Up and Art: Michael Hertrich moves his gallery to the “middle of everywhere.”

December 30, 2019 | by Erika Firestone

Sometimes, you discover art in the most unlikely of places

For instance, above a shoe store.

That’s where you’ll find Hertrich Fine Art, on the second floor of a rather modest commercial building in Midtown Harrisburg. In August, Michael Hertrich and husband Paul Cannon moved their gallery from Pittsburgh to the heart of Midtown, just a few doors down from the Susquehanna Art Museum.

On the day I visited, classical music played in the background as Hertrich set up the main gallery for a meeting of the local group, the Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel. The walls are covered in pieces representing a variety of mediums and featuring varied artists, such as Harrisburg local Kevyn Knox, whose self-taught quirky and colorful abstract faces Hertrich speaks highly of.

On a quick tour of the rest of the space, Hertrich pointed out his framing workshop, interior design studio and the Adam and Eve-inspired pieces he is currently working on by painting over canvas collages. The diversity of his talent and interests seems effortlessly cohesive as we toured each room.

Hertrich described himself as a right brain/left brain person.

He began his academic career at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania with the intention of becoming a math teacher, eventually realizing he was compelled to pursue a career rooted in the arts. He initially moved into architecture and served as the student museum board member, assisting with the opening of the IUP museum.

It was during this time that Hertrich began to learn conservation, matting and framing, all skills he has continued to use over the last 30 years. He eventually moved into fine arts, graduating with a BFA, and managed several art galleries before opening his own on the south side of Pittsburgh in 1989.

So, what inspires him?

“I don’t have a favorite artist,” he said. “I like whatever catches my eye.”

He went on to to describe his particular fondness for the “color field” style of painting, a movement led by Mark Rothko, whose work reminds Hertrich of his own. He and his husband are also deeply passionate about photography, traveling as far as Paris to view exhibitions.

The name Pablo Picasso then came up.

“If an artist wants to study how to become well known in their field, they should pick up a book about Picasso,” he said. “His energy, drive and work ethic are unbelievable. Look at people who are household names to us, not even just in art. Warhol never stopped, Madonna never stopped, even Martha Stewart, she never stopped.”

Hertrich never stops either, but has shifted his focus since moving to Harrisburg.

While the decision to move was contingent on Cannon’s career, Hertrich welcomed the change as they quickly adopted Midtown as their home. The move went smoothly despite the task of transporting more than 20,000 pieces of their personal collection. His Pittsburgh gallery pieces were initially placed in storage as he had considered retiring to paint, but that didn’t last long once he started looking at properties and came across the second-floor space on 3rd Street.

Hertrich Fine Art is a smaller operation than the Pittsburgh gallery, an intentional decision to scale back. Inhabiting the upper floor allows him to be more selective about hours of operation. At this point in his career, he is invested in mentoring and giving back to the art community. Describing himself as an old-school gallery owner, he takes pride in developing a few artists, rather than flipping the art work on the walls every few months.

Promoting the arts has remained the most important component to Hertrich’s work. He is passionate about the opportunity to do so in a city that he believes has a wealth of art for its size, touching not just on the visual arts but poetry, theater and music. Another bonus is the city’s proximity to major East Coast art destinations such as New York.

“I don’t think Harrisburgers even realize the gem they have,” he said. “People here have a tendency to say they’re in the middle of nowhere. And I say, no, you’re in the middle of everywhere.”

Hertrich Fine Art is located at 1421 N. 3rd St, second floor, Harrisburg. More information, visit www.mhartframe.com.

Shape Space: New takes and trusted methods at Sculpt Pilates.

December 30, 2019 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Jessi Feltenberger at Sculpt Pilates and Barre

Beth Seitz discovered Pilates 17 years ago.

She had just given birth to her son, which was wonderful, but, during her pregnancy, had gained some 70 pounds, which wasn’t.

“It really helped to get me back into shape,” she said.

Seitz is now helping others get fit through Sculpt Pilates and Barre, an exercise studio that debuted a few months ago on Front Street in Uptown Harrisburg.

“We take time to focus on each of our clients individually,” she said. “We can accommodate people of all sizes and all ages.”

For those not familiar with Pilates, the exercise method was invented a century ago by Joseph Pilates, who turned to exercise and athletics as a way to triumph over childhood illness. He went on to develop his own exercise system based on the Greek concept of a person balanced in mind, body and spirit.

Seitz believes that Pilates offers “a different sort of mind/body connection” than does yoga.

“Yoga is more intimidating than Pilates,” she said. “Pilates is more user-friendly.”

Seitz began teaching Pilates six years ago “because I was a stay-at-home mom and needed something to do,” she said.

After teaching at another studio for five years, she decided to open her own studio based on “how I thought Pilates should be.”

Sculpt Pilates features an onsite fuse ladder, a device that combines spring weight exercises with climbing, hanging, agility and balancing techniques. Clients also can opt to strengthen and tone their muscles with the facility’s professional-grade barres.

“There’s a lot more to Pilates than people think,” Seitz said. “It works all the small supporting muscles. The barre is for cardio and strength.”

Additionally, Seitz’s venue offers several “Studio Reformer” units—essential apparatus for Pilates—with adjustable footbars that accommodate clients of all heights, including children, as well as people with injuries or limited mobility.

“It’s really rewarding to see our clients progress and feel better,” she said. “They begin to stand taller and look and feel more relaxed. People lose weight when they do Pilates, but it’s really more about the mind/body connection that it gives you.”

Today, Seitz no longer teaches, focusing on the business’ administrative duties. Her staff includes instructors Cari Glunz, Jessi Feltenberger and Nicole Cassel. Sculpt offers a variety of classes in groups or on an individual basis.

Dan Ford has been a Sculpt client since the studio opened in August. He travels from his Lower Paxton Township home six days a week to work with Feltenberger and Glunz.

“Every day is a different routine,” he said. “It feels different every day because you’re using different muscles than you did the day before. Pilates gives me a really good workout, and my joints don’t hurt as much.”

Ford also is quick to praise how Seitz manages her studio.

“It’s a great facility,” he said. “Beth is a great owner. She’s very accessible and always calls me right back.”

Sculpt Pilates and Barre is located at 2609 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-645-0778 or visit www.sculptpilatesandbarre.com.

A Touch of Citrus: Warm up your winter with this fragrant dish.

December 30, 2019 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

It’s January. And as I stroll through my favorite farmers market and the produce aisles of the grocery store, I am always struck by the abundance of fresh fruits and berries. There are bright red strawberries, fat blueberries and blackberries and melons of all types.

By this time in the darkness of winter, my mother had few choices. We loved fruit for dessert after our evening meal, and, while we ate many varieties of canned fruit, mostly we ate oranges. Lots of them, along with tangerines, tangelos and grapefruit. In January, there wasn’t a strawberry in sight.

In the 1950s and ‘60s, Harrisburg had a place known as the “Orange Car,” an unheated, warehouse-type building in South Harrisburg near the railroad tracks. Citrus fruits of all types were delivered directly by train from Florida. My family went there often to buy grapefruit and juicing oranges for morning breakfast, tangerines for snacks and big, fat navels for after dinner. At Christmastime, we bought gift baskets for friends with jars of orange marmalade and bunches of kumquats tucked inside.

I have always loved cooking with citrus fruit, especially oranges. For many years, a favorite “go-to” recipe of mine for company was baked chicken with orange, butter and honey. I grate orange zest for summer marinades and holiday pound cakes. And I think fresh orange might be the largest ingredient in my old fashioned!

The temperate climate and warm sunshine of Italy’s southern regions nourish the numerous orange and lemon groves there. Oranges show up in wonderful fennel salads with cured black olives, in chocolate desserts with hazelnuts, and are the star of an interesting condiment called mostarda or mustard fruits. Halibut with orange and olive oil is a simple but elegant entrée you might find on a restaurant menu.

I have found a luscious pasta dish from the culinary magazine, La Cucina Italiana. It reminds me a little of a wonderful dish I enjoy at the Harrisburg restaurant, Pastorante—fusilli with cream, butternut squash, sage and cream. “Spaghetti Scented with Orange” will warm you on a cold January night. Pair it with an arugula salad, broccoli or broccolini to counter the richness of the cream.

Spaghetti Scented with Orange

Ingredients

Coarse sea salt or kosher salt
2 oranges (navels work well)
1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound spaghetti
1¼ cups heavy cream
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley plus extra for sprinkling on top
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese plus more for serving
3 large egg yolks
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
Using a sharp paring knife, remove the zest/peel from the two oranges, being careful to avoid the white “pith.” Cut the zest into very thin strips lengthwise. Save the oranges for another use (tomorrow’s breakfast?).
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the orange zest and a pinch of salt, reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally until softened and lightly golden. This will take about five minutes but watch carefully so that the mixture doesn’t burn. Set aside.
Bring the pot of water to boiling and cook the pasta until al dente.
In a medium, heavy saucepan, heat the cream, chopped parsley and a pinch of salt and simmer gently for about four minutes.
Just before the pasta is ready, spoon several tablespoons of the cream sauce into a shallow serving bowl or rimmed platter. Keep the remaining cream warm.
Drain the pasta and place into the serving bowl. Immediately toss the remaining cream mixture with the egg yolks and the grated cheese. Toss the mixture until all the ingredients are fully combined (like with carbonara, the heat of the pasta cooks the eggs). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Transfer the pasta to the serving dish, sprinkle with the orange zest that was sautéed in butter and the remaining parsley and cheese.
As with most creamy pasta dishes, serve immediately!

I hope this sunny dish will brighten a cold January day for you. As my husband will tell you—this is so much better than pot roast in the crockpot.

Sound Approach: “Making Waves” explores an under-appreciated part of filmmaking.

December 30, 2019 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

“Before we were born, you’re looking at darkness. Sound is the first sense that’s plugged in.”

This piece of wisdom comes from Walter Murch, sound editor for films such as “Apocalypse Now” and “THX 1138.” He goes on to explain that sound is how we make sense of the world.

But it can be taken for granted in the film industry, can’t it? When we think of the last movie we saw, we don’t typically think about the sounds we heard, beyond maybe a memorable line or two of dialogue. We don’t think about which sounds were diegetic or which were added in later—we take it for granted. But without it, the entire experience would feel flat.

It’s been said that the typical moviegoer only notices the sound design of a film if it’s been done badly. But for those who have worked in the industry, watching a film with good sound design is like listening to a symphony. In director Midge Costin’s “Making Waves,” we hear from many of those designers (including Walter Murch) with the praise of many well-known filmmakers to back up their credits.

Costin herself has over 20 credits as sound editor for various productions, and, with her documentary, we begin to see the magic. The film gives us a tour of the world of sound, starting with its history—even before talkies came into play—and detailing the collaborative, crazily imaginative process by which a film gets its soundtrack.

There are many pieces to consider: the atmosphere, the dialogue (and the choice between on-set sound or ADR), foley, musical score (or lack thereof, in some cases)—and then, of course, mixing it all together. Costin explores the idea of a “circle of talent,” which emphasizes team effort and the importance of all of these little pieces to create the whole.

The documentary covers the creation of new material when everyday sound bytes won’t do the film justice. It explores the rhythm of background sound and how every little blip adds to the world that the film has created. Besides the fascinating lengths that sound editors take to achieve a desired effect, the film also gives a certain nostalgia to its audiences with clips from “The Jazz Singer,” “The Birds,” “Apocalypse Now,” “The Matrix” and countless other favorite films.

“Making Waves” is fascinating and informative, and it gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at this under-credited part of the film industry.

“Making Waves” will be shown on Jan. 20 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

Midtown Cinema
January Special Events

Central PA Open Screen
Thursday, Jan. 2, 7 p.m.

Down in Front! presents
“The Pumaman” (1980)
Friday, Jan. 10, 9:30 p.m.

“Amelie” (2001)
Sunday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m.

3rd in the Burg $3 movie
“The Goonies” (1985)
Friday, Jan. 17, 9:30 p.m.

“Making Waves” (2019)
With post-screening discussion
Monday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m.

Artist in Focus: Craig Andrews

December 30, 2019 | by Admin

Sometimes, great things arrive right over the transom—or the modern equivalent—through email. That’s how we learned about Craig Andrews, who proactively sent us a message to let us know about his artwork.

Craig likes to work in a variety of mediums or, as he puts it, “I don’t want to put myself in a box when it comes to being creative.” That said, he has a special fondness for landscapes, cityscapes and watercolors, with some mixed media, photography and abstractions tossed into the mix.

It’s possible you’ve already seen his work, as he’s shown throughout central PA in places such as the Art Association of Harrisburg, Lebanon Valley College and the York Art Association.

We’re happy to share with you a sampling of his work. We hope you like it as much as we did when he originally sent us a taste. If you’d like to see more, check out his online portfolio at www.cmadesignfineart.com.

December News Digest

December 30, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

December 2019 News Digest

Harrisburg Approves 2020 Budget

Harrisburg last month passed a 2020 budget that spends more money on police salaries and debt reduction but does not raise taxes.

City Council approved Mayor Eric Papenfuse’s proposed spending plan with no changes.

“I think this is a sign that the government is working well together,” Papenfuse said.

Councilman Ben Allatt, chair of the council’s budget and finance committee, concurred that this year’s budget process was a smooth one.

“We had a lively discussion [during the budget hearings],” he said. “I think there’s general agreement about the budget priorities going forward.”

Council voted 6-1 to approve the budget, with a lone “no” vote by council member Shamaine Daniels.

The proposed 2020 budget, which contains no city property tax increase for a seventh straight year, totals $120 million, which includes a $74.3 million general fund, a $17.5 million neighborhood services fund and a $15.3 million debt service fund.

Papenfuse expects the city to run a 2019 surplus of about $1 million. He has attributed the surplus mostly to earned income and business taxes that exceeded expectations, which indicates a healthy jobs climate in the city.

Harrisburg will use much of that surplus to increase salaries for police officers, with the hope that a pay boost will help the Police Bureau, which has long struggled with retention, keep its young officers.

In fact, City Council last month also approved a new, six-year collective bargaining agreement with the police union to affirm the new pay schedule.

Under the agreement, the entry-level salary for a police officer will remain the same at almost $49,000 a year. However, an officer would be able to move up in pay quickly, so that officers, in year six, would be able to earn as much as $70,000—some $6,000 more than previously.

In all, the city hopes to add 10 to 15 officers to the force, bringing the personnel count to a budgeted 153 officers.

The police union contract didn’t expire for another year. However, the city opened it up early to create the new salary regimen.

“That will hopefully provide an improved retention for our police force,” Allatt said.

The budget also adds four firefighter positions, mostly paid for by reductions in overtime for existing staff. That would bring the Fire Bureau complement in 2020 to 86 total personnel, plus command staff.

Council also approved a resolution that will amend the city’s agreement with its bond insurer, Ambac Assurance Corp.

Under the agreement, the city will prepay $5 million in debt using its substantial reserve funds. With Harrisburg pre-paying, Ambac has agreed to a “multiplier” that would actually reduce city debt by $6.9 million, Papenfuse has said. He also said he would like to refinance existing general obligation debt that extends through 2022 at a lower interest rate.

The budget contained several other notable provisions.

First, the city and the school district have reached an agreement to split the cost of two school resource officers. The district’s SRO program expired in 2009 when funding dried up and was never renewed.

Papenfuse also is proposing renovating the first floor of the MLK City Government Center. Money for that work would come from federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

For 2020, the city is focusing on five capital improvement projects. These include:

Beginning the conversion of much of N. 2nd Street to two-way traffic.
A roundabout, improved crosswalks and a partially protected cycle track on N. 7th Street.
Road and curb improvements to the MulDer Square area.
Safety improvements to State Street on Allison Hill, pending cooperation and approval from PennDOT.
“East-West connector” project, which consists of improvements to the area around Walnut and Chestnut streets downtown, funded with a state grant.

These debt reduction and capital improvement measures will tap into the city’s budget reserve balance, which now sits at about $24 million, saved up over the last several years. At the end of 2020, the city expects to draw down the reserve to about $15.6 million, Allatt said.

AutoZone, Dispensary Plans Approved

Two contentious building projects are closer to breaking ground after Harrisburg City Council approved their development plans.

Council last month approved the land use plans for both a medical marijuana dispensary on Allison Hill and an AutoZone store in Uptown Harrisburg.

The dispensary generated the most criticism by council members, who passed the building plan by a slim 4-3 margin, with council members Ausha Green, Danielle Bowers and Shamaine Daniels voting against it.

Members who voted in favor stressed that they did so not because they support the dispensary at 137 S. 17th St., but because the building plan itself met all city requirements, which was the issue at stake.

“The project is in compliance with all the city laws and regulations,” said Councilman Dave Madsen.

A company called WH RE LLC plans to build a 3,000-square-foot medical marijuana retail store directly across the street from Hamilton Health Center on what now is an empty lot.

Over a year ago, the state Department of Health awarded a dispensary license to Local Dispensaries, a related company. City Council has no authority over licensing but had to approve the land use plan for the building.

Green said that she voted against the plan to “send a message” that she was unhappy with a process that, she believes, excluded neighborhood residents.

“I would like to see more community input even before the application gets to the state,” she said.

With the approval, WH RE LLC hopes to break ground on the facility in spring and estimates a four-month-long construction process.

Council last month also approved the land development plan for AutoZone, a Memphis-based auto supply chain, to construct a new retail store at the corner of Maclay and N. 7th streets.

Some council members, as well as the city Planning Bureau, had objected to AutoZone’s original proposal for an access point off of N. 7th Street, saying it would create safety issues. AutoZone later agreed to eliminate that driveway, leaving two others—one on Maclay Street and the other on Peffer Street, Madsen said.

Before it can break ground, AutoZone needs to return to council to have several streets vacated on the four-parcel, 1.13-acre site.

AutoZone made its original proposal to locate on the property, now owned by the Vartan Group, about 16 months ago. It plans a $935,280 project consisting of a 6,816-square-foot store and 37 off-street parking spaces.

Development Plan for Bishop McDevitt

A former professional football player from Harrisburg is leading an ambitious effort to build eco-friendly, mixed-used developments in Harrisburg and beyond, with sights first set on the former Bishop McDevitt High School.

Former NFL lineman Garry Gilliam, a Harrisburg native, is heading up a four-person development team comprised of long-time friends who all attended the Milton Hershey School and Penn State.

“We’re going to build what I believe will help a lot of inner city people who don’t have the means or the resources or the education to do something like this for themselves,” said Gilliam, CEO of the company called The Bridge.

Gilliam spent five years in the NFL playing for the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, which released him earlier this year.

Gilliam’s concept for The Bridge is wide-ranging. In sum, he wants to take existing, aging urban structures, such as obsolete school buildings, and repurpose them for sustainable, 21st-century needs.

For instance, The Bridge first will create co-working, maker and event spaces within the former Bishop McDevitt, which is located at 2200 Market St. in Harrisburg. Gilliam said that he expects those projects to open in 2020.

Other elements of the proposed “Eco Village” project include sustainable, zero-energy housing, commercial areas and indoor urban agriculture. These pieces, which require more planning and engineering, are planned for future build-outs, Gilliam said.

The Bridge is leasing the Bishop McDevitt site from its owner, William Penn Holdings, which bought the sprawling, 115,000-square-foot building last March from the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg. The building has been empty since 2013, when the diocese moved the school to a new campus in Lower Paxton Township.

Gilliam said that he also has a proposal before the Harrisburg school district to purchase the former William Penn High School, which includes 25 acres of property near Italian Lake.

He said that, over the years, he had thought up the various elements that he combined together for the overarching concept of The Bridge. Then, last year, he discussed the concept with his friend, Corey Dupree, who came on board as chief operations officer.

The pair then brought on two other friends: Dezwaan Dubois, who now serves as chief information officer, and Rob DeJarnett, who is now is chief financial officer. All attended Milton Hershey and Penn State together.

Gilliam said his funding comes from himself and other investors, mostly other “athletes and entertainers.”

The Bridge plans to engage the community before embarking on its plans, said Dupree.

“Having the community input for everything will be very important,” he said.

This is the second time this year that professional football players from Harrisburg have announced plans to develop in the city.

Over the summer, brothers LeSean and LeRon McCoy bought the former Curtis Funeral Home at the corner of N. 6^th and Boas streets and are renovating it into three market-rate apartments, with retail space on the first floor. The McCoy brothers have ambitious plans to build dozens of apartments on that block of N. 6^th Street and the adjoining 400-block of Herr Street.

The Bridge also has very ambitious plans. After starting in Harrisburg, the partners hope to expand to other cities. On its website, The Bridge lists such cities as Atlanta, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Houston and Seattle as “pending areas.”

Renovations for Midtown Cinema

Harrisburg’s Midtown Cinema soon will embark on a major renovation that will make over the building’s façade, along with substantial changes to the interior.

Cinema owner Lift Development is expected to begin work in February following the theater’s annual Academy Awards celebration, with the project wrapping up in time for the Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival in May, said Stuart Landon, the cinema’s director of community engagement.

“Our owners are looking to see what ‘s next for us,” Landon said. “Six years ago, Lift made a big investment in the theater, moving us over to digital and improving the movie-going experience. This is the next step for us.”

The changes will feature a sleek, modern exterior look designed by Midtown resident Rich Gribble, an architect with Camp Hill-based ByDesign Consultants.

The façade will feature a mostly glass exterior topped by a new marquee and new fiber cement board panels. On the east side, a wood-and-metal trellis will extend the building’s footprint, with picnic tables underneath for outside seating.

The design, Landon said, gives a nod to the look of old-time movie film.

“It’s very subtle, nothing too heavy-handed,” he said.

Inside, the lobby and concession areas will be reimagined, improving the flow for patrons, and the three theaters will get new soundproofing and possibly new seating, said Landon. The restrooms may also be renovated, he said.

“It’ll be very different, but still warm, with the same feeling that people love now,” he said.

Midtown Cinema’s building dates back to 1940, when it debuted as the Acme Self-Service Market, one of the Harrisburg area’s first supermarkets. It replaced the Reily School building on the site at Reily and Susquehanna streets. The cinema opened in the building in 2001.

Landon said that the cinema will remain operating during the renovations, but with an “adjusted schedule,” since construction work may affect theater use and screening times.

“We’re really excited about this,” Landon said. “The building will better reflect the organization we are and what we want to be.”

New School Superintendent

The Harrisburg school district is making a change in its top leadership, as the acting superintendent is stepping down.

Dr. John George announced last month that he will leave his post on Jan. 1, replaced as acting superintendent by Chris Celmer, formerly the assistant acting superintendent.

“[Celmer] has been here, on site everyday,” said George, who will continue to act as an advisor to the district. “He has, for all practical purposes, already been serving as superintendent and I, more or less, have been serving as an advisor.”

The district receiver, Dr. Janet Samuels, affirmed that she approved Celmer’s promotion.

Celmer and George have worked together for about a decade, first at the Berks County Intermediate Unit and then at the Reading school district. George brought Celmer to Harrisburg as his second-in-command under Samuels, who was appointed school district receiver in June.

George said that he planned to serve full-time in his current post as executive director of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit until September, when he would retire from that job to lead the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units.

George and Celmer both said that they’ve worked to stabilize the district’s finances, hire competent personnel, instill a solid governing structure and make academic reforms since they arrived in late June. Going forward, the district will focus particularly on academic achievement, they said.

“I’m excited about the opportunity, and I’m very confident that we’ll continue to make great strides in the Harrisburg school district,” Celmer said.

In his final public statement, George again took swipes at two entities that he’s criticized in the recent past: the former leadership of the district, which he described as having a “perverse self-interest,” and PA House Speaker Mike Turzai, who has proposed legislation to give Harrisburg students vouchers to attend private schools.

“Harrisburg school district will be devastated for generations if Speaker Turzai’s ill-conceived voucher bill becomes law,” George said. “On the other hand, with proper governance and leadership, and the support and patience of elected officials, community members, parents and faculty, I foresee much better days ahead for the Harrisburg school district.”

Home Sales Down, Prices Up

Home prices rose overall but lower inventory depressed sales activity in the Harrisburg area in November.

The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR) stated that the median price of a home rose 3.4 percent last month compared to November 2018. Sales volume, though, fell 4.9 percent as listing inventory dropped 15.5 percent.

In Dauphin County, the median sales price of a house increased to $165,000 from $156,000 in the year-ago period and sales also increased, totaling 271 units versus 259 the prior November.

Cumberland County last month saw sales drop to 235 units from 277 in November 2018, and the median sales price fell to $197,000 from $205,000 a year ago, GHAR said. In Perry County, sales inched up to 33 units versus 31 in November 2018, and the median price was $188,000, a decrease of $1,000.

In its press release, GHAR stated that, “the number of sales was restrained by the lack of inventory.”

So Noted

FLTBYS LLC has purchased a long-time restaurant building across the street from Midtown Cinema, with plans to turn it into a skate shop and recording studio. New York-based recording artist KOTA the Friend is behind the new concept for the building at 263 Reily St., Harrisburg.

Harrisburg will provide waste and recycling collection for Steelton through June 2024 under a new agreement that both municipalities approved last month. Harrisburg’s Public Works Department began providing sanitation services for the neighboring borough last July after Steelton did not renew its contract with the private hauler, Republic Services.

Janeen M. Latin was named last month as the new president/CEO of UCP Central PA, which provides programs and services for people with disabilities and special needs. Latin has been with the organization for nearly 25 years, most recently as COO. She replaces Judith McCowan, who resigned the post in early December.

LettUsKnow is slated to open early this month in the ground-floor retail space at the Bogg on Cranberry in downtown Harrisburg. This will be the second location for the York-based soup, salad and sandwich company, which specializes in healthier eating options.

Changing Hands

Bartine St., 923: St. Webb to Wyco Investments LLC, $80,000

Bellevue Rd., 2028: K. Feucht to D. Bencosme, $51,000

Berryhill St., 2032: B. Clemente to D. Mann, $40,000

Boas St., 255 & 1831 Park St.: A. & A. McBarnett to Three Bridges Holdings LLC, $156,000

Boas St., 1947: W. & F. Thompson to T. Smith, $74,500

Brookwood St., 1929: C. Frank Properties to Inoma Properties East Shore LLC, $44,729

Catherine St., 1525: W. & P. Hinnant to D. McKeon, $54,900

Chestnut St., 1810: J. Phillips & B. Rice to CR Property Group LLC, $33,600

Division St., 503: D. Grossman to M. Grossman, $88,000

Fulton St., 1629: W. Snader to A. Drake, $124,000

Graham St., 500: K. Mussomeli to R. Goad, $129,900

Holly St., 1840: Capital Properties LLC to G. Brown, $39,900

Holly St., 1915: E. & C. Smith to A. Ramsey, $70,000

Jefferson St., 2355: R. & P. Porter to Da Xing Cheng Inc., $32,900

Jefferson St., 2613: Wilmington Trust NA Trustee to R. Garced, $45,000

Kensington St., 2314: W. Sieruk to J. Regalado, $40,000

Kensington St., 2435: BSR Rental Trust to A. & M. Padua, $64,000

Kensington St., 2335: End Properties to J. Collier, $54,000

Lexington St., 2735: R. Guzman & J. Castillo to Invicta Investments LLC, $55,000

Market St., 2015: L. Baer to T. Evans, $300,000

N. 2nd St., 1319: A Black to S. Musser, $116,000

N. 2nd St., 1327 & 1329: St. Kermes to E. Telfer, $127,000

N. 2nd St., 2001: J. Benson & F. Felbaum to Capozzi & Ehring Realty LLC, $155,000

N. 2nd St., 2243: CPenn Properties Old Uptown to D. Olmsted, $160,000

N. 2nd St., 2245: CPenn Properties Old Uptown to D. Olmsted, $173,900

N. 2nd St., 3016: D. Marcheski & L. Boykin to P. Bernd, $190,000

N. 3rd St., 1618: J. King Jr. to B. Kurama & J. Jobarteh, $98,000

N. 5th St., 2455: Integrity Investors LLC to J. & J. Jones, $44,000

N. 5th St., 3131: PA Deals LLC & PDL Properties LLC to Wylie & Wylie Enterprise LLC, $72,900

N. 6th St., 2013: Condor Ventures to L. Christopher, $58,500

N. 16th St., 1300: B. Potter to R. Grullon, $66,000

N. 17th St., 77: J. Menjivar to A. & C. Munoz, $50,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 606: J. & A. Scarnati to K. & S. Kramer, $112,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 607: J. Rensch to M. & D. Mahoney, $114,000

N. Front St., 2837, Unit 301: D. Soybell & S. Kelleher to M. Mull, $258,000

N. Front St., 2837: Unit 302: D. Soybell & S. Kelleher to S. MacDonald & M. Warner, $130,000

Penn St., 1610: L. Long to K. Bueti, $165,275

Penn St., 1826: S. Jenakavich to A. Virant, $147,250

Penn St., 2218: G. Neff to B. Henderson, $50,900

Reily St., 263: Cool2Zap Properties LLC to FLTBYS LLC, $194,500

Rudy Rd., 2460: N. Kim to DPM Development LLC, $57,000

Rumson Dr., 2828: A. Ott to C. Hinman, $76,000

Schuylkill St., 636: R. & T. Speece to Breaking the Chainz Inc., $33,000

S. 19th St., 16: F. & E. Badman to J. Monegro & Residential Mortgage Services, $50,000

S. 24th St., 704: Valley Real Estate Holdings LLC to C. Allen, $33,000

S. 27th St., 802: H. Earhart to J. & P. Calla, $41,500

S. Cameron St., 400: Brittany Capital to Yellowstone Investment Partners LLC, $760,000

State St., 1302: A. Chambers Jr. to TKO Rental Properties LLC, $36,000

Swatara St., 1627: J. Rodriguez to T. Pickren, $58,000

Swatara St., 2331: D. & J. Soulier to J. Dennis, $134,900

Wyatt Rd., 308: A. & M. Johnston to K. Peterson, $96,000

The Silent Thief: Glaucoma can steal your sight, but vision loss is preventable.

December 30, 2019 | by Dr. John J. O'Donnell Jr.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world and the United States.

The number of people with glaucoma worldwide is estimated to be over 70 million and is expected to increase to over 110 million by 2040. It currently affects more than 3 million people in the United States and is the leading cause of blindness in both African American and Hispanic populations. This is despite the fact of a low overall prevalence of 3.5 percent.

Glaucoma belongs to a class of eye diseases known as optic neuropathy. There are two main types of glaucoma: open angle and narrow or closed angle. The “angle” is the opening where the fluid drains from the eye. In narrow angle, the channel is blocked and the fluid can’t exit. With open angle, the channel is not obstructed. In the western world, 90 percent of glaucoma is of the open angle type.

Vision loss is caused by progressive damage to the optic nerve. The eye is similar to a video camera. It is connected to the vision center in the brain by a cable that is called the optic nerve. The nerve is a bundle of about 1 to 1.5 million nerve fibers. In glaucoma, for a reason we still do not fully understand, these fibers begin to die off. Without proper treatment, the number of fibers will continue decline and, with that, the patient’s vision.

It used to be thought that the loss of nerve fibers was the result of a high pressure inside the eye. Studies have shown that damage can actually occur at normal or even low pressures. Current thinking is that an elevated pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma but not the disease itself. As it is the only risk factor that can be treated, all current treatment of glaucoma involves lowering the eye pressure. This can be achieved by using topical medication (drops), laser therapy, surgery or a combination of treatments. Successful treatment will lower the pressure to the point that no further nerve fibers and, hence, vision will be lost.

There are three main reasons why people go blind from this disease. First, they are not diagnosed. Recent studies have estimated about 1 million people in the United States with glaucoma are currently undiagnosed. Although many factors are involved here, the two main culprits are lack of symptoms until very late in the disease and failure to routinely have a thorough eye examination.

The second reason is that patients are notoriously non-compliant with their therapy. There have been many papers, articles and even YouTube videos about this. But the bottom line is this—no treatment is effective if it is not used.

Finally, treatment has to be sufficient to slow or stop disease progression. If therapy is inadequate, the benefit of accurate diagnosis and compliance will suffer.

Glaucoma can be diagnosed at any age, but is more common after the age of 40. Vision loss is completely preventable with early diagnosis and proper treatment. This cannot happen without routine eye examinations. A minimum examination would consist of a measurement of eye pressure and a dilated stereoscopic evaluation of the optic nerve. If there is evidence of increased risk, a more detailed investigation would include formal test of the visual field and optic nerve imaging.

Remember—glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” as there are no symptoms until late in the disease. If you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma or any other risk factors, make sure to have your eyes examined regularly.

Dr. John J. O’Donnell Jr. is an optometrist with Premier Eye Care Group. For more information, visit www.premiereyes.com.

Community Corner: Notable January Events

December 30, 2019 | by Missy Smith

January Community Corner

Penguin Plunge
Jan. 1: Welcome the New Year by taking a plunge into the Susquehanna River with hundreds of other supporters of the Humane Society of Harrisburg. The 23rd annual event begins at 10 a.m. on City Island beach in Harrisburg with the actual plunge at noon. www.humanesocietyhbg.org

Photo Display
Jan. 1-25: Visit Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, during business hours to view photographs entered in the Friends of Wildwood annual photography contest. Winners will be announced, and prizes will be awarded on Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. People’s Choice awards will be announced when the display ends. www.wildwoodlake.org

HBG Flea
Jan. 4: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg. www.hbgflea.com

2020 Farm Show
Jan. 4-11: Attend the annual PA Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural show in the nation, at the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, N. Cameron and Maclay streets, Harrisburg. Milk a cow, enjoy a famous Farm Show milkshake or learn firsthand the science and skills used in agriculture. www.farmshow.state.pa.us

Book Sales
Jan. 4, 18: Friends of New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, will hold pre-owned book sales, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library. Shop for books, vintage items, jewelry, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, kids’ books and more. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Crazy for Coloring
Jan. 5, 27: Dauphin County Library System will host “Crazy for Coloring” two-hour sessions of social, adult coloring at East Shore Area Library on Jan. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m., and William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library on Jan. 27, 6 to 8 p.m. The library will provide coloring sheets and colored pencils, but feel free to bring your own coloring tools with you. www.dcls.org

Unsung Heroes
Jan. 7-31: Celebrate unsung history makers in a display at Messiah College’s Murray Library, 2850 Crestline Dr, Mechanicsburg, highlighting their groundbreaking achievements. www.messiah.edu

Curiosity Kids
Jan. 9: State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, invites kids ages 3 to 6 and their families to “Curiosity Kids—Owls” to explore owls, learn about their unique adaptations and make an owl craft to take home, at 11:30 a.m. www.statemuseumpa.org

Indie Film Friday
Jan. 10: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for “Blindspotting,” an American comedy-drama film that follows a parolee with three days left on his sentence, when he witnesses a police shooting that threatens to ruin a lifelong friendship. Showings are at 2 and 7 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Kids Club Event
Jan. 11: Head to the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., for Kids Club on the second Saturday of each month, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for a free, fun-filled event for kids of all ages. Each month may feature shows, crafts, interactive activities and more. All kids and families are welcome to attend. www.shopharrisburgmall.com

Trivia After Hours
Jan. 11: Guests 21 and older are invited to BYOB at “80s Movie Challenge” trivia night at Fredricksen Library, 100. N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 7 to 9 p.m. Popcorn, corkscrews, bottle openers and prizes provided. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Bike Clinic
Jan. 11, 18, 25: Harrisburg Bicycle Club will host free Bike Maintenance Clinic, 12 to 3 p.m., at the Lemoyne Borough office, 510 Herman Ave. Learn how to change a tire, adjust brakes, replace a rusty chain and more. Experienced mechanics will be on hand to teach and provide assistance. www.harrisburgbicycleclub.org

KIDZ Wednesday
Jan. 15: Toddlers and young children who are not in school and their families are invited to have fun learning with educational, hands-on activities at free KIDZ Wednesdays at Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., Harrisburg. www.shopharrisburgmall.com

Mid-Day Getaway
Jan. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30: Unwind over your lunch break at the McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg. Bring your lunch to the library between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for coloring, card games, board games and low-stress activities. www.dcls.org

3rd in The Burg
Jan. 17: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, generally 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Phiroza Kapadia Artist Reception
Jan. 18: Meet the artist and learn the stories behind the paintings. Saturday Jan 18th, from 4-7 pm at Pure Gallery at the Shops at Arcona. For info call (717) 620 8290.
https://www.puregallery.net/

Polar Race
Jan. 18: Lancaster Group of the Sierra Club hosts the 10th anniversary Polar Bear 5K (3.1 miles) Trail Run/Hike at 10 a.m. in Lancaster County Central Park, with prizes and ribbons awarded in various categories. Participants may bring their dogs (on a leash) to run or walk with them. www.lancastersierraclub.org

Community Weekend
Jan. 18-20: Antique Automobile Club of America Museum, 161 Museum Dr., Hershey, opens its doors to its neighbors for its annual Community Weekend, with general admission of just $9.50. Kids 3 and younger are free. Guests can participate in a museum-wide scavenger hunt and other fun activities. www.aacamuseum.org

Game Day
Jan. 19: Drop by Fredricksen Library, 100. N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., for a day of board game fun. The library will have some games available, but feel free to bring your own. All ages welcome; kids ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

MLK Commemoration
Jan. 19: The 31st annual Carlisle commemoration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and ceremonial march will begin at 2:45 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Carlisle, 2 N. Hanover St. Participants are asked to assemble at the church at 2:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/CarlisleMartinLutherKingCommemoration

MLK Service Day
Jan. 20: The 11th annual Central PA MLK Day of Service will be held at Commonwealth Charter Academy, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s theme is environmental justice. Service projects take place throughout the Harrisburg area. www.centralpamlkday.org

CapCOG Annual Dinner
Jan. 20: Join the Capital Region Council of Governments at Best Western Premier, the Central Hotel & Conference Center, 800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg, for its annual dinner, reorganization meeting and presentation of the Perry Albert Award. Reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. www.capitalregioncog.org

Civil Rights Program
Jan. 20: Fredricksen Library, 100. N. 19th St., Camp Hill, hosts “Let It Shine: The American Civil Rights Movement 1955-1968,” an introduction to Civil Rights movement events and notable names with Bright Star Touring Theatre, 1 to 3 p.m. Attendees can meet important figures and hear songs of the era. This program is recommended for audience members in 3rd grade and older. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Legislators’ Forum
Jan. 21: Join the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 2020 Legislators’ Forum, featuring area members of the state House of Representatives, at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 8 to 10 a.m. Cost is $70 or $45 for members. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

Jazz Works
Jan. 21: Vocalist and composer Ruth Naomi Floyd presents “Frederick Douglass Jazz Works” in Blair Music Center, Lutz Recital Hall, at Lebanon Valley College, 101 College Ave., Annville, 7:30 p.m. By taking the words of Douglass from his autobiographies, speeches and sermons, Floyd has composed original compositions using the language of jazz music. www.frederickdouglassjazzworks.com

Nature Lab
Jan. 23: Join educators at 11:30 a.m. in the Nature Lab of the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, to explore rocks. This presentation is designed for general audiences, ages 7 and up, and is included with general admission. www.statemuseumpa.org

Books on Tap
Jan. 23: Dauphin County Library System hosts a special book club at Zeroday Brewing Co., 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, 5 to 6 p.m., to dive into new genres and forms while getting to know other readers in a social setting. Join the discussion about Catherine Chung’s “The Tenth Muse.” www.dcls.org

Trade War
Jan. 23: Foreign Policy Association of Harrisburg will host retired Col. and Army War College Professor John (Jef) Troxell, who will give a free talk on the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. The talk is at 7:30 p.m. at the West Shore Country Club, Camp Hill. Reception and dinner precede the talk. www.fpaharrisburg.org

2020 Auto Show
Jan. 23-26: Roll into the annual PA Auto Show, featuring what’s new and exciting in the world of automobiles. The four-day show takes place at the PA Farm Show Complex, N. Cameron and Maclay streets, Harrisburg. www.autoshowharrisburg.com

Escape Poverty
Jan. 25: In recognition of “National Poverty in America Awareness Month,” Tri County Community Action will host “Escape from Poverty,” an escape room fundraising event at ABC East Lanes’ Harrisburg Escape Rooms, 1001 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg, 2 p.m. The event includes bowling, a NASCAR-style virtual reality racing simulation, food and drinks. cactricounty.org

Adult “Crafternoon”
Jan. 26: Join the Ladies of DIY, professional crafters, at Fredricksen Library, 100. N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., to make winter porch décor. Basic supplies provided. Cost is $7.50 per person, ages 16 and older. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Networking Mixer
Jan. 29: Join the West Shore Chamber of Commerce and other local business professionals at the January networking mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., at Capital Blue Cross, Healthy You Cafe, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola. The event is free and open to chamber members. www.wschamber.org

Oscar Nominated Shorts
Jan. 31-Feb. 1: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, to view this year’s Oscar-nominated short films before the awards are given. Nominees will be shown in documentary short film, live action short film and animated short film categories. Not recommended for children under 17 without parental permission. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Ice Festival
Jan. 30-Feb. 1: Marvel at artistic ice sculptures and watch live carvings of sculptures at the 18th Annual Chambersburg IceFest. There will be a variety of other fun activities for all to enjoy. www.icefestpa.com

Orchid Show
Jan. 31-Feb. 2: Visit Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, for the Susquehanna Orchid Society’s 36th annual Orchid Show and Sale in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 1,000 orchids will be on display, including rare species and unique hybrids. A member-only preview will be held on Jan. 30, 2 to 5 p.m. www.HersheyGardens.org

What’s the Skinny? Local estheticians offer skincare tips.

December 30, 2019 | by Nadine Quava

The Harrisburg region is home to some of the most experienced skincare professionals (estheticians) in central PA.

An esthetician specializes in the beautification of the skin by dealing with skin concerns like sun damage, pigmentation, acne, acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone and texture. Estheticians do not diagnose or treat skin diseases. Instead, they focus on the overall health and beauty of the skin.

Estheticians analyze your skin and work with you to craft a personalized program that includes professional skin treatments and home care products. An esthetician guides you on your journey to better skin.

I had the chance to chat with several local estheticians and gather some tips and advice. Like myself, each of these seasoned estheticians has 20 or more years of experience in the industry. We are all passionate about skincare and love what we do.

I’ll start things off with our first tip.

Make nighttime skincare a priority.
When you sleep, your skin has time to repair and regenerate. During sleep, you produce collagen, the protein that gives you shiny hair, strong nails and glowing skin. Sleep also allows your body to properly absorb your skincare products. Reap the rewards of beauty sleep by sticking to a nighttime skincare routine.

If you find yourself skipping a nightly routine because you’re too tired before bedtime, try making time earlier in the evening. Here’s a quick five- to 10-minute routine that anyone can follow:

Cleanse to wash off makeup, dirt and pollution from the day.
Apply a serum. Concentrated serums are the most potent step in your skincare routine. Your skin issues will determine what product you’ll need.
Moisturize to seal in hydration.

Follow these steps each night, and you’ll wake up with glowing skin.

It’s never too early to start an anti-aging skincare regime.
This tip comes from Tracey Lencioni of Innovations Skin Care in Harrisburg. Her best advice is don’t wait until wrinkles and poor skin texture are evident. The best plan to age gracefully is to use quality skincare products and have regular skincare treatments. Be proactive. Have an anti-aging game plan before you notice aging skin.

Maintenance is one of the most important things you can do for your skin.
Alice Brewbaker of Serenity Skin Care in Camp Hill spoke about the importance of skin maintenance. She tells all of her clients that, to have great skin, you need to maintain it. Regular facials, good skincare products and sunscreen are essential for glowing skin. You maintain everything else in your life, like your hair, nails, diet and fitness. By maintaining your skin, you always put your best face forward.

The “holy trinity” of skincare.
Robin Keister of Waters Edge in Camp Hill shared her product tips, which together constitute what she calls “the holy trinity” of skincare. In the morning use a good vitamin C applied topically, followed by a broad-spectrum SPF, preferably a mineral sunblock. In the evening, apply a quality retinol cream that also contains antioxidants to speed up your cellular turnover and help with fine lines, wrinkles and unwanted pigment.

Wear sunscreen in the winter.
Dianne Stein of Stratis Gayner Plastic Surgery in Harrisburg is a true believer in sunscreen every day of the year. While UVB rays (burning rays) are somewhat weaker in the winter, and you won’t get sunburned as easily, those pesky UVA rays that cause wrinkles, premature aging and make us dry and dehydrated are just as strong all year long. Indoor lighting, our phones and all other lighting also affects our skin and can cause premature aging, as well. There is no reason to not wear SPF. There are so many cosmetically elegant, tinted sunscreens available to choose from.

Our final two tips will help you enhance your glowing skin.

Get the perfect set of brows by knowing your options.
Patricia Moore of Lasting Looks in Harrisburg. emphasized eyebrow enhancement, particularly microblading, a newer, increasingly popular treatment. It is meant to look like natural hair strokes and uses a blade with many micro-needles to create fine hair strokes. It is semi-permanent and fades over time. Permanent eyebrow makeup creates more of a thick, solid line and is meant to last the course of a client’s lifetime because the pigment is deposited deeper in the skin using a tattoo gun with a rotary and coil to draw on the eyebrows. Always seek the advice of a professional that is skilled in both methods before deciding what is best for you.

Follow your bone structure when enhancing your features.
Carmina Cristina of Carmina Cristina Makeup in Camp Hill offered a tip for flawless, natural-looking makeup. If you follow your bone structure when enhancing your features (eyes, cheeks, eyebrows), your makeup will stay true to who you are and always look natural and like it belongs there.

Make 2020 your year for healthy, beautiful and glowing skin. Take time for yourself, follow our tips, and remember that skincare is self-care.

Nadine Quava is an esthetician with the Skin Care Coach, 2204 Market St., Suite 5, Camp Hill. For more information call 717-903-4441 or visit www.theskincarecoach.com.

I Got a Guy: Michael Parr can turn the fashion-challenged into fashion plates.

December 30, 2019 | by Cathy Jordan

Michael Parr

Michael Parr has always loved clothes.

“When I graduated from WVU, I went directly into sales and marketing,” he said. “I used to speak about clothing and how to dress at business sales meetings.”

When I met him, he wore a royal blue, white-pinstriped jacket lined with Van Gogh’s “A Starry Night.” The jacket had a contrasting white lapel and white buttonhole stitching. Blue marble buttons were also stitched in white.

“I met a guy one evening after a presentation who mentioned custom clothing,” he said, continuing the origin story of his company, Michael’s Custom Clothing. “I was interested. And then a different guy—that same evening—suggested I consider selling custom clothing. That was 23 years ago.”

Sounds expensive, right? Parr insists it isn’t.

“I can tailor-make entry-level suits that won’t cost much more than ones from a ready-to-wear suit store,” he said.

I immediately thought of my husband and his suit-uniform.

“So, why not shop some high-brow retail shop?” I asked. “Why would I want a clothier?”

Parr smiled broadly then replied, “Because you get me.”

Parr said that he sits down with clients for a good half hour to 45 minutes to understand who they are and what they need.

“I learn about you, and listen to your likes and dislikes, what matters to you,” he said. “We talk about how you dress on a daily basis, for functions, and events. I bring try-ons, and show shirt swatches and my Italian Geoff Nicholson ties. You pick your own fabrics. You and I can look at over a thousand suits, and it’s fun!”

It was fun checking out all the options, fingering the Oxford cloth and the silk, gazing at rows of colorful sample materials. Parr offers a plethora of fabric choices ranging from wool to cotton to cashmere, personalized silk lining—half lining or full or cuff, different colored buttons and stitch threads, functioning button holes (the sign of a good quality suit), lapel color, collar style, shape—the list goes on and on.

“Shopping doesn’t have to be a nuisance,” Parr said. “Men shouldn’t spend their money on clothes that don’t fit well or that they don’t really like. Once I have your measurements and size, then it’s simple.”

Measurements include the chest, seat, shoulder pitch and slope, posture stoop, leg and calf curvature and size, arm bicep and wrist.

“Measurements are so detailed that, when we do the final fitting, alterations aren’t usually needed,” he said. “But if so—even down the line when you gain or lose weight—I can make adjustments.”

Throughout our conversation, Parr emphasized the importance of a good fit—and how men often wear ill-fitting clothing.

“Any advice?” I ask, still thinking of my husband.

Parr nodded and straightened his shoulders.

“Class is timeless,” he said. “When people get too edgy, that messes up the whole look. I always wear a pocket square—it’s where my personality shows.”

Parr withdrew his tablet and pulled up a computerized interactive display that allows clients to see a virtual look.

“If a client doesn’t have the time, or doesn’t want to browse through everything, if he wants me to pick the style, then I can do that,” he said. “I see the big picture in clothing and the details.”

Parr sat back and crossed his arms. He recalled a few of his most memorable clients, such as a groom-to-be.

“As we were talking, I caught the nickname he had for his fiancé,” he said. “I had her nickname embroidered under his collar. Brought him to tears. And the bride loved it. It was a nice surprise for both of them.”

He also offered the example of a financier who had to dress for a party.

“For his dinner jacket, we chose a white paisley shawl collar with white ivory buttons, and a white mambo silk lining,” he said. “I embroidered ‘007’ under his collar.”

Not all his clothes are suits, tuxes and formal. He offers casual apparel too: sport coats, pants, shirts, ties, topcoats and car coats.

“I love clothes, but really, the best part of my job? I sit down with guys who are on top of their game and just kind of pick their brains,” he said. “I get to be around some really cool people in our community, and it’s a blessing.”

For more information on Michael’s Custom Clothing, contact Michael Parr at 717-979-0130 or [email protected].

Suit Up
Men aren’t generally known for their fashion sense. As a public service, Michael Parr offers the following tips:

Don’t buy too big or too small.
Your suit shouldn’t need a belt, which is worn as an accessory.
Never wear a belt with suspenders—the look is redundant.
Sleeve length should show at least a quarter inch of your shirt.
Jacket length must cover your rear-end.
Do not button the bottom button in a single breast suit.
Tie should not hang below the belt or above the waistline.
Pants—flat front, no pleats.
Pants should hit the top of the shoe.
In a professional environment, always wear socks.

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