Banking on Beer: New Brew Barons Beer Trail taps into tourist trend

August 31, 2020 | by Karen Hendricks

If Dauphin County were a city, it would be in the top 30, nationwide, for breweries per capita.

Based on population, and with more breweries set to open, it would take the next round of national beer statistics by storm. Nearby, Lancaster is already in the top 25.

Jason Meckes did his homework when he helped design Visit Hershey & Harrisburg’s (VHH) new Brew Barons Beer Trail, which launched in mid-July.

“Beer tourism is a proven model, so we took the logical first step,” said Meckes, whose title is “experience development director.” “Some beer trails are part of a marketing department’s afterthought, but this wasn’t without research and development.”

Meckes was hired last September specifically to create marketable Dauphin County experiences designed to attract residents and visitors alike.

Homework is something he’s used to—he’s a former teacher. And he most recently served as executive director of the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society, where he paired riverboat cruises with local craft breweries for “brews cruises.”

The Brew Barons Beer Trail links about 20 craft breweries throughout Dauphin County via a cutting-edge mobile app, “Brew Barons.” Partner breweries are all listed, with their hours and locations, and trail-hoppers “check in” using the app’s GPS capabilities to earn three tiers of prizes, including a stainless steel growler with the Beer Barons logo.

Drinkable Data

One of the biggest benefits of basing the trail on an app is the real-time data it captures. And Meckes considers the trail’s first month of figures “a pretty remarkable success.”

In the first four weeks, the app registered 1,100 downloads, 1,092 brewery check-ins, an average of 3.6 check-ins per user and 18 hotel reservations for beer trail packages. Nearly 30% of users are from outside the area.

According to Meckes’ research, the average local user spends $35.17, while the average visitor from outside the area spends $252.38.

“The Brew Barons Beer Trail added an estimated $29,588.55 to local businesses in four weeks’ time,” said Meckes. “Helping businesses stay afloat during what’s probably the most challenging time they’ve ever faced—I’m quite proud that we’ve been able to make an impact, and this is just the beginning.”

The trail, originally planned for a spring launch, was delayed due to the pandemic. Once the state went green and breweries started re-opening, the visitors bureau went full steam ahead on the trail’s launch.

And they only see more green lights ahead. Four more breweries are set to join the trail through the remainder of 2020.

“Beer tourism is not only a thing—it’s growing,” Meckes said. “One of the biggest questions is whether we are in a bubble. We’ve seen similar things in other industries, with other trends. But it takes two years for a brewery to apply for a permit and then start brewing. And based on the number of permits being issued—it’s like seeing two years into the future—craft beer is still growing.”

Meckes defines “beer tourism” as “when you’re specifically traveling to breweries for what are called ‘beer assets.’”

And Dauphin County has plenty of those assets.

“Nationally, we have the recognized beers of Tröegs, but we also have smaller breweries with a local feel and flavor like Mellow Mink focused on sours and aged beers,” Meckes said. “Others, like Zeroday, they really shine when it comes to off-the-wall names and flavors, and Appalachian Brewing has a huge reputation for everything in between. And we have our eye on new breweries like Harris Family and others getting ready to do exciting things.”

Browsing through breweries’ trail data from the first month, check-ins show visits to a wide variety of breweries, including plenty of smaller players.

“One of the most incredible things I’ve seen—one of the newest area breweries is Liquid Noise, and they’re in the top 10 for check-ins on our app,” Meckes said.

Crafty Partnerships

Chris Trogner, co-owner of Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, was struck by VHH’s “enthusiasm” for the trail’s development.

“We know that, with their energy and support, the app will absolutely be a success,” Trogner said. “It was easy for us to say yes to their request since they’ve made sure the user experience is their main focus, while making the process very easy for breweries, as well.”

While Tröegs represents the largest brewery on the trail, Kristin Messner-Baker represents the smallest. She’s the co-owner of Harrisburg’s The Vegetable Hunter, which includes a boutique brewery.

“We were first and foremost a vegan restaurant, but adding the brewery complemented everything,” she said. “We’re probably one of the only vegan restaurants with a brewery in the nation.”

Brews at The Vegetable Hunter, made in fresh, small batches, range widely from a peach IPA to a strawberry double IPA to a blueberry sour.

Messner-Baker said that the trail’s launch came at the perfect time “to help people enjoy great beer and get some sort of normalcy back.”

“This is a way people can do social distancing, but grab a beer and have fun, too,” she said. “Right now, in this world, we need fun things that give us something to look forward to.”

For more information, see brewbarons.com, and search for the app “Brew Barons.”

Quarantune: Nearly York turns lemons into longevity

August 31, 2020 | by Deborah E. Lynch

Nearly York. Photos by Jeff Pittenger.

We all know those songs that just feel like summer. They’re the ones we turn up on a windows-down drive or play on repeat at the barbeque. But bottle this summer up, and you’d think even the catchiest tune couldn’t make the summer of COVID a jam.

Think again.

Nearly York, a Lancaster-based alt-pop band, released a new song, “These Nights,” striking a chord with listeners who have felt a longing for carefree summer nights.

Although newly released, the song has been kicking around since 2014 or 2015. Originally called “New Year’s Eve,” the song seemed to fit the quarantine times, as well. When the band recorded in Nashville last fall, members played around with it, and the entire instrumentation, including a new beat, changed.

With that, “These Nights” was reborn. They shot the music video in drummer and percussionist Chris Mundy’s garage and released it all on the same day in June.

“It was written about the idea of just having fun with your friends,” Brad Hartman, guitarist and bassist, said. “COVID was an underlying thing we weren’t really thinking about at the time.”

The chorus from “These Nights” echoes these sentiments.

“These nights aren’t complicated;
My friends, we keep things simple enough when we show up, oh yeah.”

And show up they have.

Nearly York formed in 2018 when Hartman and lead vocalist and guitarist Lucas Gienow were music recording technology students at Lebanon Valley College. The two immediately connected over music. Mundy came along later when he found out through bartending with Gienow that he was making music.

“I started pestering my way in, and here we are,” Mundy said.

Nearly York often plays in the Harrisburg area at events like Kipona, Fire and Ice Festival and the Millennium Music Conference. But, like many musicians, they’ve had to adapt this year, finding creative ways to get their music out.

Changes

While COVID has been destructive, it has also been the catalyst for innovation. Businesses, schools and many other institutions changed their models to survive. Artists and musicians like Nearly York are no exception.

All three band members still have “day” jobs that sustain them. Gienow is a record producer/engineer and bartender, Hartman works audio for Clair Global in Lititz, and Mundy is a school counselor. But they have used the COVID “free time” to write new music and perform virtually.

Gienow livestreams performances through Facebook. He posts tip-jar links to his Paypal and Venmo accounts and finds that fans have been generous.

They are also working on videography to be better equipped to shoot their own music videos. Using Zoom and their own recording equipment, each member of the band records his part separately then sends it off to be mixed.

“The song you’re hearing was recorded in my room, Brad’s room and Chris’s room,” Gienow said.

When Nearly York officially started, the members formed an LLC. This has allowed them to act as the business that they are, writing off everything from gas on trips to instruments and equipment.

“All the money we made in the past few years would go into our business account,” Hartman said. “So, we had saved up quite a bit of money. … We’re pretty lucky to be in the situation to be able to record at home.”

The pandemic has forced techniques the band plans to continue using post-COVID, but members agree that forming the LLC was the smartest thing they did.

“I’m 30, playing in original bands since I was 16, and this is the only band I’ve been in that I haven’t been losing money,” Mundy said.

Silver Linings

With a loss of touring income, Nearly York has focused more on its YouTube channel, Facebook page and Instagram account.

“Why not be creating content—short videos of us playing songs, acoustic versions, alternate versions,” Gienow said.

Nearly York has produced some of its music at Studio 2300 in Nashville with the help of Dustin Richardson, a mixing engineer for Universal Music Group. Richardson, who has mixed for artists including Ariana Grande, Post Malone, The Killers and KISS, said most musicians and artists have had to turn to livestreaming and social media “not only for exposure, but to help make ends meet as well.”

He said that, while most streaming is free, it has other benefits—bands are reaching more fans globally.

“A lot of the time, I work with bands who don’t have a clear vision of what they want to sound like, but Lucas and Brad make it easy because they are both very hands-on and opinionated,” Richardson said.

Locally, the band turns to Carl Bahner to mix and produce its songs. COVID benefited his work as a remote mix engineer since recording had to be done remotely. He said that his project load tripled after quarantine.

“There were some definite silver linings,” he said.

One day, we all hope, COVID will be history, and music will return to live venues.

However, the band now worries about the paychecks they might be offered for reduced capacity audiences. If they have to accept less, what will that mean for the future, when things truly return to normal? Will musicians be able to command fees similar to what they used to draw?

“We put years of work and effort into creating entertainment value,” Gienow said. “That has a price we feel it is worth. So, we have to make sure that doesn’t get undercut.”

For more information about Nearly York, visit www.nearlyyork.com. Watch the music video for “These Nights” on their YouTube channel.

Runs in the Family: The Washingtons rediscover their love of art, create gallery for city hall

August 31, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

The Washington family, from left: Dynellia, Siede, Selah and Sedrick.

Dynellia Washington remembers seeing her name in the newspaper when she was young.

She won second place in an art competition. Her mom was so proud that she cut out the section that featured her daughter. To this day, her mom still has that clipping.

But, once she reached high school, Dynellia was discouraged to pursue art by a guidance counselor who told her it wouldn’t pan out well.

Despite feeling unsupported at school, Dynellia left her hometown of Harrisburg and went on to study at the former Art Institute of Pittsburgh and the Art Institute of Atlanta. She then taught art for four years.

Now, much more advanced than that piece in the newspaper clipping, her art hangs in Harrisburg’s MLK Jr. City Government Center as part of the Art Association of Harrisburg’s Community Exhibition Program.

This gallery was Dynellia’s entry back into the art world, a world that she never really left mentally, but was finally dipping her brush back into. It had been years since she taught art or focused much time onto her own art.

“This show put the fire back in me,” she said.

Dream Come True

This gallery holds even more importance to Dynellia because it’s not only her artwork showing but her entire family’s: husband Sedrick, son Siede and daughter Selah.

The gallery features a sampling of Sedrick’s photographs, which show animals like cattle, geese and insects up close. Dynellia’s collection revolves around the zebra. She used mixed media techniques to paint the animal as well as showcase its print on a grove of trees and a vase of flowers.

Dynellia said her artwork is often inspired by her husband’s photography.

“I critique myself very hard, but he’s always there,” she said. “He’s my biggest cheerleader.”

The couple met through art when they were both living in Atlanta. They connected while Sedrick was doing videography work. The two artists fell in love, got married and eventually had their two children. Dynellia’s dream of having a family that loved art like she did was taking shape.

Siede, who is 13, created a collection of anime sketches inspired by his favorite TV shows for the gallery. He watches YouTube tutorials showing him how to carefully pencil characters from the cartoons.

“He can go to his room and do it for hours,” Dynellia said.

On the other hand, 8-year-old Selah loves to join her mom when she paints.

“She likes to do abstract like me,” Dynellia said.

Displayed in city hall are Selah’s brightest and most colorful pieces of art. Some are mixed media pieces; one uses melted crayons to create a rainbow waterfall. Others are paintings like a big juicy watermelon and a glittery mountain range.

“I always dreamed of doing art with my kids,” Dynellia said. “It has come to fruition.”

Back to Life

The family became members of the Art Association about a year ago. There, they met President Carrie Wissler-Thomas, who found out that the whole family created art and then couldn’t resist putting it on display.

“I said, ‘Let’s show the whole family!’” Wissler-Thomas said. “I thought, what fun for the city government center.”

She gave them over a year to prepare and bring their best pieces to show.

After delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they finally put their art on display in July and couldn’t be happier to feature it in their hometown.

The AAH Community Exhibition Program puts displays art in a number of public places in the Harrisburg area. Wissler-Thomas explained how the program gives smaller-scale, local artists a chance to showcase their work.

“I found my outlet with the Art Association,” Dynellia said. “Even if I can’t do it full-time, I can at least do something.”

The art show encouraged Dynellia to start a website to showcase and sell her art. She plans to stay involved with the Art Association and find other ways to immerse herself in the Harrisburg art scene.

“The Art Association is what brought us back to life,” she said. “It makes me really proud that me and my husband have shown our kids that they can have a side hustle.”

The Washington Family Gallery is on display through the end of October in Harrisburg’s MLK City Government Center, 10 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. The Art Association of Harrisburg is located at 21 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.artassocofhbg.com. For more information about Dynellia Washington and her art, visit www.originalpiecesdsw.com.

Happenings: Our September Calendar of Events

August 31, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Museums & Art Spaces

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

“Yes, We Drive These Cars!” exhibition of early signage, artifacts and several vehicles, preserving the history of horseless carriages, through Oct. 18

“’Look…They Gave Me a Map!’ The Enduring Appeal of Road Maps,” through Oct. 30

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“Hidley Re-imagined,” through Sept. 7.

“La Petite” Fall Membership Exhibition, Sept. 13-Oct. 15

Carlisle Arts Learning Center
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

“Finding Inspiration,” works by painter and mixed media artist Rebecca Pollard Myers and found object sculptor Jason Lyons, through Sept. 19

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

“A Growing Creative Community,” works by the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, through Sept. 12

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Hershey Public Library Hallway Gallery, through Oct. 10

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Virtual exhibition of ceramic sculptures by Chuck Johnson, through Oct. 1

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; sqart.org

“Creating Joy—Art Inspired By Music,” through Sept. 20

“Separate and Unequaled: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues,” through Oct. 18

“Picturing the Body,” an exhibition of photographs created as part of a Millersville University course of the same name, through Oct. 25

“Historic Memory,” paintings by Joerg Dressler and Shawn Huckins that address the collective, or historic, memory of Western culture and its influences on contemporary consciousness, through Nov. 8

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; wildwoodlake.org

“Art in the Wild,” nature-inspired trailside art installations created by artists using natural materials, through Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

Carlisle Arts Learning Center
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

Sept. 10-Oct. 15: ZOOM!—Shoot, Share & Discuss, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 12: Eco-Dyeing with Staghorn Sumac, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 12: Plein Air Pen and Ink Drawing Workshop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sept. 16: Creative Collage, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: Create a Planter, 6-7:30 p.m.

Dauphin County Historical Society
Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

Sept. 9-Oct. 2: Archaeology Excavation, weekdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Sept. 9: Rin Tin Tin—DIY Dog Toy, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 12: Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 14, 21, 28: Born to Read, 9:30-10 a.m.
Sept. 14, 21, 28: Build Your Own Book Club, 4-5:30 p.m.
Sept. 15: Animal Crossing—New Horizon (ages 18+), 4-6 p.m.
Sept. 15, 22, 29: Family Storytime, 6-6:30 p.m.
Sept. 16: Small Business Workshop, 3-5 p.m.
Sept. 16, 23, 30: Toddler Storytime, 10-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 16, 23, 30: Banned Book Club, 4-5:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: McCormick & Olewine Library Friends, 5:30-7 p.m.
Sept. 17: P-ARRR-ty Time!, 6-6:45 p.m.
Sept. 17: Device Club, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 18, 25: Preschool Storytime, 10-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 19, 26: Dungeons and Dragons, 3-5 p.m.
Sept. 23: Preparing for the 2020 Election, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 30: Knit 1, Crochet Too!, 6-7 p.m.

Elizabethtown Public Library
10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown
717-367-7467; etownpubliclibrary.org

Sept. 3, 17: Family LEGO Club, 11 a.m.
Sept. 8-11: Book Sale, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sept. 18: Book Sale Bonus Day, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sept. 19: Book Sale Bonus Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

Sept. 1: ZOOM—Curl up with the Classics—“Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 2: ZOOM—Moving Forward Book Group w/Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 3, 7: ZOOM—Plot Twisters (ages 15-18), 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 8: ZOOM—Mini Zen Garden (ages 6-10), 6 p.m.
Sept. 8, 15: Natalie D. Craumer Writers’ Workshop: Write Right Now, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 9: ZOOM—Avoiding Identity Theft and Scams, 11 a.m.
Sept. 10: Peaceful Poses Children’s Story Time, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 10, 24: ZOOM—Teen Book Club, 5:45-7 p.m.
Sept. 14: Twisted Stitches, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 15: KIND Book Club (ages 8-12), 6 p.m.
Sept. 16: ZOOM—Write On, 8-9 p.m.
Sept. 19, 28: ZOOM—Fredricksen Reads, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 21: ZOOM—Avoiding Identity Theft and Scams, 6 p.m.
Sept. 21: ZOOM—Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
Sept. 23: ZOOM—Jackbox Games (ages 12-18), 5 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Sept. 8-29: Virtual Watercolor Magic, Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 15-Oct. 20: Drawing, Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

Sept. 10: ZOOM—Morning Contemporary Book Group, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 10: ZOOM—Evening Contemporary Book Group, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 13: Virtual Introduction to Publishing Your Writing, 2 p.m.
Sept. 13: ZOOM—Arabiqa! Drums and Dances from the Arab World Children’s Program, 2 p.m.
Sept. 13: ZOOM—Hershey Trivia, 4 p.m.
Sept. 14, 21, 28: Facebook Live—Books & Babies, 10 a.m.
Sept. 15: Virtual 1, 2, Whee!, 10 a.m.
Sept. 17, 24: Facebook Live Storytime, 10 a.m.
Sept. 17: ZOOM—Life Long Readers Book Group, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 20: ZOOM—Friends Program, Heroes of Flight 93, 2 p.m.
Sept. 24: ZOOM—Between the Lines Book Group, 6:45 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.com

Sept. 20: Preservation Celebration Toast, 5-7 p.m.
Sept. 26: Walking Tour—The Old 8th Ward, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St, Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

Sept. 1: Teen Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 8: Tween Scene, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 11: Dungeons & Dragons, 6-9 p.m.
Sept. 14, 21, 28: Rhyme Time In The Park (18 months and younger), 9-9:30 a.m.
Sept. 14, 21, 28: Story Time in the Park (ages 3-6), 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Sept. 14, 21, 28: Family Story Time at the Park, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 15: ZOOM STEM Club, 6-6:45 p.m.
Sept. 16: ZOOM Sci-Fi Book Club, 7 p.m.
Sept. 17: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 17: Outdoor Mindfulness, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 19: Kindergarten Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 19: First Grade Club, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 21: Virtual Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 23: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 26: Trivia Night at Home—Totally Tubular 80s, 6-8 p.m.

The LBGT Center of Central PA
1306 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Common Roads Young Adults, 4-6 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Common Roads Youth, 6-8 p.m.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Café
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Sept. 1: Live with Lynda Lopez, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 2: Live with Drew Hart, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 3: Live with Ian Toll and John McManus, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 8: Live with David Lienemann, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 9: Live with Fredrik Backman and Ruth Ware, 5-6 p.m.
Sept. 10: Live with Nick Flynn and Paul Weitz, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 11: Live with Chuck Palahniuk, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 14: Live with Timothy Snyder and Jason Stanley, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 16: Live with Yaa Gyasi and Kiley Reid, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 17: Live with Wendy Walker and Mary Kubica, 7-8 p.m.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Sept. 12: Troegs + Ned Smith Center Rugged 5K Trail Run, 5 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Sept. 14: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 6-8 p.m.

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

Sept. 1-30: Women in STEM Awards Program
Sept. 22: Talk with Docs—Dr. Bernadette Gilbert, 7-8:30 p.m.

Live Music

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Sept. 17: Martina McBride
Sept. 24: Paul Anka sings Sinatra

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

Sept. 2: Drake Bell
Sept. 18: Puddle of Mudd, Jameson Rodgers
Sept. 28: Michael Sweet (of Stryper)

Messiah University School of Arts
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Sept. 25: Messiah University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds Livestream

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Sept. 26: Stuart Malina & Friends

Rusty Rail Brewing Company
5 N. 8th North St., Mifflinburg
570-966-7878; rustyrailbrewing.com

Sept. 6: RL Boyce with Lightnin’ Malcolm
Sept. 27: Steve Forbert

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Sept. 25: Xun Pan plays Beethoven

The Stage Door

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

Sept. 17-Nov. 7: “Saturday Night Fever”

Gamut Theatre Group
15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamuttheatre.org

Sept. 12-28: “Chekhov Comedy—Love Hurts!”

September Editor’s Note

August 31, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Once a year, TheBurg features a special dining section that we call “Midstate Table.”

Midstate Table is a paid advertising section that allows Harrisburg-area restaurants to feature their cuisine in a beautiful, professionally photographed and designed format. It’s also a moneymaker for TheBurg, which helps us continue to offer our products and services free to readers.

Typically, Midstate Table appears in the spring. But, when the pandemic hit in March, we decided to move the section up to September, hoping the restaurant business would be better by then.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t improved enough. Most (though not all) restaurants have reopened, but many are still struggling, with only a fraction of their normal volume. So, once again, we had to cancel Midstate Table.

I mention this to reiterate a plea I made months ago. If you’re able, please support our local businesses robustly, especially our many fantastic restaurants. Soon, the weather will start to cool down, making even expanded outdoor dining—a temporary salve for many eateries during the pandemic—infeasible.

Even though we had to scrub our paid dining section this month, we still are featuring numerous reported stories about food and restaurants. At TheBurg, we have a strong commitment to this community, so we plan to continue offering as much free content as we can.

As you might expect, our story lineup this month includes a lengthy feature on the effects of COVID on our restaurant community. Restaurateurs have made different, often difficult, choices on tactics and strategies. So, we explore how they’ve adapted and what they’re pondering as we head into the fall.

Lastly, I want to recognize the numerous restaurants in our area opened recently by people of color.

Last month, we featured Queen’s, which offers outstanding barbecue and Southern dishes, and, this month, we have stories on House of Vegans, a new Black-owned restaurant in Midtown, and Roots of My Land, an Ecuadoran restaurant on Allison Hill. Meanwhile, a Venezuelan and a Latino restaurant are opening soon in downtown Harrisburg.

Bravo! May this welcome trend continue, adding long-needed diversity to Harrisburg’s already vibrant restaurant scene.

Lawrance Binda

Co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

If you’d like to support our community journalism, please join Friends of TheBurg, our new membership program for fans and supporters. Details are on our website.

Last Chance Dessert: There’s still enough fresh fruit available to make a delicious peach pie

August 31, 2020 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

When my sons were small, countless summer hours were spent at Little League baseball games, the local pool called “Sun and Splash” and day trips to places like Gettysburg, the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. But we also loved our adventures to local farm markets to take advantage of all the summer fruits and vegetables as they came into season.

We picked beautiful strawberries at Strites Orchard in Harrisburg until our baskets overflowed. We picked blueberries and black raspberries in the heat of July at Ashcombe Farms in Mechanicsburg (that was harder). But perhaps my most cherished memory involves our trips to Bentzel’s Peach Orchard in Bowmansdale.

Standing on small ladders, we picked peaches by the bushel basket while they were still warm from the sun. After sharing some with relatives, a lot of peaches remained—peaches for morning cereal, peach jam, peach chutney (which only I ate), peach cobbler and peach coffee cake. I learned to make peach Marsala pie covered with mounds of fresh whipped cream, a perfect company dessert. But to this day, my favorite peach dessert is a simple peaches-and-cream pie my mother taught me to make. She called it “peach macaroon pie.”

To write this column, I searched high and low for her little handwritten card with the recipe on it. Not finding it, I located a similar recipe in my original (and very old) Betty Crocker cookbook, which was also my mother’s “Bible” for baking. She must have found it there.

PEACHES AND CREAM PIE

Ingredients

Pastry for one 9-inch, one-crust pie
¼ cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
5 fresh peaches peeled and halved (make sure they are “freestone” peaches so that the pit slips away easily from the flesh)
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or more to taste)

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.
Prepare pastry or use a pre-packaged pie shell.
Stir together the flour and sugar and spread half of the mixture in the pastry lined pan.
Place the peach halves, cut side down, over the sugar mixture. Overlap the halves if needed.
Sprinkle remaining sugar mixture over the peaches, and pour the cream over all. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Cover the edge of the piecrust with a 3-inch strip of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove it during the last 15 minutes of baking. (This step is important.)
Bake 10 minutes at 450 degrees. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake 30 to 35 minutes more until the cream is set. Cool and serve at room temperature.
Chill the leftovers, if any.

Clafoutis is a fruit and batter pastry that is said to have originated in central France. It is traditionally made with black Bing cherries. I once told good friends of ours that I had made one. They laughed and said, “You’re making that up!” But I’m thinking now that perhaps that’s what Ms. Betty Crocker might have been thinking of when she wrote this recipe: peach clafoutis!

There is still a little time in early September to grab some wonderful peaches. This dessert is so easy. And you don’t need to pick a bushel of peaches to make it.

Artist in Focus: Emily Matusz

August 31, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Emily Matusz may be a recent college graduate, but she already knows where she’s going.

The Gettysburg-based illustrator and concept artist, who goes by the name “Majikarpette,” received her degree in studio art just last year and now plans to funnel her passions into the game industry.

She has experience far beyond her age. She has worked extensively in traditional media, sculpture and digital art, often blending 2D and 3D techniques into her work.

Her gallery appearances include the 82nd and 83rd Annual Juried Exhibitions at the University of Akron’s Emily Davis Gallery, the Sketchbook Show at the Projects Gallery in 2018, and the Studio Scholarship Competition in 2017 and 2019.

We’ve included a sample of Emily’s work on this page. To see more, visit www.majikarpette.art.

Art with a Heart: Carlisle DJ uses his “other” talent to help local restaurants

August 31, 2020 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Country music fans know him as “Phil the Thrill,” the DJ who works for Red 102.3 FM.

Now, Phil George is making another name for himself as a talented artist who is helping area businesses, especially restaurants, through this challenging time.

“We announced on the air the businesses that were offering takeout,” he said. “I began thinking about what else I could do to help.”

George has been drawing his entire life. He attended the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design in Lancaster, majoring in art and illustration, but then found a radio career.

“When I graduated, the economy took a tumble, and I ended up in radio,” he said.

His radio job connects him to a variety of businesses. So, when the pandemic struck, it hit home for him, especially when it came to restaurants.

“Before COVID-19, I was working with Molly Pitcher Brewing Co. creating posters for their live music shows and helping them with their social media graphics,” he said. “I put out feelers [for his fundraising project] on Facebook, and the answer was a resounding yes.”

The positive feedback inspired him to take the next step and set up an account on Etsy, the e-commerce site where people sell their original creations. Phil’s first work depicting the Molly Pitcher building earned him $1,000, which he donated to the business.

“I was blown away,” he said.

Thanks to George’s generosity, employees at Molly Pitcher are finding it a little easier to make ends meet.

“We have a staff fund to help our laid-off workers, and they can dip into that with no strings attached to help them out with whatever they need,” said Manager Cassie Fourlas.

Great Idea

George’s affinity for the food at George’s Subs and Pizza determined who he was going to raise funds for next.

“I grew up on George’s steak subs, which are phenomenal,” he said.

His subsequent rendering of the owner standing in front of the restaurant enabled him to present the business with a $500 check.

His affection for another area business inspired him to create his next work.

“Market Cross Pub & Brewery is like my Cheers,” he said. “I do a lot with them at the radio station, and I’ve gotten to know the entire staff.”

He was able to donate $1,000 to the popular watering hole.

As George contemplated his next work, his thoughts turned to an iconic food item native to his hometown.

“Carlisle is home of the ‘Hot-Chee Dog,’” said George, whose rendering of the Hamilton restaurant and their famous hot dog brought in $1,000.

Hamilton Manager Athan Mazias described the depiction as “amazing.”

“The artwork is fantastic,” he said. “I think this is a great idea, especially in these conditions where we’re just trying to keep busy.”

Buoyed by his success with the restaurants, George branched out into other businesses in Carlisle. Recent creations are renderings of the Carlisle House Bed and Breakfast and the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center.

“We are grateful to Phil for memorializing our historic façade and marquee through his artwork and also for his generous donation from the proceeds of his sales,” said Executive Director Erika Juran, adding that the money has been helpful during this time of limited programming.

Hearting Harrisburg

George is currently working on prints for several Harrisburg-area businesses in a “Heart Your Hometown” campaign.

These include sketches of the Appalachian Brewing Co., Midtown Scholar Bookstore and the Broad Street Market. Proceeds from the prints will go to the three businesses.

George said that people often hear about him through his social media account and ask if he would like to include them, but he is also planning to work on prints for those who are unaware.

“I kind of like surprising some of them with the artwork,” he said.

George said that he is enjoying the work on the three Harrisburg businesses because he finds them visually interesting.

“I like the giant sign for the Broad Street Market, the carts of books at the Midtown Scholar and the oversized ‘Brewing’ sign at ABC,” he said. “The other big draw is that they are locally owned businesses, which has been my focus with the ‘Heart Your Hometown’ art prints.”

As for the future, George plans to create more as time permits.

“I hope to keep this going,” he said. “It’s exhausting at times, but the amount of support I’m receiving keeps me going, and it’s kind of nice to get my mind off the pandemic, too. It’s very therapeutic for me.”

Phil George is also available for freelance work and can be contacted at [email protected]. His work can be seen on Instagram@philgeorgeart.

September News Digest

August 31, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

Virtual Start for Harrisburg Schools

The Harrisburg school district last month began its 2020-21 academic year with fully virtual instruction.

Before the year began, families had to choose one of two options, according to Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer. They could select a hybrid online/classroom model or a fully virtual model.

For both paths, students started the year with fully virtual learning.

The first path is called the “Pathway to Classroom Instruction.” In that model, students began with online instruction, including live lessons and individual work, with the expectation that they would return to the physical classroom later in the year.

The time spent learning at home will approximate the time spent in school in order to have a smooth transition and continuity of education, explained Chief Academic Officer Susan Sneath.

“A schedule for at-home learning will look pretty similar to a schedule that a child might have in school when they attend school every day,” Sneath said.

Under a second, hybrid phase, students will go to school two days a week and continue virtual learning the other three days. They will be split into two groups, half going in on Monday and Tuesday, the others attending on Thursday and Friday.

Students will transition to a hybrid model of online and classroom learning only when there is a sustained decrease in the spread of the virus in the community, reduced diagnoses and shorter virus testing turnaround times, among other factors.

“If there are opportunities for students to come back to brick-and-mortar, we are going to look to take advantage of those, if they are safe,” Celmer said.

Students can expect to return to school full-time only when positive case rates in the community are below the state benchmark of 5% for two weeks. In addition, treatments or a vaccine must be available, as well as rapid testing turnarounds, Celmer said.

The second option for families is to enroll in the district’s new cyber school—the Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy (HVLA).

For either option, all students were eligible to receive a device, such as a Chromebook or laptop, for their work.

Food distribution will continue with the start of the school year and will likely increase from the current one day a week to two or three.

Proposed Police Board Draws Comments, Criticism

Harrisburg City Council held three town hall meetings last month on a proposed Citizens Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, receiving substantial input from residents who attended the virtual and in-person gatherings.

Dozens of residents participated in the meetings, and most who spoke did not approve of the legislation, Bill 8, which would create the proposed board.

In their comments, residents focused most on the proposed board’s lack of subpoena and independent investigative powers. Many residents believe that the advisory board should be a more powerful review board.

“I don’t believe this bill would be a step towards accountability,” resident Rachel Peacock said during one of the meetings. “It seems like a horse-and-pony show.”

Others echoed the complaint that the board, as proposed, lacks sufficient power, and some added that residents should have a say in who is appointed to the board. Currently, the bill states that City Council would appoint four members and the mayor would choose three.

The bill also states that Harrisburg’s police commissioner would sit on the board without voting power. Appointed board members would also be required to attend police academy training or participate in a police ride-along.

“I can imagine a chilling effect if the chief of police is sitting on the citizens’ advisory board,” resident Vishal Bajpai said.

Council member Ausha Green, the chair of the public safety committee, said that the meetings would influence the fate of the bill creating the board.

“It’s important for us to have everyone’s voices as a part of our decision,” Green said. “We will look to make changes through amendments.”

Farm Show Goes Virtual

Our area’s biggest annual event—the PA Farm Show—will go virtual this year, the state announced last month.

State Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said that canceling in-person portions of the 10-day agricultural exposition was necessary due to uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are times in the life of a farmer when the risks are too great or uncertain, requiring farmers to make the tough decision to leave a field fallow,” he said. “To protect our assets—both our people and our resources—from incalculable losses, we have made the tough decision to take a year to lie in fallow.”

He also announced the theme for the January 2021 event: “Cultivating Tomorrow.”

Redding didn’t immediately describe the planned virtual substitutes, but did say that they would be focused on “education and awareness” for both the agricultural industry and the public.

In 2021, the PA Farm Show will celebrate its 105th year.

City Rallies for Kesher Israel

Harrisburg community and faith leaders rallied around Kesher Israel Congregation last month, after a swastika was found scrawled on their synagogue.

A diverse crowd gathered outside the Uptown Harrisburg building to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.

“The response from this community has been really incredible,” said Rabbi Elisha Friedman. “Each person by being here today is making a statement that this is unacceptable to go on in this area. We are not going to allow this kind of behavior to happen again.”

The Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council led the vigil. Police Commissioner Thomas Carter, Rep. Patty Kim (D-Harrisburg) and local faith leaders were among those who spoke.

“What I see here is love,” Carter said. “It took some cowards under the shield of nighttime to paint a swastika. But it didn’t drive a fork in any of our hearts. It brought us together.”

Friedman said that Harrisburg police arrived minutes after he called them. He added that the state troopers and FBI were helpful, as well.

Pastor James Jackson of Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church was one of the many faith leaders who spoke at the event.

“We members of the Goodwin Memorial Baptist church, who are your closest neighbors of faith, want to say to whoever did this, this is not acceptable,” he said.

This act of anti-Semitism is just one of many related incidents in the state, said Russell Goodman, who is part of the Interfaith Advisory Council.

The negative impact the swastika has on the Jewish community mirrors that of the confederate flag on the Black community, said Tameka Hatcher of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

“Symbolism matters,” she said. “As a person who believes in the dignity and the sanctity of lives of all people, we the Black community stand with our brothers and sisters of faith in the Jewish community.”

In closing, Jackson prayed for peace and unity in the community.

“The thing that we leave here with will be a renewed determination to see that this city, this community and this nation turn into a place where all of our kids can grow up in an atmosphere of love and peace,” he said.

Free Internet for Students

The Harrisburg School District is bringing free internet access to students and their families through a new partnership with Tri County Community Action.

About 1,500 families will be given free access through next August, according to the district. For many families, this is necessary as all students will begin the school year virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This timely partnership is a tremendous step toward closing the digital divide […],” Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer said. “With the generous support of Tri County Community Action, this partnership helps to make significant progress toward equitable technological access.”

Funding for the $160,000 connectivity initiative will come through Tri County Community Action’s Community Services Block Grant, as well as federal CARES Act funding.

“One of the best ways to disrupt and permanently break the cycle of poverty is through education and investing in our youth,” Tri County Executive Director Jennifer Wintermyer said.

According to Celmer, 84% of district students in the city come from families that are considered low-income or economically disadvantaged. This program will help close the digital divide, he said.

In a spring survey, the district found that three out of 10 students had questionable internet access to support online schooling, Celmer said. He added that the gap has closed slightly since then, but it’s still an issue for many families.

“Our priority is those families who have absolutely no access,” Celmer said.

The program will provide in-home Comcast Internet Essentials Services, Verizon Hot Spot access and Xfinity Wi-Fi Hot Spots at designated business and outdoor locations. Families do not have to be Xfinity Internet subscribers to access this, and it will be provided at no cost, according to the district.

Home Sales Strong

The Harrisburg area exhibited strong gains in residential sales in July, reversing a pandemic-induced dip from earlier in the year.

In July, home sales totaled 880 units compared to 753 units for July 2019, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR). July saw the greatest number of sales compared to any month in 2020.

Prices also were up considerably for the three-county region, as the median sales price increased to $214,700 versus $190,000 a year ago, said GHAR.

In Dauphin County, 405 houses sold compared to 365 the previous July, while the median price rose to $180,000 from $174,997.

Cumberland County had sales of 418 units versus 355 the prior year, as the median price jumped to $233,250 from $211,000, GHAR said. Residential sales in Perry County increased to 51 units from 33 a year ago, while the median price shot up to $177,700 from $160,000 in July 2019.

In July, the average days on the market for houses fell to 38 days compared to 44 days the year before, according to GHAR.

So Noted

Black Lives Matter mural was unveiled last month on the side of the Harrisburg Improv Theatre on N. 3rd Street. Local artist Mike Fitzgerald led the team that painted the mural, which includes affirmations and signatures from many people who participated in and supported the project.

Dauphin County is relocating its Elections and Voter Registration office to a larger facility in Swatara Township, the commissioners announced last month. The move from the county’s Administration Building to the two-level building at 1251 S. 28th St. is expected early next year.

Dixon University Center may soon be on the market, as the PA State System of Higher Education last month voted to relocate to a smaller facility and dispose of the 6.5-acre, six-building campus near Italian Lake in Harrisburg. The PA legislature would need to endorse a sale of the property, which the state system has occupied since 1992.

Gamut Theatre announced last month that it would mount a fall season, though in altered form due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gamut plans to stage three live plays, one each in September, October and November. Seating will be limited, and extra health and safety protocols will be in place. For details, visit www.gamuttheatre.org.

Harrisburg Beer Week last month awarded $25,000 to its beneficiary, Harrisburg River Rescue and Emergency Services. Due to the pandemic, all events were virtual this year, but organizers still were able to raise substantial funds from sponsorships and donations.

Jason Isbell is returning to Harrisburg, as Harrisburg University last month announced its first outdoors show of 2021. The roots rocker and his band, the 400 Unit, are slated to play in Riverfront Park on May 29.

Kipona Festival will go on this year, though in an altered format. The three-day festival over Labor Day weekend will include a food truck festival and fireworks show on Saturday, Sept. 5, as well as two days of virtual events on Sept. 6 and 7. For more information, visit www.harrisburgpa.gov.

Maddie Young was named last month as the executive director of the Carlisle YMCA. Young brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience in central Pennsylvania, including in management, fundraising, collaboration and planning, according to a news release from the board of directors.

Rep. Patty Kim last month announced three “Community Classroom” locations for Harrisburg school district students: the Journey Church on Allison Hill, Whitaker Center in downtown and Major H. Winfield Funeral Home in Steelton. These locations will be available for students to use for part of the school day to take online classes while their parents are at work.

Changing Hands

Allison Ct., 3: D. Patrick to R. Dominguez, $89,900

Antoine St., 522: Wells Fargo Bank NA to C. Freeman, $60,000

Boas St., 255: Three Bridges Holdings LLC to K. Dubina, $225,000

Boas St., 260: First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg to Church 1 Holdings LLC, $99,000

Boas St., 423: J. Vogelsong to R. Huy & Q. Heist, $114,900

Boas St., 1912: Dobson Family Limited Partnership to J. Erdman, $39,900

Briggs St., 215: CR Property Group LLC to M. Owens, $215,000

Calder St., 209: M. Pickard & C. DeAngelis to C. Doyle, $170,000

Calder St., 500: S. Hoffman to R. Metzger, $160,000

Chestnut St., 2044: M. Catania to J. Francisco, $105,000

Crescent St., 216: G. Neff & City Limits Realty to E. Seeger, $35,000

Dauphin St., 621, 623, 625, 626 & 627: DL Weaver Enterprises LLC to Kayr Management LLC, $185,100

Derry St., 2127: L. Quintanilla to N. Ramirez, $72,000

Green St., 1102: W. Hoover & Heinly Homes LLC to E. Kramer, $235,000

Green St., 1512: G. & R. Keller to P. Northop, $180,000

Green St., 1519: PA Deals LLC to A. Dunn, $95,000

Green St., 2005: K. Rapp to F. Boomer, $225,000

Green St., 3107: B. & S. Nussbaum to J. Lambert & J. Cantley, $190,000

Harris St., 437: V. Lacerra to L. Teck, $150,000

Herr St., 258: C. & L. Kelliher to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $130,000

Herr St., 260: S. Bruder & M. Richards to D. Noll, $216,000

Kelker St., 317: BDS Property Group LLC to K. Whistler & S. Sauro, $135,000

Kensington St., 2341: I. Trigueros to N. Matthews, $57,500

Lexington St., 2716: CR Property Group LLC to A. LaRoche, $104,995

Logan St., 2235: CR Property Group LLC to C. Price, $109,995

Luce St., 2304: CR Property Group LLC to L. Dalupang, $119,000

Market St., 1618: A. Vargas, L. Puente & I. Leon to O. & E. Melendres, $35,000

Market St., 2209: J. & L. Shrum to D. & C. Maset, $199,900

Mulberry St., 1811: JOG Investments LLC to MR RE LLC, $70,000

Nagle St., 112: A. Miranda & K. & B. Downey to J. Weaver, $140,000

North St., 2002: S. Aly to C. Asare, $45,000

N. 2nd St., 512 & 514: G. & R. Petrina to 512-514 N. 2nd St., LLC, $90,000

N. 2nd St., 1935: G. & J. Geiges to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $88,500

N. 2nd St., 2534: A. Massaro to Mundi Investment Group LLC, $131,200

N. 3rd St., 234: M. & J. Singel to 234 N. 3rd St. LLC, $315,000

N. 3rd St., 1726: E. & M. Lambino to R. Moore, $132,000

N. 4th St., 2031: J. Frey to Q. Phillips, $41,000

N. 4th St., 2412: R. Alleman & An. Bergner to T. Carlson, $82,500

N. 4th St., 2637: S. Holton to M. Rosario, $38,000

N. 5th St., 1640: G. & L. Cermak to L. Sanford, $140,000

N. 5th St., 2216: Aga Properties Solution LLC to CR Property Group LLC, $36,000

N. 5th St., 2447: JOG Investments LLC to D. Boyle, $33,000

N. 6th St., 1727: A. Pierce to Stoute Housing Inc., $85,000

N. 17th St., 51: I. Mirambeaux to P. Aurelio, $30,000

N. 17th St., 122: OJK Enterprises LLC & C. Texidor to Biyaki Enterprises LLC, $36,000

N. 17th St., 1009: T. Coffee to Woods Property Management LLC, $35,000

N. 19th St., 703: D. Nguyen to S. Francis, $103,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 513: M. & E. Crossey to A. Miller, $114,900

N. Front St., 2841: W. Zutell to Wheaten Investments LLC, $525,000

N. Summit St., 132: R. Andrews to R. Munoz, $33,000

Parkside Dr., 2926: J. McKeithan to K. & R. Greenland, $264,500

Penn St., 1208: Wheatland Restore LLC to G. Dunigan, $180,000

Penn St., 1505: D. Crowther to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $100,000

Penn St., 1809: J. Francesangeli & D. Rocklein to M. Jones & S. Kuserik, $167,000

Penn St., 2314: J. & S. Horton to R. Flemister, $93,000

Race St., 564: H. Jones to SJL Rentals, $109,900

Radnor St., 127: A. Mentzer & S. Jones to V. Thieu & C. Bone, $279,900

Regina St., 1700: M. & R. Dillard to NA Capital Group LLC, $50,000

Reel St., 2418: American Rental Home LLC & CR Property Group LLC to J. Johnson, $110,000

Rolleston St., 1140: V. Cunningham to M. Gonzalez, $50,000

Rumson Dr., 2975: Proline Properties LLC to R. & R. Jarnagin, $105,000

Showers St., 617: M. & K. Maurer to D. Nomie, $167,000

S. 20th St., 228: S. Elazouni to J. Verdugo, $64,000

S. 26th St., 633: Q. & L. Tran to M. Pontz, $114,900

S. Cameron St., 1000 & 1171: Olcam Corp. & P. Grove to Harrisburg PA III SGF LLC & H. Nisbet, $20,500,000

State St., 1400: R. & A. Sharp to J. Arkon, $90,000

State St., 1901: C. Paulus to J. & M. Ramires, $85,000

State St., 1906: Big Foot Properties LLC to J. Rodriguez, $43,000

Susquehanna St., 1911: A. Shadday to S. Umble, $103,000

Vineyard Rd., 214: L. Csovelak & A. Trone to P. Eklund & B. Corner, $224,900

Woodbine St., 332: M. Mtere to HBK Properties 1 LLC, $52,000

Catching Cancer Early: A multi-specialty team can improve lung care

August 31, 2020 | by Dr. Troy Moritz

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. More than 150,000 die each year from the disease. As with any cancer diagnosis, the earlier the detection and treatment, the better the results.

Because lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, a screening study is the best way to ensure the highest possible chance for a cure. Studies have found that screening high-risk individuals for lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan leads to 20 percent fewer deaths.

If you are or have been a smoker, have other risk factors, or are experiencing symptoms, ask your primary care provider if you should be screened for lung cancer. In general, those who are 55 to 79 and smoked one pack daily for 30 years should be screened. In addition, people between the ages of 50 and 79 who smoked the equivalent of one pack daily for 20 years and have one additional risk factor should be screened. These risk factors all increase the odds of developing lung cancer:

Radon or asbestos exposure
A history of cancer or a strong family history of lung cancer
Significant secondhand smoke exposure
Exposure to diesel fumes
Having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis

Symptoms

It’s important to see your doctor if you notice any of the following lung cancer symptoms. Some of these can be caused by other ailments or health issues. So, a comprehensive check-up with a specialist can put you on the right path.

Persistent cough
Sudden or ongoing chest, back or shoulder pain
Shortness of breath
Trouble breathing when you’re sitting or lying down
Coughing up blood
Exhaustion even though you get enough sleep
Weight loss and a lack of appetite

Diagnostic tools include low-dose CT scanning, which administers up to 80 percent less radiation than conventional CT scans and provides more accurate assessments of nodule size and growth. Some practices offer a leading-edge bronchoscopy tool to provide precise access to lesions deep in the lungs and areas of the chest that are beyond the reach of conventional bronchoscopy for diagnosis and staging.

Treatment

A pulmonary nodule is a growth or “spot” in the lung. Often, these nodules cause no symptoms and can go undetected. The majority of nodules are found through testing performed for other reasons, such as X-rays or CT scans for pneumonia or abdominal pain.

While most pulmonary nodules are benign and come from scar tissue or an old infection, some are early signs of lung cancer and require prompt evaluation.

Treatment plans for pulmonary nodules commonly include “watchful waiting” with periodic appointments to check for changes in shape or size. Patients may also need a biopsy or surgery to determine if the nodule is cancerous.

A multidisciplinary approach is often the recommended treatment method. This means that providers of different specialties work together on your care. A lung cancer team can include pulmonologists who care for diseases affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including emphysema, COPD and lung cancer, and thoracic surgeons who operate on organs in the chest, including the heart, lungs and esophagus. It can also include radiation and medical oncologists who provide treatment services.

This approach offers several benefits for patients. By working together, a multi-specialty team can offer the most innovative tools and techniques to provide comprehensive lung care. Integrating these services, along with oncology, streamlines care and provides a better experience for patients. If all services are available in one location, it can make care more coordinated and convenient—and therefore less time-consuming and stressful—for patients.

Prevention

Like any cancer, early detection and early treatment offer the best chance for a cure. However, the best plan of action is prevention. There are things you can do to keep your lungs healthy, like never using tobacco or nicotine products, avoiding second-hand smoke, and avoiding carcinogens. If you use tobacco or nicotine products like e-cigarettes, quitting can reduce your risk. To learn more about free resources and support for quitting, visit UPMCPinnacle.com/TobaccoCessation.

Healthy eating and exercise are also important for prevention. Both have been shown to reduce risk for many kinds of cancer and other illnesses, as well as improve your mental health and energy. If you don’t exercise regularly, start now. Begin slowly and try to exercise most days of the week. In addition, choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.

Troy Moritz, DO, FACOS, is the director of thoracic surgery, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.

For more information, visit www.UPMCPinnacle.com/Lung.

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like