#TheFrontStepsProject
Pandemic Family Portraits
b enchmark Media, LLC.
CONTENTS M AY 2020
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May 2020 • Volume 26 No. 5 PRESIDENT/CEO Darwin Oordt Ext. 1001 doordt@benchmarkmediallc.com
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SAY CHEESE 3D MINI-ME FIGURINES NOW AVAILABLE
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MOMS ON A MISSION OPTIMIZING YOUR IMMUNITY TASTES OF DISTINCTION BARTENDER'S BEST
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Danielle Carl Ext. 1002 dcarl@harrisburgmagazine.com EDITOR Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D. jgoodwin@harrisburgmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura Reich Ext. 1006 lreich@benchmarkmediallc.com DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Chris Aloia Ext. 1003 caloia@benchmarkmediallc.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jo Ann Shover Ext. 1004 jshover@benchmarkmediallc.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ross Burnett rburnett@harrisburgmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlie Wohlrab Diane White McNaughton COVER PHOTO
Photo By Roger That Photography
ON THE COVER GO TO: HarrisburgMagazine.com/ simply-the-best-2020/ TO VOTE. VOTING ENDS AT 11:59 P.M. ON JUNE 15, 2020. HARRISBURG MAGAZINE'S "SIMPLY THE BEST" 2019 CORPORATE SPONSORS:
Photo: The Lykins Family. Photo by Roger That Photography.
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Say Cheese!
Local Photographer Launches #TheFrontStepsProject
By Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D. • Photos By Roger That Photography
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oger Baumgarten first heard about #TheFrontStepsProject through his friend, Leigh-Ann Rietzer. She told him how a photographer in Massachusetts had started taking portraits of families—literally on their front steps—as a way to celebrate family, life, and community during the Coronavirus quarantine. “I thought it was a wonderful way to focus our attention on the good things still happening, as well as support those in our community,” says Baumgarten. “I wanted to be a part of that here locally, and my only thought was, I’m in!” Since March 24, Baumgarten has offered safe, socially-distanced portraits of families in their neighborhoods around Harrisburg, Cumberland County and the Dillsburg areas. He uploads the photos to an online gallery where families may order digital downloads, prints and other photo gifts. And he’s taking all proceeds from online sales made during #TheFrontStepsProject and donating them to the Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region. Since starting his local initiative, Baumgarten has photographed more than 200 families in 24 neighborhoods and is looking at photographing more. “My business is effectively shut down for the duration of this emergency, and this is the perfect opportunity to lift families’ spirits while supporting a worthwhile charity that is doing so much to support those in need,” says Baumgarten. “I encourage other area photographers to join this effort,” adds Baumgarten. “While a Boston-area photographer established the Front Steps Project, I would be thrilled to see it adopted by photographers in communities across the capital region and nationwide.” Baumgarten is owner of Roger That Photography, a business he founded in 2009. For Baumgarten, an accomplished professional photographer with more than three decades of experience in public/media relations, it’s all about bringing joy to those during a period of self quarantine. For more information go www.facebook.com/rogerthatphotography. 7 4 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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3D Mini-Me Figurines Now Available By Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D. • Photos Courtesy of 3D Keepsakes
E
ver dream of having a statue erected in your image? How about a figurine that resembles you or your pet? Then dream no more. Thanks to Jim Haberchak, owner of 3D Keepsakes LLC, people can get “mini-me” 3D print figures of whoever they choose. “The process is quite simple,” says Haberchak. “Make an appointment, get 3D scanned, place your order, and receive your ‘mini-me’ in 3-4 weeks.” Haberchak says the process takes no time, “You can actually be done in 5 minutes or less,” he adds. “We do not print on site,” says Haberchak. “We contract with print partners throughout the country in cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and Long Island, New York. The 3D print can be sent anywhere in the US or picked up for free at our store.” Haberchak says he became interested in 3D prints after watching the movie, “Downsizing” and “thought it was really cool. I began to do some research into the 3D printing world.” In January 2019 Haberchak purchased the 3D equipment he needed and it arrived in February. “I spent the next couple months assembling and training with the system. After a couple of months of ‘experimenting’ on my relatives, I opened to the public in May 2019,” says Haberchak. The former business education teacher says he loves to "recruit" local celebrities to support his new business. “I’ve made ‘min-me’ figures of television personalities such as local ABC 27 anchor Dennis Owens and Channel 21 weatherman Tom Russell,” says Haberchak. “Also, some local politicians such as Senator Mike Regan and Senator John DiSanto. And HACC President John Ski stopped by. Rascal from the Harrisburg Senators was scanned and printed. But my favorite customer was ‘Libre’ the dog,” he explains. “If you don't know who ‘Libre’ is - Google the little guy - he is a miracle! 8 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020
“I’ve also done some local high school athletes.” Haberchak would also love to scan and print LeSean McCoy (KC Chiefs), Micah Parsons (PSU Football), Marlee Starliper (Future Olympic runner from Northern High School), Governor Tom Wolf, and “quite a few more of our local favorites.” He says, “Just put in a call and I’ll do the rest.” According to Haberchak, “we do a lot of ‘mini-mes’ of children. Parents will bring kids in to get one for their grandparents. Or parents will bring kids in to get one for grandparents. Mother's Day is great. Really any holiday is a good time. Just keep in mind our printing lead time of 3-4 weeks. “Our 3D prints come in sizes from 1 inch up to 7 inches. Prices range from $29 to $99. Various options are available such as bases, HD (high definition) printing, Vapor Smoothing - post printing color enhancement which adds to cost. We also make jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and keychains,” says Haberchak. “We get a lot of our ideas from our customers. Sports, hobbies, graduations, wedding cake toppers, occupations, pets, and family,” he adds. “Our scanning unit is mobile - we can do events,” Haberchak says. “Weddings, corporate, fundraising, sports teams and leagues, organizations (Boy/Girl Scouts), and many more.” Located in Camp Hill at 1902 Chestnut Street - off Market Street, near the Frederickson Library, 3D Keepsakes can be reached at (717) 421-9488 or at www.3dkeepsakes.biz, email: jim@3dkeepsakes.biz, and also on Facebook and Instagram. 7
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MOMS ON A MISSION BY DIANE WHITE MCNAUGHTON PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOMS ON A MISSION
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wiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross famously outlined the five stages of grief. Five heartbroken moms in central Pennsylvania have rewritten the script and added a sixth stage to that surreal emotional journey: action. Grief has been called “love with no place to go.” But these supermoms have found life-transforming places to send all their motherly devotion. Because of those transcendent maternal bonds, they have carried forth cherished memories of their beloved children, prevented pain for others, and brought abiding light and inspiration to their dark corner of the world. Julie Walker, Suzanne Sheaffer, Wendy Loranzo, and Erin Marsicano have each embarked on a personal crusade to prevent others from suffering their unspeakable losses. Sudden cardiac arrest, pediatric cancer, addiction, military loss – all of these causes have been thrust into the state and local spotlight, triggering legislative action, support services, fundraising, and a legacy that lives on. All because these grieving mothers refused to drown in despair and let their children’s stories die.
JULIE WALKER Julie Walker’s older daughter Peyton, a master storyteller who was “the epicenter of our family, truly,” passed away on Nov. 2, 2013, at the age of 19. Peyton’s energy was cut short after she 10 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020
suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) while studying to become a Physician Assistant at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre. A Trinity High School graduate, Peyton had a genetic heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It wasn’t long after Peyton’s passing that her mom, a professional meeting and events planner, started urging parents to test their student athletes for heart conditions. Her effort became a full-blown media, legislative and public awareness effort. Soon, she was orchestrating jam-packed press conferences in the Capitol Rotunda, pounding the russet brick floors of the state House and Senate, hosting fundraisers attracting hundreds and raising tens of thousands, and hosting cardiac screenings with a spirited team of volunteers in high schools across the state. Thanks to her intense lobbying efforts, her state senator, Mike Regan of York and Cumberland Counties, introduced legislation known as “Peyton’s Law.” Her foundation advocates for the use of electrocardiogram (EKG) testing to screen for underlying electrical issues in the heart that can lead to SCA, and conducts free EKG screening events at schools across Pennsylvania. To date they have screened several thousand students. Senate Bill 836 would require that information be shared with student athletes regarding EKGs and that they be notified of their option to request an EKG in addition to the standard physical examination. The bill passed the Senate unanimously in January. Lobbying was not something Julie ever expected to add to her professional playbook. Julie says that five weeks after losing Peyton, she opened the bag of clothes that the ER nurses had handed to her, pulled out the shirt that Peyton was wearing on that dreaded day, and immediately felt called to action. “Emblazoned on the shirt were the words, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”
Because Peyton wanted to work in health care, establishing the Peyton Walker Foundation and providing lifesaving services to students and families is “the perfect tribute to her life,” Julie says. “I truly believe our family was chosen— and that I, specifically, was chosen— for this life mission. At times, it absolutely feels like a burden,” Julie says. “This is by far the most difficult, draining, exhausting work I have ever done.” While she could just immerse herself into her already-stressful career, she says, “I do feel that this is my calling – there is work to be done, lives to be saved, and heartache to be prevented.” “My motivation is to prevent one mom from this hellish nightmare of surviving child loss.” “Never in my lifetime did I expect to do live TV interviews, speak to thousands of people at a conference or become a resource to grieving parents. It’s this maternal obligation that I feel every day – I cannot let Peyton’s life be meaningless or nonimpactful. I believe all of this was part of her life plan.” She advises all new moms to “Live your life with no regrets. There is no do-over. You’ve got one shot to live your best life with your child/children. And be grateful for those tiny moments – the ‘I love you’s’ – the sweet kisses, everything.” To those burdened with grief, she says: “When grief hits, roll with it. Let it run its course. Have hope and believe that things will get different, not necessarily better. Just different. Get up every day—get dressed, get moving forward. Living your life is key to your survival. Dig deep to find your resilience. You have more fight in you than you ever imagined possible.” HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020 11
SUZANNE SHEAFFER Suzanne Sheaffer of Susquehanna Twp. has lived a parent’s nightmare— twice. She lost two children in the span of 22 months. Her son Billy Trapnell, a paramedic and firefighter serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, died Dec. 30, 2013. She woke up at 1:12 a.m. to see the reflected glare of red and blue lights from her front door. At her door, the “officer’s face was etched with pain,” she recalls. The officer says, “William has passed,” which immediately perplexed her and punched her in the gut. William Trapnell, III was her exhusband—William, IV, was her son. She thought surely the news must have been about her ex-husband. She was wrong. Adding to the shock was that no one knew quite what had happened to Billy. He had gone into cardiac arrest in an ambulance at the age of 28. She had just seen him days before. He says he wasn’t feeling right, which was odd for a healthy young man who had served in both Iraq and Afghanistan before the Coast Guard, and who was aiming to get into the Massachusetts State Police. “That (night) put us onto a whirlwind like no tomorrow,” Sheaffer says. The shock was augmented by incredible hurt. She was not able to escort her son back home, like other Gold Star moms. “We can’t let this happen to anyone else,” she says. “I felt like we didn’t matter.” She learned that the “Lieutenant of Casualty Matters,” situated organizationally under the federal Department of Homeland Security, had no budget for Gold Star mothers. In fact, there was no formal Gold Star program at all. Suzanne saw a need and stepped right in. She created a Gold Star program for the Coast Guard. “I don’t identify problems without offMarsicanog a solution,” she says. As a forensic nurse on her way to a Ph.D., and as someone who lost her own dad as a young girl, Sheaffer says she deals with death and dying all the time. She offered to be the volunteer coordinator for the Coast Guard’s Gold Star moms. Within six months, a grandmother called her in the middle of night, sobbing. “We lost our Coastie,” the grandmother sobbed. “How do you do this?” Suzanne spent the night on the phone with the family. That call was another impetus for the brass to go live. The director told her: “Do whatever you want as long as it’s free.” Fast forward seven years. Soon Suzanne will coordinate the fifth Coast Guard football game in September. The Coast Guard is now the only service academy that plays such a game. “We call it our family reunion.” Twenty rooms are booked at a local hotel. Seeing the bonds that form, she says, “It’s beautiful.” She has also helped to organize the Central Dauphin High School Gold Star game, partnMarsicanog with Coach Glen McNamee. She looks forward to getting “80 stinky boy hugs,” after the football players practice for two hours and then embrace their honorary families. Sheaffer has also assembled “Quilting Coastie Mamas” who send 12 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020
hand-knit quilts to families, “all by tapping into the love and support of our own service branch.” She found Coast Guard families who lost their “Coastie,” back to 2009. She helps train the Guard on dealing with casualties, and loves seeing other families heal. “There are no words to put to that. It wasn’t magical,” Sheaffer says. “I’m a nurse, we try to make it better, and when we can’t, we support the bereaved.” Grief became a one-two punch for her. Twentytwo months before losing Billy, her daughter Sarah passed away in ManorCare in Camp Hill, at the age of 24, after suffMarsicanog from an aggressive autoimmune disease. It was only 18 months from Sarah’s diagnosis to her death. After removing her from oxygen, they stayed with Sarah for 15 hours as life slipped away. “It makes you live your life differently. You are not Number 1 anymore. You treat others the way you want to be treated first. I always say, ‘Sarah taught us how to live and she taught us how to die.’” At the Central Dauphin Gold Star game, launched six years ago, the football players wear the name of a fallen hero on the back of their jerseys. The kids meet and greet the hero player families, present flowers, share a meal, and build a bond with them. One of the CD football players, Harrison Fenstermacher, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Gold Star weekend. The Gold Star Families game was his favorite game, so Sheaffer began working with another “mom on a mission,” Harrison’s mom, Tina, to honor 15 fallen families, plus one. “Hug your son because you never know if it’s your last hug,” Sheaffer says. “You never want your child to be forgotten. Our sons are their sons.” Despite her losses, she does not allow herself to drown in self-pity. “I am the luckiest mom in the world to have raised a hero.”
WENDY LORANZO On Sunday, March 19 at 4 a.m.., Wendy Loranzo received a phone call from her ex-husband Harry. She couldn’t understand a word he was saying. Finally, his message emerged: “You need to get down here.” She says, “What’s wrong?” He says, “Liz overdosed.” She asked, “Is she breathing?” And he replied, “No.” On the eight-minute drive to Harry’s house, Loranzo kept praying to God to save her one and only child, a talented beautician who was known for her ever-changing hairstyles and colors—a rainbow Wendy affectionately called “the 50 shades of Liz.” As she approached Harry’s house, she saw flashing red lights from about 8 or 10 emergency vehicles, and she knew the nightmare was real. EMTs wheeled Liz out of her bedroom and took her to Hershey Medical Center. She didn’t make it. Days later, they learned that Liz died of heroin laced with Fentanyl. Loranzo didn’t know what Fentanyl was, let alone how to spell it. Over 900 people attended the visitation and funeral services for Liz. Loranzo decided not the hide her cause of death. She decided to use this awful moment in time to educate. She explained that Fentanyl causes 13 deaths a day in Pennsylvania and over 50 deaths a day in the United States. Fentanyl is available legally with a prescription and sold illegally and inexpensively on the streets. It's 50-80 times stronger than pure heroin. Through Facebook, Loranzo was contacted by WHP-TV 21; ABCTV 27, PennLive and WGAL-TV 8, all eager to speak with her about Liz. The PennLive article was shared over 5,000 times in three days. In the days following the news coverage, Loranzo was literally inundated by people on Facebook Messenger and text messages, sharing their own addiction struggles or those of their loved ones.
To help save lives, Loranzo established the Elizabeth Loranzo iCare Foundation, to promote public awareness and education, and to reach out to those in need from addiction, depression, anxiety, alcoholism and other social disorders. She also assists parents and those who have lost loved ones from addiction in their time of need. CARE stands for “Compassion, Advocacy, Recovery and Education.” They have received hundreds of outreaches for help, and have linked them to their county’s Drug and Alcohol Department for a full assessment, rehab placement or other services. Loranzo works with area counties, municipalities, and groups to speak on educational panels to share Liz’s story, and participates in local school district drug awareness days. She has been able to assist with funding for vivitrol and suboxone medication-assisted treatments for individuals in recovery. She also used billboard advertising in Harrisburg to promote public awareness and advertise the 1-800 Get-Help phone number. They also provide financial assistance to families for funeral services for a child tragically lost to a drug overdose. Loranzo says the creation of the foundation came to her two days after Liz was buried. “It helped to keep me busy so I didn't really have time to think about my loss and I knew it was something Liz would have wanted me to do. She would not have wanted me to sit around and cry and be sad, she would have wanted me to do something. She was led into addiction by trying to help someone out of it, so it was only a natural reaction for me to start the foundation in her honor and memory.” Loranzo says, “We don't know how strong we are until we are put in a situation that changes us forever. I would tell people I am living a different life in the same body. I also had to look at my then 9-month old grandson who one day is going to be old enough to understand what happened to his mother so I needed to try to find something positive in her death. I'm not sure I would have been able to start the foundation if it would not have been for my grandson. He didn't deserve to lose his mother.” She advises new mothers: “There is no manual, we will all make mistakes. It's what you do after the mistake that's important, learn from it, and love unconditionally. And ask God every day to carry your burdens.” “I wish I knew five years ago all the things I have learned about drug addiction since my daughter passed away.” “I know that Liz is by my side every day and when I am faced with a question or challenge, I ask myself, ‘What would Liz want me to do?’ - and I get my answer.”
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ERIN MARSICANO Sophia Jane Marsicano was born on March 7, 2011 and lived six vibrant years of life, as a sassy, spunky, joyful redhead. She passed away on November 15, 2017, after a six-month battle with a form of brain and spinal cancer that her mom Marsicano says “was as rare as she was.” Marsicano and her husband Joe are now a Four Diamonds Family and have made donating to and raising money for Four Diamonds a top priority. Four Diamonds had covered all medical bills not covered by insurance and provided the Marsicanos with peace of mind during an already difficult time. Marsicano has spoken at Cumberland Valley’s Mini-THON twice to share Sophia’s story as part of their efforts to raise money for Four Diamonds. Ronald McDonald House of Central PA is their other top priority for giving because Marsicano’s mom was able to stay there the entire five months Marsicano and Joe stayed in the hospital with Sophia. Aside from continued financial donations, they collected 14 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020
items from their Wish List at Sophia’s Celebration of Life, and she has been part of a group of women she met through a new mom support group when Sophia was a baby that has cooked an annual meal at RMH in Sophia’s memory for the last three years. They also started a Summer Camp Scholarship at DreamWrights Youth and Family Theatre in York; donated books in her memory on her eighth birthday to several places like Kindergarten Academy, and her preschool in Mechanicsburg; and having learned the Cumberland Valley middle schools were in need of new copies of “Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie” - a book they use to teach about pediatric cancer-- she put a call out to friends and family via Facebook, and within 24 hours had 60 books pledged. Each copy has its own bookplate noting that it was donated in Sophia’s memory and includes the person’s name who donated it and where they live. What Marsicano would call “deep, raw grief” was something she experienced while they were in the hospital because she knew fairly early on that survival was not likely. For five months they watched their vibrant six-year-old deteriorate from the effects of a very rare form of cancer in her brain and migrate down her spine. Between that and chemo, radiation, pain medications, and steroids, the majority of those five months were spent with a child who couldn’t walk, speak, or see, and ultimately, who couldn’t even communicate with a nod or a shake of the head. Of course, Marsicano grieved when they came home after Sophia passed away, but she had mentally prepared to come out of the hospital wanting to “Rise Strong” - a playlist she had created for herself that she still turns to on bad days. Marsicano says there is no “final stage” of grief—it lasts for the rest of one’s life. “For me, sometimes that is an ugly cry, sometimes it is a pang of longing or jealousy when seeing other moms with their little ones, sometimes it is simply wanting to share life’s experiences with the little lady, and sometimes it is just wanting to hear her voice or to get a big ‘Mommy, you’re home!’ greeting.” “My action is driven not by the passing of grief but by wanting to give back to those that have done so much for us and by simply wanting to spread Sophia’s joy and memory.” “We had hundreds—maybe thousands—of people who thought of us, prayed for us, sent us care packages, opened their wallets for us, mailed cards to us, and quite simply, worried for us and about us during our darkest time. People waited in line for two hours at Sophia’s Celebration of Life just to be turned away before getting to speak to us.” “I believe all mothers—whether on a mission or not –simply want to raise children who will be good humans who themselves may change the world, in big or small ways,” Marsicano says. “But for those mothers who have lost a child or who are advocating for a child with particular needs, we are the voice for our kids, and we are driven to still ensure our good humans are making an impact in the world in one way or another.” Marsicano remembers that one of Sophia’s favorite things was taking pictures in the big red circle outside Target. They always took the time to stop to do this, and “Those photos bring back some of the
best memories of how she and I would just live in the moment and not be rushing our lives away.” To the grieving, she says, “The sun will rise and so will you.” Transcending the dark days honors your lost loved ones. “I have intentionally not staked a place as a pediatric cancer warrior because just as I do not wish to have my grief or the loss of Sophia define me, I do not wish for pediatric cancer to define her. It may be what ultimately took her from us, but it isn’t what made her the unique, spunky redhead little lady that she was.” 7
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Optimizing Your Immunity By Diane White McNaughton
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n invisible microscopic enemy has infected everything, from the stock market to unstocked supermarket shelves. As the number of COVID-19 cases spreads like a California wildfire, social distancing central Pennsylvanians are desperately searching for a cure, a shield, a vaccine, a magic vitamin…anything to put us on the path back to normalcy. According to dietitians and doctors, we are not totally helpless in the face of this new viral villain. But the opinion is not unanimous. Recently, two medical experts faced off on Fox News, with one urging Americans to take vitamins to bolster their immunity, while another said vitamins give false hope in the face of an unstoppable force. So which is it? Remedies and recommendations are popping up faster than a game of wack-a-mole. One popular local Facebook site shares a “Puerto Rican remedy” to combating the coronavirus: gargling with a teaspoon of vinegar, lemon and baking soda diluted in hot water at the first sign of a dry or sore throat, and taking a blow-dryer to the nose. What do medical experts and researchers think about home remedies, a fistful of vitamins, and some pricey supplements? It seems Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is now having a moment. In late March, Dr. Tom Frieden, former Chief of the Centers for Disease Control, appearing on “The Dr. Oz Show,” sung the praises of Vitamin D. Years ago, doctors noticed a spike in respiratory infections in the winter months, and concluded that people with lower vitamin D levels are more likely to get respiratory infections. They recommended 15 minutes of sunlight a day. “It can’t hurt and it may help,” he said. Doctors also said taking Vitamin D supplements is good, but not more than 2,000 IUs per day. Dr. Oz on MSN.com agreed, saying supplements can’t beat COVID-19, but general evidence shows that they can slow down the progression of viruses in general. He recommends immune-boosting Vitamin D, along with Vitamin 16 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020
C, zinc and elderberry supplements, along with naturally occurring Vitamin C found in leafy greens, salmon and berries. If you are already sick, Dr. Oz recommends 80 milligrams of zinc daily, 250 milligrams of vitamin C twice daily, 250 milligrams of beta-glucan daily, and elderberry syrup or lozenges four times a day for five days. His advice even spawned panic-buying of Vitamin C, D, elderberry and zinc in March, according to the website bulksupplements.com. Sunshine and supplements are not the only way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. Eggs, cheese, tofu and mushrooms are natural sources of Vitamin D, which regulates the production of a protein that kills bacteria and virus, said Boston University’s Dr. Michael Holick, who has published more than 500 papers and 18 books on Vitamin D. Rich sources of Vitamin D include fatty fish, including canned fish like salmon and sardines; eggs, fortified milk and plant milk products; cheese, fortified juice, tofu and mushrooms. Vitamin D also alters the activity and number of white blood cells, which can reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses, Dr. Holick added. Winter-associated vitamin D deficiency—from a lack of sun-induced vitamin D production—can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of developing viral infections that cause upper respiratory tract infections, said Dr. Holick. Research also suggests that vitamin D supplements may help to protect against acute respiratory tract infections. Local physician, Chris DeFlitch, MD, FACEP, from Penn State Health said on March 25 on “WHTM-27,” “Vitamins are good in moderation.” He advises that it is better is to be overall well. “Eat well, sleep well, get outside, practice mindfulness.” “There are no specific supplements that will help protect against coronavirus and anyone claiming that is being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration,” said dietitian Melissa Majumdar, of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, on CNN.
She says the key to fighting off coronavirus is no different than the way to maintain strong health in general: good nutrition, exercise, stress management and sleep. Majumdar also suggests filling half of your plate with immune-boosting vegetables and fruits. In particular, she recommends carrots, kale and apricots for beta carotene, which gets converted to vitamin A—essential for a strong immune system. Vitamin A helps antibodies respond to toxins and foreign substances, Majumdar says. Rich sources of beta carotene include sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, apricots, spinach, kale, broccoli, squash and cantaloupe. Oranges, strawberries and broccoli are also good sources of Vitamin C, which increases blood levels of antibodies and helps to differentiate white blood cells, aiding the body in its quest to determine what kind of protection is needed, Majumdar explains. Research suggests that higher levels of vitamin C (at least 200 milligrams) may slightly reduce the duration of cold symptoms. “You can easily consume 200 milligrams of vitamin C from a combination of foods such as oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, red and green peppers, broccoli, cooked cabbage and cauliflower. “Beans, nuts, cereal and seafood are also efficient sources of zinc, which helps cells in your immune system grow and differentiate,” Majumdar explains, “and zinc supplements may shorten the duration of the common cold. “Food-based sources of zinc include beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, fortified cereals, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, oysters, crab, lobster, beef, pork chop, dark meat poultry and yogurt. “Milk, eggs, nuts and more deliver protein, the building block for immune cells and antibodies and plays a crucial role in amp-ing up our immune system. “Protein comes from both animals and plants, and is a building block in poultry, beef, milk, yogurt, eggs and cottage cheese, as well as nuts, seeds, beans and lentils,” she adds. Majumdar recommends protein-rich snacks, such as roasted chickpeas. “Probiotics and prebiotics help boost the health of the microbiome, which supports our immune system,” explains Majumdar. According to Majumdar, sources of probiotics include fermented dairy foods such as yogurt and kefir, and aged cheeses, as well as fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh and sourdough bread. Sources of prebiotics include whole grains, bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, artichokes and beans. “Some herbs may be helpful as well when looking for natural alternatives for viral symptoms,” she explains. “One study found that supplementation with elderberry noticeably reduced upper respiratory symptoms when taken for the HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020 17
Humane Society
To Go Virtual With GLOW 5K Run/Walk Even in these challenging times, we can all find a way to GLOW. To this end, the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) Virtual GLOW 5K Run/ Walk will provide the community with an opportunity for fun, fresh air, and social distancing—all in the name of helping the homeless animals of central Pennsylvania. A Virtual 5K (or 3.1 miles) can be completed virtually anywhere! Participants can run/walk their 5K any time between May 2 and May 9, anywhere they choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, a trail, or on a treadmill. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. Results can be uploaded via an emailed form any time between 12:01 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. on May 9. The event is open to anyone whether you are a serious runner or enjoy a casual walk. Medals will be awarded to the top finisher in multiple age categories and there will be several fun medal categories such as “Most Spirited” and “Completed 5K Furthest Distance From HSHA.” Participants who raise $75 or more will receive a GLOW 5K t-shirt. For more information about the eventandtoregistergotohttps://www. humanesocietyhbg.org/outreach/ annual-events/5krunwalkforanimals/
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cold and flu. While it hasn't been studied specifically with coronavirus, it may be good for general immune health," Majumdar says. “If you are interested in taking any herbs, check with your doctor first.” Doctors advise COVID-19 warriors to stay hydrated. “Mild dehydration can be a physical stressor to the body,” says Majumdar. “Women should aim to drink 91 ounces of fluids daily, and men, 125 ounces. That amount includes all fluids and water-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and soups.” Locally, popular news women Flora Posteraro and Carrie Perry featured Dr. Ross Marchegiani of Turnpaugh Health and Wellness Center in Mechanicsburg, on their “Chick2Chick” podcast, and asked him about the relative immune-boosting power of Vitamins C and D, zinc and elderberry. Marchegiani noted that elderberry can make antibodies more robust in the healthy, but they can cause inflammation in people with an autoimmune disease, such as Lyme disease. He also agreed that zinc is “supercrucial” for the immune system. L-Lysine supplements also have an antiviral effect, by preventing a virus from replicating. He also noted that Vitamin D is used in every cell in body, and three to four grams of Vitamin C, broken up in two parts, can be helpful. Although swallowing a pill can be quick and easy, other immunity-boosters may require a bit more time, self-discipline and sweat, he explains. According to Marchegiani, exercise causes your body's antibodies and white blood cells to circulate more rapidly, which means they may be able to detect and zero in on bugs more quickly. It also lowers stress hormones. Studies have shown that those who exercised at least five days a week had almost half the risk of coming down with a cold. If they did get one, symptoms were less severe. There also may be a protective benefit from sweating: research has shown that simply raising your body temperature may help kill germs in their tracks. Researcher agree that the key to exercise is
moderation. Too much exercise can also stress out the body. Most experts recommend no more than ½ hour to an hour, a few days a week. Doctors also recommend other foods as medicine. Dr. Yufang Lin of the Cleveland Clinic recommends whole foods and the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, found in foods such as fatty fish, nuts and olive oil. A diet high in nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc and other antioxidants has been shown to help reduce inflammation and fight infection. A daily 400 IU vitamin D supplement for a year, showed small increases in disease-fighting cells such as T cells. And no matter which pathway or pill you choose to take, don’t stress about it, experts state. The research has shown that stress hormones suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to developing the common cold. Studies cite that people who are stressed are also less likely to pay attention to other healthy habits, like eating right and getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, which can affect immunity. When you're sleep-deprived, stress hormones like cortisol are produced in over-drive, keeping you awake and alert, which can suppress your immune system. Dr. Yufang Lin also recommends garlic, ginger, rosemary, oregano, turmeric, and other herbs. All have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. And besides sleep, supplements, stressfree living, and smart dining, your mom’s advice still holds true: the best way to avoid sickness is still to wash your hands and stay away from sick people. As the coronavirus focuses our efforts on our immunities, the silver lining is that we are all becoming more aware of our hand-washing and more grateful for our family, friends and freedoms. May we never be immune to the power of good advice and healthy living. 7
HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020 19
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Sharing The Love By Baking Bread By Jacqueline G. Goodwin, Ed.D.
H
unkering down and following the advice to self-quarantine during the Coronavirus pandemic means people are spending much of their time cooped up at home binging on Netflix and wondering what to do to ease the boredom. If this is the case, why not turn to baking bread and sharing the love? Researchers have found, giving away the fruits—or, perhaps, loaves of bread—of your labor is beneficial. They even cite evidence that shows the act of creating something and giving it as a gift or providing it as sustenance for others feels good and can lead to more positive psychological functioning. “Many people find joy and calmness in baking bread, because it is very tactile and typically commands your full attention, primarily when you use repetitive motions with your hands,” says Kimberly Lou, author of Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be. “Because of this, it can have a therapeutic effect that calms the central nervous system and connects to the part of the brain that accesses creativity and imagination,” she says. “In addition, the texture, smell, and taste of the ingredients while making bread stimulate the senses, tapping into the pleasure senses of the brain.” So gather your ingredients and utensils and begin making some homemade bread. And while you’re at it, why not make enough to give to your neighbors? There’s nothing more comforting than a fresh loaf of homemade bread using the foolproof recipes below. Instant yeast, bread flour, all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour and an oven are all you really need.
FRENCH BREAD INGREDIENTS • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast • 2 cups warm water (110° to 115°) • 2 teaspoons salt • 1 teaspoon sugar • 4-1/2 to 5 cups bread flour • 1 teaspoon cornmeal
Tip: Make some extra bread to share with your neighbors!
DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add salt, sugar and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape into 12-in.-long loaves. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 450° degrees. Sprinkle loaves with cornmeal. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Makes two loaves.
CRUSTY WHITE BREAD INGREDIENTS • 1-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast • 1-3/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°) • 3-1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided • 2 teaspoons salt • 1 tablespoon cornmeal or additional flour DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Using a rubber spatula, stir in 3-1/2 cups flour and salt to form a soft, sticky dough. Do not knead. Cover and let rise at room temperature 1 hour. Stir down dough (dough will be sticky). Turn onto a floured surface; with floured hands pat into a 9-in. square. Fold square into thirds, forming a 9x3-in. rectangle. Fold 22 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020
rectangle into thirds, forming a 3-in. square. Place in a large greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise at room temperature until almost doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down dough and repeat folding process. Return dough to bowl; refrigerate, covered, overnight. Grease the bottom of a disposable foil roasting pan with at least 4-in.-high sides; dust pan with cornmeal. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead gently 6-8 times; shape into a 6-in. round loaf. Place into prepared pan; dust top with remaining 1 tablespoon flour. Cover pan and let rise at room temperature until dough expands to a 7-1/2-in. loaf, about 1-1/4 hours. Preheat oven to 500° degrees. Using a sharp knife, make a slash (1/4 in. deep) across top of loaf. Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake on lowest oven rack 25 minutes. Reduce oven setting to 450° degrees. Remove foil; bake bread until deep golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Remove loaf to a wire rack to cool. Makes one loaf.
CHEESY ITALIAN BREAD INGREDIENTS • 1 package (1/4 ounces) active dry yeast • 1-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°) • 3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon garlic salt • 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese • Cornmeal DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add 2 cups flour, sugar, salt, garlic salt, and cheese. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape each half into a 14-in. loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Brush loaves with water. Make three diagonal slashes about 1/2 in. deep with a very sharp knife in each loaf. Fill a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan with 1 in. of hot water and place on the bottom oven rack. Bake bread at 400° degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes two loaves. 7
HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020 23
hand. Fortunately, I have the liquors so I improvised and made a very simple cocktail. It is so simple, yet I find no mention of it online. A Simple Blue Cocktail • 2 ounces light rum • 1 ounce Blue Curacoa Directions Add crushed ice to a mixing glass, add the rum and Blue Curacoa, a few gentle stirs and strain into a cocktail glass. You can add a strip of dried coconut if you have it. Blue Vodka Martini • 2 ounces vodka • 1 ounce dry vermouth • 1 ounce Blue Curacao Directions Add crushed ice to a mixing glass, add the vodka, vermouth and Blue Curacoa. Gently stir and strain into a martini glass. There are many different recipes for this drink, but this is the simplest, easiest to prepare, and tastes pretty good. If you prefer you can add a splash of club Ssoda.
Bartender’s Best By Charlie Wohlrab
Quarantinis
During this pandemic we are advised to stay at home and avoid unnecessary trips. However, during a pandemic, the occasional trip to the liquor store seems necessary. Prudence demands you follow precautions. Plan ahead, wear a mask, and maintain social distance. It helps if you are familiar with the store, make a list, and get in and get out. To limit these trips, I have been using what I have on hand. As I’ve stated before, I try to keep my home bar well stocked with the usual whiskeys, gins, vodkas, and rums. I also have a bottle of Blue Curacao. This is an interesting liquor, and chances are if you ever had a blue cocktail, this was the reason it was blue. Originally, the liquor was made from the peels of the bitter orange. Apparently, the Dutch took a bitter orange to the Island of Curacao in the 1600s. This became the Laraha orange that has an inedible flesh but the rind has aromatic oils which through the years was used to flavor spirits. The liquor was colorless but Bols, a Dutch distiller, added ingredients, one of which made the liquor blue. Today, the Blue Curacoas use orange peels and other ingredients. There is only one, the Senior Curacoa, that still uses Laraha peel. Perhaps I will buy a bottle of Senior Curacoa someday, but for now, I’ll use a more common brand which suits me fine. There are many blue cocktails and most are considered poolside drinks. The blue color congers up images of tiki huts and sandy beaches. Most contain pineapple, and coconut juices and an internet search will yield many different concoctions. However, we are in a pandemic, so I don’t have the juices on 24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Obviously, Blue Curacoa is essentially blue Triple Sec and you can substitute it in any recipe that calls for Triple Sec, if you want a blue cocktail. When the summer gets here you can make a Blue Margarita. Blue Margarita • 3 ounces margarita mix • 2 ounces silver tequila • 1 ounce Blue Curacoa I usually use a commercially available margarita mix for its convenience. I keep a bottle in my bar ‘fridge and I can make one very quickly for a summer cocktail. Add crushed ice and the ingredients to a blender, blend for a minute, pour into a margarita glass, if you have one, if not a coupe will do. Add a lime circle and you are done. I do not salt the rim, but if you prefer, run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and then roll the glass rim through the salt. If you are making one for a guest, only salt half the rim so they can have a choice. Charlie Wohlrab is a mixologist whose motto, “Drinking. . .more than a hobby” has been topmost in his mind since he first started tending bar while getting his Pharmacy degree. Now retired, when he’s not restoring his older home in New Jersey, he’s made it his goal to elevate the experience of having a daily cocktail from something mundane to something more exciting. He is now Harrisburg Magazine’s official bartender in residence. My recipes are like my opinions,” says Wohlrab. “They continue to be refined as I try new products and work with old standbys.” Currently working on a book about cocktails, Wolhrab welcomes comments from his readers. He can be contacted at jgoodwin@ harrisburgmagazine.com. 7
