Author Archives: Maddie Conley

Musical Notes: Sounds Like Autumn

September 29, 2025 | by Skye Cadzow

As “Spooky Season” descends upon us, I’d be remiss not to mention the most seasonal of delights coming to stages near you.

Starting off the month, I highly recommend experiencing the sonic immersion that attendees are likely to feel at Michael Stearns’ Ambient Church event at Grace United Methodist Church on Oct. 4. Between the theatrical elements of the Gothic Revival sanctuary and the acoustics in that space, along with Stearns’ legendary status as a pioneer in synth music, this show is sure to be a good one. [Note: this show has been postponed.]

Mid-month would be an opportune time to enjoy Public Disco Porch’s free show at Strawberry Square Music Series on Oct. 17, especially as the York-based rock band celebrates the release of its latest album, “Agriculture.”

Rounding out the end of the month is a Psychedelic Halloween party at The Abbey Bar featuring the likes of Babel Map and Field Trip—need I say more?

YES, AND…?

10/3, WXPN Welcomes Marc Rebillet, XL Live

Marc Rebillet is a rising improvisational electronic artist whose online popularity has caused his catchy hooks to skyrocket in fame, thanks to the likes of Tik Tok and YouTube. Strong notes of funk and hip-hop color his approach to mixing in what are often humor-driven lyrics that he’s making up along the way. Make sure to pack your dancing shoes for this one.

WORTH THE DRIVE

10/17, Madi Diaz, West Art

Head east to Lancaster to see indie singer-songwriter Madi Diaz break your heart at West Art in an intimate concert, featuring works from her latest album, “Fatal Optimist,” which is set to be released on Oct. 10. Her music will appeal to fans of artists in the vein of Phoebe Bridgers or Jensen McRae. The emotional weight of her songs, like the beautiful new single “Ambivalence,” or “Feel Something,” hurt in the very best way. In fact, Diaz’s voice may be familiar to frequent WXPN listeners, as songs from her two most recent efforts, “Weird Faith” and “History of A Feeling,” have been in regular rotation over the last few years.

‘HELL OF A PICKER’

10/29, Kable House Presents Kaia Kater, Central Market York

Canadian folk songstress and banjo player Kaia Kater will join the lineup for this season of Kable House Presents shows in York. Just a few weeks ago, when I saw Lizzie No in this series, No was quick to praise Kater, calling her a “hell of a picker, as they say in Nashville.” I’d trust any musicians that No endorses after her incredible performance (though I did my due diligence and checked out Kater’s work; she’s the real deal). Don’t miss this unique show.

If your friends or favorite local band have a show coming up, or you’ve caught word of a cool gig that should be on our radar, drop me a line at [email protected].

HONORABLE MENTIONS

10/2, SFMS Presents Julie Fowlis, West Shore Theatre
10/2, Keith Urban, GIANT Center
10/4, WXPN Welcomes Oteil & Friends, XL Live
10/11, WXPN Welcomes Low Cut Connie with Le Ghast, XL Live
10/17, Future Joy Now, H*MAC
10/25, WXPN Welcomes Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers, XL Live
10/25, Cris Jacobs, The Abbey Bar
10/30, Mac Saturn, Capital City Music Hall

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

A Mystery for Our Times: “It Was Just an Accident” expertly explores the personal, the political

September 29, 2025 | by Gabriel Brown

Image Courtesy of Neon.

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s excellent new film follows several people in Iran who come together to try to identify a man one of them has kidnapped—someone they might share a dark past with.

“It Was Just an Accident,” winner of the Palme d’Or, the top award at Cannes Film Festival, explores what they should do with the man—if he really is who they think he is.

There are two ways to tell a mystery.

The first is to clue an audience member onto the solution of the mystery and then follow the people trying to solve it. I call this the “Columbo” structure, after the fictional TV detective played by Peter Falk. The other is to let the audience try to solve the mystery along with the characters in real time, which is a more traditional way to write a mystery, a la Sherlock Holmes.

“It Was Just an Accident” adeptly combines the best aspects of a truly challenging political and philosophical drama with the structure of a traditional mystery thriller, unveiling each character and their motivations and ethics, as well as the events that brought them together, through masterfully written and directed dialogue, performed naturalistically by an incredibly talented cast.

On a technical level, the film is extremely simple. The takes are long, and nearly the whole film is delivered with dialogue instead of action or set pieces of any kind, aside from the van where most of the story takes place.

At one point, a character refers to Samuel Beckett’s stage play, “Waiting for Godot,” which parallels the dialogue-heavy and play-like dramatic structure that the film adopts to tell its story, and the reference isn’t a cheap aside. I believe it stands side by side with the strong level of writing in “Godot.”

Two of last year’s films come to mind when I try to compare this to previous films to play at Midtown. Walter Salles’ “I’m Still Here” explored the effects of a fascist kidnapping on family life in Brazil in the 1970s, and Mohamed Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” followed a family in Iran torn apart by distrust under a fascist regime—the same regime under which “Accident” was filmed.

Panahi, like Rasoulof, has been vocal about his criticism of the Iranian government. Rasoulof escaped Iran to Germany to release “Sacred Fig,” and Panahi escaped the latest of several imprisonments in Iran to release “Accident” from France, where it is the country’s official submission for the Academy Awards’ “Best International Feature Film” this year and is a clear front-runner.

“Accident” may be set entirely in the country and political atmosphere of Iran, which has had its current theocratic government in place since 1979, but it prompted invaluable questions that I believe every American should ask themselves in 2025. Where do we draw the line between revenge and forgiveness, for ourselves and for others? And at what point does it become worthwhile, in consequences moral and physical, to fight back against fascism?

“It Was Just an Accident” opens at Midtown Cinema in October and isn’t one to miss.

Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com. Gabriel Brown serves as assistant manager at Midtown Cinema.

October Events
At Midtown Cinema

Potential First Run Films

“The Smashing Machine,” Oct. 3
“Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” Oct. 24
“Bugonia,” Oct. 31
“Nouvelle Vague,” Oct. 31

Cinemaaah! Series

“Re-Animator” (1985)
Friday, Oct. 3, 9:30 p.m.

“Alien” (1979)
Saturday, Oct. 4, 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m.

“Rosemary’s Baby” (1968)
Sunday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m.

“Carrie” (1976)
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11, 9:30 p.m.

“Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom” (1975)
Sunday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m.

“Halloween” (1978)
Friday, Oct. 17, 9:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31, 9:30 p.m.

“Night of the Living Dead” (1968)

Friday, Oct. 17, 9:45 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24, 9:45 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 31, 9:45 p.m.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)

Saturday, Oct. 18, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 p.m.

“Army of Darkness” (1992)

Sunday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m.

“Shin Godzilla” (2016)

Friday, Oct. 24, 9:30 p.m.

Down in Front! Comedy Riffing

“The Incredible Melting Man” (1977)

Friday, Oct. 10, 9:30 p.m.

“Bride of the Monster” (1955)

Friday, Oct. 24, 9:30 p.m.

Halloween Family Film Series

“Hotel Transylvania” (2012)

Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m.

“The Addams Family” (1991)

Saturday, Oct. 11, 12 p.m.

“The Addams Family Values” (1993)

Saturday, Oct. 18, 12 p.m.

National Theatre Live

“Frankenstein” (Jonny Lee Miller as Creature)

Sunday, Oct. 5, 5 p.m.

“Frankenstein” (Benedict Cumberbatch as Creature)

Sunday, Oct. 12, 5 p.m.

Community Events

Open Mic Night, 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesdays, Oct. 7, Oct. 21

Trivia Night, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesdays, Oct. 14, Oct. 28

Music at the Cinema
Every Thursday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

A Chicken in One Pot: Rosemary’s roast chicken is delicious—and easy

September 29, 2025 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

Cooking, and food that is in vogue at a particular time, changes constantly.

In my early years of cooking, my favorite magazines (Food and Wine, Gourmet and Bon Appetit) touted French and Italian cooking. Those dishes remain my favorites today. Asian-influenced cuisine seemed to come next. Now, as I browse current cooking magazines, the recipes contain many ingredients I’ve never heard of or know where to obtain.

A current trend is “one pan cooking.” One pan as in “sheet pan” which, for me, is more difficult than the cooking gurus would have you believe (lots of last-minute activity going on here).

But one of my favorite Italian cookbook authors, chef and restaurant owner, Lidia Bastianich, has published a small cookbook of her favorite recipes. Many of them are her versions of the “one pan” trend. But hers are really one pot dinners (maybe Italians have been doing this for a while).

I am totally in love with Lidia’s roast chicken. I have been making it at least once a week and find I can alternate several of the ingredients with success. You can add a green salad to the meal but, with all the vegetables in this dish, it is all you need for an almost hands-off dinner. It really is “one pot!”

One of the keys to making a great roast chicken is a good, heavy casserole dish so that all the good chicken juices are retained. I have a mid-sized oval Le Creuset “Dutch oven” that is perfect. These types of roasting vessels are forgiving if your meal has spent a little extra time in the oven.

One Pan Roast Chicken

Ingredients

One whole small chicken, about 3½ to 4 pounds
A mix of root vegetables such as yellow gold potatoes, whole carrots, turnips, sweet onions, butternut squash or sweet potatoes, all peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes. (I change this up every time I make this chicken; heavy on the potatoes for me!)
Mixed chopped fresh herbs. Sometimes, I only use parsley. Add what you like or none at all. A single bay leaf adds an interesting flavor.
Good olive oil or sweet, unsalted butter. I alternate between the two but use plenty to cover the bird.
At least 2 cups of braising liquid: beer, white wine or chicken broth.
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Scrub and peel the root vegetables you have chosen. If you are using very small “new” potatoes, you can leave them whole and unpeeled. Place them all in your casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels. No need to tie up the legs and wings.
Spread olive oil or softened butter all over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Good sea salt really amps up the flavor. Sprinkle chopped parsley or herbs, if using, over all.
Pour your chosen braising liquid all around the chicken. Two cups seems like a lot, but you need to moisten the chicken when serving. (Beer sounds odd, but it works!)
Cover the pot and place in a pre-heated, 350-degree oven. Roast for 2 to 2½ hours until the chicken is golden brown. When done, the chicken should practically fall off the bone.
Lift the chicken and vegetables onto a platter and drench them with the braising liquid. Everything should be soft and tender.

Welcome to a new favorite fall and winter dinner—great for Sunday dinner but works on weeknights too.

The French call this stew-like dish “Pot au Feu” or “pot on fire,” and the Italians, “Bollito Misto.” I think you will call it delicious.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Happenings: Our October Calendar of Events

September 29, 2025 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

“Tailgate Travelers—Classic Station Wagons,” through Oct. 17

“Don Allen Chevrolet Dealership Retrospective,” through Oct. 17

“The Corvette Then and Now,” through Oct. 17

“Husqvarna—Get Your Husky On,” through Oct. 25

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“Villains, Misfits & Anti-Heroes,” fall membership exhibition, through Oct. 16

“40 Eyes,” the art of Rachel York, focusing on the depiction of light, nature and the body, often dealing with the intersection of the spiritual and material, through Oct. 17

“Stitched & Woven,” fiber art show featuring the work of Jordan Bashore, Andrea Finch and Karen Troyer, Oct. 24-Nov. 27

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

“Observations & Intuition—Seeing Beyond the Obvious,” works by Jonathan Frazier, Paul Nagle and Julie Riker, through Oct. 2

“Watercolor Reflections,” featuring watercolor works by Yachiyo Beck and her students, Oct. 10-28; reception: Oct. 10, 5:30-7 p.m.

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

“Along the River & Beyond—Landscapes by Jonathan Frazier and Carrie Wissler-Thomas,” through Dec. 14 (at select times)

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Artist of the month: Gail Walden Coleman

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

Featured artist of the month: Adelaide Fuhrman, “Quilts by Addie,” Oct. 1-25

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

“Under the Colors” annual fall membership show, Oct. 24-25 at Hershey Library

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, hallway gallery, through Oct. 23

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, community room, through Nov. 29

Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S Front St., Harrisburg
717- 233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

Mansion Tours, Tuesdays-Friday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery
847 Cumberland St., Lebanon
LebanonPictureFrame.com

New Oil Paintings by Robert Heilman, Oct. 3-Nov. 28; reception: Friday, Oct. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

“Metanoia,” (a profound, possibly spiritual transformation), works by Stephen Althouse, through Oct. 12

Emily Fussner and Art 205, Hand Papermaking, Oct. 3-Nov. 16; artist talk and reception: Oct. 3, 4:30 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

New works by Ann Benton Yeager, Kristin Livelsberger, Kathy Mina, Ambria Michelle, Caren Shelley, Caleb Smith and Tami Bitner, through Oct. 12

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

The Photography of Melissa Penley Cormier, through Nov. 1

Mark Muhich, “Turtles of PA,” through Dec. 27

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

11th Annual Juried Art Exhibition, through Nov. 20

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

“Game Changers—Pennsylvania Women Who Made History,” celebrating women from across PA in diverse fields, detailing their contributions and challenges they faced in their lifetimes

“Bannered Heroes—Celebrating Pennsylvania’s African American Veterans,” presented by Beta Pi Boulé, the Harrisburg chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boulé)

“Home Improvements—New to the Collections,” artifacts designed and marketed in the first half of the 1900s as modern conveniences

“Portraits of Identity—HAAPI Through The Lens”

“Horse2Auto: A Transportation Revolution”

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

“Common Ground—Works by Betsy and Gerry Bannan,” oil paintings and representational drawings, through Oct. 5

“Future Fossils,” imagined relics by international artists that depict a future apocalypse, collectively offering a preserved, contemporary snapshot of present-day life, through Nov. 2

“Collage Philadelphia Presents: Tactile Shift,” featuring three collage works by Philadelphia-based artists Jason Chen, Jake Dombroski, and Florence Weisz, through Nov. 30

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“Viewing the Indigenous Landscape,” an exhibition exploring different artistic perspectives on the American landscape and Indigenous cultures, through Oct. 12

“Wendy Red Star—Her Dreams Are True,” through Feb. 7

The Trout Gallery
Dickinson College
240 W. High St., Carlisle
717-254-8159; troutgallery.org

“To Listen Deeply,” examines how sound is a key component for diverse works of art, through Dec. 13

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

“Walela—Wings of Nature,” photographer James Wheeler captures a hummingbird mother’s journey from a new nest to egg laying and rearing young to their final fledge, through Oct. 31

Read, Make, Learn

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

Oct. 1, 15, 22, 29: Swing Dancing Classes, 6-9 p.m.

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

Oct. 1, 15: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oct. 2: Supervised Glass Studio, 6-7 p.m. and/or 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 7: Supervised Lampworking Lab, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and/or 12-1 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 28; Nov. 4: Figure Drawing Studio (ages 18+) 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 9: Supervised Lampworking Lab, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and/or 12-1 p.m.
Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30: Introduction to Figure Drawing (ages 18+) 6-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 14: Pumpkin Needle Felting, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 14: Supervised Glass Studio, 6-7 p.m. and/or 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: Date Night with Glassblowing, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 16: Fire & Fungi—Flameworking Mushrooms in Glass (ages 12+ with guardian) 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 16: Halloween “Ghosties” Workshop (ages 9 – adults) 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 16: Intro to Paper-cutting Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6: Pottery Wheel Throwing, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 23: “Collage is Cool” workshop, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 23: Supervised Lampworking Lab, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and/or 12-1 p.m.
Oct. 23- Nov. 13: Intermediate/Advanced Pastel Painting, Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 23-Dec. 4: Pottery for All (ages 15+), Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
Oct. 28: Supervised Lampworking Lab, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and/or 12-1 p.m.
Oct. 28-Nov. 18: Intermediate Pottery (ages 15-adult), Tuesdays, 12-3 p.m.
Oct. 30-Nov. 20: Beginning Drawing, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23: Daytime Beginning Watercolor, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23: Beginning Oil Painting, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 3: Retro Remix (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct. 4: Cyanotype Printing, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Figure Drawing (ages 17-adult), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Animals of All the Continents, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Oct. 11: Put Your Color Pedal to the Metal, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 11: Copper Enamel Open Studio (ages 13-adult), 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 13: Haunted CALC (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct. 14: Circle Sampler Statement Necklace, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 14: Storybook Studio (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Oct. 15: Experimental Mixed Media, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Oct. 15-Nov. 12: Art Club (K-2nd grades), 3:45-5 p.m.
Oct. 17: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Oct. 17-Nov. 14: Art Club (3rd-6th grades), 3:45-5 p.m.
Oct. 18: Pumpkin Party (ages 6-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 18: Spooky Season Eraser Prints, 12-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 20: Third Space Craft Night, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 21: Halloween Ghosties Workshop, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21-Dec. 2: Tuesday Wheel 101, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 24: Fused Glass Tiles, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 25: Fall Themed Encaustic Painting, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Oct. 4: Once Upon a Rainbow, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 11: Reading Rainbow at LGBT Center of Central PA, Harrisburg, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 14: Books on Tap at Rubber Soul Brewery, Hummelstown, 6-7 p.m.

East Pennsboro Library
98 S. Enola Dr., Enola
717-732-4274; eastpennsborobranch.org

Oct. 2: Story Time with Alpacas, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 7: Read to Dogs, 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 8: Family Game Night, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 9, 23: Story Time and Craft (ages 3-6), 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 14: Pumpkin Painting, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 16: Drop-In Monster Bookmarks, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21: Drop-In STEM Play, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28: Drop-in Balloon Ghosts Crafts, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 29: BINGO for Books, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

Oct. 4: Figment Forge, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 4, 24: East Shore Cinema, 3 p.m.
Oct. 6: The Stitch Sitch, 2-3:30 p.m.
Oct. 25: Family History Month—Genealogy Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oct. 26: The 1619 Project—Justice, 1-4 p.m.
Oct. 28: A History of Pennsylvania Witches, 6-7 p.m.

Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival

hbgjff.com

Unsung Hero double feature: “Lady in the Black Dress” and “Oz’s List”
Oct 16, 7 p.m.: Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life, 2986 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
Oct 19, 2. p.m.: Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg

Elizabethtown Public Library
10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown
717-367-7467; etownpubliclibrary.org

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Fiber Artists, 3-6 p.m.
Oct. 4: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
Oct. 11: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Oct. 18: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 25: Board Game Meetup, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

Oct. 8, 9, 15, 16, : Homeschool Days, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Oct. 9: PawPaw Walk, 1-2 p.m.
Oct. 9: Art Heals—Succulent Pumpkin workshop, 6-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 18: Macabre Mansion Tour, 6-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19: Fort Hunter Conservancy Fall Foliage Hike, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 19: Fort Hunter Mansion and McAllister Cemetery Combo Tour, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 26: Trick or Treat Trek, 2-5 p.m.

Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

Oct. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Children’s Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Baby & Toddler Story Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
Oct. 2: Special Themed Storytimes (ages 3-5), 10-10:30 a.m.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Fredricksen Knits, 1-4 p.m.
Oct. 3: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 5: Tween Escape Room, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Food and Farm Discovery Zone (ages 3-5), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 7, 21: Book Dragon Club, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10: STEAM Discovery Play, 10-11 a.m.
Oct. 13: Zoology Club, 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 14, 28: Read to Dogs, 6-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime for Preschoolers, 10-10:45 a.m.
Oct. 26: Pokémon Club, 3-4:30 p.m.
Oct. 27: Money Smart, 4-5 p.m.

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

Oct. 10: Whimsical Fall Pumpkin, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 12: Sunflower Basket, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Oct. 13-15: Watercolor 3-Day Workshop, 10:30-3 p.m.
Oct. 18: Halloween Mosaics, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Oct. 25: Flower Drying and Pressing, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

George & Hettie Love Memorial Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22: Zine for Teens, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Oct. 4: Otherworldly Book Club, 12-1 p.m.
Oct. 11: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 14, 28: Coloring for Adults, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Oct. 18: Silent Book Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Oct. 18: Watercolor Workshop, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

Oct. 1: LEGO Club, 1-2 p.m.
Oct. 1, 8: Self Discovery, 2-3:30 p.m.
Oct. 1, 8, 22, 29: Community Crochet Night, 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 1-31: Spice of the Month: Cumin
Oct. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30: Penn State Hershey Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 2, 9, 16: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Time, 2:30-4:15 p.m.
Oct. 2, 16, 30: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 6: Read to a Hockey Player, 4-4:45 p.m.
Oct. 6, 13: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Oct. 6, 13: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 7: Spontaneous Sparks Improv Class with Gamut Theatre, 2-3:30 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Oct. 11: Chess Tournament, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oct. 18, 25: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 21: Splash of Serenity—Watercolors for Relaxation, 2-3:30 p.m.
Oct. 21, 28: Silent Book Group, 10-11:30 a.m.

Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S Front St., Harrisburg
717- 233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

Oct. 5: “1775, The Prequel” book lecture with Professor Richard Moss, 1 p.m.

Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education
4945 Horn Road, York
717-757-6441; hornfarmcenter.org

Oct. 3: Backyard Wildlife—Safety & Rehabilitation with Raven Ridge, 5:30-7 p.m.
Oct. 5: Teas & Trees—Early Fall Foraging Walk, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 5: Kitchen Table Art—Making Plant Prints, 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m.
Oct. 17-18: Coppice Agroforestry—Resprout Silviculture for a 22nd Century, Oct. 17, 7-9 p.m. and Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 26: Foraging for Roots, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct. 27: The Land & Peoples of the Lower Susquehanna Valley, 6-8 p.m.

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 18-19: October Book Sale
Oct. 24: Apple Users Group for Seniors, 1-2 p.m.
Oct. 24: Dungeons & Dragons, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 25: Trivia at Home—Halloween, 6-8 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
717-409-5781; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Oct. 11: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22: Coloring for Teens, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Oct. 4: Decluttering with Carolina, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 28: Coloring for Adults, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St., Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Time, 4-5 p.m.
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27: STEAM Club, 6 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tiny Tots Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Wee Readers Storytime, 1-2 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 11: Family Board Game Days, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Cafe
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Oct. 15-19: 13th Annual Harrisburg Book Festival
Oct. 15: An Evening with Nick Offerman, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 17: An Evening with Ngozi Adichie, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 19: American at 250—The Pursuit of Liberty, 4-5 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

Oct. 12: Acrylic Pouring Class, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 12: Dog or Cat Night Light Fused Glass Class, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 26: Mask Making, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

National Civil War Museum
One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg
717-260-1861; nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Oct. 2: Zoom Civil Conversation—Hero of Ft. Sumter, the Extraordinary Life of Robert Anderson, 7-8 p.m.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Oct. 18: Saw-whet Owl Banding Program, 6-9 p.m.
Oct. 18: Fall Hike, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Oct. 1: Zombie Barbies (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
Oct. 1: Piece Seekers, 6-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 1-6: Unicorns vs. Dragons LEGO Contest (ages 5 and older)
Oct. 1-31: Hallow-Read Challenge (ages 0-18)
Oct. 1-31: Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt (ages 0-12)
Oct. 2: PlayDoh Palooza (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 2, 10, 17, 24: 1,2,3 Play With Me (ages 0-3), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 2: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18: Take and Makes (ages 0-12)
Oct. 6, 20: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 9: Toddler Time (ages 2-3), 10:30-11 a.m.
Oct. 9: Murder Mystery at the Planetarium (ages 12-16), 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 11: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
Oct. 14: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 14: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: Spooky Paint Party (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
Oct. 16: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Oct. 16: STEAM Scene (ages 6-12), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Oct. 16: Teen Tarot Club (ages 12-16), 5-6 p.m.
Oct. 17, 31: Lawn Chair Cinema, 8-9:30 p.m.
Oct. 18: Storybook Parade, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 22: Wicked Party (ages 5 and older), 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 23: Movers and Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Oct. 25: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 26: Cultural Series—“Vicki’s Angel Walk” with Mickey Minnich, 3-4 p.m.
Oct. 27: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 28: Storytime STEAM (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Oct. 29: Junior Scientists (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
Oct. 30: STEM Sort & Match with Fall Sensory Bins (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Strength & Stretching 50+, 10-11 a.m.
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Little Explorers Early Learning Class, 1:30-2 p.m.
Oct. 6: Genealogy Group, 10-11 a.m.
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Oct. 13: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 16: Debut Author Book Club @ Book Bar, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 27: BYO Craft Nights Adults 18+, 4:30-6:45 p.m.
Oct. 30: Gift of Conversation, 1-3 p.m.

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Oct. 8-Nov. 12: After School Art Classes, 6-week series (grades 4-9), 4:30-6 p.m
Oct. 15: Spooky Vintage Paintings, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 21: Mosaic Candy Corn, 6-8 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

Oct. 1: Homeschool Program—Susquehanna River, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 1-31: Legends of the Night Sky, 11-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 1-31: Two Small Pieces of Glass
Oct. 1-31: We Are Aliens
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24: Virtual Program—Archaeology, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Oct. 3, 18: Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 4: Home Improvements, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Violent Universe, 12-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 8: One Room Schoolhouse, 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 10: Curiosity Kids—Dinosaurs, 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 16: Grist Mill, 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 18: PA’s Fossil, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 22: Rocks in our Daily Life, 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 24: Curiosity Kids—Dinosaurs, 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 30: Fallfastic Crafts, 11:30 a.m.

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

Oct. 11: Pumpkin Platters Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 11: Candy Corn Candle Sconce Workshop, 2:30-4 p.m.
Oct. 14: Mosaic Bats with Amanda of Mosaic Montage, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 16: Mosaic Candy Corn with Amanda of Mosaic Montage, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 24: Dirty Date Night, Gnomes, 7-9 p.m.
Oct. 25: Textured Wall Sconce Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 25: Spooky Wee Ghosties Workshop, 2-3 p.m.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; explorewildwoodpark.org

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Wednesday Wellness Walks, 1-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 2: Bird Walk—Fall Migration at Wildwood, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Oct. 4: Eucalyptus Magic, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Oct. 11: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 18: Night at the Nature Center, 5:30-8 p.m.
Oct. 25: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners’ Hellebores—Winter’s Jewel in the Garden, 9:30-11 a.m.
Oct. 26: Tree Walk, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library
200 W. Second St., Hummelstown
717-566-0949; dcls.org

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23: Digital Detox Book Club, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Oct. 4: Genealogy with Library Resources, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 11: Crafternoon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Live Music

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Oct. 11: Amy Grant
Oct. 12: Simply Three—“Il Divo by Candlelight”

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Open Mic Night
Oct. 10: Hunter Root
Oct. 25: Cris Jacobs, The Adventures of Matte Black
Oct. 31: Doom Gong, Babel Map, Field Trip, Windowsilk

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

Oct. 3: Jazz in the City
Oct. 4: York Symphony
Oct. 11: YES
Oct. 12: Blackberry Smoke, Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Oct. 22: Tommy Emmanuel
Oct. 24: Del McCoury Band
Oct. 25: M3G

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

Oct. 19: Margaret Woods and J.J. Penna

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar
204 Locust St., Harrisburg
717-909-9191; carleysristorante.com

Oct. 2, 22, 23: Andrea Britton
Oct. 3, 10: Dr. Nyce
Oct. 4, 9, 18, 30, 31: Chris Emkey
Oct. 11: Roy Lefever
Oct. 15: Christine Purcell
Oct. 17, 24: Ted Ansel
Oct. 25: Anthony Haubert

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

Oct. 4: The Weber Brothers

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

Oct. 6-7: Toby—A Tribute to Toby Keith
Oct. 20-21: The Karen Carpenter Story Tribute Concert

Englewood Hershey
1219 West End Ave., Hummelstown
717-256-9480; www.englewoodhershey.com

Oct 4: Dale Stipe
Oct 9: The Warped Band – The Official Tribute to Warped Tour
Oct 18: The April Skies, The Jellybricks and Longride
Oct 19: Live Music Brunch Buffet

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Oct. 3: Dogpark
Oct. 17: Future Joy
Oct. 25: Suicide Puppets
Oct. 25: Screaming Infidelities present Hallowemo Party

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

Oct. 25-26: To Whitney with Love

Johnson Memorial Library
799 East Center St., Millersburg
717-692-2658; dcls.org

Oct. 21: Weekday Getaway, 4-5:30 p.m.

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-329-7541; keystoneconcertband.com

Oct. 11: Concert at Linglestown Life United Methodist

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Oct. 16: Amy Grant
Oct. 17: Gipsy Kings
Oct. 25: Twitty & Lynn
Oct. 26: A.J. Croce

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

Oct. 17: Caroline Shaw & Sō Percussion Featuring: Ringdown

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Oct. 4: Messiah University Symphony Orchestra Family Concert and Instrument Petting Zoo
Oct. 4: Messiah University Concert Choir & Alumni Reunion Concert
Oct. 4: Messiah University Jazz Ensembles
Oct. 10: Project Trio

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Oct. 11: Ensemble du Bout du Monde

Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-238-9304; pinestreet.org

Oct. 26: Jacques Forestier and Yoni Levyatov

Stock’s on 2nd
211 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg
717-233-6699; stocksonsecond.com

Oct 3: Mark Santanna

Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

Oct. 2: Julie Fowlis and Seasons at West Shore Theatre
Oct. 9: Cécilia
Oct. 18: Fall Coffee House

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Oct. 3: Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio
Oct. 24: DANDY, Cordi & the Light

West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge St, New Cumberland
717-759-5464; www.westshoretheatre.org

Oct. 2: Julie Fowlis and Seasons, presented by Susquehanna Folk Music Society
Oct. 4: High Noon—A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Southern Rock
Oct. 11: A Farewell to Kings—A Tribute to Rush
Oct. 12: The Rat Pack Together Again with Tony Sands
Oct. 18: Nicks in Time—Stevie Nicks Tribute
Oct. 19: Sempre Dolce
Oct. 25: Crystal Ship—A Tribute to The Doors
Oct. 26: Forever George and Tammy—Alyssa & Wayne Brewer’s tribute to George Jones and Tammy Wynette

XL Live
801 S. 10th St., Harrisburg
717-409-8975; xlhbg.com

Oct. 1: The Floozies + Dirtwire, Honeycomb
Oct. 2: Greensky Bluegrass
Oct. 3: Marc Rebillet
Oct. 4: Oteil & Friends
Oct. 5: Geoff Tate, Fire and Water
Oct. 8: Leftover Salmon, Sicard Hollow
Oct. 9: Reprise recreating an iconic Phish show
Oct. 10: The Four Horsemen
Oct. 11: Low Cut Connie, Le Ghost
Oct. 22: HIRIE, Signal Fire, Mr. Mota
Oct. 23: Here Come The Mummies
Oct. 25: Tommy Conwell and The Young Rumblers
Oct. 30: The Iron Maidens
Oct. 31: !Dead! My Chemical Romance Tribute

The Stage Door

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Oct. 1: David Sedaris
Oct. 3: Masters of Illusion
Oct. 9: The Price is Right Live!
Oct. 10: Whose Live Anyway?
Oct. 16: John Crist

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

Oct. 5: The Vampire Circus
Oct. 9: The Outlet—Music & Poetry Open Mic
Oct. 9: Yakov Smirnoff & Mark Gungor

The Belmont Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; thebelmont.org

Oct. 10-19: “The Shawshank Redemption”

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

Oct. 15-19: “Dracula”

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

Oct. 1-Nov. 1: “A Chorus Line”

Gamut Theatre Group
15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamuttheatre.org

Oct. 4: Popcorn Hat Players present “Little Red Riding Hood”
Oct. 4-19: “The Revolutionists”
Oct. 24: TMI Improv
Oct. 29-Nov. 15: Popcorn Hat Players present “The Frog Prince”

Gretna Theatre
Mt. Gretna Playhouse
200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mount Gretna
717-964-3627; gretnatheatre.org

Oct. 9-18: “Whispers in The Dark”

Harrisburg Comedy Zone
110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland
717-920-5653; harrisburgcomedyzone.com

Oct. 3, 4: Corey Alexander and Justin Lamar
Oct. 10, 11: Philly Plowden and Ben Jones
Oct. 17, 18: Larry XL and Jared Stern
Oct. 24, 25: Jake Klark and Von Mychael
Oct. 31, Nov. 1: Mike Speenberg and JD Colwell

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Poetry Night at H*MAC

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

Oct. 3: Level 3 Class Graduation Show, Goose Parade, Bondfire Society, Barn Bitches
Oct. 4: Free Improv Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Lil’ Stinkers, Ham Juice
Oct. 5: Level 3 Class Graduation Show
Oct. 10: Team Z, Girl’s Trip, Left Unsupervised, Tater Tot Dish, Spice Drones, Neighborhood Gossip
Oct. 11: Uncomfortable, Awkward Timing, Uncomfortable, Rockstar, Rockstar Karaoke
Oct. 17: Level 2 Class Graduation Show, Goose Parade, LoS CoMpLiCaDoS, Offbeats, The Real Fast Coast Wives of Central PA, Wrastlin’
Oct. 18: Spiced Ham, Original 6, The Next Leaver, Unshushed Sisters, Barbra, Blackest Thing Ever
Oct. 19: Level 2 Class Graduation Show
Oct. 24: Left Unsupervised, Tater Tot Dish, What? Hell Yeah! What?!, Ass I the Assshow
Oct. 25: Introduce a Self, Homie-Sexual, All Over the Place, Elderprov, Cosmic Trash, Big Business LLC
Oct. 26: Level 1 Class Graduation Show

Hershey Area Playhouse
830 Cherry Dr., Hershey
717-533-8525; hersheyareaplayhouse.com

Oct. 16-26: “Ghost The Musical”

Keystone Theatrics
The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; www.keystonetheatrics.com

Oct. 10-26: “Shear Madness”

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
915 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0535; ltmpa.com

Oct. 11-27: “Dial M for Murder”

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Oct. 7: “A Taste of Ireland”
Oct. 11: Anjelah Johnson-Reyes
Oct. 28: “Swan Lake” by International Ballet Stars

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

Oct. 3-4: “Eisenhower—This Piece of Ground”
Oct. 30-Nov. 2: “Little Women The Musical”

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Oct. 2-12: “Nunsense”

Open Stage
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

Oct. 4-Nov. 1: “Dracula—A Comedy of Terrors”

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Oct. 11: Manual Cinema’s “The Magic City”

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

Oct. 3: “Taste of Ireland”

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Introducing: 1st Defense™ Checking1 —Security, Savings, Perks from Members 1st

September 29, 2025 | by Member's 1st Federal Credit Union

How would you like to have all of our standard checking account features plus…

Identity Protection
Travel & Leisure Discounts

$hopping Rewards™*
Cell Phone Protection²
Telehealth³ Services & Health Discount Savings⁴*
24/7 Roadside Assistance²

…for just $6.95 per month? It sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong! It is all included with 1st Defense™ checking, now available from Members 1st Federal Credit Union.

“We didn’t just add these benefits to check boxes,” said Karen Roland, Chief Marketing Officer at Members 1st. “We built this account to reflect the real needs of our members—families, students, professionals, retirees and everyone in between. As fraud continues to rise, protecting our members’ personal and financial information has never been more important.”

Much More than a Checking Account

1st Defense™ checking is designed to help you handle real life—the good, the stressful and the unpredictable:

Scoring discounts at your favorite local businesses
Replacing your teen’s phone after it goes missing
Getting hit with identity theft—and needing support
Being stranded on the highway
Needing health advice on a Saturday night

We have you covered! 1st Defense™ checking combines powerful tools with exclusive benefits you’ll actually use—all for one low monthly price. No juggling subscriptions. No third-party logins. No hidden fees. Just real protection, real savings and real simplicity—built right into your checking account. See below for how it compares to our standard checking account.

Always on Duty™

Just like the benefits it delivers, 1st Defense™ checking from Members 1st is ready when you are. Whether you’re upgrading your current account or opening a new one, it takes just a few minutes to enroll in online banking or the Members 1st mobile app. Many benefits activate automatically—but some may require a quick one-time enrollment. After that, you’re good to go.

Ready to simplify your life and save money? Visit members1st.org/1stdefense or stop by your local branch to get started with 1st Defense^TM checking.^

Federally insured by NCUA.

*Registration/activation required.

¹Eligibility: Benefits are available to personal checking account owners and their joint account owners subject to the terms and conditions for the applicable Benefits. Some Benefits require authentication, registration and/or activation. Benefits are not available to a “signer” on the account who is not an account owner or to businesses, clubs, trusts, and/or organizations.

²Special Program Notes: The descriptions herein are summaries only and do not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the Benefits described. Please refer to the actual Guide to Benefit and/or insurance documents for complete details of coverage and exclusions. Coverage is provided through the company named in the Guide to Benefit or on the certificate of insurance. Guide to Benefit and insurance documents can be found online through your Members 1st Online Banking or Mobile App. Insurance Products are not insured by the NCUA or any federal government agency; they are not a deposit of or guaranteed by the credit union or any credit union affiliate.

³Available for the account holder and their spouse/domestic partner and up to six (6) dependent children aged 2 and older. This is not insurance.

⁴This is not insurance.

^Prospective members must meet current eligibility requirements.

Sponsored Content

Making Healthcare More Affordable in Central PA

September 29, 2025 | by Todd Shamash

Todd Shamash is president and CEO of Capital Blue Cross.

As a company founded in Harrisburg nearly 90 years ago, Capital Blue Cross has always had a vested interest in the health and well-being of this community. We’re proud to do our part to help make the Harrisburg region a great place to live, work, and raise families.

Central Pennsylvania, like so many areas of the country, struggles to ensure everyone has access to affordable, quality healthcare that can help them enjoy fulfilling, productive lives.

So why is healthcare so expensive?

There are a lot of factors driving healthcare costs, but let’s look at how Capital Blue Cross is effectively addressing three major ones: how services are paid for, how chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease are treated, and the growing demand for prescription drugs.

Capital Promotes a Better Healthcare Payment Model

Healthcare providers, whether it’s a hospital or your family doctor, are often paid based on the number of tests and treatments provided rather than the quality and effectiveness of those services. But what if they were paid based on whether your health actually improved?

Capital advocates a payment model that rewards healthcare providers based on how much they help patients improve or maintain their health. Our model looks at factors that historically were often absent from the payment equation—quality of care, patient satisfaction, and appropriate cost. And we look at data on the effectiveness of care to continually find ways to further improve care.

The end result is more effective care at lower costs.

Capital Helps Manage Chronic Illnesses

Odds are you or someone you know has diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring and care. In fact, 6 in 10 Americans are living with at least one chronic disease.

The complexity and cost of treating chronic illnesses continues to rise in part because traditional care models can sometimes lack the coordinated care and proactive support patients need.

Capital is working to fix this. We have care teams that focus on coordinating care and engaging our members with chronic illnesses to help improve their health outcomes and reduce costs of care without compromising the quality of care. We also work closely with our network provider and health systems to strengthen traditional care models.

We also promote a concept of “whole-person care,” which takes into account all the social and economic factors that might be impacting a person’s well-being. For instance, if someone dealing with a chronic illness has difficulty affording medications or arranging transportation to a doctor, we look at ways to overcome those challenges so they can get the care they need.

Capital is Making Prescription Drugs More Affordable

Nearly half of Americans routinely take a prescription medication and spending on retail prescription drugs has steadily increased for decades. The cost of these drugs can lead some to stop taking necessary medications, putting their health at risk.

Capital Blue Cross has proven programs to rein in drug costs. For businesses that have Capital coverage for their employees, we’ve managed to lower the cost of expensive specialty drugs that treat conditions like arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s Disease. Our strategies saved those employers more than $11 million in 2024, while also saving the employees thousands of dollars annually.

We also were the first health insurer in the nation to work with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs to help people save on their prescriptions, helping our members get dramatic savings on critical prescriptions. Cost Plus Drugs has a simple, transparent cost formula on hundreds of commonly used medications to treat everything from high blood pressure to diabetes to mental health.

We know there will continue to be challenges in addressing the cost and access to healthcare, but Capital is continually looking at ways to proactively address these challenges. As a locally based and not-for-profit insurer, It’s part of our commitment to go the extra mile for Harrisburg and all the communities we call home.

Todd Shamash is president and CEO of Capital Blue Cross. For more information, visit www.capbluecross.com. This article is sponsored content.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Community Corner: Notable October Events

September 29, 2025 | by Missy Smith

October Community Corner

Wellness Walks
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Participate in free, moderately paced wellness walks at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 6 to 7 p.m. Walkers can customize the length of their walk. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Business Day Out
Oct. 3: Volunteer at Business Day Out to help with picking up trash and doing basic landscaping in Allison Hill at 333 S. 13th St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. www.wildheartministries.net

Art Tour
Oct. 3-5: The 7th annual Hershey Hummelstown Art Studio Tour will showcase the works of 11 local artists at nine different locations. Free event will feature a pre-tour kickoff on Friday, 5 to 8 p.m. www.hersheyhummelstownarttour.com

Cancer Fundraiser
Oct. 4: Attend the Blue & White Forever Bright fundraiser at Englewood Hershey, 1219 Research Blvd., Hummelstown, with a Penn State vs. UCLA watch party and tailgate dinner. Event is in memory of Diane Crosby. Proceeds benefit the Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. www.phhealthcare.org

Homeland Hospice 5K
Oct. 4: Homeland Hospice hosts its 11th annual 5K and Memory Walk to remember loved ones lost and raise funds for those who need care. Event begins at 9 a.m. at the Rossmoyne Business Center, 5000 Ritter Rd., Mechanicsburg. www.homelandhospice.org

Soup Fundraiser
Oct. 4: Wheel of Light Studio and Penbrook UCC, 56 Banks St., Harrisburg, is cohosting a Soup & a Bowl fundraiser to benefit Manna Food Pantry. For a $35 ticket, attendees get soup, bread, drinks, dessert and a pottery bowl made by Wheel of Light Studio. First seating is at 11:30 a.m. and second at 1 p.m. www.wheeloflightstudio.com

Ambient Church
Oct. 4: Enjoy a performance by composer and sound designer Michael Stearns as he revisits works from his Continuum Studio years at Grace United Methodist Church, 216 State St., Harrisburg, 8 to 9:30 p.m. The performance features architecturally mapped projections that transform the space into an audiovisual environment. www.airtable.com

HBG Flea
Oct. 4: Explore the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Fall Fest
Oct. 4: Lower Paxton Township holds its annual Fall Fest at George Park, 5450 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event is free and features activities for all ages, held rain or shine. www.lowerpaxton-pa.gov

Fall Fundraiser
Oct. 4: Red Letter Project hosts its inaugural Fall Fest fundraiser, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Caring Community Church of God, 7176 Red Top Rd., Hummelstown, to combat human trafficking in East Africa. Attendees can enjoy pulled pork barbecue and other fall-themed food. www.redletterleadership.com

Book Sale
Oct. 4, 18: Friends of New Cumberland Public Library hosts a pre-owned book and media sale on the first and third Saturdays of the month, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop for books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, records and more to support the library. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Canine Carnival
Oct. 5: Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey, 598 Schoolhouse Rd., Middletown, hosts a carnival to benefit Pitties.Love.Peace, 12 to 6 p.m. Event, rain or shine, features 50 vendors, food trucks, raffles, adoptable dogs and carnival games. www.pittieslovepeace.com

Book Lecture
Oct. 5: Join Historical Society of Dauphin County, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, for a special book lecture on “1775, The Prequel,” with Prof. Richard Moss at 1 p.m. The lecture kicks off events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Pink Art
Oct. 5: Boobs Without Borders hosts a Power of Pink Art Auction at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 E. Main St., Mechanicsburg, 2 to 4 p.m., to benefit the Susan G. Komen 60-mile, three-day fundraising walk against breast cancer. Auction features live music and raffles of original art. www.boobswithoutborders.com

Art Auction
Oct. 5-19: Participate in an online art auction to benefit the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art. Auction features prints and originals from Ned Smith, along with more than 300 pieces from other artists. Auction runs Oct. 5 to Oct. 19. www.nedsmithcenter.org

Mediator Training
Oct. 8, 9, 14, 15, 18: Neighborhood Dispute Settlement holds a mediator training that provides 24 hours of training to become a certified mediator. Training will be held at 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 265, Harrisburg. Tuition assistance available. www.neighborhooddisputesettlement.org

Women Rooted
Oct. 10: Women in the dairy industry can gain business insight and stress relief at a Penn State Extension event, 5:15 to 8:30 p.m. The event at Star Rock Farms, 175 Chestnut Grove Rd., Conestoga, includes a business expert who understands the challenges of transitioning a dairy operation. www.extension.psu.edu

Contra Dance
Oct. 10: Harrisburg Area Contra Dance Association hosts a 2nd Friday contra dance with live music, 8 to 10:30 p.m., at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Rd., Mechanicsburg. A free beginner lesson starts at 7:30 p.m. www.harrisburgcontra.org

Jurassic Quest
Oct. 10-12: Jurassic Quest and Brick Fest Live join forces for a mega-event at the York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Ave. Guests can experience animatronic dinosaurs and LEGO-inspired fun. Event runs 12 to 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. www.jurassicquest.com

Haunted CALC
Oct. 13: Carlisle Arts Learning Center, 38 W. Pomfret St., hosts a festive and spooky event for children ages 5 to 12 to have holiday fun and create Halloween-themed crafts, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $80 for members and $90 for non-members, plus a $10 materials fee. Attendees should pack a lunch. www.carlislearts.org

Disc Golf
Oct. 14: Valley Flying Discs and Dauphin County Library System host a free group clinic to help people build their disc golf skills at Seal Park, 523 North St., Millersburg, 5 to 6 p.m. Clinic is open to players of all ages and skills. www.dcls.org

Choral Fundraiser
Oct. 15: Gettysburg Choral Society holds a fundraiser at Gettysburg Eddie’s, 217 Steinwehr Ave., Gettysburg, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant will donate 10% of sales to the group, which provides free quality choral music for the community. www.gettysburgchoralsociety.org

Book Fest
Oct. 15-19: The 13th annual Harrisburg Book Festival returns to Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Festival features an outdoor tent sale, children’s day programming, a “Great Gatsby” celebration and appearances from Nick Offerman and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. www.hbgbookfest.com

3rd in The Burg
Oct. 17: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Art Show
Oct. 17-19: Paxtang Art Association hosts its annual show and sale at the Paxtang Firehouse, 3423 Derry St., Harrisburg, Oct. 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Annual show features hundreds of original pieces in a variety of mediums. www.paxtangartassociation.godaddysites.com

Harvest Party
Oct. 18: Central Penn College, 600 Valley Rd., Enola, hosts its annual fall harvest festival, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with more than 50 vendor booths, food trucks, live music and children’s activities like pumpkin carving, mask painting and sand art. www.centralpenn.edu

Wild Night
Oct. 18: Take an after-hours walk through Wildwood Park’s Olewine Nature Center, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to see exhibits come to life, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Event features a campfire with s’mores, apple cider, a craft and a Halloween story. Attendees encouraged to wear an animal or Halloween costume. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Mansion Concert
Oct. 18: Manor on Front, 2917 N. Front St., Harrisburg, hosts a Mansion Concert with the California Guitar Trio, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is a $35 recommended donation, and guests are asked to register online. Bring a lawn chair, picnic food and a cold beverage. www.mansionconcert.com

Frick Collection Tour
Oct. 19: Join the AAUW-Harrisburg for a trip to The Frick Collection in New York City. The cost of the trip is $150, which includes transportation and an admission ticket. Bus will leave from Harrisburg in the morning and return in the evening. www.aauwharrisburg.org

Dance Night
Oct. 19: Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 invites dance enthusiasts to a lesson at 2 p.m., followed by three hours of social dancing in ballroom, swing and Latin style, at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. Admission is $15, $10 for members and $5 for students. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 Harrisburg Area PA

Menopause Talk
Oct. 22: Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women hosts a discussion on menopause with Dr. Sharon Malone, author of “Grown Woman Talk,” at the Forum, 500 Walnut St., Harrisburg. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Free event aims to foster community. Facebook: Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women

Art Crawl
Oct. 22: Wander through The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, sip on six different beers, make six pieces of art to take home and enjoy an urban picnic and ceviche, 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $55. www.millworksharrisburg.com

Art Talk
Oct. 23: Artist Diana Thomas presents “Current Color: A Year on the River” at the Rife Center at Bethany Village, 325 Wesley Circle, Mechanicsburg, 7 to 8 p.m. Thomas will share lessons learned while painting the Susquehanna River once a week over a year. Event is free to the public. www.harrisburg-pa.aauw.net

Pawtober Hike
Oct. 25: Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, hosts its second annual Pawtober Hike, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your pups and pals to hike through some of the center’s trails. www.nedsmithcenter.org

Awards Dinner
Oct. 25: Army Heritage Center Foundation invites the community to its annual Legacy Awards Dinner honoring Gen. David Petraeus and Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania. Dinner takes place at 6 p.m. in Penn Harris Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass. www.armyheritage.org

Trick-or-Trot
Oct. 26: Central Penn College, 600 Valley Rd., Enola, hosts its first Trick-or-Trot fun run and walk. Registration for the one-mile course begins at 9 a.m., and the run/walk starts at 10 a.m. Registration is $10 per person or $30 per family. Costumes encouraged. www.centralpenn.edu

Balloon Ghosts
Oct. 28: Stop by East Pennsboro Library, 98 S. Enola Dr., Enola, to create a balloon ghost for Halloween, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. www.eastpennsborobranch.org

History Talk
Oct. 28: East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, hosts author Rissa Miller, who will give a talk exploring Pennsylvania’s relationship with witchcraft and magic throughout the centuries, 6 to 7 p.m. www.dcls.org

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 26, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The homeless encampment in south Harrisburg was cleared this week.

This week has brought lots of local news and features and we hope you’ve appreciated our community-focused coverage. If you missed any of our reporting, you can find it below.

Broad Street Market reconstruction is slated to begin at the brick building in the coming days, our magazine story reported. Harrisburg is weighing a plan to come up with the money for contractors.

City Council on Tuesday approved a plan to reconstruct the Rabbittransit facility on Cameron Street in Harrisburg, our online story reported. Additionally, council approved a downtown project that will turn two office buildings into apartments.

Elementary Coffee Co. celebrated its purchase of its North Street shop, advocating that more small businesses should have the chance to own their buildings. In our online story, the former owner, Matt Krupp, reflects on the extensive renovation of the building and encourages more community members to prioritize revitalization.

Harrisburg’s largest homeless encampment was cleared this week, our online story reported. Occupants packed up and moved on as the space will soon be impacted by PennDOT’s I-83 construction project.

High Dive Cocktail Bar in Harrisburg is featured in this month’s Bartender’s Choice column. Bartender Dustin Isbert shares his favorite drinks, in our story.

Joel Burcat, a local author, recently published a book that is co-written by him and his late father, our magazine story reported. Burcat discovered his father’s unfinished manuscripts and continued the story.

The Journey Theatric Sanctuary is a new ensemble that performs at HACC’s Rose Lehrman Arts Center. In our magazine story, find out more about the group.

Market Square Concerts began its 2025-26 season this month. In our magazine story, our writer shares the impressive schedule of music lined up.

Open Stage kicked off its 40^th anniversary season with performances of “Come Together: A Celebration of The Beatles.” In our magazine story, find out more about the show, which concludes this weekend.

Peach pie is the perfect dessert to finish off the summer by making. Our food columnist has a mouth-watering recipe, here.

Sara Bozich has a full list of fun fall activities for your weekend, here.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Elementary Coffee Co. celebrates ownership of North Street shop, developer reflects on rehab

September 25, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Andrea Grove, owner of Elementary Coffee Co., and Matt Krupp, Dauphin County prothonotary

“I think everyone thought this would be bulldozed.”

If you had never seen 256 North St. before it housed Elementary Coffee Co., you wouldn’t believe how business owner Andrea Grove described it.

“The back portion of the building had completely collapsed,” she said. “All of the floors were like falling in on themselves.”

That’s how bad the property, formerly two addresses, looked when neighbor Matt Krupp decided to purchase them and undertake an extensive reconstruction with no prior experience, and when Grove joined up to open a home base for Elementary.

“I got fed up with the sight of it,” said Krupp, Dauphin County’s prothonotary, who lives nearby. “It was a huge undertaking for someone who’s never done it before.”

In the end, Krupp, Grove and a team of contractors restored the historic building, and the property even won a 2020 Preservation Award from the Historic Harrisburg Association.

“It’s really cool that we were able to help save the building, and now we bought the building,” Grove said.

This month, Grove closed on the purchase of the building that has been Elementary’s home since 2019. The moment marks what she believes is an important step forward for her business and an example for other small business owners who want to put their name on their own brick-and-mortar.

And for Krupp, who said he was happy to sell to Grove, the milestone serves as a point of reflection for how blighted buildings, even ones in horrible condition, can be saved with some “grit” and a passion for your community.

Foot in the Door

Grove recalled the hard work and funding that Elementary put into the shop during the rehab. She helped guide design of the space, picking large windows to bring visibility and light to the shop, black countertops and lots of raw-edge wood features.

The coffee shop quickly became a downtown staple, adding to Elementary’s Broad Street Market stand, which closed in the brick building after the 2023 fire, but has since reopened in the market’s stone building.

Andrea Grove inside Elementary

“I’m really grateful that now all of the investment that we made up front is something that we get to actually have ownership of,” she said.

The building also includes two loft-style apartments upstairs and a small unit that has been used for short-term rental in the back, and will be managed by Midtown Property Management.

The purchase is significant for Grove. She views this as a chance for Elementary to have opportunities to acquire loans and additional revenue. But she also sees the ownership as empowering, a way to have better peace of mind and as a message to Harrisburg that Elementary isn’t going anywhere.

“Small businesses like this are what puts a property on the map, right? I think it’s very rare that they then get the opportunity to actually own the place that really is kind of making money for the building owners,” she said. “It’s already hard to predict your future when the world is so uncertain, so it’d be really nice if people were able to be more secure, at least in the space that they’re in. I’m really grateful that Matt was like, ‘we’ll work with you.’”

Grove recognized that most small businesses don’t have the capital to make a large purchase and was grateful for a loan from family. Now, she’s advocating for better opportunities for other local businesses.

“There needs to be some red tape that’s cut here and there so there are still opportunities for them,” she said. “You need to have somebody who’s willing to let you have the opportunity to get your foot in the door.”

Back to Life

The North Street structure has come a long way. When Krupp purchased them, the adjoining buildings were condemned and falling apart.

“Everybody in the downtown area had a key interest in seeing that property developed,” he said. “It was one of the few underdeveloped properties downtown.”

256 North St. before renovations. File photo from 2018.

Krupp purchased the blighted units from the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority and got to work, which included completely rebuilding portions of the building. He had a vision of incorporating housing and a local business that would appeal to neighbors and visitors to the city.

“North Street is a wonderful blend of retail, residential and commercial,” he said. “I thought that Elementary would be a good fit.”

While the project was taxing, Krupp hopes that other city residents will take on the task of revitalizing their community—seeing how successful it can be.

“Don’t be afraid to undertake big projects like this,” he said. “This is an example of a building that was brought back to life.”

Krupp purchased the derelict building for $34,000. Grove has now bought the fully renovated property for $550,000.

The historic building was given a second life, and now, under her ownership, Grove is excited for Elementary’s future on North Street.

“This is actually a really beautiful story because it is, I think, very rare that this sort of thing gets to occur,” she said.

Elementary Coffee Co. is located at 256 North St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Construction on Broad Street Market building expected soon; city weighs way to fund work as contractors are lined up

September 24, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market brick building

Construction is slated to begin on the Broad Street Market in the coming days, and Harrisburg is getting ready financially.

At a City Council meeting on Tuesday, officials shared that the city needs to come up with over $14.4 million to add to the current 2025 budget for the market, as they finalize contractors and prepare for an 18- to 20-month construction period.

Previously, city officials said that they would break ground by Sept. 30 on the rebuild of the market’s fire-damaged brick building, which burned in 2023 and has been closed since. According to Dave Baker, facilities director, the city still hopes that work will begin next week, but the exact timing depends on when contractors can start. However, he said he is hopeful that work will begin around that Sept. 30 date, give or take a few days.

“We are urging them to move as fast as possible,” Baker said.

As Harrisburg finalizes 10 of the 11 bid packages for things like demolition, construction, plumbing, etc., for the market rebuild, city officials asked that council sign off on allocating more money in the city’s budget to pay for and get that work started.

The only bid package that did not initially receive a response was for site prep work, which was put out for bid a second time.

In total, Baker and city finance officials have estimated that the Broad Street Market rebuild of the brick building, all-in, will cost around $23 million. So far, the city has spent about $3.3 million on the market, for things like selective demo and payments to construction manager Alexander Building Construction Co. and architect Murphy & Diffenhafer Architects.

As Harrisburg’s 2025 budget stands, the city has about a $14.4 million hole to fill to get the budget up to $19.1 million, the estimated remaining expense of the project, which allows them to finalize construction contracts. That money would then be spent over the course of the project.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Accounting Manager Brian McCutcheon explained that the city has proposed shuffling unspent money from other city budget funds, such as the state grants fund, capital projects fund and the city’s fund balance, to the general fund for the market.

What construction will I see?

If city council approves the budget reallocations to fund the market contracts, people can expect to see demo work begin first by contractor Power Component Systems at a cost of $425,673.

Baker said that, while demo was done previously to remove fire-burnt debris and decay, this round of demo would focus on structural stabilization. Some small portions of the brick walls may need to be taken down and re-bricked, and the entire building will be repointed. The building’s concrete foundation will be rebuilt as well.

Crews will also work on underground utilities, updating the electricity and installing a new, large grease interceptor tank that will service all vendors.

The roof will be torn out, down to the rafters, and in some parts, to the foundation walls, and a new roof will be constructed. All new windows and doors will be installed as well.

Baker said that the city is pushing to have contractors work throughout the year, even during the winter, weather dependent.

The temporary market tent will remain open through the entire construction process.

Some council members asked Baker why work on the physical structure has not begun yet, to which Baker replied that the behind-the-scenes process has been extensive.

“We’ve been planning everything out very strategically, and unfortunately, it has taken a long time, and I can tell you, my office has been working every single day on the Broad Street Market,” he said. “A lot of the time that’s been taken so far has been put into design and thinking out each step that needs to happen to keep all the governing bodies happy with what we’re doing and to really make the construction process happen the right way the first time and not have to go back to the well to ask for additional funds.”

Outside of a few contracts that are already funded, all other work cannot proceed until council signs off on the fund reallocations.

But what about insurance money from the fire?

Officials said that Harrisburg has already received about $4.9 million in insurance funds, but doesn’t know how much to expect in the future. Insurance money that the city gets, besides an up-front lump sum following the fire in 2023, is reimbursable, meaning that Harrisburg has to expend the money for project costs first and then submit claims after and hope for reimbursements.

“The business office is going to work very hard, with our outside entity, to get and maximize that return. We really won’t know, though, until we’re in the weeds on that, until we’re actually spending the money on those particular bills,” said City Solicitor Neil Grover.

While Harrisburg has a $140 million insurance cap for all of its buildings in the city, according to Baker, he’s not sure how much the market, one building, can receive.

Baker emphasized that the project cost is an estimate from construction manager Alexander Building Construction Co., which they determined before all of the bids were received from contractors. And, now that most bids have come in, the estimate was basically spot on, Baker said.

The $14.4 million would go into the 2025 budget, but wouldn’t all be spent before the year’s end. McCutcheon said that, while all of the money needs to be allocated upfront to finalize construction contracts, only about 40% would be spent in the next three months. The remaining 60% would roll over into the city’s next two years’ budgets for spending.

Where’s the city’s money for the project coming from?

Harrisburg proposed taking $9.1 million from the city’s fund balance, but again, not all of that would be drawn down at once. They also discussed using the $1.3 million of interest that has accrued from money made available from Harrisburg’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, millions of which sit in the city’s state grants fund. Grover explained that the use of that interest money is allowable by the federal government.

Harrisburg also received $1 million from the city’s portion of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Another $825,000 is expected to come from revenue from hotel taxes and PA street cut fees.

All of this money funds the work for the market rebuild and “gets those contracts signed,” Grover explained.

The city has not yet released information on the bulk of the contractors chosen for the job, as many are still being finalized.

Council moved the reallocation resolution to its next legislative session, which is scheduled for Oct. 14, but discussed potentially hosting a special legislative session on Sept. 30 instead to vote on it. That has yet to be scheduled.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like