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THE FIGHT AGAINST BLIGHT
Columnist Eileen Voyles takes a a look at the efforts of residents in Palmdale, Dauphin County, to stamp out the problem of blight in their corner of the world. Check out The Housing Scene.
MAKE A PLAN NOW
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A NIGHT UNDER THE BIG TOP
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HEEDING THE CALL
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CARVING OUT A GROOVE
Child prodigy Logan Bedard learned to drum at age 5 and now, 17 years later, his impressive career includes induction in the local music hall of fame and steading gigging with noteworthy bands. 22. Amy Simpson chronicles his journey in her After the Beat column.
ON
THE COVER (photo by Andrea Kitner)
Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick has an intimate relationship with death that spans his entire lifetime. Read his thoughts on living, dying and his work telling stories for those who no longer can, beginning on PAGE 6.
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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 o f i
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
C o r p o r a t e G a l a s
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
P h o t o b y L i n d s e y F o r d
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 ,
t h i s 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 :
A u t u m n W o r k s h o p ( O c t o b e r 1 7 t h , 2 0 2 4 ) : C r e a t e
y o u r o w n g o r g e o u s p u m p k i n f l o r a l a r r a n g e m e n t
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 !
T H E J D K G R O U P . C O M
i n f o @ t h e j d k g r o u p . c o m | 7 1 7 . 7 3 0 . 4 6 6 1 | @ t h e j d k g r o u p
Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Coroner Graham Hetrick Reflects on a Lifetime Spent Representing the Dead
Story by Eric Ebeling, eebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com
Photos by Andrea Kitner, akitner@harrisburgmagazine.com
Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick has investigated hundreds of homicides and other deaths during his 34-year tenure in office, and he says each one has stuck with him. He grew up above the Hetrick funeral home in Harrisburg, which was founded and owned by his father, and later took over the business. In the 1960s, Hetrick served in the United States Army assigned to the military police, and he then was attached to the 52nd Criminal Investigation Division.
Hetrick is a graduate of Susquehanna Township High School and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from York College, a Mortuary Science degree from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, and a Master of Science degree in research psychology from Capella University. He is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the American College of Forensic Examiners, the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, the National Coroner/ Medical Examiner Advisory Board for the Musculoskeletal Transplantation Board, the Pennsylvania Coroner's Association, and the Institute for Behavioral Profiling. Hetrick is nationally certified as a medicolegal death investigator and has advanced training in blood pattern analysis, crime scene management, forensic sculpting and shallow grave recovery. He starred on three seasons of The Discovery Channel show “The Coroner – I Speak for the Dead.”
Don’t believe the old saying dead men tell no tales. They do – and Hetrick chronicles their stories. He recently sat down with Eric Ebeling, editorial director of Harrisburg Magazine, to discuss his accomplished career and his relationship with death.
Eric Ebeling: What would you say is the most critical responsibility you have as coroner?
Graham Hetrick: It’s to tell us how we die and how we live. It goes beyond just what you see on TV with murder and homicides. I look now at the age group of people who committed suicide. It’s getting younger and younger. The leading cause of death under 40 is drug abuse, 60 percent of metabolic failure. It doesn’t leave my mind what I see on this table. I study how people die. Thirty-four years of all the different causes: homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, and deal with those families and document their lives, and then it tells me how we are living. I haven’t
Graham Hetrick
seen a pattern for five years; I’ve seen a pattern for three decades, and in those three decades, I can tell you, there are immense changes. The very fact that we see at least 60 percent of our population is in metabolic failure.
EE: Is that mainly a drug issue, an alcohol issue?
GH: It’s multifactorial. This is a problem with where the country’s going. We don’t communicate or use critical thinking, so we can’t debate with each other because everybody’s hating each other, and there that hate is because of ideologies. Ideologies are not attached to inductive and deductive reasoning. They just are. So here we are, and we talk about something like diabetes, and we’re arguing about something like Ozempic, which is an expensive drug that you can’t get off of once you’re on it. It’s a good business plan. It is a great business plan, but it’s not the answer. The answer is looking at the history of the problem and not symptoms of the problem – and giving a pill. How can you put somebody on Ozempic without saying, “Let me train you how to eat. Let me train you what a carbohydrate is and how it goes through the body, and what a protein is and how it goes through the body?” If I look at death, look at the changes over these years, I’ve come to the belief we’re in a social, physical, political and a metabolic crisis. It is that bad.
EE: What has to happen to turn things around?
GH: We have to start talking to each other. I’m writing a book, and I chose “The Coroner and The Cross.” I just felt that’s what I should call it, because it strengthened my faith. I started thinking, well, we have to start with the first question, what is man? Is man different than dog? Is he different than cat? At that point, you have to start with a conversation. In the book, that’s exactly what I do. I start with that conversation and say, “The dead are talking to us. They’re telling us things are chang-
ing. They’re giving us the direction.” It’s up to us to either correct course or just go along with it. None of these changes are simple.
Everybody is running around again, not really thinking things through in a multifactorial way, saying, “Oh, we have this horrible fentanyl problem. What are we going to do? What are we going to do? We have an addiction problem.” I work with addicts, and I have for years now down at Bethesda Mission. I go in every third Thursday and discuss their path to recovery. Right now, I’m talking about Sun-Tzu’s “Art of War.” You have to be battlers for your own life. You can’t sit back and just say, “Oh, well, I’ll go on.” The biggest lie right now, I think, is simply to be giving people methadone … and Suboxone, because then I just see them dead here later on, because they either came off of that or even overdosed on that, plus alcohol, plus benzos, still trying to chase that high.
said, “I think that the Ten Commandments, if we would just follow them, we’d have a much better society. And then that enters the question, what is good behavior? What’s a bad being?
EE: How do you handle this job, day in and day out?
EE: Is your book about noteworthy cases you handled, kind of like an autobiography?
GH: In a way, it’s probably my opus mortem. The concept is that you cannot do this for this many years and not have it affect the very core essence of what we have to ask about our own lives. Most people don’t think about that, so it’s sort of why I wrote the book. The book does is based on cases, but it’s really interesting as far as dialog too, because it made me more convinced of my Christian faith. My editor, Dr. Bob Fury, is an atheist. We were both professors at Harrisburg University. He is brilliant. He was in biology and I was in forensics and medical investigation. We both did the forensic programs. One day he said to me, because we could talk with each other. He says, “You know, Graham, I was thinking. I’m not a Christian or anything.” But he
GH: It helps to separate yourself looking at logic and stuff like that. It does wear on you significantly. Critical thinking is very important, and it is seldom taught these days. The process of investigation relies on critical thinking. It’s saying, “OK, we’re going to first rule out homicide.” Well, how do you do that? Well, you’re looking at all the data, and then you’re looking at it from a deductive point or from an inductive point, where you say, for instance, I think this might be a serial killer case, because we have these correlations of evidence from these patterns in this geographic area. Inductive reasoning is when you have all these true points. I’ll give you an example. Police will say, “Coroner, this person died in this fire. Were they alive? Was it accidental fire, or was she dead before the fire started?” Good question. Sometimes you can answer that right on the spot before you even start working the scene by looking to see if there’s soot in the (airways), soot in the bronchi. You’re breathing it. Then you think, because of inductive thinking, she is a mammal. This deceased person is a mammal. Mammals have to breathe. When they breathe, they take in soot and other materials into the (airway), and when that
happens, they’re taking in the carbon monoxide. So now you know the person was alive before the fire ever started.
This is a whole science of medical death investigation. You have a cause, and you have a manner of death. The cause is, why can this human no longer sustain life? Then the second thing is the manner, and this is what really gets you into the gestalt of a whole crime scene. That is, you take all these tiny bits of evidence that you find. You put all those together along with what you see on the body, and then you come up with a cause of death. So, you have the cause, and then you have the manner. Now, the manner is “homicide,” “suicide,” “accidental,” “natural” or “undetermined.” “Undetermined” is pretty interesting, because it goes back to what I just saw and then using … testing hypotheses. There have been cases where we’ve carried “undetermined” and then another death may relate very closely to this other death. And they see undetermined on the death certificate again. They say, “Let’s contact the coroner.” We had that with a pastor who, it turns out, had killed his first wife and killed his second wife. The first death we had put down “undetermined,” because it supposedly was a fall that we had questions about it. To say “undetermined,” we have to say we couldn’t find a reasonable medical certainty. There’s
a big difference between falling down stairs and just being pushed.
And then there’s the nature of the wounds and stuff like that. That “undetermined” certificate was out there nine years. It’s actually one of the TV episodes. We have that out on Amazon Prime Now. When that (death certificate) came back, they were curious. Wait a minute, this is a second death of this pastor’s wife, same manner. We could not conclusively say she fell down the stairs, but we needed reasonable medical certainty and evidentiary certainty. They say it’s a homicide. That’s a big deal. So, they came to me on the second death nine years later, and we still had all the records, radiology records and everything else. And it turned out to be that they showed me some evidence of the second wife’s death, and I said, “I think we got a problem here.” And we reopened the “undetermined.” In nine years, the difference in radiology was astounding, and that gave us clarity on the old radiology, not just the report, but the actual X-rays themselves that were done then, and what you can do with that data, pumping it in nine years later, and coming up with almost a 3-D thing.
EE: Did you enjoy making three seasons of your show, “The Coroner: Speaking for the Dead”?
GH: Yes. (My wife) Esmerelda worked with me to help come up with the ideas for the TV show. It was a great show. Yeah, it was off of my cases. I think I put out a good product. I was battling with Discovery all the time because I said, “I’m not doing this unless I talk to the survivors of the family, and they want the story told” and stuff like that. And then, if they wanted to over dramatize, I’d say, “I’m not saying that.”
EE: Can you talk about your most challenging case, or one that affected you emotionally the most?
GH: I remember doing a case where a 5-year-old child was beaten to death.
There were over 90 wounds on her, and I had to document each one of those and take samples and everything else. They were image wounds because he was beating her to death with a Game Boy player. Can you imagine? I did the work that day, but it probably was two, three weeks later. I was going over the (Blue) Mountain Parkway to go to Route 443, where my farm is. I just started crying, because the inhumanity of the situation was so amazing. You can’t react like that at the time, but it always affects you.
EE: How has forensic science changed since you first started?
GH: How you dissect the body and record everything that you see is pretty much the same. But even in my time, the complexity of investigation has evolved dramatically. I have a microscope in the lab I can use to go over a person and blow up hairs and fibers and everything else. Your microscopic work, your toxicologies, your DNA, your slides, electron microscopes, all these different tools that are used today are absolutely phenomenal. When you look at it from that standpoint, it still gets down to the basics, which are inductive and deductive reasoning, but the collection of the data is just exploding.
EE: Would you explain to the layman what thanatology is?
GH: Thanatology? Yeah, it’s a study of death and dying. I make every deputy here read the book “On Death and Dying” by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, which came out in 1969. It’s the stages of grieving. She wrote the book because she was realizing that doctors had no idea how to communicate to somebody about a fatal disease like Stage 4 cancer in the lungs. They would say, “We can’t do anything more. You better get your papers together,” and then walk away. And there was no support system. I was very interested in psychology. So, I read the book. I said, “This is brilliant.” It’s a subject nobody in the medical field wanted to talk about because they felt
that they failed, because the person is going to die, right? So, they don’t communicate with them. And that’s the same thing she observed. She was really avant garde her whole life. But she laid out the stages, and we see them all the time. We have to know these stages. So, I make them read the book. You first go with disbelief, then you go with anger, then you go with bargaining, depression and acceptance. They’ll recycle back through them.
I’ll give you an example. (Assistant Chief Deputy Coroner) Tommy (Reinhard) was on a scene down The Hill, a woman was she was dead from drugs, but we didn’t know that at the time. We suspected it. So, you’re photographing everything. Now here’s another change in how investigations work these days. All of a sudden, everything’s on the internet because these people see the coroner, police in front of so-and-so’s house. Tommy’s working the scene. There’s a couple policemen there, and this guy comes rushing in. He sees Tommy, who’s looking over her and photographing, rushes him and throws him hard into a wall. Well, Tommy understands this stage of death and grieving. In the grieving part, the first thing is, “I can’t believe it happened.” The second part is anger, when he saw her on the bed and was angry, and then saw this guy calming taking pictures. So, he throws him into the wall. Tommy extricates himself from the wall. He says, “I’m so sorry about your loss.” And that guy stopped and hugged him. Later, we kept on calling him so I could talk to him.
EE: What’s a common misconception that people have about what a coroner does?
GH: I don’t think they understand how multifaceted it is. No. 1, we’re a hybrid. We have people that have different specialties working on cases. The coroner system comes from the English world where the original name was “crowner,” not “coroner.” “Crowner” because he was sent out by the king to figure out
RUN DEEP Our Roots
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how that death happened and where property would go and everything else. That’s where that crazy name comes from. Since people elect me, I’m not appointed by a governor. I’m not appointed by police or a DA or anything else. I answer to only one person – the person who died.
EE: Do you enjoy the political process of this job?
GH: No.
EE: So, it’s a necessary evil?
GH: I will declare to run one more time by the reason is going to ask you that the reason is, I want to leave this, so it’s good for 15 to 20 years. Our desire is to knock out all these walls here, because they’re not support walls, and redo the interior here because of the tremendous increase in case volume and technology. I guess that’s another reason I decided I can’t leave just yet, until this is set, and I have the right technology here. The thing is, being a coroner is not a Democrat or Republican thing. It’s “do you have the background and the experience to do it?” It’s not even being a doctor or a non-doctor, because I am not an MD. But out of the 67 counties in the state, there are some MDs who are coroners, but I would say most every one of these counties are hybrid counties. I work with Dr. Wayne Ross, who is absolutely a brilliant forensic pathologist. One of the things that politicians don’t understand and people from the outside is that this is not and cannot be political. I’ve never asked an employee in 34 years what their political affiliation is. Now I ask them a lot of questions on what your background is, what you can do? Can you handle this? That type of thing. This is not an easy job.
EE: What advice would you give to someone considering a career either as a coroner or entering the funeral industry?
GH: I think it’s some of the greatest
service you could ever do to help people through a process of loss. In a way, a funeral is telling the story in remembrance of what their life is like, and a coroner is telling a story of how the death occurred. I’ll have somebody sitting here, and I know they’re hurting. They’re trying to get through understanding that their son is dead. I’ll go over in layman’s terms, everything I saw on the body, every wound, how long he suffered, all this other stuff, because they have to walk through that path. Most of the time will ask, “Did he suffer?” People ask, even it’s a legal thing, you know, pain and suffering in court, yeah, and we look at that and say, Yes, this was not instantaneous. There was suffering. And give maybe a range or a period of time or something like that. Well, they want to know too, and not because of legal reasons. They want to know how long they suffered. You find them in the house, and let’s say it was an older person, and they fell and broke their legs and couldn’t get up. We’ve had things like that. The whole family saying, “How long was this?” It starts to give them an understanding and completion of the information they need. To get back to what I would call reorganization. You can reorganize your life now, because, yes, it happened. You know how it happened, and there’s nothing you can do about it, so you have to look at the glass half full, not half empty. That’s the biggest parts of death counseling.
like 2006, to an employee because this job was just getting too much.
EE: You know, I wouldn’t guess you were pushing 80.
GH: I can’t believe I’m pushing 80, either. It just slips by. It’s like Saint Paul says, “It’s vapor.” Vapor, vapor. I didn’t start to actually think about it until I was 72. There’s a spot along (Route 443, north of Harrisburg) you can run from there, the ridge of the mountain down to the river. I ran the ridge. I always ran it on my birthday, and at 72, I thought, this will be my last time running this ridge. It’s a heck of a ridge and hills and treacherous area up there. I don’t think I’ll do this again. I do lift weights. I still do karate, and I want to keep the forms. I’m 79 years old. I’m still going strong, working, and, like I said, today was up at 5. When I get home I’ll probably do a mile or two walk with my dogs, and then maybe sauna, and then jump in the pond.
EE: You’ve dedicated most of, if not all of your life, to this kind of work here. But what legacy do you hope to leave behind in the community?
EE: Are you still involved with the Hetrick Funeral Home?
GH: No, but I do go in and see families, because we’ve served them since the early 1930s and those families go back a long time. I sold the funeral home in,
GH: Promoting three things: love, God, and love people. Change the world. That’s it. It’s just that simple. It’s come down to something that simple. If we’re going to live, and we’re going to live successfully, we have to help each other. I mean, that’s it.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
By Eric Ebeling eebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com
Every October, communities around the world come together to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a dedicated effort to educate the public about breast cancer, support those affected and promote research aimed at eradicating the disease. This vital initiative is spearheaded by organizations such as the American Cancer Society (ACS), which provides critical insights into breast cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, and it is a significant health concern globally. According to the cancer society, approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This sobering statistic underscores the necessity of continued awareness and education.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a powerful platform for enhancing public understanding of the disease, dispel myths and encourage preventive measures.
One of the primary messages the cancer society wants to reinforce each October is the importance of early detection.
The ACS recommends women begin annual mammograms at age 40, although those with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors might need to start earlier. Mammograms are effective at identifying potential issues before they develop into
more serious conditions. Additionally, clinical breast exams and self-exams can be crucial for detecting changes that may require further investigation.
Knowledge about risk factors can help in making informed decisions about personal health. While some factors, like genetics (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations) and family history, are beyond one’s control, lifestyle changes can influence breast cancer risk. The ACS emphasizes that maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and limiting alcohol consumption can all contribute to a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month also highlights the availability of support and resources for those affected by the disease. The ACS provides a range of services, including financial assistance, emotional support, and information about treatment options. Their 24/7 helpline is a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance or needing to connect with support services.
Continued research is crucial for advancing breast cancer treatment and improving survival rates. The ACS funds research projects that explore new treatment methods, better diagnostic tools and potential cures.
Support for these research initiatives is vital for making strides in
understanding and combating breast cancer.
Engaging with the community through events like charity walks, fundraisers and educational seminars helps to amplify the message of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Participation in these activities not only raises funds but also fosters a sense of solidarity among those affected by the disease.
There are numerous ways to contribute to the cause during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Consider participating in local events, wearing pink to show support and sharing information about breast cancer with your network. Additionally, supporting organizations like the American Cancer Society through donations or volunteering can make a significant impact. For information on local events, visit www.pabreastcancer.org/ get-involved/events/.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than just a period of reflection; it is a call to action for education, prevention and support. By staying informed and involved, you can play a crucial role in the fight against breast cancer. For more information and resources, visit the American Cancer Society’s website or reach out to local support groups to learn how you can contribute to this important cause.
Three-Step Approach Helps Control Taxes
As You Hit Retirement
Irecently received a call from long-term clients – we’ll call them George and Susan Miller.
George called to inform me that he had officially put in his retirement packet on his 60th birthday. Because George and Susan were retiring before Social Security and Medicare eligibility, we had completed some detailed financial planning to address private health care, retirement income and tax planning. Let’s discuss how we helped George and Susan reduce retirement health care expenses and control taxes with a simple three-step approach.
Funding Private Health Care in Your Retirement Years
George’s life goal was to retire in his 60s and travel the world with Susan. They feared this goal wouldn’t be achievable because of the rising cost of health care. The Millers had a healthy income of $150,000, which prevented them from accessing the health care exchange established under the Affordable Care Act.
The good news was the Millers started planning for retirement early. The health care exchange is based on income, so we were able to proactive-
ly save funds into a money market account and municipal bonds. Taking distributions from a money market account does not count as income; only the interest counts toward their income. This kept their retirement income far below the exchange limits ($78,880 for a married couple in 2024), making them eligible for the health care exchange.
Roth Conversions
George and Susan were extraordinary savers, maxing out their 401(k) plans for decades. Over the years, they’ve accumulated more than $750,000 in 401(k)s. During their earning years, they were able to defer taxes from their top marginal tax rate of 22 percent. But now that their income has dropped, their tax bracket has also dropped. We discussed converting 401(k) taxable income to Roth IRA tax-exempt income. Assets in a Roth IRA can grow tax free and may be distributed tax-free under certain circumstances. This makes it an excellent account for building wealth and potentially increases tax-free inheritance.
In 2024, for a married couple filing a joint tax return, the 12 percent federal tax bracket tops out at $94,300. To maintain their health insurance, we agreed to convert assets not to exceed $78,000 of income. We are accessing 401(k) taxable dollars at a federal tax rate of 12 percent and investing them within a Roth IRA, where the funds will grow tax free for later in life or for their children to inherit.
Delay Social Security
The Millers really like converting taxable 401(k) dollars at the 12 percent tax rate rather than accessing the funds at the 22 percent tax rate
later in life. To extend their low-income years, the Millers will delay Social Security benefits until their full retirement age. This way, they will be able to keep a low income from their retirement (age 60) until their full retirement age (for them, age 67). This gives them seven years to slowly and methodically convert taxable 401(k) assets to tax-free Roth IRA assets. Once they hit age 65 and apply for Medicare, they do not need to worry about the health care exchange income limits and may be able to convert even more assets in a year.
Importance of Planning
Roth conversion and the health care exchange factor numerous income sources. It is important to coordinate your financial plan with a tax planning professional. This is a situation where you cannot “set it and forget it.” Your financial and tax plans
should be living documents adjusted throughout the year to account for life changes, such as unexpected income sources, like a bonus or a large dividend.
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.
Palmdale Prosperity Project Takes Aim at Blight Locally
Afew days ago, a friend I met through Rotary started talking with me about blight in Palmdale, Pa. And I’m thinking, what the heck do I know about blight? I’m a Hershey-area Realtor; that’s an inner-city Detroit problem, right?
Yes, Detroit definitely has issues with blight. But so do we.
Palmdale is a census district within Derry Township, encompassing roughly 80 businesses and 1,300 residents. It’s on the very eastern edge of the township. It’s the “forgotten” part of Derry Township. In fact, if you’re driving from Palmyra into Hershey, you’ll hit Palmdale (which, again, is Derry Township) before the cute Welcome to Hershey sign.
Blight typically involves properties that are abandoned, poorly maintained or otherwise neglected and leads to various negative outcomes, including decreased property values, public safety concerns and – with the untamed grass and litter it seems to produce – reduced community aesthetics. And blight isn’t just an inner-city issue. We’ve got our share of it right in prosperous Derry Township.
Meghan Walter, my friend from Ro-
tary, owns SPLAT, a family art studio in Palmdale. She and a small group of like-minded citizens recently created the Palmdale Prosperity Project with hopes of improving the area and obliterating blight.
“This project encompasses both the residents and those employed in the area,” said Walter, “and we’re focused on the economic sustainability of the area.”
Walter and her team are looking for stakeholders to help bring Palmdale up to the standard of the rest of the township, with things like crosswalks (Palmdale only has one), sidewalks and public spaces (Palmdale’s one park floods regularly). These amenities will ensure the quality of life for people in Palmdale and, from my perspective, help to maintain property value in the area.
Walter and her crew aren’t pushing for Hershey Kiss-shaped streetlights or anything; they think Palmdale could have its own complimentary-to-Hershey vibe.
“With colorfully painted buildings and more community art projects visible to the public, Palmdale could have its own identity as an up-andcoming neighborhood that conveys a sense of creativity and community,” Walter said.
Thankfully, neglected property is less commonly reported in our neck of the woods compared to other parts of the country. But like any community, we must be mindful of its existence. Code enforcement and community programs help, but it’s usually people like Walter who get the ball rolling for change.
Go, girl!
Eileen S. Voyles is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty, 501 W. Governor Road, Hershey. She is a social media content creator and the founder of HelloHersheyPA, a Pennsylvania Benefit Corporation that promotes commerce and happy living in Hershey and beyond. She can be reached at (717) 533-6222 and (717) 508-4610 or eileenvoyles@gmail.com.
Medicare Changes You’ll See in 2025
By Eric Ebeling eebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com
As the landscape of health care continues to evolve, so too does Medicare, the cornerstone of health coverage for millions of Americans.
With the new year on the horizon, Medicare beneficiaries and those approaching eligibility in 2025 will see some notable changes. These adjustments are designed to address the shifting needs of an aging population and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the program. Here’s a look at what’s coming down the pipeline and how these changes might affect you, according to information provided by Medicare.gov.
One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the expanded coverage for chronic conditions. Recognizing the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory conditions, Medicare will
introduce additional benefits aimed at better managing these conditions.
For example, beneficiaries will have greater access to specialists and care teams focused on chronic disease management. Medicare also will cover more remote monitoring tools and services, allowing patients to track their conditions from home and avoid unnecessary hospital visits. Broader coverage for preventive services related to chronic conditions, including more frequent screenings and educational programs, is also expected.
Following years of advocacy for lower prescription drug costs, Medicare will implement significant changes in 2025 to make medications more affordable. Key reforms include an annual cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. This move aims to protect beneficiaries from exorbitant drug prices and reduce financial strain.
For the first time, Medicare will have the authority to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices on a select list of high-cost medications. Also, there will be increased support and incentives for the use of biosimilars and generics, which are typically less expensive alternatives to brand-name drugs.
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which offer an alternative to traditional Medicare, will see several updates in 2025. MA plans will now include more non-medical benefits such as transportation services, meal delivery and home safety modifications to help seniors age in place. To make choosing coverage easier, MA plans will provide clearer and more detailed information about coverage options, costs and provider networks. Enhanced support services will be available, including
Decorated veteran-turned-country singer-songwriter Keni Thomas headlines the celebration.
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NOVEMBER 23
Scottish Rite Cathedral | 2-5 p.m.
Info and Tickets: HomelandEvents.org/15th-Anniversary
more robust assistance for navigating plan details and resolving issues.
Understanding the critical role of mental health in overall well-being, Medicare will enhance its focus on mental health services, including more comprehensive coverage for therapy sessions and psychiatric consultations. There also will be an expansion of telehealth services for mental health care, making it easier for beneficiaries to access care from the comfort of their homes.
Medicare will offer new resources and training programs for caregivers to help them manage the complexities of caregiving and provide better support for their loved ones. There also will be expanded coverage for respite care, giving caregivers much-needed breaks while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive high-quality care.
Medicare is also embracing technological advancements through en-
hanced digital health record systems, which will streamline the sharing of medical information between providers and patients, leading to more coordinated care. AI tools will be used to assist in diagnosing conditions, personalizing care plans, and predicting patient needs, contributing to more efficient and effective health care.
For current beneficiaries, these changes represent a significant shift toward more comprehensive, accessible and affordable care. If you’re nearing Medicare eligibility, it’s essential to stay informed about these updates to make the most of your benefits. Consider reviewing your current coverage and exploring your options for the new year to ensure your health care needs are met effectively.
For more detailed information about how these changes may affect you, visit the official Medicare website at www.medicare.gov or consult with a Medicare advisor.
Who Will Care for Your Pets When You’re Gone?
My family recently provided an emergency foster home for two rambunctious, senior dachshunds. Their dad had passed away suddenly at home and his extended family could not take them. He was a single man with no children, and Ira and Emma were his entire world.
Being displaced is traumatic for any pet, but suddenly losing a caregiver and having to leave their home at the same time is tragic. They came to us clingy, confused and anxious.
Bringing two additional dogs into our home wasn’t ideal, but the situation was so sad that we had to try. We knew adding them would be a challenge, as we have four cats and a geriatric dog to navigate. It went as poorly as it could have gone, though we remained optimistic that the dachshunds would eventually lose interest in eating the cats and maybe, possibly, forget our old dog was there.
Best Friends Animal Society (bestfriends.org) reported that 10 percent of animals in shelters are there because of caregiver illness or death. In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count (shelteranimalscount.org). This means 650 thousand orphaned pets in the U.S. ended up in a shelter last year.
None of us wants that to happen to our beloved animals.
Humans don’t like to think about death, but we also want our furry family members to be cared for, happy and loved when we’re gone or become ill and unable to provide for their daily needs. As much as they love us, it is wrong to assume that friends or family will simply step in to take care of our pets or adopt them. It’s best to plan for their future before it’s too late. You can start by identifying some trusted people in your life to handle rehoming your pets or, better yet, someone who will adopt them. Talk to them in detail about your needs and wishes.
Since caring for pets can be an unexpected financial burden, your attorney can help you create a trust fund to help the caregivers pay for food, vet care, boarding, grooming and end-of-life care. In addition, put together a pet care packet including information about their food, medication, medical records, groomer and the name of your veterinary practice. You can get guidance at Pet Peace of Mind (petpeaceofmind.org), a national non-profit program that helps patients in hospice keep their pets during their end-of-life care and plan for future care. There are six hospices in Pennsylvania that participate with Pet Peace of Mind. On their website, you will find a downloadable copy of their “My Pet Placement Plan.” You can print and fill out the document to keep with your end-of-life paperwork. I assure you, planning for your pet’s care after your death will ease your mind.
Luckily, Ira and Emma found their forever home exactly three weeks after we took them in. It was not easy for us to find them a home togeth-
er, but a lovely family stepped up to adopt them, and they are already spoiled and loved. This ending isn’t always possible for pets who lose their owners.
These dogs hit the jackpot!
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.
ROOFING // WINDOWS // SIDING FIBERGLASS SHINGLES // RUBBER ROOFING
1871 jail, open until 1995 and known for the tragic hanging of seven Molly handprints etched on the walls, stand
World-Renowned Pennsylvania National Horse Show Returns to Farm Show Complex
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious horse shows, and this Oct. 10-20, it will return to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg for the 78th year.
The 11-day event attracts top horses and riders from across the country – and even worldwide – for featured competitions including, but not limited to:
• The Turnham Green/USEF Junior Jumper National Championship. Top junior riders work all year to qualify for this multi-round national championship, taking place Thursday, Oct. 10 through Saturday, Oct. 12.
• The Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. The Hunter Seat Medal Final, to be held this year on Sunday, Oct. 13, features nearly 200 young riders vying for the championship win, judged on the riders’ equitation or style of riding.
• Team Night and the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic. Introduced in 2023, Team Night is a new crowd favorite. Groups of any kind are invited to register online at PAnational.org before showing up on Friday, Oct. 18, to be eligible to win exciting prizes for their team or organization. Not only that, but Friday night’s festivities will also feature the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic, one of the week’s biggest show jumping events, with top riders facing off against the clock over fences more than 4 feet high.
• $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National. The grand finale of the show each year, this class will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, with the evening’s festivities kicking off at 6 p.m.
“There is a different feel to showing at Harrisburg than any other show. Riders from all parts of the country come together and it has more of a champi-
onship feel,” said accomplished show jumper Laura Chapot.
This year’s show will also feature a Family Fun Day from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, offering fun activities for spectators of all ages including face painting, goat snuggling, behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on horse activities, arts and crafts and more.
Spectator admission and parking are free for nine out of the 11 days of competition, with tickets only required for the evening sessions on Friday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19. Tickets can be purchased online at PAnational.org or at the door.
Proceeds from the PA National Horse Show directly benefit the PNHS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to “Enriching Lives Through Equestrian Sport.” Each year, the foundation provides grant funding to therapeutic riding groups, equine-assisted services organizations and equine rescue programs.
To learn more about the PNHS Foundation and this year’s PA National Horse Show, visit panational.org.
menu and increased customer demands.
“We built that ourselves. I wouldn’t have been able to do without my dad, Alan Peck Sr. He owns his own construction company. My grandfather played a big role and helped build out the trailer, too. His name is Luther Peck Jr. He has since passed,” Peck said.
The brick-and-mortar restaurant at 2650 Gravel Road opened in May of last year, and Peck said he saw success right out of the gate. He currently employs about 20 workers there.
An admittedly subpar student at Susquenita High School, the Duncannon, Perry County, native said he wasn’t highly motivated in the classroom, and he didn’t think college was an affordable prospect. He didn’t let that deter him from dreaming of a successful life as a businessman to secure his financial independence.
“I’ve really always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I have a very optimistic mindset, and it became apparent to me what I wanted to do. It became apparent where I wanted my life to end up. The task was to get there, being a business owner, being an investor, not necessarily being a W-2 employee,” he said. “Looking at successful people in my mind. What I deemed as successful, living the life they want to and not spending all their time doing the things they don’t want to do.”
Peck said the internet provided an invaluable resource for information about business startups and the people who ran them. He said he read every book he could find on the subject.
“I felt as if I could ask good questions and find the answers. I wanted to emulate successful people. So, the learning curve, I tackled it head on. It was a huge learning curve,” said Peck. “It was making mistakes fast, you know, failing hard and going quick and just learning from it.”
He credits his older brother, Aaron Meyer, with weeding out bad business ideas and latching onto to one that has proven to be a winner.
“I had a whole notebook full of ideas. My brother, who I look up to, is a very rational and a smart guy. He’d shoot down all my business ideas. Because I was 18 years old, I thought every one of them was viable. Then it came to the fries, and he said, ‘Yeah, that’s a great idea.’” Peck filed the business paperwork online that same night.
The goal has been to create a duplicatable business system that can be franchised to empower other entrepreneurs to create passive income, Peck said. The business plan is eventually to open new restaurants and food trucks from coast to coast, and he is considering potential options on the West Shore.
Peck said the most popular item on the menu is the smash burger, which features a thin beef patty, bacon, American cheese, sliced dill pickles, cooked onions, Coop sauce and a toasted bun.
“The smash burger is our biggest seller by far. You know, just during the last 90 days, we sold 5,000-plus smash burgers
compared to 300 pulled pork sandwiches – 5,000 – and that’s just in the restaurant. That’s not counting the food truck,” said Peck.
He said the key to a smash burger is to press the seasoned beef flat on the grill to sear it and seal in the juices.
Other items include fried chicken tenders with a choice of original or spicy breading; a cheesesteak made with thinly sliced ribeye (or chicken), cooked onions, and a choice of cheese and topping served on a sub roll; fried pierogies filled with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese; hot dogs and Italian sausages; fried chicken sandwiches that come in original and spicy flavors; salads; macaroni and cheese; a variety of desserts; and fresh-squeezed lemonades.
Of course, those namesake potatoes have a strong presence on the menu. This includes hand-cut fries of the thick and thin variety; loaded baked potatoes that come served with dozens of toppings, including crab meat; baked sweet potatoes; sweet potato fries; curly fries; tater tots; and golden-fried potato gems that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
“I tried to emulate successful people. I wouldn’t stop until I had the best burger. The Red Rabbit Drive-in (in Duncannon) was my first job. So that’s my cooking experience. I was working as a grunt there. I decided I wouldn’t put a burger on the menu until we could serve one that I felt comparable to that,” he said.
The key to the operation is keeping it simple, according to Peck.
“That’s something my wife (Anna Peck) and other people always told me: Don’t add too much stuff. Keep it simple. Keep it simple. Like in life, everything’s on a spectrum, and you don’t understand balance. Just like a baby learning to walk. They don’t know balance. They gotta fall to the right, they gotta fall to the left, and then you find your balance. We’re finding our balance. You know, we have a lot of great menu items. The community loves them all, so it’s hard to really want to cut back on any of them.”
For booking inquiries, visit thepotatocoop.com.
Alan Peck Jr.
Linglestown Fire Co. Celebrates 90 Years of Protecting the Public
Story by Eric Ebeling, eebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com
by Andrea Kitner, akitner@harrisburgmagazine.com
A series of devastating fires on three consecutive days in 1934 prompted the formation of the Linglestown Fire Department, which celebrates its historic 90th anniversary in October.
On Feb. 23 of that year, a fire broke out on Sandy Hollow Road at the Jacob Castle farm. An overheated stove set the house ablaze, and the homeowner suffered burns trying to fight the fire himself, according to Tom Hartley, one of three company historians and current vice president. Linglestown relied on fire coverage from Penbrook, Progress and Hummelstown, but response times back then were impeded by distance and rough infrastructure conditions.
The very next day, a fire broke out in a barn owned by Charles Reinert along Goose Valley, and it was engulfed in flames by the time the men of Penbrook and Progress arrived. The Reinerts and their neighbors formed a bucket brigade to a well on the property and did all they could to protect the farmhouse, Hartley said. The barn was a total loss, and with it, two horses perished and a large quantity of farm implements, baled hay and straw was destroyed.
Another fire the next day, on Feb. 25,
galvanized local leaders to take action to form their own fire company. A massive blaze inside a feed warehouse in Harrisburg tied up every fire unit in the city, as well as Penbrook and Progress, for hours. Linglestown had been left vulnerable.
“You know, the men of the town had more than likely been having conversations in the barbershop, church groups, along the sidewalks about forming a fire company,” Hartley said. “(Those fires) are what really kind of kicked it into high gear that it’s time to make a change. They probably said, ‘We just can’t do this anymore. We’ve survived long enough with no fire department.’”
Over the next couple of days, the Rev. Elias H. Phillips, minister of Wenrich’s Evangelical and Reformed Church (now the St Thomas UCC), would spread the word through the town. A notice went out to the men of the community announcing a meeting in the American Legion Hall to organize a fire company in Linglestown. That meeting occurred on Feb. 28, 1934, Hartley said.
“In early 1935, the company bought its first piece of firefighting apparatus, a Model T Ford that we got from Elizabeth-
ville,” said Hartley.
The rest of the story is etched in the annals of company history.
Over the years, the Linglestown Fire Company No. 1 continued to grow, evolve and expand to where it is today.
Lower Paxton Township has three separate volunteer fire companies: Linglestown, Paxtonia and Colonial Park. They work together to coordinate fire protection under the umbrella of the Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Fire, Hartley said.
“The township is an excellent partner in a lot of things. We’re very proud of our work with them and what we do with them. As I said, there have been changes here recently to make our jobs easier, to benefit the residents of the township,” he said, stressing that the unity among the three companies allows for cohesive training and other coordinated aspects of fire coverage.
With in the past year, the Linglestown company has implemented a stipend program which allows a crew of three firefighters to man the firehouse for extended periods.
Photos
Tom Hartley
“As long as we have three-person, qualified crew, we receive 10 bucks an hour. The idea is that staffed or manned firehouses are more effective. The National Fire Protection Association is saying you need to be out of the firehouse very, very quickly to be effective. That makes it so we can get out of the firehouse in less than a minute. You’re not going to do that when you’re relying on people coming from home after they’ve been alerted to an alarm. The only way you’re going to accomplish that is to have people in the fire stations,” said Hartley, who has been with the company since 1987.
Currently, one firefighter who is a college student is living in the station under a program that provides free shelter and other benefits for him in exchange for his service, Hartley said. The company, which has 38 active members, responds to about 500 calls per year, he said.
Company officers are Chief Sean Harp, 1st Assistant Chief Jeff Phillips, 2nd Assistant Chief Jason Hoffman, 3rd Assistant Chief Joe Crum, Captain Nic
Disanto and Lieutenant Matt Artz.
Currently, active multi-generational firefighting families are Tom Hartley and daughter Annie Carreras; Ed Crum, his son Joe Crum and Ed’s grandson, Grant Hodgson; and Jake Flowers and his son Kirk Flowers and Jake’s son-in-law Matt Artz.
The Linglestown fire truck fleet includes the workhorse, Engine 35; Air 35, which is used to fill air packs; Rescue 35, which is a medium duty rescue truck; Tanker 35, to cover areas without easy access to a water source; a unit designed for the rapid intervention team to assist firefighters on the scene should the need arise; a brush truck for wildfires and the like; and utility vehicles. The company also has a ladder truck, which is currently out of service for maintenance work.
Hartley noted that the fire police perform essential functions such as traffic control at fire scenes to ensure responder safety.
The fire company relies on governmen-
tal funding and community donations, and firefighters and the ladies auxiliary raise money internally through soup sales, raffles and other activities.
An open house and celebration of the company’s 90th anniversary is set for Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire station, at 5901 Linglestown Road. The public is invited to walk through a small museum filled with artifacts that go back to the founding of the company, including a well-preserved Ford firetruck purchased in 1941 for a little more than $2,000.
“Our plan is to basically hold an open house throughout the day. We’re going to have both buildings open to the public. Fire prevention materials will be available, and we will give station tours so people can look at the apparatus,” Hartley said.
The Linglestown Church of God across the street is holding a barbecue competition that day to benefit the fire company. A celebratory evening dinner for members of the company will cap off the day.
The Community Salutes Linglestown Fire Co.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
YWCA of Greater Harrisburg Helps Women in Need
By Andrea Kitner akitner@harrisburgmagazine.com
The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg has long been a cornerstone of support for women, children and families facing adversity. With an expansive facility of 80,000 square feet, they offer a safe haven with 113 beds dedicated to those in need – whether they are homeless, or victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking.
In 2023, the local YWCA assisted 3,385 domestic violence victims secure housing and/or employment and served around 10,000 individuals. While their services have evolved over the years to better meet the needs of the community, their commitment to empowering and enriching the lives of women, families and marginalized groups remains steadfast, particularly in response to the increasing challenges posed by domestic violence, according to CEO Mary Quinn.
Their shelter operates around the clock – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Whether a woman arrives at their door with the help of law enforcement or directly from a hospital, their team is ready to respond, Quinn said. When someone reaches out for help, their priority is immediate safety and basic needs, ensuring that women and children have access to essential resources, including clothing, hygiene products, and nourishing meals. Their facility is equipped with kitchens, laundry areas and a food pantry to meet these urgent needs.
“When we talk about the YWCA believing in empowerment, what we mean by that is every individual that we work with knows what’s best for them. It’s not our job to tell them what they should be doing. It’s our job to present the resources and for them to make the decision that’s best for them in their life at that time. Of course, we’re going to make sure that they’re physically OK and that they are recuperating. If they have a lot of physical injuries, we make sure that they’re following up with their doctors, or we help them obtain counseling services,” said Quinn. “We can also assess them for highly specialized therapy, and we work with the Pennsylvania Psychological Association to make sure they’re getting those resources. If they have children, we’re going to do the same thing with the kids. We’re going to make sure that their schooling isn’t disrupted. We’re going to make sure that they have the counseling needs that they need as well throughout this and then, you know, we’re going to refer them into our legal services. We also have the Dress for Success program, which is going to help with career counseling. If a woman hasn’t had the opportunity to obtain their own income or their own job, then we’re going to connect them within the job market. We have connections with employers who are actively seeking employees, so we’re going to make connections, help them build their résumé, and give them professional attire.”
Domestic violence can manifest in many forms, affecting individuals across various circumstances and relationships. Quinn explained how the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg believes in offering a holistic approach to care –one that encompasses safety, emotional support, legal guidance and economic empowerment.
“I think it’s just as simple as: We’re not here to judge any of anyone’s life choices or how they have come to be in the situations that they are in. Our role is about believing the victims and finding them those resources. We’re going to serve you to the best of our ability and give you those resources. I think the first step is calling our hotline, and you can call it 24 hours a day and someone’s always going to be there to talk to you. It can really make a difference between life and death, and what we see with some of our victims is that they have normalized the violence to their own detriment.”
There is a lot of negativity that circulates around domestic violence, and the YWCA works tirelessly to eliminate this stigma. “I think the biggest stigma that people face is, ‘Well, why didn’t you just leave? Why were you there for that amount of time and you just stayed?’ We know that it’s really not a choice, and it’s a lot more complex than that.”
There was a significant increase in domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. The YWCA’s hotline calls surged by nearly 50 percent, showing the desperate need for help, although these numbers have since leveled off to their usual rates following the pandemic.
Abuse often develops gradually, resembling a snowball effect, said Quinn. Perpetrators tend to exhibit abusive behaviors over an extended period, which can eventually escalate into more severe forms of violence. Domestic
violence is not limited to anyone. It can happen between a husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, or to a male or female. Although there are victims who never come forward, the understanding of domestic violence has become more positive. People are seeing elevation of these issues in society, providing more support for victims who come forward. An increasing number of men are demonstrating their support for addressing domestic violence and their involvement can have a positive impact on victims.
“I think these issues are raising awareness in men’s lives, too, and they want to be allies. They want to be a part of keeping women and their daughters safe and are learning how to have those conversations about what that looks like,” said Quinn.
She explained that success is not linear and looks different for everyone who walks through their doors. “You know, serving thousands of individuals each year, I think success is unique to the individual. What one person considers success might not be the same to another person. We offer as many resources as possible to be unique to that individual. So, you know, we win court cases all the time in settlement, whether it’s alimony, custody cases, divorce cases, and, I mean, we would consider all those success stories, because we have somebody who has been able to break the cycle.”
October 21-25, 2024 Every year, the YWCA Greater Harrisburg serves more than 3.300 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault & human trafficking. Join us during the Week Without Violence as we honor and remember victims and survivors. We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe.
The YWCA also provides services and prevention education to schools, colleges and churches in the community, teaching the importance of bodily autonomy and healthy relationships.
While their efforts at the YWCA to end domestic violence have remained strong and consistent, there is still much work to be done, Quinn said.
“Our numbers stay steady, so we
know domestic violence is still being perpetrated at high rates in our community, and if we don’t have a community response to it, then it will never end. There are repercussions to violence, and when we allow violence to some, then we are condoning it against all.”
Through community support and their unwavering commitment to empowerment, the YWCA continues to make a difference in the lives of women and families, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive beyond their circumstances. For anyone wanting to volunteer, the YWCA offers a two-week, 40-hour specialized training program. Contributions or donations to the YWCA can be made at www.ywcahbg.org.
From an Early Age, Drumming Prodigy
Found
His Groove
At just 4 years old, Logan Bedard attended his first concert at the Hershey Giant Center with his dad, Todd Bedard, to see the Blue Man Group. Captivated by the high energy and drumming of the show, Logan realized at that moment that he wanted to be a drummer.
Growing up in a supportive family with a deep passion for music, Logan was influenced by his father’s love for hair metal bands, his mother’s eclectic taste in mainstream artists, and his grandparents, who were old hippies from the ’60s. This diverse musical background enriched his exposure to some of the greatest music in history. Todd consistently introduced Logan to new experiences, encouraging him to explore various tunes and techniques. His interest in Scott Phillips, the drummer from Creed, also played a significant role in his early musical development.
By age 5, Logan began taking lessons from platinum-selling artist Jeremy Hummel of Breaking Benjamin. Todd would take notes during these lessons to help Logan continue learning independently. This collaborative effort allowed Logan to showcase his remarkable talent through gigs across the Harrisburg area. For someone so young to have such clarity of purpose was impressive.
Logan also took lessons at The Perfect 5th Musical Arts Center in Mechanicsburg, which is led by Derek Euston, owner of Green Room Studio, and directed by Terry Selders. It was there that he met friends who would become important collaborators, including guitarist and singer Spilly Cave and rhythm and blues guitarist and singer Ajay Shughart. Rod Goelz, a musician and
educator who ran band classes, played a vital role in shaping Logan’s career at age 10. Goelz dedicated himself to teaching young musicians how to work together in a band setting, and many of his students have gone on to achieve success.
By age 7, Logan was a regular performer at open mic nights at Gullifty’s, hosted by Shea Quinn and Scott Frange. He would perform the Wild Cherry hit “Play That Funky Music” every Wednesday night with his father cheering him on. One memorable evening, he came prepared to play “On My Own,” an original tune from Quinn’s band The Sharks, which his father had suggested he learn. Recognizing Logan’s talent and determination, Quinn began offering him regular gigs – country club performances and duo shows – marking his emergence as a professional musician. The buzz about this young talent spread quickly, and by the ages of 8 and 9, he was playing three-set shows alongside seasoned musicians more than twice his age.
Throughout this journey, Todd has been instrumental, loving and supporting his son. He often expresses his commitment by saying, “I love that you drum, but I don’t love you because you drum. I’ll always work my butt off for you to be happy.” This perspective has
helped keep Logan humble and grounded. He has done the work, earned his place and maintained an open-minded eagerness to learn, establishing himself as a promising prospect and a force to be reckoned with.
Anyone who knows Logan knows he’s caught between his love for his Tama Star Classic drum set and a John Deere tractor. He started farming at 16, covering thousands of acres for local operations, and now works as a mechanic for an excavation company, which has become a significant part of his life.
With a solid foundation and great support system, Logan joined an original jazz fusion trio in his early teens called Teen Town, named after a song by Weather Report. The trio included his peers and established a regular gig schedule, performing alongside award-winning bassist Gabriel Severn and Connor Rohrer on keys. They created quite a buzz, covering jazz standards and crafting their own originals. In 2020, they were named Best Jazz Band at the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame, where his father serves as president. Logan has performed with notable artists, including Victor Wooten, Sheila E., the progressive jazz-rock band Marbin and the iconic vocal group The Drifters.
Now 22, Logan plays with Quinn and the Finns, also known as the popular band The Sharks. He performs with Shea Quinn’s The Band Who Sold the World, which received nominations for Best Tribute Band in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, he plays with the Central City Orchestra, a premier 10-piece ensemble that has won Best Variety/Dance Band twice at the local hall of fame. Logan also collaborates with TikTok sensation and longtime friend Spilly Cave, with whom he played drums on his 2022 tour. Logan has been invited to join Spilly Cave’s upcoming tour in the fall of 2024. Ajay Shughart and Spilly Cave shared their teenage years with Logan, creating and performing together, and they continue to collaborate in their young adulthood.
Balancing his fast-growing music career with his passion for farming, Logan continues to thrive in both fields.
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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