Susquehanna Style November 2023

2023’s WOMEN OF STRENGTH REVEALED!

the annual

WOMEN’S

Plus

A WIN FOR THE GIRLS

ISSUE

LOCAL TRAINING CENTER EMBRACES GIRLS WRESTLING

NOVEMBER 2023

LOVE IN VERONA

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND 5:30-8:30 pm | The Yorktowne Hotel 48 E Market St, York, PA 17401

Networking • Hors d'oeuvres • Cocktails Pampering • Shopping • Fashion Show

HOSTED BY

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS OF THE TOWN 8 TALK

Our favorite things about our featured town, Easton

November

VOL 49 | ISSUE 10

10 STYLE SCENE

Best of the Susquehanna Valley event recap

12 PEOPLE & PLACES

Meet the owners, athletes and trainers at D3 as they support girls wrestling in PA schools

15 LIVE WELL

Immunity health tips as flu season approaches

18 FOODIE FINDS

Jon & Maria’s serves up Spanish American fare in Lancaster

21 DISH IT UP

Find comfort in these three casserole recipes from A-Yo Kitchen

40 FIVE THINGS

Check out these five women owned businesses in the Valley

FEATURES OF 28 WOMEN STRENGTH

Susquehanna Valley’s 2023 Women of Strength

ON THE COVER

2023 Women of Strength Left to right: Dr. Cherise Hamblin and Rubina Azizdin Photography by Karlo Gesner

2

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY BY OBSIDIAN STUDIOS

190 West Ross Street, Lancaster | 717-397-5264

Life Built Outdoors starts with comfort, style, and durability. Penn Stone offers everything you need to plan the perfect outdoor escape. Visit PennStone.com or stop by our showroom to shop Houe, Cane-Line, and other European designed outdoor furniture.

While you’re here, meet with a Design Advisor who can help turn your outdoor space into your own personal retreat.

MASONRY • HARDSCAPING • OUTDOOR LIVING

L I M I T E D -T I M E O F F E R

Full Suite

SAVINGS Create the kitchen of your dreams and save.

Purchase a qualifying Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliance package and receive three additional years of protection or up to a $2,500 rebate.

For details, visit subzero-wolf.com/promotion.

The region’s only Living Kitchen 340 Strasburg Pike Lancaster, PA 17602 717-299-2351 lhbrubakers.com

5303 E. Trindle Rd. Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 2084 Fruitville Pike Lancaster, PA 17601

PA071323

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

3

PUBLISHER'S LETTER

Women of Strength As we celebrate this year’s women’s issue, I am honored to introduce the Susquehanna Valley’s 2023 Women of Strength. These five incredible women from across the Valley exemplify perseverance, tenacity, kindness and dedication. We as a team at Susquehanna Style are elated to share their stories that are truly an inspiration to not only women, but to all.

In celebration and appreciation of all women, we are thrilled to host our annual Celebrate Women event on November 2 at the Yorktowne Hotel. Join us for a night of festivities and the opportunity to network

with incredible women, while indulging in self-care, food, beverages, shopping, fashion, pampering and inspiration.

Visit susquehannastyle.com/celebrate/celebrate-women-2023 to reserve your tickets for this year’s Celebrate Women event.

Without further ado, please read on and enjoy stories of these empowering local women who we are sure will inspire and touch your heart, just as they have ours.

We hope to see you on November 2!

Theresa

Theresa Stoddard

Associate Publisher | tstoddard@susquehannastyle.com

4

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

@susquehannastyle

PRESIDENT/CEO Paul Prass

VICE PRESIDENT/COO Lisa Prass

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Theresa Stoddard

EDITOR

Katy Shero

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES Mike Matuczinski

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

•Log Sets

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

•Cast Iron Stoves

INTERNS

•Vent-Free Systems

Kate Hunter, Sue Ottenheimer, Sherry Smith Madison Eckert

Lexie Kauffman, Bella Ortley-Guthrie

CONTRIBUTORS

Rachel Curry, Karen Hendricks, Deborah Lynch, Diane McCormick, Sally Ricker, Carrie Lyn Strong, Alysha Yoder

PHOTOGRAPHER Karlo Gesner

•Direct-Vent Systems •Propane & Natural Gas •Live Burn Models on Display

PROOFREADER Erin Cramer

ACCOUNTING

Donna Bachman, Olena Ovchinnikova, Sarah Varano

CONTACT US:

Editorial: Send your compliments, comments, story ideas, and suggestions to: Editor, Susquehanna Style (ISSN# 1540-0875), 202 Butler Avenue, Suite 102, Lancaster, PA 17601; or tstoddard@susquehannastyle.com.

Subscriptions and Backorders: For new subscriptions, changes of address, or questions about an existing subscription, call 800-896-1392, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., EST. Annual subscriptions (11 issues/year) are $12. Postmaster, please send returns to: Susquehanna Style, PO Box 293142, Kettering, OH 45429.

Advertising: To request a media kit or to receive other information on advertising, call 717-581-6550, fax 1-717-581-6552, or visit www.SusquehannaStyle.com.

Staff directory at www.SusquehannaStyle.com or call 717-581-6550.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

© 2023

The Fireplace Showroom 2058 State Road, Camp Hill Monday - Friday, 7am - 5pm Saturday, 8am - 1pm 717.761.0660 www.rffager.com

The Claire Chivington Team Central PA's elite concierge real estate team Call Claire today 717.482.6589 415 N. Prince Street, Suite 100 Lancaster, PA 17603 Brokerage: 717.569.1700 teamclaire.net

"From Consult to Closing, Team Claire Cares!!"

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

5

WHAT'S ONLINE

Susquehannastyle.com PUMPKIN RECIPES

Three pumpkin recipes that don′t include pie for your fall menus

FLANNEL FOR FALL

Flannel inspo for your autumn wardrobe

ETIQUETTE FOR YOUR FAMILY GATHERING

The do's and don'ts for your next family holiday gathering

6

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

Lifestyle OFFICIALLY IN THE RING D3 Training offers wrestling for girls looking to build their skills as the PIAA recognizes girls wrestling.

Read more on page 12.

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

7

LIFESTYLE / TALK OF THE TOWN

THE TOWN OF

Easton

BY CARRIE LYN STRONG

Two rivers converge in Easton where history, nature, art, music and theater conjure a renaissance 20 years in the making. Experience the magic of the fall season in this energetic and reemerging city that’s a drivable distance from anywhere in the Susquehanna Valley.

WILLIAMS CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT LAFAYETTE COLLEGE

The Williams Center for the Arts offers theater, music, dance and art exhibits throughout the year, with ticket sales available online. Check out the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, featuring guitarist Petrit Çeku, a Schadt String Competition winner, on Nov. 14. Elsewhere on campus, enjoy a theatrical performance of the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street Nov. 30 through Dec. 3 at the Weiss Theater in Buck Hall (219 N Third St).

317 Hamilton St, Easton, PA lafayette.universitytickets.com PHOTOS COURTESY OF WILLIAMS CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT LAFAYETTE COLLEGE, KABINETT WINE BAR, EASTON FARMERS’ MARKET, SIGAL MUSEUM & THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, KARL STIRNER ARTS TRAIL

KABINETT WINE BAR

For hungry foodies looking for the finer things in life, Kabinett Wine Bar offers a dinner menu influenced by Australian and Bavarian dishes with a massive wine choice to complement any meal. If you’re in town on Sunday, don’t miss their renowned brunch, with options like caviar, oysters, and cheese plates featuring international varieties. Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 6 p.m., and Sunday brunch is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

125 Northampton St, Easton, PA kabinettwinebar.com

EASTON FARMERS MARKET

This market is the oldest continuously operating outdoor farmers market in the country. Located on the riverfront in Scott Park, it features local artisan vendors selling produce, meat, crafts and more every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you plan a visit on Nov. 4 or 5, the market will be stepping aside for the 12th annual PA Bacon Fest, where you can enjoy food, live music, familyfriendly activities, and all sorts of bacon treats.

From Dec. 16 through April, the market operates at their winter location on the 300 block of Northampton Street.

128 Larry Holmes Dr, Easton, PA eastonfarmersmarket.com 8

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

SIGAL MUSEUM AND THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Looking for art, history and culture combined? Collections of historical artifacts, decorative arts, furniture and more have been preserved since 1906 and are showcased in downtown Easton at the Sigal Museum. View permanent and special exhibitions, as well as the Jane S. Moyer Library, at the museum, or visit three nearby historic properties.

342 Northampton St, Easton, PA sigalmuseum.org

THE CARMELCORN SHOP

Satisfy your sweet tooth with caramel corn, popcorn, fudge, fresh-roasted nuts, confections, chocolate and old-time candy at this historic candy shop established in 1931. Owned and operated by Tony and Sia Bassil, the shop makes caramel apples in-house, dipped in their homemade vanilla caramel.

creating spaces that you love COZY CARPET. STUNNING WINDOW TREATMENTS.

62 Centre Sq, Easton, PA carmelcornshop.com

Fivepointville • 717.445.7799 Lancaster • 717.290.7799 Wyomissing • 610.376.7799 martinsflooring.com

KARL STIRNER ARTS TRAIL

Exercise your creative mind, body and soul! Take a stroll with the falling foliage or ride your bike along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, which follows Bushkill Creek for 1.75 miles. The paved trail displays creative and interactive art installations, including painted murals, sculpture and poetry.

524 Bushkill Dr, Easton, PA karlstirnerartstrail.org

Celebrate With Us! NURTURE NATURE CENTER

Home to the magnificent, room-sized Science on a Sphere® globe and educational science exhibits, art galleries and an urban recycle garden, NNC is a unique blend of science and art created to engage the public with timely and important topics relating to the environment. Bring all curious minds!

518 Northampton St, Easton, PA nurturenaturecenter.org

A Quarter Century of Excellence Life is lived through our experiences. Experience our location.

Experience our lifestyle. Experience opportunities. Visit Freedom Village Brandywine–where experience is everything!

Call 484-776-7179 or visit our website FVBrandywine.com to learn more about the incredible lifestyle that has been keeping our residents thriving for a quarter of a century!

15 Freedom Blvd | West Brandywine, PA 19320 | FVBrandywine.com NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

9

LIFESTYLE / STYLE SCENE

Best of the Susquehanna Valley Recap EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY BY OBSIDIAN STUDIOS

STYLE SCENE & EVENT PHOTOS Wyndridge Farm | August 24, 2023

10

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

1

2

3

4

5

1. Becky Gingrich, Ruth Kendall, Bailee Shaffer, Beth Lehr, Heidi Williams, Carol Kettell, Yvonne Ridley, and Geremiah Styles (KickHouse) 2. Meg Ebersole, Nicole Calta, Jaimie Torres Garcia, Jennifer Hess, Lauren Breese, Elly Papadopoulus, and Marie Kojitani (The Charlee) 3. Bill Bonney, Dawn Hoover (Bill Bonney Photography) 4. Carmina Cristina & Thomas Peluso 5. Sean & Danielle Burke (Omni Beauty)

6

7

8

9

10

6. Stevie Wright & Ruth Prall (Note Bistro), Nancy & Brad Ryan (Ryan Rogers Media), The Super High-Tech Jet Fighters, and Nate Kresge & Alicia Mills (Burn30) 7. Suzanne Becker, Cathy Cella, Kathy Brown, Eileen Mullen, Teresa Gregory, Mike Bunn, Chris Emswiler, Patti Martin, Linda Senft, and Brittney Beckwith (Traditions Bank) 8. Cori Becker, Megan Conrad, Kim Harper, and Kirsten Candy (Cameo Skin & Body Wellness) 9. Michael Ringenbach, Riley Blatt, Steve Lockhart, Melissa Lockhart, and Kim Lenman (The Whitaker Center) 10. Josh Dourte, Richelle Dourte, Brooke Jones, and Rob Jones (Roost Architecture)

MORE PHOTOS!

Check out susquehannastyle.com/style-scene for more photos from this event.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH EVENTS

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with which events we will bring Style Scene to this year! @susquehannastyle

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

11

LIFESTYLE / PEOPLE & PLACES

A Win for the Girls

D3 TRAINING CENTER HELPS YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES BREAK BARRIERS

BY DEBORAH LYNCH PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARLO GESNER

12

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

Anyone talking with Eliana White-Vega about her recent journey into and success in wrestling will have to excuse her for her rapid-fire responses.

Enthusiasm bubbles out of the 125-pound champion. She’s just that excited and grateful to be where she is in two short years.

Where exactly is that? Try silver medalist for Puerto Rico in the Pan American Championship for junior women’s freestyle wrestling (her mother is from Puerto Rico). Oh, and she won gold in women’s beach wrestling there, too, a sport she says she doesn’t enjoy and had done only once before. She also placed fifth in a national tournament in Fargo, North Dakota and competed in world competition in Istanbul, Turkey over the summer. Last season, she placed fourth in the first-ever Pennsylvania state girls tournament.

White-Vega trains at several local clubs, including D3 Training Center in Harrisburg and Primus in Dillsburg. She also trains herself and others at a gym run by her father, former Penn State wrestler Matt White, called AspireFIT on Linglestown Road in Harrisburg.

“You need to start training like you’re an Olympian before you’re an Olympian if you want to get there,” she said, her sights set on 2028.

Currently, she’s ready to head into the first PIAA-sanctioned season of high school girls wrestling as a senior for the Cumberland Valley High School girls’ team. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, which oversees high school sports in the state, sanctioned the sport in late May after more than 100 high schools had added girls teams.

While some girls have been wrestling on boys teams for years, this will be the first season that 135-plus high schools have teams solely for girls, who will compete in tournaments and dual meets against other girls teams and finish the season with PIAA-run tournaments culminating in state championships.

Many girls new to the sport face a big learning curve, and that’s where wrestling facilities like D3 Training Center come in. Started in 2020, D3 trains motivated wrestlers four nights a week from 6:30 to 8.

Located just off I-81 and I-83 in Harrisburg, the center sits at a perfect spot for wrestlers from all over the region to get to for extra drills and lessons in technique.

Just as many high school girls are new to the sport, most women who might mentor them are as well. D3 not only trains young wrestlers, it also offers clinics to train both men and women on the finer points of technique to help create a new corps of coaches.

D3 started when Brent Zeiders—former wrestler and current assistant coach at Central Dauphin—made Craig Ritter, owner of Ritter Insurance Marketing, where Zeiders works his day job, an offer he couldn’t refuse: to use empty office space on the first floor of the business’s new building as a wrestling training center. D3 has grown quickly to train nearly 100 boy and girl wrestlers in the area. Last season, 12-15 girls sixth grade and older attended training sessions; this season, Zeiders expects more.

Because D3 is a nonprofit business, it offers college scholarships to one or two of its wrestlers each year. It also offers financial aid for those who otherwise might not be able to afford to attend training sessions there. More importantly, it offers clinics that benefit all wrestlers, bringing in Penn State wrestlers or a top female coach from New York state to offer a female coaching clinic.

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

13

While D3 does not have a woman on its training staff, Zeiders recognizes the importance of female mentoring for his girls, so he enlists female coaches like Kaitlyn Blosser, the head girls wrestling coach at Elizabethtown High School, to coach D3 girls at tournaments. Boys and girls drill together at the weeknight technique and drill sessions. Live sessions are held on Sundays from 4 to 5:15.

“Drilling and learning technique, we definitely have a handful of girls that can hang with the boys,” Zeiders said, noting that some of the girls can beat boys newer to the sport, but those girls would “rather wrestle with someone who pushes them.”

Zeiders and his staff are there to teach, mentor, support and advise. They plan to start a night just for girls this fall, too.

“Coaching a female wrestler is different than coaching a male wrestler,” said Blosser, who coached a D3 girls team made up of girls from nine different District III high schools at the National High School Coaches Association's National Duals last May, where they placed in the top 10 in their division.

Blosser, owner of Blosser Marketing Group in Elizabethtown, was a DI college crew athlete, but grew up wrestling with her dad, brothers and sister, even competing through middle school until no other opportunities existed for her. She is "determined to give back to wrestling," a sport she said "helped shaped the woman I am today."

D3 Training Center

2605 Interstate Dr, Harrisburg, PA d3trainingcenter.com d3trainingcenter

14

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

LIVE WELL / LIFESTYLE

Simple Ways to Optimize your Immune Health this Fall

BY SALLY RICKER

As we step into the crisp embrace of fall, the quest for vibrant health takes center stage. It’s a season of change, and with it comes the opportunity to optimize our well-being. While the saying "You are what you eat" resonates deeply, our journey toward wellness encompasses more than just dietary choices.

So, let’s embark on a path of well-rounded vitality with these friendly and informative tips:

Choose Your Foods Wisely Stress Less and Thrive Picture a balanced diet teeming with colorful fruits and vegetables and nourishing whole grains. While the foods you eat should taste great, they should also support your body in functional ways. Eating a diet full of vitamins and minerals is a simple way to fight off health concerns that spring up in the fall, like viral and bacterial infections. Some of our favorites for the fall include fresh ginger, warm broths and berries. Consider checking out Lemon Street Market in Lancaster or Allen Natural Foods in York and Hanover for fresh produce all year round.

Embrace Regular Exercise Pair your healthy eating habits with an exercise routine that you look forward to doing. No need to aspire to marathon medals or kickboxing championships (unless you’re itching to!). A simple, daily half-hour walk can do wonders for your immune system. And here’s the cherry on top: it helps you maintain overall health, uplifts your spirits and strengthens your immune defenses. Try taking a walk at a local trail, like the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail or the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail.

Ah, stress—the unwelcome guest in our lives.

Whether it’s work pressures or the juggling act of responsibilities, stress is all too familiar. Combat it with activities that grant you serenity and release. Think meditation, yoga or indulging in your favorite hobbies. These moments of respite not only ease your mind but can also reduce blood pressure and anxiety levels, keeping you feeling your best all season long.

Slumber’s Healing Embrace

Handwashing: Your Shield of Defense Our skin, the body’s largest organ, plays host to numerous foreign invaders like viruses.

Guard your fortress with a simple yet effective defense—handwashing. Just 20 seconds of diligent handwashing, whether accompanied by a tune like “Happy Birthday” or the alphabet, can be a game changer in immune system fortification.

In the pursuit of wellness, these friendly tips pave the path to a vibrant and healthy you. It’s all about embracing a holistic approach to life and nurturing your immune system’s resilience. Cheers to a healthy season ahead!

Restful sleep is the secret sauce for immune system vigor. Aim for a healthy six to seven hours each night, and let your body rejuvenate. If sleep is a challenge for you, try reading your favorite book before bed or turning on some soothing music. For an extra dose of wellness, disconnect from screens a few hours before bedtime.

Crafting a bedtime routine that works for you is key in achieving optimal rest.

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

15

ASK THE EXPERTS

Give Yourself the Gift of Jewelry It’s time to put stereotypes aside and celebrate the power of self-purchase, promoting self-love and self-made success. The self-purchaser is a force to be reckoned with.

Traditionally, buying fine jewelry for yourself is considered selfish, however, the experts at Scott & Co Fine Jewelers know differently.

Allow their knowledgeable staff to help you find the right piece of jewelry and consider their advice for treating yourself.

EMPOWERMENT

Buying jewelry for oneself can be an empowering and self-affirming act. It’s a way to celebrate personal achievements, milestones or simply to treat yourself.

SELF-EXPRESSION

Jewelry is a form of self-expression.

Choosing and wearing jewelry that you love can be a reflection of your personal style, taste and identity.

INDEPENDENCE

Self-purchasing jewelry showcases independence and self-reliance. It sends a message that you do not need to rely on someone else to fulfill your desires or aspirations.

SELF-LOVE

Treating yourself to jewelry can be an act of self-love and self-care. It’s a way to remind yourself of self-worth and to prioritize personal happiness. In today’s society, self-purchasing jewelry is widely accepted and celebrated as a means of self-expression and self-celebration.

SYMBOLISM

Jewelry can hold personal meaning and symbolism. Treating yourself can be a great way to commemorate the beginning or end of a chapter or a symbol of a goal reached. It can be something as simple as a new gold chain, stackable bracelet or ring, or go big and get those diamond studs you have always wanted.

FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

Many individuals are financially independent and have the means to purchase jewelry for themselves.

They don’t need to wait for gifts from others.

EVERYDAY LUXURY

Some people enjoy wearing fine jewelry on a daily basis. This doesn’t necessarily have to be linked to special occasions or gifts from others.

CAREER MILESTONES

Buying jewelry for yourself can be a way to commemorate career achievements or personal goals reached.

TASTE AND PREFERENCES

Ultimately, personal taste and preferences should drive any jewelry purchase. Maybe your style is understated elegance or maybe it’s bold and trendy. No matter what your style is, it’s YOU.

→ READ MORE ONLINE

Go to susquehannastyle.com to read the rest of our article.

208 LINCOLN WAY E, NEW OXFORD

(717) 624-1444

SCOTTANDCOFINEJEWELERS.COM

Eat & Drink

COLOSSAL CASSEROLES Add these casserole recipes to your next fall gathering.

Read more on page 21.

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

17

EAT & DRINK / FOODIE FINDS

A New Season of Food and Family

JON & MARIA’S ENTERS THE LANCASTER TAKEOUT SCENE WITH SPANISH AMERICAN FARE AND MORE

BY RACHEL CURRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARLO GESNER

18

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

What happens when two people with large families come together? In this case, it’s magic in the form of food. Jon and Maria Frederick have German Mennonite and Puerto Rican backgrounds, respectively, so entering the catering business serving tens to hundreds of people at a time felt natural to them.

“That’s like my brothers and sisters getting together on a Friday,” Jon joked.

By mid-2023, the couple took the next step in their food business, eponymously named Jon & Maria’s, by opening a takeout window on James Street in Lancaster city. The takeout focuses on Spanish American cuisine—which represents the fusion of their two personalities—while their catering business is more customizable to different fares.

In the bold yellow building at the corner of James and Market streets, Maria’s face shines through the takeout window as she helps customers in between cooking up a storm. Jon’s knack for barbecue (brisket, ribs, pulled pork and the like) keeps him busy behind the bay. Their neighbors say the smell of the smoker drives their mouths to water.

On the takeout menu are items like pork bites, smoked chicken sandwiches, jibaro (Maria’s pulled pork), tostones (fried plantains), an actually moist cornbread, and cilantro rice bowls with toppings of all kinds.

There’s no shortage of sauces for people who prefer to drench their platters. Sodas and sweet tea are an easy add-on.

For the owners, keeping the menu tight is a way to gain the trust of their community, but don’t be surprised if you see them experimenting in the form of new weekly specials.

On the catering side, Jon and Maria have set offerings but are always open to the challenge of new cuisines. Recently, they received a request to make Ugandan food, and they immediately began researching, excited to take on the task. If you’d rather your party feature a taco bar, slider pack, barbecue cookout, or desserts like Maria’s beloved coconut tres leches cake, your preferences are just as welcome.

From football parties to Thanksgiving platters to church events, don’t be surprised to find the taste of Jon & Maria’s at an upcoming event. They can work with you on customizing a realistic menu for events of just about any size.

The pair has been together for decades and has four kids, otherwise known as the taste testers for potential menu items. Over the three years that Jon and Maria perfected the

art and science of mac and cheese (the final product features 10 different cheeses and a satisfying ratio of gooeyness and crust), the family had their fill.

But both working and living together is a new adventure for the couple. Jon drove a truck for 18 years on a regional route, which meant he was often away from home. In that time, Maria learned to do things her way and embodied her independent nature.

However, they’ve come to know each other on a deeper level by working on building a business together.

“He likes the chaos,” Maria says about kitchen life. “I like organized chaos.”

While they have their differences, they feed off each other’s strengths. Jon admits that Maria’s pulled pork recipe is better, and Maria admits that Jon has a way of managing the kitchen thanks to his experience as a restaurant cook when he was younger.

As a way to really introduce themselves to the city, Jon & Maria’s was a stop on Lancaster’s annual Taste the World NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

19

2O

A

N

NI

TH

R V E R SA

Y

C

E B R AT I N

G

OUR

EL

Cheryl Doll, Compass Point Family Business Consultant

BUSINESS STRATEGY

RESULTS

Owner Kris Kollevoll & CEO/CFO Tim McNair, BRD Noise & Vibration Control, Inc.

• LEADERSHIP • TRANSITION • GOVERNANCE • FINANCIAL GAPS • NEXT CHAPTER

THERE ARE COACHES. THERE ARE CONSULTANTS.

2OO3

2O23

THEN THERE IS COMPASS POINT. Successful Businesses. Aligned Ownership. Stronger Families.

sampling tour this past September. It earned the most votes in five categories: Best New Discovery, I’ll Be Back Soon, I Can’t Wait to Tell My Friends, Best Presentation, and My Taste Buds Are Happy.

They also earned second place for the category of Most Generous.

Compass Point Consulting LLC

fambiz_matters

610.336.0514

@compasspt

www.compasspt.com

With all those accolades, it’s safe to say that the Jon & Maria’s mania is catching on.

The fact that the pair has gotten here with a leap of faith makes it even more impressive. Over their time together—from high school friends-of-friends in their hometown of Reading to married and parents decades later—they’ve made a point to encourage their family to try new things, even when it’s scary.

“We were like, we can’t keep on encouraging them to do something because we’re not doing what people are encouraging us to do,” Maria said.

Written in ink on the window of the industrial kitchen is a mission statement that Jon and Maria live by: “Bless God in what we do. Bless others with what we do. Be blessed through what we do. Show God’s love through serving others.”

For the pair, it’s that simple, and yet their flavors, their dynamic and their impact is as complex as a 10-cheese mac.

Jon & Maria’s

30 W James St, Lancaster, PA 717-813-4630 @JonandMarias 20

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

Discover a

Hidden Gem this weekend!

Enjoy exclusive wines by Weathered Vineyards in Ephrata Pa’s first wine bar and tasting room in the Historic Smithton Inn’s intimate setting.

Featuring Live Music in our Cozy Wine Bar Tasting Room Hours: Friday 5 pm - 8 pm Saturday 12 pm - 8 pm Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm WeatheredVineyardsEphrata.com | 900a W. Main Street, Ephrata, PA

DISH IT UP / EAT & DRINK

Comforting Casseroles RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A-YO KITCHEN

COCONUT PECAN SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE A healthy twist on a holiday classic! We’ve replaced marshmallows with a pecan-and-coconut topping that will have guests coming back for more.

Sweet Potatoes 2 29 oz cans yams or sweet potatoes, drained ½ stick melted butter 1 tsp salt 4 eggs 1 Tbsp vanilla ½ cup packed brown sugar 1 can evaporated milk Topping 6 Tbsp melted butter ¾ cup flour ½ cup brown sugar ½ tsp salt 1½ cups finely chopped pecans 1½ cups shredded sweetened coconut

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Place drained sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth.

2. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix on low until well combined. Pour sweet potato mixture into a greased 13x9 casserole dish.

3. In a separate bowl, combine all the topping ingredients until well combined and crumbly in texture.

4. Evenly spread over the sweet potato mixture. If you want to garnish with some additional whole pecans, place them on the top now.

5. Cover with foil and bake for an hour and a half, then remove from the oven, remove foil, and bake uncovered for 15 additional minutes.

6. Remove from the oven and allow it to set for 15 minutes.

Then serve and enjoy!

Alysha Yoder is the photographer, food stylist, blogger, and recipe developer behind A-Yo Kitchen. With a passion for all things food, many of her recipes are inspired by her worldly travels, her many cooking classes abroad, and all the veggies and fruits her home gardens produce. She has been a photographer for 15+ years and previously worked in the corporate food sector for almost 10. She now is a small business owner running her studio, A-Yo Kitchen, out of York, PA, where she serves not only local clients, but those worldwide as well.

Tip •Y ou can replace the pecans with chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for some different flavors!

ayokitchen.com, ayokitchen@gmail.com, @ayokitchen NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

21

EAT & DRINK / DISH IT UP

SHAKSHUKA WITH CREAMY PARMESAN POLENTA

This is a perfect quick breakfast packed with flavors, veggies and protein—and it’s gluten free to boot!

Polenta ½ cup instant polenta 2 cups broth of choice ¼ cup grated parmesan 2 Tbsp butter Fresh cracked black pepper to taste Shakshuka 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 bell pepper, sliced thin 1 red or sweet onion, sliced thin 4 cloves garlic 1 14.5 oz can whole peeled tomatoes ½ cup water 2 Tbsp tomato paste ½ Tbsp sugar 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp cumin ½ tsp chili powder Cayenne, garlic salt, and black pepper to taste 4 eggs Optional Garnishes: Crumbled feta, fresh chopped parsley, chopped avocado, grated Parmesan

Instructions 1. In a pot, bring broth to a boil, then slowly mix in polenta. Stir for three minutes or until it thickens.

2. Add Parmesan, butter, and pepper, stirring until evenly combined.

3. Pour polenta into a nonstick, sprayed 8x8 casserole dish and spread it evenly on the bottom.

4. Chop peppers, onions, and garlic. Add oil and chopped vegetables to a skillet and sauté until they begin to soften. Add canned tomatoes and break them up. Add spices, water, and tomato paste and cook until thickened.

5. Pour vegetables over polenta, and use a glass to make four egg-sized divots on top of the casserole.

Crack one egg into each divot.

6. Broil in the oven until the eggs are cooked to your preferred doneness.

7. Remove and top with garnishes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

22

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

Tip • I f you don’t feel like chopping vegetables, you can substitute with a jar of chunky tomato sauce.

FRENCH ONION AND STEAK PASTA BAKE This rich pasta casserole turns French onion soup into the main entreé!

Caramelized onions, steak, and cheese make up this delicious recipe, which will soon be a family favorite.

2 Tbsp butter 4 large sweet onions, sliced 2 whole shallots, sliced 6 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp high-quality soy sauce 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup brown sugar Red pepper flakes to taste 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper 1 tsp thyme 1 lb thinly sliced beef 1 Tbsp beef bouillon 1 16 oz box of pasta, cooked 1 12 oz can of evaporated milk

1 cup grated Swiss cheese (can use 8 instead) 8 slices provolone cheese

5. Add beef bouillon and evaporated milk to the onions and steak, then preheat the oven to 400°.

Instructions 1. In a large pot, melt the butter. Meanwhile, slice the onions and shallots.

6. Boil water in a large pot. Once boiling, add salt and pasta, reducing cooking time by a third to prevent overcooking in the oven.

2. Add onions, shallots, soy sauce, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and thyme to the melted butter.

7. Add cooked pasta to beef-and-onion mixture.

Stir everything until well combined.

3. Sauté on medium low for about an hour, stirring occasionally, or until onions are deep brown in color and caramelized.

4. A fter the onions are caramelized, add thinly sliced steak and garlic. Sauté until the steak is cooked.

8. Spray a 13x9 casserole dish with nonstick spray and pour in pasta mixture. Top with grated Swiss and provolone.

9. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and pasta is bubbling. Remove from the oven, let it set for five minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Tip • This is a great recipe to make ahead of time. Simply add an extra 20 minutes of cooking time to the refrigerated pre-made dish.

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

23

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GIFT GUIDE

Spotlights

Find the perfect gift for the special people in your life this holiday season! Check out our annual Holiday Gift Guide, featuring local shops across the Valley.

24

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The York Merchant 441 E Market St, York, PA 717-850-2073 | theyorkmerchant.com

The York Merchant and The Wireworks Exchange and Flea are two expansive marketplaces celebrating all things handcrafted, vintage and pre-loved! Discover one-of-a-kind products from our team of more than 100 original merchants, artists and crafters, and enjoy free parking in our front and rear parking lots!

Heritage Design Interiors Inc

1064 E Main St, New Holland, PA | 717-354-2233 | heritagedesigninteriors.com

Holiday Open House! Starting November 2, our store is the perfect place to start your holiday decorating. Located in an old historic inn, it’s the perfect backdrop to gather holiday decorating ideas. Five trees and five mantels are decorated in different themes and colors. A beautiful selection of ornaments, holiday decor, floral designs, wreaths, Santas, reindeer, candles and more will inspire you! Our retail store is open all year with artwork, mirrors, lamps, silks, accessories, decor, candles and more! Heritage Design Interiors specializes in window treatments and home decor along with design consultations. We offer custom-made window treatments, blinds and shutters, bedding, wallpaper, accent furniture and more. Check out our website and social media for more details.

The Shoppe at A.K. Interiors 246 W Orange St, Lancaster, PA 717-872-6966 | akinteriorsllc.com

AK Interiors combines tradition and style to craft personalized gifts that embody your distinct style and sentiment. Explore our bespoke collection for endless gifting options that will delight your loved ones. Elevate your holiday experience with our exclusive complimentary concierge service, designed to simplify gift-giving. Let AK Interiors handle the details while you relish the joy of giving.

Create unforgettable gifts this holiday season!

Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village

Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers

Delight everyone on your list with high-quality, one-of-a-kind, locally handcrafted gifts. At the Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of furniture, housewares, original artwork and home décor; leatherwork, handbags, distinctive jewelry, and other accessories; candles and soaps; children’s toys and much more - all under one roof in a setting that’s as unique as the goods themselves.

Join us for our biggest Holiday Event, our Ladies Pampering Party, Friday 11/17 and Saturday 11/18. Visit our store for a paraffin hand dip, browse and try on your favorite items, then create your wishlist, receive a special gift and be entered to win a designer handbag! We will send your wishlist to your ‘Special Santa’!

2705 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 717-344-6875 | Bird-in-Hand.com

208 Lincoln Way E, New Oxford, PA 717-624-1444 | scottandcofinejewelers.com

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

25

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Fontana Candle Company Made in Lancaster | fontanaessentials.com info@fontanaessentials.com

Fontana’s ingredients are on the nice list, so you can give the gift of great holiday scents without any of the unpleasant health effects of synthetic fragrance.

Fontana makes truly all-natural candles, wax melts, bath salts, bar soaps, room sprays, and lip balms. We list every ingredient on the label, and are independently certified as nontoxic by MADE SAFE®.

Meadowbrooke Gourds 125 Potato Rd, Carlisle, PA 717-776-6029 | mbgourds.com

At Meadowbrooke Gourds, we are a team of farmers, crafters and designers who grow and craft hard-shell gourds on our 200-acre farm in Pennsylvania. Each design is crafted from a natural material, making every piece unique.

Allow one of our creations to bring a smile to your face; our whimsical and cheerful designs are thoughtfully handcrafted by a happy team and make the perfect special gift.

Basset & Lab 1352 Harrisburg Pke, Lancaster, PA 717-288-1200 | bassetandlab.com

Celebrate your furry friend with a visit to Basset & Lab on Harrisburg Pike, and see our selection of holiday toys, treats and gifts.

This holiday season, treat your pup to a delicious feast. Basset & Lab is taking orders for fresh-cooked holiday dinners from the Bistro! Visit us on social media or at bassetandlab.com for details.

Mountz Jewelers

YOU SET THE NARRATIVE

Carlisle | Camp Hill | Colonial Park/Harrisburg MountzJewelers.com

Mountz Jewelers is your holiday headquarters!

For over 40 years, Mountz has been Central Pennsylvania’s premier jeweler. We invite you to visit one of our three family-owned and operated locations offering the area’s most comprehensive jewelry designer brands. Our knowledgeable staff will help create a wish list to share with that special someone to make this holiday season unforgettable.

Expand your presence in the market with Susquehanna Style’s 2024 profiles & spotlights

Bill Maloney Men's Wear & Tailor Shop

17 E Main St, Hummelstown, PA billmaloneymenswear.com | 717-566-8987

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE

info@susquehannastyle.com 26

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

Discover the epitome of style this holiday season at our exclusive men's wear and tailor shop. Immerse yourself in a world of finely crafted suits, luxurious fabrics and impeccable tailoring. From sophisticated tuxedos for those festive soirées to cozy winter essentials, we have it all. Elevate your holiday wardrobe and step into the festivities with confidence.

Visit us today and redefine your holiday elegance.

EXPERIENCE LUXURY FEEL WITH CLINICAL RESULTS WITH EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST!

SISTER LOCATION OPENING SOON Stay Tuned on Social Media for Details!

At Blossom, we believe confidence is the most beautiful thing you can possess. Your journey is also our journey and we look forward to helping you build confidence through a personalized treatment approach.

NEW SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Clarity 2 laser offers the quickest most effective laser hair removal in the industry, acne treatments, rosacea treatments and more!

Blossom Bucks $25 Free with Every $100 Spent Begins on 11/24 ends on 12/24 available online and in-office.

101 N O RT H QU E E N S T R E E T S U I T E 93 | L A N C A S T E R, PA 17603 | 717-299-9000

1-800-394-2002 Cumberland County

Dauphin County

Autumn Chase Single Family Homes Upper Allen Twp Mechanicsburg Schools Starting in the $400’s

Wilshire Estates Single Family Homes Lower Paxton Twp Central Dauphin Schools Starting in the $500’s

York County Westbury Meadows Single Family Homes Hampden Twp Cumberland Valley Schools Starting in the $600’s

The Woods Single Family Homes Newberry Twp West Shore Schools Starting in the $400’s

COMING SOON Autumn Chase

Duplexes Upper Allen Twp Mechanicsburg Schools Starting in the low $400’s

Meadows of Country Club Single Family Homes Lower Paxton Twp Central Dauphin Schools Starting in the $500’s

ALSO OFFERING

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

27

2023 WOMEN of

STRENGTH

BY Karen Hendricks | PHOTOGRAPHY BY Karlo Gesner

Forging Paths, Impacting Lives, Leaving Legacies Every year, when we ask you to nominate Women of Strength in the Susquehanna Valley, we are stunned. Achievements, adversities, creativity and intelligence.

Perseverance and passion. But most of all, strength shines through their stories.

Selecting five women from this year’s nominations was incredibly difficult. However, it's a great problem to have and speaks to the depth of talent, leadership and character within our Central Pennsylvania community.

Prepare to be inspired, moved and amazed.

We are beyond proud to introduce you to this year’s five exceptional Women of Strength.

28

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

H

When Heather Valudes found out she’d been named a Woman of Strength, she wasn’t sure she fit the bill.

“When I think about my work, strength isn’t always the first word that comes to mind,” says Valudes, 37. “But I do think I persevere a lot—I’m tenacious, and I show up in the work I do.”

That work includes being named the first female president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber last year—a milestone year in which the chamber celebrated its 150th anniversary.

“It’s interesting to reflect on that, a year into the position,” Valudes says. “We’ve never put a woman in this role traditionally held by men, and I’m realizing how much weight other people have put on that—how monumental that was. I don’t know that I owned that from the jump.”

However, she credits her parents with helping her develop an appreciation for her native Lancaster County community at a young age.

“My parents were always engaged with our hyperlocal community, in our township. They modeled how you give back to your community and how policies impact your community,” Valudes explains.

Earning her college degree in political science and a minor in geography and planning, she says this "started me in the space of civic engagement" and lead to a position with the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County.

Her first of three positions with the chamber followed. initially as advocacy director, she saw firsthand how policies directly affected businesses and the workforce.

“Business is so integral to supporting their employees, and in doing so, supporting the community,” Valudes says. “We became engaged in conversations that impacted the community— transportation, the opioid crisis, and many more—by talking about what role the business community could play.”

When she looks back, she can see how strength was involved.

“Specifically in policy work, it takes time to get people on board,” Valudes says. “Driving toward solutions takes smaller wins until you get to completion. It’s seeing the long-term and trying not to get hung up in short-term setbacks and challenges. Working through them makes it more impactful on the other side.”

During the pandemic, Valudes served as vice president of the chamber.

“It was a whole different era of what tenacity means—how many businesses we were helping and assisting, and constantly showing up. Some of those effects are really long-term,” Valudes reflects. “Strength is staying with people.”

Other women continually inspire Valudes, including her coach Deb Rohrer, formerly of Leadership Lancaster—and a 2021 Susquehanna Style Woman of Strength.

“This recognition is such an honor because it’s something not based on your outputs, but on who you are as a person,” Valudes says. “I have two young daughters, and for them to see their mom in this role—it’s about how women hold space and move communities forward.”

Heather

Valudes Leading with TENACITY

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

29

Looking back, Rubina Azizdin sees how she’s pulled strength from her childhood to build a career in diversity and inclusion (D&I).

“When I think about my journey,” says Azizdin, 41, of Mechanicsburg, “it started when I was excluded as a student, being one of the only families of people of color in the school district 40 years ago, when we didn’t have inclusion.”

Born and raised in Lancaster County, Azizdin describes her immigrant family as very close.

“My parents had a cleaning business,” she explains. “I wasn’t your typical American teenager. On weekends, I was with my parents helping with the family business.”

For Azizdin, the experience was eye-opening.

“People used to treat my parents as custodians—that used to be heartbreaking, while they were just doing their jobs,” she says, “and this is why equity in the workplace is important— making sure everybody is treated fairly.”

Her career path began at Philhaven, a human services and mental health organization, where she coordinated a community-based parenting program that expanded to seven counties—while completing her master’s in counseling.

Then, as a career advisor at Central Penn College, “my interest in diversity sparked,” she says. Azizdin created a women’s leadership conference, which grew bigger each year.

With her circle of influence ever widening, Azizdin led corporate D&I training and served numerous community boards. Then, as director of the STEM-UP Network for Harrisburg University, her circle of contacts encompassed the Mid-Atlantic Region as she supported women in STEM fields.

It positioned Azizdin for her current role, global manager of D&I for innovative manufacturing company Kulicke & Soffa Industries, based in Singapore.

“This is a special role to me, because I’m their inaugural manager of D&I,” explains Azizdin, who regularly shares the value of D&I around the globe—in California, China, Israel, the Netherlands, and beyond.

Rubina

Azizdin Growing her Circles

OF INFLUENCE 30

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

“My work in D&I has revolved around bringing people together, educating and empowering people, creating awareness about how to be more inclusive as a person, as a neighbor, as a company—making sure people aren’t being left out, listening to all voices and opinions,” says Azizdin. “D&I isn’t just about skin color or racism—it’s ‘How are we bringing everybody to the table? Is there pay equity? Is the workplace welcoming and inclusive to new parents?’”

Speaking of parenting, Azizdin is also a mother of three.

“Strength, I would say, comes from overcoming adversities in challenging situations, where strength makes you a better person. It helps shape who you are,” she reflects. “In my case, I think achieving my professional goals with my background, my upbringing—it’s been very tough getting to this point in my career. But that’s one reason I’ve gotten into diversity—to try to make it easier for others to thrive. D&I is about respecting everybody’s differences—that’s a big mantra of mine. We really need to respect one another.”

Strength, to Ashley Walkowiak, means being a survivor.

“I was stalked and raped at age 17, before graduating high school, and I did not share that experience with anyone for nearly a full decade,” says Walkowiak, now 38, of Mechanicsburg. “It left me with PTSD, and college was a very scary and intimidating place.”

She switched gears, put college on hold and began working in state government.

“I thought it would be a short-term position, a clerical position, to take a breather,” Walkowiak explains.

Instead, it turned into her life’s passion. She’s been continually promoted, and her work intersected with her personal trauma.

“I found what felt like a family and safe space,” Walkowiak says. “About a decade after my attack, I finally started working with a trauma therapist. After working through it, I made a career change.”

She left the Governor’s Office of Administration to serve as special assistant to the appointed commonwealth victim advocate, focusing on the rights and services provided to crime victims. She worked in tandem with a team that tackled high-profile cases: convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky and sexual abuse within both the Catholic Church and Boy Scouts.

“I loved that work, but as you can imagine, it was emotionally grueling,” Walkowiak says. “When the opportunity came to move to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), it allowed me to step back from the front line but continue doing advocacy work.”

Earlier this year, she was named the PHRC’s director of policy and intergovernmental affairs, ensuring civil rights protections for Pennsylvanians.

“When you ask God for an opportunity to do good and give back, you will receive that opportunity,” says Walkowiak. “I want to give back to the community of crime survivors. I want to do work that makes the world a more caring, safer place.”

Walkowiak treasures her community—serving as vice chair of the Cumberland County Commission for Women—as well as her family, which includes her husband and three sons. She’s inspired by her mother, who ran a high school program for atrisk youth. In 2022, she published a book with her brother.

“It’s a black-and-white photography and poetry book centered around grief and trauma, validating our low points and low feelings in an effort to move forward. My brother and I lost our sister, and it was a very traumatic experience for the whole family,” she says.

“Strength comes from remembering that we are not alone,” Walkowiak explains. “Women have been walking these paths for thousands of years, and our ability to branch out and make new paths only exists because of the women who have come before us. It’s our duty to make sure those paths stay open for our daughters and nieces, that we’re at the table where decisions are made, that we’re heard, that we’re believed. If we can ensure that the voices of women are heard, then we’ve done our job.”

Ashley Walkowiak’s book “Found. Still lost.” is available on Amazon.

Ashley

Surviving and

STRIVING

Walkowiak NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

31

Growing up in the Bronx, New York, Dr. Cherise Hamblin wanted to be a teacher. But one class changed her life’s course.

“I loved ninth grade biology—it was the first time I was academically challenged,” Hamblin recalls. “Years later, I reflected and realized it was the first Black teacher I’d had. Every day, I’d talk about what I learned in biology, at the dinner table, and my father said, ‘If you like biology, you could be a doctor.’”

Her school, the Bronx High School of Science, produced Nobel laureates and Harvard graduates, so Hamblin’s college search focused on “somewhere I wasn’t going to be just a number—and would set me up for success,” she says. Lancaster’s Franklin & Marshall College “rose to the top.”

At F&M, one undergrad connection turned out to be pivotal: Dr. Daniel Weber, an alum practicing at Lancaster General Hospital who became her mentor. He stayed in touch as Hamblin completed medical school training and was ready to launch her OBGYN career.

“He suggested I come back to Lancaster for a practice interview,” Hamblin explains. “But it was actually a real interview. And the Lancaster I saw was very different and positive, in all ways, from the Lancaster I remembered as a college student.”

Not only did she get the job, but she's since spent 12 years in Lancaster County, where she lives with her husband and two children in Lititz. Hamblin, 42, is a board-certified OB-GYN at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

“A lot of people think walking with a family through pregnancy and the birth of their child, as a major life moment, is so beautiful,” Hamblin says. “But partnering with a patient through cancer diagnosis or hysterectomy is also a tremendous honor and privilege.”

Hamblin realized her journey into medicine, as a Black doctor, wouldn’t have been possible without family support and mentorship, so she began mentoring F&M’s pre-med students and recruiting LGH colleagues—fellow alums—to do the same.

Dr.

Cherise

Hamblin

Diagnosing Health DISPARITIES

Mentoring, however, was tackling only part of a much larger issue: racial health disparities, affected by “the percentages of Black physicians being stagnant for over 40 years.”

That’s why she founded Patients R Waiting, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating health disparities by encouraging diversity in medicine. In September, the organization held its seventh Annual Diversity in Medicine Conference.

“I think my journey is to help other doctors on their journeys—all types of Black and Brown doctors. We need to call out racism where it’s at play, and in order to combat racism, we have to be comfortable advancing equity,” Hamblin says. “When I think about strength, I think about physical strength, but in this case, we’re talking about character.”

It’s been a full-circle realization for Hamblin, thinking back to her childhood yearning to be a teacher.

“I know,” Hamblin says, “being an educator is part of my journey.”

To learn more about Patients R Waiting, and health disparities including the maternal mortality crisis, see patientsrwaiting.com.

From the time she was a little girl, Dr. Erin Golembewski-George always loved science.

“I would mix things together in the bathroom— lotions and potions—to see what happened. I was always interested in cause and effect and the natural world,” says Golembewski-George, 45, a lifelong York resident.

After earning her PhD at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, she took a position within its graduate school, where she remains today, 17 years later.

As senior associate dean, she describes her role as “shepherding students who are learning how to be scientists as well as adults.”

She also identifies future growth areas within the sciences, then creates curricula to support those areas. It’s like looking into a crystal ball.

“I think solving science-related problems is the future. We’ve got a laundry list of infectious diseases, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and a mental health crisis,” she says. “Including women’s voices in science is really important, because we know the more diverse voices we have, the better we are at solving those problems.”

She’s inspired by microbiologist Dr. Rita Colwell, who served as the director of the National Science Foundation for many years.

“She has addressed infectious diseases coming out of Covid, and what the next disease may be, as well as access to clean water and its health impacts across the world,” Golembewski-George says. “I find all of it pretty inspiring.”

She gives back to the York community by serving on WellSpan Health’s Institutional Review Board and coaching York Suburban Middle School’s cross-country team. Golembewski-George’s family includes her husband and their three boys.

“Looking at my children’s classmates and their generation, I want them to be able to think scientifically about problems and the world—to not be afraid to ask questions, to talk with others, and get different perspectives on how to solve problems,” Golembewski-George says.

Ultimately, she believes science and strength have a lot in common: the ability to change the world.

“I think strength is the ability to carry a heavy load, and even when I falter, having that resilience to get up and keep doing my best in big and small ways,” she reflects. “Science is such an important discipline in improving the world, and I want everyone who loves science as much as I do to have access and be able to change the world for the better.”

Dr.

Erin

Changing the World WITH SCIENCE

Golembewski-George NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

33

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Women in Business

Whether they’re launching their own businesses, advancing into leadership positions across varying industries or making a difference in their communities, these women are breaking down walls and stereotypes while simultaneously empowering other women.

34

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Homeland Center has a rich history of women in leadership, dating back to the aftermath of the Civil War in the winter of 1866. During this time, soldiers’ wives, widows and parents were struggling to provide for their families.

Recognizing these families’ needs, women of nine Harrisburg churches came together to create the “Society for the Home for the Friendless.” What started as an all-female effort to raise funds for widows and children impacted by the war, has transitioned into what is now Homeland Center and Homeland at Home.

These women, and their intersection with Homeland’s history, are important to our story. We wouldn’t be here today without their dedication.

Homeland will honor them, and the nine founding churches, in the 8th annual Homeland Lottery Calendar, on our website and through a series of community presentations. We believe that every interaction with a resident, client or patient is an opportunity to make an ordinary day a special day.

8th Annual Homeland Lottery Calendar Available Now!

1901 N Fifth St, Harrisburg, PA | 717-221-7900

HOMELANDCENTER.ORG

EMPOWERING WOMEN BY CELEBRATING INDIVIDUAL BEAUTY & SELF-EXPRESSION WHILE FOSTERING POSITIVE CHANGE At Omni Beauty and Omni Skin, an exceptional group of women has come together to wholeheartedly embrace a common mission. Together, they are dedicated to empowering women and creating welcoming spaces where individual beauty is celebrated, self-expression is encouraged and positive change thrives.

At Omni Beauty and Omni Skin, the focus extends beyond beauty treatments to craft a transformative experience guided by this diverse and skilled group. They deeply understand that beauty transcends mere appearances, anchored in self-confidence and inner strength.

Omni Beauty and Omni Skin serve as havens where women can freely express their unique selves, thanks to the dedication of this group. They genuinely celebrate diversity, amplifying the voices and experiences of women from various perspectives.

The mission is vividly realized through this passionate group of women who share a commitment to changing lives. Together, they nurture women's self-worth and empower them to embark on their journey toward self-discovery and beauty. Through the collaborative efforts at Omni Beauty and Omni Skin, women discover not only sources of physical transformation but also powerful catalysts for profound personal empowerment.

101 Main St Suite H, Salunga-Landisville, PA 717-892-6740

OMNIBEAUTYPA.COM | OMNISKINPA.COM NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

35

WOMEN IN BUSINESS PROFILES

HOMELAND CENTER PAYS TRIBUTE TO PIONEERING WOMEN LEADERS AND FOUNDING CHURCHES IN ITS RICH HISTORY

WOMEN IN BUSINESS PROFILES

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TRANSFORMING BEAUTY AND CONFIDENCE AT GLO SKIN CARE MD

Carmen Kitts

Owner & Executive Director

Carmen Kitts, RN, is a distinguished healthcare professional with over three decades of unwavering commitment to patient care and well-being. Nurse Kitts early career was spent raising her two boys while practicing emergency medicine and as a scrub nurse in the operating room. In 2011, Carmen embarked on a transformative journey as the proud owner of a thriving medical aesthetics practice, GLO Skin Care MD. Upon entering the spa, guests are greeted with luxury and comfort, setting the tone for relaxation.

It’s no surprise that GLO Skin Care was awarded the title of Best Cosmetic Enhancement Center 2023!

Kitts’ approach to aesthetics, expertise, passion, vision, and dedication for enhancing beauty and restoring confidence have reshaped the beauty and wellness landscape. Her career and reputation as a respected confidence coach have made her well trusted in the industry, along with her unwavering commitment to patient advocacy, patient experiences and education. The nurse training program she created offers an opportunity for those in the medical field looking to expand on their skills.

She does not believe in fearing competition. In fact, her competitive nature makes her a respected pioneer in the realm of medical aesthetics. She walks the walk by leading her industry, her team and her patients. Carmen’s kind spirit has touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on the healthcare industry. Be sure to look for the opening of a second location by Spring 2024!

600 Wilson Ln, Ste 200, Mechanicsburg, PA 717-461-2520

GLOSKINCAREMD.COM 36

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LUXURY & COMFORT MEETS MEDICAL EXPERTISE WOMEN IN BUSINESS PROFILES

Discover a sanctuary of rejuvenation and relaxation at our full-service med spa in Lancaster. We offer a comprehensive range of aesthetic treatments including cosmetic injectables, advanced laser therapies, chemical peels, facials and massages. Our highly trained medical professionals are dedicated to providing personalized care, employing cutting-edge technology and techniques to achieve optimal results.

Whether you're looking to erase the signs of aging, improve skin texture or simply indulge in a day of pampering, our Lancaster med spa is your ultimate destination for a transformative experience.

Come and elevate your well-being in an environment that merges exceptional skill with lavish tranquility. Enjoy your piece of serenity in our blissful lounge and remember to bring your friends!

217 Granite Run Dr, Lancaster, PA 717-844-2005

THEAESTHETIXLOUNGE.COM

NEW LEADERSHIP DRIVES INTENTIONAL GROWTH AT THE UNITED WAY OF LANCASTER COUNTY

Kate Zimmerman President & CEO

Kate Zimmerman joins United Way of Lancaster County as the organization's new president & CEO. With a proven track record of driving growth and innovation in Lancaster County’s philanthropic sector, Zimmerman is poised to lead United Way into the future through intentional growth, focusing on the organization’s mission of advancing education and supporting economic mobility by harnessing resources and emboldening people and organizations.

Zimmerman has spent over a decade leading Leadership Lancaster, a local nonprofit that aims to develop outstanding community leadership to support the needs of Lancaster County. During her tenure, she secured an endowment for the leadership development of marginalized communities, led Leadership Lancaster through the process of acquiring its own nonprofit status and grew programming to expand capacity for more equitable representation in leadership positions across Lancaster County. Her commitment to community service, collaboration and innovation is aligned with United Way of Lancaster County's core values, making her an excellent cultural fit for the organization.

1910 Harrington Dr, Ste A Lancaster, PA 717-394-0731

UWLANC.ORG

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

37

WOMEN IN BUSINESS PROFILES

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE WHITAKER CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is pleased to announce Mary Oliveira as its new president and Chief Executive Officer. Oliveria’s business development expertise, strong community connections and commitment to education and the arts make her uniquely qualified to ensure Whitaker Center remains a vibrant and sustainable non-profit center in our community.

She has a proven track record of fostering meaningful community engagement and advancing educational and cultural programs. Oliveira will be pivotal in guiding the institution's mission and vision to expand access to STEAM programming in Central Pennsylvania, especially to underserved populations.

“It’s an honor to be named president and CEO of Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts,” says Oliveira. “The Whitaker Center is the unwavering cornerstone of Harrisburg, where STEAM comes to life in tangible ways. I am dedicated to fostering a dynamic environment, with our purposeful-driven team, that ignites the spark of curiosity, discovery, and innovation in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.”

Mary Oliveira

President & CEO

222 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 717-214-2787

WHITAKERCENTER.ORG

THE WOMEN BEHIND SUSQUEHANNA STYLE The Susquehanna Style team, a group of remarkable women, powers the Valley's most trusted lifestyle magazine. With diverse talents and unwavering passion, they connect readers and support local businesses.

Theresa Stoddard, associate publisher, brings 15 years of media experience to her role. Beyond work, she enjoys yoga, reading, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Sue Ottenheimer, account executive since the magazine's inception in 1997, hails from Baltimore and excels in print advertising and radio sales. She's a fitness enthusiast and devoted University of Michigan supporter.

Sherry Smith, account executive and marketing strategist, leverages her media sales background to build relationships and create effective marketing strategies. In her free time, she explores local dining, shops for home décor, and indulges in spa days.

202 Butler Ave Ste 102 Lancaster, PA 717-581-6550

SUSQUEHANNASTYLE.COM 38

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

Kate Hunter, our resident foodie and account executive, brings her culinary passion to Susquehanna Style. Located in Mount Gretna, she enjoys outdoor activities and thrift shop finds.

Maddie Eckert, the lead graphic designer, infuses creativity and style into the team. Beyond work, she embraces music, fashion, and quality family time.

Together, the Susquehanna Style team embodies creativity, expertise, and a profound love for the Susquehanna Valley.

Get our digital edition, our latest content, and news of happenings in the Susquehanna Valley delivered right to your inbox!

@SUSQUEHANNASTYLE SIGN UP TODAY AT

susquehannastyle.com

LIVE. LASER. BREATHE. BOTOX. BECAUSE YOU’RE

IT.

HOLIDAY GIFT CARD SPECIAL! PURChASE $100 GIFT CARd & GET $25 FREE. TREAT SOMEOnE SPECIAl & YOURSElF ThIS hOlIdAY SEASOn

CAll nOw TO SChEdUlE YOUR

(717) 650-6943 NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

39

LIFESTYLE / FIVE THINGS "Shop local" means more when the shop is woman owned. Women in business pursue their passions, hire other women and show compassion for their customers, clients and communities. Meet five local womenowned businesses taking their enterprises to the next level.

40

1 2 3 4 5

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | NOVEMBER 2023

5

Women Owned Businesses

BY DIANE

TO SUPPORT IN THE VALLEY MCCORMICK

MAEJEAN VINTAGE

maejeanvintage.com Deep in your heart, you’re a flapper sparkling in an Art Deco onyx pendant. Or a midcentury modern businesswoman, flashing your cocktail ring over martinis. One-of-a-kind jewelry from Lancaster-based online jewelry store Maejean Vintage expresses your true fashion era.

Sisters Laura Mae and Amanda Jean are graduate gemologists who rescue pieces of the past, including engagement and wedding rings. Annual donations by the business benefit local nonprofits meeting crucial needs, from maternal mental wellness to therapeutic riding.

THE DOWNTOWN LOUNGE BAR AND RESTAURANT

734 Cumberland St, Lebanon, PA | 717-274-2119 Nanette Wright stepped up to buy the former Riley’s when its pending closure threatened to remove a cherished gathering place from the heart of historic downtown Lebanon. Today, The Downtown Lounge Bar and Restaurant prides itself as a “judgment-free zone,” where everyone is welcome, and the games are always on. Menu specials change weekly and include items like a fried pickle burger, shrimp-and-corn pizza, a Korean bowl, and taco totchos—tater tots topped with taco fixins.

NATURE’S PLATTER

64 E Main St, Dallastown, PA | 717-487-5887 | naturesplatterpa.com Marie Fisher’s custom-made charcuterie board stole the spotlight whenever she entertained, but when she couldn’t find similar statement pieces, she took matters into her own hands.

With an eye for natural beauty, Fisher now upcycles fallen wood into functional, stunning works of art. Winner of the 2022 York County Tourism Spirit Makers Award, she proudly upholds York County’s tradition of craftsmanship.

SIMPLY J BOUTIQUE

301 W Caracas Ave, Hershey, PA | 717-533-5909 | simplyjhershey.com “Never underestimate the power of simplicity.” So says Simply J Boutique, where elegance starts with pieces from today’s top designers. Pair a statement sweater with vegan leather pants, and your personal style shines through. Schedule private shopping for a girls night out, or call ahead for a fitting room stocked with selections personalized for you. Simply J Boutique goes feet first in giving back to the community, with causes that include ensuring quality footwear for everyone.

EVA SERAPHINE STUDIOS

45 Army Heritage Dr, Carlisle, PA | 717-614-7853 | evaseraphinestudios.com Cari Mercer honed her skills as a U.S. Air Force photojournalist. Now, her heart for humanity shines through in the studio she created for people who, like her, have survived trauma and need to be seen, heard, and understood. Whether photographing portraits or weddings, Mercer customizes the experience to make her subjects feel comfortable and appreciated.

THE WEDDING GUIDE

LOCAL LOVE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

Weddings | Venues Style | Décor

Coming January 2024 susquehannastyle.com @SUSQUEHANNASTYLE

NOVEMBER 2023 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

41

Celebrate the unexpected

. s s e n l u f y o j

The most thoughtful hosts are always prepared for those unexpected moments. Find inspiration at Fine Wine & Good Spirits and make every gathering memorable.

Scan to visit FWGS.com

Shop in stores or 24/7 at FWGS.com

Please enjoy responsibly.