A place for domestic violence victims

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911, (717) 632-0007, or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233. Remember that you are not alone, you do not deserve to be abused, and you can get help.

Since 1981, the Safe Home Program of the YWCA of Hanover has been serving domestic violence victims of York and Adams Counties. The first thing that a victim can do is to call the confidential 24-hour hotline at (717) 632-0007. (Servicios en español)

Many people do not realize that they are being victimized. A few quick facts offered from the YWCA website are: Domestic violence victims may suffer from one or more of the following types of abuse, physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and social. Domestic violence may include threats, harassment, intimidation, unlawful restraint or stalking. Domestic violence may involve family members or couples (whether married, separated, divorced, or single). Domestic violence includes dating violence, even if the victim is no longer dating the perpetrator. Domestic violence victims are of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, classes, religions, and so on.

Safe Home gratefully accepts donations and donations are tax-deductible. Items needed include, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, deadbolt locks, door viewers, fuel/utility certificates, grocery/store/gas cards gift certificates, phone cards, non-perishable food, and of course financial contributions. To make a contribution, please call (717) 637-2125.

Snyder's of Hanover gets eco-friendly

On April 22nd of this year, Snyder’s of Hanover introduced new packaging for their Organic Pretzel Sticks, planning the launch just in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. This announcement alone is hardly Earth shattering but the packing is assuredly something to brag about. The packaging is made from renewable raw material and is produced utilizing as little as half of the energy used to produce traditional petroleum-based packaging. This new packaging is created from 90% plant-based material. A product labeled renewable or bio-based means that it was produced using renewable resources like paper, corn or sugarcane.

Claude O’Connor, Vice President of Marketing at Snyder’s explained, “Snyder’s of Hanover has always been committed to creating products that are ‘better for you’ and now Snyder’s takes that one step further by introducing a renewable packaging solution that is ‘better for the Earth’ as well.”

The local snack maker’s efforts toward sustainability do not stop with renewable bags. Visiting the website, you will find an abundance of information about what this company is doing to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Part of Snyder’s efforts to reduce waste include, using low wattage high efficiency light bulbs, motion sensors in low traffic areas, meters on ovens to control gas usage, reducing the size and thickness of their cartons, and a streamlined delivery system to use less fuel. 

Brujo de la Mancha brings Mexico to HACC Gettysburg

"If you don't know where you came from, how can you know where you're going?" asks artist and teacher Brujo de la Mancha. Through art and dance, de la Mancha tries to spread the pride of his past to others.

De la Mancha grew up in Mexico City. During his childhood, he visited his father's home near Xico in Veracruz, Mexico. It was there that he was exposed to the cultural influences of the Mayan and Olmec indigenous tribes. He explains that traditional farming, and popular crafts represent and express the life of the indigenous Mexican people. When he was 20 years old, he moved from Mexico City to Philadelphia. He won a grant from The Institute for Cultural Partnership to learn how to make Tlapizcalli clay flutes, with the Master Xavier Quijas Yxayotl. From this class he went on to make a clay instrument called Ehekachiktli, the dead whistle, used by the Aztecs during war to frighten their opponents. In 2003 he co-founded the Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac, an Aztec Dance Troupe and non- profit organization in Philadelphia. Their mission is "to investigate, understand and raise awareness of the Mexicayotl culture, which flourished in Mexico prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1492."

The Mexican artist's full-time job is traveling to towns all over Pennsylvania to educate both Hispanics and non- Hispanics alike about ancient Aztec traditions. De la Mancha's speech on Mexican identity in the 21st century is part of a series of talks held at HACC's Gettysburg campus in conjunction with, Making It Better: Folk Arts in Pennsylvania Today.

The exhibit, which is in Room 109 in the campus, holds folk art from different cultures around the world that was made by immigrants right here in Pennsylvania. De la Mancha's clay pipes sit next to a sand mandala and Ghanaian clothing. The exhibit runs now through July 30th at the HACC Gettysburg Campus, Room 109, 731 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Exhibit hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 8 pm, Friday 8am to 12pm and closed Saturday and Sunday. For more information: call (717) 334-5006 or Adams County Arts Council.

Bailouts, buildings, and bull

Thursday, the United States Supreme Court reduced prosecutors' use of an anti-fraud law that has been fundamental in the of conviction of persons involved in many of our nation’s major corruption cases. The justices voted 6-3 to keep the law in force, although unanimously deciding to weaken it. This decision may very well lead to the overturning of convictions for two of our nation’s most notorious, Jeffrey Skilling of Enron and former newspaper owner Conrad Black. Aside from the obvious ramifications of the Highest Courts’ decision to our nation, there is another less obvious but no less important effect.

Pictured above: Architectural sketch by Richard Neutra ~ NPS

Cyclorama buildings are a rapidly disappearing resource in the United States. At the turn of the last century, this form of entertainment engaged its audience with a round painting, delighting the visual senses. Today, only four such historic buildings exist. Two have been renovated for new uses and two continue to display cyclorama paintings. Only one is in danger of demolition, Neutra's Cyclorama Building in Gettysburg. The Cyclorama Building was designed in 1961 by architect Richard Neutra as a place to view the 1883 Paul Philippoteaux cyclorama painting of the Battle of Gettysburg. Dion Neutra, son of Richard has been fighting to preserve his father’s work, which he helped design and construct. For years, park officials have tried to demolish the building, which they say leaked and was inadequate to preserve a historic circular painting of the Battle of Gettysburg that is now the centerpiece of the visitor’s center. As a result, the building has stood empty while the Park Service fought the legal battle to demolish the site. In March, a federal judge ruled against the plan to demolish the Cyclorama, stating the park had not adequately considered alternatives to demolition and failed to sufficiently compile an environmental impact report, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Dion Neutra had begun to circulate a petition long before the federal judge ruling in March. "We have 5,000 signatures from all over the world and it seems to me like it would be a win-win situation for everybody. After all, this is a taxpayer-paid-for facility." said Neutra. This building is a National treasure, which once housed a spectacular painting. The Neutra Cyclorama Building in Gettysburg is part of the heritage of Adams County and every United States citizen. It just seems that we as tax payers should have slightly more say in the processes of where our money is spent. Please click here if you would like to sign the petition.

Aryan Nation rally uneventful

In spite of the usual looming threats that are the standard for such events and the necessary presence of five separate law enforcement agencies, by all accounts the well-planned event was thankfully uneventful. Although park officials said they do not support the views of the group, they're still obligated to accommodate those exercising their First Amendment rights. As protesters gathered, Aryan Nation Alabama State Leader Bradley Jenkins invited the opposition forward. "Okay everybody, I would like to invite them to come and speak with us," he said. This gesture from Jenkins was followed by "Hey hippies come here," "Power to the white man you pieces of s***."

Protestors from the communist group Progressive Labor Party responded with "Aryan Nations you can't hide, we charge you with genocide," "Yo Nazis, Yo Nazis what's up what's up. Come to our town, we'll f*** you up." Noel Phillips, who identified herself as one of a group of communist protesters, said she came from New York to attend the day's rally. Many of the protesters said they learned about the rally on the Internet. "We're here to take the Battle of Gettysburg one step further against these fascist scum," she said.

The true highlight of yesterday was the gathering along Route 30 in Gettysburg at the Adams Unity Coalition's Unity Vigil. With large signs reading "Hate has no home here," Janet Powers, one of the event's organizers said, "We are letting the world know this community is united against white supremacists and doing so in the action of peace.” The Aryan Nation had said previously they might stop by the vigil, but Powers said their group was advised they wouldn't show up. Unity Coalition supporters also helped to create a peace chain, composed of small slips of paper with messages of peace and love that were combined into one large chain. A coalition tent set up at the Gettysburg Festival was also collecting pieces of the chain, which will be joined and put on display as the group meets today to re-consecrate the lawn where the Aryan Nations' rally occurred Saturday.

GACOC supports casino proposal

Yesterday, the Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce board of directors voted a two-thirds majority in support of the Mason Dixon Resort and Casino proposal, according to Chamber President Carrie Stuart. The chamber board consists of 19 representatives from area businesses. Stuart would not comment as to how members of the board voted or if all board members were present for the vote.

What is known about the board’s decision to support the proposal is that a survey presented to the 539 chamber members of which only 194 responded, 51 percent said that the chamber should support David LeVan’s casino proposal. LeVan intends to convert the Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center, located approximately 10 minutes away from historic downtown Gettysburg, into a gaming resort with 600 slot machines and 50 table games.

LeVan made a statement via email, "We couldn't be more pleased and thankful for the chamber's overwhelming endorsement." "It's further recognition of our position that Mason Dixon will have a dramatically-positive effect on Adams County in the form of jobs and economic development." Stuart also wouldn't comment as to what the chamber's endorsement signifies.

Susan Star Paddock, the head of No Casino Gettysburg said, "The last time the chamber took a position on the casino it split the chamber." The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will take into account public testimony prior to making a decision to grant LeVan the state’s last remaining Category 3 gambling license. If in fact only 194 out of 539 chamber members bothered to respond would it be fair to conclude that 345 members didn’t care to voice an opinion?

Gettysburg Ministerium opposes casino

Gettysburg businessman David LeVan’s most recent proposal toward the Mason Dixon Resort and Casino project, is converting the Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center, located just south of the Gettysburg battlefield, into a gaming resort with 600 slot machines and 50 table games. LeVan is now one of two principals in the Mason Dixon proposal.

 A statement opposing the Mason Dixon Resort and Casino was released Monday by the Gettysburg Ministerium and signed by 66 local clergy. The Gettysburg Ministerium is a fellowship of clergy who meet monthly to discuss social ministry issues and mission and outreach projects. The Ministerium includes pastors and clergy from 15 different Christian denominations and churches in Gettysburg, York Springs, Bendersville, Fairfield, McSherrystown, East Berlin, Biglerville, Littlestown, McKnightstown and Hampton.

Declared in the statement from the Gettysburg Ministerium, "We oppose legalized gambling for ethical reasons, for reasons of economic justice and for the symbolic role that Gettysburg plays in our national life." The statement further reads, "We recognize and honor the significant role that Gettysburg has in our nation's history. We are concerned that a casino cheapens the memory and meaning of Gettysburg for those of us who live here as well as for the nation and the world."

Mason Dixon spokesman David La Torre responded to the statement by saying, "This is certainly not surprising and similar statements have been issued in other gaming jurisdictions throughout Pennsylvania. The fact remains gaming is a legal industry that has created 1,200 jobs and provided billions of dollars to businesses of other goods and services they need. These same economic opportunities will be available to Adams County when Mason Dixon is licensed."

A report commissioned by Mason Dixon officials and released in March estimates the casino proposed for Adams County would invest $66 million into the local economy each year, generate as much as $37 million in annual state tax revenues and create 375 full-time jobs. But opponents, including the Gettysburg Ministerium, have argued about the accuracy of the figures.

The new face of PTSD ~ Part 2

With semi-tousled hair, t-shirt and jeans, by the look of John one would then assume, he is like any typical 18 year old. He plays the guitar, just graduated senior high school, and hopes to attend college. But John’s story is one that is becoming an all too familiar tale for the young people within our community and across the United States.

John’s life story of struggle began 15 years ago. At 3 years old, John suffered unthinkable traumas. In his own words, “I had spent the majority of my life unable to process what had happened to me and had buried the memories.” Around the age of 12, John began to self-mutilate by cutting and burning himself. These acts of self-injury went undetected by John’s family until he was 16 and it was only due to a friend coming forward that the family was made aware. One might ask, “How could the family not know?” The answer is very simple, people who self-injure are good at hiding it.

Once John’s family discovered his self-harming behaviors, he was placed in an acute care facility and finally diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Unfortunately, even after the diagnosis and brief acute treatment, John’s struggles where far from over. He was placed in a school that is referred to as a partial hospitalization program. John states, “The school did more harm than good and that he was repeatedly told his issues were his fault.” During a PTSD flashback, which sent John to the emergency room, an employee for a crisis intervention center spoke briefly with John. The employee made sure to give John their business card and stated “Please, make sure to tell your friends at the facility and have them call me.” John’s family states that this was a shameless solicitation for business. Continuing to suffer from flashbacks and the daily misery of school, John attempted to commit suicide.

Thankfully unsuccessful in his attempt to exit life, he was placed in a long-term psychiatric residential program. John is finally receiving the treatment that he needs. Throughout the interview, John and his family stated that getting information and finding appropriate care was near impossible. They acknowledge that John is extremely fortunate to have found a residential treatment program. What about the next child? What are we as a community going to do on behalf of our children? The next young person may be successful with their attempt of suicide.

*names and certain identifying details have been changed

Stress Management

At some point, a 70-hour workweek became the minimum standard, not only to get ahead but also often just to keep up. Many previously employed persons never left work, even after they had left the office. The pressure for those attempting to establish a career can be overwhelming. Of course with today’s current economic situation and job market, establishing a career may be a dream versus simply gaining viable employment.

The roles of parenting have changed. It is no longer mom at home while dad goes to work. Often it is both mom and dad working. A rather difficult balancing act and an enormous amount of stress is placed upon both parents. Anyone currently seeking employment will tell you that alone is a full-time job and the stress can be doubled in this situation.

It is essential for us to take care of ourselves and reducing the stressors in our lives is an achievable goal. In order to reduce our daily stress, surprise, even this takes work and planning. But the end results are well worth it.

A few avenues to take toward reducing stress in your life are:

• Start with getting enough rest. Our bodies and minds don’t function at full speed without it.
• Organize your day, as you would if you were employed. You still have doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping and general household management to contend with.
• Exercise! The benefits of remaining physically active are massive. You do not need to spend money to join a gym, walking is still free. For those that enjoy conventional exercise, the YMCA of Gettysburg and Adams County offers a scholarship program with the price of membership based upon your income level.
• Give your body proper fuel and learn healthy eating habits. Although ordering take-out can seem like a convenient solution it is often unhealthy for your body and wallet. Home cooked meals are indeed healthier and far less expensive. Trifecta – Savings, Health and possibly a new hobby.
• Take time for yourself. Read a book or take a free class. The Adams County Library system has several locations and is free to join. The library also offs free classes.

The new face of PTSD ~ Part 1

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)  is an anxiety disorder that some people acquire after seeing or living through a traumatic event. An emotionally healthy person, in a dangerous situation, will have a natural responsive fear trigger that prepares them to either take action or flee from the situation; this is referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response.  People who are afflicted with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder have an altered “fight-or-flight” response. They may feel highly anxious or frightened when they are not presently in any danger.

Although PTSD has likely existed ever since human beings have experienced trauma, the American Psychiatric Association did not officially recognize the disorder until 1980. However, PTSD was referred to using different names as early as the American Civil War, during which combat soldiers were considered to be suffering from "soldier's heart." Until recently, PTSD has been most closely associated with soldiers returning from combat but this disorder has become highly prevalent in a new and somewhat unexpected group: Adolescents and Teens.

PTSD statistics in adolescents and teens reveal that more than 40% of children have experienced a minimum of one traumatic incident. Within the United States as many as 60% of kids surviving through a traumatic situation have this disorder. The youth of today have experienced The Gulf War, the tragedies of September 11th, The Afghanistan War, and the Iraq War. In conjunction with the aforementioned horrors, kids are exposed to very adult situations without the emotional or mental development necessary to navigate through these situations.

Due to the fact that a child is not developed mentally, emotionally, or physically, treatment for adolescents and teens with PTSD is quite different then treatment for adults suffering from this disorder. Furthermore, the availability of information to quality treatment for these young people is limited. The future of our community belongs to the youngsters in it. We as a community must first acknowledge that the young members of our community may be suffering from PTSD and then take appropriate actions on their behalf to ensure that quality treatment is readily accessible. 

Shopping At Home To Save Money

Have you ever looked around your house and in your closets, and then had the thought, “How did I acquire all this stuff?” It is probably safe to say that quite a few people have. It is also most likely that quite a few people will do some type of Spring cleaning or switch out their clothing with the seasonal change.

Times, oh my, they have changed. People, who once had the luxury of shopping for the sake of shopping, are currently no longer in that position. Even worse many folks are starting over from scratch without so much as a toaster.

A great weekend project, that will benefit you in a multitude of ways, would be to go clean out your closets and cupboards. You may find items, long forgotten but of use to you. Further those items that you find may be desperately needed by those in our community.

The Hanover Area Council of Churches is in need of clothing donations. Donations of clean, serviceable clothing are accepted Monday thru Saturday from 8:00AM - 12:30PM and the community is welcome to buy clothes each Thursday, as well as, at a monthly rummage sale which occurs on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00AM – 12:00PM. The Salvation Army is in need of household items and will pickup, free of charge.

For more information about the Hanover Area Council of Churches clothing drive please call (717) 633-6353 and for The Salvation Army pickup schedule please call (800) 728-7825. 

1st Annual Cool Cars and Ice Cream Crank-Off

Are you an ice cream making aficionado? On Saturday June 26th, 2010 St. David’s Lutheran church located at 1032 Musselman Road in Hanover, will host the 1st Annual Cool Cars & Ice Cream Crank-Off from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.

All are invited to enter the ice cream making contest. The categories include: Fruit, _______ and Nut, Chocolate, Vanilla, “You Made What?!!,” Commercial, and Best Overall. More highlights for the day are the Hot Rod Car Show, face painting, a horseshoe contest, musical entertainment, baked goods and refreshments.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the West Manheim Township Recreational Park. Registration deadline for both the Car Show and Ice Cream Contest is June 18th. For more information about entering either contest or just to enjoy the day, please call (717) 632-1922.

Geolocation technology's latest use

Although geolocation technology has been around since 1999 its use has recently exploded into the social networking scene. Not familiar with this technology? Geolocation software is used to figure out the geographical location of a specific party. Finding the geographical location of a specific person is done by first identifying a subject’s IP (Internet Protocol) address, then determining whom the IP address has been assigned to, and finally locating the physical address of that person. Geolocation technology’s use in this manner can be extremely helpful to law enforcement agencies and protect consumers from fraud. But as always, there’s the flip side.

Geolocation isn’t used exclusively by law enforcement. Since geolocation software can get the information of user’s location, companies have long used geomarketing. Advertisements and content on a website are tailored to specific users. Have you ever noticed when you go to sites like Google or Yahoo, that the advertisements are targeted for our specific area?

Now this technology has crept its way into social media sites. So why is location such a big deal? Consider the fact that advertising is what makes social networking profitable. The rise of Twitter has made it possible to share your up-to-the-minute location with the world. Taking Twitter one step further, location-based networking websites such as Foursquare have turned the process of sharing where you're at and what you're doing into a social game. Mobile phone technology allows social media users to access the Internet 24 hours a day from practically any location. Because of this constant access, advertisers are in a unique position to connect with potential customers in a powerfully personalized way. However, while there is great excitement over location-based technology from a marketing perspective, we as consumers need to be extremely concerned about our privacy and furthermore our safety.

One of the biggest criticisms of location-based social networking websites like Foursquare is that when users "check-in" at a destination, they are also unintentionally notifying the world that they are not at home. While this may not seem like a big deal at first, when you consider the possibility that criminals could monitor your status updates, the danger of over-sharing online becomes much more real. Taking the criminal element one step further, geolocation technology may soon be easily available to anyone.

Staying positive during long-term unemployment

According to the BLS, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate for April 2010 stood at 10.0%. This again places Pennsylvania in the Federal Emergency Unemployment category. After months of unemployment it is natural to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. The important issue is not to remain in a position of negativity and although you may not have control over your employment situation, you do have power toward your emotional well-being. While job seeking is an obvious part of your daily routine, incorporating time for other interests is vital. How many times, while you were employed, did you say, “I wish that I had time for…?” View this period of unemployment as an opportunity.

Take time to volunteer. Agencies are in need of volunteers, it is rewarding for you and the recipient of service. Realizing that looking for a job can be a full-time job in itself, making an effort to volunteer somewhere with in our community is multipurpose. You’re helping our community but you’re also receiving the benefit of sharing your skills and keeping those skills sharp. In regard to benefiting your employment, employers do look at your volunteer work and the availability to network through volunteering is huge.

You now have the time to learn a new skill or brush up on your current ones. There are free online courses available such as GFC Learn Free, as well as, low or no cost courses available through HACC. Take the time to make face-to-face connections. You’ll probably find a section that lists all sorts of groups in our local newspaper. Quite a few of them are business oriented. Meetup.com lists every type of group that you can imagine and do not limit your networking solely to business-focused groups. If you have a hobby, join a group. You may just meet someone who can lead to your next job.