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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The great Pennsylvania wine toast

In recent years, the Pennsylvania wine industry has begun to enjoy a huge growth in popularity. Riding on the cusp of our state’s emerging popularity for our wines, the Pennsylvania wine industry is going for another goal. On August 14th, 2010, the state’s wineries will attempt to break the Guinness World Records for the world’s largest wine tasting in an event called, “The Great Pennsylvania Wine Toast.” Set on May 21st, 2008, the current record for the world’s largest wine tasting at multiple venues is held by the United Kingdom.

The Pennsylvania Winery Association has enlisted the help of a famous Pennsylvanian who knows a thing or two about both speed and wine. Racing legend, Mario Andretti a native and resident of Nazareth, PA, as well as, the owner of a winery, will serve as toastmaster for this event. Simultaneously via video, the toast will be delivered to all participating wineries. The PWA is currently holding a contest now through June 20th to seek the ultimate toast. On June 21st, the Pennsylvania Winery Association will choose the five best toasts and a public poll will be used to determine the “Ultimate Pennsylvania Wine Toast.” Each finalist will receive a passport to a wine trail of his or her choice or a free ticket to a winery event if that wine trail doesn’t have a passport program in place. Each finalist will also receive a PWA t-shirt, corkscrew and wine bag. The Grand Prize will be a 2-night stay in a wine region of choice, dinner with a winemaker and private tour of a winery.

Proceeds from the event will support The Fund to Benefit Children & Youth whose mission is to provide abused, neglected and at-risk children with the items and services they cannot receive from traditional sources.

Adams County garden tours

For three Sundays in June, tours of the various gardens in Adams County will take place. The purpose of these tours is to share gardening ideas and answer questions, as each tour will have a Master Gardener present. The gardens to be visited will range in size from a lovely retirement community garden to a 1-½ acre woodland garden.

On Sunday, June 13th the Carroll Valley gardens tour boasts seven private gardens. Highlights of the following Sunday, June 20th at the Agricultural Center will include, a rain garden, native plant garden, and raised bed gardens, which are tended by Master Gardeners. The last Sunday garden tour on June 27th focuses on the Hanover Area, with a tour of the Warehime-Myers Mansion and Arboretum. Each tour is from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Tickets are $5 per Sunday or $10 for all three Sundays. Proceeds from the tours will go to Master Gardener programs, including the Master Gardener Scholarship that is awarded yearly to an Adams County high school student.

For more information, please contact the Ag Center at (717) 334-6271 or Denise Dornbush at (717) 646-9978.

Update! Hoffman homes for youth ~ lucky 13!

Over the past 13 years, Hoffman Homes for Youth has held a golf outing to raise funds for its organization. This particular fundraiser is HHY’s largest. Hoffman Homes for Youth is a non-profit organization and reliant upon donations to continue running this exceptional organization. So what can one do if they do not golf but want to participate in this event? You have to option to become a sponsor. Sponsorship offers you the opportunity to give, advertise your corporation, and is a tax-deductible donation.

In previous years, the funds raised from the golf outing have enable Hoffman Homes for Youth to purchase playground equipment, new flooring for its gymnasium, renovate and furnish the recreation center, continue their therapeutic horsemanship program, construct two facilities for their horticulture and pet therapy programs, and this year’s funds will go to much needed new flooring for the children’s residences.

For more information regarding how to become a sponsor, please contact Mitch Snider at (717) 359-7148 extension 1400.

Community night fundraiser

Need a Sunday night activity? Come out and enjoy the delicious delicacies of Isaac’s Restaurant, while supporting your community. On Sunday, May 23rd, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Isaac’s Restaurant and Deli will be holding a “Community Night” to benefit Hoffman Homes for Youth. Twenty-five percent of the cost of each meal will go directly to Hoffman Homes for Youth.

Hoffman Homes for Youth is a residential facility that provides care and therapy for children ages 6-18. This benefit will be held only at the following location, Isaac's Restaurant and Deli, Grandview Shopping Center, 1412 Baltimore Street, Hanover, Pennsylvania, 17331. For more information, please cal (717) 646-0289.

10 ideas for a Hanover staycation

If you’re wondering what a staycation is, it’s simply a vacation that you do at home. The objective of a vacation may be to get away from home to relax but after you read this list; you may rethink the idea of leaving the Adams County area. 

1. Codorus State Park boasts over 3,400 acres. Lake Marburg, located within the park, has 26 miles of shoreline. The lake is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and is a popular spot for sail boating and fishing. A few more fun activities are picnicking, swimming in the pool, camping.
2. Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center features miniature golf, indoor batting cages and pitching lanes, water wars, indoor bumper cars and picnic area.
3. Eichelberger Performing Arts Center is live theater, also offering classes at The Academy at Eichelberger.
4. The Hanover Fire Museum, established in 1980, houses various pieces of fire memorabilia and is staffed by career duty firefighters.
5. Utz and Snyder’s Factory Tours. A learning experience for all snack lovers.
6. Adams County Winery featuring The UnCork York Wine Trail. The trail is a tour of 14 family-owned wineries in the York, Lancaster, Gettysburg, and Harrisburg areas.
7. Underground Railroad Tours of Adams County. Discover the people who sought freedom and those who helped them get it in Adams County, just north of the Mason Dixon Line.
8. Sleepy Hollow of Gettysburg Candlelight Ghost Tours. “Our storytellers have over 50 years of combined storytelling experience. You will walk with us into the realm of the unknown, escorted by a period dressed guide, back in time down the very streets soldiers walked over a century ago.”
9. Handmade Along The Highway. The Artisan Trail along historic Lincoln Highway and National Road features participating artisans showing their work in ceramics, woodworking, glassblowing, quilting, basket-weaving, blacksmith/ironwork, and textiles.
10. Take A Hike at Gifford Pinchot State Park. The park maintains more than 18 miles of marked hiking trails and bicycling is permitted on specific trails.

Girl's night out

On Friday, May 21st from 6-9 pm, ditch the guys, grab your girlfirends, and head over to the Gettysburg Hotel grand ballroom for Girls Nite Out. The evening promises to be a blast and will benefit A Woman's Purse.

A Woman's purse is a program for young women, ages 16 to 21, transitioning from foster care into self-sufficent living. This woman's initiative project is a partnership program between the United Way of Adams County and Adams County Children and Youth's Independent Living Program. The objective of the program is to help young women work towards their goal of indepedence and reach their full potential.

Evening highlights include a few of the following mini seminars:

• Pairing wines with appetizers and desserts with Gettysburg Hotel Chef, Shelly Funt
• ZUMBA Sample class with Steph Maitland of Gettysburg Health and Fitness
• Gettysburg Day Spa and BLOW New York LIVE Hair Styling Demonstrations
• Wealth Management with Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor, Rebecca Tran

Plus, A Girls Nite Out canvas tote to the first 100 guests, registration door prizes, girlfriend photo booth, purse raffle, makeovers, and local artist, Bobbi Becker, will be painting an original watercolor at the event; 1 lucky winner will win the original painting.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. $1 per ticket will be donated to A Woman’s Purse. Tickets may be purchased on line and are also available at the Gettysburg Hotel and Gettysburg Day Spa.

Hoffman homes for youth ~ lucky 13!

In 1910, George and Agnes Hoffman donated 193 acres of farmland to the United Church of Christ. Although a childless couple, they were deeply moved by the plight of homeless children and earmarked the land to be utilized as an orphanage. Children were provided with a safe and loving environment, the ability to remain with their siblings and taught about agriculture.

By 1935, with the passing of the Social Security Act, the need for orphanages declined. The Board of Directors decided that it was time to serve a new population of children and began admitting court-adjudicated children. Many of the children were deemed “throw-aways”. Through the spirit of love and support, this organize can proudly say 82% of the children discharged in 2009 met their treatment goals.

On Monday, June 14th 2010, Hoffman Homes for Youth will host its 13th Annual Golf Outing at the Hanover Country Club. The HHY Golf Tournament is their largest fund-raiser of the year and it is suggested that you register early, as it is always a sellout. The day begins with a shotgun start at 10:00 am, includes lunch, lots of give aways, and will conclude with an awards dinner. Come out for an amazing day of golf while joining the community in giving to a stellar organization. For more information, please contact Mitch Snider at (717) 359-7148 extension 1400.