Heat Advisory In Full Effect

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports July 17 that more extreme weather, throughout the entire South Central and Central Pennsylvania area, is expected. Afternoon temperatures will reach the 100-degree mark and there is no relief in sight. July 18 and 19 could see afternoon temperatures of up 104-degrees and a strong cold front from the Great Lakes are expected to produce severe thunderstorms for Saturday, July 20. 

With heat index values at 100 and above the strong potential for heal related illnesses is present. Young children and the elderly are often thought of as the main concern when severe weather conditions are in effect. But anyone is susceptible to the life-threatening side effects of unforgiving weather conditions. The most common health concerns during hot weather are dehydration and heat stroke. By taking preventative measures, these life-threatening situations may possibly be avoided. The Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) advises the first preventative measure as the ability to identify the onset of both dehydration and heat stroke.

Signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, less-frequent urination, dry skin, fatigue, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, increased heart rate and breathing. In children, additional symptoms may include, dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for more than 3 hours, sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks, high fever listlessness, irritability, and skin that does not flatten when pinched and released.  Precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration include drinking plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun. Make sure that you are taking in more fluid than you are losing and try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment The most common symptoms of heat stroke are headache, dizziness, disorientation, agitation or confusion, sluggishness or fatigue, seizure, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, a high body temperature, loss of consciousness, rapid heart beat, and hallucinations. It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death.

There are some immediate first aid measures you can take while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Immediately get the person indoors. Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated. Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating. Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits. Precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke include drinking plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, (water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration), wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.

Most importantly when aiming to prevent heat related illnesses is to schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella. Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat. During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.

Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes. Residents should check up on elderly relatives and neighbors. Also, please remember to provide pets with adequate water and shelter from the sun.

*Medical Advice Disclaimer: The information included in this article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider.

Jennifer Pharr Davis slated to speak at the Appalachian Trail Museum

The Appalachian Trail Museum announced on July 1 that long-distance hiker, Jennifer Pharr Davis, will recount stories of hardship and joy from her 46-day record hike on the

Appalachian Trail, when she speaks at the Appalachian Trail Museum at 7 p.m. July 12.

Davis has hiked over 11,000 miles of long distance trails. She has trekked on six continents and currently holds endurance records on the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail and Bibbulmun Track. She is the first woman to be the overall record holder on the Appalachian Trail. Davis set this mark by hiking the 2,181-mile trail in 46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes at an average of 46.9 miles per day.

In 2008, Davis was named “Blue Ridge Outdoors Person of the Year.” In 2011, Jennifer appeared in the Sunday edition of the New York Times; and on national television and radio shows such as CNN Headline News, the CBS Early Show, and NPR’s Talk of the Nation. She was also named a “National Geographic Adventurer of the Year” 2012 and voted Ultrarunning Magazine’s top female performance of 2011.

Davis has also authored four books, including three North Carolina guidebooks and her hiking memoir, “Becoming Odyssa.”  Prior to the presentation, Davis will lead a hike of approximately 4 miles, round trip, from the Appalachian Trail Museum to the Appalachian Trail’s halfway sign. The hike will begin at 4 p.m. For more information about this presentation or the Appalachian Trail Museum, please visit the Museum’s website. 

Maryland man pleads guilty to illicit sexual conduct with a minor

Frederick Singletary, 42, of Parkville, Maryland, pled guilty on June 21 to federal charges of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography announced the FBI.

According to the evidence, on February 12, 2013, Singletary contacted an undercover officer with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, who had posted an ad on a social networking site. Over the next few days, Singletary engaged in online e-mail, instant message, text message, and telephone conversations with the undercover officer, whom he believed was the father of an underage girl. Singletary arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child.

Singletary also sent the undercover officer 10 images of child pornography. On February 14, 2013, Singletary traveled from Maryland to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C. When he arrived, he was arrested. Singletary is scheduled for sentencing by the Honorable Beryl A. Howell on September 20, 2013. Singletary faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct and a maximum of 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography, as well as a fine of $250,000 on each count.

Kings Gap ‘Bring Back the Monarchs’

Kings Gap Environmental Education Center Program Director, Gina Padilla announced on June 17 that the center will host “Bring Back the Monarchs” on June 30. This free program is open to the public.

The Center offers this program to educate on, and bring focus to, monarch butterfly conservation efforts. According to the Center, Monarch butterfly populations are down, primarily due to loss of proper food and habitat. “Bring Back the Monarchs” will teach participants how to bring back these beautiful creatures by creating Monarch-friendly habits in your own yard.

The program will run from 2 to 3 p.m. and participants will begin in the education building with an overview of the monarch lifecycle and habitat, then move outside into the garden for a tour of butterfly habitat and explanation of the national certification process for their own habitats. For more information about programs contact the Center at (717) 486-3799.

What: “Bring Back the Monarchs” ages ten and up

When: 2-3 p.m. June 30

Where: 500 Kings Gap Road, Carlisle, PA 17015

Cost: Free

Pennsylvania state parks to offer backpacking program

Regional Outdoor Recreation Coordinator, George Barner announced on June 13 that the Pennsylvania State Parks Southern Region will host “Introduction to Backpacking” and invites the public to participate in this summer long series.

The “Introduction to Backpacking” series will consist of an orientation meeting, four daylong hikes and an opportunity for an overnight adventure. Exploring trail throughout the Lower Susquehanna and Cumberland Valleys, the series is intended to teach participants about how to have a safe and enjoyable backpacking experience.

An orientation meeting will be held on June 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center. Participants can expect to learn about the series, with topics such as preparing your body for a backpacking trip, planning a trip, choosing gear, packing a backpack and Leave No Trace. Complete information packets will be available at this meeting. Although the orientation meeting is free but space is limited and registration is required.

The series will include day hikes at Gifford Pinchot State Park, Codorus State Park, Colonel Denning State Park, and Susquehannock State Park beginning June 30 to July 28. The overnight trip, location to be announced, will take place Aug. 24-25 and the cost of the series if $45. This series is for participants 16 years of age and older and   participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information or to register for the “Introduction to Backpacking” series, please visit VisitPAParks, email Gbarner@pa.gov or call (814) 733-2203. 

Public invited to participate in ‘Appalachian Bat Survey’

The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) announced June 6 that PGC biologists are seeking assistance from the public. Summer 2013 a regional monitoring effort to collect bat maternity colony data will occur. The monitoring is deemed highly important to measure bat mortalities caused by White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease that affects hibernating bats in Pennsylvania and other parts of the eastern United States.

More than a million cave bats have died from the fungus Geomyces destructans (Gd) that causes WNS over the past five years. The pervasive Gd strikes while bats are in communal hibernation, often clustered like sardines in a tin to conserve energy. Bats spend about sis months in hibernation and live off of a finite supply of energy. Gd irritates the deep-sleeping bats, forcing them out of their hibernation, which requires increased energy consumption from a reserve that barely sustains them through winter. Death often follows, regardless of whether the bat stays put or flies

Although WNS primarily kills bats in the winter, the complete impact of the disease cannot be measured using the winter estimates. The public is needed to help conduct a summer bat count to fully gauge the impact of WNS. While all are encouraged to participate, the PGC urges people who’ve previously participated in a bat count to do so again. For more information and an application to participate in this vital wildlife conservation effort, please visit “Appalachian Bat Count.”

Public invited to participate in ‘Appalachian Bat Survey’

The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) announced June 6 that PGC biologists are seeking assistance from the public. Summer 2013 a regional monitoring effort to collect bat maternity colony data will occur. The monitoring is deemed highly important to measure bat mortalities caused by White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease that affects hibernating bats in Pennsylvania and other parts of the eastern United States.

More than a million cave bats have died from the fungus Geomyces destructans (Gd) that causes WNS over the past five years. The pervasive Gd strikes while bats are in communal hibernation, often clustered like sardines in a tin to conserve energy. Bats spend about sis months in hibernation and live off of a finite supply of energy. Gd irritates the deep-sleeping bats, forcing them out of their hibernation, which requires increased energy consumption from a reserve that barely sustains them through winter. Death often follows, regardless of whether the bat stays put or flies

Although WNS primarily kills bats in the winter, the complete impact of the disease cannot be measured using the winter estimates. The public is needed to help conduct a summer bat count to fully gauge the impact of WNS. While all are encouraged to participate, the PGC urges people who’ve previously participated in a bat count to do so again. For more information and an application to participate in this vital wildlife conservation effort, please visit “Appalachian Bat Count.”

Occupy has arrived in Harrisburg

Previously, you may have heard from the Occupy Wall Street movement demonstrators that “Occupy” has no specific cause per se, but that is not quite true. Carrying signs stating “We Are The 99%,” is a cause. Participants across the Nation have come out to represent and support the 99% of Americans that are not being taking under consideration by the U.S. government.

On Sunday, October 9, 2011, Occupy Harrisburg held their second General Assembly meeting at Midtown Scholar in Harrisburg starting at 4:00 PM, with approximately 150 people in attendance.

By consensus vote, it was determined that Occupy Harrisburg would not be prepared by Saturday for encampment, however, a protest would be held. The consesenus reached was that Occupy Harrisburg will convene from 12:01AM until 11:59PM on Saturday, October 15, on the capitol steps.

Oh for the record, Occupy Harrisburg has a very clear, well-organized agenda, furthermore this is not a group of “college kids with nothing better to do,” as many news outlets have reported regarding Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Movement. This is a group of United States citizens, young and seasoned, that are exercising their right to gather and demonstrate, peacefully.

For more information about Occupy Harrisburg and to learn how to get involved, please visit www.facebook.com/occupyharrisburg or www.occupyharrisburg.org.

Heat advisory for Adams County

NOAA the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a heat advisory for Adams County. With heat index values at 105 and above, the heat advisory will remain if effect through 9pm, Saturday, July 24th.

Young children and the elderly are often thought of as the main concern when a heat advisory has been issued but anyone is susceptible to the life-threatening side effects of harsher weather conditions. The most common health concerns during the hot weather are dehydration and heat stroke. By taking preventative measures these life-threatening situations may possibly be avoided. The Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) advises the first preventative measure as the ability to identify the onset of both dehydration and heat stroke.

Signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, less-frequent urination, dry skin, fatigue, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, increased heart rate and breathing. In children, additional symptoms may include, dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for more than 3 hours, sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks, high fever listlessness, irritability, and skin that does not flatten when pinched and released. Precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration include drinking plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun. Make sure that you are taking in more fluid than you are losing and try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day. Before making plans for outdoor activities, check the heat index.

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment The most common symptoms of heat stroke are headache, dizziness, disorientation, agitation or confusion, sluggishness or fatigue, seizure, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, a high body temperature, loss of consciousness, rapid heart beat, and hallucinations. It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death. There are some immediate first aid measures you can take while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Immediately get the person indoors. Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated. Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating. Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits. Precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke include drinking plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, (water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration), wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors. Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella. Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat. During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.

*Medical Advice Disclaimer: The information included in this article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health-care provider.

Location for casino public hearing announced

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Gamming Control Board announced the location for the public hearing where testimony by citizens will be heard regarding the Mason Dixon Resorts and Casino.

The hearing is set for August 31st, 2010, and will begin at 10am. Location for the hearing is at the Comfort Suites hotel located at 945 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA 17325. In order to present testimony, citizens must register with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board no later then noon on Thursday, August 26th, 2010. To register, contact Mickey Kane at (717) 346-8300 or visit the PGCB website. 

With one remaining Category 3 gaming license to be granted, competition for the Mason Dixon Resorts and Casino is bound to be stiff. Three other entities are vying for the last Category 3 license as well. The other applicants are Holiday Inn Harrisburg West in Cumberland County, the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Fayette County and the Fernwood Hotel and Resort in the Poconos.

Written comments may also be submitted for the record prior to the hearing and up to 60 days after. The comments may be submitted from the PGCB website, by fax to (717) 346-8350, or by mail to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board at P.O. Box 69060, Harrisburg, PA 17106.

Gaming Control Board spokesman Richard McGarvey stated, “Depending upon the turnout, a second hearing may be necessary but the chairman is expected to make a decision before the end of this year.”

Free summer concert series at Adams County Winery

If you’re looking for something free to do on a Saturday afternoon, check out the Adams County Winery’s summer concert series. Adams County Winery is located at 251 Peach Tree Road Orrtanna, PA 17353 and yes, you read that correctly, all concerts are free!

The concerts will be held, rain or shine, every Saturday from now through August and go from 1pm to 5pm. You can bring your own picnic or enjoy one from the winery. It is suggested to come early for a picnic table but just as fun to grab a blanket or lawn chairs. All are welcome but you must be 21 years old to enjoy alcoholic beverages and outside alcohol is not permitted. 

If you’re not in the mood to pack a picnic, food is available for purchase and Uncle Moe’s Soul Food will be at several of the concerts. The winery will be open during the concert for tasting and purchasing. If you are unable to attend the concert series, Adams County Winery is open 10am to 6pm seven days a week.

This Saturday, July 24th, will feature the Alfred James Band. A few other bands headlining the rest of the concert series are, Skyla Burrell Blues Band, Klinger McFry, Billy Hedrick Band, and The Willys. For more information about the free concert series or the Adams County Winery please call (717) 334-4631 or visit the website.

LeVan as casino project's front man?

Recent reports are insinuating that there has been some sort of conspiracy on the part of Mason-Dixon Resorts GP, LLC. Accusations are surfacing that Gettysburg businessman David LeVan is simply a “face” on the Mason Dixon Resort and Casino project. The insinuations that Mr. LeVan is the “poster person” for the casino project stem from the fact the LeVan’s business partner Joseph Lashinger owns are larger interest in the corporation and that the “real” person calling the shots in the Mason Dixon Resort and Casino project is Mr. Lashinger.

This alleged scandal surfaces only 45 days prior to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s first hearing, to be held on August 31st, where public testimony will be heard regarding the granting of the last remaining Category 3 gaming license to David LeVan and Joseph Lashinger. The facts about who owns what portion of Mason-Dixon Resorts LP, the company that would own and operate the proposed casino, is no secret and any interested party could have easily obtained this public information.

As stated by associate professor Michael Hussey of Widener Law School, "The idea is that limited partners will make their investment into the entity and in exchange they'll have limited liability. They'll only be on the hook for the amount of their contribution. What Mason Dixon is doing is standard. They've made the general partner, Mason-Dixon Resorts GP, LLC, responsible for the day-to-day management of the limited partnership. They're the entity that has the ability to sign contracts on behalf of the limited partnership."

The issue has been and still remains to be whether or not the Mason Dixon Resort and Casino will affect the hollowed ground of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Perhaps the real question is why anyone would make allegations of a conspiracy when the alleged hidden information has always been accessible to anyone wanting to obtain it?

Onorato smack-down for Corbett

Democrat gubernatorial candidate, Dan Onorato “served one up” to Pennsylvania attorney general and Republican gubernatorial candidate, Tom Corbett.

Friday, Corbett stated to a WITF radio station reporter, "The jobs are there." Corbett claimed many people are intentionally staying unemployed to collect the benefits attributing his information to a candy company owner and a plumbing company owner, having told him they can't fill jobs because people would rather stay home on benefits. "People don't want to come back to work while they still have unemployment benefits,” he said. "They're literally telling employers 'I'll come back to work when the employment runs out.' That's becoming a problem, if we keep extending unemployment the people are going to sit there."

Onorato verbally thrashed Attorney General Corbett for "blaming the victims" and sounding unsympathetic to people who have lost their jobs and claiming they are just "sitting there," living on federal unemployment compensation benefits, rather than looking for work. Mr. Onorato said, "I don't know what world Tom Corbett is living in. Our economy is struggling." "Families in Pennsylvania are hurting and Harrisburg insiders like Tom Corbett aren't doing anything to help them. Does Tom Corbett believe that Pennsylvania workers are lazy because an anonymous plumber or a candy company owner told him so?"

Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley said, “If Dan Onorato wants to hold a news conference every time Tom Corbett makes a statement, that's up to him, if he wants to attack Tom, we'll let the voters decide on that."

This writer respectfully says, “Welcome to open-season election.” The voters will indeed decide. If you have not yet registered to vote you can easily do so by clicking here.

Restaurant Review: La Cucina

The Hanover area is blessed to be home to several top quality restaurants. One of my favorites is La Cucina; a family owned and operated Italian Restaurant owned by Armando and Christina Malvone. Armando is a second generation Italian American who is carrying on the family tradition of restaurant ownership. His family has been part of the Hanover community for over 39 years. But saying that La Cucina is merely an Italian Restaurant is like calling Pavarotti just a singer. Step into La Cucina and you are transported to Italy. The ambiance of La Cucina is reminiscent of the sidewalk bistros that Italy is famous for and the restaurant also includes seasonal outdoor seating. Whether you chose lunch or dinner, La Cucina is designed to create an elegant yet relaxing dining experience. Your dining experience begins as you walk into the restaurant where you will be warmly greeted by Armando’s wife, Christina, or one of their friendly staff. Armando neglects nothing. While tending to staff and meals, Armando makes a point to stop and greet patrons. The staff at La Cucina is attentive without being overbearing, we didn’t have to wait for drinks nor did we have staff hanging about.

Once you are seated, the feast begins as the wait-staff brings you a basket of a variety of freshly baked focaccio breads. I chose the Antipasta Rustica as an appetizer ($9.95). This plate is definitely meant to be shared with others and consists of an assortment of delicious fresh Italian meats and cheeses, served with grilled eggplant, artichokes, roasted peppers, tomatoes, olives, and bruschetta. One of my companions chose the Shrimp Bisque, a soup that will transport you to heaven. My entrée was the crab and asparagus salad, a delectable combination of lump crabmeat, fresh asparagus, and orange segments over a crisp bed of mixed greens flavored with just the right amount of homemade raspberry vinaigrette dressing ($16.95.) My two dining companions choose the Seafood Baked Ziti ($19.95) and Margherita gourmet pizza (12” pie $7.95) and both pronounced them superb. If you have any room left after, do not miss the homemade desserts. We all chose the cannoli and yes, it was exactly like my mom-mom Mazzulo used to make. I have eaten at La Cucina at various times during the week for both lunch and dinner and have never been disappointed in either the food or the service. Both are outstanding.

Reservations are accepted Sunday through Thursday and call-ahead seating on Friday and Saturday nights.

Location:

496 Eisenhower Drive, Hanover, PA 17331

Parking: Private Lot

Price Range: $7 to $16 for lunch; $9 to $25 for dinner.

Alcohol: BYOB

Accepts: Cash and major credit cards

Takeout: Yes

Children’s Menu: (Includes any beverage and applesauce.) Tortellini, Spaghetti, Ravioli, Chicken fingers with French fries, Chicken parm with capellini or Personal cheese pizza.

Details: (717) 633-5700 or visit the website La Cucina

Pennsylvania filmmaker can choose Hell

In 2007, independent filmmaker George Kalman filed paperwork with the Pennsylvania Department of State Corporation Bureau to register the name "I Choose Hell Productions L.L.C." Kalman’s application was denied due to a 1977 state law that forbids blasphemy and profanity in company names. Mr. Kalman’s initial reaction was disbelief that quickly turned into anger and then action. Kalman, a Downingtown, Pennsylvania resident stated, “They’re actually imposing their religious beliefs on me, they’re saying that you either believe what we believe or we won’t let you live your life.” Kalman filed under the corporate name I.C.H Productions and then filed suit against Pennsylvania.

Fast forward to Wednesday, June 30th, 2010. U.S. District Judge Michael M. Baylson issued a 68-page summary judgment, in favor of Kalman. Baylson said the 1977 law barring the use of "words that constitute blasphemy, profane cursing or swearing or that profane the Lord's name" violates the First Amendment guarantee of free speech and protections against laws that promote any religion. The 1977 blasphemy law was passed after an outcry from some churches over the incorporation of a McKeesport businessman's gun store as "The God Damn Gun Shop," according to Baylson's ruling. The problem, Baylson wrote, was that the only religion that seemed to matter was Christianity, and workers at the Department of State’s Corporation Bureau arbitrarily applied the rules with no training in religion. Then there was the matter of an ever-changing list of forbidden words.

Officials in the Pennsylvania State Department, which oversees the bureau, were conferring with lawyers Thursday about the prospect of an appeal, said department spokesman Charlie Young. Between October 2005 and October 2009, the department rejected 11 corporation filings, including Kalman's, on grounds that they violated the law, Young said.

“No offense was intended to anyone. It's an anti-suicide message,” Kalman explained, “as in hell on Earth is better than the alternative.”

Independence Day celebrations!

All throughout Adams and York counties, you will find a myriad of celebrations commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and our declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

In Hanover, the borough's Liberty Day festivities will be held Sunday at Moul Field and will feature a 10K race beginning at 8:15 a.m., softball and baseball home run derbies, water games, and a fire equipment display. The Colgan Hirsh Band will perform at 7:15 p.m. with a fireworks display that starts at dusk. York's traditional Fourth of July holiday concert by the York Symphony Orchestra followed by a fireworks display is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The event is being presented by the Cultural Alliance of York County, admission is free but participants are asked to donate non-perishable food items that will benefit the York County Food Bank and for a weekend long celebration, visit the 4th of July Gettysburg Civil War Battle re-enactments. The re-enactments run from July 2-5 and feature living history programs throughout each day. Features of the event are live Civil War music, period fashion shows, and real Civil War weddings.

As we enjoy festivities with neighbors, friends, and family let us not forget those that have fought to give us the freedoms that we enjoy and those that continue to fight to uphold those true freedoms that our forefathers and foremothers laid out so wisely for us.

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.