964-2205 |
||
| Newsletter Home |
SUDDEN SILENCE
Probably it is buried somewhere in a mathematical formula having to do
with mass and velocity. But it does seem that the greater the number of
events sweeping through Mt. Gretna’s march from Memorial Day to Labor
Day, the more sudden seems the stop that ultimately comes in September—usually
with an abruptness that is almost jarring.
Gone are the crowds, the sounds of lakeside laughter, the corn roasts and
pleasures of picnics. Gone, too, are gently startled looks on the faces
of people making their first visits to Mt. Gretna—and discovering,
almost transformed, a mystical aura that generations have known and cherished.
After opening with the bang of a starting gun across Lake Conewago, launching
600 triathlon competitors into action, the season ended quietly—amid
sounds of Haydn as the Audubon Quartet closed Music at Gretna’s 32d
consecutive summer.
But even as the season ended, gentle echoes remained—etched into a
tapestry linking the Summer of 2007 to more than a hundred others, woven
into the fabric of a thousand memories.
And what a summer it has been. Everything from Broadway shows nightly in
the Playhouse to a stunning former Broadway star at the Tabernacle. From
one of the world’s leading violinists to a 200-voice choir, a 16-harp
orchestra, and a British Brass Band appearing on alternating weeks—sometimes
even simultaneously—thrusting into our midst a dozen delightful dilemmas:
Fiddler on the Roof? A Jack Bitner lecture? Mack the Knife? One of Juilliard’s
best in an organ recital? An exploration of Amish forgiveness? A night at
the movies with Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracey? In a Mt. Gretna summer,
the problem is never whether there’s anything to do. It is always
a problem of which to choose.
In truth, on most warm nights, Mt. Gretnans—those inclined to abandon
their front porch rockers and conversations with friends—were forced
to pick from multiple options, all good. But with few of the “play
it again” opportunities available to those who dwell in the land of
TiVos, DVDs or instant replays. Enveloped by Mt. Gretna’s 19th century
tempo, one makes a choice and is done with it—more often than not
finding contentment largely unknown to many moderns, perhaps even to most.
“Mt. Gretna is an increasingly attractive place,” a Harrisburg
realtor said to us recently, and the reasons are not hard to divine. Our
brimming summer schedule surely is one. Natural beauty and enriching cultural
opportunities are others. But we’re willing to bet that, for those
who remain, topping them all is the sudden silence that comes in September.
WITH GIFT SHOP GONE, BUILDING’S NEXT ROLE REMAINS UNCERTAIN
“Remember When” gift shop closed for good on Labor Day, most
of its eclectic collection of antiques, curios and keepsakes gone. Still
left, however, are 15 years of warm and embracing memories for owners Joe
and Reenie Macsisak, now making plans for an active retirement. It’s
one that includes travel and (soon) a move across town to the apartments
at Timber Hills.
What will become of the building that once housed the Chautauqua Literary
and Scientific Circle and later served as an art gallery as well as a gift
and antique shop? No one yet knows. The lease doesn’t officially expire
until Dec. 31.
Chautauqua officials say they’ve received four inquiries and two proposals
from prospective shop operators so far, but active negotiations haven’t
yet begun. “Whether the building will be leased for commercial purposes
or retained for a different kind of community use is still open,”
says Stinson Stroup, who directs Chautauqua’s real estate committee.
“It may depend on the nature and value of the alternatives on the
table at the time that a decision has to be made.” Meanwhile, inquiries
are being accepted by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, 964-3270, LBell83151@comcast.net
STUFF YOU WON’T READ ANYWHERE ELSE
[] “The Oaks at Gretna” along Mine Road is the latest real
estate venture to blend “Gretna” into its name. “Mt. Gretna
has always been a very desirable area, and more people are becoming aware
of it,” says Coldwell Banker’s Tom Gates, handling sales of
the first four homes expected to go up at the heavily wooded site. Gates
says Manheim cabinetmaker and builder Gary Longenecker intends to erect
custom homes (in the $300,000 to $400,000-range—with perhaps some
that might veer upwards of $700,000) on two-and-a-half to four-acre lots.
How many other “Gretnas” exist locally? Mt. Gretna Heights,
of course, which has been around since the 1920s. Gretna Glen, a campground
just east of town. And Gretna Springs, a modular home park off Rte. 72 in
Manheim. Gates says developer Longenecker chose the name himself.
[] Does it “always rain on art show weekend?” That’s
what some folks were saying when Sunday showers again dampened this year’s
turnout. Discouraged by the forecast, Sunday’s crowds were only a
little more than half the number that turned out for Saturday’s opening,
reducing this year’s totals to 13,790—down about 15% from last
year. Gate receipts totaled $86,112.
But is rain a virtual art show certainty? No indeed, although days when
it rains are the ones we’re most likely to remember (like times the
phone rings when one is in the bathtub). Since 1992, however, rain or drizzle
has fallen on exactly nine of the 32 art show Saturdays and Sundays. Heaviest
downpours were in 2003, when over two inches of rain washed out the entire
weekend, dropping revenues to $63,023. But, statistically speaking, when
it comes to art show weekend, there’s a 72% chance the sun’s
going to shine.
[] Show coordinator Linda Bell says comments from this year’s patrons, exhibitors and food service vendors (most simply amazed to have running hot water at their outdoor stands) were especially gratifying. She also had high praise for the 250 or so volunteers “who get together each year and pull off what is really a national event.” Most, of course, are Mt. Gretnans, but they include a few non-residents as well—such as Al and Sue Pera, who moved from here a few years ago to run Camp Hill’s Cornerstone Coffeehouse, but clearly left their hearts behind.
[] Looking for that perfect Mt. Gretna Christmas gift? Photographer and
artist Glenn Acker offers a framed Mt. Gretna, PA “five-cent postage
stamp” depicting a huge black turkey vulture set against a dazzling
red background. Swirling overhead are a dozen fellow buzzards.
It’s become a favorite of Glenn, who first photographed the creature
six years ago and thinks it ought to be elevated to “state bird of
Mt. Gretna status,” or some other fitting honor—even though
he, too, joins in the ongoing battle to encourage the stubborn visitors
to choose roosts elsewhere. View a sample print on display at Le Sorelle
Café, or ask Glenn (964-1950) to send you a preview by e-mail: gacker@paonline.com
[] Brown Avenue is next in line to get streetlights like the ones installed last year along Muhlenberg Avenue. The lamps use energy-saving bulbs, emitting a soft yellow glow reminiscent of lamplights from an earlier era. It’s part of a road improvement project soon to begin, bringing new water and storm drainage lines, plus sandstone curbing.
[] Bit by bit, it’s growing. Every month, new names appear on the
website devoted exclusively to artists who live, work or trace their inspirations
to Mt. Gretna. The aim, of course, is to assemble in one place everything
one needs to know to pick up a piece of Mt. Gretna-inspired artwork. Another
goal: have as many artists as possible listed in time for Christmas.
Take a look at the lineup: http://www.mtgretna.com/artscouncil/LocalArtist.html
If you’re an artist, or know someone who’s not listed but should
be, drop a note to Arts Council coordinator Jess Kosoff ( edandjess@verizon.net).
She’ll see to it that your name, phone number, e-mail address, website
listing and photos of your work appear at this popular and growing website.
FOODS OUR FIREFIGHTERS MADE FAMOUS
When it comes to food, those Mt. Gretna firefighters know what their neighbors
like. That’s why folks here start marking their calendars for three
important dates coming up this month, next month and in November.
Coming up first, on Sept. 15, is that perennial favorite, Chef Becky Briody’s
fire company pig roast, a fundraiser that everybody who’s in town
tries not to miss. Slow-cooked over several hours, the succulent treat is
one everybody looks forward to—and not just because of the food.
It’s a time to catch up on the news with friends, enjoy a late afternoon
or early evening by the fire, and treat yourself to mouth-watering pork
that has few peers. The fun starts at 4 p.m. and continues until around
10 o’clock, all for a $15 donation.
Next on the schedule is your one remaining chance this year to sample Alice
McKeone’s legendary ham and bean soup—at the fall block shoot
Oct. 6 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Raffles throughout the day mean you’re
likely to walk away with more than the taste treat first developed more
than a century ago by Alice’s grandmother. There are prizes galore
and the chance to greet folks you’ve been wanting to meet. Plus hot
dogs with free sauer kraut. It just doesn’t get any better.
Finally, topping it all November 10 is the annual soup cookoff—an
event now in its fourth year that becomes more popular every year. Patrons
come hungry but never leave that way. Even though the soup is suitably dispensed
in tiny containers so everyone can sample everything. But there are so many
varieties—all from chefs who’ve honed their recipes to perfection—for
a $10 donation, Noon to 2 p.m.
COGHLAN HONOREES TRACE TIES TO THEATER’S BEST-KNOWN DIRECTOR
Gretna Theater’s 2007 Coghlan Award Winners Steve and Anita Winkler
were first introduced to Mt. Gretna by Margaret Coglan, whose husband directed
the theater from 1945 to 1970. They’ve worked at the concession stand,
helped organize fundraising fashion shows, and been active participants
in annual galas like the one where they themselves will be honored Oct.
13 at the Hershey Hotel.
Both are now retired from business careers but remain committed to community
service—in Mt. Gretna and elsewhere. “It is fate that we are
getting this award,” says Anita, who, like Steve, is a New York City
native. “Margaret first introduced us to Dr. Bronstein,” a man
who has devoted much of his life to Gretna Theater as well.
The annual auction and gala is traditionally a theater season highlight.
“Tradition,” in fact, is this year’s theme. The gala will
feature a champagne reception, gourmet dinner, and live and silent auctions
for items that include vacation packages, designer jewelry and artwork by
local and nationally known artists. Ticket information: 964-3627.
STUFF YOU WILL READ ELSEWHERE, BUT GOOD TO KNOW ANYWAY
[] West Cornwall Township supervisors last month voted 3-0 in support of the Mt. Gretna fire company’s siren. Fire company president Keith Volker said firefighters might consider altering their policy if pager signals ever became reliable. But given Mt. Gretna’s terrain—which for years has challenged telecommunications engineers, making even cell phone signals from a new Mine Road tower sometimes spotty—that day may be a long way off. Meanwhile, most residents seemed to prefer the view one reader expressed: “When you hear a siren, it means somebody is getting the help they need.”
[] Gretna Music is inviting area residents to share thoughts of what they most appreciate about Gretna Music—its past, new initiatives and plans for next year’s music festival in August. Two “Let’s talk: A conversation with Gretna Music” sessions have already been held this month in Mt. Gretna. Another is coming up Oct. 3 at the home of Betty and Ted Long in Elizabethtown. If you’d like to share your ideas, give Gretna Music a call (361-1508), or e-mail Susan Wood (susanowood@comcast.net).
[] The Winterites kick off their 58th season with a noon luncheon at the
Farmers Hope Inn Oct. 2.
Who are those Winterites? Guys and gals who live here year ‘round,
of course. Since 1949 they’ve been gathering for monthly meetings
(the first Tuesday of every month except January “because it always
snows then,” says organizer Donna Kaplan.) Annual dues are $5; meetings
are open to all who live nearby.
In addition to topics this season that include Peggy O’Neil’s
recent China trip, Howard Applegate’s talk on “Fellow Immigrants,”
and a watercolor demonstration by Mt. Gretna artist Barb Fishman, the group
plans a potluck luncheon at noon in December and “A Taste of Passover”
in April. Most sessions are at the fire hall, where they often sponsor bridge
games. Sound like a fun way to chase winter’s doldrums? Call Donna:
964-2174.
[] LeSorelle Porch & Pantry Café is now back on its winter schedule, Fridays through Sundays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. The restaurant will also close temporarily Sept. 21-23. Check for current schedules, menus, special events and other details at http://www.porchandpantry.com/
[] That Sept. 15 trip to Second Mountain (near Ft. Indiantown Gap) to watch Monarch butterflies on their annual trek to Mexico is one of a half dozen events listed in the Fall 2007 Gov. Dick Park Newsletter. Others include a nature hike at the park Sept. 29, an introduction to orienteering Oct. 13 and an evening nature talk around the campfire—complete with hot chocolate and a glimpse of the surrounding countryside from Governor Dick Tower—Nov. 2. For a free e-mail subscription: governordick@hotmail.com, or see website: www.parkatgovernordick.org
[] Mt. Gretna Art Show co-founder Reed Dixon’s work (http://www.reeddixonart.com/) is among those featured in “Pennsylvania Arts Experience: A Sampling of Artists and Artisans” at Elizabethtown’s Lynden Gallery Sept. 14, 5 to 8 p.m. Details: www.lyndengallery.com or (717) 367-9236. (Reed was in Mt. Gretna Labor Day weekend, sharing a Timbers dinner with former Mt. Gretna artisan Michael Jones http://www.michaelsnowjones.com/, now in New Mexico.)
[] Jay George leads a discussion on where we humans fit in the natural world tomorrow, Sept. 8 at Gov. Dick Nature Center. His slide presentation, “The Nature of Things,” starts at 7 p.m.
[] Center Stage Opera director Kathryn Foster is “leaning toward” La Boheme or Il Trovatore for next season’s performance at Mt. Gretna. Performance dates and other details are being worked out. But if you just can’t wait until next year, you can catch Placido Domingo prodigy Alejandro Olmedo at CSO’s performances of Pagliacci and Cavalleria Rusticana in Camp Hill Nov. 8-10. For details, see www.csopera.org or e-mail information@csopera.org.
[] Chautauqua resident Michelle Robinson says a tree-tending series she once attended “changed how I look at trees.” She invites fellow Mt. Gretnans to look into the program, Oct. 11, 18 and 25, at http://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/phlgreen/tree-training.html.
[] Mt. Gretna’s United Methodist Church rededicates its freshly refurbished sanctuary Sept. 9 at the 10 a.m. worship service. The following Sunday, Sept. 16, the church will hold its annual picnic, immediately following the 10 a.m. service at Gretna Glen Campgrounds.
[] The third annual Bridge of Hope car rally—with Mt. Gretna as the
starting point for drivers in a UK-inspired competition that stresses teamwork
and navigation skills rather than speed—shifts to a fall date this
year. Coordinator Bob Owens says the Oct. 20 rally should help attract more
entrants (about 80, he hopes) to an event that raises about $6,000 for single-parent
homeless families. Last year's rally, held in June, attracted only 54 contestants.
Why Mt. Gretna? It's picturesque, easily accessible from the Turnpike (competitors
come from throughout Pennsylvania), and Chautauqua's two-tiered parking
lot makes it easier to send competitors out along two different routes,
says Owens, who also sees Mt. Gretna's religious roots as apt for a faith-based
fund-raiser. See http://www.bridgeofhopelebanon.org
QUESTIONS READERS ASK
<> I wonder if anyone might know (a.) whether my cottage (originally Lot 20, at 6 Muhlenberg Ave.) ever had a name and (b.) if anyone has a photo of the back of this cottage in its original state—before any additions. I simply can’t imagine what the roofline might have looked like. (Robert Coleman sold this cottage to John Groff. Later it was owned by Lewis Shimmel, who passed it to his daughter, Mary Shimmel Hershey. Subsequent owners were Ruth Brubaker and later Arnold Bowman, who passed it on to me. I will appreciate any help your readers may be able to offer. Natalie Smith, dicknat@comcast.net.
[] The Internet weaves a powerful and mysterious web, and The Mt. Gretna Newsletter attracts readers from all over the globe. With any luck, someone somewhere will know something about this cottage—and maybe even have an early photo. Be patient. The answer’s out there somewhere, just waiting to find a home.
ELEANOR LONG 1902-2007
Long-time resident Eleanor Long, whose Mt. Gretna memories we profiled in last month’s issue (See “Numbers,” Mt. Gretna Newsletter No. 74, Aug. 10, 2007), died Aug. 28 in Annville. Married to the late Dr. Abram M. Long, pastor of the former Fourth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, she was the mother of Mt. Gretna residents David M. Long and Janet E. Jermon, an aunt to Mt. Gretna summer resident Paul Enck, and also a grandmother and great-grandmother.
NUMBERS
4.0 Grade point average achieved by Timber Bridge wife, mom and rehabilitation
counselor Jackie Gydosh, honored last month by former Health and Human Services
secretary Donna Shalala at Drexel University’s graduation ceremonies.
Jackie’s Behavioral and Addictions Counseling degree came through
the Drexel program at Harrisburg Area Community College. “I never
even had to make one trip to Drexel’s Philadelphia campus,”
she says.
Next in sight: a possible Ph. D. program at Immaculata University. If she’s
accepted, those studies will require her to travel to Immaculata’s
Exton campus several times a week. “Ahh, progress,” says Jackie,
who moved to Mt. Gretna seven years ago with her husband and three children.
The allure? “Beautiful scenery, that old-time feeling and serenity—there’s
nothing more refreshing than coming home to Mt. Gretna after a hectic day.”
7 Minutes—shaved off race times he posted a year ago in Vermont’s Green Mountain Stage Race this past Labor Day weekend. Boro chief Bill Care was the event’s second-oldest competitor, entering in the 50-and-over category. Accompanying Bill to the grueling four-day event were wife Kay, borough secretary Linda Bell, Brown Avenue resident Robin Smith and a cycling friend, Barb Ricci. Although the gals took their bikes, they didn’t compete. “Mostly,” says Linda, “we shopped and ate.”
42d Season winding up for Mt. Gretna’s flower lady, Mary Hernley.
She’ll still be here on weekends at her familiar post along Rte. 117—at
least until sometime in October, “the Lord willing,” says Mary,
who regards flowers as “God’s thoughts put into color.”
Most of her earnings go to support missionaries around the world, and she
says that sales this year have been good. “We’ve sold more gladiolas
than I expected,” she says, but exact sales results won’t be
known until she totals everything up at year-end and begins distributing
funds among the many charities that have benefited from her work for more
than four decades.
Mary and her husband Peter now sell flowers at two other locations each
summer—at their farm in Manheim and at a roadside stand along Rte.
72—“but Mt. Gretna is clearly the best,” she says.
$120 Collected during the art show by Lehigh Avenue lemonade vendors Allegra, 11, and Allison, 9—granddaughters of Ned and Emily Wallace. They’ll use the money to help fund the high school education of a friend and neighbor in Swaziland, where their parents are missionaries. Sales were good, but didn’t top last year’s records—when one passerby left a $100 bill. “He didn’t even drink his lemonade,” said the girls, still marveling one year later.
Kindest regards,
Roger Groce
P.S. We won’t publish a Newsletter in October as we take a few weeks
off. Meanwhile, we thank all who send their news, share their suggestions
and answer our frequent—often enigmatic—questions. As well,
we are indebted to those who pass this bulletin along to friends and neighbors
who may not yet be familiar with Mt. Gretna or who lack links to the Internet.
Also, please remember: thanks to the guys at Gretna Computing—Mt.
Gretna Mayor Joe Shay and Fire Chief Bob Dowd—you can always find
copies of this Newsletter online, at http://mtgretna.com/news.