CURRENT ISSUE | MAY 2008

REACTIONS

I just flipped through the April edition of the magazine and wanted to pass along my compliments to the whole magazine staff. Certainly, getting the [presidential] candidates in there is a coup (and I know what a mad scramble it was), but the whole issue is strong. The Easy Being Green column, in particular, is terrific.
I had one thought for a future column — it might be worthwhile to examine hybrid cars further, in the context of carbon-footprint math. As was stated, how the average owner uses a car dictates its impact on the environment, but the number of passengers is perhaps just as important.
If a hybrid SUV owner, for example, routinely carries several passengers, then the carbon footprint per passenger is much smaller, and therefore it could be seen as more eco-friendly:
6 passengers x 18 miles/gallon = 108 collective miles/gallon vs. 2 passengers in a Prius x 50 miles/gallon = 100 collective miles/gallon. (Which is why buses, for all the exhaust they spew, may be better for the environment than, say, one large sedan with only one passenger.)
Craig Cohen
Harrisburg

Mr. Cohen, of course, is correct: Anything that gets vehicles off the road helps the environment more than even the best of hybrids. Car pooling, a no-brainer of a notion that continues to meet resistance from many commuters, can almost make an SUV palatable.
— Jon Ferguson
Easy Being Green columnist

Did I miss where the average person can purchase these plants [“10 Great Plants Every Central PA Garden Should Have” by George Weigel, March 2008]?
Jodie Orner
York

All of the “10 great plants” are readily available these days at most garden centers — down your way, at places such as Stauffers of Kissel Hill, Shiloh Nurseries and Farrell’s Nursery, to name a few. Best time to buy is April and May, when the supply is fresh and before your neighbors beat you to the best stuff.
Most garden centers also will special-order at no charge if, by chance, they aren’t carrying these super-plants or if they sold out. Home centers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot even carry a few of them, i.e. ‘Knock Out’ shrub roses, liriope and possibly ‘Diabolo’ ninebark.
— George Weigel

In this day of nutrient deficient, processed foods and food that is transported for thousands of miles, I recommend the following 10 plants:
1. blueberries
2. Cornelian cherry
3. Goldrush apple
4. paw paws
5. Asian pears
6. broccoli
7. beets
8. spinach
9. raspberries
10. kale
All are easy to grow, beautiful to the eye and nourishing to the body.
Cynthia Iberg
McAlisterville

The common theme there is good-looking edibles. All of these can be worked into the landscape. They don’t have to be reserved just for dedicated fruit-tree groves or vegetable gardens.
Edibles generally require more work and anti-pest vigilance than the low-care ornamentals in “10 Great Plants,” but the rewards also are higher. Fothergillas and hardy geraniums make a lousy meal!
Home-landscape edibles are finally making a comeback, by the way. For a long time, people have shunned fruits and veggies as “too much trouble.” With growing concerns over health, food safety and the environment, we’re seeing a marked shift toward growing your own, particularly organically.
— George Weigel

Pittsburgh is a fun city, but getting there from Harrisburg can be tedious. For a break in the four-hour drive, families could take a short drive from Fort Littleton exit of the PA Turnpike and then head north on PA 641 & US 522 to the Huntingdon County town of Rockhill Furnace. Economical and educational experiences await at The East Broad Top Railroad (www.ebtrr.com) and The Rockhill Trolley Museum (www.rockhilltrolley.org). One can picnic at either place, before or after train rides. Perhaps in a future issue, you could mention these historical treasures.
Sloan Auchincloss
Harrisburg

I have always enjoyed getting and reading my Central PA magazine. I even was happy when the crossword puzzle reappeared. I have noticed an increase in the quality of the ads (color and design), but it has replaced the quality, variety and interesting local stories the magazine was noted for. Now every storyline has an advertisement in it. How disappointing. Why not have just stories about people and places in Central PA and keep the advertising separate?

Mary Lou Bercheni
Dillsburg

The December edition of Central PA [is] the most delectable and delightful issue I have read to date. Perhaps it was the cover that led me to read it all — who can resist children in their holiday garb?

That cover was the “grabber,” as we called it at university in Boston, where I majored in public relations and communications so very long ago. Children are always grabbers, especially the two on this cover, but that only leads the reader to turn the next page, and all that follows had better be just as good as the cover previews say it will be. This time it certainly was!

After checking off what I want to watch [on WITF-TV] in December, it was back to the early pages of the magazine — puppies and all sorts of holiday goodies for your canine favorite. What I really wanted was the red “snuggle” pillow, for the cats actually. We move on — party clothes. I must admit I was horrified at the prices such styles and accessories cost these days. I also am much too large for these styles. But we women who have given up the thin life forever still want to imagine how we could appear in these party clothes, so we still look and read!

I wasn’t sure what [Notebook, “High Holiday”] would be about when I read reference to the Taliban and Afghanistan, but as I went on my smiles grew bigger and bigger. Mr. Dennis Denenberg [“People of the Year”] is one fine writer. I understand completely what he means when he says we have no heroes today and that what students are being taught ignores the humanities completely.

Would it not be grand if every issue could be so colorful?

Suzanne Foltz
Palmyra

OK. Where is The Phantom Diner, and what have you done with him/her? You must have the real Phantom tied up in a closet somewhere.

Lately, every review has been “consistently great” and “anxious to please,” just like every dish and every server he/she has encountered. The reviews read like ad copy: “wonderful salads, always fresh....” The real Phantom would never have made such a claim. He/she would have acknowledged only that the salads served when they visited were fresh that day. I half expect a glowing review of the local McDonald’s any day now. (1988’s Central PA’s favorite lunch place in Apprise magazine was a Hardee’s in Harrisburg if my memory serves me!) [Editors’ note: Our only lunch category that year was “business lunch.” The winner was Casa Rillo in Camp Hill. Hardee’s did not appear in the winners’ list — not that it didn’t get votes.]

There is no hint of the dry humor and biting wit of the real Phantom; no criticisms, no complaints, no real guidance whatsoever. What gives? The restaurant scene in Central PA has improved since 1988 (thank God), but it is still far from perfect, and very few wait staffs are properly trained. Most restaurants in the area still barely rise above mediocre. This Phantom seems to feel that every restaurant deserves five stars. The real Phantom did more to improve the restaurant scene in Central PA than all of the local chefs combined by holding the local restaurants to the highest standards.

My wife and I dine out regularly. We used to rely upon The Phantom’s reviews for guidance. We used to look forward to the reviews. They were well-written. They were often funny. The real Phantom had a reverence for well-prepared food and could describe the complex flavors in a way that made your mouth water. The real Phantom was able to tell a story about his/her dining experience that was fun to read. The real Phantom made suggestions of dishes to order and dishes to avoid. We did not always agree with him/her, but we were well-informed on the whole. We simply cannot trust the reviews of this Phantom any more. You should free The Phantom or find someone who will not be afraid to tell it like it is.

David Hommel
Lancaster

An article in a recent issue [Notebook: “Change of Plans,” October 2007] has you stating that the odds of dying in a plane crash was one-sixth that of an automobile. If your numbers are correct, the odds are one-sixtieth. In spite of this error, I enjoyed the article.

John Fourlas
Plainfield

Although I enjoyed [The] Phantom [Diner]’s article on Effie Ophelia [August 2007], one sentence made my nerves twitch:

“I say this despite the fact that Effie’s ... is located across the street from something called Señorita Burrita and offers no parking but street parking.”

Firstly, that something called Señorita Burrita is another of Lancaster’s quality dining venues. The food is fresh, tasty and affordable, served in a funky and relaxed setting. Try it, Phantom, you may like it.

Secondly, Phantom fails to mention that a mere block and a half south of Effie Ophelia exists the Prince Street parking garage, as well as Water Street parking garage just a block west for those who don’t like street parking.

Easy to find, plus a little walk before and after dinner is great.

I, too, love what Lancaster has to offer — let’s remind each other of how simple it is to actually get here and enjoy it.

Alicia Byler
Lancaster

Thank you for bringing back the monthly crossword puzzle. It was greatly missed when it was absent.

Larry Smith
York

I’m delighted that you have restored the puzzle!

Pat Reuse
Gettysburg

Looking at recent issues of Central PA, I can only conclude that a decision was made to try and copy the Condé Nast format, and you, unfortunately, are succeeding — to the extent your budget allows. In other words, you’re slicker, artier and a whole lot more superficial than before. Art rules. Text isn’t even a distant second.

And, you’re not even delivering what you’re trumpeting on the cover (in this regard, Central PA is more like the supermarket tabloid). The August issue pro­mo­ted/prom­ised “The best in the region: culture and arts ... season preview,” which turned out to be nothing but ads and event dates. I guess “best in the region” means they bought an ad.

September issue, same cover con. The reader is promised “inspiring home makeovers.” The reader gets a story about a clearly wealthy couple that sinks a very large amount of money in a 5,000-square-foot classic estate, and one small bathroom-remodeling project. What’s “inspiring” about either of these examples?

I’m sure your art director and publisher are happy with this ad-stuffed bon-bon of a magazine, but its editorial shallowness must be painful to every wordsmith on the staff. It’s a pain to me, that’s for certain.

P.S. Glad to see you putting together crosswords again.

Mark Branstetter
Lancaster

I just received the September issue of Central PA. I just loved the article written by Lori Myers [Voices: “A Recall to Arms]. It was about Paul R. Lehman, a World War II veteran from Halifax. I’m just so happy that I have the opportunity to tell him how proud I am of him on his receiving the Bronze Star.

I also was in Germany at the same time, but I was in concentration camps. I prayed daily while I was in the concentration camps: for the good people who fought against the Nazis. I prayed that they survive the war and return to their families. I want to thank all the veterans for their sacrifices and for preserving our American freedom.

Hilda Mantelmacher
Harrisburg

I just finished reading your August issue and enjoyed reading it from cover to cover, especially the article on “Owning an Experience.”

Annette Dacko
Mechanicsburg

Thank you for including the crossword puzzle in the July issue. I've missed it. It is a good cognitive exercise for [us] seniors.  Hope to see them more often.

Bette Hombach
York

Central PA magazine is a must-read each month. I especially enjoy Notebook by Steve Kennedy, and The Phantom Diner. Even though I don’t always dine at a restaurant that [he/she] reviews, when I do, [he/she] is right on the mark. This weekend in Philadelphia we went to the Happy Rooster twice. Not a place we would have ventured into without his/her suggestion. Keep up the good work.

Marlene Miller-Dyke
Red Lion

I just received the July issue of Central PA this afternoon and — wow! The cover photography is just amazing. It literally jumps off the page (into my mouth, I wish)!

Seriously — the photography throughout is just stunning, as is the printing quality. Kudos on what looks like a brand new magazine. I love the larger pages, additional white space, font and advertiser’s index. Those recipes are dynamite, too.

Lisa Z. Leighton
Marketing Director
Susquehanna Valley Visitors Bureau
Lewisburg

Since I received your [senior editor Steve Kennedy’s] gracious note telling me that the crossword would be restored, I have looked forward to it. The magazine arrived on Saturday, and I flipped to puzzle first. It was a pleasure to do, starting right off with the 1-Across pun of MAZE. It was also pleasant to see your name as the creator. Thank you for putting it back in the mix.

I would also like to congratulate you and all the staff and WITF for  publishing the magazine. I truly believe that, though many people take advantage of WITF, they don’t really understand what a regional resource Central PA is.

Greg Green
Mechanicsburg

What a wonderful article [Fabulous Find. May 2007]. Thank you! I must say that I believe it is some of the best writing that I have had the pleasure of reading relating to the Center.

Jerry Regan
Executive Director
Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
Millersburg

My growing-up years were punctuated by the annual showings of The Wizard of Oz on television. Receiving the [2007 Central PA Writing Contest] honorable mention certificate at the writers’ reception took me to the movie moment when Scarecrow received his diploma. At last I was authorized to think “writerly” thoughts.

Thank you greatly for the award and the enjoyable reception. Thanks also to [contest sponsor] York College for hosting the event. It was a pleasure to meet the WITF staff and the talented finalists.

Kay Hooper
Selinsgrove

I received the [May 2007] Central PA magazine copies yesterday at the end of the day and was happy to be able to hand a copy to the parent of the child who is pictured on the cover on my way out the door — you should have seen that parent’s face — he was surprised and almost had tears in his eyes!

Thanks for writing this article [“The Importance of Experience”] highlighting early learning. I think you did a wonderful job providing readers with information related to the importance of a child’s early experiences.

Bev Goodling, M.Ed.
Early Learning Center Director
Messiah College
Grantham

I was very surprised to see an article promoting a variety of junk treatments in what is usually a very responsible magazine [“Body, Mind and Spirit” by Beth Fantaskey Kaszuba, May 2007]. While these “treatments” are sometimes helpful in areas such as stress reduction, mental/physical relaxation, etc., they have little or no proven scientific track record. The article was unbalanced — quoting practitioners with a vested interest in the holistic therapies mentioned. It did a great disservice to readers who might seek these “alternatives” instead of medically proven treatments for what can be serious health issues.

Sara Sendelbach
Harrisburg

I can’t imagine anyone writing or voicing a complaint on health treatments based on scientific research only [Reactions, re: “Body, Mind and Spirit,” May 2007]. Do they not read the news on that side of the fence concerning scientifically produced treatments that have caused serious illness up to and including death? I subscribe to both [holistic and traditional] forms of treatment in their proper forms of use. It is a good thing to know more for yourself than to take the word of a writer for either side.

Melvin Pennington
Palmyra

A few months ago I read your [Sue Poremba’s] essay, “The Red Hymnbook” [April 2007]. I felt like part of my life was written within this essay. You mentioned in the first paragraph that you keep a red hymnal on your piano; so do I. It is my grandparents that I think of when I sing hymns from this book, especially my grandfather.

The hymn you mentioned about the garden is one I cannot hear without crying. It was sung at my niece’s funeral six years ago. She was six years old when she was struck by lightning in her family’s garden.

I look forward to reading more of your essays in Central PA. Thank you for an outstanding, touching piece.

Susan Mowery
Newville

At the risk of sounding cranky, I have to comment on the do-it-yourself article on maple sugaring and the maple syrup cookie recipe in the February issue [Food, “Maple Sugaring for Saps,” by Jodi Liss, February 2007].

Encouraging people to go out and tap maple trees is a terrible idea! If they start drilling into the wrong kind of tree (as Jodi Liss admits doing), they have created permanent wounds. Trees never heal; they wall off any type of injury they get, and that part of the tree can’t conduct food and water. Injure a tree often enough and you can kill it; at the very least, you make it more susceptible to disease and insect attacks. Maple sugar producers produce wounds on maple trees when they tap, but at least they know how to minimize the damage. Tree tapping is best left to professionals, and not only because it is hard work to produce syrup.

As for the maple syrup cookie recipe, anyone who tries to follow it as written will fail abysmally! You never mix everything together at all once. Anyone trying this recipe should beat the egg and shortening together first; then add the maple syrup and vanilla and mix; then add the dry ingredients. The dough is very soft, and you cannot roll it into balls — this recipe works better as a drop cookie. The cookies should be baked on a lightly greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Liz Dolinar
Camp Hill

Jodi Liss responds:

I am glad Ms. Dolinar feels so passionately about trees. However, I disagree with the extent of her fears. I have some enormous maples that are over 150 years old, and which, even though I do not tap them myself, were tapped for decades and are still in excellent health.

Maples survive small-scale amateur tapping, much the same way people survive donating blood. There are thousands of amateur maple syrup producers and sugaring has been going on for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, without major tree loss. Give amateurs more credit — they aren’t stupid or reckless. The article is intended as a primer only.

However, Ms. Dolinar makes a good point: Obviously, never tap a tree that is suffering from age, illness or decline. And of course, one should never drill into any other tree — it’s just pointless!

Just wanted to tell you, I think everyone we know gets Central PA magazine! We’ve been having a super time. Everyone comments how interesting your article [“Love for a Lifetime,” by Noreen Livoti, February 2007] was and so well done. We’ve even had several friends stop by with bags of peanuts in case Bill runs out. From comments made, that seems to have been the favorite in the article. Everyone commented how good the picture was and how much they enjoyed the article and it was so well written.

Thank you again for allowing us this wonderful experience!

Grace Glasmire
Lancaster

As board chair for the York County Community Against Racism, I have enjoyed reading your feature “Still Time to Act: Looking Back at the Civil Rights Era in Harrisburg” [by Marion Winik, February 2007]. We have shared this article with our YCCAR board of directors. Thank you for your support of civil rights in Central PA.

Ryan Sattler, Board Chair
York County Community Against Racism

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The print edition of Central PA magazine is sold at selected newsstands and is also available as a member benefit of public broadcasting station WITF, Harrisburg, PA, for a minimum contribution of $45 (seniors and students $25). Become a member online.

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