Look, the YDR staff photo blog

We’ve moved to a new site!

Scott Fisher — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 14:35:36 +0000

Look has moved to another platform on the York Daily Record’s new website, WWW.YDR.COM.

Our new address is http://www.ydr.com/blog/look/. So please bookmark it to see new stories and photos.

The fate of photojournalism

Jason Plotkin — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 10:55:44 +0000

Post by Jason Plotkin

Noelle Duscha embraces her daughter Taylor during a celebration of her engagement to Temple graduate Dan Price, right, in the parking lot before the start of the Penn State game against Temple in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015. Taylor’s family are Penn State fans and her dad, Kevin, second from left, rear, graduated from Central York High School. Jason Plotkin – York Daily Record/Sunday News

Some call it fate. Others call it destiny. Luck, even.
Me?
I’ll go with a great $20 I never spent.

It started at the media gate.
Penn State reporter Frank Bodani and I were in Philadelphia to cover the game between PSU and Temple last Saturday. We had walked almost the entire way around Lincoln Financial Field stadium from our car to where we check in our gear for security.

What we didn’t know was that we got there a little early.
To beat the craziness of traffic and get a pregame story for the front page of Sunday’s paper, we arrived at 11 am for a 3:30 start.
Unfortunately, the media areas didn’t open up until 12:30.

Folks, I haul a lot of gear. There was no where to store it, so Frank and I walked back around the stadium to put our stuff back into my car.

This is where destiny or fate or whatever you want to call it, kicked in.

You see, had we been allowed in at that point, we would have dropped off our gear in the press areas and gone directly across the street to a busy parking area filled with Penn State and Temple fans.

But we didn’t. We walked around the stadium to lot K and put our stuff back in my car. Then continued on in the opposite direction to look for stories. After finding some PSU & Temple fans battling in a game of Corn Hole and a Temple graduate who grew up as a Penn State fan, we walked back toward my car, weaving in and out of traffic and tailgaters, with no specific goal of where we were going.

That’s when someone stopped us.
I don’t know if it was my gear that gave us away, but a young guy sitting down tailgating with his family said to me, “You guys want a great story?”

He went on to tell me about the family parked next to them. They were waiting to surprise a couple who had just gotten engaged that morning. The cool thing was that her side of the family were Penn State fans. His? Well, they loved the Owls.

Then the young guy’s dad came up to me and said, “That news tip will cost you $20.”

I laughed and told him that was cheapest rate I’ve ever been charged for a news tip. (Just to be clear, we don’t pay for news tips, in case you all are looking for some extra cash)

In addition to the neat Romeo and Juliet angle of children of feuding football families being in love, Frank and I found out that her father was a graduate of Central York High School. (Finding Yorkers is always a bonus!)

Once we were done witnessing a wonderful moment of love and football, Frank and I started talking about how fortunate it was that we were not allowed into the media area and how we probably would not have come across these great people and stories.

At that moment I didn’t care. I just appreciated the opportunity to document these moments and share them with our readers and viewers. I didn’t question why or how.

That’s when the young man who first came up to me and asked if I could also get a photo of their family and e-mail it to them.
Normally, I don’t take these kind of requests because I would be held up for hours taking photos of everyone who wants one, but I felt like I owed him a debt for the news tip, so I took the photo below.

After taking the photo and getting their e-mail address, I looked directly at the dad who joked about charging me for the tip, smiled and said, “That photo will cost you $20. But let’s call it even.”

The right call during a Conrads and East Prospect baseball game

Jason Plotkin — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 17:30:29 +0000

Post by Jason Plotkin

People around me were angry.
What should have been a routine groundball, ended in screaming during the Susquehanna League baseball playoff game between Conrads and East Prospect on Saturday in East Prospect.
Spectators around me claimed that the first baseman for Conrads did not have his foot on the bag for the final out, which ended with Conrads winning 3-2.
I took a quick look at my camera to see if I got the play.
That’s when the woman approached me and asked me if I got the photo to show what happened.
Others were looking on, looking for me to show the photos.
Problem is, that’s not my job and with people as angry as they were, I didn’t think this was the time or place to discuss journalistic ethics.
So I did something I don’t normally do.
I lied.
Well, more like a half-truth.
I told her I didn’t get the play.
In truth, I only saw one frame: the one with the first baseman’s foot off the bag. I hadn’t looked through them all to get a complete story if the umpire’s call was right or not.
That didn’t matter. No matter what photos I got, it’s not my role to interfere. It’s my responsibility to document what happens. Right or wrong, it is the umpire’s responsibility to make those calls.
To do otherwise, would open up a can of worms that you can’t close.
As you can tell from the photos below of the play, the runner was out. The first baseman clearly had his foot on the bag when he caught the ball, but his foot was off once the runner hit first.

I was able to get a series of images to show this, but what if I only had the one frame showing him with his foot off while the runner hits first? This would not tell the whole story and if I were to use this to alter the outcome of the game, it would be a lie.
Regardless of the outcome, non-interference is not as easy as it may seem. As much as I would like to help people out, to tell the story in the most unbiased, truthful manner is always the best way to reach that goal.
Even if the umpire made the wrong call, that is part of the story.
That is part of any game. Human beings, being human.
I take no pride or prejudice in these images. I show what happens. That is my goal. That is my responsibility.
To do otherwise would give the impression that I am supporting one team over the other.
And that is the last thing anyone wants.

Soccer fan suprise

Paul Kuehnel — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 19:44:36 +0000

Video: Excited local fans
watch the Women’s World Cup soccer final

An international game, that isn’t American football, can be hard to illustrate with local fans in York County.

So I was extremely excited to be welcomed into a home in Lower Windsor Township with a room packed full of painted, screaming soccer fans. Add to that a mother, daughter team who traveled to Canada a couple times in the past couple weeks to follow games that preceded the Women’s World Cup soccer final and you have a complete package.

Thank You photo gods.

Dorsey Blaine, left, and her daughter Ashley, age 14, watch the Women’s World Cup soccer final in Lower Windsor Township Sunday July 5, 2015. The pair recently traveled to Montreal twice to watch games leading up to the game tonight. Paul Kuehnel – York Daily Record/ Sunday News

Pup of the Week

Kate Penn — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 12:45:05 +0000

Street Rods are in town once again. I am not a car person, and years of covering this event have not made me one. I have nothing against street rods and the people who swoon over them, it’s just not my jam. But dogs, dogs I can get behind. Dogs in sweaters? Even better. I spotted this hood ornament in his carefully knit sweater at the Wyndham Hotel Thursday, before festivities at the fairgrounds got going. With the chill in the air, this guy made me giggle.

Looking back: Spoutwood Farm’s Fairie Festival

Chris Dunn — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:31:57 +0000

Rob “Green Man” Wood leads the crowd with a “Kubiando!” greeting during the opening ceremony at Spoutwood Farm’s 24th annual Fairie Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Codorus Township. The three-day festival, held every year around May Day and attended by over 15,000 visitors, celebrates the coming of spring and features a may pole, art, music, vendors and family-friendly activities. The event benefits Spoutwood Farm’s CSA program and the farm itself. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

This past Saturday, I covered my first-ever Fairie Festival at Spoutwood Farm in southern York County. It’s a three-day festival that has attracted well over 15,000 attendees each of the last few years, and could be described as a smaller version of an alcohol-free Renaissance Festival without the historical pretense and fake accents. With no reporter assigned to the story, I had complete freedom to roam the festival and photograph the goings-on that I found interesting.

I loved it.

Fairies, young and old, were to be found everywhere, and were freely admiring each other’s wings and costumes. Dozens of vendors hawked their goods and services, but there were also plenty of open activities, like the fairie maze and the gnome village, that were designed to rouse the curiosity and imagination of people of all ages. Devices as simple as bubble wands and maracas were widely available for anyone to enjoy.

The festival, which began 24 years ago, has had plenty of time to learn what works best for its organizers, vendors and attendees, and there was certainly plenty to do for anyone in a family. But above all, it seemed to me that while the festival could have grown in a different, more commercial direction, it has kept true to its purpose — to help people connect with nature and nurture creativity.

With help from Madysin Felton, 7 of Hanover, Kim Cole, also of Hanover, gets her fairy wings on in the parking lot before entering Spoutwood Farm’s 24th annual Fairie Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Codorus Township. The three-day festival, held every year around May Day and attended by over 15,000 visitors, celebrates the coming of spring and features a may pole, art, music, vendors and family-friendly activities. The event benefits Spoutwood Farm’s CSA program and the farm itself. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Spoutwood Farm volunteer Zac Unger serenades visitors entering Spoutwood Farm’s 24th annual Fairie Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Codorus Township. The three-day festival, held every year around May Day and attended by over 15,000 visitors, celebrates the coming of spring and features a may pole, art, music, vendors and family-friendly activities. The event benefits Spoutwood Farm’s CSA program and the farm itself. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Bubble gnome Ally Brawn creates giant bubbles at Spoutwood Farm’s 24th annual Fairie Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Codorus Township. The three-day festival, held every year around May Day and attended by over 15,000 visitors, celebrates the coming of spring and features a may pole, art, music, vendors and family-friendly activities. The event benefits Spoutwood Farm’s CSA program and the farm itself. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Tia LeClare of Baltimore holds her 18-month-old daughter Victoria as she uses a wand to make bubbles at Spoutwood Farm’s 24th annual Fairie Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Codorus Township. The three-day festival, held every year around May Day and attended by over 15,000 visitors, celebrates the coming of spring and features a may pole, art, music, vendors and family-friendly activities. The event benefits Spoutwood Farm’s CSA program and the farm itself. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Chloe Lanteigne, 16 of York; Samantha Schneider, 9 of Manchester Township; and Benta Owino, 8 of Queen Anne’s County, Md., hold the yellow ribbons as they dance around the may pole at Spoutwood Farm’s 24th annual Fairie Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Codorus Township. The three-day festival, held every year around May Day and attended by over 15,000 visitors, celebrates the coming of spring and features a may pole, art, music, vendors and family-friendly activities. The event benefits Spoutwood Farm’s CSA program and the farm itself. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Eva Lunn, 6 of Hanover, swings on a tire at Spoutwood Farm’s 24th annual Fairie Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Codorus Township. The three-day festival, held every year around May Day and attended by over 15,000 visitors, celebrates the coming of spring and features a may pole, art, music, vendors and family-friendly activities. The event benefits Spoutwood Farm’s CSA program and the farm itself. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

People walk up and down Dogwood Court at Spoutwood Farm’s 24th annual Fairie Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Codorus Township. The three-day festival, held every year around May Day and attended by over 15,000 visitors, celebrates the coming of spring and features a may pole, art, music, vendors and family-friendly activities. The event benefits Spoutwood Farm’s CSA program and the farm itself. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

You can view more photos from the Fairie Festival here.

More pictures from last week:

Red Lion’s Kira Fosbenner throws to first to force out Dallastown’s Delaney Kolb, far left, in the fourth inning of a softball game on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at Red Lion. Dallastown defeated Red Lion 15-5 in five innings for Dallastown coach Jeff Deardorff’s 100th Wildcat victory. Dallastown’s Haylee Anders also hit a double-RBI home run for her 100th career hit, in the second inning. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Dallastown’s Haylee Anders is greeted by her teammates after hitting a double-RBI home run, her 100th career hit, in the second inning of a softball game on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at Red Lion. Dallastown defeated Red Lion 15-5 in five innings for Dallastown coach Jeff Deardorff’s 100th Wildcat victory. Dallastown’s Haylee Anders also hit a double-RBI home run for her 100th career hit, in the second inning. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Dallastown coach Jeff Deardorff keeps an eye on his batter from third base in the third inning of a softball game on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at Red Lion. Dallastown defeated Red Lion 15-5 in five innings for Dallastown coach Jeff Deardorff’s 100th Wildcat victory. Dallastown’s Haylee Anders also hit a double-RBI home run for her 100th career hit, in the second inning. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Red Lion’s Lyndsey Teal tags out Dallastown’s Haylee Anders at home in the fourth inning of a softball game on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at Red Lion. Dallastown defeated Red Lion 15-5 in five innings for Dallastown coach Jeff Deardorff’s 100th Wildcat victory. Dallastown’s Haylee Anders also hit a double-RBI home run for her 100th career hit, in the second inning. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Dallastown softball coach Jeff Deardorff surveys the field at the top of the fifth inning of a softball game on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at Red Lion. Dallastown defeated Red Lion 15-5 in five innings for Dallastown coach Jeff Deardorff’s 100th Wildcat victory. Dallastown’s Haylee Anders also hit a double-RBI home run for her 100th career hit, in the second inning. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Red Lion softball coach Troy Eveler, left, greets Dallastown coach Jeff Deardorff with a game ball after the fifth inning of a softball game on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at Red Lion. Dallastown defeated Red Lion 15-5 in five innings for Dallastown coach Jeff Deardorff’s 100th Wildcat victory. Dallastown’s Haylee Anders also hit a double-RBI home run for her 100th career hit, in the second inning. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

More than 100 people gather in Freedom Green for a vigil held for the victims of an attempted murder-suicide earlier in the day on Wednesday, April 19, 2015, in New Freedom. Jennifer Liszewski, 36, allegedly shot her 11-year-old son before turning the gun on herself. Both are in critical condition and are being held in separate hospitals. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

People bow their heads as Grace Fellowship Church Shrewsbury pastor Jeff Smith, not pictured, leads the crowd in prayer during a vigil held for the victims of an attempted murder-suicide earlier in the day on Wednesday, April 19, 2015, in New Freedom. Jennifer Liszewski, 36, allegedly shot her 11-year-old son before turning the gun on herself. Both are in critical condition and are being held in separate hospitals. More than 100 people gathered in Freedom Green for the vigil, at which local pastors led people in prayer and encouraged individual prayer. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Grace Fellowship Church Shrewsbury pastor Jeff Smith leads the crowd in prayer during a vigil held for the victims of an attempted murder-suicide earlier in the day on Wednesday, April 19, 2015, in New Freedom. Jennifer Liszewski, 36, allegedly shot her 11-year-old son before turning the gun on herself. Both are in critical condition and are being held in separate hospitals. More than 100 people gathered in Freedom Green for the vigil, at which local pastors led people in prayer and encouraged individual prayer. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Members of New Freedom’s Boy Scout Troop 24 bow their heads in prayer during a vigil held for the victims of an attempted murder-suicide earlier in the day on Wednesday, April 19, 2015, in New Freedom. Jennifer Liszewski, 36, allegedly shot her 11-year-old son before turning the gun on herself. Both are in critical condition and are being held in separate hospitals. More than 100 people gathered in Freedom Green for the vigil, at which local pastors led people in prayer and encouraged individual prayer. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Brent Silliman of New Freedom prays together with his son Jacob, 14, during a vigil held for the victims of an attempted murder-suicide earlier in the day on Wednesday, April 19, 2015, in New Freedom. Jennifer Liszewski, 36, allegedly shot her 11-year-old son before turning the gun on herself. Both are in critical condition and are being held in separate hospitals. More than 100 people gathered in Freedom Green for the vigil, at which local pastors led people in prayer and encouraged individual prayer. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

People light candles during a vigil held for the victims of an attempted murder-suicide earlier in the day on Wednesday, April 19, 2015, in New Freedom. Jennifer Liszewski, 36, allegedly shot her 11-year-old son before turning the gun on herself. Both are in critical condition and are being held in separate hospitals. More than 100 people gathered in Freedom Green for the vigil, at which local pastors led people in prayer and encouraged individual prayer. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

From left, Brownie Girl Scouts Jaiden Davey, 9; Alyssa Fowler, 9; and Lauren Staub, 9, hold their dwindling candles as they stand with Fowler’s mother Lisa during a vigil held for the victims of an attempted murder-suicide earlier in the day on Wednesday, April 19, 2015, in New Freedom. Jennifer Liszewski, 36, allegedly shot her 11-year-old son before turning the gun on herself. Both are in critical condition and are being held in separate hospitals. More than 100 people gathered in Freedom Green for the vigil, at which local pastors led people in prayer and encouraged individual prayer. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Donated, nonperishable supplies sit outside the Rose Fire Company’s door in New Freedom on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania Troop 21218 have been collecting bottled drinks and snacks since Monday to donate to emergency personnel in Baltimore. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

About 100 Pennsylvania State Police vehicles are parked at the York Expo Center on Thursday, April 30, 2015, during a pre-briefing attended by 300 troopers. The troopers, with their riot gear, will be deployed to Baltimore Friday morning to support and relieve Maryland State Police, days after riots first broke out following the death of Freddie Gray. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

John Henry of Hershey shares his story of substance abuse and recovery during a a community forum about substance addiction and drugs — such as Naloxone/Narcan — that can reverse drug overdoses, on Thursday, April 30, 2015, at the York Learning Center in North York. Hershey began a long period of substance abuse at age 11, and has been sober since September 2008. The forum featured speakers who shared their firsthand accounts with substance abuse, as well as a panel of health, law enforcement and addiction recovery experts who answered questions from the audience. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York City Police detective Andrew Shaffer, far right, answers a question about the so-called “Good Samaritan” law regarding reporting drug overdoses, while speaking on a panel during a a community forum about substance addiction and drugs — such as Naloxone/Narcan — that can reverse drug overdoses, on Thursday, April 30, 2015, at the York Learning Center in North York. The forum featured speakers who shared their firsthand accounts with substance abuse, as well as a panel of health, law enforcement and addiction recovery experts who answered questions from the audience. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Dallastown eighth-grade student Jordan Striebig gets a hug and a kiss from Country Meadows resident Ruth “Babs” Rubinow, 95, after she and classmate Karoline Nyland gave a short presentation based on interviews with Rubinow on Friday, May 1, 2015, at Country Meadows of York-South in York Township. About 26 eighth-grade students in Dallastown’s National Junior Honor Society have been meeting with a Country Meadows resident since October to learn more about his or her life and to compile a “keepsake book” of memories. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Country Meadows resident Ed Flick, 91, and Dallastown eighth-grade student Robby Brown look through a “keepsake book” that Brown filled in based on interviews with Flick on Friday, May 1, 2015, at Country Meadows of York-South in York Township. About 26 eighth-grade students in Dallastown’s National Junior Honor Society have been meeting with a Country Meadows resident since October to learn more about his or her life and to compile a “keepsake book” of memories. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Dover’s Cassandra Root, left, throws the ball to teammate Cierra Hockensmith to force West York’s Kellie Caudill out in the first inning of a softball game on Friday, May 1, 2015, at Dover. Dover defeated West York 10-3. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

West York’s Kellie Caudill slides into home for the first run of the game as Dover catcher Karsyn Blauser gets the ball in the third inning of a softball game on Friday, May 1, 2015, at Dover. Dover defeated West York 10-3. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Dover’s Alyssa Lawton (4) and Natalie Cutright (9) high-five each other after Lawton and teammate Cierra Hockensmith got in runs on Jordan Baum’s double in what would be a nine-run fifth inning of a softball game on Friday, May 1, 2015, at Dover. Dover defeated West York 10-3. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York College freshman Samantha Hay keeps her hands above water as she treads water for two minutes during an American Red Cross lifeguard certification course on Friday, May 1, 2015, at York College’s Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center. The certification courses will continue through the weekend, and successful completion will result in a two-year certification. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

From left, York College sophomore Samantha Wingate, York Suburban freshman Aiden Fryar, Albright College freshman Leah Wiley, York College freshman Samantha Hay and York College junior Rachel Hutchins watch instructional videos during an American Red Cross lifeguard certification course on Friday, May 1, 2015, at York College’s Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center. The certification courses will continue through the weekend, and successful completion will result in a two-year certification. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

From left, York College junior Rachel Hutchins, Albright College freshman Leah Wiley, York Suburban freshman Aiden Fryar, York College sophomore Samantha Wingate and York College freshman Samantha Hay receive instruction during an American Red Cross lifeguard certification course on Friday, May 1, 2015, at York College’s Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center. The certification courses will continue through the weekend, and successful completion will result in a two-year certification. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Suburban freshman Aiden Fryar, right, practices helping York College freshman Samantha Hay to safety using a buoy during an American Red Cross lifeguard certification course on Friday, May 1, 2015, at York College’s Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center. The certification courses will continue through the weekend, and successful completion will result in a two-year certification. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Pup of the Week

Kate Penn — Wed, 06 May 2015 23:22:10 +0000

I met Colt while photographing at the future home of Memorial Hospital in West Manchester Township. While the paved trails in this area are wildly popular with humans, Colt prefers to romp through the tall grass. His owners, Janice and Kevin Yeager of Springettsbury Township use the trails all the time. Here’s hoping Colt gets good use of the trails this summer, as the hospital announced plans to break ground this fall.

Looking back: Play ball!

Chris Dunn — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 18:47:00 +0000

Ryan Lasko of Bethlehem, Pa., holds his 7-month-old son Ben as he and teammate Greg Reynolds of Dighton, Mass., watch a teammate’s fly ball on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at Horn Field in Red Lion. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team played a doubleheader in Red Lion, with the first game against Dallastown’s American Legion Post 605 and the second against a squad from Apple Automotive Group. The team is a 501(c)(3) organization whose members represent multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces and have sustained injuries resulting in amputation and extensive rehabilitation. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Just 18 hours after I left Santander Stadium, where I covered the York Revolution’s season opener, I found myself photographing another ball game. But there wasn’t a crowd of people waiting to be let inside. There was no big, furry mascot. No between-innings promotions. I don’t think there were even concessions.

But there was a hell of a lot of heart at the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team’s doubleheader in Red Lion.

Saul Bosquez of Manchester, N.H., throws the ball to first base to attempt a double-play against Dallastown’s American Legion Post 605 on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at Horn Field in Red Lion. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team played a doubleheader in Red Lion, with the first game against Dallastown’s American Legion Post 605 and the second against a squad from Apple Automotive Group. The team is a 501(c)(3) organization whose members represent multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces and have sustained injuries resulting in amputation and extensive rehabilitation. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Tom Carlo of New Cumberland puts his glove on before pitching for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at Horn Field in Red Lion. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team played a doubleheader in Red Lion, with the first game against Dallastown’s American Legion Post 605 and the second against a squad from Apple Automotive Group. The team is a 501(c)(3) organization whose members represent multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces and have sustained injuries resulting in amputation and extensive rehabilitation. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Josh Wege of Estero, Fla., attends to his leg before going up to bat against Dallastown’s American Legion Post 605 on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at Horn Field in Red Lion. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team played a doubleheader in Red Lion, with the first game against Dallastown’s American Legion Post 605 and the second against a squad from Apple Automotive Group. The team is a 501(c)(3) organization whose members represent multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces and have sustained injuries resulting in amputation and extensive rehabilitation. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

You can view more photos from the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team’s appearance here.

And here are a few pictures from the York Revolution season opener:

York Revolution staffer Sharon Snyder tears tickets at the gates on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution opened its season against the Long Island Ducks. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution usher John Mummert wears a train engineer’s hat as he waits for fans to fill the left field seats on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution opened its season against the Long Island Ducks. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Madison Kinkade, 6 of Dover Township, uses her glove to shield her eyes from the sun as she waits to throw a first pitch for her birthday on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution opened its season against the Long Island Ducks. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution outfielder Sean Smith greets the crowd as he and other teammates enter the field via a trolley on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Santander Stadium. Smith, who injured his knee last year and had to hop around the bases, is still on rehabilitation. The York Revolution opened its season against the Long Island Ducks. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution pitcher Corey Thurman greets young baseball players and makes his way to the field during team introductions on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution opened its season against the Long Island Ducks. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Jacob Yingling, 8 of Spring Grove, waits for York Revolution designated hitter Johan Limonta to do their traditional pre-game stretches on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution opened its season against the Long Island Ducks. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution designated hitter Johan Limonta and Jacob Yingling, 8 of Spring Grove, pray together on the field before doing warm-ups on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution opened its season against the Long Island Ducks. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Jacob Yingling, 8 of Spring Grove, and York Revolution designated hitter Johan Limonta warm up together on the field on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution opened its season against the Long Island Ducks. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution infielder Eric Patterson tosses the ball to second base against a new advertising video board on the outfield wall on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution opened its season against the Long Island Ducks, who won 5-2. The video board was installed ahead of this season. Fans cheered when it was abruptly turned off in the bottom of the ninth inning. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution outfielder Desmond Henry hits a foul ball on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution opened its season against the Long Island Ducks, who won 5-2. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

You can view more photos from the season opener here.

And here are more pictures from last week:

Terrence Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine who were the first black students to attend Little Rock Central High School in 1957, answers questions during a question-and-answer session with Roundtown Elementary principal Matt Miller during Central York School District’s ninth annual Diversity Celebration event on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Central York Middle School. The event featured samples of different cultures’ foods, performances by students and a keynote speech by Terrence Roberts, who was one of the Little Rock Nine. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Central York sophomore Kate Castillo serves food from Puerto Rican restaurant Mi Caldero alongside other members of the high school’s Spanish Club during Central York School District’s ninth annual Diversity Celebration event on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Central York Middle School. The event featured samples of different cultures’ foods, performances by students and a keynote speech by Terrence Roberts, who was one of the Little Rock Nine. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

People eat samples of food representing French, German, Latino and other cultures during Central York School District’s ninth annual Diversity Celebration event on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Central York Middle School. The event featured samples of different cultures’ foods, performances by students and a keynote speech by Terrence Roberts, who was one of the Little Rock Nine. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Central York sophomore Ayushi Gupta performs during Central York School District’s ninth annual Diversity Celebration event on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Central York Middle School. The event featured samples of different cultures’ foods, performances by students and a keynote speech by Terrence Roberts, who was one of the Little Rock Nine. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Matt Shorb, of the York Traditions Bank team, glances back to share a joke between his shots during Penn State York’s seventh annual clay shoot event on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Central Penn Sporting Clays in Warrington Township. Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson was present as a celebrity shooter against whom the 85 participants had the opportunity to “beat the coach.” The annual event raises funds for Penn State York’s athletic programs Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson fires at a clay pigeon during Penn State York’s seventh annual clay shoot event on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Central Penn Sporting Clays in Warrington Township. Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson was present as a celebrity shooter against whom the 85 participants had the opportunity to “beat the coach.” The annual event raises funds for Penn State York’s athletic programs Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Former Penn State running back Blair Thomas chats with participants during Penn State York’s seventh annual clay shoot event on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Central Penn Sporting Clays in Warrington Township. Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson was present as a celebrity shooter against whom the 85 participants had the opportunity to “beat the coach.” The annual event raises funds for Penn State York’s athletic programs Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson, far right, greets a team of shooters during Penn State York’s seventh annual clay shoot event on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Central Penn Sporting Clays in Warrington Township. Penn State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson was present as a celebrity shooter against whom the 85 participants had the opportunity to “beat the coach.” The annual event raises funds for Penn State York’s athletic programs Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Ferguson K-8 sixth-grade student Qushaun Lindsey, 12, shelves books at Po’s Bookstore on Thursday, April 23, 2015, on South George Street in York. Kevin “Po” Bertram hopes to open the store in the next 7-14 days. He currently has about 3,000 books available and said he has room for about 7,000 more. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Careena Fells shelves books at Po’s Bookstore on Thursday, April 23, 2015, on South George Street in York. Kevin “Po” Bertram hopes to open the store in the next 7-14 days. He currently has about 3,000 books available and said he has room for about 7,000 more. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Kevin “Po” Bertram lifts a stack of books to be shelved at Po’s Bookstore on Thursday, April 23, 2015, on South George Street in York. Bertram hopes to open the store in the next 7-14 days. He currently has about 3,000 books available and said he has room for about 7,000 more. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

The fried catfish basket with hush puppies at Prudhomme’s Lost Cajun Kitchen on Friday, April 24, 2015, in Columbia. The restaurant, which was once the site of a speakeasy, serves Louisiana favorites such as crawfish. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

From left, Lacy Gilder of Mountville and Diane Walker of Columbia eat lunch together at Prudhomme’s Lost Cajun Kitchen on Friday, April 24, 2015, in Columbia. The restaurant, which was once the site of a speakeasy, serves Louisiana favorites such as crawfish. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Central York’s Kyla Caruso throws the ball to Rachel Butler to complete a double play and end the top of the first inning of a softball game on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Central York. Central York defeated West York 6-3. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Gettysburg is where journalism, coping and perspective began

Paul Kuehnel — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 18:20:16 +0000

Memories: Half asleep at graduation from Gettysburg College after covering a late night fatal in Bonneauville. The time my news editor went home, sat down on the couch and shot himself in the head (after I left) the Gettysburg Times. The majestic hotel pictured here completely in flames after an arsonist lit the basement, while I still had no clue how to cover a fire. The Gettysburg Times building was across the street at the time.

A bit of journalism humor here, all true. Actually, Gettysburg is a great town to work in and it was the best start for a visual journalism career that continues for decades.

Gettysburg College recognized that I was changing careers in the last hour of a college education that offered no formal visual journalism training. They let me pass even though working 40 hours a week tends to wreck senior year. My adviser at the time said, “I know what you are doing and you will have no problem passing my seminar”.

It turns out that the best education for a journalist is a bit of everything and as much of life as you digest as quickly as you can. I have never taken a journalism or a photography class.

I learned quickly that I am an observer and recorder of events. I am not the victim. To empathize with the situation at hand, to understand and ask questions that can help heal and shine light. I do not internalize grief that is not part of my life.

Journalists often have to look at the bad for others to find good. Sometimes we show people what is good in a world that seems to have gone all bad. Often we are just recording life events so someone else can look back at a later time and draw a conclusion.

It’s been a great journalism ride, and it began with a 20 year-old student running through this square one night with wet film flapping in the wind excited to show a student editor that I had exposed something on film.

I worked at the Gettysburg Times from 1983-84 and have worked for the York Daily Record since 1984. Thoughts, work and social links at paulkuehnel.com

Paul Kuehnel – York Daily Record/Sunday News

Looking back: Johan Limonta

Chris Dunn — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 20:49:10 +0000

York Revolution infielder Johan Limonta gets ready for batting practice at Santander Stadium on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. A former player for the Cuba National Series’ Industriales, Limonta defected from Cuba in 2004 when he, with five other baseball players, boarded a boat for the United States. He has since become a U.S. citizen and has played Triple-A with the Mariners, in the Mexican League and in Double-A. 2015 will be his fourth season with the York Revolution. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Tomorrow is the York Revolution’s opening day, and you’ll probably find Johan Limonta — formerly the team’s man on third — in the outfield.

But more than 10 years ago, you’d have found Limonta on a boat somewhere between the United States and his homeland of Cuba.

Last June, reporter Jim Seip and I started working on a story about two York Revolution baseball players who had come to the United States from Cuba. There was Jorge Martinez, a pitcher who didn’t speak much English, and there was Limonta, an infielder who translated for him. Martinez isn’t on the team’s roster this year, but Limonta has returned for his fourth season in York.

Because of some scheduling issues last year — I was out of town when the team was home, and Limonta left after the first half of the season was over, to return for the postseason — we were unable to complete the story til this spring/this past week. But I had been able to spend some time with Limonta, and Martinez, in the East Princess Street apartment they shared with a few other Spanish-speaking ball players and Limonta’s father Luis.

Here are some pictures I made for Jim’s story, which ran last Sunday:

York Revolution infielder Johan Limonta, center, and former pitcher Jorge Martinez, right, get ready to leave for an away series as Limonta’s father Luis, left, joins them in their East Princess Street kitchen to say goodbye on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. A former player for the Cuba National Series’ Industriales, Limonta defected from Cuba in 2004 when he, with five other baseball players, boarded a boat for the United States. He has since become a U.S. citizen and has played Triple-A with the Mariners, in the Mexican League and in Double-A. 2015 will be his fourth season with the York Revolution. Martinez is also a native of Cuba, but did not return to York for the 2015 season. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution infielder Johan Limonta washes his face in the East Princess Street apartment he shared with other teammates on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. A former player for the Cuba National Series’ Industriales, Limonta defected from Cuba in 2004 when he, with five other baseball players, boarded a boat for the United States. He has since become a U.S. citizen and has played Triple-A with the Mariners, in the Mexican League and in Double-A. 2015 will be his fourth season with the York Revolution. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution infielder Johan Limonta, center, packs his bags for an upcoming away series in the East Princess Street bedroom he shared with his father Luis, left, on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. A former player for the Cuba National Series’ Industriales, Limonta defected from Cuba in 2004 when he, with five other baseball players, boarded a boat for the United States. He has since become a U.S. citizen and has played Triple-A with the Mariners, in the Mexican League and in Double-A. 2015 will be his fourth season with the York Revolution. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

From left, York Revolution pitcher Edward Paredes, former pitcher Jorge Martinez and infielder Johan Limonta walk down North Pine Street toward Santander Stadium to meet a bus for their away series on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. A former player for the Cuba National Series’ Industriales, Limonta defected from Cuba in 2004 when he, with five other baseball players, boarded a boat for the United States. He has since become a U.S. citizen and has played Triple-A with the Mariners, in the Mexican League and in Double-A. 2015 will be his fourth season with the York Revolution. Martinez is also a native of Cuba, but did not return to York for the 2015 season. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution infielder Johan Limonta watches his foul ball during a game on Saturday, July 5, 2014. A former player for the Cuba National Series’ Industriales, Limonta defected from Cuba in 2004 when he, with five other baseball players, boarded a boat for the United States. He has since become a U.S. citizen and has played Triple-A with the Mariners, in the Mexican League and in Double-A. 2015 will be his fourth season with the York Revolution. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution infielder Johan Limonta watches a teammate do batting practice at Santander Stadium on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. A former player for the Cuba National Series’ Industriales, Limonta defected from Cuba in 2004 when he, with five other baseball players, boarded a boat for the United States. He has since become a U.S. citizen and has played Triple-A with the Mariners, in the Mexican League and in Double-A. 2015 will be his fourth season with the York Revolution. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

You can view more photos here.

Between the start of baseball and Penn State’s Blue-White spring scrimmage, last week was pretty busy. Here are more pictures from the week:

York Suburban’s Madie Devaney prepares for a successful shot on goal in the first half of a girls lacrosse game on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at Red Lion. Red Lion defeated York Suburban 17-8. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Suburban’s Katherine Mooney (23) drives against Red Lion’s Valerie Miller (15), Marissa Linden (42) and Emily Harrington (25) in the first half of a girls lacrosse game on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at Red Lion. Red Lion defeated York Suburban 17-8. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution infielder Wilson Valdez throws to first base to complete a double-play forcing Southern Maryland’s Antone DeJesus out at second and Fred Lewis out at first in the third inning of a preseason exhibition game on Friday, April 17, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution open their season April 24, but will kick off the festivities with their annual Fan Fest on April 18. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution infielder Travis Garcia practices his swing while on deck during the first inning of a preseason exhibition game on Friday, April 17, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution open their season April 24, but will kick off the festivities with their annual Fan Fest on April 18. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

York Revolution players, including pitcher Matt Neil, center, watch infielder Johan Limonta at bat in the fourth inning of a preseason exhibition game on Friday, April 17, 2015, at Santander Stadium. The York Revolution open their season April 24, but will kick off the festivities with their annual Fan Fest on April 18. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Tony Mattero of The Beer Ace pours 5-ounce samples of Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA at Redeux Marketplace during the Royal Square Beer Crawl hosted by The Parliament Arts Organization on Friday, April 17, 2015. Participants were taken to six different Royal Square shops and galleries, where they could sample craft beers and locally-made appetizers and participate in different activities. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Maggie Lutz of Springettsbury Township sits in a barber chair at DiDi & Smiling John’s barber shop as she drinks beer and eats appetizers during the Royal Square Beer Crawl hosted by The Parliament Arts Organization on Friday, April 17, 2015. Participants were taken to six different Royal Square shops and galleries, where they could sample craft beers and locally-made appetizers and participate in different activities. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

From left, Melissa Mancuso of Glen Rock, Amy Brancato of Manchester Township and Brandon Ryder of Mechanicsburg chat and drink beer inside 56 Urban Provisions during the Royal Square Beer Crawl hosted by The Parliament Arts Organization on Friday, April 17, 2015. Participants were taken to six different Royal Square shops and galleries, where they could sample craft beers and locally-made appetizers and participate in different activities. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Royal Square Beer Crawl participants wait outside HIVE artspace before moving on to a new participating location on Friday, April 17, 2015. Participants were taken to six different Royal Square shops and galleries, where they could sample craft beers and locally-made appetizers and participate in different activities. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Dennis Butler of Garnet Valley has his daughter Reilly, 7, check the size of a pair of athletic shorts at a Penn State athletics apparel and equipment sale at Pegula Ice Arena on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The annual Blue-White spring scrimmage kicks off at 4 p.m. in Beaver Stadium. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Young Penn State fans play with a football on a hill in the parking lot outside Beaver Stadium as others stand in line for the team autograph session on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The annual Blue-White spring scrimmage kicks off at 4 p.m. in Beaver Stadium. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Penn State head football coach James Franklin greets fans outside Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The annual Blue-White spring scrimmage kicks off at 4 p.m. in Beaver Stadium. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) and other football players enter Beaver Stadium for an autograph session on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The annual Blue-White spring scrimmage kicks off at 4 p.m. in Beaver Stadium. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Carter Menuchak, 3 of Schuylkill County, sleeps on his father Rich’s shoulder during an autograph session in Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The annual Blue-White spring scrimmage kicks off at 4 p.m. in Beaver Stadium. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Penn State cornerback Kyle Alston stops wide receiver Saeed Blacknall with the ball in the first half of the Blue-White game on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The annual Blue-White spring scrimmage kicked off at 4 p.m. in Beaver Stadium. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News

Penn State quarterback Tommy Stevens hands the ball to running back Nick Scott in the second half of the Blue-White game on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The blue squad defeated the white squad 17-7. Chris Dunn Ñ Daily Record/Sunday News