This story was originally published on Aug. 27, 2013 on PennLive. This week, hundreds of freshmen will descend on Messiah College, an interdenominational Christian college in Upper Allen Twp. where differences are “celebrated, appreciated, and allowed to remain distinct” according to the school’s admissions office. During welcome week, as they bid mom and dad farewell,Continue reading “Blurred Lines: Staying vague on gay penalties impacts Messiah student community”
Category Archives: News
Behind the Scenes: What it takes to put on a Hersheypark Stadium concert
This story was originally published July 8, 2014 on PennLive.com. It was the cover story for Central PA Magazine’s Arts and Entertainment issue, as well as a front-page story for The Patriot-News. Screams surround you as you stand, rocking to the beat, drink in one hand and cell phone in the other. You’re snapping pictureContinue reading “Behind the Scenes: What it takes to put on a Hersheypark Stadium concert”
1984 agreement between Amish and Pennsylvania sets tone for ‘Amish Mafia’ debate
This story was originally published on Aug. 15, 2014 on PennLive. Governor Tom Corbett made headlines earlier this week when he, and other state and national politicians, called for a halt to production of the Discovery Channel series “Amish Mafia” in a statement issued by the Respect Amish movement. “Amish Mafia” follows a gang in Lancaster County who “enforce”Continue reading “1984 agreement between Amish and Pennsylvania sets tone for ‘Amish Mafia’ debate”
Where’s the festival? Harrisburg’s Fourth of July pleases some, baffles others
This story was originally published on July 4, 2014 on PennLive. Ekaterina Rotz was confused. The Hampden Twp. resident was looking around Riverfront Park in Harrisburg on July 4 for a festival that just wasn’t there. “It’s the Fourth of July!” she exclaimed. “There’s always something like ArtsFest or something here on the Fourth ofContinue reading “Where’s the festival? Harrisburg’s Fourth of July pleases some, baffles others”
Gay marriage in Pennsylvania: What it means for the wedding industry and state’s economy
This story was originally published on May 23, 2014 on PennLive.com. With the striking down of the Defense of Marriage Act, wedding bells are in the air — and so are dollar signs. The legalization of same-sex marriage could have economic impacts on the Pennsylvania wedding industry, as the number of people eligible for marriages and wedding ceremonies grows.Continue reading “Gay marriage in Pennsylvania: What it means for the wedding industry and state’s economy”
Drag queens speak out: Local documentary tells their story
Originally published in The Patriot-News on Nov. 8, 2012. Mitchell L. Ernst of Lebanon is a performer at heart. He’s a professional actor — but the character he is best known for lives off the theater stage. Her name is Jade DeVere and she is fierce, fabulous and oh-so feminine. Ernst is a drag queenContinue reading “Drag queens speak out: Local documentary tells their story”
‘Amish Mafia’: Amish experts weigh in on new Discovery Channel show
Amish mafia. The two words together seem like an oxymoron. But, according to a new Discovery Channel show, they are not the oddest of pairings. “Amish Mafia” explores the world of Lebanon Levi and his gang of three men, Jolin, John and Alvin. Together, the four act as “protectors” of the Amish community in Lancaster. TheContinue reading “‘Amish Mafia’: Amish experts weigh in on new Discovery Channel show”
Crowd welcomes beauty chain Sephora to Swatara Township: ‘It’s like grownup candy’
Originally published June 15, 2012 on PennLive.com. For a trio of devoted makeup fans, camping out in a parking lot starting at midnight Friday was a price worth paying to be among the first in line for the grand opening of Sephora in Swatara Twp. Yadira Chavez, Brittany Fenser and Katie Chavez of Swatara Twp.Continue reading “Crowd welcomes beauty chain Sephora to Swatara Township: ‘It’s like grownup candy’”
Pearl Harbor Day: Camp Hill woman remembers being awakened by bombing
Originally published in The Patriot-News on Dec. 7, 2011. Patricia Behrens woke up to the sound of explosions. It was about 7 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, in Hawaii. “Oh, shucks,” Behrens said she thought. “They’re practicing at Fort DeRussy.” The U.S. military reservation had a habit of waking residents up with its drills. “WhyContinue reading “Pearl Harbor Day: Camp Hill woman remembers being awakened by bombing”
Steelton rapper Skillz Hurachi’s death stuns friends and family
Originally published in The Patriot-News on May 19, 2012. Many people called Terrance Manning “Skillz,” and his growing success in different fields show that he deserved the nickname. Known as Skillz Hurachi, the Steelton rapper had opened for nationally known superstars Drake, Lil’ Wayne and Soulja Boy as a member of the rap trio VSOP/XO.Continue reading “Steelton rapper Skillz Hurachi’s death stuns friends and family”
Harrisburg rapper J. Bair’s video goes against grain, slams violence
Originally published in The Patriot-News on April 19, 2012. A gunshot interrupts the ting, bass, ting of a rap song’s percussion. Screams sound and characters scatter. One guy slumps forward. The image is stark and horrifying. “Gunshot Blast” by Harrisburg rapper J. Bair goes against the grain of the stereotypical modern rap music scene, which tendsContinue reading “Harrisburg rapper J. Bair’s video goes against grain, slams violence”
‘I Am Harrisburg’ video aims to rally city
Originally published in The Patriot-News on March 23, 2012. Harrisburg might be making headlines for violence and debt, but there’s more to it than that. That’s the message behind “I Am Harrisburg,” a hip-hop song written for the people of the city to rally behind. Written by local rappers and producers All Steezy, Jaymes, Zach, Pacino,Continue reading “‘I Am Harrisburg’ video aims to rally city”
Friends and family gather to help with cleanup efforts in Hummelstown and Middletown
Originally published in The Patriot-News on September 12, 2011. Shawn Peterson of South Hanover Township hardly slept Thursday night. He spent much of it standing on a hill, watching as the water of the Swatara Creek engulfed the first floor of his home. “I was sitting on the hill just thinking, ‘Oh, God,’” he said.Continue reading “Friends and family gather to help with cleanup efforts in Hummelstown and Middletown”
U.S. is behind curve, roundabout fans say
Background: In the last week of June 2011 a roundabout was installed on Linglestown Road. For weeks after it was the topic of many discussions in the community, with most spewing hatred for the roadway. During this time, I stumbled on a Roundabout Appreciate Society and this story. Originally published in The Patriot-News on JulyContinue reading “U.S. is behind curve, roundabout fans say”
Julia Hatmaker 