Harrisburg Magazine May 2025

IN THIS ISSUE ...

FINDS A NEW FAMILY

During Mental Health Awareness month in May, April Downing, executive director of NAMI of Central PA, urges the public to consider the importance of mental health in our lives and to work to erase misconceptions.

For older adults, staying active is about more than just physical well-being. It’s also about remaining mentally sharp, socially connected and emotionally fulfilled. Volunteering offers all of this and more, serving as a bridge to meaningful interaction and more. Harrisburg Magazine’s Andrea Kitner shares stories of those who give back.

26 UNSEEN BATTLE COULD COST YOU

Elieen Voyles explains why trees and plumbing lines don’t always mix – and can cause headaches for homeowners – in this month’s installment of The Housing Scene

A memorial dedicated to Gold Star Families, who lost loved ones during active miliary service, will be erected this fall on the grounds of the Capitol in Harrisburg, thanks to the efforts of state Rep. Joe Kerwin, R-Elizabethville.

Pet care columnist Kristen Zellner recently welcomed a new addition to her family following the loss of some beloved animals. Say hello to Otto.

BREWING UP SECOND CHANCES

A grassroots Central Pennsylvania ministry offering hope and healing to women in the commercial sex industry is offering solutions through compassion, outreach – and coffee.

MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

In this month’s After the Beat column, Amy Simpson profiles two accomplished female performers who are building their legacies in the Central Pennsylvania music scene. 47

Richard Phelan, founder of the iconic Gingerbread Man restaurant franchise and numerous nightclub spots, spent much of his life promoting musical acts in Central Pennsylvania and beyond. In this month’s Entrepreneurial Spirit, he talks about what motivated him to make his lasting mark on the area. PAGE 6

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ON THE COVER (Photo by Andrea Kitner)

Entrepreneurial Spirit:

Richard Phelan Leaves His Legacy on Restaurant, Live Entertainment Scene

Story by Eric Ebeling, eebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos by Andrea Kitner, akitner@harrisburgmagazine.com

Born and raised in the Allison Hill neighborhood of Harrisburg, Richard “Dick” E. Phelan developed an early love for music and realized he had keen business skills –traits that would help him shape a long and successful career in the entertainment and restaurant industry.

A 1963 graduate of John Harris High School, Phelan began exploring music seriously during his school years, helping to organize popular weekend teen dances, drawing large crowds and helping him find his footing in event promotion.

Following his service in the Marine Reserves, Phelan returned to Harrisburg and became active in the region’s growing music scene. He joined Penn World Attractions, working alongside respected promoters Maynard McKissick and Bruce Rohrbach. There, he booked emerging acts such as El Dantes, The Thundering Sentries, The Endells, and The Lightning Decades. His skill in connecting bands with college audiences, particularly at schools like Franklin & Marshall and Bucknell, made him a sought-after figure in Pennsylvania’s live entertainment landscape.

In 1964, Phelan came across a vacant building on North Front Street in Harrisburg. He saw potential in the space and turned it into The Barn, a venue that quickly became popular among local students and musicians. The following year, he launched The Raven, located on a former farm property near Middletown in Lower Swatara

Township. It opened on Thanksgiving weekend with a performance by The Magnificent Seven (who would become legendary as The Magnificent Men). The Raven quickly became one of Central Pennsylvania’s premier music venues, drawing in rhythm and blues acts from cities like Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago.

Phelan shifted focus to promoting acts on a national scale by 1968, working as a tour promoter and road manager for a wide range of artists, including Grand Funk Railroad, Uriah Heep, Aerosmith, Chicago, and Earth, Wind & Fire. He also played a role in organizing first U.S. tours for the likes of Elton John, Genesis and Queen. Recognizing the growing demand for larger concert venues, Phelan established a network of minor league hockey arenas to host concerts.

During this time, Phelan successfully turned his focus to restaurants and nightclubs. At the height of his business career, he and his late wife, Linda, operated 19 establishments, including the popular Gingerbread Man franchise and Rod’s Roadhouse, which combined food, drink and live music in a setting that reflected his deep roots in entertainment. As he slowed down in his business pursuits, he turned over several over his restaurants to his son, Jason, and his daughter, Kymberly Thomas.

Phelan recently sat down with Eric Ebeling, editorial director of Harrisburg Magazine, to talk about his life and enduring legacy in Central Pennsylvania.

Eric Ebeling: You have Harrisburg in your blood, don’t you?

Richard Phelan: Yes, I was born in Allison HilI and I graduated from John Harris in 1962. I took one year to stay at home to watch the guys that were on the football team with me.

The year before we went undefeated. It was the first year of what they call the decade of champions, where, for 10 straight years, we went undefeated. The day after Thanksgiving, after they played their final game in Hershey Stadium – William Penn and John Harris always met on Thanksgiving as a tradition – I was on a train headed to Paris Island, South Carolina. I had joined the United States Marine Corps as a reservist, which is a 6-month obligation of active duty, and then five and a half years of going to a weekend training, then two weeks of summer camp. I completed that. You know, it was one of the best things I ever did. That was a good thing for me. They’re serious about the training. Very serious.

EE: You get out of the Marine Corps. Did you have something in mind as far as what you wanted to do with yourself?

RP: Well, I was running dances at the Post 27, the VFW. I would rent a hall, and I would have rock ‘n’ roll bands there. People would come and pay money to attend them. That would have been about 1963. So, I was managing groups. The main group I managed was called The Lightning Decades. The best group in Harrisburg at that time was called The Thundering Sentries. I managed them, too, and I did such a good job at it that I had so many groups wanting me to manage them.

Eventually I saw a job opportunity at a place down in Harrisburg that ended up being named Penn World Attractions. It was owned by a man, Maynard McKissick, who started it, but he didn’t have a college division for booking bands, so I went in and established this. I started going to all the colleges, like Dickinson, Get-

tysburg, State College, Bucknell, and Franklin & Marshall. I went all around Central Pennsylvania, as far down as Reading, and I would book the fraternity and sorority houses. I got to where I was getting really good money for the bands, and then all the bands wanted me to manage them.

EE: So, you would book bands on behalf of the fraternity or sorority, and they didn’t have to do anything but charge people for attending the show?

RP: Yes. I was actually smart enough to go out and get my groups to record records. Then I could go to the fraternity with a battery-operated record

player that I could use if they wanted to hear The Thundering Sentries or The El Dantes or The Lightning Decades. I went to the fraternities in my 1963 Morgan, which was an English, cool little sports car. I end up owning three of those in my life.

We ended up booking groups all over the place: University of Pennsylvania, Temple, you know, all that stuff. Then we started getting asked about major entertainment. So, I said, “Oh, sure. Not a problem.” But I had no idea. So, I went in and told Maynard McKissick. Maynard took care of all the big band type things. Bruce Rohrbach was the guy that did all the nightclubs

where there was liquor. I did colleges and fraternity. It was just like six of us in this office on Locust Street in Harrisburg, right beside the State Theater in downtown. All of a sudden, I kind of had a lot of thunder, in the sense that I was getting all the big the colleges. Someone gave me the name of William Morris (of the famed talent agency) in New York City, and I eventually would contact them, and then they could get anything I wanted.

EE: Things are happening quickly.

RP: I built my first teenage club, called The Barn, at 4425 N. Front St. I brought my brother, Joe, in from Pittsburgh. He was living out there as a window trimmer, and he came up with the most fantastic design for it. He was just a natural born talent. Joe designed hundreds of restaurants.

EE: The Barn was known as the top live music venue in the area in the early 1960s.

RP: Yes, live bands. which I was managing, and we would charge $1 or $2 to get in We made sundaes and sodas, and we had a kitchen for burgers and fries and basic things, and we were open just Fridays and Saturdays. This thing was packed. I knew that I needed to get a bigger spot and all

Richard Phelan stands outside the restaurant he founded in Carlisle.

that. So, I started saving money. And I saved money for a couple years, and then I always had this dream of a castle. I was looking for a spot high up on the hill, but outside of Harrisburg. I bought 5 acres, and we built The Raven near Middletown.

EE: Where did you find the bands to play there?

RP: A gentleman named Dave Zan from Jersey City called and said, “Kid, I hear you have a really nice club there.” And he said, “How would you like to have Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions?” And I said, “Are you a jokester or who are you?” He said, “No. I’m legit.” After they played, The Raven changed. Dave Zan knew the big acts, and they would draw. So, we had The O’Jays, The Delfonics, The Intruders, Patti LaBelle and The Bluebells. They were from Philadelphia – 500 bucks the first time she played. But I never could get Motown bands. Well, I did manage to book The Isley Brothers.

So, now me and my brother Joe, because we’re not real busy at The Raven except on the weekend, we decide to open up a clothing store in downtown Harrisburg, where my office was down there. Joe and I worked at David’s clothing store, the finest men’s store on Third Street in Harrisburg. At the time, as I started as stockboy then became a salesman. We weren’t going to go into full-blown clothing. We’re going to do haberdashery: shirts, ties. We eventually went to Stanley Blacker, and they would let us come down to the factory, and we started selling sport jackets and slacks. … So, I have the Isley Brothers in town. They’ve been at The Raven three times. We took them to the store, and we parked right in front. We had the keys, turned the lights on, and I said,

“Guys, I’m just trying to say – I need you to try to get me Motown (bookings)." Joe and I had brand new camel topcoats. We gave them each one and fitted them. Joe did all that, took the tags off. Then we picked two shirts and two ties for each.

Lo and behold, five days later, I get the phone call from Smokey Robinson, the vice president of Motown. He says, “I hear you have a super club.” And he said to me, “What acts are you interested in?” I said, “Any Motown act.” He said, “What nights do you want them?” I said, “Any night.” He said to me, “You’re going to be easy to deal with,” and that’s who I dealt with for 40 years at Motown. After that, I started getting all the Motown acts. I got all of them except The Supremes. But I had the original Temptations three times at The Raven. I had The Four Tops, The Miracles, The Marvelettes.

EE: You really didn’t have so-called business or managerial experience?

RP: None at all. No, I was just good at it. I really got my bones by organizing the local groups from what they wore to making sure they were in a vehicle that ran. I’d say, “Guys, we got to start saving money from every night we play. We got to buy a vehicle that we all can fit in, that has heat and everything.”

EE: You were just honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame. Yes. What did that mean to you?

RP: Well, it meant a lot to me that was recognized, because I didn’t expect to be. I didn’t strive to do that. But if you measure my work over the years, not just with the local groups

and then the bigger groups and the greatest groups, you know, I did my job. Now, don’t misunderstand me, I made money from that, but at the same time. … I used to like to sit in the back, behind the group, and look at the people’s faces in the crowd. When you see them all smiling and all happy – everybody’s into – you know you did your job.

EE: Where did the name Gingerbread Man come from?

RP: Joe liked this place in New York City called The Ginger Man. So, the whole thing about that. I don’t know how we decided on that, other than the people looked at the building and would say to us, “Oh, we like your gingerbread,” meaning the fancy wood trim and all the carving, the Victorian look. That’s how we came to settle on that name. Our menu cover is a woman. It’s all about a red-headed woman. My son, Jason, changed something in her hand and put a tray in it, and that’s what we’ve always used as our logo. Everybody wanted a TGI Fridays back then, but they weren’t going to get it for years and years and years. So, we filled that gap. We gave them atmosphere. That was 1973, the first one. On June 20, 1973, I opened up in Mechanicsburg at 11 Railroad Ave.

EE: Over the years, you expanded considerably.

RP: Yes, we had 19 locations at one time. I did Mechanicsburg, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Hershey, Allentown, State College, Altoona, Johnstown, Indiana, Pa. Two in Maryland – Severna Park and Cumberland. I can’t remember them all.

EE: How did the menu offerings come about?

RP: Joe and I found out about a real little dive place on the alley here (in Mechanicsburg). They serve breakfast, lunch and some dinner. We met there, and I went in and looked at it. Mechanicsburg Club owned that property, and they had just put on that new addition, and their insurance company came to them and said that we can no longer insure you with this new addition because of the restaurant down below. They were told they had to put a fire system in and a hood and this and that. It was going to cost them too much to do that. So, he put the place for sale, and it was $3,000, this place, with the equipment and the beer license… . I don’t have a grill, I don’t have a deep fryer. I wanted to do a New York deli menu with corned beef and pastrami. Steamers. I wanted to do hoagies that were made to order, meatball sandwiches that were made at my mother-in-law’s house. We brought it there. There’s no fryer, no stuff like that. We said we’re going to have liverwurst and onion sandwiches, barbecue sandwiches. That’s how I got that menu. I did seven places with that menu. I never had a grill or fryer, even when I opened downtown (in Harrisburg). We put in the first grill in Hershey in 1983. Those first 10 years, we didn’t have a grill. Now we have a full casual dining menu.

EE: In addition to The Gingerbread Man, you had a number of other establishments.

RP: I did. There was Rod’s Roadhouse. I did a place called Alfie McDuffs right here in Carlisle. I did the Fast Eddies building. The All-Star Cafe, which was down here in Carlisle. I had a total of over 30 places I did altogether. I was the perfect guy to do it, because I had my brother, I had the income from the concerts, and the restaurants did well.

I never, never had a loser concert. Never closed a restaurant because it didn’t do well. No, I was fortunate. Blessed, actually.

EE: Are there any plans for the Mechanicsburg Gingerbread Man that was damaged by fire?

RP: We have not settled our fire insurance claim with our insurance company, so we’ll be going to court for that very soon and getting that resolved. We’re going to settle it one way or another. Then I want to try to get an industrial development license.

EE: Is there anything else you would like to talk about?

RP: I think there’s something that people don’t know. For 35 years I was running half of food service at the Carlisle Fairgrounds with the Carter Family. They had the House of Ice Cream and Duke’s (as well as Dockside Willie’s and Tequila Willie’s, among others.) I was over there. We had stands under the grandstand and all through the field, along with the Carters. That’s how I got to know them. We worked together, me and (Donald) Duke Carter at the fairgrounds. And then when we got more spaces and more spaces, Duke came to me and gave me some more. That was good. I want to say to you that I have a favorite person in my life, and his name’s Duke Carter. He was a good man.

EE: If I have questions after this interview, do you mind me giving you a call?

RP: No, not at all. No, I’m very honored that you’re considering me, because I really love your magazine and love what you’ve done for Har-

risburg. You know, Harrisburg is a big love of my life. It’s hard to believe that I could be so blessed. Yeah, everything has gone well for me. I had 30 restaurants over time with liquor licenses. I don’t smoke, drink or do drugs. I did concerts of big magnitude that I never dreamt of – from doing dances in schools and clubs to having give of my own teenage clubs all total. Everything just turned out well for me.

P l e a s e Vo t e U s :

• Au t o D e a l e r ( N e w D o m e s t i c )

• Au t o D e a l e r ( P r e o w n e d / Us e d )

• Au t o E x p r e s s S e r v i c e

• Au t o S e r v i c e b y a D e a l e r

• D e t a i l i n g b y Au t o D e a l e r

• Cu s t o m e r Va l u e s - L a r g e B u s i n e s s

• Au t o S a l e s p e r s o n - S t u B i n g a m a n

L B S m i t h Fo r d . c o m

As I See It

Mental Health Is Health: Let’s Start Acting Like It

By April Downing Executive Director, NAMI Central PA

M.ay is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to reflect, to educate and, most importantly, to take action.

At National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central PA, we are reminded every day that mental health is not just a personal issue. It’s a community issue. It’s time we start treating it that way.

Each year, one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental health condition. These individuals

are our co-workers, our neighbors, our friends, our children – and ourselves. Despite its prevalence, mental health continues to be viewed as secondary to physical health, often overshadowed by stigma and silence.

We’re here to say: That must change.

Mental health is health. It influences how we think, feel and behave. Just like physical health, it requires care, attention and support. Mental Health Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to start meaningful conversations. But more than that, it’s a call to cultivate a culture of ongoing support for mental wellness, every day of the year.

At NAMI Central PA, we see firsthand the impact of untreated mental illness in our community. We walk alongside individuals and families as they navigate the complexities of diagnosis, care access and the burden of stigma. Through free support groups, educational programs and advocacy efforts, we strive to ensure that no one has to face mental illness alone. Our work also includes youth-focused initiatives like suicide prevention programs for high school students and virtual support groups for teens.

This year’s national theme from NAMI is “In Every Story There’s Strength.” This message underscores the resilience and diverse experiences that define each mental health journey. It encourages us all to pause, reflect and check in – both with ourselves and with others. Simply sharing your story can be the beginning of someone else’s healing. It can be the difference between isolation and connection.

But awareness is only the first step. Real change requires action.

That means expanding access to mental health services across Central Pennsylvania, especially in underserved communities. It means ensuring schools are equipped with fully funded mental health resources so children can learn and grow in safe, supportive environments. It means providing first responders, educators and employers with the training to respond to mental health crises with compassion, not punishment.

It also means normalizing the conversation. Let’s talk openly about our struggles. Let’s listen without judgment. Mental health challenges are not a sign of weakness, and seeking help is not failure; it is an act of strength and self-respect.

As a community, we have the power to make mental health a priority –not just in May, but every month. So,

take a moment: Reach out. Volunteer. Learn. Advocate. Join one of our support groups or participate in an upcoming event like our Stomp Out Stigma walk on June 21st. To register a team, visit our website at namicentralpa.org.

We also invite the community to join us for two free movie screenings: “Inside Out” on May 4 and “Inside Out 2” on May 10, hosted with our

partners at Midtown Cinema. Each showing will include a Q&A with mental health professionals. Seating is limited and registration is required. Please visit our website for details.

This May, let’s move beyond raising awareness. Let’s take meaningful action, offer real hope and remind one another: You are not alone.

To learn more or get involved, visit or follow NAMI Central PA on social media @namicentralpa.org.

April Downing is the executive director of NAMI Central PA, headquartered at 2501 N. Third St. in Harrisburg. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Serving with Heart: Seniors Find Purpose and Connection Through Volunteering

By Andrea Kitner, akitner@harrisburgmagazine.com

Photos courtesy Beth’s Lunchbox

In their golden years of life, many seniors find themselves at a crossroads: Children are grown, careers have slowed or ended, and the once-hectic pace of daily life settles into a quieter rhythm. While rest and relaxation are well-earned, studies and real-life stories alike reveal that continued engagement – especially through volunteer work – can be a powerful elixir for health, happiness and purpose.

For older adults, staying active is about more than just physical well-being. It’s also about remaining mentally sharp, socially connected and emotionally fulfilled. Volunteering offers all of this and more, serving as a bridge to meaningful interaction, a sense of usefulness and opportunities to give back to the community.

Whether it’s mentoring a young student, organizing donations at a local food bank or lending a compassionate hand at the local animal rescue, volunteer roles empower seniors to share their rich life experiences and skills in impactful ways.

Sharon Campbell, 78, who lives in Liverpool, Perry County, is involved in various organizations and volunteers abundantly in her community. One of her main volunteer pastimes involves Beth’s Lunchbox, which is organized through her church, Incarnation United Church of Christ.

Beth’s Lunchbox is an outreach program that serves to feed the elderly, sick and hungry within the Newport community. On the last Saturday of each month, the members of the

church come together to pack lunches for shut-ins and folks on limited incomes that need a meal on the weekend. People are welcome to stop by the church and pick up a free lunch, or lunches can be delivered to their doorstep for those who are unable to drive or get around.

Beth’s Lunchbox has been serving healthy, homemade lunches since 2012. Back then, about 40 lunches were packed and distributed each month. That number has grown to more than 100 currently.

Campbell reflects on the profound impact a single meal from Beth’s Lunchbox can have, often brightening the entire day for those who receive it.

“When we deliver lunches, many of the recipients are waiting for us at the door with smiles on their faces

that are priceless. They know they are receiving a nice lunch that sometimes is so large it provides more than one meal. Their smiles and gratitude are our rewards,” she says. “I think volunteer work has made all of us extremely proud that we can be the people who truly make a difference in the lives of those who receive our lunches, and although it’s a lot of work to make homemade meals for approximately 140 people each month, it’s rewarding to know how much it is appreciated.”

Leroy Fleisher, 90, of New Bloomfield, also participates in Beth’s Lunchbox, and he has been an active volunteer there for over 10 years.

“The most rewarding part is when I see little kids at the house, that at least makes me feel good that they are getting one good meal a month, and the older folks, it’s so nice to see them because they are so appreciative of it,” says Fleisher. “It just gives you an

exhilarating feeling to be involved in something like that.”

Fleisher also volunteers every year at his local fair, and he used to help serve meals at the Oliver Grange in Newport.

Campbell says the response she gets from volunteering touches her heart.

“Over the years, the recipients of our lunches have sent thank-you cards, all very heart- warming, some containing a monetary donation, back with the delivery people to share with those who prepare the lunches, pack them up and deliver them. The recipients are incredibly grateful for the outreach program we provide, and it gives the volunteers a sense of accomplishment and pride that this program has continued for 13 years and continues to thrive, thanks to donations, large and small.”

Volunteers with Beth's Lunchbox bless the meals they're about to deliver.

Science backs what many volunteers have long known intuitively. Regular volunteering has been linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety, improved cognitive function, and even reduced risk of chronic illnesses. It keeps the mind active through problem-solving and learning new tasks, and it stimulates the body by encouraging mobility and routine. Perhaps most importantly, it stirs the spirit, reminding seniors that they still have an essential role to play in the world around them.

But the benefits aren’t one-sided. Communities gain enormously from the wisdom, patience and dedication older adults bring to volunteer roles. Many nonprofit organizations rely heavily on senior volunteers, who often offer consistency and a depth of commitment that’s hard to find elsewhere. Seniors bring a level of empathy and life perspective that enhances

the support they offer – whether that’s to a struggling family, a frightened child or an organization trying to do good in the world.

There’s also a social dimension that can’t be understated. As people age, it’s not uncommon to face feelings of isolation or loneliness, particularly after retirement or the loss of loved ones. Volunteering helps fill that void with new relationships and a renewed sense of community. It provides opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, build friendships, and engage in shared goals, which is vital for emotional well-being at any age.

For many seniors, the joy of giving back becomes one of life’s most rewarding chapters. They discover that retirement doesn’t have to mean retreat; it can mean reinvention. It can be a time to explore passions, build new identities and leave lasting legacies – not just for their families,

but for their neighborhoods, cities and future generations.

“It makes me feel better when I come home from volunteering and can say ‘I think I did some good today,’ other than my usual tinkering around my house,” says Fleisher.

So, whether it’s once a week or a few hours a month, volunteer work is more than just something to do. It’s a path to purpose, a chance to remain vital and a powerful reminder that age is not an end, but a beginning of a different kind of impact.

To learn how to volunteer in your area, please visit:

• Dauphin County: https://www. dauphincounty.gov/government/human-services/area-agency-on-aging/ volunteer-opportunities

• Cumberland County: https://www. cumberlandcountypa.gov/2913/Volunteer-Opportunities

Sharon Campbell

Leroy Fleisher

Simply the Best Voting Is Underway!

By Harrisburg Magazine

Voting in this year’s Simply the Best competition runs through June 15. Readers can cast their ballots online by visiting www.harrisburgmagazine.com and clicking on the voting platform on the homepage.

For years, readers in Central Pennsylvania have looked forward to voting in Harrisburg Magazines Simply the Best and Reader’s Choice contest to support their favorite local businesses, organizations, people and attractions. We’re proud to host it as a way to recognize the places and people that make this region exceptional. Good luck to our nominees!

Every year we field questions regarding our competition. Here are the answers to some of the common ones.

How are businesses nominated?

Nominations are determined each year by the number of businesses with the most unique entries during the nomination period, which runs Jan. 1 through Feb. 21.

Do I have to advertise in the magazine to be nominated or win?

Nope, you don’t have to buy ads to participate or win the competition. But we will say that advertising in the magazine can help remind voters about your business and what category you want to be considered for. It’s a lot like how political candidates advertise to stay in the public’s mind (but don’t worry, we keep it positive – no negative ads here!).

Also, we couldn’t do this competition every year without our advertisers. It takes time and resources to run, and selling ads helps us cover those costs.

What are the rules?

Voting is limited to one vote, per person, per category. If votes cast do not follow the guidelines, they will be deemed invalid and will result in the disqualification of all votes by that device or email address. The purchase of advertising from Harrisburg Magazine does not affect the outcome of the Simply the Best results. Votes are counted and audited by an independent third party, Second Street.

Why don’t you have a category for ____?

We get this question often. As much as we’d like to have a category so every business in Harrisburg could participate, we don’t have the manpower to do it. Last year, we

had over 250 categories, and it was impossible for us to manage. This year we have scaled it down and tried to offer broader categories.

Any restrictions on voting?

Voters must use their own email address when registering to vote, and they must be valid. The system we are using has complex methods to help eliminate potential voter fraud. Any votes that trigger the system are reviewed. Votes that cannot be verified or show signs that they may be fraudulent will be eliminated. We double-check everything to make sure the competition is as fair and honest as possible.

Any restrictions on who can win?

Any business or individual who does not provide a good representation of Benchmark Media, Harrisburg Magazine or the competition may be determined to be ineligible and eliminated from consideration at any time. Also, any business that has demonstrated an unwillingness to follow the rules of the competition may be eliminated.

How are the winners selected?

Simply the Best winners are those that received the most votes in their category. Second- and third-place finishers, Readers’ Choice winners, are those that received the second- and third-most votes in their category. If there is a tie, we will announce both.

There are two flavorful ways to explore County, home to historic Gettysburg. ciders, mead, and spirits along our popular Adams , our farm and market trail. Whatever your taste for foodie adventure, Gettysburg and Adams County have you covered. Just a short drive from Harrisburg!

“SIMPLY THE AUTO BODY

Comics by Danny Kilmer

Did You Know?

10 Facts About Mother's Day

By Harrisburg Magazine

Mother’s Day is more than just a time for flowers, heartfelt cards and a special dinner – it’s a celebration rich with history, global traditions and meaningful customs. From its official recognition in the U.S. more than a century ago to unique cultural observances around the world, this special day has evolved in surprising ways. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Mother’s Day, which this year is celebrated in the U.S. on May 11:

• Official Recognition: Mother’s Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1914, signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson.

• Global Celebration: Over 100 countries worldwide celebrate Mother’s Day, each on their own designated dates.

• Economic Impact: In the U.S., consumers spend approximately $31.7 billion celebrating Mother’s Day, with average spending of $245 per person.

• Flower Significance: Carnations are traditional Mother’s Day flowers. Wearing a colored carnation signifies a living mother, while a white carnation honors a deceased mother.

• Communication Surge: Mother’s Day is the busiest day for phone calls in the U.S., with over 122 million calls made annually.

• Dining Out: It ranks as the year’s most popular holiday for dining out, with many families choosing restaurants to celebrate, such as the delicious Thai food offered by Bangkok Wok.

• Historical Roots: The first Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1908, organized by Anna Jarvis to honor her mother, Ann Jarvis, who had initiated Mother’s Friendship Day in 1868 to reunite families post-Civil War.

• Religious Observance: In Britain and parts of Europe, the fourth Sunday of Lent was traditionally celebrated as Mothering Day, now largely replaced by Mother’s Day.

• Commercialization Critique: Anna Jarvis, who founded Mother’s Day, later criticized its commercialization, organizing boycotts and protests against what she saw as commercial exploitation.

• Cultural Variations: In Thailand, Mother’s Day coincides with the queen’s birthday, celebrated by wearing blue clothing, the queen’s color.

Dollar Cost Averaging Can Help You Manage Times of Market Volitility

TThere is no shortage of financial news right now. Tariffs and trade negotiations are dominating the media. There are conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. And the stock market has made headlines for big price swings. But I have good news: There is an investing approach that’s designed to help you take advantage of increased volatility.

Let’s explore how dollar cost averaging can help you navigate volatility.

Dollar cost averaging, sometimes abbreviated as DCA, is when an investor sets a recurring fixed dollar investment at regular intervals. The financial services industry likes to create fancy jargon to explain simple concepts. Simply put, dollar cost averaging is as straightforward as regularly investing a portion of your paycheck into a 401(k) or Roth IRA.

Why is dollar cost averaging worthwhile? Because you’re taking advantage of the market’s price fluctuations. By investing a fixed amount on a monthly basis, you avoid investing a large lump sum at market highs, and more importantly, you have the ability to purchase additional shares during market weakness. By investing in down markets, you are effectively shopping at the clearance rack – who doesn’t like a 15 percent discount? The markets have recovered from some challenging events, including 9/11, the tech bubble, the global

financial crisis and Covid. When a recovery occurs, purchasing shares at a discount can result in significant returns. When it comes to investing, time is on your side.

I cannot walk around a Beagle Club without my friends asking me, “Bryson, I’m about to retire. I don’t have time to recover. What should I do?” It’s human nature to create timelines. Our financial plan outlines an exact date for retirement. Many people circle the date on their calendars. I’ve had clients download countdown clocks, eagerly anticipating their retirement date.

No doubt, this is an exciting milestone. And as we get closer to our retirement, volatility often tends to become more concerning. But it’s very important to remember that your retirement date isn’t the end of your plan. A financial plan shouldn’t concentrate solely on getting you TO your retirement date; a well-drafted financial plan should focus on getting you THROUGH retirement.

One of the most common mistakes I witness in my profession is transitioning investments into conservative assets at too young of an age. For many retirees, the single largest threat to their retirement is inflation, the increased cost of living. If you retire at age 62 and live to 95, your portfolio needs to support 33 years of retirement income. How much will the cost of living increase over a

three-decade period?

Let’s discuss how a multi-bucket approach can help address near-term volatility while helping offset future inflation.

A well-written investment policy statement will break down your investment strategy into three categories: near-term needs, middle-term needs, and, you guessed it, long-term needs.

Near-Term Needs: These are your immediate needs; consider this your emergency fund. These assets are often set aside in very conservative assets, such as a money market or high-yield savings account. They will not earn much, but they are readily available.

Middle-Term Needs: Think of planned expenses in the one- to fiveyear range, such as purchasing a car or retirement income needs. These funds are often invested in fixed-income assets, such as bonds, which have a little more risk than money markets but also tend to generate a higher return. This bucket can act as a volatility buffer. By having three to five years of retirement income needs in bonds, you are not forced to sell stocks at depreciated values to meet ongoing retirement income needs.

Long-Term Needs: Typically, this is retirement income that will be required more than five years in the future. These assets are invested into more aggressive asset classes, such as stocks, with a potentially higher return potential. This bucket helps offset future costs associated with inflation.

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.

The Hidden Battle Beneath Your Lawn Could Cost Big $$$

It was a scene straight out of a homeowner’s nightmare. My neighbor’s front lawn and sidewalk were a chaotic construction zone, dug up like a bad archaeological site. The culprit? A problem as old as the neighborhood itself: tree roots and terracotta pipes. And unfortunately, it’s a problem that’s probably headed my way, too.

Our street in downtown Hershey is lined with beautiful, towering sycamore trees. You’ve seen them; they provide shade in the summer, a picturesque canopy in the fall, and a

serious plumbing hazard year-round. These trees wreak havoc on the homes beneath them, built when terracotta (clay) pipes were the standard material for sewer systems. Terracotta was considered a solid choice back then – durable and resistant to chemicals – but it has one fatal flaw: It’s brittle and prone to cracking.

And once a crack forms, nature takes over.

Tree roots are remarkably clever. They’re drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside sewer lines like a magnet. Once they find an entry point, they push their way in, slowly expanding and clogging the pipe. The result? Backups, blockages and, potentially, a very unpleasant surprise in your basement.

Curious (and maybe a little panicked) after watching the whole thing unfold, I wandered over to chat with the crew.

“How common is this?” I asked.

They just laughed.

Henry Theisen of Mike Leonard’s Plumbing laid it out for me: “It’s not a matter of if – it’s when.” The best

thing homeowners in older neighborhoods can do is get ahead of the problem before it becomes a crisis.

“If you live in a house with pipes older than 30 or 40 years, get them scoped. You might find early signs of root intrusion or cracks before things get messy,” Theisen said.

It was sobering advice – and a call to action.

Tree Roots, Pipes Survival Guide

If you live in an older home (especially one with original terracotta pipes), there are steps you can take now to avoid a catastrophic plumbing emergency down the road:

Get Your Pipes Scoped

Hire a licensed plumber to inspect your pipes with a camera. This will give you a clear picture of what’s going on underground – whether roots are creeping in or cracks are forming. The cost? Around $200 to $400. The peace of mind knowing your basement isn’t about to turn into a swamp? Priceless.

Schedule Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

If roots have already made their way into your pipes, it’s not necessarily a death sentence – yet. A professional can clean out the roots using specialized equipment. Regular maintenance (once a year or so) can help keep the system flowing and delay the need for a full replacement.

Start a ‘Pipe Fund’

The reality is that terracotta pipes have a lifespan, and that lifespan is running out. Replacing sewer lines can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the scope of work and how much digging is required. Start setting aside money now so you’re not blindsided when the day comes.

Upgrade to PVC

Eventually, you’ll need to replace the pipes and when that happens, opt for PVC or ABS piping. Modern materials are stronger, more flexible and far more resistant to root intrusion. They’re also less likely to crack under pressure and have a longer lifespan.

Don’t Underestimate the

Trees

As much as we love them, trees and sewer lines are natural enemies. Be mindful of where you plant new trees. If you already have mature trees near your pipes, consider consulting an arborist to see if root barriers could be an option.

Living in a classic early- to mid-century home comes with undeniable charm. The shaded streets, the historic architecture and the sense of community; that’s what we love about living in this region of Pennsylvania. Take action now! A little preventative maintenance will save you from a disaster. Your future self – and your basement – will thank you.

Eileen S. Voyles is a Realtor with Homesale Realty, 501 W. Governor Road, Hershey, and the founder of HelloHersheyPA, a Pennsylvania Benefit Corporation that promotes commerce and happy living in Hershey and beyond. You can follow Hello Hershey on your favorite social media platform. She can be reached at (717) 533-6222 and (717) 508-4610 or eileenvoyles@gmail.com.

Columnist Writes

New Chapter in Life Of A Dog Named Otto

Welcome home, Otto.

Twelve years ago, our house had four energetic dogs and two cats under its roof. There were pet shenanigans occurring at any given time of the day or night. Over those years, we said goodbye to those sweet dogs and cats. Though three of them lived for 18 mostly healthy years and one for nearly 16, each loss sent us reeling.

Three months ago, our last dog passed away, and the collective grief from all of the losses was compounded. I swore I wanted to wait two years

until adopting our next dog. My family would do some in-house dog-sitting, travel without the expense of a dog sitter and experience the freedom that comes with being dogless. Three months of quiet, if you don’t count the rowdy 8-year-old human, was divine.

On April 4, we saw a Facebook post about 70 dogs that had been rescued by Zoe’s House Rescue two weeks prior. The dogs all came from local commercial breeders. Puppy mills are big business, and Lancaster County has the highest concentration of operating puppy mills in the United States. These operations can produce several different breeds of dogs simultaneously, putting litters up for sale at the same time. They are like manufacturing plants where mother dogs are forced to birth litter after litter, year after year, with little to no veterinary care, human interaction or any comforts.

When they’re old enough, the puppies are groomed to look adorable and sold to unsuspecting consumers who don’t realize the abuse that the mother has endured. In a best-case scenario, when the mother is no longer productive, she might be relinquished to a rescue like Zoe’s House, where she can be treated by a veterinarian and get a chance to experience life outside of a cramped, filthy cage with no temperature control. When her puppies don’t sell, they might also be turned over to a rescue to make room for brand new pups – if they are lucky.

Facebook pictures of these rescued dogs were heartbreaking. There were puppies and adults with dirty and matted hair, urine-stained fur, bald patches, overgrown nails, severe dental disease and malnourishment. These dogs looked fearful and broken. Their eyes told a story you wouldn’t want to hear. In contrast, the photos of the volunteers caring for the dogs told an-

other story of compassion, tenderness and hope.

Then, on April 5, my family and I saw a Zoe’s House poodle mix puppy available on Facebook. His name was Otto, and his soulful eyes spoke to us. Any plan we had for waiting was cast aside, and we immediately submitted an application. It turns out that 5-month-old Otto was one of the 70 dogs they had just rescued in the prior weeks.

Three days later, we got the news from his foster mom that we were chosen to be Otto’s new family. She had provided a loving home after his difficult first four months of life. He came home with us a week after we applied for him, and we are in love. Otto is home, safe and loved beyond measure.

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.

Self-Care Routine Keeps Your Skin Looking Youthful

Spring is finally here. Birds are chirping, flowers are in full bloom, and it’s time to say goodbye to winter-worn skin. As we swap out heavy coats for breezy outfits, our skin also craves a seasonal refresh. For a brighter, more youthful complexion, consider the following natural skincare routine.

1. Hydration

After months of cold, dry air, your skin is likely dehydrated and in need of a moisture boost. Start by drinking plenty of water and incorporating hydrating skincare ingredients like

hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and glycerin. Swap heavy winter creams for lightweight, nourishing formulas that lock in moisture without feeling greasy. A well-hydrated complexion is the first step toward more youthful skin.

2. Vitamin C

This powerful antioxidant brightens dull skin, fades dark spots and shields against environmental stressors that accelerate aging. A few drops of vitamin C serum in the morning act as a natural glow booster – think of it as sunshine in a bottle for your skin.

3. Gentle Exfoliation

Winter tends to leave behind a layer of dull, dead skin cells that can make your complexion look lackluster. Gently exfoliate with fruit enzymes or mild alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) two to three times a week to reveal fresh, glowing skin underneath. But remember, less is more, because over-exfo-

liating can strip your skin and cause irritation.

4. Sunscreen

Spring sunshine may feel gentle, but UV rays are still working behind the scenes to accelerate aging. Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) every single day. For a natural approach, opt for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

5. Nourishment

Load up on antioxidant-rich seasonal superfoods like berries, citrus fruits and leafy greens to fight premature aging. Foods packed with Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and walnuts also help keep skin supple and youthful. Bonus: Your entire body will benefit from this nutrient-rich boost.

6. Adaptogens

Stress can damage your skin in the

form of breakouts, dullness and fine lines. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola and reishi mushroom help balance stress hormones, keeping both your skin and mind in a state of calm whether taken as tea, tinctures or supplements.

7. Spring Cleaning

Just as you declutter your home, take a moment to refresh your skincare collection. Check expiration dates, toss out expired products and transition to lighter, non-toxic formulations suited for warmer weather. Your skin will love the fresh start.

8. Facial Massage

Who needs expensive facials when you have your own two hands? A simple facial massage improves circulation, reduces puffiness and provides a natural lifting effect. Enhance your routine with tools like gua sha or jade rollers, and use a nourishing facial oil for smooth, effortless movement.

Refresh, revitalize and reclaim your glow, because radiant skin is always in season.

Claudette Gbemudu-Jatto, M.D., F.A.C.P., is the owner of Jatto Internal Medicine & Wellness, 205 Forest Hills Drive, Suite 12, Harrisburg. An internist since 2000 in southcentral Pennsylvania, she is certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging/Regenerative Medicine, and she is certified in internal and lifestyle medicine. Contact her at www.jattointernalmed.com or (717) 553-2474.

IHonoring Our State’s Gold Star Families Memorial Day:

By Eric Ebeling, eebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com

service members – and their families – are going to be permanently memorialized in Harrisburg.”

n a quiet but significant moment at the Pennsylvania Capitol, a piece of legislation passed last year with unanimous support – an increasingly rare occurrence in today’s polarized political climate. But for state Rep. Joe Kerwin, a Republican from Dauphin County and a captain in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, this bill was never about politics. It was personal.

This spring, a long-anticipated Gold Star Families Memorial is set to be installed on the Capitol grounds in Harrisburg. Made of sleek black granite, standing 6 to 8 feet tall and comprising three sections, the monument will serve as a solemn and enduring tribute to those who have borne the weight of the ultimate sacrifice: the families of American service members who died in military service.

“This has been the highlight of my tenure as a state representative so far,” Kerwin said during a recent interview at his Linglestown office in the 125th Legislative District. “Not just because it got done, but because I know the sacrifices of our Gold Star

A Gold Star family refers to the immediate family of a U.S. Armed Forces member who died in combat or in service to the nation. The term originated from the Gold Star service flag that families would display during World War I and II when a loved one was killed in action.

The idea for the memorial was born from Kerwin’s collaboration with two organizations: the Miter Foundation and the Woody Williams Foundation. Hershel “Woody” Williams, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, made it his mission to see Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments established in every state capital across the country. Though Williams passed away in 2022 after a long life of service, his vision continues. Kerwin, who has served in the state legislature since 2020 and in the military for 13 years since age 19, embraced the cause with fervor.

“I sat down with folks from Miter

and the Woody Williams Foundation back in 2022, and from there it was about a two-year process,” he said. “Even noncontroversial legislation takes time, and this was no exception.”

Despite the slow grind of policymaking, the bill passed 48-0 in the Senate and unanimously in the House – an outcome that Kerwin credits to the bipartisan recognition of the importance of honoring fallen service members and their families. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law late last year.

Kerwin’s own journey to service began in the close-knit community of Lykens in northern Dauphin County. Although he doesn’t come from a military family, he said he recalls feeling the call to serve while still in high school.

“I owe a lot of that to my family and the values they instilled – especially patriotism,” he said. “I joined ROTC at Penn State and enlisted in the National Guard. I never did it for any personal gain. It was just something I

felt called to do.”

Today, military service runs in the family. Both of Kerwin’s brothers, Jack and Sam, are officers in the National Guard. His sister, Karolyn, serves as a captain in the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

In 2023, Kerwin deployed to the Horn of Africa for nearly a year, putting his legislative duties on hold to lead an infantry company in a volatile region. He commanded Task Force Paxton, part of the 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Their mission involved securing a strategic airstrip near areas where extremist groups were known to pose a threat.

“I left on New Year’s Eve,” he said. “One day I was a legislator, and days later I was a company commander in a combat zone.”

Despite being across the globe while the bill advanced, fellow lawmakers on both sides of the aisle carried it forward, a gesture he describes as “a testament to the respect Pennsylvanians have for our military and their families.”

As the bill took shape, Kerwin made it a point to meet with Gold Star families from across Pennsylvania. The conversations were heartfelt and humbling. He said he approached each conversation with sensitivity and respect, recognizing that behind every memorial is a story of profound loss.

“What struck me was how proud they were of their loved ones,” he recalled. “Their grace, their willingness to engage, and their commitment to ensuring those sacrifices weren’t forgotten. It was deeply moving.”

Rep. Joe Kerwin

Several family members joined Kerwin and Shapiro at the bill signing in December 2024, less than a month after his return from deployment.

“To have them there, to know this monument is for them, that meant everything,” he said.

With Memorial Day approaching, Kerwin reflected on the significance of the holiday and the deeper meaning behind the monument.

“Memorial Day isn’t just another long weekend. It’s not something to celebrate; it’s something to reflect on,” he said. “It’s a day to remember the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom – and the families who continue to carry that burden.” Kerwin urges the public to see the new memorial not only as a place of remembrance, but as a reminder.

“We should always celebrate the courage of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “But Memorial Day is, and always should be, about remembrance.”

Kerwin said he has no plans to stop serving, either in uniform or in office. “I think my service in the National Guard complements my role as a legislator,” he said. “It helps me understand the needs of military families and veterans in a way that’s deeply personal.”

As a member of several key com-

mittees – Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Game & Fisheries, Gaming Oversight, Liquor Control, and notably, Veterans Affairs – Kerwin continues to advocate for legislation that improves the lives of veterans and their families across the commonwealth.

The Gold Star Families Memorial, set for installation on Capital grounds this October at no cost to taxpayers, will stand not just as a monument to loss, but as a testament to enduring gratitude. It will be erected east of the Irvis Office Building and north of Walnut Street.

“This monument isn’t just for Gold Star families. It’s for every citizen who passes it and takes a moment to remember what service and loss mean to a free country,” said Kerwin. “Enjoy your weekend. Be with your family. But remember the people who didn’t come home, and the families who still carry that loss. That’s what Memorial Day is about.”

For more information on the Woody Williams Foundation and the national Gold Star Families Memorial Monument program, visit woodywilliams.org.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, left, Rep. Joe Kerwin and Suzanne Schaeffer, a Gold Star mother, mark the signing of the monument bill.

A Promise of Peace and a Cup of Coffee: How a Local Ministry Sparked a Movement

By Eric Ebeling, eebeling@harrisburgmagazine.com

courtesy of Good Ground Coffee Co.

In the heart of Central Pennsylvania, a remarkable story of faith, compassion and unexpected partnerships has taken root – one that connects a grassroots anti-trafficking ministry to a burgeoning local coffee business.

What began in a living room with a few praying mothers has evolved into Peace Promise, a Mechanicsburg-based nonprofit organization dedicated to walking alongside women in the commercial sex industry, and ultimately inspired the creation of Good Ground Coffee, a business that exists because of it.

The story of Peace Promise began quietly in 2008, according to Patricia Seaman, executive director of client services for the non-profit organization. A small group of young families met regularly for Bible study, and one

evening, a mother walked in, visibly shaken after watching a documentary on human trafficking. The injustice struck a chord. These mothers, looking at their own children, realized they couldn’t ignore the suffering of other daughters. So, they did what they could: They prayed.

That prayer circle quickly turned into action. Susan Vigliano, a founding member and recently retired board president of Peace Promise, brought her background in the corporate world to the table. She wasn’t one for emotional stories, Seaman said, but she could put a plan on a spreadsheet. With Susan’s structure and the group’s shared purpose, they started hosting awareness events and bringing education to local colleges, including Messiah University.

Patricia Seaman

That’s where students Rachel Beatty and Rachel Ferrence were dreaming up the concept that would become the Good Ground Coffee Co. as part of a class project. While researching for their proposal, they learned something alarming: One of the biggest barriers survivors of sex trafficking face is gaining stable employment. That insight became the seed for a business with heart.

With the encouragement of their professors and a win at Messiah’s Impact Venture Challenge – a Shark Tank-style competition for student entrepreneurs – the idea began to percolate into something real. What started as Ruby Coffee Co. was later rebranded as Good Ground Coffee Co. once the students and Peace Promise leaders joined forces.

Photos

The coffee shop, located at 244 S. 17th St. in Camp Hill, will celebrate its one-year anniversary May 14. While the original Peace Promise team was gaining traction, Seaman said she found herself called spiritually into the fight against sex trafficking in the Harrisburg area.

Her moment of clarity came while picking up her nieces from her brother-in-law’s workplace in Harrisburg. Across the street, she saw young women heading into their job at a strip club. In an instant, she imagined one of her nieces, grown up and walking into that club. That vision broke her heart and ignited a mission, she said.

Initially, her intentions were fueled by a desire to “save” the women in those clubs, so she would show up frequently to try to minister to them. But she soon realized that her heart – and her strategy – needed to change. A pivotal encounter with a young woman who danced at the local strip club, one of several owned by the woman’s father, helped reframe Seaman’s perspective. With a tentative relationship formed, the two began praying for her father every week at 7:30 a.m. Over time, the lens shifted for Seaman: He was no longer a villain, but a human being, seen through the eyes of a loving daughter.

Then, something extraordinary happened. That man walked into Seaman’s church, Cornerstone Fellowship. Later, he would also attend a Saturday night service led by Seaman’s pastor husband, Jason. And after a year of relationship-building, the club owner asked her, “Would you come into the club and show all my girls this love? Because they need it, too.”

That first night inside the club was as awkward as you might imagine, said Seaman. Three women from the church walked in with flowers, offering them to dancers who weren’t quite sure what to make of the situation. Then one woman, Erika King, approached. She talked with them, then turned to her co-workers and invited them into the dressing room.

“Hold hands,” she said. And they did.

The church ladies stood in a circle with women who danced for a living, waiting for prayer. When asked what they wanted prayer for, King answered honestly: “We need some guys in here to bring us money tonight.” The request caught them off guard, but it didn’t deter them. Seaman prayed, simply, “Lord, please bless them in every way.” It wasn’t about preaching, she said. It was about presence.

That moment marked the beginning of something deeper. Relationships began to form, Seaman said. Trust grew among the women. And one of them – King – became the bridge that connected all the pieces that would

become Peace Promise.

For Seaman, the fight against sex trafficking went from the abstract to the deeply personal, and King’s journey would turn out to be a pivotal turning point for the organization.

Over time, King grew close to the Peace Promise team. After stepping away from prostitution, she was working toward building a safer, more stable life for herself and her children. Seaman and her team supported her financially during that transition, helping to cover bills so she wouldn’t have to return to exploitation. But despite King’s progress, she remained in a deeply unhealthy relationship, a situation all too common among survivors of trafficking and abuse, Seaman said.

“She knew it wasn’t healthy. She sat in my house, broke down, bawling her eyes out. My husband looked at her, and he said, ‘I will keep you safe. I will get you safe.’ I said, ‘We will go. We will take the kids. We will … we’ll get you safe.’ And I remember her looking at us and saying, ‘No, it’ll be OK. I can handle my own.”

That moment has stayed with Seaman, not only for its heartbreak but for what it revealed about the larger challenges survivors face.

“She didn’t want to uproot her kids, and that’s something many people don’t understand. Survivors often can’t just leave and go to a shelter. It’s not that simple when children are involved, when there’s fear, or when there’s nowhere else to go that feels safe or stable.”

The urgency behind that vision intensified on Dec. 8, 2021, when King was shot dead by her boyfriend in

Harrisburg in front of her daughter, who was 16 at the time. In October of last year, a jury convicted King’s assailant of first-degree murder. He is serving a mandatory sentence of life in state prison.

“She was more than a client,” Seaman said. “I was listed as her children’s emergency contact at school. And when you agree to something like that, you never think it’s going to mean becoming a stand-in when their mom is gone.”

King’s murder underscored the stakes for survivors and the importance of community-based, long-term support. It also hardened Peace Promise’s resolve.

“Erika deserved better,” said Seaman. “They all do. That’s why we do this.”

Recognizing the limitations of traditional support models like safe houses, Peace Promise began developing a new approach in 2012. Their vision: a trauma-responsive business that could provide survivors with safe, meaningful employment in their community.

For the survivors who work at Good Ground Coffee Co., their employment also involves therapy sessions, parenting support, financial literacy classes and trauma-informed care. They are required to be sober and to enroll in Peace Promise’s enhanced employment plan, a comprehensive wraparound program that is as much about healing as it is about a job.

“They’re not just punching a clock,” said Seaman. “They’re committing to their own growth, to breaking generational cycles and to learning the life skills that will sustain them far

The plan includes:

• Life skills classes (3-4 per month): These range from the practical – such as budgeting and setting up medical power of attorney – to the creative and therapeutic, like simply painting a sunset. Classes also include unique, trauma-informed experiences like learning how to interact safely with law enforcement, a critical step for many survivors who previously feared police.

• Parent-child activities: Once a month, the programming includes an event that involves employees’ children. “We’re investing in the whole family,” Seaman said. “Because if we want to break the cycle, we need to reach the kids, too.” Many survivors come from families where exploitation was generational. Here, that chain is being broken.

• Weekly relational group therapy: Each week, survivors gather to explore relational dynamics, discussing topics that include boundaries, healthy communication and identifying safe people. The sessions are raw and challenging. “Right now, two of them are mad at me because of a chapter we read last week,” Seaman said with a laugh. “Not because I upset them, but because the truth hit hard. That’s where real change starts.”

• Trauma counseling: Every survivor is required to engage in ongoing therapy with a certified trauma recovery center. This counseling is essential in addressing the deep wounds left by years of exploitation, Seaman said.

• Physical fitness (twice weekly): Physical health is another pillar of healing. From yoga to walking groups,

fitness helps survivors reconnect with their bodies in positive, empowering ways.

These commitments are rigorous, especially for women who are also working part-time, often around 25 hours per week, the maximum most can handle while balancing their recovery journey, said Seaman. To recognize their effort and encourage consistency, Peace Promise offers a monthly stipend.

For every hour worked at the coffee shop, survivors earn an additional $4 per hour, but only if they complete all the enhanced employment requirements. The stipend is paid out once per month, a strategic decision.

“My girls are hustlers,” Seaman said. “If we gave it weekly, some would skip a group or a class thinking they didn’t need that week’s bonus. But the monthly payout also helps with rent and larger bills, which is when they need it most.”

This approach helps them move from a minimum wage existence to something closer to a livable wage, while also instilling long-term financial literacy. They also keep their tips, adding another meaningful layer of support.

“It’s not about giving them everything,” Seaman emphasized. “It’s about helping them learn how to do it themselves. Many of them never learned how to budget, how to distinguish between needs and wants. My 83-year-old mother helps teach that class. She’s old school. She’s perfect for it.”

Good Ground offers a full menu of thoughtfully crafted options. The coffee is supplied by the Colina

Coffee Co. of Harrisburg, which is roasted by Wild Heart Ministries, a Harrisburg-based nonprofit behind the Love The Hill initiative. Their mission is to revitalize and restore some of the city’s most atrisk neighborhoods.

The shop serves a variety of specialty coffee drinks alongside breakfast favorites like sandwiches and avocado toast. The lunch menu features fresh salads, hearty flatbreads, and rich soups. For those with a sweet tooth, there are muffins, scones, cookies and even gluten-free brownies.

But the shop’s offerings go beyond food and drink. Customers can also browse and buy products from Soaps by Survivors – a line of handmade soaps, body butter, bath salts and lotions created by the very women the shop supports.

Soaps by Survivors was launched in 2016 by a trafficking survivor, identified here as Miss A. She began by crafting soap for her allergy-sensitive family, an act of love that quickly transformed into something more.

“She wanted to give back to the ministry that helped her heal,” said Seaman. “So, she started making soaps to sell at our outreach events. That’s how Soaps by Survivors began.

Miss A’s story is one of triumph. Since starting the soap company, she has moved on to a full, thriving life – married, a mom, and now a nurse. Though she’s no longer making soaps, her legacy lives on through every bar that’s poured, cured and sold to support other survivors walking a similar path.

For years, volunteers and survivors made soap in the basement of the Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, a congregation that generously offered their space. “They let us make a mess, and we were grateful,” said Seaman. “It kept us going during the early days.”

But after Good Ground Coffee Co. took off, Peace Promise began to see potential for Soaps by Survivors to stand on its own. With funds generated from soap sales, the team

remodeled the basement of the Good Ground building to create a dedicated soap production space. In February of this year, a major milestone was reached: Soaps by Survivors hired its very first survivor employee.

“That was a huge moment,” Seaman said. “They did it all on their own –built it, funded it and expanded it without the ministry covering the costs. It’s survivor-driven and survivor-led.”

The soaps are available at the coffee shop or online at soapsbysurvivors. org.

Good Ground Coffee Company is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit them online at www.goodgroundcoffeecompany.org.

Erika King, one of the first women to invite church volunteers into her club to pray, tragically never had the chance to benefit from Peace Promise’s full support programs. But her daughter did.

Her daughter began working at Good Ground Coffee when it opened, grew up surrounded by survivors, and found a place of healing and strength. Now, as she approaches her 20th birthday, she’s stepping into a new job – with a safety net of people who will always have her back. During her mother’s murder trial, she had a courtroom filled with love and support, including her mother’s former coworkers, Peace Promise volunteers and even Seaman’s mother, who housed her for eight months.

Ask Patricia Seaman how widespread human trafficking is in Central Pennsylvania, and her answer is both sobering and unsettling: “There’s really no way to quantify it.” Despite

the victim already knows and often trusts.

“These aren’t strangers luring kids off the internet or snatching people off the street,” Seaman said. “This is mom telling her 12-year-old daughter she has to ‘spend time’ with the landlord to make rent. It’s happening under our noses – in homes, schools, neighborhoods we all think are safe.”

Even when the numbers are available, they can’t capture the nuance or emotional weight behind the statistics. But Seaman and the team at Peace Promise are determined to confront the crisis anyway, even if that means just taking in one survivor, one story at a time.

To learn more about Peace Promise or support their mission, visit PeacePromise.org.

Fun For All

May 10

Hershey Artfest FREE!

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Englewood Barn, Hershey

May 17

Petapalooza FREE!

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Central Penn College

May 24-26

Harrisburg Artsfest

Times Vary

Riverfront Park, Harrisburg

May 24

Wyndridge Farm Spring Fest

11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Wyndridge Farm, York

May 26

Memorial Day Parade FREE!

1 - 4 p.m.

Downtown Mechanicsburg

May 26

Memorial Day Parade FREE!

1 - 4 p.m.

Downtown Mechanicsburg

May 26

Linglestown Memorial Day Mile

12 p.m.

Downtown Linglestown Register online at: www.raceentry.com/linglestown-memorial-day-mile/race-information

May 28

Post Malone with Jelly Roll

7:30 p.m.

HersheyPark Stadium

Buy tickets online at: www.hersheyentertainment.com

May 31

Strawberry Festival FREE! 12 - 4 p.m.

545 Carlisle Road, Biglerville

May 31

Walk for Paws

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Harrisburg Area Community College Register online at: www.runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harrisburg/ HSHAWalkforPaws5kColorrun

June 19

Jubilee Day FREE! All Day

Downtown Mechanicsburg

June 28

Fun Food Fest & Fireworks FREE!

4 - 10 p.m.

Hampden Township Park, Mechanicsburg

July 4

July 4th Food Truck Festival FREE!

12 - 7 p.m.

Riverfront Park, Harrisburg

July 4

July 4th Celebration & Fireworks Extravaganza

3 - 10 p.m.

Stone Gables, Lancaster

July 4

Paxtang Patriot Dash 5K

8 a.m.

Saussaman Park, Harrisburg

Register online at: www.runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harrisburg/ PaxtangLionsPatriotDash

July 10

Summer Floral Workshop

12 - 4 p.m.

JDK Catering and Events

Register online at: www.jdkgroup.com

July 12

Luke Bryan

7 p.m.

Hersheypark Stadium

Buy tickets online at: www.hersheyentertainment.com

July 18-27

York State Fair

Times Vary

York Expo Center

July 25-26

Country Rock Music Festival

Times Vary

Deer Run Camping Resort, Mount Holly Springs

Fun For Kids

May 10

Wild About Dogs! FREE!

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wildwood Park, Harrisburg

May 26

Kids Workshop: Paper Flower Crown

11 a.m.

Ashcombe Farm and Greenhouses Register online at: www.eventbrite.com/e/paperflower-crown-tickets-1323853464349

May 31

Baby Animal Festival FREE! 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cherry Crest Farm, Lancaster

June 13

Kids Night & Fireworks

11:30 p.m.

Williams Grove Speedway

June 27-July 6

Carlisle Summerfair FREE! Times Vary

Downtown Carlisle

Over 21

May 10

Taste of Pennsylvania Wine & Music Festival

12 - 5 p.m.

York Memorial Park Complex

May 13

Open Mic Night

6 p.m.

Back Porch Brewing, Carlisle

May 17

Cheeseball & Wine

12 p.m.

J&P Winery, Grantville

May 24-25

Flavor Fest

11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mount Hope and Estate, Manheim

May 31

Comedy Night

7 - 10 p.m.

Vineyard at Hershey

June 14

Spring Festival at BVW

11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Bucks Valley Winery, Newport

Linda L. Tedford Artistic Director, Founder, and Conductor

My Spirit Sang All Day

Friday, May 16 7:30 pm

Hershey

Saturday, May 17 7:30 pm

Harrisburg

Sunday, May 18

4:00 pm

Mechanicsburg

PRE-CONCERT RECITAL (15 minutes prior to each concert)

TICKETS: 717-691-6036 or WWW.SUSQUEHANNACHORALE.ORG

June 17

Cocktails and Canvases

HBG-mag-325.indd 1 2/27/25 10:56 AM

7 p.m.

The Brownstone Lounge, Harrisburg

June 21

Food & Wine Festival

5 p.m.

Binns Park, Lancaster

July 4

Red, White & Brew Bar Crawl

5 - 11 p.m.

Downtown Lancaster Register online at: www.pubcrawls.com

July 19 Brewfest

3 - 7 p.m.

Fort Hunter, Harrisburg

In the Key of 'She': Two Artists Forge Their Musical Paths

Editor’s note: This month, Amy Simpson profiles two accomplished female performers who are building their legacies in the Central Pennsylvania music scene.

Erica Lyn Everest: Songstress

With roots in Linglestown and 20 years of professional experience, Erica Lyn Everest is an award-winning powerhouse. She is an improvisational vocalist celebrated for her soulful sound and dynamic stage presence. Everest has been nominated by the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame (CPMHoF) as Best Female Vocalist, Best Duo with Kenny Geist, and Best Jazz Vocalist, and she was recently named Best Female Cover Artist in the midstate for 2024. She continues to captivate audiences with her remarkable talent.

Starting at age 5, Everest sang the national anthem at a Harrisburg Heat match and continued through high school from 2002 to 2006. Although

she wasn't allowed to join choir ensembles because of the power of her voice, her parents were her strongest supporters of her vocal journey, recognizing her talent early. By age 8, she even had her own music business card.

Everest has graced high-profile events with her soulful voice, including the premiere of the “Downton Abbey” movie, and has shared the spotlight with world-renowned musicians. Her passion for music extends beyond performance; since 2024, she has served on the board of the Central Pennsylvania Blues Society, actively promoting the vibrant local music scene. She collaborates with performers like guitarists Kenny Geist and Mike Hess, keyboardist Dr. Nyce, and bassist Drew Hall, while also exploring new collaborations to keep her performances fresh and exciting.

She brings music to life through engaging open mic nights and themed theatrical shows, creating memorable experiences for both performers and audiences. With her talent and ded-

ication, Everest is a true force in the music community, thriving in improv and as a freelance artist, inspiring everyone who joins her on stage or witnesses her artistry. She plans to release an original single by the end of 2025.

Her upcoming shows include the Women in Music event on May 18 at the West Shore Theater, featuring renowned vocalists and musicians like Gillian Smith, Katie Robinette and Natalie Ness. I will also be sharing the stage that night. Dr. Nyce, Sarah Sherrif, Liam Galiano and Logan Bedard will also perform, with Todd Bedard producing. On May 25, the Women and Blues picnic at the Mechanicsburg Club picnic grounds will feature several female blues vocalists. Everest will perform at 4 p.m. The cover charge is $20.

Contact her at www.ericalyneverestmusic.com; Facebook: Erica Lyn Everest Music; or on Instagram: EricaLynEverestMusic.

T h e J D K G r o u p

F U L L S E R V I C E C A T E R I N G & E V E N T S

C o u r t n e y L i n d e n P h o t o g r a p h y

S U M M E R P A R T Y C A T E R I N G

A t T h e J D K G r o u p , w e u n d e r s t a n d

t h a t c e l e b r a t i o n s s h o u l d b e j o y f u l ,

n o t s t r e s s f u l . W i t h r i s i n g c o s t s

e v e r y w h e r e , w e b e l i e v e y o u d e s e r v e

a b r e a k . T h a t ’ s w h y w e ’ r e o f f e r i n g

e x c l u s i v e s u m m e r p r o m o t i o n s t o

m a k e y o u r s p e c i a l o c c a s i o n s m o r e

m e m o r a b l e w h i l e h e l p i n g y o u s a v e . i n f o @ t h e j d k g r o u p . c o m | 7 1 7 . 7 3 0 . 4 6 6 1

T H E J D K G R O U P . C O M

nominated three times by the CPMHoF as Best Female Solo Artist. Her extensive U.S. tours have mesmerized audiences at legendary spots like Nashville's Commodore Grille. Her music, infused with themes of love, loss, dreams and the intricacies of single life, strikes a chord with listeners.

Her sound masterfully fuses pop, rock and Christian influences, captivating a wide range of fans. With four original albums, she delights listeners with heartfelt melodies and engaging storytelling. Her latest track, “Swipe Right,” is a vibrant pop/rock anthem that humorously explores online dating, highlighting her talent for crafting catchy hooks.

Notable tracks like “Single Life” from her fourth album and “Meet Me

in Paris” are receiving heavy rotation on NetRadio in Paris, France. Additionally, “Swipe Right” has gained traction on stations like JMA Radio in Nashville, and The River 97.3 and Bob 101.5 locally.

This year, Christian is excited to perform at various venues across the region, including Harrisburg, Maryland and Nashville. Upcoming shows include May 17 at Dig Deep Brewery in Cumberland, Md.; May 28 at the Commodore Grill in Nashville; and June 10 at Railroad Avenue in downtown Mechanicsburg.

Contact her by email at alexiachristian2020@gmail.com; Facebook at www.facebook.com/rocknroller1989/; or her website, www.irenezdesign.com/ music-cd-design.html.

Amy Simpson is an experienced and versatile music professional with a passion for diverse musical styles. With a background in soul/R&B, jazz, rock, hip-hop, top 40/covers, and reggae styles, she has performed in various settings and has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Charmaine Neville, Tower Of Power, Average White Band, and Sean Paul. She currently is a member of The Groove Rebels.