HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 1

2 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 3

IN THIS ISSUE ...

5

INTROSPECTION

6

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

10

HOME IMPROVEMENT

12

FOOTNOTES ON STYLE

13

BY THE BOOK

14

STB 2024 CATEGORIES

16

NOURISHING BITES

17

FINANCE HOUND

17

FOR THE LOVE OF PETS

19

SHORT STORY

20

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

30

THEATRE THOUGHTS

33

CINEMATIC RAMBLINGS

34

BARISTA’S CHOICE

38

FOODIES FOR THOUGHT

40

POEM

42

AFTER THE BEAT

VOLUME 29 NO. 12 DECEMBER 2023

ON THE COVER Actor Nicholas Hughes stars as Scrooge (for the 24th time!) in Open Stage’s production of “A Christmas Carol.”

Read more in this month’s Theatre Thoughts.

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ASSISTANT EDITOR Imogene Gross imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER/LAYOUT ARTIST Shane Fisher (Carino) scarino@harrisburgmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Richard Eppinger reppinger@harrisburgmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Imogene Gross Richard Hemmings Angela Townsend CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS Brad Maurer David Sponseller CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Imogene Gross Will Masters Paul Vasiliades

Introspection

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas.”

-Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

I

t’s been many years (please don’t ask for a number) since I have had to show an ID at a liquor store or bar. Longer still since an adoring aunt or uncle has asked “have you stopped growing?” And yet try as I may, the kid inside me can’t help but emerge this time of year, first anticipating the delivery of innumerable Christmas catalogs by our friendly postal carrier, the return of the dozens of holiday films (and, I confess, beloved childhood cartoons, too) on TV and streaming services, and of course, those brightly wrapped, beribboned packages beneath the tree!

Without a doubt, Dickens was right! And this month’s issue of Harrisburg Magazine hopes to delight the child in all of you with an abundance of “gifts” to rival the bounty of Santa’s bag!

Just in time for fulfilling those holiday shopping lists, Imogene Gross’ Christmas Shopping Done Locally highlights the many area brick-and-mortar stores that offer the kind of personal touch you can’t find online. After reading her comprehensive article, page on

over to our exclusive Holiday Gift Buying Guide, where you’ll find a list of unique shops and services offering gift ideas for everyone, including the hard-to-please.

Whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, or completely abhor snow, sleet, and ice, you’ll find helpful information in the next of our series of home care and improvement articles. This month we serve up Tips and Tricks to Dealing With Snow and Ice This Winter.

In our What’s Cooking section, our Barista’s Choice profile travels to the wholesome Arcona neighborhood in Mechanicsburg, where barista Cassandra Bond strives to make the ideal cup of coffee at IDEA Coffee; in our new Taste This feature, Harrisburg Magazine’s staff gets treated to a tantalizing array of burritos, quesatacos, tacos – and more – from Tacos Amigos, and loves every bite; and, in keeping with the spirit of the season, Theatre Thoughts

columnist Tara Herweg interviews local actor Nicholas Hughes, who has been portraying Ebenezer Scrooge at Open Stage for 24 years!

On the literary side, Pennsylvania author Angela Townsend’s whimsical “All the Clauses” is the purr-fect piece for the holiday season (and yes, it includes cats). And Stewartstown poet Rich Hemmings’ “Night Harvest” conjures up imagery that will make you feel older by night … but somehow, unbowed.

As usual, get ready to laugh at Brad Maurer’s The Cercus cartoon, and we’ve got columns galore, including a debut appearance by poet and teacher Le Hinton, who this month joins our regular rotation of By the Book writers.

Remember, if someone tells you this month that Christmas is for kids … then be a kid!

RG

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 5

Christmas Shopping Done Locally Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com Photos submitted

I

Barbies at Toys on the Square

Chocolates from Macris 6 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

t’s true that it might be easier to shop “big” for the holidays. Major retailers occupy storefronts big enough to hold a wide variety of gifts that you could possibly want, and giants like Amazon have even bigger selections waiting to be ordered to your door in just a few clicks. I’ll admit that I’m partial to online shopping, even though I try to buy from smaller online businesses as much as possible. The convenience of having items delivered is undeniable.

But at the same time, I get nostalgic for the family Christmas shopping trips of my childhood. Immersing myself in a space that has been carefully arrayed with a carnival of warm, fuzzy Christmas-tone displays is an experience that just cannot be fully replicated on a computer screen. Though imagining loved ones’ faces when they open the presents I’m picking out for them will delight me no matter where I’m buying them from, no retail experience puts me in the Christmas spirit as much as one where I can actually pick up and examine all the painstakingly curated items. With the national homogenization of businesses as big retailers take over, it’s harder to experience such creative displays – everything on offer is more generalized to the tastes of the whole country rather than tailored to a more specific, local clientele. One of the benefits of shopping small and local is the product diversity. Local businesses are often the best places to find something truly unique – something handpicked that will really show the recipient that you put thought into it – sometimes, something that you couldn’t find anywhere else.

Indeed, while your local gift shopping destinations might not be able to quite edge out online shopping in terms of pure convenience (although many offer online ordering themselves), there are many benefits to supporting small businesses. For example,

patronizing small businesses over big box stores helps preserve an area’s local character.

If a distinctive local culture shines through a town’s businesses, it can become a destination for people from out of town, bringing in money for the community. Successful small businesses help keep decision-making by and for the people who live in a community, rather than big company executives. They put money back into the local economy by employing locals, participating in fundraisers and event sponsorships, and partnering with other small businesses. They are more likely to develop strong bonds in the local community and become social hotspots, strengthening communities.

So, this Christmas season, if you haven’t already familiarized yourself with your local businesses, why not consider shopping local?

Here are some of the best local businesses to do your gift shopping at this year.

GENERAL GIFT STORES

These places sell a variety of specially curated items that are perfect for gifting. Selling classic gifts such as candles, they’re good places to go for gifts for people whose tastes you don’t know well – but also have enough unique stock to let you find the perfect item for someone you’ve known for years.

The Meadow is a gift shop that just opened this summer on Harrisburg’s N. 3rd Street. The focus there is local – about 20 local vendors’ goods, including art, clothing and accessories, home goods, and candles. Its owner, Kenzie Brinkman, started out as a local artisan herself at the HBG Flea (a monthly flea market and another great place to find gifts), selling functional art pieces made with pressed flowers – which she still makes and sells in her new store.

Susan’s Treasures in Lemoyne, woman-

owned and open since 1996, offers up “handmade functional art, jewelry, bath and body products, and home décor in a warm and welcoming environment.”

Brain Vessel in Mechanicsburg sells local wall art, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, glass, wood, and fiber wares, soaps, candles, and teas.

Though it might not be most peoples’ first thought for Christmas gifts, the gift shop at the State Museum in Harrisburg has an eclectic mix of goods, from picks for the history buff in your life, to toys, to jewelry, apparel, and housewares. Plus, you’ll support the preservation of Pennsylvania history.

The Broad Street Market, still rebuilding but still open, is also a great place to pick up a variety of gifts, from candies and fresh baked goods to houseplants and beauty products.

The West Shore Farmer’s Market, another indoor market, similarly has many different vendors for treats, home goods, and more.

TOYS

The big toy store in our area is Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, which recently expanded to an even bigger building. The space is jam-packed with toys to suit all interests: dolls (including Barbies – expected to be one of this year’s hottest gifts due to summer’s blockbuster), plushies, racecars, Legos, children’s books, dress-up sets, board games, craft and activity sets, and more. Plus, unique features such as a selection of vintage, collectible toys make the shopping experience something a bit more special than your typical toy section at a big-box store.

Retro & Rad in New Cumberland specializes mostly in vintage collectible toys and video games, especially from the 80s and 90s.

The Treasure Trove Toy Store in Dover features a mix of new and secondhand toys, including vintage and pop culture collectibles and comics.

ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE

Not all gifts need to be brand new and sealed in packaging. If you know someone on your gift list this year who would appreciate a oneof-a-kind vintage gift, there are many excellent local options.

The Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne and the Carlisle Antique Mall are two great places to go to view a huge selection of different items from several different vendors.

Clothes, jewelry, home goods, records, books, collectibles, and sometimes handmade artisan goods as well, such as candy and soaps, are

some of the items you might find.

For women’s fashion, especially 60s and 70s era, Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb in Carlisle and Daisy Age, which opened just this September in Camp Hill, are great options.

Funky Finds and Grinds in Lemoyne is a good all-round vintage store, selling clothes and accessories, collectibles and toys, and home décor. Two picks for antique stores that may be smaller and more obscure but pack a large selection are We Dabble Antiques in Enola and Vintage, Etc. in Mechanicsburg.

CLOTHES AND JEWELRY

Although a lot of the places already listed sell clothing and jewelry, there are many boutiques in the area that specialize in them. There are so many great options, but here are just a few of your choices in the area.

Plum Bottom in Camp Hill and Harrisburg is an excellent destination for women’s clothing, accessories, handbags, and footwear – including footwear for special podiatric needs. Leaf of Eve in Enola sells jewelry, handbags, clothes, and a selection of gourmet foods. The Edit HBG sells women’s and children’s clothes, jewelry, and general gifts.

Annabel’s (Harrisburg) and Three Little Birds Boutique (Mechanicsburg, Hershey, and Lancaster) are other good picks for women’s clothing.

There are fewer boutique stores specializing in menswear, but there are a few, such as Eddie’s Men’s Store, open in Harrisburg since 1972, selling formal wear from serious to loud and bold. On the casual side of things, there’s also Pal’s Apparel in Harrisburg, with a focus on streetwear.

For a retailer specializing in just children’s clothes, there’s The Little Francis Children’s Shoppe in Lemoyne. It has all the adorable kid’s clothes and a selection of toys and other kid-friendly gifts.

Of course, jewelry is a classic gift, especially for your special someone. If you have something in mind, from rings, to necklaces, to earrings, to watches, there are many locally owned jewelers nearby. Try K. Novinger Jewelry and Munn's Diamond Gallery in Lemoyne, Mountz Jewelers in Carlisle, Camp Hill, or Harrisburg, Mumma’s Jewelry Store or Joseph James Jewelers in Mechanicsburg, Hasko Jewelers in New Cumberland, or DiaMonté Jewelers in Harrisburg.

favorites Cupboard Maker Books in Enola and Midtown Scholar in Harrisburg have got your back with a variety of titles to suit your loved one’s interests. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for at Cupboard Maker Books, they partner with Bookshop.org and Libro. fm, online retailers that let you buy books or audiobooks and share the profits with your favorite small bookstore. Other great choices include Heart and Soul Books in Harrisburg and Paperback Exchange in Lemoyne.

SWEET TREATS

Sweets are a great way to bring a smile to a loved one’s face, and a great option for the person who has everything. Macris Chocolates in Lemoyne, of course, sells chocolates, from stocking-stuffer size to large boxes. Frederic Loraschi Chocolate in Harrisburg and Hershey is led by awardwinning chocolatier Frederic Loraschi, who trained in France, Spain, Luxembourg, and Singapore. After moving to the US in 1999, he started his business in 2005, and continually offers up creative luxury chocolates. His chocolates feature unique flavor pairings, low sugar, no preservatives, and single origin cacao from around the world. In addition to chocolates, they sell other confections such as caramels, macarons, gourmet hot chocolate mixes, and sweet spreads.

Sweet Velvet Macarons in Camp Hill specializes in macarons that are as fun to look at as they are to eat.

For an assortment of classic candies and chocolates, Matangos Candies offers jelly candies, nut and fruit-based chocolate treats, truffles, mints, and much more. They have served Harrisburg for over sixty years, since

BOOKS

For the reader in your life, we’re blessed to have great bookstores in the area. Established DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 7

Christoforos Matangos, who learned the art of candy making at 14 in his home country of Greece, brought his craft here to start a business still run by the family today.

For those looking for nostalgic candy selections, Georgie Lou’s Retro Candy in Carlisle is a vibrant choice with over 1000 candies, 200 unique sodas, and pop culture gifts.

TEA AND COFFEE

One Good Woman in Camp Hill sells specialty coffee and tea, as well as fine foods and general gift items.

The Rosemary House in Mechanicsburg, est. 1968, sells delicious tea blends and tea supplies, as well as herbs, spices, live plants, fragrances and oils, and seed packets.

Oxford Hall Celtic Shop and Café, a New Cumberland shop specializing in imports from Ireland and the UK, has a large selection of loose-leaf teas, a few coffees, and Celtic gifts including jewelry, clothes, home goods, and religious gifts.

For coffee fresh out of the roaster, try one of our local coffee roasters. The Lonely Monk in Lemoyne, and St. Thomas Roasters or Elementary Coffee in Harrisburg are three that offer several sustainable, fresh blends and single origins. St. Thomas Roasters also offers flavored coffees.

Your favorite local coffee shop might be a great place to buy coffee and other small gifts.

Denim Coffee, at its several local locations, sells the specialty coffees roasted in their Chambersburg headquarters. Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill sells bags of their coffee and teas, including seasonal flavors, as well as gourmet snacks and treats.

EXPERIENCES

Rather than a material gift, many people would enjoy the gift of an experience that you know they’d enjoy – think gift cards, vouchers, and tickets.

Consider buying them a meal at their favorite eatery. Most local restaurants are thrilled to offer gift cards that look great in a Christmas greeting.

Treat your loved one to a spa day with pampering services like massages, facials, or manicure/pedicure. A gift card to a local spa is a great way to give someone you care about permission to rest and restore.

Tickets to a show at a local venue are a great option – just make sure your recipient will be available on the date of the performance or have a backup plan if they aren’t. Local venues 8 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

showcase talents from music, to comedy, to theatre, so you can find shows to suit a variety of tastes.

A cruise on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is a unique experience to gift, and, as its sailing season doesn’t begin until May, something your loved one can look forward to with a promise of warmer weather.

Lots of local artisans offer classes and workshops on anything from wine tasting to pottery-making, and certificates to these can make great gifts for someone who’s always been curious about something but doesn’t know how to get started. Culinary classes are an especially popular choice for couples in your lives – not only do you get to learn new recipes to enjoy at home, but you typically get to enjoy a nice meal, too!

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SO, LET’S GET SHOPPING

With so many options to choose from, finding the right gift locally is a truly rewarding experience. This holiday season, stop in at one of these local businesses (or do your own research for something more specific) and see the passion that these small business owners have for their crafts shine through in the gift options they provide.

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Home Improvement

Staying Warm & Safe for the Winter

Tips and tricks to dealing with snow and ice this winter.

O

n average, the Harrisburg area receives 30 inches of snow a year, usually between December and March. Snow can start as early as November, with most snow falling in January and February. Last year was atypical with only about 5 total inches falling in December and January. But in the past, light years have been fallen by heavier than normal years. After only 5.1 inches fell in 2019-2020 season, 36 inches was seen the following season, according to the National Weather Service. And after only 9 inches fell in 1994-1995 season, a whopping 77.6 inches fell during the 1996-1997 season but you don’t have to be snowed in by winter this year if you follow these tips and tricks to Use the best shovel. Buying the best shovel you can afford may cost you money, but will save your back. Shovels go fast once the snow starts, so make your purchase early in the season. Pick a shovel that won’t be too heavy for you to lift. A shovel with an S-shaped handle is better for heavy snow falls.

Remember to keep the blade close to you and lift with your knees.

When inches are expected, don’t wait until the snow stops to get started. Also, the sooner you start shoveling after the snow ends, the better. If you wait until the next day, the snow may freeze to the ground, making your job harder. Also, pretreat your surfaces ahead of time, which requires you to use less product.

And continue to treat during and after the snowfall ends.

If starting before the snow stops isn’t an option after a heavy snowfall, you’re not doomed. Just don’t shovel the entire depth at once. Alternatively, hire a snow removal expert and avoid the shoveling nightmare.

Apply salt or ice melt several hours before a heavy snow is forecasted to give it time to permeate the ground before the snow starts.

This makes it easier for you to remove the snow. And if the forecast changes, sweep or scoop up the salt or ice melt. You can reuse it later.

When salting sidewalks and driveways, use only as much as recommended. Oversalting

10 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

wastes money and can damage your landscape and surfaces. It also becomes less effective when overapplied. Typically, you need about 2 to 4 ounces of produce per square yard or about 1/4- to 1/3-cup per 3 feet square, but you should check the package for recommended guidelines.

Even the most pet-friendly ice melt product isn’t meant to be eaten. So it’s important to rinse off your dog’s feet after going for a walk.

You might keep a water-filled pan and towel by the entryway to walk your dog through. Don’t forget that you can also track ice melt products into your home. So rinse off your own shoes too and keep them out of reach.

A furnace has intake and exhaust pipes that exit the wall or roof near your furnace. Make sure you know where these are before the snow starts falling, and inspect that they are clear at all times. If they are blocked, your furnace should shut down automatically to prevent carbon monoxide from building up. To prevent this, check the vents and keep them clear. If they become covered with snow or ice, use your hand to clear them because a shovel could damage them.

If you’ve had issues with ice dams, then you might consider investing in a roof rake. A roof rake is a designed to remove snow from pitched roofs without damaging the shingles.

However, not all home improvement experts recommend this step because if not done properly, you could damage your roof. Others recommend rakes to help prevent ice dams by allowing you to remove snow near eaves and in deep valleys. Ice dams usually form near the base of the rooftop, especially in areas where icicles form and on overhangs.

Place tall stakes around your driveway and sidewalk to use as a guide after it snows.

Understanding Ice Melt Products While most ice melt products contain a type of salt, they are not all the same. Each product has its own melting temperature and will affect concrete and vegetation differently.

So, you shouldn’t just select the first bag you find. Instead, decide which product is best for you in advance.

Having a basic understanding of the types of ice melt product also enables you to pick the best product at the best price. Because instead of looking at the marketing of the product, you can focus on the ingredients.

Products that market themselves as being “dog safe” are often more expensive than ones that aren’t. For example, Harris Dog Safe Ice Melter contains 100% Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate and sells for $2.50 per pound (when this article was written). However, Safe Step Extreme 8300 has the same ingredient and sells for much less, around $0.76 per pound.

Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Sodium chloride is also known as rock salt.

It melts snow by lowering the freezing point of water. It requires a warmer temperature to work (15°˚F). It is cheaper than alternatives, but is corrosive and may damage concrete, wood, metal and plants. It is not considered environmentally friendly.

Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) Calcium chloride draws moisture from the surroundings to reduce the freezing point of water, a process that generates heat. This means it can melt ice and snow at a much lower temperature (-25°F). It works faster and is safer on concrete than sodium chloride.

However, it can burn skin and cause mouth ulcers if ingested, so it is not pet friendly. It is considered moderately environmentally friendly.

Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2)

Magnesium chloride is very similar to calcium chloride but considered more “pet friendly.” It also generates heat as it absorbs water from the air and is less corrosive than rock salt.

However, it only works at temperatures above -13°F and isn’t as fact-acting. It is also known to cause less harm to plants and easier to clean up.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) Calcium magnesium acetate is usually sold in liquid form. It is the most environmentally friendly of the options here because it is biodegradable. It is concrete safe and less corrosive than other options. It does require a warmer temperature to be effective (15°˚F). It is considered non-toxic to mammals but can cause mild skin or eye irritation.

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Sodium Acetate (NAAC) Sodium acetate is more expensive than the alternatives but lasts longer so you don’t have to apply it as often. It is also non-toxic, noncorrosive, and biodegradable. Its minimum effective temperature is 0°˚F.

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Footnotes on Style: Pro Fashion Tips from the Ground Up/Carla Irvin

J

Step Up Your Style: Finding the Perfect Shoes to Complement Your Jeans

eans, the ultimate fashion staple, are beloved for their versatility. Whether you are heading to a casual event or a fancy dinner, a well-fitted pair of jeans can boost your confidence and make you feel fabulous. Even for the fashion savvy, it can be difficult to figure out which shoes or boots are the most complimentary for a particular style of jeans. From flats to platforms, I am here to guide you through the art of selecting the perfect shoe for your favorite pair of jeans.

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Elevate with Ankles on Display One of the simplest yet most effective tricks in jean-shoe styling is to embrace cropped jeans or roll the pant leg to above the ankle.

This allows your shoes to shine as statement accessories. Whether you are opting for flats, ankle boots, or athleisure shoes, or this year’s hottest fashion choice—loafers-- the key is to maintain breathing room at your ankles between the shoes and your hem. If you choose to wear socks, go for ultra low-cut options that discreetly hide beneath your ankles.

Dazzle in White Denim Who said white jeans are reserved for summer alone? By pairing white jeans with shoes that offer texture and contrast, you can effortlessly infuse a breath of fresh air into your fall and winter wardrobe. The play of textures and colors between your white jeans and shoes can result in a head-turning look that is far from ordinary. Consider either layering your white jeans with other muted tones like soft pink or taupe. Or swing in the opposite direction and wear your funkiest, most playful pair of shoes knowing that white jeans are a blank canvas that will neither compete with nor interfere with your stunning shoes.

Embrace the Wide Leg Revival Over the last few years, we have seen longreigning skinny jeans take a backseat to wide leg pants. When wearing wide leg jeans, it is crucial to avoid round-toe flats which drown in the pant leg. Opt for shoes or boots with at least a modest heel, allowing your footwear to stand out against the broad pant legs without getting lost. A pump can work wonders, elongating your legs and preventing your jeans from swamping your shoes. Want the

extra height of a heel without the balancing act of a pump? Platforms are a classic pairing with straight and wide leg pants, especially platform loafers or sneakers. Chunky, lug sole boots also make a good counterpoint to the heft of a wide-leg jean. Updated shoe and boot styles give this old look new tricks.

The Power of Balance Balance is paramount when it comes to choosing the right shoes for each style of jeans. The wrong shoes can easily make or break your overall look or be the finishing touch which elevates a simple outfit to extraordinary heights. The overall takeaway: consider the proportion of your outfit and the type of jeans you are wearing. When accessorizing a wide leg, an elegant high heel, a chunky lug sole, or a platform can provide the necessary equilibrium. With cropped jeans, pick up a pair of flats or low ankle boots to create separation at your ankle. Meanwhile, white jeans love to be the backdrop for your statement shoes. By understanding the art of balance, texture, and proportion, you can confidently stride forward turning every street into your personal runway.

Expert Tips for Expert Looks Don’t hesitate to seek advice from the knowledgeable staff at Plum Bottom in Camp Hill and Harrisburg. They are delighted to help you find the ideal shoes to complement your jeans.7

Carla is the co-owner of Plum Bottom, a local fashion haven that has graced Harrisburg & Camp Hill --and more recently online--for over 46 years. Specializing in shoes, Carla's keen eye for style and quality has made Plum Bottom a go-to destination for fashion enthusiasts. Beyond the glitz and glamour of footwear, Carla's soul finds balance as a yoga teacher since 2010, imbuing her life and business with mindfulness and grace. A loving mother to two energetic teenage sons, Carla seamlessly blends her roles as a fashion maven, wellness advocate, and dedicated mom, crafting a life as vibrant and multifaceted as the shoes she curates.

By the Book/Le Hinton

Beautiful Building, Beautiful Bricks

T

here aren’t many months that go by that don’t include someone asking me how to put a book of poetry together. Some poets want to know how to take the jumble of poems they’ve written over the course of their poetry life and arrange them into something everyone recognizes as a book. Others have already chosen and arranged poems, have a title for the proposed book, and actually are asking where the manuscript should be sent for possible publication. However, it doesn’t matter where you fall along this spectrum: if you want to build a beautiful building, you have to start with beautiful bricks. To get away from metaphors, if you want a good book, you have to have good poems.

Sometimes we become so focused on creating a book of poetry that our attention drifts away from the poems. Consider this: when most of us are discussing our favorite poets, we inevitably discuss the poems they have written, less so their books. Whether it’s Brooks or Frost, Baraka, or Gluck, it’s the individual poems that we carry inside our souls. Remember, Dickinson didn’t publish a book. So, before we decide on a title, choose the order of the poems, create a stunning cover for our first, third, or even thirteenth book, we should focus on crafting the very best singular, stand-alone poems we can.

to get better at tennis, I should play with and against players better than I. That idea has its application in writing poetry. Be humble; sincerely consider the advice you receive.

Another way of getting feedback is to take your poem to an open mic for a test drive.

You may get some valuable feedback from unexpected sources in the audience. However, I suggest that you simply read the poem. The inspiration for the poem or the emotional backstory isn’t important. You want to get a feel for the poem itself and the success of its crafting. Just read the poem. If the poem does what you want it to do, you don’t have to tell the audience that you are dying of prostate cancer or that you’ve just sent the poem off to The New Yorker. Ultimately your poem will be alone with the reader. It has to be enough. And it will be, because you’ve created a beautiful brick. Now it’s time to create the next one on your way to building that building.

Poet and teacher, Le Hinton is the author of seven poetry collections including, most recently, Elegies for an Empire (Iris G. Press, 2023). His work has been widely published and can be found in The Best American Poetry 2014, the Baltimore Review, the Skinny Poetry Journal, the Progressive Magazine, Little Patuxent Review, Pleiades, and elsewhere.

His poem “Epidemic” won the Baltimore Review’s 2013 Winter Writers Contest and in 2014 it was honored by The Pennsylvania Center for the Book. His poem, “Our Ballpark,” can be found outside Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, incorporated into Derek Parker’s sculpture Common Thread.

How do you do that? Write the poem first.

Then rewrite it before you revise it even more.

When you think you’re finished with the poem, let someone you trust read it and respond to it.

That person shouldn’t be your mother or best friend who rarely reads poetry and thinks that everything you write is miraculous evidence of your talent. Choose someone you know: a fellow poet who knows you and your work.

They should be someone whom you can trust to give an honest critique of your poems. If you are lucky enough to be a part of a workshop group, then you will have found your poetry family who will be of great value in helping you craft your treasures. Ideally, your group will be composed of poets of various levels of experience. Please do not think of yourself as being the best poet in the room. Intellectual humility and the knowledge that you cannot get better unless you spend time with others who are better goes a very long way. Years ago, when my knees were young and I played a great deal of tennis, I was told that in order DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 13

Harrisburg Magazine

Readers’ AT EPoll N O M I NSimply

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Auto Body Shop Auto Customization Auto Dealer (New Domestic) Auto Dealer (New Import) Auto Dealer (Preowned/Used) Auto Detailer Auto Repair Shop Auto Salesperson * Auto Service by a Dealer Auto Services and/or Tires Body / Repair by Auto Dealers Detailing by Auto Dealer

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Auto Insurance Agent *5 Dry Cleaners Home Insurance Agent *5 Insurance Agency Promotional Services (Signs, Merchandise, Marketing, Etc.) Real Estate Agency Real Estate Agent * Real Estate Services (Inspections, Appraisals, Management, Etc.) Real Estate Team Specialty Real Estate Services Specialty Service Staffing Agency/Services

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Chef * Desserts Downtown Harrisburg Dining East Shore Dining (Other locations)5 Harrisburg (Not Downtown)5 Hershey Dining5 Hummelstown Dining 5 Local Brewery Meal for the Money 5 Pizza Place Restaurant Service Takeout Wings

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Nomination Round Begins January 1, 2024

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Family-Friendly Event 5 Foodie Event5 Free Entertainment5 Historical Site Library Live Entertainment 5 Local Sports Team (Professional, College, High School, etc.)

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Nourishing Bites/Dr. Sumathi Suppiah

Healthy Alternatives to Holiday Meals

T

he holiday season is under way. It can be challenging to find healthy foods to enjoy during the holiday season, especially since many recipes are based on family, cultural, or religious traditions and have great meaning for those enjoying the meal. But, by following all or some of these tips, you can enjoy these special occasions and still maintain a healthy diet.

• Focus on maintaining your current weight during holidays, rather than trying to lose weight.

• Keep up with your normal exercise routine. Exercise helps to relieve stress — which often intensifies during the holiday season — and can help offset increased eating and higher calorie foods.

• When you can, choose healthy foods first, such as fruits and vegetables that may be served with appetizers or a large salad.

• Offer to make a healthy dish (or a healthier version of a traditional dish) to share with family and friends.

•

•

•

•

Use ingredient substitutions to make your favorite recipes healthier. For example, reduce the fat in dips and dressings by using fat-free or low-fat yogurt, or use honey, a fruit puree, or other natural sweeteners to replace refined sugar.

At holiday gatherings, eat in moderation. Use a smaller plate and take small portions or samples of foods from the buffet or familystyle serving dishes. You can always go back for seconds if you are still hungry or when you find something you particularly enjoy.

Practice mindful eating. Savor your meal. Put your fork down between bites and chew all your food thoroughly. Eating slowly will help you avoid overeating. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you are full.

After you have served yourself, put space between you and the buffet table. Avoid continuous snacking

and focus on good conversation and spending time with family and friends.

• Enjoy leftovers the next day. Don’t feel pressured to clean every dish. If you are hosting, you can send servings home with friends and relatives, or you can use those leftovers to create some new healthy meals.

If you overindulge, get back on track the next day with lighter meals. It takes just 500 calories a day (3,500 a week) above your normal consumption to gain a pound but overdoing it at one event does not mean disaster for your diet. If you expect a heavier meal, you can also prepare ahead of time with lighter, heathier meals the day before and that morning. Engage in some additional exercise as well, such as a walk or a workout.

Sharing holiday meals is a big part of celebrating the season with family and friends.

The goal is for you to enjoy the foods you love while avoiding the guilt and stress associated with overeating and weight gain. As in many things, moderation and mindfulness are key to success. Happy Holidays!

Sumathi Suppiah, MD, DABOM, is the medical director of medical weight management for the UPMC Central PA Weight Management Center. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal health through good diet and nutrition, regular exercise, and mental health support. To learn more about medical weight management at UPMC in Central Pa., call 717-591-5638 or visit UPMC.com/ CentralPaWeightLoss.

16 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

The Finance Hound/Bryson Roof

M

How to Maximize Holiday Gifting

y wife and I have a monthly meeting to discuss our finances. We’ve made it a fun little date night; we go out for dinner and discuss upcoming financial goals or pending expenses. As the year wraps up and we approach the holidays, one of the topics of our financial date night is holiday gifts. Let’s discuss some best practices on holiday gift giving!

Avoid Clutter!

When I was a bachelor, I would pick a loud toy as a holiday gift for my friend’s children.

I would get the death glare – and a chuckle – from my friend as their child pushed a button and an obnoxious siren wailed on repeat.

Inevitably the toy would break, or the child would quickly lose interest. Either way, the gift was short lived. As more of my friends started families and were raising children, I realized most of my gifts ended up becoming clutter, so I started pondering alternative gifts. For birthdays and religious holidays, especially for young children, I would either add money to their 529 college savings plan or start a 529 account for them. My friend’s

young children will not remember the fire fighter helmet with a siren on top that I gifted them when they were three years old, but when they decide to go to college or a technical school and find out they have education money set aside, they will be grateful. I still enjoy giving fun gifts like a soft teddy bear, but with grandparents, uncles and aunts, young children often receive plenty of fun gifts. If I can help grow someone’s future without adding to the clutter, I find that extremely rewarding.

Gift Experiences and Memories!

If you’re anything like me, I struggle to find a gift for my parents this time of year. We all have that family member who is impossible to find the right present for. As I look back on some of my favorite gifts, I realized most of them are inside jokes inspired by a fond memory. After this revelation, I try to find gifts that allow for an experience and building memories. If your family member is a foodie, buy a few gift cards for new local restaurants. You’d be surprised how often that family member will ask you to join them

for a night out to make memories. If your family member is an avid golfer, take them to a golf course that they haven’t played in years or try a new golf course. This gifting approach allows you to spend time with family and friends while supporting your local community and startup businesses.

Prepare for the Holidays You don’t need to meet monthly to discuss your finances, that’s just what works best for us. It is important to review your finances and set a budget. Gift giving can be a lot of fun – and therefore should not be financially stressful. Whether you are buying gifts or donating funds to a 529 college savings account, set a budget and stick to it.

Bryson Roof, CFP, is a Financial Advisor at Fort Pitt Capital Group in Harrisburg, and has been quoted nationally in various finance publications including CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, and Barron’s.

For the Love of Pets/Kristen Zellner

C

Helping Aging Pets Stay Comfortable

aring for a senior pet requires us to do things a little differently. They may have a hard time getting up, squatting to go to the bathroom, climbing in and out of the litter box, grooming, jumping on or off furniture, and gaining traction on slippery surfaces. This is all a natural part of the aging process and it’s hard to watch, but we need to be aware of these changes to make helpful accommodations.

Making an older pet’s living environment safe is extremely important. Senior dogs and cats can seriously injure themselves when they run up and down stairs or jump from furniture. Installing pet gates to prevent staircase mishaps is an easy solution. Ramps or steps are useful for getting on and off furniture and into and out of the house or car. On Toegrips.com, veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby suggests teaching your pets to use ramps or stairs before they need them because it involves some training, just like putting a leash on them for the first time.

Supplements that support the musculoskeletal system can relieve aching

joints, inflammation, and stiffness. The appropriate joint supplement can be a gamechanger for your pets. We recently put our dogs (aged 14 and 17) on a new joint support chewable and they not only move with more ease but now they act a bit wild! Because she is so peppy, we had to get grippy socks for our larger dog so she can run on the wood floors without slipping.

Though not FDA approved to cure or treat joint pain and inflammation, glucosamine, chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) have been used for decades to ease these symptoms in both humans and pets.

Chondroitin can help the body maintain fluid and flexibility in the joints. Glucosamine assists in repairing cartilage, while MSM supports muscles and tendons. These supplements come in many forms including liquid, chewable tablets, treats, and pet food.

Talk to your veterinarian about supplements before using them to confirm there are no interactions with prescription medications.

Mealtime can become a challenge as our pets age, too. Stretching necks, bending legs,

and holding themselves up to eat from the floor can get uncomfortable. A set of raised bowls and a non-slip rug under their feet will improve their eating experience. Be cautious not to overindulge your senior pets with extra food or treats, as a healthy weight is key to keeping joint and muscle strain in check.

We want our animals to stay young and vibrant forever, but they age faster and rely on us to make good decisions on their behalf. As much as we may miss those epic games of fetch and having a running companion, modifying our senior pet’s activities is necessary. We don’t have to stop our adventures, just slow them down a bit. If we’re observant, our pets will tell us everything they need. Muzzles get gray, eyes get cloudy, and hearing fades, but our love for them never changes.

Kristen Zellner owns Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals, est. 1986, Central PA’s first health food store for pets. She helps customers keep their pets healthy through better nutrition.

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 17

18 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

All the Clauses

Short Story/All the Clauses

By Angela Townsend Illustration by David Sponseller

W

e met in a room full of Santa Clauses.

Rob and Tina were two time zones away, but when a full senate of Santas is in attendance, distance collapses.

The fifty-three of us were gathered to talk turkey in midsummer. As two of my best donors, Rob and Tina topped my wish list for Capital Campaign supporters. The Pennsylvania cat shelter was expanding, these Nebraskans had been steadfast, and today I would tremble out my request for twenty thousand dollars.

I would tremble until I saw the Santas.

When you ask strangers to sponsor a solarium, it helps to be supervised by fifty Fathers Christmas. Most donors had Zoomed from cheery kitchenettes or oaken offices, but my Nebraskans arrived in a bookless library.

Every shelf was heavy with sleighs. Every Santa was smiling. Every race was represented.

Several were identical.

I was instantly in love with these people.

I had come into the call fond of the Nebraskans, who had sponsored diabetic cats for a decade. Rob spoke too fast for punctuation, and Tina sent crocheted catnip hearts in Ronzoni boxes. He designed websites, and she taught mindfulness meditation at elementary schools, and it was anyone’s guess how they donated two hundred dollars a month for cats with bum pancreases.

I do not like asking people for money, especially jubilant people who already give plenty. But I was in love with my absurd job, fully intending to worship at the cat sanctuary for the rest of my days. At three, I had wanted to be an artist and a veterinarian. At fortythree, I was baffled to be poet and hypewoman for a hundred cats.

I would have to write hymns about hope disguised as “donor discussion guides.” I would wake at 2am mumbling, “would you like to buy a solarium?” I would ask Nebraskans for twenty thousand dollars.

I would turn on my laptop camera and see fifty Santa Clauses.

I had so many questions. Perhaps Rob was the Vice President, called in to cast the deciding vote when the Santa Senate was gridlocked.

Perhaps Tina dusted them dutifully every

week, sweeping cat hair from their kind eyes.

Perhaps some of the senators danced or lit up or bellowed ho-ho-ho’s.

I had no time to ask. “Rob, Jr. has entered the chat.” Rob lifted an irritated tabby above his head.

“This is Ralph.” Tina procured a cat as black as the coal I don’t believe Santa really leaves in anyone’s stocking, not even if they decline to buy a solarium.

“I’m in love!” I did not specify.

I did not have to ask much, only to catch Rob’s exclamation points as they fell. They were honored! They were amped! They were amazed that they had been chosen to change the world! That’s what we were doing, wasn’t it, changing the world for cats?

“People don’t show up for cats.” Rob shook his head like a blizzard. “It’s always dogs, dogs, dogs. People think cats are disposable.”

“Or they meet one nice cat and say, ‘he’s just like a dog,’” Tina groaned.

“That’s the worst!” Rob roared. “Cats are kings. Cats are thoughtful little people.”

When Rob spoke, his hinges creaked with happiness. Cats past and present poured out, turning his cheeks red and making me discreetly turn down the volume.

“We’re rich,” Tina murmured repeatedly.

“People don’t know. People don’t understand.”

Rob reached all the way to the bottom of his stocking, searching for vocabulary. Life was “bangin’” and “stellar” and “friggin’

underrated.” Donating to the cat sanctuary was “awesome” and “satisfying” and “a family thing, you know? Does that make sense?”

“Like, it’s about the cats,” Tina added, “but it’s not about the cats. It’s about everything.

It’s about the whole thing.”

There are people who make you so warm, you forget that winter has teeth. Basking in the Rob-and-Tinatude of Rob and Tina Warren, I felt like I could take the training wheels off my year. I felt like it was a mistake to leave sweetness unspoken. I felt like love had all-season tires. I felt like the world might be a solarium.

I wanted to be best friends with these fifty-two individuals. I wanted to tell them. I punted.

“I’d love to reserve a solarium for you.”

“You can count on us. What do you want?”

“Twenty thousand dollars?”

“Done. Can we have five years? Spread it out, you know?”

Of course.

I wanted to jingle the bells. I wanted to tell them what happened inside when I saw those Santas. I wanted to tell them that I wanted to be like them. I wanted to run down the street exulting in all directions.

I sent them a pledge form. I sent myself back to work.

Fortunately, we can’t hide from gifts.

Solariums sold, and cats crashed through goalposts, and I found myself giving a Grand Opening speech about little things that are the whole thing. Donors in dress pants nodded with pride. Benefactors in sequins sparkled.

A Nebraskan in jean shorts whooped my name from the back row. “Dai-SY! Electric Development Director! Queen of Cats!”

I had millionaires to thank, but I had priorities.

Rob hugged me so tightly I nearly turned to figgy pudding. Tina gave me a hand-crocheted coffee koozie reading “DAISY DID IT!” I was supposed to thank them, but instead I caroled. “I love Santa Claus.”

“What?” It was my turn to pitch punctuation.

“I love your Santa Clauses. I love your Santa Claus room. I love that you called me from a Santa Claus room. I love that you exist.”

“We have no storage!” Tina laughed.

“We have no storage, but we also really love the dude!” Rob’s face broke out in berries. “We love him all year! We get happy every time we go in there!”

“It was the most brilliant room I’ve ever visited.” I was making up for lost time. “It’s the kind of room that could save the world, somehow. Does that make sense?”

Please see short story cont. on pg. 29

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 19

2023 Holiday Gift Guide Buy local, Gift local HOLIDAY SPECIAL - EVERY $50 GIFT CARD GETS AND ADDITIONAL $10 GIFT CARD Bronzed Bunny is a new kind of Body Spa; chic, elegant & where old Hollywood meets new. We offer modern & innovative services that include airbrush tans, sugar hair removal, brow & lash services, ear lobe/cartilage & nose piercing and sculpting facials! At Bronzed Bunny, we pride ourselves on the experience.

We want every guest to feel like they are with their best babes.

Bronzed Bunny 83 Erford Road. Camp Hill, PA 247 West Chocolate Ave. Hershey, PA

BRONZEDBUNNY.COM/PA

AAA… THE PERFECT STOCKING STUFFER There is only one holiday gift that provides security on the road, discounts at thousands of retailers,savings at the gas pump, identity theft protection, travel planning support, and so much more. Best of all, it all costs less than $70.

Now through the end of the year any new AAA Central Penn membership can be purchased for 25% off the regular price. So whether your shopping for yourself or would like to give great stocking stuffers to friends and family, a AAA membership provides the perfect amount of holiday cheer.

Visit AAA.com for details.

20 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

A Gift That Does Good

... an intersection of history

For just $25 you can support Homeland and give a gift that will make your loved one feel warm from the inside out.

Almost everyone has an elder who’s dear to their heart, and they can feel good knowing your purchase supports the Center’s work to provide excellent, personalized care.

In 1866, nine Harrisburg churches, and two women from each congregation, came together to find a solution for the care of women and children left without support after the Civil War. This group established “The Society for the Home for the Friendless” which ultimately evolved in to what is now Homeland Center. Those nine churches are honored in the 2024 Homeland Lottery Calendar. Proceeds not only support the Center in never leaving a resident behind, but gives the recipient a chance to win prizes every day of the year.

2024 Homeland Lottery Calendar

TO LEARN MORE, PLEASE VISIT: HOMELANDCENTER.ORG/ NINE-FOUNDING-CHURCHES

We are pleased to honor our nine founding churches in this year’s Lottery Calendar.

With a $25 purchase, you will have the chance to win prizes each day of the year, while at the same time helping Homeland with fundraising efforts that support benevolent care programs.

Get yours today!

717-221-7885 or scan the QR code.

HomelandCenter.org | HomelandatHome.org

GIVE THE GIFT OF INNOVATION & SUCCESS Looking for the perfect gift for anyone involved in fundraising? Check out the Amazon best-selling book “The Coin that Changed Charity.” This book introduces the Smart Coin™, a revolutionary 2-inch custom-minted military style challenge coin with an embedded NFC chip. Created by Keith Hanshaw of Gray Water Ops, LLC, it’s more than a collectible—it’s a game-changer in charity work. Offering insights and strategies for maximizing donations, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to make a difference.

Give the gift of innovation and success with “The Coin that Changed Charity.” GrayWaterOps.com.

https://www.graywaterops.com/

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 21

MISS RUTH’S TIME BOMB Discover unforgettable style! Whether attending a party or searching for a unique gift, Miss Ruth's Time Bomb has it. From festive dresses to dapper suits, our curated collection of vintage clothing will make heads turn this holiday season. For more information and store hours, visit our website at www.missruthstimebomb.com.

24 N HANOVER ST, CARLISLE, PA 17013 (717) 241-2662 WWW.MISSRUTHSTIMEBOMB.COM

GIVE THE GIFT OF A WARMING, NOURISHING HOMECOOKED THAI MEAL The Bangkok Wok utilizes its eclectically decorated interior to the max, and yet still seldom fails to get packed at peak hours. Its popularity as a loved local cornerstone speaks for itself. Get your loved one a gift card so they, too, can choose from the Wok’s extensive menu of Thai delights, packed with spices, veggies, and lean proteins that make them as healthful as they are delicious.

125 GATEWAY DR. MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050

GIVE THEM THE GIFT OF A MEMORY THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME!

BIG CITY entertainment SMALL TOWN charm TWO HISTORIC theatres 717-846-1111 APPELLCENTER.ORG 22 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

This holiday season, if an experience is on their wish list, look no further! The Appell Center for the Performing Arts offers some of the biggest names on its historic stages, featuring thrilling concerts, touring Broadway, stand-up comedy, variety, dance and family shows! Plus, a host of films are shown in the intimate Capitol Theatre, most preceded by the sights and sounds of the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.

Gift Certificates are also available in any denomination and can be redeemed for Appell Center presentations and Memberships. Visit appellcenter.org for full schedule and finish your shopping today!

717-846-1111 APPELLCENTER.ORG

"CR HAS THE PERFECT STOCKING STUFFERS! CR GIFT CARDS ARE THE PERFECT GIFT! " This holiday season stop in or visit our website for the perfect gift! Looking for something for someone who has everything?

Buy a gift card for a detail or even better for our unlimited membership! You get to schedule appointments which means no waiting! Your time is valued... are in and out in 20 mins! Not to mention our state-of-the-art lobby… TV’s, free coffee and wifi!...So Stop in to learn more about purchasing a gift card of the ultimate care!

5967 LINGLESTOWN RD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112

WOW THEM WITH CHOCOLATE! This holiday season discover over 50 varieties of handmade chocolate and candy treats, including decadent truffles, caramels and more made by traditional hand-dipping techniques that create truly unique confections at this third-generation candy shop.

MATANGOS CANDIES 1501 CATHERINE ST. HARRISBURG, PA 17104 (717) 234-0882 WWW.MATANGOSCANDIES.COM

HOME-TIME RENOVATION, LLC When it comes to remodeling your home, choose a company that is as committed to your satisfaction as you are to your vision. HOME-TIME Renovation takes the time to understand your goals and find the perfect solution.

Remodeling your home can be daunting. We are dedicated to making the process as easy and stress-free as possible, providing a positive remodeling experience.

Our team of experienced/skilled professionals are passionate about creating beautiful and functional spaces.

Providing you with a wide variety of remodeling services, focusing on kitchens, bathrooms, basements.

What she really wants for Christmas...

Trust your home with us to make your dream a reality.

717-312-3884 HOMETIMERENOVATION.COM DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 23

GIVE THE GIFT OF FITNESS

www.progressfitnesspa.com

your stress free remedy

l a i c Go $10 off o B e p yS

a d i l Ho

the

Buy a Gift Certificate for ANY service & get $10 off a 2nd one!

Balance

*Special good through 12/31/22

717.877.7533 www.BalanceIsYours.com

2201 Forest Hills Dr., Suite 9, Harrisburg, PA 17112

MASSAGE | ayurvedic treatments | REFLEXOLOGY | infrared sauna | DETOX | healthy weight

THE GIFT OF ART

MEMBERSHIPS MAKE GREAT YEARLONG HOLIDAY GIFTS! Our gift shop offers unique artful gifts that make holiday shopping fun!

1401 North 3rd Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 717.233.8668 https://susquehannaartmuseum.org/membership/

24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

Progress Fitness would love to help you enjoy the gift of fitness. Try us out for 30 days for just $59, and be coached by a trainer everytime you come into the gym.

Start your journey with us, because at Progress Fitness, “We Change Lives!”

717-972-0322 2201 Paxton Church Road Harrisburg, PA 17110 www.progressfitnesspa.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF BALANCE Massage Ayurvedic treatments Reflexology Infrared sauna Detox Healthy weight www.BalanceIsYours.com 2201 FOREST HILLS DR, SUITE 9 HARRISBURG, PA 17112

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE ARTIST OR ART LOVER IN YOUR LIFE The gift shop at the Susquehanna Museum of Art offers a kaleidoscope of unique holiday gifts, but that’s not all. Whether your loved one is an artist or just an art lover, give the gift of membership this year. Help the artist in your life get seen with waived submission fees during the annual call for entries exhibition. Plus, free admission to the SAM; discounts on museum programs, films, workshops, talks, and more; 10% off at the gift store and select Harrisburg restaurants; and access to free member events and Member Preview Openings. At the Friend level of membership or above, members get free admission to over 1300 member institutions through the North American Reciprocal Museum Association.

717-233-8668 1401 North 3rd Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 SUSQUEHANNAARTMUSEUM.ORG

REIKI BY RICKIE ~ REIKISPACE & LEARNING PLACE IS YOUR PLACE OF PEACE.

Share the Gifts of Inner Peace with the Gentle Touch and Deep Healing of Reiki.

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ONE-STOP SHOP FOR FOODIE GIFTS AND HOLIDAY PARTY Simply Flavorful is Mechanicsburg’s gourmet grocery destination. With over 80 specialty flavors of premium oils and vinegars, herbs, spices, spreads, custom gift baskets, and more, you’ll find the perfect gift for the foodie in your life. Plus, everything you need for your festive holiday party charcuterie board, or to make your favorite dishes “pop.” They carry all the unique touches to really “wow” your friends and family.

FOLLOW HARRISBURG MAGAZINE'S FINANCE HOUND Monthly articles with financial tips and tricks by Bryson Roof, CFP®. From holiday shopping to charitable giving to student loans, he is here to guide you where you want to be.

Contact Bryson today for a free portfolio evaluation at 717260-9281 or visit www.FortPittCapital.com.

Fort Pitt Capital Group is a registered investment advisory firm offering a large firm’s breadth & depth with a boutique feel supported by in-house analysts, a powerful trading system, and certified financial planners.

Finance Hound Monthly articles featuring financial tips and tricks with Financial Advisor Bryson Roof, CFP® Contact Bryson today for a

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DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 25

SWEET CONFECTIONS CAKES IT'S THE SWEETEST TIME OF THE YEAR!

Looking for a holiday gift for someone special in your life, an office party, or a friend that has everything? Stop in our store front for a basket of delicious holiday cookies, sweet treats, or even a gift card from Sweet Confections Cakes.

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Paintings, sculptures, pottery, literature, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and more!

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During December, PCCA Gallery will showcase a diverse range of talent during our Artisan Marketplace of Perry County! Featuring unique gift ideas ranging from pressed flower pictures and cards and wood-turned decorations and ornaments to mini photograph ornaments, handcrafted necklaces – and so much more!

We look forward to seeing you on the square in Newport!

FINE JEWELRY MAKES A TIMELESS GIFT Hi this is Christopher Munn, owner of Munn’s Diamond Gallery in Lemoyne. I invite you into our store at 12th and Market to see a unique selection of jewelry. We meet new people every day who come in and tell us how surprised they are to see such a refreshing and varied offering. Over the many years we’ve been in business we’ve had the privilege of serving multiple generations of families who honor us with their patronage.

My designers have been creating and crafting quality jewelry for quite some time and I have to say that this past year has inspired daring designs. Some humble. Some bold. All having personal expression. I like to think that each of our pieces will find its person and live a happy life. If you were to give the gift of jewelry, say, a locket, what sentiment would you like to express?

Jewelry helps you do that and each day your loved one wears it, it’s a reminder of that moment. And you. It’s pretty neat. It’s what we do.

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DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 27

What's Cooking?

IN LOCAL FOOD & FUN

Eat, drink, and be merry – all month long!

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his month, the eating and drinking are deliciously handled by Taco Amigos in downtown Harrisburg, home to traditionalyet-modern Mexican fare; and Idea Coffee in Mechanicsburg’s Arcona neighborhood, where the freshly-brewed coffee from Lonely Monk Roastery is served with flair by barista Cassandra Bond.

For the merriment, how about starting with a bit of … Ebenezer Scrooge? Okay, so Nicholas Hughes’ 24th-season performance in Open Stage’s “A Christmas Carol” will surely include a fair share of bah humbug’s, but why not think about the old curmudgeon after he’s visited by three ghosts? Tara Herweg profiles Hughes in

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Theatre Thoughts. Like holiday movies and music? Who doesn’t! Columnists Kevyn Knox (Cinematic Ramblings) and Elena Rossetto (After the Beat) highlight their seasonal faves for you!

Photo by Imogene Gross.

Short Story cont. from pg. 19

“It makes alllllllll the sense.” Rob waved his arms overhead, a summer snow angel. The elegant jazz band melted into their next song, and Rob performed air guitar.

“Would you like to see your solarium?”

Of course, the Warrens loved their sunroom, delectating on each cat. But I witnessed Rob’s next paragraph rolling down the hill like a snowball.

“Listen, this is cat paradise, so don’t take this the wrong way. But this room is missing something.”

“It is?”

Tina laughed. Tina knew. “Someone,” she clarified.

“Someone that’ll make it awesome.” Rob picked up a three-legged calico and nodded at her, co-conspiratorial. “I’ve got a dude to spare. Can I send him your way?”

“We couldn’t have done this without him.”

Angela Townsend is Development Director at Tabby’s Place.

Her work appears in bioStories, Cagibi, Hawaii Pacific Review, The Razor, and The Spotlong Review, among others.

She graduated from Princeton Seminary and Vassar College.

Angie has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 33 years, laughs with her poet mother every morning, and loves life affectionately. She lives just outside Philadelphia with two shaggy comets disguised as cats. https://www.instagram.com/fullyalivebythegrace/

https://twitter.com/TheWakingTulip

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 29

Theatre Thoughts/Tara Herweg

A sit-down with Scrooge

“Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge!”

I’m waiting in the lobby of Open Stage of Harrisburg when the chorus of actors rehearsing nearby delivers this line in unison, and despite my coat and sweater, I get goosebumps. It’s a couple of weeks until Thanksgiving, but I just mainlined a shot of Christmas spirit. It’s hard not to when it comes to A Christmas Carol, at least for me. Whether it’s Michael Caine, Bill Murray, or Scrooge McDuck, the awakening of Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas morning is, to me, one of those moments that makes the season truly magical.

But enough about me.

The reason I’m in the lobby of Open Stage of Harrisburg is to speak with Ebenezer Scrooge himself–or rather, with his portrayer, Nicholas Hughes. This year marks the twenty-fourth time that Hughes has donned, then doffed, Ebenezer’s invisible chains. He might be one of the only actors alive who can boast of playing the same character every year for nearly a quarter-century.

No one is more surprised by Hughes’ tenure as Scrooge than the man himself. He hadn’t 30 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

acted since his college days. It was while renting rehearsal space to two of Open Stage’s co-founders, Donald and Anne Alsedek, that he was approached to join the board at the theatre. From there, it was only a slight pivot to appearing onstage. Hughes was invited to join the cast of Open Stage’s production of Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde. Later that same season, the Alsedeks were producing A Christmas Carol for the first time, and extended an opportunity to Hughes: would he consider playing the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge?

Hughes put his trepidation aside (“This was only the second play I’d done. I was a real beginner!” he said) and accepted. “This was a small show with not a very large cast…and it has grown from there.”

It certainly has.

After three or four years at Open Stage, the production moved into the Whitaker Center, which allowed every aspect of the show to grow exponentially. The move to the larger space was motivated by an aspiration to appeal to school groups, but unfortunately, it proved

a harder sell than originally anticipated. The show migrated back to Open Stage, but also branched out into a full radio-play version that WITF would broadcast yearly.

When Open Stage’s current Artistic Director, Stuart Landon, appeared on the scene, he was featured as Scrooge’s nephew, Fred. He eventually took over as the director of the show and has also had a hand in revising the script (with his sister, Rachel Landon). As Hughes himself states, “It continues to evolve every year.”

It’s tempting to think that, after twentyfour years, slipping back into the character of Scrooge and his story would become stale.

Hughes is quick to rebut such an assumption.

“Absolutely not! It’s like enjoying a walk in the country. The next time you do it, isn’t it boring for you? No, because it’s different every time.” Cast members shift and change, some returning, others switching roles, still others leaving the show–such changes can do nothing except modulate the energy within a production. Audiences shift and change as well, and as any actor can tell you, from

night to night the audience’s presence is that ephemeral X factor that can markedly enhance a show for everyone onstage. Hughes recalls fondly that last year’s audiences seemed particularly warm, and chalks it up to the more comprehensive emergence of the public after a somewhat more cautious 2021.

Hughes (who names Alastair Sim as his favorite Scrooge), reminisces about several onstage mishaps through the years, including an unfortunate young man in the audience who had indulged in too much food and drink before the show, as well as a malfunctioning bed. Ah, the magic of live theatre, ladies and gentlemen. I have a feeling that Hughes is sitting on scads of anecdotes like these. Still, he is grateful for his lot.

“It’s an honor and a pleasure.”

If you’ve procrastinated, there might still be time to get over to OpenStageHBG.com to get tickets to this year’s production of A Christmas Carol, running until December 23rd.

Tara Herweg (she/her) is a native of Camp Hill, a former Core Company member of Gamut Theatre Group, and a huge fan of the Harrisburg theatre scene. Now she gets to call herself a writer, too (her 8-year-old self, Care Bears fanfic in hand, can hardly believe it)! She keeps herself busy working on her novel, watching horror movies, and raising her small human.

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 31

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Cinematic Ramblings/Kevyn Knox

The fun of Christmas movies

W

ell, it’s that time of year again. The most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas time! My favorite time of the year! Of course, my wife could probably do without the constant barrage of Christmas music I hit her with every year, but what are ya gonna do?

Anyhoo, I’m not here to talk about Christmas. This is a movie column, so I’m here to talk about Christmas movies. Now don’t worry, this is not going to turn into one of those annual heated debates as to whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not. For the record, it is, but that’s neither here nor there.

We’re here to discuss the fun of Christmas movies.

Now we can’t have any reasonable discussion on Christmas movies without mentioning the king of the holiday – White Christmas. Made in 1954, White Christmas, from the same director who gave us Casablanca and Captain Blood, was a retooling of the 1942 film Holiday Inn. The earlier film was based around a hotel that had special shows for all the holidays throughout the year. White Christmas, obviously, revolves around one special holiday. With Bing, Danny, Rosemary, & Vera-Ellen singing and dancing to some of the best tunes in movie musical history, including, of course, Irving Berlin’s title track (which incidentally won the Best Song Oscar for the aforementioned Holiday Inn in 1942) how can you not feel the joyous feeling of the season!?

But White Christmas isn’t the only Christmas movie there is. There’s Die Hard. Oh wait, I said we weren’t here to debate that one. But yes, it is a Christmas movie. But I digress.

Granted, the average Christmas movie can be ultra cheesy (especially if you’re counting those Hallmark Channel obscenities) and yes, White Christmas does have that cheese factor as well, but there are several truly fun (cheesy or not) Christmas movies out there.

There’s the candy-coated hilarity that is Will Ferrell in Elf. There’s the, albeit creepy, animated production design of The Polar Express. There’s Denis Leary holding a family hostage over the holidays in The Ref – one of the straight-up funniest movies I have ever watched. And of course, there is that wonderful Halloween/Christmas hybrid, The Nightmare Before Christmas.

There are also other great films that are not necessarily Christmas movies, but take place, at least partly in some cases, at Christmas.

One of my all-time favorite musicals, starring

my classic cinema dream girl, is Meet Me in St. Louis with Judy Garland. That film takes place over a year, but the Christmas section is the best part. Every time I watch the movie (and it has been quite a few times) I cannot help but bawl my eyes out when Judy belts out “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Despite the song’s title, it is actually quite melancholy – especially when it’s Judy singing it.

But hey, I could go on with Todd Haynes’ brilliant Carol or that fun X-Mas romp from last year, Violent Night or how Die Hard is a Christmas movie. But hey, we’re out of time, so have yourself a merry little Christmas, and I’ll see ya at the movies.

Kevyn Knox is a Writer, Artist, Pop Photographer, Film & TV Historian, Pez Collector, and Pop Culturist. He has written film reviews for FilmSpeak, Central PA Voice, and The Burg. His reviews & other ramblings can be found on his blog, www.allthingskevyn.com.

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 33

Barista’s Choice/Idea Coffee

This Dedicated Barista Keeps the Standards High at “Wholesome” Neighborhood Spot Story by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com Photos by Paul Vasiliades

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ucked away in the Arcona residential area of Mechanicsburg lies an unexpected treasure: a local gathering spot where morning and afternoon passersby can stop in for a coffee (or another delicious beverage) and a snack. The coffee shop in question? One of Idea Coffee’s three locations, open on Market House Lane since 2022.

Cassandra Bond, who has worked there as a barista for about a year, first discovered this local secret when she moved here from California and was searching for housing.

“Then I saw this coffee shop,” she explains, “and I was like ‘This is so cute! I love it here!’”

Bond estimates that about 80% of Idea Arcona’s customers live in the neighborhood.

34 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

Although they have a parking lot for those who need it, a significant portion of their business comes from foot traffic, as the community is very walkable. Idea caters to these customers by offering mobile payments, so that walkers don’t even need to remember their wallet. “They’ll just be like, ‘Oh, let’s get a coffee,’ and they’ll come here on their way to somewhere else along their route,” Bond illustrates. A lot of their customers are regulars that come in every day - sometimes multiple times a day. With several other destinations within walking distance, such as fine dining restaurant THEA, SpringGate Arcona, and Messiah College, there seems to be always something going on in the neighborhood.

Idea Coffee actually isn’t Bond’s only barista job – but it is her favorite. While she also works at Starbucks, Idea is where she discovered her passion for coffee. While Starbucks allowed her to “get [her] foot in the door,” at Idea she realized: “Oh my god, I love coffee, I love working as a barista – I wanna do this forever.” Between the hectic “fast-food coffee” environment of the coffee chain, and the “wholesome,” personable environment of Idea, she gets a bit of two different coffee environments. And she’s clearly driven by her passion: between her two jobs, she works six or seven days a week serving up drinks.

“I definitely don’t have a lot of free time,” she admits, “but I manage.” What keeps her coming to work each day is the people. “Even

though making drinks is so great and so fun, it’s really about the connections you make,” she affirms. “We’re in the people business.”

Idea Coffee is owned and supplied by The Lonely Monk Roastery of Lemoyne, which prides itself on freshly roasted coffee. While mass-produced commercial coffee may have been roasted and pre-ground months before it’s on the shelves, losing the nuances of its inherent flavors, The Lonely Monk roasts locally and delivers right away, turning them into perfect cups of coffee before the beans’ aromatics have a chance to escape. Bond gushes over the quality of the coffee. “It’s a major difference – just from the way you open a bag, and you can smell that first puff of air that comes out of the bag. It’s immensely different.” Another thing that distinguishes Idea is the care it puts into ensuring the baristas are well-informed about what they’re serving. “When we get our beans, they all come with a story. (…) When we have our beans delivered, we have different types of beans every couple months. And he [owner Josh Willits] always tells us, like, ‘This is the bean we’re gonna serve today, this is where it comes from, this is the type of roast.’”

Even their coffee machine (a Ground Control unit, which Idea was the first in Pennsylvania to adopt) is ahead of the curve.

It (or she) even has a name! “Sasha,” Bond identifies, fondly. “She’s a beautiful piece of machinery.” Not only does Sasha brew drip coffee, but she can infuse loose leaf teas, and can even make cold brew in just ten minutes. Bond, who is usually responsible for making the cold brew, confides that Sasha has a bit of a personality. “She definitely has her moments where she does not like to be touched or does not wanna be used, and I’m like, ‘Okay, girl, I got you, I got you. (…) I gotta come back, though!’”

Idea’s combination of quality beans and careful preparation keeps them selling coffee like crazy, but there are some other unique offerings that draw customers, too. Idea has a large selection of flavor syrups compared to most (the Maple Pancake is Bond’s favorite), allowing for much customization. They serve food, too. They have a selection of locally made pastries, and their baked oatmeal, a fan favorite, is made in-house. They also recently started selling breakfast sandwiches, served on Bagel Lovers bagels.

When she has free time, Bond enjoys caring for her two huskies. They’re a breed that needs a lot of exercise, but fortunately, she shares their passion for the outdoors. Arcona makes a great place for walking her pups.

“Everything is so beautiful,” she praises, “and

especially this neighborhood, it’s a great place to walk.” So, for your next brisk December stroll, why not stop by to see for yourself, and grab a seasonal gingerbread latte to warm up after?

Bond’s Dossier Words of advice to home coffee brewers?

“When we get our beans, they all come with a story."

When I first got into the coffee business, I had a Keurig and a hand-frother at home.

I had no clue what I was doing. I just knew that I wanted something caffeinated and sweet. Now that I’m a barista, I look back and I know that I liked what I was doing at the time because it was catered to my taste. My word of advice to people would be just keep doing what you are doing. If you like the taste of black coffee, invest in a good blend. Don’t spend a ton of money on different brewers when so many methods can be achieved with things you already own.

Is there anything or anyone who inspires you as a Barista?

Being a barista definitely has its moments, but the people you meet make it so worth it. The manager I worked closely with when I first got hired really was an inspiration in my life because she always knew exactly what she was doing, and she always walked with purpose and intelligence. She supported me in a lot of ways and helped me be confident as the barista I am today, while upholding a standard throughout the store. I really do appreciate everything she has done for me, and her array of knowledge never went unnoticed.

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 35

Favorite coffee or blend of coffee?

My boss actually also owns a roastery in Lemoyne, PA called Lonely Monk Coffees and it is some of the best coffee I’ve ever had. I usually prefer a light roast, but the Ethiopia blend is truly something else. The medium full-bodied coffee has a distinct flavor with notes of wine, some say. And fruity earth flavors. It has to be some of my favorite coffee. This unique coffee has a strong berry flavor that pairs well with dark chocolate.

Recommendations of two or three kinds of coffee to try?

When I’m working at the shop, my goto to sip on would be Rwanda. This fairly traded, organic coffee presents a delightfully complex cup with notes of peach, lemongrass, and pear with subtle hints of caramel and vanilla. The coffee trade has helped Rwanda move from a tragic past to a hopeful future, boasting some of the highest rated Bourbon Arabica coffee in the world.

Misozi Abakundakawa Coop Fair Trade “Abakundakawa”, meaning ‘those who love coffee’ - is a firmly established cooperative founded in 1999. Since then, they have made significant and lasting changes in the local community, including giving all members

36 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

access to health insurance and providing them with cows every year since 2007. In 2017, the cooperative built a third washing station for those members who currently have to travel the furthest. The farmers have opted to use some of the Fairtrade premium to build a community center, used for meetings and social events, such as weddings.

Favorite coffee-fusion drink to mix

I have always loved to play around with coffee and different flavors. For the past few months, I’ve had a hand in helping with our monthly specials that we do at Idea. Some of my all-time favorites I recommend to people would be a hot chai with whatever milk they prefer, and just a small spoonful of the spicy chili honey. It expands the spices in the chai without becoming overwhelmingly sweet or overpowering. The next drink I always recommend would be the cloudy cold brew which is a lavender white mocha foam on top of sweetened vanilla cold brew. I love a good sweet floral moment and the flavors in the foam sweeten the drink just enough without it being overpowering.

Most commonly ordered drinks during your shifts?

Since we have a wide array of flavors and specials, we usually don’t get a ton of the same drinks (unless it’s a special that month).

But currently, we do have the Starbucks signature ‘caramel macchiato’ on the menu that the crowd just goes wild for. If I had a dollar for every caramel macchiato I’ve ever made, I probably wouldn’t have to work ever again. The upside-down latte with vanilla syrup and caramel drizzle has become a nationwide staple that people have grown extremely fond of. We have given a sense of security for the overwhelmed coffee drinkers that don’t know what they want but can walk into our shop and know exactly what they are getting.

Philosophy on coffee brewing and/ or the enjoyment of coffee.

Everyone is different, so find what you enjoy and play around with it. Some love to have a cold brew that steeped for multiple hours, pulling out the most delicious flavors; some love a quick pour over with an amazing blend of coffee; and some just like to go to their local coffee shop and get a sweet coffee handcrafted to their own tastes. To each their own. Coffee is not one size fits all and that is the beauty of being in the business. You learn

so much about the different types of beans and different ways you can handcraft a drink.

At the Arcona location in Mechanicsburg, we have a machine called Ground Control that makes our brewed coffee and also does our cold brew in 10 minutes! The advanced technology has allowed our shop to be unique in ways other shops near us have not yet reached. I primarily make the cold brew and it becomes a relaxing and fulfilling process when you are in the zone.

Is Barista your day job? If not, what else do you do for a living?

My day job is “dog mom” with full time barista-ing on the side. I work two different coffee jobs, but working at Idea is my main job and passion. I thoroughly enjoy being a barista because of the intricacies of coffee but also the depth of the industry. The people are what keep me motivated from day to day, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve been a barista for over two years now and I have never thought about doing anything else. It has definitely had its moments, but it is really fulfilling getting to meet new people and having the pleasure of serving them.

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During a typical week, what days/ shifts can you be found at Idea?

Since our team is small, I can be found there every day, except on Mondays when we are closed. If I’m not there in the morning, I’ll be there in the afternoon. Some would call me a “workaholic,” but I just love what I do.

Signature drink with recipe London Smog 2 bags Earl Grey tea 3 pumps lavender syrup 2 pumps vanilla syrup Equal parts milk and cold brew

My favorite drink right now is a London Smog. It’s basically a London Fog but with cold brew instead of espresso, like a dirty London Fog would have. I steep two tea bags of Earl Grey with three pumps of lavender and two pumps of vanilla. I do equal parts milk and cold brew about halfway in a 20oz cup and ice to the top. I let the tea steep for 6-7 minutes then I pour over the concoction in the cup and mix. It is super refreshing and interesting on the pallet. Currently a staple for me.7

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Taste This …/Taco Amigos

Traditional-Yet-Modern Mexican for a Variety of Tastes: Make It Your Own at Story and photos by Imogene Gross, imogene@harrisburgmagazine.com

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aco Amigos, on Harrisburg’s North 2nd Street, blends authentic and new techniques to offer customizable eats suited to a variety of tastes. Using fresh, local ingredients, they clearly take delicious yet affordable Mexican style cooking seriously.

Open Mon-Fri, this local eatery offers dinein, takeout (including online ordering), and catering. Formerly known as Taco Solo, Taco Amigos was opened in 2021 by husband-andwife duo Marcel and Victoria Childs.

Taco Amigos was very generous in providing us with a full spread of catering trays with a range of popular offerings, so that we could sample a bit of everything. We were amazed by the breadth and variety of dishes assembled before us. The attention to detail was admirable. They even included a rainbow of Jarritos fruit-flavored sodas.

Customer service, on the part of owner Marcel Childs, was very genial – he delivered the meal with a level of care and grace

38 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

Taco Amigos

that would befit serving one’s own family.

We were very pleased with our lunch, which included chips, salsa, and guacamole; shrimp, fajita, and Tex-Mex carnitas burritos; chicken and birria quesatacos with consommé; beans and rice; and, as one might hope from a place with “taco” in the name, so many tacos: tacos de pastor, tacos de carnitas, tacos de pescado (fish), tacos de fajita, and tacos de BLT. Everything was great, but we’d like to highlight some of our favorite things about our experience …

The quesatacos are one of the restaurant’s more unique, creative offerings. Taco-sized soft corn tortillas are deep fried with cheese and your choice of protein, served with consommé for dipping. Consommé, if you’re wondering, is a richly flavored meat stock.

In Mexican cuisine, the liquid that remains from cooking birria, a deliciously spicy, longsimmered stew, traditionally made with goat but today (as is the case for Taco Amigos) often with beef, is sometimes served as a consommé alongside tacos. The quesatacos were the favorite of Shane Carino, Graphic Designer. “They were crispy and flavorful even without the consommé,” she said, but “the consommé really gave it the ‘wow’ factor.

Plus, the tacos had a nice ratio of filling.”

Jo Ann Shover, Account Executive, enjoyed the BLT tacos, which feature strips of thick-cut bacon, lettuce, tomato, and homemade chipotle mayo. “I did not know anything about Taco Amigos,” she remarked, “but I will definitely take my family!” And personally, I liked the rice and beans. While the beans were not spicy on their own, with some salsa and hot sauce, I thought they were perfect.

Indeed, the sauces and the level of customization they allow for were a highlight of our meal.

The restaurant kindly provided four different sauces with varied

flavor profiles for us to add to our plates: chipotle ranch, salsa verde, salsa ranchero, and salsa habanero. “The assortment of sauces available were perfect enhancements,” said Randy Gross, Managing Editor. This made it perfect for serving a group with varied preferences. Chris Aloia, Director of Sales, appreciated the menu’s friendliness to those with sensitive stomachs, like himself.

“Some things were spicy, some were not, and you can pick and choose,” said Fred Hershey, Account Executive. Randy Gross agreed, “There were a variety of delicious components

"Taco Amigos was opened in 2021 by husband-and-wife duo Marcel and Victoria Childs." which can be combined in a variety of ways, to suit all tastes.” And just because the menu is inclusive of many preferences, don’t think that Taco Amigos skips out on taste. The one thing upon which everyone commented was how flavorful everything was.

Overall, we would highly recommend Taco Amigos for your next dine-in meal, take-out treat, or event catering. Shane Carino describes it as “comfort/street food” that is “an excellent choice for any meal or snack.” Her son is a regular there, finding it a “convenient stop and affordable on his way home from work.” She was the only person among us who had previous experience with the restaurant, but after our experience this month, all of us will be sure to keep Taco Amigos in mind the next time we’re craving some great Mexican food. 7

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DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 39

Poem/Rich Hemmings

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Night Harvest

by Rich Hemmings He came just before midnight, far too late for me to welcome or offer a drink, or even wave.

But riding high on his galvanized steel seat, taller than the field corn and armed with an intense light and a blade that spun and growled the harvester was the witness to an assault in rows.

Dust levitated to the moon, raccoon and rabbit fled to other less busy climes, my neighbor’s dog stood and tried to remember if this had happened before.

I calculated a rhythm measured in years: I had seen this twelve times before, but not always at night and not this night, not tonight, not with Mars vibrating to the same drummers as if terrible knives were in a war, or a storm.

The screen door trembled and the broken bench moved a hair away from the tree it leaned on.

I felt older this night, by far more than a dozen years, but somehow, unbowed.

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Richard Hemmings has been writing for more than forty years. In addition to writing short stories and monologues, his poetry has been published in Mad Poets Review, Medicinal Purposes and on-line at Poetz. com and argotist.com. His chapbook, Orbits Around a Lightless Star, was released in 2013. He has won several contests and is well-known as the former host of the Convergence readings in Pennsylvania. He is a repository for so many obscure facts that he has been accused of having a photographic memory, or at the very least being some manner of trivia master. Neither of these is true. What is true is that Rich loves hot peppers. Richard’s other passion is science-fiction and his book The Object brings his thirst for the bizarre and his love of New York City together. He lives with his wife in Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, and can be reached at rhymingvibes@yahoo.com.

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DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 41

After the Beat/Elena Rossetto

The Soundtrack Behind the Holidays

T

he holidays always mean a wide variety of things for each individual person. Winter means the welcoming of blustery, snowy days with houses lined with twinkling lights. It means the aroma of our favorite homemade food filling the house as we decorate for the season. It’s the laughter that fills the rooms from our friends, family, and the special people we hold close in our lives. We also hold space for our grief and remind

ourselves that the holiday season can be painful for some. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, the month of December has always been filled with one thing: music. I have fond memories of wrapping lights around the tree, cookies in the oven, and our favorite holiday CDs scattered around the CD player as we fought for which one we’d put on next. The dreaded Christmas Eve services filled with beautiful old hymns and the song “Silent Night” sung in candlelight. The music around the holidays feels like nourishment for the soul, and this month I’d like to share my favorite holiday albums and singles with you all.

Let’s start with one of my favorite classic Christmas albums, Christmas Portrait from 1978.

Written and recorded by the enchanting sibling duo, The Carpenters, this epic album captures the twinkling old fashioned Christmas we all know and love. The full orchestra creates the robust, grand classic holiday sound of our favorite singa-longs, pairing perfectly with Karen Carpenter’s impeccable vocals. “Merry Christmas Darling” is a can’t miss on this record. The second album comes from one of my all-time favorite bands, The Beach Boys. The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album, from 1964, is filled with dreamy, surfy renditions of all the favorites. Brian Wilson’s orchestration on this record shines with his famous stacked vocals and swoon-worthy harmonies. It will always be such an incredibly fresh, original take on the classics. I simply cannot pick a favorite song off this album, so definitely listen to the whole record. Thirdly, Bing Crosby’s 1945 White Christmas makes itself an early holiday staple. He captures the perfect romantic and magical essence of the season. “White Christmas’’ will forever be my personal favorite.

Final mentions are Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass’s Christmas Album, a unique offering from the great American trumpeter; and, of course, A Charlie Brown Christmas from Vince Guaraldi Trio.

For newer records, I’ll start off with the country pop queen herself, Kacey Musgraves. She has two full Christmas albums: one studio album, A Very Kacey Christmas, and one from her live recording of The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show. Both are packed with modern, twangy renditions of classics and include catchy, new holiday songs. My two favorites off the two albums are “A Willie Nice Christmas,” featuring Willie Nelson, and “Glittery,” featuring Troye Sivan. Next up, singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens has a 42-track epic Songs for Christmas, from 2006, that has folky, indie covers of all the best seasonal songs along with innovative originals. This dynamic album gives an incredible soundtrack to the holiday season and is my favorite modern holiday album to throw on. For a more melancholy collection of folk holiday singles go with alternative indie artist Phoebe Bridgers’ So Much Wine, featuring my personal favorite, “If We Make It Through December.” Finally, to wrap up this review, I give you my favorite holiday single from The Waitresses, “Christmas Wrapping”.

I wish you all a happy holiday for however you celebrate or reflect. Have fun listening to these recommendations and may your holiday be full of music.

Elena Rossetto was born and raised in Mechanicsburg and has been a Harrisburg resident for over four years. She writes and plays live music with her indie rock band, The After Hours. With her vivacious passion for music, she fiercely believes in supporting the local music scene. After the Beat chases and aims to showcase the incredible local talent our community possesses.

42 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

DECEMBER 2023 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE 43

Life changing is…

Caring.

For the whole community.

Changing the future of health inside our halls and beyond our walls.

Lending a hand.

Giving back.

Going all-in.

Pushing traditional boundaries to give all of our neighbors the opportunity to thrive.

Because Life Changing Medicine is for everyone.

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