Lampeter-Strasburg townlively.com
FEBRUARY 22, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 42
Connecting Through Cooking BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Food is one consistency in everyone’s lives. No matter who you are, you get hungry and need to eat. Although some prefer to frequent their favorite restaurants or order
When James Hugh Comey isn’t writing, he likes to take his motorcycle for a drive.
Local Author Featured by Chicken Soup for the Soul BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
n January, Chicken Soup for the Soul published its latest issue, titled “Lessons Learned From My Dog.” The book compiles many true stories centered around people’s pets and how animal companions have affected the owners’ lives. One of the featured stories, which is titled “War Dog,” was written by James Hugh Comey of Willow Street. In his story, Comey tells the tale of a dog his family adopted many years ago. The dog had accompanied its previous owner on a deployment overseas during the Korean War. When the previous owner moved into an apartment with his wife and child, he was forced to put the dog up for adoption. After being adopted by Comey’s family, the faithful dog ran away and located its former owner in an effort to be reunited with him. Like many of the stories featured by Chicken Soup for the Soul, “War Dog” explores themes of loyalty, courage and love. Comey was first inspired to share his story with Chicken Soup for the
coming-of-age story set in suburban Philadelphia. In “Uncommon Glory,” Comey tells the tale of a boy who awakens after being beaten unconscious and realizes that he can now converse with the crucifix of Christ. The book employs magical realism and explores themes of youth, loneliness and hope. In addition to teaching and writing novels, Comey helped found a children’s theater company in 1989. The company, called Stages of Imagination, created productions for kids that covered important topics such as bullying and loss. Stages of Imagination offered plays for over 20 years, and more than 100,000 children attended the shows until the company went on hiatus. “We didn’t have any money, actors, costumes or a theater at first, but we had a desire to get original plays out there for kids,” Comey said. For more information about Comey and his work, visit https://about.me/jcomey. “Lessons Learned From My Dog” is available to be purchased on www.amazon.com.
Brett Geesey (left), with his son, Jameson (center) and Jameson’s grandfather, Karl Yoder
See Parents Cooking pg 2
LCAA Slates Garden Show BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
Lancaster County Art Association (LCAA), 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg, will open its annual Garden Show on Sunday, Feb. 26. The free show will run until Thursday, March 23, and may be viewed during LCAA’s regular hours: Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The Garden Show will feature artwork from LCAA members that spans several mediums and revolves around a springtime theme. In the past, artists have created sculptures, drawings and paintings that depict anything
from flora to gardening tools. “It’s not all just flowers; some pieces are of gardening tools and things like that,” said Patricia Keller of LCAA. “I’m always amazed at the variety of the subjects people choose and the artists’ creativity.” Whether it’s a watercolor painting of a watering can or a wire sculpture of flowers, LCAA members use the Garden Show as an opportunity to usher in the warmer weather and look forward to spring. As winter draws to a close, artists who participate in the show remind us of what is just around the corner. See Garden Show pg 7
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Soul after he saw that a story written by a former co-worker was featured in the series. Chicken Soup for the Soul accepts anyone’s submissions and only requests that the stories are fewer than 1,200 words, have a positive message and are rooted in truth. Comey reworked “War Dog,” which had been posted to his blog, and submitted it to be considered. A couple months ago, the organization contacted Comey about publishing his story. Comey, a native of Delaware County, moved to Lancaster last year to live at Willow Valley Communities. Comey is a retired educator and has worked as a freelance writer for many years. “I’m a motorcycle rider. I used to come out (to Lancaster) with other riders,” Comey said. “I started thinking about 55-plus communities and decided to move out here.” Comey has written two novels. In 2020, he published “The Wild World,” a post-apocalyptic fiction novel that takes place in southeast Pennsylvania. In 2011, Comey published “Uncommon Glory,” a
takeout, others take as much joy in preparing food as they do when eating it. Brett Geesey of Ronks views cooking as not only a means to create a delicious meal, but also a way to experience new things, connect with others and bond with his family. Ten months ago, Brett created a Facebook group titled “parents teaching their children how to cook.” Brett has worked as a chef and in kitchens for 15 years and was inspired to create the group after he began cooking with his 3-year-old son, Jameson. “It started off as me inviting him to cook with me and try new foods,” Brett said. “He cracked his first egg at 3 and a half years old; since then, he was hooked.” Jameson, who is now 4 years old, won’t start attending school until the fall, when he will become a student in the Solanco School District. But the young chef has already dredged cod fish and chicken, cooked lo mein and prepared breakfast frittata alongside other items on an impressive culinary resume. Brett explained that by teaching his son to cook at a young age,