HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JUNE 2023

Where children thrive and families grow together

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is looking forward to joining the Harrisburg community!

CHS Harrisburg, which is now hiring passionate teachers and staff, will offer nonresidential weekday care and education for children from six weeks to age 5—with all costs covered for qualifying families. We will focus on developing the whole child through a blend of structured and play-based learning, and our on-site Family Success Center will connect families with essential tools and resources to thrive.

A strong team is essential to achieve our mission to help children and families grow. That is why we provide a nearly year-long paid professional development program before opening a CHS Center. The CHS Harrisburg professional development program begins this fall for our teachers and staff.

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

MANAGING EDITOR Randy Gross rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Imogene Gross imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shane Carino scarino@harrisburgmagazine.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Richard Eppinger reppinger@harrisburgmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenifer Epstein

Adam Fausey Imogene Gross

Christina Heintzelman

Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Kelly Kuntz

Khoree Lamon

Amanda Levison

Bill Roddey

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS

Allison Juliana

Brad Maurer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christina Heintzelman

Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Will Masters

Paul Vasiliades

Hall-of-Famer Yaz isn’t alone in considering May a transitional, if not transitory, month. Here at Harrisburg Magazine, we have been transitioning much in the same manner spring transforms into summer – warming up to new ideas, new faces, and a general expectation of sunny days outnumbering the cloudy for the months to come!

In the combined category of new ideas and faces, this month we introduce two new columnists to our mix: former Gamut Theatre Group core company member Tara Herwig steps into the big shoes of her Theatre Thoughts predecessor, Barbara Trainin Blank, writing about Harrisburg’s first-ever Fringe Festival; and musician Elena Rossetto launches the brand new After the Beat, which will showcase incredible local talent like (this month’s focus) the band Slughead. Additionally, after bidding a fond farewell a month ago to our Arts & Entertainment Editor, Christina Heintzelman, we say a big welcome to Imogene Gross, my new Editorial Assistant (and very talented writer herself … and I’m not just saying that because she is my daughter!)

With sunnier days comes heightened thoughts of Health & Wellness – which was selected as an overarching theme for our June issue. In these pages you’ll see many features focusing on those dual subjects, including: a Q&A with new UPMC Central PA President Lou Baverso; tips and strategies for overcoming depression; an Op-ed on improving physician office environments; and also a look at hospice care from a holistic point-of-view. Plus, in her column, Nourishing Bites, Andrea Reed outlines the many healthful benefits of a summertime favorite: fresh tomatoes.

We also have more Food & Fun to kick off your summer, with a Bartender’s Choice profile (Imogene’s first article for us!) of Boomerang Bar & Grill’s Allison Diebert; Stephanie KalinaMetzger’s Compliments to the Chef profile of THEA’s AnnMarie Nelm; plus a tasty Toast of Harrisburg review of long-time Enola favorite the Squeaky Rail Diner.

On the literary side, this month’s short story and poem both come from local Harrisburg writers: the former, “Pass,” written by Khoree Lamon; and the latter, “Solar Devotional,” penned by Adam Fausey. Once again, we

serve up a healthy portion of humor! Brad Maurer’s The Cercus cartoon takes a bug’s eye view of the Gamut Theatre Group’s annual free Shakespeare in the Park (which, incidentally, will be performed at Harrisburg’s Reservoir Park from June 2 – 17; information at www. gamuttheatre.org); and former Penn/Live humor blogger Bill Roddey continues to jab and poke at modern conventions with more Off the Cuff one-liners.

Rounding out our columns this month: Film & TV historian Kevyn Knox hails the release of Ari Aster’s newest film, “Beau is Afraid” in Cinematic Ramblings; Kristen Zellner provides tips for safely clipping a pet’s nails in For the Love of Pets; and Bryson Roof details the hidden benefits of financial plans in The Finance Hound

Remember, if May was a total bust … stay in for the long haul! Afterall, Carl Yastrzemski was a lifetime .285 hitter, compiling 3,419 total hits and 452 home runs!

“I was a lousy hitter in May doing the same things that made me a great hitter in June.”

-Carl Yastrzemski

A sure sign that summer’s

coming: the St. Stephen’s Episcopal School’s annual Race for Education

From IT Guy to the “It” Guy:

A Q&A With New UPMC Central PA President Lou Baverso

In June of 2022, UPMC announced the retirement of Phil Guarneschelli, president, UPMC in Central PA, who was credited with successfully guiding the merger of PinnacleHealth with UPMC five years earlier. In September of 2022, Lou Baverso, COO, UPMC in Central PA, succeeded Mr. Guarneschelli, and has spent the first 8 months of his presidency working to further expand upon the services UPMC offers to central Pennsylvania residents. A recent transplant to the area with his wife of 21 years, Baverso sat down in early May for a Q&A to discuss everything from his early ambitions to the future challenges he will face in his new role.

RG: Prior to transitioning to Central PA in 2019, you were serving as vice president of operations at UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside in Pittsburgh. Were you born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and, if not, where were you born and raised, and also educated?

LOU: Yeah, I was. I grew up in the city actually. My dad grew up in Braddock, and my mother is from Ireland. So, it’s an interesting dynamic for me. I went to, in Swissvale, a Catholic grade school and then I went to Taylor Allderdice High School which was one of the bigger city schools. And, from there I went to Pitt. When I started out, I went to Edinboro University and the first semester it snowed and everyone was

cross country skiing to class, and I knew that wasn’t for me. So, I came back and I went to Pitt! (laughs)

RG: Growing up, at what age did you first express an interest in a career in healthcare, and did you have any other career aspirations?

LOU: It’s interesting … I actually didn’t have an interest in healthcare until after I graduated with my undergraduate degree. So, if I go back far enough, I think I wanted to be a teacher first, and that’s why I went to Edinboro, and I was fortunate enough to work in a classroom in the first semester as well, and realized it wasn’t what I wanted, Elementary Education wasn’t for me. So, I came back and I did my undergraduate degree in Information Science. And my first job was actually through a training company, and I was training physicians how to use emails. This was the early 90’s, and we were taking dumb terminals off of people’s desks and putting computers down for the first time, and so it was a contract position teaching physicians how to use them.

RG: You’ve been in healthcare management for approximately 30 years, and more than 26 of those years with UPMC. During those nearly three decades, what are the major advances that you’ve witnessed in the healthcare industry?

LOU: The first thing is the formation of all these systems. If you go back three decades, everybody was an independent hospital. The second thing I think that is kind of interesting to me is the advancements in technology. So, kind of having an IT background to start this journey, and again, we talked about putting desktops on people’s desks for the first time, but now watching robotics used in surgery, or artificial intelligence to help move processes forward, it’s been fascinating to see in an industry like healthcare, which can be cutting edge one moment, and then really legacy another. So, it’s been fun to kind of watch that evolve, and then look for ways in which that technology can actually have an impact on the greater mission. That’s been the best part about it.

RG: You became COO of UPMC in Central PA in October 2020. That must have been extra-challenging, stepping into that role at the height of the pandemic. What are the most important things you learned during that period?

LOU: Yeah, so a lot came out of that time, and it was a very interesting time to step up into that role. You know, we were still in our integration phase with UPMC, so one of the things I think the pandemic helped us do was to actually become a system a lot faster. We needed each other more than we may have needed each

Story by Randy Gross, rgross@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos by Paul Vasiliades

other prior to that. With our growth within this region, we had newer hospitals that were part of the legacy Pinnacle that also needed each other, so it was a fascinating time. It was an interesting time from a communications perspective, as things in the beginning were changing so rapidly, you know you would get to a point where you were saying “as of 2 o’clock today, this is the source of truth,” and then at 2:30 it would change again. You know, I think we see a lot of things in healthcare, but I don’t think anyone ever thought we’d ever see anything quite like that. And then, as the pandemic continued, the toll that it actually took not only on the community and us, individually, but on the healthcare work force – and that was probably the saddest part about the pandemic outside of the natural things that people would think about death and all the things about the pandemic that were the negative. But really watching them coming to work every day you could see it on people … they wore it, as time went on. So, that was probably the most troubling component of it.

You know, we grew a lot in the pandemic, as well. We saw more providers come on board at that time that needed some assistance, or just couldn’t handle being independent anymore, or didn’t want to be independent anymore. And oncology services across this region grew exponentially during that time. So, there’s a cancer center in every market now, which has been a really good story for us. To be able to bring services here that weren’t here before. People used to have to leave the market for some of that.

RG: Last September, you succeeded Phil Guarneschelli as president, UPMC of Central PA. What do you see as Mr. Guarneschelli’s most enduring legacy, and in what ways have you been building upon it?

LOU: I think the commitment to the community that Pinnacle had was really a solid foundation of that for Phil. So, there’s the ability for me to build on top of that –and there are a number of programs that come to mind, [such as] Healthy Harrisburg, which is a health and wellness program in the inner city that’s free to the community, and it’s an opportunity for folks to have access to exercise classes and healthy initiatives that perhaps maybe didn’t, maybe being in an underserved community, or who just don’t have the resources to be able to take advantage of health and wellness. There’s a lot that Phil built from a community perspective that I

see as my challenge to evolve and then carry forward. We have a great corporate wellness program [CARES] that has been, again, part of Phil’s legacy, and not only does it go in and do health screenings or other aspects of health education, but it actually partners with each of these companies. It’s about 100,000 employees that we have an impact on across a number of companies across the region, and it allows us the ability to educate the company and employee at the same time. So, I think those are a testament to what Phil was able to create here, and a challenge for me to not break, as I told him when we were handing off to one another, but also to build upon.

RG: In your new position, you oversee seven full-service hospitals in the region, as well as outpatient facilities and physician offices. What do you see as your biggest challenge moving forward with that oversight?

LOU: For me, it’s been a passion to kind of figure out a way to build a pipeline. So, over the last 12 months or so, I’ve spent a lot of time looking for and working with partners in the community like Harrisburg University, HACC, Central Penn College, Messiah University, York College, for ways in which our two organizations can align from a pipeline perspective. And not so much from the standpoint of “here’s our job opportunities, showcase them to your students,” but more of “how can I help you enroll?,” because through the pandemic they’ve also had challenges with enrollment into some programs. So, I was thrilled to see the School of Nursing exported out of Western Pennsylvania here, because there’s a UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in Pittsburgh and we were able to extend a branch campus. That campus allowed us to start up a diploma program quicker than what we would have if we were starting from scratch. It allowed us to align our partners in the community, so it doesn’t necessarily compete with HACC’s associate program, or Messiah’s bachelorette program, but it actually taps a pipeline of students who maybe wouldn’t have enrolled in a degree type program.

The Pinnacle Foundation is supporting a lot of this work, and they’ve created what’s called The Scholars Program that gives to some of these students and some of these programs that decide to have an employment with us –as in, if they commit to a certain number of years, we pay back their tuition through the Pinnacle Foundation! With HACC we have a number of programs,

including one that I’m pretty proud of that again was kind of an extension of something in Western Pennsylvania, that’s an entry level food service and housekeeping services program. And also, an EMT training program. What’s unique about those programs are that students are actually getting paid while they’re learning. When they graduate and they stay with us, they get a raise and become a full-time employee with benefits and other opportunities.

So, all of that gives us an opportunity to build a pipeline of our own, instead of waiting for someone to come, it gives us an opportunity to partner with local organizations that have the depth and breadth to actually be successful, and it gives us an opportunity to build economic impact back into the city of Harrisburg or other regions that we serve, because once you’re hired with us, you live there, you work there, you eat there, you play there, and you spend your money there. So, it’s a win-win for everybody.

RG: What one achievement in your career (so far) are you most proud of?

LOU: Probably getting here. (laughs) And I mean that kind of seriously. So, if you think about where my journey has been, and where I started in this organization … so again, I started in probably one of the most entry-level jobs you can have – I started by telling people to reboot their new computer! (laughs) And this organization has given me opportunity, it’s invested in me, and so to be able to actually be in one of the most successful regions as the president of that region, that’s my best accomplishment.

RG: When you’re not on the job, what are your favorite leisure time activities?

LOU: I like to watch some sports, but I’m not a good sports player. The Steelers will go with me wherever I go! The Pirates I’m still a fan of, even though we haven’t had a winning season, I think, since I was born. I’ve learned to augment, so, I like the Senators and Bears, for baseball and hockey. On the weekends, I tend toward just me and Susan, just kind of doing whatever, and that is Costco (laughs) or this weekend it was flower shopping at the local nursery. I also like to be outside, and that’s kind of how I spend the weekend. Just with family and friends.

Tomatoes: Summer’s Superheroes

Envisioning summer, for many, might invoke thoughts of shiny, plump, red tomatoes. Familiar grocery store varieties are typically varying sizes of just a few types. However, there are over 10,000 varieties of tomatoes in varying shades of red, pink, white, purple, green, orange, and yellow. No matter what the variety, tomatoes are one of the summer’s superheroes when it comes to nutrientdense foods we should be piling onto our plates.

In Pennsylvania every year, June means safety for planting tender young tomato seedlings that are highly vulnerable to cool temperatures. These warm weather-loving plants take over 2-3 months to get an initial harvest, but the wait is worth it for that first garden fresh tomato. Tomatoes

are technically a fruit since they come from a ripened flower ovary and have seeds, but when it comes to classifying them in our kitchens, we consider them a vegetable. Locally grown tomatoes can be picked when fully vine-ripened, guaranteeing the best flavor compared to commercially grown tomatoes that are often picked green and ripen during storage. While early harvesting increases the availability of tomatoes, the taste does not compare. Not only are fresh tomatoes treats for the tongue, but they are packed full of nutrients for the rest of our bodies.

Tomatoes provide our bodies with fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K. The fiber in tomatoes promotes gut health, bowel regularity, and helps our bodies feel and stay full between meals. Potassium

Photo by: Margaret Jaszowska

has several roles within our normal bodily functions. In addition, potassium can help decrease blood pressure which can reduce our risk of heart disease or stroke, making it a nutrient we should all strive to include in our diets. Vitamin A may be best known for its role in healthy vision, but it also helps support vitamin C as a part of our healthy immune system. Vitamin C, along with the carotenoids beta-carotene and lycopene found in tomatoes, function as powerful antioxidants. These nutrients help counteract the free radicals that can accumulate and cause damage, or even lead to cancer. There is nothing like a juicy tomato fresh off the vine to please the palate and protect our bodies.

When it comes to eating tomatoes, the possibilities are endless. Tomatoes might be one of the most versatile summer vegetables. While plucking those round, glistening gems right off the vine might invoke childhood memories, you can also try grilling tomatoes or adding them to kabobs. Try stuffing and baking tomatoes or creating homemade pasta or pizza sauces. Tomatoes can be roasted and frozen as a quick addition to soups and pasta in the winter months. If you are feeling adventurous this summer, check out your local markets and see how many different colors of tomatoes you can find. No matter the color, or whether we consider a tomato a fruit or a vegetable, tomatoes belong on our plate.

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.

Andrea Reed, MPS, RDN, LDN, is a freelance dietitian with a background in agricultural sciences. Growing up in the outdoors of Pennsylvania inspired her to include agricultural education in her nutrition counseling and is the focus of her writing. To find out more about Reed Nutrition visit https://reedrdn.com.

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity

Scholars is open to

residents born after

31, 2018

A Holistic Approach to Hospice Care

Story by Kelly Kuntz; Photos Submitted

When people first hear the term “hospice,” it may evoke feelings of sadness, grief, and loss. However, hospice care is not about giving up on life, but rather focusing on life quality—caring not curing.

Hospice is not a place. It is a type of care that provides support and comfort for persons who are nearing the end of their life. The goal is to help individuals maintain their quality of life and manage symptoms related to their illness, rather than focusing on curative treatments. Most commonly clients receive care in their own home or one belonging to a family member.

“Each of our clients leads a unique life,” says Angus Patterson, Executive Director of Lifesong Hospice, a Leader family company. “Lifesong personalizes hospice care plans to help each individual’s transition to be as comfortable as possible while being tailored to their needs and preferences.”

Hospice care providers work to help both

individuals and their families make the most of their time together and ensure that the person’s wishes and needs are respected.

A holistic approach to hospice care is a philosophy that recognizes the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of an individual’s life, emphasizing the importance of addressing all of these areas to support the overall wellbeing and comfort of the individual.

Shannon Weaver, Hospice Liaison at Lifesong Hospice, says that honoring each individual’s life is a critical part of providing holistic care. “We routinely honor our clients’ lives by planning legacy events to bring joy to each individual,” she says. “We’ve invited local police officers to have lunch with a retired police officer to help him relive and recall his many adventures in law enforcement, pampered residents with a full spa day, brought in special musical entertainment and hosted family reunions. In doing this, we seek to celebrate the meaning of their lives and ensure their unique legacy is honored.”

Holistic hospice care often involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, chaplains, and volunteers. They work collaboratively to provide personalized care that considers the unique needs and wishes of each client, allowing them to spend their remaining time with loved ones restfully and with the comforts and familiarities of home, not a hospital room.

The care team may provide pain and symptom management, emotional and psychological support, spiritual guidance and assistance with matters such as advanced care planning and coordination of services. Complementary therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, and music therapy, help promote relaxation and comfort.

Holistic hospice care also extends support to family members recognizing that they, too, experience emotional and spiritual challenges during this time. Counseling, bereavement support and education often are offered to

Retired NYC police officer Frank Rucco receives the “legacy” treatment

help family members cope with their grief and make informed decisions.

Palliative Care

For individuals experiencing a serious illness that may not be terminal, most hospice providers also offer palliative care. Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on relieving pain, managing symptoms, and providing emotional, spiritual, and social support to improve life quality despite the challenges associated with a serious illness.

Palliative care is often confused with hospice care, but there are some important differences. While hospice care focuses specifically on endof-life care for individuals with a terminal illness, palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness alongside curative treatments. And palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, regardless of whether the illness is curable.

“Just as in hospice care, a team of palliative care staff work with the client and their family members to develop a comprehensive care plan to address physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs,” says Weaver. “Palliative care is an important and valuable service that provides comfort, support and relief to individuals and their families facing the challenges of a serious illness.”

How to begin

When the focus of a life-limiting illness has shifted from a cure to symptom management and better quality of life, a family discussion should take place to identify and honor the individual’s wishes.

If the individual or family decides hospice care may be the next step, schedule a conversation with the individual’s physician who will facilitate a hospice care evaluation, if deemed appropriate. When a hospice service is selected by the individual or family, an interdisciplinary hospice team including a physician, nurses, social worker, bereavement counselor and chaplain will help develop a specialized plan of care.

Hospice is a collaborative effort between the client, family members and the hospice care team. Individuals and their family members are involved in making decisions and encouraged to participate in the care plan.

“At Lifesong hospice, our team provides care and support for the family and the individual and serve them with the utmost respect, regard and grace,” says Patterson, adding, “We will honor their unique life, their ‘Lifesong.’”

Lifesong Hospice was created by the Leader family as an addition to its continuum of services for seniors that includes Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Ecumenical Retirement Community and Providence Place Senior Living. Lifesong Hospice is about living with grace and offers end-of-life care and support to clients and their families dedicated to improving the quality of life by focusing on physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Lifesong personalizes care plans to help our client’s transition to be as comfortable as possible and tailored to individual needs and preferences. Lifesong seeks to celebrate the meaning of each person’s life and ensure their unique legacy is honored. Thank you for your service!

Overcoming Depression: Strategies and Support

Depression is a challenging mental health condition, and anyone can be affected, regardless of background or circumstances. According to the WHO, an estimated 3.8% of the population experience depression, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women), and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years. This mental disorder can negatively affect every area of your life and, if untreated, could lead to suicide or other destructive behaviors.

Recent news about Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s hospitalization due to depression has brought the issue to the forefront, highlighting the importance of addressing it and the need for support and strategies to overcome it.

It’s very necessary to understand that fighting depression does not betray weakness, and people must access adequate support which includes identifying the symptoms of depression. As one experiences depression, their eating habits and sleeping behavior could fluctuate alongside symptoms such as exhaustion and difficulty focusing.

Therefore, it is advisable to look for professional help when such adjustments become apparent.

Signs and Symptoms

Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities a person enjoys are major symptoms of

depression. Other common symptoms of depression include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms.

Treatment Options for Depression

The good news is that there are several forms of professional support available for individuals struggling with depression.

Therapy and Medication

Therapy, medication, or both are the most common treatments for depression. The goal of Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), an effective form of therapy, is to change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.

Medications, such as antidepressants, can also be prescribed to manage the symptoms of depression. It is crucial to work closely with a mental health professional to determine the most effective treatment for an individual.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive therapy that involves monitoring and training brainwave patterns to improve mental health. This method has shown promise in treating depression by helping individuals learn to selfregulate their brain activity. This can lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, increase in optimism, and better overall emotional well-

Story by Amanda Levison Photos submitted

being. Neurofeedback may be particularly beneficial when used in conjunction with other treatments like therapy and medication.

Self-Care Strategies

Self-care strategies can also help manage the symptoms of depression in conjunction with professional support. Taking care of physical, emotional, and mental health is crucial. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. Managing stress levels and avoiding using alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism is also essential.

Social Support

Social support is another crucial aspect of overcoming depression. Having a support system can provide a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer practical support during difficult times. Social support can come from family, friends, or support groups. Several support groups are available for those who may not have access to inperson support. Talking to someone who has experienced depression can be beneficial as they can offer practical advice and emotional support.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies such as massage, meditation, yoga, and acupuncture can also be effective in managing symptoms of depression. These therapies aim to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that meditation and yoga can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Acupuncture can also be used to manage symptoms of depression by balancing energy flow in the body.

Depression can be exhausting, and it may seem as though there isn’t any hope to become happier and positive again. However, the many strategies and forms of support mentioned in this article are available to help individuals overcome it. Seeking professional help, taking care of your physical and emotional health, and leaning on your support system for help and guidance are crucial steps toward recovery. Remember that there is no shame in seeking help, and with the right support and strategies, you can overcome depression and lead a happy, fulfilling life.

Find Your

Counseling Center of Pennsylvania, a mental health counseling practice in Harrisburg. With over 20 years of experience working with children, she uses a variety of approaches, including CBT, play therapy, art therapy, and EMDR, to promote positive mental health and growth. Amanda’s strength-based holistic approach is tailored to each client’s needs, focusing on play therapy for children and CBT and EMDR for adults.

“Moving to Bethany Village is the best decision we could have made regarding our health and wellness. We socialize with friends, family, and acquaintances, play games with neighbors, enjoy having friends over. Our only regret—we should have come sooner!” - Virginia Wilt

Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT, is the founder and director of Neurofeedback &

Patient Healing Isn’t Just About the Doctor

by Dr. Jenifer Epstein

When people think of healing an ailment, they think of driving to a doctor’s office and, for most patients, the experience is fairly similar. They check in and then find a seat to patiently watch HGTV. It is quiet, occasionally somber, and without any further interaction until they are called back by a nurse.

On the surface, there is nothing “wrong” with this scenario. As large health systems take over what used to be private practices, they have to accommodate hundreds if not thousands of patients per day. Many offices are understaffed, creating an environment of stress, fatigue, and short fuses, resulting in many people simply going through the motions of the day.

In reality, a patient is in a room with a doctor for a relatively short period of time. They are asked questions, possibly have a brief exam, then they are prescribed a medication, therapy or sent to schedule another appointment for further testing. Again, on the surface this

feels pretty standard - and it is standard for what healthcare has become over the years: transactional.

The reality is, healing is so much more than simply being in a room with the doctor. The doctor’s job is to bring a specific level of expertise and to act as a “quarterback” to ensure a patient ultimately ends up where, or doing what, they need to in order to mitigate their symptoms.

As a doctor myself, I am keenly aware and tuned into my experiences at other offices. Any experience I have as a patient serves as an example of what I need to be, or not be, doing at my office. I recently had a mammogram at a local facility here in Hershey, PA. From the moment that I checked in, every single staff member was beyond helpful, empathetic, and thorough. When they found “something” on my scan, they brought me back the very next day and were just as wonderful. When the doctor entered that second day, it was a brief interaction with

her explaining that it was a cyst, and that they would see me next year unless it got bigger. The most “healing” and meaningful interactions during that experience were very much with the staff and the nurses guiding me through my care those two days. They made me safe and heard when I was quite nervous to experience my first mammogram, only to find out they found “something” that I had to be seen again for.

Having said all of this, what is the point?

The point is, with so many things going wrong with healthcare, we need to be asking ourselves what can we do as clinicians and clinic owners in order to ensure our patients feel safe and heard. Also, what can we do to actually promote healing outside of and in addition to their interaction with the doctor? I often wonder, even though larger health systems are taking over, if there is a way at the clinic level to create an environment that immediately envelops a patient the moment they walk through the door. Although I realize

we are past the days of doctors making house calls, I do believe that the environment we place our patients in has as direct impact on their ability to heal, and their mindset about the care they are going to receive.

I believe we begin this transition by giving the staff members and clinical support personnel the recognition they deserve, and to challenge them to own the level of responsibility they have in the patient’s healthcare journey. I make it a point to tell my staff that they aren’t “just receptionists.” They are leaders in the office who must ensure patients feel confident, safe and know precisely what to do and where to go. They are the people that pull a patient out of their injured or sick state of mind and begin that healing process for that patient straight away.

By creating the expectation of this type of environment, the patient ultimately benefits from the teamwork between doctors and their support staff. We cannot allow our patients to become lost in an ever-growing system that

has become more focused on simply treating symptoms and less focused on the human experiencing those symptoms. This is a call to action for all clinicians, providers, support staff and administration to remember that patients come first. It is to affirm that our commitment to healing should extend beyond the doctor-patient interaction and into the environment that we are bringing sick, injured or stressed patients into. Finally, it is a call to remember that we should be fighting to never get so big that we forget how our culture and staff interactions contribute to patient care.

patient and prides herself on her ability to work alongside many different healthcare practitioners to deliver the very best care for her patients. Dr. Jen lives in Harrisburg with her husband, Steve and their two children.

Dr. Jenifer Epstein attended Central Dauphin High School before receiving her bachelor in Biology at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She then received her Doctorate at New York Chiropractic College and most recently completed her certificate in High-Performance Leadership through Cornell University. Dr. Jen is not only passionate about Chiropractic, but she is also passionate about collaborative healthcare for the benefit of the

A PAWsitive Experience

Who doesn’t love their pet’s cute, fuzzy paws? One of my favorite things about my late chihuahua Koko’s paws were the long toe hairs that made her look like a character from a Dr. Seuss book. She carried the nickname, “Seuss Feet,” for 16 years. One of the biggest challenges I had with Koko was trimming her tiny toenails. I was terrified of cutting them too close and injuring her. Often, I let them grow a little too long because of my fear, and then I had to deal with her nails getting caught on blankets and clothing. It was one of the scariest things about owning a four-pound dog.

When it comes to pet nails, keeping them properly trimmed is essential to their health. When a dog’s nails become too long, the pressure from the nail constantly hitting the floor puts stress on the toe joints and it can become very painful for them to walk. They can develop arthritis in their feet from the prolonged strain. When nails are too long, dogs will slip on smooth surfaces because it’s hard for them to get traction. This can lead to injuries elsewhere on the body. Trimming a cat’s nails can prevent them from getting caught, shredding your furniture, or impaling your family and friends. Occasionally, a cat’s nails will grow too long and can grow into a paw pad. This can be avoided through regular trims.

For the best nail health, nails should be trimmed once a month with high-quality, sharp, and easy-to-use clippers that are specifically designed for pets. You can do it at home or go to a calm grooming shop where your pet will be less likely to get overly stressed and anxious. It is optimal to develop a good rapport with a groomer that you trust, so your pet will learn the routine and know what to expect.

No matter who will be trimming your pet’s nails, get your pet comfortable with having their paws handled. Begin by touching them gently each day. Speak calmly to your pet and reward them with a treat. When it comes to preparing for nail trimming, this is the most important step. If you begin by approaching your pet with trimmers out of the blue, they can feel threatened and scared. This can set them up for a lifetime of nail trimming anxiety.

One of the scariest parts of trimming a pet’s

nails is the possibility of injuring them by cutting too short. When this happens, the quick can be nicked and the toenail bleeds profusely. The quick is a soft cuticle that contains the blood vessels and nerves that run through the nail. It is typically found at the nail curve. If a pet has very long nails, they must be trimmed incrementally for several weeks in order to get the quick to recede. Cutting the overgrown nail off at one time could be very painful for them. The best practice is to be patient and go slowly. Giving your pet a positive experience with nail trimming will pay off for you, your pet, and the groomer.

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.

Local Ideas for Father’s Day

ASHCOMBE FARM

Join us at Ashcombe Farm & Greenhouses on Saturday, June 17th for a fun food-focused barbeque event! We’ll have a special lunch available for just $9.99 and food sampling all day. We’ll be joined by Cold Spring Inn & Brewery. Brews and barbeque! What could be better for Father’s Day?

KRISTY’S WHISTLE STOP

For a win-win this Father’s Day, treat dad – and yourself – to ice cream at Kristy’s Whistle Stop! Cones, shakes, sundaes, hurricanes … and every Poppa loves a Fat Mama: vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge, peanut butter and hand-chopped peanut butter cups. Open on Father’s Day from noon till 9 p.m.!

ICE CREAM

BONESHIRE BREW WORKS

There’s an awesome Father’s Day on tap at Boneshire! All dads love the hand-crafted beers at Boneshire Brew Works. From IPAs to Wheat Beers to Porters! And what goes better with beer than pizza? We have a wide variety of Neapolitan-style pizzas baked from scratch in our high-tech r2d2 unit. Pick one up to-go with a growler!

BBQ BEER

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Desserts Etc.

Treat Dad to something extra special this Father’s Day, June 18th. Pre-order dad’s favorite dessert or stop in to shop from our case.

DESSERTS

Bill Maloney Menswear

Stop at Bill Maloney Menswear in Hummelstown for the perfect gift for dad! We offer fine men’s clothing and accessories featuring nationally advertised brand names. We will be glad to help you pick the perfect gift for your dad. We’ve been in the square in Hummelstown since 1978 and we are still operating at full capacity to this day.

MENSWEAR WEEKEND FUN

Susquehanna Outfitters

Take Dad for a float on the most scenic waterways in Central PA. Explore our beautiful creeks and the Susquehanna river on your own or join us for a guided float to discover the magic.

Reiki by Rickie

Treat dad to the Gifts of Deep Relaxation and Inner Peace! EXPERIENCE the Gentle Touch and Deep Healing of Reiki Indian Head Massage, “REIKIssage”, Reflexology, Chakra Foot Massage, Angel Card Readings, Essential Oil Products and MORE! Unique Gift Certificates available.

HEALING

Hidden Benefits of a Financial Plan

Ioften receive feedback from clients and Finance Hound column readers that too often financial advisors focus solely on stock market investments. And I get it, stocks are fun to talk about! There’s a thrill and an allure to the prospect of hitting it big on the next hot stock. But the reality is that a successful financial plan addresses a lot more than where to invest your assets. Let’s look at a few hidden benefits of a financial plan.

Succession Planning – Financial Organizer

In order to create a financial plan, individuals need to gather all their financial statements, insurance policies, and estate planning documents. If you’re like me, this can be a daunting task. Questions like “what’s my username for my life insurance policy?” and “what’s my password for my Health Savings Account?” come to mind. Now, can you imagine your significant other trying to access this information if you’re disabled or pass away unexpectedly? You may have already invested hours into resetting your usernames/passwords to download or print out statements for your financial plan. Take the extra step and create a financial organizer for your loved ones. Outline your financial institutions for banking, finance, and investments. Itemize your insurance policies. Detail your monthly utilities, loans, and income sources. Create a list of online profiles and sign-in credentials. Trust me, your Executor and Power-of-Attorney will find this immensely useful if you become

incapacitated, have memory impairment, or suddenly pass away.

Security Protection

I can’t be the only one who gets aggravated with usernames, passwords and websites changing. While you’re accessing your online accounts, take a few extra minutes to set up additional security settings. I highly recommend multi-factor-authorization, sometimes referred to as two-factor authentication. Any attempted log-in sends a code to your cell phone. If you receive a text message with a code without attempting to log-in, you’ll know that some of your financial information is compromised, but more importantly, access will be denied to the scammer/bad actor. Whenever you’re completing your financial organizer, be certain to add your cell phone password to the organizer. Your spouse, Executor, etc. will need your cell phone password to access your accounts with multi-factor authentication.

Storage of Information

Creating a financial organizer is a useful tool for spouses, children, and Executors/ Powers-of-Attorney, but this is sensitive information. Be mindful of where you store the information. Some individuals feel comfortable keeping this information with their estate planning documents, such as their Will & Last Testament, under lock and key in their home safe. Others feel more comfortable keeping this information at the

bank in a safety deposit box. Wherever you decide to securely keep this information, make certain to share the location and how to access the information with the appropriate parties, such as your spouse, children, the agent of your Power-of-Attorney and the Executor/Executrix of your estate.

Keep Your Organizer Current

It is important to keep your financial organizer current. It’s no help to your spouse or child if the passwords are out of date. If you keep your e-mail and cell phone passwords up to date, a password reset can occur. But it’s much easier to keep your organizer updated anytime you make a password update. And don’t forget to list your security questions on the organizer. That’ll save a few headaches for whoever is assisting on your behalf.

Bryson Roof, CFP, is a Financial Advisor at Fort Pitt Capital Group in Harrisburg, and has been quoted nationally in various finance publications including CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, and Barron’s.

There’s a new horror movie out called “Attack of the Driverless Cars” set in San Francisco. It’s playing outside a theatre near you.

In the future, if the Avatars don’t get you the reckless robot cars will.

I’m about a ten percent news hound in that I only get to read the headlines and a sentence or two before I would have to subscribe to get the rest of the story online. It’s like the tease without the strip.

You know you’re over the hill and down in the valley musically if you don’t recognize any of the concerts coming out this summer. You’re reduced to a kazoo band doing their rendition of the Strawberry Alarm Clock’s hits on a park bench.

I was told by a former co-worker that I once wore my tuxedo to a conference. I don’t remember that at all, but I do remember the tuxedo. I got it at Boscov’s. It was reduced to $20 and the pants were too tight.

Nobody gives anybody the benefit of the doubt anymore because everybody’s right all the time.

My goal is to be a has-been before I die. Which means I have to be successful at something to become a been. I’m working on it.

I try to keep relevant. I’ll be the first one to get an Avatar that does what I don’t want to do, like talk to the neighbors about weeding and mulching. But nothing matches the greatest gift of all: our first color TV set when I was a kid. Beautiful in living color! Especially the NBC peacock.

Let us help you put your best foot forward

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Robert delRosario, MD

Rose N. Eskin, MD

Courtney N. Knill, MD

Amanda L. Powell, DO

Scott M. Readence, MD

Thomas E. Wallin, MD

Lindsey J. Wegrzyniak, DO

Caitlin M. Hawkins, CNM

Brianna M. Latovich, CNM

Lauren M. Vazquez, CNM

Jessica R. Clabaugh, CRNP

Danielle M. Neff, CRNP

Prudence L. Schuchart, CRNP

Jennifer A. Weaver, CRNP

• One Lemoyne Square Plaza, Suite 201, Lemoyne, PA 17043

• 5 Brookwood Avenue, Carlisle, PA 17015

• 810 Sir Thomas Court, Suite 201, Harrisburg, PA 17109

Tel (717) 737-4511

www.piwh.com

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

Solar Devotional

by Adam Fausey

Liquids and flame. Anima and animus. Gravity and angel. You are all of this, and mentor.

A golden Horus eye hovering above decay. Invictus.

Entropy never really stood a chance, did it? You sear away negation and void, replacing them with complexity. Complexity, that thing which, in these complicated days, we need to pretend is a sin. We so rarely discern agape, even as the seeds are falling from our hands.

You glistened on the waves as I swam, made the waters dance. The darkness has its peace, true, but it is still the peace of silence. We know this, because in our nighttime revels, it is still your sisters and cousins floating all the way up there in the black ink of space-time who tease out our dreams with electroweak touches.

Here, now, on our cerulean cradle, your strength is at its culmination. The leaves all reek in their summertime density, and the birds sing lauds as if anointed. You are crowned, like a monarch, or a newborn child.

Adam Fausey is a professional writer born and raised in Harrisburg, PA. When he’s not spending way too much time with books, he’s out hiking in the hills (sometimes also with books) and enjoying road trips in pursuit of coffee. He also owns a coffee-themed blog space called The Coffeehouse Journey, where he reviews and digests the coffeehouse culture of the region. On Thursday nights at HMAC, he performs his newest work alongside the talented folk of The Blacklisted Poets of Harrisburg.

Lamon PASS

Story by Khoree Lamon

Illustration by Allison Juliana

10:17PM

Pass. I shake my head no as I meet the gaze of the sunset-colored-eye boy sitting beside me. I turn my attention back to the city lights and tall buildings in front of me. Tree branches frame the corners of my vision. The busyness of downtown Harrisburg sounds like a whisper all the way from the top of Negley Park. Dreams seem further away than they do in my head. I gulp. The boy beside me rubs his finger through his dusty brown curls. His other hand holds his cigarette in his mouth and he inhales so smoothly. I notice red stains around his fingertips. I push my glasses up on my face. I look down at my black bandeau top with a yellow butterfly in the middle. I pull up my top to make sure my 50 bucks doesn’t fall out. I don’t smoke, but my emotions are getting the best of me. It’s tempting me to give in to Victor’s offer. Maybe I should’ve stayed in Staten Island with Pops and Tia Arielle. It’s too late for that. Police sirens sound like they’re approaching. I pull my black bomber jacket over my top to cover the red stain on my shirt.

7:00PM

Pass. I pass by Mrs. Alvarez’s and there’s an Amazon package sitting in front of her scratched up burgundy door. I pound on the door because she’s hard of hearing. “Ayo Mrs. Alvarez! You have a package outside ya door. I don’t want nobody to try and take ya stuff again.” My fist slowly unfolds as it rests on the cold surface. I press my ear against the door and can hear rap music blasting. I start to laugh because I know Mrs. Alvarez’s old behind ain’t getting turnt up in there by herself. I breathe in deeply and can smell fried chicken and sazón seasoning. My stomach gurgles. I pick up the brown box and try to turn the knob. It’s locked. I take a bobby pin out of my sloppy curly bun and pick the door. I walk in and am met with a foggy atmosphere like it’s 6 am on a Monday morning in Lawton. I cough and take my inhaler out of my bookbag. Russie, the beige cat comes running up to me. I smile and bend down to pet it. “Mrs. Alvarez, I’ma set your package right here on your vanity table!”

I shake my head at how thin my New York City accent has gotten since I moved here at 10 from Brooklyn. As I’m petting Russie, a boy around my age comes around the corner with a stern look on his face. He has thick eyebrows matched with thick curls like mine. I almost stumble over. He looks good. Who is he?

9:00PM

Pass. “Just pass this to the dude in front of the corner store with the Timbs on,” Mrs. Alvarez’s grandson tells me. I met this man all of 2 hours ago and he’s already getting me to make my first deal at 18. My moms will kill me if she finds out. But, I have to do what I have to do to keep food on the table for my little brother while my mom is in the hospital with her MS flare up again. I tell Victor that this is just a one-time thing. He doesn’t believe that I can do it even though he doesn’t know me from a can of paint. But he said he’s heard a lot about me from his abuela. I guess she didn’t tell him everything because I hate when someone tells

me I can’t do something. I prove them wrong every single time. I am Camina Brown-Diaz. This almost high school dropout has one of the highest GPAs in her senior class!

Victor dares me to make a deal and he’ll pay me 50 bucks if I don’t chicken out. A smirk crosses my face as the neon ‘OPEN’ Sign illuminates my face. Victor runs over to me and hugs me. I don’t want the hug to end. “C’mon,” Victor whispers as two kids sheepishly abandon their bikes outside of the corner store. We skate off to an unknown destination. I take in all of the urban beauty that Allison Hill has to offer.

9:30PM

“Pass me my bag,” Victor tells me. We’re standing in the alleyway on the side of the last house on a block in Midtown. There’s a green and white sign that reads ‘PRIVATE PROPERTY’ nailed into the home. I hand Victor his heavy bag and he pulls out a red can of spray paint. I stare up at the mural. It’s

a painting of Mrs. Alvarez. She looks about 40 years younger in the portrait. “Victor, it’s gorgeous.” He winks at me, and I make sure the butterflies in my stomach aren’t making imprints like a baby kicking inside its mother’s belly. Victor tells me to back up so that I don’t get the paint on my dope fit; his words, not mine. But they were my thoughts this morning when I took a selfie in my cracked mirror. I step back some. I watch as he glides the spray paint across Mrs. Alvarez’s dress. I hear sirens in the distance, and I start to get nervous. “We’re not gonna get in trouble are we? Isn’t this illegal, especially because this is private property! This is someone’s home.” Victor shoots a mean glare at me, his white shirt looking tighter than it did moments ago. He slams down the paint so hard, he accidentally makes some spray come out. “Trouble? I’m not sweating that. You see this woman?” He demands more than he questions, “This was her home for 30 years before they pushed all of us out. Now she is sitting up in a mice infested building. This is her crib.” Victor walks up on me. Part of me wants to step back out of fear, but the other half wants to see just how close he’ll get. There’s police lights up on us now. We hop on the bikes and ride and ride.

10:18PM

Pass. Victor tries to pass me his cigarette one more time as if it’s a joint. I’m nervous and I’m sweating. I somehow followed this boy for about 20 minutes and we landed across the river at Negley Park. I hear the cops getting closer, and my phone rings. It’s my 14-yearold brother calling me on FaceTime. I can see he’s in the kitchen with all the food cabinets open in the background. “Yo Mino! I just looked through the mail and your letter from NYU came in! Hurry up and come home. I just know you got accepted!” A teardrop forms and falls down my cheek. “Open it,” I whisper. He rips it open without hesitation. “You got accepted! Mommy’s gonna be so proud of you,” Nico exclaims at the same time the police yell, “Hands up!” My phone falls down on the ground as Nico proudly praises me.

I should’ve kept on walking past Mrs. Alvarez’s door.

11:11PM

As I pass by all these homes and cars in the back of this claustrophobic police car, I think about my past. I think about how I’ll pass on proving people wrong. I’ll pass on following the in-crowd. I also think about how one mistake will not define me. I won’t have to relive this lifestyle once it’s all said and done.

I’m going to be a Best-selling Author one day. Mark my words. I am Camino Brown-Diaz. Get to know the name. I smile to myself.

Con Dios y una sonrisa todo se ve mejor. With God and a smile, everything looks better.

Khoree Lamon is a writer and award-winning filmmaker from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She graduated from CD East High in 2013 where she took her first creative writing classes. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

They Walked, Skipped, & Jogged for Education!

Last month, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School students, faculty, and staff walked, skipped, jogged - and just had plain fun! - at Soldiers Grove Memorial Park during the 25th Annual Race for Education, which raises funds to support educational programs.

For more information, visit https://www.sseschool.org/ race-for-education.

Photos by Will Masters.

My inner Elmer Fudd will always say “that Wascally Wabbit Bugs Bunny” when I see a bunny bouncing across our lawn aiming to dine on my wife’s garden. It’s in my DNA. Thanks Looney Tunes.

A witch hunt is trying to bag a witch. Or a witch hunt is an evil spirit that hunts people on a flying broomstick with a pointy hat.

“Humans can be tricked into overeating” they say. I don’t know about that. Wait… the TV commercial says there’s a sale at Taco Bell. Gotta go ring that bell! Talk to you later.

Like a Boomerang , Customers Keep Coming Back!

There are any number of reasons for the popularity of Boomerang Bar and Grill in New Cumberland. The delicious American cuisine with an Aussie twist. The game room and outside bar. Live comedy (in season) at the Harrisburg Comedy Zone. Well, as seen in this month’s issue, the

creativity and comforting words of bartender Allison Deibert may be the biggest reason of all!

FOOD FUN AND

Photo by Paul Vasiliades.

An Eye for Design:

Fun Cocktails, Warm Atmosphere, and the Bartender who Creates Them

Allison Deibert, Bartender At Boomerang Bar & Grill

What do textile arts, metalworking, and architecture have to do with mixology?

Perhaps more than we might expect. This month’s Bartender’s Choice selectee Allison Deibert, who studied Fine Arts and Architecture at Harrisburg Area Community College and Temple University, connects the craftsmanship of her role to her passion for hands-on creation. She confesses that her dream job would be putting her welding certification to use as a “silversmith or a blacksmith,” but bartending provides a similarly material-focused creative outlet. To augment her creative side, she works for a custom interior design shop, where, she puns, “we fabricate things out of fabric.” When it comes to her primary job as a bartender, though, it is clear she is passionate about representing herself and her employer proudly through her work.

Deibert tends bar at Boomerang Bar and Grill

in New Cumberland. A laid-back, sprawling establishment, it is home to the Harrisburg Comedy Zone, a game room, outside bar, and even a hotel. Boomerang describes itself as “American cuisine with an Aussie twist” – Deibert characterizes it as “a little bit of everything.” Some offerings include wings, steak, and Deibert’s recommendation, the fajitas. Also popular on the menu are its creative drink specials, including The Great Barrier Reef, a fanciful ocean-themed cocktail served in a fishbowl.

Deibert has been with Boomerang, working almost every role in the different areas of the restaurant, on an off-and on-basis for 15 years.

“I am the Boomerang; I always come back,” she jokes. One of the reasons for her long tenure is the people. She likens the relationships among herself and her coworkers to a family. “They mean everything to me,” she affirms.

In addition to her relationships with her

coworkers, Deibert finds meaning in her interactions with customers. Well-respected by many regulars, she enjoys helping people. Since being diagnosed with cancer, she has become more aware of some customers’ similar battles with health issues. Fortunately, her cancer was caught early, and it has responded favorably to treatment. But for many of her customers experiencing various challenges, she can often understand some of what they’re going through. Getting to know those she serves, she often offers advice and words of comfort to those in need. “Sometimes you can be a little bit of light in someone’s world,” she explains. “I think that has an impact on people. Cause I’ve been a wanderer my whole life, and I’m like, ‘what is my purpose?’ And that’s where I think - especially through my cancer thing - I’ve learned that maybe I am here to help people.”

Between her artistic engagements both behind the bar counter and in the studio,

Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos by Paul Vasiliades

Deibert expresses herself in uplifting ways. In collaboration with her coworkers, she helps design drink specials, and she has a keen eye for what is both efficient to consistently make during a rush – because the place, as she admits, gets packed on a busy night – and visually interesting so that they will catch customers’ attention. Many of the drinks are visually fun, but it is equally important to Deibert that they are just as fun to drink. “We’re serious, but we’re not too stuffy about it, you know,” she says. “We just like to have fun, you know, laugh and enjoy each other’s company.”

Deibert’s Dossier

Words of advice to home mixologists: My background is art and design. I’m all about aesthetics. Designing anything is part intellect and part intuition. My advice to home mixologists is to learn your material and tools, but don’t forget to be creative, and always have fun. Start by getting yourself familiar with the fundamentals of each classic cocktail - the traditional ingredients, ratios, flavor profile, and aromatics, as well as the means of preparation and presentation. Invest in quality spirits, mixers, and the tools of the trade. Once you feel like you’ve mastered the traditional ways of crafting a classic cocktail and its respective ingredients, it’s time to let your imagination truly run wild. Play around with new flavor profiles and explore nontraditional ingredients. Add flair with visual aesthetics such as layering, fine garnishes, and unique glassware. To really go that extra mile,

craft your own ingredients, such as syrups and purees, whenever possible. This extra attention to detail can elevate a cocktail from the mundane to the avant-garde.

Inspirations:

The professionals I have had the pleasure of working with over the years bring decades of experience to the scene. They are all knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. I appreciate each of them for the impact they have had on my career, skill set, and life. I’ve absorbed knowledge and technique from all of them. Not just things about the industry at large, but also about life, myself, and the “workings of the universe,” so to speak. Some of those I’ve had the pleasure of meeting along the way have become like family to me. They constantly inspire me to be a better human and continue doing amazing things every day. I take pride in perfecting my craft and my own “artist’s touch.” Developing fun, tasty, eyecatching cocktails gives me an outlet for my creativity and a sense of accomplishment. This inspires me to keep elevating my skills and overall artistry.

Favorite spirit to mix:

Anything and everything. Honestly, I have no preference when it comes to a specific spirit I like to mix. That job is left to the ones enjoying my creations. Being comfortable with diversity and constantly improving your knowledge base is key to overall development. When a customer is feeling spontaneous and trying to decide what they want apart from their usual go-to, I ask some questions to help

narrow down the endless possibilities. These include things like, do you have a preferred base spirit or type of cocktail, a specific flavor combination, or even something as simple as their favorite color. I take that criteria and then do my best to tailor something specifically to the consumer’s liking.

Recommendations of two or three spirits to try:

Hidden Stills David E. PA Straight Bourbon - Black:

This one is relatively new to the playing field. It is from a locally owned and operated still works based out of Lebanon, PA. While it is both young in its origins and budget friendly, it still gives you everything one looks for in a high-end or exclusive bourbon. It features a nose of vanilla, coffee, and cinnamon with a caramel and slight mint aftertaste, rounding itself out with a smokey oak and tobacco finish. We offer flights of four David E. bourbons to sample at Boomerangs, and we also use them to make a few classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Mules, and Juleps. Definitely check them out next time you visit us.

Casamigos Blanco:

This is my favorite, always on hand, higherend tequila to craft with. It has a mild, yet sweet flavor that lends itself to being perfectly incorporated in many classic tequila-based cocktails like Margaritas and Palomas. It is also great to just sip straight. It has a pleasant, smooth vanilla nose with a soft and subtly

Pictured from left to right: Bartender/server Natalie Barilla, manager Sven Nagpal, and Bartender Allison Deibert. Drinks left to right: The Great Barrier Reef, Watermelon Martini, Peach Ring Martini, Strawberry Watermelon Margarita, Spicy Margarita, Very Berry Mojito, Old Fashioned.

sweet caramel finish, almost like a dessert in tequila form. It lacks the gritty kick which some more hearty and harder hitting tequilas have, but in a good way. It can effortlessly blend with other more robust flavors without overcomplicating or obscuring the end result. We use it in our Midnight Blu, which is a combination of tequila, blueberries, citrus, and mint to make a cocktail that is clean and crisp with fruity and aromatic notes.

Most Commonly ordered drinks at your bar:

All of our specialty cocktails sell really well. However, our Great Barrier Reef, which is served in a large fishbowl, is by far our number one crowd pleaser. It is delicious, sweet, and fruity, but most of all, it is fun. We are all about fun at Booms. It evokes the Great Barrier Reef, complete with gummy fish and lots of fruit as garnish to fully render that island paradise vibe, even when you’re in Central Pennsylvania. In addition to our year-round specialty cocktails, we curate monthly cocktail specials featuring seasonal ingredients and themes. We carry a good selection of craft beers on draft and in bottles, too, also seasonally aligned.

Your philosophy on drinks:

To craft the perfect cocktail, one needs to have a passion for what you create and take pride in every aspect of what you present to the consumer. When I am complimented on a cocktail I’ve made, I joke around, saying, “the most important ingredient is love.” It is the truth, though. I want people to love the cocktails I craft. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. So, to make drinks really shine, one has to pour their heart and soul into it. If not, you’ll end up with lackluster results, and I just don’t do lackluster, ever.

Thoughts about your cocktails:

I like keeping things quick and simple, but also not skimp on any of the details in terms of sophistication and dramatic effect. Whether it is putting twists on classics or inventing a whole new cocktail, it all breaks down to the basic elements of presentation, palate, and proper execution. For me, it is about how it tastes, how it looks, and how key components complement one another as a whole. I like making visually appealing drinks, but I want them to be exciting, engaging, and delectable as well. I envision the process and focus on the aesthetics and fine details in each step when building a cocktail to get the desired flavor profile and produce the final visual effect. Then I dress it up even more by adding

a little personal flair and pizzaz to give it that real “wow” factor. Once I send it out into the world, I hope others get the same sense of joy drinking it as I did creating it.

Your day job (if bartending isn’t your day job):

I’m currently full time behind the bar. On the side I work as an apprentice for a custom fabrication interior design shop. Both venues allow me to be crafty and tinker with things in different ways but to the same effect.

What days/times do you typically work at the bar:

I mostly work in the evenings on the weekends, although I often work other days throughout the week for our special events such as our comedy shows and open mike, live entertainment, and trivia, as well as for banquets and private parties. This establishment has been my home away from home for many, many years, so in some ways I feel like I’m always here in some capacity even if it is not physically.

Recipe for June Drink of the month:

Strawberry Watermelon Margarita

1.5 to 2 ounces of silver tequila depending on desired strength

.75 ounce of triple sec

.5 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice

.25 ounce strawberry puree

3 ounces of fresh pressed watermelon juice     Coarse salt rim, lime wheel and watermelon

slice for garnish

I begin building this cocktail with one of our top shelf silver tequilas like Casamigos and a higher end triple sec like Cointreau. I combine them in a tumbler with fresh squeezed lime juice, a little dash of strawberry puree, and a hefty splash of fresh watermelon juice. I then add ice and give it a few quick shakes before straining it into a stemless wine glass with a salt rim. I like the balance and play of the salt with this sweet and fruity cocktail. They complement each other well, but a sugar rim also works if sweet and salty isn’t your thing. No rim is fine too. Or enhance this cocktail’s flavor profile by adding a powdered coconut rim, or even something spicy like a Tajín rim. Remember, it is all about having fun and homing in on one’s preferred taste. So, give this one a try, get creative with it, and make it your own.

NOMINATE A BARTENDER OR BARISTA! harrisburgmagazine.com

A Walk on the Dark Side

Last month, photographer Will Masters took a walk on the Dark side – as in Denzy Dark, artistic alias for Dustin Nispel, whose surrealistic and often nightmarish works were on display during a month-long exhibit in the Pennsylvania State Capitol rotunda. In addition to his visual art, Nispel is also the author of two full length books of poetry. Information at Denzydark.com.

Denzy Dark

THEA Chef and Owner AnnMarie Nelms: A Happy and Harmonious Kitchen

Story and photos by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

You could say that food is in AnnMarie Nelms’ blood. Those who follow the region’s restaurant scene may be aware that Nelms’ mother started KitchenWorks Catering and later opened Sophia’s on Market in Camp Hill and Sophia’s at Walden in Mechanicsburg. Nelms worked at her mother’s establishments before launching her own, which she named THEA, a BYOB eatery located in the Charter home neighborhood of Arcona at 1303 Saxton Way, Mechanicsburg.

“Thea is the word for aunt and for me, it embodies the warm feeling one gets when sitting around a table, eating and drinking with loved ones,” explains Nelms, whose goal is to impart that feeling to everyone who dines at her establishment. Nelms harkens back to her Aunt Helen, whom she describes as a “huge influence” in her life. “She would say that food makes you happy and would let me roll bread when I was a child,” said Nelms.

The chef/restaurateur said she took great pleasure in designing the attractive establishment which she launched in 2016 and which seats 98 inside and 68 outside. According to Nelms, she has a strong support system and not only was her family encouraging of the new endeavor, but they also assisted in contributing to the attractive, modern décor done primarily in black, white, and shades of grey.

During the winter, the capacious main room takes on a cozy feel with a fireplace that is employed to stave off the cold. Striking striped cushions draw the eye in towards the bench seating. “My Aunt Olga made them, and my stepdad Trevor made the tables and built the benches,” she said, adding that she and he share similar tastes. “He and my mother are my rocks,” said Nelms, with her engaging easy smile.

Surviving during the Dark Days of Covid

Nelms said she’s grown quite a bit since opening her restaurant in 2016, and then the dark days of COVID tested her mettle even more. “I cried for like six hours,” she said, before picking herself up, dusting herself

off and returning to the drawing board with grit and a steely determination to keep her business up and running.

“Since I came from a catering background, I began selling family-style meals, like quarts of soup and things like chicken salad for takeout,” she said. The silver lining that occurred during this trying time was that Nelms learned the extent to which people valued the business. “I purchased four ‘igloos’ for outside seating, which we heated with propane. Pretty soon people began spreading the word on social media and all of a sudden, I had 24, all purchased by my customers,” said Nelms.

Nelms, who understood first-hand how COVID affected the region’s restaurant business, decided during that time to purchase her staff dinner once a week, each week from a different establishment. “We then posted on Facebook how much we enjoyed the food. We were just trying to keep building people up to boost their spirits while at the same time helping their business,” she said.

Nelms said that she’s happy to get back to business as usual, but still has the common problem restaurateurs face, which is keeping a full contingent of employees. “Finding people is hard. I have 23 now, but we all help each other,” she said, adding that the kitchen is a happy place, devoid of the yelling and fighting that sometimes seems common in other restaurant kitchens. “We all have a good time here and work together harmoniously,” she said.

A Seasonal Menu

Nelms’ dishes change seasonally, and the restaurant serves both lunch and dinner. Lunch customers can choose from an array of burgers, salads, and a series of sandwiches like the turkey and brie, the gourmet grilled cheese, or the popular Rachel, made with roasted turkey, Swiss cheese, Cole slaw and house-made 1000 Island dressing all served on thick, sliced rye.

The manageable dinner menu includes items like shrimp and crab pasta, Veal Saltimbocca,

Pasta Bolognese, and Chicken Milanese, which Nelms reports as her most popular dish, made with hand-breaded chicken breast, red pepper aioli, arugula, blistered tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette served with asparagus and twice-fried potatoes.

During the winter, fare changes to heartier dishes like the short rib, which customers have described as “savory” and “melt-in-yourmouth delicious.” Nelms also makes a popular meatloaf in the fall and winter, which is served over a leek and gruyere bread pudding and finished with a marsala reduction demi-glace. “The meatloaf is a recipe from the German side of my family. My grandmother used veal, beef, pork, onions, and herbs,” said Nelms.

For those who like ending their dinner on a sweet note, Nelms recommends her most popular dessert: a Bourbon Pecan bread pudding served with vanilla ice cream and Bourbon butterscotch sauce. “It is a customer favorite,” she said, adding that another yearround favorite is a peanut butter Oreo pie. Nelms also serves cheesecake in a variety of flavors and a refreshing Key Lime pie, which is available in June.

And while admitting that running a restaurant isn’t for the faint of heart, Nelms said she’s learned to roll with the punches. “I am happiest when cooking,” she said, adding that this is second only to meeting new people. Unlike some chefs, Nelms will often take a brief break from her perch behind the stove to meet and socialize with diners. “I love to see them enjoying the food and having a good time,” she said.

LET’S DO SOMETHING WEIRD

If you were given carte blanche to create something brand new, what would you do? Would you finally put pen to paper (or let’s be real, fingers to keys) and write that poem? That short story/novel/play? Would you pick up a paintbrush? A chisel? A hammer and nails? Would you put words to that melody that’s been nagging you for longer than you can remember?

It’s fun to think about what we could do if we were just given the chance. Unfortunately, in many areas, it seems like creativity has been commodified to the point that creating anything that doesn’t have a tie to a previously established property is the kind of artistic risk one can only take in private, squirreling it away for a rainy day. And without the right contacts in the biz? Best of luck.

Enter the fringe festival–an exciting display of original work and a vital lifeline for artistic expression.

Fringe festivals are everywhere: Philadelphia, Orlando, L.A., St. Louis, and dozens of other cities around the world, on nearly every continent. Arguably, the most well-known festival occurs every summer in Edinburgh, Scotland–the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival (est. 1947) alone has seen the debuts of John Cleese and Graham Chapman in a preMonty Python comedy troupe, as well as the premieres of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag, and Broadway’s newest darling, Six

This year, it’s our turn.

Harrisburg’s arts scene has expanded tremendously since I was a college theatre kid aspiring to make it big on BROAD-WAY (emphasis, hyphen, and italicization are entirely my own). Stalwarts like Theatre Harrisburg, Open Stage, and Gamut Theatre Group have been joined by ambitious new blood like Bare Bones Theatre Ensemble, Narçisse Theatre Company, and Sankofa African American Theatre Company. And this is just within the city itself. The range of productions on offer at any given time, especially when you factor in all our surrounding areas, is pretty incredible.

An organization called 717 Arts, formed by theatre practitioners in the area with the express purpose of nurturing artistic

relationships throughout the region, felt that something was missing, and this July, the first ever Harrisburg Fringe Festival (HFF) is going to treat its audiences to dozens of performances within the space of four days.

I had a chance to put a few questions to Brianna Dow, one of the HFF’s co-producers, to learn more about the inaugural Harrisburg Fringe Festival. The HFF is founded on complete support for the artist. To that end, all ticket revenue will be returned to the artists. Shows will not be “juried” (i.e., deemed acceptable, or superior when compared to each other–think film festivals!). Lastly, all works will be uncensored. Audiences will be notified of any and all applicable content warnings, but with the exception of hate speech, which is strictly forbidden, artists are not restricted as to subject matter.

The HFF will have spoken word, burlesque, improv, stand-up, singer-songwriters, hiphop artists, plays, an opera, visual artists, an original musical, and more. All the shows will be between 20 and 60 minutes with low-cost tickets, and audiences will be encouraged to see as many shows as possible. Information is forthcoming about the performances, including content warnings, promotional materials, and how to buy tickets.

My personal excitement about this event is best summed up by their slogan: DO SOMETHING WEIRD. How often does an artist get a clarion call like that?

Imagine being allowed to create without limit. Without concern for whether your newest work will help keep the proverbial (and/or

literal) lights on. Without regard for whether it will earn the word of mouth that will, in turn, bring in more people. Creative folk rarely get the chance to practice their art so freely. There is always a consideration, a framework, or a clientele that become determining factors in either the creation or selection of artistic work to be showcased.

The Harrisburg Fringe Festival will run July 6-9, at various venues throughout the city. For more information, you can visit their website (hbgfringe.com), as well as the site for 717 Arts (717arts.org). I will see you there.

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.

Squeaky Rail Diner

A Diner Named for the Screech and Clickety Clack of the Train Yard

The site of the Squeaky Rail Diner, given its name because of the day long sound of the Enola Train Yard rail cars squeaking across the tracks, has a long railroad history dating back to 1973 when it began its life as Summerdale Junction Restaurant. At that point in history the building, which was consumed by fire in 1980, had a little 0-4-0T train engine, built by the American Locomotive Company in 1927, parked alongside the restaurant. The engine was a memorial to the Enola Train Yard, which is located across the street and, up until 1956, the largest freight yard in the world.

After the fire, the property was bought by another restauranteur, the engine was removed to a private collector, and the restaurant was renamed Summerdale Diner. It was in business for about seventeen years and was then sold to the current owner in 2015, when it was totally remodeled and renamed Squeaky Rail Diner. Although there are less memorabilia there now, the walls are still hung with photos of many trains and engines and a large wooden memento on which the original menu of Summerdale Junction has been affixed.

Teresa Baer, a longtime server and restaurant provision purchaser for twentytwo years, began her career with Summerdale Diner and says that the diner’s popularity continues to grow because of the quality and upgraded selection of food available every day of the year from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with breakfast being served all day.

“The Squeaky Rail Feast is the best breakfast deal in town. You not only get eggs, home fries, toast, bacon, sausage, coffee, and juice, you also get your choice of two pancakes or two pieces of French toast,” Baer says. She goes on to say that there are nine different types of Benedicts, ranging from simple Eggs Benedict to the Southern Benedict, served with pulled pork, and a Lox Benedict served with smoked salmon and avocado. There are seventeen different types of omelettes. “My personal favorite omelette is the California

Omelette, with bacon, avocado, and cheddar cheese; but our Seafood Omelette and Shrimp Avocado Omelette are crowd favorites.” Coffee is always unlimited refills.

In addition to the breakfast treats mentioned above, there are standard breakfasts of eggs, toast, and meats, five types of steak and eggs, croissant sandwiches, breads, muffins, and various sides. “Portions are quite large, and it is not uncommon for two people to share a breakfast or ask for takeout boxes for leftovers,” Baer says.

Moving away from breakfast foods, there is an ‘Inflation Buster’ menu available from 4 p.m. – 10.p.m., eat-in only, that features 12 different dinner items served with two sides, and the cost is $12.00. In addition to this special there is a Senior Specials menu and a kid’s menu, which includes a drink of their choice. And this is all in addition to a quite comprehensive menu of dinner classics, steaks, chops, seafood, sandwiches, Italian favorites and stir fry dishes. The lunch menu also has many items that should fit the most particular palate.

Jennifer Stiles, manager of Squeaky Rail Diner, has been with the restaurant as the manager for five years, and at the same location back when it was Summerdale Diner, for a total of fifteen years in the restaurant business. She says, “Our seafood dinners are the best in the area. I absolutely love the scallop dinner and the salmon dinner.” Baer adds, “Even for breakfast our seafood omelettes can’t be beat.”

Stiles mentions that the front of house staff consists of part-time and full-time employees numbering about twenty, and there are at least fifteen people employed for back of the house.

Stiles says, “We have out-of-town and outof-state customers who always come back whenever they are in the area because we treat everyone as family; customers really like being remembered and treated well.” She also says that a lot of the workers think of each other as family and there is a deep bond between them with everyone being willing to help each other

out as much as necessary. She mentions that the loyalty and friendship among staff and returning diners is what makes her job one that she values highly. “I feel very loyal to my employer, my customers, and our staff; we are a family,” she adds.

Stop by, listen for the screeches and clickety clacks, have a filling and delicious meal, and then take a drive past the iconic Enola Train Yard and remember its rich past that helped grow this area into a vibrant part of history.

Squeaky Rail Diner is located at 505 N. Enola Rd, Enola and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Check out their menu on the website squeakyrail.com

Story and photos by Christina Heintzelman Food Photos submitted

TERESA BAER, JENNIFER STILES, AND JENNIFER BORDNER

S U M M E R S E N S A T I O N S

S p r i n g & S u m m e r C a t e r i n g P a c k a g e s

S u m m e r p a r t y s e a s o n i s h e r e a n d w e c o u l d n ’ t b e m o r e e x c i t e d t o c e l e b r a t e w i t h y o u ! F r o m b a c k y a r d b i r t h d a y b a s h e s a n d p o o l s i d e g r a d u a t i o n p a r t i e s t o f i n a l l y b e i n g a b l e t o p l a n t h e a n n u a l f a m i l y r e u n i o n i n p e r s o n a g a i n o r c o m p a n y - w i d e p i c n i c - t h e r e a r e s o m a n y r e a s o n s t o c e l e b r a t e t h i s s u m m e r s e a s o n !

We k n o w o n e o f t h e m a i n i n g r e d i e n t s t o a s u c c e s s f u l s u m m e r p a r t y i s h a v i n g f l a v o r - p a c k e d f o o d f o r y o u a n d y o u r g u e s t s - w h i c h , w e ’ v e g o t y o u c o v e r e d o n w i t h o u r g l o b a l l y - a w a r d e d d e l e c t a b l e e a t s H o w e v e r , p l a n n i n g y o u r p e r f e c t s u m m e r t i m e p a r t y d o e s n ’ t s t a r t a n d e n d w i t h t h e m e n u

( a l t h o u g h o u r c h e f s m a y a r g u e o t h e r w i s e )

B O O K Y O U R

S U M M E R P A R T Y

T O D A Y !

7 1 7 7 3 0 4 6 6 1

I N F O @ T H E J D K G R O U P . C O M

1 B I S H O P P L A C E C A M P H I L L , P A 1 7 0 1 1

W W W . T H E J D K G R O U P . C O M

@ T H E J D K G R O U P

J o i n O u r T e a m !

I n t e r e s t e d i n j o i n i n g o u r t e a m o f e v e n t m a g i c m a k e r s w i t h a j o b t h a t f i l l s y o u w i t h p u r p o s e

( w h i l e a l s o g e t t i n g p a i d t o p a r t y ) ! ? E m a i l y o u r

r e s u m e o r l i s t o f p r i o r w o r k e x p e r i e n c e t o o u r

h i r i n g t e a m a t e m p l o y m e n t @ t h e j d k g r o u p c o m !

BOLD STATEMENTS ABOUT A BOLD NEW FILM

Idon’t often talk about just one film here in my monthly column (I did it once before with the legendary Johnny Guitar), but I just couldn’t help myself this time around. I recently saw a new movie that I am already, and confidently so, calling the best damn movie of 2023! Bold statement? Yes indeed –and it is not the only bold statement that will be made today.

So, Ari Aster, one of the best young directors working today, has released his latest film, Beau is Afraid. His first two films, Hereditary and Midsommar, are easily two of the greatest works of cinema to come down the pike lo these past twenty years or so. With that in mind, I am about to make an extremely bold statement. See, I told you more bold statements were coming. That bold statement is this - Beau is Afraid is the auteur’s greatest film yet! That’s right!

Less disturbing than his previous films (if you get disturbed - I usually do not) Beau is Afraid is also Aster’s funniest film. It is batshit crazy though - and a certain moment near the end of its three-hour runtime tops pretty much anything you or I will ever witness on the big screen.

Beau is Afraid is a gorgeously shot film (Aster stalwart DP Pawel Pogorzelski does it again) and every other technical aspect is just as through the roof as Aster’s direction and writing, as is Joaquin Phoenix’s bravura performance - one of the best of his career. Another bold statement!

Patti LuPone, as Beau’s overbearing mother doesn’t show up until the final act but once she is on screen, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Overall, I would call the film a troubled and neurotic rendition of Homer’s Odyssey, if Homer had been a psychotic meth head with serious mommy issues. Seriously, I think Aster may need therapy – and quickly.

The film is as strange as anything I have ever seen. The closest comparison is a blend of Aronofsky’s Mother! and Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things put together like something out of the bowels of a Kafka fever dream.

Aster has tongue-in-cheekily called his film a Jewish “Lord of the Rings” - and that may not be all that far from the truth. There are obvious influences from Greek tragedies like

“Oedipus Rex” and “Medea” and movies such as Woman in the Dunes (one of Aster’s favorite films btw).

The entire film plays out in a world of pure chaos. A chaos that we are never sure is real or merely a manifestation of Beau’s neuroses - or something in between.

Both Aster & Phoenix are reluctant to give any hard meaning to any of it – which, artistically speaking, is the best thing. All I know is the film is beyond brilliant and easily one of the best films of the last twenty yearsor maybe even longer.

Now this may not be a movie for everyone, as they say, but if you enjoy mind-altering cinema, you need to check this one out. That’s it gang. See ya at the movies.

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.

Local band SLUGHEAD aims to help other bands get ahead

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with a good friend of mine, Dustin Augustine. He is a member of Harrisburg based 90’s inspired alternative rock band Slughead. The 5-piece band comprises Andy Holly (vocals, guitar), Rikki Shellhammer (drums), Bea Thomasin (bass), Alex Bouril (guitar), and Augustine (vocals, guitar). I’ve had the privilege of getting to play with and see Slughead a couple times and they capture a modern essence of classic 90’s shoegaze and grunge. Slughead hits its audience with a noisy, all-consuming wall of sound. The band envelopes the audience in waves of sonic intensity throughout their gritty live shows. In their self-titled 2022 EP, SLUGHEAD, they seamlessly pair dark dissonant guitar riffs with moody vocals. Love Canal, Shapeshifter, and Find are a few of my personal favorites off the EP. Although the gnarly lead vocals

of Holly can’t be ignored in the grudge powerhouse song Brains Been Circuit Bent. The band has been together since the summer of 2020 and began out of the friend group’s interest in heavy music. Augustine says that the group had a very natural beginning and an “off the bat chemistry” when it came to writing. Slughead has since gone on tour with Philly band Wonderglu and plays venues all over the east coast. A personal favorite venue of Augustine’s is Gold Sounds Bar in Brooklyn, NYC. Slughead frequently also supports DIY venues - grassroots music spaces that often exist outside of conventional venue networks. The band itself fronts a strong “do it yourself” mindset that has gained it a powerful network of like-minded musicians and bands, and is a true force in the rising, deep underground music scene we have here in Harrisburg.

Augustine’s creation, LivefromLoveCanal, a local show promotion and booking company that hosts shows at places all over Harrisburg, is a great contributor to the growth of the city’s underground music scene. LivefromLoveCanal shows are often held at the city’s beloved coffee shop, Little Amps. The promotion company originated from Augustine wanting a space for his band to perform and developed into something much more. The shows range widely in genre and host touring bands regularly, with bands booked from all over, ranging from NYC, Austin, and even France. Local artists and bands are also given a space to create and perform. Augustine’s deep love for DIY spaces like this came from attending all age local shows growing up. He now aims to create the same experience for our community, putting emphasis on reaching more young artists and young music lovers. The project also hopes to inspire the youth of our area to start bands and get involved in music. If his shows positively affect at least one person, Augustine says “that’s enough”. His future aspiration is to build a well-known, all age DIY space dedicated to booking shows and fostering a passionate, safe space for the Harrisburg music community. Dustin encourages people who are interested in performing or putting on shows to “latch on and just do it.”

You can stream Slughead on all platforms or catch them at their next live show, June 30th at Little Amps. Slughead and LivefromLoveCanal can also be found on Instagram. Give them a follow to stay up to date on new music and upcoming show information.

Elena Rossetto was born and raised in Mechanicsburg and has been a Harrisburg resident for over four years. She writes and plays live music with her indie rock band, The After Hours. With her vivacious passion for music, she fiercely believes in supporting the local music scene. After the Beat chases and aims to showcase the incredible local talent our community possesses.

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