Chamber Made: For 70 years, the West Shore Chamber of Commerce has helped power business opportunity, growth.

February 28, 2018 | by Rachel Jenkins

Ground-breaking with the Chamber for the 581 Connector in 1993

In 1948, 33 men came together to form something they (naturally) called the West Shore Businessmen’s Association.

At the time, commerce on the western side of the Susquehanna River paled in comparison to the booming industrial city of Harrisburg, as the postwar migration to the suburbs was only beginning.

My, how times have changed.

Today, the area between Harrisburg and Carlisle is thick with stores, restaurants, auto dealers, offices and many other businesses, making the 70th anniversary of that once-tiny group a reason for celebration.

“Each month, we, as a staff, are going to be doing something revolving around the number 70,” said George Book, president of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce, the organization’s moniker since 1956. “One month, we’re going to PA parks and forests to plant 70 trees. It’s us going out and doing something for ourselves, but also giving back to our community, as well.”

Book described the chamber as the “switchboard operator” of local businesses, due to its ability to provide services designed to connect businesses throughout the area. It now includes more than 700 members, 80 percent of which are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

The group’s composition also has changed greatly over seven decades. In recent years, there’s been an explosion of female entrepreneurs and business people on the West Shore, remaking the very nature of the one-time men’s club.

Nearly a decade ago, Jennifer Buehler, a financial advisor of Wells Fargo Advisors, urged her employer to get involved with the chamber because, to her, the benefits were obvious.

“We weren’t really involved as an office with the West Shore Chamber of Commerce,” she said. “And I thought, well, what a great opportunity to get involved and start to network with other businesses and get to know people in the area.”

As a new member, Buehler immediately involved herself in a number of committees.

“I wanted to get involved right away because the best way to make the most of your membership is to get involved,” Buehler said. “I think the cool thing is that the more people get involved, the more comfortable you are to go to different events because you end up seeing and connecting with the same people.”

Over the years, Buehler has taken advantage of opportunities provided to her by the chamber, serving two terms on the board. Her work has earned her numerous honors, including the George C. Hoopy Award for her committee involvement and the Les Ginanni Business and Community Connection Award for her philanthropic efforts.

For other West Shore Chamber members, including Bob Kessler Jr. of Lemoyne-based Kessler’s Foods, involvement and networking happen primarily through events sponsored by the chamber.

A member since the 1970s, Kessler said he enjoys the ability to give back to the community and connect with other businesses through event sponsorships.

Kessler and his business participate primarily in two annual Chamber of Commerce events—“Taste of the Chamber” and “Business & Industry Night.” “Taste of the Chamber” is an opportunity for food businesses to showcase what they have to offer. With a large hot dog cart and an eye-catching umbrella, Kessler’s Foods brings its products right to the event for everyone to enjoy.

“We like to give back to the community, and we think it’s important for our company and for the members of our team to be involved in activities that are beneficial to the community and promote business within the community,” Kessler said.

Both Kessler and Buehler believe that making personal connections through the chamber makes good business sense. Chamber events offer people the chance to get to know one another both personally and as providers of goods and services.

“I think people who are in the chamber tend to purchase products that are sold by other chamber members,” Kessler said.

According to Book, building relationships is an important way that the West Shore Chamber of Commerce supports its members. Because of this, the chamber offers events several times a month at different times during the day to accommodate busy schedules.

“We’re looking for opportunities for our members to get together face-to-face, have a conversation, tell each other what they do,” Book said. “It’s seeing if there are some opportunities to either do business together or be a referral for each other as they move forward.”

For more information about the West Shore Chamber of Commerce, visit wschamber.org.

Fast Fish: A quick, healthy recipe for Lent.

February 28, 2018 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

Well, March has finally arrived, and, with it, the faint glimmer of spring.

This is also the season of Lent. Those who abstain from meat during this time might be looking for easy-to-prepare, meatless meals.

When I was a child, Lenten meals at my family home usually elicited groans from my corner of the table. Common fare included big bowls of lentils with olive oil (just olive oil); chickpeas with elbow macaroni; occasional tuna salad, which my father hated; and fried flounder, which usually ended up in little pieces because it stuck to the skillet (no Teflon back then).

So, in my search for some interesting fish dishes for Lent, I turned to renowned Italian chef, cookbook author and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich. Lidia has a rather endearing little cookbook out there, “Lidia’s Commonsense Italian Cooking,” which approaches cooking as a way to nurture bonds between friends and family. In it, she also stresses easy-to-make dishes, cooking with seasonal ingredients, and never wasting any food in your kitchen. I’m sure my mother would have liked its emphasis on Italian greens, vegetables and beans. Lots of beans!

Armed with a pound of cod and not much in the way of an idea beyond butter, lemon and perhaps a few capers, I found Lidia’s recipe, “Codfish with Olives and Zucchini.” It was incredibly easy to make and actually enjoyed by my often fish-wary spouse.

But what I liked best was how adaptable this recipe was. While putting it together, I kept thinking of all the possible combinations of fish and vegetables that would work. And though you can add some rice to your dinner, the majority of it is made in one pan.

CODFISH WITH OLIVES AND ZUCCHINI (recipe can be cut in half)
Ingredients
• 6 thick pieces skinless cod fillet
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (optional)
• 2 cups whole cherry tomatoes (I used a mix of red, yellow and orange)
• 8 ounces medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch half moons
• ½ cup mixed pitted olives, cut in half
• ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
• Place the cod on a plate and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Lightly salt. (I’m very careful with the salt because of the saltiness of the olives.)
• In a medium bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, olives and basil with the remaining olive oil and a little salt.
• Spread the seasoned vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet. (Using PAM first is helpful.)
• Roast the vegetables on the bottom rack of the oven until they just begin to soften, about 15 minutes (watch carefully).
• Nestle the cod in the vegetables and roast in the center of the oven until the fish is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Remember to judge cooking times with the thickness of your fish.

Place the fish on plates and arrange the vegetable mixture around and a little on top of the fish. Serve with a little rice, small new potatoes or even just garlic bread. The presentation of this dish is lovely. It’s good enough for company.

I’m already planning on some different combinations:
• Roasted salmon filets on a bed of sliced fennel, sliced artichoke hearts and halved, tiny red potatoes
• Roasted halibut steaks on a bed of sliced sweet onion and sliced red, green and yellow peppers
• Thick flounder filets with sliced onion, sliced mushrooms and capers

As a matter of full disclosure, I served my sons Mrs. Paul’s fish sticks when they were little boys. What was I thinking? These fish dishes are so much better! Try them this Lenten season and all through the year.

History Weapons: Men at Arms specializes in the art of ancient battle.

February 28, 2018 | by Adam Farence

Entering the room, you can hear the clash of sword on sword, dagger on dagger.

Looking in, you see long swords, rapiers, daggers and other fearsome weaponry lining the wall.

This may sound like something straight out of “Game of Thrones,” but it’s actually a scene not far from Harrisburg, at Crone’s Tae Kwon Do School just outside of Mechanicsburg.

Every Sunday afternoon, James Reed, founder of Men At Arms Martial Arts, instructs his students on long swordsmanship techniques following centuries-old training manuscripts from such masters as Joachim Meyer and Fiore dei Liberi.

“We can get a small glimpse of their world,” Reed said.

These manuscripts, written in the 1400s and 1500s, are referenced by the Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) movement, of which Men At Arms is affiliated.

HEMA is a 10,000-member, worldwide group of clubs studying historical European martial arts to rediscover historical fighting styles. Started in the 1990s, the organization consists of clubs in the United States, Europe and Canada.

Reed began his affiliated group after trying—and failing—to find one nearby to practice with. So, he decided to start his own.

Recruiting a few coworkers, he set out to found a serious club and to dispel the myth the HEMA is just running around and hitting each other with swords. Instead, fighters pay close attention to technique: proper grip, footwork, body structure, etc.

Reed held his first class about a year ago—just himself and one student. Today, more than a dozen people routinely join him in class, armed with weapons (some plastic, some real) and wearing a mish-mash of lacrosse and fencing gear for protection.

Reed often brings in guest teachers, and, on a recent Sunday, an instructor from Kutztown’s historical fencing group, Patrick McCaffrey of L’Arte Della Bellica, drilled the class on the ninth “dagger master play” by Fiore dei Liberi, a 14th-century fencing master.

In this “play,” students paired up with a partner and learned to prevent themselves from getting impaled in the stomach.

“Fighting with a dagger is wrestling with a sharp point,” McCaffrey said.

He stressed the importance of technique and said that students should train as realistically as possible. Despite the intensity of the subject, he found opportunities to inject humor into the lesson.

“The first rule of daggers is don’t get stabbed,” he said, flatly stating the obvious. And, when it came time to reverse roles from attacking to defending, he said, “They just stabbed you. It’s only polite to stab them back.”

A few weeks prior, another guest instructor brought in both fencing gear and steel rapiers. He drilled students in the parking lot on a few basic moves.

Near the end of most Men At Arms classes, students get fully geared up and free spar, ideally using the skills they just learned in class. But it’s also a chance for them to experiment with different techniques and combinations.

HEMA is not limited to strictly long sword and daggers, though those two weapons are the primary focus for Men At Arms. Students also have sparred with hard plastic axes, sword and buckler (type of small shield), and even a khopesh, an Egyptian sickle-shaped sword.

New sign-ups are allowed to use loaner gear for six months. However, they’re expected to start collecting their own equipment, which they should begin to use as soon as possible. The variety of weapons has given rise to a recurring joke that members participate in an arms race as they collect gear.

On a mid-winter day, students were preparing for FlowerPoint, an annual, three-day tournament held each March near Kutztown. For that, Reed was working on getting tournament-grade sparring gear, complete with the Men At Arms logo, custom color designs and even personal crests for members who wanted them.

“Men At Arms will not be known as the pauper’s club,” Reed said in front of potential tournament attendees, stressing how seriously he wants everyone to take the tournament.

But what was the ultimate reason behind this enthusiasm for ancient weapons and fighting techniques?

“It’s about being able to bond over that passion,” Reed said. “We’re stepping into the shoes of men who have been dead for 400 years.”

Crone’s Tae Kwon Do School is located at 24 E. Main St., New Kingstown. For more information about Men at Arms Martial Arts, visit their Facebook page.

A Silent Killer: What you need to know about Peripheral Arterial Disease.

February 28, 2018 | by Daniel Calderon

It may not be as well known as heart disease, but Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)—the narrowing of peripheral arteries that lead to the legs, arms, stomach and head—can be a very serious condition.

The narrowing occurs because of a build up of plaque within the arteries, which reduces blood flow. This disease is most commonly found in the legs and, if left untreated, can lead to ischemic rest pain, ulcers, gangrene and, ultimately, amputations. Patients with PAD are also at increased risk of having coronary artery disease and carotid artery stenosis, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Symptoms of PAD include:
• Pain when walking
• Increased fatigue and tiredness
• Increased cramping in lower extremities
• Decreased desire to walk or exercise due to pain
Unfortunately, in its early stages, carotid artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms often do not produce any signs or symptoms. These conditions may go unnoticed until they are serious or possibly even deadly. That’s why vascular screenings, which don’t required needles or invasive testing, are a good idea for those who are at risk.

What increases risk for PAD?
Lifestyle choices and other conditions can increase your risk for PAD. These include:
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Increasing age
• Family history of heart disease or stroke
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
These factors significantly increase the risk for PAD and should be regularly tested and monitored.

What screenings can detect PAD?
Highly trained technicians use the same type of ultrasound used for sonograms during pregnancy to examine carotid arteries, abdominal aorta and peripheral arteries in your ankles. PinnacleHealth CardioVascular Institute offers free vascular screenings to individuals who qualify. If you do not qualify, we offer a reduced-price screening program in our Wormleysburg office.

How is PAD treated?
Some people can manage PAD with simple lifestyle changes. By eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly, PAD may become more manageable. Medications may be prescribed to:
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Control blood sugar
• Prevent blood clots
• Relieve symptoms
In some more severe cases, vascular specialists may recommend treatment. Fortunately, vascular procedures have become much less invasive than in the past.

Want to know more?
At free community seminars, you can hear from vascular specialists about medications, lifestyle choices and treatments to prevent or manage PAD. Visit UPMCPinnacle.com/events to find a program near you. Take our quiz online at UPMCPinnacle.com/VascularScreenings or call 717-782-5169 to see if you qualify for a vascular screening.

Dr. Daniel Calderon specializes in vascular surgery for UPMC Pinnacle.

All That Sparkles: Munn’s Diamond Gallery celebrates 40 years in the bling biz.

February 28, 2018 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Chris Munn gazes towards the ceiling as he drifts back to the day when he was but a little tyke sitting in the back of his parents’ car.

“I remember my dad pointing to this building and saying that’s where he wanted to open a store,” he said, referring to the structure located on Market Street in Lemoyne.

Munn reflects upon how a friend was instrumental in convincing his father Sheldon to abandon the restaurant business in Wilkes-Barre and open a jewelry store in Lemoyne.

“He always had an interest in jewelry and design,” Munn said.

After many conversations with a jeweler friend, Sheldon decided to take the leap and open Munn’s Diamond Gallery in that spot.

“He bent his ear long enough to finally convince him,” said Munn, who marvels at the fact that he’s now been in the business as long as his father. “Sheldon was here for 20 years, and now I’ve had it for 20.”

So, how did the Munns manage to survive 40 long years in a tough business? Take care of the customer and the business will take care of itself, Munn said.

“When a new customer comes into our store, I view them as having lifelong potential,” he said. “I value every customer, and I realize, for them to return, I have to earn their trust.”

We Can Make It
Munn’s retail space consists of several rooms, with dozens of display cases featuring wedding bands, anniversary rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and other items designed to add an exclamation point to a well put-together look.

“We divide our collection into fashion and bridal,” said Munn, adding that he always tries to find pieces that are unique and distinctive, with a wide range of prices. “People can come in and purchase a nice pair of earrings for $80, or something as stunning as this 18K, yellow-and-white gold, handmade pendant containing 108 round diamonds for $7,500.”

In recent years, Munn’s has experienced growth in made-to-order pieces, driven, in part, by technology.

“We’re doing much more customized work these days,” Munn said. “People come in with a Pinterest picture or an item they saw online and ask us if we can make it.”

Munn has little nostalgia for the days when he had to draw a design on paper, carve it by hand in wax, then make it into a mold.

“Today, we draw it on paper, then import that into computer software, which communicates with a 3-D printer to carve the wax with excruciating precision. Then that goes into a mold for casting,” Munn said. “The software comes at a price, but you can do 10 pieces a month.”

As a result, custom jewelry has come down in price relative to hand carving, since labor time has been reduced. Laser welding makes customizing jewelry easier, as well.

“The technology uses amplified light, rather than heat or flame to solder and fuse metal together,” said Munn.

Munn has witnessed his share of fashion trends over the years.

“Prior to 2006, we rarely carried silver,” he said. “When the price of gold went up to $1,900 an ounce, suddenly designers started making more silver. Designers you’d never heard of before became front and center.”

Gold has since come down in price, but silver has maintained its place in the world of jewelry fashion.

“Today, it is an accepted fine jewelry metal, where before it was relegated to turquoise and costume jewelry,” Munn said.

Fun Ride
Judy Buszka began shopping at Munn’s after she moved to the area from that jewelry mecca known as New York City,

“I needed a jeweler and heard good things about Munn’s,” she said. “Sometimes, I worry about the smaller stores being a little intimidating, but I needed something repaired and everyone was so nice and friendly that I knew I would be coming back.”

Steve Mosey has been a Munn’s customer for about five years and likes the fact that he always has the opportunity to interact with the owner when he visits.

“I get personalized service and never feel as if I’m being pressured,” said the Lower Paxton Township resident, who has bought a variety of jewelry for his wife—from colored pearls to diamond pendants and earrings. “Chris’ selection is unique and, if my wife decides she doesn’t like something, she is free to exchange it for something else.”

For Munn, the business has been a fun ride, and he credits his staff for being by his side.

“People tend to stick with me,” he said.

The fact that he gets to talk with people and use his creativity is the icing on the cake.

“I like conversation to a fault and enjoy talking with people,” he said. “Over the counter is where I want to be—with customers, creating, designing, buying and sharing. Fortunately, that matched up with my dad entering into the business all those years ago.”

Munn’s Diamond Gallery is located at 1203 Market St., Lemoyne. For more information, call 717-761-8310 or visit or www.munns.net.

Art for All: A venerable Lancaster gallery has new owners, a new look and a new focus.

February 28, 2018 | by Carissa Bannister Kauwell

Dreya Moore

A memorable experience at a young age sometimes can lead to a changed career path later in life. Dreya Moore, the new owner of The Artist Studio and Gallery @ Annex 24 in Lancaster, recounted her earliest memory.

“When I was about 5 years old, my mom opened her first art gallery in the world-famous Italian Market in South Philly,” she said. “I remember standing on a milk crate and ringing up sales at the register. I used to build forts and dollhouses for my dolls out of stacks of art prints and framing supplies.”

Moore and her co-owner, Jackie Moore-Ballard, who also happens to be her mother, reopened The Artist Studio and Gallery @ Annex 24 early last year. Before taking over this adventure as gallery owners, they had exhibited in the space. Moore is a mixed media artist who specializes in found objects, up-cycling and recycling.

“Since I’m a tactile person, each piece ‘tells’ me what it wants to become,” she said. “I describe it as a collaborative relationship between me and the piece. I’ve created small-scale wire sculpture as well as a 6-foot-tall mixed-media piece using only vintage jewelry, recycled paper and plaster.”

The previous owners, Ken and Vanessa Reisig, approached the mother/daughter team with the idea of selling the business. It turned out that Moore was ready for a change. She had enjoyed her decade-long job as a chemist, but her life changed two years ago when her daughter was born.

“I had been with the company for a number of years and had advanced to the management level, so more responsibility meant less time for home,” she said.

When she returned to work after three months of maternity leave, she realized how much it bothered her to be away from her daughter.

“She rolled over, crawled and said her first words while I was in a meeting with some client,” she said. “It was heartbreaking and not worth it to me. So, I quit with zero plan, except that I was going to be a good mom.”

Immediately after that, her mother came to her with a business proposal—it seemed like kismet.

“Women are a force to be reckoned with,” Moore said. “Women business owners are just as capable as men, but I personally believe women are a bit more empathetic in their practices, which gives them a boost.”

What advice would she give to other women starting their own business?

“For the love of all things—do it,” she said.

Moore’s goal for the first year at The Artist Studio was to honor the original message of Annex 24, which was to give all artists a voice and a chance.

“I wish I was cool enough, talented enough to call myself an outsider artist, but I’m good with just being the chick who respects outsiders and is willing to take a chance on good, interesting, evolving, emerging, proven, developed, kick-ass art,” Moore said.

The Artist Studio uses theme exhibits, which are curated by Moore with help from her mother. For instance, one exhibit last year was themed “#BlackGirlMagic” and featured works by African-American female artists.

“I love being able to take a self-guided tour, so I tried to implement this type-A personality quirk into my exhibition planning, hence having themes,” she said. “A theme creates an experience for the viewer, either by telling a story or invoking a feeling.”

For this year, some of the themes include cityscapes/countryscapes, pop culture and “LatinX,” which will focus on Latin and Hispanic artists. In July, an exhibit will open entitled “Hex,” which, Moore said, will be a “love letter to Lancaster.” This exhibit will focus on area folk art with works from Amish artists, fiber arts, wood creations and a new spin on Lancaster County hex signs.

As artists themselves and community advocates, Moore and Moore-Ballard want to offer art classes to underprivileged residents. Many hardworking locals raising a family couldn’t afford things like art classes, Moore said. So, The Artist Studio decided to offer free paint classes, as well as other classes at varying price points, to accommodate everyone. Proceeds from raffles and silent auctions and donations of supplies help offset the costs of free classes, she said. Many artists also volunteer to help out.

From that small girl helping her mom at her first art gallery, Moore has come full circle. And Moore-Ballard, who had to leave her first gallery to focus on her young family, has returned home.

The Artist Studio and Gallery @ Annex 24 is located at 24 W. Walnut St., Lancaster. For more information, visit www.annex24gallery.com.

Clothes, Style, Family: Margaret Miller brings a boutique experience to the Carlisle Pike.

February 28, 2018 | by Rachel Jenkins

Margaret Miller

As you walk into Margaret Miller’s new boutique, you’re greeted by the warm glow of handcrafted candles burning alongside trendy earrings, necklaces and water bottles. The walls are lined with vibrant, colorful clothing that she has selected for occasions ranging from formal galas to a casual day at the office.

In January, Miller opened Three Little Birds Boutique on the Carlisle Pike after noticing a lack of sophisticated, stylish shopping in the area. She believes she is filling a void with pieces that can’t be found in big chain stores.

“This is a boutique that was created because I love beautiful clothes and because of the lack of shopping that there is in central Pennsylvania for pieces that were not typical,” she said. “We need pieces that have more quality, not just a one-season use.”

Miller also emphasizes the total shopping experience. From face wipes in the changing room to chilled champagne by the register, she has created a personal, pampering environment.

“I have pieces that you want to go out and feel sexy in and pieces that you want to feel conservative and modest in,” Miller said. “So, when I pull stuff and when I buy, I try not to discriminate by size, style, age and wallet. I have tops that are $38, and I have tops that are $115. My goal is for everyone to try on and find something they love here.”

Before opening her shop, Miller sold clothes as a fashion consultant with the national brand, LuLaRoe. She said that she began working with LuLaRoe to help herself feel beautiful and stylish again after having her third child.

In the process, she discovered that she could reach women all over the country by styling new pieces with what they may already have in their closets, then posting pictures of the results online.

“A lot of women really responded to seeing me in the clothes. I really started building relationships with these women through messaging,” Miller said. “I have all these relationships all over the country, and it obviously builds trust.”

When Miller started her own business, her online relationships paid off. Many clients followed her, which kept her dream afloat during months of unexpected construction and permit delays for her shop, which caused her to miss crucial seasonal shopping days like Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

“We had our floors and white walls, that was it,” Miller said. “And in one week, my husband, myself [and shop employees], we did everything. My husband built the fitting rooms, he put the shelving up, and we painted all the shelves.”

After assembling the decor and moving a large inventory of clothing from her house to the store, Miller was finally able to open her doors on Jan. 20. Now, between the physical store, its website and social media presence, customers are discovering the boutique almost every day.

The store’s logo logically features its namesake—three little birds, perched atop a diamond. For Miller, this represents the perfect blend of motherhood, family and sophistication.

“I have twins,” she said. “When they were little, I needed a song to sing to them when they slept. I sang ‘Three Little Birds,’ and then more meaning came to it when I had my third child.”

To keep her logo on-brand with her store’s sophisticated sense of style, Miller incorporated a diamond and made it a deep burgundy color.

“This is to remind women that we’re sophisticated here,” she said. “Everything that I’m doing here and the look is high class. But it still stems from that motherhood. I have that connection to the family too.”

Miller is a former teacher at the Milton Hershey School, and she has used that perspective to shape her shop.

“I never want someone to come in here feeling defeated or deflated,” she said. “Sometimes, when I walk into a place and I can’t afford one thing, I feel really bad. I would think of my teacher paycheck, and I couldn’t afford an $80 sweater when I was a teacher in my 20s.”

Now, she’s taken her own life experiences and put them toward creating a welcoming atmosphere that she hopes other women will appreciate.

“The worst fear of mine is someone leaving and feeling guilty about something they bought or regretting something that they bought,” Miller said. “I always want someone to have a positive feeling with the Three Little Birds.”

Three Little Birds Boutique is located at 6455 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg. For more information, visit www.tlbboutique.com or the Facebook page or call 717-309-2348.

Pieces of Peace: This spring, take a contemplative stroll along Harrisburg’s new Peace Promenade.

February 28, 2018 | by Diane McNaughton

Lenwood Sloan

Lenwood Sloan brought home a peace offering from Hawaii.

Inspired by a conference on global tourism in the Aloha State, he accepted the challenge to take part in the 2018 Global Peace Park Project, with the vision of erecting “peace parks” in all 24 time zones.

In Harrisburg, his idea now spans more than two scenic miles along the east bank of the Susquehanna River. He assembled a “Peace Promenade,” featuring seven existing, but frequently overlooked, monuments, along with the Harrisburg Riverboat, to represent eight pieces of peace.

He hopes that joggers, bikers, power-walkers, festival-goers and motorists moving along Front Street will pause for a moment and consider this pathway of peace. He realizes that far too many passersby never even look up, blinded by haste, jaded by the familiar, or unaware of the significance that inspired the stones.

The promenade is a passion project for Sloan, a self-anointed “catalytic agent” who formerly worked as the city’s arts and culture director and the state’s film commissioner.

When he began, Sloan found that the monuments along the riverfront, tragically, “were foster children.” The city cut the grass around them, but no one took responsibility for them, he said. Worse, few people even knew they existed—even though they may push a stroller or zoom by them in their climate-controlled cars every day.

He was initially “despondent” after several potential supporters declined to help with the project. But he persisted, eventually stitching together what he calls “a crazy quilt” of more than 40 organizations and 200-plus individuals, including state Rep. Patty Kim, the Dauphin County commissioners, local history aficionados and the downtown community.

Riverfront Park, he said, was a natural fit for the park because it already served as a backdrop to so many summertime celebrations on long holiday weekends and is the scene of many 5Ks and family reunions.

“Although we are often a diverse and conflicted community, everyone finds the river as common ground,” Sloan said.

The promenade starts at Market Street and continues to the Peace Pole and Garden, near Emerald Street, built decades ago by the Physicians for Social Responsibility. In the yearlong program, many businesses along 2nd and 3rd streets are offering community conversations as part of the “ground-up movement of coalition-building,” Sloan said, including the Art Association of Harrisburg and the Susquehanna Art Museum.

“This is a passion project by people who are already doing this work, but often in isolation,” he said.

Oasis
The project began last fall with dialogues on the nature of war and peace. After a mid-winter break, it was re-started in late February, as the group honored exemplars of peace, including Homer Floyd, Dr. George Love, K. Leroy Irvis and Dr. and Mrs. John Judson.

The next event in the series will be held later this month to honor the sacrifice of women, Sloan said.

The women’s monument at Front and Clinton streets is the centerpiece of the commemoration.

Erected after World War I, the monument features five women embodying five iconic roles: a mother waving to her military son, a woman in uniform herself, a farm woman holding a rake, a refugee and a Salvation Army nurse.

When the endeavor started, the monument was filled with graffiti and looked like a tombstone, Sloan said.

Former city economic development director Jeb Stuart helped identify cemetery experts who lent advice on how to clean the stone and plate. The Tri-County Federation of Democratic Women and the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club adopted the stone, which will be re-dedicated on March 24, and a circular sitting garden will be planted.

Two days later, a civic dialogue will be held with five area residents who will represent the iconic women symbolized on the monument. The Rev. Brenda Alton will moderate the discussion, featuring former York mayor and veteran Kim Bracey; Suzanne Sheaffer, a Gold Star mother; Major Elizabeth Greiner, who will represent the Salvation Army; Tara Bronbeck, who will represent the farmer; and Ho-Thanh Nyguen of the Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network.

“Harrisburg is an oasis and safe house for refugee women all over the world,” Sloan said.

On April 9, the group will advance through time to World War II, focusing on the riverfront’s silhouetted Holocaust memorial. Lillian Rappaport of the Jewish Community Center will lead the dialogue for the event, which will be held at the House of Music, Arts & Culture (formerly Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center), which once served as Harrisburg’s Jewish Community Center.

Sloan said that not only was the Jewish population persecuted in the dark days of Hitler, but so were Catholics, the gay and lesbian community and the disabled. So, representatives from the LGBT Center of Central PA and the disabled community will take part in the discussion, too.

Change Agent
Sloan also pointed to the time capsule that sits virtually unnoticed at Front and Locust streets across from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral.

“People sit and eat their cheeseburger at Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day and never know it’s there,” Sloan said. “The capsule is a pretty shabby lady right now.”

It holds yearbooks, letters and more, but, because it was assembled in the early 1960s, many voices were left out, he lamented, including the voices of women and people of color.

To release those voices, a Chautauqua, or educational gathering, will take place on May 6 at St. Stephen’s. David Carmichael, the new director of PA State Archives, will be the keynote speaker and facilitator.

“All our events are free,” Sloan said, encouraging all to attend. “Just bring your heart, your spirit, and your will to be a change agent.”

For more information on the Peace Promenade, visit www.dauphincounty.org or email [email protected].

Uncommon Scents: Men and fragrances—the battle is on.

February 28, 2018 | by Dave Marcheskie

Ryan Spahr

What’s that smell?

If you’re a guy, that question should be an admirable one—not embarrassing. Men usually fumble when it comes to olfactory fashion and, honestly, it shouldn’t be our fault.

As we come of age (so to speak), we’re thrown an array of teenage essence that is more like smelling salts. Axe Body Spray, in my opinion, should be akin to Mace. “It stings the nostrils,” much like Sex Panther in “Anchorman.” Late ‘90s fragrances of Tommy and Curve for Him are gassed into my memory of failed first dances.

Our role models aren’t much better. My grandfather lathered up with Old Spice from a jar that looked like a bottle of hot sauce. Every gym locker room my nose has been in reeks of Aqua Velva and Barbicide. What’s my point? We generally stink at trying to smell good.

Have you ever heard of Cologne, Germany? That is where an Italian-born fella developed citrus-scented water in 1708 because it reminded him of an “Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain.” Romantical. He hawked it as the first-ever men’s fragrance, to much popularity at the time.

His philosophy of a man’s cologne was to invoke or create a positive memory. Brain anatomy studies have shown that smells are closely linked to memory and emotions. So, when choosing your signature scent, think of how you would like to be remembered.

Both my grandfather and dad have passed away, and I can remember the Old Spice and Issy Miyake, respectively. Which is why your invisible cloak could be perhaps the most important thing you wear daily.

First, there are three main ingredients to a fragrance: top, middle and base. Top scents are what hits your nose immediately—citrus zest, herbs and sweet notes. These should be light to lure you closer. The middle note is basically the bulk of the scent. These are smells of tobacco, leather, nutmeg and ocean. And the base is usually the category you may be asked what you personally are drawn to—woodsy, musk or clean.

Instead of rubbing magazine inserts on your neck, it would be best to go to a professional shop to try on different scents. Not just smell alone, but how your body reacts to the fragrance also matters. Head to a department store or big box fragrance shop to get an idea of the designer brands. Take a pal or significant other with you, because, honestly, the scent isn’t really for you. My wife digs my Burberry Touch and baby powder concoction. Proper application is vital. It should be a hint ‘o you—not a Glade plug-in. Take the spray bottle at arm’s length and spray once to the upper chest and neck area where nuzzling happens most.

With anything in life, there is an upper echelon of eau de Colognes. Chops Barbershop in Midtown crafts handmade scented aftershaves that you could slap on. The pièce de résistance of olfactory opulence is just north of us in Scranton. NOTE Fragrances on Spruce Street has infinite combinations of oils and extracts to help you tailor a signature scent. Book an appointment and tell them I sent you. They’ll say, “who?”

Dave’s Cocktail of the Month
Sip on this fragrant cocktail, which will help draw someone in to stop and smell the roses.

Herbal Es-scents
• 1 ounce Cachaça or Caribbean rum
• 4 kumquats, halved
• 3 lime wedges
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 1 teaspoon cane sugar

Muddle kumquats, sugar, 1 sprig rosemary needles and 2 limes wedges in a shaker, pour in the liquor and shake over ice. Strain into glass and garnish with remaining lime wedge and sprig of rosemary. Breathe it in before each sip.

Dave Marcheskie, a former reporter and anchor for abc27 News, is our Sharp Press Man.

Cathedral Comeback: Events are reinvigorating Harrisburg’s magnificent Scottish Rite building.

February 28, 2018 | by Casey Kelly

Photo by Elena Jasic

Harrisburg is filled with history.

There’s so much that even longtime residents may be unaware of a landmark or of its original purpose or significance. The Scottish Rite Cathedral, an imposing stone-and-brick masterpiece near Italian Lake, is one of those.

Scottish Rite, a branch of Freemasons, built the cathedral in 1954 as a venue for meetings, public gatherings, Masonic ceremonies and entertainment events. At the time, the building’s 120-seat theater was state-of-the-art.

Lee Boltz, a longtime member who now serves as the rental and booking agent for the venue, said he’s working to give the cathedral new life by attracting a new crop of shows and events to the theater and other event rooms.

“Unfortunately, the public has forgotten about this place,” Boltz said. “There are people who have lived in Harrisburg for 15 or 20 years and come in here for the first time and their mouths drop open. They had no idea it exists here.”

Not as Popular
As an organization, freemasonry is based on brotherhood, respect and mutual support.

Besides aiding fellow members, Masonic branches typically support a community organization. For instance, Scottish Rite hosts The Learning Center, which is located on the lower level of the building and specializes in teaching children with dyslexia.

“Any child who is referred here does not pay anything,” Boltz said. “They just come in, and the staff works with them. We’ve seen a lot of success stories in our Learning Center, with school grades going up.”

For many decades, the Freemasons thrived. Until the 1980s, 400 to 500 Masons regularly returned for bi-annual reunions at the N. 3rd Street building, Boltz said. At that time, most of the cathedral’s event space, such as the ballroom, dining rooms and the theater, was reserved for Masonic use rather than public events.

About 20 years ago, the Scottish Rite began to see declining membership, due, in part, to an increase in family and work obligations and competing social and extracurricular activities, Boltz said.

“Fraternal organizations are not as popular as they used to be, the same way as churches, clubs, the Rotary, Kiwanis,” he said. “It’s difficult for any of those organizations to find people.”

Golden Age
Dwindling membership numbers drive the need to reinvigorate use of the cathedral’s stunning auditorium and replace funds lost from fewer dues.

Boltz is optimistic about making 2018 a revival year for the theater. He hopes to return it the the auditorium’s golden age, when such major acts as the Four Seasons, the Vogues, Chicago and the Glenn Miller Band graced the stage. To that end, he already has scheduled several upcoming shows and hopes to book more.

The theater is in nearly pristine condition. The décor has a retro, 1960s-era look, but is in fanstastic shape, as is the sound system and the large backstage area.

Aside from theatrical productions, the public can rent out rooms in the cathedral for other events, such as birthday parties, reunions and weddings. Its two kitchens are equipped with the essential appliances and stocked with dishes, glasses, silverware, serving utensils, etc. They no longer cater events themselves, but people can hire their own caterers.

“I’m looking for well-known, national acts, as well as local people,” Boltz said. “It’s going to take a little while to get moving again, and I’m willing to be patient. But I’d really like to see it become a thriving theater, concert hall, banquet facility, wedding reception hall — anything.”

What’s Ahead
Numerous events are planned over the next few months at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, including:

● March 15-18: Capital Area School for the Arts’ “Little Shop of Horrors.” Ticket price TBA.
● March 17: Open Stage of Harrisburg’s “Diary of Anne Frank.” Tickets start at $18. Show starts 2 p.m.
● April 7: Bluegrass bands Colebrook Road and Serene Green. Tickets $15. Doors 6:30 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m.
● April 14: Rock & roll bands Grumpy Old Men, Jellybricks & Stereo Glow. Tickets $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Doors 6:30 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m.

In May, Scottish Rite is planning a Mother’s Day Brunch, complete with an omelet station, eggs made to order, breakfast meats and a carving station for beef sirloin, pork loin and roasted chicken. Adults cost $24.95, children 6 to 12 are $12.95 and children 5 and under are free. The event is by reservation only.

Each December, the theater also hosts the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet’s “Nutcracker.” Throughout the year, The Studio dance school in Enola stages various recitals and performances there. The cathedral currently is negotiating to present an off-broadway comedy, as well.

The Harrisburg Scottish Rite Cathedral is located at 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit the Harrisburg Scottish Rite Events Facebook page or www.valleyofharrisburg.org. For tickets to an event, visit eventbrite.com or call the theater office at 717-238-8867.

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