Photo courtesy of Annapolis and Anne Arundle County Conference and Visitors Bureau

So what’s a budget-savvy woman to do?

If your heart is set on the beach, staying close to home might not be the cheapest option, according to personal vacation planner Suzanne Schrum, owner of Aquamarine Travel in Chanceford Township.

“Areas like Ocean City, Md., have such a short season that their prices are very high in the peak of the summer,” Schrum said.

Instead, families or couples might find better deals at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean. With a set price that typically includes airfare, lodging, meals and entertainment, all-inclusive options make a budget easier to stick with.

Taking to the seas on a cruise can also provide a budget-friendly option for fun in the sun, with Carnival and Royal Caribbean both sailing from Baltimore.

“When you cruise, all of your meals and entertainment are included in the price,” Schrum said.

Closer to home, independent travel agent Sasha Koenig suggests thinking outside of the box to find a vacation spot away from the crowds.

“Why not make your family getaway an educational trip, as well?” said Koenig, who works with Safe Harbors Travel Group in Bel Air, Md. “Head into Maryland and stay the weekend in Annapolis to take in the maritime traditions and rich history.”

Opportunities to combine some rest and relaxation with a chance to learn something new also abound in Washington, D.C.

“Surprisingly, the hotels in D.C. are less expensive over the weekends,” said Schrum, because business and government travelers who fill up rooms during the week tend to thin out. “Many of the museums are free, so you could have a very budget-friendly vacation there.”

Still dreaming of a beach trip nearby? Schrum suggests the state parks along the beaches of Delaware.

“You could stay outside of the high tourist area in a hotel that’s not on the beach, and then take a short drive out to one of the state parks for the day,” she said, adding that it’s just a small fee for parking and entrance at the parks.

Regardless of where you head for your getaway, plan ahead, said Koenig. And, if you work with a travel agent, never accept the first vacation quote you receive. Shopping around will ensure you know your options and secure the best deal.

Tour your town

Staycations became a popular, economical option a few years back, but that doesn’t mean they’ve lost their luster. Check out three options for a great day trip in your own backyard:

For a girls’ trip

The Mason-Dixon Wine Trail has its signature events ­— Tour de Tanks and Wine Just Off the Vine — in the spring and fall, but that doesn’t mean the trail shuts down in the summer. In fact, it’s just the opposite: Warmer weather is often the best time to explore the trail’s 22 wineries and one distillery in southcentral Pa. and northern Maryland. Several hotels along the trail offer discounted rates and special packages, should you choose to make it an overnight trip. Prefer beer over wine? Check out Susquehanna Ale Trail, also run by the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For details, visit yorkpa.org.

For the family

Sports enthusiasts will be glad to see the 2014 York Can-Am Police-Fire Games offer Olympic-style competition right here at home July 13-20. First responders and emergency service members will compete in approximately 60 events, from soccer, horseshoes and a triathlon to specific competitions such as Toughest Firefighter Alive and Toughest Competitor Alive. “It’s more than a week solid of events, including social events where the community can participate,” said Brent Burkey, communications specialist with the YCCVB. For details and a full schedule, visit yorkcanamgames.com.

For everyone

Take an exclusive look at how local products are made, from Martin’s Potato Chips and Harley-Davidson motorcycles to newer spots like Nuts About Granola and New Grounds Roasting Company. Several dozen companies offer factory tours, with details listed on the YCCVB website at yorkpa.org. The Made in America tours event runs in June each year, but summer’s relaxed schedule provides plenty of opportunities in July and August to spend a day going behind the scenes at several local hot spots.

The summer months offer ample opportunities to enjoy your backyard, whether you’re hosting a cookout, running through a sprinkler or weeding the garden.

But nothing kills that carefree buzz quite like the stings, bites and rashes that come courtesy of insects, spiders and plants this time of year.

One of the best ways to mitigate the biggest offenders is to make your yard less attractive to them.

Linda Kurzmiller, who co-owns Superior Nursery and Garden Center with her husband, Kurt, said that making your yard an oasis for people rather than pests starts with cultivating your property properly. This starts with selecting the right plant for the right spot, planting it correctly, amending the soil with compost and using a good quality hardwood mulch so you don’t have to weed as often.

The New Freedom nursery specializes in native plants, which Kurzmiller advocates planting because they’re already suited to the environment and don’t require a lot of extra intervention by way of watering and fertilizing.

“We kind of keep it simple because Mother Nature did it pretty well on her own,” Kurzmiller said.

Here, she and other local gardeners and bug experts share their advice:

Mosquitoes

Probably one of the biggest summer offenders, there are a variety of things you can do in your yard to keep these little suckers at bay, according to Thomas Smith, West Nile Virus Program administrator for Penn State’s Cooperative Extension in York County.

Since mosquitoes are attracted to water, especially standing water, make sure you remove items that can trap water. These include tires, tarps, toys, corrugated pipes on downspouts and even pots and trays for container gardens. In addition, don’t install water features or ponds near a deck or patio because the moist habitat will attract bugs.

“Do more to open areas up to allow for more breezes,” he said. “Mosquitoes don’t like a windy environment and will move elsewhere.”

And if you don’t like wearing repellent, he said to use an electric fan outside to move the air around – many times this can work better than spray.

Gardeners say certain plants emit smells that deter mosquitoes. These include plants in the mint family, citronella, marigolds, catnip and lavender especially.

Vickie Boltersdorf, owner of Hueter’s Greenhouses in Springettsbury Township, said they stock a plant called Mosquito Away (it’s actually a variety of citronella) that’s popular.

“We’ve already sold quite a few mosquito plants,” she said.

Smith cautions that while some of these plants might deter mosquitoes, you’d have to constantly rub the leaves together to create the odor. Plus, if you’re putting them in a container that needs to be watered regularly, you could up creating a moist environment that might actually attract mosquitoes.

He recommends sticking with native plants that don’t need to be watered as often.

Finally, you might want to avoid planting that butterfly bush in your yard — some research has shown that they and other plants actually can attract certain species of mosquitoes, including the Asian Tiger, which has been especially problematic in Central Pennsylvania.

“If people would clean up, most of our mosquito issues would go away and people could plant what they would like,” he said.

Bees and wasps

While you might want to eradicate your yard of all stinging insects, bug enthusiast Tim Abbey of the York County’s Penn State Extension office hopes you don’t.

Hymenoptera (bees and wasps) are our biggest group of pollinators, which are beneficial insects and crucial to our survival, he said.

“For people who are allergic, my advice is to stay away from any nest sites and always carry an EpiPen,” Abbey said.

Many native pollinators, depending on the species, use or make holes in the ground, wood or other plant material. Bumblebees also use stone piles to build a nest.

Solitary bees and wasps might find an area with loose soil and congregate there, but the tunnels are separate from each other.

Bees and wasps that are away from their nests are only aggressive when they feel threatened. You can even go up and touch them while they are on flowers and they will do nothing or just fly to another flower.

“They are busy,” Abbey added.

Ticks

Ticks are the most problematic for people who live near wooded areas, Abbey said. Areas with lots of turf grass aren’t good tick habitats. They like humidity and some shade if they can find it.

If you live near a wood line, remove any low-growing vegetation from that area and clean up wood or stone piles that would serve as homes for secondary hosts such as mice or chipmunks. Put up a 3-foot-wide barrier made of mulch or woodchips between the wood line and the yard and make sure to move any children’s swing sets away from the area.

“Also, mow regularly,” he said. “A 3-inch height is healthy for turf grass.”

Poison ivy

This native plant can be tough to prevent. It’s primarily dispersed by birds eating seeds or blowing in on a breeze. You can create an evergreen screen to help shield your property and make sure to weed and mulch regularly to help reduce the likelihood of it taking root, Kurzmiller said.

If you do find it in your yard, large vines can be cut in late summer. The bottom can be cut and treated with an herbicide that contains glyphosate as the active ingredient, which will move down the root system and kill the plant.

Photo by Paul Kuehnel

As a park naturalist with York County Parks, Amber Carothers works to provide children and others an opportunity to make a connection with the world around them.

Carothers feels York County residents are fortunate to have such an extensive park system that provides a variety of outdoor options. “There are places that do not have a county park system at all,” she said. “York County is unique in part because we have 11 county parks and various state parks.”

Her family loves to explore different trails at the county and state parks. “Hiking is great because it is different each and every time, and it’s a great way to exercise.”

Rocky Ridge County Park is one of her family’s favorites because they can include their dog while hiking, and she said the views from the lookout points are amazing.

When did you discover that you were interested in nature?

I grew up playing outside. I was the kid in the neighborhood that climbed everyone’s trees, played in the mud, made forts and ran around in the rain. I am originally from Pittsburgh, and my family went camping multiple times every summer at Pymatuning State Park on the Ohio side. The campground had a staff naturalist that would lead hikes and various programs. I attended every program I could because I wanted to learn about plants and animals around me.

What led you to become a naturalist?

After I earned my undergraduate degree and decided to attend graduate school, I pondered two paths. I thought about whether I wanted to conduct research related to the conservation of species or whether I wanted to teach people. After much thought, I felt that I really wanted to share my passion with the general public and decided that teaching was a better fit for me.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My absolute favorite part of the job is teaching. I love teaching students who visit the Nixon Park Nature Center for their field trip. There is nothing better than seeing students have that “aha” moment when they learn something new and can connect what they are learning to a real-world situation.

What programs do you teach?

I teach school groups every day in the spring and fall. I am also in charge of our summer camps. I oversee two seasonal program assistants who plan, organize and teach eight week-long camps for various age groups ranging from 3 to 13 years old. I teach a variety of general public programs such as wildflower hikes, a Father’s Day hike, backpack picnic hikes and much more. The main lesson for each program varies depending on the topic.

What is the most unusual thing you’ve done in your role as naturalist?

The most unusual thing I’ve done as a naturalist is probably when I helped to rescue a Great Egret last summer. It had tried to eat something that was connected to a hook and line that was left out to catch a snapping turtle. As a result, the hook was lodged inside its neck and the line was tangled around the bird. Normally, circumstances prevent us from helping in these situations. However, on this particular day, a summer intern and I spotted the bird. With the help of other park staff, we were able to capture the bird and transport it to a local vet hospital where the hook and line were removed. The egret was sent to a rehab facility and was released a few weeks later. It is not every day that you are able to help rescue such a magnificent animal.

About Amber Carothers

Age: 31
Lives in: West Manchester Township
Family: Husband; daughter, Zoe, 4; son, Cameron, 20 months
Hobbies: Just about anything outside. Hiking, gardening, camping, kayaking and exploring with family. She also enjoys theater, visiting museums and reading.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology from Thiel College; Master’s of Science in Parks and Recreation Management with a Specialization in Environmental Education from Slippery Rock University; and currently working toward a Master’s of Education degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix.
Occupation: Park Naturalist II with York County Parks

If you’re shopping for sunglasses this time of year, you can find them just about anywhere from the pharmacy to the grocery store check-out line. So, for many of us, shades are a grab-and-go purchase.

Sure, we might try on a few pairs to determine what’s attractive while squinting into the small mirror attached to the plastic kiosk. But it’s easy to forget that sunglasses serve a functional purpose, as well.

Those who choose to skip sunglasses altogether are taking a risk. According to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if you’re spending long hours in the sun, foregoing sunglasses can damage your eyes by contributing to cataracts, macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer.

Adam Barr, lab manager at Weaver Eye Associates in Dallastown, agrees. “I think everyone should wear sunglasses — and that includes children,” he said, adding that most of the damage from the sun occurs during childhood.

So, what should rank high on the list of priorities when choosing a pair of sunglasses?

Barr suggests UV protection. “All eyes are susceptible to UV rays from the sun.”

He also recommends polarized lenses, which aid with glare and vision year-round. “If you’re skiing, or at the lake, and the sun is reflecting off of the bright surfaces, it cuts the glare.”

Keeping two pairs of polarized sunglasses on hand is a smart idea to deal with the changing weather. “Grey lenses offer light reduction and are most efficient on bright days, while brown lenses increase contrast, making colors more vibrant,” Barr said. “They are great for rainy, or overcast days.”

Selecting stylish frames

If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your look, you might want to invest in a more fashionable pair of sunglasses. Barr said the classic wayfarer is currently popular among men. Women, on the other hand, are choosing larger frames, with embellishments and bling.

Bolder colors are also popular now.

“The color of the year is orchid and more women are buying frames in the purple spectrum,” Barr said.

His fashion advice? “Pick something that’s flattering, color wise — but still have fun with it. Try to select something off the beaten path of what you’d normally wear every day.”

To select the right frames, Barr suggests juxtaposing them according to the shape of your face. “Those who have round faces should consider more angular frames and those with square faces should go with a rounder frame,” he said. “The rule of thumb is to go the opposite of your face shape to balance things out.”

When in doubt, consult an eye care professional. “Professionals are equipped to advise consumers on the wide range of available options, including prescription — and even Transitions™ — lenses,” Barr said.

He said you’ll find better quality products at an eye doctor.

“Also keep in mind that vision insurance can often be used for a price break on the lenses and frames,” he added.

Summery drinks using Thistle Finch Distillery’s white rye whiskey include, from left, the Martin Mule, the Old Fashioned and the Whiskey Sour (Photo by Chris Dunn)

Central Pennsylvania is in the midst of a spirits revival.

Perhaps following in the foamy footsteps of local brewpubs and microbreweries, several regional entrepreneurs are trying their hands at distilling and cidering.

And with warm summer breezes beckoning you to the nearest deck or patio, there’s no better time to enjoy the fermented fruits of their labor than right now.

Adam Redding, founder of Gettysburg’s Good Intent Cider, says that this time of the year is perfect for sipping his full-juice cider. It’s dryer and less sweet than mainstream hard ciders and is technically sold as a wine.

“Cider is very refreshing,” he said. “It’s lighter. It has more flavor than a light beer — and not so heavy as a wine — and very slightly effervescent.”

Redding, a chemist by profession, started selling Good Intent two years ago, after taking a cider-making class at Cornell University. And while he and his family are now based in State College, he plans to keep his business rooted in Gettysburg to take advantage of Adams County’s signature crop: apples.

And his isn’t the only business tapping into central Pennsylvania’s agrarian roots.

Great grains

Andrew Martin, who opened the doors to Lancaster’s Thistle Finch Distillery in December, gets the grain for his rye whiskey from an area farm.

“Our product is definitely different — even for regular whiskey drinkers. It’s clear and un-aged and has a different flavor,” he said.

Because the white rye whiskey has not been stored in an oak barrel, it lacks the wood flavor that distinguishes other aged spirits, he said. The result is a spirit that’s drier, spicier and earthier than bourbon with greater emphasis on the flavor of the grain.

Martin’s excited to bring back a spirit that has historical ties to Pennsylvania and Maryland and only disappeared because of Prohibition — not because people lost interest in it. Most of the popular whiskey in America is either scotch or bourbon, but Martin said the rye whiskey he makes at Thistle Finch is experiencing a bit of a comeback. He’s started filling barrels, as well, and hopes to have an aged product available before Christmas.

Full of flavor

Brother-sister team Bill and Denise Mathias opened Old Republic Distillery in March 2013, producing a variety of flavored vodkas and liquors that embrace local flavor and lore. So far, their most popular offerings are their Apple Pie Moonshine and Battlefield Vodka.

“A lot of people are shocked that they are able to drink a moonshine or a liquor straight,” Denise Mathias said.

Located just a couple of blocks off the Rail Trail in Seven Valleys, the distillery is becoming a pit stop for cyclists who might stuff their backpacks with a bottle or two before continuing on their rides.

“Some people actually said that they have their ride planned out and that they stop at certain bars and restaurants along that route,” she said. “I don’t know how they get back home.”

Shake it up

We asked these local spirit makers for their favorite summer cocktail recipes using their products. Whether you’re unwinding after a ride on the Rail Trail or throwing a weekend barbecue, enjoy responsibly.

Thistle Finch
417 W. Grant St., Lancaster
717-478-8472
www.thistlefinch.com

Buy it: Available at the distillery for $32 for 750 mL bottle

Founder Andrew Martin’s favorite place to sip in the summer: A backyard barbecue.

Martin’s summer picks:

Old Fashioned

1. Place one orange slice and two cherries with splash of cherry juice in glass and muddle.

2. Add 2 ounces Thistle Finch White Rye,
1/4 ounce simple syrup and three dashes
angostura bitters.

3. Add ice and roll gently between glass and shaker.

4. Pour into tumbler and top with splash of water. Add stir stick and serve.

Whiskey Sour

1. Combine 2 ounces Thistle Finch White Rye with 2 ounces lemon sour or lemon simple syrup blend in mixing glass.

2. Add ice and roll back and forth.

3. Pour into tumbler and garnish with lemon on rim.

Martin Mule

1. Pour 2 ounces Thistle Finch White Rye and 1 ounce of lime simple syrup mix into shaker.

2. Add ice and roll contents.

3. Pour into highball glass and top with ginger beer

4. Squeeze lime wedge into glass, drop lime into glass and stir.

Buy it: Available at the distillery for $25 to $35 for 750 mL bottles

Co-founder Denise Mathias’s favorite place to sip during the summer: “I would love to have a beach nearby,” she says. “With two kids and two dogs, usually I enjoy it on my back patio.”

Mathias’s summer picks:

Lovenade

Mix one part chilled Rutter’s lemonade with one part Old Republic Distillery’s Love Potion.

ORD Black Cherry Tea

Mix one part Turkey Hill Cherry Pomegranate Black Tea with one part Old Republic Distillery’s Love Potion Black Cherry.

ORD Pudding Shots
Ingredients

One small box instant pudding

One cup ORD spirits

One 8-ounce container of Cool Whip

Directions

Mix pudding and ORD, add Cool Whip and stir until well blended. Pour into cups, freeze and enjoy.

Buy it: Available for $12 to $20 for a 750 mL bottles by emailing adam@goodintentcider.com , or find it by the glass at select Gettysburg restaurants.

Founder Adam Redding’s favorite place to sip during the summer: Out on the deck.

Redding’s summer pick:

Good Intent Julep

Ingredients

3 ounces North Meets South Cider

1.5 ounces high-quality bourbon

4 fresh mint leaves

1 ounce simple syrup

Directions

Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup. Add cider and bourbon and shake. Pour over tumbler of crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.

Natalie Harley pours a cool drink on her back porch in Carroll Township (Photo by Paul Kuehnel)

“Our goal was always for people to feel comfortable and relaxed,” she said of her backyard oasis. “We want people to just lie in the sun, eat great food and have a good time.”

On mobile? Click here to view photo galleryWhen she and her husband built their Carroll Township home 20 years ago, the backyard featured just a simple screened-in porch and patio. But over the past two decades, the couple has gradually transformed the space into a beautiful retreat that’s perfectly designed for entertaining al fresco.

From the row of lounge chairs surrounding the in-ground pool to the full kitchen adjacent to multiple dining areas, Harley’s backyard begs to be filled with a crowd.

After a dip in the pool and a bite to eat, guests can stroll through the colorful flower garden or take a peek at Harley’s herb planters.

But the highlight of the space is the outdoor gas fireplace, which is surrounded by plush chairs to curl up in with a blanket on a chilly evening. During a vacation in Napa, Harley and her husband enjoyed sipping glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon by a winery fireplace and couldn’t wait to replicate the experience at home.

The fireplace allows Harley to entertain in her backyard year-round. “It was a really nice day on Thanksgiving a few years ago, and we sat out there chatting with our guests until midnight,” she said.

Whether it’s an intimate gathering with a few friends or a bigger event with a large crowd, Harley is eager to entertain.

When a close family friend expressed an interest in getting married in their backyard, Harley was more than happy to oblige. Last summer, 40 guests gathered to witness the bride and groom exchange their vows in front of Harley’s fireplace, followed by a cozy reception around the pool and flower garden.

“I think it was as much fun for me as for the bride!” Harley said.

Feeding your guests

Natalie Harley offers these three ideas for chowing down in your backyard.

1. Prep, prep, prep. Make as much food as you can ahead of time so that you’re not stuck in the kitchen once your friends arrive. Harley’s favorite make-ahead dish? Kebobs.

2. Serve buffet-style. Doing so makes it easy for your guests to go back for more at their convenience.

3. Consider seating. Harley’s backyard features plenty of tables and chairs so that no one has to balance their plate in their lap during dinner.

Designing your backyard

Looking to transform your own backyard into a party-pleasing space? Before you start, consider these five tips from Natalie Harley.

1. Get inspired. Harley likes to browse apps like Pinterest and Houzz on her smartphone for photos and ideas on how to improve her backyard.

2. Consider functionality. Will you be hosting large groups or just a few friends? Do you want to serve full meals or will snacks suffice? “I thought a lot about how the space would be used,” Harley said.

3. Keep it low-maintenance. The less time you spend maintaining your backyard, the more time you can spend enjoying it.

4. Plan the high-tech way. Harley’s contractor offered a 3-D imaging software service so that she could better visualize what her backyard transformation would look like before it happened.

5. Make it colorful. Flowers can quickly transform the look and feel of your backyard. “I tried to pick flowers that bloom throughout the season so there’s always some color in the garden,” Harley said.

The Knaub family of Springettsbury Township enjoys camping together (Photo by Chris Dunn)

Mark and Sharon work opposite shifts so they don’t get to see or talk to one another much. They like to go camping, where they can get away from it all, unplug and enjoy family time.

They cook foil-packed meals over a campfire. The children ride their bikes. The family plays games, too, such as Uno and badminton.

Lots of options

Sometimes the Knaubs get away for a weekend. Other times they go for a week-long vacation. They have stayed at campgrounds, from Cedar Lake Family Campground in Dover Township to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Florida.

“You can go far or you can stay near, but it’s still like you’re getting away,” Sharon Knaub said.

Camping can be inexpensive or expensive, the Knaubs said. Campers can save money on meals and hotels.

Some campgrounds, such as the KOA in Gettysburg, offer everything from primitive tent sites to fully equipped cottages. It offers activities, including horseshoes, miniature golf, a playground and a pet playground, said Lorelle Bergeron, who owns the campground with her husband, John.

Pennsylvania offers great camping in its parks, Mark Knaub said. It’s inexpensive, and the parks are well-kept.

Gifford Pinchot State Park in northern York County offers hiking, boating, swimming and disc golf, park manager Bob Deffner said.

Safety at the site

The key for first-time campers is to come prepared and think about safety, Deffner said. The weather can change quickly so campers should pack rain gear, sunglasses and flashlights. The state offers a checklist of items to bring.

Phyllis Crooks, a campground host at Gifford Pinchot, said one problem she sees is campers unable to start campfires. She suggests making fire-starters in advance. Crooks recommends putting dryer lint and small pine cones into a cardboard egg carton and then adding melted wax. One or two can be broken off to use in starting a fire, she said.

Many say campers are friendly and willing to help one another. Mark Knaub recalled how years ago another camper helped him unhitch his travel trailer from the truck because he was having some difficulty.

As a host, Crooks also helps campers.

“I have done this a long time and love it,” Crooks said of camping.

Crooks said she stays at the campground most of the time from April through October. She and her husband, Jim Grove, drive to their home in Manchester Township to do laundry and check on the house. Then they head back to the campground.

Making memories

Crooks said she enjoys seeing children camping and creating lifelong memories.

Paige Knaub said she loves camping, and she likes to bring their dogs, Bella and Ruby.

“My dad cooks a big breakfast every morning,” she said.

One of the places she liked going was Little Buffalo State Park, Paige said. It has a big water park.

Her advice to others: Be prepared and bring anything you think you might need.

And one piece of advice from her dad: Never forget the marshmallows.

Camping is a way for family to see places they wouldn’t normally go.

“I think it’s a great family fun activity,” Mark Knaub said.

First-time camper program

Thinking about camping for the first time?

Check out the first-time camper program, which is offered by the Pennsylvania State Parks and Gander Mountain.

The program is offered at select state parks, and the cost is $20 for two nights, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ website.

Campers get to use rental equipment and receive hands-on instruction on how to camp, the website states. Participants do not get to keep the gear, but they receive discounts on it.

For more information, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/first-time-camper/.

FlipSide staff

But what can you do when the hankering hits and you’re unable to toast your marshmallow over an open flame? A few local spots offer their own twists on the summer treat. And the best part? They do all the work.

York Township baker Theresa Starceski adapted a family tradition to create a s’mores cupcake she sells through her baking business, Rainboots Bakery.

“On rainy days, as kids, my brothers and I would toast marshmallows over the stove for s’mores,” Starceski said. “One rainy evening, my brothers were out of the house doing their own thing and I adapted the s’mores cupcake.”

Torch touches

Although Rainboots Bakery began only recently and operates mostly through catering and personal orders, Starceski said she’s been baking for years. In her version of the s’more, a chocolate cupcake with chocolate chips sits atop a ground graham-cracker crust and is topped with marshmallow frosting and rolled in more graham-cracker crumbs. Mini marshmallows browned with a pastry torch add the finishing touch.

“Campfires are always such a fun event,” she said. “The s’mores cupcake was made to bring a little bit of campfires to everyday life.”

Rainboots Bakery isn’t the only local shop that marries marshmallow and chocolate: Just Cupcakes in York has its own version, as well.

“Our family has always loved the delicious treat of s’mores, whether it be around a campfire or in our kitchen,” said Sarah Koveleski, who owns the cafe with her mom, Christine Martin. “It is so simple, yet so good, and always takes you back to a special place.”

Koveleski dips a rich chocolate cake into ganache and then graham-cracker crumbles before finishing it with meringue topping “torched to perfection.”

Read the rest of this post on FlipSidePA.com.

File photo by Jeff Lautenberger

While some kids find fireworks fascinating, others cry at the first loud boom. Some kids relish a history lesson outside of school, others fall asleep. And while some youngsters merrily sing along to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” others attend sporting events for the hot dogs.

We’re hoping at least one of these Fourth of July events spark your family’s interest:

1. Steam into History. Take a train ride from New Freedom to Glen Rock, or New Freedom to Hanover Junction, on July 4. Heading north on the 1860s replica steam locomotive, passengers will hear local history from a narrator in period attire, said Debi Beshore of Steam into History. Heading south, hear music by Gary Schwartz, a 138th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company B, re-enactor, who will perform on either authentic or reproduction musical instruments. For tickets and information, visit steamintohistory.com.

2. See a baseball game. Root for your favorite “rose” — white for York or red for Lancaster July 4. The York Revs will play the Lancaster Barnstormers at Clipper Magazine Stadium beginning at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks. Ticket prices vary; call 717-509-HITS or visit lancasterbarnstormers.com. The stadium is at 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster.

3. Make a red, white and blue bouquet. Pick three stems of your favorite white flower Add water to three vases. Trim each flower’s stem. In one vase, add several drops of blue food coloring; place one stem in that vase. In another, add several drops of red food coloring; place one stem in that vase. Place the third flower in the third vase. Let sit for about three days until two of the flowers transform to blue and red.

4. Hear the Lyric Band on a historical mansion’s lawn. On July 2, head to the Warehime-Myers Mansion, 305 Baltimore St., Hanover, for a 6:30 p.m. performance. Admission is free; bring a lawn chair. Call 717-632-3207 or visit hahs.us for details.

5. Listen to the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus. Visit Long’s Park in Lancaster on July 6. Fireworks will conclude the 7:30 p.m. show. Admission is free. Call 717-735-8883 or visit longspark.org. To get to the park from York, take the Harrisburg Pike exit on Route 30. Make a right and park will be immediately on your left.

6. See fireworks in Red Lion. Head to Red Lion Area Senior High School at dusk
July 3. Fireworks will be at Horn Field, across from the school at 200 Horace Mann Ave. For prime seating, arrive at about 9 p.m. Rain date is July 5. Admission is free. For details, visit redlionpa.org.

7. Hear the Boogie Wonder Band. The 7 p.m. concert on July 6, will be followed by fireworks at about 9:15 p.m. at Springettsbury Township Park, 1501 Mount Zion Road. Admission is free. Find details at springettsbury.com.

8. See kiddie fireworks. The 9:30 p.m. July 1 fireworks are for the younger crowd and are part of a weeklong carnival, starting June 30, at Marge Goodfellow Park, near the intersection of Main Street and South Constitution Avenue in New Freedom. Another fireworks display for the older crowd will shoot off midnight July 3. Admission is free. Visit newfreedomlionsclub.org/carnival.

9. Stop by York’s Colonial Complex. Learn more about the city’s role during the country’s road to independence. Tour the General Gates House, Golden Plough Tavern, Barnett Bobb Log House and the Colonial Court House at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2 and 3 p.m. July 5. Tours depart from the brick building behind the Colonial Court House. Adult admission is $15; students ages 6 to 18, $7; children 5 and younger admitted free. Call 717-848-1587 or visit yorkheritage.org.

10. At your local library. Visit the Glatfelter Memorial Library, 101 Glenview Road, Spring Grove, anytime between noon and 8 p.m. July 3, to get your creative juices flowing during drop-in craft time. Friends of the Village Library will also host a used-book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4 in front of the ambulance building at 18 S. Main St., Jacobus. Visit yorklibraries.org for details.

Find a list of Fourth of July fireworks, events and services in Southcentral Pa. on FlipSidePA.com.

Photo by Paul Kuehnel

Her own parents struggled with drug addiction and were incarcerated. She was raised by her grandmother, and found it difficult to relate to peers who came from two-parent homes.

“That circumstance has allowed me to become a great mother, wife and daughter/granddaughter,” she said.

Lilly served in the Army and was a police detective in Baltimore before joining the Crispus Attucks Association.

“Moving into the non-profit sector is so rewarding,” she explained. “You feel the gratitude from working one-on-one to help people.”

The Crispus Attucks Association serves a diverse set of clients across York County.

She stresses the importance of education and hard work in her programs.

“I feel like education is a process, and you have to put in the effort to get what you want out of it,” she said.

Lilly enjoys working with youth.

“To have them say thank you or see the gratitude in their eyes warms me from the inside out,” she said.

What aspects of your background have had the most influence on your job?

In every aspect of my life I have had roles that involved being of service to people, including as a former enlisted soldier in the Army and as a police detective for the Baltimore City Police Department. I believe that my commitment to people and their well-being is what fuels my dedication to designing and creating programming that helps our clients be productive, self-sustaining and involved citizens.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve had in your life, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges in my life was not having a traditional family unit (mother and father). I was raised by my grandmother, who very early in her life had to drop out of school and care for her siblings. My grandmother is the most significant person in my life, along with my husband and children. She taught me the value of education, acquiring security in positive relationship, and giving back. I believe that if not for the amount of “bad” days in my life, I would never have learned to appreciate the “good” and share it with others.

How have your other careers enabled you to work with young adults?

In my former careers, I have had the opportunity to travel around the world. I worked in Baltimore in places that one would believe are not of this world. I have seen poverty and despair and young people carrying a burden that should not be all their own. A large percentage of youth and young adults in America and overseas are dealing with issues that are unimaginable.

What ways do you work to provide opportunities for youth that are served by the Crispus Attucks Association?

The Crispus Attucks Center for Employment and Training offers individualized and strategic assistance to youth and young adults who are transitioning into employment or post-secondary education. It is our job to help the youth we serve map out their careers and achieve tangible, long-term goals. We offer specialized skill training (certified nursing assistant, welding, forklift, etc.) in addition to college preparatory workshops that work step-by-step with each youth culminating in college enrollment and securing financial assistance.

What programs have you developed for the Crispus Attucks Center for Employment and Training?

A program that I was eager to develop which has proven to be successful is Intervention Services for Youth Offenders in partnership with the York County Juvenile Probation department. This program gives youth essential training, which helps them transition back into society with enhanced purpose and direction to their future. Over the course of a year, we have served 97 youth (out of our annual total of 373) who are under direct supervision of probation. Since the genesis of this program, 55 youth have completed high school and a third have received specialized training and/or obtained unsubsidized employment.

About Raquel Lily

Age: 36
Lives in: York Township
Family: Married to Jeff Lilly (Baltimore City Police Detective); two sons, Yazir, 14 and Zhyrie, 11; and one daughter, Jilani, 12.
Hobbies: Watching Reality TV and volunteering
Occupation: Programs Manager for the Crispus Attucks Center for Employment and Training