October 2019 - Chamberline - DRAFT · 2019-10-12 · For more information, contact Tricia Harris,...

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October 2019 Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff Amanda Ridgway………..…..Re/Max Prestige Mitchell Burrows……………..University Grille Chair: James Zimmerman…………..New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. Vicky Simmel……………Gannon Associates Insurance Steve Oldt………………………..Shippensburg Township Vice Chair: Nina Reese.……………………...Orrstown Bank Scott Eckenrode……First Impressions/Creative Engraving & Apparel Janet Bartz……………………….DB Schenker Treasurer: Miranda Ramsey………………WellSpan Health Chrystal Miracle……………….S.U. Foundation Joseph Trace…………………….GDC IT Solutions, LLC Secretary: Dr. Kimberly Garris……………Shippensburg University Dr. Ronald Taylor……………..Shippensburg University Deborah Luffy…………………..Shippensburg Area School District Past Chair: Kristen Rowe………………..….Cumberland Area Economic Dev. Corp. Dan Baer………………………….ACNB Bank Melinda Thompson………….Cumberland County Marcie Taylor………………..…The Drew Michael Taylor Foundation Tyler Wright…………………….Leadership Cumberland Mayor Kathy Coy……………..Office of the Mayor Fall has arrived! It has been an amazing summer with many of the Chamber’s annual events as well as the addition of new ones which brings excitement in the air. We have collaborated with other organizations this year more than ever on events and other projects. It has been awesome to see organizations collaborating together and bringing out the many talents and resources to continue to build a stronger community. We are moving into the latter part of the year with some additional great events that I would encourage you to attend and participate in that we offer from the Chamber. Our committees and its volunteers work very hard at planning and focusing on details to assure each event is successful and enjoyable. As we move near the holiday season, let me remind you to SHOP local as much as possible. The small amount of local businesses that we have can only be successful if we, as patrons, support those local business owners. Please help be a part of the solution to turn the tide of the business district here in Shippensburg. We Need You! Remember information is powerful and if you need any assistance with information or knowledge of the events happening in our community or ways you can help support our community, please feel free to reach out to us here at the Chamber for assistance. We will gladly assist you in any way possible! Let’s all continue to work together to make Shippensburg a great place to live, work, learn, invest and play. Sincerely, Scott Brown Chamber President

Transcript of October 2019 - Chamberline - DRAFT · 2019-10-12 · For more information, contact Tricia Harris,...

Page 1: October 2019 - Chamberline - DRAFT · 2019-10-12 · For more information, contact Tricia Harris, Director of Public Affairs 717-720-5447 For Immediate Release September 24, 2019

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October 2019

Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors and Staff Amanda Ridgway………..…..Re/Max Prestige

Mitchell Burrows……………..University GrilleChair: James Zimmerman…………..New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc.Vicky Simmel……………Gannon Associates Insurance Steve Oldt………………………..Shippensburg TownshipVice Chair: Nina Reese.……………………...Orrstown BankScott Eckenrode……First Impressions/Creative Engraving & Apparel Janet Bartz……………………….DB SchenkerTreasurer: Miranda Ramsey………………WellSpan HealthChrystal Miracle……………….S.U. Foundation Joseph Trace…………………….GDC IT Solutions, LLCSecretary: Dr. Kimberly Garris……………Shippensburg UniversityDr. Ronald Taylor……………..Shippensburg University Deborah Luffy…………………..Shippensburg Area School DistrictPast Chair: Kristen Rowe………………..….Cumberland Area Economic Dev. Corp.Dan Baer………………………….ACNB Bank Melinda Thompson………….Cumberland County Marcie Taylor………………..…The Drew Michael Taylor Foundation Tyler Wright…………………….Leadership Cumberland Mayor Kathy Coy……………..Office of the Mayor

Fall has arrived! It has been an amazing summer with many of the Chamber’s annual events as well as the addition of new ones which brings excitement in the air. We have collaborated with other organizations this year more than ever on events and other projects. It has been awesome to see organizations collaborating together and bringing out the many talents and resources to continue to build a stronger community.

We are moving into the latter part of the year with some additional great events that I would encourage you to attend and participate in that we offer from the Chamber. Our committees and its volunteers work very hard at planning and focusing on detailsto assure each event is successful and enjoyable.

As we move near the holiday season, let me remind you to SHOP local as much as possible. The smallamount of local businesses that we have can only be successful if we, as patrons, support those localbusiness owners. Please help be a part of the solution to turn the tide of the business district here inShippensburg. We Need You!

Remember information is powerful and if you need any assistance with information or knowledge of theevents happening in our community or ways you can help support our community, please feel free to reachout to us here at the Chamber for assistance. We will gladly assist you in any way possible!

Let’s all continue to work together to make Shippensburg a great place to live, work, learn, invest andplay.

Sincerely,

Scott BrownChamber President

Page 2: October 2019 - Chamberline - DRAFT · 2019-10-12 · For more information, contact Tricia Harris, Director of Public Affairs 717-720-5447 For Immediate Release September 24, 2019

For more information, contactTricia Harris, Director of Public Affairs

717-720-5447For Immediate ReleaseSeptember 24, 2019

PA Chamber’s 29th Economic Survey: Employers Report Record SalesFigures and Growth, But Concerns Over Skills Gap Remain

HARRISBURG - Employers are feeling confident and positive about the economy, with many expecting toincrease sales and grow their business over the coming months. Yet, despite this positive news, there remains avery real concern among the Commonwealth’s job creators with the status of the state’s workforce; withemployers overwhelming stating that the jobs skills gap was the biggest challenge facing their business. Theseindicators were among the responses from the PA Chamber’s 29th Economic Survey, which was conducted inAugust 2019 by Susquehanna Polling and Research and was completed in partnership with The Initiative forFamily Business and Entrepreneurship at Saint Joseph’s University.

“The economic strides we’ve seen over the past few years has led to low unemployment in theCommonwealth,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr. “However, there continue to be peoplewithout jobs and job openings without the people with the skills to fill them. The growing jobs skills gap continuesto be a major concern for the Commonwealth’s business community. It’s a problem that stretches across allindustry sectors in every region of the state. We’re proud to be working with a broad coalition of organizationsand lawmakers dedicated to finding innovative solutions to address the Commonwealth’s jobs skills gap.”

According to the survey of 650 employers, job creators listed difficulties finding skilled and qualified employeesto fill open positions as the biggest problems facing their companies. This represents the second year in a rowthat workforce has been employers “top of mind” issue. Only a combined 43 percent rated the quality of thestate’s workforce as either “excellent” or “good” – the second lowest ranking on record – with 20 percent rating itas “poor,” – a new high in this category. It was based on the feedback from its members that the PA Chamberlaunched its aggressive workforce initiative in 2016 – Start the Conversation Here – designed to help addressthe skills gap that continues to plague businesses throughout the state.

Employers also once again cited concerns with the state’s tax structure. Nearly 55 percent of respondentslisted lowering business taxes as one of the top issues they want legislators to focus on in Harrisburg.

“The positive economic trends we’ve seen over the past few years were significantly aided by the federal taxreform package that was passed in 2017,” Barr said. “We are urging state elected officials to follow the lead of thefederal government and make much needed changes on the state level. To that end, we are advocating for areduction in the state’s Corporate Net Income Tax – which remains one of the highest in the nation – as well asfor reforms to that would streamline and simplify the state’s Tax Code and regulatory environment.”

To review the 29th Annual Economic Survey, visit the PA Chamber’s website.

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Educational Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization created to fund timelyand insightful research and educational programs that will positively impact Pennsylvania's economic future and enhance the quality of life

for all Pennsylvanians.

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its statewidemembership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.

October 30 - Human Resources Focus Group; Holiday Inn Express & Suites; 120Walnut Bottom RoadOctober 31 - Franklin County Legislative Breakfast; The Orchard Restaurant; 1580Orchard Drive, ChambersburgNovember 5 - Business@Breakfast; Courtyard Marriott; 503 Newburg RoadNovember 13 - Lunch and Learn; Courtyard Marriott, 503 Newburg RoadNovember 14 - F&M Trust Chamber Mixer; 13 Shippensburg Shopping Center

October 17 - The Start Theatre Presents “The Mercersburg Jubilee”2019 Line-Up; MercersburgOctober 18 - Cowans Gap State Park - Campfire Tales; Ft. LoudonOctober 19 - Fireside Fall Fest; GreencastleOctober 19 - North Square Farmers Market Celebrating 11 Seasons;ChambersburgOctober 19 - 26�� Annual Renfrew Pumpkin Festival; Waynesboro

October 20 - Capital Theatre - “The Wizard of Oz” 1939 Film;ChambersburgOctober 20 - Waynesboro Community Concert Association Presents“Savannah Jack”; WaynesboroOctober 23 - Halloween Storytelling at Renfrew Park; WaynesboroOctober 24 - The Civil War Seminars Conference: Guerillas, Partisans &Raiders; ChambersburgOctober 24 - The Star Theatre Presents “The Mercersburg Jubilee” 2019Line-Up; MercersburgOctober 25 - Capital Theatre - Mountain Music & Moonshine;ChambersburgOctober 25 - Halloween Parade; GreencastleOctober 25 - Halloween At the Haunted Jail; Chambersburg

October 18-20 - Destination Carlisle’s Halloweekend; DowntownCarlisleOctober 19-20 - Fall Furnace Fest; Pine Grove Furnace State Park;Gardners

October 19 - Josh Gates Live! An Evening of Ghosts, Monsters & Tales ofAdventure; Luhrs Performing Arts Center; ShippensburgOctober 25 - So You Think You Can Dance Live!; Luhrs Performing ArtsCenter; ShippensburgOctober 31 - Conversing with Spirits: Mansion Seances; AllenberryResort; Boiling Springs

October 17 - Branch Creek Senior Center - Community Yard Sale; 115 N.Fayette St.October 17 - Grief Support Group; Shippensburg First Church of God; 121E. King St.October 17-19 - Katie’s Place “3 Day Sale”; 130 S. Penn St.October 19 - Shippensburg University HomecomingOctober 19 - 32ⁿ� Annual Shippensburg Halloween Parade

October 20 - Nancy Grayson Elementary Fall Carnival; 301 Lurgan Ave.October 21 - “Treats No Tricks”; Old Main, Shippensburg UniversityOctober 21 - Becoming a Leader People Love to Follow; ShippensburgFirst Church of God; 121 E. King St.October 24 - The Ship Market; 180 Airport Rd.October 25 - 10�� Annual Halloween Dinner & Dance; Premier EventsOctober 25 - Kids Truck or Treat; Shippensburg Historical Society; 52 W.King St.October 25 - LBJ 5�� Quarter - The Harbor; 55 W. King St.October 25 - Shippensburg Historical Society Halloween Haunted House;52 W. King St.October 26 - Fall Festival; Shippensburg Memorial Park

Page 3: October 2019 - Chamberline - DRAFT · 2019-10-12 · For more information, contact Tricia Harris, Director of Public Affairs 717-720-5447 For Immediate Release September 24, 2019

RECAPSEPTEMBEREVENT

Chambersburg Country Club3646 Scotland Road

Chambersburg, PA 17202(717) 263-8296

Chambersburgcountryclub.org

Nestled in the rolling hills of Scotland, PA on thebanks of the Conococheague Creek, the

Chambersburg Country Club offers something foreveryone. Whether your preference is good food,

golf, racket sports, swimming or just having a quietplace to meet new friends, the Club can provide just

what you are seeking.

Founded in 1921, the Club is constantly striving toupgrade and improve its facilities to meet the needs

of its members.

Chambersburg County Club currently offers some ofthe best dining in the area. Great meals can be

enhanced with your favorite beverages from our bar.A large pool and wading pool are just the thing for acool dip in the heat of summer for the whole family.The pool snack bar offers light refreshments to the

poolside crowd during the day. Racket sport playersehthusiast some of the best play anywhere on the

lighted har-tru courts and hard surface courts.Golfers will find one of the more challenging coursesin Pennsylvania when they tee off on the par 73, 18-hole course at the Club. There is an award golf shop

and driving range, as well as provisions forinstruction regards of your level of play.

Shippensburg Beer & Wine Festival

The Shippensburg Beer & Wine Festival was held onSaturday, September 21st from 12-5pm at theShippensburg Fairgrounds. The weather was perfectwith lots of sun and a warm temperature of high 80’s!

Attendees enjoyed beer & wine tastings from avariety of vendors, food vendors, corn hole &volleyball as well as live music and games of chanceprovided by West End Fire & Rescue Company.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Event Sponsor - DB Schenker

Entertainment Sponsor - Bream’s Heating &Cooling Solutions

Food Sponsors - Volvo Construction Equipment andWellSpan Health

Tasting Sponsors - Adams Electric Cooperative,Inc., Shippensburg Township, Orrstown Bank,Members 1st Federal Credit Union, and H&H

Chevrolet, Cadillac, Inc.

Beer Tap Sponsors - Fogelsanger-Bricker FuneralHome & Crematorium, Inc., ACNB Bank, Korey Paff -

State Farm Insurance, S.U.Professional/Continuing/Distance Education, Beidel

Printing House, and Valley Heating & Cooling

Games Sponsor - Gannon Associates Insurance

Program Sponsors - PeopleReady and CarrieGardner RE/MAX Prestige

Festival Sponsors - The Oldt Family, The FagueFamily, The Miracle Family and The Hockersmith

Family

Thank you!Shippensburg Fairgrounds

Abe’s TowingArt Sign Company

Strouse EntertainmentNew Level Security

Terry Shetter Tent Rental

Page 4: October 2019 - Chamberline - DRAFT · 2019-10-12 · For more information, contact Tricia Harris, Director of Public Affairs 717-720-5447 For Immediate Release September 24, 2019

Advertise in the Chamberline at fantastic ANNUAL rates!Cost covers advertising for 1 year (12 issues).

1/8 page $175.00 (2.75 x 4.25 size)

1/4 page $350.00 (4.25 x 5.5 size)

1/2 page $600.00 (5.5 x 8.5 size)

Full page $1,000.00 (8.5 x 11 size)

Our membership is growing giving greater circulation! Allissues of the Chamberline are uploaded to our website for

additional viewing.

We also offer the option of having printed inserts placed inour issues.

8.5 x 11 size (flat)

#250 copies required by the 22nd of the month prior

Cost: $60.00/issue

Contact us for more information!

[email protected]

Your home is likely your most valuable asset, and a homeowner’s insurance policy is an important partof protecting your home and your belongings. If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender probably requiredyou to get a homeowner’s policy. Even without a mortgage, homeowner’s insurance is still your best bet to protectyour investment.

The basic job of a homeowner’s policy is to protect your home and possessions from certain perils, such as wind,hail, fire damage and theft. It also offers liability protection, which protects your assets from liability claims,medical expenses and other damages if people are injured on your property.

Most common types of homeowner’s policies

The type of home you own will usually dictate the coverage type you have. Here are the three most commonoptions:

• Peril Policy – Only specific perils are covered, such as theft, wind, fire and lightning.

• Exclusion Policy – All perils are covered except those specifically called out in the policy, such as earthquakes,flood, mudslides, etc.

• Renters Insurance – Covers all of your personal property in an apartment or house. It also offers liabilityprotection in the event someone is injured in your apartment.

Overview of your property coverage

When it comes to homeowner’s coverage, you need enough insurance in the event that you need to cover the costof the following after a disaster:

• Rebuilding the structure of your home

• Replacing your personal property

• Paying for the cost of additional living expenses (if you need to live somewhere else while your home is repairedor rebuilt)

• Covering the cost of personal liability claims

Get help from the experts

Have a professional Insurance Services Representative review your Declaration Page, especially if yourDeclaration Page turned up exclusions you are unhappy with, minimum coverage levels are not sufficient, or it issimply not offering the protection you need. About two-thirds of American homes are underinsured, estimatesNationwide. Don't wait until you file a claim to find out you lack coverage or are underinsured and responsible forpaying a lot of money out-of-pocket.

*Insurance products are not federally insured and are not obligations of or guaranteed by Members 1st FCU,Members 1st Insurance Services, or any other affiliated entity.

Would you like to have your Declarations Page reviewed? We can help.

Reach out to our Insurance Services agents today by calling (844) 498-6467 or visiting our web page atmembers1st.org/products-services/insurance-services.

Remember, you may qualify for an additional discount on your personal insurance premiums!

Source: Members 1st Federal Credit Union Marketing

Understanding HomeownersInsurance

Page 5: October 2019 - Chamberline - DRAFT · 2019-10-12 · For more information, contact Tricia Harris, Director of Public Affairs 717-720-5447 For Immediate Release September 24, 2019

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Source: Kami Noel, Communications Coordinator Adams Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Hunting Down Vampire Electronics

Most homes these days never quite shut down for the night. Although lamps may be off, dark roomsare typically spotted with tiny red and green appliance lights and the glow of digital clocks.

All those little lights, clocks and seemingly “sleeping” appliances are using more electricity than youthink. Sometimes called “vampire” electronics, these devices suck up 5 percent of all energy used inthe United States and cost consumers more than $3 billion every year

The U.S. Department of Energy reports for the average homeowner, vampire electronics can add 20percent to monthly electric bills. To trim this excess phantom energy use, you need to know wherethese vampires reside and keep them in check.

Take a closer look at appliances around your home that use remote controls such as TVs, DVDplayers, ceiling fans and stereos. Any digital displays, such as microwave and coffee machine clocks,are working against your electric bill. And, many of those chargers around the house – those that keepcell phones, power tools and iPads juiced up – constantly draw power when plugged in, even whennot in use.

Unplugging these vampires effectively drives a stake into their energy-consuming hearts. Powerstrips provide another way to stop them. Simply plug appliances into a power strip and switch it offwhen those appliances aren’t being used.

Also, unplug battery-operated electronic devices once charged. You wouldn’t walk away from aflowing water hose, and you certainly don’t want to keep feeding vampire electronics.

Adams Electric is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric utility serving 32,000 homes, farms and businesses inAdams, Cumberland, Franklin and York counties. The cooperative is headquartered in Gettysburg and hasdistrict offices located in Gettysburg, Shippensburg and York.

New Members!

Castlerigg Wine Shop110 South Hanover Street

Carlisle, PA 17013(717) 462-4663

castleriggwineshop.com

Satellite location for Seven Mountains Wine Cellars. Also offering wineshop/wine bar, wine tastings, sales by the glass and bottle, light appetizers as

well as rental space for private events.

shippensburg.org

If you know a business who might be interested in more information on Chambermembership or our programs and events, please encourage them to contact us.

We would be happy to talk with them and answer any questions they may have!

(717) 532-5509 or [email protected]

Page 6: October 2019 - Chamberline - DRAFT · 2019-10-12 · For more information, contact Tricia Harris, Director of Public Affairs 717-720-5447 For Immediate Release September 24, 2019

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Source: Pastor Jim Rogers Shippensburg First Church of God

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins

It’s that time of year where everything is pumpkins. Pumpkin milk shakes, pumpkincoffee, and pumpkin flavored cookies. My wife even found pumpkin flavored cerealand she bought it! And let’s not forget pumpkin decorations. Glass pumpkins, plasticpumpkins, pumpkin table runners and place mats, and of course real pumpkins forcarving.

I don’t like pumpkin flavored food very much, but I do like to decorate with pumpkins.When I was a kid, I loved to make jack-o-lanterns at Halloween time. It was a traditionto cut the top off the pumpkin, clean out all the junk inside, then carve a face on thefront. We would then separate the seeds from that orange slimy goop, salt them andbake them for a yummy fall treat. The final detail was to put a candle inside thepumpkin and place our new creation on the porch for everyone to see.

I don’t carve jack-o-lanterns anymore, but I still like to decorate with pumpkins andeat the oven baked seeds. I have also come to realize that we can learn someinteresting truths from pumpkins. Pumpkins are a lot like us. They come in all shapes,sizes and colors. Some are tall, some short, some round, some oblong, some big,some small, some orange, green or speckled. But regardless of our shape, size orcolor we can all be transformed into something new. Just like I used to take a pumpkinand clean out all the junk inside and make it into a decoration for my front porch, Godcan transform us into a work of art. When we put our faith in Jesus as our Lord andSavior something amazing happens. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:17,“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new hascome!” God takes us and crafts us into something special. He cleans out all the junkin our lives. He removes all the sin, guilt, shame and regrets then places a light inside.The light of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hillcannot be hidden.”

As new creations we are forgiven, changed and given a purpose. We reflect the lightof Christ for all to see. Just like that candle in the jack-o-lantern, when we shine ourlight the purpose for which we were created is fulfilled. No one ever carved a jack-o-lantern to hide it. They carve it so it can shine its light into those dark, cold autumnnights. And so, it is with us. God transforms us and makes us new so that we canbring warmth and light into other people’s lives. Be transformed and shine brightly! It’syour purpose.

If you would like to know more about the transforming power of God, please contact us at Shippensburg First Church ofGod (717)532-8421.

Source: Katie Stover, Marketing & Design Intern Volvo Construction Equipment

Volvo CE inspires future workforce at SkillsCanada and SkillsUSA

Over 8,000 students learned more about Volvo CE and career possibilities in our industry atthe Skills Canada and SkillsUSA national competitions and leadership conferences.

Skills Canada and SkillsUSA are organizations that partner with students, teachers andindustry to ensure we have a trained workforce. They do this through local chapters in career-tech schools, where instructors teach technical and employabiilty skills in over 100 differenttrades programs.

Each year, the top students in each trade compete at the national competitions, joined bythousands of their peers. Volvo uses these events to show students how the skilled trades theyare studying, like welding, CNC machining, diesel engine technology, and mechatronics, can beput to work in our industry!

Volvo CE enbraced a “Building Tomorrow” booth theme to give students a look into our newesttechnologies like electro-mobility and machine control systems. At the Zeux LEGO station,students were challenged to build the futuristic loader in one day. Long lines formed daily aroundthe popular wheel loader simulator and two Virtual Reality (VR) games for hauler and excavatoroperation. Additionally, a whiteboard mural drew animated conversations and passionatelywritten testimonials from students and instructors telling us why they are building tomorrow.

As a first time attendee of the SkillsUSA competition, Marianne Weaver recalls, “I felt animmense sense of community and pride in the contribution VCE plays, as a leader in theConstruction Equipment Industry. I especially enjoyed the time spent with the students, teachers,parents and fellow business professionals. In all sincerity, the VCE booth stood out well abovethe crowd. I was inspired by the genuine sentiments of hope and growth for a better tomorrowadded onto our Building Tomorrow Wall”.

Volvo CE has been a national sponsor of the Skills competitions for four years! This year’schampionships took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Louisville, Kentucky. Our local dealers inboth show locations, Strongco and Rudd Equipment, volunteered staff and equipment.

Outside of the national efforts, many Volvo CE dealers are also active with their local SkillsCanada and SkillsUSA chapters, serving on advisory boards and as competition judges. Theseare essential touchpoints to give the younger generations in their community’s exposure to Volvoequipment and help build their workforce pipeline.

Page 7: October 2019 - Chamberline - DRAFT · 2019-10-12 · For more information, contact Tricia Harris, Director of Public Affairs 717-720-5447 For Immediate Release September 24, 2019

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Shippensburg Beer & Wine FestivalDB Schenker

Event Sponsor!Bream’s Heating & Cooling Solutions

Entertainment Sponsor!

Members 1st Federal Credit UnionTasting Sponsor

Our Check-In Crew!

Abe’s Towing -Entertainment Stage

Orrstown BankTasting Sponsor!

Reid’s WineryCastlerigg Wine Shop!

Ready to serve you!

Shippensburg Beverage

Thank You Shippensburg EMS!

Appalachian Brewing Company

Mitchell Burrows Gannon Associates Insurance- Games Sponsor! Beautiful day to enjoy!

Great attendance!

West End Fire & Rescue -Small Games of Chance!

Cornhole fun! Lots of vendors to check out!

Redemption BBQ

Don’t forget your glass! Nick Andrew Staver Hungry Run Winery

Studio Z Cardio Fitness Club Enjoying the tastings! Roy Pitz Brewing Company

Shaw Ranch Studio Sound Techs Maxie’s Brew House

Gourmet Dips

Enjoying wine sampling! Fun day with friends & family! Lots of smiles and laughter!

Page 8: October 2019 - Chamberline - DRAFT · 2019-10-12 · For more information, contact Tricia Harris, Director of Public Affairs 717-720-5447 For Immediate Release September 24, 2019

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Source: Ellen J.W. Gigliotti, LMFT Sanctuary Christian Counseling

Galloping Towards A Healthier Relationship:Applying Gottman’s “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” to our lives

Relationships are hard. Intimate relationships can be trickyand difficult, but even friendships can be challenging.

Yet, we are made to be in relationships with others and mostof us are most content when we are close to at least one otherperson. We struggle through, because it's important. We allwant to master our relationships.

Renown relationship expert Dr. John Gottman, known forhis groundbreaking research at the University of Washingtonin Seattle at the “love lab,” has many ideas for what makespeople “masters” or “disasters” in relationships.

Gottman suggests that communication between peoplebreaks down in several different ways that he calls “The FourHorsemen of the Apocalypse” after the End Times account inthe Biblical book of Revelation. These “horsemen” areproblematic because they stop discussions and derailcongruent communication.

Criticism is the first of the horsemen, and Gottman woulddistinguish criticism from complaining, which he finds to beacceptable, and one of the ways couples get things done. Forinstance, “the trash hasn't been taken out,” is complaining,whereas “YOU forgot to take out the trash,” which attacksthe other's character, is criticism.

If you take that a step further, the second horseman comesinto play – contempt. Contempt elevates the speaker abovethe listener and often employs profanity, sarcasm, negativebody language, or other forms of nastiness. If “you forgot totake out the trash” is criticism, then “you *^*%$#@ youforgot to take out the trash,” with or without eye rolling, iscontempt.

Contempt and criticism are almost always followed bysome level of defensiveness, the third horseman. It's a naturalreaction to defend yourself when you feel unjustly criticized(and certainly when you face contempt), but it also endsdiscussion.

If the other three horsemen continue over time, andsometimes even if they don't, the fourth horseman comes intoplay – stonewalling. When a person stonewalls, they refuseto interact with the other, tuning out of the conversationcompletely because they are overwhelmed.

Gottman has identified antidotes for the horsemen, which, ifemployed, strengthen relationships and continue good

conversations. For criticism, the antidote is to complainwithout blame – to use a softer approach to communicateyour needs without blaming someone else. The use of “I”statements can be helpful here – expressing what you dowant in a non-blaming way.

Contempt, the most destructive of the horsemen, can besquashed in the same way – expressing positive needs, using“I” statements, asking in a respectful and kind way for whatyou need. Gottman has found that untreated contempt is thebiggest predictor of future divorce in married couples, so anyeffort to change it, even in friendships, is worthwhile. Overtime, building a culture of fondness and appreciation in yourrelationships will help eliminate contempt more permanently.

Taking responsibility is the antidote for defensiveness.Admitting what you can and acknowledging your partner'sfeelings is what can make defensiveness less dangerous torelationships. Stonewalling can be addressed by stopping thebehavior, and calming yourself down from the overwhelmingfeelings, what Gottman calls “flooding.” When you areflooded, you are awash in thoughts and emotions, and can'tfocus, which is why you check out. When you self-soothe,relaxing with breathing and movement exercises, you caneliminate the distressing flooding.

Understanding the horsemen is an important part of figuringout relationships and making yours better. When you seewhat leads to misunderstandings and miscommunication, youcan begin to eliminate those from your connections and helpevery relationship flourish. This is just a small taste of theways that Gottman's research can help relationships – ifyou'd like to know more or explore how these techniques canhelp you, contact us.

If you struggle with relationships, and see yourself (or yourpartner or friendships) in these brief discussions, let us help.Some of our therapists at Sanctuary Christian Counselinghave completed Gottman courses and have specialties incouples and relationship work. All of us are experts inhelping grieving individuals, distressed teens and couples inconflict finding peace, solutions and connection.

Sanctuary Christian Counseling9974 Molly Pitcher Highway, Suite 4

Shippensburg, PA 17257717-200-3158

[email protected]