Adventure Together: Soak in the last bit of summer with nearby nature and animal excursions

July 30, 2024 | by Natalie diSanto

That Pet Place

August can be an oppressive month weatherwise, but it’s also one of impending change. Some kids may be itching to get back to their friends, favorite teachers and the glory of the next grade level, while others may cling to summer with tightly clenched fists. Whether you choose to embrace the heat or escape into air conditioning, the possibilities to stay entertained before summer comes to a close are endless.

Little Buffalo State Park boasts a trifecta of opportunity to stay cool, with a creek, lake and swimming pool. A stream winds along gorgeous paths nearly glowing with ferns, moss, vines and other greenery. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see some fungus larger than your head! The Covered Bridge Trail connects with a playground after 0.25 miles, so it’s an easy option for a low-impact nature excursion. The 88-acre lake is wonderful for kayaking or boating. Anglers of all ages can enjoy catch-of-the-day opportunities like largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and yellow perch, though fishing regulations apply. The Little Buffalo pool has a $6 fee per swimmer. However, The Blue Ball Trail runs along a creek with multiple free access points to wade in and splash.

If you and your family are animal lovers, check out the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA). Located in Grantville, they offer an atmosphere of support, respect and health for those who can benefit from time spent with animals. They need volunteers to help care for animals, including horses, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens and alpacas, as well as help maintaining their garden. Volunteers aged 13 and older are welcome, though children under 13 can volunteer with a guardian.

For an indoor excursion, That Fish/Pet Place in Lancaster has air conditioning and offers 88,000 square feet of animal experiences. Patrons can interact with hamsters and rabbits or admire beautiful birds as they chirp and sing. Turtles, frogs, lizards and more populate the reptile and amphibian section of the store. Kids will love the hide-and-seek games that these cold-blooded creatures play. The marine area includes far more than just traditional goldfish, as walls swim with fresh and saltwater fish sparkling beneath aquarium lights. While jumping in the water with these beauties sadly isn’t an option, there is a touch-tank where folks of all ages can pet stingrays. That Fish/Pet Place offers hours of entertainment and education as well as a respite from the heat.

Even though the days are long, summer passes quickly. Maybe it’s because this season is when it’s most fun to be outside, when hours spent playing, laughing and exploring dissolve into minutes. Though summer is nearing its finale, these magical moments are ours to hold, to keep us warm through the seasons to follow.

To find out more about Little Buffalo State Park, visit www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/LittleBuffaloStatePark.

Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association is located at 168 Station Rd., Grantville. For more information, visit www.catra.net.

That Fish/Pet Place is located at 237 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. For more information, visit www.thatpetplace.com.

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

Tail-blazers: Facility dog Kaia paved way for enduring care program at Penn State Health

July 30, 2024 | by Rachel Curry

Baron with a patient

In her first week of work at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center about eight years ago, Kaia—a golden retriever—showed a 5-year-old boy in the radiology unit how to endure a CT scan with a brave face.

“I cried. The physician cried. The parents were so happy that it was done, and we didn’t have to come back then with him going under anesthesia,” said Ashley Kane, manager of the Child Life Program at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, who oversees the facility dog program and was Kaia’s primary handler.

Within a matter of days, Kaia, the first facility dog in the program, proved just how valuable she was to the team.

In June, nearly eight years after her first shift and a few months ahead of a planned retirement, Kaia unexpectedly died.

“Since Kaia’s passing, I have learned that her impact and scope of her reach was far greater than I ever realized,” Kane said. “Kaia broke down barriers and loved everyone she met unconditionally.”

Despite this tragic loss, Kaia paved the way for five other full-time facility dogs to start a career at Hershey Medical Center, each one having their own specialty on campus.

Skye, whose primary handler is Kelly Fuddy, staff care chaplain for Penn State Health, is one such working dog. The chaplains were added in 2022 to assist with the growing distress experienced among healthcare staff.

“We reserve Skye’s energy and compassion for caring for our staff,” Fuddy said, recognizing the myriad stressors associated with healthcare, including exposure to trauma, grief and moral distress. “Skye sometimes takes it upon herself in a debriefing or meeting to jump up on a chair next to someone she thinks needs some TLC.”

Another facility dog, Pilot, tends to patients in pediatric surgery and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Captain focuses on helping young kids at the orthopedics and neurophysiology pediatric specialty clinics. Thor works with adult patients in acute care and inpatients at Penn State Cancer Institute, often helping them maintain strength by walking around the halls with them. Baron’s main stomping ground is the pediatric inpatient oncology and hematology unit.

In her work with children in the pediatric radiology and radiation oncology units, Kaia often jumped on tables to show patients how to go about a certain procedure or exam without debilitating fear. Patients could hold her leash, pet her or simply feel comfort knowing she was around or—in the case of instances like X-rays, during which no one can be in the room with them—just outside of the door waiting for them to finish. The hardest part of her job may have been helping families and patients in end-of-life care.

Thor

This hard work explains the need for rest and decompression in a working facility dog’s day. Just like pets at home, these dogs get plenty of rest during their time at the hospital. While I talked to Kane just prior to Kaia’s death, Kaia slept under her desk for the entirety of the conversation.

“They need that rest to be able to absorb all the emotions that people are feeling,” Kane said.

Playtime, too, is important. The dogs often meet up at noon in a secure play area, where their handlers remove their vests, and they enjoy time with their colleagues. At home, they’re just pets, some with canine siblings who are full-time pets—though they do enjoy extra baths to keep clean for a medical environment.

People need rest, too, but getting out of the working mindset can be hard for staff at Penn State Health. That’s one of the ways Skye comes in handy.

“Skye can reach staff in emotional moments in a way we humans are more limited,” said Fuddy. “Sometimes, people don’t want to stop to talk, but Skye gives them a great excuse to stop, smile and step away for a moment.”

The chaplain team seeks to help staff in three key areas: crisis response, residual distress and resilience making. Skye is part of this endeavor, too. She visits some units monthly for so-called “cuddle huddles,” where team members can process difficult cases and let go of that weight.

In an anonymous impact survey, one staff member wrote about Skye, “Skye came to debrief with the nurses on my floor the day after we sent a child into foster care whom we had become really close with over his six-month admission. A handful of us felt very conflicted about decisions made on his behalf. We loved him dearly, but his care was driving us into burnout. I honestly did not feel like talking about anything. I was just ethically drained. I personally felt regulated just sitting and hugging little Skye. Sometimes, we need to talk through things, and sometimes this is all we need.”

On the patient care side, Kane said that her career has been amplified with the experience of serving as Kaia’s primary handler.

Kaia’s first day

“The loss of Kaia has only helped to strengthen our commitment to our facility dog program with our existing five full-time facility dogs and their handler teams as we realize their purpose and impact,” Kane said. “And as we had planned prior to Kaia’s death, we will continue to thoughtfully grow our facility dog program over time.”

To learn more, visit www.pennstatehealth.org/childrens/your-visit/support-services/facility-dog-program, and you can follow the facility dogs on Instagram at @pennstatehealthpups.

Photos courtesy of Penn State Health.

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

50 Years Race By: Harrisburg Area Road Runners celebrate half a century and many miles

July 30, 2024 | by Alex J. Hayes

A large crowd poses for a photo on Harrisburg’s City Island in June before running two miles to celebrate Harrisburg Area Road Runners’ 50th Anniversary.

Several dozen friends gathered on a Saturday morning in June to celebrate many miles, lots of T-shirts, a few injuries and special friendships.

In a time when many social organizations are struggling, the Harrisburg Area Road Runners Club (HARRC) is marking 50 years of helping residents of the capital region become the best versions of themselves through physical fitness and socialization.

The group also inducted its inaugural Hall of Fame class: Rick Blood, Carroll Myers, Walt Greene, Nick Marshall and Park Barner.

Greene, a founding club member, began running in 1966 while stationed with the Navy in Seoul, South Korea.

“My uniforms were showing every bit of my 160 pounds, which I attributed to little or no exercise,” he said.

Running for sport was in its infancy in the 1970s, but Greene and a few other marathoners saw a need to gather like-minded people to push each other to improve their times. Marshall was elected HARRC’s first president.

They hosted a race every Sunday that didn’t collect entry fees or distribute awards. The Harrisburg Patriot-News published the results weekly, and participation grew. Carroll Myers was one of the club’s earliest members.

Myers attended Dover Area High School before Title IX required schools to offer girls the same opportunities as boys. She was forbidden to train with the boys’ team in high school and ran with the men’s team at Lock Haven University.

In 1975, she had never run more than eight miles non-stop but registered for the Harrisburg Marathon on a bet. Her supposed running buddies dropped out early. She finished and was hooked on the sport. Running professionally for Adidas took Myers to many different cities, but her favorite marathon was always back home.

“I always loved making HARRC proud of their course and a well-organized race,” she said. “Big cities had nothing on Harrisburg.”

HARRC welcomed newbies such as Myers and professional runners like Park Barner. Known as “the human metronome,” Barner ran ultramarathons across America while remaining loyal to his beloved Harrisburg. He certified the course’s length in the first several years of the Harrisburg Marathon and ran in every race.

The American Ultrarunning Association considers Barner to be the first celebrity ultrarunner, a title he never sought nor embraced. Always keeping his eyes on the road, he even turned down an invitation to appear on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” because he preferred to use his vacation days for road races.

Rick Blood learned about HARRC in 1975 when his father read about it in the newspaper. His father was not a runner but joined his son—then a high school sophomore—on Sunday mornings. The welcoming group recruited him to become a race director and timer, and his son still cherishes several of the stopwatches he used.

“I’m very thankful for the people I got to meet and become friends with because of my association with HARRC,” Blood said. “I can also attribute a lot of my development as a distance runner to the road runners club.”

That One Thread

As HARRC grew and friendships formed, the original members always made room in their pack for newbies. Brad Colwell joined in 1985.

“That was back when runners wore blue jeans and basketball sneakers,” he said, while watching more modernly dressed athletes cross the finish line at HARRC’s 50th anniversary run.

The group has evolved over the years, Colwell said. In the early years, HARRC runners were more focused on their times.

“Our way of socializing was trying to beat the guy in front of you,” he said.

The regular Sunday runs are also a thing of the past as today’s runners use Facebook to organize outings that fit various schedules.

Colwell served as HARRC president for several years and was a member of the Hall of Fame selection committee.

“I got so much from this running community,” he said. “I just wanted to give back.”

As he watched his five friends receive their honors, Colwell remembered runners he had said goodbye to, especially Gary Grobman, who died in August 2023. HARRC named Grobman male “Runner of the Year” three times. He competed in nine Boston Marathons and was at the finish line in 2013 when bombs exploded on Boylston Street.

The HARRC Hall of Fame was Grobman’s idea, and Colwell and others were honored to carry out their friends’ wishes.

Those who were in focus at the HARRC 50th anniversary celebration now have gray hair and wobbly knees and can spend many hours sharing stories of the club’s past. That group is also excited about the future, which is in the hands of current President Kelly Waltman. She joined HARRC about 10 years ago for many of the same reasons as her predecessors—she was searching for community. HARRC has kept her motivated, accountable and social. She encourages runners of all abilities to join the club and reap the benefits so many others have for half a century.

“Sometimes, there is no better feeling than after you have gone for a run, even if it didn’t go how you thought it would be,” she said.

HARRC members often also run with other groups such as Harrisburg River Runners, Harrisburg Beer Runners, Fleet Feet Running Club and Appalachian Running Club. Waltman enjoys those groups but is honored to be at the helm of the one that started it all.

“HARRC has been that one thread through the running community for 50 years,” she said.

Harrisburg Area Road Runners Club runs are open to runners of all ages and abilities. To learn more, visit www.harrc.org.

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

Give & Grow: Introducing kids to volunteering can help them learn importance of service, while boosting their confidence

July 30, 2024 | by Gina Napoli

Five years ago, Harrisburg resident Kim Hutnik coordinated a butterfly release through the local nonprofit where she then worked.

Her 10-year-old daughter filed in with the adult volunteers, helping to set up and distribute live butterflies. She loved it and wanted to help with butterfly releases in the following years. As she grew, her parents found other local volunteer opportunities.

“It seemed like a fun, educational option where she would be helping others,” Hutnik said.

While 10 years old felt like the right age for Hutnik to begin instilling a sense of civic-mindedness into her daughter, the right age depends on your child, said Heidi Neuhaus, director of the Volunteer Center at United Way of the Capital Region. One local nonprofit accepts volunteers as young as age 5, with parental supervision.

“There are jobs easy enough for young kids to do,” Neuhaus said. “Find something you can do together as a family.”

Acknowledging that some tasks may be unglamorous, Neuhaus recommends preparing your child by describing the task and goal and who it benefits, whether directly or indirectly. Connect their act of sweeping the floor or picking up trash to the overall mission of the nonprofit. It’s also important to share with kids the needs of the community—that certain tasks are needed, even if they’re not exciting or a preferred choice

“Picking up trash is always a huge need,” Neuhaus said.

Very young kids can be asked to donate toys they don’t need anymore, which is a powerful way to get them involved.

Some jobs are always more popular than others, such as working with animals or volunteering with friends. Kids enjoy volunteering for many of the same reasons that adults do: to meet people, make friends and maintain a sense of community.

“It’s more about who they’re with than the job they’re doing,” Neuhaus said.

In addition to passing down her values to her daughter, Hutnik believes that volunteering is a great way to prepare young teens for future employment and to teach them to interact with others outside of their regular groups.

“It gets them out of their comfort zones and helps them become comfortable working with others,” she said. “Depending on the opportunity, kids develop a sense of empathy as they work with others who may come from different backgrounds, family situations, circumstances, etc.”

A Lot to Offer

Along with developing kids’ self-esteem, self-confidence and community-mindedness, Neuhaus believes that fostering empathy is the biggest benefit of volunteer work.

“We want the best for our kids,” she said. “We want to shelter them. It’s eye-opening when they understand not everyone is as well-positioned in life as they are. They can see some of the problems their classmates are dealing with.”

Enter those rare volunteer opportunities that serve as a mentorship outreach program to their volunteers, without necessarily labeling it as that.

Bountiful Blessings, a faith-based nonprofit, offers volunteering opportunities at a farm in Mechanicsburg, purposefully enriching volunteers with skills to help them succeed in life. President Terry Orendi focuses on working with autistic teens and adults, youth with court-ordered community service hours and young adults transitioning out of foster care post-high school.

Whether volunteers do farm chores, crush aluminum cans or disassemble electronics for sellable scrap, the model “has been successful,” Orendi said.

“Kids look forward to it, and some have stayed on past their assigned time,” she said. “They’re all at different states and different capabilities.”

Drawing from 27 years of anecdotal evidence, Neuhaus believes that, if you ever need help yourself, you would be more willing to reach out if you’ve volunteered in the past.

“Children learn they are part of a community that cares,” she said. “They learn helping others is a good thing that can enrich your life.”

Young people who volunteer at Bountiful Blessings often suffer from anxiety and depression, stemming from issues at home, Orendi explained.

“For our kids who have been tossed around a lot, we help to build trust and confidence,” she said. “Once trust has been lost, it’s hard to rebuild.”

With an emphasis on Christian values, mentors help kids to feel safe trusting again.

“We’re not counselors,” Orendi said. During the normal course of doing chores, “we talk, play music, and we let everyone grow where they’re at. We’re not doing anything special beyond being there for them. We’re a listening ear. All they want is a listener.”

Hutnik has held volunteer coordinator positions in five local area nonprofits over the years and knows how priceless volunteers of any age can be. She has also seen how her own daughter has come out of her shell through volunteering, growing from a shy child into an outgoing and confident high schooler.

“I think most organizations don’t consider teenage volunteers because they don’t want to ‘babysit’ them while they do their assigned job. But with a little supervision and support, teens can do a lot more than most realize, and the experience benefits everyone,” Hutnik said. “Teenagers have a lot to offer and a lot to gain from helping others.”

For more information about United Way of the Capital Region and its volunteer opportunities, visit www.uwcr.org/volunteer.

To find out more about Bountiful Blessings Inc., visit www.bountifulblessingsinc.org.

For additional local volunteer opportunities, visit www.greatnonprofits.org or www.volunteermatch.org.

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

Musical Notes: Hot Picks for August

July 30, 2024 | by Skye Leppo

This summer’s been too dang hot to leave the house much (at least we have a new season of “The Bear” to binge, right? Send me a DM to let me know what your favorite track from the season three soundtrack is). I will put in a humble plug for the Susquehanna Folk Festival, though, as I was honored to be a part of the selection panel for contestants performing at the Emerging Artist Showcase on Aug. 10 at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. The event is going to feature some truly amazing talent on the stage, and being a part of this committee was a great reminder to get the heck out there and support your local music scene. Here are some shows worth abandoning your air conditioner for.

DELIGHTFUL DISCOVERY

8/3, Harrisburg University Presents Arlo Parks, XL Live

If you want to have a lovely evening and leave with a very cool “I knew her when” story, you should plan to see singer-songwriter Arlo Parks when she plays XL Live (I would 10,000% be there if it weren’t the same weekend as my best girl’s wedding). Parks’ 2021 debut album, “Collapsed in Sunbeams,” is a joy to listen to. There is a brightness in her delivery, even through sometimes heady and melancholic lyrics, and a real unpredictability to her melodies that create such a beautiful surprise in every song. Highly recommend starting with “Black Dog” and “Eugene” from “Collapsed” or “Weightless” and “Devotion” from 2023’s “My Soft Machine.” Please give her a shot. I promise you won’t regret it.

DANCE FLOOR THERAPY

8/24, Pitbull, Hersheypark Stadium

Mr. Worldwide, Mr. 305—Pitbull’s got a lot of nicknames, but, after catching his 2022 concert in Hershey, I’d also like to add motivational speaker to the mix. His setlist was nothing but bangers, with club hits from “Timber,” “On The Floor,” “Fireball,” “Give Me Everything,” “Hotel Room Service” and so much more. The entire time was a blast, transporting the tens of thousands of fans in attendance right back to their favorite memories on the dance floor. Pitbull has an excellent way with words and a production script that segues his thumping hits from song to song with encouragement and positive vibes the whole way through. It makes for a night as energetic and fun as it is uplifting.

ALBUM RELEASE

8/24, YAM YAM with Muscle Tough, The Abbey Bar

Harrisburg’s sauciest live act, YAM YAM, is celebrating its third album, “slurp slurp,” with an album release show at The Abbey Bar this month with support from Muscle Tough. The jammy jazz/funk group has been inviting audiences all over the midstate to get down and groove with them for nearly a decade, and this communion between local live music lovers and the ‘Yams is sure to be a great night.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

8/3, New Kids on the Block, Hersheypark Stadium

8/9-8/11, Susquehanna Folk Festival, Appell Center for the Performing Arts

8/10, Green Day, Hersheypark Stadium

8/16, Tophouse, The Abbey Bar

8/18, Harrisburg University Presents Brothers Osborne, Riverfront Park

8/21, Joe Bonamassa, Hershey Theatre

8/23, Boys Of Fall, H*MAC

8/29, Daniel Donato, XL Live

8/30, Coheed and Cambria, XL Live

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

Unhappy Campers: Uncomfortable truths eke out in “Good One”

July 30, 2024 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photo courtesy of Metrograph.

It is always refreshing to see a debut director so deftly grab the bull by the horns, but India Donaldson’s “Good One” has turned out to be something even more encouraging.

From the flaws of the supporting characters and the initial trust of the protagonist, this quiet, seemingly lollygagging film is a masterclass in blurred expectations, ego trips and the breaking and retaliation of a youth’s innocence. All in a weekend through-hike, to boot.

Seventeen-year-old Sam (Lily Collias) is hiking with her dad, Chris (James Le Gros), and his oldest friend, Matt (Danny McCarthy). It’s an odd group for a camping trip, as apparently the absence of one person can shift the dynamic entirely—Matt’s son has refused to come due to some family issues (We later learn why he doesn’t want to spend time with his father, when Matt makes his sadness everyone’s problem).

While it is clear that Chris and Matt have known each other for ages, the way they bicker and poke fun gives the impression that they may not fully like each other as they once did. And poor Sam is along for the ride, her attention partially divided by a group text with her friends back home and observing the chaos that Chris and Matt bring to the trip.

Sam is a good kid and quickly adopts the role of an adult essentially taking care of two kids in the woods. She cooks the meals, she cleans the dishes, and she therapizes Matt when he complains about his life. She quietly admonishes her father when he’s rude to his friend. Chris and Matt may have adult accomplishments ascribed to their name such as marriage, kids and divorce, but, at present, any responsibility they take is really just a claim of superiority over the other. Probably the only responsible thing that Chris does throughout the entire story is yell at his friend for having done something to potentially attract a bear, though his protective qualities end there, it seems.

The film is worth watching simply for the subtlety Donaldson works into every scene, though there is plenty more to applaud in this directorial debut (all three of the leading cast do such an excellent job, but Collias’ minute yet bold performance needs to be commended). Donaldson really makes you want to like the older characters for as long as possible. Chris and Matt are funny, and they’re comfortable with each other, and we tend to root for that. It takes a bit to click into place that this is actually intentional, but once you begin to notice, their selfish natures come shining through, leaving Sam to grapple with some uncomfortable truths. Her arc is fascinating as she slowly comes to grips with the entire experience, leaving us with a bleak yet hyper-realistic ending that will churn in your mind well after the credits roll. The fact that Sam throws out one last attempt at the end to claim her role as the child in the group is not lost on this reviewer.

The story moves at a very slow rate, but the payoff in the end is satisfying, if not simultaneously frustrating, and worth it. This is definitely a film you’ll want to sink your teeth into, and there are multiple facets of the story to chew on. “Good Ones” will play at Midtown Cinema this August. Do yourself a favor and give it a watch.

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

August Events At Midtown Cinema

Late Night Frights
“House of 1000 Corpses” (2003)
Friday, Aug. 2 at 9:30 p.m.

“The Funhouse” (1981)
Friday, Aug. 23 at 9:30 p.m.

“Audition” (1999)
Friday, Aug. 30 at 9:30 p.m.

National Theatre Live
“King Lear”
Sunday, Aug. 4 at 4 p.m.

“Fleabag”
Sunday, Aug. 11 at 5 p.m.

“Vanya”
Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.

“Hamlet:
Sunday, Aug. 18 at noon

“Nye”
Sunday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m.

Down in Front! Presents
“Tiptoes” (2003)
Friday, Aug. 9 at 9:30 p.m.

Sunday Docs
“My Octopus Teacher” (2020)
Sunday, Aug. 11 at noon

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Akira” (1988)
Friday, Aug. 16 at 9:30 p.m.

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

Talk of the Town: What’s on your mind, Harrisburg?

July 30, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

At TheBurg, we’ve been having conversations. Allow me to explain.

For the past few months, we’ve been on a community listening tour, holding brief, one-on-one interviews with Harrisburg-area residents, asking them about the community and about TheBurg.

Full disclosure: These conversations are part of our “homework.”

We’ve been taking an intensive course on how to support local news through greater fundraising/philanthropy. Our listening tour is part of that course and is based upon four major questions, listed below.

I’ve found these conversations to be fascinating, so I thought I’d share some of the results with you. These talks are off the record, but I believe that I can reveal general responses without betraying any confidences.

Question 1: What are some issues affecting the community? What’s not being covered enough?

For this first question, people answered based upon how they defined “community.” Some defined it as the greater Harrisburg area, some as the city itself. Others talked about a particular neighborhood or interest group or profession.

But one thing was common. However folks defined “community,” they wanted us to cover it more. In many cases, they told us honestly of their community’s challenges and hoped we could address those with greater frequency and depth. They also wanted more coverage of people, issues, trends and triumphs.

They talked of the need to revive downtown, boost tourism, put empty storefronts back into use. They spoke of improving Harrisburg’s schools, addressing parking concerns and strengthening the city’s cultural assets.

During these conversations, we appreciated that people seemed to understand our constraints—how small we are in terms of staff and budget. And that opened up the conversation as to why we were taking this rigorous class, so that, ultimately, we could raise money to add staff and cover more of these important community stories.

Question 2: Where do people in these communities get information now?

I found responses to this question to be both affirming—and dispiriting.

On the upside, most people cited TheBurg as an important source of community news—and I don’t think they were just trying to make us feel good. On the downside, nearly everyone interviewed said that their community, however defined, relied, to some extent, on social media for news.

I say “downside” because, whatever social media is, it certainly is not a news platform. It’s a place for gossip, opinions, pictures, cat videos and, as it was originally built, a way to keep up with family and friends. It does these things reasonably well. But it was never designed for news and, therefore, is profoundly unreliable as a news service.

Some of our interview subjects said as much, expressing worry that social media had too great of an influence on people. A few complimented TheBurg for trying to foster community but added that social media often had the opposite effect, spreading disinformation and division.

“I would like to see more information on how to achieve better-functioning neighborhoods that are more peaceful and livable,” said one respondent, who was especially critical of the impact of social media on the health of our community.

Like many news outlets, TheBurg uses social media to spread the word that we’ve published a story, but it’s a total crapshoot whether you’ll ever see that story in your social media feed. Therefore, I urge all our readers to bookmark our website or sign up for our daily emails—or both—so you can read all our reporting, not dependent upon social media as an unreliable, uncaring intermediary.

Question 3: What would be a meaningful outcome for this community?

One word: more.

Our interviewees wanted more breaking news, more coverage of disadvantaged communities, more arts coverage, more local economic coverage. They’d like to see more stories on health care, housing, small business, gun violence. They want local media to focus more on solutions than problems.

Interestingly, at least to me, not a single person mentioned wanting more stories on local politics or government. I guess we have that covered?

Question 4: What are we doing well? What can we improve on?

We were complimented for our overall product—our reporting, our reach, our aesthetic—but also for our presence in and concern for the Harrisburg community.

If there’s one overarching complaint, it’s this: people seem to want more of us—more frequency, more pages, more coverage. Sure, I know that sounds like one of those problems that really isn’t a problem—like when someone in a job interview says that their greatest weakness is that they work too hard.

Nonetheless, we are happy to oblige. We realize that there’s more demand for TheBurg than supply, whether that’s reporting resources, magazine copies, distribution locations, whatever. We’re short on all these things.

That’s why we’re taking this course on how to support local news through fundraising. With the support of the generous Harrisburg community, we hope to raise enough money to increase our coverage, publish more stories, print more copies, extend our reach, all to better serve this worthy community.

Lawrance Binda is the publisher and editor of TheBurg. Tell him about the issues affecting your community by emailing him at [email protected]. If we get enough responses, we’ll share them online.

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

Community Corner: Notable August Events

July 30, 2024 | by Missy Smith

Patio Parties
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Join Central Penn College, 600 Valley Rd., Summerdale, for its free family-friendly live music and food truck series, “Party on the Patio,” every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. through Oct. 10. The events feature live music by local performers, food trucks and patio games. www.centralpenn.edu

Visit The Bower
Aug. 1-31: The Bower, 1190 Bower Rd., Shermans Dale, is open by appointment through mid-October for visits, featuring 36 acres of varied native habitats with 12 sculptures featured throughout. Each month’s scheduling calendar is posted one month in advance on the “visit” page of their website. www.thegardenbower.com

Book Sale
Aug. 2-6: Hershey Public Library will hold its Friends Annual Summer Book Sale at 701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey. On Aug. 2, there will be a book sale preview for members of the Friends of the Hershey Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m. www.hersheylibrary.org

Sunset Series
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23: Dauphin County Parks and Recreation hosts an outdoor Sunset Music and Movie Series at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Performances start at 7 p.m., movies begin at 8:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or grab refreshments from the concession stand. www.forthunter.org

Mystery Conference
Aug. 3: Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop hosts a “Mystery Conference” at 125 E. Main St., Shiremanstown, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hear authors speak, enjoy author roundabouts and have books signed. Tickets are $30 per person. www.mysterybooksonline.com

Community Day
Aug. 3: Join the Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta for a Community Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Soldier’s Grove in the state Capitol Complex. The whole family can enjoy games, face painting, health screenings, educational resources and food trucks. Stock up on school supplies with free book bags and register to vote. www.dstharrisburg.org

HBG Flea
Aug. 3: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Home Tour
Aug. 3: Enjoy the architecture and style of Mt. Gretna’s iconic homes at the annual Mt. Gretna Tour of Homes and Gardens, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a self-guided walking tour to get a glimpse inside unique cottages, homes, historic buildings and gardens. www.gretnamusic.org

Art Soiree
Aug. 3: Art Association of Harrisburg hosts the “Manor on Front Soiree” at the home of Mark and Sheri Bennington, 2917 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 5 to 8 p.m., with featured artists Jonathan Frazier, Paul Gallo, Julie Riker, Steve Wetzel and Robert Nulph. Enjoy live music by Noah Spangler Jazz Quartet. www.artassocofhbg.com

Book Sales
Aug. 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, across the shared parking lot from the library. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Sousa Concert
Aug. 4: The Carlisle Town Band will host the 36th annual Grand Sousa Concert at the Carlisle Theatre, 40 W. High St., 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of music in the iconic style of John Philip Sousa. www.carlisleband.org

Garden Camp
Aug. 6: Penn State Master Gardeners of Cumberland County hosts a summer gardening camp series for youth ages 7-12 at the Penn State Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Activities include planting and harvesting, crafts, games and scientific exploration. Cost is $10 per session. www.extension.psu.edu

Group Connection
Aug. 6: Families with children under 5 years in Perry, Dauphin and Cumberland counties are invited to “Scoopin’ Up the Fun,” at Little Buffalo State Park, Pavilion #3, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy ice cream and activities, connect with other local families, and access resources for families in need. www.cactricounty.org

Evening Mixer
Aug. 7: Join West Shore Chamber of Commerce for an evening mixer at Pennoni, 5072 Ritter Rd, Suite 102, Mechanicsburg, 4 to 6 p.m. This free event is open to chamber members and potential members. www.wschamber.org

Kids Workshops
Aug. 8: The Bower, 1190 Bower Rd., Shermans Dale, in collaboration with Dickinson College’s Trout Gallery, offers free summer workshops for kids ages 4-10 who can explore environmental science, art and literature. Theme is “Maps of Where We Live.” Families may pack a picnic. www.thegardenbower.com

Food Rally
Aug. 8: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at 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 and enjoy shopping and special promotions at local businesses. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Golf Open
Aug. 9: Education Foundation of Central Penn College hosts the 53rd annual Golf Open, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rich Valley Golf, 227 Rich Valley Rd., Mechanicsburg. All proceeds benefit student scholarship funds. www.centralpenn.edu

Film Friday
Aug. 9: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “A Sunday in the Country” from France at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to join the library for a film discussion following the film. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Weekender Party
Aug. 9: The Weekender Festival invites you to a free block party at Hall Manor Activity Field, 100 Hall Manor Plaza, Harrisburg, 3 to 9 p.m. This family-friendly celebration of community features live music, food trucks, local and regional performers and activities. Connect with your neighbors and celebrate community. www.weekenderhbg.com

Summer Jazz
Aug. 9: Gretna Music and Central PA Friends of Jazz present a summer jazz concert at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse, 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mt. Gretna. Catch the Charles McPherson Quintet at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., featuring free performances by talented young musicians. www.gretnamusic.org

Folk Festival
Aug. 9-11: Enjoy the Susquehanna Folk Festival at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 50 N. George St., York, with a weekend of folk music, dance and art, featuring numerous folk music performers and bands. www.sfmsfolk.org

Volunteer Day
Aug. 10: 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

Game Day
Aug. 10: Harrisburg Board Game Day will be held for all ages and skill levels to enjoy at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Board, card and role-playing games available, and guests will have chances to win door prizes. Facebook: Harrisburg Board Game Day

Summer Service
Aug. 11: Salem United Church of Christ, 231 Chestnut St., Harrisburg, will host its annual Butterfly Release Service in the garden to the west of the sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. Butterflies are available to order in remembrance of, or in honor of, someone special. salemuccharrisburg.org

Backyard Foraging
Aug. 13: Join naturalists at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 6 to 7:30 p.m., to learn how to identify and utilize edible plants to create delicious summer recipes. Learn how to craft a refreshing drink, a healthy salad and a sweet treat, using foraged ingredients. Cost is $20 per person. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Jazz Party
Aug. 15: Historical Society of Dauphin County hosts “Flowers & All that Jazz—A Jazz Age Lawn Party” at John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy food, dessert, wine, beer, a specialty cocktail, raffles, croquet, live music, flowers, mansion tours, conversation and networking. Tickets start at $65. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Art Soiree
Aug. 16: Art Association of Harrisburg hosts the “Historic Midtown Soiree” co-hosted by David Morrison and Robert Potter, 1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 5 to 8 p.m., with featured artists Craig Bomberger, Thom Kulp, Ron Steficek and Tom Banks. Enjoy live music by Jonathan Frazier. Cost is $45 in advance, $50 at the door. www.artassocofhbg.com

3rd in The Burg
Aug. 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

Sesquicentennial
Aug. 16-18: Shiremanstown celebrates 150 years at its three-day Sesquicentennial Celebration, with live music, historical exhibits, art displays, a parade, food trucks, fireworks display and family-friendly activities. www.shiremanstown150.weebly.com

Chili Cook-Off
Aug. 17: Perry County Literacy Council hosts its annual Perry County Fair Chili Cook-Off, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sample entries and vote for a winner, while supporting adult literacy. Chili enthusiasts can compete for trophies and cash prizes. Find entry and sponsor information online or by calling 717-567-7323. www.perryliteracy.org

Neurodiverse Group
Aug. 17: The Neurodiverse Network hosts a Neurodiverse Adult Support Group, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. This free peer-led group provides a safe space for discussion, resource sharing and mutual support. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Opera in the Park
Aug. 18: Enjoy Harrisburg Opera Association’s annual free concert “Opera in the Park—Icons of Music” at Italian Lake, Harrisburg, 4 p.m. The concert is for music lovers of all ages and will explore music’s impact on culture and the human experience. Bring your own picnic. www.harrisburg-opera.org

Golf Tournament
Aug. 19: Bethesda Mission will host its annual Mission Open Golf Tournament at Colonial Golf and Tennis Club, 4901 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit its alcohol and addiction recovery programs. www.bethesdamission.org

Bella Serata
Aug. 20: Fort Hunter, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, hosts its Bella Serata fundraiser, “Farm to River,” 6 to 8 p.m., with locally sourced, homemade dinner offerings, local beer and wines, live acoustic music and more. www.forthunter.org

Plant Sale
Aug. 22: Manada Conservancy hosts a summer native plant sale at its native plant nursery, within the East Hanover Township Nature Park, 328 N. Crawford Road, Grantville, 5 to 7:30 p.m. www.manada.org

Support Veterans
Aug. 23: Help Veterans Outreach of PA at their fourth annual “Red, White & Blue Scramble” at Manada Golf Course, Grantville, teeing off at 2 p.m. The cost is $100 per golfer and includes a light lunch, dinner and drinks. All proceeds support veterans in need. [email protected]

Run Wild
Aug. 24: Join Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for the fourth annual “Run Wild for Wildwood” 5K & 10K, 8 to 11 a.m. This scenic run/walk will take you on the Wildwood Way Trail around the lake and the Towpath Trail along the PA Canal. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Summer BBQ
Aug. 24: The Valley of Harrisburg & Cigar Lodge #1 host a casual summer barbecue on Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m., at the Harrisburg Consistory, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Enjoy BBQ chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, corn and more, with a cigar smoker on-site. Tickets are required for $20 per person. www.valleyofharrisfburg.org

Mansion Concert
Aug. 24: The Manor on Front, 2917 N. Front St., Harrisburg, will host a Mansion Concert with Tony McManus at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is a $35 recommended donation, but guests are asked to register online. Bring a lawn chair, picnic food and a cold beverage. www.mansionconcert.com

Concert Series
Aug. 25: Harrisburg Young Professionals hosts a free Italian Lake Concert Series concert with Natalie Ness at Italian Lake, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blankets and snacks. www.hyp.org

Kipona
Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Harrisburg’s Kipona festival celebrates its 108th year along the city’s riverfront and on City Island with live music, food trucks, vendors, a beer/wine garden, kids’ activities, a Native American pow-wow and more. The free event runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. www.harrisburgpa.gov/special-events

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

Happenings: Our August Calendar of Events

July 30, 2024 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Vintage Bicycles—Enjoy the Ride,” through Oct. 20

“Professional Vehicles—100 Years of Service,” through Oct. 20

“Ollie’s Bang for the Buck,” through Oct. 20

Husqvarna: “Get Your Husky On,” through Oct. 20

Carlisle Events 50th Anniversary Exhibit, through Oct. 20

Plymouth Showroom, through Oct. 20

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

96th Annual Juried Show, through Aug. 15

Fall Membership Show Heroes and Heroines,” Aug. 23-Sept. 28

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

“The Gift of Nature,” works by Marti Yeager, Rod Stabler and Ann Ruppert, Aug. 9-Sept. 14; reception: Aug. 9, 5:30-7 p.m.

“Working Backwards,” works by Mia Cinelli, Aug. 9-Sept. 14; reception: Aug. 9, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

August artist of the month

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

Artwork by Linda Deibler, through Aug. 31

Gallo’ry on Market
2010 Market St., Camp Hill
717-623-2090; galloryonmarket.com

August featured artists: Jonathan Frazier and Linda Benton McCloskey

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, through Aug. 10

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, Aug. 10-Oct. 12

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Gardens Conservatory, Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 1, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

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

14th Annual “12 & Under Small Works Group Show,” Aug. 2-Sept. 28; reception: Aug. 2, 5-8 p.m.

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

Annual Juried Student Exhibition, through Aug. 30

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

New works by Marjorie Taylor, John Davis, Kristen Fava, Judy Kelly, Jordan Bashore, Ann Yeager and Rachelle Lowe, through Aug. 11

New works by Pamela Black, John Speaker, R-76 Artist, Julie Iaria, The Huckle Buckle Boys, Eve Tiday and Kristin Livelsberger, Aug. 13-Sept. 15

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

“Tattoos Through Time,” through Sept. 7

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

Art in the Stacks featuring artist Thomas Aubrey, Aug. 1-31

Art by Heather Wentzelin, the Main Floor Showcase exhibit, Aug. 1-31

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

“Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Landis House Exhibition,” through Aug. 8

The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing
190 Reno Ave., New Cumberland
717-774-4301; smithcustomframing.com

Solo exhibit by Julie Riker; opening reception, Aug. 1, 5-7 p.m.

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 the state in diverse fields and detailing the contributions they made 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)

“HORSE2AUTO: A Transportation Revolution”

“Seeing Fallingwater—Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Architectural Masterpiece”

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

“Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art,” through Aug. 18

“How We Shut Down Berks,” works by Queremos Justicia, who tells the story of how the Shut Down Berks Coalition organized to close an immigrant prison, Aug. 31-Nov. 3

“Ancient Ink, ” photography by Mark Perrott that documents the ever-expanding group of tattooed Americans, through Oct. 6

“Margins and the Height of the Sun,” works by Elaine Elledge that she created while balancing her life as an artist and parent, through Oct. 6

“Works in Wax—Contemporary Women Encaustic Artists,” through Sept. 1

“The Hidden Museum” invites visitors to locate “hidden” works of art the Susquehanna Art Museum, through Dec. 31

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

“Expanding Vistas—The Vesell Family Collection and Works from the LVC Fine Art Collection, ” through Aug. 4

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

“William Gropper’s America,” a whimsically didactic map of the U.S. that illustrates legendary and historical figures, from Molly Pitcher to Johnny Appleseed, through Oct. 19

“The Legacy of Two Centuries of Black American Art,” celebrating the legacy of David Driskell’s groundbreaking 1976 exhibition, through Dec. 20

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

Work by Wheel of Light Studio students, through Aug. 24

Art by Wheel of Light Studio instructors, Aug 27-Oct. 5

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

“Art in the Wild” outdoor art show of works by local artists composed mostly of natural materials to blend with the natural setting, through Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Ready, Steady, Action! at Enola Store and Virtual, 4:15 p. m.
Aug. 2, 16, 30: Virtual Booty Blast, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Boomer Bootcamp, 10 a.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Gentle Yoga Flow, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Tai Chi, 4 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Yoga for Back Health, 10 a.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual Adult Art Class, 11:05 a.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual Kid’s Art Class, 12:05 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Cardio Kickboxing, 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 9, 23: Virtual Barre Intensity Express, 9:30 a.m.

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

Aug. 2: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Aug. 3: Beginning Oil Painting Still Life, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aug. 10: Copper Enameling Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 24: Sterling Silver Cuttle Bone Casting Workshop, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aug. 31: Plein Air Painting at Allenberry (ages 16-adult), 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Aug. 14: Spanish Language Conversation Group via Zoom, 6-7 p.m.

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

Aug. 5-10: Summer Adventure Scavenger Hunt

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

Aug. 1: Music for Kids Ages 1-100 with Will Parker, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15: Magic of Comic Book Drawing Class, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 1: Myles Bullen—Poetry, Rap, and Navigating Grief, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 2: Silent Book Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Aug. 11, 25: The Year of Ghibli— Castle in the Sky, 2-4 p.m.
Aug. 13: Stories at Sunset, 6-6:45 p.m.
Aug. 15: Sip & Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
Aug. 17: Figment Forge Writing Group, 10:30-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 28: Studio Ghibli Podcast, 4-6 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8: Family Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Fiber Artists, 3-6 p.m.
Aug. 3: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Aug. 5: Baby Time, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 5: Touch a Truck, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 5: Monday Game Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
Aug. 6, 20: Teen SummerZine, 4-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 7: Toddler Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
Aug. 10, 24: LEGO Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 17: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 17: K-Pets Therapy Reading Sessions, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 24: D&D Group, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 7: Stories on the Stairs—“Three Sisters Garden,” 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 10: Interactive Children’s Tour, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 16: Penn State Extension Master Gardener Walk & Talk, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 17: Fort Hunter Mansion and McAllister Cemetery Combo Tour, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 21: Stories on the Stairs—“Rainbow Crow,” 10-11 a.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15: Language at the Library-Beginner Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 1: Teen Meetup, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 1: Travelogue: Back from the Bush, A Journey into the Okavango Delta, 7-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 2: Monthly Blood Drive, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 2: Drop-In Craft Program, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 2: Keep it to Yourself: Controlling Your Social Media, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 2: Handicap Chess & Strategy Games, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 2: Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 4: Game Day for All!, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Heartfulness Meditation Workshop, 2-3 p.m.
Aug. 6: Curl up with the Classics—“To the Lighthouse,” 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 8, 22: Meet & Greet Library Pups, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 9: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9:15-10 a.m.
Aug. 9: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime for Preschoolers, 10-10:45 a.m.
Aug. 9: Film Fridays—“A in the Country” (2000), 2-4 p.m.
Aug. 9: What Actors Can Teach Us About Society, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 10: STEM Discovery Meetup (ages 8-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
Aug. 10, 20: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 20: Genealogy Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 8, 15, 29: Device Advice, 5-6 p.m.
Aug. 11: Paint with Us, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 17: Neurodivergent Adult Support Group, 3 p.m.
Aug. 19: Fredricksen Writes, 7 p.m.
Aug. 24: Computer Basics, 2-3 p.m.
Aug. 26: Fredricksen Reads—“ The Matchmaker’s Gift,” 7-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Sea Creatures Watercolor Workshop (ages 12+), 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 3: 3D Bouquet on Wood (ages 15+), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 15: Western Boot Painting (ages 12+), 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 18: Dragonfly Painting, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 22: Stained Glass Flower, 6-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 7: Les Quizerables: Library Trivia Night, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Aug. 17: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Aug. 6-7: Watercolor Summer Fun 2-Day Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Aug. 20-21: Painting Abstractly with Oil and Cold Wax 2-Day Workshop, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Walking Hershey, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 2-6: Book Sale
Aug. 7, 14, 21: Community Crochet Night, 6-7:45 p.m.
Aug. 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 9: Play Day for Families, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 10, 17, 24: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 14: Board Game Night, 5-7:45 p.m.
Aug. 15, 29: Hershey Quilters, 12-4 p.m.
Aug. 16: Craft and a Movie—Spider-Man, Into the Spiderverse, 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 17: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 28: Community Crochet Night—Teen Space, 3-5 p.m.
Aug. 28: Art Club, 5-7:45 p.m.

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

Aug. 4: Wild Abundance—Mid-Summer Foraging Walk 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 10: Crafting Fruit Vinegars, 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Aug. 21: Restorative Fascial Stretching Yoga, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 22: Sourdough Baking Bread, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 31: Fermenting Garden Veggies, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15: Math Club, 9-9:45 a.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15: Beginning Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Toddler Time, 11:15-11:35 a.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Rhyme Time, 11:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Aug. 5: Teen Movie Monday, 6-7:45 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Toddler Time, 10:45-11:05 a.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 9: Apple Users Group for Seniors, 1-2 p.m.
Aug. 9, 23: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 10-11: August Book Sale
Aug. 12, 26: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 15: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 19: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 21: Watch the Skies Sci-Fi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
Aug. 24: Trivia at Home—Pixar, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 27: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-3 p.m.

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

Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 10: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 2: Music for Kids Ages 1-100 with Will Parker, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 10: Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Aug. 6: Talk and book signing with Former Commander of the United States Army Europe Ben Hodges, in conversation with Michael Neiberg, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 8: An Evening with Becky Chalsen and Ethan Joella, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 17: Bookstore Romance Day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Aug. 17: An Evening with Lily Womble and Amanda Matta, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 27: An Evening with K’wan, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 31: Book Singing with Tory Gates, 1-3 p.m.

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

Aug. 10: Fused Glass Mandala Workshop, 2:30-5 p.m.
Aug. 24: Fused Glass Dandy Dogs Magnet Workshop, 2:30-5 p.m.

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

Aug. 3: Lessons in History with Dr. Scott Hippensteel, 1-2 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tech Time, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 1-31: Scavenger Hunts Around the World (ages 0-12)
Aug. 2: Outdoor Sensory Playtime (ages 0-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 2-3: Stuffed Animal Sleepover (ages 0-12)
Aug. 3: Teen Tea Club (ages 13-17)
Aug. 3, 17: Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aug. 5: Escape the Room Adventure, 2 p.m. (ages 5-8) and 4 p.m. (9-13)
Aug. 5, 19: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Aug. 5-26: Baby Dance Party (ages 0-2) Mondays, 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Aug. 6: Outdoor Storytimes (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 6: Outdoor Storytimes (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.
Aug. 7: Piece Seekers, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14: Around the World in 80 Days, Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: Family Fort Fest (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 8: Teen Cottagecore Series (ages 13-17), 3 p.m.
Aug. 9, 30: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 10: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
Aug. 10-24: Take and Makes
Aug. 12: Who Was? Book Club: Famous Adventurers (ages 7-12), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 12, 26: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Aug. 13: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 13: Storytime STEAM, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Aug. 13: Magic Tree House Book Club (ages 7-12), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 13: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 16: Tumble Tots, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 16, 30: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
Aug. 17: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 21: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 27: Back to School Storytime, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 28: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 31: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Genealogy Group, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Strength & Stretching 50+, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 12: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 26: BYO Craft Night (adults 18+), 4:30-6:45 p.m.

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

Aug. 6: Macrame Bookmark Class, 6 p.m.
Aug. 8: Mosaic Monstera Leaf Class, 6 p.m.
Aug. 24: Celestial Stitching, 1 p.m.
Aug. 28: Watercolor Mushroom Identification Cart, 6 p.m.

The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing
190 Reno Ave., New Cumberland
717-774-4301; smithcustomframing.com

Aug. 3: Artist demo with Julie Riker, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: What’s Cooking? Summer Kitchen, 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 1-31: Exploration Earth, 11-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 1-31: Stars, 1-1:30 p.m.
Aug. 2, 15, 22: Giant PA Map, 1:30-3 p.m.
Aug. 2, 17: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Apollo 11, 2-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 9, 23: Family Gallery Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 9, 30: Curiosity Kids, 11:30 a.m.
Aug. 10, 11: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky Live Chat, 3 p.m.
Aug. 16: Virtual Program—Down to Earth, How the PA Geological Survey Uses Satellite Data, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Aug. 21: The Animals of Mammal Hall, 11:30 p.m.
Aug. 22: Native Flowers of PA, 11:30 a.m.

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

Aug. 9: Mosaic Monstera Leaf Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 10: Paint Your House with Owlfeathers Watercolor, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 24, 31: Pinch Pot Pumpkins, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Pound the Colors of Wildwood into Cloth, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 3: Intrusive Invasives at Detweiler Park, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 6: Aquatic Wild Educator Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Wednesday Wellness Walk, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 9: Kids Discover—The 5 Senses at Detweiler Park (ages 5-7), 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 10: Kids Discover—Biomimicry (ages 8-12), 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 10: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 10: Intro to Nature Sketching, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 10: Wild Edibles Hike at Detweiler Park, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 13: Wild Recipes—Summer Foraging in Your Backyard, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 17: Creature Feature—Lifestyle of a Butterfly (ages 4-6), 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 18: Flower Walk— Heat Tolerant Plants, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 20: Kids Discover—Monarchs (ages 5-10), 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 21: Preschool Storytime: Summer at Wildwood, 10-10:45 a.m.
Aug. 22: Dried Flower Art, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 29: Natural Potpourri Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 17: The Plot Thickens, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 24: Crafternoon in the Library, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Live Music

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

Aug. 2: The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston starring Belinda Davids
Aug. 2: Il Divo
Aug. 8: Trace Adkins
Aug. 11: Straight No Chaser
Aug. 16: The Righteous Brothers
Aug. 17: Doo Wop Project
Aug. 18: Kenny Rogers Band
Aug. 23: Journey from the Heart
Aug. 24: Johnny Mathis
Aug. 25: The Malpass Brothers
Aug. 30: Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience: The Premier Prince Tribute

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

Aug. 1, 15, 29: Open Mic and Jam Night
Aug. 16: Tophouse
Aug. 16: Lucid Ruby
Aug. 23: Autumn Sky Hall, Anterra & Peter Stone (Duo Set), Virginia Masland
Aug. 24: Yam Yam

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Blues Jams

The Bower
1190 Bower Rd., Shermans Dale
717 418-1136; www.thegardenbower.com

Aug. 24: Sara Markowitz and Ned Allis

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

Aug. 1, 8, 29: Tristin Lynee
Aug. 2, 16, 30: Roy Lefever
Aug. 3, 10, 14, 22, 24: Chris Emkey
Aug. 7: Christine Purcell
Aug. 9, 23: Ted Ansel
Aug. 15, 21, 28: Matias Cabbell
Aug. 17, 31: Anthony Haubert

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

Aug. 10: The New York Bee Gees

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

Aug. 10: Jesse Rice
Aug. 30: The Lao Tizer Band

Greater Harrisburg Concert Band
717-576-758; ghcb.org

Aug. 4: Grand Sousa Concert at Carlisle Theatre

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Aug. 4: Sarah Cahill
Aug. 9: Charles McPherson Quintet
Aug. 10: Plena Libre
Aug. 11: Hermitage Piano Trio
Aug. 25: Vox Femina

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

Aug. 22-25: Jason Cohen

Greystone Brew House
303 Golf Club Ave., Dillsburg
717.347.0632; greystonebrewhouse.com

Aug. 17: Tim Colgan

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

Aug. 2: Dead Rock City
Aug. 3: Club 90’s Beyoncé Ball
Aug. 9: Video Game Rave
Aug. 16: Oliverse
Aug. 23: Boys of Fall
Aug. 31: Heavy Night

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Aug. 3: Arlo Parks (XL Live)
Aug. 18: Brothers Osborne (Riverfront Park)

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

Aug. 2: Cazhmiere, Dave Kelly Duo
Aug. 3: Justin Shandor (Elvis tribute), Kevin Raubenstine
Aug. 9: Colt Wilbur Band, TBD
Aug. 10 : Funktion, Grant Bryan
Aug. 16: The Frost Duo
Aug. 17: Breck, Honey & Nutz Duo
Aug. 23: Smooth Like Clyde, Brenda Brune
Aug. 24: Into The Spin, Vertigo Vultures Trio
Aug. 30: The Luv Gods, Vince Rollins Duo
Aug. 31: Fuzzy Bunny Slippers, Brenda Brune

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

Aug. 3: Concert at Paxton Presbyterian
Aug. 10: Concert at Baughman United Methodist Church Ice Cream Festival
Aug. 24: Concert at Masonic Village of Elizabethtown

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

August 2: The Marshall Tucker Band
Aug. 30-Sept. 1: PA Gospel Festival

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

Aug. 9: 1964 The Tribute

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

Aug. 24: Shotgunn

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

Aug. 2: SOJA, Arise Roots & Sensamotion
Aug. 3: Harrisburg University presents Arlo Parks
Aug. 16: Beginnings—A celebration of the Music of Chicago
Aug. 27: Steel Panter
Aug. 29: Daniel Donato
Aug. 30: Coheed and Cambria, Soul Glow and Kaonashi

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

Aug. 9: The Fabulous Hubcaps
Aug. 10: Get Petty: Celebrating the Music of Tom Petty
Aug. 22: Jack and Davis Reid, Grandchildren of The Legendary Statler Brothers
Aug. 23: Get Down with Uptown
Aug. 24, 25: “Some Enchanted Evening—The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein”
Aug. 31: Shea Quinn’s The Band Who Sold the World

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

Aug. 23: Nektar
Aug. 27: Graham Nash

The Stage Door

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

Aug. 2-11: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

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

Aug. 1-10: “Sound of Music”
Aug. 16-Sept. 28: “Jersey Boys”

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

Aug. 1-17: Popcorn Hat Players Present “Snow White and the Two Dwarfs”

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

Aug. 1-10: “Every Brilliant Thing”

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, Middletown
717-939-9333; thehcpac.org

Aug. 9-11: “Shrek The Musical Jr.”

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

Aug. 2: The Divas Down Under Back to the 90’s Drag Show
Aug. 3: Harrisburg’s Hilarious Finals
Aug. 10: 4 Horsemen: III

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

Aug. 2: Free Improv Jam, Level 3 Class Show, REAL Fast Coast Wives of Central PA, Add ’em Together, The Offbeats – An Improvised Musical, Say No More, Bandito
Aug. 3: Free Improv Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Elderprov, Love Triangle, Our Bizarre Adventure
Aug. 9: Free Improv Jam, Spontaneous Combustion, Adult Play Date, Spice Crones, Next Level
Aug. 10: Fresh Out of the Box: A Sketch Show, This Show Will Self Destruct, Ham Juice, Schtick Probe – An Improvised Musical, Phlegminism
Aug. 16: Free Improv Jam, Leg Of Lamp, Euphoria, Team Z, Holy Moly, Bondfire Society, GirlZilla
Aug. 17: Free Improv Mixer, Uncomfortable, Foleying Around In the Dark, Rockstar Goes Supernova, Blackest Thing Ever
Aug. 23: Level 1 Class Show, Spontaneous Combustion, Adult Play Date, Lil Stinkers, Original 6, Day Trippers
Aug. 24: Free Kid Friendly Improv Mixer, Phil’s Arcade, All Over the Place, Cosmic Trash

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

Aug. 1-4: “Escape To Margaritaville”

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

Aug. 16: Idina Menzel
Aug. 20: “Avatar the Last Airbender” Live in Concert
Aug. 21: Joe Bonamassa

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

Aug. 17, 24, 31: “Mo Willems’ Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed—The Rock Experience”

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

Aug. 2: Shakespeare in the Woods Young Acting Co. presents “Romeo & Juliet”

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

Aug. 2-4: “POTUS; or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive”

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

Aug. 16, 17: “BEA Arthur is Judging You”

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

Aug. 28: River Barry Presents The Mindfulness Bubble Show

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

Have Art Will Travel: Welcome to Mt. Gretna, “Pennsylvania’s Playground”

July 30, 2024 | by Bob MacGinnes

Scene from Mt. Gretna. Photo courtesy of Jana MacGinnes

“Have Art” travels 30 miles down the road from Harrisburg. When the turn is made onto Rt. 117 S, you are entering the coolest place on Earth. Cool as in the drop of temperature, cool as in the atmosphere, cool in an esoteric sort of way. Drink it all in, for the time you will spend in this very special place is magical.

Just ask the locals. They have been there for generations. And so are the towering trees. If there were a welcome banner, it would read, “Year of the Arts” in the Lebanon Valley. And Mt. Gretna is its jewel. The destination is normally a quiet family place nestled in the woods. That is, until the curtain gets drawn back. This month, the area will be a symphony of sights and sounds. The signpost up ahead: “Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania’s Playground.”

American Idyll: Mt. Gretna

As the dog days of summer begin, the perfect antidote is to “escape to the country.” In a matter of hours when August starts and its legendary heat and humidity converge, you may want to plan a getaway to a place where you feel like a tall drink could provide all you need to be cool, calm and collected. Pack your bags and head to a shady spot off the beaten path. Mt. Gretna, a historical resort nestled in Lebanon County, beckons. This rural idyll, part village, part hamlet, comes alive on Memorial Day and has been a draw to summer visitors since the late 19th century, when the Chautauqua Campmeetings first took place—a place of lofty ideals, lazy summer days and loads of things to do for all. With hiking and biking trails, to a match on the tennis courts, lakeside sunning and swimming on the beach or just leisurely reading on the benches that are found at every turn, the choices are endless. History plays such a vital role in the area that the Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society is an adventure unto itself.

Mt. Gretna is the vision of Samuel Coleman, area entrepreneur and businessman, who saw the potential for the area to become a summer resort for those seeking a retreat from everyday life. Chautauqua was a social and cultural movement that started in upstate New York in the 1870s and found its way to other regions in the Northeast. Starting in 1892, “Under the trees of the old Chautauqua” has been Mt. Gretna’s calling card. What started out as a summer Bible festival, originally held for 10 days, soon expanded to incorporate the entire summer season. On March 17, 1892, the Campmeeting Charter was incorporated, which still stands today. Lifelong generational friendships were forged on many of the cottage porches that continue onward. In 2012, the grounds of the Campmeeting were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Before the initial gathering took place, 102 tiny cottages were erected, as well as a chapel designated for worship. A single cottage during the 10-day camp rented for the magnanimous sum of $8 or 80 cents per day. Campmeeting attendees lived in white canvas tents on the grounds. The Playhouse also dates to 1892, when it was built as the focal point for the Pennsylvania Chautauqua. Its success led to the growth of Gretna with a train and railroad station, hotels, restaurants and a store built all under the grand vision of Mr. Coleman. To think the Chautauqua has been in existence for well over a century is nothing short of miraculous. The Chautauqua movement that started back in the latter part of the 19th century had had its day by the 1930s with the advent of radio. Yet through it all, a literary and scientific circle came about in the Gretna branch, including a Hall of Philosophy, and many of its disciplines are still observed today.

It Takes a Village

Gretna has always been about “family,” whether the church or the group that founded the hamlet. Like many close-knit communities, Gretna is really an enclave that hands down the cottages within the context of clans and friends. That way, the bond of esprit-de-corps remains intact true to its original foundation. Change is inevitable and yet it is seemingly undetectable, which only adds to Gretna’s colloquial charm. To some degree, everyone knows everybody else, and the rules of decorum that applied in the 1950s still hold fast. An open invitation to have coffee on the wraparound porches with neighbors, lending a hand to a cause before it is needed, and just enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds the communities, add up to a trip back to yesteryear and a time when life was idealistically innocent. That is not to say that modernity hasn’t taken place as fresh ideas come to the forefront. Earl Beyer, a fixture of the Mt. Gretna Visitors Center (formerly the original post office), shared that “the community is indeed multi-generational as each new addition writes the next chapter in a familial history.” Gretna skews to the established order but welcomes newcomers like MG Mercantile, bringing a breath of fresh air to the tried and true. The newly opened outpost just celebrated its first anniversary, offering residents an eclectic array of “curated groceries and gifts,” perfect for entertaining.

A Hamlet, a Hub, a Happening

Thousands of seasonal enthusiasts enjoy the nostalgia-inducing venues and activities that make Mt. Gretna such a memorable place. The backdrop of Victorian cottages and wide range of attractions endear it in the hearts of many. As a child, I was taken every summer to this wooded glen where it seemed like time stood still. With all the trappings of what summer is all about, from seeing a play, enjoying a concert and ending the night with an ice cream sundae, truth be told, it was where I was first exposed to the arts.

The “branding” of the community is an unwritten bonus in linking all the component parts under the umbrella of “Mt. Gretna,” even though all businesses are independently owned and operated. From the lake and beach swimming facility to the Playhouse, to mini-golf, to the Tabernacle, to the roller rink, and even its own pizzeria. If you’re looking for a place to stay, there is, of course, Mt. Gretna Realty, as well as Penn Realty. For dining, a perennial favorite since 1895, The Jigger Shop is known for its light kitchen fare and legendary ice cream sundae. Just a bit up the road is a local watering hole and restaurant, the Hideaway Café. If you’re looking for dinner theater, the Timbers Playhouse and Restaurant showcases the latest from Broadway and beyond. Searching for breakfast or lunch, be sure to visit the Porch and Pantry adjacent to the parking lot. Looking for art, stop in at Le Cigale, housing linens and textiles. And speaking of art, music and its ilk, a summer concert series is held at the Playhouse, an annual event that starts Aug. 6 and is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the insect interlopers as their distinctive chatter is likened to the musicians for the annual Cicada Music Festival.

Icing on the Cake

All of these traditions lead to the main event of summer and what is regarded as one of the very best art festivals in the country. It’s fitting that the “Year of the Arts” in Lebanon Valley coincides with the 50th anniversary celebration of Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show.

What started out in 1974 as a grassroots, down-home art show has become a blockbuster and economic boon to the entire area. Mt. Gretna rolls out the red carpet in this massive undertaking that welcomes approximately 10,000 visitors in a two-day span. The festival showcases over 200 professional and emerging artists who enchant the grounds with their own distinctive trove of treasures. As Aug. 17 and 18 are circled on the calendar, the community spares no amount of sweat equity in preparation, with a crew of 300 volunteers behind the scenes. It is a true thing of beauty when it all comes together as Kerry Royer, festival director, dedicates this year’s golden gala as “honoring the impact this nationally ranked event has on our region.”

“The show will celebrate all the cultural, artistic, educational and performance events in our town,” she said. “As we commemorate this milestone, we will recognize how the arts have created our unique sense of place in the Lebanon Valley.”

This year’s festival heralds a “plus one” with the inaugural chapter of Mt. Gretna’s International Film Festival that will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18, from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Historic Playhouse. It will feature five-minute short films across a wide swath of categories, with cash awards handed out at the finish. The festival is dedicated to honor Michael Evan Dietzler, whose fervent wish was to start a film festival in the hometown he loved. As a note of interest, Gretna did hold a film festival in August 1978.

With such a spectacular weekend of art and film, do not be deterred by the magnitude of visitors. If it has worked like a charm for 49 years, this year should be “easy-peasy,” much like this little hamlet off the beaten path. If one can dream it, it must be in Mt. Gretna.

The Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show takes place Aug. 17-18. For more information, visit www.mtgretnaarts.com.

A huge debt of gratitude to Jack Bitner and his groundbreaking tribute on the rich history and lore of Mt. Gretna in his book, “Mt. Gretna—a Coleman Legacy.”

An Arcadian Hymn

I sing to thee Mt. Gretna

You of the sylvan woods and towering pines

The running streams and gurgling brooks

The treasures of the great outdoors, life unwinds

Curving paths surround and shield thy hidden nooks

I sing to thee Mt, Gretna

Found at Scion’s Summit

Untouched by time in memoriam

Thy pristine beauty lies before

And reveals Nature’s conservatorium

We sing to thee Mt. Gretna

Place the laurel wreath high for

Chautauqua’s golden hour

Traverse and span the wooded glen

Climb hill and vale and bower

We sing to thee Mt. Gretna

Your beauty boundless

Our love doth profess

Step back to halcyon days of yore

To be refreshed

Nature doth restore

~Bob MacGinnes

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

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like