IN THIS ISSUE ...
IS A CHANGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
During this period of open enrollment for Medicare, certain considerations are necessary before changing your policy coverage. See our Platinum Living section, beginning on PAGE 14.
TIPS FOR CHARITABLE GIFTING
In his latest The Finance Hound column, money manager Bryson Roof offers pointers on establishing generational donation.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Pet care columnist Kristen Zellner explores the ins and outs of the prescription food industry.
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Putting down roots and establishing a strong connection where you live benefits the real estate market – and the community as a whole. Eileen Voyles explains in The House Scene
SPIRIT OF THE AIRWAVES
Radio personalities Glenn Hamiton and Brandon Valentine give exposure to homegrown musical talent every Sunday night on “The Local Show,” available on The River 97.3 and iHeartRadio. Amy Simpson has the story in her After the Beat column.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2024
Shopping locally this year can allow you to pick a unique present for even the most hard-to-buy-for on your list while benefiting the economy here.
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE
Pianist and piano tuner Bob Barry has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business, all the while carving out his own legacy through performances worldwide.
ON THE COVER (photo by Andrea Kitner)
Penbrook American Legion Commander,
and Junior Vice Commander Victor Sepulveda Jr., stand outside Post 730, where an effort is underway to keep the veterans’ group afloat. PAGE 10
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e J D K G r o u p
F U L L S E R V I C E C A T E R I N G & E V E N T S
C a t e r i n g f o r y o u r W i n t e r C e l e b r a t i o n s
F r o m t h o u g h t f u l l y c u r a t e d d e s i g n e l e m e n t s a n d c o m f o r t i n g
m e n u o p t i o n s t h a t a r e s u r e t o
w e l c o m i n g a n d f r i e n d l y s e r v i c e t e a m t h a t w i l l f e e l l i k e f a m i l y -
w e w a n t t
t a k e o n y o u r p a r t y - p l a n n i n g t o - d o ’ s s o y o u c a n f o c u s o n w h a t
m a t t e r s m o s t - s p e n d i n g q u a l i t y t i m e w i t h y o u r f r i e n d s , f a m i l y ,
o r c o wo r k e r s .
H o l i d a y P a r t i e s
N e w Y e a r C e l e b r a t i o n s
W i n t e r B i r t h d a y / A n n i v e r s a r y P a r t i e s
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T e a m A p p r e c i a t i o n E v e n t s
P h o t o b y N i c k G o u l d
P h o t o b y S e t h N e n s t i e l
S e a s o n a l F l o r a l W o r k s h o p
J o i n u s f o r a h a n d s - o n w o r k s h o p l e d b y o u r D i r e c t o r
o f F l o r a l & D e s i g n ! P e r f e c t f o r a l l e x p e r i e n c e l e v e l s , e a c h s e s s i o n w i l l g u i d e y o u i n c r a f t i n g a b e a u t i f u l
s e a s o n a l c e n t e r p i e c e t o t a k e h o m e , w h e t h e r y o u ’ r e a
b e g i n n e r o r a s e a s o n e d f l o r a l e n t h u s i a s t
C h e c k o u t o u r u p c o m i n g w o r k s h o p s :
W i n t e r W o r k s h o p ( D e c e m b e r 1 2 t h , 2 0 2 4 ) :
H a n d c r a f t y o u r o w n f e s t i v e h o l i d a y w r e a t h
S p r i n g W o r k s h o p ( A p r i l 1 0 t h , 2 0 2 5 ) : C r e a t e a
u n i q u e w i n e b o t t l e f l o r a l a r r a n g e m e n t
S u m m e r W o r k s h o p ( J u l y 1 0 t h , 2 0 2 5 ) : J o i n u s f o r
o u r s u m m e r s e a s o n a l s p l e n d o r e v e n t !
P h o t o b y L i n d s e y F o r d
T H E J D K G R O U P . C O M
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Entrepreneurial Spirit:
THE MUSIC MAN
Bob Barry Marks Five Decades
Fine-Tuning His Life with Pianos
Story by Eric Ebeling, eebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com
Photos by Andrea Kitner, akitner@harrisburgmagazine.com
For the past 50 years, piano tuner and keyboardist Bob Barry has been making other musicians sound good, including the likes of Billy Joel, Ray Charles and Aerosmith. His love of music developed at an early age growing up in Millersburg, Dauphin County, when Barry, 72, heard his first Beatles’ tunes playing on the two-tone record player in his bedroom.
As a keyboardist, he has been a member of Newfound Freedom, Granite and The Bob Barry Broadcast Band, among others, but he is perhaps best known for the nightclub-style performances he gives throughout Central Pennsylvania – and around the world. Along the way, he has also managed to create a successful business tuning, moving and selling all kinds of pianos.
Barry recently sat down with Eric Ebeling, editorial director of Harrisburg Magazine, in his recording studio/rehearsal space in Susquehanna Township, surrounded by musical instruments, CD recordings of his own work, autographs and mementoes of a life spent in harmony with music.
Eric Ebeling: If you wouldn’t mind sitting down at the piano, we’d like to take a few photos before we start the interview.
Bob Barry: Sure. I’m going to play a piece I wrote for my wife. You might have heard this over at the Penn Harris (where he recently played). I consider the piano a gymnasium. It really is. I make it a workout every single time I sit down and play.
EE: What’s the name of this song?
BB: It’s called “The Courtship.” I wrote that for my wife, Lisa, before we were married. That was 34 years ago this year. She’s just really great at everything. She
really is, in terms of our travel and things like that. When we decide where we’re going to go and I set up gigs, mostly on a worldwide basis. She’s definitely my administrator to see that we get to where we want to be, where the pianos and things like that are.
EE: I understand you have worked with Billy Joel. How did that come about?
BB: I was in New York visiting a cousin of mine in 1980, and I was playing there. Billy Joel’s piano tuner for the night at Madison Square Garden was ill. I don’t even remember how the contact was made for it, but I ended up getting the job. I tuned for him again down in Lancaster when he came here, and that’s when I gave him some of my (recordings). How did I never come back to him to ask him about any help with anything??
EE: Who else have you worked with?
BB: Ray Charles. George Winston. I’ve worked with The Moody Blues (Justin Hayward), The Beach Boys, Chicago, Roger Daltrey, Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake and Palmer), Lou Rawls. Let’s see: Chaka Khan, Loverboy, The Spinners, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Blue Oyster Cult. Buddy Rich. Kool and the Gang. I did a lot of tuning for a lot of people when they came through on tour. I had the whole City Island concert series. I tuned for Aerosmith on City Island. I’ll never forget when I went up to Steven Tyler and said to him, after their sound check, “That’s a horrible sound check.” They hadn’t gone into rehab yet. And I
said, “Are you guys even going to do a gig tonight?” “Oh,” he said, “We’ll do just fine.” So OK, good luck.
EE: Did they do fine?
BB: They obviously did. Everybody went crazy just because they played their music.
EE: What sparked your interest in performing?
BB: We had a wonderful music program at Millersburg High School in ’69. The band was huge. We had, like, an 18-man drum line, and we got a lot of our cadences from guys that played with The West Shoremen. I started out on drums. It was such a blessed organization there, because there was a library and an auditorium named after a family in town called the Johnsons. And they owned Johnson’s jewelry store, and they had put together a fund for activities, Friday night dances at our high school. It wasn’t just anybody that came in there. Jerry Lee Lewis played there. The original Zombies played there.
I remember when I got into high school, if I didn’t like a class, and even through
Bob Barry in his studio.
some study halls, I’d ask to go to the boys’ room, and I ended up in the auditorium or in the band room. I never came back for the class. I never got detention for it. I would have to say I was probably an average student, but then I went to Bloomsburg (University), and within a year, I had a whole capacity for playing keyboards. I’ve always felt so grateful for the year that the good Lord had given me that I could pick these things up and had the dexterity to do it.
EE: How did you develop an interest in tuning a piano?
BB: I’ll back up first to tell you this. When I graduated from Bloomsburg in 1973, my mom sent me this newspaper clipping, and she said, “There’s a piano performance contest going on up close to the New York state border, and you need to go up there.” So, I did. I went up there and there were like 65 people in it, all different genres, jazz, really tremendous classical pianists and folk piano players and things like that. I was the only one out of 65 people who came in with my own stuff. I came in with two songs of my own, and one of them is on my second album, “Windows and Bridges.” I ended up winning the thing. The prize was your own gig at Carnegie Hall.
EE: Are you serious?
BB: Yeah. Those are my promo pictures for Carnegie Hall up there in New York at the recital hall. My grandparents came up. My whole family came up.
EE: So, you were on your way. What happened next?
BB: I auditioned for a group called New Found Freedom, which was made up of the Middleton brothers (Stan and Charlie). Scott Frange was the bass player. They were all virtually teenagers at that time, but they had recordings and a small recording contract, and they had been looking for a piano player. That’s the reason I went into piano tuning, because after I bought the piano and we had it on the road, within two weeks, I realized it was going to cost me at least $100 a
week to maintain it. So, I went under two different apprenticeships. I learned how to do it in ’74, and I was tuning for people very soon after.
EE: How do you tune a piano?
BB: For me, I only need one correct note. Most of the new guys now are using digital equipment to do it. I still to this day do it completely by ear. I get one note correct on it, usually the A above middle C, or maybe the E above middle C, and off that note, I can tune the piano from one end to the other. A guy by the name of Steve Williams in Millersburg, who had a store called Steve’s Keyboard Sounds, hired me back then. Every time they sold a piano, they got one in on trade. I got to tune it, get it ready to go. And when they delivered it, I got the customer. So, it just grew. Tuning is like Zen for me, honest to God.
EE: What did it take to start a business from the ground up? Did you have much of a business background?
BB: My dad, Roger Paul Berry Sr., was
in the coal and fuel oil business for 50 years. I grew up with his business sense, his negotiating power, and things like that. I mean, just a wonderful human being. I always hated paperwork. He and my mom kept a perfect ledger on everything that happened. For me, I just kept files on receipts, separated the cash from the checks and everything else, and added everything up. I did take on my dad’s accountant, but for me, I consider the Schedule C (tax form) to be the only friend I ever had in the government.
EE: Have you slowed down with the piano business aspect of your life?
BB: It’s all on my own terms now. I sold off part of my tuning business back in ’22 to a young man by the name Nathaniel (of Joseph Osborne & Nathaniel Everett Pianos) in Carlisle.
EE: It’s great you are still performing live. How do you pick the shows you do, and how far will you travel?
BB: This is what the last six years have been all about. We’ve been up to Alaska. I played in Hawaii three times. I’ve played throughout the British Isles. I’ve been in Amsterdam. I’ve been in Belgium, Ireland. I played in Liverpool, England. I’ve played on a cruise ship. I did seven concerts in Italy, starting off in Sorrento. I played in Florence twice, and I played at a great little bar out on Cinque Terre. My last show was there. I finished up that show 20 minutes before I had to be on my plane in Rome to come back. That was in the airport on the second floor, so I didn’t have far to go to catch my flight.
EE: What’s next for you?
BB: I don’t know. My family has always come first for me, you know. Even though I have my own reservations about what I could have or would have or should have done over the years, I have such a tremendous satisfaction of what I’ve accomplished so far up to this point.
Contact Bob Barry at bobbarrypiano.com
Veterans, Public Fight To Save Penbrook American Legion Post
By Eric Ebeling ebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com
The veterans of American Legion Post 730 in Penbrook served their country honorably, and now they need the community’s help in their battle against foreclosure.
Tough financial times earlier this year led to the temporary closing of the organization on March 31. Legion members learned their finances were so lean they were days away from defaulting on the mortgage they hold at 3813 Walnut St. in Susquehanna Township. The local post’s storied, 60-year history was at risk.
“The pandemic really hit us hard. We couldn’t get together to meet. We had no crowds. No money was coming in,” said newly elected Post Commander Robert Pramik, who is a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. “We weren’t aware of all the financial situations we were in. We thought everything was running smoothly, and the next thing you know, we’re closed. We were behind on all our bills. We were months behind on our mortgage.”
Two independent but related groups at the post, the Sons of the American Legion and the auxiliary, stepped up to provide some vital funding, but a financial shortfall remained. That’s when Steven Faulkner, the new sergeant-atarms, got involved. He sent emails to Legion posts across the country asking for donations.
One in Annandale, Va., responded with a contribution of $5,000.
“They said they brought it up at a
meeting, and one person said, ‘What the hell? Just write them a check for five grand and send it to them,’” said Mike Richards, a Marine Corps veteran who serves as the Penbrook post’s new senior vice commander. “They all voted for right then and there. That’s the direct route.”
Pramik said unexpected generosity, veterans helping veterans, makes him emotional.
“We were shocked. I mean, it still brings tears to my eyes, seriously,” he said.
Pramik, who is licensed to be a mortician, an insurance salesman and a Realtor, approached the bank about renegotiating the terms of their mortgage to make it through until January 2025.
“I still have January in front of me, and we got to make sure that we keep growing,” he said. “I always see the glass half full. I’ve been in charge of several different organizations, and they were in debt when I started, and they were good when I ended. So, I can’t blow my record now.”
The Legion raised enough money to hold a soft reopening of the canteen and grill on July 6, which proved to be successful in getting back into operation. But more needs to be done to get them through the dark days of winter, said Pramik.
Besides the proceeds from food and
drink sales, the Legion also holds ticket raffles, bingo nights and a variety of fundraisers to generate revenue, with plans to expand offerings. The Sons of the American Legion, under the leadership of Dwayne Weiser, and the auxiliary, helmed by Edie Wiestling, are also helping. This is in addition to the overarching charity work they perform for veterans and the community.
Bartenders, cooks and food servers, such as Robin McBride, currently work for tips to help at the post.
“It’s just what I have to do. I don’t want to see this Legion close,” she said. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Pramik stressed the Penbrook Legion’s importance to its roughly 1,500 members, and he wanted to dispel misconceptions the public may have.
“They think it’s a drinking club. It’s not. There’s a lot more to veterans’ organizations,” he said. “The younger generation is thinks it’s a bunch of old people sitting around and drinking and telling war stories, but the whole purpose of the Legion is to offer a place for the veterans to speak to other veterans and to get help when they need it.”
Vern Schmidt, the post’s service officer, assists veterans to obtain the
benefits and services they are entitled to from the government, particularly in navigating the VA system.
“If any veteran has a problem with the VA or needs to get something, he’s there to help. The VA is wonderful, and they have so many benefits out there that veterans don’t know they have,” Pramik said. “He’ll sit down and interview them if they have a problem or they want help, and he’ll tell them what’s available for them. He’ll help them do the paperwork. We want to help the veterans who are entitled to benefits to get what they have earned.”
One key to strengthening the Legion, he said, is attracting and keeping younger members.
“We need to bring them into the fold. We really do,” said Pramik. “Without them we are dead.”
Visit https://gofund.me/9fb060ef to help Penbrook American Legion Post 730.
VOTING!
A SOLDIER’S STORY OF SERVICE
By Eric Ebeling ebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com
Sgt. Victor Sepulveda Jr. landed in Afghanistan on Christmas Day 2011 and returned from the fighting on Veterans Day 2011, after enduring mortar bombardments and seeing the stark realities of war up close.
As a transportation coordinator with the Army’s 378th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Sepulveda was part of a team that transported food, water and fuel to the northern part of the country from a base in Mazar-i-Sharif. That means he lived in the shadow of the Hindu Kush mountains, where enemy combatants launched frequent mortar attacks on his base.
“The first time you’re under a bombardment from mortars, you learned that they were al Qaeda. They weren’t accurate at all. So, it kind of got to a point where you’re just like, ‘Oh, they’re bombing us again.’ You just went along with your day. You know, it’s the time when you turn that switch (in your brain).”
Sepulveda, a Harrisburg native who graduated from John Harris High School, volunteered to help his unit partner with his duties as a mortician. The two headed to the Bagram Airfield to a “casualty collection point,” midway in a fallen soldier’s journey home through Dover, Del.
“I spent three weeks in Bagram, and we collected the remains of six
soldiers who were killed in action,” he said, pausing to find the right words. “Well, some of them weren’t killed in action. Some of them were suicides. So, there’s that switch. Sometimes you have to turn it off, especially when you have family at home that you left. When you would get the remains of some of these guys and gals, you would see, you know, photos of their family. That kind of hurt because I left my 2-year-old daughter at home when I (was deployed). That killed me.”
When he returned to the U.S. on Veterans Day, Sepulveda said he knew he was struggling.
“I came home, and I was having a little bit of issues with anxiety, PTSD, depression maybe, but it was more like anxiety, and I would seclude myself. Just sit by myself,” he said. “I sought out help through the VA. Ever since then, I’ve been going to them for everything. Trust me, all my friends who serve and people that I meet, I always refer them to the VA. They always say, ‘I don’t need it. I don’t need help.’ You say that now.”
For Sepulveda, the camaraderie and brotherhood he enjoys at the Penbrook American Legion is irreplaceable. He currently serves as the post’s junior vice commander.
“An organization like this is important because you can actually talk with people who have been there and done that. So, when I wanted to seek help for what I was going through – at the urging of the folks here to go to the VA – I did it myself,” he said. “When you’re with a civilian who’s not a member here, or any other military thing, they have no clue what you’re talking about sometimes. So, you just don’t talk about it. Now you come
here, you could talk. People know what you went through, and they know what you’re talking about.”
When the post had to shut down during Covid, Sepulveda said it was hard on him because he lost a sanctuary where he could escape and decompress.
Service in the U.S. Army runs in his bloodline. His father, Victor Sr., is also an Army veteran, as are his uncle and other family members. He currently serves in the Army Reserve based at Fort Indiantown Gap, and he works as a state correctional officer.
“This is the home of the freedom. Even though we have politics that divide us, I still think we’re a good country,” Sepulveda said. “I’m just wanting to follow in the footsteps of my family and serve, giving my kids a better future and protecting our land. That’s important to me.”
Sgt. Victor Sepulveda Jr.
Photo by Andrea Kitner
Do Your Research To Successfully Navigate Open Medicare Enrollment
By Eric Ebeling eebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com
The annual Medicare open enrollment period runs through Dec. 7 of this year, and beneficiaries have an important opportunity to evaluate their health care options, make informed decisions and possibly alter their plans. Here are some things you should consider during this period.
Medicare is divided into several parts, each covering different services:
• Part A covers hospital insurance, including inpatient stays and some skilled nursing facility care.
• Part B provides medical insurance for outpatient services, such as doctor visits and preventive care.
• Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, bundles Parts A and B, often including additional benefits like vision and dental coverage.
• Part D offers prescription drug coverage, which can be purchased as a standalone plan or included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Experts recommend that beneficiaries review their current coverage and health needs before making any modifications to your plan.
Reflect on any recent changes in your health. Have you been diagnosed with a chronic condition? Are you expecting a surgery or treatment that might require specific services?
Evaluate your current plan’s performance and consider whether you are satisfied with your provider’s network. Think about any issues you have faced regarding factors such as the claims process or access to specialists. Read-
ing reviews and discussing experiences with peers can provide insight.
Analyze the total cost of your current plan, including premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. According to Medicare.gov, premiums for Part B are set to increase in 2024, which could affect your budget. Compare these costs to those of potential new plans.
Check if your medications are covered under your current plan or if other plans offer better options. The formulary, or list of covered drugs, can vary significantly among plans. It is essential to verify that your medications are included in the formulary.
If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, research the network of doctors and hospitals. A change in your provider’s network could lead to higher costs or less access to your
preferred health care providers.
Medicare.gov is the official website offers a wealth of information, including tools that allow users to review and compare various plans based on their unique needs.
Open enrollment is an annual chance to reassess your Medicare coverage and ensure it aligns with your current health needs and financial situation. Taking the time to review your options can lead to better health care access and potentially save you money. Don’t wait until the last minute – start your research now and make the most of this enrollment period.
For more detailed information, visit Medicare.gov or consult with a health care professional to guide you through the process. Your health and financial well-being deserve careful consideration at this time of the year.
Decorated veteran-turned-country singer-songwriter Keni Thomas headlines the celebration.
HISTORY, HEART & HONOR will mark 15 YEARS of providing exceptional end-of-life care to those we serve, and will pay tribute to over 157 years of Homeland caring for our community.
NOVEMBER 23
Scottish Rite Cathedral | 2-5 p.m.
Info and Tickets: HomelandEvents.org/15th-Anniversary
In Thanksgiving Season, Consider Your Options For Charitable Gifting
As long as I can remember, my parents have been charitably inclined, and they raised me to give back to the community.
When I was younger, I wasn’t able to contribute financially, so they suggested volunteering my time. In college, my friends and I volunteered with the Special Olympics. The smiles and hugs I received on my first volunteer day had me hooked. That’s what started my charitable gifting journey. In this time of Thanksgiving, let’s look at ways to maximize charitable gifting.
Tax-Efficient Charitable Gifting:
• Cash donations: This is the most simplistic approach. You can write a check to your favorite charitable organization. To qualify for a tax deduction, you must
typically itemize deductions on Schedule A of your tax return.
• Donating appreciated assets: By gifting appreciated assets, such as stock, bonds or real estate, you can avoid paying capital gains tax.
• Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs): IRAs have pre-tax savings; therefore, distributions are taxable. The IRS allows individuals over the age of 70½ to make tax-free distributions to 501(c)3 non-profits; these tax-free distributions are QCDs. QCDs have an added benefit for individuals in the required minimum distribution (RMD) phase. QCDs count towards your RMD, thus lowering your annual taxes. QCDs have a limit of $100,000 in donations.
There are more advanced charitable planning tools, such as donor advised funds (DAFs), and various trusts, such as a charitable remainder trust (CRT). If recurring charitable gifting is a major financial goal, it is important to factor these gifts into your financial plan and estate planning documents. It will make sense to coordinate with both your financial advisor and your estate planning attorney.
Understanding The Why
While I have yet to meet a client who has volunteered to pay more in taxes, tax deductions are often a bonus when it comes to charitable gifting. One year, my parents donated to the Central Penn Food Bank to purchase nearly 400 turkeys during Thanksgiving. I recall asking my father why he donated turkeys. Thanksgiving is a special time of year for Dad; he likes to reflect on the year and count his blessings. He said he wanted to share this opportunity with individuals who were struggling. Over a decade later, I still recall this message.
Recently, my mother joined a non-profit board, the Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region. She’s retired and a recent first-time grandma. I’m inquisitive, so I asked why she joined the board. Mom replied, “The mission resonates with me.”
Exposing your children to charitable gifting at an early age can help establish a core understanding of the benefits –beyond tax deductions – of giving back to the community.
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.
We’re not your typical credit union—we’re a tight-knit bunch with big dreams and even bigger values. For seven decades now, we’ve been a pillar of our community, serving those around us in ways that go beyond financial services.
LAY YOUR GROUNDWORK WITH US TODAY.
Are Prescription Pet Foods Worth
The
Investment?
Prescription or veterinary diets first became available in the 1960s when French veterinary surgeon Jean Cathery developed Royal Canin. In the United States, Hill’s Science Diet emerged from the work of Dr. Mark L. Morris in 1968.
Both had the goal of improving pet health and achieving greater longevity through proper nutrition. Today, the brands are well-known, widely marketed and only available with a prescription from a veterinarian. They can only be purchased at a veterinary practice or an authorized dealer like chain stores and online retailers.
If you’ve ever been to the veterinarian’s office with a sick pet, you probably already know about prescription pet foods. There is a prescription diet for
almost any ailment, including obesity and arthritis. Why wouldn’t you want to buy food that can help your pet? Then you see the $119.00 price tag for a 27.5-pound bag! You wonder: Will they think I don’t love my pet if I don’t purchase this food? How can I afford to feed this to my pet? Will my pet die if I don’t feed them this food?
When you look at the ingredients in a bag of prescription pet food, you’ll find things like wheat, corn gluten meal, brewer’s rice, potato starch, powdered cellulose, soybean meal, and some kind of meat, poultry or fish. So, you are primarily paying for a bag full of fillers, many of which are common allergens. Why, then, is the food so expensive? Ah! There must be medication in the food! False.
In autumn of 2023, a group of consumers in Illinois filed a class action lawsuit against Hill’s Pet Nutrition. They alleged that Hill’s prescription pet foods are not legally obligated to be sold with a prescription because the foods do not
contain medication, and the ingredients do not differ from non-prescription foods. Therefore, the FDA does not require a prescription yet has written a non-binding policy that dictates how prescription pet foods are made available to the public. The lawsuit also claims the company engaged in “deceptive practices in the manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sale of prescription pet foods.” Furthermore, they claimed that the company sells the foods at above market prices.
It is easy to understand why consumers, including myself, purchase these products. There is no doubt that prescription pet foods are therapeutic. The foods provide peace of mind because pet parents know they are doing something to help improve their pet’s health. They give us hope that our animals will recover, feel better and possibly live longer.
However, there are alternatives to prescription pet foods that are also formulated by respected veterinarians and animal nutritionists. The foods meet the same FDA standards, contain higher-quality ingredients and cost half of the price of prescription foods. These foods are made by smaller companies, many who have never had recalls. And, rather than advertising, they put their money into the quality of the food.
Choosing an alternative for prescription pet foods may take time, but it is possible in most cases. Check out petfoodexpert.com, catinfo.org, dogfoodadvisor.com and whole-dogjournal.com for more information.
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.
Strong Sense Of Belonging Benefits Local Realty Market
We moved to Hershey in August 2010 from Chattanooga, Tenn., where we had spent 17 years. We traded choo-choos for chocolate. It was a challenging time to relocate, as most of our five kids were still in high school and middle school. The toughest transition was for our daughter, Annie, who was a senior.
To meet graduation requirements at Hershey High School that didn’t exist in Tennessee, Annie had to take several classes, mostly filled with juniors and sophomores. Constantly being in class with younger students added to the awkwardness of her transition. Mr. Pete Steelman’s psychology class was a welcome reprieve, mostly filled with seniors.
One day, when Annie was out sick, a girl named Jess asked Mr. Steelman if he could change Annie’s seating assignment to sit near her and some other senior girls. He did, and the girls quickly became friends.
Jess had lived in Hershey her whole life, as had her parents and maybe even their parents. She knew everyone she needed to know; “belonging” flowed from her like sweet sap from a sugar maple. She generously shared it with Annie.
Being friendly is normal to me, but I associated it with a need. See, I grew up in a place where people didn’t live for generations. My family and almost all our friends were transplants to Eureka,
Calif., my hometown. We clung to each other because we had no choice; none of us had family nearby. And when the fishing and logging industries dried up, we all left. Sadly, Eureka is dying.
Contrast that to southcentral Pennsylvania. This region has a diverse economy with strong sectors like health care, education and government. This stability helps maintain demand for housing, even during economic downturns. Families live here for generations and welcome newcomers. People put down roots, grow branches of outreach, and create an awesome canopy of connection.
Where the rest of our region has experienced a recent decline in home sales of about 4 percent year over year, Dauphin, Cumberland and Lebanon counties (combined) are up 8.5 percent!
Areas with strong community ties often experience less volatility because established residents are less likely to sell their homes quickly, contributing to stability in demand and property values. And, when individuals feel they belong, they engage in community activities, volunteer and contribute to local government. Neighborhoods with this sense of connection are more attractive to homebuyers, driving demand and increasing property values.
Want a thriving community? Support your local economy and help your neighbor belong.
Jess and her husband just bought a home in Hershey, on a street that she walked with Nona and sister and cousins thousands of times. I was lucky enough to be part of that business deal and see this continuance of belonging.
Three of our five kids have moved back to southcentral Pa. with their little families. I’m the Nona (or Mimi) to Boston, Jackson and Scottie. I hope one day they can be a branch of belonging in someone else’s life and share their own stories of generational connection in
Hershey.
Thank you, Jess, for your kindness all those years ago, and congratulations on your new home!
Eileen S. Voyles is a Realtor with Homesale Realty, 501 W. Governor Road, Hershey, and the founder of HelloHersheyPA, a Pennsylvania Benefit Corporation that promotes commerce and happy living in Hershey and beyond. You can follow Hello Hershey on your favorite social media platform. She can be reached at (717) 533-6222 and (717) 508-4610 or eileenvoyles@gmail.com.
Embrace Local Businesses This Holiday Season
By Andrea Kitner akitner@harrisburgmagazine.com
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. This holiday season, shopping locally offers a unique and meaningful way to find gifts while supporting entrepreneurs in Central Pennsylvania.
As Black Friday kicks off the shopping frenzy, small retailers often highlight their unique products and personalized services to stand out against larger competitors. The following day, Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop locally, showcasing the importance of supporting your local community. As the weekend wraps up, Cyber Monday arrives, allowing many small businesses
to enter the digital landscape for the convenience of their customers.
Together, these days create a vibrant opportunity for you to make a significant impact by choosing to shop small and support the dreams and livelihoods of local business owners.
Shopping small goes beyond just making a purchase; it’s about building relationships. When you support local businesses, you’re also supporting your neighbors, friends and fellow community members. These connections foster a sense of belonging and encourage a collaborative spirit, strengthening the social fabric of our towns and cities. Black Friday has long been associated with deep discounts and crowded stores, but for small businesses, it’s an opportunity to shine. Local shops often highlight their unique offerings, inviting customers to explore products that can’t be found in big-box stores. Shoppers can expect a more personalized experience,
Candlelight Christmas
n Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30 pm, Elizabethtown
n Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 pm, Mechanicsburg
n Sunday, Dec. 15, 4:00 pm, Harrisburg
with shop owners eager to share the stories behind their creations and provide tailored recommendations.
While big-box stores focus on volume and deep discounts, small businesses create an experience – offering handcrafted, carefully curated items, as well as memorable customer interactions. This personal touch ensures that your holiday gifts tell a story, whether it’s homemade chocolate or a gift certificate to a favorite salon.
The following day, Small Business Saturday invites consumers to take a step back from the noise of mass retail and engage in meaningful shopping experiences. This day is more than a marketing initiative; it’s a celebration of community. From quaint boutiques to family-owned restaurants, small businesses open their doors to showcase their creative offerings while providing a space where shoppers feel connected to the people behind the products. It’s a
Linda L. Tedford Artistic Director ,Founder, & Conductor
chance for shoppers to discover handmade goods and one-of-a-kind items, all while enjoying heartfelt customer service that larger retailers often cannot match.
The festive atmosphere that permeates small shops on this day fosters a sense of community, as friends and families gather to support their local entrepreneurs. Many local stores decorate their storefronts with holiday lights and host special events that create a warm, festive feeling. You’re not only checking off your holiday shopping list, but you’re also partaking in a holiday experience that embodies the spirit of the season –community, connection and celebration.
On Cyber Monday, many small businesses embrace the digital age by offering enticing online deals. Consumers can now enjoy the convenience of purchasing items from home and having their gifts delivered right to their doorstep. Many local retailers now have online storefronts, allowing them to reach beyond their immediate neighborhoods and offer competitive deals to a broader audience. With just a few clicks, shoppers can explore a range of products from their favorite small businesses, making it easier than ever to find special gifts without sacrificing the personal touch that comes with shopping small.
But shopping small goes beyond just finding the perfect gift. It’s about making an investment in the future of your community. When you choose to support small businesses, you’re nurturing the dreams and ambitions of local business owners, helping to create a more vibrant and resilient local economy. As you embark on your holiday shopping this season, consider the broader impact of where you spend your dollars. Each purchase from a small business is a step toward building a more connected, prosperous community. It’s an opportunity to give gifts that matter while uplifting the people who work to make our towns and cities special.
By shopping small, you’re not just checking off our holiday shopping lists – you’re investing in the future of our neighborhoods. Together, we can create a season of generosity, support and pride that strengthens our bonds and ensures that our communities continue to flourish. We can make a difference, one purchase at a time.
Happy shopping!
The Gift of Adventure: Unlocking Joy with a AAA Membership This Holiday Season!
Looking for the perfect holiday gift for your special someone? A membership from AAA is an exceptional choice! With a wealth of benefits, it offers discounts on shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as travel planning assistance and dependable roadside support. Give them the gift of convenience and adventure this year, making their journeys smoother and their everyday life a little brighter! Use promo code GIFT24 to receive 25 percent off a new or gift membership!
Delightful Dining at The Bangkok Wok: A Perfect Gift for Any Occasion
The Bangkok Wok celebrates 34 years of Simply the Best. Making the most of its uniquely adorned interior, its reputation as a beloved local favorite speaks volumes, attracting a bustling crowd during peak hours. Treat your loved one this holiday season to a gift card, allowing them to explore the Wok's diverse menu of Thai specialties brimming with spices, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins that are both healthy and vibrant with flavors. Plus, the cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a fun outing with friends!
Farewell Celebration:
Bill Maloney Menswear Retirement Sale –Unbeatable Deals for the Holidays!
As we bid farewell to an incredible journey, take advantage of this unique opportunity to find stylish menswear at unbeatable prices. Every item in our store is on sale, making it the perfect time to treat yourself or find the perfect gifts for the men in your life. From tailored suits to casual wear, accessories, and more, everything is available at a significant discount. Visit us today and make the holidays even more special!
Step Into Style at HiLites Hair Studio
HiLites Hair Studio is your go-to destination, open 7 days a week for your convenience to keep you looking fabulous whenever inspiration strikes. This holiday season, give the gift of style with their coveted gift certificates. Appointments are filling up fast, so don’t wait—secure your spot for a glamorous holiday glow today!
6000 Larue Street Harrisburg, PA 17112 717.652.5415
Handcrafted Sweets for Every Holiday Occasion
Matangos Quality Candies is truly the gift that keeps on giving, offering a delectable array of handmade chocolates, truffles, and caramels that are sure to delight any sugar craving. These gourmet sweets are perfect for any holiday occasion. Matangos offers a variety of chocolate gift boxes, making an ideal choice for thoughtful gifts that leave a lasting impression. Matangos makes it easy to share joy and create sweet memories, ensuring that every holiday season feels just a bit more magical.
Celebrate this Holiday Season by Creating Memories!
Join us in December for three fun shows… December 5 – An Evening with Peter Billingsley & A Christmas Story December 6 & 7 – Get the Led Out – Two shows! December 10 – A Motown Christmas
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ThePulloCenter.com
It Is Always A Sweet Day at Zimmerman’s Nuts and Candies!
Zimmerman’s Nuts and Candies is the go-to destination for anyone looking to elevate their taste buds this holiday season. With an impressive assortment of high-quality raw and freshly roasted nuts, naturally sweet dried fruits, and irresistible candies, you’re bound to find the perfect treat for any occasion. Zimmerman’s offers a range that caters to all tastes. Their raw and roasted nuts and dried fruits are packed with nutrition, while their sweet treats will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Whether you're preparing gift baskets, stocking up for family gatherings, or just treating yourself, Zimmerman’s Nuts and Candies is your one-stop-shop for holiday joy.
You can also visit www.zimmermansonline.com to browse their extensive collection and have your chosen goodies delivered right to your door!
2701 Elm Street Harrisburg, PA 17103 717.232.6842
'The Local Show' Puts
Homegrown Musical Talent In the Spotlight
Every Sunday Night
“The Local Show” is a remarkable broadcast collaboration between Glenn Hamilton and Brandon Valentine, dedicated to showcasing musicians from Central Pennsylvania. Both seasoned by playing and producing their own music, they understand the nuances of nurturing local talent. With Valentine’s strong ties to the current music scene and Hamilton’s established platform through The River 97.3 and iHeartRadio, the partnership serves as an ideal launchpad for their vision.
Produced by Hamilton and curated by Valentine, the founder of the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame, “The Local Show” archives its episodes as a podcast, featuring 250 unique artists across more than 50 shows to date. Listeners can revisit their favorite local artists and episodes, encouraged to share these features on social media. For two years, the show has aired every Sunday at 8 p.m., spotlighting four to six unique artists who submit their music, alongside one Hall of Fame artist or nominee per episode.
Listener feedback comes in through reaction videos, listening parties, social media, messages and emails. The show has also embraced themed episodes for occasions like Halloween, Christmas (in partnership with Joy to the Burg), the Fourth of July, Valentine’s Day love songs, and a Labor Day Double Play, ensuring a dynamic experience for everyone. Notable guests have included Brett Michaels and The Badlees. With plans for more collaborations tied to charity events, additional guest features, and
live performances potentially leading to professional recordings, both Hamilton and Valentine said they are excited about what lies ahead. They emphasize their commitment to accepting and playing any genre of music, as long as it’s of good quality.
Hamilton, originally from Columbia, S.C., always yearned to be an actor, inspired by the 1978 American television sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” particularly the rock radio DJ character Dr. Johnny Fever. His radio journey began in Kerrville, a small town outside San Antonio, Texas. After winning a frisbee in a radio contest, Hamilton received a tour of the station – an experience that he said transformed his life.
As a high school freshman, he landed a time slot from 6 p.m. to midnight, ultimately launching a full-time career in radio. Moving to Harrisburg, Hamilton found his niche in the local music scene, adapting through significant industry changes. He recalls when radio served as the social media of its time, fostering human connections through request lines and contests, while providing listeners with the latest music.
“It’s impressive the quality of music we receive for the show,” Hamilton said, noting how music production costs have significantly decreased over the years. Playing guitar and singing is a passion of his, and he has performed in various groups, releasing his own album, “Skyline Sessions,” with musical friends in 2000. Hamilton was named Harrisburg Magazine’s Simply the Best Radio Personality for 2024, and The River 97.3 has won awards for Best Radio Station in 2021 and Best Local Music Radio Show in 2023 through the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame.
Valentine, a native of Harrisburg, graduated with a degree in business administration from Lebanon Valley College in 2006. He is an accomplished
drummer, vocalist and songwriter. For a decade, he has been a member of the country band Mountain Road, sharing stages with national acts like The Marshall Tucker Band, and Big & Rich. He also plays with his band Cold Spring Union, which blends alt-country, Americana and progressive rock. Formed in 2018, Cold Spring Union has achieved notable success, including opening for Alabama and Cheap Trick, and also placing second in a nationwide contest on Music Row in Nashville, Tenn. They have performed at major venues and festivals, including the Citadel Country Spirit Music Festival. Upcoming shows for Cold Spring Union
Brandon Valentine, left, and Glenn Hamilton.
include Dec. 22 at The Englewood for the Alt-Country Christmas show and Jan. 24 at the Hummelstown Winter Fling.
Recognizing a need for local musicians to receive the recognition they deserve, Valentine founded the nonprofit organization Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame, where he serves as executive director. His mission is to celebrate local artists and showcase their talents. Under his leadership, the organization has established an annual awards celebration. Through these efforts, Valentine said he hopes to nurture new leaders and elevate talent that deserves exposure, all the while educating the public about previous generations of musical talent from the area.
Together, Hamilton and Valentine enjoy collaborating to support local music, with their inspiring alliance shining through on the air. They said the music, the stories and the connections they share with their listeners and with each other remind them why they do this. It’s all about the friendship and the joy of music.
For submissions, send your music to CPMHOF.com/radio, where you will find a link to upload your tracks.
Amy Simpson is an experienced and versatile music professional with a passion for diverse musical styles. With a background in soul/R&B, jazz, rock, hip-hop, top 40/covers, and reggae styles, she has performed in various settings and has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Charmaine Neville, Tower Of Power, Average White Band, and Sean Paul. She currently is a member of The Groove Rebels.
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ORTHOPAEDIC EXPERTS NEAR YOU: Annville Carlisle