What Matters.
Why do people return to Gettysburg for the holiday season again and again? Why do individuals who visited Gettysburg this time of year as children return as adults? Because they recognize that there’s something singularly different about Gettysburg during yuletide. Because they want to make the most of this special, magical time — by sharing it with people they love. Because, in the end, there’s nothing that matters more than that.
Rediscover what matters. In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
DestinationGettysburg.com
Departments
8 TRENDING IN TOWN
Celebrate the season with these holiday happenings across the Valley
10
STYLE SCENE
Check out photos from this year’s Chamberpalooza and Salvation Army Harrisburg’s Shoe Strut
14
PEOPLE & PLACES
Get to know the woman and nonprofit saving and changing local feline lives
20
FOODIE FINDS
Taste the flavors of the Mediterranean at this York restaurant
23
DISH IT UP
Enjoy these Thanksgiving recipes that take a healthy twist on traditional dishes
49
FIVE THINGS
Follow these five inspirational and entrepreneurial local women on social media
Features
28
DESIGNING WOMEN
Step inside the all-female artistic haven Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing
32
WOMEN OF STRENGTH
Meet the five women selected as our 2024 Women of Strength
ON THE COVER
This year’s Women of Strength: Ashley Jones, Beth Christian, Penny Snyder, Leigh Lindsay, Santina Huerta
Photography by Karlo Gesner
PHOTO BY KARLO GESNER
Happy November! I hope you all are having a wonderful and cozy autumn, enjoying the season nestled by the fireplace, snuggling with pets, spending time with loved ones and indulging in the delicious flavors of fall.
There’s a lot to give thanks for and celebrate this month. This year, the Susquehanna Style team is thankful for loving family and friends, good health and the opportunity to do our jobs every day of sharing the stories of the community, establishing meaningful relationships and connecting with our readers.
This month, we’re also thankful for—and celebrating—our 2024 Women of Strength. Every November is our Women of Strength issue, in which we select women from across the Susquehanna Valley who exemplify strength in many forms. From being leaders, movers and makers in the community, to volunteering for nonprofits in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and education, to excelling not only in the workplace but in motherhood and at home, these women are truly invested in the welfare of their communities and bettering the lives around them.
We selected five women out of more than two dozen remarkable nominations this year. Flip to page 34 to read their stories. Each woman was nominated by a family member, friend, coworker or someone in the community. It was extremely difficult to choose just five, as each woman
Katy Strength in Many Forms
Katy Shero Editor | kshero @susquehannastyle.com
exemplified all of the qualities, and beyond, of what it means to be a woman of strength. It’s been empowering and inspiring to learn about each of the superwomen shaping our community, and we thank all of you who nominated a woman of strength in your life.
We’re also highlighting another woman of strength in the Susquehanna Valley on page 14. Read about Kendra Daub and the nonprofit cat rescue she founded, Cocoa Kitties. Based in Hershey, Cocoa Kitties has saved more than 800 cats in its two and a half years since opening. Daub’s dedication to not only cats but the community as a whole is a story that can inspire us all.
On page 20, you’re invited to step into the kitchen of Levant Mediterranean Cuisine in York and immerse yourself in the authentic and delicious flavors Levant serves, as well as the unwavering spirit and talent of the restaurant’s chef and backbone, Randa Alshalabi.
The delicious flavors aren't limited to just Levant, however. Keep your taste buds excited with Registered Dietician Nikita Grove’s recipes for a “Thanksgiving with a Twist.” These recipes take our favorite familiar and comforting dishes and add a healthy “twist” to them, incorporating less butter and fat, more whole foods and options for those with allergies and dietary restrictions.
We are so excited for you to dive into this issue and find who and what motivates you. We can all draw some inspiration from this year’s women of strength to apply to our own lives. And this month, take a moment to celebrate your own strength. Keep changing the world around you. Your presence and light make a difference, even if you can’t always feel it! Your strength comes in many forms.
PRESIDENT/CEO
Paul Prass
VICE PRESIDENT/COO
Lisa Prass
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Theresa Stoddard
EDITOR
Katy Shero
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Sherry Bolinger, Kate Hunter
ART DIRECTOR
Elaine Wyborski
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Madison Eckert, Thomas Körp, Nicholas Reeder
CONTRIBUTORS
Rachel Curry, Deborah Lynch, Diane McCormick, Kylie Stoltzfus, Alysha Yoder
PHOTOGRAPHER
Noel Funk, Karlo Gesner
PROOFREADER
Erin Cramer
ACCOUNTING
Donna Bachman, Kim Kressman
CONTACT US:
Editorial: Send your compliments, comments, story ideas and suggestions to: Editor, Susquehanna Style (ISSN# 1540-0875), 202 Butler Avenue, Suite 102, Lancaster, PA 17601; or tstoddard @susquehannastyle.com
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Advertising: To request a media kit or to receive other information on advertising, call 717-581-6550, fax 1-717-581-6552 or visit www.SusquehannaStyle.com
Staff directory at www.SusquehannaStyle.com or call 717-581-6550.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: © 2024
A Quar ter Centur y of Excellence
Life is lived through our experiences. Experience our location. Experience our lifestyle. Experience opportunities. Visit Freedom Village Brandywine–where experience is everything!
Call 484-776-7179 or visit our website FVBrandywine.com to learn more about the incredible lifestyle that has been keeping our residents thriving for a quarter of a century!
Experience the holiday season like never before with an enchanting theater-in-theround concert at Prima Theatre
This December, let the warm and inviting glow of candlelight surround you as extraordinary musicians and singers perform awe-inspiring renditions of your favorite holiday songs. The elegant piano at the center of the room sets the tone for a truly magical and unforgettable holiday experience
SusquehannaStyle.com
FUN IN PHILLY Blogger Deb Lynch takes us through the endless options for fun—and food—you can enjoy this month in Philadelphia
10 TIPS FOR LESS HOLIDAY STRESS
Take a breather and ease stress around the holidays with these simple holiday hacks
DO A CAREER RESET WITHOUT SWITCHING JOBS
Professional organizer Mara Clements shares how to revamp your home office for a fresh start
HOLIDAY RECIPES THAT’LL MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE A PRO A guide to making wintertime baked goods like a boss
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Festive activities to explore in the Valley this holiday season.
Read more on page 8.
Holiday Happenings
BY KYLIE STOLTZFUS
ILLUSTRATIONS BY NADIA GRAPES/ADOBE STOCK
CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THESE MUST-TRY SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY ATTRACTIONS
The autumn season is all about the senses — from the sight of flaming leaves turning before your eyes to the smells of bonfires outdoors, spiced drinks brewing on stovetops and favorite holiday dishes cooking in the kitchen. In this roundup, you’ll find a handful of the best autumn activities the Susquehanna Valley has to offer.
PICK YOUR OWN
Across the Susquehanna Valley, orchards and family-owned farms welcome guests to harvest their own apples, pumpkins and seasonal bouquets of fresh-cut flowers. Find a gourd to serve as festive décor, or pick a pumpkin for your next seasonal recipe. Best yet, the whole family is invited! Discover all the nostalgic autumn feels, all season long.
Mt. Airy Orchards | 522 E Mount Airy Road Dillsburg | mtairyorchards.com
Flinchbaugh′s Orchard | 110 Ducktown Road Hellam | flinchbaughsorchard.com
Cherry Hill Orchards | 400 Long Lane Lancaster | cherryhillorchards.com
SIP THE SEASON
Nothing says fall quite like a steaming pumpkin spice latte or fragrant chai. Across the Valley, cafes showcase their best autumn flavors alongside decadent pastries and seasonal specials. Indulge in a pumpkin chai or iced salted turtle macchiato from Copper Cup. Savor Prince Street Cafe’s maple spice latte, accompanied by a pumpkin oat bar or ginger molasses cookie. Sip a pumpkin spice frappe crafted by Denim Coffee. However you take your coffee, you’ll find something to grab and go or to sip while you shop at local independent retailers.
Prince Street Cafe | Find a location near you at princestreetcafe.com
Denim Coffee | Find a location near you at denimcoffeecompany.com
New Holland Coffee Co. | Find a location near you at newhollandcoffee.com
Copper Cup | Find a location near you at coppercup.co
GET CREATIVE
Take a mini fall-foliage road trip (still within the Susquehanna Valley) and join Blooming Meadows Farm for their signature Holiday Wreath Classes this fall! Guests can choose from two featured wreath classes happening throughout the month of November. For an autumn vibe, Blooming Meadows Farm offers a workshop where you can design a wreath incorporating dried oranges and cinnamon sticks into a cozy arrangement. For those looking to achieve a winter holiday aesthetic, you can play with red ribbon and gold bells to create a wreath that will carry you through the changing seasons.
Blooming Meadows Farm | 11110 State Route 44 Watsontown | bloomingmeadowsfarm.com
POUR A PINT
Calling all beer enthusiasts! If you are on the hunt for pumpkininfused brews, look no further than the Brew Barons Beer Trail. Experience over 25 breweries across Hershey and Harrisburg, and pour a pint of local favorites like Tröegs’ Master of Pumpkins Ale and Lancaster Brewing Company’s Baked Pumpkin Ale. visithersheyharrisburg.org/ trails/brew-barons-beer-trail
FROZEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL AT THE FULTON THEATRE
Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Arendelle. Based on the Disney hit, Frozen follows royal sisters Elsa and Anna as they navigate “the power of love, and the magic of letting go.” Enjoy a fabulous evening of theater this fall as this beloved Broadway musical graces the Fulton’s stage, with performances beginning November 15.
The Fulton Theatre | 12 N Prince St Lancaster | thefulton.org
Chamberpalooza 2024
1. Abigail Harvey and Nikita Grove 2. Tiffany Kilmer and Lori Funk 3. Ashley Bulley, Hope Shiley, Carrie Stricker and Elizabeth Henry 4. Tara Zilling, Amy Thurston and Lori Stoltzfus 5. Carolann Westendorp and Steve Turpin 6. Daniel Watson, Jason Wilson and Logan Lehman 7. Deborah Erb and Steve Erb 8. Heather Teter and Marci Weidler 9. John Schlegel and Ruth Ann Schlegel 10. Kevin St Cyr and Traci Unal 11. Laura Trimble and Dan Trimble 12. Leah Nagle and Scott Nagle 13. Leslie Rosenberger and Gabriella Farhat 14. Rebecca Kelly and Ruben Sanchez 15. Patty Donley, Sean Hart, Colleen Bennett and Ginny Sanger 16. Rosser Lamason, Karen Groh, Lori Brandt and Diane Harlow 17. Mary Bartley 18. Peter Megoulas, Ashley Nahodil and Brianna Zimmerman 19. Jo Ellen Litz 20. Sarah Bedsaul and Lori Donofrio-Galley 21. Sarah Popovich and Mandy Richardson 22. Shelby Koch and Edwin A. Mintonye 23. Alex Lengle and Crystal Smeltzer 24. Traci Mangual and Jessica Hylan 25. Denise Grove, Beth Ann Bradshaw and Tiffany Kilmer 26. Mike McCarthy, Timothy Rhodes, Denise Pierce, Chris Flores, Daniel Watson, Melissa Mattison and Traci Unal
Guests arrived strutting their best shoes for a greater cause. For each attendee, one pair of new shoes was donated to a local child in need through The Salvation Army in partnership with Boscov's.
1. Jennifer Daub, Teresa Richardson and Kim Eberts 2. Carey Lutz and Paula Beleck 3. Annie Shields-Young, Anne Carnathan and Pamela Hill 4. Ali Long and Nicole Rogos 5. Dr. Callista Morris and Becky Ruch 6. Bridget Paz and Kelly O’Donnell 7. Lynn Morton and Cryslin Knowlden 8. Jen Kroesen, Kate Martin and Alycia Paulus 9. Jen Lengel and Elyse Brubaker 10. Monique James, Kim Turns and Mandy Casher 11. Greta Foust and Emma Nelson 12. Mary Clemens and Amy Stoner 13. Jennifer Jablonski and Susan Mula 14. Reesy Neff and Lauren Daniels 15. Judi Windom and Shirley Windom 16. Kelly Hollenbeak, Tammy Talys, Annie Garner and Wanda Johnson 17. Kahlia Brown 18. Kristal Markle-Temons 19. Lisa Mumma, Kelli Steely, Amy Goropoulos and Jen Smith 20. Kristen Campbell and Kristin Argento 21. Lizaida Morales and Casey Kilck 22. Cindy Fremont, Cindy Leonard, Carolyn Markle, Lori Brooks, Cindy McClintic, Janise Bankard, Liz Johnides, Theresa Haggerty, Anita Livelsberger and Rachel Gates 23. Leigh Ann Urban and Sadie Wetzel 24. Laurie Saltzgiver 25. Randy Whitman, Kathy Hirsch, Jill Slutak and Amy Karlsson 26. Nancy O’Halloran and Mary Kelly
A Mission of Kindness
KENDRA DAUB IS A CRAZY CAT LADY WHO’S EARNED HER TITLE AND WEARS IT WITH NO SHAME
BY KATY SHERO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOEL FUNK
“An older woman who lives alone with a large number of cats, to which she is thought to be obsessively devoted,” says the Oxford Dictionary on what defines a cat lady.
Kendra Daub may not be older nor may she live alone, but she certainly checks the boxes for possessing a large number of cats and being obsessively devoted to them. And her more than 30 years of experience with cats proves she’s honed this title.
“I used to deny that I was a crazy cat lady, but there’s no denying it. How can I?” she asks.
Daub, getting her first official pet cat at age 20, now runs her own nonprofit, Cocoa Kitties, a Hershey-based cat rescue dedicated to rescuing cats in the local area and rehoming them.
“As a child, I was not allowed to have pets, but my grandparents had cats, and I always loved them. I guess I was just drawn to them, and as a kid, I would find cats in places and try to help them,” she says.
“After rescuing my first cat … we rescued three cats from a hoarding situation. ... Then I just started rescuing them on my own and paying everything out of pocket … and it went from there.”
Daub, who grew up in the Central Pennsylvania area, says after rescuing cats (and dogs—she wants to make it clear she’s a lover of all animals, frogs, snakes, anything), she talked with Operation Paws for Homes (OPH), a Virginia-based rescue, about adding a “cat side” to their organization, after she had been fostering dogs with them since 2010.
“Cats were still finding us, and we were still spending a lot of money on cats … so I started that and was with them from 2017 to 2022, but I wanted to be more local. OPH was pulling cats from shelters down south, and I wanted to help here,” Daub says.
Hence, Cocoa Kitties was born.
“I had a lot of practice through OPH, so I had a great start,” she says. “June 8, 2022, was when Cocoa Kitties became official … and we’ve saved more than 800 cats since opening.”
Daub says on average she and her team of volunteers have saved roughly 300 local cats per year, and that amount is growing.
“Where would these guys go if we weren’t here? I can tell you that I probably get three to four calls at least every single day that are forwarded from the Humane Society because they can’t take any more animals. It’s crazy,” she says. “You keep thinking you’re getting somewhere, and it’s more and more every year.”
Cocoa Kitties finds cats through a variety of ways— from people messaging for places taking rescue cats, to people surrendering cats, to finding cats outside, alongside highways or in abandoned hotels, even.
After Cocoa Kitties rescues a cat, they quarantine it, get it up to date on vet care and prepare the cat to go to a volunteer’s foster home. They also neuter/spay when it’s old enough and socialize the cat to embrace people and other pets—and they work their magic entirely off of donations.
“Everything is donated, and if it’s not, the money is donated for us to purchase it. We’ll post on Facebook or people will send things through our Amazon Wish List or Chewy Wish List,” Daub says. “We’ve
done events too … like yoga with cats, the parade, different vendor shows, the Hershey Bears. … We go anywhere we can just to get our name out there, and that’s helpful to get the adoptions, volunteers and funds to keep us going.”
The community support since opening the rescue has been amazing, Daub says and she’s grateful people recognize the continuing problem of feral/stray cats in the area and want to help. Without her volunteers and family members, she adds, she couldn't do what she does, and she says she can't thank them enough for their "endless support."
“It’s like emptying the ocean with a teaspoon. … Sometimes you just don’t have the bandwidth to help anymore, but somebody else isn’t helping, so you gotta rally and do it,” she says. “But to see the change … look at this cat right here. This guy’s a mess, right? When he leaves here, he’s going to be beautiful and happy … and to see those happy little kitties going into those happy families … it’s all worth it.”
She says some of the cats with Cocoa Kitties also go to the “Cat House,” which is her personal foster space that includes a jungle of perches, scratching posts and a catio. Cats here are usually adult cats
who were rescued into Cocoa Kitties as adults or kittens who have aged out of the volunteers’ foster’s homes.
Daub is also involved with Cocoa Kitties’ partnership, Derry Township Community Cats (DTCC), the township’s Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program that was started more than a decade ago to ensure feral cats can’t continue to reproduce in the community.
According to Daub, two cats and their offspring left unneutered can produce up to 450,000 cats in seven years, and a “large percentage of those cats suffer and die.”
“People don’t see it’s happening, so they don’t think about it, but it’s not a cat problem. It’s a people problem,” she says. “There will always be a need.” DTCC’s program will TNR cats in Derry Township at no cost, and anyone looking to help, can start by seeing if their own community has a TNR program or by joining DTCC’s as a volunteer.
As far as those looking to help with Cocoa Kitties, Daub says of course, you can volunteer or donate, but what’s even better? Adoption.
“There’s so many cats put down every single day. … With breeding cats, we all want those special, beautiful breeds, but you can find them in rescues too,” she says. “These guys all have awesome personalities, and you’re gonna find a kitty that fits into your life. You don’t have to buy one.”
Daub says she’s optimistic and excited for Cocoa Kitties’ future, which includes plans to potentially open a “cat lounge,” partner with local artists, work with other rescues and— above all—save more cats.
“Part of my mission is not just to save cats but to be understanding and kind to people. I 100% want this to be run with kindness,” she says. “I don’t want to see suffering in the world at all. No suffering for cats or people or anything. I know that’s never gonna happen, but if I can just change the world around me or change my area, other people can change.”
Cocoa Kitties is this year’s nonprofit beneficiary at the 2024 Celebrate Women Event on November 14 at Excelsior in Lancaster.
Cocoa Kitties and how to adopt or volunteer, visit cocoakitties.org.
The Claire Chivington Team members: Lauren Piva, Claire Chivington (leader), Jan Johnson, and Jennifer Fields
Flavor & Heart
BY
THE ALSHALABI FAMILY BRINGS MIDDLE EASTERN FLAVORS TO DOWNTOWN YORK
KYLIE STOLTZFUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARLO GESNER
Levant Mediterranean Cuisine is a Palestinian kitchen located in York. Owned by the Alshalabi family, Levant is bringing Palestinian flavors to an area where few hot spots to enjoy Mediterranean cooking exist.
The restaurant's head chef, Randa Alshalabi, learned how to cook watching her mother move around their home kitchen. In the years since, Randa has become the unofficial cook in the family, often preparing delicious dishes for the tight-knit family’s large gatherings.
“She has great taste in food,” her brother-in-law, Nidal Alshalabi, says, recalling the rave reviews Randa’s homemade dishes would receive. “Everyone was pushing her hard to invest in this business.”
With her family behind her, Randa now cooks authentic Palestinian dishes at Levant, prepared with fresh ingredients and served with warm hospitality, always aiming to invite customers into “a culinary journey that will delight [their] senses.”
The restaurant’s name nods to the owners’ Arabic roots, with Levant translating to “the land where the sun rises” or “the eastern place.” The Levant is also a geographic area known to encompass the Eastern Mediterranean Region including Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Turkey and Jordan.
Each dish on Levant’s menu features fresh vegetables, meats and Arabic spices from a local Middle Eastern market in York.
“I love every single thing she makes here. …I never had falafels taste the way Randa’s falafel [tastes],” Nidal says, pointing out the topselling items on the restaurant’s menu, including the yelnji, an appetizer of grape leaves stuffed with vegetables that has become a customer favorite. “70% of tables order yelnji. …We run out of it all the time.”
The team at Levant prides themselves on serving distinctly Palestinian main dishes like musakhan—a fragrant dish of chicken, red onions, sumac and fried almonds—and moussaka, a flavorful dish of eggplant, tomato sauce and beef served alongside rice. In addition to the array of main dishes, Levant’s menu offers popular appetizers like hummus and housemade seasoned fries, salads like tabboula and fattoush, falafel and lamb liver sandwiches and Palestinian pastries—each section packed with bites that invite guests to savor fresh Mediterranean flavors.
“Our food is unique and delicious and rich of flavors and [seasoning]. … It’s very healthy and light. It’s not unhealthy, and it’s cooked fresh as well,” Nidal says. “Randa does all the cooking, even making the bread.”
Though Randa always cooked for her family, Levant is her first experience cooking professionally. While she leads the way, the restaurant is a family affair for the Alshalabis as they begin a new life for themselves after escaping the ongoing conflict in their homeland. While on a trip to visit Nidal in Pennsylvania, Randa, her husband Azzam, and their daughter Rama were forced to remain in the States as conflict escalated in Palestine.
“Our country does not have a stable status of safety. What keeps us going is the reality, in life, nothing comes for free. That's the best, or the biggest, motivation,” Nidal says. “They need to live and survive and have a better
life. They left everything behind. My brother left his business that he’d been building for 19 years.”
Nidal says it's not been easy adjusting to an entirely different life for the family.
“It’s tough at some points, but we don’t regret it at all," he continues, adding that when most people think of coming to the States, they have a dream. "We call this country [a] dreamland country, but you have to work for your dream, to work hard. Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
The restaurant is proud to represent the rich flavors of Palenstine, and the Alshalabi family is appreciative of how the York community has supported and encouraged Levant's growth.
“We get a lot of compliments and comments from customers that they are happy, and they are always supporting us and pushing us to get bigger,” Nidal says. “We have a dream to do so, but everything will fall in the right place at the right time.”
To try Levant Mediterranean Cuisine for yourself, visit the restaurant in downtown York, or place an order online with Uber Eats.
Levant Mediterranean Cuisine
Tip
• Because this dessert uses almond flour, it is glutenfree and with a boost of fiber, protein, vitamin E and nuttiness. Great for breakfast or dessert!
Thanksgiving with a Twist
Fill your Thanksgiving table with these traditional dishes that are bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients.
BY NIKITA GROVE, MS, RDN, LDN, RYT
Nikita Grove is a licensed registered dietitian and yoga instructor, and she owns and operates The Wellness Grove in Elizabethtown, where her team provides nutrition counseling, yoga and personal training. Nikita was raised on her family farm in Marietta, where she first learned to appreciate the foundations of food, soil and farming. Her passion in wholesome wellness is fueled by her desire to help others achieve and maintain healthy lifestyles while she enjoys her own active lifestyle through pickleball, yoga, gardening and a relentless curiosityto explore new foods and diverse cuisines. Now the eighth generation on her family farm, Nikita and her husband, a cancer survivor, are implementing regenerative farming practices to restore the ecosystem and promote farm-to-table accessibility in their community.
APPLE, OAT & PECAN CRISP
Makes 8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 40-45 minutes
4-6 apples (firm and crisp varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious)
½ lemon, juiced (1 Tbsp lemon juice)
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup almond flour
½ cup pecans, chopped
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: Serve with yogurt, à la mode or with whipped cream.
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. In a 10-inch pie baking dish, add apples, pinch of salt and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork or your hands to mix together the butter, oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Combine until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture over apples.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
5. Add pecans on top, and bake for about 5 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, allow to slightly cool, and serve with yogurt, ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!
ROASTED BEETS, BRUSSELS & BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Makes 8-10 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes | Bake time: 55 minutes
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
6 medium red beets, cubed
1 medium butternut squash, cubed
2 lb (32 oz) Brussels sprouts, halved
2-3 Tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
¼ cup pecans (whole/chopped)
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and add cubed beets drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss together until completely coated. Bake for about 25 minutes.
3. Remove from oven, and add cubed butternut squash and halved brussel sprouts. Drizzle with more olive oil and pumpkin pie spice, and toss until combined. Bake for about 25 minutes.
4. Remove baking sheet from oven, and check veggies for tenderness with a fork. Add pecans and maple syrup, and toss until combined. Bake for about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from oven, garnish with crumbled feta cheese, and enjoy!
Tip
• Roasting veggies brings out the sweetness of the fall and winter produce harvest! The earthy, nutty, subtly sweet and warm spices bring together a seasonal and nutrientdense holiday dish.
Tip
• To modify for guests’ dietary requests and allergens, use plant-based butter for a vegan/dairy-free alternative, serve gluten-free bread, substitute vegetables for meat, and/or opt for unsalted broth instead of salted.
CRUNCHY SOURDOUGH STUFFING
Makes 8-10 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes | Bake time: 40 minutes
1 loaf sourdough bread
6 Tbsp butter
8 oz cremini mushrooms, diced
4 celery stalks, diced
4 carrots, diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
8 fresh sage leaves, minced
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Slice or tear sourdough bread into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly on a large baking sheet. Toast in oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.
3. Remove from oven and add into a 2-to-3 quart baking dish.
4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2Tbsp of butter. Add onions, celery and carrots, and saute 7-10 minutes or until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add mushrooms, thyme and rosemary, and saute about 5 minutes. Add sage and remaining butter, and saute for a few minutes.
6. Add broth to the veggie-herb mixture, and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
7. Pour the veggie-herb mixture into baking dish with toasted sourdough, and toss to combine. Place the baking dish (uncovered) in oven for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, allow to gently cool, and serve!
Find the perfect gift for the special people in your life this holiday season! Check out our annual Holiday Gift Guide, featuring local shops across the Valley.
Spotlights GIFT GUIDE
Elegant Progressions
1230 N 3rd St, Harrisburg PA 717-233-4646 | elegantprogressions.org
Join Us for our 34th edition of the Elegant Progressions progressive dinner. This year, we will progress through three beautiful and unique homes. Remember to dress to impress in your favorite black tie or holiday elegance. Reservations are now open for Saturday, December 7th!
Mountz Jewelers
Carlisle | Camp Hill | Colonial Park/Harrisburg mountzjewelers.com
Mountz Jewelers is your holiday headquarters! For 45 years, Mountz has been Central Pennsylvania’s premier jeweler. We invite you to visit one of our three family-owned and operated locations offering the area’s most comprehensive jewelry designer brands. Our knowledgeable staff will help create a wish list to share with that special someone to make this holiday season unforgettable.
The Wandering Maker
4185 Bull Rd. Dover, PA | thewanderingmaker.com
If you’re looking for the perfect small business holiday shopping opportunity, join The Wandering Maker on Saturday, November 23rd at Spring Valley Farms in Dover from 9am-1pm. Food trucks will be onsite and the market is free to the public. With over 40 artisan/craft vendors, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for all those on your list this holiday!
Heritage Design Interiors Inc.
1064 E Main St, New Holland, PA | 717-354-2233 | heritagedesigninteriors.com
Holiday Open House! Starting November 2, our store is the perfect place to start your holiday decorating. Located in an old historic inn, it’s the perfect backdrop to gather holiday decorating ideas. Five trees and five mantels are decorated in different themes and colors. A beautiful selection of ornaments, holiday decor, floral designs, wreaths, Santas, reindeer, candles and more will inspire you! Our retail store is open all year with artwork, mirrors, lamps, silks, accessories, decor, candles and more! Heritage Design Interiors specializes in window treatments and home decor along with design consultations. We offer custom-made window treatments, blinds and shutters, bedding, wallpaper, accent furniture and more. Check out our website and social media for more details.
51st Annual
Candlelight House Tour
1230 N Third St, Harrisburg, PA 717-233-4646 | historicharrisburg.org
The 51st Annual Candlelight House Tour offers a rare opportunity to see some of the most beautiful homes and historic properties in Harrisburg! Renowned as the oldest and best house tour in Central Pennsylvania, this self-guided tour will showcase extraordinary Harrisburg residences and architectural landmarks in the Capital District and Bellevue Park. The tour will take place on Sunday, December 8, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
BY Diane McCormick | PHOTOGRAPHY BY Karlo Gesner
THE SMITH GALLERY & FINE CUSTOM FRAMING TEAM HANGS TOGETHER
In her early years as manager of The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing, Nancy Riggs often noticed customers looking behind her for the owner, Debbie Smith.
“People don’t do that so much anymore,” Smith says now. “I don’t know if that came from me expressing how much I trust my people or if it’s just a natural occurrence that I do trust them, and people can feel that.”
Smith has led the framing business founded by her father as it has evolved into a premier art gallery and provider of conservation-quality custom framing. In a field once dominated by men, it’s a woman-owned business staffed entirely by women.
Women have an innate attention to detail that sees every project through from start to finish, says Smith. She didn’t intend to hire all women, but in a sector where reputation is paramount and success is built on listening and meticulous craftsmanship, “you need that sensitivity.”
“Truly, we are a team,” Smith says. “We ask each other’s opinions, and I trust each of the women that works for me without having to check on them all the time. I think they trust me to have their best interests at heart.”
Smith credits her late father, Sig Smith, with her business sense and her willingness to help people pursue their own paths, even if those paths take them away from her. Her artistic sense came from her charming mom, Polly Smith, an accomplished pianist and expert in the shop’s exquisite needlework framing.
The gallery showcases local artists because, while mass-market décor might fill a space on the wall, original art “fills a space in your soul,” Smith says.
“If you look at a Monet, a Pissarro, a Wyeth, or any artist, those things are important because it shows our history,” she adds. “But the living, breathing artists need our money to survive now, and they are creating things for now.”
Customers seek out original art for continuing the conversation with a work that started in an artist’s mind and made its way to canvas, paper or sculpture.
“It speaks to you immediately, and if it speaks to you so loudly that you have to take it home, there’s no other way than to take it home and to continue that conversation,” Smith says.
Passion for the work equips Smith to find and lead the people who constitute a cohesive group. Her team members are knowledgeable about the gallery’s artists, and all are “artists in some way or other,” she says. They create visual art, sew, design masterful frames and prepare PowerPoint presentations that win commercial clients.
“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PASSION AND CREATIVITY WE FEEL IN EACH OTHER”
Smith and the four women on her in-house team—Riggs, Mallory Shelley, Mariah Cook and Chelsea Heydt—pitch in through life’s challenges and family responsibilities.
“It’s all about the passion and creativity we feel in each other,” Smith says. “Everything they give to me, I hope to give back to them, not just in how they’re paid, but in how they are treated. Respect is a two-way street. I think they respect me and what I do for them in return. It’s a cycle, and then we create the best things we possibly can because we’re all happy.”
In the early 2000s, Smith wrote a mission statement for her business: “To provide art and quality picture framing at a reasonable price in an atmosphere that promotes trust and encourages creativity with an enduring commitment to excellence.”
To Riggs, the mission guides her mindset as she frames a cherished memento or work of art.
“I think that this is going to be hanging in someone’s home for years, or decades,” she says. “I want to do the best job that I can.”
On the business, marketing and production sides, Cook appreciates her “hands-on opportunities for learning and growth.”
“I’m really lucky to work with people that I like and respect,” she says. “You don’t get that everywhere. It’s a wonderful team.”
For Shelley, who loves to hang the artwork in breathtaking arrangements, work is “my happy place,” she says. “Everyone works as a team. When you need help, everyone’s here to help. Women are supportive of each other. They can relate to each other. Sometimes you feel talked down to, but with women, I feel like I’m equal and comfortable.”
When Smith moved to the Harrisburg area to help her father with his business, she was 23 years old. A talented singer and actor, she could have pursued a career in performing.
“I had not intended this to be my path, but now that it is, I embrace it fully, 100%,” she says. “Having a passion for what you do and being surrounded with people you appreciate and who appreciate what you do, I think that’s the secret.”
WOMEN Strength OF
All UNIQUE, ALL STRONG
MEET THIS YEAR’S FIVE EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN OF STRENGTH
BY RACHEL CURRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARLO GESNER
This year’s list of five Women of Strength, selected from a wide swath of tremendous reader nominations, is far from an exhaustive list of the incredible women who populate the Susquehanna Valley. However, they deeply exemplify what a strong woman can look like in her many forms.
When these women were asked what being a woman of strength means to them, one throughline shone through: They all believe that kindness, compassion and love are not mutually exclusive of power and tenacity—showing just how unique a concoction womanhood is.
Get your tissues ready, and prepare to cheer on your sisters. We are beyond proud to introduce you to this year’s five exceptional Women of Strength.
An iconic emblem of STRENGTH
If you’re a Lancaster local, you know Zoetropolis—part independent cinema and event space, part restaurant and distillery. The woman behind the business— among other noteworthy ventures —is Leigh Lindsay, who admits, “I’m a little bit fearless, and I never learned my lesson, and I'm not afraid to take risks.” Part of that, she says, is rooted in being an Aries (symbolized by a ram’s head), but it also has to do with her life experiences.
Lindsay lost her mother more than two decades ago, which fundamentally changed her. She also watched her close friend, who was a mother to little kids, pass away. What she took from these moments, and losses, was this: “Ultimately, we don’t know how much time we have on this Earth, so it's best not to waste.”
“ “ LeighLindsay
this for her.” Huettner, however, says about Lindsay, “She cares for the business as if it’s one of her children, and the staff that work for her are treated as family.”
As if one iconic business isn’t enough, Linday also owns Salon Fin, a beauty salon that has been around for nearly two decades and provides another outlet for
this planet to stop laying on their horn and screaming at people, and writing really horrible things on the internet,” she says. But, she admits, “Genuinely, in my heart, I feel like everyone has a good part of them to the core.”
More recently, Lindsay has learned how to stop and look around her, something she’s had trouble with
“ She did all of this while raising five kids, and when she looks back on when they were all young, she thinks, ‘That was intense.’”
Lindsay first launched Zoetropolis in the mid 1990s and reopened it as a reimagined space in 2014. A handful of years later in 2019, it moved to Water Street, where it lives today. Lindsay’s business partner, Cheila Huettner, has been a part of Zoetropolis for a large part of its journey. Huettner was also the one who nominated Lindsay, although Lindsay says, “I feel like I should have written
her to let out her innate creativity (while also giving killer haircuts). She did all of this while raising five kids, and when she looks back on when they were all young, she thinks, “That was intense.” But as she gets older, she’s bogged down less by imposter syndrome and uplifted more by the feeling of letting insecurities go.
Despite loss, despite struggle, Lindsay has maintained an uncompromisingly green outlook. “I ideally would love everyone on
in the past. One thing that has helped is yoga. She got certified to teach yoga at the Willow Yoga Studio in Willow Street and also meditates with the help of online resources from philosopher and neuroscientist Sam Harris. “There are things that I can control, and there’s things that I can’t control,” she says. Coming to that conclusion, Lindsay adds about her journey through her life, adulthood, family and relationships, and career, “It’s been quite a ride.”
Called to be a BEACON OF LIGHT
A true staple in her community, Penny Snyder has dedicated her life to serving others. “I feel called to do it by God,” she says. That feeling may have started when she was young and witnessed the aftermath of a barn fire on a neighbor’s farm.
“That was his livelihood,” she says. “Everybody in the community pulled together to help clean up his barn and rebuild it. They pulled together to help him through it.”
Last winter, at the Collinsville Drive-In in Brogue, an owner fell ill and Snyder stepped up to help get the restaurant open for their 2024 season. She makes sure to spend time with the local senior citizens. The list, it seems, goes on.
“I always felt like that's just how I was wired,” Snyder says. “So many people focus on the negative today.
“
She also has an inkling where her energy comes from. “Everybody blames it on my dad,” she says.
“He goes, goes, goes and never stops, but that's what makes him happy, and that's how I feel.” And what she does makes her more than happy.
To Snyder, associating herself with a cohort of strong women doesn’t
“ “ PennySnyder
After the new barn was constructed, Snyder remembers the community celebrating with a barn dance. “I remember thinking that I’m part of an awesome community that has everybody's back,” she says.
Today, Snyder organizes her community’s Vacation Bible School every year even when her own kids have outgrown it. She has a produce stand and gives vouchers to those less fortunate in her community. She’s been known to bake thousands of cookies and cinnamon rolls to help raise money for troubled families, and she organizes and runs monthly line dances at a local church each winter so kids in the community have something to keep them busy.
So many people focus on the negative today. I always try to help them to see that there's positive.”
I always try to help them to see that there's positive.” If she can make people smile, if she can give them hope, she will.
Snyder knows that she is able to look around the community and fill gaps in need because her husband makes the sacrifice of driving to Balti-more every day for work.
“He gave me the opportunity to be me, and follow where I feel like I'm called to go and help people,” she says.
make sense at first glance. She’s humble to the core and knows the source of it all is a force far beyond her. After receiving notice she was nominated and ultimately won a spot in the list, she says, “My husband is the one who told me, ‘There's different ways to look at strength, and there are people in our community that evidently see you as a strength.’”
To that, Snyder says, “I guess there are all different kinds of strengths.” She is certainly right.
GIVING HER ALL, literally
AshJones
In February, Ash Jones went through an eight-hour procedure, but it wasn’t for her own health. It was all for a complete stranger. She donated bone marrow to a woman in her late 50s with a rare case of leukemia, giving her a second chance at life. “It was a remarkable thing to be able to do,” Jones says. Despite having every opportunity to back out of the procedure after being notified she was a match for someone in need, she kept trucking all the way through.
Jones is the owner of Thrive Fit Co, a boutique fitness studio located in Camp Hill, where she helps people of all stripes build strength, move well and adventure through life—and she takes the adventure part seriously. Just recently, she accompanied a client up a 5.5-mile hike in the Rocky Mountains. A year prior, that same client, in her late 60s, was working toward her first squat. Needless to say, she has come a long way.
“All the awards are really great, but the things that I get a lot of excitement out of are all the milestones, all the accomplishments that the people I get to work with have,” Jones says. The accomplishments of others rub off on her and give her even more motivation to keep pushing in her own life.
Between her work and her bone marrow donation, Jones’ penchant for building up others is clear. While the process of bone marrow
donation is anonymous, she gets to meet the recipient of her bone marrow one year after the procedure. Amid the pain and discomfort of preparing for, going through and healing from the procedure, Jones says, “What she’s fighting is way more than what I’ve ever fought.” This is all despite the heartbreaking deaths of two family members that Jones dealt with prior to the procedure—which, to her, made the process even more meaningful.
“impact in the community in its new place.
Jones is also a member of the Downtown Camp Hill Association and has facilitated more than $15,000 in donations through her business to organizations like The Earl Besch Fund and Coats for Kids. She has organized fitness festivals over the years, encouraging her community to embrace an active lifestyle.
Tearing up thinking about the recipient of her bone marrow,
“They’re not defined by the things that they’ve gone through, but rather how they overcome them.”
“
Both Jones and her business have gone through changes over the years. What started out as pop-up fitness classes with materials stored in her car has become a fully fledged business with a place to call its own. After multiple floods at her rented studio, she recently purchased a building where her equipment can live and her clients can, as the business name suggests, thrive.
“Change is always scary for people,” she says, but she’s hopeful that Thrive will have an even bigger
Jones is an emblem of giving, quite literally, all you have. As a woman of strength inside and outside of the gym, she says empowerment and compassion are two of her biggest strengths (and despite popular belief, those two qualities are not mutually exclusive).
“They’re not defined by the things that they’ve gone through, but rather how they overcome them,” she says. “I’m trying to balance personal, professional and community commitments while still maintaining my integrity and grace.”
Walking past Embodyment
Wellness on Lancaster’s Columbia Avenue during one of their Zumba dance classes, even passersby can feel the energy coming from within. Much of that energy stems from owner Santina Huerta, who facilitates the no-judgment zone with pizzazz.
Huerta’s knack for creating a special place with purpose doesn’t come out of thin air. “I didn’t have a community growing up,” she says. “I wanted that, so I realized I have to create it.”
SANTINA HUERTA
Huerta’s studio puts on high-energy classes like bachata and salsa dance as well as soothing sessions like gentle vinyasa yoga and meditation. She used dance and wellness to get through hard times in her life, and bringing that to others has been a key focus in her career. Perhaps the biggest turning point in bringing her dreams to fruition has been her kids.
As a single parent with two daughters, Huerta knew she didn’t want them to have to go through the same dark times or traumatic events as she did. Rather, she wanted them to build the resiliency to be able to focus on themselves. “I realized, to do better for them, I had to do better for myself,” she says. “That’s really where the journey started to gain momentum.”
Embodyment is not your average studio. Huerta donates her time and expertise to others through events like Bachata at Binns (a free-to-the-public dance class at Lancaster’s Binns Park during the warmer months). She also
Santina
puts on nonprofit fundraising events like EmbodyHER Women’s Wellness Retreat and Dancing with the Lancaster Stars, which benefit the Milagro House women’s shelter and Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County, respectively. As a domestic abuse survivor herself, these causes are close to home.
“I used those services at one point in my life when I thought it was dark and there was no way out into the light,” Huerta says. “I didn’t have anybody supporting me. To be at a place now to be mentally and holistically sound, I want to give back to these organizations that helped me tremendously when I really didn’t know what to do.”
She’s also passionate about working with kids. Through volunteering at the YMCA, Bright Horizons and other organizations that put on youth programming, she feels she’s able to expose young folks to wellness habits at an age when it's most pivotal for them to navigate life.
To Huerta, true strength isn’t about the physical side of things. To her, strong women are the ones who are able to mentally and emotionally work on themselves while being a pillar for themselves, their family and friends and their larger community. She’s a major advocate for self-care, because, as she says, if she doesn’t pour into herself, she can’t pour into her kids and others she cares about. In this sense, Huerta says, “Being selfish is a positive thing.”
Huerta
Beth
Christian
After working her way up from a clerical employee to an executive over the course of her career, Beth Christian has a feeling she knows what got her there. She says it’s being fierce, brave, loving and even a little bit awkward, with a healthy dose of rebellion. In other words, it’s being totally herself. “I want to be seen as a fierce leader, a class act who takes calculated risks to get stuff done while keeping the employee experience top of mind,” Christian says. In addition to her career, Christian is a mom, grandmother, wife and pet caretaker. Plus, now that her kids (whom she raised as a single mother) are grown, she has made a conscious commitment to filling her cup through volunteerism. For example, she volunteers as a NICU cuddler at UPMC MageeWomens Hospital and as a website administrator with the lost-pet platform Find Toby in PA. She also recently volunteered to become a speaker for the Resilient Voices program in Pennsylvania’s Office of Victim Advocate to share her personal experience as a survivor.
At age 24, Christian was attacked and nearly killed by a stranger. “The trajectory of my whole life changed,”
she says. “I share most of my stuff because it makes other people more comfortable to talk about theirs.”
More recently, in 2018, Christian was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
After some initial grief, she feels thankful that it was caught early and she feels healthy. Now, she’s turned her energy toward becoming a relentless advocate to find a cure for the disease as an MS board member and an MS Ambassador through The National MS Society.
Christian recognizes that her turning points in life aren’t the most positive stories, but they’re hers nonetheless. And they’re why she wants to give back.
“My mantra is ‘Always have a foot forward,’ because I like to get stuff done, but always keeping that hand back,” she says. “I try really hard to bring people along with me.” Even at work, she tries to lead with love, saying, “I think if we lead with our heart, it’s a much better environment.”
Christian mentors employees both informally and professionally and donates her time to even more organizations, sitting on the Planned Parenthood Keystone Board and the STEM-UP Network Advisory Board, and participating in the Women in Leadership and the Society for Human
FIERCE and KIND to the Core
Resource Management's mentorship programs and—you guessed it—others.
“I’m a little bit of a square peg, but I’ve developed lots of good relationships over the years, and people who have appreciated my little bit of weird,” Christian says.
“Women, still in 2024, have to face challenges that men don’t, and that’s just the truth,” she adds. “I think that our strength comes from a different
place. Our strength comes from our hearts. Our strength comes from our empathy.”
Everything Christian does is something she’s passionate about, and she’s passionate about a lot—and we’re all better for it.
VIBRANT DESTINATION FOR ART LOVERS
Led by Debbie Smith, Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing is a vibrant destination for art lovers, showcasing an impressive collection of original artwork. Guided by an all-female team of skilled framers, designers, and artisans, the gallery offers an array of stunning pieces, including original oils, watercolors, and handwoven tapestries, crafted by both local talent and nationally recognized artists.
We believe that original art transforms a space, serving as a powerful reflection of individual identity and values. Our carefully curated selection invites both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers to discover pieces that resonate with their personal stories and aesthetic preferences. Each artwork is an opportunity to celebrate creativity, enhance your environment and convey the essence of who you are. Debbie and her team are dedicated to providing personalized service, working closely with clients to find the perfect artwork and framing solutions that complement their vision. We understand that art is more than décor; it’s a celebration of life’s moments, aspirations and achievements.
At Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing, we take pride in our commitment to quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that every piece is beautifully presented and preserved. Join us in celebrating the beauty of original art, where every selection is a unique expression of character, passion and inspiration.
190 Reno Ave, New Cumberland, PA 717-774-4301
TIPS TO HELP MANAGE YOUR AGING PARENTS ’ FINANCES
If you have aging parents, you might have come to the realization that they need assistance with managing their finances. This could be due to health issues, cognitive decline or simply the complexities of modern financial systems. Taking over the management of your parents’ finances is a significant responsibility and can be both emotionally and practically challenging.
There are many tasks to consider when managing your parents’ finances, but two merit special attention.
• Review their investment portfolio and savings. If your parents are nearing retirement or are already retired, their investment strategy might need to be evaluated or adjusted to preserve their capital and ensure a steady income.
• Consider legal and tax matters. Ensure that their estate-planning documents, such as wills and powers of attorney, are up to date. These documents will guide you in making decisions and managing their assets according to their wishes. Stay on top of tax obligations to avoid penalties or legal issues.
F&M Trust’s Wealth Management team strives to provide practical advice, and we continue to build relationships and solve complex problems for our clients. We provide a full range of trustee services, from financial powers of attorney to guardianships and special needs trusts.
Give us a call, or stop into a nearby location. Our website also offers a wealth of information about investing based on where you are in your life’s journey. Learn more about how we have been defining what it means to be a community bank for more than 115 years at fmtrust.bank
PERSONALIZED WORKOUTS TO FIT EVERY LIFESTYLE
At the core of Burn30 Personal Fitness is a group of women who are enriching the lives of their clients.
Becky Liesch is Burn30’s manager and head trainer. She’s been with the gym since its beginning, 14 years ago. She’s trained hundreds of clients during that time and made sure they each receive tailored workouts for their individual needs. She’s a coach, a mentor and a friend to everyone that walks through the doors.
Burn30 trainer Allison Galbreath brings the energy! You can often find her dancing in between loading weights and spotting clients. She leads a number of Burn30’s group classes, including the popular Pilates Yoga Fusion that meets at Zeroday Brewing.
Burn30 is co-owned by Alicia Mills. Although most of what she does for Burn30 is behind the scenes, Alicia believes wholeheartedly in the gym’s mission of helping people of all ages better themselves and their health through strength training.
A WELCOMING SPACE WHERE WOMEN CAN THRIVE
Danielle Burke has always had a deep love for art and beauty, a passion that drives her to make a real difference in people’s lives. Since starting her journey in the beauty industry back in 2005, she has focused on helping women feel confident and beautiful, believing that true beauty comes from within. For Danielle, it’s all about that feeling of empowerment, no matter where you are in life.
In 2020, she took a big step and opened Omni Beauty, a full-service salon and spa with a unique vision: to create a welcoming space where women can thrive. With an amazing all-women team by her side, Danielle ensures that every client receives top-notch care. Together, they focus on uplifting each other and their community, proving that beauty is best when shared.
Exciting news is on the horizon for Danielle and her team! Omni Skin, the sister company to Omni Beauty, is set to open a second location at 190 Stony Battery Road in January 2025. This expansion means they’ll be able to reach even more people, sharing their love for beauty and self-confidence with a wider audience. Through her work and the dedication of her talented team, Danielle Burke is not just transforming appearance, she’s also creating a supportive community where every woman can feel empowered and truly herself.
INSIDER HOME SELLING EXPERIENCE IS KEY
Lethea Myers is a distinguished Realtor known for her unwavering commitment to clients and her deep understanding of the real estate market. With a career spanning over a decade, Lethea has built a reputation as a trusted advisor, guiding buyers and sellers through the often complex and stressful process of real estate transactions. Her approach is rooted in personalized service, as she takes the time to understand the unique needs and goals of each client. Whether working with first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors, Lethea combines her extensive market knowledge with keen negotiation skills to ensure her clients achieve the best possible outcomes. She prides herself on being accessible, offering her clients a responsive and attentive experience.
In addition to her real estate expertise, Lethea is deeply engaged in her community. She believes in giving back, often participating in local charity events and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents. This connection to her community not only strengthens her local network but also enhances her understanding of the neighborhoods she serves.
Lethea’s commitment to ongoing education keeps her at the forefront of industry trends and changes. She regularly attends workshops and seminars, ensuring she provides her clients with the most current and relevant information. This dedication to excellence is reflected in her numerous awards and recognitions within the real estate sector.
Lethea Myers stands out as a Realtor who not only excels in her profession but also genuinely cares about the well-being of her clients and community, making her an asset in the real estate landscape.
HOMELAND CENTER PAYS TRIBUTE TO PIONEERING WOMEN LEADERS AND FOUNDING CHURCHES IN ITS RICH HISTORY
Homeland Center has a rich history of women in leadership, dating back to the aftermath of the Civil War in the winter of 1866. During this time, soldiers’ wives, widows and parents were struggling to provide for their families. Recognizing these families’ needs, women of nine Harrisburg churches came together to create the Society for the Home for the Friendless. What started as an all-female effort to raise funds for widows and children impacted by the war, has transitioned into what is now Homeland Center and Homeland at Home.
These women, and their intersection with Homeland’s history, are important to our story. We wouldn’t be here today without their dedication. Homeland will honor them, and the nine founding churches, in the 8th annual Homeland Lottery Calendar, on our website and through a series of community presentations. We believe that every interaction with a resident, client or patient is an opportunity to make an ordinary day a special day.
Local Inspirational & Entrepreneurial Girlbosses
TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM BY KATY
SHERO
Powerful females, women of strength and inspirational girlbosses—they’re all around us. Maybe you know a gal like this, or maybe you are that person. We celebrate and honor the women paving the way for other females and the contagious energy and positive vibes they spread around the Susquehanna Valley. Here are five women doing just that, and ones worth following on Instagram to get inspired for yourself.
KATY KING
@hiddenspringsflowers
Katy King is the owner of Hidden Springs Flower Farm in York. King started Hidden Springs in 2018 as a side hustle with no prior business or flower experience. Now, she runs a six-figure flower business that specializes in fresh-cut flowers, gifts and home décor. King says she believes “flowers aren’t just for special occasions; every day is a day for flowers.” What started as a backyard veggie patch blossomed into two acres of seasonal cut flowers. King is also invested in helping others grow their own flower businesses by offering mentoring sessions, coaching and courses. Her goal is to help others thrive both professionally and personally, like she has with balancing her business and motherhood. She currently has over 30,000 followers on Instagram and continues to grow (both flowers and in popularity!).
SARA ESH
@zenandfitwithsara
Sara Esh is truly a jack-of-all-trades in the realms of fitness and entrepreneurship. Esh is a certified IIN health coach, personal trainer, and yoga, pilates, aerial silks and barre instructor. She’s the founder of Zen & Fit, offering private and group classes with the goal of providing a niche yoga experience in the community. She believes in fitness for all bodies and all skill levels and is devoted to ensuring her clients feel refreshed, motivated and fulfilled. Keep up with her on her growing Instagram page, where you’ll find empowering quotes and affirmations, yoga poses and classes and events hosted by Esh.
KEISHA FINNIE
@keishafinnie
Keisha Finnie is a powerhouse in the Central Pennsylvania art scene. She’s a self-taught artist born and raised in Lancaster and the creator of the 2020 “Nurture Your Mind” mural in downtown Lancaster. She’s won several local awards and nominations, and her art can be found throughout the community, appearing everywhere from musical instruments to hospitals and restaurants. She even had her art featured on a beer can at Spring House Brewing Co., as part of their 2024 artist series. Finnie expresses herself through many media, including Mehndi/ Henna art. Her work “explores the journey of evolution as not only an artist but as a woman of color” and interprets “personal experiences and observations” while visualizing determination and resilience.
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DARLENE WEIR
@fieldstonehill
Darlene Weir is all about living with beauty and overcoming decorating paralysis, and she inspires more than 12,000 followers daily to do the same. Weir is an interior designer and the founder of Fieldstone Hill Design—an online interior design firm offering virtual guidance and consultations to help you design the space, and life, of your dreams. Weir says she’s “always had a passion for beautiful space and things” and believes that “having a vision gives your decorating a focus and saves your family both time and money.” She’s all about incorporating flowers (roses specifically) into your space and creating a garden to enhance your life. She also shares healthy recipes, design tips, wholesome moments and positivity on her account, @wearelivingwell.
EMILY GONZALEZ
@gemscatering_
Emily Gonzalez is the founder of Gems Catering in Lancaster, but she’s so much more than that. Gonzalez is a pillar in the community and has truly embodied what it means to be a girlboss through building her successful catering business from scratch. Her social media feed is full of tasty treats, stunning charcuterie spreads, good vibes and her involvement in the local community. Gonzalez was the keynote speaker for Lancaster County Food Hub’s 2024 Annual Spring Breakfast event, caterer for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club and recently became the owner of Inna’s Pierogi Shop in Lititz and Lancaster. Lots of inspiration can be found from following along with Gonzalez’s journey to apply to your own journey!
