Project Type: Freelance Writing

Friendly Fare

Chef Christian DeLutis greeted us at the door with a special request. Since opening Koda about a year ago, the chef-owner has preferred the Harrisburg restaurant’s dishes to be photographed with staff, to showcase the culinary team alongside their dishes rather than focusing on solo foodie shots. Continue reading Friendly Fare

Fourscore Beer Co.

Brothers Wade and Drew Leedy say opening Fourscore Beer Co. on July 31 was the big payoff.

Five years of dreaming, planning, and clearing hurdles paved the way for the South Washington Street brewpub to open its doors. Continue reading Fourscore Beer Co.

Hidden Gem

On a bright September day, under a completely blue sky, excited chatter from a group of women floated across the lawn at Renfrew Museum and Park. It was still summer, but the golden hues of fall, including neighboring cornfields, infused the green agricultural landscape. Continue reading Hidden Gem

Forging a Path

Anastasia Joy* calls it the skeleton in her closet.

“I didn’t tell anyone about that part of my life until the FBI got involved,” said the 25-year-old Harrisburg-area resident. Continue reading Forging a Path

All in the Family

Emma Lower laughs when asked if agriculture is in her family’s DNA. The 33-year-old is a fifth-generation co-manager of Boyer Nurseries & Orchards in Biglerville.

“There are farmers on both sides of my family,” she says. “We have a healthy love for growing plants and quality fruit–it runs deep.” Continue reading All in the Family

Bull’s-Eye in a Bottle

Tina Weyant has a distinct childhood memory—helping her grandfather, a distiller in Germany, put labels on bottles. Her grandparents lived on a property encompassing an old monastery with a cellar under the church. It was surrounded by vineyards.

Today, Weyant, 57, has come full circle. For the first time since childhood, she again is surrounded by vineyards. Continue reading Bull’s-Eye in a Bottle

Fit Takes Flight

June 22, according to Ashley Mentzer, will be “the best fitness day ever.”

Except, when she says it, it sounds like “ev-aaahhh.”

Mentzer, organizer of the 2nd Annual Thrive Fit Fest, said that fitness should be approachable and fun. Continue reading Fit Takes Flight

Young Entrepreneurs

Youthful creativity, energy, ideas, hard work, and a stroke of good luck—these seem to be the factors that propel young entrepreneurs on their paths to founding successful businesses.

Here are the stories of three businesses founded by young people—a 9-year-old Lancaster County boy following in the footsteps of his entrepreneurial parents, a “herd” of Gettysburg teens and 20-somethings making their own mark on history by showcasing today’s pop culture, and a popular Harrisburg coffee shop owner who began brewing up her business when she was 26. Continue reading Young Entrepreneurs

Second Chance at Love

Imagine a fall wedding in the woods, a casual reception in a barn. There’s hot apple cider, pulled pork, pies, popcorn, and just a good time “hanging out” with close friends and family.

It sounds in many ways like a picturesque storybook wedding. And, it was.

But it took years for this bride with her beautiful smile to consider marriage. That’s because she’d already had the traditional, big fairy-tale wedding with all the trimmings years before–a first marriage to her high school sweetheart that ended in tragedy.  Continue reading Second Chance at Love

Mechanicsburg’s Sweet Spot

What do you imagine yourself doing at the age of 68? While retirement is likely at the top of most people’s lists, that’s not the case for Diane Krulac, owner of downtown Mechanicsburg’s popular candy shop Brittle Bark. Instead, she recently launched a new line of unique chocolate truffles and bars called Cocoa Creek Chocolates. Continue reading Mechanicsburg’s Sweet Spot

Taste of History

Gettysburg reminds Lori Korczyk of Epcot.

Just like the Disney park’s microcosm of world cultures, Gettysburg’s downtown streets are dotted with eclectic and ethnic restaurants, from Thai to Mexican, Italian to Irish, plus plenty of American eateries that blend cuisines—like melting pots—with culture and history. Continue reading Taste of History

Changing the Game

Loretta Claiborne didn’t walk or talk until the age of 4.

Born partially blind with intellectual disabilities in 1953, Claiborne was one of seven children raised in York by a single mother. Public school brought bullying, name-calling, anger and fighting.

The odds were against her. Sports, however, transformed her life. Continue reading Changing the Game

Riding the Rails

Dust off your bike, come out of hibernation, and blaze some new trails—rail trails, that is—throughout the Susquehanna Valley. The number of rail trails—old railroad lines converted to recreational paths—is growing throughout the country, and Central PA is no exception. Continue reading Riding the Rails

Let Them Eat Little Cakes

Nicole Baer’s home-based cupcake business was so popular that her kitchen wall oven was on nearly all day, every day, and she still couldn’t bake enough cupcakes to fill orders.

That all changed when she opened Ann’s Cupcakery on Mechanicsburg’s Main Street last fall.
Continue reading Let Them Eat Little Cakes

A Destination to Love

Mediterranean and Ukrainian cuisine are married throughout the adventurous, flavor-filled menu at Tatiana’s Restaurant, Mechanicsburg—the perfect symbolism for husband-and-wife owners Tatiana and Ashraf El Seaidy. The restaurant’s namesake, Tatiana, hails from Ukraine, while her husband of 19 years, chef Ash, was born and raised in Egypt. Continue reading A Destination to Love

Nourishing and Flourishing

Health and wellness in the golden years are more important today than ever before. That’s because Americans are approaching a shift in population. By 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 and older.

As more and more of us approach and enter senior status, what can we do to protect our health? Nutrition plays one of the most critical roles, according to area health experts. Continue reading Nourishing and Flourishing

Plant Powered

How do you choose the food you eat? It may sound like a simple question, but how often do you truly evaluate your nutritional choices and diet? We talked to a number of Susquehanna Valley residents, including health and wellness professionals, who made significant changes by switching to vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based diets and lifestyles. Their anecdotes and results may surprise you. Continue reading Plant Powered

Run with Purpose

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned runner, you can find motivation in lacing up your sneakers for a good cause. Putting purpose into every step and every mile will not only help you reach personal fitness goals, but also help you double your joy by running races that benefit area nonprofits. Continue reading Run with Purpose

Hidden Treasures

Whether they were built in the 1700s, 1800s, or 1900s, Adams County’s homes and buildings are historic treasure troves. But it’s during the renovation process when surprises are often revealed: antiques are found tucked away in an attic, time capsules are discovered behind a wall, or buried treasure is literally uncovered in a yard. We went digging and found Adams County stories worthy of historical significance–and others that just make for colorful tales. Continue reading Hidden Treasures

Fight for Your Might

When Rob Whitaker of Camp Hill began taking classes at Harrisburg’s Thrive Fit Co., he couldn’t physically complete a class.

“I was not fit at all,” said the 34-year old financial planner. “But when you come from a non-fitness background like I did, you want to be surrounded by positive people.” Continue reading Fight for Your Might

The Hoof, Fin & Fowl

Jeff Jurkowski says he was probably about 4 years old when he first saw crabs being steamed.

Growing up in Baltimore, an uncle owned and operated a popular crab house that served up 600 bushels of crab weekly. With watermen also in the family, Jurkowski grew up learning about the Chesapeake Bay’s bounty. Seafood just might be in his genes, and now the chef/owner is sharing his flair for adventuresome dishes at Gettysburg’s newest restaurant. Continue reading The Hoof, Fin & Fowl

Taking Creative Liberties

With a name inspired by nearby eagle sightings and owl calls, the Eagle & The Owl Public House at Liberty Mountain Resort features a menu that’s just as adventuresome. Between the sweeping mountain views of the 400-acre Adams County property and the innovative menu, you just may be swept off your feet. Continue reading Taking Creative Liberties

Everyone Wins

Open, light, and advanced: That’s how many describe the new, multimillion-dollar Jeanne and Edward H. Arnold Health Professions Pavilion that opened for all students in August. Perched on the northern edge of campus, the stunning facility is poised to meet not only the needs of health professions students but also the imminent needs of the healthcare community on a local, regional, and even national level. Continue reading Everyone Wins

Marathon Made

Trailblazing runner Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to compete in the Boston Marathon, once said, “If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.”

Harrisburg-area residents can do exactly that this month when the 44th Annual Harrisburg Marathon winds through the city. Continue reading Marathon Made

Angels Among Us

Mickey Minnich wears a silver bracelet inscribed with the phrase, “One day at a time.”

It’s a reminder, he said, to stay focused on the moment, helping one family at a time as they face cancer. Over the past 15 years, his organization, Vickie’s Angel Foundation (VAF), has raised more than $2.6 million, helping more than 1,500 families throughout a nine-county area of central Pennsylvania. Continue reading Angels Among Us

There’s Beer Here! Where to hit the trails for ales

Central PA’s tourism organizations began jumping on the beer trail bandwagon about six years ago, recognizing the opportunity to collectively market area brew pubs to both residents and visitors alike. Brewers seem to embrace and enjoy the team spirit aspect of trails, calling it camaraderie and community, rather than competition. There’s Beer Here! Where to hit the trails for ales, Susquehanna Style, October 2018 Continue reading There’s Beer Here! Where to hit the trails for ales

Dough & Arrows

It’s like shooting a bow and arrows: A Spring Grove couple is taking aim at a delicious new trend in the food industry and hoping to hit the sweet spot right in the middle of the target. Continue reading Dough & Arrows

Luxurious Living: It’s All About Water and Wine

One of the biggest indoor home design trends is officially “uncorked” in the Susquehanna Valley: Home wine cellars are adding value, beauty, and storage for wine collectors’ prized possessions. Outdoors, the trend is to turn backyards into beautiful, relaxing retreats complete with water features. Whether your idea of luxury includes wine or water, enjoy exploring dreamy, over-the-top options with local designers—who also provide down-to-earth, budget-friendly ways to incorporate these trends into your own home. Continue reading Luxurious Living: It’s All About Water and Wine

Glorious Feeling

“Why does September seem sunny as spring?” asks one version of the classic Hollywood song, “Singin’ in the Rain.”

Stosh Snyder, whose favorite musical of all time is “Singin’ in the Rain,” likely has the answer. Continue reading Glorious Feeling

A Loss, A Purpose

Lesa and Brennan Brackbill of Hershey have endured something no parents should—the death of a child.

Now they’re determined to create a lasting legacy by advocating for changes to Pennsylvania’s newborn screening laws that could have prevented their daughter’s death. Continue reading A Loss, A Purpose

Mural Magic

Many of our Susquehanna Valley landscapes are simply breathtaking, adding natural beauty and color to our days. Now, thanks to grassroots community organizers, artists, supporters, and lots of vision, many of the Susquehanna Valley’s urban environments are being transformed into colorful, artistic landscapes just as worthy of our attention. We visited several local towns and cities where they’re taking art to a whole new level—street-level. Continue reading Mural Magic

Duo Treks AT in Memory of Uncle, First Thru-Hiker

In April 1948, York County native Earl Shaffer set out to do what no man had done before—hike the Appalachian Trail’s (A.T.) 2,000-some miles in one continuous hike. His motivation was to “walk off the war” and his experiences serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Last month (May 2018), during this 70th anniversary year of Earl’s first hike, two of Earl’s relatives launched their own A.T. adventure to pay homage to the legendary trail figure. Continue reading Duo Treks AT in Memory of Uncle, First Thru-Hiker

All Afloat

Kelly Martin was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis more than 25 years ago.

So, when the 53-year-old Middletown woman heard about floatation therapy from a co-worker—and found a discount for Camp Hill’s Dissolve Float Spa on Groupon—she decided she had nothing to lose. Continue reading All Afloat

Upcycling Architectural Icons

“Adaptive reuse” is one of the most popular buzz phrases in today’s economic development circles. Here in the Susquehanna Valley, there are numerous, exciting new uses for old, abandoned architectural icons. Like phoenixes rising from the ashes, these historic structures are breathing new life into our towns and cities, sparking innovation and economic prosperity. Continue reading Upcycling Architectural Icons

25 Hot Spots to Dine Out(doors)

Spring fever has set in and we’re making our bucket list for warmer weather dining destinations. There is nothing like enjoying a stunning outdoor view with a dinner menu to match. From gardens to riverfront views, decks to hillside terraces, urban oases to countryside respites, the region’s top restaurants offer a wide variety of unique outdoor dining backdrops to accompany their exquisite menus. Continue reading 25 Hot Spots to Dine Out(doors)

Through It All

Each spring, about 3,000 people set off on the journey of a lifetime.

That’s how many attempt to “thru-hike” the entire 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, about 750 people—one in four—succeed. Continue reading Through It All

Dreams and Destiny

Alison McIndoe says she always knew she would be an interior designer. She spent a lot of time with an aunt and uncle who often remodeled and redecorated their home. “I saw the floor plans, the fabric swatches, and I became so enamored with the process that I decided to make a career of it,” she says. Continue reading Dreams and Destiny

New Frontier

The long driveway leading to Allenberry Resort, framed by tall trees, seems to beckon visitors to the longtime Cumberland County resort. “You could travel all over the world and not find as bucolic a location as Allenberry on the Yellow Breeches,” says Mike Kennedy. Continue reading New Frontier

Gaining Momentum

Tracey Wakeen says that everything she does revolves around her mission statement, written in marker at the top of her office’s dry erase board: “Unlocking true potential by strengthening all women in body, mind and spirit.” Continue reading Gaining Momentum

Happy as a Lark

It was Timbrel Wallace’s father who suggested she call her downtown Gettysburg gift shop “Lark.”

“I wanted a name that was happy and uplifting. Of course, a lark is a bird, and the two sayings that come to mind are ‘happy as a lark’ and ‘doing something on a lark,’ indicating spontaneity. That all resonated with me,” says Wallace. Continue reading Happy as a Lark

Love is in Season

It’s a timeless source of inspiration: Nature’s beauty and bounty, in every season, has inspired our creativity for centuries. So it was only natural that two of the Susquehanna Valley’s prominent wedding planners recently focused on winter, spring, summer, and fall to develop seasonal wedding vignettes. Continue reading Love is in Season

Sweet Break

Brittle Bark could quite possibly be the happiest place in all of central Pennsylvania—especially during the holiday season. Tucked into a tall corner storefront along Main Street in Mechanicsburg with a brightly decorated seasonal front window, the chocolate and candy shop has earned a sweet reputation over the past 10 years. Continue reading Sweet Break

Following Yonder Star

Yonder Star, an Adams County business, has cultivated relationships with artisans and manufacturers of nativity scenes located around the world for 17 years. Owned by husband and
wife Brett and Cindy Snyder, Yonder Star is keeping the Christmas tradition of the nativity alive—using today’s technology as an online business. Continue reading Following Yonder Star

At the Crossroads of American Fusion

Gettysburg’s place in history was cemented due to its location—at “the crossroads of America.” During the Civil War era, all major routes running north and south, east and west, met in Gettysburg. Today, just a block from Lincoln Square where those crossroads still collide, a downtown Gettysburg restaurant is gaining a reputation for its creative American fusion menu—bringing traditional American flavors together from the north, south, west and east in fun new ways. Continue reading At the Crossroads of American Fusion

Appalachian Adventure

Located almost exactly at the midway point of The Appalachian Trail, the Appalachian Trail Museum tells the story of the A.T., “the most popular hiking trail in America.” And it’s an excellent place to launch an Appalachian adventure of your own. Continue reading Appalachian Adventure

Home Safely

As primary caregiver for her father—diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease—Stephanie Weimer always knew his whereabouts thanks to a tracking device on his cell phone. About two years ago, he drove himself to a routine doctor’s appointment and became disoriented while driving home. “He was lost, and the tracking device didn’t work because his cell phone had gone dead,” Weimer said. Continue reading Home Safely

Medical Journey

People often talk about “finding their calling in life.” Dr. Domingo Alvear’s began in his native Philippines, inspired by a country-doctor uncle who let his nephew tag along as he made house calls in a bouncing Jeep. Six decades later, Alvear is retiring after both a long career as a pediatric surgeon in Harrisburg and as a founder of the nonprofit World Surgical Foundation (WSF). Continue reading Medical Journey

InSite Gettysburg

Augmented reality, or technology that allows computer-generated images to be superimposed over the iPad’s camera view, provides battlefield scenes as if the visitor is standing on the  battlefield during the July 1863 battle. Continue reading InSite Gettysburg

Born to Run

Fred Joslyn ran on his wedding day. And on the days his three children were born. Joslyn, in fact, runs every day. No exceptions. If there’s a face of Harrisburg’s running community, Joslyn’s is it. Continue reading Born to Run

Like Family

Inspired by family, traditions and Sunday dinners, Chef AnnMarie Nelms has created a warm, welcoming atmosphere at Thea. Tranquil colors, hand-crafted tables and a finetuned menu infused with family heritage all work in gracious harmony—as if Nelms is inviting you directly into her home. Continue reading Like Family

Antica Napoli Pizza: Putting Pizazz in Gettysburg’s Pizza

Flour is the foundation of some of our favorite “comfort foods,” including pizza, subs, and pasta. So, how appropriate that Antica Napoli Pizza features more than a dozen unique pizzas, more than three dozen subs plus Stromboli, and a dozen varieties of pasta, all created by Owner Ignazio “Iggy” Farina, whose very name “Farina” is Italian for “flour.” Continue reading Antica Napoli Pizza: Putting Pizazz in Gettysburg’s Pizza