Harrisburg Magazine March 2022 by benchmarkmediallc

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

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Robert Baranow rbaranow@harrisburgmagazine.com Jo Ann Shover jshover@harrisburgmagazine.com EDITORIAL EDITOR Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

IN THIS ISSUE ... 4 6 10 14 16 16 17 18

INTROSPECTION BARTENDER’S OR BARISTA’S CHOICE IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS BY THE BOOK NOURISHING BITES THE FINANCE HOUND THEATRE THOUGHTS

18 20 20 22 23 24 28 30

VOLUME 28 NO. 3 MARCH 2022

TAILBOARD TALK FOR THE LOVE OF PETS CINEMATIC RAMBLINGS POSTCARDS FROM… POEM #HBGMAG INFLUENCER SHORT STORY YWCA WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CLASS OF 2022

40 PROFILE: LISA LICKERS-RICKS 42 ARTFUL INSPIRATIONS: PAINTER 46 ARTFUL INSPIRATIONS: GALLERY

WRITING & PHOTOGRAPHY INTERN Markeshia Wolfe CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Roe Braddy Christina Heintzelman Paul Hood Dana Kinsey Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Bill Roddey ART GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura Reich lreich@harrisburgmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS Rhiannon Loza Brad Maurer CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rick Snizik DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Richard Eppinger reppinger@harrisburgmagazine.com SALES OFFICE 717.233.0109 4309 Linglestown Road, Suite 115 Harrisburg, PA 17112

ON THE COVER

True Public Servant: Patty Kim See story on page 24. PHOTO BY RICK SNIZIK

HARRISBURGMAGAZINE.COM @HARRISBURGMAGAZINE 2 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

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

MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 3

Introspection

PHOTO BY RICK SNIZIK #hbgmaginfluencer Patty Kim

“I just feel like I have lifesavers, and I’m just throwing them out for people who are struggling.” - PA State Rep. Patty Kim (D-103rd District)

e’ve all heard the saying, “if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.” If there is truth to the proverb as more than just a predictor of weather patterns, perhaps it’s worth mentioning that March is also Women’s History Month. So, it’s also worth noting that, though it flies against the long-held stereotype of women being less “lion” like than men, in the wild it is the lioness who acts as the chief hunter. She can be a force to be reckoned with when she needs to be; but she also is chief nurturer to her cubs. Ferocious and peaceable in one breath! Regardless of the weather this month - and whether it has opened with blowing snow or pleasant sunshine - Harrisburg Magazine wishes to devote this issue to the “lionesses” of our greater community, those women who, like Patty Kim, have devoted themselves to passing out “lifesavers.” Representative Kim, our selected Influencer for March, has spent her many years in Harrisburg helping neighbors with their struggles, and you can read about the many ways she has ferociously served and protected her constituents. 4 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

There are scores of other women that are tireless “servers and protectors” in Central PA, which is why we are proud to once again partner with the YWCA Greater Harrisburg in recognizing this year’s Women of Excellence. In a special section devoted to the 28 women carefully vetted and selected by the YW association board, we give “shout outs” to all the honorees in advance of the “Tribute to Women of Excellence” dinner event scheduled for the evening of March 24th. To say they are all impressive “lionesses” is an understatement. This month’s In My Neighborhood feature by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger highlights some of the independently owned businesses in Linglestown - many of them women-owned, including Mud Queen Pottery which, rather appropriately, opened on Mother’s Day weekend in 2014. Christina Heintzelman visits with the all-female custom framing team at Smith’s Custom Framing & Fine Art Gallery in New Cumberland, and also profiles “very complicated artist” Susan Kreider Getty. And Markie Wolfe dons her super-reporter cape to interview superwoman Lisa Lickers-Ricks, founder of Young Women’s Empowerment Academy.

This month’s Barista’s Choice enjoys the company of barista Victoria Laird - and also the scones and cookies of licensed pastry chef Laurel Weiser - both of BCB Coffee in New Cumberland. This month’s poem comes from widely published Lancaster poet Dana Kinsey; March’s short story is from award-winning Harrisburg author Roe Braddy (with an illustration by up-and-coming Lemoyne artist Rhiannon Loza), and this month’s hilarious The Cercus cartoon from Brad Maurer looks at human life from an ant’s perspective. Don’t forget our columns! In Postcards From … author Steven G. Williams asks his sister for solo traveling advice; film & TV historian Kevyn Knox zooms in on progress (or lack thereof) made by women directors; Andrea Reed examines the effects of food insecurity on women in Nourishing Bites; Alex Brubaker’s By the Book highlights a good read for Women’s History Month; Bryson Roof encourages people to create their own ‘pot of gold” (sans Leprechaun) in The Finance Hound; Barbara Trainin Blank previews multiple plays at multiple Harrisburgarea theatres (many with strong female characters or themes) in Theatre Thoughts; HACC’s Robert Stakem honors women who play vital roles in emergency services in Tailboard Talk; and Kristen Zellner is “hopping mad about rabbits” (or, more specifically, the Easter-time purchase of bunnies as gifts) in For the Love of Pets. As always, look for pithy Off the Cuff one-liners by humorist Bill Roddey throughout the magazine! Here’s hoping March truly brings us some lamb-like weather! R.G.

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

MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 5

Bartender’s or Barista’s Choice

No “crumbs” left behind at Crumberland’s Best Coffee! Story By Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos By Rick Snizik

Caramello and Cold Brew with Sweet Cream

Barista Victoria Laird - BCB Coffee 6 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

elcome to Crumberland! A magical place where coffee is a conduit to cheerful conversation, and, despite the “crumb” part of its name, rarely a crumb remains on plates after customers finish the divine scones, muffins, and slices of peanut butter pie hand-crafted by co-owner Laurel Weiser, a licensed pastry chef. BCB - or Brew Crumberland’s Best - a not-so-hidden gem on Bridge Street in New Cumberland, is a popular drive-thru stop for both West and East Shore workers on the go, and a welcoming “dine-inside” place for either breakfast or lunch, especially since the cozy eatery became even cozier following a Covid-prompted expansion. For those who haven’t had the time to partake of the latter experience, it comes highly recommended. After all, that may be the only way to meet Laurel, her brother (and co-owner) Wade Weiser, and the featured barista for March, shift manager Victoria Laird. Laird, born and raised in Lemoyne, is passionate about many things: music (she is an accomplished musician); photography (she snaps the pics for BCB’s website and social media); and, of course, the coffees and coffee drinks she serves up as part of a large team of baristas (currently 16 strong!) at Brew Crumberland’s Best, where she has been happily employed for the past five years. Before coming to BCB, Laird was pursuing a degree in audio engineering while simultaneously pondering giving that up for a different kind of career. “I was sort of moving into wanting to own my own coffee shop,” she relates, “but knowing that I’m not good with the business type of thing and the money aspect, I was sort of like ‘I don’t think that’s going to work out for me.’ So, I thought I’ll get in a coffee shop and see how much I like it, and if I want to keep pursing that.” ‘Like’ would turn out to be an understatement. “When I was here, I loved it,” she exclaims, “and I was doing what I wanted to do, which was just to mainly work with people, work with coffee, and train people, and help people learn … I was doing

Laurel Weiser, Wade Weiser, and Victoria Laird - BCB Coffee

everything I wanted to, and so I never left.” In addition to her positive interactions with customers and fellow employees, Laird also gets to exercise her creative muscles, by helping to create both special and seasonal drinks. “I’ve come up with some good ones,” she says proudly. “I recently just got into that.” Though the March drink menu wasn’t set at press time, it’s expected to include at least one favorite from last year: the Nutty Irishman, featuring a tasty combination of Irish Cream and hazelnut. Crumberland isn’t just a “magical” place for the finest coffees and pastries. Apparently, it’s also a romantic place: Wade and Victoria are engaged and anxiously awaiting to officially tie the knot this June. Stop by for a hot cup of java and something sweet or savory (a “don’t miss” item is the cheddar and bacon scone!), and while you’re there say “congrats” to the loving couple! 7

Caramello (16 oz) 2 Shots of Espresso* 8 Ounces of Steamed Milk 4 Pumps of Ghirardelli Caramel Sauce Top with Home-made Whipped Cream ----*BCB uses a special blend Espresso created in conjunction with Elementary Coffee Co. in Harrisburg.

Victoria’s Dossier Words of advice to home coffee brewers: I would say, never get too comfortable with one blend of coffee. Everyone has their favorite, but it’s always nice to try different ones! There is so much good coffee in this world, you just might find a new favorite. See BCB Coffee on Page 8 Caramello MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 7

Inside BCB Coffee

with cinnamon, or a nice cup of black coffee are usually my top picks. I tend to go for drinks that aren’t too sweet, so if you’re like me, try them out! Favorite coffee-fusion drink to mix: For me, any type of espresso-based drink is fun to make. I like making drinks with multiple steps, especially when people are creative with their orders!

BCB Coffee, continued from Page 7

Is there anything – or anyone – that inspires you as a Barista? Honestly, my main inspiration as a barista comes from our customers at BCB. Everyone is facing a different kind of day, with their own unique battles and triumphs. Getting to help jump start their day with a smile and a cup of coffee is so rewarding to me, and hopefully brings a smile to them as well!

Most commonly ordered drinks during your shift(s): The most popular drink that’s ordered during my shifts is always a regular sized house coffee, either black or with cream and sugar. Outside of brewed coffee, we also sell a ton of seasonal drinks. Our seasonal drinks are all based off the time of year, or holiday themed, and they change monthly. They sell quick!

Favorite coffee or blend of coffee: I typically lean towards dark roasts like Nicaraguan if we’re talking about good coffee, but nothing beats a mug of crappy diner coffee at 1:00am.

Philosophy on coffee brewing and/or the enjoyment of coffee: Coffee is cool because it can adapt to fit whatever you need it to. If you’re like me, you have many different experiences when you drink coffee. Whether I’m rushing out the door and my thermos is spilling on me as I get in my car, or I’m enjoying a nice early morning, sipping it while watching the sun rise, coffee is always there for me. It is great for catching up with a friend at a local shop, keeping me going on a late work night, or surprising a loved one with a pick-me-up. Coffee fits any situation, and whoever I need to be at that time.

Recommendations of two or three kinds of coffee to try: I float around with my interests when it comes to my morning caffeine intake. Our cold brew with sweet cream, a plain latte

Is Barista your day job? If not, what else do you do for a living? At the moment, I spend about half of my work week as a barista, and the other half remodeling homes. My fiancé’s dad owns his

8 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

own contracting business, and I love working with him as much as I can outside of managing Brew Crumberland’s Best. During a typical week, what days/shifts can you be found at Brew Crumberland’s Best? Typically, you can find me opening the shop. I love to help with the morning rushes! Your signature (or favorite) coffee drink: My favorite coffee drink: Grind fresh beans, brew coffee, drink black coffee. It’s really that easy! 7 Editor’s note: because coffee has become as – if not more - popular than alcoholic beverages, Harrisburg Magazine decided several months ago to accept nominations for both worthy bartenders and baristas.

NOMINATE A BARTENDER OR BARISTA! harrisburgmagazine.com/ submissions

MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 9

In My Neighborhood/Linglestown

Mellow Minded Café

Thomas “Lingle’s Town” is quaint and welcoming

Story and Photos By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

inglestown was established in 1765 by Thomas Lingle, who hailed from Berks County. After Lingle purchased the land and laid out the town, he named it “The Town of St. Thomas,” for the Christian apostle and his namesake, but many people chose to call it “Lingle’s town.” Lingle died in 1811 and is buried at the St. Thomas United Church of Christ, which was formerly known as Wenrich’s Church Cemetery. After his death, the Linglestown moniker stuck and has been used ever since. Many view Linglestown as a great place to raise a family. It is home to both Linglestown Middle School and Linglestown Elementary, where there are open grass fields for soccer and lacrosse teams to practice, along with a football field and two playgrounds. During warmer weather, many families can be seen making memories at Koons Park. Located off North Mountain Road, Koons Park spans 33 acres and touts three picnic pavilions, four lighted tennis courts, seven ball diamonds, a football field, lighted basketball and volleyball courts, a swimming pool and more.

Independently Owned Shops Linglestown is one big family when it comes to small shops that work together synergistically. Visitors can buy anything from upscale preowned fashions and new apparel to pottery and even hardware. 10 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

Hornungs Ace Hardware on Bluebird Avenue has been in the Linglestown area since 1986 and is owned by Jason and William Hornung, Lisa Worley, and Nicole Greider. Jason said that his father, William Hornung started the store to fill a niche. “He saw a real need for a hardware store in the area, starting with a small store and eventually moving to a larger location,” he explains, adding that the best thing about running the business is being a part of the community. “There’s no better feeling than helping your neighbors day in and out,” he says. Located in the blocks of shops before Linglestown’s roundabout is another independently owned business that has called Linglestown home for eight years. Mud Queen Pottery opened on Mother’s Day weekend in 2014. Owner Audra Doughty said that she chose Linglestown to bring more creativity and artwork to the area and to showcase other local artists’ work in her retail space. “I wanted to give them the opportunity to consign with us,” she says. Mud Queen also offers four different class packages for all levels of experience. “There’s the introductory class, where I teach beginner students the basics of using the potter’s wheel. Classes last one hour and 30 minutes and students are taught to make two simple pots,” says Doughty. For those who are interested in a more in-depth

experience, Doughty offers an eight-week course for burgeoning potters to hone their skills during longer classes which last three hours. Finally, there are one-time classes that focus on skills like macrame, mug making, wreath building and more.

Fabulous Food and Drink Linglestown is brimming with places to enjoy a nice lunch, a delicious dinner, an adult libation, or a satisfying cuppa Joe. One such place located at the west end of Linglestown in the Patton Place Mall is Giottis restaurant. Run by Giovanni Barone and managed by Susan Owen, Giottis is the place to go for Italian dishes like Fettuccini Alfredo and rigatoni. According to Owen, popular dishes include lasagna and seafood vodka comprised of little neck clams, sea scallops and jumbo lump crab meat, tossed in their homemade creamy vodka sauce. “People really enjoy our pasta and meatballs with our homemade marinera sauce,” says Owen, adding that Barone’s mother is responsible for the recipe. Those who prefer to enjoy Italian specialties from the comfort of their own home can’t go wrong with a trip to Penne from Heaven, owned by Susan and Amanda Requena. The Italian grocery store located at 1019 North Mountain Road sells plump and delicious specialty ravioli and fresh pasta shipped in from Brooklyn, pre-made easy take-home dinners like meat lasagna, baked ziti and meatballs made by their Italian chef, and a variety of jarred sauces, olives, balsamic vinegars, olive oil and more. Ducking in from the cold for a hot cup of coffee is always a treat this time of year and Geof and Pam Smith are ready and waiting at St. Thomas Roasters, with fresh coffee roasted daily using high quality beans sourced from around the world. Add to that baked oatmeal, muffins, scones, savory croissants and locally made quiche and you have a meal to enjoy at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. St. Thomas Roasters has been a mainstay in Linglestown for more than 21 years now. The cozy coffee house is open seven days a week. Smith laughs when he reflects on his old life as an AMP employee: “When they had those mass layoffs, I was AMPutated. If that hadn’t happened, I would never have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know so many wonderful customers, staff and suppliers.” Not far from St. Thomas Roasters is Mellow Minded Café, also open seven days a week. Owner Mike Keller strives to provide the public with healthy choices like detox smoothies, avocado toast, salads, grass fed See Linglestown on Page 12 MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 11

Linglestown, continued from Page 11

Spring Gate in the Village

Inside St. Thomas Roasters

A display at Penne From Heaven 12 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

beef burgers and more. Listed on the menu are also gluten free, dairy free and vegan selections. Keller said that his most popular items are the grilled cheese and tomato bisque soup and the turkey avocado sandwich. Like Smith, Keller also left the corporate world and said he couldn’t be happier. For adult libations, there’s Spring Gate in the Village. You can’t miss it; just look for a historic church near the square. Owner Martin Schoffstall said they have been open for special events in Linglestown since 2016 and recently partnered with Black Rock Brewing to create a brewery and restaurant. Bobby Weaver, owner of Black Rock Brewing, said that guests can choose from Pennsylvania-made cocktails, slushies, and beer. Chef Tony Glass runs the kitchen and turns out delicious pub fare for customers to pair with their choice of drinks. If that’s not enough to tickle your tastebuds, there’s Irgo’s Tavern. Located on the east end of town, Irgo’s serves entrees like crab cakes and fish and chips, along with sandwiches, salads, wings, and burgers. Andrea Milliken, a regular, says “Irgo’s is cozy and intimate, and the food is very good.” She adds that the staff is not just friendly, but also efficient, offering a variety of cocktail options, and “the appetizers like the nachos and the Irgo fries are fantastic!” To end your Linglestown grub crawl, there’s Schenk’s Bakery at 1061 North Mountain Road. Schenk’s has been doing business in Linglestown since 1997. The small batch bakery offers cakes, fresh-baked cookies, cannoli, cupcakes, eclairs and cream puffs, fresh baked fruit pies and seasonal offerings. According to owner Carol Weisser, the most popular items are the strawberry filled cakes, peanut butter cakes and whoopie pies. She says that her customers are her favorite part of running the business. “All my efforts are to provide them with the best baked goods at a reasonable price,” she says. If you feel like getting to know the history of the town a little better, you can wrap up your exploration with a self-guided walking tour. You’ll find structures that date back to the 1800s that were once taverns, hotels, cabinet makers’ shops and blacksmiths, to name a few. You can access the tour on the Lower Paxton Historical Commission’s website at https:// www.lowerpaxton-pa.gov/DocumentCenter/ V i e w / 2 5 8 / H i s t o r i c a l - Wa l k i n g -To u r - o f Linglestown---Guide-PDF. Have fun enjoying time in this quaint and welcoming area, where there’s a little something for everyone. 7

MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 13

In My Neighborhood/Business

Mother Daughter Team Makes “Mudslinging” Fun Story and Photos By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Maggie (Left) & Audra (Right) Doughty 14 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

ou could say that Audra Doughty has a way with clay. And if Audra is the Mud Queen, you could say that her daughter Maggie is the Mud Princess. The mother and daughter team owns and operates Mud Queen Pottery in Linglestown. They began working with clay at roughly the same time. “We started with a project that Maggie had in high school about 11 years ago and our business grew out of that,” said Audra, adding that they liked it so much that they decided to share their skills with others. “I started teaching classes in my basement and did that for about a year before moving to a small building across from the Eagle Hotel in Linglestown in 2014,” said Audra. Three years later, the ladies decided that it was time to move to a larger space. Today, the business

sits on a half-acre at 5933 Linglestown Road and includes retail space, parking, and a barn where classes are conducted. The two structures located on site date back to the 1800s. “The house was built in 1879, but we suspect the barn is a lot older than that,” said Audra. Those who visit the house will have their pick of a wide range of art and other unique gift items. Among those are macrame hangings, candles, jewelry, pottery, wind chimes, pillows, kitchen towels, stained glass and more. “We work very closely with an alpaca farm in Grantville where we source yarn and socks, as well,” said Audra, adding that they view the space as an indoor art fest. Behind the store stands the barn where Maggie and Audra now hold classes. In a classic example of making lemonade from lemons,

the Doughtys explain that they moved their instructional space there due to the pandemic. “When COVID-19 hit and we had to social distance, we moved to the barn,” said Audra, adding that it was a good transition because of the extra space the barn provided. Visitors are often impressed with how the Doughtys hewed to history with the remodel. “We were able to have it reconstructed to be as close to the original as possible, while adding all kinds of modern amenities like HVAC and so forth, so it still looks like an old barn,” said Audra. Both Audra and Maggie teach classes ranging from one evening, to eight-week classes held weekly. “We like to give people a gentle introduction so that they can leave with items they can use. Those who take our one-time class generally go home with a cup and a bowl. Those who take our eight-week classes generally have goals they can achieve in making larger pieces,” said Maggie. For special occasions, Mud Queen offers what they call “Wine and Wheel” nights where a group can get together for drinks and spend time on the pottery wheel. “Those who attend usually go home with two pieces—usually a bowl and a dish, or candleholder,” said Maggie. The mother daughter duo also invites guest artists to visit periodically. Just this February, they welcomed Nikki Mizak from North Carolina whose functional pottery is known to feature animals. “Chicken trucks packed from top to bottom with dirty, white birds drive past my house every day, and the sadness lingers longer than the odor. I want to show that animals like these chickens are more than ingredients tightly packed in plastic and polystyrene foam. I enjoy trying to capture their personalities, their curious yet judgmental eyes, and the way their beautiful feathers beg to be painted,” she said. Kristie Smoker from Annville is a long-time Mud Queen customer. “I’ve been along for the ride since they were in the smaller space,” said Smoker, who started throwing on the wheel, then moved to hand building. Smoker, who is 70, said she hadn’t found her niche until she began learning from the Doughtys. “It’s been an inspirational journey; they helped me find myself in clay. It makes my heart happy every time there is a class,” she said. Christine Waters of Harrisburg feels similarly. “I started with the Wine and Wheel class with a group of friends last year and the minute I touched the clay I knew I loved it,” said Waters, adding that Audra’s personality is well suited to teaching. “She’s laid back, free spirited and so encouraging. She allows people to explore at their own pace,” she said.

As for Maggie and Audra, they keep abreast of things happening in the clay world by taking classes taught by other artists. “We try to keep up with the pace of new information and different ways of doing things. We’re always looking for ways to improve,” Maggie said. The Doughtys said that running the business has been very rewarding. “It’s such a delight to be able to introduce so many people to such an interesting and joyful art,” said Audra. Learn more by visiting their website at www. mudqueenpottery.com. 7

MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 15

By the Book/Alex Brubaker

Women’s History Month is the perfect time to read this book “Even in the darkest and most tumultuous of times, women can, and did, lead.” – Shelley Puhak It’s not too much of a surprise that the history books have forgotten Queen Brunhild and Queen Fredegund. They ruled in a time when wars were endless, diseases were rampant, and men wielded royal power. In her new book, “The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World,” award-winning author Shelley Puhak has resurrected the lives of two of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages – and

given them a well-deserved dual biography. Brunhild was a foreign princess, raised to be married off for an alliance. Fredegund was a lowly palace slave. Yet in sixth-century France, these Queens defied the odds and ruled over vast realms, commanded armies, negotiated with Kings and Popes, and fought a decades-long civil war against each other. In their years of power, they changed the shape of Europe for years to come. As Puhak shows, even in the darkest era of modern history, women can — and did — lead. To kick-off Women’s History Month, Shelley Puhak will visit the Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg on Friday March 4th at 7pm (ET) to read and discuss her story, take questions from the audience, and sign copies of her book. The event is free and open to the public, with registration. A live-stream option will be available for attendees as well (with an archived recording available after the event). Visit www.midtownscholar. com for more details. 7 Alex Brubaker is the manager of the Midtown Scholar Bookstore and director of the Harrisburg Book Festival. Previously, he was the editorial assistant at Rain Taxi Review of Books and the exhibit coordinator for the Twin Cities Book Festival. He is a graduate of Millersville University and now lives in Harrisburg.

Nourishing Bites/Andrea Reed

Empowering women with nutrition creates healthier communities

he last two years have presented numerous challenges stopping many people from accessing enough food for an active, healthy life. Feeding America estimates 1.3 million Pennsylvanians experience food insecurity. Although you may have never experienced difficulties yourself, food insecurity has a generational impact on our entire community. While any individual or family can be food insecure, the nutritional demand during adolescence, pregnancy, and lactation for women create a greater vulnerability to malnutrition when faced with food insecurity. A person does not need to look emaciated to be malnourished. Malnutrition occurs when a person does not get enough calories or the right nutrients. Rising food costs have exacerbated this problem, forcing some to choose between price or nutritious foods. Others became reliant on corner stores, with limited nutritious options, when public transportation became limited. Limited food access causes diet quality to decline resulting in diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, 16 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

anemia, obesity, and mental health issues. This results in more missed days of work and less financial independence for women. Children of poorly nourished women are at greater health risk, typically missing more school and having poorer academic performance. This continues into adulthood as chronic health problems and lower productivity levels. The increased susceptibility to future hardship perpetuates the cycle of poverty and poor health within a community. However, empowering women with adequate nutrition creates a cycle of socioeconomic improvements that benefit our community. Well-nourished children stay in school longer. For women, this leads to marrying and having children later while enhancing earning potential. Women who are properly nourished as children are more likely to rise out of poverty and pursue career-oriented roles. Healthier women mean healthier families, which reduces the burden of healthcare costs within our community and builds stronger foundations for our community’s future.

Building a better community means working together to empower women with nutrition. Women remain the predominant food purchasers, suggesting improving access to food may be the predominant step in the food insecurity battle. In our community, we can donate non-perishable foods to local foodbanks, churches, or large organizations such as the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. We can get even more creative and take our love of gardening to the next level. Instead of hiding those extra Zucchini in your neighbor’s car when they leave the window open, donate to organizations, such as Lancaster County Food Hub, that can accept donations of homegrown produce. As gardeners, we know nothing beats a fresh tomato. Planting an extra tomato plant this summer in a large container can provide a family a whole season of fresh tomatoes. Our time is truly valuable. Organizations are often in need of volunteers to sort and pack donations, pickup or deliver foods, or assist with helping participants get connected with other community organizations. If you have other skills, such as a background in education or marketing, consider what unique service or skill you could donate to support your local community nutrition programs. Many organizations

teach cooking classes or need help reaching a broader audience. By thinking creatively, we can utilize our unique skills to empower those in our community. If you are not able to donate your time in-person, consider writing to your lawmakers advocating for policies that help break the cycle of food insecurity. As a community, we do not need to personally experience food insecurity to be a part of the battle. Food insecurity jeopardizes a strong future community for all. Collectively we share the burden when our community struggles, but together we can break the cycle by empowering women with nutrition. 7 Andrea Reed, MPS, RDN, LDN, is a freelance dietitian with a background in agricultural sciences. Growing up in the outdoors of Pennsylvania inspired her to include agricultural education in her nutrition counseling and is the focus of her writing.

Personal Finance/Bryson Roof

Creating Your Own Pot of Gold

rowing up, Mom would serve corned beef and cabbage for Saint Patrick’s Day. This was a welcome comfort on a day normally spent dodging pinches because I forgot to wear green. Unfortunately, I never experienced finding a pot of gold. So, let’s discuss how to create your own pot of gold! Following the Rainbow to a Pot of Gold Most people think of finding gold at the end of the rainbow due to winning the lottery or receiving a large inheritance. When, in reality, following the rainbow to a pot of gold is a journey, a life-long financial adventure. The rainbow is simply a map to wealth, a euphemism for a financial plan. While devising a financial road map is extremely important, it’s not as simple as following a rainbow. Often there is treacherous terrain between your starting point and the end of the rainbow, a mountain, a steep cliff, or rushing water. Life often throws us curve balls such as unexpected maintenance issues, healthcare emergencies, unplanned career changes. Flexibility is vital to your success. Readdress your plan as individual goals morph, tax laws change, and the financial markets fluctuate. In today’s age of technology, we have constant navigational guidance. Cell phones and iWatches provide turn by turn directions and, if you’re like me, instant course corrections for when you miss an exit or blind turn. “Make an immediate U-turn!” Your financial plan should “recalculate” as life changes. Does the end of the rainbow exist? Sometimes it feels as if the end of the rainbow doesn’t exist. Following the rainbow is a marathon, not a sprint. While it may not immediately generate a pot of gold, increasing your 401(k) monthly savings percentage – even just a few percent – will greatly increase your pot of gold for later in life. Minor adjustments take time, so start saving early. What if you’re approaching the end of the rainbow, but feel your pot of gold needs a little extra bump? The IRS has a provision for individuals

over the age of 50 to allow additional savings. In 2022, individuals over the age of 50 can save an additional $1,000 per year into both their Roth IRA and IRA. This $1,000 catch-up contribution is in addition to the $6,000 IRA and Roth IRA contribution limits. This means individuals over the age of 50 can contribute a total of $7,000 to their Roth IRA and $7,000 to their traditional IRA. The IRS also allows a catch-up provision in 401(k)s and 403(b) retirement accounts of an additional $6,500 per year for plan participants over the age of 50. The $6,500 catch-up provision is in addition to the 401(k)/403(b) $20,500 contribution limit. In 2022, an individual over 50 may contribute up to $27,000 across retirement accounts. Automation — The Best Way to Create Your Pot of Gold It’s no secret. Saving isn’t fun. The best way to save is to automate your savings every paycheck so you do not have to think about it. It’s like putting your savings on autopilot. 401(k)s can be an extremely useful savings vehicle because your savings are pulled directly from your paycheck every pay period. If you do not qualify for a 401(k), you can set up auto savings into a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA from your checking account. If you are lucky enough to receive a raise or bonus, enjoy some of it. But ideally, every time you receive a raise or bonus, half should go to savings. Use it as an opportunity to increase your savings for the year and don’t forget to update your financial plan to account for the increased savings. Seeing the positive impact of increased savings in your financial plan helps reassure that you’re making strong financial decisions for your future. 7 Bryson J. Roof, CFP®, is a financial advisor at Fort Pitt Capital Group in Harrisburg, and has been quoted nationally in various finance publications including CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, and Barron’s. MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 17

Theatre Thoughts/Barbara Trainin Blank

Women take center stage at area theaters during March

he 2022 Tribute to Women of Excellence takes place this month, and, whether intentionally or not, many area theaters are presenting plays with strong females. Narcisse Theatre Company offers COLORIZED: A Journey of Identity Through Art & Dance, by Natalie Dohman. A multi-racial and multimedia performance artist, Dohman was born in Wilkes-Barre in the 1980s - years still heavy with racial tension, especially in her hometown. “She has taken an artistic approach to how her life has been shaped and molded by these experiences and also how she has overcome these challenges using her creative spirit and the spirit of the university to guide her,” says Frank Henley, Jr., Narcisse founder. Dohman had developed PTSD in response to certain life-altering events; she stopped dancing and stopped creating anything artistic, giving way to a creative lapse for over 10 years. “I want my story to be shared, of how creativity can give way to healing,” she says. COLORIZED plays March 11, 12, and 13. info@narcissetheatre.org. Gamut Theatre’s Spring Showcase is Orlando, based on the Virginia Woolf novel and adapted by Sarah Ruhl. Francesca Amendolia directs. Orlando, a young nobleman in the court of Elizabeth I, longs for love and adventure to such a degree he becomes untethered in time - and becomes a woman. March 12-27. info@gamuttheatre.org. From March 18-April 3, Oyster Mill Playhouse presents A Murder is Announced, a classic Agatha Christie/Miss Marple detective story, directed by Aliza Bardfield, in which an announcement in the local paper states the time and place a murder is to occur in a Victorian house. www.oystermill.com. A heroic blind woman wards off criminals searching for a doll full of heroin in Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg’s Wait Until Dark. The play by Frederick Knott (later a film) runs through March 13. 717-766-0535. Continuing through March 20 is Fulton Theatre’s The Sound of Music, the last Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. When a lively postulate serves as governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp, she brings music and joy to the family. But as the forces of Nazism take hold in Austria, they must make a moral stand. www.thefulton.org. Another heartwarming musical takes the stage at Hershey Theatre from March 15-20. In Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye, a Russian-Jewish milkman, has five daughters — three of whom present marital challenges. Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher brings his fresh take to this

masterpiece as it visits cities across North America. 717-534-3911. A one-night-only staged reading of The Diary of Anne Frank takes place March 17 at 8 p.m. at Open Stage of Harrisburg. Written by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich and adapted by Wendy Kesselman, Robert Campbell directs. The play is based on the actual diary of a young Jewish girl who comes of age while hiding from the Nazis in a tiny, overcrowded attic with her family and friends for more than two years. Anne’s story is a constant reminder of the power of the human spirit. The show has a content advisory, with parental guidance suggested. See www.openstagehbg.com for details. Now & Then is the show on board at the Belmont Theatre from March 18-27. A comedy/drama/romance by Sean Grennan, it’s a story about love, following your dreams (or not), and the costs of the decisions we make. https://thebelmont.org. One of the strongest-willed, most sexually alluring, yet most destructive women in dramatic literature is Hedda Gabler. The play bearing her name, by Norwegian Henrik Ibsen, runs March 17-26 at Ephrata Performing Arts Center. https://epactheatre.org. In both April and July, Gettysburg Community Theatre will offer encore streaming of theatre performances to view at home. Tickets to in-person live performances are also available; upcoming performances are Improv Comedy Show on March 4 and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised), the weekends of March 11 and 18. www.GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org. Actors are wanted for 10-minute plays written by members of Playwrights Alliance of PA (PAPA), to be presented at the Original Mt. Gretna Cicada Festival. Casting will begin in April. Rehearsals start on the third Sunday in May and continue the second and fourth Fridays of June and July - with August rehearsals to be announced. For further information, contact Cindy Dlugolecki at cindy.dlugolecki@gmail.com. 7 Barbara Trainin Blank is a freelance journalist, book author, editor, and playwright. She grew up in New York City in a house rich in the arts, which are a major focus of her writing. She lived in Harrisburg for 24 years and continues to contribute to regional publications.

Tailboard Talk/Robert Stakem

HACC Honors Three Women of Excellence in Emergency Services

Editor’s note: Public safety professionals often hold informal discussions on the back bumper or tailboard of an ambulance or fire truck. Hence, the column’s tagline, “Tailboard Talk.” 18 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

o you remember your favorite TV show or movie from the 1970s through 1990s? TV shows such as “Miami Vice,” “Adam12,” “CHiPs” and “Emergency!” and movies like “Backdraft” and “Police Academy” portrayed professionals in law enforcement, fire and

emergency medical services (EMS). Historically, the main characters on screen were predominantly men. Despite these unbalanced depictions in entertainment, women play vital roles in the emergency services field. At the Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, three women have been on the leading edge for a combined 77 years in public safety and emergency services. The first in her family to enter emergency services, HACC Coordinator of Fire Training Tina Cook became a firefighter in 1997 and today is one of three female adjunct instructors for the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy. At HACC, Cook oversees the College’s involvement in Pennsylvania’s voluntary certification program and develops and manages training for business and industries throughout Pennsylvania. Cook previously worked as the fire and life safety manager for the 64-story U.S. Steel Tower in Pittsburgh. She was the building’s main first responder for all medical and fire-related incidents, trained the building’s floor wardens on emergency procedures and managed emergency drills. In 2015, she became a principal member of the newly created National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) committee of Fire and Life Safety Directors. Cook graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications with a specialty in training and development. Cook is the author of “The Firehouse Gang,” a children’s book about fire safety. Since 1998, Beth Dombrowsky has held a leading role in law enforcement training at HACC and continues to serve as a member of the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) as a 2016 appointee of Governor Wolf. Currently, she is a coordinator of law enforcement training and serves as the certified school director for HACC’s Municipal Police Academy. In this role, Dombrowsky instructs and oversees the training of future municipal police officers. Before coming to HACC, Dombrowsky served as a municipal police officer in the State College Borough Police Department. She earned her Act 120 certification through the Pennsylvania State Police and holds a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice and psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Active in EMS for 20 years, HACC alumna Melissa Etzweiler is the first woman in the nation to achieve the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) certification as a rescue medical practitioner. She began her first job in emergency care as a night shift registration clerk in a local emergency department, then became an administrative professional with an EMS agency in Dauphin County. Etzweiler became an emergency medical technician (EMT), which allowed her to serve her community in a different capacity. She was recruited to become regional education coordinator for South-Central Pennsylvania’s eight-county region. Working with the Pennsylvania Bureau of EMS, Etzweiler had an integral role in the training and implementation of some current-day EMT and paramedic practices. She achieved her Personal Trainer Certification to be the first to create the curriculum, instruct and facilitate a physical training portion in HACC’s EMS Academy. Etzweiler maintains her national and state certifications as a paramedic and continues to run on the ambulance in Dauphin County. Cook, Dombrowsky and Etzweiler advise women interested in emergency services

Photo Caption: HACC recognizes Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center employees, from left, Melissa Etzweiler, Beth Dombrowsky and Tina Cook, who have who have been on the leading edge for a combined 77 years in public safety and emergency services.

or currently in the field to focus on their strengths, recognizing that everyone brings unique qualities, characteristics and abilities to their profession. Cook said that women should not “let anyone tell you that you can’t” and you should always “stay the course.” Dombrowsky further noted the need to adapt and have resilience as you overcome barriers and stereotypes associated with women in these professions. All three women agreed that mentoring women new to the field is essential to the sustainability of emergency services. “It’s not about being ‘better,’ it’s about doing your best,” Etzweiler said. And that’s the focus of our region’s emergency responders. The next time you see these heroes responding in a crisis, take note of women, who are just as deserving of starring roles in our favorite films and TV shows. These women of excellence in public safety continue to save lives and make their mark on the communities they serve. 7 Robert Stakem is executive director of the Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.

MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 19

For The Love of Pets/Kristen Zellner

Hopping Mad About Rabbits

abbits make amazing indoor pets. They are intelligent, social, playful, and adorable. My experience with rabbits was limited until three years ago, when I fostered my first one. He was relinquished to a rescue by his former owner. I soon learned that rabbits require a lot more time and effort than I knew. Alfie needed the same amount of care as my cats and dogs. Luckily, Alfie was already litter trained and very social. I fell in love and adopted him, signing on for an 8–10-year relationship with my handsome guy. I couldn’t be happier. Domesticated rabbits are viewed as easy pets. On the contrary, they need a clean, indoor environment with mental stimulation, companionship, and a healthy diet. Bred at mills in filthy, cramped conditions, sold by brokers to pet stores, and then sold to consumers who aren’t prepared to care for them, they can wind up living a terrible life. As I write this, two beautiful, young, Holland lop rabbits are acclimating to their fourth home- in my office. Jesse and Joey, as my five-year-old named them, arrived at my shop a few days ago. They are not neutered and have some very “undesirable” behaviors. These young brothers were purchased for a child last Easter. When the bunnies became inconvenient, the parent placed them on the porch in a small cage, just as fall arrived. From there, they went to a foster home and then another. I hope that mine is their last temporary home. In this case, an adult’s decision to buy bunnies for a child turned into nearly a year of uncertainty for these two little souls. The burden of that poor decision fell on three other households and the people that orchestrated the rescue. They’re lucky because this is not the case for all unwanted rabbits. One statistic I read, at abandonedrabbits.com, reported that 80% of rabbits purchased for Easter die or are abandoned within their first year of life. It is believable, given the number of times that I have seen reports of domestic rabbits in local parks. House rabbits are not savvy enough to survive predators or stay away from cars. They will likely die if abandoned outside. Rabbits are never a good gift. They are the third most popular companion animal in the United States and the third most abandoned.

The rabbit breeding industry is fraught with abuse of these intelligent and sensitive creatures. They are a commodity with a fast turnover for profit. Rabbits breed quickly, therefore demand is easily met to supply pet stores that choose to sell animals. Not all bunnies make it to the pet store, though. Rabbits that are “defective” are killed or simply left to die as their mothers are forced to breed repeatedly to produce more “products.” Babies are taken from their mothers at four weeks of age in preparation to be shipped out to stores while they are still cute, cuddly, and defenseless - meaning they won’t bite you. There will be a boom in rabbit sales coming in about a month. Pet stores will stock up with products. Impulsive consumers will fall prey to the lure of cute bunnies. The cycle will continue. Rescues fill up a few months later and plead for volunteers and financial assistance. Therefore, a human’s poor decision to purchase a rabbit for Easter effects more than just the rabbit. Rescues, like The Bunny People in Harrisburg, are full of adoptable rabbits. Volunteers foster them in their homes and tend to the permanent resident rabbits at the shelter. They have already been spayed or neutered and checked by a veterinarian. You can adopt a rabbit for the fraction of what it would cost to purchase one and pay for the vet care. Rescues also know their rabbits’ personalities and offer advice and education on rabbit care, so you always have someone to answer your questions. Choosing to adopt a companion rabbit will save a life and create less of a demand for the rabbit breeding industry. And that is a very good thing. 7 Kristen Zellner owns Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals, est. 1986, Central PA’s first health food store for pets. She helps customers keep their pets healthy through better nutrition.

Cinematic Ramblings/Kevyn Knox

Women in cinema have come a long way, but …

arch is Women’s History Month, so let’s take a look at a subject that has been ignored for far too long. Women in cinema, like women in every other profession, have had to work a hundred times harder than their male counterparts just to be heard, let alone get ahead. True, there were women pioneers from the beginning. Alice Guy-Blaché was one of the leading directors back in the early silent days of cinema. But alas, her legacy, unlike male contemporaries such as Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffith, has been mostly forgotten. By the time the studio era came around in the 1930’s, women directors in Hollywood were an almost unheard-of thing. Dorothy Arzner and 20 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

Ida Lupino are the only successful ones that come to mind – and even they fall through the cracks of cinematic history. By the time the studio system collapsed in the 1960’s, women directors were still a rarity. Sure, there were experimental filmmakers like Maya Deren, but when it came to helming studio films, it was a man’s world. You can just see by the Oscars. It took 47 years of those awards until a woman was even nominated for Best Director in 1975. And even then, it was Lina Wertmuller, an Italian director. It would take until 1993 to see Jane Campion get nominated for a mainstream film (as it were) like The Piano. Follow that up with Sofia Coppola’s nod in 2003 for Lost

in Translation, and you still have just three women nominated in the category, as opposed to the 300+ men nominated. In 2009, Kathryn Bigelow became just the fourth woman nominated for Best Director, for The Hurt Locker, and would become the first woman to win the award. It was extra pleasing as she beat out James Cameron, her ex-husband in the process. Huzzah! Since that herstoric moment, four other women have been nominated in the category. First, Greta Gerwig in 2017 for Lady Bird. After that we got two female nominees in 2020, Emerald Fennell for Promising Young Woman and Chloé Zhao for Nomadland. Zhao would end up becoming just the second woman to win the award. Just this past month Jane Campion became the eighth woman nominated (and the first one to do it twice) for The Power of the Dog. As of this writing, Campion is the front-runner to take home the award on March 27th. We could toss in that old advertising chestnut, “You’ve come a long way, baby,” and it would be true, but that would also be underselling the changes that have finally arrived in Hollywood moviemaking. Granted, the number of Hollywood movies made by women directors last year was just 18%, down a point from 2020, but when compared to the mere 9% the year before that, it is quite an

improvement. So yes, Hollywood still has a long way to go until true equality (and we’ll leave pay equity for another conversation), but the biz does seem to be finally heading in the right direction. For every Steven Spielberg, David Fincher, & Paul Thomas Anderson out there making quality films, there is a Kelly Reichardt, an Ava DuVernay, and a Patty Jenkins. They still aren’t getting the buzz of their male counterparts (or the money or, for the most part, the prestige pictures) and that is wrong. Miranda July made a film in 2020 called Kajillionaire, which pretty much nobody saw, but was easily one of the best films of that year. Yes, equality is going in the right direction, but it could move a bit faster. That’s it gang. See you at the movies. 7 Kevyn Knox is a Writer, Artist, Pop Photographer, Film & TV Historian, Pez Collector, and Pop Culturist. He has written film reviews for FilmSpeak, Central PA Voice, and The Burg. His reviews & other ramblings can be found on his blog, www.allthingskevyn.com.

MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 21

Postcards From…/Steven G. Williams

Postcards From…

Women of Excellence: Solo Traveling

he theme for the March issue of Harrisburg Magazine is Women of Excellence. As a reader of this magazine and because Postcards From is not on the first page, I’m sure you picked up on that by now. But in case you opened this issue and landed right on my column, now you know. I might also add that all women are excellent. Shoutout to you ladies for holding down society! However, I am not a woman as I’m sure you guessed by my headshot. So, I reached out to one of the most excellent, well-travelled women I know, (since this is a travel column), my sister, to provide us with some insights from her travels for this month’s issue – especially regarding solo traveling. My sister’s name is Danielle, and this is what she had to say: What inspired you to travel? And why Solo? I was fortunate as a kid. My parents took my siblings and I on family vacations every summer and even considered our ideas when deciding where to go. I’m beyond grateful for those experiences. It provided me with exposure to a world beyond central Pennsylvania and that piqued my interest in other people and cultures. So far, I have been to too many states to list, but internationally I have traveled to Germany, Iceland, Spain, Portugal, Japan, and France. I never intended to travel solo, it just happened to work out that way. All my brothers studied abroad during college, and I felt that I was missing out on a fundamental experience. So, with a lot of help from my dad, we devised a plan for me to go to Germany during the summer before my senior year of college. That turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.

What was your process for deciding on where you’d go? I started learning German in middle school and stuck with it through college. In high school, my classmates and I won a trip to Germany because of a school project. Then during college, I became good friends with my roommate who was a German foreign exchange student. It’s fair to say I have a slight obsession with that country. So naturally, I planned my first solo trip to backpack around Germany. Also, I would have an emergency contact there; I understood the language and culture enough to get by and I knew what to expect from my previous trip.

22 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

What did you take away from your trip? I learned so much during my first solo trip. In those few weeks, I became much more confident and independent. I did feel homesick after a few days, but the sense of accomplishment navigating a foreign country and overcoming loneliness shaped and reassured me. That trip gave me a lot of time for introspection. It was later that summer that I came out to my family and friends. And honestly, without that trip I don’t think I would have had the courage or self-assurance to do so. What is the best travel advice you ever received? Solo traveling is great but if it isn’t for you and you would rather travel with friends, go on a weekend trip with them first. You’ll learn what your idea of a vacation is compared to theirs. Sometimes best friends do not make great travel partners. What is the best piece of travel advice you’d give? Be flexible. Schedule a few tours or make note of places you want to visit ahead of time. But always leave room to just walk around and get lost. Anthony Bourdain said it best, “Plans should be ephemeral, so be prepared to move away from them.” Also, if you have money to spare, get an international phone plan. Where to next? I am hoping to go back to Portugal soon. Lisbon was such a unique city with great food and people. I would love to explore more outside of the city and make my way up to Porto. Also on my bucket list are the Faroe Islands to see the Northern Lights. 7 Steven Williams is an avid traveler, amateur cook, and fantasy author. He serves on the Harrisburg School Board and is the Associate Director for the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network. He is a graduate of Northwestern University and lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with his wife Danielle.

Poem/Dana Kinsey

Paying My Respects By Dana Kinsey “You might as well answer the door, my child, the truth is furiously knocking.” —Lucille Clifton Is any inheritance ever truly earned? Maya Angelou and Lucille Clifton whisper down the lane. What right do I have to kneel at their graves, white calla lily, their words on my lips where they don’t belong? It’s better to just memorize their poems, sneak up on them like a timid child, tap them on the shoulder and run to hide. Not brave enough to show them my face. Their words weren’t for me. But my boats feel their blessings, and sail for shores where they sunk their flags. Where women move proudly, free from apologies, for offering apples or otherwise. Maya wrote to a daughter she never had, DNA unspecified. She wasn’t writing me with her wise ink, love ink, but I grasp her line even as I see how far my door stood ajar. Is it enough to sing their praises? My mother taught me not to take things that don’t belong, to share what I was given. Which do I heed? She lies far from me now, in stars I cannot summon. I can guess her answer. Students look into my eyes, girls thirsty for something they know I know. Lucille, Jeopardy champion, asked myriad questions, like majestic Maya poured nectar into crystal. Can they forgive my one small sip? 7 Dana Kinsey is a writer, actor, and teacher published in Writers Resist, One Art, Broadkill Review, Fledgling Rag, For Women Who Roar, Porcupine Literary, Sledgehammer Lit, West Trestle Review, Prose Online, and Teaching Theatre. Dana’s play, WaterRise, was produced at the Gene Frankel Theatre. For details on her book Mixtape Venus, visit wordsbyDK.com.

MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 23

#hbgmag Influencer

The Evolution of a True Public Servant: Patty Kim

An underdog helping underdogs Story By Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos By Rick Snizik

ome people argue that politics is nothing more than a popularity contest. If that’s true, then that could explain why PA State Representative Patty Kim has won her last four elections by margins of 57% (2014 Democratic primary; unopposed in general election), 79% (2016 Democratic primary; unopposed in general election), 68% (2018 general election), and 70% (2020 Democratic primary; unopposed in general election). She is highly popular in the 103rd legislative district, which includes Harrisburg city and, (at press time) pending some possible court challenges, might also soon include the West Shore’s East Pennsboro Township, Lemoyne, Wormleysburg, and Camp Hill. But her fame isn’t owed to wealth or celebrity. Rather, all one must do is look at Kim’s accomplishments to get a sense of why people like her so much. And you don’t have go back very far. Just since October of 2021, Kim has been part of or party to the following: 24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

• An Emergency/Rental Assistance Workshop in Steelton • Procurement of a $150K grant for Reservoir Park updates • Approval of $500K in funding to curb gun violence in Harrisburg • A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Breaking the Chainz, Inc., a community resource center in Uptown Harrisburg • A “2nd Chance Workshop” to help people learn about pardon & reentrant processes • And, most recently, the announcement of $225 million in federal funding for frontline workers Additionally, in 2021 Kim co-sponsored legislative proposals for raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage (One Fair Wage) and banning chokeholds and positional asphyxia by law enforcement, both initiatives popular among capital city residents. Clearly, Kim cares about her constituents. And they, in turn,

care about her enough to keep returning her to a seat that was once held by such notable names as Ron Buxton and former Harrisburg mayor Stephen Reed. It is because of the symbiotic relationship between Kim and her district’s residents, and the many ways that her “solutionbased” approach to government has helped so many of them in their daily lives, that we have selected her as our “Influencer” of the month. Empathy rooted in adversity You’ll never find a better sparring partner than adversity. - Golda Meir Some people receive a knock-out punch from adversity. Others not only rise above it but pass on the lessons they’ve learned from it to their children. Kim’s parents clearly are examples of the latter. Her father, though Korean, “was actually born in Manchuria,” she says, “and things were getting rough. They [his family] had to leave China because it was dangerous for Koreans.” Her dad had to endure an arduous three-week journey on foot when the family truck broke down. Her mother, born in North Korea, also needed to take flight, first moving with her parents to South Korea before taking refuge from the war in the United States. Eventually, Kim’s mother and father would meet in the small town of Escondido, California. Daughter Patty was born in 1973.

“There are people who help, and there are people who need help. Pick which side and go to it.” “I share that story,” explains Kim, “because it’s such an immigrantsurvivor mentality. Like, ‘how did we get so lucky?’ But my family would say, ‘how did we get so blessed?’” Of course, not all her parents’ adversity was experienced during the Korean War days. There were also the weeks – and years – of discrimination once they were in America. “When my mom was working in retail,” says Kim, “just the making fun of her broken English, treating her like she’s dumb, because she doesn’t speak perfect English … I saw that and, as a child, to see other people being treated differently, especially your mom and dad … it had an impact. So, having that underdog feel, like ‘we don’t see everybody up on stage, but we’re always on the side,’ like almost kind of embarrassed, because we look different, we sound different. And so, it took a while for me to really appreciate my culture.” Kim’s early years, spent in San Diego until the 6th grade, were certainly spent wrestling – or perhaps sparring – with how to rise above the racism, to even empathize with those who saw her as different. So, by the time her family moved to McLean, Virginia, she was already discovering that she enjoyed interacting with – and understanding – people.

The drive to connect Kim majored in communications at Boston College in preparation for what she hoped would be a successful career interacting and understanding people as a TV journalist. But it would be a slow start. “I went back home for a little bit to do cable TV [Montgomery County Cable News],” she says with a grin. “They hire anybody coming out of college.” From there, it was on to Hagerstown, Maryland for “a real on-air position” with the local NBC affiliate. She did that for about two years, she recalls, “and then Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – a mid-sized market! – a bigger city than Hagerstown, just two hours from home – ta-dah! Perfect! It was a great opportunity, and it brought me here.” Kim remembers those early days at WHP-TV 21 as a true learning – and growing – process. “I’m very grateful for Harrisburg viewers … (she laughs) they saw a lot of mistakes! I grew up, almost before people’s eyes, whether it be the news, or to Harrisburg City Council meetings, to now … and it’s just been quite a journey.” Through it all, Kim valued the ability to team up with her videographer See Patty Kim on Page 26 MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 25

Patti Kim, continued from Page 25

in “communicating somebody’s life,” and says she truly enjoyed the “people interaction” and creativity. “That was fun,” she says. “That’s what I remember most.” After years of interacting with local people as a reporter, it seemed like a natural transition to start helping local people. The power to help the least powerful Kim’s connection with the Harrisburg community not only became stronger during her years as a journalist, but it would serve as a bridge to the higher calling of public service that has included two terms on the Harrisburg City Council, and now her fifth term as a PA State Representative. “So, when I was a news reporter, we were low on reporters,” she explains. “And I was told to be the lead reporter. And the lead reporter always had the hard news. But I was always drawn to the ‘fluffy’ news, as my news director would call it. About the community doing good things. Making a difference. They were the fluff pieces. But I loved those stories, because I could talk to real people who were doing awesome things, and I wanted to showcase them. And, you know, part of public service, I still get to meet those types of people. Support them. Whatever they’re doing, I just come behind and support them. Yeah, it was kind of a neat transition.” But Kim’s move into public service wasn’t just about supporting her constituents. Rather, she has felt almost an obligation or moral duty 26 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

to help everyone in her district, even those who may not agree with her politically. “I have to prioritize,” she says. “There are people who are really struggling, whether it be in poverty, or lack of jobs … I just feel like I have life savers, and I’m just throwing them out for people who are struggling, whether it be mental health or, again, financial issues.” “I see people who disagree with me,” she continues, “and I try to interact with them. But most of our time is just putting out fires. Somebody about to get evicted, versus somebody who wants to fight me on the 2nd amendment issue? I have to attend to the urgent matters. But absolutely I believe I need to represent everybody.” Ten years (and counting) Now with nearly a decade of experience as a state legislator behind her, Kim has time to reflect – before diving headfirst into her upcoming reelection campaign. As the mother of two teenaged daughters, she continues to build on a legacy of diversity and service for future generations. (“We have a big world out there,” she says, “and there are people who help, and there are people who need help. Pick which side and go to it.”) As the daughter of parents who faced – and then rose above - discrimination, she prides herself on letting people know they have value. (“It took me a long time to realize that I’m in a cool position, and that my words can really impact somebody, especially

children. Maybe a friend or their mom says, ‘you’re great,’ but sometimes when somebody else who has a title says, ‘you’re great,’ sometimes they carry that a little bit longer. And they walk away with their head up higher.”) She smiles when she is asked about her single biggest accomplishment (“Our constituency services,” she responds, “that is the bread-and-butter of my office. My team is tired from serving so many people, but yet I’m honored that they feel comfortable to come to talk about literally any issues.”). Yet, she is simultaneously saddened by the latest report of violence against minority communities (“People of color know it’s there,” she says. “It’s the nonpeople of color who are like ‘I have allies, I support you guys’ but don’t understand the extent. They don’t have to live with it until they see somebody die on camera.”) For each moment of exaltation in politics there can be moments of frustration and weariness, especially in such divisive times. Kim herself compares it to “standing on each side of the wall … playing dodge ball.” Frustrating, yes, but Kim seems undaunted, even as she awaits final word on the redrawn state congressional districts – and whether she will face a challenger in the primary. Though her many fans may not like to hear it, someday Kim will inevitably retire from politics. When that happens, what line of work might she pursue? “I know there are a lot of organizations that like to do community work, and give out resources, and grants and things like that,” she says, “and because I feel like I know which groups are doing a really good job and are impeccable, I would love to be a part of that. Giving away money! I keep asking people for money for campaigning. (she laughs) I want to give it away!” Of course, at some point Kim may need a break from always thinking of others. Which means treating herself to the top items on her bucket list: “I’ve never been to Korea,” she exclaims. “To my father’s embarrassment. He just thought ‘I’m done with Korea, we’re Americans.’ So, visiting Korea, and then … living on a farm.” “As I get older and more stressed out, I like to garden and be in nature. It would just be so amazing.” 7

Like movie stars I have an entourage, too. Our cat and dog follow me all around the house to jump up on my lap as soon as I sit down. I’m kinda a do-it-yourself guy. So, I came up with my own epitaph. “Bill was briefly glib, then he was dead forever.” Yeah, that oughta do it. Never saw a Finnish person at a finish line in my life, but then I’ve never been to Finland where the Fins probably win all the races. Life is but a dream...with bathroom breaks. I’m too damn old to be polite to idiots. So I don’t get out much. And now for my next trick. I’m going to pull a rabbit out of my Magic Eight Ball. Then make a politician tell the truth on TV during an election. I know neither have ever been done before. When it’s “Buy one, get the second one free,” I always ask for the second one. You can’t learn anything if you do all the talking.

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Short Story/Gramgram

Gramgram

She only remembered the days of the past, and if there was cake…

hen my father received a diagnosis of cancer, I was twelve. This diagnosis did not spring upon us abruptly. For years, my father battled through a multiplicity of health ailments that he quietly dismissed. The doctors said he had maybe two good years left, if he was lucky. He was the only breadwinner in our household. This daunting posture superimposed upon him seemed to give him a super-sized source of strength that neither my mother nor I could fully understand. My father simply did what needed to be done to keep our family of three afloat. After receiving this diagnosis, he announced to the doctors that he was a man that did not believe in luck. For him, there were no negotiations involving luck, only eternal promises of a home in heaven. He told them he had spent a lifetime serving the Lord and that, when the time came for him to part this world, he was going to do so on the terms the Lord had laid down for him. With that proclamation, he ended all treatment and set out for what turned out to be the last three years of his life and the best three years of mine, spending it with him until the end. I remember him telling my mother he was going to go out in style and take an early retirement before becoming too ill to enjoy his last days. When my father felt well enough, we would get into his old Impala and drive over to Aunt Mary’s house, where we would spend a good portion of the day visiting and talking. I look back on those days of my father’s quest to live his last years as a man who was full of life and not like one who was working on getting his affairs in order. Understanding now what a gift he gave me; Life does not promise us the gift of tomorrow. It may sound clichéd, but because of his triumphant attitude about life, those lessons have stuck with me. I remember his passion for spending time with his family. Aunt Mary was my dad’s favorite niece. She came to Pennsylvania when she was 23 years old, hoping that living in the North would bring her a bit of the good life. She was part of the many black southerners who migrated North, yearning to escape the oppression of 28 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

Story by Roe Braddy • Illustration by Rhiannon Loza

southern Jim Crow laws. When she was settled in Pittsburgh, she went back to Santee, South Carolina, and brought her great grandmother, Big Mary, to her new home back North. That was years ago. Big Mary was not big at all. In fact, she was small in stature and probably weighed only a hundred pounds. Our family affectionately gave her that name because, at 101, she was the oldest matriarch of the Whaley family. She told us all the freedom stories about the last days after the antebellum South. As a young girl, when my father took me to Aunt Mary’s house, I knew I would hear some of my family’s grand stories. I somehow understood that my father found the strength to take me to Aunt Mary’s house because he knew that one day I would be our family’s storyteller after he was gone. My father would sit with Aunt Mary at her kitchen table drinking black coffee and talking about their relatives that still lived in the South. While they talked, I would go to sit in the living room with a big slice of cake and a glass of milk and keep Big Mary company. I could always find Big Mary sitting in her Lazy boy recliner covered with old quilts. She was always cold. I guess when you are 101, your blood runs real slow. At least that’s what Aunt Mary said. As I sat across from Big Mary, Aunt Mary would spread a napkin across my lap and hand me a slice of cake big enough for three people. That was fine with me, because Aunt Mary’s cakes were divine. She put down a wooden coaster where she placed a large glass of milk, served in an old jelly jar on the old mahogany coffee table that sat in front of me. “Girl, sit here with Big Mary and keep her company, and don’t ya spill nothin’ on that sofa, ya hear me?” Aunt Mary would say in her strong southern accent. “Yes ma’am,” I’d whisper back. After Aunt Mary went back into the kitchen, I would wait a few minutes until Big Mary opened her eyes and sensed that she was not alone in the room. Big Mary didn’t look like she was 101. She was a light-skinned woman with freckles and very few wrinkles. Aunt Mary would brush out her long, white hair and style it into two pigtails that were secured on top of her head with bobby pins. There was always a pair of wire-rimmed glasses that sat low on the bridge of her nose. Big Mary was completely blind, so she had no practical use for glasses. I think she just enjoyed knowing that they were there. When she opened her eyes, they were cloudy, and the pupils were white. Momma said she had an eye disease that made them that color and that’s why she couldn’t see anymore. “Who that? That you girl?” she’d call out. “It’s me Gramgram, little Roe,” I would say. That was my special name for Big Mary. Gramgram would close her eyes again and rest her head on the back of her chair. This is when the storytelling would begin. She would softly hum until the words of her story surfaced. These bits and pieces of her memory were often painful. Her mother had been born into slavery on a small plantation in the South. I never knew where; I just knew Gramgram remembered the days of working in the field alongside her mother and her two sisters as sharecroppers. “Momma, no!” Gramgram would call out in a half sleep. She would recall the memory of the machete left lying in the field that had badly cut her mother. The long rusty blade pierced the bottom of her barefoot. Gramgram would recollect how she and her little sisters had to use their petticoats to wrap their mother’s foot and help her back to the little shack they called home on the plantation. “Jesus, make it stop bleeding, save our momma,” Gramgram would say over and over. There were no doctors that came to see about her. She just wrapped her foot in whatever old, dirty bandages she could

find and continued to work in the field until she died a week later from the spread of gangrene. After her mother’s death, she and her two sisters continued to work the field as young sharecroppers with their father. There was no time for grief or sorrow back then. Gramgram and her two sisters stayed with their father until he became old, and no longer able to work the fields. They buried him on the plantation in an unmarked grave. Gramgram and her sisters went their separate ways a short time after that. She never heard from them again. No matter how many times she recalled this story, my heart would skip a beat when she called out to her momma. Her grieving heart left me with a feeling of sorrow that would often linger with me for days. I would sit motionless with my uneaten slice of cake on my lap, as Gramgram would call out. Tears would run down from her closed eyes and she would ball up her hands in tight fists. Then, suddenly, the memory would leave her as quickly as it came. “Give me some cake girl,” she would softly moan as she turned her head in my direction. I often wondered how she knew I was eating cake. That part spooked me a bit. “Don’t you give her no cake girl, she got the sugar, ya know,” Aunt Mary would bellow from the other room. “Yes ma’am, I won’t,” I’d say back. By this time, Gramgram would close her eyes and drift back to sleep. Most of the time, she would forget all about wanting a piece of cake. Every day she would forget; she only remembered the days of the past, and if there was cake. I wondered if I would grow up to be like Gramgram. Would I only remember right now? Each visit was the same. Gramgram would tell a story from the past, ask for a piece of cake, and fall back to sleep while Aunt Mary would yell, “Don’t give her no cake,” and then we would pack up and go home. I would put the slice of cake in a piece of aluminum foil, taking it home with me and saving it for after dinner. Some things never change. I can still remember all the visits to Aunt Mary’s house, all the slices of cake that followed me home, and all Big Mary’s stories. These sweet memories were of some of the last days I spent with my father. Big Mary and Aunt Mary are gone now, but their stories will always linger in my memory. 7 Roe Braddy is a retired educator and the author of eight books. She has also written and produced three stage productions that were performed in Harrisburg. Her latest work includes a series of three historical romance novellas that are available on Amazon.com.

MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 29

TRIBUTE TO WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE Honoring the top mentors, role models, and volunteers in Central PA Story By Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos By Markie Wolfe

very September for the past 33 years, a call for nominations has been issued from the marketing department of the YWCA Greater Harrisburg, reaching up to nearly 4000 people at various organizations and companies. And every March for those same 33 years, an average of 25 to 30 women have been selected from that nomination list and honored as the YW’s annual “Women of Excellence” - well over 700 extraordinary women in all recognized for their contributions to the Central PA region, both professionally and philanthropically. After a one-year Covid hiatus in 2020, and honoring of the Class of 2020 in 2021, the Tribute to Women of Excellence is back on track and ready to salute a new class of 28 outstanding women! “We are exceedingly proud to pay tribute to empowered women in our region for the 33rd consecutive year,” says Mary Quinn, YWCA CEO. “This annual event is a community favorite as well as our own a time when we reflect not only on the collective accomplishments of these individuals, but also on the impact they have made on the lives of our neighbors, friends, and family.” To understand how huge a role those “collective accomplishments” and each individual’s “impact” plays in the nominating and selection process, just take a gander at the organization’s impressive eligibility criteria: All nominees must: • Participate actively in the community as mentors, role models and volunteers. • Actively serve on the boards or committees of various non-profits and organizations. • Demonstrate integrity, strength of character and leadership. 30 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

• Raise and donate money to important causes. • Embrace and support the vision and mission of the YWCA. After a nearly two-month window for receiving nominations closes, the YW association board begins its official vetting, using two different screening processes: first, a simple Google of each nominee’s name, to ensure there are no controversial pieces existing in the cyber universe; and then, a line-for-line review of each woman’s submitted materials, which consist of a 600-to-1000-word Narrative Biography, and a 75-to100-word Presentation Bio. Once all screening processes are completed, the board pares the list of women down as close to 25 as they can (they did end up with 32 qualified women one year!); and, although no recipient can be selected for more than one year’s class, all women are eligible for two additional yearly awards: the Carolyn L. Smith Legacy Award, given to an exemplary woman whose efforts set a standard for a lifetime commitment to the welfare of women and children in the capital region; and the Karen F. Snider Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes the efforts of a woman under the age of 30 on behalf of the community, particularly with regard to mentoring younger girls. “Each honoree embodies our mission in unique ways,” says Quinn, “and we consider it a privilege to celebrate them all.” The Tribute to Women of Excellence, the YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s biggest fundraiser of the year, will take place Thursday, March 24th, at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. See YWCA Women of Excellence on Page 34

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(left to right) (seated) Becki Giannelli, Jodi Griffis; (standing) Melisa Burnett, Emily Lewis, Annie Garner

(left to right) (seated) Beth Mihmet, Raeann Buskey; (standing) Phyllis Harmon, Brenna Kernan, Meera Modi

(left to right) (seated) Ashley Mentzer, Shannon Gierasch; (standing) Jeshanah Fox, Lynn Brooks, Dr. Oralia Garcia Dominic

(left to right) (seated) Dr. Kimberly Harbaugh, Joyce Davis, Suzanne Engels; (standing) Rosie Mesich, Dr. Kit Lu, Leah Payne

(left to right) (seated) Lauren Turnbull, Dr. Katharine Dalke; (standing) Lindsay Drew, Susan Cort, Tracy Fleager

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YWCA Women of Excellence, continued from Page 30

This year’s most excellent women are: Lynn Brooks A graduate of Kutztown University (BS in Psychology) and Friends University (MS in Marriage and Family Therapy) Lynn is a licensed therapist at Life’s Journey Therapy Solutions in Lemoyne, PA. She specializes in relationship issues and is well-known in the community for her availability as a court-appointed reunification and co-parenting counselor for custody cases. Having successfully navigated these cases, she has helped scores of local families. In her spare time Lynn volunteers at St. Joan of Arc as a cheerleading coach; leads a local Girl Scout troop; runs the Harrisburg Attachment Parenting Group; and organizes many other community projects.

Melisa Burnet Melisa is the Workforce Development Manager at Hamilton Health Center, where she helps to connect students with resources from local financial institutions, providing an affordable pathway to medical assistant certification. She has worked in partnership with the Department of Labor and Industry and The United Way of the Capital Region in running the Road to Success Program; and is President of The Left-Out Organization Program (L.O.O.P.). She and her husband, Dr. Anthony Burnett, dedicate their lives to providing youth with tutoring, mentoring, recreational activities, and more. As Associate Pastor of Kingdom Youth Ministry, Melisa also teaches bible lessons and prepares meals for attendees.

Raeann Buskey Karen L. Snider Emerging Leader Award Winner 2022 Karen F. Snider Emerging Leader Award recipient Raeann Buskey has been a member of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) for the past two years, excelling as both a clear and accurate communicator and talented writer for their Marketing and Communications team. Dedicated to empowering young people to “do good” in their lives, Raeann supports the Fund for Women and Girls (FWG); works with the Early Education members of the TFEC Team; and has had an active role in the Regional Foundation Centennial + One Anniversary events. When she is not working, she mentors softball students at both Cumberland Valley High School and Millersville University.

Susan Cort Susan Cort has served the Central Pennsylvania business and non-profit community for more than 30 years. As Director of Communications for JPL and its sister company, d’Vinci Interactive, Susan brings her passion for serving others by leading their corporate social responsibility efforts. Outside of work, she has championed many causes by serving in leadership roles for Children’s Miracle Network, Hershey Area Playhouse, Hershey Symphony Orchestra, Hershey Rotary Club, and also the Hershey Area All Things Diversity, for which she co-hosts an educational series. She also devotes her time and energy as an elected official in Derry Township.

Katharine Dalke, M.D. Dr. Katharine Dalke focuses on the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) people, as well as the health of people with differences of sex development. She teaches at the Hershey Medical School and primarily sees patients at Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute in Harrisburg. Her research has been included 34 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

in several peer reviewed journals, and she has been interviewed by Oprah Winfrey on the Oprah show. A volunteer Consensus Committee Member with the National Academies of Science, Katharine is also a board member for Planned Parenthood Keystone and was appointed by Governor Wolf to the newly formed Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs.

Joyce M. Davis Carolyn L. Smith Legacy Award Winner Joyce has been described as a trusted journalist, civil rights champion, and advocate for the underserved. The World Affairs Council she founded has broadened horizons for hundreds of young people and adults. As Opinion Editor for PA Media Group, she speaks truth to power, especially when those in authority break their promises. She serves on the board of the PA Council of Churches, the Board of Advisors of Georgetown University’s Journal of International Affairs, and as Journalist in Residence with the Pew International Reporting Project. Joyce is currently documenting her experiences as one of the first female African American foreign correspondents to work for major U.S. News organizations.

Lindsay Drew As a self-employed single parent, Lindsay provides marketing services to small businesses and non-profit organizations through iChase Solutions Marketing, LLC, and serves as Director of Marketing for Cocoa Packs, which provides supplemental food and other support to more than 1,400 local children. She is President of the Derry Township School Board, and founder of The Jessica Drew Sunshine Memorial Fund, Inc., an organization created in memory of her sister which provides educational scholarships and grants to community organizations. Lindsay’s honors have included Central Pennsylvania’s 40 under 40; Top 25 Women of Influence - Community Achievement Award; and the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Leadership Award.

Heather Eickhoff Heather Eickhoff, the first-ever female to serve as the vice president and director of human resources in Gannett Fleming’s 106-year history, embodies the firm’s brand of Excellence Delivered as Promised in all that she does. Through her tenure, she has completely revamped how Gannett approached its compensation programs. When COVID-19 hit, she served as a key strategist, counsel, and policy driver on creating a remote work environment where employees could thrive. A field hockey player, official, and coach for many years, Heather has contributed countless hours to mentoring young women through athletics, helping them grow, develop their voice, and have the courage to make a difference in the world.

Suzanne Engels The ways in which Sue has been involved with local community organizations are almost too numerous to list. She has been a volunteer for Compassionate Care Hospice; a fundraiser and team leader for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer; Capital liaison for the Technology Council of Central PA (TCCP); and a member of the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red Society. She has also served on Harrisburg University’s Professional Development IT Board of Advisors and the Whitaker Center for the Arts Women in STEM committee and can often be found volunteering her time and talents to both the Salvation Army and The United Way. See YWCA Women of Excellence on Page 36 MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 35

YWCA Women of Excellence, continued from Page 35

Tracy Fleager

Tracy has distinguished herself through a lifetime of community service, both as a volunteer and in leadership capacities. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Tracy led the Penn National Insurance United Way workplace giving campaign to outstanding success, even while employees were working from home. She participates in fundraising walks to support the American Heart Association and supports Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Tracy also volunteers - and served on the board of directors - for the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance and is an active member of the Women’s Leadership Network of United Way of the Capital Region and the Bridges Society.

Jeshanah Fox Jeshanah is the Marketing Director at Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz, where she focuses on aligning the strategic vision of the Firm with marketing initiatives, client experience, and helping to build and promote the BSSF brand. Outside of her professional life, Jeshanah volunteers with several organizations, serving as a Board Member for the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania and the Whitaker Center for the Science and Arts, as well as serving on the Advisory Committee for the United Way Women’s Leadership Network and as a mentor for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Rise program.

Dr. Oralia Garcia Dominic In her role as a Medical Policy Research Analyst and Chief Medical Officer for Highmark Inc., Dr. Dominic supports economic empowerment and community responsibility through increased access to health care. Over the course of the pandemic, Dr. Dominic helped implement a statewide COVID-19 testing and vaccination program for PA’s most vulnerable communities. Within her organization, she promotes diversity by chairing SALUD, a Latino business resource group. Currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA, Dr. Dominic was recognized by the Central Penn Business Journal as a Community Outreach and Education Hero in 2021.

Annie Garner Annie’s ‘career profession’ is with Penn State Health where she is an IT program manager for business relationship management. Her ‘profession of service’ is with the Dauphin County Library System, where she is currently president of the board of trustees and a valued member of the capital campaign executive leadership team that is leading a $3.5 million building campaign for the McCormick Riverfront Library and recently acquired Haldeman Haly House. An advocate of high diversity, inclusion and equity standards, Annie’s managerial expertise and leadership abilities coupled with a lifelong love of all things library make her an outstanding community volunteer.

Becky Giannelli As Integrated Marketing, Digital & Creative Director for Pennsylvania’s largest credit union, PSECU, Becky plays a vital role in the execution of enterprise initiatives across multiple platforms and channels and was one of the first to volunteer for a position on the company’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) Education and Awareness committee. Outside of work, Becky serves on the board of The Circle School, a selfdirected democratic private school, where she supported the creation of an Anti-Racism Committee. For the past five years, she has volunteered at Gather the Spirit for Justice/Common Ground Community Center, a soup kitchen serving the residents of Allison Hill in Harrisburg. 36 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

Shannon Gierasch Shannon exemplifies what it means to be a leader and mentor in both her personal and professional life. As the first General Counsel and first female member of the executive team at West Shore Home, she helped launch the employee resource group Women of West Shore, which offers a safe place for female employees to discuss the day to day struggles they encounter, empower them to take control of their careers, and identify their potential. She is a current member of the board of directors for Hospice of Central Pennsylvania and has played a role in several charities, including Connection Mission.

Jodi Griffis Jodi Griffis began her career at M&T Bank more than 20 years ago as a teller. Today, she is a Treasury Management Consultant, working with local businesses to improve cash flow. One of the first graduates of M&T’s Diversity Development Program in Buffalo, NY, Jodi is very passionate about diversity and inclusion. She is also a founding member and leader for the bank’s African American Resource Group and, most recently, co-chair of their Next Steps Toward Social Justice Committee. Jodi is also active with the United Way and Boys and Girls Club and serves on the Finance Committee of the Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church.

Dr. Kimberly Harbaugh Dr. Harbaugh is one of the few women in the U.S. to reach the level of full Professor of Neurosurgery and is currently employed in that capacity at the Penn State College of Medicine. She serves as co-Director of the Neurofibromatosis Clinic at Penn State Health and has brought a level of care to Central Pennsylvania previously only available in metropolitan

academic medical centers. A ground-breaking researcher and much sought-after lecturer, Kimberly still finds time to engage in exceptional community service, working primarily with youths promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles. She also serves as a Eucharistic Minister at the Saint Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey.

Phyllis Harmon As the COO and Director of Wealth Management of LeTort Management & Trust Company, Phyllis is responsible for the strategic direction and overall management of the business. She is a past President of the Central PA Estate Planning Council, President of The Family and Children Services of Central Pennsylvania board, and former Director and current member of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Financial Planning Association. Additionally, Phyllis serves on the executive committee of the board of the Friends of Simpson Public Library and has fueled her passion for financial literacy by volunteering with Junior Achievement’s Financial Park program.

Brenna Kernan Brenna serves as the Regional Vice President of the Capital Region for Members 1st Federal Credit Union. In this role, she oversees more than 50 associates and is responsible for ensuring that the annual goals are met at nearly a dozen branch locations in Dauphin and Perry Counties. Brenna has contributed hours of her time to many local charitable initiatives in the greater Harrisburg area, including Dress for Success, The Salvation Army, Keystone Area Goodwill and Capital Area Girls on the Run. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Harrisburg Area and has received numerous community awards, including 2019 Forty Under 40 honors. See YWCA Women of Excellence on Page 38

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YWCA Women of Excellence, continued from Page 37

Emily Lewis Emily, the Education Program Manager for The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, volunteers in her spare time with numerous charity organizations. She has served the YWCA as the Pursuit of Justice Chairwoman since 2017 and is a member of their junior board. Emily is a current committee member for the American Foundation for Children with AIDS and was a founding member of the Brethren Housing Association’s little black dress event. In 2020, Emily served on the Executive Leadership Team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and is currently running as a 2022 Woman of the Year candidate.

Kit Lu, M.D. As Director, Clinical Trials Program, UPMC Central PA and CoDirector, Breast Medical Oncology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Dr. Lu has done more than just diagnose and treat hundreds of breast cancer patients in the Harrisburg and York region. She has also overseen the arrival of many leading-edge therapies and clinical trials for Central PA – providing more options for area cancer patients. Currently working on a Post Pandemic Return to Screening Project, Lu also volunteers with a wide range of community and professional organizations, including Casting for Recovery. Dr. Lu is a member of the Central PA Chinese Association.

Ashley Mentzer Ashley is the founder and owner of Thrive Fit Co.™, a boutique fitness instruction studio in downtown Camp Hill spreading “Good Vibes Only” through personal training, small group fitness classes, and nutrition counseling. In the summer of 2021, she held donation-based outdoor track workouts at Cedar Cliff High School, raising $700 for Downtown Daily Bread. Ashley routinely offers free outdoor workouts at the Downtown Camp Hill Association’s Harvest Hop; organized a team to participate in the Trick or Trot 5K benefiting The Earl Besch Project; and raised $2,250 to purchase winter coats and food for children at HSD’s Rowland Academy.

Rosie Mesich Following a Criminal Justice degree at Penn State, Rosie earned a Master of Public Administration. She then began her career with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, working to implement programs to better serve Keystone State residents. In 2013, Rosie joined KPMG to help government clients improve services for health and human services programs, including the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid Expansion, and the roll-out of Community Health Choices. She serves on the board of Hershey Hearts, is involved with the American Heart Association’s Capital Region Heart Walk (in honor of her son, Niko, the 2021 Heart Hero), and is actively engaged in KPMG’s family for literacy program.

Elizabeth “Beth” Mihmet Since 2016, Beth has been the Chief Development Officer for Hospice of Central PA, where she works with the marketing and fundraising teams to strengthen charitable support for the organization. A 2020 Robert D. Hanson Award-winner for exemplary service as a Rotarian, Beth serves on the board of directors, chairs the local community service committee, and is set to begin serving as the next president (starting in July) for The Rotary Club of Harrisburg. She also volunteers as a board member for Leadership Harrisburg Area and is a member of the chancel choir for St. Paul’s UCC in Mechanicsburg. 38 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

Meera Modi Known in the legal industry for her infectious dedication to helping her clients achieve their goals and unmatched mentorship of junior attorneys, Meera is a leading mergers and acquisitions attorney at McNees Wallace & Nurick. Committed to giving back to the community, Meera serves on the board of Operation Medical, a nonprofit in Central PA committed to promoting and providing highquality medical care and education to communities that lack adequate access; and is an advisory board member at Orrstown Bank for the Capital Region. She also supports Très Bonne Année, the United Way of the Capital Region, and the Hindu American Religious Institute.

Pastor Leah Sherille Payne Pastor Payne is the HELP Ministries Program Manager under Christian Churches United, where she assists in developing and managing budgets related to all programs. Prior to this position, she held the position of Rental Assistant Client Service Coordinator for HELP Ministries. Her ministry includes feeding the homeless and organizing and implementing community-based prevention programs around many social and mental health issues. Pastor Payne also founded the former “God’s Angels Day Care,” which served children and families for over sixteen years; and is founder and organizer of many other events including the “Annual Fall Harvest Park,” which serves over 300 residents every year.

Capital Region community. She is currently in her second term on the Board of the Central PA Food Bank, Chair of the Development Committee, plus creator and two-time Chair of the “Top Taste” mission-centric fundraiser that has raised nearly $670,000 to support the Food Bank. Susan also actively volunteers in various capacities with the United Way, Dress for Success, Central PA Association of Female Executives and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Lauren Turnbull Lauren Turnbull is Managing Director of Market Development at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, where she leads entertainment sales and market development initiatives, and sits on the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council and the Women in Leadership Employee Resource Group Committee. Active in the community, Lauren serves on the Children’s Miracle Network Hershey and Hershey All Things Diversity Advisory Boards. She also volunteers at Milton Hershey School as part of HE&R’s Core Purpose of honoring founder Milton S. Hershey. Prior to joining HE&R, Lauren spent 15 years at PepsiCo in a variety of sales operations and retail sales roles. 7

Susan Roof After a successful career with Highmark and its subsidiaries that utilized her strong marketing, communication and leadership skills, Susan Roof has focused her time and talents on helping improve the

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Profile: Lisa Lickers-Ricks

No telephone booth or costume change needed! Story and Photo By Markie Wolfe

nce upon a time it was believed that superwomen were figments of imagination. A mere Marvel character if you will. However, that is not the case. There are extraordinary women right here in the city of Harrisburg that forces one to beg to differ. Lisa Lickers-Ricks is one of these phenomenal women and she is changing the world one life at a time. Lisa Lickers-Ricks is the CEO and founder of the Young Women’s Empowerment Academy. According to Lisa, the academy was created to give girls the person that she needed in her life when she was younger. Her sole purpose is to change the lives of young women all across the country. The Young Women’s Empowerment Academy is a nonprofit program established to develop courageous and confident young women who will make healthy & educated choices when faced with life changing decisions. Lisa’s program achieves this goal through mentorship, workshops, community service and physical experiences. The ultimate goal of the Young Women’s Empowerment Academy is to empower girls who will change the world! Lickers-Ricks daughters were her motivation to create the Young Women’s Empowerment Academy. Lisa has an inspiring story of resilience and dedication as she gives her testimony of being a teen mother who later becomes a successful entrepreneur making history today. “I had my first daughter at age fourteen and my second daughter at age seventeen. Both before I graduated high school. I still allowed them to be my motivation even though I could have had every excuse in the world to not be successful and settle for whatever that life had to offer me. I wanted to show them the power of a made-up mind. I finished high school with honors. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree and I graduated magna cum laude with a 3.75 GPA while taking care of both of them, living on my own, and working full time. I then went on to get my master’s degree in human services and counseling. During that time, I was intentional about everything, such as who 40 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

I allowed around my daughters, the women I allowed to influence them, what I let them see, keeping them in church, and I still saw areas where they struggled. I began to think, ‘If my girls are struggling in certain areas with me being specific about intentions pertaining to them, how much more are young girls who may not have a parent who aren’t able to be as intentional?’ This is when I started the academy in July of 2017. I started out with six girls, two of which were my daughters and after that it began to expand.” The Young Women’s Empowerment Academy’s four pillars of success are service, influence, entrepreneurship, and education. Upon this strong foundation, the academy has been

proven to significantly decrease drug and alcohol use, cultivate and inspire more young ladies to pursue entrepreneurship, achieve academic success, decrease school truancy, and produce an increase of women who thrive in the arts, among other amazing achievements. To date, the academy has empowered 245 girls, with 201 girls who are currently in trade school or college, and at least 15 who are published authors through the writing program. This year, Lisa is looking to have over 100 girls enrolled in the writing program who will tell their stories and become published authors! The majority of the girls who have graduated have become interns or mentors. The academy stays well connected with all the girls and

alumni to make sure that they all have the resources they need to continue to succeed. Throughout the year, the academy hosts career fairs for the community. Lisa deliberately invites organizations or professionals in the career field that interests the girls. “We are adamant and intentional about partnering the girls with people in their field. If they want to be a doctor, we have a black woman doctor that they can connect with, interview, and have access to even as they pursue the field. Attorneys, nurses, people in law enforcement, our girls have access to so many women who can help them in their career as a whole and as they continue to navigate through the different paths towards their careers.” The Young Women’s Empowerment Academy is where you can find Lisa’s heart. Because of this, she seeks to expand the program to many more locations. Currently the academy can be found online through the virtual academy, here in Harrisburg, PA, Lynchburg, VA, as well as in Lisa’s hometown of Buffalo, NY. The virtual academy was birthed amidst the unfortunate Covid pandemic but has proven to a brilliant addition. The online experience allows the academy to impact and influence girls all over the world.

that if God said to do it then I’m going to just do it. Everything always seems to fall into place. I love what God has allowed me to do with the young women and the women in this community!” The Young Women’s Empowerment Academy has already had open enrollment for their next semester, which will begin on the first week of March. The twelve week semester consists of courses that will educate students on money management, healthy relationships, healthy friendships, self-love, intentional goal-setting, leadership skills, entrepreneurship and more! The Young Women’s Empowerment Academy can be found on social media as well as on their website www.yweacademy.com. On these platforms people can sign young women up for the program as well as volunteer and/or donate. Lisa, once a manager who worked for the state for 8 ½ years, took a leap of faith in June 2019 and became a financial advisor, working for herself with New York Life. Within two years, she was promoted to associate partner. Six months afterwards, she completed her program as associate partner and was again promoted to partner on January 31, 2022. Mrs. Lickers-Ricks is the first African American woman partner in the history of the Harrisburg

“I love what God has allowed me to do with the young women and the women in this community!” “In five months, we will be celebrating five years for the Young Women’s Empowerment Academy. That is exciting for me and is such an accomplishment. Honestly, in the beginning, I didn’t know what it would become or what it would look like or anything. This is why I always tell people, you just gotta get started! God will never make a promise without making provisions. I feel like if He promises us something or tells us to do something, we don’t have to worry about the resources, we just have to take the first step. Just to see where the academy is now is mind-blowing. I love hearing from the girls about how much this means to them, hearing from their parents about how much more confident their daughters are, hearing about how much they want to be entrepreneurs, it’s all so exciting. For a while I felt like I wasn’t worthy. I was a teen mom and at first I felt like, ‘who am I to empower anyone?’ because sometimes we allow society to put their stigmas on us to make us feel unworthy and unqualified. I began to live unapologetically and trusting

office of New York Life Insurance Company, which is a fortune 500 organization. On February 6, 2022, Lickers-Ricks was honored and recognized for this history transforming achievement. Lisa is currently building a team of professionals in the financial industry to go out and empower, educate, and equip families and communities in the areas of financial literacy and responsibility. Lisa does not dream big, she puts plans in motion to accomplish these dreams, not just for herself, but for women and girls around her. Remaining selfless and intentional about her goals, she also leads a women’s group that she started called, Women Who Wanna. Established in 2020, this group can be described as an accountability group for women who want to accomplish different goals and milestones in their lives. They have connected with women who have wanted to be healthier holistically, heal relationships, focus on their bodies, experience financial breakthroughs, and to pray with purpose. Women Who Wanna is a twelve-week program followed by Zoom accountability sessions and

a congratulatory celebration. The group can be found on Facebook, and anyone interested are welcome to join and participate in the weekly virtual meetups. Among her other businesses, Lisa also has a family business called It’s the Generational Wealth for Me/Us. This business teaches people that generational wealth is beyond finances. It teaches people to be whole in every area of their life: financially, emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. There is merchandise with the slogan that can be found at www. generationalwealthforme.com. With no telephone booth or costume change involved, Lisa Lickers-Ricks manages to make an impact through her great endeavors of leadership, entrepreneurship, and human service. As aforementioned, Lisa is a phenomenal woman changing the world by influencing the lives of so many women in so many ways. 7

Rain Deer Games By Jeanne Farinelli

When the days begin to warm, and snow proceeds to melt, there is a lightness in the air softening blows that winter dealt. The sun hangs longer in the sky, mother nature starts to wake, the animals come out to play no more winter naps to take. Taking some time to notice a bit of Spring time delight Can’t help but to remind us everything’s gonna be all right! 7

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Artful Inspirations

PHOTOS SUBMITTED Susan Kreider Getty

A Study in Complexity: Susan Kreider Getty Story By Christina Heintzelman

cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com

usan Kreider Getty is an artist who does not wish to be placed in any artistic genre. “I work in oils, pastels, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media and cold wax oils in any number of different styles ranging from portraiture to abstract and everything in between,” she says. Described once by a gallerist as ‘one very complicated artist,’ she has come to accept the label of “complex.” She elaborates, “The changing seasons change everything that I see, and it becomes reflective of what my brain is seeing and what my emotional visual response is at the time.” She is consistent with her use of watercolors when she is doing portraiture, which has become a much-requested commission for her. “Watercolors allow more expression as they are looser than working with oils which is why they are my go-to for portraiture work.” Her niche in portraiture is creating the personal remembrance for family members of a loved one who has passed away. “I feel honored by the trust put in me to create a portrait for this personal remembrance. I find it amazing that I always feel a connection with the person whose 42 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

photo I am working from.” Although Susan studied art at Messiah University (it was still Messiah College when she first attended), she didn’t feel confident enough to use art as her major, so rather than art, English became her major and art was an enrichment. In 1984 she graduated with a Bachelors in English. As life moved on, she married and had 2 sons. “Family has always been my priority and my husband, Robert, and I made a decision that I would homeschool both of our boys.” She did continue to paint, mostly as a hobby, and enjoyed educating her children for their first five years of school. Susan’s art passion continued to grow and after her sons were enrolled in public school, she made the decision to finish her degree in art. “I went back to college at the age of 38 and took one course each semester.” At the age of 44 she finally received her BA in studio art, with a concentration in painting and drawing. These were busy times as the family decided to move from Grantham to Dillsburg in 2008. This new home had a basement apartment which

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint’, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” — Vincent Van Gogh was rented out for seven years. In 2015, after the last renter moved on, Susan and her husband decided to turn the apartment into Susan’s studio which is now named Stony Run Art Studio. “Up to this point I was working in the kitchen or dining room of the house, and everything had to be cleaned up every day. With the new studio I could now feel more fully committed to working on my art.” In the six years that Stony Run Art Studio has existed, Susan has opened her doors for individual and group classes, including the ever-popular paint and sip parties. “Covid did change things and if I had small classes See Susan Kreider Getty on Page 44 MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 43

Susan Kreider Getty, continued from Page 43

they could only be done as outdoor summer art classes. But I am now hoping that as things clear up, I can ramp up classes once again.” Susan’s studio time consists of the discipline of going to the studio to see what will happen, and times of motivation when she feels compelled to create something. “In a typical week I will usually have 3 to 4 sessions. I work quickly and intensively, usually in the morning because the light is so beautiful.” Recently Susan was featured in a podcast Heart of an Artist, by Ben Hodge which is still available online. It is entitled Susan K. Getty of Stony Run Studio: A portrait of an artist and poet evolving over time. In this podcast she speaks of the roll of art and how it connects one to other people. She added, “Finding viewers who resonate with that is a beautiful thing. One can look at a painting I’ve done and feel something which can be quite different than what I was feeling when I painted it. I love that and I now feel free enough to let it mean whatever it means to others.” Susan also writes poetry, specifically Haiku, and has one book published book (“5·7·5”) and is currently working on another book of poetry. She also blogs about her bout with breast cancer, using poetry, art, and prose. It can be found at www.mybookofdayscom.wordpress.com. You can reach Susan through Facebook at Stony run art studio, Instagram @sgetty27, and her website www.susankgetty.com 7 44 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 45

Artful Inspirations

A Tradition of Excellence and Vision

All-female custom framing team at Smith’s in New Cumberland Story and Photos By Christina Heintzelman

cheintzelman@benchmarkmediallc.com

estled on a side street in New Cumberland is an amazing and colorful custom framing and fine art gallery, owned and managed by an amazing and colorful woman, Debbie Smith, and staffed by five extremely creative women who round out the all-female team. “White walls are for tires,” is one of Debbie’s favorite sayings and it is more than apparent in the well appointed and richly hued jewel tone rooms and art that welcome you to Smith Custom Framing & Fine Art Gallery, a business which will have its home in New Cumberland for 35 years on March 23 of this year. From the moment you open the door your senses are awakened by beautiful yet comfortable seating and viewing areas in the multiroomed structure, containing the working, manufacturing, production, and 46 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

display areas for Smith’s business. The custom framing portion of the gallery holds miles of framing stock all of which is customed designed to fit your needs and assure that the frame not only blends harmoniously with your piece of art but also fits seamlessly into its final home on your wall. In addition to framing services, the gallery also offers printing services to artists who would like giclee prints of their work. The history of this business begins with The Smith’s Framing started by Debbie’s parents, Polly and Sig Smith and run from their home at Good Hope Farms in Mechanicsburg, PA. In 1987, Sig asked Debbie to come back to the area and find a permanent home for the business as he wanted to keep the business in his retirement. The business moved to

Painting by Elide Hower

a beautifully restored Victorian home at 301 Market Street in New Cumberland and was renamed The Smith Framing and Victorian Galleries. The property was purchased in 1986 and Debbie and her family took a year to lovingly renovate the Victorian home. At this time, Debbie became a part of the business – first by locating the Victorian property and then by becoming the manager for the next eleven years. In 1996, a natural disaster created the need for a change of plans. The manufacturing home and warehouse, which was located on Reno Avenue, New Cumberland, was decimated in the snow and flood of 1996. Everything in the Quonset building was destroyed. A decision was reached to replace the original Quonset building with a frame structure, with the new building being completed in the spring of 1997. In August of 1998, the family decided to sell the Victorian. It sold on the first day listed. Now Debbie had to move quickly to make the new structure located on Reno Avenue ready for the gallery, warehouse, production, and manufacturing. In her efficient style, she pulled it off, opening the new space and current home of Smith Custom Framing & Fine Art Gallery in September – just one month past the sale of the Victorian. This current site is now eight times the size of the original Quonset building that sat on this lot. “I guess you could say the snow and flood were serendipitous in allowing

me to create the space I really needed as I kept a positive attitude in the face of the deluge and destruction,” she laughs. In addition to being a visionary, Debbie has a creative passion which adds momentum to her already burgeoning space. “In 2015, I added the Drake Gallery to the current location. It had been a space used for storing molding.” She then adds, “I named it Drake Gallery in honor of my nephew, Drake, who died in a tractor accident. I wanted him to live on, so I named the gallery for him. I wanted music to always remind me of him, and I bought a grand piano for the space. The combination of art and music is a natural pairing and so uplifting.” Again, in October 2021, Debbie renovated another space, The Atelier. This is a space designed to be a workshop or studio for an artist or designer. Currently Elide Hower’s exhibit graces this space with her brilliantly colored artwork which will be on view until April. The Atelier has also been used to host Tracy Pawelski’s book signing and, as this happened during the Christmas season, Debbie hosted sixty children to come in and create a work of art. They then sang Christmas carols around the grand piano with Debbie’s mother, Polly, playing the piano. A future planned Atelier event, scheduled for March 17th is a workshop for kids to create their own pot of gold painting which they See Smith Framing on Page 48

Painting by Elide Hower MARCH 2022 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 47

Smith Framing, continued from Page 47

Painting by Elide Hower

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will take home framed. “I also plan on having music played as the children paint…different kinds of music, to see how it affects what they paint,” she adds. Other plans in the making are educational paint nights hosted by artists who will teach painting techniques, and hopefully a plein air festival taking place in New Cumberland. Although Debbie has art reps and attends art shows which are sources for some of her art, her gallery is also home for the art of local fine artists such as Julie Riker, Stuart Leask, Thom Glace, Linda Williard, and Jeannine Swartz. Williard, Swartz, and Glace are also Artists in Residence and exhibit a large body of their work in the New Cumberland gallery. Debbie’s life is one of creativity and connection. From an early age she was a talented singer and performer. She attended Temple University in Philadelphia and majored in theatre. She studied in England with Edgar Anstey, a founder of the British documentary film movement, and with Benedict Nightingale, a British journalist and regular theatre critic for The Times. She lived in New York City for a period, studying theatre and also studying voice with Marnie Brennan, who was the voice of Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady” and the voice of Maria in “West Side Story.” “I was singing in local bars, and I soon realized that living in New York City could end up being a hand to mouth type of existence, so I made my way back home to New Cumberland and my family’s business,” she says. Debbie’s return home has enriched this area as she is often a performer with The Harrisburg Opera and performs in various musical theatre productions with Open Stage of Harrisburg, Little Theater of Mechanicsburg, Mount Gretna, Theatre Harrisburg, and Oyster Mill Playhouse in addition to singing our National Anthem at local events. She adds that she is a proud card-carrying SAG member and, as such, has access to various films during the awards seasons for SAG-AFTRA voting, which is often considered a good predictor for the Academy Awards. Quality, service, and creativity is not simply a slogan at Smith Custom Framing & Fine Art Gallery, but a tradition of the excellence and vision that sets this business apart. Smith Custom Framing & Fine Art Gallery is located at 190 Reno Ave., New Cumberland, 717-774-4301, and is open Monday through Saturday. Hours can be found on the website www.smithcustomframing.com or on Facebook at Smith Custom Framing – Fine Art. 7