2023

December 2023

We continue to build more and more harps, and this year Alex developed a new model... the 24-string Therapy LAP Harp (which is about 5 pounds). I’m sure it will be a good selling harp, since there are many customers who want a light-weight harp to do special music in hospitals, nursing homes, and for hospice.

We gained another harp maker this year... our son, Paul, who decided to take a break from the theater and make harps for us this year. His big project was creating the Bass Chord Harp and producing some instructional videos about it on YouTube. He was able to complete this project in early June before the plane crash that happened at the end of June.

Paul with the Bass Chord Harp

The second week of June, we were all together as a family at an Air B&B for a few days in the State College, PA, area. From there Anthony and Paul left for a rafting trip to Colorado, a trip that would be a life-changing experience. After rafting a few days, some friends suggested renting a small plane and flying through the Black Canyon. The licensed pilot was not familiar with the air currents of the canyon, and the plane went down... hitting trees and crashing to the ground. Anthony was thrown from the plane on impact, and Paul (along with the pilot and other friend) were able to escape the burning plane. It was a miracle that all four survived, but all were brought to the hospital. Anthony escaped with only 4 broken ribs, both knees cut, and minor cuts, but Paul (and the other two girls) had 2nd & 3rd degree burns and needed surgery. After two weeks, they were released from the hospital and drove home to recover. We are grateful to God for sparing their lives.

In the plane just before the crash

The plane an hour after the crash

The Four Survivors (a week later in the hospital) Junia, Anthony, Rachel the pilot, Paul

We enjoyed our time at the New Jersey Somerset Harp festival this past July, and all the boys (including Stephen) joined in the event. It’s usually a good opportunity where customers can come and try a number of harps from a wide variety of harp companies. It’s a three-day event that leaves us very tired at the end, but we find it well worth the effort. Alex enjoys meeting other harp makers and getting new ideas to make our harps even better. There’s lots of tuning to be done, so it was helpful to have all the guys help out this year.

Paul, Stephen, Alex, Sue, Anthony & Mark

We celebrated Thanksgiving last month all together at the Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro, PA, and some dressed up for the occasion.

Mark made a yummy smoked turkey

Josh & Emily; Sophia, Yishai, Maddie

Nate & Dene; Anaya, Tyler, Dosei, Craig

Grandmom Sue with little Indians: Maddie, Dosei, Anaya

Stephen & Joanna; Nic, Angelo, Geno

We are very thankful for the many blessings God has given to us, for preserving life and for providing for us abundantly. We look forward to what He has for us in the coming new year.