Author Archives: Maddie Conley

Vista Visa: Dauphin County’s “Parks Passport” gives a nudge into the open air

March 28, 2025 | by Ashley Andyshak Hayes

Fort Hunter Park

Dauphin County Parks and Recreation wants you to “Find Your Happy” in the great outdoors.

For those who need a little inspiration, or a new way to enjoy well-loved park locations, the department is offering the free Dauphin County Parks Passport program once again this year.

The self-guided online passport program was designed in 2023 to provide an interactive guide to county parks and attractions and to incorporate the outdoors into the technology that people use every day.

“We try to meet people where they are,” said Michelle McKeown, program and community manager for Dauphin County Parks and Recreation. “So many people are so tech-savvy, especially kids, so we’re thinking about how to make it cool to come to a park. It’s not just an informational site; it’s something fun for people to do.”

The passport features 10 locations, including Detweiler Park, the Fort Hunter Conservancy, Mansion and Park, Lykens Glen Park, Sassafras Island, the Henninger Covered Bridge, Wiconisco Creek Park, Wildwood Park and the Olewine Nature Center. Users earn points for visiting each location and can earn bonus points by attending special events at the parks throughout the year.

Using the passport does not require downloading an app; it is accessible through a simple web browser shortcut. Once users have registered for their passport, the site automatically records their visits to each location as long as their phone’s location services are turned on.

Users who visit all locations on the passport within a calendar year can earn a variety of prizes. The parks department also offers a separate free scavenger hunt program designed for kids called “Ready, Set, Explore!”

The passport was inspired by conversations at the county commissioner level, and Commissioner Mike Pries says he’s happy to see people engaging with the program.

“We’re excited about the success of the Parks Passport,” he said. “It encourages guests to get outdoors and explore our parks and boosts tourism in the region.”

User data confirms that Dauphin County parks aren’t just for locals. In 2024, the Parks Passport program saw more than 1,200 users from 14 states and territories.

Through the program, many users discover new locations that they didn’t realize were part of the Dauphin County parks system. Perhaps not surprisingly, the most visited locations are Fort Hunter and Wildwood Park, while the least visited is Sassafras Island, which is accessible only by watercraft, McKeown said.

Special offers from local shops and eateries are built into some passport locations, encouraging users to further explore the area through shopping or dining experiences when they are done at the park. These tie-ins highlight that outdoor recreation is an important, but often overlooked, driver of local economies, McKeown said.

Allison Rohrbaugh, director of communications and content at Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, agrees.

“Access to outdoor recreation often plays a large role in travel plans,” Rohrbaugh said. “Outdoor recreation is an important piece of an overall itinerary that will drive economic impact through hotel stays, meals and visits to other attractions across Dauphin County.”

Some trips can be done in a day, “but it’s more likely that the trip is built into an overnight itinerary where guests take advantage of other attractions or events in the region as well as local cuisine and shopping,” she said. “It’s exciting for us to be able to tell visitors that our region has a long list of outdoor experiences to explore.”

For more information about Dauphin County parks, including the Parks Passport and “Ready, Set” Explore!” follow the menus at www.dauphincounty.gov/government/support-services/parks-recreation.

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They Lived Happily: “A Nice Indian Boy” recalls classic rom coms, with a modern twist

March 28, 2025 | by Gabriel Brown

Image courtesy of Levantine and Wayfarer Studios.

“A Nice Indian Boy” is a rom com not just about romantic love, but about loving and supporting your family, no matter its makeup, a theme that clicks on the screen.

“They don’t make them like they used to.” You’ve probably heard that said about the movies dozens of times. So, it’s endearing when something idealistic steps through the decades to bring you back to an age of more sincere filmmaking, while updating it with a brand-new story that hasn’t been granted the spotlight before.

Directed by oncologist-turned-filmmaker Roshan Sethi, “A Nice Indian Boy” traces the romance of Indian-American doctor Naveen Gavaskar (Karan Soni) and white photographer Jay Kurundkar (Jonathan Groff). The two meet for the first time praying at a shrine to Ganesh, the Hindu elephant god of success and Remover of Obstacles, and romance blossoms further when Jay is hired to take staff photos at the hospital where Naveen works. Naveen’s guarded and reticent personality meets its foil in Jay’s candid and disarming nature—a combination that offers a neat contrast and natural romantic chemistry.

“A Nice Indian Boy” is a solid rom com centered on a gay romance, steeped in Indian culture, all the while being both undoubtedly American and paying homage to Bollywood. It’s the kind of movie that, no matter how you feel about it, you’re glad it exists—but it’s much more than that.

Where “A Nice Indian Boy” excels most isn’t in its romantic storyline, but rather the interpersonal dynamics it explores. The film speedruns the standard lily pads of the meet-cute and the first date to get to the real meat of the film—the familial relationships and cultural hesitations its characters must overcome to get to the point of a happy wedding and a healthy marriage.

Naveen’s family, in particular, has hangups to unknot over the course of the film’s 90-minute runtime, with each family member portrayed beautifully by three wonderful character actors who give the best performances in the film. Naveen’s father (Harish Patel) learns to accept different ideas about love and even cooking. Naveen’s mother (Zarna Garg) learns to trust her son’s desires instead of dictating them, and Naveen’s sister (Sunita Mani) learns how to love and support others even through her own personal misfires.

At the climax of the film, at the proposal of the two leads, Jay tells Naveen, who has been avoiding being honest with his family about their relationship, that he won’t get married if Naveen’s family isn’t involved in their lives.

“I know,” says Naveen, and the camera tilts up to reveal his family, beaming, watching it all happen.

“A Nice Indian Boy” opens at Midtown Cinema in April.

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

April Events At Midtown Cinema

Potential First Run Film Openings
“Bob Trevino Likes It”
“A Nice Indian Boy”
“Ballad of Wallis Island”
“Sinners”
“The Shrouds”
“Legend of Ochi”

Trivia Night
Tuesday, April 1 and 15

Open Mic Night
Tuesday, April 8 and 22

Late Night Frights
“House of 1000 Corpses” (2003)
Rob Zombie’s over-the-top horror debut
Friday, April 4, 9:30 p.m.

“Rosemary’s Baby” (1968)
The psychological horror classic
Friday, April 25, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday Morning Cartoon
“A Goofy Movie” (1995)
A fun father-son road trip adventure
Saturday, April 5, 11 a.m.

Cult Favorites
“Gummo” (1997)
A surreal look at small-town life
Sunday, April 6, 7 p.m.

“Akira” (1988)
The groundbreaking cyberpunk anime
Friday, April 11, 9:30 p.m.

“The Fall” (2006)
A visually stunning fantasy epic
Sunday, April 13, 7 p.m.

National Theatre Live
“Fleabag”
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s hit one-woman show
Sunday, April 6, 5 p.m.

“Nye”
A theatrical look at UK politician Nye Bevan
Sunday, April 13, 5 p.m.

“Dr. Strangelove”
Dark comedy about Cold War paranoia
Sunday, April 27, 5 p.m.

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985)
Tim Burton’s cult comedy classic
Friday, April 18, 9:30 p.m.

Down in Front!
Comedy Riffing
“Monstrosity” (1963)
Bizarre sci-fi disaster with live riffing
Friday, April 25, 9:30 p.m.

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Community Corner: Notable April Events

March 28, 2025 | by Missy Smith

Community Corner

Scavenger Hunt
April 1-30: Kids up to age 12 are invited to New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, to celebrate National Humor Month with a scavenger hunt to search for silly images around the children’s room and win a prize. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Happy Hour
April 3: Central Penn College hosts a “Knight Out” Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring six local celebrity bartenders, including county commissioners and state representatives, to raise scholarship funds for students. Tickets are $50, with proceeds supporting Central Penn College Education Foundation. www.centralpenn.edu

Calm the Mind
April 3, 10, 17, 24: 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. The meditations are suitable for people of any background or religion. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

History Talk
April 4: Join the Harrisburg Civil War Roundtable for a lecture on “Grant’s Last Battle—The Story of Ulysses S. Grant’s Personal Memoirs” presented by Dr. Chris Mackowski at the Central Penn College Conference Center, 600 Valley Rd, Enola, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $32. www.harrisburgcwrt.org

Bookstore Jazz
April 4: Enjoy a night of smooth jazz at Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, at its Spring Jazz Night, 6 to 9 p.m., in partnership with the Central Pa. Friends of Jazz. Browse books while listening to live music. www.midtownscholar.com

HBG Flea
April 5: 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

Bag Bingo
April 5: Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Delta Research and Education Foundation will host “Designer Bag Bingo,” 4 to 7 p.m., at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Doors open at 3 p.m. www.dstharrisburg.org

Craft Sale
April 5: Central Dauphin High School Band Boosters hosts its annual Craft Sale at 437 Piketown Rd., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop for handmade items from more than 150 vendors. Proceeds benefit high school band programs. www.cdramband.org

Improvapalooza 2025
April 5: Don’t miss an evening of improvisational comedy featuring the area’s most beloved improv theatre troupes at 7:30 p.m. Harrisburg Improv Theatre, The Oxymorons, Safe Word and Gamut’s own TMI can be seen in one location, Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. www.hbgimprov.com

Tonight’s Sky
April 5, 6: 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
April 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

Art in the Wild
April 6: Meet “Art in the Wild” artists as they put the finishing touches on their installations for Wildwood Park’s annual outdoor art exhibit, with a theme of “Sunlight and Shadows.” Take a self-guided, 3-mile trail walk to meet the artists and observe the process of creating outdoor art, 1 to 3 p.m. www.wildwoodlake.org

Networking Mixer
April 9: Socialize with local business professionals at F&M Trust, 6375 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, during West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s evening mixer, 4 to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to chamber members. www.wschamber.org

Silent Auction
April 9-16: The Gettysburg Choral Society is holding an online silent auction to fund operational expenses and continue offering free Memorial Day and Christmas concerts. The nonprofit group seeks donations like gift cards or local business items. www.gettysburgchoralsociety.org

Food Rally

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

Business Day
April 11: Join Wildheart Ministries, 333 S. 13th St., Harrisburg, for its Business Day Out, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join in team building and meet other local businesspeople to help serve the community. www.lovethehillpa.com

Guitar Show
April 11-13: Artisan Guitar Show will be held at Best Western Premier and Conference Center, 800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg. Visit with handcrafted guitar exhibitors, attend master classes and enjoy a concert series. www.artisanguitarshow.com

Bonsai Festival
April 11-13: The Mid Atlantic Bonsai Society hosts its 40th Annual Spring Bonsai Festival at the Holiday Inn Grantville-Hershey, 604 Station Rd. Enjoy workshops and demonstrations with artists, explore a large bonsai exhibition and visit with vendors. Enjoy critiques, a banquet with an auction and sessions with artists. www.midatlanticbonsai.org

Birds & Coffee
April 12: Stop by the Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, 10 to 11 a.m. Join a naturalist and Appalachian Audubon to observe and count common feeder birds as part of Project FeederWatch. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Volunteer Day
April 12: Enjoy the outdoors and help with park and habitat enhancement projects at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves provided and refreshments available. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Dinner Concert
April 12: Dinner Concert featuring Bob Barry, Pianist and Soundscape Artist
Penn Harris Hotel – Mercato Mio Italian Restaurant – Second Saturdays, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. https://pennharrishotel.com/dining/

Flower Walk
April 13: Take a walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to find spring ephemerals along the Towpath Trail, 1:30 to 3 p.m. You may even spot a few flowering trees. Participants at any 2025 flower walk will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a wildflower-themed gift basket. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Game Night
April 16: Join Central Penn College at FNB Field, City Island, Harrisburg, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., for Community Night. Cheer on the Knights baseball team in a free doubleheader. Enjoy an evening of baseball, community and school spirit. www.centralpenn.edu

Taste of the Chamber
April 17: West Shore Chamber of Commerce will host “Soiree at the Farm” with live music, dancing and hors d’oeuvres by the water at Allenberry Resort, 1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs, 6 to 9 p.m. Wear your best formal cocktail attire. www.wschamber.org

Kids Discover
April 18: Kids ages 5 to 10 are invited to explore the world of rabbits and hares at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Become a nature detective on a short hike to look for signs of rabbits in Wildwood Park, then create your own craft to take home. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

3rd in The Burg
April 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

Dance Night
April 20: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for a bolero lesson at 2 p.m., followed by three hours of social dancing, at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. All levels are welcome. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 – Harrisburg Area PA

Volunteer Fair
April 21: Connect with local nonprofits at the fifth annual Central PA Volunteer Fair, hosted by Leadership Harrisburg Class of 2025, 4 to 6 p.m. at Commonwealth Charter Academy, One Innovation Way, Harrisburg. Discover volunteer opportunities, learn about local missions, and contribute to your community. www.leadershipharrisburg.org

Earth Day
April 23: Kids in grades 3 to 5 can learn about reducing, reusing and recycling at the State Museum of Pa., 300 North St., Harrisburg, during “Explore! Earth Day” at 11:30 a.m. www.statemuseumpa.org

Spring Fundraiser
April 24: Dauphin County CASA will host a “Once Upon a Time” fundraiser at Colonial Golf & Tennis Club, 6 to 8 p.m., with live music, specialty drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit volunteer court advocacy for foster children. www.dauphincountycasa.org

Curious Kids
April 25: Families and kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to the State Museum of Pa., 300 North St., Harrisburg, at 11:30 a.m. to learn about rodents of Pennsylvania. Curiosity Kids events are included with museum general admission, but space is limited. www.statemuseumpa.org

Kite Festival
April 26: Go fly a kite at the Kite Festival, noon to 2 p.m. at Lingle Park, hosted by Lower Paxton Township. Participants can bring their own kites or purchase them on site. Event includes nature-based activities for Arbor Day. Rain date is May 3.

Bookstore Day
April 26: Join Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., for Independent Bookstore Day. As part of a nationwide celebration, Midtown Scholar will offer family-friendly activities, exclusive merchandise and giveaways. www.midtownscholar.com

Litter Cleanup
April 26: Help make Harrisburg a cleaner and safer place to live, work and play by participating in the annual Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup, 8 to 11 a.m. This event leaves a huge impact in a few hours every year. www.cactricounty.org/ghlc

Plant Sale
April 26: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts their annual plant sale at Foundation House, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for annuals, vegetables, herbs, perennials and more. Keys to Bees will give a free presentation, “Gardening with Honeybees,” at 10 a.m. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Block Party
April 26: Join Wildheart Ministries for its Church Day Out and Spring Block Party at 333 S. 13th St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.lovethehillpa.com

Pottery Sale
April 26: Menkis Works Pottery will host a Spring Pottery Open Studio and Craft Sale at 2401 Arcona Rd., Mechanicsburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with demonstrations, kids’ activities, guest artisans, refreshments and more. Explore the studio where pots are made and find handmade gifts. www.menkisworks.com

Wetlands Festival
April 26: Celebrate Wildwood Park’s wetlands with a day of free, fun and educational activities, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy wildlife exhibits, displays and music and talk to representatives from environmental groups. www.wildwoodlake.org

Odd Ones
April 26: The Spring Odd Ones Bizarre will be at The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop for unique and handcrafted gifts at this alternative arts and crafts event. www.millworksharrisburg.com

Book Talk
April 26: Join the National Civil War Museum, One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, 1 to 2 p.m., for a free book talk with Dr. Judith Giesberg about “Last Seen,” her compelling work detailing the post-Civil War search by formerly enslaved people for their lost families. A book signing will follow the discussion. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Meet Threads of Hershey
April 26: Meet the authors of “Threads Method: Styled for Life”, Plum Bottom, Camp Hill, 10-noon and Little Black Dress, 12-2pm. The Threads Method makes this possible, giving you the confidence to assemble a stylish outfit in 5 minutes or less. In this practical, step-by-step guide, style experts Kristen and Kristin share their proven 3- step method—edit, style, shop—that has helped hundreds of women simplify their wardrobes and take control of their personal style. Books will be available to purchase and have signed.

Jazz Worship
April 27: Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month at Messiah Lutheran Church, 901 N. 6th St., Harrisburg, for a special Jazz Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Experience a blend of traditional worship and soul-jazz, sponsored by the Messiah Lutheran Church, Social Justice and Community Outreach Committee. www.messiahhbg.org

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Happenings: Our April Calendar of Events

March 28, 2025 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Forgotten Features—Classic & Cool Discontinued Options,” through April 20

Shelby G.T. 350s, through April 20

Legacy Series—Ford Bronco Then & Now, April 20

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), April 4-May 8; reception: April 18, 5-8 p.m.

“Recent Excrementations,” an artist showcase featuring the recent work of Douglas Anderson, running parallel to “Form, Flex & Flow,” April 4-May 8; reception: April 18, 5-8 p.m.

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

“Systems,” works by Kyle Hollinger, through April 24

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

Celebration of Student Art, through April 19

“There is No Future Without the Past—Oxana Kovalchuk,” April 25-May 31; reception: April 25, 5:30-7 p.m.

“Souls Shot Project—A CALC Collaborative Show,” April 25-May 31; reception: April 25, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

April artist of the month

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

“Limelight on Local Artists,” through April; artist reception, April 12, 2-4 p.m.

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

Featured artist of the month: Angie Bixler of Creative Rambler Potter, April 2-26

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, hallway gallery, April 12-June 21

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

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

“The Future is Botanical,” by the Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators, through April 23

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

“Awakening—Gail Savage, Capturing the Beauty of Wildlife Through Art,” April 4-May 31; reception: April 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

Senior Exhibition I: B.A. Studio Art, through April 6

Senior Exhibition II: B.F.A. Graphic Design and Studio Art, April 12-May 4

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

The Photography of Jessica Bock-Páez, capturing diverse ecosystems and Colombia’s vibrant animals, through April 20

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

Art in the Stacks—James Searfoss, April 1-30

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts
PCCA Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Ever-Changing,” photography and digital art by Irene VanBuskirk, through April 26

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

“HORSE2AUTO: A Transportation Revolution”

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

Dōshi Spotlight, ceramics by Beverlee Lehr, works on paper by Jo Margolis and oil paintings by Mary Hochendoner, through April 6

“Tribute to the Civil Rights Movement—Quilted Swing Coats by Patricia A. Montgomery,” April 11-July 26

“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

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

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

“Floating Beauty—Women in the Art of Ukiyo-e,” historical perspectives on women and their depiction in art in Edo Period Japan (1615–1858), through April 6

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

“Near At Hand,” exhibition of work by Dickinson College studio art faculty and objects from The Trout Gallery’s permanent collection, curated by art history senior seminar students, through April 5

“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, April -18-May 18; reception: April 25, 5-7 p.m.

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

“Mosaic Montage,” the glass art of Amanda Rife, through April

Read, Make, Learn

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

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Swing Dance Classes, 6-9:30 p.m.

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

April 1: Supervised Lampworking Lab (adults), 10-11 a.m. and/or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step (adults), 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22: Next Steps for the Very Beginner in Watercolor (adults), 3-5:30 p.m.
April 2, 16: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step (adults), 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 3: Basket Weaving Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
April 3: Floral Greeting Cards Workshop (adults), 3-5 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17: Fundamentals of Glasswork (12+ with adult/guardian and adults), 6-8 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Beginning Drawing (adults), 6-8 p.m.
April 8, 15, 22, 29: Charcoal Drawing (adults), 1:30-3 p.m.
April 15: Supervised Lampworking Lab (adults), 10-11 a.m., 11:30-12:30 p.m.
April 15: Fire & Fungi: Flameworking Mushrooms in Glass (adults), 6-8 p.m.
April 17-May 22: Create Amazing Pictures with Your iPhone (adults), Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m.
April 22, 29, May 6: Figure Drawing (ages 9-14), 5:30-7:30 p.m.
April 23: Date Night with Glassblowing (adults), 6-8 p.m.
April 24: Design Your Own Beaded Bracelet Workshop (adults), 6-8:30 p.m.
April 24-May 15: Acrylic Painting (adults), 1:30-3 p.m.
April 24-May 15: Pastel Painting (adults), 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 24-May 29: Vibrant Landscapes in Oil (adults), 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 24-May 15: Pottery Wheel Throwing Morning- All Levels (adults), 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 24-May 15: Pottery Wheel Throwing Afternoon- All Levels (adults), 1-3:30 p.m.

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

April 3: New Perspectives on the Carlisle Indian School, 6-7 p.m.
April 8: The Coast Guard and What it Does, 6-7 p.m.
April 12: Enlightened with Annemarie Heckert, 12-1 p.m.
April 24: The Roaring 20s—When America Went Wild, 6-7 p.m.
April 29: Bosler’s Birthday Series—Lila’s Window, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

April 1: Nature Series—Nature’s impact on Mental Health at Enola Store and Virtual. 10 a.m.
April 1, 15: Chair Yoga at York Store, 11:30 a.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Virtual Pilates, 12 p.m.
April 2, 16, 23, 30: Kickboxing + Strength, 4:30 p.m.
April 3: Nature Series—Plant Potting Activity, 12 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Ready, Steady, Action! at Enola Store and Virtual, 4:15 p.m.
April 4: Virtual Women’s Series—The Power of Nutrition for Women’s Wellness, 12 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Strong & Fit, 10 a.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Tai Chi, 4 p.m.
April 14, 21, 28: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
April 22: Connect Monthly Webinar—Travel Safety, 2 p.m.

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

April 5: Gelli Printing—Beyond the Basics Workshop, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 12: Spring Flowers (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 16-May 21: Fundamentals of Photography—Getting to Know Your Camera, Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
April 18: Make It Pop!, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 19: Earth Day Clay (ages 6-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 19, 26: Awesome Pennsylvania Animals and Plants (ages 9-14), 12-2 p.m.
April 21: Cut It Out!, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 26: Concrete Leaves Workshop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
April 26: Encaustic Wax Image Transfer Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 29-May 20: Sketchbooking En Plein Air, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

April 10: Sensational Fish and Seafood, 6 p.m. April 23: Get Your Greek On, 6-9 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

April 8: Books on Tap at Rubber Soul Brewing Company, 6-7 p.m.

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

April 3: Family Cooking Workshop, 5-6:30 p.m.
April 5: Figment Forge Writing Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 10: Buzzing Around the Library, 6-7 p.m.
April 16: Pigment of Your Imagination, 4-6 p.m.
April 17: Sip & Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
April 17: Who’s Coming to Tea? 6-6:45 p.m.
April 19: East Shore Cinema, 3-5 p.m.

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

April 2: Read to Dogs, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 3: Family Game Night, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
April 9: Drive-In Movie Night!, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
April 10, 24: Story Time and Craft, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
April 15: Flower Bookmark Craft, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
April 17: Drop-In Easter Craft, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
April 22: Can You Build It? Engineering Challenge, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
April 29: Drop-In STEM Play, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
April 30: Bingo for Books, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Fiber Artists, 3-6 p.m.
April 5: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
April 12: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
April 12, 26: LEGO Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 15: Baby Musik Time, 10-10:25 a.m.
April 15: Preschool Musik Time, 10:30-11 a.m.
April 19: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 26: Dungeon & Dragons Group, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 26: Board Game Meetup, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

April 2: Meditation—Roots of Love, Deepening Family and Friendship Bonds, 6-7 p.m.
April 14: Historical Tree Walk, 10-11:30 a.m.
April 22: Art Heals—Fused Glass Votive Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
April 22, 23, 29, 30: Homeschool Days, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 27: Novel Nurture—Immersive Wellness Retreat, 2-4 p.m.
April 30: Art Heals—Wind Chimes Workshop, 6-8 p.m.

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

April 1: Curl Up with the Classics—“My Antonia,” 10-11 a.m.
April 1, 8: Natalie D. Craumer Writers’ Workshop, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
April 2, 16, 30: Device Advice, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Fredricksen Writes, 7 p.m.
April 4: Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
April 5: The Puzzlers, 1-4:30 p.m.
April 6: A History of Planet Earth, 2-4 p.m.
April 6, 13, 20, 27: Heartfulness Meditation Workshop, 1-2 p.m.
April 7: Business & Career Center—Open Classroom, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 7: Roots & Shoots Kids Club, 6-7 p.m.
April 7, 14, 28: Book Explorers, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
April 7, 21: Fredricksen Writes, 7 p.m.
April 8, 22: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
April 10: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime for Preschoolers, 10-10:45 a.m.
April 11: Basics of Encryption Software, 10-11 a.m.
April 11: Android Device Basics and Support, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 12: Tween Escape Room, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
April 14: The Puzzlers, 1:30-8:30 p.m.
April 14: Philosopher’s Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m.
April 14: Mock Interview Sessions, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 15: Microsoft Office—Excel Basics, 10-11 a.m.
April 15: iPhone Basics, 6-7:30 p.m.
April 22: Microsoft Office—Intermediate Excel, 10-11 a.m.
April 22: Earth Day at the Library, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
April 25: Solopreneur Roundtable–Open Discussion (Video Creation), 12-2 p.m.
April 28: Fredricksen Reads—“The Backyard Bird Chronicles,” 7-8 p.m.

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

April 5: Easter Mosaic, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
April 5: Micro Bead Jewelry, 12-2 p.m.
April 6: Love Birds, 1-3 p.m.
April 9: Spring Songbird, 6-8 p.m.
April 10: Hand Knitting Blanket, 6-8 p.m.
April 12: Cherry Blossom Painting, 1-3 p.m.
April 17: Folk Art Design, 6-8 p.m.
April 24: Singing in the Rain, 6-8 p.m.
April 26: Wastebasket Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

April 1, 15, 29: Coloring for adults!, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
April 8: Mary Sachs Program Series—Investing 101, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
April 9: Explore MPB Classroom with Mid Penn Bank, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 12: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 18: Silent Book Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
April 22: There’s No Place Like Home, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 23: Who’s Coming to Tea?, 4-4:45 p.m.

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

April 29-June 17: Level 1–Intro to Improv, Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA),
hersheyart.org

April 12: Ceramics Workshop–Building Animal-Shaped Bowls, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

April 5, 12, 19, 26: Guided Walk, 10-11 a.m.
April 15: Spring Homeschool Day—Spring Into Birding, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 25: Eco-Fiction Book Group, 10-11:30 a.m.

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

April 1: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
April 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 28: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 1-30: Spice of the Month—Lemongrass April 2: LEGO Club, 4-5 p.m.
April 2: Open Book Group, 6-7:45 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Community Crochet Night—Teen Space, 6-7:45 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Teen Time, 3-4:30 p.m.
April 3, 17: Hershey Quilters, 12-4 p.m.
April 5: Hershey Reads Author Visit—Grace M. Cho 2-3 p.m.
April 5, 12, 19, 26: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
April 8: Philosophers’ Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m. April 14: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 8, 29: Silent Book Group at Starbucks in Towne Square, 10-11:30 a.m.
April 12: Your Life is a Work of Art, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 17, 24: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
April 22: True Crime—Jack the Ripper, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
April 26: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.org

April 28: Special How-To Program—Sidewalks, Patios and Masonry for Historic Properties, 6-8 p.m.

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

April 4 to April 6: Carpentry Fundamentals: Shed Building Workshop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 5: Herbal Tea Seminar, 12-3 p.m.
April 6: Shoots and Leaves: Early Spring Foraging Walk, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 12: Plant Propagation, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 16: Baking Bread: Specialty Breads, 6-8 p.m.
April 17: Spring Garden Prep, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
April 23: Potato Planting Primer, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
April 24: Spring Gardening Q&A, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
April 26: Foraging: From Field to Plate, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 26: Intro to Power Tools, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 30: Homeschool Nature Connection, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

April 7: Who’s Coming to Tea? 5-5:45 p.m.
April 22: Upcycled Crafting, 6-7 p.m.

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

April 1, 8, 15: Parents & Toddlers Together, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Toddler Time, 10:45 a.m.-11:05 a.m.
April 10: Kindergarten Readiness, 6-7:15 p.m.
April 14, 28: English Conversation Club, 1-2:15 p.m. or 6:30-7:15 p.m.
April 17: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
April 17: Play Scrabble!, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 19: Craft-A-Palooza, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 21: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
April 22: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-3 p.m.
April 22: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
April 26: Trivia at Home—Pennsylvania, 6-8 p.m.

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

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
April 5, 12, 19, 26: Passageways, 2 p.m.
April 6, 13, 20, 27: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
April 12: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Casual Game Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Zines for Teens, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
April 21: Buzzing Around the Library, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 28: Explore MPB with Mid Penn Bank, 5-6 p.m.
April 29: Coloring for adults!, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

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

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

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

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Storytime & Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
April 12: Family Board Game Day, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

April 3: An Evening with John Scalzi, 7-8 p.m.
April 16: An Evening with Jennifer Haigh, 7-8 p.m.
April 22: Great Big Beautiful Life Release Party, 6-8 p.m.

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

April 4: Kitchen Herbalism—Making Herbal Infused Vinegars, 6-8 p.m.
April 10: Springtime Succulent Log, 6-7 p.m.
April 12: Beginning Fused Glass Project—Glass Egg, 1-2:30 p.m.
April 19: Intro to Alcohol Inks, 1-4 p.m.

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

April 3: Dread Danger—Cowardice and Combat in the American Civil War via ZOOM, 7-8 p.m.
April 26: Civil War Book Talk with Dr. Judith Giesberg, 1-2 p.m.

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

April 26: Spring Bird Walk, 7:30 a.m.-12 pm.

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

April 1-5: Earth Lovers LEGO Contest (ages 3 and older)
April 1, 8, Book Babies, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 1-30: Spring Into Reading (ages 0-18)
April 1-30: Super Silly Scavenger Hunt (ages 0-12)
April 2: STEAM Scene (ages 6-12), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23: iPad Class for adults, 2-3:30 p.m.
April 3: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Tech Time, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 3, 17: Movers and Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
April 5: Egg Carton Tree Craft (ages 3 and older), 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 5-19: Take and Makes (ages 2-5)
April 7: Preschool Storytime (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
April 7, 21: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 7, 21, 28: Teen Monday FUNdays (ages 13-17), 3-4 p.m.
April 8: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
April 8: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
April 9: Caterpillar Crazy! (ages 2 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 10, 24: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
April 11, 25: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 12: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
April 16: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 18: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 21: Peaceful Poses Kids Yoga (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
April 21: Peaceful Poses Kids Yoga (ages 6-10), 11 a.m.
April 22: Family Fort Fest (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 22: Dream Garden Dioramas (ages 6-12), 5-6 p.m.
April 23: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
April 28-May 26: Spring Preschool Storytime (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
April 29: Good Trouble Teen Book Club (ages 12-16), 6-7:30 p.m.
April 29-May 27: Spring Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 30: Poetry & Art Party (ages 6-12), 4:30-5:30 p.m.

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

April 16: Mosaic Four-Leaf Clover Class, 6-8 p.m.

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

April 2: PA Mushrooms, 11:30 a.m.
April 4, 26: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
April 5, 6: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky, 3-3:45 p.m.
April 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20: Who Am I?, 11-11:30 a.m.
April 5, 12, 19, 26: Seasons, 12-12:30 p.m.
April 5, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27: Passport, 3-3:30 pm.
April 5, 6: Who Am I?, 11-11:30 a.m.
April 6, 13, 20, 27: Oasis in Space, 2-2:30 p.m.
April 9: Rocks in Our Daily Life, 11:30 a.m.
April 17: Owls in Pennsylvania, 11:30 a.m.
April 23: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, 11:30 a.m.
April 25: Curiosity Kids—Rodents of PA, 11:30 a.m.
April 25: Virtual Program—Founding a Colony, Building a Nation, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
April 26: Songbirds, 1-3 p.m.

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

April 3: Easter Egg/Peep Bunny Mosaics, 6-8 p.m.
April 5: Clay Plant Markers, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 19: Make an Alms Bowl with the Drepung Gomang Monks, 1-3 p.m.
April 26: Clay Plant Markers, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 26: Pinch Pot Mushrooms, 2-3 p.m.
April 26: Sourdough Basics, 2 p.m.

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

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Wednesday Wellness Walks, 1-2:30 p.m.
April 5: Kids Discover—Salamanders (ages 8-12), 1:30-3 p.m.
April 6: Art in the Wild—Meet the Artists, 1-3 p.m.
April 10: 3D Wooden Wall Art, 6-8 p.m.
April 12: Birds and Coffee with Appalachian Audubon, 10-11 a.m.
April 12: Volunteer Work Day Litter Clean-up, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 12: Kids Discover—Songbirds (ages 4-6),, 1:30-3 p.m.
April 13: Redbud Tree Sale, 1-3 p.m.
April 13: Flower Walk—Spring Arrivals, 1:30-3 p.m.
April 16: April Hike, 1:30-3 p.m.
April 18: Kids Discover—Rabbits and Hares (ages 5-10), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 28: Forest Bathing—Nature Based Mindfulness Walks, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
April 30: Birdwalk—Peak Migration, 7:30-9:30 a.m.

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

April 9: There’s No Place Like Home, 5-6 p.m.
April 23: A History of White House Entertainment, 1-2 p.m.
April 26: Crafternoon at the Library, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Live Music

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

April 5: Melissa Etheridge
April 6: Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives w/special guest Company Townes
April 12: One Night of Queen featuring Gary Mullen & The Works The Temptation & The Four Tops
April 17: The Temptations & The Four Tops
April 18: Bonnie Raitt
April 25, 26: The Concert—A Tribute to ABBA
April 27: The Lovin’ Spoonful & The Grass Roots

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

April 3, 17: Open Jam/Mic Nights
April 4: Jacob Jolliff Band
April 5: Hellbender Hootenanny fundraiser for The Central PA Conservancy with Local News Legend, Shelter Cat, Joe Pye Revival, Almost Honest
April 11: Dallas Ugly, Olivia Ellen Lloyd
April 12: Yarn
April 18: Public Disco Porch, James Barrett, Olivia Basar
April 19: Dizgo, Space Bacon
April 24: Bluegrass Open Jam/Mic Night
April 25: TAKAAT

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

April 4: Jazz in the City
April 5: Thunderbeard—A Tribute to ZZ Top
April 12: York Symphony
April 25: Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group

Arts on the Square
Market Square Presbyterian Church
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg; artsonthesquare.net

April 6: Pianist Junghoon Park

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

April 6: Symphony Orchestra Reunion Concert
April 8: Modern Band Ensemble
April 13: College Choir
April 15: Percussion Ensemble
April 16: Chamber Choir
April 22: Handbell Concert
April 23: Evening of Woodwinds
April 29: Symphonic Band
April 30: Touch of Brass

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

April 12: Magical Mystery Doors—A Beatles, Zeppelin, Doors Tribute
April 16: Randy Houser with Lil’ Skinny
April 18: The Piano Men
April 26: The Ultimate Queen Celebration

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

April 5: First to Eleven
April 5: KllSmth, Freddy Todd
April 11: Lex Hex Master, Beast Mode Division, Mike Lawless
April 12: LE MANCH
April 19: Blunts & Blondes
April 23: Moon Hooch

Hollywood Casino
777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville
717-469-2211; hollywoodpnrc.com

April 4: Jumper
April 5: Spazmatics
April 11: Smooth Like Clyde
April 12: Dance Fever
April 18: Downtown Sound
April 19: Little Rock Band
April 25: Cazhmiere
April 26: The Resistors

Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
165 Gateway Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-610-3331; lovedraftsbrewing.com

April 2: Visions of Atlantis
April 10: Another Day Dawns
April 12: Cold

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

April 10: Johnny Mathis
April 11: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
April 24: Josh Turner

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

April 4: Wind Symphony Concert
April 13: Symphony Band
April 19: Jazz Ensemble Concert

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

April 27: Jasper String Quartet

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

April 1: Messiah University Piano Ensemble
April 4: Sahoko Sato Timpone
April 6: Chamber Singers Concert
April 7: Messiah University Chamber Ensemble
April 8: Messiah University Brass Choir and Symphonic Winds
April 9: Messiah University Wind Ensemble
April 14: Messiah University Chamber Ensemble
April 25: “Haydn’s “Creation”
April 26: Messiah University Handbell Choir
April 26: Messiah University Jazz Ensembles

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

April 5: Spring Coffee House
April 13: April Jam & Song Swap
April 13: Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light
April 19: Tracy Grammer

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

April 4: Live Dead & Brothers—The Music of Grateful Dead & The Allman Bros
April 5: G-Easy with Marc E. Bassy & Goody Grace
April 10: The Record Company, Christina Vine
April 11: Mickey Avalon
April 12: Badfish, The Quasi Kings
April 15: The Dip, Bailen
April 17: Octave Cat, Blendmode
April 18: Buckethead
April 19: Bumpin Uglies
April 26: Sunsquabi, Motifv
April 30: Neon Trees

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

April 4: Tell School of Music Student Showcase

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

April 8: Harrisburg Jazz Collective
April 19: Winslow—An Evening of The Eagles
April 25: The Jersey Tenors
April 30: International Jazz Day Concert with the Harrisburg Jazz Collective

The Stage Door

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

April 19: “Psychology of Dogs”

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

April 5: “The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales”
April 7: Monday Night Impro

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

April 24-27: “9 to 5”

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

April 24-27: “QED”

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

April 11-May 17: “Fiddler on the Roof”
April 25-May 13: “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley”

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

April 11-13: “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by the Young Acting Company
April 30: A Reading of “Othello”

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

April 13: Queens Who Brunch

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

April 4, 5: Richy Leis and Darren Moore
April 11: Ron Feingold and Irwin Loring
April 18, 19: Galyn Nash and Brandon Legendre
April 25, 26: The Bob Lauver Comedy Hypnosis Show

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

April 4: Free Improv Jam, Elderprov, Riff Rats, Barn Bitches, Phlegminism
April 5: Free Improv Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Ham Juice, Actor’s Worst Nightmare, What? Hell Yeah! What?, Jeremy++
April 11: Free Improv Jam, Go Fun Me, Spice Crones, Coping Mechanism, Team Z
April 12: Free Improv Mixer, Awkward Timing, Uncomfortable, Rockstar, Rockstar Karaoke
April 18: Kidprov Class Show, Los Complicados, Am I the Assshow, Offbeats, Hyena Skits, REAL Fast Coast Wives of Central PA
April 19: Free Improv Mixer, Homie-Sexual, The Next Leaver, Original 6, Barbra, Blackest Thing Ever
April 25: Free Improv Jam, Go Fun Me, Leg of Lamp, Coping Mechanism, Lil Stinkers
April 26: Free Improv Mixer, All Over the Place, The Bondfire Society, Cosmic Trash, Big Business LLC, And Another Thing—A Sketch Comedy Show

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

April 25-May 11: “Sister Act”

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

April 4-20: “Jeffrey”

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

April 11, 12: Comedy and Music with Isabel Hagen

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

April 3-12: “Anything Goes”
April 24-25: Spring Senior Series

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

April 3-12: “I’m Proud of You”
April 19: Erotic Fan Fiction Live!
April 24-27: “The Hobbit Musical”

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

April 12: The Golden Gays—Hot Flashbacks

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

April 25-May 11: “Murder on the Orient Express”

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

April 1: Oxymorons Improv Troupe Special April Fools’ Day Show

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

April 3: Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: Quinto Elemento

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Harrisburg removes SciTech principal from position citing lapsed credentials; she responds

March 26, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

A past Harrisburg School board meeting.

The Harrisburg School District has removed a principal from her position, after finding her certifications inactive.

District receiver Dr. Lori Suski at a board meeting on Tuesday approved the removal of Dr. Sieta Achampong from her role as principal of Harrisburg High School—SciTech Campus, after finding her administrative certification to be invalid.

According to a recent statement released by Superintendent Benjamin Henry, Achampong did not have up-to-date certifications that are required under the Pennsylvania School Code, rendering her ineligible to be a principal.

“First, I want to again state that we are very grateful for Dr. Achampong’s leadership and work with students at SciTech and in the district,” Henry said in a statement. “As a school district in state receivership, the Harrisburg School District has a significant duty to ensure accountability and compliance – from employees and students, in our operational procedures, and in the management of our schools and school system.”

The district, with Achampong’s consent, has moved her to a position as an English teacher at Harrisburg High School—John Harris Campus. Henry said Achampong is certified to hold a teaching role.

Dr. Siéta Achampong. Photo from 2020.

Achampong issued her own statement responding to the district this week, stating that she accepted the teaching position, having not been given “any other viable options.”

However, she took issue with some of the statements that the district made surrounding her failure to complete necessary continuing education requirements, as well as their reasoning for demoting her.

Achampong noted that she was working towards updating her certification requirements up until she received a breast cancer diagnosis. She said that she provided her medical records to the district to show that the timing aligned, but they were “uninterested.”

“Battling stage 3 breast cancer is not an easy feat,” Achampong said. “There were many days when my body hurt so badly from treatments that I was restricted to my bed. As you can imagine, my focus became keeping my health insurance, being there for my family, and coming back home to restore myself for the next day.”

However, Achampong said that she does “accept responsibility for not being fully aware of where my certifications stood” and doesn’t put “complete blame” on the district.

The district shared that Achampong had eight years to complete the certification requirements, a timeframe that had been extended three times from the typical five-year time period. Henry also said that, over the past year, Achampong had been notified several times by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) about her status, but had not notified the district.

In her statement, Achampong disputed the district’s claims, saying that she did have a conversation with a district human resources official who told her that if she needed additional training hours, it wouldn’t be until the end of the 2025 school year. She also said that she was not notified several times by PDE.

Ultimately, Henry said, it is the responsibility of administrators to maintain active certification. Henry said that the district may face fines due to Achampong having worked under an inactive certificate.

Henry also said that community members have questioned why Achampong wasn’t issued an emergency certification from PDE. He said that that is an option, but it is reserved for situations where no other certified principal is available. Achampong contested that, saying the district has made exemptions in the past.

The community was also concerned that her demotion had to do with her health status, Henry noted.

“Our decision to offer Dr. Achampong a position as a teacher had nothing to do with health issues,” he said. “While we are sympathetic to any health crisis an employee faces, we must be accountable for following the law.”

However, Achampong claims that her health was mentioned numerous times in conversations with district officials.

“I understand that not every decision will be popular or will be one that is embraced by our community,” Henry said. “However, I hope you will trust that I am committed to moving our district forward, ensuring accountability, and making decisions that I believe are in the best interest of our school system as a whole.”

For more information about the Harrisburg School District, visit their website.

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Harrisburg Council OKs third tiny home community for the unhoused, approves next step in Greenbelt relocation

March 25, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

An Eden Village tiny home

A local group’s plans to build housing for the homeless can now move forward.

Eden Village of Harrisburg is slated to bring tiny homes to South Harrisburg, having received City Council approval on Monday.

“I love the project,” said council member Jocelyn Rawls. “This is one of our most vulnerable populations, so to give them housing, like you said, that’s step one.”

The project was proposed by a group of area residents who have partnered with Missouri-based Eden Village to bring 32 tiny homes and a community center to 1103 S. Front St.

The community will be built near the PennDOT building and next to Veteran’s Grove, a tiny house community for veterans, and Tunnel to Towers, another housing facility for veterans slated for construction.

Eden Village plans to build 400-square-foot units that include a bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen. Units will offer long-term housing.

Additionally, Eden Village will provide access to other resource providers to address issues such as mental health and substance abuse.

“If we can get them into a house, we can work on everything else,” said Robert Lawson, an Eden Village board member. “So if we start with the house that’s affordable and that’s safe, we can take care of all of those other issues.”

People will need to apply to be considered for a home in Eden Village and are expected to pay $300 in rent each month.

Council member Crystal Davis expressed concern over the cost of rent, saying that she believes some unhoused people won’t be able to afford it.

However, Khary Lane, board president of Eden Village, said that, from his understanding, many unhoused people receive disability and Social Security benefits and have access to housing vouchers.

Despite her concern, Davis, along with all other council members, voted in favor of the project.

Additionally, council approved the city’s submission of a grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program Nonmotorized Trail Grant Program for $150,000. The grant, which the city applied for in partnership with the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, would help CAGA relocate part of the Greenbelt in South Harrisburg.

A section of the Greenbelt has been detoured and will need to be permanently rerouted due to the three tiny home construction projects in the area near the PennDOT building.

CAGA has proposed rerouting the Greenbelt to turn onto Sycamore Street from S. Front Street, just before the PennDOT building. The trail would then follow Sycamore over the railroad tracks and veer right through one of two privately owned lots, before Cameron Street, and then connect with the current trail near Shanois Street.

CAGA has not yet reached agreements with land owners and so they will conduct the relocation in two phases, said Doug Hill, CAGA president. The first phase will cover the Greenbelt move up until it would enter private property and is estimated to cost $1.2 million. Additional money will come from other grants and CAGA funds.

Hill said that CAGA has already spoken to neighboring Greenbelt businesses and communities about the move and plans to complete outreach to the broader community, as well.

For more information about Eden Village of Harrisburg, visit their website. To learn more about the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, visit their website.

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Harrisburg to ramp up codes enforcement at downtown apartment building, as some tenants lack hot water

March 24, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harmony Tower, 322 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg

Harrisburg is taking further action to penalize the owner of a neglected downtown apartment building.

The city on Monday shared, in a press release, that it would increase the number of code citations it issues Harmony Tower, which they said has left some tenants without access to hot water.

The hot water issues began several months ago and has affected dozens of apartment units, including those that house elderly and medically compromised residents, said Mischelle Moyer, Harrisburg’s director of communications.

“This is outrageous,” said Mayor Wanda Williams, in a statement. “The City of Harrisburg will not tolerate this kind of blatant neglect, especially when it comes to the wellbeing of our senior citizens. No more delays. No more excuses.”

According to the city, officials have issued a handful of previous citations and warnings to the building’s owner, Texas-based Lynd Management. However, some tenants still don’t have reliable access to hot water, the city said.

Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter has directed the city’s codes department to begin issuing fines tomorrow for every apartment at Harmony Tower that does not have hot water, according to the city.

“There are senior citizens living in those apartments who cannot shower or even wash their hands. This is absolutely unacceptable after four months of waiting,” Carter said.

The city said that their codes enforcement team will be on-site at the apartment building throughout this week to check each unit for hot water in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room.

Harmony Tower is currently under receivership, with Brad Kyles as the appointed receiver.

Rich Kinney, Lynd’s regional manager based in Arkansas, has said that the company is awaiting approval of a $58,000 loan to complete repairs, Moyer stated.

A representative of Harmony Tower could not immediately be reached for comment.

“This community deserves better,” Williams said. “No resident of Harrisburg should be forced to live in conditions like this—not on our watch. The city will use every tool available to ensure that Lynd Management fulfills its legal and moral obligations to the people who live here.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 21, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Local officials held a press conference at the state Capitol to speak out against the detainment of local refugees.

It is officially spring, and we couldn’t be more excited for the sunnier days. If you find yourself out and about more, check out one of the many local businesses that distribute TheBurg. Patronize a local shop, while grabbing your favorite publication—it’s a win, win! While you’re here, catch up on our news coverage from the week, below.

The Charles Bruce Foundation in Carlisle assists musicians and artists by giving them work opportunities. In our magazine story, find out more about how the organization supports creatives by offering them gigs at local nonprofit events and completing projects for its nonprofit publishing house.

Dauphin County and other local officials spoke out against the detainment of five county residents, refugees, by ICE, our online story reported. The federal agency detained several members of the Bhutanese refugee community.

Gamut Theatre’s production of “Frankenstein” runs through March 30. Our reviewer shares her thoughts on the “slow-burn, gothic horror devised to both thrill and repulse you.”

Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC President Ryan Unger encourages the community to talk positively about Harrisburg, in a column. “Stop apologizing for Harrisburg,” he says.

Harrisburg State Hospital will be repurposed by the commonwealth into laboratory space for several state departments. Find out more about the plans, as well as the history of the hospital complex, here.

Lent offers the perfect chance to try a new pasta recipe. In her column, Rosemary offers a suggestion for trying baked ditalini.

Mount Everest Nepali and Indian Cuisine recently opened in Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. The restaurant fills a gap, bringing south Asian cuisine back to the city.

PennDOT shared that its plans for a Derry Street Bridge replacement project are now available for the public to view, our online story reported. The project will include replacing the bridge structure and making updates.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup highlights all of the happenings in and around Harrisburg this weekend.

UPMC Health Plan celebrated the first graduating class of its Dauphin County Freedom House Foundation training program, our online story reported. The initiative provides a free five-week course to students interested in the healthcare field.

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

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PennDOT opens Derry Street Bridge project plans to the public for comment

March 21, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

PennDOT’s Derry Street Bridge project map.

The community is invited to give its input on an upcoming bridge construction project.

PennDOT on Friday announced that its plans for a Derry Street Bridge Rehabilitation project are now available to view and comment on.

The proposed project will rehab the bridge (Route 3012), which carries Derry Street over Spring Creek between Wilhelm Road and Rosewood Lane in Swatara Township and Paxtang Borough. PennDOT will replace bridge beams, the bridge deck, repair the northeast wing wall and rehabilitate the abutments.

During most of the construction, both lanes of traffic will be maintained for motorists, as PennDOT plans to construct the bridge in half-widths. However, the full bridge will be closed for up to four weeks, while beams are removed and installed.

Truck traffic will be detoured during construction, due to narrow lanes.

Additionally, PennDOT may make updates to signage, pavement markings, drainage and traffic calming measures during construction.

The project is in the design phase. Construction is expected to take place in the 2027 and 2028 seasons and last 12 to 18 months.

Plans are available to view online through April 22 and viewers can provide input on a comment form. Hard copy plans are also available to view at the Swatara Township and Paxtang Borough municipal buildings.

For bridge plans and the comment form, visit PennDOT’s website.

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County, state officials speak out against ICE detainment of Harrisburg-area Bhutanese refugees

March 18, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas, along with other officials, spoke at a press conference in the PA state Capitol building.

Federal immigration policies are hitting especially close to home, as several Harrisburg-area refugees are being detained and held.

Local county and state officials spoke at a press conference Tuesday to oppose the detainment of five Dauphin County residents, refugees from Bhutan, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to officials, five men, who have legal permanent status and came to the country through the refugee resettlement program, were recently detained by ICE and sent to immigration detention centers, including some out of state.

“It’s amazing how quickly this community has put away their past trauma, started a new life and has contributed in many ways to our region,” said state Sen. Patty Kim. “We are lucky to have them. All this to say, it is an affront when we learned that folks with legal status were picked up by ICE and federal officials think that they can just send them back to Bhutan.”

The residents, all of whom live in the greater Harrisburg area, came to the U.S. after being forcefully evicted from their home country. Officials said that when the federal government attempted to deport them, Bhutan would not accept them. Currently, officials believe that they are being detained and have no information about what will happen next, including if they will be deported, and where to.

“Five individuals who have their family, who have their children, wives, parents here, have just been picked up without reason,” said Tilak Niroula, board chair of the Bhutanese Community Group in Harrisburg. “These are permanent residents. We were forcefully evicted from Bhutan; we do not have a country. Deportation is not an option for the Bhutanese American.”

Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas, who organized the press conference at the state Capitol building, said that he has contacted the governor’s office and state representatives to advocate for the residents.

“This is not just a policy issue. It’s a human issue and today is about standing together in solidarity and making our collective voices heard,” Douglas said.

Niroula said that he heard from families in the community about the ICE raids, many sharing that they were not given a reason for detainment.

According to county officials, as far as they can tell, they didn’t believe that any of the detained residents had felony charges, although some may have had minor past criminal charges.

However, whatever the case may be, officials said that the residents deserve a fair process.

“If there are legal concerns, we have a court system; we have something called due process,” Douglas said. “But what we’re seeing isn’t about justice, it’s about fear. It’s about sending a message to a community that’s already vulnerable. Is this really about public safety, or is this simply a scare tactic, I would ask.”

Douglas said that in central PA, there are around 50,000 Bhutanese residents. He believes that the five detainees in the county, were the first to be arrested in the commonwealth. Additionally, he knows of one Cumberland County resident who was detained, as well.

While the county and state don’t wield the power that the federal government has when it comes to immigration matters, Douglas said that there are ways that the county could limit cooperation with ICE, if needed.

“We don’t have any obligation to collaborate with them,” he said.

Tika Dhungana of Harrisburg is a friend of several of the affected families and attended the press conference to speak out against the federal government’s actions.

“We are very afraid,” he said. “If these people are deported somewhere, they may not see their children; they may not see their parents; and they may not speak the language if they are deported somewhere else.”

Dhungana said that some of the families have been in the United States for over a decade.

“This is completely unacceptable,” said state Rep. Justin Fleming (D-105). “This policy seems reckless. This policy is absolutely destructive to families.”

Officials encouraged concerned community members to advocate for immigrants by contacting federal officials and local representatives.

“I’m calling on them [officials] to stand with these five men and honor the promise that we made as America to them and bring them back home to Dauphin County to be reunited with their families,” Douglas said.

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