FALL ISSUE 2023
BALANCE MAGAZINE 6
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Home — Katina Kauffman Is it possible to do your fall home decorating with $100 and an hour at a thrift store? We say yes!
14 Food — Mary Ellen Wright Summer is over, and we’re ready for fall soups. We talked to four experts about their faves.
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24 Wellness — Sally Reynolds Plant-based meat alternatives are everywhere - but are fake meats actually good for you? 32 Art — Kevin Stairiker EsoArts is an alternative gallery space that welcomes artists of all varieties and helps them feel at home. 40 Makers — Mike Andrelczyk You’ve heard of Hamilton Watch Co., but have you heard of RGM Watch Co.? We learned about these bespoke watches, handmade in Mount Joy.
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Considering a Roth Conversion?
O
pening a retirement savings account typically means choosing between a traditional or Roth IRA. While you may have chosen a traditional IRA for the initial tax savings, you might consider switching to a Roth IRA for tax-free retirement income. Changing a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is known as a Roth conversion. What is the difference between a traditional and Roth IRA? With a traditional IRA, you make contributions using pre-tax dollars, meaning you’ll pay taxes on the distributions you take in retirement. With a Roth IRA, you pay taxes on your contributions now and make taxfree withdrawals in retirement. Additionally, a Roth IRA does not have a required minimum distribution age, so you can save and grow tax-free dollars for the remainder of your life. Should you do a Roth conversion? A Roth conversion is not right for everyone. Here’s what to consider:
Your timeline: If you’re retiring within the next few years, you may want to forego a Roth conversion. The money you convert into a Roth IRA must stay there for a five-year holding period. Withdrawing sooner could result in a 10% penalty and/or additional income taxes. Tax obligations: If you choose to convert to a Roth IRA you will need to pay taxes on the additional income, which could push you into a higher tax bracket. Your future tax bracket: Consider whether you will be in a higher or lower tax bracket when you begin withdrawing funds. If you believe you’ll be in a lower tax bracket when you retire, you may want to wait to withdraw funds, so you pay less in taxes. If you’re currently in a job slump that puts you in a lower tax bracket, it may make sense to convert to a Roth now. How much to convert and when: If you’re on the cusp of a higher tax bracket, but still want to do a Roth conversion, you have the option to convert a portion at a time, rather than one lump sum, to spread out your tax obligation. Consult your financial advisor before making changes to your retirement account. Together you can review these considerations and make the choice that’s right for your unique financial situation.
Michael Zimmerman, M.Sc. IAR
President & Founder
190 COCALICO CREEK RD | STEVENS, PA 17578 | 717-838-3178 • 1990 MAIN ST. SUITE 750 | SARASOTA, FL 34236 | 941-263-2503 R E G A L- W E A LT H .C O M Securities offered through J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. (JWC), Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through J. W. Cole Advisors, Inc. (JWCA). Regal Wealth Advisors and JWC/JWCA are unaffiliated entities.
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BALANCE MAGAZINE
H
ere at Team Balance our inside joke has been that one day we will put all our silly ideas, our outtakes, and bloopers into an issue we call unBalanced. For our fall issue, I’d like to pull the curtain back on our cover shoot (and perhaps a glimpse into unBalanced). This photo shows the reality of our cover shoot setup. I was a few hours post urgent care visit for a severe allergic reaction; hovering above me is Drew, our art director. Off-set next to us is our art department manager, Erica, who generously let us take over her kitchen for an afternoon and skillfully played DJ for the shoot. We are surrounded by our own mixed collection of dishes, pumpkins, sweater sleeves, and soup ingredients all the ingredients for our perfect place setting. I kept trying to come up with a polished photo for this page - when my hives were gone and the weather was perfectly autumnal - but it didn’t come together that way this time. But that’s what this magazine is meant to share. Reality isn’t always a perfect setting. It’s all just a balance all the time. Thank you for reading our fall issue; I hope you enjoy the balance of local artists, soup recipes, fall home décor on a budget, and more. Thank you to the entire Balance team that works so hard to make every issue magic.
Published by General Manager: Chris Fidler Editor-in-Chief: Lindsey McCallum Art Direction: Andrew Albright Content Editor: Jed Reinert Design: Jenny Althouse, Krystal Hummer, Allie Miller, Amy Rodriguez, Christine Vernon, Bailey Watro Photography: Andrew Albright, Quinn Staley, Vinny Tennis Writers: Mike Andrelczyk, Margaret Gates, Katina Kauffman, Sally Reynolds, Kevin Stairiker, Mary Ellen Wright Production: Rachel Brown, Angela Faust, Erica Feltenberger, Tim Trinh Subscriptions to LNP|LancasterOnline: Call 717.291.8611 Advertise: Contact advertising@lnpnews.com or call 717.291.8800 P.O. Box 1328, Lancaster, PA 17608-1328 Copyright © 2023 LNP Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved.
ON THE COVER Photo by Andrew Albright FALL ISSUE 2023
Photo by Erica Feltenberger
In this issue you will find delicious soup recipes, featuring the Butternut Squash Soup on the cover with pumpkin seeds in place of apple slices.
Lindsey McCallum | Editor-in-Chief | LMcCallum@lnpnews.com
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BY KATINA KAUFFMAN | PHOTOS BY QUINN STANLY
E
ach year, when the seasons change from summer to fall, a familiar urge to redecorate my home emerges. Since buying new décor is expensive, I’ve never really invested in anything other than pumpkins to surround my front door. But this year, I’d really like to embrace the season, inside and out, and do so on a budget. So instead of hitting the mainstream home décor shops, I’ve issued myself a design challenge that I hope will save me both time and money: I must infuse my home with warm, cozy, fall vibes, but I only get $100 to spend in one hour at one thrift store. So, how did I do? I’ll let you be the judge. Here’s a look at what I purchased during my one-hour thrift shopping extravaganza to redecorate my home for fall.
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1. Vintage Lamps
When I spotted these two lamps from across the aisle, I knew that I had found thrift shop gold. The substantial size, detailed cut glass, and silver embellishments combined to create a unique, vintage piece. If I’m being honest, I could do without the etched grapes on each lampshade, but those details aren’t a deal-breaker. As I continued to inspect my find, I observed that these lamps were designed to look like candle sticks, which gave me an idea. What if I removed the fake candles, cut the power cord, and turned them into actual candle stick holders? Bingo! Adding real candles would create a nice ambiance and amp up the cozy factor in my space. Additionally, I could place them anywhere in my home without the need for a power outlet.
2. Embroidery hoop
Full disclosure, I had no idea what this was until I shared my “wooden circle” with a few colleagues who explained its actual purpose to me. So, what do I plan to do with an embroidery hoop? This wooden circle just so happens to be the perfect size for a DIY wreath. If you’ve ever shopped for a wreath, you know how expensive they can be. Instead of spending $30 to $50 on a new one, I decided that I would create a fresh wreath using pine branches, yew trimmings, and pinecones from my yard. When I’m finished, this wreath will be the perfect front door accessory for fall, plus the pine branches will smell great.
3. Mancala Game
I recently took a trip to the Finger Lakes and stayed at a very cozy place called the Idlewild Inn. In addition to the usual staples of coziness, like candles, brass accents and cute wallpaper, this inn was especially cozy because of how its owners harnessed the power of games to make historic, opulent rooms feel welcoming, comfortable and fun. It’s important to note that if done incorrectly, adding games to your space could backfire and you may inadvertently create a “kid’s playhouse” vibe. The secret to achieving a cozy look - and not a crazy look - is to display games made of natural materials, like this wooden Mancala board that I found at the thrift shop. Since this Mancala board didn’t come with any of its original glass playing beads, I dug up some old buttons that I had in my sewing kit and, voila, I’ve got an inviting coffee table game!
4. Colander
When I spotted this tarnished colander, there were visions of fall apple picking, fruit washing and pie baking running through my head. If this was an ordinary metal colander, I wouldn’t have given it a second look. But the mesh design of this one, as well as the size and shape, makes me think it could be repurposed as a seasonal centerpiece. The handles of the colander say “Food Network,” and I’m going to keep those intact. I want to maintain this piece’s identity as a colander because, to me, that’s what sends out those subtle reminders of harvesting fruit and making pies. The only thing that my new centerpiece needs is a fresh coat of spray paint and some decorative seasonal fillers.
5. Plant Stand
A surefire way to make your home a little cozier is by bringing the outside in, and this plant stand will help me do just that. Although the orange color of this plant stand is very fitting for fall, it just feels a little dated to me and doesn’t match well with my interior design style. Instead, I’m going to spray paint this stand in a classic black so that it takes on the appearance of powder-coated metal. Not only will the color better match my style, it will also allow the colorful foliage of my chrysanthemum plant take center stage. Another fun discovery about this plant stand is that it looks good right-side-up or up-side-down. October 2023 | BALANCE | 7
6. Metal pot
I’m not exactly sure what this pot is supposed to be used for, but I really like that it has an interesting, indented pattern and warm metallic color, which I think is perfect for fall decorating. The other thing that I love about this pot is that I could use it in so many ways. For now, I’m going to sit it next to my sofa and use it as a throw blanket holder. But I could also see myself using this as a festive ice bucket for dinner parties. If you have kids or grandkids, you could use something like this as a toy storage bin. If you opt for the storage bin approach, place a blanket on top to hide the clutter.
7. Tableware: Plates, Glasses, and Baskets
Whether you’re hosting friends or just having a family dinner, seasonal dinnerware is a fun way to make meals more festive. Obviously, purchasing new plates for every season would be extremely expensive, but thrift shops have made this a more affordable option. In my experience, thrift stores are goldmines for crystal glassware, fine china and other accessories, such as bread baskets. But keep in mind that you may not find a full set of anything—Type A personalities beware! During my thrift shop excursion, the first thing that caught my eye was a beautiful set of china plates with an orange and blue pattern that reminded me of fall. From there, I searched for other plates that would complement the look. To me, the pewter chargers are what really bring this entire place setting together and give it that rustic fall feeling that I wanted to achieve. They’re also a wonderful contrast to the delicate, gold-rimmed plates that I’ve stacked above. Lastly, I found six crystal glasses and a woven basket to complete my fall table setting.
How did I do?
Overall, I’d say that my thrift shopping challenge was a success, especially for the
8 | BALANCE | October 2023
price. I came in under budget at $73, and with that money, I was able to redecorate all the main living areas of my home, including a table setting for six people. Some of my purchases required DIY time, but that was part of the fun for me. And for the price, you can’t beat it.
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Are you ready to thrift your way to a cozier home this season? Here are a few tips that I learned along the way that helped me sort through the clutter and save money. • Begin by taking a lap around the store to get an idea of what’s available before you start filling your cart. • Have an open mind: Consider how objects can be repurposed to fit your needs and style. • Ugly color? Spray paint can be an easy fix. • Mix and match, especially with dishes. You’ll go home empty handed if you only look for matching sets. • When in doubt, add it to your cart! You’ll have plenty of time to consider your purchase as you continue shopping.
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FINANCIAL W PLANNING R O O T E D
I N
FAITH “We want to start with the end in mind...what would you like your life to look like or your legacy to look like?” - LISA SHARP MCHENRY
Everence CFP® professionals (front row from left) Tim Jantz, Jamie Detweiler, Jen McCoy, Shane Landis, (back row from left) Mackenzie Snader, Lisa Sharp McHenry, Eric Groff and Amanda Rock.
12 | BALANCE | October 2023
hen former teachers Lisa Sharp McHenry and Shane Landis were looking for a career change, they both found a new calling as financial planners at Everence Financial. But neither has left teaching far behind.
Much like they did with their students, McHenry and Landis help clients set goals, implement a plan to achieve them and continually re-evaluate their progress. They’re the go-to people if a financial question arises and the gentle voice of reason if a client veers off course. McHenry recalls working with a couple who wanted to bike in retirement. The husband was older, so they successfully implemented a plan that allowed the wife to retire at 62, giving
them more time to go biking together. After retirement, however, they got sidetracked by other projects. When McHenry met with them and learned they hadn’t done any biking, she reminded them why they had worked so hard for an early retirement. It was a wake-up call. “I’m reminding you of who you wanted to be and what you wanted to do,” she told them. For McHenry, who also worked in missions and social services, being a financial planner embraces the best of her past work experiences — educating clients about the oftencomplicated world of finances while walking alongside them on their journey through life. Landis views it as the perfect combination of
his passions for finance, investing and helping others. Both see financial planning as far more than managing finances. “I like working with people in that very deep way,” McHenry says. “I’m really trying to get to the heart of who you are, what’s important to you, who you are as a family,” she says. “What are your goals? What kind of legacy do you want to leave, not just financial legacy but other aspects of life? We want to start with the end in mind, even if they’re 30. What would you like your life to look like or your legacy to look like?” There is something distinctive about working through that process with Everence. Many financial planners base their services on six pillars: managing cash flow, tax planning, retirement, investment planning, estate planning and protecting income. Rather than viewing its services as pillars, Everence views them as branches on a vine that’s rooted in faith. The Everence vine has a seventh branch —charitable planning— that makes generosity an intentional focus of the financial plan, not an afterthought. That seventh branch is part of the unique ACE approach to financial planning with Everence. “At Everence, we place a strong emphasis on integrating the values of our clients into every aspect of the financial planning process,” Landis says. “We help people align their financial lives with their values, give them confidence for their financial future and empower them to give their time and resources to the people and organizations that are important to them.” Everence clients often find that they are able to give far more than they imagined. “Many people think of giving just in terms of writing a check,” McHenry says. “Let’s talk about giving in a more comprehensive and holistic way.” Maybe it’s building a retirement plan that gives a couple the freedom to volunteer more of their time. Or showing an 86-year-old client how she can be both generous and tax-conscious by gifting the stock she’s been accumulating since
age 20. Or helping clients choose socially responsible investment portfolios that support causes that matter to them. Everence is distinct in other ways as well. Of the company’s eight CFP® professionals, half are women, which is higher than the national average. Clients also appreciate that while Everence offers asset management, its fee-based financial planning services can stand on their own. There is no pressure to sell financial products to clients so that Everence can manage all their assets. Everence financial planners like Landis and McHenry are more concerned with helping clients live their dreams and give generously, no matter what challenges life brings. That could mean helping a retiree decide when to take Social Security or showing a younger couple how just a small increase in savings can multiply a few decades down the road. It could be ensuring a client has the resources to sustain themselves if they live to a ripe old age or to sustain their family if they don’t. “Financial planning helps us to better steward the resources we have been given,” Landis says. To ensure clients are as prepared as possible, the Everence planning process employs a team approach. Along with the primary financial planner, two additional CFP professionals with various areas of expertise also review the client’s information. While McHenry has met the rare person who has so many assets and so few needs that their financial future is secure, she says so many others, no matter their financial situation or habits, can benefit from options and tools available to them to truly make the most of the resources they have - whether it’s to secure a comfortable and fulfilling retirement or to leave a legacy of generosity. Landis and McHenry are ready to teach them how. “It’s not just about making the right choices, but it’s also about avoiding bad choices,” McHenry says. “I believe everybody needs financial planning, even if it’s just to say, ‘You’re going to be fine.’”
Financial planning with purpose When it comes to your financial future, it’s important to plan for the journey. Everence® can help you create a financial plan that matches your faith and values. LEARN MORE Visit everence.com/centralpenn, email centralpenn@everence.com or call 717-394-0769.
Securities offered through Concourse Financial Group Securities, Inc. (CFGS), Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Concourse Financial Group Advisors, a DBA for CFGS, a Registered Investment Advisor. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee. Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by Concourse Financial Group Securities, or its affiliates. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark logo in the UnitedStates, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. October 2023 | BALANCE | 13
SOUPUP As the leaves turn, try some hearty (and healthy) squash-based soups
BY MARY ELLEN WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW ALBRIGHT
A
utumn means cooler temperatures, a harvest of vegetables orange enough to match the falling leaves and a craving for comfy, cozy, hearty food. It’s time for fall soups.
Four local experts on these bowls of autumnal warmth and their ingredients — a cookbook author, a farm market manager, a restaurant manager and a dietitian — recently offered tips for making hearty fall soups, advice for making those soups healthy and insight into how a local restaurant chain plans its fall soup menu. (For a longer version of this story online, see lanc.news/ BalanceFallSoups.)
THE COOKBOOK AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling author Phyllis Good of Lancaster has 14 | BALANCE | October 2023
written many cookbooks over the years, a lot of them focused on slow-cooker recipes. As the temperature drops in fall, people want soups that are “sturdier” than those they eat in the spring or summer, Good says. “People are much more conscious of eating seasonally, and so those of us who live in this community, it’s right in front of us all the time.” From our local farm stands, “we’ve got butternut squash, we’ve got all kinds of tuber vegetables, sweet potatoes, carrots.” When it comes to using one of the most popular fall soup ingredients, Good says, “people should be a little bit forewarned that they’ll need to exercise some strength when you’re working with a butternut squash.” You’ll need a sharp knife for that tough rind, she says. Good recommends pricking the butternut squash all over with a fork,
then microwaving it for 10 or 15 minutes to soften it, and let it cool enough to handle it. “And I just then use a vegetable peeler on it to take that rind off.” Scoop out the seeds, and you’re ready to make soup. To test whether the fall spices — or chopped hot peppers — you’ve added to your soup work well together, Good says, “improvisational cooks ... tend to scoop out a little [soup] into a cup while cooking, and add carefully anything they have in mind, sort of proportionally, so let’s see if these work together.” A butternut squash soup recipe Good has contributed to this article calls for chopped apples as a garnish. “It’s the idea of sort of using two seasonal [produce items] together that actually, traditionally, were grown at the same time. I’m always charmed by that,” she says.
THE FARM MARKET PRODUCE EXPERT
Diana Stoltzfus, assistant manager for Brook Lawn Farm Market, 2325 Lititz Pike, in Manheim Township, sells a lot of squash and pumpkins in the fall — some of which are ideal for fall soups.
“If people have never cooked with pumpkin before and they’re asking how to do it, we’ll kind of always lean toward telling them about soup because it’s so simple,” Stoltzfus says. “There’s nothing hard and terribly time-consuming about, especially, a small pumpkin or a butternut squash,” she says. One variety she recommends is the red kuri squash that’s harvested at Brook Lawn starting in September. “It’s a winter squash that is a really oldfashioned heirloom variety,” Stoltzfus says. “And there are tons of soup recipes that call specifically for that pumpkin. It has a very rich flavor and it’s kind of a golden yellowcolored flesh. It purees really nice and smoothly, and it’s an excellent pumpkin for savory dishes.” She also likes to add a bit of chopped starfish peppers — which Brook Lawn grows — to a kuri squash soup. “They are not super spicy,” she says. They’re bright red and take all summer to grow. … They’re hollow inside, so you can take out the seeds if you just want that flavor and not all the spiciness.” For fall soups, Stoltzfus recommends using squash and pumpkins whose flesh is more savory than sweet. In addition to the kuri squash, those include kabocha, Lakota, Long Island cheese and buttercup squash and fairy tale, Australian and Marina Di Chioggia pumpkins.
THE RESTAURANT SOUP DEVELOPER
Matthew J. Pasciuta, senior manager of operations for Isaac’s Restaurants, had already planned out this fall’s soup menu long before the first autumn leaf fell. Harvest vegetable and a classic red chili are two of the comfort-food soups the regional restaurant chain will be serving this fall. “I’m already working on our 2024 soup calendar,” Pasciuta says. “And part of the reason I work that far in advance is that we have to ensure fresh ingredient sourcing” from local farms and other suppliers. The harvest vegetable soup, he notes, “uses a significant amount of sweet potatoes” that he has to make sure will be available from local vendors. “For me, anything with a fall soup — it’s
really about capturing the essence of the season,” Pasciuta says. In addition to squash, ”something hearty like kale or a Swiss chard are all really good ingredients that are seasonal that really help for fall.” Using a flavorful broth and pureed vegetables can give a fall soup a “rich, velvety texture,” Pasciuta says. Spices help enhance fall soups, he says, “so, for fall you might want to leverage cinnamon or nutmeg, but you can also use sage or thyme. Those are flavors that are associated with turkey at Thanksgiving.” Pasciuta already is creating a new Isaac’s recipe at home for fall 2024 — a roasted autumn bisque, with roasted-vegetable broth, butternut squash, pumpkin, carrots, onion, ginger, garlic, nutmeg, cinnamon and a little bit of brown sugar. “‘I’m going to use heavy cream in it because of the mouth feel that I’m looking for,” he adds. Pasciuta’s recipe will eventually be taste-tested by his friends, then tested in a restaurant kitchen. Then he’ll determine if it can be made in large batches at a certain price point.
THE NUTRITIONIST
Fran Hadley, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator who works for Wellspan Health in Ephrata, reminds her patients — and the rest of us — that the U.S. agriculture department’s MyPlate nutrition guidelines say we need to add more fruits and vegetables to our diets. You can get those vegetable servings through soup, she adds.
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The orange color in fall soup ingredients does a lot for us, nutritionally, Hadley says. “First of all, when we think about that orange or yellow category, we think about the vitamin A, the beta carotene, a good source of vitamin C and lots of dietary fiber,” Hadley says. “And they also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds as well. And potassium. There’s a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in those [foods].” Vitamin A is also good for eye health, she adds. When making fall soups, Hadley notes there are ways to make them healthier. You can use low-sodium broth or stock as a base for your soup, Hadley says, and “they actually do have unsalted stocks and broths.” “If recipes are calling for cream, you can use a fat-free or skim milk,” Hadley says. “I recommend evaporated skim milk, so it still is a very creamy consistency, but much lower in fat content.” And putting barley or lentils in your autumnal soup adds lots of soluble fiber, she adds.
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FALL SOUP
RECIPES The experts on fall soups have plenty of recipes to share. (See even more recipes on LancasterOnline at lanc.news/BalanceSoupRecipes.) First up are two recipes, adapted for both slow-cooker and stove-top preparation by cookbook author Phyllis Good of Lancaster. They’re from her “Stock the Crock: 100 Must-Have Slow Cooker Recipes; 200 Variations for Every Appetite,” published by Time Inc.
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butternut squash soup with apples and red onions Makes 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1 (3-pound) butternut squash, peeled, and cut into cubes 3 apples, unpeeled, cored, and chopped 1 medium red onion, diced 2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced 4 cups vegetable broth 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup grated peeled apples (for topping) Slow-cooker directions: (Prep time: 30 minutes; cooking time: 6 hours.) 1. Place the squash cubes, chopped apples, onion, and garlic into a 6-quart slow cooker. 2. Stir in the vegetable broth. 3. Cover. If the squash is raw, cook on low for 6 hours. (If the squash is already cooked tender, cook the mixture on low for 2-3 hours, or until the apple and onion are tender.) 4. At the end of the cooking time, puree the mixture in the crock with an immersion blender. 5. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. 6. Serve in bowls. Top with freshly grated apple.
16 | BALANCE | October 2023
Stove-top directions: (Prep time: 30-45 minutes; cooking time: 30-45 minutes.) 1. Place the squash cubes, chopped apples, onion, and garlic into a 8- to 12-quart stockpot. 2. Stir in the vegetable broth. 3. Cover. Over medium heat, bring to a slow boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes or so, stirring up from the bottom frequently to prevent sticking, until the squash, apples, and onion are quite soft. 4. When the vegetables are falling-apart tender, puree the mixture in the pot with an immersion blender. 5. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. 6. Serve in bowls. Top with freshly grated apple.
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creamy carrot soup with spinach Makes 4-6 servings.
Ingredients: 1 pound carrots, chopped 2 medium onions, diced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 4 cups chicken, or vegetable, stock 1/2 teaspoon ground sage 1 teaspoon sugar pinch of cayenne pepper salt to taste, depending on how salty your stock is a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper 1/3 cup all-purpose flour juice of one orange 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature 1 cup chopped fresh spinach Slow-cooker directions. (Prep time: 20 minutes; cooking time: 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours.) 1. Combine carrots, onions, garlic, and stock in a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker. 2. Cover. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until carrots are tender. 3. Stir in sage, sugar, cayenne, salt, and pepper. 4. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. 5. Whisk flour with orange juice in a small bowl. 6. Stir flour slurry into hot soup. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes. 7. Add cream, stirring well. Do not allow soup to boil. Remove soup from further heat by lifting the inner crock out of the electrical unit if needed. 8. Serve in bowls, garnished with chopped spinach. Stove-top instructions: (Prep time: 20 minutes; cooking time: 50-60 minutes.) 1. Combine carrots, onions, garlic, and stock in a 5- or 6-quart stockpot. 2. Cover. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring up from the bottom frequently to prevent sticking, until all the vegetables are falling-apart tender, about 35-45 minutes.
3. Stir in sage, sugar, cayenne, salt, and pepper. 4. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture . 5. Whisk flour with orange juice in a small bowl until the mixture is free of lumps. 6. Stir flour slurry into the hot soup. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes or so, or until the soup thickens, stirring continually. 7. Add cream, stirring well. Warm over low heat, but do not allow the soup to boil. 8. Serve in bowls, garnished with chopped spinach.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Here are two fall soup recipes Fran Hadley, Wellspan Health registered dietitian, recommends from a nutrition standpoint. They come from the Oregon State University Extension Service.
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sweet potato pumpkin soup
Makes 8 cups. (Prep time: 15 minutes; cook time: 30 minutes.) Ingredients: 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 2 cups cubed sweet potato 2 cups low-sodium broth (any type) 1 1/2 cups water 1 can (15-ounces) pumpkin 1 cup 1% or nonfat milk 3 tablespoons low-fat sour cream or plain yogurt
autumn squash bisque with ginger
Makes 10 cups. (Prep time: 15 minutes; cook time: 45 minutes.) Ingredients: 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 2 cups sliced onion 2 pounds winter squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch cubes (4 generous cups) 2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced, or 1 can (15 ounces) sliced pears, drained and chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 2 tablespoons peeled and chopped fresh ginger, or 1 teaspoon powdered ginger 1/2 teaspoon thyme 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup water 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt Directions: 1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and stir until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add squash, pears, garlic, ginger and thyme; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add broth and water; bring to a simmer. 2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until squash is tender, about 35 to 45 minutes. 3. Puree soup, in batches if necessary, in a blender. 4. Return soup to pot and heat through. Stir in lemon juice. 5. Garnish each serving with a spoonful of yogurt. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Directions: 1. Heat oil in large pot over mediumhigh heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add ginger, curry, cumin, nutmeg, and garlic and cook for 1 minute. 2. Stir in the sweet potato, broth, water and pumpkin and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sweet potato is soft. Stir every minute. 3. Stir in the milk until heated through, but do not boil. 4. Ladle into bowls and top with 1/2 tablespoon low-fat sour cream. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
October 2023 | BALANCE | 17
Your Outlook on Life Should Be Pain Free. And We Can Help.
2023
Managed by
160 NORTH POINTE BLVD., SUITE 200 • LANCASTER • (717) 358-0800 ARGIRESMAROTTI.COM 18 | BALANCE | October 2023
Argires Marotti Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster was founded by Dr. Perry Argires to provide supreme surgical and non-surgical care to patients suffering from neck and spine pain and injury. The practice has sustained excellence due to the legacy of care in coordination with the team efforts by Dr. Perry Argires and Dr. Louis Marotti to create the most award winning spine care team in the county. Our practice and its professionals will reduce the need for traditional pain medicines and instead promote progressive pain management treatments. Call us to schedule an appointment today.
Perry J. Argires, MD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon Specializing in Cervical Disc Replacement and Spine Care Voted as the Best Surgeon in Lancaster County LNP Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurosurgeon
Louis A. Marotti, MD, PhD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon Specializing in Spine Care Voted as the Best Surgeon in Lancaster County LNP Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurosurgeon
Steven M. Falowski, MD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgeon Specializing in Spinal Cord Stimulators LNP Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurosurgeon
Jarod B. John, MD Neurologist With a focus on elderly care, migraines and MS LNP Readers’ Choice Favorite Neurologist
Jack Smith, MD Pain Medicine
Esther DiGiacomo MMSc, PA-C
Adam Truax MHS, PA-C
Brendan Garrett MHS, PA-C
Aiden Soroko, DPT Physical Therapist Clinic Manager
Laurie Rice, LPN
October 2023 | BALANCE | 19
HOPE RESTORED SMILE, RENEWED
A
ldonovi Aviles and Olivia Maldonado had already endured three miscarriages when they learned they were expecting again in 2013. By the end of the first trimester, however, their hopes for an easier pregnancy were dashed. “Every ultrasound we had throughout the pregnancy … it was one thing after another,” Aviles recalls. Doctors told the couple their daughter had a cleft palate and a hole in her heart. There was also an abnormality in the way the umbilical cord was attached to the placenta.
20 | BALANCE | October 2023
Five months into the pregnancy, another ultrasound revealed the baby was developing club feet. “We were scared,” Aviles says. “We knew someone was watching over us and my wife started praying about it.” Then, Aviles says, his wife had a dream that everything was going to be fine. And it was. During an appointment for an amniocentesis that the couple eventually decided not to go through with, an ultrasound showed that the hole in the heart was smaller and there was no problem with
the baby’s feet. The only remaining issue was the cleft palate. And for that, the couple discovered there was somewhere they could turn to allay their fears: The Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic. The clinic has been a model for care since its founding in 1938, when Lancaster orthodontist Dr. Herbert Cooper put together a team of multidisciplinary specialists and created a first-of-its-kind approach for treating children with cleft palates and other craniofacial conditions. Over the next eight decades, that mission
SUPPORT At the end of the day, what they do is make you feel like you’re part of their family. Everyone is so kind. I don’t think there’s a better word to describe it than family. would expand to include not only cleft palates but myriad other conditions, such as genetic syndromes, facial trauma, disease and even a form of juvenile arthritis, all of which can affect growth and development in the face. Today, the clinic has a team of health specialists in 13 areas, including pediatric dentistry, plastic surgery, orthodontics, audiology, speech and language pathology, social work, pediatric medicine, oral surgery, and ear, nose and throat specialists. Two ENT surgeons and one oral surgeon, along with two plastic surgeons from Penn State Hershey Medical Center, donate their time to the clinic. Before the birth of their daughter, Aviles and Maldonado toured the clinic and met the staff. “It was a relief because we knew there were kind people there who were taking care of babies with cleft palates,” Aviles says. Yaretzi Aviles was born at 4:18 a.m. July 26, 2013, at York Hospital. “She was a perfect baby” Aviles says. Three hours later, someone from the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic showed the new parents how to feed Yaretzi with a special bottle and began the first steps together in their ongoing journey. At first, the family made weekly visits to the clinic from their Hanover home. Then monthly. Then every three months. Now they visit twice a year. Yaretzi, now 10, had her first surgery at 3 months to repair her cleft lip and a second at 12 months to repair her palate. She had a bone graft several years ago. She has also had numerous surgeries to insert ear tubes that assist in draining fluid from the middle ear,
a common issue among children with a cleft palate. She will require additional surgery as she matures. Yaretzi is one of about 2,500 patients with craniofacial anomalies the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic supports each year from an area that includes 45 Pennsylvania counties and 10 states. The clinic is in-network with most private insurances and all local Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans and will treat any craniofacial patient regardless of their ability to pay. Clinic staff additionally provide audiology, speech therapy, and pediatric dental services to another 3,500 patients with special health care needs who are referred to the clinic by other nonprofit health care organizations. However, reimbursements from Medicaid and public insurance do not cover all patient care costs. For that, the clinic depends on their generous community. Foundations, companies, and individual community members all help ensure the clinic never turns away a child for care. That support means everything to families like Yaretzi’s. She may be one of thousands of patients the clinic treats each year, but her father says it doesn’t feel that way at all. Even though it’s an hour-and-15-minute drive, Yaretzi still looks forward to her checkups. “When we met everyone on our first team appointment, they told us, ‘We are going to be your second family,’ and it’s been like that,” Aviles says. “At the end of the day, what they do is make you feel like you’re part of their family. Everyone is so kind. I don’t think there’s a better word to describe it than family.”
LANCASTER CLEFT PALATE CLINIC DURING THIS YEAR’S EXTRAGIVE!
223 NORTH LIME STREET LANCASTER, PA 17602
CLEFTCLINIC.ORG
– ADVERTISING FEATURE – October 2023 | BALANCE | 21
A New Home for
Physical Therapy
B
ecause Lucas was born with a spinal disease that causes muscles to weaken and waste away, his parents brought him to the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development. Here he was given special exercises to counter the disease, strengthening his muscles and enabling him to walk like any other child. It worked, and now he can walk! Last year 561 local children visited the Schreiber Center a total of 9,432 times to receive life-changing physical therapy. They gained, or regained, use of crushed fingers, crippled arms and broken legs. Small miracles happened every day.
But miracles are not free. On average, parents’ insurance and government assistance paid $74 less per session 22 | BALANCE | October 2023
than the actual cost of treatment. The remainder – a mindboggling $697,968 – came from the community, from donors who did not want to see children go without the care they need. This fall Schreiber is opening a new, larger physical therapy gym to meet the needs of the growing number of children in our region with injuries and disabilities. The gym and new private treatment rooms will ensure that these children get the help they need when they need it. You can help make those miracles continue. Please consider a gift to Schreiber’s “Where Heroes are Made” campaign for children like Lucas. Visit Tinyurl.com/ HelpLocalKids to donate.
The world needs more heroes! You can become one by donating to the Schreiber building campaign at
Tinyurl.com/HelpLocalKids
625 COMMUNITY WAY, LANCASTER 717.393.0425
Stay Strong.
Home Fitness Equipment Experts agree that exercise serves as both a preventive measure and a therapeutic remedy. Having workout equipment at home can save time and help you stay on track with your goals. At Martins, we can assist you in selecting workout equipment tailored to your specific needs. When you have the right tools, your workouts can become an enjoyable experience! We sell mid-to-higher grade equipment that we can service and stand behind. We offer local delivery.
Visit our newly expanded store or shop online at martinsbike.com
Rt. 322, Ephrata | 717-354-9127 | martinsbike.com October 2023 | BALANCE | 23
BY SALLY REYNOLDS | ILLUSTRATION BY BAILEY WATRO
24 | BALANCE | October 2023
P
Are you gonna eat that?
lant-based “meats” seem to be popping up everywhere, from grocery stores to restaurants. This trend is evident in big chains, like Giant and Burger King, but also in small family-owned restaurants like Route 66 in downtown Lancaster. According to the Good Food Institute, the U.S. plantbased foods market is estimated to be worth $8 billion dollars, and abut 60 percent of U.S. households have purchased plant-based foods. But should we really be eating this stuff ? We spoke with two local dietitians to get their perspective on what’s good, and what’s not so good, about plant-based meats.
WHAT’S IN THAT PATTY? First, let’s review how plant-based meats are made. The main ingredient in most plant-based meats is protein concentrate made from GMO peas or soybeans. Concentrates are made by grinding up the legumes and extracting their protein, which is then dried into a powder. Protein concentrates are tasteless and textureless,
so other ingredients must be added to “beef” up the concentrate, such as starches, oils, preservatives and flavorings. The result is extruded and molded into a patty, then packaged and shipped around the country. All that grinding, extracting, adding and extruding means that plant-based meats are classified a “heavily processed food” by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This extensive processing is a problem, according to Dana Elia, owner of Fusion Integrated Health and Wellness, LLC. Elia is a registered dietitian nutritionist in Lancaster with a doctorate in clinical functional nutrition. “The more processing a food goes through, the less broad-spectrum nutrition the food provides,” Elia says. “During processing, the food loses vitamins, minerals, and natural compounds. You lose the natural dietary fiber but gain additives, stabilizers, flavor enhancers and sodium content. This alters the end product’s caloric density because they add fats and oils to give it a meaty texture.” Theresa Shank , owner of Philly Dietitian LLC, is a registered dietitian. Shank says that the highly processed nature of plant-based meats has the potential to October 2023 | BALANCE | 25
disrupt the gut microbiome due to the man-made ingredients, which our bodies struggle to recognize. Both Shank and Elia recommend a homemade bean burger or a beef burger (preferably grass-fed and organic) over a commercially made plant-based burger. A beef burger will provide omega-3 fatty acids, iron, phosphorous, zinc, B12 and selenium not naturally found in plant-based meats, while a homemade bean burger provides fiber, folate, iron, manganese and thiamine. But if you prefer the convenience of plant-based meats, Shank suggests choosing “the product with the fewest amount of ingredients and ones that are recognizable. At least within the first five ingredients there should be a vegetable. And choose a veggie burger with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.” To improve your overall diet, Shank suggests that meat, even plant-based, shouldn’t be the focus of your plate. “Vegetables really should be 50 to 75 percent of your plate,” says Shank, “so count colors, not calories”. If your plate has an array of greens, oranges and reds, you’re on the right track. Elia concurs: “You don’t have to be an iron chef to cook vegan or vegetarian. Start with recipes with five or fewer ingredients and that take 30 minutes or less. For protein, canned beans are easy, just rinse well and add to whole grain pasta or vegetables.”
OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Besides nutrition, some people may want to eat plantbased meat because of animal welfare concerns. By this measure, both plant-based meat and homemade bean burgers are winners. But what if your interest in eating plant-based meats is based on environmental concerns? A 2022 research study in Future Foods documented that plant-based meats are less environmentally damaging than large-scale beef production. Large-scale beef production consumes more water, energy and land - and creates more greenhouse gas emissions - than large-scale legume farming. However, small-scale local beef production is a different story. Michael Pollan’s book “An Omnivore’s Dilemma” paints a detailed portrait of how small-scale organic farms produce meat in a way that is beneficial to the environment. Fortunately, living in Lancaster County means that we have easier access to local, grass-fed organic meats than many places in the country. A final consideration is your budget. Plant-based meat is more expensive than both conventional and organic hamburger. A quick shopping trip to the Giant on Lititz Pike yielded Giant brand 80% lean ground beef at $5.19/lb., Nature’s Promise organic grass-fed beef at $8.49/lb., and Impossible Burger at $13.98/lb. Cheapest of all is a can of Nature’s Promise organic black beans at only $1.12/lb.
Molly Lueke, Becky Goodman, Andrew Porter, Lynda Evans, Karyn Miller, Ann Hinkle, Zach Miller, Luke Mosch
705 OLDE HICKORY ROAD | LANCASTER, PA | 717-560-9733 26 | BALANCE | October 2023
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
PLANT-BASED MEAT IS A MIXED BAG, SO LET’S LAY IT ALL OUT:
ON THE PLUS SIDE:
ON THE NEGATIVE SIDE:
• Easy to prepare and widely available. • Less damaging to the environment than large-scale beef production. • A good source of protein, fiber, iron, manganese, copper, folate, and niacin, and low in saturated fat.
• Ultra-processed, high in sodium and has less protein, zinc and B-12 than real meat. • A lot of other ingredients are of questionable value. • Made with GMO peas or soybeans. • More expensive than real meat or beans.
You might like to try this recipe adapted from Mark Bittman at the New York Times:
Black Bean Burgers Ingredients 2 cups thoroughly drained canned organic black beans 2 cloves chopped garlic 3/4 cup rolled oats
(best if briefl briefly y pulsed in a food processor)
1 cup fi finely nely chopped mushrooms (preferably shitake)
1 Tbsp soy sauce Salt, pepper and spices or herbs of your choice
Preparation 1. Mash all ingredients with a potato masher. Shape into about 6 small burgers (small size is easier to handle), pressing together well. If they are too dry and crumbly to hold together, mix in a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Let sit about 15 minutes. 2. Heat a heavy pan with a tablespoon of olive oil at medium high heat. When hot, slide in the burgers and cook about 5 minutes on one side (until crisp) then flip gently and cook for another 5 minutes. 3. Melt cheese on top if you wish, as they cook on the second side. Serve on buns with your usual burger toppings.
(I like to use southwest fl flavors: avors: cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, chipotles, and/or fresh chopped cilantro)
Olive oil for cooking Link to the Future Foods study: lanc.news/future-foods October 2023 | BALANCE | 27
EXPLORING South Africa Victoria Falls & Botswana
Small Group Tour Book your reservation now to ensure a spot!
BOOK TODAY! 717-244-6410 INFO@KROUSETRAVEL.COM WWW.KROUSETRAVEL.COM 28 | BALANCE | October 2023
Travel can be a lot. A lot to plan, a lot of details and a lot of expenses. And yet, while we turn to experts for things like medical care and financial needs, we often slog through travel planning on our own. It doesn’t need to be this way. Travel professionals are your resource for deep knowledge of the exciting world around us, how to get there, and how to get the best deals. We spoke to the staff at Krouse Travel, a York-based agency of 13 experts, about top travel destinations. We learned a lot, and we hope you do too. The travel planning process When the staff at Krouse Travel listens to your travel dreams, they want to understand several factors: Where would you like to go? How experienced a traveler are you? What’s your budget? What type of activities get you excited? What’s the availability of flights? What is the exchange rate (value for your dollar)? What places have you already visited? The answers to these questions help your travel planner develop a list of options tailored to your interests. Some of the destinations may be exactly what you asked for, but your planner may also recommend places you had not considered. For example, a first-time traveler might think they want to visit the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan, but that would be a very remote and challenging destination for a newbie. Travel planners can suggest a similar alternative destination with easier flight access for that first trip. Destinations for romance travel Romance travel used to mean honeymooning couples, but now it includes destination weddings, anniversary trips, and getaways for mom and dad. One of the top destinations for romance travel is Mexico, especially the gorgeous Riviera Maya on the Caribbean. Mexico has an extensive selection of resorts, more than any other destination, and offers outstanding value. With Mexico, the question of – ADVERTISING FEATURE –
safety often comes up. The staff at Krouse Travel goes to Mexican resorts several times a year, often traveling alone to assess safety without the protective bubble of a group. Krouse Travel has always found the Riviera Maya area of Mexico to be safe. River cruising is another great option for romance travel. It has long been popular in Europe and is gaining traction in the U.S. There are now river cruises on the Mississippi, the Pacific Northwest and even on the Great Lakes, offered by brands like Viking and American Queen. One of Krouse Travel’s areas of specialty is customizing your river cruise adventure. The team can suggest ways to extend your time at your starting or ending cities to create a totally custom experience. Destinations for family travel For family travel, Mexico offers the most value, followed by the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Krouse Travel works closely with Beaches Resorts (operated by Sandals), which are
great options for multigenerational families on the sparkling sands of Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Beaches Resorts offer incredibly varied activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, waterparks, paddle boards, jet skis, kids camps and much more. These resorts also offer the Caribbean’s first certified autism center so that the entire family can get away, stress-free. Destinations for women traveling alone A strong trend is women traveling without their romantic partners, sometimes alone, sometimes with their friends, or sometimes as part of a women-only tour. The travel industry is creating experiences for women to travel safely and do things of common interest, with wellness being a top choice. If you are traveling with a women-only group, a wellness experience can be a great way to meet other women with similar interests. Boutique hotels in the Caribbean offer wellness getaways that include activities like yoga, meditation, healthy eating, massages, spas and salt therapy. At the end of the day,
enjoy your private room with plunge pool overlooking beautiful mountains and beaches. Once-in-a-lifetime destinations Before the pandemic, most of Krouse’s customers would mention Alaska, Australia and Hawaii as their once-in-a-lifetime destinations. Travelers are now shifting their interest to western Europe (especially Italy, Greece and Croatia), Bali and the Maldives. People are looking for places that are less visited and have beautiful landscapes. African safaris are another once-in-a-lifetime destination that is gaining interest. Krouse Travel curates small group trips to South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and many other African nations. Your safari will include multiple game drives. The experience can be as luxurious or spartan as you prefer, but regardless of your price point you’ll be surprised how easy it can be. Contact Krouse Travel to sign up for one of their evening information sessions to learn more about African safari adventures. Krouse Travel’s goal is to make your travel dreams happen. Share your dreams today! Krousetravel.com | 1284 Greensprings Drive, York, PA 17402 | 717-244-6410
October 2023 | BALANCE | 29
YOU LOOK PHOTOGRAPHY BY QUINN STALEY
I
n the ever-evolving world of aesthetics, two treatments have risen to the forefront as the gold standard for achieving stunning, natural-looking results: Morpheus8 and Sculptra. These remarkable procedures are revolutionizing the way individuals rejuvenate their appearance.
Morpheus8 is a cutting-edge treatment that combines microneedling and radiofrequency energy to transform the skin from the inside out. This innovative procedure targets a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and uneven texture.
30 | BALANCE | October 2023
By stimulating collagen and elastin production, Morpheus8 tightens and rejuvenates the skin, leaving it smoother, firmer and more radiant. Sculptra, often referred to as a "liquid facelift," is a dermal filler that works differently from traditional fillers. It stimulates the body's natural collagen production, providing gradual and longlasting results. As the collagen rebuilds, the skin gains volume, resulting in a youthful and refreshed appearance. Both treatments are offered at Reimagine Beauty in a seamless integration. The team will meet with
–ADVERTISING FEATURE–
you to understand your unique beauty concerns and objectives, and then craft a personalized plan to realize your goals. For many people, the combination of Morpheus8 and Scupltra is ideal because it addresses not only the surface concerns but also the underlying structural changes associated with aging. Morpheus8 enhances skin quality, while Sculptra restores lost volume. Together, they are a progressive and long-lasting treatment that takes time to develop its full effect. There is no startling change to your appearance; you simply look better incrementally, over time.
Morpheus8
BEFORE
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Sculptra
THE GOLDEN STANDARD Balance Special Offer BEFORE
6 treatments for
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AFTER The risks for both procedures are minimal, limited to a small amount of bruising and swelling that disappears in a few days for 80% of patients, up to a maximum of three weeks. With Scupltra, you’ll be given clear post-procedure instructions on how to massage your face for the next five days, which is important to get the best results. There is zero downtime in terms of energy, but if you want to schedule your procedure for the optimal time before a big event, aim to finish your treatment about a month in advance.
Your treatment plan will depend on your age because you’ll need one vial for every decade. For example, if you are in your 40s, you’ll need two sessions, with two vials administered during each one, over the course of four to six weeks. After your initial sessions, you’ll only need a follow-up treatment once a year. Using Morpheus8 and Sculptra will provide a subtle beauty enhancement to show the healthiest, most radiant version of yourself. No one will say, “She’s had work done,” but they will say, “Wow you look great!” And they’ll be right.
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October 2023 | BALANCE | 31
Five local artists talk about their work and what drew them to shared gallery space EsoArts
I
BY KEVIN STAIRIKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINNY TENNIS
n January of this year, Lancaster city received a new mecca for art of all forms in EsoArts, 317 N. Queen St. The space, run by artists Andrew Silvius, Annie Roth and Zach Walter with entrepreneur Zach Dreisbach, hit the ground running immediately with “do it yourself” events running the gamut from ceramics classes and figure drawing sessions to yoga and concerts. But the beating heart of the space is the artists – dozens of them selling their wares, filling almost every nook and cranny of the 4,100-square-foot space. With the help of Silvius, we picked out a few artists who recently joined EsoArts to learn more about their processes and styles. How would you describe your artistic process? I’m inspired by the mundane and gritty things in life, so I like to bring attention to nature, influential people and empty space. I try to take a recognizable image and transform it using pressed flowers. Do you think of Lancaster County as a place that supports artistic growth? I think it’s definitely becoming a great place to find other creatives to help inspire and motivate my artistic growth. What was it about Eso that made you want to sell your work there? Silv! (Andrew Silvius) He’s worked so hard in the art community to curate such a unique, fringe art spot in Lancaster, even before Eso was opened, and always made me feel welcomed. The overall vision is palpable and I wanted to be a part of it.
32 | BALANCE | October 2023
How would you describe your artistic process? Whatever comes to me naturally; it’s often a memory that influences me. My childhood in Puerto Rico comes into some of my pieces, like my palm trees. I get sparked by an idea and then I build off of it as I go. Do you think of Lancaster County as a place that supports artistic growth? Yes! Look around, I think there is a place for anyone here to create and be in the spotlight. There are murals and street art, there are fine art galleries. I think we are showing the youth that they can create and put their energy into something productive. What was it about Eso that made you want to show your work there? I’ve known Silv for a long time and I was really inspired by what he was doing for the community. He is giving people like me an opportunity to get my art out there. Eso is a place where people can come together and inspire each other, it’s a place to meet new people, learn new techniques. Eso lets you be yourself.
October 2023 | BALANCE | 33
How would you describe your artistic process? My work is all about process as printmaking doesn’t lend itself to working quickly. Many of my pieces have 10 to 20 hours or more of work in them from start to finish and I typically make one-off prints or an edition of only two or three prints before moving on to my next piece. I love the hands-on work I have to do in order to create a print. Everything I do is drawn in reverse on various types of linoleum blocks, and then hand carved, inked, and printed by hand. I tend to work in three styles and I love that I get to draw, carve, print, and paint to create one piece of art. Do you think of Lancaster County as a place that supports artistic growth? Absolutely! We have art shows happening all around the county all the time. We have First Friday happening in Lancaster and other similar events in towns all over the county. We have an art school in the city, businesses and restaurants displaying artwork seemingly everywhere. I’ve seen real expansion and excitement in the city in particular over the years. It’s pretty exciting to feel like I am part of that. What was it about Eso that made you want to sell your work there?? I was looking for a place where I could show my work and I feel welcome there. I think that is something that is hard to explain until you visit. They genuinely care about you and your work and they want to see you succeed. Andrew and Zach have helped me out a ton, from climbing 20-foot ladders to getting me set up for success in the space. I love that I can curate my area myself and hang whatever I want. There are always events there, from live music to art classes, poetry, and of course First Friday each month.
How would you describe your artistic process? I spend hours looking through color palettes, thinking about what colors I haven’t seen together on shorts. My current focus now is bottoms, like shorts and pants. Do you think of Lancaster County as a place that supports artistic growth? I moved to Lancaster in April and can tell the city is trying, EsoArts does a great job of bringing creatives together and giving them a light to the public. What was it about Eso that made you want to sell your work there? They really welcomed me with open arms, they allow artists to have complete control of what they want to create and give them a home for it. That’s really hard to find.
34 | BALANCE | October 2023
How would you describe your artistic process? Intense and messy. When I get an idea that excites me, I start as soon as I can and usually hyper-focus on the project until it’s done. I’m working on a more methodical approach, but it’s a work in progress. Do you think of Lancaster County as a place that supports artistic growth? Definitely. It’s been amazing to return to my hometown to find it’s now a place where artists can thrive. I love seeing local businesses open their venues for art markets, events and consignment. This is so important because it allows artists of all backgrounds a chance to sell their work. It’s also much easier to network and be invited to these events than before. The artists, musicians and entrepreneurs of Lancaster are so supportive of each other and truly believe there is room for everyone at the table. What was it about Eso that made you want to sell your work there? The first time I visited Eso I knew I had to be part of it. The diversity of media and style was so inspiring, I had never seen a gallery so alive. There is no need to “fit in”. Everyone is encouraged to come as they are, regardless of social connection, technical skill, or subject matter. I was welcomed with open arms from day one and have since been connected with the best sense of community and hype from the owners and other artists. I always dreamed Lancaster would have a fringe gallery like this and I’m so glad it finally exists. Andrew, Zach and Annie have big dreams and big hearts. It’s a special thing to be a part of.
Here are some other Lancaster County artists that these five recommended, and where you can fi find nd their work on Instagram: Shannon Tindall (@knotyourmuse) Holly Farrell (@hillieobjects) Mike Bair (@bikemair) Allie Reilly (@designsbyalliereilly)
Natalie Maklouf (@makloufdesigns) Andrew Silvius (@crumbslanc) Keisha Finnie (@keishafinnie) Chelsea Imhof (@she_does_art2022) Soop (@feelinsooper)
Pax Kunst (@pax.kunst) Sarah Garrett (@sarah.garrett.art) Joanne Stillman (@jolocojeans) Fee Dominguez (@feemaleartist)
Be sure to check out @esoarts_ on Instagram to follow along with events and artists. October 2023 | BALANCE | 35
ALEJANDRO BRITTES QUARTET Brazilian-based quartet composed of accordion, flute, seven-stringed guitar, and contrabass.
October 12 The Trust | Great Hall
TIANXU AN
Pianist will perform the Chopin Fantasie and Schumann Sonata No.1. In partnership with LIPF.
October 28 The Trust | Great Hall
SOUL SANCTUARY SPIRITUALS & HYMNS
Soprano Maria Clark and pianist Maria Thompson Corley perform Corley’s arrangments of religious songs.
October 29
CHANTICLEER
GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal ensemble perform their holiday concert.
November 29 The Trust | Great Hall
The Trust | Great Hall
THE LION, THE WITCH & WARDROBE
Unique 45-minute adaptation of C. S. Lewis’beloved story in which all the roles are performed by two actors.
Thanksgiving - Christmas
THE TRUST DANCE FESTIVAL 2024 Local Choreographers’Showcase and masterclasses.
January 13 – January 14 The Trust | Great Hall
TANYA GABRIELIAN
Performed dramatically word-for-word from the ESV Bible in a one-man performance given by Aaron House.
March 1 – March 2 The Trust | Black Box Theatre
The Trust | Black Box Theatre
Pianist will perform Rachmaninoff, Bartok, and Siloti transcriptions. In partnership with LIPF.
THE GOSPEL OF MARK PERFORMED BY PIERCING WORD
APOLLO5
Award-winning British vocal ensemble proves how dynamic only five voices can be.
ELARIS DUO WITH XUN PAN
String duo joins Steinway Artist to perform Mendelssohn PianoTrio No. 1 in D Minor and Brahms PianoTrio No. 1. In partnership with LIPF.
March 16
April 5
May 4
The Trust | Great Hall
The Trust | Great Hall
The Trust | Great Hall
SAMANTHA HANKEY
Opera News praised“Lucious” Mezzo-Soprano performs works by Strauss, Bizet, and Debussy.
March 12 The Trust | Great Hall
The Trust is an architecturally stunning venue for music, theatre, dance, lectures, and community events in the heart of Lancaster’s downtown arts district. In 1912, the Lancaster Trust Company completed construction on their new headquarters – a Beaux-Arts masterpiece from the imagination of Lancaster’s leading architect, C. Emlen Urban. A century later, Lancaster Bible College has reimagined it into The Trust Performing Arts Center. Our Arts & Culture Series exists to honor God by encouraging excellence in the work of student and professional artists and by enriching our community through inspiring, challenging, and redemptive experiences.
MIDTOWN SCHOLAR BOOKSTORE PRESENTS
THE 11TH ANNUAL
HARRISBURG BOOK FESTIVAL I
t’s not surprising that one of the nation’s leading independent bookstores would host one of the largest book festivals in the country. But the good news for central Pennsylvania book lovers is that it’s all right in their own backyard.
Midtown Scholar Bookstore, located just a few blocks down from the State Capitol in Harrisburg, will host the 11th annual Harrisburg Book Festival this fall from Oct. 18-22. Featuring award-winning authors, a day of children’s activities, a bargain book sale and more, the festival will have something for everyone. “We’re trying to throw the biggest party possible for book lovers,” says Alex Brubaker, the festival’s executive director. “It’s important for us to have an author lineup that reflects and represents all the diversity in literature. We want there to be something for anyone that loves books.” Brubaker expects the festival to attract some 10,000 visitors from across Pennsylvania and surrounding states over its five-day run this year. Visitors will be treated to a star-studded lineup that includes Booker Prize-winning author George Saunders; NPR “Morning Edition” host Steve Inskeep; New York Times best-selling authors Chloe Gong, Jenny Lawson, Samantha Irby and Kate Baer; Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen, and more.
All author events are free and will be held at Midtown Scholar, except for the keynote address, a conversation with Saunders that takes place at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at The Whitaker Center. Cost for the festival’s only ticketed event is $25 and includes a signed copy of Saunders’ new book, “Liberation Day.” For young readers, Children’s Day will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 21, with face painting, story time, book signings and a bookstore scavenger hunt. Also returning this year is Blind Date with a Book, where customers can purchase books wrapped in brown paper based only on keywords and pictures that give clues to what’s inside. Despite the availability of e-books and audiobooks, Brubaker says nothing can replace the feeling of reading a physical book. That’s one of the many reasons he expects the Harrisburg Book Festival will continue to grow bigger and better each year. “We love our readers and writers here in Pennsylvania,” Brubaker says. “It’s a testament to the strength of our literary community that we’re able to pull this off; hopefully we’ll continue to be around for a long, long time.” For more information and a full schedule of events for the festival, visit hbgbookfest.com.
1302 N 3RD STREET HARRISBURG, PA 717.236.1680 SUPPORTED BY
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Do you have the financial tools to handle life’s challenges? W
hen it comes to money habits, Beth Vulopas believes everyone has a story. Hers goes back to Christmas 1975 when she found a 64-pack of Crayola crayons —the kind with the built-in sharpener— under the tree. “We would always get one craft and one outfit and an orange or something. It was a very humble Christmas,” she says. “I wanted these crayons forever.” Happiness turned to tears when her sister’s cat ate those treasured crayons. But learning her parents couldn’t afford to replace them made an even bigger impression. “My money habits were really defined by that one Christmas,” she says. These days, Vulopas helps clients make the most of their money as founder and managing principal at Chestnut Street Investment Counsel, a registered investment advisory firm in downtown Lancaster. She is also fully engaged in managing her own family finances, but she says many women - even those with impressive education and careers - are not. That’s what inspired her to write a financial guidebook for women. “A Woman’s Wealth: Designing Financial Confidence” will be published in November. “We have a couple of clients who have ended up being divorced, not by their own choice, and they had no idea (about their finances) and they’re in a very bad situation,” Vulopas says. “It made me feel really strongly, if you can figure this out before things happen—someone dies, your relationship dissolves— you’re going to really be better able to handle life changes.” Geared toward women at every stage and age in life, “A Woman’s Wealth” not only walks the reader through financial basics but also takes them on a journey of self-discovery to understand their money patterns and their attitudes toward money. It includes contributions from Lancaster-based therapist Carol Emerson.
38 | BALANCE | October 2023
While the book offers hands-on strategies for creating a budget, calculating net worth, investing and estate planning, the first chapter focuses on something just as important: getting in touch with your financial feelings. “We just want women to kind of dial down and not feel bad about what their habits are but just understand why they have them,” Vulopas says. Chestnut Street Investment Counsel has two male portfolio managers and serves both male and female clients, but as a woman-owned advisory firm. Vulopas is especially interested in giving women the knowledge they need to realize their worth. “The book would be a success to me if one person used the tools and it helped them become more aware of their financial situation and encouraged them to take a bigger role in it.”
For more information on financial planning and investment services, or pre-ordering the book, visit chestnutstreetic.com.
A
s we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re reminded that no one is immune to life’s challenges. Although breast cancer most often affects women, 1 in every 100 cases in the U.S. is diagnosed in a man, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Life-changing events happen to everyone. Some are devastating and unexpected, like death or a cancer diagnosis. Some are difficult, like divorce or job loss. Some are joyful, like marriage or the birth of a child. We can't always control life’s challenges, but we can handle them easier if we plan ahead. “Everyone should be prepared financially for life changes,” says Gabriella Farhat of the Lancaster law firm Pyfer Reese Straub Gray and Farhat PC. Among the firm’s practice areas are family law, Social Security Disability, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and will and estate planning. Farhat recommends meeting with an attorney now to put these important plans in place for the future:
WILL: A will ensures that your assets get distributed as you wish after your death, whether it’s a family heirloom or the funds in your bank account. It also allows you to name a guardian for minor children. Without a will, your possessions could go to relatives you wouldn’t have chosen, and your loved ones could end up paying your debts or higher taxes.
LIVING WILL: A living will carries out your personal health care wishes—such as whether you want a feeding tube or life support—when you are unable to vocalize them yourself. It not only guarantees you get the treatment you prefer, but also relieves family members from the burden of making those decisions themselves. POWER OF ATTORNEY: A power of attorney is a trusted person whom you designate to make important financial and/or medical decisions on your behalf when you cannot make them yourself. When preparing to meet with an attorney, individuals and couples should compile a list of beneficiaries, the names of guardians or trustees for minor children, documentation of all assets and the names of executors. Once a plan is in place, Farhat recommends reviewing it every three to five years - or whenever there’s a major change in your life, expected or unexpected. “When you meet with a lawyer, you gain knowledge,” Farhat says. “When you’re formally meeting with an attorney about your financial situation, you’re discussing your bank accounts, you’re discussing things openly together as a unit. There’s no hidden agenda there. You become well informed simply by meeting with an attorney to discuss these documents that are for the benefit of both of you.” For more information, or to consult with an attorney about your will and estate planning or other unexpected life events, visit pyferreese.com. - ADVERTISING FEATURE -
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PyferReese.com October 2023 | BALANCE | 39
TIME LESS: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF WATCHMAKING BY MIKE ANDRELCZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINNY TENNIS
40 | BALANCE | October 2023
R
oland Murphy, owner and founder of RGM Watch Company, specializes in what at first sounds like some kind of Zen riddle - creating timeless timepieces.
You don’t need to be a high-end watch connoisseur to be familiar with some of Lancaster County’s watchmaking history like the Hamilton Watch Co., where Murphy once worked, the Lititz Watch Technicum and the Bowman Technical School, which trained thousands of watchmakers, including Murphy, before it closed in 1992. But although it’s become more well-known by the watch collecting community, RGM is still somewhat of a hidden gem.
Teddy Baldassarre - a luxury watch influencer whose most popular YouTube videos have clocked more than 2 million views - called Murphy “the greatest American watchmaker.”
Murphy says he became interested in watchmaking “totally by accident.” He attended a vocational high school for carpentry and cabinetmaking. During his senior year, he was able to go to school for a half-day and work a half-day. A counselor told him about an opening at the Daneker Clock Company, where they made grandfather clocks and mantel clocks using German movements. Murphy found he enjoyed working with clocks and someone recommended he continue his education at the Bowman Technical School, where they offered courses on repairing clocks and watches. At Bowman, Murphy discovered he loved working with watches. After attending the Bowman, Murphy studied at Watchmakers of Switzerland Education and Training Program (WOSTEP) - a prestigious watchmaking program in Neuchatel, Switzerland. After his training in Switzerland, Murphy returned to Lancaster County where he worked for Hamilton, rising to technical director, before going out on his own to start RGM in 1992. Murphy’s Mount Joy-based brand marked a significant passage of time last year when it celebrated its 30th anniversary. RGM’s handcrafted watches combine every aspect of time: past, present and future. Murphy and the dozen technicians who work on the watches are inspired by traditional Swiss and American watchmaking-methods and designs of the past. Their watches work with present fashions. And their innovative forward-looking customizable designs have an eye toward the future. “What’s important to me is that everything is real,” says Murphy, 62, of Manheim. “This world is so full of faux things made to look like something that years ago was made so much better. I hate that kind of thing, so it has to be the real craft. I don’t offer anything that’s inferior to something that was done years ago.” In the age of smartwatches that can send texts and stream music while simultaneously tracking your heart rate and your stock quotes, handmade custom designed watches may seem anachronistic. “I think smartwatches really have just kind of gotten people used to wearing a watch on their arm again,” says Murphy. “I know people that have smartwatches but also have nice watches. They have an appeal, you know, it’s one of the few things a man really adorns himself with.” (RGM does make women’s models too.) Of course, Murphy only wears his own watches. When he’s dressing up he’ll put on his PS-801-E – the letters of which stand for “Pennsylvania series” and “engine-turned,” with the 801 referring to RGM’s 801 movement behind the dial. The PS-801-E features keystone-shaped hands in honor of the Keystone State. The PS-801 E, like most RGM pieces, is firmly rooted in the history of horology from technique to design, and those keystone-shaped hands were inspired by a set of thin gold hands with keystones on them that Murphy was given in watchmaking school in Lancaster.
October 2023 | BALANCE | 41
Murphy did a bit of investigating and found those hands were made by the Keystone Watch Company, which operated in Lancaster from 1886 to 1891. RGM makes less than 300 watches annually, but the hand-made, high-end pieces range in price from around $3,000 to nearly $100,000 with most models at around $30,000. Customizable watches can get even more expensive. The intricate movements - the watch’s engine and internal mechanisms - and cases are made with silver, gold and platinum, as well as gems, jewels and stainless steel. In 2000, Murphy began making his own movements, though RGM still occasionally uses some Swiss-made movements.
"This is about doing what I love to do for a living and creating pieces that are made to last and can be handed down."
After reading George Daniels’ book “Watchmaking,” Murphy became interested in engine turning, also known as guilloche - a centuries-old but increasingly rare form of engraving intricate ornamental patterns on metal surfaces like jewelry and watches using a rose engine or straight line hand-turned machine. There are traditional patterns like the barleycorn, moire and the Clous de Paris, but there are an infinite number of possible patterns and design elements. (For those interested in learning more, Murphy has posted videos explaining and illustrating the process on the company’s website, rgmwatches.com.) RGM has seven vintage machines - one of which is about a century old. At the time he purchased his first machine, Murphy says, he didn’t even really know how to use it. But, he’s since described the time-consuming but rewarding process as “mystical” and “magical.” Only a handful of watchmakers still use these machines, though many mimic the guilloche technique by stamping patterns onto metal plates instead of using hand-turned rose engines. “This is about doing what I love to do for a living and creating pieces that are made to last and can be handed down,” says Murphy. “The pieces take on a life of their own and, to me, that’s exciting.” 42 | BALANCE | October 2023
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“
My first encounter with recovery was court ordered when I was just 19 years old. Now in my 40’s, I am finally grasping the concept. Despite many failed attempts over the years, I kept trying. Abstinence from substance abuse has changed my journey and my destination. I took a proactive effort to create a new beginning. I am now able to connect with God, my family and my community on a conscious and meaningful level. From that, I receive incredible gratitude and the highest satisfaction of living. — Cindy
“
Recovery to me looks like building back healthy relationships with the ones I love. Recovery took me from being part of the problem, to a place in my life where I could become part of the solution. Without a doubt one of the best things recovery has given me is a sense that I am not alone. If you would’ve told me several years ago that I would be helping others accomplish what was so freely given to me, I wouldn’t have believed you. I am forever in debt to recovery, so recovery is everything to me! — Eric
In Lancaster County, recovery is a vital part of our healthy community. About 1 in every 8 people has a substance use disorder, but this is a treatable medical condition with strong chances of recovery with the proper supports and resources. Lancaster Joining Forces and many community partners are working together to prevent overdose deaths and promote recovery. Visit lancasterjoiningforces.org for more information about our community initiatives to prevent overdose deaths.
46 | BALANCE | October 2023
“
Recovery, to me, means the opportunity for growth, healing, and transformation. It embodies resilience, perseverance, and the power to overcome adversity. Recovery is not just about bouncing back, but rather, it’s about stepping forward into a new version of myself. It’s a journey of self-discovery, where I confront my pain, face my fears, and embrace the necessary changes to create a better life for me and my children. Recovery is helping me find strength in vulnerability. Recovery is learning to forgive myself and the people who hurt me. Recovery means I don’t have to hide my trauma anymore but embrace it. It is helping me create a positive, fulfilling future. It’s about learning from mistakes, seeking support, and developing the tools and resources to sustain progress. Ultimately, recovery means reclaiming control of my life, rebuilding shattered pieces, and embracing a path of healing and wholeness. Recovery means I will no longer hurt my family or children. That’s what recovery means to me. My favorite quote to live by is, Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE, even the word itself says I’M POSSIBLE. — Paige
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For me recovery was something I always wanted but never thought I could achieve. I would try then fail and try then fail. I couldn’t understand why I just couldn’t grasp it. I felt like a shell of a person and a disappointment. Then one day I found out I was pregnant and felt my baby girl kick for the first time. Enough was enough and I knew she deserved a mom who was present and healthy. So I fought as hard as I could for the help I needed and continue to fight every day. So I guess what recovery means to me is I get to be present in the day and in the moment. I get to give my daughter the life she and I deserve. I’m now an aunt to my beautiful nieces and get to be part of their lives. Recovery has given me so much that I never thought I could have. I am truly grateful for my life today and for the people who never gave up on me. — Evan
To find treatment and recovery support services, visit Compass Mark at compassmark.org/find-help. Check out the Lancaster County Recovery Alliance at lancastercountyrecovery.com for community events and recovery resources.
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October 2023 | BALANCE | 47
Rediscover the sounds of Fall with - the world’s only 24/7 , 100% invisible hearing aid. 1
Lyric was designed to remain out of sight and out of mind. It is invisible in the ear canal and can be worn 24 hours per day, seven days a week for months at a time1. • No daily hassles • No batteries to change • Showerproof2 • Wear it while exercising, sleeping, and talking on the phone
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1 - Individual replacement needs may vary. Duration of device battery life varies by patient and is subject to individual ear conditions. 2 - Lyric is water resistant, not waterproof, and should not be completely submerged under water.