Author Archives: Maddie Conley

All the Buzz: Camp Hill and Dickinson College have decided to “bee” part of the solution

April 29, 2025 | by Deborah Lynch

Photos byDah Loh.Photos courtesy of Dickinson College.

A swarm of bees usually creates an equal and opposite reaction—a swarm of people running in an opposite direction.

In Camp Hill Borough, though, residents are embracing their bees. In 2022, they received the borough’s blessing to increase habitats for their pollinating neighbors.

It’s a vital mission. Pesticide and herbicide use, human development and climate change all contribute to the loss of native pollinators, which, in turn, affects area wildlife and ecosystems.

In Camp Hill, a committee worked with Borough Manager Sara Gibson and the staff of Bee City USA, a national organization, to develop an application to earn “Bee City USA” status.

In Camp Hill, a Bee City USA committee oversees pollinator conservation and offers a minimum of one pollinator or habitat project each year. Members work to modify the community’s integrated pest management plan. They put signage around the community, create a web presence, report annually on their activities and accomplishments, and schedule regular public meetings.

Camp Hill is one of just six Pennsylvania communities to have earned this designation (nationally, Bee City USA has 228 affiliates). Its college program, Bee Campus USA, has seven campus affiliates in Pennsylvania, including at Dickinson College in Carlisle.

Phyllis Stiles, who founded Bee City, initially focused on honeybees after learning of colony collapse disorder but expanded it after realizing she was missing the big picture—that many native bees are more at risk of extinction than honeybees. This program is not about putting in hives; it’s about native plants and landscapes for native bees to nest in.

“If we can fill a niche and support these pollinators, in turn, insect life in general will help support everything further up the food chain, and then we’ve started to rebuild our wildlife and our habitat for wildlife,” said Adele Philippides, one of Camp Hill’s Bee City USA committee members.

Camp Hill’s programs include collaborating with a Girl Scout on her bronze project to create a pollinator garden, organizing a Camp Hill Bee City Garden Tour set for June 1 and planning a plant swap in the fall.

Bee Campus

At Dickinson College, a campus community called The Hive helps members learn about sustainability through direct experience, which includes a beekeeping program, honey harvesting, native pollinators and gardens, and value-added products like soaps and lip balms made with herbs from the gardens and the byproducts of bees.

Lindsey Lyons, the director of sustainability learning at Dickinson, notes that The Hive is just one part of the college’s commitment to sustainability, which also includes projects around biking, waste minimization, a free store, data analysis, communications and peer education.

“I think it’s been wonderful,” Lyons said. “I’ve made tons of connections with people in Carlisle through these programs that target native pollinators and beekeeping. With our pollinator gardens, community volunteers are physically coming to us. They’re on campus and in the classroom. It gives them a sense of good work.”

A student intern creates Dickinson’s annual report required by Bee Campus USA, which includes evidence that the campus is enhancing pollinator habitats, educational components and signage. The student who compiled the data for the 2024 report, Ming Robinson, grew up in Manhattan, where gardening opportunities were not as abundant. She has become so enamored of her work in the gardens and The Hive that she has been training to become a master gardener herself.

“The first time I ever mowed the lawn was for the bees,” said Robinson, an environmental science major, who added that she started to learn about gardening from the master gardeners who come to campus. “These people are so nice. They really just care to provide an educational opportunity for students, staff, educators and community.”

Diversity & Abundance

Benefits to a community of gaining Bee City USA status include access to consultants within the national organization who will guide them on “Integrated Pest Management Plan” guidelines and support, including a toolkit for volunteers and city staff. It also offers “the chance to celebrate and brag about the good work they’re doing,” said Laura Rost, the national coordinator for Bee City USA.

While a true measure of the success of pollinator programs is not easily measurable—say like species that can be tagged—Rost said that “if you plant pollinator habitats, they will come.”

“We see anecdotal evidence that people are seeing more species diversity and more abundance when they install pollinator habitats and reduce pesticide,” she said.

Owned by the Xerces Society, Bee City partners with universities and other nonprofits to share data to use for effective conservation work, Rost said. Xerces cites 1.7 million people reached through conservation outreach since 2019 and 1.76 million people engaged in pollinator conservation as a result of the Bee City and Campus programs.

Back in Camp Hill, the borough also recently received a “Bird Town Pennsylvania” designation in a similar effort to create a more sustainable environment for our avian friends. So now, it’s embraced both the birds and the bees.

The Camp Hill Bee City USA Garden Tour will be held on June 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information on the program and events, visit www.camphillborough and search for “Bee City.”

For more information on Dickinson College’s program, “The Hive,” visit www.dickinson.edu/thehive.

To learn about the Bee City USA programs, visit www.beecityusa.org.

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Rescue & Hope: Literature becomes reality in “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life”

April 29, 2025 | by Gabriel Brown

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

The debut feature film from French writer-director Laura Piani, “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” (“Jane Austen a gâché ma vie”) follows a clumsy Parisian bookseller named Agathe who dreams of being a successful writer (Camille Rutherford, a critical darling of “Anatomy of a Fall”).

Something of a Jane Austen superfan, Agathe sees herself in Anne Elliot, the main character of Austen’s “Persuasion,” in that she’s missed her chance at love in life.

Her best friend, lovable, blunt and messy Felix (Pablo Pauly) gets her into the Jane Austen Writers’ Residency in England, and, as she’s leaving, they share a spontaneous reciprocal kiss, contributing to a spiral of self-questioning and a nasty case of writer’s block once Agathe reaches the residency.

Arriving in England, Agathe meets Oliver (Charlie Anson, who shares a demeanor to Hugh Grant in this film, an Austen veteran himself from 1995’s “Sense and Sensibility”), who lives at the residency as a great nephew of Jane Austen, and he sparks something new in her. She finds him “unbearable and arrogant” but—undeniably and at first subconsciously—charming. Suddenly, Agathe finds herself in a love triangle between two very different men who signify very different parts of her life—home, comfort and safety and the realization of dreams and creativity.

“Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” operates in what feels like a perfect middle ground between the prescient and timeless novels of Jane Austen and what I would argue to be their modern counterparts, the romances of filmmakers like Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers. As much as it creates challenging character dilemmas for its lead, as Austen would, Piani also uses modern filmmaking language to step into Agathe’s daydreams, treading familiar ground that feels like the daydreams that we all culturally share in romantic classics like Austen’s. The metacommentary that celebrates writing and art is the cherry on top.

Whereas Agathe views writing as a dream and a fantasy and a ticket to success, her father maintains that writing is a way out of chaos—so not to go crazy. And this shift in her understanding of the process of writing is a rich shift in the attitude of the film and the attitude of Agathe towards her environment. Her view of her surroundings shifts from wishing to create to escape loneliness to wishing to create in the heart of her chaotic life, as rescue and as hope.

“Literature is like an ambulance, speeding through the night to save someone,” says Agathe.

My mother is going to love this movie. And I can’t wait to share it with her.

“Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” opens this month at Midtown Cinema.

Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

May Events At Midtown Cinema

Potential First Run Films

“A Big Bold Beautiful Journey”
“Friendship”
“Hurry Up Tomorrow”
“Hot Milk”
“The Phoenician Scheme”

Late Night Frights

“The Babadook” (2014)
Friday, May 2 at 9:30 p.m.

“Hereditary” (2018)
Friday, May 23 at 9:30 p.m.

May the 4th Be with You Weekend

“Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope” (1977)
Friday, May 2 at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 4 at 7:15 p.m.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

“The Secret of Kells” (2009)
Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m.

“The Secret of NIMH” (1982)
Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m.

“The Triplets of Belleville” (2003)
Saturday, May 31 at 11 a.m.

NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania

“Inside Out” (2015)
Sunday, May 4 at 11 a.m. (free)

“Inside Out 2” (2024)
Saturday, May 10 at 11 a.m. (free)

National Theatre Live

“Fleabag”
Sunday, May 4 at 5 p.m.

“Hamlet”
Sunday, May 11 at 5 p.m.

“Vanya”
Sunday, May 18 at 5 p.m.

AAPI Heritage Month Movies

“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
Sunday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m.

“The Farewell” (2019)
Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m.

“Minari” (2020)
Sunday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Mother’s Day Series

“Serial Mom” (1994)
Sunday, May 4 at 7 p.m.

“Psycho” (1960)
Friday, May 9 at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 11 at 7 p.m.

Open Mic Night
Tuesday, May 6
Tuesday, May 20

Down in Front! Comedy Riffing
“The Wild Wild World of Batwoman” (1966)
Friday, May 9 at 9:30 p.m.

Trivia Night
Tuesday, May 13
Tuesday, May 27

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“The Secret of NIMH” (1982)
Friday, May 16 at 9:30 p.m.

Sunday Docs Series
“Summer of Soul” (2021)
Sunday, May 18 at 12 p.m.

Cult Favorites
“The Triplets of Belleville” (2003)
Tuesday, May 27 at 7 p.m.

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Memories & More: Jewish Film Festival weekend features a beloved childhood companion, in addition to several award-winning movies

April 29, 2025 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

“Bad Shabbos”

An old friend is about to visit Harrisburg.

For decades, ventriloquist Shari Lewis and her sassy sock puppet, Lamb Chop, entertained and educated legions of children.

Now, Baby Boomers and Gen-Xer’s can wax nostalgic for this childhood favorite, thanks to the 2024-25 Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival Series.

On May 29, the festival will close out the year-long series with a “Season Finale Mini-fest,” showcasing the 2024 documentary, “Shari & Lamb Chop,” with some very special guests.

“Attending the event, via Zoom, will be Lamb Chop herself,” said Julie Sherman, festival chair, along with Mallory Lewis, Shari’s daughter, who has been performing with Lamb Chop since her mother’s death in 1998.

This includes traveling the world and interacting with some of the 325,000 TikTok and Instagram followers the pair has amassed over the years. Attendees of “Shari & Lamb Chop” will have the opportunity to virtually meet and greet both Lamb Chop and Mallory and enjoy a post-screening dessert reception.

“My mother was a remarkable woman and one of the world’s greatest entertainers,” Mallory said.

Having learned ventriloquism at her mother’s knee, Mallory today performs in her stead, not to “challenge” Shari, but to pay tribute to her life and legacy. “And I want to do everything I can to keep Lamb Chop going,” said Mallory, acknowledging that she and the forever-young sock-puppet are, in many ways, sisters.

Now in its 30th year, the Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival has morphed from an eight-day annual festival into a monthly outing. The “Season Finale Mini-fest” is the culmination of a successful film series that began last September.

“There’s much to be said for a monthly series,” Sherman said. “It’s something people can put in their calendars and look forward to. But nothing beats the excitement and intensity of a multi-day, multi-film affair.”

After opening night’s “Shari & Lamb Chop” at Beth El Temple, the mini-fest continues with seven screenings over three days at Midtown Cinema. Five films will be featured, among them two Israeli narratives, “Seven Blessings,” winner of 10 Israeli Academy Awards, and “The Stronghold,” winner of “Best Director” and “Best Film” awards at the Montreal Festival of Israeli Cinema.

“The Story of Annette Zelman,” a Romeo and Juliet-type tale set in 1942 in Nazi-occupied Paris comes to the festival from France, and the mini-fest is rounded out by two American comedies, “Citizen Weiner” and “Bad Shabbos.”

“Citizen Weiner” is a docu-mocumentary starring one Zack Weiner, who, despite being truly unqualified for the job, ran for a seat on the New York City Council during the pandemic.

“This one doesn’t have Jewish content as much as a Jewish sensibility,” Sherman said. “Zack’s heart was definitely in the right place.”

Weiner’s real talent was brought to bear on “Bad Shabbos,” a film he co-wrote with director Daniel Robbins. Winner of the “Audience Award” at Tribeca in 2024, “Bad Shabbos” has been a big hit on the festival circuit this season. (“Buy your tickets early,” Sherman warned.)

Everything that can go wrong does go wrong in this story of a newly engaged couple bringing her Midwestern Catholic parents to meet his New York Jewish ones for the first time at a Friday night Shabbos dinner. The ensemble cast is headed by Kyra Sedgwick, David Paymer and Cliff “Method Man” Smith and includes a slew of other recognizable faces.

“Bad Shabbos” will screen twice during the mini-fest, including as the closing film on Sunday, when Weiner and Robbins will appear, live at Midtown Cinema, to discuss their film and to answer audience questions.

“The mission of our festival is to share films that reflect contemporary and historical Jewish and Israeli experiences,” Sherman said. “We look for diversity in theme, genre—comedies are always a bonus—country of origin and perspective. This mini-fest is a snapshot, and we invite you to take a look.”

The “Shari & Lamb Chop” special event takes place on May 29, starting at 6:30 p.m., at Beth El Temple, 2637 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For tickets, visit www.hbgjff.com.

Other festival films will screen at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.hbgjff.com or www.midtowncinema.com/jff.

Now Playing

The Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival “Season Finale Mini-Fest” will run the weekend of May 29 to June 1.

Thursday, May 29
“Shari & Lamb Chop,” 6:30 p.m.
Beth El Temple
2637 N. Front St., Harrisburg

Friday, May 30
“Seven Blessings,” 11 a.m.
“Bad Shabbos,” 2:30 p.m.
“The Stronghold,” 5:30 p.m.
Midtown Cinema
250 Reily St., Harrisburg

Saturday, May 31
“Citizen Weiner,” 9:30 p.m.
Midtown Cinema
250 Reily St., Harrisburg

Sunday, June 1
“The Story of Annette Zelman,” 10:30 a.m.
“The Stronghold,” 1 p.m.
“Bad Shabbos,” 4 p.m.
Midtown Cinema
250 Reily St., Harrisburg

For more information, visit www.hbgjff.com.

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

Community Corner: Notable May Events

April 29, 2025 | by Missy Smith

May Community Corner

Go Red
May 1: Capital Region Go Red for Women Luncheon will be held 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd., Camp Hill. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and the program begins at 11:45 a.m. www.heart.org/goredhbg

Calm the Mind
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Learn short, easy 15-minute calming meditations on Thursdays from 12 to 12:30 p.m., at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. Meditations are suitable for people of any background or religion. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Scavenger Hunt
May 1-31: Kids up to age 12 are invited to New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, to celebrate “Better Sleep Month” with a scavenger hunt to search for bedtime-related items around the children’s room and win a prize. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Tee Off
May 2: Wildheart Ministries will hold its annual Golf Outing at Dauphin Highlands Golf Course to support rebuilding efforts in Allison Hill. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with an 8:30 a.m. tee time. The $150 entry fee includes golf, breakfast, snacks, drinks and lunch. www.swingforthehill.com

AAPI Celebration
May 2: The Ware Center, 42 Prince St., Lancaster, will celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a “We the People First Friday” event, with an art exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. and a food demonstration at 6:30 p.m. www.artsmu.com

Spring Concerts
May 2, 4: The Hershey Community Chorus holds its spring concert, “I Hear America Sing,” featuring American composers and lyrics, on May 2 at 7 p.m. at the Hershey Story Museum, 62 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, and on May 4 at 3 p.m. at the Hershey Free Church, 330 Hilltop Rd., Hummelstown. Purchase tickets by emailing [email protected].

HBG Flea
May 3: Explore the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square, 320 Market 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

Civil War Presentation
May 3: National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, hosts “Clara Barton—Red Cross Angel,” an interpretive presentation with actress and Smithsonian Scholar Mary Ann Jung, 1 to 2 p.m. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Tonight’s Sky
May 3, 4: Explore the night sky with the planetarium director at the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, at 3 p.m. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets and special celestial events. www.statemuseumpa.org

Book Sales
May 3, 17: 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. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, music, puzzles, records and more. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Plein Air
May 3-18: Visit MH Art Gallery, 42 W. Market St., Marietta to view works of plein air art created by local artists along the Susquehanna River during Marietta Art Alive’s River Towns Plein Air event. See hours online. www.mariettaalive.com

May Spirituality
May 3-24: St. Martin de Porres Catholic Worker will host a May Spirituality Speaker Series on Saturdays and Sundays in May at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1439 Market St, Harrisburg, to commemorate the Catholic worker movement. Speakers will discuss Dorothy Day and Black American Catholics. www.stmartindeporrescw.org

Garden Faire
May 4: Garden Faire kicks off the season at Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy lunch in the Tavern House, family activities, exhibits and reduced-price mansion tours. www.forthunter.org

Handbell Ensemble
May 4: Trindle Spring Lutheran Church hosts the Hershey Handbell Ensemble at 3 p.m. as part of their “Music at the Spring” series. The ensemble will perform “Shall We Dance,” featuring various dance styles. www.trindlespringlutheran.org

Derby Night
May 4: Sadler Health Center hosts a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraising event, “Derby Night of Giving,” 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Barn at Creek’s Bend, 29 S. Middlesex Rd., Carlisle. www.sadlerhealth.org

Toast to Mothers
May 8: Tri County Community Action will host “Toast to Mothers & Families: Brunch & Auction” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd., Camp Hill. Event includes brunch, an auction and stories of resilience. www.cactricounty.org

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

Fundraising Event
May 8: Vision Resources of Central PA hosts the 25th annual “Visions of Monte Carlo” fundraiser at the Sheraton Harrisburg/Hershey, 4650 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg, for dinner, auction, music, dancing, casino-style games and more, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. www.vrocp.org

Greenlight Run
May 10: Greenlight Operation will hold its fifth annual 5K on City Island to support survivors of human trafficking. Check-in is 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., and the run begins at 9 a.m. www.greenlightoperation.org

Native Plant Sale
May 10: Wild Ones of South Central PA will hold a native plant sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in conjunction with the Diakon Wilderness Greenhouse, 571 Mountain Rd., Dillsburg. southcentralpa.wildones.org

Hershey Artfest
May 10: The 20th annual Hershey Artfest, hosted by the Hershey History Center, features nearly 100 exhibitors, entertainment and food trucks, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Englewood Barn, 1219 W. End Ave., Hershey. Admission is free. www.hersheyhistory.org

Hunger Run
May 10: The 10th annual Hummelstown Hunger Run, including a 5K run/walk and a 5M run, will start at 10 a.m. at Schaffner Park, Hummelstown. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit Hummelstown Food Pantry. www.htownhungerrun.wixsite.com/hummelstown5k

Dinner Concert
May 10: Bob Barry, pianist and soundscape artist, will perform a dinner concert from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mercato Mio Italian Restaurant in the Penn Harris Hotel, 1204 Blue Ridge Rd., Harrisburg. www.bobbarrypiano.com

Free for Moms
May 10-11: To celebrate Mother’s Day, moms can enjoy the Hershey Story Museum, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., and Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., for free, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rhododendron and azalea display will be at Hershey Gardens on Sunday. www.hersheystory.org

Full Moon Float
May 11: Susquehanna Outfitters, 333 S. Front St., Wormleysburg, will guide a full-moon adventure on the Susquehanna River, 7 to 10 p.m. Event includes a shuttle, snacks and gear. www.susquehannaoutfitters.com

Quilt Show
May 14: The 34th annual Quilt Show will be on display at Winters Heritage House Museum, 41-47 E. High St., Elizabethtown. Featured quilts are made or owned by people from Elizabethtown and surrounding areas. www.elizabethtownhistory.org

Plein Air
May 14: Hershey Area Art Association’s Plein Air Group will meet weekly on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at various locations in the Hershey area. Check the HAAA Facebook page for location updates. www.hersheyareaartassociation.com

Book Talk
May 15: Join National Civil War Museum, One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, 7 to 8 p.m., for a free Zoom conversation with editors James Robbins Jewell and Eugene S. Van Sickle about “Waging War for Freedom with the 54th Massachusetts—The Civil War Memoir of John W. M. Appleton.” www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Flower Walk
May 16: Take a walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to find Jack-in-the-Pulpits and other spring flowers along the Towpath Trail, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants at any 2025 flower walk will be entered into a raffle for a wildflower-themed gift basket. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Water Safety
May 16: Learn about choosing the right life jackets for you and your family with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and The State Museum of PA. This free virtual program begins at 12:15 p.m. Registration required. www.statemuseumpa.org

Preservation Toast
May 16: The 2025 Preservation Celebration and “A Toast to Janice Black” will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Manor at Mountain View, 2201 Fishing Creek Valley Rd., Harrisburg. Tickets are $100. Event includes dinner, live music, a silent auction and casual casino-style games. www.HistoricHarrisburg.org

Art Unites
May 16: “Art You Women?” panel discussion will spotlight women and culture, exploring how women in the arts shape communities. The event, part of the “Art Unites the World” series, features artists and curators sharing insights, 6 to 8 p.m. at 612 N. Front St., Harrisburg. www.civicclubofharrisburg.com

3rd in The Burg
May 16: 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

Organ Music
May 16: Organist Jason Roberts will perform with the 1923 silent film classic, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg, 7 p.m. Complimentary parking available in Market Square garage. artsonthesquare.net

River City
May 16, 18: View a screening of “River City Stories,” a film by Paul Hood and Wallace McKelvey, at the Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse, 112 N. Water St., Lancaster. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on May 16 and 12 p.m. on May 18. zoetropolis.com/movies/river-city-stories/

Block Party
May 17: Join Plant Family for a plant sale block party, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1820 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Find medicinal and culinary herbs, flowers and veggie starts from organic regenerative local farms, plus music, coffee and more. www.plantfamily.love

Plant Fest
May 17: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Cumberland County will hold an annual Plant Fest and Sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cumberland County Service Center, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. extension.psu.edu/cumberland-county

Petapalooza
May 17: Petapalooza, a free community festival featuring animals from local shelters and rescues, will be held 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Penn College, 600 Valley St., Summerdale. Event includes live music, vendors and food trucks. www.PetapaloozaPA.com

Game Sale
May 18: Harrisburg Board Game Alliance will host a Board Game Yard Sale at Pursuit Coworking and Zeroday Brewing in Harrisburg, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can discover new games at discounted prices. www.HBGAlliance.org

Dance Night
May 18: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for a Samba lesson at 2 p.m., followed by three hours of social dancing, at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. All levels welcome. Admission is $15, $10 for members, and $5 for students. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 – Harrisburg Area PA

Cleanup Day
May 24: Wildheart Ministries hosts a Love the Hill cleanup event, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers pick up trash, do basic landscaping, help with dumpsite removal or plant flowers. www.lovethehillpa.com

Women in Blues
May 25: The Blues Society will hold its annual picnic at the Mechanicsburg Club Picnic Grounds, 80 Glendale Dr. This year’s picnic, “Mom I Picnic—Women in the Blues,” features live music by female musicians, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. www.bscpblues.com

Community Event
May 28: Millersburg Area School District will host a community event, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with music, food, games and vendors at 799 Center St., Millersburg. www.mlbgsd.k12.pa.us

Casino Mixer
May 28: Mingle with local business professionals at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse, 777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville, during West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s evening mixer, 5 to 7 p.m. Event is free and open to members. www.wschamber.org

Interfaith Seder
May 30: Beth El Temple, 2637 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, will host the 13th Annual Greater Harrisburg Interfaith Freedom Seder at 6 p.m. Event commemorates the journey from slavery to freedom. www.bethelhbg.org

Folk Gathering
May 31: Susquehanna Folk Music Society hosts a networking get-together for people who practice or enjoy traditional arts, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey. Participants can meet others and collaborate. www.sfmsfolk.org

Beach Party
May 31: Enjoy a free beach party celebration recognizing National Small Business Month, 6 to 8 p.m., at Dauphin County Heroes Grove, 5010 Commons Dr., Harrisburg. Take in a performance by Second Time Thru. www.lowerpaxton-pa.gov

Wind Down
May 31: Consciousness Coffee, 1 Lemoyne Sq., Lemoyne, hosts Wind Down series of show ‘n tell open mic, 7 to 9 p.m. This open mic invites attendees to share almost anything: a poem, a song or two, a few jokes, a reading from a cherished book, etc. Musician Kita P. will close out the night with a special set. Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m.

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

Happenings: Our May calendar of events

April 29, 2025 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Tailgate Travelers—Station Wagons,” May 3-Oct. 17

“Don Allen Chevrolet Dealership Retrospective,” May 3-Oct. 17

“The Corvette Then and Now,” May 3-Oct. 17

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

“Form, Flex & Flow,” a photography show featuring three Pennsylvania photographers (Evelyn Burton, Michelle DiNicola and Robert Nulph), through May 8

“Recent Excrementations,” an artist showcase featuring the recent work of Douglas Anderson, running parallel to “Form, Flex & Flow,” through May 8

97th Annual Juried Exhibition, May 16-June 19; reception: May 16, 5-8 p.m.

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

Mechanicsburg Area High School Seniors Show, May 4

Mechanicsburg Area School District Show, May 18

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

“Our Core Values in Art—Visualizing Faith, Community, Compassion, Justice & Service,” art by Market Square members and friends that reflect the church’s core values, through June 1

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

“There is No Future Without the Past—Oxana Kovalchuk,” through May 31

“Souls Shot Project—A CALC Collaborative Show,” through May 31

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

May artist of the month

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

“Limelight on Local Artists— Artisan Fair, May 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

Featured artist of the month: Elke Isenberg

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, community room, through May 31

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, hallway gallery, through June 21

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

“Awakening—Gail Savage, Capturing the Beauty of Wildlife Through Art,” through May 31

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

Senior Exhibition II: B.F.A. Graphic Design and Studio Art, through May 4

Annual Student Juried Exhibition, May 20-Aug. 29

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

New works by Paul Manlove, Caleb Smith, Ann Benton Yeager and Yachiyo Beck, through May 12

New works by Tina Berrier, The Huckle Buckle Boys, John Davis, Judy Kelly and Marsha Souders, May 16-June 16

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

The mixed media art of Caitlin Gill, May 3-July 19; reception: May 3, 1-4 p.m.

The wildlife art of Christina Bias, through June 20

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

Art in the Stacks—Luke Gawron in the Charley Krone Gallery, May 1-31

Art in the Stacks—J.L. Schultz in the Main Floor Showcase, May 1-31

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Student Honors Show, through May 5

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

“Wall Power! Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum,” through May 11

“THERE,” Jordan Nassar intricately weaves cultural narratives, personal heritage, and the art of Middle Eastern embroidery, through May 11

“Future Fossils,” imagined relics by international artists that depict a future apocalypse, collectively offering a preserved, contemporary snapshot of present-day life, May 31-Nov. 2

“Housing—Pennsylvania Dwellings Observed, paintings by Lou Schellenberg,” through June 1

“Tribute to the Civil Rights Movement—Quilted Swing Coats by Patricia A. Montgomery,” through July 26

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

“Disparate Items,” works by senior studio art majors created in a year-long seminar, culminating in a thesis exhibition showcasing their diverse, conceptually driven projects, through May 18

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

“Ikebana,” a collaborative exhibit by Lancaster AAPI artists, interpreting Japanese floral art, through May 30

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

“Captivating Treasures of the Earth,” featuring local jewelry artists and their interpretation of wearable art using precious metals and gemstones, May 7-June 14; reception: May 9, 6-8 p.m.

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

“Art in the Wild,” a community outdoor environmental art exhibit with works composed of mostly natural materials to blend with Wildwood’s natural setting, through Sept. 30

Winters Heritage House Museum
41-47 E. High St., Elizabethtown
717-367-4672; elizabethtownhistory.org

34th Annual Quilt Show, May 14-June 6

Read, Make, Learn

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

May 1, 8, 15, 22: Introduction to Figure Drawing (ages 18+), 6-8:30 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15: Lampworked Glass Beads for Beginners Session A (ages 12+ with a parent), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20: Lampworked Glass Beads for Beginners Session B (ages 12+ with a parent), 6-8 p.m.
May 7, 14: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step (adults), 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
May 8: Lavender Bouquet Watercolor (adults), 3-5 p.m.
May 8: Eucalyptus Still Life Watercolor (adults), 6-8 p.m.
May 13, 20, 27: Cartoon Drawing (Ages 9-14), 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 13 or 27: Supervised Lampworking Lab (adults), 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 12-1 p.m.
May 21: Date Night with Glassblowing (adults), 6-8 p.m.
May 22, 29, Jun. 5, 12: Intermediate/Advanced Pastel Painting (adults), 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 22, 29, Jun. 5, 12: Pastel Painting for Beginners (adults), 1:30-3:30 p.m.
May 22, 29, Jun. 5, 12: Pottery Wheel Throwing Morning (adults), 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 22, 29, Jun. 5, 12: Pottery Wheel Throwing Afternoon (adults), 1-3:30 p.m.
May 29: Ladybugs, Wildflowers Needle Felting Landscape Workshop (adults), 6-9 p.m.

Bosler Library
158 W. High St., Carlisle
717-243-4642; boslerlibrary.org

May 1, 8, 15, 22: One-Page Tabletop Gaming, 6-7 p.m.
May 6, 13, 27: Embroidery, Sewing and More, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 13: Intro to Massage Therapy, 6-7 p.m.

Capital Blue Cross Connect
4500 Marketplace Way, Enola
capitalbluecrossconnect.com

May 1: Ready, Set, Action at Enola Store and Virtual, 4:15 p.m.
May 1, 2: Women’s Series—Exercise for Women’s Health & Exercise Demo, 11 a.m.
May 2: Strong and Fit Virtual, 10 a.m.
May 2: Virtual Nature Series—Science Behind Mindfulness and Brain Health, 12 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Tai Chi, 4 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
May 7, 14, 28: Virtual Pilates, 12 p.m.
May 8, 15, 22, 29: Ready, Steady, Action! at Enola Store and Virtual, 4:15 p.m.
May 13: Connect Monthly Webinar—Women’s Health, 2 p.m.
May 14, 21, 28: Kickboxing & Strength, 4:30 p.m.
May 16, 23, 30: Strong & Fit, 10 a.m.
May 20: Chair Yoga at York Store, 11:30 a.m.

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

May 7, 14, 21, 28: Explorations in Abstraction, Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
May 8, 15, 22, 29: Abstract Painting, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
May 9: Mother’s Day Felted Vase Workshop (ages 7-adult), 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 10: Cyanotype Prints for Mother’s Day and Beyond!, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 10, 17, 24: Calling All Dogs! (ages 9-14), Saturdays, 12-2 p.m.
May 13: Find Your Clover—Design Your Daily Inspiration, 6-8 p.m.
May 17: Portrait Drawing Workshop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

May 19: The Happy Bookers Virtual Book Club, 2-3 p.m.

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

May 6: Read to Dogs, 6-7 p.m.
May 7: Drop-In Mother’s Day Craft, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
May 8, 22: Story Time and Craft, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 14: Drop-In STEM Play, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
May 15: Drop-In Yarn “Painting,” 4:30-7:30 p.m.
May 20: Fire! Fire! with East Pennsboro Fire Department, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

May 8: Kindergarten Welcome Night, 5-7 p.m.
May 15: Sip & Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
May 17: Figment Forge Writing Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 18: Pigment of Your Imagination, 4-6 p.m.
May 31: East Shore Cinema, 3-5 p.m.

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

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Fiber Artists, 3-6 p.m.
May 3: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
May 8: Spring Classic Book Club—“The Wizard of Oz,” 4-5 p.m.
May 10: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 17: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 20: Baby Musik Time, 10-10:25 a.m.
May 20: Preschool Musik Time, 10:30-11 a.m.
May 24: Board Game Meetup, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

May 8: Boot Camp—Introduction to Tabata Training, 6-7 p.m.
May 13: Zoombalicious, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 18: Mrs. Reily’s Tea, 1-3:30 p.m.
May 20: Pilates in the Park, 6-7 p.m.
May 22: Gentle Yoga, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
May 28: Art Heals—Mosaic Sea Turtle Workshop, 5:30-8 p.m.
May 29: Laughter Yoga, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

May 1: Black Holes Demystified, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Fredricksen Knits, 1-4 p.m.
May 3: Donation Station, 1-3 p.m.
May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21: Baby & Toddler Story Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21: Children’s Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m.
May 25: Game Day for All, 1-4:30 p.m.

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

May 1: Patriotic Wreath (ages 14 and older), 6-8 p.m.
May 8: Stained Glass, 6-8 p.m.
May 10: Butterfly Pinning and Decorating Cloches, 1-3 p.m.
May 13: Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 17: Wastebasket Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 31: Epoxy Resin Ocean Art (ages 18 and older), 11 a.m.-1 p.m,

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

May 1: Book Bingo, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
May 3: The Watchful Owl with Heather Paterno and P.D. Murray, 11-11:45 a.m.
May 13, 27: Coloring for adults!, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
May 16: Silent Book Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

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

May 20-June 7: Kidprov (ages 8-12), Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

May 7-28: Introduction to Gouache, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 17: Color as Light—A Plein Air Painting Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Guided Walk, 10-11 a.m.
May 9: National Public Gardens Day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

May 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Teen Time, 3-4:30 p.m.
May 1, 15, 29: Hershey Quilters, 12-4 p.m.
May 1-30: Spice of the Month—Thyme
May 3, 10, 17: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
May 6: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
May 7: LEGO Club, 4-5 p.m.
May 7: Open Book Group, 6-7:45 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Community Crochet Night—Teen Space, 6-7:45 p.m.
May 13: Philosophers’ Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
May 15, 22, 29: Walking Hershey, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
May 17: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 21: Power Pointers, 3-4:30 p.m.
May 23: Friday Film Club–Little Shop of Horrors, 3-4:45 p.m.
May 28: Grief and Bereavement with Hospice of Central PA, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 4: Greens Galore—Mid-Spring Foraging Walk, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 4: Walk the Seasons—Spring, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
May 5: Forest Bathing, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 7: Potato Planting Primer, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 10: A Gardener’s Guide to Soil Health, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 17: Pollinator Planters—Container Gardening for All Conditions, 10-11:30 a.m.
May 22: Foraging Focus—Stinging Nettles, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 28: Homeschool Nature Connection, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19 26: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19 26: Toddler Time, 10:45 a.m.-11:05 a.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
May 8: Kindergarten Readiness, 6-7:15 p.m.
May 12: English Conversation Club, 1-2:15 p.m. or 6:30-7:15 p.m.
May 15: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
May 15: Play Scrabble!, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 17: Craft-A-Palooza, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 19: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
May 27: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-3 p.m.
May 27: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
May 24: Trivia at Home—Marvel Universe, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Passageways, 2 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 26: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
May 10: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 14: Inside/Outside Springtime Fun, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
May 27: Coloring for Adults!, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

McCormick Riverfront Library
101 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-234-4976; dcls.org

May 10: Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Storytime & Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
May 10: Family Board Game Day, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

May 8: An Evening with Chuck Wendig and Nat Cassidy, 7-8 p.m.
May 10: An Evening with Ibram X. Kendi, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
May 14: An Evening with Claire Lombardo and Kate Baer, 7-8 p.m.
May 17: An Evening with Fredrik Backman and Patti Callahan Henry, 7-8 p.m.
May 20: An Evening with Jamie Loftus and Jo Piazza, 7-8 p.m.

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

May 3: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
May 10-June 28: Large Abstract Paintings, Saturdays, 9-11:30 a.m.

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

May 3: “Clara Barton—Red Cross Angel,” with actress and Smithsonian Scholar Mary Ann Jung, 1-2 p.m.
May 15: Civil War Book Talk with James Robbins Jewell and Eugene S. Van Sickle on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.

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

May 3: Spring Migration Walk, 7:30 a.m.-12 pm.
May 7: Pre-K Storytime at the Center, 10:30 a.m.

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

May 1: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 1: PlayDoh Palooza (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 1-5: Star Wars & Space LEGO Contest (ages 3 and older)
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tech Time, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 2-3: Stuffed Animal Sleepover (ages 0-12)
May 2, 30: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 3-17: Take and Makes (ages 2-5)
May 3, 17: Book & Media Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Preschool Storytime (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Teen Monday FUNdays (ages 13-17), 3-4 p.m.
May 5, 19: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 6: Dragon Yoga Storytime & Craft, 5-6 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Book Babies, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 7: Piece Seekers, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 8: Mother’s Day STEAM (ages 3 and older), 5-6 p.m.
May 8, 22: Movers and Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
May 9, 23: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 10: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
May 13: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
May 13: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 14, 28: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 15, 19: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
May 20: Watershed-Friendly Property Certification Info Session, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 20: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
May 27: Good Trouble Teen Book Club (ages 12-16), 6-7:30 p.m.
May 28: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
May 29: Flower Pot Decorating (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
May 31: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

May 15: Mosaic Turtle Class, 6-8 p.m.
May 17: Shibori Tie-Dyeing, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 17: Sashiko Japanese Embroidery, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

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

May 2, 17: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
May 3, 4: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky, 3-3:45 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Who Am I?, 11-11:30 a.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Seasons, 12-12:30 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Oasis in Space, 2-2:30 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Passport, 3-3:30 p.m.
May 16: Virtual Program—Wear It PA! Life Jackets, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

May 31: Folk Artists Gathering at Hershey Public Library, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Susquehanna Outfitters
333 S. Front St., Wormleysburg
717-503-0066; susquehannaoutfitters.com

May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25: Birding Float on Susquehanna, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 9: Sherman Creek Float 12:30-4:30 p.m.
May 11: Full Moon float on Susquehanna 7-10 p.m.

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

May 10: Ceramic Botanical Plates, 11 a.m.
May 14: Mosaic Sea Turtles, 6-8 p.m.
May 16: Spring Gnomes in Clay, 6-8 p.m.
May 17: Intro to Wheel, 1-3 p.m.
May 30: Dirty Date Night, 7-9 p.m.

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

May 24: Crafternoon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Live Music

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

May 1: Michael W. Smith
May 3: Stayin’ Alive—One Night of the Bee Gees
May 4: Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
May 9: Old Crow Medicine Show
May 10: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 16: 38 Special
May 17: Trisha Yearwood
May 18: David Foster, Katharine McPhee
May 21, 22: Brothers of the Heart
May 29: Ashley McBryde
May 30: The Modern Gentlemen
May 31: The Beach Boys

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

May 1, 15: Open Jam
May 3: Hunter Root
May 9: Dirty Grass Players, The Dishonest Fiddlers
May 10: Nester, Side of Yams
May 16: Sweet Maple, Featherburn
May 22: Bluegrass Jam
May 23: Hog Slop String Band
May 31: Zack King, The Jacks

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

May 1: Leonid & Friends
May 2: Jazz in the City
May 15: Music & Poetry Open Mic
May 17: York Symphony Orchestra
May 21: Avi Kaplan
May 30: Judy Collins
May 31: Steve Earle

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

May 16: “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with Jason Roberts, organ

Blair Music Center, Lutz Recital Hall
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu

May 2: Fourth Annual LVC High School Jazz Invitational

Blues Society of Central PA
Champions Sports Bar and Grill
300 2nd St., Highspire
bscpblues.com

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Blues Jams

Bosler Library
158 W. High St., Carlisle
717-243-4642; boslerlibrary.org

May 23: SLG Trio

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

May 17: The Ultimate Michael Jackson
May 30: Start Making Sense

Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus
cpwchorus.org

May 17: “Hear us… and Listen: Still celebrating 30 Years of Music” at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Lebanon
May 18: “Hear us… and Listen: Still celebrating 30 Years of Music” at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsburg

Dickinson College Music Department
240 W. High St., Carlisle (Rubendall Recital Hall)
717-245-1568; dickinson.edu/music

May 1: Chamber Music Concert

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

May 2: Fantastic Cat, Jake Thistle

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

May 2: Anime Night—The Party Hidden in the Sound
May 3: Sink In!!!
May 10: Filter
May 10: Tech & Tonics Vol. 1

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
www.hgmcchorus.org

May 16-18, 31: A Choral Kaleidoscope (various locations)

Harrisburg Singers
www.theharrisburgsingers.org

May 2-4: Music to Feed the Soul

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

May 11: Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Mother’s Day Concert
May 16: Spring Young Persons’ Concert
May 17-18: Malina Madness 2.0

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

May 3: Concert at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Harrisburg

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

May 3: Shippensburg University Community Orchestra
May 16: Doo Wop Project
May 31: Three American Troubadours

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

May 1: Messiah University Music Nova—Student Compositions
May 3: Messiah University Percussion Ensemble
May 3: Messiah University Vocal Jazz
May 3: Messiah University Guitar Ensemble
May 18: Susquehanna Choral Spring Concert

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

May 16: Sam Miller

Susquehanna Chorale
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-533-7859; susquehannachorale.org

May 16: “My Spirit Sang All Day” at Derry Presbyterian Church, Hershey
May 17: “My Spirit Sang All Day” at Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg
May 18: “My Spirit Sang All Day” at Messiah University, Mechanicsburg

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

May 17: Bruce Molsky, Ale Möller
May 23: Buffalo Rose

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

May 3: The Legwarmers Ultimate 80s Tribute
May 4: Saint Jhn, Honey Bxby
May 8: Crobot
May 9: MC Lyte
May 14: MJ Lenderman & The Wind
May 17: Splintered Sunlight
May 25: Future Islands
May 30: Back in Black AC/DC Tribute

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

May 3: Plena Libre

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

May 2: The Furious Bongos Frank Zappa Tribute
May 9: The Uptown Band
May 10: Philadelphia Freedom—A Tribute to Elton John
May 11: Jeff Krick, Jr. Returns—Mother’s Day with Elvis
May 16: Rascal Revival
May 17: Crossfire Hurricane
May 18: Erica Lyn Everest

The Stage Door

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

May 2: Blippi—Join the Band Tour!

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

May 3: Paige Hernandez—All the Way Live!
May 4: “Menopause the Musical 2—Cruising Through The Change”

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

May 2-11: “Savannah Sipping Society”

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

May 1-13: “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley’
May 1-17: “Fiddler on the Roof”
May 23-June 21: “We Will Rock You”

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

May 7-24: Popcorn Hat Players present “Wonder Tales from Around the World”

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

May 2, 3: Pedro Gonzales, Mike Mancuri
May 9, 10: Kevin McCaffrey, Joe Gerics
May 16, 17: Raymond the Amish Comic
May 23, 24: Mark Riccadonna

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

May 2: Free Improv Jam, Elderprov, Riff Rats, Barn Bitches, Phlegminism
May 3: Teenprov Class Show, Solo Sleepover, Ham Juice, Actor’s Worst Nightmare, What? Hell Yeah! What?, Jeremy++
May 4: Level 1 Class Show
May 9: Level 1 Class Show, Go Fun Me, Spice Crones, Coping Mechanism, Team Z
May 10: Level 1 Class Show, Awkward Timing, Uncomfortable, Rockstar, Rockstar Karaoke
May 16: Level 2 Class Show, Los Complicados, Am I The Assshow, Offbeats, Hyena Skits, REAL Fast Coast Wives of Central PA
May 17: Free Improv Mixer, Homie-Sexual, The Next Leaver, Original 6, Barbra, Blackest Thing Ever
May 23: Free Kid Friendly Improv Mixer, Go Fun Me, Leg of Lamp, Coping Mechanism, Lil Stinkers
May 24: Free Improv Mixer, All Over the Place, The Bondfire Society, Cosmic Trash, Big Business LLC

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

May 3, 4: Cirque Goes Broadway!

May 17-18: Malina Madness

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

May 29-June 8: “Mary Poppins”

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

May 2-11: “Sister Act”

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

May 23-June 8: “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”

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

May 15: Larry the Cable Guy
May 17: “Whose Live Anyway?”
May 29: “Chicago The Musical”

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

May 2: 360 ALLSTARS

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

May 2, 3: Culmination ’25—Spring Dance Concert

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

May 24: Pennsylvania Regional Ballet

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

May 31-June 19: “The Colored Museum”

Oyster Mill Playhouse
1001 Oyster Mill Road, Camp Hill
717-737-6768; www.oystermill.com

May 9-25: Jane Austen’s “Lady Susan”

Theatre Harrisburg
513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg
717-232-5501; theatreharrisburg.com

May 2-11: “Murder on the Orient Express”

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

May 3, 4: “The Wrecking Crew—A Theatrical Concert Event”

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Sycamore Homes cuts the ribbon on affordable apartments in Harrisburg

April 28, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Sycamore Homes

On a tree-lined Harrisburg street, a new building offers sorely needed housing.

On Monday, local officials cut the ribbon on Sycamore Homes, a 23-unit affordable apartment complex at 1400 Sycamore St.

The $4.8 million project began construction in October 2022 as a partnership of the Latino Connection Foundation and Fernandez Realty Affordable Homes. Sycamore Homes occupies a previously vacant plot of land across from Foose Elementary School.

“Sycamore Homes represents far more than just shelter; it symbolizes security, stability and the chance for residents to build a brighter future,” said George Fernandez, CEO of Fernandez Realty Affordable Homes and Latino Connection.

George Fernandez (center), family members and other local officials cut the ribbon on Sycamore Homes.

The four-story building’s 23 studio apartments each include a bedroom area, kitchen, bathroom and washer and dryer.

The cost of rent will be determined based on each tenant’s income, based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards. According to Fernandez, Sycamore Homes currently has a waitlist for the application process. He recommends that anyone who is interested in applying should get on the waitlist as soon as possible.

“This is a promise fulfilled, a commitment to the families of Harrisburg who deserve not only a roof over their heads, but dignity, stability and a place they can proudly call home,” said Mayor Wanda Williams.

Fernandez shared that his passion for affordable housing comes from his own experience growing up in a lower-income family and witnessing the often low-quality living conditions for those in this situation.

“Each apartment within these walls has been envisioned as a sanctuary, a place where dignity is upheld and a place where the foundations of personal and collective growth can be firmly established,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez has plans to construct another affordable housing development, this time for senior citizens, at 1001 N. 18^th St., a vacant lot where Woodward School formerly stood. Fernandez said that he plans to break ground on his four-story, 48-unit “Woodward Lofts” project in the fall.

For more information about Fernandez Realty Affordable Homes, visit their website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 25, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg mayoral candidates at a debate hosted by ABC27.

It’s your last chance to grab our April issue of the magazine before our May issue hits the stands. Don’t miss out on reading our special home and garden section for spring and then prepare for a mouth-watering May dining issue. In the meantime, catch up on this week’s news, below.

Autism Acceptance Month is in April and our story shines light on the topic locally. Several Harrisburg area organizations are working to raise awareness and improve support for neurodiverse families.

Country artist Russell Dickerson will take the stage in Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park this July as part of the Dauphin County Live Concert Series, our online story reported.

Dauphin County shared that its elections office has begun sending out mail-in ballots ahead of the May 20 municipal primary election, our online story reported. They have also deployed ballot drop boxes around the city.

Disability Pride Harrisburg festival celebrated community members with disabilities, as well as the grand opening of the Thrive CIL office, our online story reported. Thrive was formerly called the Center for Independent Living, however, the center has moved locations and rebranded.

Families this month should take time to explore the area’s rivers and bodies of water and get their hands in the mud. Our columnist has several fun ideas for how to teach kids about soil, wildlife and gardening.

Harrisburg couple Bruce and Eva Burchfield’s home renovation process was featured on a national television show. In our magazine story, read about the huge undertaking and historic transformation.

Mayoral candidates in Harrisburg participated in a televised debate this week, our online story reported. The five Democrats shared their stances on pressing issues and, while making jabs at each other.

Park Harrisburg announced that it would terminate use of its “LUVHBG” code on the Park Mobile app, which gave users four free hours of parking on Saturdays, our reporting found. The organization also noted that it is removing many of its pay stations as it transitions to an online platform.

Refugee resettlement has been significantly affected as the federal government has made changes. In our magazine story, we delve into the local impacts on resettlement agencies and how churches and volunteers are stepping up to help. To hear from several refugees themselves, read our online article.

Sara Bozich’s list of weekend happenings channels all things spring, with a flower bouquet bar, outdoor dining and neighborhood trash cleanups.

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“LUVHBG” free downtown parking code yanked from app; many pay stations being removed

April 24, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Park Mobile app

An initiative that has long offered free weekend parking in Harrisburg will be cut.

Park Harrisburg recently announced that it would suspend its “LUVHBG” code, which offered four hours of free street parking, using the Park Mobile app, downtown on Saturdays.

No current Park Mobile app users or new registrants will be able to use the code, beginning after this Saturday, April 26.

Instead, Park Harrisburg will offer $5 flat rate parking in the River Street Garage on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also at the River Street Garage, there will be $5 parking after 5 p.m. and $10 parking after 10 p.m. every day.

Park Harrisburg is managed by SP+, which was acquired by Metropolis Technologies, a tech and artificial intelligence company last year. The City of Harrisburg does not control most of its commercial parking due to a long-term leasing agreement.

According to John Gass of PK Harris Advisors, the asset manager for Park Harrisburg, the “LUVHBG” discount code “costs the parking system for each use of the discount and staffing.”

He also said that, because of the code, there was little turnover of metered spaces on Saturdays and that often area “employees” were using the code, rather than the intended visitors and shoppers.

Additionally, Park Harrisburg has begun removing some of its pay stations throughout the city, in favor of transitioning to online payment. Gass said that there are currently 88 pay stations on the streets and that the company plans to remove 25 more in the next quarter. It is not clear how many have already been removed. Gass said that they would keep certain pay stations in high-traffic areas.

For downtown Harrisburg businesses, the termination of the parking discount code comes at a time when parking rates for their patrons are already very high. Street parking downtown currently costs $4.50 an hour.

“It is really disappointing to learn that the program is ending,” said Stuart Landon, producing artistic director of Open Stage. “We’ve really counted on this code for many years.”

Landon said that the code has been helpful to patrons coming to the theater, as well as for the theater’s artists and students.

“We are going to have to reimagine things,” he said. “We wish this sort of program would continue. It’s been really helpful.”

For more information about Park Harrisburg, visit their website.

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Dauphin County sends out mail-in ballots ahead of primary election

April 23, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Ballot drop box. File photo.

It’s almost time to vote.

The Dauphin County Board of Elections announced on Wednesday that it had begun sending out mail-in ballots and placing ballot drop-boxes ahead of the May 20 municipal primary election.

So far, 13,563 mail-in ballots have been requested, which voters can expect to receive in the coming days.

The elections office at 1251 S. 28^th Street will extend its hours until 6 p.m. each day, from May 5 through 19. On Election Day, the office will remain open until 8 p.m.

Completed mail-in ballots can be returned to the elections office, by mail, or at one of seven secure drop boxes. Voters are only legally allowed to return their own ballot. Ballots that are returned by mail or at in-person locations must be received by 8 p.m. on May 20.

The last day to register to vote is May 5 and the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 13.

For more information, visit DauphinCounty.gov/Vote or call 717-780-6360.

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Harrisburg candidates for mayor talk issues, spar during debate

April 23, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Screenshot from the ABC27 mayoral debate. (From left) Dan Miller, Lamont Jones, Tone Cook, Lewis Butts and Wanda Williams

During a televised mayoral debate, Harrisburg mayoral candidates took jabs at each other’s track records and shared their opinions on city issues.

Five candidates vying for mayor of Harrisburg made their cases for why they should be elected, and why their opponents shouldn’t, during a debate hosted by ABC27 on Tuesday night.

The debate came just weeks before the May 20 primary election in the city, in which one of the handful of Democrats will be chosen as the nominee for their party. No Republicans are running for mayor.

Candidates include incumbent Mayor Wanda Williams, City Treasurer Dan Miller, City Council member Lamont Jones, activist Tone Cook and repeat candidate Lewis Butts.

During the debate, several of the current elected officials mounted criticisms of their opponents. Miller claimed that the city “is not well managed” and said that he sees “inefficiency” and “incompetence” in the city under the Williams administration. He cited millions of dollars in unpaid trash bills that the city has not collected as an example.

Williams disputed that they hadn’t collected that money, saying that “since the fact that he [Miller] doesn’t come to work but one time out of the month, he wouldn’t know what’s coming in.”

Williams also took jabs, such as saying that, when it comes to the delayed rebuild of the fire-damaged Broad Street Market, “the biggest obstacle is City Council.” She said that council held up the city from moving toward construction when they voted against hiring the city’s selected construction manager for the project.

Jones voted against hiring Alexander Building Construction Co. for the job, both the first time, when the contract was denied by council, and again when council re-voted and ultimately confirmed the company by a vote of 4-3. But, he said that the action was just council doing its job, as they had concerns about the fairness of the selection process.

“This is a smokescreen to make it look like council was incompetent and we don’t know what we’re doing,” he said. “We did our job. We did our research, and we made sure that it was a fair process.”

According to Cook, the real hold-up on the market rebuild is exactly what was displayed at the debate.

“I believe it’s clear to see, the problem is the lack of communication with council and the mayor,” he said.

Cook pitched himself as a candidate who would seek to work with council instead of feuding with them and would attempt to unify the city.

Butts’ solution to the market construction hang-ups: Amish contractors should’ve been brought in to help.

Crime was another hot topic of conversation during the debate.

Two candidates, Jones and Cook pitched their backgrounds and experience with the criminal justice system as a positive, giving them a unique and personal perspective on public safety.

Cook shared that he lost a brother to gun violence and that he has previously served time in prison. He said that, using his experience, he would work to build better relationships between the police and the community to proactively deter crime.

Jones had previous criminal convictions dating back over 20 years, which he was pardoned for in 2023. Since then, he said that he has gone into prisons and worked with ex-offenders to help others turn their lives around, like he was able to do.

Butts said that he would like to create a police and fire academy to train youth for careers in public safety, as well as better train first responders on cultural competency.

Williams said that her administration has taken steps to stop crime and violence. She cited the city’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program, which aims to offer residents known to be affiliated with crime a way out of that lifestyle, but said that the program takes years to make an impact.

Miller said that he has witnessed gun violence in his neighborhood and believes that a better city-wide camera system would help the issue.

Additionally, candidates shared how they would work to encourage economic development in the city and bring visitors back to shop and dine in the city.

Miller said that the city needs to work to make a more “vibrant” downtown that is pedestrian-friendly and walkable and suggested working with the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce & CREDC.

Butts suggested more attractions for downtown, such as implementing a Civil War history theme and constructing a “Harrisburg International Aquarium.”

Williams said that she is already working to address the issue as mayor by setting up an economic development board to create a business plan.

Jones said that Harrisburg needs to be better marketed to bring businesses and visitors in.

Candidates also addressed affordable housing needs.

“I think the solution to affordable housing is more housing. I mean, that’s really the answer. And it’s not just low-income housing,” Miller said. “We really need to concentrate on housing in general in all areas.”

Williams took credit for several recently constructed, privately developed affordable housing complexes in the city, while Jones countered that Williams has yet to release federal COVID funds that the city designated for housing.

In closing arguments, Williams said that she was the only candidate with “proven leadership skills, knowledge and experience.”

Butts pitched himself as a solutions-driven candidate, noting his many unique ideas for bolstering the city’s revenue stream.

Cook said that his lack of government experience gives him an outsider advantage and a “boots on the ground” mentality.

Jones asked voters to elect him, saying that he’s the only candidate who has “been entrenched in the community,” and said that he would offer a change from other politicians who have long held office.

Miller simply implied that, above all of the other candidates, he’s the most qualified.

To watch the full mayoral debate, click here.

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