Making Memories THIS SUMMER
R118101
PUBLISHER
Jocelyn Engle
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jeff Falk
COVER
Ashley Kendrick Kennedy
CREATIVE
Melissa McKee
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER
Greg March
Publication
Cover photo by Tim McGowan
& Krista Kropf,
Take on the summer day, seize the fleeting moment, make memories
BY JEFF FALK
Sometimes, we get caught up in the execution of our everyday lives. But it’s important to take a step back and focus on the things that matter most.
Time is limited, and life is short. We can strive to make the most of both.
That same sentiment applies to our children. They seem to grow up so fast, and before we know it, time has taken them away from us.
All we are left with is the memories.
It’s Winnie the Pooh who is credited with saying, “We didn’t realize we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun.”
The summer months are a great time for making family memories. The air is warm, school is out and there are so many fun things to do in Lebanon County.
Sometimes memories just happen. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be deliberate, intentional or even planned.
“When you think of your child’s life at home, you only have 10 or 12 summers with them,” said Jen Kuzo, who’s been the tourism-promoting Visit Lebanon Valley’s president for eight years. “Then they kind of go off on their own. You work to have experiences. You don’t want to have regrets. Memories bond family members. You can buy a lot of stuff, but you have memories for the rest of your life.”
“Memories just happen,” said Jo Ellen Litz, an avid outdoorsperson who’s been a Lebanon County commissioner for 26 years. “It feels natural. It feels right. I can’t do as much as I used to, but I love the outdoors. My father was into hunting, fishing and golfing, and he always took me along. Growing up, I was outdoors all the time.”
Clinically speaking, memories are created from changes in the brain’s neural connections. Those connections are heightened or suppressed by the frequency and the quality of experiences.
Lebanon County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz (left) is an unwavering advocate for the locale, the outdoors and families spending time together.
Some Lebanon County produce stands and farms offer visitors an opportunity to pick their own produce.
Photo courtesy of Visit Lebanon Valley
Getting up close and personal with friendly animals can create an instant memory.
Photo courtesy of Visit Lebanon Valley
We remember the things that are most important, and we forget the experiences that are less important. Our memories can also be jogged by stimuli we relate to our pasts.
From the Timewell blog, here are eight ways to foster wonderful childhood memories: highlight positive behaviors, celebrate achievements, make little things extraordinary, read with kids, eat meals together, innovate traditions, be fully present for at least 15 minutes and play with them.
“I think the biggest memories most children have come from family and being outdoors,” said Litz. “It’s priceless. It grows you as a person. The bonding that takes place with your parents, it grounds you. You’re looking up to your parents about how you should live your life. Who’s better to teach you than your parents and family? Little things mean so much.”
“I would think if you were setting out to (make memories), I wouldn’t tell anyone,” said Kuzo. “It could take some of the spontaneity out of it. There are things you can’t script. Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans. Sometimes, the unexpected road leads to more beautiful destinations. The Lebanon Valley is filled with them.”
From north to south, from east to west, there are so many memory-making activities - history, culture and art - in which families can engage in Lebanon County. From an afternoon at Union Canal Park to a tour of Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats, from a simple ice cream cone at Patches Family Creamery to picking produce at Risser-Marvel Farm Market, from events like the Mount Gretna Art Show to the Tour de Lebanon Valley bicycle event, from fishing the Quittapahilla to kayaking the Swatty - it’s not only what you make of it - it’s who you do it with.
“I think most Americans don’t take enough vacation days,” said Kuzo. “It doesn’t have to be a two-week trip to Hawaii. It can be a weekend in your own backyard. You live here. You need to support what makes us you.”
This downtown mural is a reminder to everyone that Lebanon County is a great place to make summertime memories.
Lebanon County offers any number of shopping opportunities.
Photo courtesy of Visit Lebanon Valley
Lebanon County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz credits her upbringing for fond memories and her subsequent community service.
Lebanon County is home to a number of waterways that are conducive to making memories.
Lebanon County residents have been making memories at the city’s Coleman Memorial Park for nearly 90 years.
“There’s something going on all the time,” she continued. “These are really fun experiences. We have some great golf courses here. In Lebanon County, we have more outdoor dining areaspatios and decks - than most areas. That’s where I want to be in the summer, out on the deck.”
“There is so much to do in Lebanon County,” said Litz. “The list goes on and on. I think everybody is aware of some of the things going on in Lebanon County. But I’m not sure everyone is aware of everything.”
Have you ever been to the Cornwall Iron Furnace, the only surviving intact charcoal cold-blast furnace in the Western Hemisphere? Have you been to the Cornwall Iron Furnace recently? Have
Fresh Produce for Summer
There are few opportunities like the open road, wind in your face and spending time with family members.
you ever been there with your kids? If you don’t show it to them, who will?
“When you travel abroad, you want to know what the area’s specialty is,” said Kuzo. “Our history is part of us. We want people to have experiences that families and individuals can enjoy. There’s a lot more going on here than you’d think. There’s a lot more going on here than meets the eye. We’re not the obvious choice. Sometimes we consider ourselves the road less traveled.”
Kids with fond memories of their childhood grow up to be adults with fond memories of their childhood. Adults with fond memories of their childhood tend to raise children with fond memories of their childhood.
It’s a circle of life that produces a family tradition.
“I guess my message to fathers and mothers would be: ‘Spend time with your children,’” said Litz. “Whether it’s baking cookies or going fishing, make memories with your kids. Spend time with your children because they will probably pass it on to their children, and that’s a good thing.”
“You’ve got experiences here that are related to living a good, healthy life,” said Kuzo. “It’s who we are. It’s our lifestyle. It’s something special in the Lebanon Valley.”
For additional information, go to www.visitlebanon valley.com.
Photo courtesy of Visit Lebanon Valley
Laudermilch’s is Your Grilling Headquarters
A 14-year-old student and resident of Quentin takes a break from a laptop screen.
Experience life beyond the screen this summer
BY JEFF FALK
Identifying the problem is one thing. Addressing it and solving it is a whole other ball of wax.
Many of us recognize that our society is facing a screen problem, that many individuals are spending too much time with eyes glued to screens - phones, laptops, personal computers, televisions, iPads and even movie screens. It is a concerning downside to this digital age in which we live.
The seriousness of this multigenerational problem is debatable. The real question seems to be what do we do about it.
Or even more importantly, how do we get kids to take breaks from screens? For our youths were raised in this digital age; for some, technology is all they know.
Not unlike the problem, the solution is also complex. It requires commitment, responsibility, empathy, discipline and communication.
“It’s a complex issue because it’s such an accepted part of society,” said Katie Indgunji, who was the president of the Student Council at Cedar Crest High School (CCHS) when she
Katie Indgunji, a recent graduate of Cedar Crest High School, spends about two hours a day on screens during the school year and about five hours a day on screens during the summer.
was a senior during the 2024-25 school year. “We grew up with it. I think we need to get kids involved. When you spend time in activities, that’s when powerful connections can happen.”
When kids are out of school, summertime affects how and how much kids use their digital devices. It seems that boredom, perceived boredom and simply not having enough to do are key factors in how much kids end up on their screens.
Or, as the new take on the old saying goes, “Idle hands are the digital devices’ workshop.”
“It’s different in the summer than it is during the school year,” said Indgunji. “Over the summer, activities I’m involved with are on pause, and the schoolwork stops, so I have more free time.”
“In the moment, I don’t see it as an issue,” continued Indgunji. “But when I think of five hours a day (of being on screens) over the summer, that’s 35 hours a week, which is too much time.”
“When you don’t separate yourself (from electronic devices), it’s hard to see the benefits,” said Hannah Shirey, who teaches English at CCHS. “One of the solutions is to try (taking a break from phones) and have support around you. High-schoolers never want to be singled out. It’s important to have community around you.”
“I think another solution is for teens being OK with being bored,” Shirey added. “Being bored is so important, because that’s the time when we can be creative.”
So set aside structured time throughout the week for breaks from mobile devices. A couple hours each day. No-cellphone Wednesdays. Stay away from screens for an hour before bedtime, and you just might sleep better. Outlaw phones at the dinner table and make meals into family time. Piece together a puzzle. Dust off your favorite board game or learn a new one. Read a book in a traditional format instead of on a screen.
The first step is recognizing the problem is there. The next steps should be baby ones.
“I think, number one, the responsibility is the individuals’,” said Shirey. “They should recognize the issue and want to do something about it. I think parents should try to stay off cellphones as well. Typically, high-schoolers mimic what they see.”
“In my opinion, school time should be a time for students to take a break from their phones,” Shirey continued. “If they see me on my phone, they think it’s OK. As a community, we need to make changes. It’s society’s problem.”
“I think ultimately it’s the person’s responsibility to keep themselves off screens,” said Indgunji. “Teenagers have to learn that screens aren’t life. They’re just a supplemental part of life.”
In Lebanon County, there’s a whole world of off-screen activities, events and sites waiting to be explored. The locale is home to dozens of municipal and state recreational parks, the Mount Gretna Roller Rink, Palmyra Bowling, the Lebanon YMCA, a robust county-wide library system, In The Net Sports Complex, community theater and challenging golf courses. One fun way to make memories is by attending the annual Lebanon Area Fair, Lebanon County’s largest event. This year’s fair, the 69th
Prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, the CornwallLebanon School District introduced a policy that requires Cedar Crest High School students to store their cellphones away during class times.
annual, will be held from Saturday, July 19, to Saturday, July 26, at the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center & Fairgrounds, 80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon.
Leave your phones behind or put them on airplane mode and use them only for capturing photos.
“I want students and families to know that there’s a whole world out there that’s not your screen,” said Indgunji. “When you’re stuck behind a screen, you can’t see the diverse world out there, and you can’t connect with others on a deeper level.”
“I do think being involved
Cedar Crest High School English teacher Hannah Shirey is a big proponent of limiting students’ time on screens.
The city of Lebanon recently opened a bicycle playground at Coleman Memorial Park that can serve as a way for kids to get outside during the summer months.
in school and being involved in community is so important,” said Shirey. “Being involved outside of class helps. Hang out with friends instead of doing it on FaceTime. Getting outdoors is really important. Volunteer. Just having people around you is so important. I’m an English teacher, so I’m a big proponent of reading. Just look to find escapes.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American kids between the ages of 8 and 10 spend an average of six hours a day on screens, youths between 11 and 14 about nine hours a day and teenagers between 15 and 18 an average of seven and a half hours each day.
“In my opinion, it’s a huge problem,” said Shirey. “I have students who are sitting in my classroom, and instead of coming up to my desk to ask me a question, they email me.”
“When I’m on my phone, usually what has my attention is Instagram or YouTube,” said Indgunji. “It’s me scrolling. I’m not looking for anything in particular. I consider it recreation or downtime, especially during the school year after my schoolwork is done. I use it as a communication device as well. When I go to bed, I have to make sure all of the red (notification) dots are gone.”
“I think for some people, their relationships depend on their screens,” said Indgunji. “I think more genuine connections come from talking to people in person and experiences. In schools, screens are an issue.”
Before the start of the 2024-25 school year, the CCHS administration instituted a new school policy limiting the use of personal cellphones in classrooms. The policy calls for students to sequester their phones in designated storage areas during the times when classes are in session.
In the past, CCHS students were required to put away cellphones in their backpacks during classes.
“The kids can check their phones between classes,” said Rob Snyder, an assistant principal at CCHS. “When the kids come into a room, each is assigned a spot for their phones. We feel there’s an appropriate time and place to use a phone. When phones are out of sight, they’re out of mind. We’re (temporarily) taking them away, so they can focus on the class. The whole idea is to help them learn. Before, students would hear a ding on their phones and it was like, ‘Oh, I’ve got to go check it.’”
Taking care of pets and other animals is a great way to teach children responsibility. The Lebanon County Area Fair in July is familyoriented and kid-friendly.
for a fun picnic
Dining al fresco is often associated with securing outdoor seating at a local restaurant. However, anyone can enjoy al fresco dining at home or in a park.
Picnics make it easy to enjoy a meal in an idyllic setting. Though there are no rules governing picnics other than those posted by local park officials, the following are some essential components of a fun picnic.
Food
The menu for a picnic need not be elaborate, but there's also room for foods that are a little fancier than sandwiches. Sandwiches are still acceptable picnic fare, but those who want to expand their horizons can fix cheeseboards, salads, fresh fruit, and other items that are easily prepared and packed in a picnic basket. It's best to avoid hot foods, as they can be difficult to keep warm. Small grills might be allowed in certain parks, but it's best to keep in mind that others may not want to deal with smoke from burning coals. So individuals who plan to grill during a picnic should choose a remote spot that won't affect those around them.
Beverages
Cold beverages, including water, can ensure no one is overcome by heat. Individuals who want to bring alcohol should only do so on private property, as many local laws do not allow consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces like parks. A cooler with cold beverages stored in ice can be a good idea if a lot of people will be attending the picnic.
Reusable containers
Reusable containers decrease the chances of creating litter. All it takes is one stiff wind for single-use, resealable plastic bags to blow away, and it's not always easy to track those bags down. Picnickers should aspire to remove everything that they bring to the picnic, and reusable containers make that easier to accomplish.
Tablecloths
Tablecloths do more than just set the scene for a picnic. Tablecloths collect crumbs and keep them off the ground,
which can decrease the likelihood that uninvited guests like ants will join the festivities. Tablecloths also ensure utensils can be set out and put down without getting dirty.
Comfortable seating
Though it's entirely possible some guests will want to sit on the ground throughout the picnic, some comfortable seating can provide the perfect respite when the hard ground begins to feel a little less accommodating. Instruct guests to bring their own foldable lounge chairs, and don't forget to bring a picnic blanket or two so anyone who wants to nap can catch a few winks. When hosting a picnic near the water, look for blankets that dry quickly. Some are even made of fabric that filters out sand to keep it off of food.
Miscellaneous items
Bug spray, sunscreen, a Bluetooth speaker, biodegradable waste bags, some sports equipment, other items to keep adults and kids occupied, and even a portable fan to keep guests cool and repel mosquitoes are some additional must-haves for a fun picnic.
A picnic in the park can be a great way to dine outside and relax in the summer sun.
Adventure awaits, even close to home Adventure awaits, even close to home
It is common for individuals to think that the ultimate vacation adventure requires venturing far afield, but there is plenty of summer fun available closer to home, as well.
Families may visit an amusement or a theme park. Spending a day or two at one of these destinations can introduce them to different rides, sights, attractions, food, and people. Waterparks, summer carnivals, and local theme parks also can make for fun excursions.
People might consider finding out where the highest peak near them is and then hike to the top. They may find stunning views.
Experiencing a new culture is possible close to home by eating at a restaurant that serves food from a country one has never visited. Many dishes and even specific ingredients may be new.
People may go rafting or tubing. These activities range from a lazy float down a slow-moving stream to the excitement of hurtling over rapids as the landscape rushes by.
Other water sports are also an option for adventure. Stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking can be entertaining ways to enjoy the water, and they provide a workout for many parts of the body.
Fishing is a great summertime activity. Some of the best times to fish are at dawn and dusk when fish are more likely to bite. Make sure you have a fishing license if needed. In Pennsylvania, anyone age 16 and up is required to have a fishing license in order to fish. Licenses
can be purchased at www.huntfish.pa.gov.
The summer months are a good time to take a dip as the water becomes a more comfortable swimming temperature. Families may head to a local swimmable body of water and hop in. People are advised not to swim in secluded locations and to check for warnings related to currents and weather. They should keep an eye out for aquatic life, as well.
One more close-to-home summer adventure may be catching a baseball game. In addition to watching Major League Baseball, people may purchase tickets to minor league games; these tickets may be easier to come by and softer on the wallet.
Summer adventures do not have to require traveling far. There are plenty of exciting activities close to home.
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