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CONTENTS M ARC H 2020
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March 2020 • Volume 26 No. 3 PRESIDENT/CEO Darwin Oordt Ext. 1001 doordt@benchmarkmediallc.com
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YWCA TRIBUTE TO WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2020 WHAT'S IN A NAME? WHO WAS M. HARVEY TAYLOR? IT'S ALL ABOUT TOYS ART WITH A TWIST CARTOONING IS SEMISERIOUSE BUSINESS HISTORY OF NATIONAL DOCOTOR'S DAY YOU'VE GOT MAIL EVENTS THE WEDDING PENN TASTES OF DISTINCTION BARTENDER'S BEST
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Danielle Carl Ext. 1002 dcarl@harrisburgmagazine.com DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS FINANCE Violetta Chlaifer Ext. 1000 vchlaifer@benchamarkmediallc.com EDITOR Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D. jgoodwin@harrisburgmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura Reich Ext. 1006 lreich@benchmarkmediallc.com DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Chris Aloia Ext. 1003 caloia@benchmarkmediallc.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jo Ann Shover Ext. 1004 jshover@benchmarkmediallc.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julian Rosado jrosado@benchmarkmediallc.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ross Burnett rburnett@harrisburgmagazine.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julia McBride Ext. 1008 jmcbride@harrisburgmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlie Wohlrab Jeff Falk Diane White McNaughton
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• CLASS OF 2020 • by M. Diane McCormick The world is a learning experience. That’s the collective conclusion of the 2020 YWCA Women of Excellence. They observe. They absorb. When they see a good habit in a colleague, they adopt it for themselves. Volunteering grounds them in community. Travel and adventure open their eyes to new perspectives. Friends and family bring laughter to their days. The YWCA Women of Excellence represent a long line of honorees whose careers and causes have enriched the region and blazed paths for others to follow.
• LEGACY AWARD • LYNN EVERHART
RETIRED, CHILDREN’S PLAY ROOM/ PARENTWORKS, AND SUCCESS BY 6, UNITED WAY OF CARLISLE AND CUMBERLAND COUNTY The hospice CNA caring for Lynn’s son told Lynn, “I know you!” After 34 years, the woman remembered attending her favorite “school,” Children’s Playroom, while her mother worked to get her daughter back from foster care. Now, she was a proud mother, modeling a work ethic for her own kids. Children’s Play Room/ParentWorks teaches parents and community members how to break the cycle of abuse. Lynn knows that good things happen to those who do what they love, because volunteering led to jobs in child development. Children’s Playroom co-founder Barbara Adler, with Gail Siegel, shared advice for tackling thorny challenges: Put the child first, and all else will fall into place. 4 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
• EMERGING LEADER • ASHLEIGH AVILES
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, LATINO CONNECTION
“What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” Ashleigh turned that question into a mindset, driving her to raise awareness of challenges and disparities in health care for Latinos. She sees her impact in the mobile wellness units she brings to communities, when the eyes of children light up at the sight of the huge vehicle filled with free books and screenings, or the happiness of senior citizens who get answers from their insurance companies. Ashleigh builds her career on asking questions that carve out learning opportunities, and with getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.
• CLASS OF 2020 •
I
t's the time of the year when the YWCA Greater Harrisburg plans to honor the Women of Excellence who have consistently given back to the community in their working and personal lives. Over the last 30 years, the YWCA has honored more than 700 extraordinary women for their contributions to our region, both professionally and philanthropically. This year, 25 women who dedicate their time and talent to making a difference in Central Pennsylvania will be feted at the 31st annual Tribute to Women of Excellence (TWE) awards dinner on March 26, at the Hershey Lodge. The YWCA also recognizes two prestigious awards in addition to the annual class of honorees as tribute to two inspiring women in our community: the prestigious Carolyne L. Smith Legacy Award and the Karen F. Snider Emerging Leader Award. Harrisburg Magazine is pleased to highlight these nominees through the following short bios. Congratulations!
Cathy Tama-Troutman • Dr. Melissa Boltz • Sur Durborow Shannon Mason • Lisa Thomas • Dr. Ivy Buchan
Valerie Pritchett • Kathy Anderson-Martin • Heather Arnold Megan Peterson • Kim Alumbaugh • Kera G. Daily
Ashleigh Aviles • Porcha Johnson • Julia Mallory Hilary Vesell • Marisa Tokarsky • Lynn G. Everhart
Esther McGinnis • Emily H. Edmunds Molly O’Keefe • Erin P. Deller
Sandra Stefanic • Rhonda Laing • Fina Salvo Sara Firestone • Kathleen McGraw • Tricia Heisey
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• CLASS OF 2020 • KIM ALUMBAUGH
CONTROLLER, HAMILTON HEALTH CENTER One of the best things Kim ever heard was “Believe in yourself. You shine brighter than you will ever know.” To her, it means that each person carries a unique gift that’s meant to be shared. She lives by a code of honesty and perseverance instilled by her parents, and even by the lessons they taught about owning up to your mistakes and pressing forward. The mother of two young children finds that an early morning run with her dog along quiet country roads helps to declutter her mind and remind her to cherish the precious things that can “sometimes get lost in the daily hustle.”
KATHY ANDERSON-MARTIN
DIRECTOR OF RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, THE SALVATION ARMY HARRISBURG CAPITAL CITY REGION Life is about relationships, not stuff, says Kathy. From a career in sales and marketing, she never imagined she would be “the Salvation Army Lady,” but God made it happen, just in time to help lead construction of a new facility and the expansion of programs. She’s still trying to figure out work-life balance, but her daily routine of family breakfast, devotional time, watching the bird feeder, and walking her dogs fulfills her basic need for faith, love, functioning senses, and plotthounds (that’s the breed of her dogs). She tells her daughters, “Do what is right and smart.”
HEATHER ARNOLD
TEAM LEADER, PENN NATIONAL INSURANCE If Heather can inspire someone to pay it forward, she will. That might mean volunteering for causes, or paying for someone’s coffee. Focusing on goals instead of roadblocks helps assure that nothing is impossible, a belief rooted in the Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Her work ethic comes from her parents, who held multiple jobs but never missed an event she was involved in. For Heather, singing equals relaxation. Music has been a big part of her life, providing the avenue for releasing any concerns that weigh her down and freeing her to inspire others. 8 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
DR. MELISSA BOLTZ
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SURGERY, VICE CHAIR FOR QUALITY & PATIENT SAFETY, PENN STATE HEALTH, MILTON S. HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER Ask Melissa about the impact she’s had, and she flips the question. She prefers addressing the impact others have had on her, professionally or through volunteering with the Caring Cupboard food pantry, whose clients give her “a hundredfold return in the way of perseverance and grace.” Balance comes from focusing on the handful of important things in life. A career can follow two paths, she advises – horizontal, for no change year after year, or upward. Stepping out of the comfort zone leads upward. Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, can create a powerful chain of actions.
JUDY BORTZ
MANAGER, KPMG LLP Judy learns from others by making their positive traits her own. She readies herself to accept new challenges by preparing her team members to take her job one day. Through KPMG’s national literacy initiative, she hopes she is giving children the power of reading for learning and enjoyment. Her parents taught her the joy of community involvement, even prioritizing it beside work commitments. When there’s a big job to be done, whether it’s cleaning the yard or helping a person in need, Judy is likely to lead a group toward the common goal by saying, “Many hands make light work.”
DR. IVY R. BUCHAN
PRESIDENT, HELIX STRATEGIES LLC “Create the opportunity you want,” Ivy believes. When she was a young woman, some people dismissed her career dreams, but the ones who believed helped propel her forward. A York College professor encouraged her to get her PhD. McNees Strategic Solutions Group Co-chair Michael Musser helped her start her company, a leadership and fundraising consultant for nonprofits. She pays forward the support she received by offering internships and by working with York College students. “It is humbling to be reminded how green you used to be and that impressive people took time out to answer all your crazy questions,” she says.
KERA G. DAILY
COMMUNITY LIAISON, OSS HEALTH When someone tells Kera she’s not able to do something, she tries anyway – not to prove them wrong, but to prove to herself that she can. Encouraging others to engage in the causes they care about has a meaningful impact on society, she believes. She sees it in her daughter, who has volunteered with her for the Salvation Army and Susquehanna Service Dogs. Kera’s career has been enriched by mentors providing unbiased guidance, and she gives back by doing the same for others. An incredible circle of family and friends offers “support, love, laughter, patience, and guidance. I strive to be to them what they are to me.”
ERIN DELLER
CEO & CO-FOUNDER, ASSEMBLE Whether working with clients or volunteering for the YWCA Junior Board and Girls on the Run, Erin tries to be a friend to all. She strives to give young women, including her 3-yearold daughter, the confidence and independence to chart their own paths. Her parents taught her loyalty and professionalism. Her mother, mother-inlaw, and mentors provided role models for achieving more and paying it forward, especially as she launches a new tech
business. “The biggest risk in life is not risking,” she says, and following that mantra has paid off every time. Closing the achievement gap, she believes, requires closing the ambition gap.
SUSAN DURBOROW
RETIRED, NAVAL SUPPLY BUSINESS SYSTEMS CENTER Wherever she volunteers, Susan pitches in. At Dress for Success, her work helping women build their computer and resume-writing skills has helped some advance their careers. Her parents taught her generosity and inclusion, with lessons from her mother on being an independent woman. Dr. George Flanagan mentored her in the “servant leadership” model that guides her life. In retirement, finding balance means volunteering as much as she likes, “which is great!” Travel immerses her in cultures around the world. Everything happens for a reason, she believes. Life’s ups or downs all keep her on the course she was meant to trod.
EMILY H. EDMUNDS
SENIOR COUNSEL, RITE AID Finding or being a mentor is a fluid process for Emily. Whatever issue a colleague at any career stage might encounter calls for customized guidance. Emily’s parents taught her
to persevere through trials by donning what she calls “my armor,” because “nothing can hurt you when you’ve got your armor on.” Through the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg’s Junior Board, which she helped found, Emily is passionate about volunteering for Camp Reily, the YWCA’s day camp exposing children to summer learning amid wooded greenery. Her daughter, now 1 year old, will also learn the joy of volunteering, experiencing the power of making a difference in the lives of others.
SARA FIRESTONE
COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER, MEMBERS 1ST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Every mom has a saying they repeat to their kids. Sara’s is “There is always a solution.” Look hard enough, and answers emerge. Even the pursuit of life balance became an exercise in setting daily priorities when a friend advised, “You can have it all, just not all at once.” Sara advises navigating the curves of career paths by being curious, taking chances, and being kind. She expresses her gratitude for the well-being of her family by volunteering for causes that support children and families. If you see a group with a goldendoodle hiking a new trail, that’s probably Sara and her greatest joy – her family.
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• CLASS OF 2020 • TRICIA HEISEY
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/FINANCIAL EDUCATION REPRESENTATIVE, BELCO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION Once asked to finish the statement “I AM . . .,” Tricia filled in with “giving,” “trustworthy,” and most of all, “blessed.” Instead of focusing on a title or paygrade, she advises finding your “I AM” by identifying your passion and staying true to your character. Her passion for helping others has always manifested in collaborating and educating, and since her husband’s diagnosis with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, it includes helping others through the battle. “If we are blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, and time, it is expected that we use these well to glorify God and benefit others,” she says.
PORCHA JOHNSON
CEO, BLACK GIRL HEALTH Rejections shouldn’t stop anyone from achieving their dreams, says Porcha, who adds, “Every ‘no’ is a step closer to ‘yes.’” Her husband was the God-sent channel meant to help her fulfill her higher purpose, turning her passion into a full-time business and helping her shed the fear of taking risks. As a result, her business has reached millions of women of color, online and through workshops, with education on diseases that disproportionately affect them, including fibroids, HIV, mental health conditions, obesity, and heart disease. Self-care through “me” time at the gym and in the sauna prepares her for the challenges of each day.
RHONDA LAING
SENIOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS CONSULTANT, CAPITAL BLUECROSS Rhonda knows that she was lucky, growing up in a two-parent household, attending a good school, and having access to higher education – opportunities that many African-American youth lack. Her community service gravitates to organizations filling those needs. As a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, she hopes that her advice helps her teenaged “little” – and her own teenagers – fare well in these formative years. When diversions from her goals get in the way, she doesn’t get discouraged but, instead, looks for the learning experience. The best family time means putting away electronics, maybe for a game of cornhole. Rhonda is the proud wife of a U.S. Air Force member and veteran. 10 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
JULIA MALLORY
DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES, PERRY MEDIA GROUP FOUNDER, BLACK MERMAIDS Before you sit at the table where you want a seat, define your worth, Julia says. Consider your strengths. Knowing that lives have value beyond job titles helps prevent ill-considered decisions when things aren’t going right. Julia’s mantra of “Do the work” inspires her to be intentional in service to others. Her mother taught her what it meant to show up for others, and she is always seeking ways to pay forward her blessings by serving on nonprofit boards, teaching, or offering an encouraging word. The memory of her son, Julian, who died at age 17 in 2017, inspires her to honor her truest passions.
ESTHER M. MCGINNIS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GANNETT FLEMING When Esther works with a mentor, the relationship lasts. Her role models continue to shape her career, while her parents were the first to instill a “you can do it” attitude, paired with respect for others. Accept challenges and hold yourself accountable, she advises. “All of us are on a journey, so it is important to understand what yours is.” Walkabouts in the woods help restore balance better than any spa treatment. Curiosity is Esther’s driving force, leading her to take violin lessons, fly an airplane, and accept business challenges that others avoid. Her journey continues, and so, she says, “who knows what I will try next?”
KATHLEEN MCGRAW
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, HERSHEY ENTERTAINMENT & RESORTS Career mentors taught Kathleen to help others grow through learning, being challenged, and feeling appreciated. Her parents instilled in their children the confidence to reach for their dreams. She’s been lucky, personally and professionally, for opportunities to give time and resources to organizations that support kids, families, and education. Fourteen years of working in New York City taught her that balance is a necessity, so she actively connects with family and friends, walks her dog, and occasionally hides her phone. “You are a better friend, colleague, daughter, and
sister when you take time for what’s important to you and find balance in your life,” she says.
APRIL MOCK
DIRECTOR, BRAND MANAGEMENT, GIANT FOOD STORES April doesn’t seek balance. Instead, she sets priorities. A colleague once advised treating her kids like her boss – taking time to listen and never being late for a meeting. In volunteering, at work, and as a mentor, she fosters the strengths of others to help them reach their full potential. You’ll find her cheering her kids from the sidelines or heading outdoors with friends and family, although the occasional “me” day provides quiet time for reflection. Each day ends with a thought inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “I’m done with today, and did all I could. Tomorrow is a new day.”
MOLLY O’KEEFE
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, CENTRIC BANK If someone asks Molly for a commitment that she can’t honor, she knows it’s okay to say “no.” Her parents and her husband are her sounding boards, offering fresh perspectives on life’s tough decisions. Time for herself might constitute a workout, lunch with a friend, or a quiet hour in the evening. Molly’s plans for achieving goals start with a roadmap, but she has navigators along the way – others who may have faced similar challenges and can advise on next steps and celebrate the wins. “Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance,” she believes, and she applies it to all areas of her life in order to achieve success.
MEGAN E. PETERSON
DIRECTOR OF EQUITY & MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS, CENTRAL PENN COLLEGE A student once said that Megan’s impact on others inspired her to pursue a similar career. Such reminders of the lasting value of relationships and mentoring keep Megan going. Priorities set by day and by week set the pace toward yearly goals. So does having an “accountability buddy,” because “it’s easy to lose momentum and make excuses to yourself, but it’s harder to make those excuses to a friend or partner who is cheering you on and holding you to your promises.” Exploring new foods, restaurants, and breweries inspires
gatherings full of conversation and laughter with friends and family.
VALERIE PRITCHETT
ANCHOR, ABC27 WHTM-TV The words of Maya Angelou – “Nothing will work unless you do” – inspire Val to reach her highest potential for the betterment of friends, family, and community. Having faith and visualizing success are the keys to achieving career and personal goals. Her “canine kids” offer stress relief and fun. There’s Molly, a trained service dog, learning to demonstrate her skills to raise awareness of Susquehanna Service Dogs and their work helping people live more independently. She trains her other dog for the competitive sport known as Schutzhund. Val savors moments with family and friends, because “time is the most precious gift you can give and receive.”
FINA SALVO
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, BOYER & RITTER LLC “Work hard to feed the family. Volunteer to feed the soul.” Fina’s motto explains the satisfaction derived from helping others. She feels like “a small cog in a large number of wheels,” setting a good example, especially for her 18-year-old twin daughters, of balancing work, community, and family. Her volunteer time with Capital Area School for the Arts helps students find the learning options that suit their abilities and interests. Sharing time and talents, she believes, creates meaningful relationships that open doors to new opportunities. With food as “the great unifier,” she’s happy to plan over-thetop dinner menus and entertain “with a glass of wine and great people.”
SANDRA FUNT STEFANIC
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CUSTOMER INTERACTIONS, HM HEALTH SOLUTIONS, HIGHMARK BLUE SHIELD Advancing women in STEM careers. Placing people on the autism spectrum in Highmark’s technology organization. Helping children and adults with disabilities access dental care. Sandra sees Highmark as a platform for sharing her passion for giving back to the community. Her father is her rock, teaching her to be the best person, coach, leader, mentor, and mother she can be. “When duty calls, I answer, but when my children and family call, I answer louder,” she says. Serving as a mentor offers opportunities for impact, and she finds quiet time every day to reflect on and cherish the positive difference she has made.
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• CLASS OF 2020 • CATHY TAMA-TROUTMAN
VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, PSECU Interact with Cathy, and she might try one of your admirable traits for herself. It’s about being “open to being influenced.” In turn, she hopes that she reminds others that they are valued, whether she’s offering feedback or a simple smile. A listening ear for those
struggling to find their passion and vocation can help them on their way to self-discovery. Cathy cultivates her knack for listening by reminding herself to look at people in their best light, trying to understand their perceptions and struggles even if she disagrees with them. Balance comes through scheduling downtime, “and I rarely give it up!”
LISA M. THOMAS
VICE PRESIDENT, SR. BRANCH MANAGER, M&T BANK As a girl, Lisa said she wanted to play boy’s baseball. Her parents were supportive but wary. She played into her teens. That persistence drives her leadership and passion about women in the workplace. She advocates for women and families through the Central PA Women’s Interest Network, Project Share, Salvation Army, and United Way. She finds balance in devotion to her grandson, and now, “Oma and Opa” – Lisa and her husband – have a granddaughter on the way. Her advice for those striving for personal and professional goals: Find a candid person to push you beyond what you think you can do.
MARISA TOKARSKY
SENIOR CONSULTANT, DELOITTE Even the little things of giving back to the community – donating a can of food, or decorating a lunch bag for Meals on Wheels – can put a smile on someone’s face, Marisa believes. Witnessing the strengths of her brother Michael, who has Down syndrome, and grandmother “Tiger Lil,” who battles rheumatoid arthritis, inspires Marisa to volunteer for UCP Central PA and other causes that help all individuals live “life without limits” and achieve their dreams. The avid sports fans cheers on her Pittsburgh teams and the Nittany Lions, and she carves out time to follow NASCAR, which brings memories of special times shared with her grandfather.
HILARY PEERY VESELL
ATTORNEY, VESELL LAW LLC With a law degree and a master’s degree in clinical psychology, Hilary writes articles explaining the intersection of the two fields. She hopes the pieces help people who are confronting family law and civil litigation issues (veselllaw.com). She donated dozens of paintings from her family art collection to museums, knowing that her civicminded father would want to share the artwork that gave him so much joy. Horseback riding creates outdoor time and connection with creatures whose empathy “mirrors back your own feelings.” She supports environmental preservation by volunteering with the Manada Conservancy land trust, whose free educational programs introduce adults and children to the wonders of the natural world. 7 12 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
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What’s In A Name? Who was M. Harvey Taylor? By Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D. • Photo By Andy Gaskin
I
t’s been said that naming things after people put them at the deserved risk of being remembered as a thing, not a person. Such is the case of the bridge that connects the Camp Hill Bypass to Forster Street in Harrisburg—the M. Harvey Taylor Bridge. While everyone refers to it as “the Harvey Taylor,” chances are that not too many folks know why the bridge was given that particular name. Thus, while people remember the bridge, not too many know or remember M. Harvey Taylor. So who was Harvey Taylor, and why was a bridge named after him?
M. Harvey Taylor
M. (Maris) Harvey Taylor was born at Bailey’s Row, a blue-collar, working-class neighborhood in Harrisburg on June 4, 1876. He was the son of Maris and Catherine (Rishel) Taylor. Taylor received his education in the public schools of Harrisburg, but dropped out in 1888 to work as a laborer for his father’s employer, Central Iron Company, a position he retained for 24 years. He married Bertha May Shertzer of Shipoke in 1897. He was signed by the Philadelphia Athletics ball club, but had just become assistant superintendent of the steel mill and did not make the move. He continued to play professional baseball in Harrisburg and also played on Harrisburg’s first basketball team. In 1897 he married Bertha May Shertzer of Shipoke. She was the daughter of William H. and Lydia E. (Keiter) Shertzer. Harvey and Bertha May had two children, Dorothy E. Taylor and W. Stewart Taylor. Taylor replaced his father as a Republican candidate for the Harrisburg School Board, finding another political niche on the 1907 city council. After his first municipal victory, Harvey adopted Teddy Roosevelt’s Bull Moose Republican platform, a move that cost him reelection to council in 1915. An insurance agency and a cigar shop owner by 1914, Taylor evolved into a dedicated career politician by World War I, successfully campaigning for the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds position in 1919, and Chief County Clerk before 1925. In the latter year he rejoined the city council, serving for three consecutive terms thereafter. In 1931, Taylor gained control of the Dauphin County Republican Committee, campaigning as M. Harvey Taylor, “Honorable, Honest, and Upright.” Taylor became GOP state committee chair in 1934, with the full support of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association. After a frustrated attempt for election as the Commonwealth’s secretary for internal affairs during the 1936 New Deal sweep, Taylor returned as GOP state chair for 16 years. Taylor became a 65 year-old freshman state senator in November 1940, 14 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
serving to December 1, 1964; and honored as President pro tempore from 1945 until retirement, except for the 1961-62 biennial session. His advantageous dual position as a state party chairman and upper-house member manifested itself Photo Courtesy of PA State Government as GOP insurance against passage of any undesirable Democratic legislative agenda. He became an integral part of the Republican Senate’s efforts to derail portions of the former Earle administration’s Little New Deal, killed income tax initiatives, and formulated new (pro Republican) reapportionment plans. Affectionately known to friends as “Pop,” Taylor had profound reverence for the office he served. Governor William Scranton noted that Taylor was not respected as much for his political ideology – “he had none” – but for his unswerving support of the “institutional” Senate and its membership. Maris Harvey Taylor passed away on May 15, 1982, just shy of his 106th birthday, signaling the end of a political career that began with his participation in the 1896 President McKinley victory parade. Taylor typified the stalwart Republican, who had little time for ideologues, once remarking, “Give me a reformer and I’ll give you a taker.” Nevertheless, he managed the upper house with fairness and commanded the respect of both sides of the aisle. The senator’s major legislative contributions to Harrisburg and Dauphin County included the Capitol Park, the State Archives and Museum, the development of Fort Indiantown Gap, the Governor’s Mansion, Harrisburg’s Zembo Mosque, and the M. Harvey Taylor Bridge. It is a fact. Pennsylvania has over 550 named pieces of infrastructure. While many bridges in the Commonwealth have been named for an individual after they died, not so with the M. Harvey Taylor Bridge. In 1951, the Pennsylvania Senate, by a 49-0 vote, named the future steel girder bridge over the Susquehanna River and connecting downtown Harrisburg with the West Shore after M. Harvey Taylor. Interestingly, Taylor abstained from casting a vote in favor of naming the bridge after himself. On January 24, 1952, the M. Harvey Taylor Bridge was dedicated and opened. It was the first toll-free bridge over the Susquehanna River, and was named for one of the most influential Pennsylvania politicians of the 20th Century—M. Harvey Taylor. 7
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IT’S ALL ABOUT TOYS Story and Photos By Jeff Falk
T
oys are recreation. They are fun. They’re nurturing. Toys are supposed to make us think. But not too much. We really need to be careful around toys. Because if we’re not, we might just learn some things. And if the best way to teach is through fun, then toys are an invaluable tool. Toys have been with us since the beginning of time. They possess the power to develop human beings, and the power to both affect and reflect our society and culture. Toys are personal, unique, universal and gender-less – and they can foster imagination and creativity. Toys can be simple in their design, or they can be quite complex. Introducing Meghan Clark. 16 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
Clark is a toy expert. She used to play with them all the time when she was a kid. “Yes, we’ve all been influenced by toys,” says Clark. “Whether it’s a baby doll or something more elaborate, all kids have seen toys. The way we use toys is based on our personalities. The way I think is different than the way you think. We could both play with the same toy in totally different ways. “They’re fun,” continues Clark. “They can keep children engaged. A puzzle is a toy that’s engaging and can help children learn. Puzzles can teach shapes and letters. That’s the point of a lot of toys – to learn.” So it is obvious that toys work. But how do toys work? “The science behind toys has allowed them to evolve,” says Clark, who’s also the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Finance for the Whitaker Center, downtown. “Older toys were more basic, not very elaborate. The science is why they have evolved into what they are today. “Because science has evolved, toys have become much more advanced,” adds Clark. “It’s why it’s important to expose kids to the science of toys. It’s important for kids to understand the technology and engineering behind them. Kids want quick results. They want to see things happen immediately. It’s a kid’s personality, but it’s also what has evolved.” The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, 222 Market Street in Harrisburg, is hosting a hands-on, traveling exhibit called “Toys, The Inside Story,” from now to May 10. The display is designed to give children of all ages a glimpse inside toys and what makes them tick. It’s kids playing with the toys that make toys, toys. “What I really remember is every Christmas my parents would give me and my sister a Lego set, a puzzle and a game,” says Clark. “We’d sit around for the week after Christmas playing the game, playing with the Lego sets and playing with the puzzles. It was so fun. It kept us engaged. My parents would do it with us, and that would make it even more fun.
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The Lego sets they bought us were like a police station or a fire station, some community thing. There was always a lesson behind it. “With the puzzle, the lesson behind it was problem solving and trial-and-error,” Clark adds. “With all of them, there was some end product to it. It taught us patience and critical thinking. Now I can see the results. At the time, I just thought it was fun. Looking back on it, there’s an appreciation I gained for it. Definitely the critical thinking and problem solving carried through to high school, college and into my career now.” Within the walls containing The Whitaker Center’s “Toys, The Inside Story,” the possibilities are endless. Pulleys and belts enable an Etch-a-Sketch to draw. Circuit boards and a power source bring the game Operation to life. Motors and linkage create Pudgey The Pig’s deliberate movements. Turning the crank on the side of a Jack-in-the-Box will produce a surprise. “It’s sort of a history of well-known toys,” says Clark. “Simple mechanics are found in all toys. It’s gears at play. When you turn the knobs on the Etch-a-Sketch, how does it make a drawing on the screen? With the Operation game, there’s science behind how it works. It explains what makes Pudgey The Pig move. There’s a lot of engineering in this exhibit. “A lot of toys are made with gears in them,” continues Clark. “It’s really important to have things that can move, not just something to look at. Kids aren’t going to stand here and read. You can see how the inside works when you break it down. Something really interactive seems to work well.” “Toys, The Inside Story” is about the subject and the presentation. It reminds us that knowledge is empowering. “We want exhibits that are going to grab a kid’s attention and keep them interested,” says Clark. “And something that resonates with parents. Kind of like, ‘Oh, that’s something I played with; now I want my kids to experience it.’ “Specifically, my favorite thing about the exhibit is the science behind the Operation game,” adds Clark. “Just observing the kids in the Operation space is fun to watch. It’s fun to see the kids be successful. I’d like them to be thinking, ‘What’s the science behind it? What’s the engineering behind it?’ They don’t think of those questions.” Because toys have played such an important role in our past, their place in the future is secure. The only real mystery is the direction in which they are headed. “I really think toys are going to continue to become more complex,” says Clark. “Science is going to continue to evolve. When you’re younger you think, ‘This is something that’s as advanced it’s ever been.’ Toys are going to become more advanced than we can imagine.” The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts has been serving the Harrisburg community since 1999. Its mission is to enhance the lives of all residents and make Harrisburg a better place to live. “It’s a place to discover it all,” says Clark. “It’s about imagination. People can come here and discover science, engineering and technology. It’s a place for kids to come and discover things they want to see. You can learn here and think creatively. But you don’t always realize it because you’re having fun. “I hope people will want to see this awesome exhibit,” concludes Clark, “and that they want to come and find out what it’s all about. That, and everything that Whitaker Center is about. We’re doing a lot in the community.” Few exhibits reflect what the Whitaker Center is all about better than “Toys, The Inside Story.” 7
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Art With a Twist By Jeff Falk • Photos Courtesy of Billy Twist Art isn’t some guy who lived down the street in the old neighborhood. Art is patient. Art is kind. Art does not envy. Are does not boast. Art is not proud. Art is not rude. Art always trusts. Art always hopes. Art never fails. Art is love. And art imitates life. Billy Twist is an artist. He uses his mind to create something from nothing. It’s not what he does. It’s who he is. Twist really had no choice in the matter. He was born that way. Art is as much a part of his life as breathing is to ours. “That is a pretty big question,” says Twist. “At the end of the day, I put it up there as the forgotten trilogy of mankind—food and water and art. It is a necessity because of the human experience. Artists should be humble. We’re feeding the soul. It’s something artists need, but don’t know they need. It’s therapeutic for me. It’s certainly a necessity in my life. “When I meet people, art isn’t the first thing I talk about,” continues Twist. “It’s the second thing I talk about. When they look at me I hope they see this reflection of the possibilities I bring into the world. I hope people see value in art. It’s made me a better person. It’s taught me a lot. It’s humbled me.” Art is Twist’s constant companion. It has been there during the best of times and it’s been there when he’s needed it the most. Two years ago, Twist was involved in a horrific car accident involving his work vehicle and a tractor trailer. He was laid up for three months, in a back brace and a neck brace, and the worst thing about the nightmare was that it took it away from his art. “At first, it was pretty terminal. But in the end it was like making lemonade out of lemons,” explains Twist. “With something that horrible, I didn’t want to think about art. I didn’t want to talk about art. I was just miserable and in a really dark place. But when I came out of it, I wanted to draw and draw and draw. The one piece I did reflected what I was going through. “I don’t want to sound too cheesy, but it really does give you a new lease on life,” says Twist. “Now I’m the obnoxiously positive one. ‘We’re all here. We’re all alive.’ It has changed me for the better. Bad car accidents happen every day, and I was pretty darn lucky to walk away from it.” Born in Lebanon, Twist is the product of a broken home. He graduated from high school in York and now lives in Harrisburg. Not only has Twist’s past affected the person he has become, it has also influenced his illustrations. “It was me and my brother, and we moved around a lot,” says Twist, who never really had any formal training in art. “We were always given crayons and paper to draw with. From that point, it was where I went to deal with stressful situations. It’s really 20 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
gestated from a young age. I was always drawing in something or on something. “I was accepted in art schools two or three times, but because of life circumstances, I couldn’t afford to go,” Twist continues. “But I continued my love of learning, and I’ve always had in my mind that I am an artist. It’s a lifestyle. It really is. I never got a traditional college education, and I never set out to be a rich, famous artist. I’ve always taken the approach that an artist has to create. I’ve built my life around it. But there’s always something to learn.” Twist’s illustrations are very detail-oriented and incorporate a wide range of colors, shadows and subjects. They rarely don’t reflect his particular mood at the time—from introverted to extraverted to fun-loving. His past experiences as a tattoo artist and a political cartoonist have also influence his current work. Capital Watch, a monthly publication, now defunct, relied on Twist’s political cartooning skills on a regular basis. “I think at this point of my life, with everything I’ve gone through, art has become therapy for me,” says Twist. “What I’m doing with
my art now isn’t different than what some people go through with therapists. I like bright colors. My art is sometimes a reflection of a feeling, but I want it to be something people recognize. I’m a visual artist. I’m always absorbing everything. “It’s funny, because I don’t hang out with a lot of visual artists,” Twist adds. “I’ve grown up around performers who are into collaboration. Every time I’ve ever met someone with genuine passion, that connection is innate. The common factor is we always want to contribute. Art, in some respects—no matter what it is—is important. As anti-social as visual artists are, I always feel comfortable around creative people.” Twist was undoubtedly born with a gift, a talent for art. But over time, he has tweaked, toned, and perfected it through repetition and hard work. It certainly involves a process. “Absolutely, art reflects life,” says Twist. “But for a very long time it didn’t for me. The younger years for artists can be chaos, and all over the place. My art starts complicated in my head. Once it’s on paper, it becomes more specific. It’s virtual art and it’s meant to be consumed by the eye. I try to make images people like to look at. Art itself certainly reflects life. They sort of inspire each other. “In my adult years, I’ve gotten more focused and prioritized,” continues Twist. “Me and my art have changed simultaneously over the years. It doesn’t frustrate me not to create. I’ve made it known in every situation in life that to be good at anything, you’ve got to prioritize. I’m always going to make time for it. I think I’ve changed as a person for the better, because I am an artist, because I have art.” Twist works at the Harrisburg Hilton Hotel downtown. For now, his art is a means of supplementing his income, and while that may change in the future, it will have to be on his terms. “Kind of, sort of. That’s the long-term plan,” says Twist. “What I’ve learned is how stressful art can be if you do it on an everyday basis. It’s really about picking the right project. The more you try to make money at it, the more you’re competing with a tremendous amount of people. “It’s a way to deal with stress, but ultimately I’d like to share it with people,” Twist continues. “It looks very simple, but I’ve put a great amount of effort and time into it. I would say it’s a form of selfexpression first. I know there’s a certain amount of selling quality you’ve got to have. I never want to create something that goes over someone’s head.” And it may be that art is Twist’s best friend. 7 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 21
Cartooning is Semi-Serious Business By Jeff Falk Artwork Courtesy of Brad Gephart & Frank Pizzoli
Brad Gephart
T
here are few things more mentally stimulating or powerful than the interaction of words and images. But if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a political cartoon is worth its weight in gold. In good political cartoons, the words feed off the illustrations and the illustrations feed off the words, causing a mesmerizing presentation that has the ability to stop us in our tracks, for a good three seconds. Political cartoons are designed to inform, entertain, educate and influence. They are social commentary seeking social justice, but one does not have to agree with the creator’s point of view to appreciate them. Brad Gebhart and Frank Pizzoli practice the somewhat lost art of political cartooning, together. Pizzoli is the founding publisher and editor of the Harrisburg-based newspaper, The Central Voice, Central Pennsylvania’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) News Source, and Gebhart doubles as a free-lance cartoonist. Their political-cartoon collaboration, “From the minds of Brad and Frank,” appears on the op-ed page of every issue of the bi-monthly publication. Pizzoli has a lot of ideas bouncing around inside his brain, and Gebhart brings them to life, with the help of a pencil. “It is The Voice, with cartoons, and it’s a collaboration of words and pictures creating that voice,” says Gebhart. “We’re informing. We’re educating. We’re having fun. We’re not chastising. It’s our voice. And yeah, it’s our voice and we want to have an impact. I love it because it’s a collaboration, and we’re making an impact with art. We feel like we’re making some sort of changes.” “What makes it more traditional is that it’s not grad-school cartooning,” adds Pizzoli. “We go back and forth until we’re 22 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
Frank Pizzoli last May at Brooklyn’s McNally Jackson Bookstore reading from his chapter in Crashing Cathedrals: Edmund White by the Book.
both satisfied – sometimes a hundred times. I, as often as I can, will take a national story and localize it, and if I can involve Brad I will. It’s about keeping Brad’s skills involved. It’s more than going on the internet and seeing what cartoons we can buy today. He becomes part of the entire editorial presentation.” While great minds might think alike, the beauty of Pizzoli’s and Gebhart’s creation is in the cooperation. Each brings his own unique skill set to the table, or living room floor, whichever the case may be at the time. Pizzoli is the mastermind, wellversed and well-read. Gebhart is an accomplished artist and illustrator, who possesses the ability to put on paper what he sees in his imagination. But make no mistake about the fact they are both political humans. “That’s pretty much how it works,” says Pizzoli. “Concept by Frank Pizzoli, graphic by Brad Gebhart. We’ve branded it that way. I’ll go to Brad and ask, ‘How would you illustrate this? I’m primarily the idea guy, and he is the artist guy. But the process is back and forth. It wouldn’t work if we weren’t collaborating. I can’t draw. If I’m going to do it, I might as well write a story. Brad is the other side of the see-saw.” “I’m not Brad the cartoonist,” says Gebhart. “It’s Brad and Frank doing cartoons. It wouldn’t exist without one or the other. It’s not just a string of cartoons in a newspaper, it’s collaboration. For me, artistically, the process is working. It’s another cup of coffee and a chat we can have. But I’m always trying to make it more entertaining, more fun. With art, each time is different.” Over the last 12 years, Gebhart and Pizzoli’s collaborative efforts have produced some 72 political cartoons. Some of them have been national in scope, some have been more local or
regional in nature and some have commented on how national issues have affected local interests. “In my mind, it’s taking a subject from the political arena, whether it’s an issue, a subject or something the president has done, and getting a message across,” says Gebhart. “It resonates, but it also tickles your funny bone. Words and images go together to make an impact. You want your audience to take a look and have an ‘Ah ha’ moment. My job is to illustrate Frank’s insight in a visual way, but I also want it to be a good drawing.” “You don’t have to read it three times to see what we’re coming to you with,” says Pizzoli. “That’s where Brad’s talent comes in. The whole goal is that it won’t take you long to understand. The question is, ‘What is the nugget? What is the point we’re trying to make?’ And there might be a conclusion statement at the bottom.” The roots of Gebhart and Pizzoli’s partnership were formed at a Central Pennsylvania Pride Festival along the Susquehanna River in the late 2000s, when a protestor got in Pizzoli’s face with a twisted finger. After that, the two discussed the possibility of collaborating for a political cartoon in The Central Voice. “Our back story is funny,” says Pizzoli. “I knew Brad was artistic. He was teaching art. When I approached him he said, ‘I do cartoons.’ That’s the way it got started. When we talked about it, it was like, ‘Let’s figure it out. Let’s do it.’ The first one was a version of that protest.” “For me, my first recollection of being artistic was doing a little sculpture in kindergarten,” says Gebhart, the development director at Hamilton Health Center. “That and simple drawings of super heroes. But every time you talk to an artist, most will say they can’t remember their first day because they’ve always been drawing. And when an artist evolves, the art gets better. But I’ve always been into politics, interested in the news and what’s going on. I guess I’ve always wanted to be ‘in the know.’” Gebhart and Pizzoli are constantly creating with their audiences in mind, and the public’s delight and acceptance of their political cartoons is simply affirmation that their collaboration works. Last year, their political cartoons were parts of exhibits at Susquehanna Art Museum and Lancaster Art Museum. “Our goal is we want to be journalistic with the cartoons,” adds Pizzoli. “We hold the community to certain standards. First of all, we’re a newspaper. We do journalism. There might be times that we do stories that our community doesn’t like. It’s called The Central Voice because it aspires to give a voice to ideas, not just the LGBT community, but the community at large.”
“The fact that our art work has ended up in two art museums shows it has value,” says Gebhart. “They’re taking on new life all the time. Frank and I see eye-to-eye on most things. When it comes to fruition it’s almost like a chef in a kitchen, and it’s on a plate perfectly seasoned, and the audience tastes it and they love it. I always like seeing it in the newspaper. But I know the process was fun.” The ever-changing nature of politics – nationally, regionally and locally – assures Gebhart and Pizzoli will never be at a loss for topics for their cartoons. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t constantly re-thinking, re-assessing and re-inventing their collaboration.
“What I enjoy is working with Frank,” says Gebhart. “It’s new. It’s real. It feels like we’re making a difference. For me, I feel like I’m making an impact. If we can change one mind, educate one person, we’ve done something important for our community.” “At one point, we said, ‘How many of these have we done?,’” says Pizzoli. “It must be a bunch of them, because it works. We’ve pushed the ‘hold’ button and we’ve taken stock. We’ve asked ourselves, ‘Is it getting old? Is it getting old for the readers? Is it getting tired? Are we working in a way that’s getting boring?’ We’ve concluded, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’” 7
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HISTORY OF NATIONAL DOCTORS’ DAY By Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D.
N
ational Doctors’ Day is held every year on March 30 in the United States. It is a day to celebrate the contribution of physicians who serve our country by caring for its citizens. The first Doctors’ Day observance was March 30, 1933 in Winder, Georgia. Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided to set aside a day to honor physicians and the date chosen was the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery. On March 30, 1842, in Jefferson, Georgia, Dr. Crawford Long used ether to anesthetize a patient, James Venable, and excised a tumor from his neck without the patient feeling any pain. Though there is some controversy as to which doctor discovered anesthesia, Dr. Long is widely accepted today as the pioneer of surgical anesthesia through inhalation of ether. This first observance included the mailing of greeting cards and placing flowers on graves of deceased doctors. On March 30, 1958, a Resolution Commemorating Doctors’ Day was adopted by the United States House of Representatives. In 1990, legislation was introduced in the House and Senate to establish a national Doctors’ Day. Following overwhelming approval by the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, on October 30, 1990, President George Bush signed S.J. RES. #366 (which became Public Law 101-473) designating March 30 as “National Doctor's Day.” Do doctors celebrate National Doctors Day? It’s possible to see some medical doctors sporting red carnations, the symbolic flower of National Doctors Day, on March 30. Other medical providers might also mark the day by distributing commemorative cards, as Eudora Brown Almond did in 1933, or small Doctors Day gifts such as lapel pins. In her blog, ParagonFire, Kelly Cawcutt, MD, MS, pondered whether doctors actually celebrate. “I am not sure that we celebrate it in the way Hallmark would suggest,” Cawcutt writes. “I think we celebrate it not for ourselves, but in deep, sometimes wordless, appreciation 24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
of our colleagues. In recognition of the commitment and care of our colleagues. And at the end of the day, we do not toast ourselves. We toast our colleagues and silently strive to improve. To be worthy of the thank you, the note of appreciation, the calling.” Why become a doctor? For Dr. Jack Smith, a passion for helping others lead to a career in medicine. “I always wanted to be able to help other people, which stated my interest in pain management,” says Dr. Smith, who recently joined the expert team of neurosurgeons at Argires Marotti Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster. “Because I had many family members who dealt with chronic pain, and I saw first-hand the challenges of living with pain daily, it made my decision an easy one.” A graduate of Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Smith completed his residency and fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital. “Pain steals the joy from simple things like holding hands or hugging a loved one,” says Dr. Smith, whose focus is on non-invasive, interventional pain management, such as with peripheral joint and epidural steroid injections and regenerative medicine. “Regenerative medicine is a unique focus in which a patient uses their own body’s healing ability,” he adds. “At Argires Marotti Neurosurgical Associates, we use platelet-rich plasma injections to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints.” Dr. Smith believes creating a customized plan of care is key to his patient philosophy. “My approach is listen to the patient first, consider all options and make the final goal of giving them a happier, more fulfilled life. “I’m very excited to come to the practice to partner with this group of expert physicians.”
Does Pennsylvania have a shortage of doctors? According to a report by The Senior List, a site that offers advice to older adults, some states are much more likely than others to see a doctor shortage. However, Pennsylvania, where 17.4 percent of the population is at least 65 years old, is not among them. The report found that Pennsylvania is the ninth least likely state to see a doctor shortage. Here are the report’s key findings for Pennsylvania: • Doctors per 100,000 residents: 311.8, well above the recommended 238 physicians per 100,000 people by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. • Share of doctors nearing retirement age: 32.2 percent. • Residents and fellows in accredited programs: 63.7 per 100,000 residents. • One of the 10 states least likely to experience a physician shortage. Pennsylvania ranks at 50 in the nation in terms of its likelihood of a physician shortfall in the coming years, and ties with three other states: New York, Michigan and Connecticut. In comparison, the most likely state, Wyoming, ranks 140, while the two least likely states, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, rank at 24.
-Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2019 • 9 in 10 doctors say they are satisfied with their career choice. -American Medical Association • 27% of doctors say the most rewarding part of their job is “gratitude/relationships with patients.” -Medscape National Physician Burnout, Depression & Suicide Report 2019 • 61% of doctors said they would encourage others to enter the field of medicine. -American Medical Association 7
Did you know? • Nearly 3 out of 4 (73%) of doctors knew before the age of 20 that they wanted to be doctors. -American Medical Association • The Top 5 rated medical schools for research are Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and University of California – San Francisco. -Best Medical Schools: Research 2020, U.S. News & World Report • The median level of debt for medical school graduates is $192,000, including undergraduate debt. -Medical Student Education: Debt, Costs, and Loan Repayment Fact Card, October 2019, American Medical Association • Medical school graduates spend 2-7 years in residency, depending on specialty. -Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physicians and Surgeons, Bureau of Labor Statistics • The average overall salary is $223,000 for primary care physicians and $329,000 for specialist physicians. -Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2019 • 56% of doctors spend 35-40 hours per week seeing patients. -Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2019 • 62% of doctors spend 13-24 minutes with each patient. HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 25
You’ve Got Mail
By Diane White McNaughton
F
or the longest time, it sat unread in a nondescript box in a darkened attic. Its pages yellowed with time. Its reassuring words soothed no one. Spin the hands of time forward almost 80 years, and a World War II soldier’s voice from the past with a timeless message about the mother-son bond rings out again. When Tim Trkula of Susquehanna Township called fellow township resident Mike Solomon, Tim told Mike he had found something in the attic of the former Solomon household that he thought Mike might want. Trkula had found a time-worn letter from the front lines of World War II in his attic, a letter unintentionally left behind after the Solomon family moved out of the home in 2007. The letter was dated Dec. 3, 1943. Mike Solomon’s dad Jack was only 20 when he hand-wrote the letter to Jack’s mom, Rose Solomon, a widow living in the hard-scrabble, Steelton melting pot. He wasn’t old enough to buy a case of beer or order a Scotch at the local steelworkers’ bar. The setting for the letter was post-Pearl Harbor Hawaii, though Jack could not reveal his exact location at the time for security reasons. The youngest of three, Jack had graduated from Steelton-Highspire High School, enrolled at Penn State, and joined the U.S. Army. The well-known family ran Solomon’s Department Store at 357 S. Front Street in Steelton, and later helped build the Uptown Shopping Plaza in Harrisburg. While Valentine’s Day is the inspiration for so many love letters home from the front, this correspondence was a love letter of a different sort. It’s “a perfect son-to-mother letter,” said Solomon, an attorney at Cohen, Seglias, Pallas, Greenhall and Furman, PC. Soldiers were not allowed to share too much because of the war and the strict censorship of the Army examiners, but what Solomon found most remarkable was not so much the content of the letter, but how it made its way to him. Long before Skype, email and emojis, letters to home were the only form of communication with loved ones. Solomon pointed out the “Army Examiner” stamp on the weathered envelope. His dad could not reveal his location, but did reveal his proximity to beaches. “He is trying to put her mind at ease as to his circumstances,” Solomon said. “At this time, she had been widowed living in Steelton with a daughter (my Aunt Shirley,) who is mentioned in the letter along with her boyfriend, (Ben),” Mike said. With Rose having two sons and a future son-in-law in the military, Jack was constantly reassuring his mom. “My Dad was in the Pacific in the Army and another child, my Uncle Ted, was also in the Pacific with the Navy.” It was a double heartache for his mom. 26 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
The path of the letter from the front lines in 1943 to Solomon in 2019 was a circuitous one. Jack’s letter to his mom Rose somehow wound up in the hands of Jack’s brother, Ted, who was a bit of a “nomad, an iconoclast,” Solomon said. Ted, who had made his way south to New Orleans to study at Tulane University, used to frequently drop off boxes for his mom to store for him. Inside a box, in a manila envelope sat the letter, along with an old advertisement for a men’s clothing store in the ‘50s, and vintage hotel business cards. Somehow between 1959 and 1961, Solomon said, this motley collection of “stuff” made it into the box at 3970 Green Street, where Solomon and his family lived from 1961 to 2003. The letter sat silently in a box in the attic for 40-plus years. The Solomons sold their beloved family home to the Trkulas in 2007. In 2012 or 2013, Trkula called Solomon, after the box had sat undisturbed for five more years. Trkula then dropped the envelope off to Solomon’s law office in downtown Harrisburg. Solomon’s grandmother Rose had already moved by then from Steelton to River House Apartments in Harrisburg. Solomon was afraid the time-worn letter would fall apart when he read it so “I gingerly took it out.” In the letter, Jack speaks of taking his quinine to ward off malaria. He also encourages his older sister Shirley to write to her beau, Ben, who was serving in the military as well, stationed in Africa. Shirley and Ben eventually married. Jack graduated from Steel-High in June 1941, before Pearl Harbor. He enrolled in Penn State in September 1941. Three months later-December, 7, 1941 --was the seismic shock of the Pearl Harbor attack. “All the Penn State students knew their life was about to change,” Solomon said. Jack, in his sophomore year, returned to Penn State and joined the PA National Guard. In 1942-
1943, he joined the 28th Infantry. He headed off to boot camp in Fort Wheeler, Georgia in February 1943, and then in the spring, shipped out. He took a train to Philly, then off to the West Coast before being sent to Hawaii. He was stationed on the island of Peleliu, one of the 16 states comprising the island nation of Palau. The island is notable as the location of the Battle of Peleliu in 1944, which took place from September through November of that year. The island was a stopping point on the way to capturing Japan. Solomon, a student of history, can tick off the many key locales that played a part in World War II: Okinawa, Iwo Jima, the Philippines, the Coral Sea, Midway. Solomon said the Marines stationed in the Pacific were particularly hard-hit. Then it was the Army’s job to hold the island. The Army soldiers referred to it as “clean-up,” a sanitized moniker to represent the gruesome clearing of corpses. Jack never talked much about it. His war stories were more about leave than about war, and his search for Southern belles, Solomon remembered. To his family he shared a “romanticized” version of the war. After the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August, 1945, the war mercifully came to an end. Jack returned home safely and met his wife-to-be at a dance on New Year’s Eve in 1945, still in uniform. He operated Harrisburg Beer Distributors at Division and Jefferson Streets, with a warehouse and a collection of trucks. He also served as a long-time Susquehanna Township Commissioner, spanning the early 1990s through the 2000s. Across from his beer distributorship was land owned by American Can Company, an enterprise that buzzed with activity as they made tins for rations. After the war, the frenzied pace of rations production died down to a standstill. Solomon’s Dad envisioned a shopping center on those 13 acres. Jack became the developer of the Harrisburg Uptown Shopping Center. He passed away in 2011, but his words resonate still. Carrying on the torch, Solomon and his wife Rebecca are proud parents to a son Dan and a daughter Rebecca. Rebecca is on-air talent on WPIX in New York City. Son Dan is married and has an 18-month old. The enduring love between a mother and her son, decades ago and miles apart, still rings true with the Solomons. As King Solomon has been frequently quoted as saying, “One generation comes and one generation goes, yet the Earth remains the same.” A long-lost letter from the front lines proves that fundamental truth. 7
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MARCH EVENTS 5 MARCH
HAMILTON HEALTH CENTER GOLDEN GALA
Hershey Lodge & Convention Center In PA 325 University Drive Hershey, PA 17033 For tickets visit https://hhc50th.com/golden-gala/ Join us for an evening of music, food and celebrating the 50 years of healing by the leadership and staff of Hamilton Health Center.
7 MARCH
THE HBG FLEA AT STRAWBERRY SQUARE Strawberry Square 320 Market Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 10:00 AM More dates to come!
The HBG Flea is once again popping up inside Strawberry Square over the winter season! We're happy to bring 75+ of the best local makers, artists, and artisan craftsmen to downtown Harrisburg on the first Saturday of each month from November through April. We believe in shopping our values and supporting our community as a way to vote with our wallets and help each other live our best lives. We give our artists the opportunity to sell directly to their community and shoppers a chance to find unique, sustainable goods. While you're enjoying the flea, make sure to stop by Freshido, Fresa Bistro, Provisions, AMMA JO Showroom, IDEAS AND OBJECTS, Modern Jewelers, The Midtown Dandy, and all the other great local shops downtown.
28 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
ICE & FIRE FESTIVAL
Downtown Harrisburg 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM For more information visit http://harrisburgpa. gov/iceandfire/ The third annual Ice & Fire Festival will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 11a.m.-8p.m. in Downtown Harrisburg. This one-day event features dozens of illuminated ice sculptures, FREE ice skating in the street (skates provided), children’s activities, firepit and smores lounge, food trucks and more! Local school and community groups will perform throughout the day and fire dancers will perform at designated times. Glass Icicle Workshops Create your own glass icicle under the instruction of glass blowing artist Michael Peluso. The 45-minute workshops will be held on the hour from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in front of the City Government Center. Space is limited to 8 participants per workshop. Register in advance at the link below or walk-up day of (space permitting). The registration fee is $30 and must be paid on-site at the event via cash or check.
ROCKS4KIDS JR. EDUCATION DAY
Linglestown Life United Medodist Church 1430 North Mountain Road Harrisburg, 17112 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Cost $5 For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/ CentralPennsylvaniaRockAndMineralClub/ If your child has ever picked up a rock with interest then they will love Rocks4Kids. Your child can experiment, play games, learn about rocks, gems, minerals and fossils; receive and purchase samples, observe demonstrations and learn about the world we live in.
THE BEST OF DOO WOP, SOUL & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
Harrisburg Scottish Rite Theater 2701 N. 3rd St Harrisburg, PA 17110
7:30 AM - 9:30 PM Doors open at 6:30 PM Tickets available at www.harrisburgartsalive.com or call 717-238-8867 Ext. 236 LIVE ON STAGE FOR ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY! CHARLIE THOMAS’ DRIFTERS Under the Boardwalk, Up on the Roof, Sweets for my Sweet, This Magic Moment, Save the Last Dance for Me and many more… THE VOGUES You’re the One, 5 O’clock World, You Are My Special Angel and many more… SHIRLEY ALSTON REEVES, Original Lead Singer of THE SHIRELLES Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Dedicated to the One I Love, Soldier Boy and many more… THE HAPPENINGS See You in September, I Got Rhythm, Go Away Little Girl and many more… Music by Coda Productions *Lineup subject to change without notice*
8-22 MARCH
NEW CUMBERLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY RAISE OUR ROOF ONLINE AUCTION
New Cumberland Public Library 1 Benjamin Plaza New Cumberland, 17070 For more information and to participate in this event visit https://www.32auctions.com/ NCURaiseOurRoof The New Cumberland Public Library Raise Our Roof Online Auction will raise the matching funds needed for a new roof, gutters, and flooring for the children’s area. The primary focus of the New Cumberland Public Library shall be to meet the cultural, educational, informational, and recreational needs of library users from New Cumberland Borough and the surrounding local area. The library shall: – Provide free access to library materials and services necessary for education and enjoyment. – Maximize available financial resources in order to meet the broadest base of community needs.
13 MARCH
THE STYLISTICS
H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center 475 Lancaster Dr Shippensburg, 17257 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM For more information and tickets pricing visit https://www.luhrscenterboxoffice.com/ eventperformances.asp?evt=465 The Stylistics were formed in Philadelphia, PA in 1966 from two groups, The Percussions and The Monarchs. When members from each group were drafted, the remaining members joined forces and changed their name to The Stylistics. The group was then approached by Bill Perry, offering to record a song. Their first song, “You’re a Big Girl Now” was recorded at Virtue Recording Studio in Philadelphia, written by their guitarist at the time, Robert “Doc” Douglas and road manager, Marty Bryant. Before long, the song became a No. 1 hit in Philadelphia, and then other cities followed.
14 MARCH
THE POPCORN HAT PLAYERS PRESENT: THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF
Gamut Theatre 15 North 4th Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM For more information, tickets pricing and more showing dates visit http://www.gamuttheatre. org/php/
2020 LESSONS IN HISTORY SPEAKER SERIES
The National Civil War Museum One Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park Harrisburg, PA 17103 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Free for the Lecture Civil War Myths and Mistakes with Garry Adelman Myths and mistakes have been part of the story of the Civil War ever since the war itself. Indeed even as the war unfolded, participants engaged in reputation protection, misunderstandings and intentional mythmaking. Later, historians, authors, filmmakers and others propagated myth and injected error into known events which conspire to make historical truths elusive. Join Garry Adelman, chief historian of the American Battlefield Trust for a lively discussion of the well-known and little known myths and mistakes that drive many Civil War enthusiasts crazy. From humanity to calamity, bravery to slavery, and secession to putrefaction, we’ll try to sort fact from fiction and have a bit of fun in the process! About the speaker:Garry Adelman is the award-winning author, co-author or editor of 20 books and 50 Civil War articles. He is the vice president of the Center for Civil War Photography and has been a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg for 25 years. He has lectured at hundreds of locations across the country, has appeared as a speaker on numerous televised documentaries. He works full time as Chief Historian at the American Battlefield Trust.
“Who’s that clomping on my bridge?!” Watch this not-so-scary bridge troll as he tries to file a police report against some very silly goats. This “crime drama” is performed in the style of the classic TV show, Dragnet . Join Detective Saturday as he gathers the facts and solves the crime. He may be super serious, but you’ll be laughing from start to finish! Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. matinee performances available by request only for groups of 20 or more.
HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 29
19 MARCH
CONTACT HELPLINE GALA DINNER/ SILENT AUCTION The Radisson Hotel Harrisburg 1150 Camp Hill Bypass Camp Hill, PA 17011 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM www.contacthelpline.org
CONTACT Helpline is holding their Annual Gala on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at the Radisson Harrisburg in Camp Hill. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and reception. The silent auction is filled with beautiful theme baskets, great gift certificates and creative items from local artists. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. The Gala is CONTACT’s largest fundraiser of the year to help ensure that no one’s call goes unanswered. Call the business office at 717-652-4987 or email Margo at mshaw@contacthelpline.org to find out how you can make a difference as a donor, sponsor or guest of this year’s event.
21 MARCH
HARRISBURG SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
2nd & Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 To 22 North 2nd Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM http://www.harrisburgstpatricksdayparade.com/ Join us along with our Irish and local community members as we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
22 MARCH
MUTTS GONE NUTS
H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center 475 Lancaster Dr Shippensburg, 17257 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM https://www.luhrscenterboxoffice.com/ eventperformances.asp?evt=465 Expect the unexpected, as canines and comedy collide in a smash hit performance that’s leaving audiences everywhere howling 30 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
for more. From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action-packed, comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented four-legged performers. Deemed “A must see!” by the Washington Post, the dogs are sure to steal your heart, and then your socks!
27 MARCH
IMPROVAPALOOZA
Gamut Theatre 15 North 4th Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 7:30 PM http://www.gamuttheatre.org/php/ An Evening of Improvisational Comedy, featuring the area’s most beloved improv theatre troupes. Harrisburg Improv Theatre, The Oxymorons, Safe Word, and Gamut’s own TMI can be seen in one location at one event!
28 MARCH
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT MOTHER SON DANCE
The Civic Club of Harrisburg 612 N. Front St. Harrisburg, PA 17101 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM For ticket pricing visit www. civicclubofharrisburg.com Celebrate the days that are flying by..join us for a Mother Son Dance! Games, music, desserts plus…fun with Shining Star Photo Booth AND a keepsake photo taken by Heather Kelley Photography! We are an inclusive event. Aunts, Godmothers, Grandmothers are welcome! One ticket for each Mom/son pair.
29 MARCH
TONE WITH TODDLERS
H2L Studio 2151 Fisher Rd #103 Mechanicsburg, 17055 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM For ticket pricing and more dates visit https:// www.h2lstudio.com/ This 45-minute class will get you sweating and your toddlers moving! Join us for a full body
workout full of functional strength movements and dynamic stretching all while laughing and having fun! Children walking to 4 years old are welcome! Only sign up one adult, and we will assume you are bringing a toddler. Go to our website to sign up! https://www.h2lstudio.com/
31 MARCH
VETERANS’ EXPO & JOB FAIR – YORK Wyndham Garden York 2000 Loucks Rd York, 17408 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Free Event www.veteransexpo.com
Presented by OLP Events, the Veterans’ Expo will connect active and retired military members of all ages and their families with benefits and resources. In addition, the Job Fair will provide an opportunity for veterans and employers to meet face-to-face to discuss available positions.
THE BACHELOR LIVE ON STAGE
H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center 475 Lancaster Dr Shippensburg, 17257 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM For ticket pricing visit https://www. luhrscenterboxoffice.com/eventperformances. asp?evt=465 The most successful reality romance series in the history of television is coming to your hometown. The Bachelor Live On Stage official tour guarantees all the drama, the gossip, and the romance of your favorite TV show in one delightful evening for the ultimate fan party. Previous Bachelor and Bachelorette favorites, Ben Higgins and Becca Kufrin, will serve as your hosts, as one eligible hometown Bachelor is introduced to local ladies from the audience for a chance at love. Come to enjoy the show, or come to fall in love! This engaging and hilarious experience will give you and your friends plenty to gossip about and fit an entire season of Bachelor drama into one evening! There will be rose ceremonies after each challenge that the audience will have a say in who moves on and Who will get the final rose? To APPLY or NOMINATE someone to be a bachelor or a contestant, visit www. bachelorliveonstage.com/bachelor THE BACHELOR and all related character and elements© & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s19) 7 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 31
32 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
March 2020 • Volume 2 No. 1
PRESIDENT/CEO Darwin Oordt Ext. 1001 doordt@benchmarkmediallc.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Danielle Carl Ext. 1002 dcarl@harrisburgmagazine.com DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS FINANCE Violetta Chlaifer Ext. 1000 vchlaifer@benchmarkmediallc.com EDITOR Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D. jgoodwin@harrisburgmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura Reich Ext. 1006 lreich@benchmarkmediallc.com DIRECTOR OF SALES Chris Aloia Ext. 1003 caloia@benchmarkmediallc.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jo Ann Shover Ext. 1004 jshover@benchmarkmediallc.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julian Rosado jrosado@benchmarkmediallc.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ross Burnett rburnett@harrisburgmagazine.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julia McBride Ext. 1008 jmcbride@harrisburgmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Cover Photo by Conte Photography (www.contephoto.com)
Visit www.WeddingPenn.com for monthly sweepstakes, tips for your big day, engagement announcements, and more!
Published by Benchmark Media, LLC • 3400 N. 6th St. Harrisburg, PA 17110 • (717) 233-0109 WEDDING PENN MARCH 2020 1
The Right Look For Your Groom By Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D.
T
here's so much more to a groom's wedding attire than you'd expect. Follow these tips to step up your groom’s style game on the big day. The secret is paying attention to the details and finding a look that fits (both literally and figuratively).
TUXEDO
If your wedding is a “black tie” event then go with a tuxedo. Black tie “optional” then air on the side of caution and choose a tuxedo. Save the suit for semiformal weddings. A white dinner jacket is traditionally worn in the summer or in tropical climates as an alternative to a black tuxedo. The white jacket is also a great option and look for a beach wedding. Avoid wearing a black tuxedo to daytime events prior to 6 p.m. When wearing a two-or three-button tuxedo jacket, always leave the bottom button undone. A single-breasted jacket is traditional, but men six feet or taller may prefer a double-breasted jacket to accentuate their height.
of belt to the top of the shoe) when ordering formal trousers. Be generous with the length to ensure the trousers are not too short. They should break just at the top of the shoe. The waistband should rest at about navel level since this is not the time to wear your pants low.
SHIRT
SHOES
When shopping for a formal shirt, French cuffs and cufflinks are essential. Choose a lightweight cotton fabric, as this will be the most comfortable option. For a more formal appearance choose a wing collar. The tips or flaps of wing collar shirts should sit behind the bow tie, not on top of it. Many formal shirts also feature a different texture or pleats where the shirt will be visible under the jacket. Going conservative is the best option.
VEST
Planning to remove your tuxedo jacket? Then opt for a full back vest. It’s a much cleaner, well-dressed look when your coat is off.
TROUSERS
Allow your trouser color to set the tone for the color of your shoes and socks which should always be the same or darker color than your trousers. Your formal pants should always have a grosgrain, silk or satin trim down the leg. Use the outseam measurement (top 2 WEDDING PENN MARCH 2020
Patent leather or polished oxfords make the best formal footwear. Keep it simple and go with a round toe or lace-up or slip-on.
CUMMERBUNDS
Cummerbunds are a great accessory, especially if wearing a bow tie. Not only do they make the midsection more appealing, they also help keep shirts tucked in. Be sure to wear a cummerbund with the pleats facing up.
TIE
You have the option to choose the pre-tied bow tie or a formal version of the hanging tie if you are not wearing a cummberbund. A traditional bow tie takes some experience to tie correctly, so practice before the big day. You want to look your best for the occasion. A black tie event does not mean one has to wear a black tie. It simply means the event is formal. You can showcase your style with any color formal accessory. 7
Lashbrook Mens Cobalt Wedding Band with Red Enamel Baseball Stitch Pattern
Hearts On Fire Destiny Lace Dream Engagement Ring - A twist on the classic solitaire, this ring features two intertwining bands that meet in the middle under a perfectly cut center diamond. A metal band winds around a diamond-accented band in a never-ending dance, creating a fun and whimsical design. Metal: 18K White Gold. Center Carat Weight: 0.30.
Lashbrook Mens Zirconium Wedding Band with Cross Stain Finish
Style Profile - Rings Photos Courtesy of Mountz Jewelers
Set yourself apart from the crowd by selecting a ring with unique features such as these. Rings available from Mountz Jewelers. Prices available upon request.
SimonG. 18K Yellow Gold Cross Over Engagement Ring Semi Mount with .50CTW Round Diamonds and Matching Wedding Band
Hearts on Fire Diamond Bar Single Prong Milgrain - Delicate milgrain detailing on the diamondaccented band of this engagement ring give the design a subtly vintage feel, while radiant round diamonds provide plenty of sparkle. Metal: 18K White Gold. Center Carat Weight: 0.33.
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Hearts On Fire Illustrious Diamond Eternity - A row of diamonds sits in a bead-bright setting, throwing rainbows every time it meets the light. The slim band complements any of the Illustrious Engagement rings, or it can be worn as a dainty fashion statement to lighten up any outfit. Metal: 18K White Gold. Total Carat Weight: 0.15.
Hearts On Fire Deco Chic Halo engagement Ring - Old world style meets new world sparkle in this Art Deco-inspired design. A bezel-set center diamond is surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds and geometric detailing, making this architectural engagement ring a true standout. Metal: 18K White Gold. Center Carat Weight: 1.0.
Hearts on Fire Transcend Single Halo Dream Complete Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum (1.30CTW-1.50CTW)
Hearts On Fire Juliette Oval Halo Engagement Ring – A fancy shaped diamond, this ring features a round brilliant diamond nestled in an ovalshaped halo. Accent diamonds in a tight pave setting are so precisely placed and undeniably brilliant that the result is the illusion of one large, oval-shaped diamond. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold. Center Carat Weight: 0.33.
Wedding Etiquette 101
guests. The best way to cull your list is to make clearcut decisions and then stick with them. For example, you might want to say no children younger than 14 years-old or no children at all. You might also want to invite only aunts and uncles and not first cousins. By Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D. Talk it over and stick to your budget. Pick what makes hile some etiquette rules have gone out sense and then don’t deviate. the window, there are still some you must follow. Understanding what is expected THANK YOU NOTES A well written thank you note is a must and experts of everyone involves helps in the long run. The following are guidelines for brides, grooms, wedding advise writing them within two weeks of receiving gifts. It’s no longer acceptable to write thank you notes party members and guests. within a year, and three months after the wedding is the latest acceptable date says experts. INVITATIONS Send invitations to your wedding eight weeks before the date with an RSVP date three to four WEDDING PARTY DUTIES Traditionally, the bride’s parents are usually weeks before the wedding. For all invitations, clarify RSVP with a sentence such as “The favor of a reply is responsible for covering a majority of the wedding requested by. . .” with the specific date prominently expenses. Today, it is more common for the costs displayed. And if you receive an invitation to the to be distributed amongst the couple, the bride’s wedding, don’t forget to RSVP by the date specified. parents, and also the groom’s parents. The bride’s parents typically host the first Timely RSVPs help with budget planning and are engagement party. On the wedding day, father of the good manners. bride will escort the bride to the ceremony and walk her down the aisle, give a speech at the reception, INVITEE LISTS It’s always a hard decision when you’re on a budget and he is the last to leave after saying goodnight to to decide who you want to invite to your wedding. guests. The groom’s parents traditionally pay for the You want to be sure that family members are invited rehearsal dinner. They can also financially assist the while also taking into account a maximum number of couple by contributing to wedding expenses but
W
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they are not required to do so. The maid of honor’s duties may include hosting the bridal shower and bachelorette party, coordinating dress fittings assisting with wedding preparatory tasks such as addressing invitations, wrapping favors, keeping records of wedding gifts, and paying for her own wedding outfits and travel expenses. On the wedding day, the maid of honor will help the bride dress and accompany her to the ceremony site. She will sign the marriage license as a witness, hold the bride’s bouquet at the altar, and arrange the bride’s veil and train during the ceremony. At the reception, she will gather the bridesmaids for formal pictures, mingle and dance with the best man and other important guests. The bridesmaids’ main focus is to assist the maid of honor with wedding planning duties and to assist the bride whenever it is needed. Addressing invitations, planning the bridal shower or bachelorette party, and contributing to the cost of wedding related events, are a few examples. The bridesmaids, along with the maid of honor, all pay for their own attire, transportation, and lodging. The biggest role of the best man is to plan and host the bachelor party with groomsmen. He also takes responsibility for coordinating formalwear fittings, picking up the groom’s tux before the wedding, and making toasts during the rehearsal dinner. On the wedding day, the best man ensures that the groom arrives at the ceremony site on time. He brings the bride’s wedding ring, holds the officiant’s fee until the ceremony is over, and signs the marriage license as a witness. He also organizes the groomsmen for formal pictures, dances with the maid of honor, and gives the toast during the reception dinner. The groomsmen help the best man plan and host the bachelor party. During the wedding planning process, they should check in with the groom and best man to offer assistance with any wedding related tasks. Groomsmen are responsible for scheduling their tuxedo fittings, picking up their formalwear, and paying for their own attire and travel and lodging expenses. On the wedding day, the groomsmen arrive early to the ceremony site to greet guests. As members of the wedding party, they are expected to stay at the reception the entire time. It is customary to thank the wedding party with personalized gifts which will show your gratitude for all their help. DESTINATION WEDDINGS The couple does not have to pay for any of the guests’ travel, hotel and meals, besides the ones they are inviting the guests to attend. However, at a destination wedding, the bride and groom usually pay for the bridal party accommodations. 7
WEDDING PENN MARCH 2020 7
CA
ED LW
DINGS
LO
e l l e i n a D + m a i Will
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8 12, 201
Photographer: Conte Photography - Kara Clouser Venue: The Lodge at Liberty Forge, Mechanicsburg, PA Rings: Engagement Ring: Blue Nile Wedding Dress: Renaissance Bridal & Prom Tux: Indochino Catering: Altland House through The Lodge at Liberty Forge Cake: Kyrsten's Sweet Designs Flowers: Blooms by Vickery DJ: Klock Entertainment Officiant: Mayor of York Springs, Jeff Shull
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WEDDING PENN MARCH 2020 9
Raise Your Glass
How To Give A Wedding Toast
By Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D.
Y
ou’ve been asked to give a wedding toast. Now what do you do? Maybe you’re the best man, Maybe you’re the maid of honor. Or maybe you’re a family friend or relative. No matter what your status, when you tell guests to raise their glass, what you say does matter. Feeling a bit nervous? Relax. We’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to take the stress out of the process and ensure you’ll give an unforgettable wedding toast that everyone will remember. BRAINSTORM Before you begin writing, start compiling some stories, anecdotes, and other compelling tidbits about your relationship with the bride or groom. When you began writing the actual speech pick one or two good stories to include. Avoid stories about ex-significant others, drunken incidents or anything that has the potential of embarrassing the couple. Remember to toast to the couple’s future, not to the “good old days.”
trusted friend or family member and let them give you constructive feedback. If you repeatedly stumble over a word or sentence then delete what is giving you trouble. If it isn’t working then try something else. Rewrite when necessary.
WRITE YOUR TOAST ON INDEX CARDS Do not rely on your memory when you give the toast. Either write your speech word-for-word or outline the major points in bullet points on index cards.
KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET The best toasts are given straight from the heart. Some turn out to be funny and others may be sad, but the one thing they all have in common is they pay tribute to the couple. Time your speech. Do not give a toast that is over 5 minutes at the most. No one wants to hear a toast that rambles on and on.
PRACTICE Practice your speech until you’ve smoothed out all the rough edges. Read your speech out loud to a
TALK ABOUT THE COUPLE Don’t talk about yourself. It isn’t about you. While the stories you tell will probably include you as a
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central character keep the focus on the couple. Talk about the first time you met your friend’s new partner. Talk about how the couple is an important part of your life. Make it personal. Make it your story. Make it unique. Don’t talk about your own marriage or don't mention previous girlfriends, boyfriends, or spouses in a wedding toast. Don't talk about the cost of the wedding or wedding gifts. Don't talk about confidential information that the couple might have told you. INCLUDE AN ENDING End your toast on a high and happy note. Ask the wedding guests to raise their glasses and join you in wishing the newlyweds good wishes and a healthy and prosperous future. Something along the lines of “Now let us toast the happiness of Sam and Sherry. . .to Mr. and Mrs. Exline” will work. Let guests know the wedding toast is complete by adding your favorite clean downthe-hatch phrase, such as Cheers! Salut! or L'chaim! FIND OUT WHEN TOASTS WILL BE GIVEN Always check with the wedding emcee or someone in charge as when you will be giving your toast and in what order. You want to be prepared. INTRODUCE YOURSELF Not everyone at the wedding will know you. Take a deep breath and then introduce yourself. Say how you know the bride or groom so they have a better understanding of your relationship to the newlyweds. SKIP THE JOKES If you aren’t a stand up comedian, then forgo the jokes and keep it straight. While you may have the urge to be funny, remember that your words will be set in stone. DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL UNTIL AFTER YOU GIVE THE TOAST Never give the toast if you are drunk. Period. Refrain from alcohol until after you deliver your speech. 7
WEDDING PENN MARCH 2020 11
Extra Sparkle for Your Big Day By Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D.
E
arrings, necklaces, and bracelets and other accessories can complement your wedding dress and give you that extra “sparkle” on your big day. Here are some tips to guide you with your selections and websites to check out for more information. Sash or Belt Whether beaded, floral, rhinestone, or sequins— sashes or belts are great for highlighting the waistline and creating a tapered, defined look. You can also select from simple designs from vintage to designer styles. There are so many colors and materials to choose from,
that no matter what you decide to go with, a sash or belt will only accentuate the dress of your dreams. www.bella-tiara.com Gloves Your hands are an integral element on your wedding day so dress them up with gloves. From fingerless, half-finger, wrist or opera length, you’ll find more than just plain white gloves. Brown, black, and red are just a few of the latest trends. Gloves can also be adorned with elegant beads, flowers, pearls, sequins, and crystals. www.theweddingoutlet.com Jacket If you thought a jacket is a must-have only for a fall or winter wedding you will be surprised to find out that jackets are used in any season. If you’re tying the knot in the spring or summer, consider a jacket made of lace or tulle. Some jackets are also small enough to look like shrugs, stoles, or boleros. But the best part of a jacket is that it ca bring out a bride’s waist and the gown as well. www.ericdress.com Clutch Bag You’ll want to keep a few things handy on the big day: lipstick, cell phones or a few tissues. It’s
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a huge comfort knowing that these things are close at hand just in case. Plus, with so many colors, styles, and sizes, it’s a fun addition to your wedding attire and totally practical to boot. www.chicastic.com Jewelry The sky’s the limit with jewelry. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets can complement your wedding dress and give you that extra “sparkle” on your wedding day. Consider your neckline and sleeve patterns with the type of jewelry you have in mind. Also consider hanging earrings if your dress has a closed neck front. To play it safe select pearls. A girl’s best friend, pearls look classy for a traditional wedding, and if you like more color, choose colored pearls to go with your color theme. The choice is yours. www. helzberg.com 7
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vendor directory
Search our directory of local wedding vendors to find the best local professionals for your special day. Our preferred vendors will keep your wedding budget in mind and will offer you the best value for your dollar. Check them out below. And don't forget to mention that you saw them on our list.
CATERER
HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE
C&J Catering 717-576-1610 www.candjcatering.com Middletown, PA
Running Springs Farm 570-682-3472 570-617-3015 (Cell) Running Springs Farm www.runningspringsfarm.net Spring Glen, PA
Soul House Cafe 717-236-3500 soul-house-cafe.business.site Middletown, PA
EVENT RENTALS Golden Rentals 717-432-8184 www.goldenrentals.com Dillsburg, PA
FLORIST Olive and Orange Floral Co. 717-602-3870 oliveandorangefloral www.oliveandorangefloral.com Mechanicsburg, PA
HAIR & MAKE-UP Makeup by Chelsea 717-736-1500 makeupbychelsea www.makeupbychelsea.com Wormleysburg, PA Makeup by Marianne Hunt 954-295-4341 mariannehuntmakeup mariannehuntmakeup@gmail.com www.mariannehuntmakeup.com Harrisburg, PA
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Radisson Hotel Harrisburg 717-433-9722 www.radisson.com Camp Hill, PA
JEWELERS
Rusty Rail Brewing Company 570-966-6470 www.rustyrailbrewing.com Mifflinburg, PA
Mountz Jewelers 717-243-4936 | Carlisle, PA 717-763-1199 | Camp Hill, PA 717-545-7508 | Harrisburg, PA www.mountzjewelers.com
The Carlisle Vault 717-382-8588 carlislevault www.carlislevault.com Carlisle, PA
Munn's Diamond Gallery 717-761-8310 www.munns.net Lemoyne, PA
The Peter Allen House 717-921-1726 www.thepeterallenhouse.com Dauphin, PA
VENUE
WEDDING & EVENT PLANNER
AACA Museum Inc. 717-561-7100 www.cityhousebb.com Hershey, PA City House Bed & Breakfast 717-903-2489 www.cityhousebb.com Harrisburg, PA Colonial Golf and Tennis Club 717-657-3212 www.colonialgolftennis.com Harrisburg, PA Hilton in Harrisburg 717-233-6000s www.hilton.com Harrisburg, PA
That's It! Wedding Concepts 717-645-5700 thatsitweddingconcepts www.thatsitweddingconcepts.com Hershey, PA
WEDDING SPECIALIST The JDK Group 717-730-4661 www.thejdkgroup.com Camp Hill, PA
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responsibilities, including ordering produce, I decided to enroll at The Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts— a division of YTI Career Institute-in Lancaster and graduated after 21 months. While still in school, I landed at Vrai as an extern. Owner Shelly Page encouraged me to take on more and more responsibilities and eventually became I became the head chef. I’ve been at Vrai for four years.”
Meet Chef Scott Kemp By Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D.
T
he Harrisburg area is filled with great chefs who work tirelessly to break new ground, exceed expectations, and keep us coming back for more. Scott Kemp, head chef at Vrai, Restaurant, located at 1015 Market St. in Lemoyne, is a self-described late bloomer in the culinary world. He wows the palate by his extensive menu that relies on a variety of clean, unprocessed, and mostly organic ingredients, offering something for anyone’s palate. 52 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
When and why did you first realize you wanted to work in the culinary world? “I never cooked until I was 22 years old. I learned the basics of cooking from my cousin, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and decided that maybe becoming a chef might be something I would enjoy. After becoming a grill cook at Red Robin and then gaining more experience at Simply Turkey and More where I prepared menu items and gained additional
Who inspires you in the kitchen? “I always loved reading about food and recipes. I am an Anthony Michael Bourdain fan, and I’ve read all of his books. I definitely draw inspiration from him.” What’s the most challenging part of your job? “The desire to constantly improve flavors. This is my focus. Is it challenging? Yes. But it’s rewarding, too.” The most rewarding part? “With owner Shelly Page’s input I have creative rein and this is very rewarding. In the process, I have changed many things and am always looking to improve what we serve and where we can source the best products.
I try to buy “ locally whenever possible.” SCOTT KEMP I also take customers’ dietary needs seriously and encourage our servers to try to understand what is needed and then communicate that information to me.” What food trend are you keeping an eye on? I’m particularly interested in the slow foods movement. I want to learn more about growing food and discovering how regional cuisines are preserved. I am of the Italian mindset where making cheese, aging and preserving is key. I like the notion of going back to your roots and using the techniques that have served our ancestors in the past. The future of food is returning to our roots.” What are you passionate about? “I love learning. I love to read old recipes. I collect cookbooks, and I use the knowledge gleaned in my recipes. Devouring cookbooks is awesome. That's my passion.” 7
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Try A Taste
Recipes By Chef Scott Kemp MISO WHIPPED SWEET POTATOES
GINGER SOY CONDIMENT
INGREDIENTS • 1 large sweet potato (roughly 1.5 lb.) • 2 tablespoons white miso • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar • 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
INGREDIENTS • 1 ¼ cups fresh parsley • 1 cup fresh mint • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme • 1 tablespoon capers • 2 anchovies (canned) • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 1 small garlic clove • 3 fluid oz. extra virgin olive oil • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roast sweet potato with skin on until very tender to the touch, 45-75 minutes. (If sweet potato bursts and oozes syrup, it is probably done). Allow to cool slightly then remove pulp from the skin and place in a bowl of a stand mixer. Add remaining ingredients and mix on high using whip attachment until smooth and slightly fluffy. Serve with a grilled, bone-in pork chop and ginger soy condiment (See recipe) CHEF’S NOTE: I like using miso as the only salt in this recipe. The intense umami quality of the fermented soybean paste goes very nicely with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato, and the rice vinegar rounds it all out. You might not specifically taste the miso, but it's enough to add an interesting layer to what can be a one-note side dish.
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DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients in the bowl of food processor and process until mostly smooth, scraping down edges as necessary. (Salsa should be pesto-like in consistency, not too smooth). Serve immediately CHEF’S NOTE: This is an easy accompaniment to roasted vegetables, as well as a classic pairing with grilled or roasted meats. The best thing about it is that you simply throw everything into a food processor and it’s ready to go.
COCONUT CARROT CURRY SOUP INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs. carrots, rough chop • 1 jalapeno, fine dice • 1 red pepper, fine dice • 1 small white onion, fine dice (approximately 1/3 cup) • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • 1 tablespoon minced shallot • 2 tablespoons minced ginger • 1 tablespoon ground garam masala • 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder • 1/2 tablespoon ground turmeric • 8 cups water • 2 cans coconut milk • Juice from 1/2 lime • 1/4 cup cilantro, leaves and stems removed, loosely packed • Chopped toasted cashews for garnish (optional) DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss carrots in neutral oil to coat and spread on baking sheet. Roast in oven until slightly tender and browned, roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. Meanwhile, cook garlic, shallot, and ginger in neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat until lightly browned and very fragrant (It’s ok if the mixture sticks to the bottom of the pan. It will come up during the cooking process.) Add pepper, jalapeno, and onion to the pan and reduce heat to low, sprinkle
with salt to help draw the moisture from the vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are softened but not browned, then add garam masala, curry powder, and turmeric and sauté 3 minutes. When carrots are ready, add to pot and cover with 8 cups water, bring to boil and reduce to simmer. Simmer until carrots are very tender, remove from heat and add coconut milk and cilantro. Working in batches, blend soup in blender on the highest setting until very smooth and creamy. Squeeze in lime juice and season with salt to taste. Garnish soup with cilantro leaves and toasted, chopped cashews. CHEF’S NOTE: This soup is great because it is vegan without even trying to be. There are so many spices and aromatics that you can use water as the cooking liquid and still have an extremely rich, flavorful pureed soup. This is one of my favorite soups to make because nearly anyone can, and will, enjoy it. 7
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Bartender’s Best By Charlie Wohlrab
I
t’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, which means, it's time for a Guinness! A dark Irish dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland, in 1759, Guinness is one of the most successful beer brands worldwide, brewed in almost 50 countries, and available in over 120. Presently, there are seven types of Guinness; however, every liquor store or beer retailer probably doesn’t carry them all. I’d like to concentrate on two— Guinness Draught (English spelling) in a can, and Guinness Extra Stout in a bottle. First, the stout. This is a hearty, full-flavored dark beer available in an 11.2 ounce bottle, which is a tasty beverage in its own right and has an interesting, if not speculative history. In the 18th century, London pubs were selling a dark beer. To increase favor among the working-class porters, which was the job title for any worker who carried things for someone else, London pubs began to mix and blend other beers and ales with this dark brown beer. The result was a dark beer with a higher alcohol content or a “stouter” porter. It really took off when Arthur Guinness began brewing a stouter porter and there was no longer a need to mix and blend. There was now a consistent product available from pub to pub. While Guinness stopped making this porter in 1973, the company has recently began brewing it again from the original recipe under the name Guinness Dublin Porter; however, the Guinness Stout is also readily available. Technically, the difference between a porter and a stout is that a porter is made from malted barley and a stout is made from unmalted roasted barley. It is the roasting that gives the 56 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
stout its deep rich coffee-like flavor. However, today’s brewers use both names almost interchangeably. Second, the Guinness Draught in a can with a “widget.” In 1959, Guinness developed the nitrogenation of beer. While the effervescence in most beers comes from carbon dioxide, Guinness infuses its beer with nitrogen, which produces a smaller bubble, and therefore, a smoother, creamier product. Thus, if you order a pint in a pub and it is poured correctly, the bubbles will gently cascade down the side of the glass. To achieve nitrogenation, and therefore, creamy smoothness in the beer you buy to take home, Guinness relies on a widget. A widget is the little plastic ball inside the can that releases nitrogen when you pop the tab. This device really works because Guinness Draught is the closest thing to a draft beer in a can. Another popular beer drink is the Black and Tan which is American. If you find yourself in Ireland, do not order a Black and Tan as this has political ramifications. However, in the states, Black and Tan refers to a tan beer on the bottom and a dark beer on the top. When making a Black and Tan, I am able to select from several different beers for the bottom layer. I prefer Bass Pale Ale because it is traditional, as is Harp Lager. If you order a Black and Tan in a local bar, they will probably use a “layering spoon.” Usually this “spoon” is chained to the Guinness tap. A local bartender will half-fill the glass with a lighter color beer and then layer the Guinness on top. If you want to make one at home, it may require practice. If you want to serve a Black and Tan on St. Patrick’s Day, don’t wait until the last minute because it can be tricky. Practice makes perfect; but the good thing is you can drink your mistakes. There are different suggestions how to make this layered drink, with the choice of a layering spoon or an inverted tablespoon. However, the easiest way I have found is to use Bass Pale Ale and Guinness Draught in a can (must have the widget). Pour the Bass Pale Ale in the center of the glass half way up so it develops a nice head. Let it stand for a minute, then slowly drizzle the Guinness Draught gently into the foam. If you look sideways into the glass you can see the Guinness gently break through the foam and return to float on the beer. As I said, this may take practice, but you do get to drink your mistakes. When served correctly, this beer drink boasts a dramatic two-tone look perfect to raise a glass for St. Patrick’s Day. “Sláinte.”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Charlie Wohlrab is a mixologist whose motto, “Drinking. . .more than a hobby” has been topmost in his mind since he first started tending bar while getting his Pharmacy degree. Now retired, when he’s not restoring his older home in New Jersey, he’s made it his goal to elevate the experience of having a daily cocktail from something mundane to something more exciting. He is now Harrisburg Magazine’s official bartender in residence. My recipes are like my opinions,” says Wohlrab. “They continue to be refined as I try new products and work with old standbys.” Currently working on a book about cocktails, Wolhrab welcomes comments from his readers. He can be contacted at jgoodwin@ harrisburgmagazine.com. 7
