HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2024 by benchmarkmediallc

JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 1

WISHING YOU A HAPPY & BRIGHT NEW YEAR!

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IN THIS ISSUE ... 5

INTROSPECTION

RESOLUTION ARTICLE

FOOTNOTES ON STYLE

FINANCE HOUND

NOURISHING BITES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PLATINUM LIVING

STB 2024 CATEGORIES

FOR THE LOVE OF PETS

BY THE BOOK

WHAT'S COOKING?

THEATRE THOUGHTS

BARTENDER'S CHOICE

CINEMATIC RAMBLINGS

TASTE THIS

VOLUME 30 NO. 1 JANUARY 2024

ON THE COVER Simply the Best 2024 Nominations and Resolutions

PRESIDENT/CEO Darwin Oordt doordt@harrisburgmagazine.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Darcy Oordt darcy@harrisburgmagazine.com GENERAL MANAGER/DIRECTOR OF SALES Chris Aloia caloia@harrisburgmagazine.com DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING Jennifer George jgeorge@harrisburgmagazine.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jo Ann Shover jshover@harrisburgmagazine.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Fred Hershey fhershey@harrisburgmagazine.com

HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 4309 LINGLESTOWN ROAD SUITE #115 HARRISBURG, PA 17112 (717) 233-0109 HOURS OF OPERATION Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

MANAGING EDITOR Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Imogene Gross imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER/LAYOUT ARTIST Shane Fisher (Carino) scarino@harrisburgmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Richard Eppinger reppinger@harrisburgmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Imogene Gross CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Imogene Gross Will Masters

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 ©2023, Harrisburg Magazine, Inc. Printed by Freeport Press, Freeport, Ohio.

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Introspection

Lydia Zavala

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” ― Benjamin Franklin

HAPPY NEW YEAR With all the acrimony that’s highlighted every single day on our nightly newscasts, it would behoove us all to heed Ben Franklin’s advice as we head into 2024. Resolve to be better men and women – and gaze into our mirrors every evening to make sure we’ve been doing so. Can you think of a better New Year’s resolution? Hence, self-improvement is key this month, as evidenced in a pair of feature articles written by Assistant Editor Imogene Gross. First, in “Beyond 'Get in Shape',” she tackles some actionable health resolutions that could go a long way toward improving both your physical and mental health this year. And, as a lead-off to our new monthly Platinum Living section, Imogene writes that “A Good Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think,” and backs that claim up with some helpful tips on not only how to best retire, but also where (Harrisburg, anybody?) Segueing from self-improvement to home improvement … don’t miss the next installment in our series of helpful home fix-up articles: “Baby, It’s Cold Outside (But That Doesn’t Mean all Home Improvement Projects

Have to Wait!)” It turns out that there are more DIY projects that can be done over the winter than you might think. In our What’s Cooking section, our Bartender’s Choice profile travels to East Pennsboro (technically, the cozy little hamlet of West Fairview) where singer-songwriter Lydia Zavala slings drinks and often performs at a cozy little eatery called Grotto Pub; and, in this month’s Taste This feature, Harrisburg Magazine’s staff gets treated to delicious authentic Roma pizza and flavorful paninis from Nonna Ilva, whose Broad Street Market location was recently relocated to HMAC (and be sure to visit them at their Carlisle location, too!) As usual, we’ve got columns galore, including Carla Irvin’s timely Footnotes on Style piece about waterproof versus water-resistant shoes (which you may already be wearing by now!) Remember to strive to be the best version of yourself every day! RG JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 5

Beyond “Get in Shape”: Concrete Health Resolutions to Inspire You to Live Your Best Life This Year Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com Photos from stock

ew Year’s resolutions are notorious for being made in haste and just as hastily being forgotten. Of course, there are plenty of exceptions – many people have successfully made and maintained big changes to their lives through a New Year’s resolution, but generally speaking, most resolutions are quickly forgotten by the end of January. Health-related resolutions seem to be especially ephemeral. This time of year might be the biggest for the diet industry, for example, but not everyone achieves lasting success reaching or maintaining their weight or nutrition related health goals. Now, this isn’t to say it’s not worth making a change for better health. Quite the contrary. The new year is a great time to reevaluate. It makes sense that at a time of symbolic new beginnings, some people want a fresh start. But all the possibilities for change – all the different possible investments in one’s health – can be overwhelming. So, it can be hard to define a specific goal. You might say to yourself, “this is the year I finally start taking care of myself better,” but without a clear enough vision, it’s a difficult prospect. This lack of direction is one of the reasons some resolutions end up not sticking. It’s important to have both a clear view of what exactly you want to achieve, and what steps you’ll take to get there. Take a moment to look at your health as a whole picture. Perhaps taking a health quiz or separating different aspects of your health into categories and

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sketching out a personal health profile might help you think about it. Consider what areas you’re struggling in – what places you have health complaints in, and what, realistically, you might be able to start taking both immediate and long-term action towards. With that in mind, here are some specific, actionable example resolutions to start taking control of your health. You don’t have to be a health nut to make them either. There is a broad range of habits that can affect overall health – many aren’t obvious, and they’re not all diet and exercise, either.

Improving Your Sleep Quality

Sleep plays a huge role in so many aspects of our health. Those hours of rest at night are the body and mind’s time to replenish themselves after a busy day. There are many health risks associated with poor sleep or insufficient sleep, and yet an alarming number of people fall short of the 7-9 hours per night recommended for most adults. Of course, there are many reasons for this. Responsibilities such as work or childcare can cut into sleep time significantly, and many who wish they slept more nevertheless find their sleep time slipping away. The stress of these responsibilities can then make sleep more difficult and of a lower quality when the time for rest finally comes. Obviously, the first condition for good sleep is adequate time. Setting aside time for sleep might mean reevaluating priorities. If you look closely at how you spend time during your average routine (for example, recording your daily activities in a journal for a week, including estimations of time spent sleeping), you might find areas where you spend too much time on things that can be sacrificed to prioritize sleep instead. The next condition for good sleep is ensuring sleeping conditions are optimal. If distractions delay your bedtime, or you have difficulty getting sleepy after laying down, it might be worth investigating your sleep

hygiene and creating a bedtime routine. Sleep hygiene, for one, involves cutting down on distractions, including screentime, in the time directly leading up to bedtime. Some people find it helpful to practice gentler activities in the hour or so before bed, such as reading or listening to a book, journaling, meditating, or practicing yoga. Dimming the lights and avoiding blue light increase the brain’s production of melatonin. Ensuring your bedroom is a sanctuary – both psychologically and physically - for rest can make a big difference. Some people find it helpful to avoid using their bedrooms for work, as it can lead to a mental association of stressors with what should be a relaxing place. And of course, eliminating real and present distractions can be helpful, such as soundproofing or investing in a white noise machine. Finally, if you’ve done everything you can to foster better sleep and you’re still struggling, your health will thank you for seeing a doctor. Many causes of insomnia or poor-quality sleep are caused by mental or physical health conditions and may improve with treatment.

Making Time for Cuddles

It might sound silly, but for many, getting in more cuddles is a huge mood and health boost. Humans are social animals, and our brains are generally wired to crave physical affection. Cuddling releases mood-regulating chemicals in your brain and promotes relaxation and stronger relationships. Making more time to cuddle your significant other, family, or your pets can add some much-needed joy to your life. If none of the above are applicable, you could still see some benefits from making a point to hug your friends more often (assuming they’re the hugging type).

Planning Your Next Vacation

Time away from work is associated with numerous health benefits. Don’t underestimate the power of even a relatively short getaway in reducing stress, and therefore the myriad physical health issues that arise from or are exacerbated by stress. It doesn’t have to break the bank; some of the most fun vacations are budget friendly. Not to mention, you don’t even have to go far. Whether your destination is thirty minutes or thirty hours away, the important thing is getting a change in scenery and a muchdeserved break. Plus, just the act of planning your vacation, and the positive emotions associated with the anticipation leading up to

it, can give a nice mental health boost. Even if you can’t afford to get away right now, you can resolve to establish a restorative practice – even if you can only carve out a few hours a week, look at your time and see where you might have opportunities for rest and selfcare.

Learning Something New

Learning new things is great for your brain health, and, by increasing self-confidence, decreasing boredom, and adding something new to your life, can improve mental health, too. Education doesn’t have to stop after school. Find a new book on a topic you want to know more about, use online resources to teach yourself a new language, or pick up a new hobby. Find times you can devote to your new endeavor and set yourself reminders if you need to. You’ll keep your brain challenged and happy.

Spending More Time Outside

Being outside, absorbing the sounds of nature, and feeling sunlight and wind against your skin can often be a very positive experience, and for good reason. Spending time outdoors is associated with various health benefits. Sunshine helps your body produce vitamin D (just remember to limit time in the sun or use sunscreen to mitigate UV damage). Surrounding yourself with nature can help reset your circadian rhythm, which regulates various bodily functions in addition to your sleep cycle. It can boost your mood. And it can also be a great way to get more movement into your life, seeing as

many active hobbies are done outdoors. Now, in the middle of winter, motivation to get outside may be at a low. So, make sure you’re bundled up appropriately and have thoughts of a warm beverage or shower waiting for you once you come inside. Pushing yourself to go outside, even in the winter, can be a rewarding experience. Going for a run on a sunny winter day or taking a relaxing walk through a snowy wonderland can help beat the winter blues and increase your appreciation of the season. And think - if you can establish the habit in winter, it should be a breeze keeping it into spring, when warmer, greener weather invites you out of the house. If you need help staying

Surrounding yourself with nature can help reset your circadian rhythm, which regulates various bodily functions in addition to your sleep cycle. It can boost your mood. JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 7

motivated, you can set yourself goals. You could mark time-based goals on your calendar or set a per-instance goal such as “spend time outside 30 different times,” recording each time you do. You can start small, making an effort to go out and soak up some rays for as little as five minutes at a time, and in a location as unadventurous as your own balcony. Of course, this habit can be combined with other things – you can spend that time outdoors meditating or socializing with friends (invite a group out for a hike!) or biking down to the store.

Investing in Air Quality

Poor quality air can cause or exacerbate a lot of lung problems – even some minor issues that might go unnoticed or explained away as “just allergies.” If you think the air in your home could be improved, investing in an air filter and checking your air ducts are some actions you could take. Make sure to use your cooking vents when you cook or install cooking vents if you don’t have them. Keep soft furnishings clean, since they trap contaminants, and generally inspect your space for signs of mold. Check your humidity and consider investing in either a humidifier or dehumidifier if needed. Also, investing in some houseplants is a good idea, as they act as natural air filters, and research indicates they can also boost your mood and overall wellness.

Leveling Up Your Cooking

Many people find it hard to invest much time and mental energy into building a meal planning habit. When you’re busy, it’s easier to splurge on takeout and prepared foods, even if your wallet and often your health will not thank you for it. It’s understandable why people develop this habit, but many people wish they cooked at home more often and don’t know where to start. Meal planning is your friend here. This is often talked about in the context of fitness training, but it doesn’t have to be. Home-cooked food will often be healthier than food from a restaurant, but it’s not necessary to beat yourself up trying to remove every trace of unhealthiness from your meals. What matters is that you make a plan and (with some room for flexibility) stick with it. You could resolve to dedicate one day of the week to planning, roughly, what you’ll eat for the week – maybe right before grocery shopping, so you’ll know what 8 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2024

ingredients to get. By doing things this way, not only will you reduce waste, but you can get a better picture of the balance of your diet and any areas where you might want to incorporate more or less of certain food groups, depending on your goals. Perhaps you want to cook more but are tired of the same recipes or don’t know where to start. Take some time to look at recipe sites or food blogs if you need inspiration. If you want to improve your cooking skills and the variety of nutrients you get in your diet, you could set a goal such as “try one new recipe” or “incorporate one new ingredient” each week. On the day you devote time to planning, you could spend some time in the kitchen pre-prepping ingredients, such as chopping fruits and vegetables, mixing up sauces, putting together lunches, or even making big portions of certain dishes to eat throughout the week. Another added health benefit to spending more time in the kitchen, in addition to increasing your awareness of and control over what you feed yourself, is that it could become a shared social time. If they’re interested, enlist family members or roommates (or even call up some friends) to help you and share in the results together. Not only will this make the burden of cooking lighter, but sharing meals together will strengthen your relationships and boost mental health.

Examine, Prioritize, Plan, and Execute

It takes focus and drive to stick with a resolution at first, especially if it’s a big change. The good news is, once a habit has been made, it should get easier to keep it. Once something is incorporated into your routine, it takes less effort to remember, set time for, and find mental or physical energy for. There still might be times when it’s more difficult, it’s true, and you might regress and fall off the habit for a while. This is natural, and okay. It’s important to be understanding of oneself, and non-judgmentally pick yourself up and get back into it. If you allow yourself to feel a growing sense of shame about falling off a habit, it actually gets harder to get back into it. So be compassionate and consistent with your self-encouragement, push yourself to keep your habit, and positive change is sure to follow.7

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Footnotes on Style/Carla Irvin

To waterproof or waterresist, that is the question W

hen snowflakes start to fall, the right footwear becomes an essential part of your winter wardrobe. With wet conditions, it’s no wonder that women wonder about the waterproof capabilities of their shoes. Let’s dive into the world of women’s waterproof footwear, explore when waterproof matters, when water-resistant will suffice, and learn ways to enhance your shoes’ water resistance. Waterproof shoes are lined with materials like Gore-Tex®, which provide an impermeable barrier. The material might also be treated to repel water and prevent staining. Waterresistant pairs lack the lining of a waterproof shoe, but the material is still treated to stay looking its best. When to Choose Waterproof: 1. Warmth: Shoes with a Gore-Tex® lining provide better insulation, making them a fantastic choice for keeping your feet warm. 2. Extended Outdoor Exposure: If you anticipate being out for prolonged periods in unpredictable weather, opt for waterproof footwear. Even if your shoes get wet, the lining will ensure your feet stay dry. When Water-Resistant Works: 1. Quick Errands: For short trips, water-resistant shoes should suffice. They protect your feet from minor splashes and won›t pose an issue during short exposures to damp conditions. 2.

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Temperature Regulation: If your feet tend to overheat, water-resistant shoes are a better option as they allow for better breathability.

If something isn’t noted as being waterresistant or waterproof, there are a few methods of creating a water-resistant barrier. Use a Waterproof Spray: Use a quality waterproof spray designed for leather or suede shoes. Spray them evenly and allow them to dry thoroughly before wearing them. Apply a water-resistant barrier BEFORE getting caught in the rain and re-treat once or twice per season. ◊ Mink Oil: For leather shoes, applying mink oil can add a layer of water resistance. It not only protects against moisture but also keeps your shoes looking fresh. And no, it’s not made from mink—the name just invokes their water-repelling coat. Apply it to leather with a soft cloth, then buff it to a shine. Mink oil should never be used on suede. ◊ Regular Cleaning: Clean your shoes regularly to remove dirt and salt. Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe off any debris. Road salt can leave unsightly stains on your shoes. Invest in a salt stain remover and follow the manufacturer›s instructions to remove these stains. Be sure to spotcheck on a hidden area first. ◊ Proper Drying: If your shoes get wet, allow them to air dry naturally. Avoid using direct heat sources like hairdryers, as heat can damage the materials. Do not box them while damp, which encourages mildew. Discovering the perfect balance between ◊

style and functionality in your winter footwear is a journey worth taking. Both Plum Bottom stores are equipped to cater to your wet weather needs. Our waterproof boots and shoes ensure you don’t have to compromise one for the other. From waterproof wonders to water-resistant classics, you’ll find the ideal pair to keep your feet cozy and stylish throughout the winter season.

Keystone Scholars is an automatic, at-birth $100 investment for education savings! All children born to PA residents, including children who are adopted, automatically have a Keystone Scholars account in their name with $100 for postsecondary education expenses.* Use funds for career & vocational training – or at community colleges & four-year universities. *Child must be born on or after January 1, 2019.

Carla is the co-owner of Plum Bottom, a local fashion haven that has graced Harrisburg & Camp Hill --and more recently online--for over 46 years. Specializing in shoes, Carla's keen eye for style and quality has made Plum Bottom a go-to destination for fashion enthusiasts. Beyond the glitz and glamour of footwear, Carla's soul finds balance as a yoga teacher since 2010, imbuing her life and business with mindfulness and grace. A loving mother to two energetic teenage sons, Carla seamlessly blends her roles as a fashion maven, wellness advocate, and dedicated mom, crafting a life as vibrant and multifaceted as the shoes she curates.

800-440-4000 | pa529.com/keystone

Stacy Garrity Pennsylvania Treasurer

Keystone Scholars is open to Pennsylvania residents born after December 31, 2018 and children born after December 31, 2018 who are subsequently adopted by a Pennsylvania resident. The child must be a Pennsylvania resident at birth or adoption and at the time the Keystone Scholars funds are used. The child must also be the beneficiary of a PA 529 account other than the Keystone Scholars account at the time Keystone Scholars funds are used. If not used by the beneficiary’s 29th birthday, the funds will be returned to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department (Treasury). Funds in a Keystone Scholars account will be invested in a PA 529 GSP account and will remain under the sole custody of Treasury until they are used for the purposes of paying for qualified higher education expenses at an institution of higher education. A list of qualified higher education expenses may be found at www.pa529.com. No additional funds may be contributed to a Keystone Scholars account. However, families are encouraged to save in their own PA 529 account.

JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 11

The Finance Hound/Bryson Roof

The Triple Tax Advantage

n this edition of the Finance Hound, I will be discussing an investment account that allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars via payroll deductions, so that the earnings grow tax-free while also allowing for taxfree withdrawals. If I have your attention, keep reading to learn about the benefits of a Health Savings Account (HSA).

What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)? An HSA is a tax-advantaged account for individuals (and families) enrolled in a highdeductible health insurance plan. Unlike a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), funds within an HSA are not required to be used within the calendar year in which you saved the funds. A significant advantage of HSAs is that a participant can allow the balance to accumulate over time, effectively creating a tax-free health savings account for later in life.

Common HSA Oversight:

One of the most common mistakes I see with HSA participants is leaving the fund in cash. Maintaining a cash allocation is prudent if you intend to use the HSA for near-term medical expenses. However, if the goal is long-term, investing the funds can allow for tax-free growth and gains that can provide additional purchasing power later in life. I frequently talk to young couples who rarely visit the doctor. They’re healthy and only access the doctor for preventive visits, such as an annual physical or emergency. While they set aside the annual maximum amount into an HSA to grow the balance for future needs, they don’t invest the fund. This is a huge opportunity wasted. In this example, the couple could invest the HSA balance to potentially grow the funds for future expenses.

associated with retirement are health care costs. Having tax-free funds available to cover costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance provides a lot of financial security. Many individuals are surprised to learn that Medicare does not provide routine or preventive dental and vision care. Not only can an HSA pay for dental and vision care, but this is considered a tax-free distribution. For individuals retiring prior to Medicare eligibility, HSAs provide a lot of additional flexibility. Once employment ceases, individuals are eligible for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation, more commonly referred to as COBRA insurance, for 18 months. While HSAs typically cannot pay health care premiums, HSAs can pay COBRA continuation coverage premiums. This can be extremely useful for individuals bridging the gap until Medicare coverage.

The HSA Advantage:

Contribution Limits:

Likely, some of the most significant expenses

In 2024, the maximum HSA contribution for self-only coverage is $4,150, and the maximum family coverage contribution is $8,300. Similar to other retirement accounts, there is a catch-up provision. Individuals over the age of 55 are eligible to make a catchup contribution of an additional $1,000.

Health Care Planning: Before making any health insurance policy changes, consult with your Human Resources department or an insurance specialist to ensure that an HSA is the right coverage for you and your family based on your unique health and financial situation. 7

Bryson Roof, CEP, is a financial advisor at Fort Pitt Capitol Group in Harrisburg, and has been quoted nationally in various finance publications including CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, and Barron’s. 12 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2024

Nourishing Bites/Dr. Sumathi Suppiah

Effectively Including Protein in Your Daily Diet

utrition goals usually top New Year’s resolution lists. As we embark on another new year, let’s dive deeper into one of the most talked about nutrition topics: the importance of including protein in your daily diet. Protein serves as the major building block of the human body. The USDA recommends 10 to 35% of energy consumed each day should be protein, and the daily recommended intake is 0.8 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, calculated based on age, gender, physical activity, and exercise. It’s also recommended that your protein intake should be equally distributed throughout the day. Always start your day with a protein-rich breakfast, which will help you reduce calorie intake later in the day and set the tone for choosing healthier meals.

Why Is Protein Important?

Eating a balanced meal with protein, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables is essential. Protein is one of the primary nutrients that we need. Protein helps build cells and muscles. The biggest benefits of consuming protein include fat burning, improved muscle recovery, improved healing for cuts and wounds, fighting diabetes and helping to stabilize blood sugar, being necessary for brain function, and increasing energy levels. More heart-healthy proteins — like those found in fish and plants — may help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure as well. If you’re not getting enough healthy protein in your diet, almost every bodily system may suffer. Proteins are built as chains of amino acids. Your body is constantly building new cells to replace old ones — the amino acids present in protein support this process.

more than the recommended daily intake. Higher protein intake is recommended for weight loss, calculated based on an ideal body weight for the individual. Maintaining a well-balanced diet that includes all food groups for overall health is important. When too much protein is taken, there might not be an appetite to consume carbohydrates, fats, vegetables, and fruits. Protein intake also depends on your level of physical activity. Increasing your protein intake without increasing physical activity could result in weight gain, due to the increase in total calories. There is also some evidence that eating a relatively high-protein diet can be problematic for individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions. A diet high in animal protein may pose a higher risk of kidney stones. Talk to your doctor or consult a dietitian for advice if you have concerns about your protein intake.

Happy New Year, and cheers to good nutrition in 2024!

Sumathi Suppiah, MD, DABOM, is the medical director of medical weight management for the UPMC Central PA Weight Management Center. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal health through good diet and nutrition, regular exercise, and mental health support. To learn more about medical weight management at UPMC in Central Pa., call 717-591-5638 or visit UPMC.com/ CentralPaWeightLoss.

Healthy Protein Sources

Healthy protein sources include eggs, nuts, beans, tofu, lean meats, Greek yogurt, fish, poultry, dairy, and certain grains like spelt, Kamut, and quinoa. It’s good to include protein-rich foods with each meal.

How Much Is Too Much Protein?

The debate is ongoing when it comes to expert opinions on how much protein we should consume. Generally, we do not need high protein levels and should not exceed JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 13

Baby, It's Cold Outside … But That Doesn't Mean All Home Improvement Projects Have to Wait!

ecause winter weather keeps you indoors more, it’s the perfect time to complete some home improvement projects. Plus, many projects benefit from cooler temperatures and lower humidity. So, if you’re ready to spruce things up, consider taking on one of these tasks. Or if you don’t feel up to the task, hire a professional. They are usually less busy this time of year, so prices may be more budget friendly. REGROUT YOUR TILE If the tile in your bathroom is chipping, cracking, and coming out, then it’s time to get rid of it and replace it with new grout. It will take about 2 hours to remove grout from a 4-foot-square section of floor and an hour to replace it. If your grout is still intact but you still crave a new look, consider staining it. Staining is a simple process but

can be time-consuming, especially when you add on the clean-up time. PAINT A ROOM You can paint a room safely in the winter with today’s low to zero VOC paints that don’t require you to open a window (although having a fan to help circulate the air is a good idea). Cooler temps and lower humidity mean the paint dries faster. However, if the humidity is too low, the paint will dry too fast. For best results, keep the humidity between 40% to 70%. UPGRADE YOUR LIGHTING Winter brings shorter days that are more likely to be overcast. Since you can’t fix things outside, light it up inside. Consider upgrading your lighting by adding a few fixtures in dimly lit areas. Alternatively, you can add a few dimmers and a lighting control app to your phone. Or simply update your lightbulbs. Full-spectrum light bulbs make it feel sunny regardless of the clouds outside. REPLACE HARDWARE Replacing old and worn fixtures can really make your kitchen, bathroom – or any room in your home - look better. You can start with cabinet and drawer handles and then move on to doorknobs. Then, if you

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are feeling more confident, consider replacing your faucet or shower head (or call a plumber and just pretend later you did it yourself!) BUILD A DECK Building a deck in winter may sound crazy, but it’s not. There are plenty of days during winter when it feels great to be outside, and working on hard ground instead of mud in Spring can greatly help your deck’s foundation. Plus, by building your deck in the winter it will be ready to use once the warmer weather arrives. So beat the rush and call a contractor to get started.

RENOVATE YOUR BASEMENT Your basement is a great area to focus on in the winter. Whether it’s addressing issues like cracked concrete or mold, or renovating the space to add a playroom, it’s time to stop ignoring the basement. INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, then it’s time to get one. Not only will consistent temperatures enhance your comfort, but homeowners have reported saving up to 15% on their heating and cooling bills after installation. And if you already have one, take stock of any lifestyle changes at home. It may be time for an update.

INSULATE YOUR ATTIC By ensuring your attic has sufficient insulation you’ll not only stay warmer, but you’ll also save money. As in up to 10% lower energy costs! So, grab a tape measure and head up to the attic. Your attic insulation should be R-38” to R-60”. The R stands for “resistance to heat flow.” The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation. But that doesn’t mean you need 60 inches of insulation. Depending on the type of insulation, you should have between 13” to 18” of insulation. If your insulation sits at or below the joists, it’s time to add insulation yourself or call an expert to do it for you. INSTALL HARDWOOD FLOORING Winter is the optimal time to install a new hardwood floor because drier air helps prevent gapping in newly placed boards and lessens the drying time for the adhesive. And, as a bonus, newer wood floors have better insulating properties. REPLACE KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS With all the holiday gatherings, you probably see a lot more of your kitchen in winter than any other time of the year. Why not get that ugly countertop replaced? Or add a tile backsplash to spruce things up.

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How a Snowflake is "Made"

By Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com Stock Photos.

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16 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2024

f course, snowflakes aren’t made in the sense of being created by human action, but rather form in the atmosphere. Did you know that snowflakes have a nucleus? No, it’s not quite the same thing as the nucleus of a living cell, or of an atom. At the center of every snowflake is a tiny particle around which the ice crystals form. These particles are generally specks of dust or grains of pollen and can be seen in each snowflake undera sufficiently powerful microscope. In this way, snowflakes are distinguished from sleet and hail, which develop from the freezing of rain drops under low temperatures. Of course, individual snowflakes display a huge range of characteristics, and it is said that no two are alike. Scientists are still finding new ways to classify and model different snowflake shapes. There are atleast 35 different categories of snowflakes, according to research done in 2013. One of the factors influencing snowflake shape is air temperature.

At higher temperatures, snowflakes are more likely to form long, needle-like crystals, whereas at lower temperatures the crystals tend towards flat and planar. Changes in temperature along the course of the snowflake’s fall to Earth can impact the shape of the snowflake’s dendritic structure, or the way its “arms” spread from the center. Likewise, they can vary greatly in size and even (once fallen) color. The largest reported snowflake was a gargantuan flake that allegedly measured fifteen inches across –although the case has insufficient documentation. Pure snow is perceived as white by us, since it reflects light, but anyone that’s been to a city in the days following a big snowfall can expound upon the grey and black hues that pollutants can tint the snow. Cold-loving algae can also flourish in snow, painting it such wild colors as blue or pink.

JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 17

A Good Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think

Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com Photos from stock

any people dream of retiring to somewhere “exotic” - getting a fresh start somewhere new to them, often somewhere tropical where the weather is warm and inviting year-round. Hence, of course, the stereotype of retirees taking up residence in the

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“sunbelt,” flying south for the winter to states like Florida or Georgia, and never coming back. (Okay, maybe a few times a year, to visit family.) But somewhere sunny and sandy isn’t necessarily the end-all-be-all of retirement destinations. Every year, longstanding media company U.S. News and World Report releases a ranking of the best U.S. cities to retire to. And – wouldn’t you know it? – our very own locale of Harrisburg was the city that earned the distinction of the number one spot this year. Why Harrisburg? It might not seem obvious to us locals, since we’re used to living here. But we’ve got a lot going for ourselves. U.S. News and World Report bases their rankings on several factors, including affordability, healthcare, taxes, and overall happiness/satisfaction. Harrisburg was chosen (rising from the number 2 spot it earned last year) by scoring high on measures of these factors. Our healthcare, especially for older adults, is of a very high standard. Our real estate and overall cost of living is competitive. We have a good selection of local culture and outdoor activities to foster a healthy, satisfying

retirement, and we’re within range of several cultural hubs with even more to do – Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and New York – while retaining the more peaceful pace of a smaller city. In fact, including Harrisburg, six of the ten top cities all had one thing in common: they were all Pennsylvanian. Turns out that, as a state, we score pretty well on a lot of important factors. So, if you think an out-of-state retirement might not work for you, don’t fret. The grass might not be all that greener on the other side. In truth, you don’t need to go anywhere special or do anything extravagant to be happy in retirement. If you’re planning for retirement, or are already retired, and want to make the most of your retirement (whether you choose to stay here or not), here are a few tips. After spending decades of your life working, it can be helpful to make your transition into retirement more gradual. If you can wind down from your career or job gently, by slowly reducing your work hours, you’ll get used to having more

free time as you find things to fill the hours you previously would have spent at your job. By retiring gradually rather than all-at-once, you can help prevent the feelings of directionlessness that many new retirees feel when they suddenly have nothing to do all day. Retiring doesn’t mean you have to stop doing any form of work, if you don’t want to. In fact, many people feel the work they do becomes more meaningful after retirement. Consider volunteering for a local charity or seek casual employment in a part-time job and reap the benefits of an augmented income. Also, rethink what “work” means to you – not all work worth doing is defined by a payroll form or volunteer rota. Dive into personal projects – learn a new skill, improve your home or garden, try your hand at making something. Finding meaningful work in retirement can give you a social, mental, and/or physical boost, depending on the type of work. But it’s important to look at these areas individually and make sure you’re keeping up with everything that makes for a happy life. Maintaining a social life is crucial, and many people rely on work relationships for a big part of their socialization. Stay in touch with your work friends but consider meeting new people through social clubs or classes based on your interests. A walking club or other health and fitness group is a great option, as staying active only becomes more important with aging. Putting it all together, build a satisfactory routine for yourself. Some people prefer more structure and others prefer more spontaneity, but if there’s one thing that most jobs provide, it’s a schedule. Using to-do lists and setting goals can help keep you focused and on track while adjusting to retired life. Schedule time for activities, whether it’s a stroll along the Susquehanna or a surfing class at Daytona. It’s your retirement, so make the most of it. 7

Find Your We’re proud to bbee tthe he area’s premier continuing care retirement community! Vote Bethany Village for Simply the Best in the Senior Living/Retirement category!

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For the Love of Pets/Kristen Zellner

Navigating Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex

new canine mystery illness is making its way across the United States. First discovered in Oregon, the respiratory illness has been detected in 16 states, including Pennsylvania. Back in August 2023, the Oregon Department of Agriculture received reports from veterinarians that had seen dogs presenting symptoms of a respiratory disease that was resistant to antibiotic treatment. Currently uncertain whether the illness is caused by a virus or bacteria, scientists are scrambling to find answers as more dogs succumb to its spread. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, symptoms of the disease, referred to as canine respiratory infectious disease complex (CIRDC), include nasal and eye discharge, cough, and lethargy. The development of pneumonia can follow, prolonging and complicating recovery, and

possibly leading to death. Dogs that show symptoms are believed to shed the virus one to three days prior to becoming symptomatic, making it difficult to curb transmission. Transmission of respiratory diseases in dogs can occur through direct or indirect contact. This includes shared toys and equipment, community water or food bowls, and close or prolonged proximity to infected dogs. Dogs at highest risk for acquiring CIRDC are those that travel or are around other dogs frequently. Dog parks, daycares, kennels, shelters, training facilities, and busy grooming shops are all places dogs can acquire illnesses. Though most dogs improve or recover from CIRDC within 7-10 days, people with elderly dogs and those with underlying health issues should take extra precautions to avoid it, as it can be deadly to the most vulnerable. The new CIRDC is reminiscent of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Information

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is trickling in slowly and the uncertainty is causing alarm in the canine community. As veterinary pathologists navigate how to diagnose, prevent, and treat this new threat, pet owners can assist in mitigating it by taking a variety of precautions. The AVMA recommends that dog owners keep their dogs up to date on necessary vaccines. These include an annual intranasal vaccine against Bordetella, canine adenovirus type 2, and canine parainfluenza. If you take your dog to places with high dog traffic, like daycares, ask the owners/ managers what they are doing to protect your dog from illness. Do they screen clients before admittance, refusing symptomatic animals? Are they doing additional and thorough cleaning of equipment in public spaces? Are they reducing the number of dogs in play areas at one time? Ask questions, keep yourself informed on the spread of CIRDC and stay away from places where outbreaks are occurring. If your dog becomes ill, keep them away from other dogs and seek veterinary care immediately. Keeping your dog healthy is an important factor in preventing any illness. Consistent veterinary care, good nutrition, proper hydration, and adequate exercise are integral to overall health. CIRDC doesn’t have to stop dogs from enjoying life. It may force us to alter what we do and where we go with our dogs, but putting in the extra thought and effort will only benefit their longevity.

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. JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 23

By the Book/Michelle Haring

Book Collecting and Special Editions

eople have collected books as a hobby and a passion for centuries. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, as e-readers and reading on devices became common, many commentators warned printed books were headed to the dustbin of history. However, the reports on the demise of books and book collecting were greatly exaggerated. One of the factors fueling a resurgence in book collecting is an appreciation for special editions. This year the release of Fourth Wing

by Rebecca Yarros highlighted the excitement for beautiful books. The First Edition, First Printing of the book from publisher Red Tower has sprayed edges with stenciled flying dragons. These editions sold out quickly and introduced many new fans to beautiful editions. Some Instagram and TikTok influencers highlight their collections of special editions, which further encourages collecting. FairyLoot, Owlcrate, and the Bookish Box are

a few of the many subscription boxes. These companies produce monthly special edition boxes, but they also produce exclusive editions of fan favorites. Many of these books have elaborate covers and decorative sprayed edges. Some of the most popular titles have several editions. Some fans collect every version of their favorite books. Another hot area of collecting is for books signed by the authors. Central Pennsylvania is a wonderful place for people interested in author signings. Many local, independent bookstores such as Midtown Scholar, Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop, and Cupboard Maker Books regularly host author signings. This is a great chance to buy signed books in person from the authors. These stores also carry used and new signed books in their inventory. There are also several local book festivals including the Chocolate Town Book Festival and the Harrisburg Book Festival. Many authors attend these events, and they provide amazing opportunities for the acquisition of signed books. In February, The Cupboard Maker Books will be hosting Lindsay Hameroff for her debut romance novel, Till There Was You, on her release day. She will be in conversation with Sarah Adler, author of Mrs. Nash’s Ashes. Xio Axelrod, author of The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes, will be signing her new book, Girls With Bad Reputations, in February at Cupboard Maker Books. Meeting authors is a great way to start collecting signed books.7

Michelle Haring is the owner of Cupboard Maker Books, a 6,500 square foot store in Enola, Pennsylvania, with ample parking on Routes 11/15. The store is across the river from Harrisburg and contains over 120,000 curated, unique, previously loved paperback and hardback titles including Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Children’s, History, Art, Religion, and many other genres. The bookstore cats and foster cats from Castaway Critters roam freely and love visitors. Cupboard Maker Books hosts book signings and monthly book clubs and carries thousands of new titles including fiction and nonfiction by local traditionally published and independent authors. 24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2024

JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 25

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JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 27

What's Cooking? IN LOCAL FOOD AND FUN

Lydia Zavala

Lydia with guitarist Steve Jewett (l) and drummer Eric Slaughter (r).

his month we help you to start off 2024 with both a song in your heart – and a drink in your hand – when Bartender’s Choice profiles singer-songwriter Lydia Zavala, whose employer, Grotto Pub in Enola, often hosts her band for live performances. And, after you “drink” that in, be sure to Taste This! As in our monthly food review, which this time provides a tasty helping of pizzas and paninis from Nonna Ilva.

Ringing (and Singing) in the New Year! Love the local arts scene? Resolve to see more live theater this year, like columnist Tara Herweg does in Theatre Thoughts, providing you with a full list of shows to catch on stages around Central PA. Or how about taking in an Oscar-caliber movie or two? Check out Kevyn Knox’s recommendations for the best films of 2024 in Cinematic Ramblings, and then head to your local cineplex (or find out where you can stream online). Photo submitted

28 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2024

Theatre Thoughts/Tara Herweg

A quest for you

y the time this column is read, we’ll be a few weeks into the new year. The year 2024 doesn’t sound like anything so much as THE FUTURE. We’ve made it! We’re living in the future! Thankfully, we don’t have to tell our twentieth-century selves that we’re still working on flying cars, world peace, and a true Spice Girls reunion tour. How are your resolutions holding up? Did you make resolutions this year? I don’t anymore. Too many years of “this is the year I lose 25/30/50 pounds” and “this is the year I start to like exercising” and all the rest of the stuff that diet culture force-feeds us around this time. In the ramp-up to New Year’s, I, again, didn’t make any resolutions. But I did challenge myself: It’s a quest! (That sounds so much more enticing than a resolution, which sounds like something that requires a written and oral report upon completion). My quest is this: SEE MORE THEATRE. This shouldn’t be too hard to accomplish, honestly. Harrisburg and its surrounding areas are constantly percolating with shows to see. Musicals, plays, original work, old standbys, classics, cutting edge. There’s literally something for everyone. Below you can find a rundown of shows being presented in our area in the first few months of the year. I have to confess, I’m not very good at seeing shows when I don’t know someone in the cast. Hell, I’m not much better at seeing shows when I do know someone in the cast. It’s always something: childcare, timing, illness (ugh, the number of little bugs this time of year!), and various other monkey wrenches. This is the year that I change that. This is the year that you can change that, too! Take a look and see what’s on offer. Get onto the websites, reserve your tickets, get good seats, reserve a table at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, make a night of it! This quest isn’t just about increasing your theatrical intake or increasing traffic to local theatres (though both of those things are important!); this quest is also about sniffing out that most delicate of truffles: time for yourself. Open Stage of Harrisburg presents Stephen Sondheim’s classic horror musical, Sweeney Todd, running February 24-March 17. Tickets at openstagehbg.com.

Sankofa African American Theatre Company, in partnership with Gamut Theatre Group, presents an original work, The Jackson Rooming House: Music’s Resting Place, running February 10-25. Tickets at gamuttheatre.org. Gamut Theatre Group quickly follows this up with Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, running March 9-24. Tickets at gamuttheatre.org. Narçisse Theatre Company presents the acclaimed Broadway play American Son, running February 2-18. Tickets at narcissetheatre.org. Theatre Harrisburg presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical Next to Normal from January 26-February 11. Tickets at theatreharrisburg.com. Oyster Mill Playhouse presents Eve Ensler’s love letter to the female of the species: The Vagina Monologues runs from March 8-24. Tickets at oystermillplayhouse.com.

Tara Herweg (she/her) is a native of Camp Hill, a former Core Company member of Gamut Theatre Group, and a huge fan of the Harrisburg theatre scene. Now she gets to call herself a writer, too (her 8-year-old self, Care Bears fanfic in hand, can hardly believe it)! She keeps herself busy working on her novel, watching horror movies, and raising her small human.

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg has a full slate for the first quarter of 2024! Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers plays from January 26-February 11, and Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead run from March 8-24. Tickets at ltmpa.com. Keystone Theatrics brings recent Broadway sensation The Prom to the Allenberry stage from February 9-25. Tickets at keystonetheatrics.com. The Belmont Theatre in York breaks out the spandex and Aqua Net when it presents the musical Rock of Ages from February 16-25. Tickets at thebelmont.org. Susquehanna Stage brings Neil Simon to York County when they present Brighton Beach Memoirs, running February 17-26. Tickets at susquehannastage.com. The Pharmacy Theatre presents the stirring drama Agnes of God on March 22-23, at Ava’s Place in Mechanicsburg. Tickets at pharmacytheatre.org. JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 29

Bartender’s Choice/Grotto Pub

Local Musician Brings the Tunes (and Drinks) to This Small Village Pub

Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@ harrisburgmagazine.com. Photos by Will Masters

ydia Zavala, bartender since 2009 at The Grotto Pub, local hangout in the West Shore riverside village of West Fairview, is “Pennsylvania born and raised” – she grew up outside of Reading. She attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Fashion Merchandising, with a minor in Economics and a concentration in Merchandising. Her focus on the fashion industry led her to work as a model for a time, but ultimately, she’s been using her marketing acumen to advance her true passion: her music. She’s always loved to sing. One of her earliest experiences with music was her time singing in her second-grade choir, an experience she remembers fondly to this day. “From there, it just grew,” she recalls, even though she

balanced her musical extracurriculars with basketball and, eventually, cheerleading. “I did all the choruses I could do throughout high school. We did women’s chorus, classical group, we did jazz group, we did the regular big chorus, we did the smaller concert chorus.” Clearly, she was eager to throw herself into any musical experience available. And she still is. Today she’s a singersongwriter, writing her own lyrics and collaborating with producers to record original music, and part of a cover band, whose other two members - guitarist Steve Jewett and drummer Eric Slaughter - she met while on the 30 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2024

job at the Grotto. “We do everything from Tom Petty to Bruno Mars, to Otis Redding, Etta James, Maroon 5,” she says, of their weekend live shows at local venues. “Everything is fun and familiar.” Characterizing both her work in the band and her original music as a soloist, she says: “Everything’s pretty pop - like, positive, uplifting, I would even say empowering.” Her several singles and debut album are available on every major streaming platform. Bartending gives Zavala the flexibility she needs to support herself while chasing her dream. Thanks to the relatively generous staff of seven bartenders, considering the Grotto

Pub’s limited size, and her long tenure there, she has the freedom to be off work on the weekends when she plays her gigs. That’s far from the only reason that Zavala has stayed loyal to the Grotto, though. “It’s been a blast!,” she enthuses. Her favorite part? “Honestly, getting to know the customers, I mean that sounds really cliché, but this place is really special. (…) Sometimes, people have been a shining light in my life here – maybe if I’ve had a bad day, coming into work – and I feel like I do the same for others.” The Grotto Pub is a cozy space, a local-frequented place diners can go to relax with a drink and a meal. Sponsoring local sports teams like the East Pennsboro Panthers, it’s clear that they care about being part of the local community. That said, locals aren’t the only ones who enjoy their “Famous Grotto Crabcakes.” “Oddly enough, we have people from all over the world come in,” Zavala asserts. “Maybe they know someone who comes in here, and they brought them in, but we’ve had people from all over the world.” The pub, which once was a hotel, boasts a crowd-pleasing menu that Zavala raves about. “Honestly, on my days off, sometimes I wanna come in here, just because the food’s so good,”

"Sometimes, people have been a shining light in my life here – maybe if I’ve had a bad day, coming into work – and I feel like I do the same for others."

she admits. “I’m not joking.” Her top favorite menu item is the French Dip, a chuck roast sliced in-house, served with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese on a baguette, and a side of au jus. But she couldn’t pick just one favorite. In rapid succession, she brimmed with other suggestions: the fresh-cut fries, the Tiger Sauce (a horseradish mayo-based sauce), the steamed shrimp, and of course: “Oh, right, wait! I’m sure I have to mention the famous crabcakes, too. They are excellent.” After spending a summer break from college bartending in Ocean City, Maryland, Zavala moved to Harrisburg when a friend tipped her off to a colleague needing a roommate in the city. But ever since ending up here, she’s been hooked. Being in proximity to vibrant cultural and arts spaces while still being able to live at a quieter pace than larger cities appealed to her, not to mention the proximity to several other big cities. Obviously, these are huge advantages for an up-and-coming musician. Zavala has a range of venues to choose from, but she still occasionally plays at the Grotto Pub. Yes, the Grotto Pub hosts music, often on Friday and Saturday evenings. Although Zavala rarely bartends on those nights anymore, she had this to say of their music nights: “A lot of JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 31

Recommendations of two or three spirits to try: Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey or try chilled with a splash of raspberry liqueur for a peanut butter & jelly shot! Hendrick’s Gin has been a more popular gin choice for a gin and tonic. Most people like it with a cucumber garnish to complement the rose and cucumber infused gin. Most commonly ordered drinks at your bar: Probably Miller Lite or Bud Light. People seem to really like trying different craft beers, too. Philosophy on drinks: Stick to the fundamentals and build on that when experimenting. Keep it simple. Thoughts about your cocktails: I want the cocktails I serve to taste good. I have been doing this so long I am confident we can play a game called “Pick a Color” and I’ll make you something tasty.

people are here. You definitely get the pub feel. It’s tight, it’s crowded, it’s rowdy, so it’s a good time.” So, if you want fun tunes in an intimate, cozy setting, with a cold beverage and a hearty meal, make sure to add the Grotto Pub, and Lydia Zavala, to your must-see list.

Zavala’s Dossier Words of advice to home mixologists: Use basic bar tools when mixing cocktails if you haven’t been properly trained. Try using a dash more juice or sweet liqueurs than hard booze in shooters so they taste better.

Find out more about Lydia Zavala at 1lydiaproductions.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/1lydiaproductions?mibextid=LQQJ4d.

Inspirations: I learned how to bartend while in college during summer break in Ocean City, MD, over peak season. All these years later, I think the biggest inspiration has been meeting so many people from all walks of life. Serving people, talking, and learning about their lives has always been a source of inspiration and has increased my desire to make their experience great. Favorite spirits to mix: When mixing cocktails, I like to stick to the classic cocktails like Long Island Iced Teas, Margaritas & Cosmopolitans. They are favorites for a reason and people enjoy them when made properly. Bartender tip: try using a splash of OJ in Long Islands & Margaritas!

32 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2024

Your day job (if bartending isn’t your day job) Bartending has been my primary source of income for most of my adult life…and I have grown to love the service industry because of the people I meet every day and the freedom it allows me to live a life outside of work and pursue my love for music. I am a singer-songwriter with a cover band, hoping to release my second album of original music later this year. What days/times do you typically work at the bar: I work Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Recipe for your signature or favorite drink to make: Cranberry Moscow Mule 1 1/2 oz vodka 1 1/2 oz cranberry juice 4 oz ginger beer 1/2 fresh lime Combine vodka, cranberry juice and ginger beer in a copper mug or highball glass filled with ice. Add fresh squeezed lime juice.Stir gently and garnish with a lime slice. Bonus points for cranberry garnish! NOMINATE A BARTENDER OR BARISTA! harrisburgmagazine.com/submissions

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The Cosmo

Makes 1 Drink

1 1/2 ounces vodka. 3/4 ounce Cointreau. 3/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed. 1/2 ounce cranberry juice cocktail. Garnish: lime wedge. Step 1 Combine 1 1/2 oz. vodka, 1/2 oz. cranberry juice cocktail, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, and 3/4 ounces Cointreau in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds. Step 2 Strain cocktail through a strainer or a slotted spoon into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Enjoy!

34 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JANUARY 2024

On the Varieties of Snowmen

conical structures built from snowballs and illuminated by candles so that light shines from the gaps, and Yukiusagi, sculptures of rabbits built from snow. (Have you guessed that the Japanese word for snow is “Yuki”?) In places where snow doesn’t fall regularly (or ever), some locals, inspired by the shape of traditional, cold-climate snowmen, resort to getting creative with the materials available. This has led to variations such as desert “snowmen” made of tumbleweeds, coastal “snowmen” made of wet sand, or forest “snowmen” made from cut logs.

aking snowmen has long been a tradition across various climates that get the required yearly snowfall to facilitate them. Some sources even point to records of the practice of building snowmen from as long ago as the Middle Ages. The practice evidently was popular in Europe and spread to America before the colonies even achieved independence. But are snowmen as well-known outside of Europe and the Anglosphere? Well, it’s safe to say that, like Christmas, snowmen are a cultural “meme” (in the sociological sense: a cultural practice spread by repeated imitation) that in the modern era is known to most reaches of the globe. But other parts of the world do have their own versions of the tradition. Japan, for instance, has a few snowbased arts. Yukidaruma are two-sectioned snowmen, made to resemble the shape of a Daruma doll, a type of stylized figure meant to represent the founder of Zen Buddhism. They are usually given cute, minimalist faces. In fact, a village in Ishikawa, at the base of a snowy mountain, holds a Yukidaruma festival every February, where over 3,000 snowmen line the streets. There are also traditions of creating Yuki Cones, small JANUARY 2024 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 35

Cinematic Ramblings/Kevyn Knox

My Top 10 Movies of 2023

t’s a brand-new year! Happy 2024! But we’re not quite done with 2023 yet. This being a film column, we are now required to look at the best in cinema for the past year. That means it’s time for the Top Ten Movies of 2023! So, without further ado. Oh wait! There is a bit more ado. Runners-up are needed. We can’t just stop at a mere ten. So here are some runners-up, in no particular order: May December; Past Lives; Priscilla; Godzilla Minus One; Killers of the Flower Moon; Leave the World Behind; Passages; The Killer; Rye Lane; The Five Devils; Dream Scenario; & Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. (And full disclosure, films unseen at the time of writing, and possible top ten material, are The Color Purple & The Zone of Interest) And now, without further ado…

10. Godland – This 143-minute Icelandic film may not be for the average multiplexer, but if you’re one who longs for the sweeping majesty of Andrei Rublev or the mystifying madness of Fitzcarraldo, then this movie is for you.

9. The Boy and the Heron – The supposed final film

by Studio Ghibli mastermind Hayao Miyazaki (he’s retired twice now) is actually a fitting farewell to his many many fans. A dreamscape of a world beyond this one.

8. Saltburn – Emerald Fennell’s follow-up to her brilliantly subversive debut, Promising Young Woman, is just as brilliant and just as subversive. Barry Keoghan, who was fantastic in last year’s The Banshees of Inisherin, is perfectly cast in this Hitchcockian nightmare.

7. Barbie – The top grossing

movie of the year, this Greta Gerwig directed film is a candy colored, pop art fueled masterclass in feminism and a brutal blow to the head of the patriarchy. It’s quite the pink coated revelation.

6. Asteroid City – Wes

Anderson puts together his films like no one else. Like a deft puzzle with wry dialogue and production design that makes it look like a comic book come to vibrant life. And there’s a cute roadrunner too!

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5. Infinity Pool – Director

Brandon Cronenberg and actors Alexander Skarsgård & Mia Goth hand us the second biggest mindf*ck of the year. You will not be the same after watching this. Take that however you wish.

4. Anatomy of a Fall –

Directed by French filmmaker Justine Triet, this Cannes Palme d’Or winner is a quiet masterpiece that lulls us into a world of intrigue, led by the incredible performance (best of the year!) of Sandra Hüller.

3. Poor Things – From the

demented mind of Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos, this Frankensteinian tale of female empowerment is yet another work of batshit-crazy wonder – and Emma Stone has never been better.

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.

2. Oppenheimer – The other half of last Summer’s Barbenheimer, Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece is a swelling cacophony of sound and vision that will make you think an atom bomb just went off inside your head.

1. Beau is Afraid – Ari

Aster’s third film (and third masterpiece!) is one of the biggest mindf*cks you will ever see – even compared to Aster’s first two mindf*cks. And who better to pull off such antics than the great Joaquin Phoenix! That’s it gang. See ya at the movies.

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Taste This …/Nonna Ilva

This Authentic Italian Eatery Does the Owner’s Nonna Proud!

Story and photos by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com

his month’s featured restaurant is Nonna Ilva, an up-and-coming Italian restaurant with two locations: one in Harrisburg, within the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, and one on Carlisle’s Hanover Street. Originally, they began as a stand in the Broad Street Market in 2022, through the collaboration of husband-and-wife owners Mattia Capella and Hannah Houtz. Capella hails from central Italy, and has experience working in culinary settings in Italy, London, Barcelona, and Austria. With his international expertise, his passion is to bring authentic Italian food to the Central Pennsylvania area – food that makes the restaurant befitting of its tradition-evoking name, which honors the owner’s nonna (Italian for grandmother.) If you were at the Simply the Best Gala in 2023, you may have noticed Nonna Ilva serving a sampling of their pasta creations among the other food sponsors. If you missed them, hopefully this review convinces you to try their food for yourself, because it’s definitely worth it. Nonna Ilva generously provided us with a spread of plain cheese pizza, pepperoni pizza, and their “Vegetariano” white pizza (a flavorful assortment of toppings: mozzarella, sweet peppers, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and balsamic drizzle), and two kinds of

Cheese Pizza Photo submitted. panini: Grilled Chicken, and Italian (ham, salami, provolone, burrata, mixed greens, and pesto on burrata.) Nonna Ilva is a cut above your typical pizza-and-sandwich joint, while still boasting the same convenience for a casual lunch or dinner. One thing that stands out to me is the quality of the bread, especially the pizza crust. The perfect pizza crust is slightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. It should be made with simple, quality ingredients that are subtly flavorful on their own but are enhanced by the pizza toppings. Nonna Ilva fits the bill. Unlike most American

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pizzerias, they make a Roma style dough that is distinguished by its high hydration content. That is, it has a higher ratio of water to flour, around 75%, compared to the average 50%. A higher level of hydration makes for a lighter, airier, and more authentic crust. So, it’s no wonder why so many on our team here at Harrisburg Magazine raved about the crust. “The dough was good,” praised Fred Hershey, Account Executive. “Nonna Ilva’s Pizza isn’t just any run-of-themill, frozen crust kind of pizza,” observed Randy Gross, Managing Editor, “The crust is perfect and obviously fresh.” Another aspect of the pizza that impressed me was how flavorful it was. Every now and then, I try a pizza that’s just… bland. I used to think that pizza was hard to mess up, yet if done wrong, it can make for a really unsatisfying meal. But not Nonna Ilva. They did not disappoint on flavor. The sauce was piquant and perfectly spiced, and the cheese was obviously high-quality. The toppings on the veggie pizza were well-curated and unique, providing a satisfying balance of flavors. If this is what authentic Roma pizza is like, we need more of it in the area. We may have been blown away by the pizza, but don’t think we didn’t love the panini. Some of our team identified the Italian Panini as their favorite. Jennifer George, Director of Digital Marketing, elaborated, “I enjoyed all of the flavors within the sandwich – they really all complemented each other well.” Jo Ann Shover, Account Executive, commented, “The Italian Panini was full of meat and cheese – excellent bread.” If I wanted to pick up an easy-to-serve, crowd-pleasing meal to feed a group of people – but still wanted to impress my guests – Nonna Ilva would be my go-to. Their menus, which also include appetizers, salads, burgers, desserts, pastas (Carlisle exclusive), and calzones (Carlisle exclusive), have something for everyone, and both locations are perfectly suited to dine-in, take-out, and catering. The passion for authentic, quality food that drive the Italian American partnership at the heart of this restaurant is evident in each and every dish. So, stop by for a meal before a show at HMAC, or plan your date night at the Carlisle location, and see what we’re talking about.7

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Everybody Loves a Good Snowball Battle

Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com Stock Photos.

he humble snowball: the simplest creation one can make from snow, and a gentle weapon for mercilessly pelting loved ones. Humans have been throwing snowballs at each other for a long time. The Lumière brothers filmed a street snowball fight in Lyon, France, in 1896. Further back than that, artworks from the Middle Ages depict scenes of snowball fights, and in 1472, the city of Amsterdam allegedly issued a ban on such battles for reasons of public safety. It’s true that occasionally snowball skirmishes can result in injury, especially if the snow is packed too tightly. They were even used in the Civil War, but to say so without elaborating would be misleading. Rather than being compelled against the enemy,

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Confederate troops in northern Virginia engaged in a friendly competition between different state armies on the same side of the war, which escalated (snowballed, if you will) into the largest recorded military snow fight with roughly 9,000 participants.

Some people take snowball tactics very seriously. The Japanese even made snowball-fighting into a competitive sport. Yukigassen is played by two teams on a regulated court, who pelt each other with pre-formed snowballs and compete to eliminate players by successfully hitting them. International tournaments take place every year in snow-rich areas such as northern Japan, Russia, Scandinavia, Alaska, and Canada. Humans aren’t the only animals known to make and throw snowballs. The Japanese macaque, also known as the “snow monkey” due to the climate it prefers, has been observed making and playing with snowballs. Their young are particularly playful – and adorable – when it comes to snow antics.7

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