Issuu

PUBLISHER

Jocelyn Engle

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jeff Falk

COVER DESIGN

Ashley Kendrick Kennedy

CREATIVE

Melissa McKee

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Greg March Publication

Holiday Shopping Tips You Can't afford to Miss

The festive and fun nature of the holiday season can make it easy to forget the benefits of being frugal. Many people go overboard on Christmas spending, making this time of year costly for consumers.

Sales between the beginning of November 2023 and Christmas Eve 2023 climbed 3.1% from the previous year, according to the Mastercard SpendingPulse. The National Retail Federation reported in November 2023 that holiday spending was expected to reach between $957 billion and $966 billion. Trading Economics, a financial market indicator and forecast provider, said personal spending in the United States only rose 0.2% in May 2024 from the previous month, which marked the lowest increase since January 2024.

Shoppers who want to spend less and stick to a budget for holiday entertaining and gifting can keep these budgeting tips in mind.

Set a value to gift recipients

It may sound harsh, but certain people on holiday shopping lists may be assigned a higher value than others. For example, you wouldn't necessarily spend the same amount on a gift for a child's teacher as you would for a grandmother. Putting a dollar figure next to each name on the shopping list can help you identify your expected spending and where you can cut back, if necessary.

Establish your overall budget

Once you have an idea of your potential holiday expenditures, set a firm budget. Avoid the temptation of impulse buys, which can make it easy to go over budget.

Begin shopping early

Start scouring ads and looking for deals prior to Thanksgiving or Black Friday. Keep a running list of gift ideas; when the price is right, purchase those items.

Price check "perfect gifts"

If you've spotted the perfect gift for someone but it's beyond budget, see if you can find a better price elsewhere, says Better Money Habits. There are apps that allow users to scan barcodes and check items across various retailers. Stores may also have price-match policies that can save shoppers money.

Look for deals all the time

Many people get hung up on perceived deep discounts from Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers. However, industry experts say there often isn't a huge difference in markdowns between these promotions and those during other sales. Only by knowing the average price for items can you know if a sale is legitimate.

Sign up for store rewards

If you don't want your regular email inbox inundated with offers, set up a separate email account for in-store and online shopping. Then you can sign up for the rewards programs at checkout. Utilize the coupon codes and advertisements for sales to save money without having your primary email data shared with other marketers.

Track spending carefully

If you don't know how much you're spending, then you cannot possibly stick to a budget. After each purchase, keep a running tally of all holiday spending to see how far you are from the finish line.

The holidays can be expensive, but with smart budgeting and dedication to savvy shopping, it's possible to stay out of financial trouble.

There’s No Outdoor Winter Fun Quite Like Tubing

BY JEFF FALK

Snow tubing is a fun and unique recreational activity that gets the heart racing and produces adrenaline rushes. It’s not for everybody, but many who try it for the first time enjoy it.

Snow tubing is a great way for families and friends to spend time together. It’s an outstanding opportunity for loved ones to create memories with the staying power to last a lifetime.

But, perhaps most importantly, snow tubing is physical exercise and

a means to remain active during a time of the year that restricts the movements of many. And the role that physical exercise plays in our overall wellbeing is well documented.

“Tubing is a great winter activity, and you’re outdoors,” said Doug Bohannon, the director of snow tubing and golf at Iron Valley Golf Course. “There’s some walking involved, and it’s a workout. Exercise is important, especially over the winter months, because people are inside more. The bottom line is that tubing is something fun to do outside during the winter months.”

Located in Cornwall at 201 Iron Valley Drive, Lebanon, Iron Valley Tubing is the only facility within 30 miles offering the exhilarating outdoor winter activity of snow tubing. The same elements that make Iron Valley a top-tier championship golf course - rolling terrain, large mountain-like hills and stunning views - also make Iron Valley the perfect venue for tubing.

Iron Valley Tubing has become a destination for central Pennsylvania residents looking for something fun to do outdoors during the winter months.

Iron Valley Tubing can be the perfect venue for families and friends seeking to spend time together during the winter months.

Extremely weather dependent, Iron Valley Tubing typically opens each year on Dec. 26 and usually closes during the last days of February. When conditions allow, Iron Valley is open for snow tubing on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All bookings of two hours of snow tubing must be completed online in advance at https://ironvalleytubing.com. Iron Valley Tubing also offers group rates for church groups, youth groups and athletic teams.

“Many tubers are kids, college students and high school students and families,” said Bohannon. “It’s people who are looking for something to do and love being outdoors. It’s like a two-hour amusement park. If you hate the cold, you don’t want to do it. It’s kind of like sledding; there’s not a lot of skill involved.”

When the weather grows colder, the golf course’s driving range is transformed into Iron Valley Tubing’s 900-foot-long track, which features 15 lanes and a 133-foot change in elevation. Thrill seekers positioned on large inner tubes are given gentle pushes to start their downhill trajectory and are slowed to a stop by a flat surface at the bottom.

Tubers are then pulled back up the hill by a conveyor-like lift, ready for their next turn on the hill. Riders can average between 10 and 16 runs during their two-hour sessions.

The Iron Valley Tubing experience is enhanced by surrounding nature, a kiddie hill, an indoor concession stand where riders can warm up and refuel and the presence of the Miner’s Pub Restaurant.

“People enjoy it,” said Bohannon. “Yeah, it’s the speed. Some people scream. Some want to go as fast as they can. We have red bags at the bottom, and if you get to the red bags, they’ll stop you. Some people want to get to the red bags, and some people don’t.”

“It’s not a super steep hill, but you keep going and going,” Bohannon added. “People are going down and having a good time. They have a blast. After the snow gets packed down, it’s great. You can get down there in 19 seconds.”

Using six stationary snow makers and four portable units, Iron Valley Tubing makes its own snow. The process involves blowing the snow to all parts of the hill, smoothing the fluffy stuff out and creating tubing lanes.

Iron Valley Tubing’s ability to make its own snow is one of the keys to its success.

It’s snow that transforms the driving range at Iron Valley Golf Course into a winter wonderland.

“Our job is to get that hill covered, and we need cool, dry air,” said Bohannon. “When it snows from the sky, it’s not good. But it’s great advertising for us. When we make our own snow, it’s packed down and it makes tubing fun. The machines make up to 10 or 11 feet of snow, and then you spread it out so there’s a 3-foot base.”

“We’re all weather dependent, and from a business standpoint, it can be super frustrating,” Bohannon continued. “You need all the right ingredients. You need snow on the hill, and you need the right temperatures, between 15 and 50 degrees. The hill can’t be too fast or too slow. If it was 25 degrees for 12 straight weeks, it would be awesome. Winters around here have changed drastically since we were kids.”

Last winter, Iron Valley Tubing welcomed 6,000 riders during the 192 hours over 33 days it was open. During the 2023-24 season, the facility hosted 3,300 tubers over 101 hours in the 20 days it was open. And the year before, Iron Valley hosted 4,400 riders in 162 hours over 26 days.

“Every Monday I’m looking at the weather forecast and asking myself how many days and how many hours we will be open,” said Bohannon. “We have people coming here from everywhere, and some have never seen snow before, but a lot of it is local people. When the conditions are right, I’ve had people tell me this is the best tubing they’ve ever seen.”

Overlooking the famous Cornwall iron mines, Iron Valley Golf Course was built in 2000. Iron Valley Tubing was established in 2015.

“It’s recreation,” Bohannon said. “In the winter, you can go ice skating outdoors as long as the ponds are freezing. You can go cross-country skiing, but you need the right equipment. You can go skiing, but you have to go somewhere to do it.”

After serving as the athletic director for the Eastern Lebanon County (ELCO) School District for 25 years, Bohannon assumed his current duties at Iron Valley in 2022.

“This is a great second mini-career,” said Bohannon, a resident of Myerstown. “With this, 99% of my day is positivity. People take time off or take vacation to play golf or go tubing. I help make people happy. This is just refreshing.”

Iron Valley Tubing hosts outings for all types of groups.

Riders navigate Iron Valley Tubing’s fun course.

A gentle push can send riders on their way.

Christmas Tree Cake Pops

There's no denying Christmas Eve is a special time. And kids' joy and enthusiasm helps to make the holiday season such a special time of year.

Since kids add so much to the holidays, it makes sense to prepare something special for youngsters. Of course, treats such as these "Christmas Tree Cake Pops" from Lines+Angles also may appeal to festive adults.

Makes 24 cake pops

Ingredients:

1 box vanilla cake mix

¾ cup canola oil

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon milk

3 ½ cups green candy melts

24 cake pop sticks

Icing dots

Icing stars

Directions:

1. Prepare cake according to package instructions, adding ¾ cup canola oil to the cake mix before baking.

2. Once cake is cool to the touch, transfer to a large mixing bowl and break up into crumbs. Allow to cool completely.

3. In a medium bowl, add the butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk. Use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.

4. Add ¾ of the frosting to the cake crumbs and mix until mixture can hold together well. Refrigerate for at least an hour.

5. Using your hands, shape the cake pop mixture into 24 conical shapes.

6. Melt the green candy melts. Dip one end of each of the cake pop sticks into the melted chocolate before inserting into the bottom of the cake pops. Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, making sure to cover completely, allowing excess to drip back into bowl.

7. Use a toothpick to create the textured look of the tree and decorate with the icing dots and stars before standing upright to dry completely.

If Community Spirit Moves You, Visit Lebanon Farmers Market

BY JEFF FALK

It’s not jinxed. It’s not cursed. The Lebanon Farmers Market is not haunted by the spirits of the Blue-Eyed Six or anything like that.

But whether the causes be real or imagined, during the recent part of its 133-year history, it feels like the Lebanon Farmers Market has found itself with plenty of room for growth. In a way, the farmers market has become the symbolic anchor of a downtown Lebanon business district in the process of reclaiming its swag.

The farmers market, which has been operated by at least four new owners over the last 20 years, remains a community treasure, a beacon of hope for Lebanon County. In addition to being a gathering place and a safe place, the Lebanon Farmers Market is a unique shopping space, a shared space where local vendors can peddle their wares and a space where shoppers are made to feel at home.

“Any small town lives and dies by its market,” said Andrea Stalnecker, who’s been the farmers market manager since March. “It’s vital for any market to know its role and to be welcoming. We’re one of the most recognizable buildings in Lebanon. It’s always played a role in the community. We want it to continue to be a welcoming

place in the county.”

“We’re a microcosm of Lebanon,” continued Stalnecker. “We’ve got a lot of options here. We have a variety of foods. You can sit with a friend. You can catch up with somebody. People can come in and use the bathroom. I love feeling the history here.”

Located at 35 S. Eighth St., on the former site of the Lebanon jail and a stone’s throw away from where five of the Blue-Eyed Six conspirators in the most famous murder case in local history were hanged in 1879, the 33,000-square-foot Lebanon Farmers Market consists of a main market first floor, a mezzanine, a third floor for special events and a basement that houses offices - some of which once served as cells.

The Lebanon Farmers Market is open year round on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This makes visiting market a perfect wintertime activity for families looking to escape the house on chilly days when cabin fever starts to set in.

“I think everyone who comes here can benefit,” said Stalnecker. “I think when people walk by, they’re missing out. I think it’s underutilized. I think over time some of the focus has been lost, and I think COVID dealt it a blow.”

“I think the vibe for the market is in

rebuild mode,” said Buddy Lambakis, the owner of Buddy’s Breakfast and Lunch, who was born and raised in Lebanon. “I came here when I was a kid. Now I want to see it grow. We want people to know we’re here and that we have a lot of variety. We’re trying to make the market great again.”

Buddy’s Breakfast and Lunch is one of 16 vendors currently doing business inside the Lebanon Farmers Market’s stone walls. Among those vendors’ offerings are sushi, breads and pastries, coffees, hot foods, candy, poultry, produce, smoked meats and cheeses, snack foods, flowers and gifts, salads and tacos.

Right now, the farmers market has openings for eight vendors.

“Pretty much everybody at market is family and gets along,” said Chuck Deets, a representative of S. Clyde Weaver Smoked Meats and Cheese, which has been a vendor even before the farmers market moved to its current location in 2006. “The atmosphere is really laid back. You can come here and get just about anything you can at a grocery store. A lot of people nowadays want to eat fresh and local. We’re definitely fresh and local.”

“Some of the vendors collaborate,” said Stalnecker. “It’s like any family; some members are closer than others. We see some working together,

The historic Lebanon Farmers Market is open Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

During the Lebanon Farmers Market’s long history, S. Clyde Weaver has been one of its most loyal vendors.

and that’s what we want. Some are from Lancaster County, but most are from Lebanon. But we welcome everybody.”

“(I am) passionate about small business,” continued Stalnecker. “I’ve always come here to support the small businesses. I like promoting small businesses. Smal businesses have made this country great. We’re all neighbors. The money tends to stay local.”

The Lebanon Farmers Market’s latest owner is Jared Mizrahi, a Lancaster County businessman who also owns PCI Auction Group, which deals in commercial and industrial restaurant equipment. Mizrahi purchased the property at auction near the end of last year and, at the time, promised to keep the market aligned with its original purpose.

Since then, Mizrahi has invested some money toward maintenance and upkeep of the historic building and hired three event coordinators as a way to promote more community happenings, like on-site tours that feature the story of the Blue-Eyed Six.

“I think things are improving,” said Stalnecker. “I’ve seen a lot of positive changes in the last half-year. I’m pleased with the foot traffic, but I still want more. I think there’s potential for more. We have vendors who are willing to expand their horizons. We’re trying to have at least two events a month, but we’ve been banging out one a week.”

“I’ve met people who have lived in Lebanon their whole lives and they say they’ve never been to market,” Stalnecker added. “Some people come in a couple of times a year. Some people

Wanda Meeina mans the Serireo’s Design stand at the Lebanon Farmers Market.

Sang Lia helps to operate the Sushi and Asian House, which is located on the mezzanine level at the Lebanon Farmers Market.

Part of the Lebanon Farmers Market’s third floor has been converted into an event space.

Manager Andrea Stalnecker’s passion for promoting has helped draw new visitors to the Lebanon Farmers Market.

come in every week. I want to change the perception. I want the perception of market to be positive.”

“We need the support of the community,” said Wayne Carey, the manager of market vendor Candy-Rama. “We have (vendors) with good products and people who know their products. We just need people to come in. We’re selling the knowledge of the goods, too. That’s what separates us from the grocery store; that’s what separates us from the herd.”

After a 19th-century fire razed the jail, the current Lebanon Farmers Market building was constructed in 1892. The business prospered after it was moved to a South Ninth Street location in 1960.

It was local entrepreneur Bill Kolovani who moved the Lebanon Farmers Market back to its original location 20 years ago.

“I love seeing the younger generation supporting (market),” Stalnecker said. “Market must still maintain its charm, but it must continue to evolve.”

“It’s a very old-school, historical vibe here,” said Lambakis. “The building is very cool. It has history and value in the community.”

The community spirit that’s alive and well at the Lebanon Farmers Market has nothing to do with the BlueEyed Six.

“Some people think the market is haunted,” said Stalnecker, who has personally witnessed unexplained phenomena inside the building. “There are definitely strange things that happen here. I let people decide for themselves. I don’t feel intimidated.”

For additional information, go to www.lebanonfarmersmarket.com.