Author Archives: Maddie Conley

Fido Friendly? Harrisburg gets mixed marks as a dog-endorsed city

June 27, 2025 | by Alex J. Hayes

Christine Wood of Harrisburg and her schnoodle Allie, age 10, walk along 3rd Street in Harrisburg.

On a hot Wednesday afternoon, Harrisburg—from N. 3rd Street to Front Street and across the Walnut Street Bridge—was full of people and dogs.

Owning a dog in a densely populated area where backyards are scarce presents some challenges, but owners are committed to making accommodations for their four-legged friends.

Christine Wood moved to Harrisburg last July and said that walking her 10-year-old schnoodle, Allie, has been a great way to meet her neighbors. Midtown is welcoming, Wood said, but the riverfront is her and Allie’s favorite place.

“On Saturdays and Sundays, it’s ‘doggiepalooza,’” Pam Auer said of the riverfront.

Auer finds the city a great place to train her 1-year-old cocker spaniel, Shelby. Interacting with other dogs allows Shelby to work on her manners, Auer said.

Auer and Shelby are best friends, so Auer gets frustrated when store employees will not allow the tiny pooch to sit on her mobility scooter while she shops. She credits The Meadow, an artisan shop on 3rd Street, for allowing Shelby to join her.

“The food stores are tough,” Auer said. “I want to support the smaller businesses, but if I am leaving her at home, I might as well get in the car and go to the grocery store.”

Auer also wishes the city would install a dog park on City Island so dog owners from the east and west shores of the Susquehanna River can meet in the middle.

Bree Mullen of Harrisburg and Ally Rosa of Camp Hill would welcome that dog park. The friends often meet on City Island to chat while their dogs interact. Mullen does not find the city’s mainland dog friendly.

“There is no grass. Where are they supposed to use the bathroom?” she asked. “The sidewalks are cracked, and you cannot walk on half of them.”

The city noticeably lacks dog waste stations that include plastic bags for disposal, said several dog-walkers. Most responsible dog owners bring their own bags on a walk, but almost every one can relate to realizing the bag holder is empty while their dog is squatting.

On City Island, baseball fans can enjoy a game with their four-legged friends at FNB Field this summer during the Harrisburg Senators’ “Wet Nose Wednesday.” Owners must sign a waiver stating that their dog has received all required vaccinations and that they are willing to leave if trouble arises.

Several of the city’s restaurants allow dogs on their patios. Brian Riordan, who moved back to the city about six months ago, finds it easy to walk his Tapper Girl through his hometown. Riordan said that one usually can find the pair on the riverfront in the mornings and then in Midtown on afternoons.

“We also eat here eight to 10 times a week,” he said while sipping a martini at Cork & Fork on State Street.

Riordan believes the city is dog-friendly, but he thinks some people could benefit from a dog etiquette class. He lived in New York City for 26 years and people there, he said, socialize their dogs much more than do Harrisburg residents. Not socializing a dog at a young age leads to unfriendly interactions, such as when a dog loudly barked at and attempted to charge at Tapper Girl.

A human takes the lead in guiding their dog’s actions, so proper training is essential. As with any topic, the opinions on what’s best vary but one thing is clear—the dogs don’t seem to have a care in the world.

Dog owners looking for more information on where their four-legged friends are welcome, whether in Harrisburg or other cities, can visit www.bringfido.com.

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Cat Sense: How to better understand the often-misunderstood feline

June 27, 2025 | by Kristen Zellner

Illustration by Aron Rook.

Professionally, I’ve heard a lot of interesting statements and observations about domestic cats over the last 20 years.

I’d like to share some information regarding the most common myths about house cats. Side note: Although their behavior can be frustrating at times, I assure you, cats are not out to get us. It is our lack of understanding about cat behavior that has a negative impact on our relationships with our feline companions.

Though we consider cats our furry children, when we anthropomorphize them, we attach human emotions to our feline friends. Sometimes, it’s cute. However, incorrect assumptions about a cat’s emotional state can cause humans to deal with cat-related issues poorly.

Cats are not just toddlers with sharp teeth and claws that can jump on the counter. Considering them as such leads us to believe the naughty things they do are “on purpose” or perhaps they are “getting back at us” for something. In reality, cats are only behaving according to their instincts based on the type of stimuli they encounter. Because of our inability to understand their language, our expectations are often too high. Sadly, some cat owners may lose patience with unwanted behaviors and react by yelling, chasing, locking the cat in a room, putting them outside or abandoning them.

When people tell me that their cat has begun urinating outside of the litter box, they often attribute this to the cat’s “anger” for them going on vacation or introducing a new person or pet into the home. Maladjusted humans do these things, but pets don’t have the level of brain development to calculate these retaliatory events. Cats are sensitive to even the slightest changes in routine, and they will often express their stress through urine marking. Physical pain or illness can trigger the behavior, as well.

Oftentimes, cats are compared to their canine counterparts, and it is our assumption that they don’t require as much care. For dogs, the sun seems to rise and set on their people. Cats express their adoration of us differently. Even though their need for human interaction isn’t expressed in the same way, cats still crave attention, playtime, petting and snuggles from their humans. If cats don’t get the stimulation from their environment or the attention and interaction they need from humans, they can actually become bored and depressed, leading to undesirable behaviors. It has been said by cat behaviorists that cats learn to adapt to neglect. With that said, cats really do mind being alone.

Destructive or intrusive behaviors are thought to be a result of cats being angry with their humans or just plain mischievous. Scratching furniture, batting items off surfaces, eating and digging in plants, jumping on counters, and drinking from the faucet are just a few of the things that cats do that drive us bonkers. Each of these behaviors actually has a meaning for cats, and they have nothing to do with a cat being angry or bad. Scratching satisfies a cat’s need to exercise their muscles and claws, mark their territory, and alleviate boredom and stress. Batting, digging, and plant-eating behaviors are related to hunting prey, exploring their environment, play and their natural curiosity.

Providing a home that is rich with opportunities for cats to exercise their natural instincts will make for a much happier companion. Scratching posts, window perches, cardboard boxes, water fountains, walks outside on a leash, a variety of toys, and videos made for cats are great additions. Of course, there is nothing better than time spent interacting with their humans and maybe a compatible feline sibling. When a cat has plenty of species-appropriate mental and physical stimulation, attention from their caregivers, and consistency in routine, they are more likely to be satisfied with life and to thrive.

Kristen Zellner is owner of Abrams & Weakley General Store for Pets, 3963 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.abramsandweakley.com.

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Alt-Pets: Is your family considering adopting an animal? Something scaley or cotton-tailed may be a good fit

June 27, 2025 | by Gina Napoli

When it comes to pets, the traditional cat or dog, or even a bird or fish, is not always ideal for every household.

For example, if you peeked in my backyard today, you’d find a spoiled dog who suffered through an extra bath because she rolled her fur in wild animal dung, and then transferred said dung to my leg. You’d also find an uninvited, yet stubborn, feral cat who leaves piles of fur on my lawn furniture, along with the occasional dead animal sacrifice. Although not technically a pet, I both named this cat and I sneak her food, much to the dismay of my highly allergic husband.

But back to my dog. The unscheduled, unpleasant grooming ritual was well timed with my assignment to research alternative pets. After today, a quiet pet without fur that didn’t want to cuddle my leg sounded pretty good.

Reptile Ready

Jesse Rothacker, president of Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, started his PA pet rescue in 2004 to rehome mostly pet reptiles, also saving the occasional amphibian, scorpion and tarantula.

Unlike many dog and cat rescues, Rothacker has a physical facility for the hundreds of residents who creep, crawl and slither, hosting mostly pet snakes, lizards, turtles and (gulp) crocodiles. Most come from owner surrenders, from people who impulse-bought reptiles from pet stores without a long-term plan for sustained pet ownership. Others are either found in abandoned homes or cities, and some are confiscated by police or other authorities.

“We take in as many unwanted reptiles as we have room for,” Rothacker said. “We also help network homes for many reptiles that never come through our doors.”

Part of the mission for Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary includes educational outreach.

There used to be a stigma surrounding reptile pet owners as sort of counterculture, but now it’s mainstream, Rothacker said.

“It’s everyone from 10-year-old girls to suburban dads to your elderly neighbors,” he said. “Reptiles have become beloved pets by every segment of most communities.”

Could a pet reptile be right for your household? According to Rothacker, you should ask four questions before owning any potential pet reptile:

How big will it get?
How much space will it need?
How expensive is its food and habitat/cage setup?
How long will it live?

Keep in mind that many reptile species may outlive you, some with lifespans beyond 100 years, and many will outgrow their starter aquarium from the pet store.

Hop Home

Notice the constant repetition of the word “pet” in the above paragraphs. Not all animals are meant to be domesticated pets.

Emily Garrigan, founder and executive director of West Shore Wildlife Center, runs a wildlife rehabilitation center that admits sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, then releases them back into the wild.

“We generally do not recommend that the average person purchase or adopt exotic animals, outside of those truly domesticated, like domestic rabbits,” Garrigan said.

Although rabbits, by nature, lay in their own dung to mark their territory and feel safe in their homes, it seems easier to bathe a small bunny than a hyper Labrador retriever the size of a small horse.

Since 1992, Bunny People has rescued and rehomed over 1,000 rabbits, both catching strays and accepting surrendered rabbits from owners.

According to Bunny People’s adoption coordinator, Jessica Lauffer, rabbits are easier than dogs and cats in some ways. They are quiet, skittish creatures that can bond with their people. They can be trained to use a litter box. Although rabbits shed their fur and are not hypoallergenic, people are rarely allergic to them. They typically live 8 to 12 years but are not for everyone.

“Rabbits are not starter pets, and they’re not suitable pets for most young children,” she said. “They require adequate space, mental enrichment and good nutrition to be a happy, healthy pet.”

And if you want to adopt from Bunny People, your pet rabbit must live inside your house with enough room to exercise, not kept outside as livestock in a hutch.

Assess, Adopt

Whichever pets you add to your home, please consider that not only is pet ownership a family commitment, but any new additions need to mesh with your current pets. My kids once had a Labrador retriever who liked bunnies as a food source, so please take food chain pecking order considerations seriously and avoid any potential combinations for Sylvester and Tweety dynamics.

To prevent yourself from becoming an owner-surrenderer, you’ll need to research to formulate a long-term plan for pet ownership. Not only will you be responsible for supplying that pet with all the food, toys and habitat trimmings throughout its entire lifespan, but you’ll need an exotic pet veterinarian. Be sure to include in your will what will happen with the pet after you’re gone, especially if the pet has a longer life expectancy than yours.

OK, I’ve had time to decompress about my dog’s filthy hygiene. Although it was fun to consider owning an alternative pet, I know I’ve got my hands full with one dung-caked dog and Sneakers the feral cat.

If adding a new pet currently isn’t right for you, (or even if it is), the below rescues are always grateful for donations and volunteers.

For more information about Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, visit www.forgottenfriend.org.

To find out more about West Shore Wildlife Center, visit www.westshorewildlife.org.

To learn more about The Bunny People, visit www.thebunnypeople.org.

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A Doggy Dream: Under new ownership, Riverside offers pet grooming, day care

June 27, 2025 | by Colin McGuire

After two decades in the construction business, Liz Wilkins knew a pair of things to be true about the potential of changing direction with her career.

One, she would want to own her own business. And two, she would want to work with animals.

“I came from a huge dog family,” she said. “I love cats, too. But I never really thought I could actually have my own business working with cats and dogs. It all just kind of happened and fell into my lap. I had to jump at the opportunity.”

That opportunity turned out to be the Riverside Pet Club and Resort, a four-acre plot of land in Dauphin that offers an array of pet services including boarding, grooming and even doggy day care. Wilkins took over in 2023 after one of the previous owners faced health issues and was forced to shift her focus away from the business.

Enter Wilkins, who said she hit it off with the previous ownership. Not having to start the business from scratch played into her decision, Wilkins said, considering that Riverside had built up a clientele for the better part of 17 years before she came around.

Despite getting that head start, Wilkins admitted that she’s faced her share of challenges since taking the helm. One of those hurdles has been a steady decline in groomers, dating back to before she took over. As a result, she’s spent a good portion of the last year-and-a-half rebuilding that roster to retain customers.

One of those customers is Jennifer Adams, whose lifelong passion has been animals. Adams has been taking her dogs to Riverside for years—dating back to the days before Wilkins was in charge—and, overall, Adams said the change in ownership has been a net positive for the business.

“Doggy day care has been a huge help,” Adams noted. “Liz does a lot of stuff. If there’s a stray dog, she does as much as she can to re-home the animal and make sure it’s taken care of. We want to support those kinds of efforts because I think that’s important for any community. It’s a challenging business to be in, but she takes the time to rally everybody together.”

Fell in Love

Wilkins’ commitment to her craft began at an early age. These days, she easily reflects with fondness on old photos from her mother that include Wilkins holding puppies.

“The look on my face is, ‘I was in heaven,’” Wilkins said while recalling the images. “As soon as I realized I could have a dog, I asked for one. When I was 15, I wanted a golden retriever so bad, I saved up all my babysitting money and bought my first dog. It’s nothing but history from there.”

Running Riverside, Wilkins admitted she has a “crazy amount of pets”—so much so that she said, if she had more, her facility could be categorized as a farm. If she had more time, she would love to add a mini donkey, a mini horse, mini llamas and chickens, among other animals to her crew of furry friends.

That’s all in due time. For now, Wilkins is laser-focused on growing Riverside and expanding her reach for pet services around the Harrisburg area. One of her highest priorities is being able to provide grooming services for cats, something that she said they’re not set up for yet but hope to be soon.

And to think, it all started from a passing thought that floated through her mind as she was considering how to start her own different kind of business—a construction company aimed at building homes.

“When I came across this kennel for sale, I thought it would be absolutely crazy to do anything like this,” she said. “But then it just kept popping up, so I thought, ‘What if I just go look at it?’ So, I came to look at it and fell in love.”

She’s now at the point where she’s considering next steps.

“I have so many things I want to do,” she said, confidently. “I want to grow so badly and so quickly, but they say sometimes that growing too quickly isn’t a good thing, so in its own way, everything is pacing itself out nicely. I just love the customers, which are the dogs, of course, and I even love their parents. Everything, so far, has just been amazing.”

Riverside Pet Club and Resort is located at 655 River Rd., Dauphin. For more information, visit www.riversidepetclub.com.

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Musical Notes: Vacation Vibes

June 27, 2025 | by Skye Leppo

I hope your summer’s off to a great start with lots of good music. I’ve been on a real discovery kick lately and have been making more of an effort to dig into something new each week (though I’ve revisited a few beloved albums in recent days, namely Sufjan Stevens’ 10th anniversary edition of “Carrie & Lowell,” Gigi Perez’s “At The Beach, In Every Life” and the 2024 Freak Slug album, “I Blow Out Big Candles”). It’s been fun to hear some surprises and save a few new favorites, like Chinese American Bear and Samia, who both were immediately added to my and my husband’s playlist mix for an upcoming beach trip.

What’s your go-to “vacation state of mind” song, artist or album? There are a few that come to mind, but I’d be curious to hear what the “soundtrack for a good vacation” is for others.

THAT’S FOLKIN’ FRESH

7/18, WXPN Welcomes Barkley Cove, Strawberry Square

Named for the fictitious town in the book, “Where the Crawdads Sing,” Barkley Cove is an exciting central PA folk trio that’s been plucking their way onto local bills for 3rd in the Burg events and national festivals lineups, a la Musikfest, alike. The group’s Instagram bio reads, “The best pickers this side of the Susquehanna,” and I’d argue you’ll be hard-pressed to prove them wrong. The group’s impressive single, “From My Room,” is available to stream on Spotify, but you can also hear more charming arrangements and harmonies on originals like “Cecilia,” “I’m Not Her, My Love,” and fresh covers of classics like “Something Stupid” on Tik Tok (the band’s handle is @barkleycoveband). This show is part of the Strawberry Square Music Series and is totally free to attend.

NIGHT MOVES

7/18, The After Hours & Tucked In, Abbey Bar

Phoenixville indie rockers Tucked In will join Harrisburg dream pop mainstay, The After Hours, for what’s sure to be a real vibey evening at the Abbey Bar. “Sometimes” and “Diorama” are standouts from Tucked In, who are currently playing cities in the mid-Atlantic and New England in a “Roughest Roads” tour to support their 2024 EP, “Saints & Cannons.” It’s no secret that I also love local rock outfit The After Hours and will be delighted to see them on the stage again at the Abbey Bar—file that under “things just make sense,” ya know? See you there.

TWANG THANG

7/29, Russell Dickerson, Riverfront Park

Generally, Billboard country performers like Russell Dickerson are not my cup of tea, but his ’80s rock infused hit, “Happen to Me,” is a really fun song I’ve had on repeat this summer. If this recent direction he’s taken is any indication of his energy at live shows, sign me up. I’d also check out “Blue Tacoma” and “Yours” for a taste of his other tracks and songwriting skills.

If your venue or friends have a show coming up that should be on our radar, drop me a line at [email protected].

HONORABLE MENTIONS

7/2, The Disco Biscuits, XL Live
7/12, Yelawolf 45 Tour, XL Live
7/12, Pressing Strings, The Abbey Bar
7/12, Marc Broussard, Whitaker Center for Science and The Arts
7/12, Luke Bryan, Hersheypark Stadium
7/13, Umphrey’s McGee, XL Live
7/18, The Motet, XL Live
7/25, Pantera, Hersheypark Stadium
7/26, Shania Twain, Hersheypark Stadium

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Adventure Together: Survive, thrive this summer with sports, outdoor fun and creative play for the whole family

June 27, 2025 | by Natalie diSanto

Veterans Memorial Park

It only took a moment for my kid to get smashed in the face with a soccer ball. Less than a year ago, unfortunately, I experienced the same situation, except I was the one taking a sports ball to the face.

If it isn’t obvious yet, we’re not a sporty family, but we are adventurous, and trying new things is the name of the literal game. Despite our brief experiences with soccer, there is a lot to learn from team sports, and it certainly teaches agility and, hopefully, instills a reminder to stay alert.

Susquehanna Soccer Club has programs for kids ages 3 to 18, which is an impressive range of skills to accommodate. We did the spring season, which was eight weeks, and the cost to participate is less than $100 and includes a uniform. An awesome perk is that you can earn a discount if you volunteer with the team. Volunteer opportunities range from distributing uniforms to helping at the concession stand to being team manager or even coach. The teams practice at varying times at Christian McNaughton Memorial Park in Susquehanna Township and gameday is Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park.

For parents interested in soccer, it’s a fun way to form community and get some exercise, if you’re brave enough to test your skills on the field. I played with the Harrisburg Area Women’s Soccer League, but there’s also Central PA Soccer, which offers amateur women’s and men’s teams.

Parks & Parkour

McNaughton Park is on 7.5 acres of land in the Deer Path neighborhood across from Thomas Holtzman Elementary on PA Route 39. Remodeled in 2021, the new park has a merry-go-round, tube slides and one of those round mirrors that makes you look silly. There’s also a pavilion for picnicking, and if you’re interested in a neighborhood walk, you can get to Boyd Park in one mile. Boyd Park is home to Boyd Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing. There’s also a creek set back in the woods that is a fun place to explore and play.

Kicking the convo back to soccer, games are played at Veterans Memorial Park near the Game Commission on Elmerton Avenue in Susquehanna Township. This is my go-to park for meetups because it caters to a range of interests, boasting separate playgrounds for ages 1 to 5 and 5 to 10, basketball and tennis courts, a baseball diamond and, obviously, the soccer fields for games. But the most unique thing about Veterans Park is the National Fitness Campaign Outdoor Fitness Court, which is, in kid terms, a free ninja course outside.

Designed to encourage outdoor activity, everyday movement, and community health, there are recommended exercises with diagrams, but folks can do whatever they want. For instance, my kid has a wild friend with older brothers who brings a level of insanity that is new and exciting to our dynamic. That kid uses the Fitness Court for parkour, so feel free to get creative. It can be fun to time kids as they move through the course to encourage friendly competition.

Building Blocks

Across the river, the Neurodiverse Network in Camp Hill partnered with Lego’s Pass the Bricks nonprofit to redistribute sets to the community. Inspire confidence in your littles by letting them build sets that will make a positive impact on kids their own age. The Neurodiverse Network also hosts a range of events, from playgroups to Friday night karaoke. Check out their website for more information and a calendar of events.

Speaking of Legos, we recently discovered a new way to incorporate even more creativity into brick-related things. Inspired by the “Art of the Brick” exhibit at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, we’ve started trying to re-create paintings with bricks. Challenge your kid(s) to create a Lego portrait or statue of you. Remind them to incorporate color schemes and textures into their creation. When it’s done, ask questions—have them explain why they chose each item and what makes it you. Next, have them make a portrait of themselves. This has proven to be an engaging way to slow down, get creative, and allow children to explore self-expression through a medium made for them.

Summer can feel like a soccer ball smash to the face, even though we were expecting it. The schedules that we fought tooth and nail to maintain during the school year dissolve in an instant to be supplemented either with piecemeal summer agendas or camps that enrich young minds but empty parents’ wallets. As we move through these transitions, try to frame the chaos as an adventure: you’re braving these changes with the heart of a warrior or warrioress. When we treat newness with excitement, we set the example for our children to be adaptable, enjoy the moment, and be grateful for life in all the ways that it challenges and shapes us.

For more information on Susquehanna Soccer Club, visit www.susquehannasoccerclub.org.

Christian McNaughton Memorial Park is located at 1900 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg.

Veterans Memorial Park is located at 1955 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg.

The Neurodiverse Network is located at 405 Bridge St., New Cumberland. For more information, visit www.ndnet.org.

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River Sounds: Concerts revived at Riverfront Park in new summer music series

June 27, 2025 | by Skye Leppo

Dave & Ashley Niedbalski

Riverfront Park concerts return this month, thanks to a multi-pronged effort supported by Dauphin County.

The Dauphin County Live Concert Series is being operated by Midstate Shows, an imprint through independent concert promoter Grand Rising Curations. Grand Rising Curations founder and CEO Dave Niedbalski also runs music festivals throughout the country, including Pilgrimage (in Tennessee) and Iron Blossom (in Virginia).

Niedbalski, who grew up in Chambers Hill in Swatara Township, spent more than 14 years with Live Nation and launched Grand Rising Curations in the wake of the pandemic.

“I had a strong desire to be an independent promoter with a fan and artist-focused mindset,” he said, adding that his team is mostly made up of former Live Nation folks who share his vision.

Niedbalski said that the new series is an evolution of what Frank Schofield built running the former HU Presents Summer Concert Series, sponsored for several years by Harrisburg University.

“We have known each other for over a decade and were trying to find a way to work together on the Riverfront concert series,” Niedbalski said. “And when the HU series went away, it was a natural fit for Frank and me to bring it back to life as a continuation of what he built.”

The series will feature country artist Russell Dickerson on July 29, indie mainstays The Head and the Heart with support from Wilderado and Marfa on Aug. 2, and The Marley Brothers—Damian “Jr. Gong” and Stephen Marley—on Aug. 3.

Organizers anticipate 10,000 to 12,000 attendees over the course of the three planned concerts, according to Niedbalski.

In February, Dauphin County commissioners voted to approve $250,000 in county tourism funds to support the concert series.

“We started this with HU Presents, and as that was discontinued, the commissioners felt a need to continue these shows,” said Schofield. “We know how magical Riverfront Park is and certainly want to keep that going.”

This year, the goal is to lay a foundation going forward, so that the series evolves and becomes multi-genre, Niedbalski said.

“Next year, you’ll see more shows and more genres,” he said.

Schofield echoed this.

“We’re going to grow bigger next year and just continue what we started,” he said.

Beyond the financial support from the county, Niedbalski mentioned that the city has been supportive and that other partners include The Millworks, Ace Beverage, Faulkner, Enders Insurance and others.

Niedbalski no longer resides in central Pennsylvania but wants current residents in the area to have a great time at these shows.

“There’s always been a lure to come back and bring something to the city that wasn’t there when I was growing up,” he said.

The Dauphin County Live Concert Series runs July 29 to Aug. 3 in Riverfront Park, Harrisburg. For more information and ticket details, visit midstateshows.com.

The Head and the Heart, in the Park

This month, the Head and the Heart will play in support of their sixth studio album, “Aperture,” on Saturday, Aug. 2, as part of the Dauphin County Live Concert Series.

The band sold out Riverfront Park in 2023 as part of the previous HU Presents summer concert series.

Kenny Hensley has been playing piano in the band since the group started picking up traction in Seattle in 2009.

“We’ve been through a lot, and this is the closest and tightest we’ve been in a while,” he told TheBurg. “If there was ever a chance to see us play, now’s the time. These shows are going to be more positive and fun than they’ve been in a long while. I’m really excited for people to come hear these live.”

We recently had the chance to do a video interview with Hensley. Here are some snippets from that conversation (answers have been edited for brevity and clarity).

TheBurg: “Aperture,” which came out just a few weeks ago, feels stripped back. Can you talk to me about the process with this album vs. previous albums?

Hensley: We intentionally went into this record wanting to approach it like our first couple records. [We] didn’t use a producer, not on a major label where we’d had people wanting to direct what we were doing. We were able to start from scratch together without outside sources telling us what we should be doing. We wanted to do it all together, authentically.

TheBurg: Yeah, I noticed on “After the Setting Sun,” there are a lot more familiar piano sounds on this. The piano, especially on “Down in The Valley,” sounds like such a sister song, which is refreshing since on more recent albums, like “Living Mirage” (2019), that didn’t seem like such a big part of it.

Hensley: It’s funny you say that. “Living Mirage” was the only album I’m not on, because I took a year off in 2018. Not a lot of people know that.

TheBurg: Is there a post-mortem or pre-recording meeting that you guys have for what direction you’d like to go sonically?

Hensley: We were ready to get back in a room and do it together, not adding a ton of extra layers, sitting on it for a while. We went into it wanting to write songs we could perform live without all this extra production. “Finally Free” was a cool [recording] experience. Charity [Rose Thielen, guitar and vocals] directed what everyone was doing. John [Jonathan Russell, guitar and vocals] was sitting at the piano, playing random chords. Chris [Zasche, bass] was on drums. I just sat down next to John and started playing with him on the piano, and we just tracked for 30 minutes. The song made the record before we had a chance to nitpick. Love the authenticity of it.

TheBurg: What have been among your favorites from the new album to play live?

Hensley: “Finally Free” is one of them. We [John and I] sit on the piano bench together and do it like we did in the studio. It’ll be a first for us [to do it like that live]. “Fire Escape” and “Beg, Steal, Borrow”—upbeat, fun, nonstop the whole time with a lot of piano. I’m really excited to get out there and play these new songs for people to hear live. They’re sounding great.

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Community Corner: Notable July Events

June 27, 2025 | by Missy Smith

July Community Corner

Scavenger Hunt
July 1-31: Kids are invited to New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, to search for famous paintings around the library. Find all the scavenger hunt items around the Children’s Room and win a fun prize. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Wellness Walks
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Participate in free, moderately paced wellness walks around Wildwood Lake, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., on paved, gravel or dirt surfaces. Walkers can customize the length of their walk. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended; dogs on leashes are permitted. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Fireworks & Food
July 3: Enjoy fireworks and dinner from food trucks to kick off July Fourth weekend at Lower Paxton Township Parks and Recreation’s free Fireworks & Food Trucks event in Koons Park, 6030 Larue St., Linglestown, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. In the event of rain, the event will be held on July 6. www.lowerpaxton-pa.gov

History Program
July 3: Colonel Charles M. Bechtel, USA (Ret.), will present “Sent to War—Returning for Peace” at 6 p.m. at the Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr., Hershey. The Vietnam veteran will discuss his experiences and the healing process from revisiting the country. www.hersheyhistory.org

Summer Concerts
July 3-6: Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra presents a free summer concert series with performances on July 3 at Lebanon Valley College; July 4 at Millerstown Park; July 5 at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg; and July 6 at Carlisle Summerfair, Dickinson College. www.harrisburgsymphony.org.

Calm the Mind
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Practice short, easy 15-minute calming meditations on Thursdays, 12 to 12:30 p.m., at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. The meditations are suitable for people of any background or religion. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Declaration Reading
July 4: Historical Society of Dauphin County presents the 15th annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence from the porch of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. A John Harris, Jr. reenactor will read the Declaration at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Patriotic Concert
July 4: Friends of New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, welcome the New Cumberland Town Band for a patriotic concert on the library lawn, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event will feature concessions for sale in Foundation House. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Fourth Fest
July 4: City of Harrisburg will host the July 4 Food Truck Festival in Riverfront Park, 12 to 7 p.m., with more than 40-plus food trucks, live music, a wine/beer garden, free kids’ activities and other things to do. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Fourth Celebration
July 4: Celebrate the Fourth of July at The Star Barn Village, Newville Road, Elizabethtown, 3 to 8:45 p.m. Enjoy a ride through Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, self-guided tours of Star Barn Village attractions, animal visits, a tractor-pulled wagon, pony rides, art displays, train rides, fireworks and more. www.thestarbarn.com

HBG Flea
July 5: 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. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Sunset Series
July 5, 11, 18, 25: Dauphin County Parks and Recreation hosts an outdoor Sunset Music and Movie Series at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Bring a picnic or grab refreshments from the concession stand. www.forthunter.org

Book Sales
July 5, 19: Friends of New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, music, puzzles, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Outdoor Music
July 6, 13: Lower Paxton Parks and Recreation hosts outdoor performances by the Lower Paxton Variety Band for Independence Weekend on July 6 and the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band on July 13. Both concerts held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Dauphin County Heroes Grove, 5010 Commons Dr., Harrisburg. www.lowerpaxton-pa.gov

Patio Parties
July 9-Aug. 27: Central Penn College, 600 Valley Rd., Enola, will host its second annual “Party on the Patio” series, with music, food trucks and patio games every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. www.centralpenn.edu

Morning Mixer
July 10: Network with local business professionals at Everstand, 5120 Simpson Ferry Rd., Mechanicsburg, during West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s morning mixer, 9 to 10 a.m. The event is free and open to chamber members. www.wschamber.org

Food Rally
July 10: Explore the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m., to grab dinner from area food trucks or New Cumberland restaurants. Enjoy shopping and special promotions at local businesses. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Flower Walk
July 11: Take a summer walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., to search and view joe-pye weed, pokeweed, three species of monarda and two species of jewel weed. Learn how these flowers were named and their uses. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Creek Float
July 11: Join Susquehanna Outfitters for a guided float on the Conodoguinet Creek from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Birdlife and wildlife are abundant along most of the creek. www.susquehannaoutfitters.com

Board Game Day
July 12: Harrisburg Board Game Alliance hosts the Harrisburg Board Game Day at Strawberry Square in Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This free event is open to all ages and skill levels. Attendees can learn new games, participate in giveaways and test unpublished designs from local creators. www.HBGAlliance.org

Shipoke Flea
July 12: The annual Shipoke Flea Market features a wide array of used goods for sale, as well as food and drink. The flea runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Riverfront Park in the Shipoke neighborhood of Harrisburg. www.shipoke.org/shipoke-flea

Forest Bathing
July 12: Participate in a guided Forest Bathing Walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This meditative experience, designed to reduce stress, offers immersion in the forest environment. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Volunteer Day 
July 12: Get out in nature at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to help with park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves provided and refreshments available. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Boat Service
July 13: Salem U.C.C. Harrisburg will host an ecumenical service at 10 a.m. aboard the Pride of the Susquehanna, 11 Championship Way, Harrisburg. A casual service on the boat will be followed by a picnic in the pavilion. www.salemuccharrisburg.org

Barnyard Jazz
July 14: Hershey History Center features “Jazz at the Barnyard” outdoor summer concert series at Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr., Hershey, first Fridays through September, 7 to 9 p.m. On July 14, enjoy a performance by Cadillac Jazz. www.hersheyhistory.org

Harrisburg Mile
July 16: Lace up your running shoes for the Harrisburg Mile. The 44th annual race begins at Front and Maclay streets, Harrisburg, with heats beginning at 5:15 p.m. A celebration follows in Riverfront Park. www.hbgyrun.org

3rd in the Burg
July 18: 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

Jeep Show
July 18-19: PA Jeeps hosts the 29th annual All Breeds Jeep Show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, 1000 Bryn Mawr Rd., Carlisle, with a show, vendors, competitions, a kids area and an obstacle course. www.pajeeps.org

Community Day
July 19: Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosts its annual Community Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Camp Curtin Academy, 2900 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. [email protected]

Pride Event
July 19: New Cumberland Collective hosts a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community at New Cumberland Borough Park. The family-friendly event features LGBTQ+ artists, advocates, resources and merchants, along with games, kids’ crafts, drag bingo and food trucks. Activities available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.newcumberland.co

Book Talk
July 19: Stephen M. Vest will discuss his book, “George Graham Vest,” 2 to 3 p.m., at the National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg. Book signing will follow. The program is free to the public; regular admission applies for entrance to galleries. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Brewfest
July 19: Sample more than 50 craft brews while listening to music and tasting food from area food trucks at the 13th annual Dauphin County Brewfest on the front lawn of Fort Hunter Mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door and $15 for designated drivers. www.forthunter.org

Drag Downtown
July 19: New Cumberland Collective and New Cumberland Pride present a night of performances featuring drag queens and kings at West Shore Theatre, 317 Bridge St., New Cumberland, 7 p.m. Tickets available from the West Shore Theatre. www.newcumberland.co

Dance Night
July 20: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for a West Coast swing lesson at 2 p.m., followed by three hours of social dancing, 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

Dutch Days
July 23-26: Enjoy summer family fun at the 57th annual Richfield Dutch Days, Basom Memorial Park, Richfield, with rides, bingo, food, fireworks and more. Sample a Dutch menu throughout the week. An outdoor picnic, church service and parade held on Sunday evening. www.dutchdays.com

Art Workshop
July 24: Explore natural dyes and design a unique cotton pillow cover using flowers and leaves in a creative workshop at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will go on a short foraging walk and return to the Olewine Pavilion to transfer color and shapes onto the cloth. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Summer Concerts
July 24: Celebrate summer with free live music in Greenfield Park, Lancaster. Three concerts are scheduled through August. On July 24 at 7:30 p.m., celebrate the iconic music of Billy Joel, Elton John and Stevie Wonder with “Piano Men.” Food trucks available starting at 5 p.m. www.greenfieldlancaster.com

Cookbook Swap
July 25: East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, hosts a Cookbook & Kitchen Supply Swap. Community members can drop off unwanted, gently used cookbooks and kitchen supplies between 12 and 4 p.m. to share items and refresh collections. www.dcls.org

Jazz Party
July 25: A Jazz Age lawn party, “Flowers & Jazz Goes to Wonderland,” will be held on the grounds of the Historical Society of Dauphin County, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy food and desserts, beer and wine, a specialty cocktail, raffles, croquet, music, flowers and live music. Tickets start at $65. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Pridefest
July 26: Join the celebration at the annual Pride Festival of Central PA. The day kicks off with the Pride Parade, which starts at 10 a.m. from City Island and winds through downtown Harrisburg. The festival itself takes place 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Soldier’s Grove, behind the state Capitol, with vendors, entertainment, food, activities and more. www.centralpapride.org

Concert Series
July 27: Harrisburg Young Professionals hosts a free Italian Lake Concert series concert with Abbey Road (Beatles cover band) at Italian Lake, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blankets and snacks. www.hyp.org

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

Eyes + Hands: “Familiar Touch” offers a kind, sincere sense of aging

June 27, 2025 | by Gabriel Brown

Image courtesy of Music Box Films.

Choreographer and first-time director Sarah Friedland describes her new film, “Familiar Touch,” as “a coming of old age film,” and I couldn’t agree more.

The profoundly empathetic film provides a look at Ruth Goldman (Kathleen Chalfant), an octogenarian woman in the early stages of memory loss and cognitive decline. Through Ruth’s eyes and hands, we experience her journey of transitioning to life at Bella Vista, an assisted living facility.

It might seem impossible to perfectly capture a sense that isn’t vision or hearing through film, an audiovisual medium. But using her knowledge from studying dance and her time as a care companion for New York artists with dementia, Friedland dissects feeling and emotion into touch and movement onscreen. Key scenes in the film include lingering shots of Ruth’s fingers and palms holding, touching and remembering fruits, vegetables, books and recipes, and her arms and body embracing people she cares about. These shots translate palpable, physical joys to universal, audiovisual images that we can all feel.

Filmed in collaboration with the residents and staff of Villa Gardens Continuing Care Retirement Community, “Familiar Touch” offers a humanistic, non-sensationalized, but nonetheless celebratory perspective towards the elderly.

Residents of the real-life Villa Gardens put together short biographical films about themselves before participating in the shoot for “Familiar Touch.” That attitude, which treats real life and experience as art worth celebrating, bleeds perfectly into the finished film. The performances of real elders and facility residents ground the film exceptionally, giving it a level of documentary value. We care about these people because many of them are real.

Friedland knows what she’s doing behind the camera. “Familiar Touch” is a confidently shot and self-assured directorial debut. Every shot is purposeful, showcasing aspects of everyday life that aren’t dramatized or hyperbolized, finding beauty and joy in those moments. As such, the film feels like a slow-moving turntable in its character work. Ruth approaches life at Bella Vista hesitant and confused, but by the end of the film, has discovered and remembered who she is in a place that has finally grown familiar.

Chalfant delivers an excellent, nuanced performance as Ruth, progressing through stages of memory loss at Bella Vista that many of us have seen from the outside, but could not begin to comprehend from the inside, and “Familiar Touch” is a step towards that knowledge. Witnessing her performance is something I would recommend to anyone willing to understand. “Familiar Touch” opens at Midtown Cinema this month.

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.

July Events
At Midtown Cinema

Potential First-Run Films
“Superman”
“Sorry Baby”
“Familiar Touch”
“Caught by the Tides”
“In the Mood for Love” (25th anniversary)

Special Events

Open Mic Night
Tuesdays, July 1 & July 15

Trivia Night
Tuesdays, July 8 & 22

Live Music
Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday Morning Cartoons
“Anastasia” (1997)
Saturday, July 5 at 11 a.m.

Sunday Docs
“Free Solo” (2018)
Sunday, July 13 at 12 p.m.

Cult Favorites
“The Room” (2003)
Sunday, July 13 at 7 p.m.

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“The Addams Family” (1991)
Friday, July 18 at 9:30 p.m.

Funny Flicks Series
“Airplane!” (1980)
Sunday, July 20 at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 22 at 7 p.m.

Late Night Frights
“Let the Right One In” (2008)
Friday, July 25 at 9:30 p.m.

Friends of Midtown Outdoor Film Series
“Dirty Dancing” (1987), June 28
“Jumanji” (1995), July 12
“Moana 2” (2025), Aug. 23
“Black Panther” (2018), Sept. 13

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

Garden Gallivant: Nature stirs, inspires at these impressive gardens

June 27, 2025 | by Deborah Lynch

Arboretum at Penn State

Summer is the time to find gardens in their full glory.

Some find gardening to be a relaxing escape while others prefer to wander through the beauty planted and tended by others. Either way, gardens tingle the senses and draw humans into the natural world. Central Pennsylvania is the perfect place to jump into gardening—or to explore others’ creations.

Whether you’re a gardener looking for tips or just someone who loves to wander among natural beauty, Pennsylvania is home to many nationally respected public gardens featuring both native and exotic plants.

Locally, Hershey Gardens offers 23 acres of a wide variety of flowers and shrubs, rare and signature trees, seasonal displays, themed gardens, a children’s garden and a butterfly atrium. First opened in 1937 as a garden of roses, it now features more than 115 varieties of roses and is a highlight of the gardens. Residents know it’s spring when tens of thousands of tulips in almost every hue, pattern and shape explode in color in beds west of the rose garden. Hershey Gardens is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sept. 1. For more information, visit www.hersheygardens.org.

Although for some, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square might be a bit of a drive, it’s a drive well worth taking. The variety of gardens and plants, indoor and out, is breathtaking. With a huge conservatory full of exotic plants (and one of the world’s most beautiful bathrooms), meadows, trails, an Italian water garden, a fountain garden, an oak and conifer knoll, an open-air theater and theater garden, an orchid house, woods, a rose garden, a topiary garden and so much more, Longwood offers something for everyone with miles of walking. It is worth a visit—or two or three—each year. More information is available at www.longwoodgardens.org.

The new Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State’s University Park campus sits within the Arboretum at Penn State. The Arboretum features the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, 10 acres of themed garden space and 14 acres of meadows and walking paths. It includes seasonal gardens, specialty gardens, water features and a children’s garden. Three acres include plants chosen to attract birds and pollinators. The Arboretum is free every day from dawn till dusk. Go to www.arboretum.psu.edu.

Closer to home is an extraordinary new garden, The Bower, in Shermans Dale. Opened in 2021, The Bower sits on 36 acres of meadows and woodlands owned by Bill and Jane Allis, who met as students at Dickinson College, married young and bought the undeveloped property in Perry County, where they built a home and raised their children. After years away, the Allises returned in 2016 with their dream for The Bower, which would incorporate their love of art into the landscape. A Philadelphia art gallery dealer they had worked with put out a call for art while the Allises worked with a landscape architect on the space.

The sculptures, created by artists from around the world, as well as many from Pennsylvania, were selected to best fit in with the native plant landscape. The scale varies from small to large, and they are created from a variety of materials. A Vermont artist created “The Kiss,” a curvilinear wall with a 9-foot arch built from local sandstone and Pennsylvania bluestone. Philadelphia artist Rebecca Rutstein designed another wall-like abstract from thick, plasma-cut Corten steel. “Transcending Tides,” a steel and aluminum piece by Allentown artist Jeff Kahn, reminds the Allises of the flow of waving grasses on their property. They are among 13 sculptures along The Bower’s trails.

Through Oct. 18, The Bower will host open visit days on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when visitors can arrive anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. without appointment. A calendar for individual or group scheduled visits is also available. While visits are free, donations are appreciated. For more information on The Bower, see www.thegardenbower.com.

At Wildwood Park north of Harrisburg, Dauphin County Parks & Recreation hosts “Art in the Wild,” with artists using natural materials that blend into Wildwood’s natural setting. This year’s theme is “Pathways” and will be exhibited through Sept. 30 along the trail through the park.

For those who like an adventure, the Hudson Valley north of New York City offers many beautiful gardens, estates and museums, including the Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre outdoor museum in New Windsor, N.Y. It includes more than 100 sculptures by artists including Alexander Calder and Maya Lin. More information is available at www.stormking.org.

For gardens and trails that incorporate architecture into the landscape, a day trip to Grace Farms in New Canaan, Conn., is like an architectural garden, where educational buildings, a museum, cafes and entertainment venues snake through the meadows. The main building, called The River, was designed to blend in with the landscape and appears to float along the surface of the ground. The mission of Grace Farms is to explore nature, arts, justice, community and faith on 80 acres of publicly accessible natural landscape. Learn more at www.gracefarms.org.

Further north, The Path of Life Garden in Windsor, Vt., is 14 acres of wonder inspired by a famous Japanese garden in Kildare, Ireland, called “The Life of Man.” Eighteen works of various sizes and materials symbolize the journey from birth to death and beyond. It includes a hemlock maze, a large granite Buddha for contemplation, and a “Tunnel of Oblivion.” For more information, go to www.greatriveroutfitters.com/pol.

In summertime, nature is at her most colorful. There may be no better way to explore this beauty than a trip to one of the fabulous gardens, near and distant, mentioned above.

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