McCormick - The Spice of Life

We were most honored to be included in a specially reserved VIP tour of the McCormick Spice plant in Hunt Valley by two great friends who were former personnel. Not usually open to the public, we were given the red (white and blue) carpet treatment. 

Can you find us....

After being suitably garbed and wired, we were taken through the entire working plant observing and learning all aspects of the production, blending and packaging of spice blends, mixes, extracts, food colors, etc. We even saw some of our favorite food products like Lawry's, Zatarain's and Thai Kitchen which McCormick now own. Kudos to our tour guide Elaine...she was great!

Save the Carlisle Theatre

Photo-Cumberland County Historical Society

The Carlisle Theatre, originally called The Comerford, opened its doors in May of 1939. It was by far the grandest of three movie “palaces” all within a block of one another and was the first centrally air conditioned building in Carlisle.

The Theatre was built in the Art Deco style known as “streamlined moderne.” From the razzle-dazzle modernistic marquee with its bold Deco lettering, to the richly designed interior, Art Deco styling abounds.

During its early years, the Theatre offered daily continuous shows from 2:30 until 11:30 P.M. The matinee price for adults was 25 cents and the evening price 40 cents. The Theatre flourished through the 1960's, acting as the “hub” of a vibrant downtown.  Although it closed in the 1960's, it was revived in the 1990's as the Carlisle Performing Arts Centre and is used as a focal point for films, performing arts, concerts, and community events.

Like many other small town historic theatres, our Carlisle Theatre needs a digital refresher and the financial assistance of all by helping with the Save the Carlisle Theatre Capital Campaign.

Come experience the old theatre at  two of the great fund-raising events:
Comedy Explosion, Saturday, April 13
The Capitol Steps, Saturday, June 1
 

Dickinson College Basketball Team Advances to NCAA Tournament

Congratulations! The Dickinson College mens basketball team won the 2013 Centennial Conference Championship Saturday evening by beating top-seeded Franklin and Marshall 64-40 and advances to the NCAA Tournament March 2nd. This marks the first time since 1997 that the Dickinson team has made it to the NCAA finals...what a great year and send-off for President Durden.
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Love is in the Chilly Air!

The Carlisle House is full of the family and friends of

  Evian and Stephan

 as they leave for their wedding ceremony today.  Stephan is stationed with the Army in Wiesbaden Germany and he and Evian chose our historic town and the Carlisle Ribbon Mill for their celebration and festivities.

We wish them a lifetime of happiness.

First Night Carlisle

There is still time to join the fun and come out New Year's Eve for First Night Carlisle...we have several rooms available!  The festivities, events,and shows begin at 6pm and are showcased in historic venues around the downtown...all walkable from the Carlisle House.   At midnight join the countdown to 2013 with hundreds of revelers as Carlisle drops the Mini-Indy car to a backdrop of fabulous fireworks!

As this is the 15th anniversary of First Night Carlisle, the evening will be spectacular!

White Christmas

We had just enough snow that we have a white Christmas.  Merry Christmas to all.

We send a very special greeting and thank you to all our service members, especially those far from home.

Deneen Pottery - St Paul: A most interesting visit

While visiting my sister, Helen, in the Minneapolis area last week, we scheduled a very special visit to the Deneen Pottery company.  Deneen is the amazing family business that was founded by Peter and Mary Deneen and is celebrating its 40th year - 1972-2012! They produce the beautiful signature mugs and gift items that so many Inns, B&Bs, restaurants and organizations use and sell around the world!

The potter's wheel

While we knew that the pieces were handmade, we had no idea of the time and number of individuals involved in the creation of one single piece. 

First glaze

From the clay preparation (clay mixed locally), the logo artwork design, artwork mold formation, piece(mug) molding on the potters wheel, handle application, pressing, cutting and application of logo medallion (many like ours with the Select Registry Quill), firing, glazing, marbling, etc....all the way to the packing and shipping. Niles Deneen says that 24 pairs of hands touch each piece in some step and we now can truly verify that!  

Celebrating and thanking our Veterans

 

          As part of the B&Bs for Vets program in North America, we celebrated a wonderful evening with our four veteran couples, 3 Army and 1 Air Force with a total of 61 years of military service!  They were all given flowers by Pealers, our downtown florist and a box of velvety mints by Peter Matangos of Matangos Candies in Harrisburg.  Also, four of our local restaurants treated each couple to a special dinner: Market Cross Pub, Andalusia, Cafe Bruges and Trattoria Piatto.

          Our local paper, The Sentinel, featured the B&Bs for for Vets program and our special guests on the front of today's paper.

    We thank them all and every veteran who have all given so much so that we and others can live free!