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Central PA shows its creativity this Halloween!
When you live in a small town, there's not that many doorbells to ring... and when you live in a rural area, you may never even see a trick-or-treater at your doorstep.
So, what do you do?... TRUNK-or-TREAT!
Thanks to CBS 21 Photojournalist John Leierzapf for passing along these photos...
This is the first year for Trunk-or-Treat in Halifax, Dauphin County. As you can see, part of the borough park is lined with cars, many of which are elaborately decorated.
Locally, the idea for Trunk-or-Treat was started by Halifax Communities That Care. They were inspried by similar events made popular in other parts of the country, especially in the South, where rural towns were looking for a way to make Trick-or-Treating opportunities more accessible.
"This is an opportunity for a safe environment for our kids to come trick-or-treat," says Bonnie Kent, CTC's Community Mobilizer. "We're a rural community. So, its also an opportunity for people who don't necessarily get a lot of trick-or-treaters to come share some treats with the kids."
(Pictured above: Ric Cooper of 98.9 WQLV-FM, and Bonnie Kent of Halifax CTC)
Along with the "Trunkers", the kids themselves showed some extreme creativity with their Halloween costumes...
For the innaugural event, more than 300 people made Trunk-or-Treat a success!
....and Organizers hope to make it an annual event in the Halifax area.
Here are some more of John's photos to enjoy.
(Below: Ric Cooper and the gang from 98.9 WQLV-FM, The Pulse of Central PA)
Congratulations to everyone involved in this successful event!
Until next time,
-- Mike
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Here's a few photos taken from inside the Chameleon Club in Lancaster last Saturday night... My brother-in-law, Michael Troy, is the keyboard player for Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force.
For those of you just meeting Mike... he grew up in Halifax, just like me... And he's married to my sister, Jen. When he's not touring Europe, South America, and cities big and small across the United States, he and Jen live in Millersburg, Dauphin County.
And here's a recent article on Mike printed in our hometown paper, The Upper Dauphin Sentinel:
For those of you who don't know of Yngwie, he's a rock/metal guitar legend.
I sure wish my BlackBerry took better pictures, but this next photo should give you an idea of what I was up against... This was a big-time heavy metal show, in a relatively small venue.
In this next picture, if you look through the stage smoke, you can see Mike playing keyboards on the left side of this picture... That's Yngwie going bananas with his guitar up front...
Following the stop at Chameleon, Yngwie, Mike, and the rest of the band will round out their U.S. Tour with shows in New York City, Nashville, and Fort Lauderdale, FL...
Thanks for a great show for your hometown fans here in Central PA, and see you at Thanksgiving dinner, Mike...!
Until next time,
-- Mike
mikeparker@cbs21.com
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When it came time to take a week's vacation this Fall, it was a tough call... But after considering our options, my wife and I decided that a week right here at home would be just what the Doctor ordered...
Not exactly ordered, actually... The doctor said we could go anywhere we wanted.
So why am I asking a doctor about my vacation plans, anyway?
Well, consider this the "cat"... that is now officially out of the bag.
We're going to be parents!... Yes, I'm going to be a Dad!
Its got the be the most exciting news that I have ever learned (and for a guy who reads the news every night, that's saying something!)
Go ahead... meet my little pal.
Pretty amazing, huh? Apparently a little camera shy, though. We'll have to work on that.
These 4D pictures were taken about 13 weeks ago, so we're definatley due for an update. But as I'm writing this, my wife is just about 20 weeks along. And a week from now, we've decided that we're going to find out if it is a boy or a girl.
And while the idea of having a little "guy" around sounds pretty cool, a little girl would be an equal blessing.
Although, for those of you who know anything about my household... there's already enough female influence. (Emmy to the left, Sunny to the right)
Another guy to balance things out wouldn't hurt.
Either way, I'll try to keep this news updated over the next few months.
So... The "StayCation"... you know, "Stay" + "Vacation" = StayCation... the hottest new buzz word in American lingo, whereas people are choosing to spend their vacation staying at home. In the process, saving money on gas, and things like that. And right about now, a few extra bucks is just what the doctor ordered.
Of course, I couldn't just stay home the entire time. There had to be a few day trips.
Stop # 1: The Monster Mile... Dover, Delaware
Maybe the worst photo of myself I'll ever post on this blog... but understand, the sunglasses/safety galsses were FREE. And when you're hanging with the guys, you're not going for style points.
These are my drin... racing buddies, Eric and Lenny.
And here is a better shot of the Monster Monument.
I've got to say, I enjoyed the day at the race track...
But at heart, I'm a baseball guy.
Of all my years as a Phillies fan (or Phan, as Steve Knight mentioned in his recent blog), this has to have been the most exciting year ever. I saw great games against the Marlins, Pirates, and last Wednesday, the Braves.
I was able to score some great seats behind a few rows behind the visitors' dugout, where the Phillie Phanatic is a regular. And as you can see, he made a quick stop in the row in front of us. I've always loved the Phanatic.
Unfortunately, the Phillies lost this game... but as we know, they've since redeemed themselves as National league East Champions.
For the rest of my vacation, I'll admit... I looked a lot like Sunny.
A lot of rest, relaxation... and saving plenty of energy for DEER SEASON!
Let that serve as a preview of my next blog... coming soon!
Until next time,
-- Mike
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One thing I've learned over the years, is that you can't always judge a fishing trip, based only on the size of the fish you catch.
As I was recently reminded, quantity can sometimes be just as rewarding as quality...
I've always enjoyed fishing on overcast days. So, when the opportunity presented itself on a recent Tuesday morning, I decided to check out a local creek I hadn't previously fished.
Most local anglers will have at least heard of the Conewago Creek. I chose a spot in Northern York County, accessible through a patch of woods near a bridge..
When I arrived at the creek, there was another angler under the bridge, probably about 17 or 18 years old, using worms. Unfamiliar with the Conewago, I asked him what he was fishing for... to which he replied, "Well, I'm seeing some nice bass. But I can't figure out how to catch them!"
I wasn't immediatley encouraged. Not only by his admitted lack of success, but also because the creek seemed to be fairly shallow where I had entered south of the bridge, and the water was thick with vegetation... what a lot of fisherman often describe as "seaweed," that makes casting with a lure a constant pain. In conditions like this, you tend to get frustrated with the amount of grass you pull in, instead of fish.
So far, I wasn't impressed with the spot... But at least found one sign of life, in the form of a single sunflower growing out of a pile of debris dammed up behind the bridge during a flood.
For the first 45 minutes or so, I stayed fairly close to the bridge... Wading across to the far side of the creek, and making frequent casts of my black Rooster Tail lure.
No Luck.
As I made my way upstream, I got further away from the other fisherman, and after a few more minutes, noticed that he had given up and left altogether.
With the creek to myself, I decided to focus my attention on the western bank of the creek. The water was deeper on that side, and having sneeked up the eastern bank, I shouldn't have disturbed anthing.
With the change in approach, I also decided to change lures. This time, attaching a floating Rapala lure, with a rainbow trout pattern and dual treble hooks.
WHAMMY.
To my surprise, my efforts paid off in the form of a pleasant surprise... This Walleye is about 11-inches. No trophy for sure, but fun to catch.
By the way, if you've never caught a Walleye before, you may not know about one of the drawbacks... Big, sharp, teeth!
I admit, my BlackBerry doesn't take the greatest close shots... but if you look closely at the fish's lower jaw, you'll see why you don't want to tango with these guys, if you don't have to.
A few casts later, and another Walleye strikes the lure. Again, a little guy, but plenty of fun to catch. I'd describe catching a Walley as, a very hard initial strike, followed by the sensation that you're pulling in a dead log. Then, once the fish approaches the surface of the water, it tends to "freak out" a bit, making it a little difficult to get it in your hand.
Welcome some more species...
After catching a few more small Walleye, I again found myself pleasntly surprised. My next catch was this medium-sized Rock Bass. Note the red eyes, that account for one difference between the similar Small Mouth Bass...
Okay... I might as well just show you... Because I caught one of those, too!
The fattest catch of the day, this 12-inch Small Mouth Bass was no prize, but it did give me my third species of the day.
And to round things out... a fourth.
This Sunfish was actually quite a "whopper" by my standards. Not a bad fight in him, and you've got to be impressed with his imagination, thinking he could swallow a lure this size.
After about two hours of fishing the Conewago, the overcast sky was beginning to make way for some sun... And it was getting time to pack up my gear, and head back to my truck. After all, I still had to go to work!
And while none of the fish I hooked up with today were keepers or prize catches on anyone's scale... The concept of quantity over quality certainly was appreciated in this casual outing. And for that, if you ask me, it was still a trophy day on the creek.
Until next time,
-- Mike
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Thanks to Captain Rich Fanning of the Hummelstown Fire Company for passing along these photos... Several members of the department were honored recently, for their role in the dramatic rescue of two people trapped inside a house fire.
During the early morning hours of February 25th, the fire department responded to a house fire in Derry Township, Dauphin County. Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters learned that a woman, her husband, and the couple's dog were trapped inside a bedroom and bathroom in the rear of the home. The home was filled with thick smoke, and an escape through a window was not possible for those trapped.
While communicating with a county dispatcher, who'd been speaking with the trapped woman over her cell phone, the firefighters knew where to look. However, the quick rescue is also being credited to the use of a high-tech thermal imaging device, that allowed firefighters to see exactly where the trapped couple was, despite the heavy smoke condition.
This most recent honor for the Hummelstown Fire Company came courtesy of the company that manufactures the thermal imaging devices. Each of the men received a medal for their life-saving use of the camera to make the unforgettable rescue.
Congratulations, gentlemen. You deserve this honor.
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Like Senators' fans flocking to the Spot at the Park for a "Classic with Cheese"... The CBS 21 Broadcast Bombers are flocking to local softball fields in search of competition. Once again this year, our team of misfits and road warriors is challenging area softball teams to games for charity. So far in 2008, we have a record of 1-1...
...with a loss to Halifax Communities That Care All-Stars, and a rare win over the daunting Wormleysburg Wreckers.
If you'd like to challenge our team to a game, get a team together, and contact me at mikeparker@cbs21.com, or email our team captain Kelli at kellipassow@cbs21.com.
Please enjoy the latest 2008 Softball Cards, and check back for more as our season continues, and we add to this highly sought after collector's set...
-- Mike
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Have you ever thought about what you'll do when you retire? Sure, its a long way off for a lot of us. But I can already picture myself on a sunny island somewhere, sipping on some icy drink I can't pronounce, and listening to steel drum music with my wife by side...
Then of course, there's the other 51 weeks out of the year...!
Part of me believes I'll still be right here in Central Pennsylvania, probably riding around the yard on my old lawn tractor, sipping a Yuengling and yelling at the grandkids.
Hopefully, I'll have some friends like these guys to hang out with, too.
Meet a few members of the Environmental Alliance of Senior Involvement. Recently, I got an email from Russ Martin (he's the tall one in the back), inviting me to spend some time with his group of buddies.
Tom Russell also came along for the trip.
When we met along the Yellow Breeches in New Cumberland Borough Park, the guys were already preparing a little science experiment.
About once a week, this group of friends gets together at a local creek to collect samples of the water. They'll test for levels of things, like oxygen, alkalinity, and pH.
The way they explain it, fish like the oxygen. Also, a good alkaline level in the water means that the stream is able to counteract the acid that enters the stream through acid rain.
If they find something out-of-the-ordinary, they'll report it to the PA Department of Environmental Protection to investigate.
Below, on the right, wearing the red shirt is Homer Foster. The guys kept refering to Homer as our "guest of honor" for this particular outing. Homer recently turned 100 years old, and continues to be an active volunteer with the group.
In his words, he says he's living proof that "You're never too old to volunteer," then explaining how staying active keeps him feeling young. "I miss it when we can't get out. I lived in the country, and I was a deer hunter. I like to get out in the woods. I enjoy it."
Thanks again to Russ, Art, Harv, Homer, and the rest of the gang for letting Tom and I tag along to see what they do...
...and if you ask me, not a bad way to spend your retirement!
-- Mike
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In the television news business, you ask a lot of questions... But, you also get a lot of questions from the people you meet...
One of the most-frequently asked is "Is your job fun?"
Without question, the answer is "Yes."
I mean, sure there are stories that are not fun to report. But overall, the experience of being a news reporter or photographer is a lot of fun. You find yourself in a constantly-changing environment, often in situations you never would have guessed you would end up in.
Or, as you're about to see... Clothing you never expected you'd end up in...
Everybody, meet Firefighter Frank, Central PA's newest Action Hero.
For those of you familiar with CBS 21's weekly Engine 21 segment, Frank is the man behind the camera when the heat is on...
During a recent filming at the HACC Fire Academy in Harrisburg, Frank was tasked with filming this raging car fire.
It was the opinion of the fire instructors on the scene that Frank should "gear up," just as a precaution. And in doing so, I must admit, Frank was able to get extremely close to the flames to grab some really incredible shots for our report.
What I didn't realize until today, when Frank emailed me, asking if I still had "that picture of me in the firefighting gear"...
...was how much Frank really enjoyed wearing the uniform!
I mean, seriously...! Check out this picture of me (attempting my own best action hero pose), clearly standing much closer to the raging car fire than Frank at this point... with absolutely no protection but a sturdy, all-weather blue jacket.
...yet, Frank remains fully equipped in his jacket and helmet... And beginning to like it.
In this shot, there isn't even any fire to speak of... yet Frank remains prepared for the worst! I mean it, too! If an automatic fire alarm had gone off in the city at this moment, I think Frank might have been first on the scene!
Here, you can see I'm left to stand awkwardly, as Frank is nowhere to be seen. At this point, I wonder if he's gone to join the class of cadets on their next training exercise at the academy.
But in all seriousness, if this blog proves anything... It's the dedication shown daily by our great staff of CBS 21 News photojournalists. Without them, viewers would never get as close to the fires, or as quickly to a scene when it matters most.
We also have a lot of fun in the process.
And so, to our newest Action Hero, Firefighter Frank... I say this...
Pose on, my friend...! Pose on! You deserve it!
Until next time...
-- Mike
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You saw it LIVE on CBS 21 News... Now check out these photos of local firefighters shaving their heads and facial hair for the Saint Baldrick's Foundation...
Myself and CBS 21 Photojournalist Frank Krepps getting ready to go LIVE outside the CBS 21 Studios in Harrisburg.
Chief Mark Simpson of the Camp Hill Fire Department was first in the chair. He raised nearly $2,000, which will help fund childhood cancer research.
The Chief shows he's more than happy to sport his new, sleek look!
Asst. Chief Trever Rentzel with the Manchester Union Fire Company may look a little nervous as our barber, Danny, eyes up his head of hair...
But its all for show... Trever has been shaving his head for St. Baldrick's for years!
Ryan Rodgers with Manchester Union Fire Company is the main organizer of the annual St. Baldrick's event at the York Expo Center. More than 100 firefighters will shave it all off on Sunday, April 13th, raising tens of thousands of dollars.
As you can see, he leads by example... shaving his head LIVE on CBS 21 News at 5:30...!
All of the previous shavings built up to our Grand Finale... Deputy Chief Dan Soulier of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire raised more than $3,000 for St. Baldrick's...
...And his prize handlebar mustache sold for a whopping $1,500...! On the right is the owner of Tara Station, an Irish Pub located in downtown Harrisburg. His pledge to buy the Chief's mustache came with a condition... The mustache will be framed and hung above the bar for all to enjoy...!
Jaime Novinger of Service 1st Restoration and Remodeling also sponsored Chief Soulier, and happily shaves his head as a reward.
And here is the final result...! A clean slate, primed for growing!
Thanks to all the firefighters who made our CBS 21 St. Baldrick's Shaving Day a success!
-- Mike
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As a life-long central Pennsylvanian, I'm pretty used to the Winter by now. In fact, the early Winter is one of my busiest times of year for deer hunting, and I even did a little ice fishing this past season. What a great time!
But it never fails. With the exception of the occassional March blizzard to keep me on my toes, there's a time period between mid-February and late March that just makes you want... do nothing! Its too cold, often windy, and let's face it... most times the only snow remaining is some huge, dirty pile that was was plowed in the grocery store parking lot. Its ugly.
Of course, there's Easter, which is great. I enjoy the time spent with my wife and our families. But as I get older (maybe you can relate), I'm finding that I can still eat the entire plate of turkey, and the basket of chocolate that still seems to end up in my house every year... But I don't seem to burn it off as quickly. Its easy to get lazy.
Simply put... Spring can't get here soon enough!
I love the Spring for a lot of reasons...
Fishing, canoeing, hiking and walking the dogs at the local state park...
Watching the trees get green again, planting some new flowers around the house, and loading my old pick-up truck with mulch...
I even like mowing my lawn, spreading grass seed from time-to-time, and knowing that when the day is over, there's a comfy chair and cold beer waiting for me on the deck.
Spring makes me feel good.
For those who know me as an outdoorsman and hunter, many are surprised to hear me tell stories about the times when I'll spend hours in the woods, or along a creek, and come home empty-handed. Now, don't get me wrong. I am a sportsman. I've never met a nice-size deer I wouldn't like to have in my freezer, or a trout that I can't envision covered in cajun batter, frying on my grill, as I'm reeling it in.
But really, there are only brief opportunities for that type of thing... surrounded by a lot of other times, when you can't do much but simply enjoy your surroundings, and appreciate the wildlife that calls it home.
Below are a few recent pictures of my opening-day fishing trip. I've also posted a few pictures taken by the trail camera I have set up in the woods near my house. If you've never heard of one of these before, it's basically a weather-proof digital camera that has a motion-sensor on it. When something walks by it, it takes a picture. It even has a flash on it for night time pictures, which as you can see, are usually the most interesting.
Enjoy!
This is my prize catch... a 22-inch Brown Trout caught in a small creek in the northern Dauphin County area on March 29th. (...and yes, it was delicious!)
This photo is proof that a large fish has the power to bring Eagles and Cowboys fans together, if even for a short period of time! Pictured on the left is my newest fishing buddy, Ben Foster... husband of my on-air CBS 21 News partner, Tanya.
These next photos were taken by my trail camera in a small patch of woods near my home in northern York County. I set the camera up on a tree, along what I suspected was a well-traveled deer path. As you can see, I was right!
This next picture is my favorite... a pleasant surprise. A lot of early mornings when I'm hunting these woods during the Fall archery season, I see a lot more of this guy than I see deer. At least I'm never lonely out there!
Thanks for stopping by!... I hope you enjoy the Spring as much as I do!
-- Mike
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Now you can watch many of the CBS 21 Stylish Statement news and movie segments online...! Here's the link...
http://www.whptv.com/content/stylishstatement/default.aspx
There are also more pictures on the "photos" section of CBS 21 Community.
CBS 21 News is teaming up with local high school students to make Prom safer, and more stylish than ever this year...! Here are some photos taken during our recent Stylish Statement shoots across the area...
Millersburg senior Brett Derr looks over a news script with Halifax sophomore Stacey Geyer. CBS 21 Photojournalist Garth Millen zooms in... as Brett and Stacey prepare to tell us about a State Police DUI Checkpoint.
Allison Mione of Williams Valley H.S. reports from a State Police DUI Checkpoint along Route 209. A special thanks to Troopers with PSP Lykens for their cooperation.
Upper Dauphin's Alayna Peters explains the consequences of DUI.
I offer Halifax Area High School student Sage Spini some last-minute tips before he files a CBS 21 Traffic Alert from beautiful downtown Halifax.
Upper Dauphin's Nicole Schade surveys traffic through the Elizabethville.
Anja Nace of Millersburg Area High School also files a traffic report from her own town square. Her report will also include potentially life-saving tips for fellow teenagers heading to Prom.
Williams Valley's Evan Welker says traffic is heavier-than-usual heading into Wiconisco on Prom night.
Halifax's Fernando Vega is all business as he stands next to a hearse. Its a somber background for his Exclusive interview with the Dauphin County Coroner.
Kylie Manning of Millersburg wants to look over the script one last time.
Kelly Baker talks about the Coroner's grim encounters with teen DUI accidents.
UDA's Kelly Schreffler doesn't want her friends to end up in one of these.
Prom Reporter Jenny Kaufman of Halifax is ready to deliver Breaking News from the State Police Barracks.
Williams Valley's Dylan Smith delivers the sad news about a Prom Night accident.
Ashley Fisher from Upper Dauphin wraps up her report.
Our Special Edition CBS 21 Newscast will be shown as part of the Stylish Statement Prom Fashion show... and you're invited! Its your chance to see local students model the newest 2008 Prom gowns and tux designs... months before you'll see them anywhere else!
Here are some pictures of last year's Fashion Show...
Hope to see you at this year's big show...! Here's the info:
Thanks to the more than 300 people who attended this year's show! What a success!
Special thanks to our parnter schools:
Halifax Area High School
Williams Valley High School
Millersburg Area High School
Upper Dauphin Area High School
*** CBS 21 News is looking to add more partner schools for future editions of Stylish Statement. For more information, email Mike Parker... mikeparker@cbs21.com
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They say you can tell a lot about a person by going through their garbage... and there's all sorts of books and theories about what your dreams say about you. But what does your workplace cubicle say about you?
Just for fun, Here's a few photos of my own personal CBS 21 News "home away from home." I'll give you a good look at several key "zones" of my desk.
The Wide Shot:
Zone # 1: The Printer Area
While it is called the Printer Area, the printer is not really mine. This noisy monster is shared by dozens of other CBS 21 News employees throughout the day. And on some days, they're nice enough to leave half-opened rheems of printer paper on the corner of my desk or on my chair. I also think its causing some long-term hearing loss in my left ear.
To give this zone a personal touch, I have added a painting that my aunt once found at a yard sale... and it begins one of the ongoing themes around my work area... Deer.
Zone # 2: The Bulletin Board
Notice right away, that this area has been hijacked by a recent practical joke. While I could certainly use the space to remind myself of important business appointments, I'm instead reminded that a CBS 21 News Producer named Scott was my Secret Santa.
Zone # 3: Awards and other Wood-Framed Things
If I ever get a real office someday, I picture it something like this, on a larger scale. Dark wood and shiny brass everywhere, accented by pictures of my wife and family. And while these few plaques are not my only awards through the years, you don't really want to over-do-it... In a cubicle, I've always believed less is more. (and there really isn't much room)
Zone # 4: The Mirror
Another luxury I'm afforded in the newsroom is being one of the most-distant from the bathroom. As you can imagine, as an Anchorman, an out-of-place hair can be worse than a broken leg. To avoid possible injury and exhaustion during a spontaneous trip to the Men's Room, I've installed this high quality mirror to the right of my computer screen.
Zone # 5: The Desktop
The clearing-house of my personal work space, the Desktop contains several items that are not so much designed to do anything... but more-or-less just to take up some space. The first two pictures are tributes to my roots. The third... what can I say, it was a gift.
Zone # 6: Calendar Row
Its a constant struggle on Calendar Row. My instinct as a man tells me to keep the deer calendar up for another year, and just guess the date...
And then there's this... Yes, another practical joke at my expense. However, once again, it is grounded in truth. While this 2008 calendar is full of show-worthy Bichon Frises, I actually am the proud owner of two Bichons of the more ordinary, less-poofy type. (Give me a break, guys, they run in my wife's family!) Out of respect for the gag, I've decided to leave it up.
Okay, so there it is... My little slice of Heaven.
Until next time...
-- Mike
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We recently reported a story about a local family who's outdoor Christmas decorations were ransacked and damaged... But it wasn't just a simple case of vandalism.
You tell 'em, Sherry!
Every year, Dovelle Smith spends three days decorating his home with Christmas spirit.
But as you can see in the picture below, not everybody appreciates the timing of it. The culprit made his or her message quite clear. The hand-painted note left on the Smith's front yard says "It's not even Thanksgiving yet"... followed by an expletive.
While I think anyone with any class can agree, this was not an appropriate, acceptable, or even sane way to react to the Christmas display.
But, in discussing this story with some others in the community, I've been surprised to hear how many people think that the vandals have a point, even though they made it the wrong way.
What do YOU think?
Is it wrong to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving even arrives?
I'll start by offering MY answer.
No. I love the Christmas season, and the decorations. I love the sights, the lights, the songs, the smells... And while I'll probably never have an elaborate outdoor display like the Smiths, my home is already decorated for Christmas inside. (No tree yet! We're not crazy!) But I've always loved the feeling of being around Christmas stuff, and my wife is a great decorator. So, last week, yes, two weeks before Thanksgiving... we broke out the decorations.
Now, let's hear what YOU think...!
-- Mike
(Want to see the whole story?... Here's the link: www.whptv.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=27589257-281e-482d-90ed-a53deca8f26a )
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Being a pie judge is kind of like being married... I think its great.
But much like a young man being called "husband" for the first time, coming to terms with your inner Pie Judge can catch you off guard...
I'll explain in a minute...
This weekend, I had the great honor of judging apple pies at the famous New Cumberland Apple Festival.
Pictured below is myself, along with the other judges and organizers.
Back to my original point... Being a Pie Judge takes a level of commitment.
Have you ever heard someone say that a man wearing a wedding ring is actually more attractive to the opposite sex...?
Well, previous pie-judging experience must make you more attractive to the organizers of other pie judging contests.
Do these pies look great or what!
Here I am with New Cumberland Mayor DJ Landis. She's the one who asked me to be a Pie Judge for this year's Apple Festival.
So, I took her hat.
This one was in the "Under 18" category, which means it was baked by a young person. Looks like they've got a real future in the dessert business!
Back to my credentials...
MIKE PARKER
Pie Judge
Experience:
-- 2006 Upper Dauphin Community Day
-- Apple Pie & Shoe Fly Pie Judging Contest
-- 2007 Pennsylvania Farm Show
-- Official State Apple Pie Contest (67 pies, by county)
-- 2007 Upper Dauphin Community Day
-- Apple Pie Contest
-- 2007 New Cumberland Apple Festival
-- Apple Pie Contest
Once you enter into the world of pie judging, you can never go back... And you'd better come to the table hungry!
A rookie Pie Judge may rush to judgement... I mean, just look at the crumbled bits of chocolately goodness staring you in the face!... But a Pie Judge must stay focused!
Here, New Cumberland Borough Council member Mary Landis shows off one of the blue ribbon winners...
Proving that in the end, with commitment, focus, and true love for the pie, there is great reward for all!
Until next time,
-- Mike
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Sometimes it takes a face to really connect people to a story... In this case, that face has a long, brown snout and a big black nose.
This Whitetail Deer fawn was rescued earlier this summer in Dauphin County, after its mother became the victim of poachers. The large doe was found shot, and left to die in a field. This fawn, still too young to fend for itself, was found still living with the adult doe corpse.
The Dauphin County fawn was rescued, and taken to the Red Creek Wildlife Center in Schuylkill County. While there are a number of wildlife rehabilitators licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, there are very few with the knowledge or facilities to care for fawns.
At Red Creek, the fawn was kept in a large pen with several other fawns that were rescued from other parts of the state. Some are also victims of poaching, others are orphaned when an adult doe becomes a roadkill.
While our CBS 21 News cameras were able to get up-close-and-personal with these fawns for a few minutes, don't mistake their natural curiosity for tameness. The fawns are still very wild. Throughout their rehabilitation, the small deer will only be in contact with one human on a regular basis. While an incoming fawn is given vaccinations, and food during its stay at Red Creek, their handler makes every effort to reserve unnatural interaction, or signs of affection.
In other words.......... NO PETTING!!!
Personal attachment is reserved for other species at the Wildlife Center... Here, operator Peggy Hentz holds a turtle that came in recently.
One turtle had a badly-damaged shell, caused by someone carving initials into it with a knife. Other turtles may be hit by cars, or farm equipment.
This Sulcata Tortoise is native to Africa, but ended up at Red Creek when someone made a poor decision to keep the massive reptile as a pet. It likely outgrew its intended living space, and was set free. A tortoise like this could not survive a Pennsylvania winter if it were not rescued.
Believe it... This amazing Turkey Vulture was also kept as a pet, before being abandoned.
You've probably never seen a Bard Owl in the first place... Let alone, this one that came to the Wildlife Center missing an eye!
And these beautiful red-tailed hawks are in various stages of recovery. Most of the birds will eventually be released back into the wild. Unfortunately, some of the hawks have never honed their natural hunting skills, and will have to rely on people to feed them for the rest of their lives. One hawk, not shown here, was rendered flightless after being shot.
Okay... Remember the fawns?
Last Saturday, after more than a month at Red Creek Wildlife Center, the small deer weighing up to 50 pounds each, were released back into the wild. (Photo by Lynn Dierwechter)
Rescuers don't like to divulge the location of the release, but tell CBS 21 News that these two doe and five bucks will find a new chance at life in the northern "big woods" areas of Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lynn Dierwechter)
The last picture is the toughest to see... But its the perfect end to our story. Peggy says as they drove away from the release point, the small doe rescued from Dauphin County seemed to turn its head one last time before disappearing into its new home.
I'd like to think it was saying "thanks."
For the video coverage of this story as seen on CBS 21 News, use the following link...
http://www.whptv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=125667@video.whptv.com
For more on the Red Creek Wildlife Center, use this one...
http://redcreekwildlifecenter.com/
Until next time... -- Mike
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