are more Pennsylvania Dutch based. “Ours is more European and French,” Goodson said. “We try not to have anything other bakers have. We do classics with a twist.” Among their most popular items are baguettes, and black pepper and cheddar boules. Their specialty — croissants, which Goodson calls “labors of love.” They said it is a two- to three-day process to make the croissants from scratch and roll them. They make as many as 150 per week in four different flavors. Sometimes, the partners team with other Broad Street Market vendors to make even more one-of-a-kind creations. They have incorporated Elementary Coffee in their breads, jams, and desserts. They use fresh meats and cheeses from RG Hummer, and produce from both Green Ridge and Produce Patch. “When we are feeling extra daring, we incorporate smoked salmon from JB Kelly Seafood into twice-baked salmon croissants that are amazing,” Goodson said. “The market is a field day for creativity. With plans in the near future to expand their bakery beyond the market, currently the duo works together with one other employee in a full-time bakery business. Although open only Thursdays-Saturdays for customers at the market, they are there daily creating their goods. Combined Goodson and Callahan have 25 years of restaurant experience including pastry chef, line cook, catering, teaching baking and pastry, and hotel and restaurant front and back of the house. Raising the Bar Bakery offers takeout and in the past offered small catering like breakfast and lunch. They plan to do more of this as things 58 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
move forward. The pair worked at the now closed downtown bakery, Ciao (connected with Bricco, which closed this year). Callahan was the pastry chef there, and Goodson was her assistant. “We were just getting to that point that this is the top level, especially in Harrisburg, for pastry chefs. They don’t grow unless you open up your own place,” Goodson said. They started selling cookie bars and brownies from a table when Harrisburg was offering food trucks at the HACC parking lot on 3rd Street in Midtown. They tried to get into Broad Street Market, but their first attempt was during the big changeover there, so they waited. Then, in July of 2016, Raising the Bar was born. “We still had five jobs between us at that point,” Goodson said. “It got busy at the market really fast. Pretty quickly, we were full time at the bakery.” “We love the Midtown area. The market is a great blend of business and residential buildings surrounding it. We think it was a good time in our professional careers to grow out of the corporate world,” Goodson said. “We enjoy the freedom of creativity when it comes to food and recipes. The market is great because we benefit each other as vendors. It’s a great place for starting a business.” Want to be part of Taste This Friday? Any Harrisburg area restaurants who would like to participate can submit ideas to dlynch@harrisburgmagazine.com. 7
Raising the Bar Bakery Website: Follow at Raising the Bar LLC on Facebook Address: 1233 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, Pa 17102 (Broad Street Market — Stone Building) Email: rtbinhbg@gmail.com Open: Thursdays and Fridays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturdays, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Takeout: Just walk up to the stand and order. Curbside available too. No delivery. Covid-19 updates: Must wear masks inside the building and while ordering.
Outdoor dining: Courtyard between buildings. Years in service: 5 Busiest Times: Saturdays, 8-10 a.m. Chefs: Casey Callahan & Timishia Goodson Most popular dishes: Croissants, cookies, brownies, and bread. Price range: $2-$8 Owners: Casey Callahan and Timishia Goodson
Harrisburg Magazine staff reviews Raising the Bar “The light, butteriness sets these baked goods apart from others. I love the European style and creativeness of flavors — the onion, tomato tart had so many tastes and textures. The focaccia melted in my mouth.” — Deb Lynch, Editor “The tomato tart was just perfect. Loved the tomato flavor and the cheese really complemented it. It was one of the top bakeries I ever tasted — from the sandwiches to the tarts and pastries.” — Mike Jurosky, Account Executive “I love bread and super love pastries. The pastries from Raising the Bar literally raised the bar. Normally you think that if it looks pretty, it might not taste as good, but it not only looked good, but also I couldn’t pick out what I liked most because it was all good. The croissant was my favorite because I have no idea how they infused so many flavors into a pastry. It was bursting with flavor.” — Laura Reich, Graphic Designer “The almond croissant was my favorite. It was all a step above.” — Darwin Oordt, Owner “All the breads and pastries had a perfect blend of herbs and spices. The focaccia was light and fluffy with a perfect crisp. Everything had subtle flavors rather than overpowering and artificial.” — Don Bair, Account Executive “Who doesn’t like breads and pastries? It is almost impossible to compare the products as everything is fantastic. The range from sweet to savory is amazing, and flaky to dense — a definite mouth treat.” — Christina Heintzelman, Operations Director “I really enjoyed the ham and cheese made with spicy mustard. The bread was moist, light and soft. The baked goods were unlike any I ever tasted before. Raising the Bar compares to none other.” — Jo Ann Shover, Account Executive 7
Flourless Chocolate Cake (from Raising the Bar)
1 cup + 2 Tbsp. semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks) ¼ cup brown sugar, packed ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ tsp salt 1½ tsp vanilla extract 3 large eggs ½ + 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa, sifted Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick spray, along the bottom and up the sides. In a large microwaveable bowl, add 1 cup + 2 Tbsp. semisweet chocolate chips and 1 cup salted butter. Microwave on high in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until it is mostly melted. Then stir it together until it is completely smooth. Be careful, chocolate scorches easily, so keep an eye on it. Add ¼ cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and 1½ tsp vanilla. Stir until well combined. Add 3 large eggs to the bowl and beat with a spoon or whisk until combined. Use a strainer to sift ½ cup + 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder into the bowl. Mix just until combined and no further. Once all the cocoa streaks are gone, stop stirring. When the batter is all mixed together, pour it into the prepared pan. Even out the batter. Place inside a larger pan and pour water about 2 inches high. Bake at 325 for 30-32 minutes. This cake is best slightly underbaked, just like brownies. The edges of this cake will rise a bit more than the center. The best way to test for doneness is to shake the pan. When the center of the cake wiggles the same amount as the edges, it is done. If the center of the cake looks liquidy or sloshy, leave it in a few more minutes. Let the cake cool completely. Place in fridge or freeze until solid. Loosen the sides of the cake with a knife to release. Flip onto platter and dust with powdered sugar or cocoa. * Best served with fresh fruit and whipped cream * Store cake in the fridge
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