Jo Ellen Litz

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People Above Politics

Taking Action, Getting Results.

Lebanon PA  17046

644-4698

If you demand open government, drop me a note to receive email alerts informing you of meeting highlights that let you know how commissioners vote on issues.  Litz@mbcomp.com

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 Jo Ellen Litz

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YouTube posts of Commissioner's and other meetings: http://www.youtube.com/user/joellenlitz  

Jo Ellen Litz Campaign Video
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People Above Politics

Team Litz:

Honorary Chair:     Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll --a woman who broke the glass ceiling and contributed greatly to PA politics; born in 1930, died November 12, 2008.

Chair:  Jeff Werner

Treasurer:  Richelle Whitman

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ABWA Homepage link

League of Women Voters

 

Shop Local/Work Local

In an effort to support local businesses, a series of "Shop Local/Work Local" YouTube videos will feature sole proprietorships to mid-size and large employers in the 48th Senatorial District.  At no cost to taxpayers or businesses, a new feature video will be posted about every two weeks.  In addition, an "Eat Local" dining guide appears in PDF format.  Eat Local.pdf

 
bulletCrave
bulletEbersole Honda, Pontiac, Vespa, Power Equipment
bulletE&E Metal Fab & Solar
bulletESI Solar--commercial installations
bulletFort Indiantown Gap
bulletHarpels Inc --studio photography, digital & 35mm film developing, framing
bulletHarper's Tavern
bulletHumane Society Thrift Shop
bulletMyerstown Farmer's Market
bulletPatches Creamery
bulletRC Deli --restaurant and catering
bulletSpirit Dancer --art creation
bulletTimbers
bulletVeteran's Administration Hospital
bulletWLBR Radio
Deck Dining
bulletBatdorf
bulletBlue Bird Inn
bulletHeisey's Diner
bulletJigger Shop and Quentin Tavern
bulletMiner's Club @ Iron Valley Golf Course in Cornwall
bulletMt. Gretna Hideaway
bulletOzgood's
bulletSinkhole Saloon
bulletTJ Rockwells
 

Commissioner Litz visited Ebersole's where she interviewed Randy, Andy, and Jordan Ebersole during the 90th anniversary of their family business, which employs 105 people. In addition to GM, Ebersole sells new Hondas and used cars, power equipment like snow blowers and lawn mowers, as well as Italian motor scooters--Vespa and Piagio. Randy credits the success of their businesses, started by his grandfather, to good customer service and building trust.

 
E&E Metal Fab and Solar.wmv  E&E Metal Fab and Solar.wmv  10:01

2-22-2010 Willie Erb, owner of E&E Metal Fab and Solar, introduces his family. Leanne is in the front office; Steve is knowledgeable about solar panels; and Tom is in the metal shop. Most of the business caters to other businesses and farmers, but Willie designed a fire pit with either wildlife or sea shore cutouts that is available to the general public. E&E values their employees, and look forward to returning to a full compliment.

 

Starting with rummage sales, Ruth Litz had a vision of opening a thrift store to support the Humane Society of Lebanon County. In 2003, after a trial period, the thrift store became a reality at 2501 Cumberland St., Lebanon PA, and features themed rooms: a vintage, pet, bed and bath, and house-wares room, book section with reading area, and a children's area. They carry jewelry, clothing, and small furniture items too.

Donna Berry is the manager. In addition to Ruth, Donna is joined by the talented decorating team of Sandy Jones, Pat McAteer, Judy Pebbles, and other volunteers.

In the beginning, BJ, Donna's dog, was the store mascot. These days, you'll see Cleo, the "shop cat" roam the rooms. Cleo was adopted from the Humane Society. Shop til you drop at reasonable prices. Your donations of clean saleable items are most welcome. Large off-street parking lot available in the rear. Hours: Monday-Sunday 9AM-3PM.

 

 

 

2/19/2010 Lebanon PA: Yasmin Brown is an artist and owner of Spirit Dancer, a hand-crafted jewelry company she runs from a studio in her home, and sells through vendors at the Farmer's Market...and arts and craft shows like Mt. Gretna. Recently, the Women's Commission commissioned Yasmin to design and create a unique pin to be given as an award to Women's Hall of Fame inductees. No two pins are the same.

Yasmin also donates a portion of her profits to the Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center and helps the American Cancer Society and Children's Miracle Network to raise funds.

 

Lebanon PA March 2010:  Since 1996, Rita Vranesic and Laura Zeppos have run RC Deli, 849 Oak St., Lebanon PA--near the Lebanon County Municipal Building.  Rita says, "Everything is fresh, made to order."  While the majority of their business is take-out and business delivery (717)270-9830, they do have a few seats for people to visit Monday - Friday between 7:30AM-2PM.  Delivery runs from Maple Street on the north; to Evergreen on the south; the Lebanon Valley Mall on the west; and Walmart on the east end of Lebanon.  On weekends, they also cater weddings, luncheons, class reunions....  For payment, Laura says they take, "credit cards, personal checks, and help with the dishes."  Of Greek heritage, they serve spinach pie, baklava, and gyros as well as all American food.  Also for sale are family fresh olive oil and salad dressing.

Rita's father and her uncle, Jack and Joe Vranesic, ran the Golden Ball Hotel in Quentin back in the 1950s.

In RC Deli, you'll see artifacts from the Eatwell Diner--pictures, dinner plates and a milkshake machine.  The day that I visited, Constantino, "Gus" for short, Laura's Dad, reminisced about owning the Eatwell Diner from 1956-2000 on Cumberland Street.  While the Eatwell no longer stands, the Diner lives on in his heart and Elikzaville, New York.

 

Lebanon PA - 3-30-2010: Rick Harpel is the President and CEO of Harpels, which has been in the Lebanon Community for over 100 years. Digital photos, framing, and studio photography are available at 720 Quentin Road, Lebanon PA. www.harpels.com

Rick Harpel talks of his great grandfather, Luther Grant Harpel taking photos and starting Harpels in 1899.  Followed by Donald S, his grandfather through the 1970s; David W, his dad; then Rick, running the business.  Rick's mom, Ann M. knows and helps in the business too.

 

Recently, the Wolff Brothers opened ESI Solar Energy in Jonestown at the old Kleinfelter Chevrolet building.  The second largest commercial installation in the state of PA will occur on a potato farm in Schuylkill County.  A state-of-the-art classroom, that used to house tools and parts, will be used for HACC to train technicians.

 
Veterans Get a New Rehabilitation Center.wmv Veterans Get a New Rehabilitation Center.wmv 3:07  The military is Lebanon County's largest employer.

Lebanon PA 7/2/2010: The Lebanon VA Medical Center dedicated a new rehabilitation center for veterans. Director Bob Callahan said that the addition is the result of staff suggestions to help veterans heal more quickly in a non-hospital like setting. Michael Moreland, Callahan's boss, complimented the Lebanon VA for the project.

 
Commander Sam Hayes on Fort Indiantown Gap.wmv Commander Sam Hayes on Fort Indiantown Gap.wmv 4:04  The military is Lebanon County's largest employer.

Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 6/29/2010: Commander Sam Hayes shares statistics about the 17,000 acre military base hosting 2100 employees plus soldiers for training. FIG is scheduled to get guard houses on either end. July 2, 3, 4, 9, & 10 will be the next "bufferfly walk."

 
Myerstown Farmer's Market.wmv Myerstown Farmer's Market.wmv  2:52  Agriculture is Lebanon County's #1 industry.

This is the 4th Saturday for the Myerstown Market, which is located at 119 E Main St., Myerstown PA. Each Saturday, the Market opens with a bell ringing by an invited guest. Local produce is sold. Buy Fresh, Buy Local.

 

 

Enjoy a real farm experience at the Patches Creamery, 201 Fonderwhite Road, Lebanon PA. This hard-working Mennonite family milks their own dairy cows. The milk is piped underground to their creamery where they make their own ice cream to sell in the Creamery. Tables inside and additional seating outside on the porch. Watch the goats and shetland ponies while you enjoy your ice cream.

 

The Crave Restaurant in Womelsdorf, Berks County,  is at 109 E High Street, directly across from the Womelsdorf Memorial Park, which honors veterans. The serve fantastic food, fresh organic coffee, gelato, and have Free Live Music on Friday and Saturday evenings.

 

WLBR Radio 1270AM is Lebanon County's only radio station.  When Mr. Etter bought the license, the FCC convinced him to purchase an FM station too.  The sister station is WUFM, 100 on your dial.

Check out this series on Deck Dining. Nominate a "Deck," Litz@mbcomp.com and I'll do my best to feature it in a future YouTube post.

Deck Dining--Hideaway, Mt. Gretna.wmvDeck Dining--Hideaway, Mt. Gretna.wmv   Mt. Gretna Hideaway, Lebanon County  1:36
  Heisey's Diner on Route 72 north of Lebanon, Lebanon County   :40
 
Deck Dining - Sinkhole Saloon.wmv Deck Dining - Sinkhole Saloon.wmv Sinkhole Saloon, at the bowling alley on Route 422, Palmyra, Lebanon County 1:07
 
Deck Dining - Ozgood's in Robesonia.wmv Deck Dining - Ozgood's in Robesonia.wmv   Ozgoods, on Route 422 in Robesonia, Berks County 1:43
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

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