Have Art Will Travel: Art abounds in Frederick, Md.—and the scene just may remind you of home

March 28, 2024 | by Bob MacGinnes

Mural in Frederick, Maryland

“Have Art” has lined up the perfect day trip for a spring drive. “Maryland, My Maryland” echoes the state song, a quick jaunt to Maryland for all the daylong.

The similarities are striking immediately. You may think the bustling art scene in Frederick would be worlds apart from our corridors of creativity in Harrisburg’s Midtown district. It is eerily uncanny just how much the two resemble each other’s landmarks dedicated to art. A mere 75 miles separates the two, so it becomes the ideal one-day getaway for a symbiotic sojourn. You may even do a double take, especially at the trompe l’oeil street scenes and murals. A special thank you to Ellyn Wexler of Find It Frederick magazine, whose article from last spring’s issue focused on a day trip to Harrisburg taking in the “Museums and Brews on the Susquehanna.” Her in-depth approach to our city’s charms inspired me to do the same for their vibrant downtown art haunts. Frederick is home to over 200 specialty shops, restaurants, art galleries, bistros and brewpubs, with surprises tucked away on every street just waiting to be discovered.

After your 90-minute drive, park in one of the six downtown garages. We used the Church Street Garage and then ventured to 118 E. Church to the Gaslight Gallery owned by Cynthia Scott, purveyor of contemporary art in a historic 1800s-era setting. A global array of art is amassed from a group of hand-selected international artists who “bring art to light.” Be sure to look for Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer in the shadows. Then head to the Pottery Guild of Frederick at 14 S. Market St., which offers the best of artisanal ceramics. Vessels of beauty from pitchers, mugs and bowls to home décor, jewelry and giftware complete the vast collection from local artists.

The Delaplaine Arts Center, found along Carroll Creek at 40 S. Carroll St., plays host to 80,000 visitors a year. Seven galleries change exhibits on a regular basis. Innovative and enticing, public programs speak to the artist in us all. Event space and a gift shop are bonuses with free admission daily. With that winning combination, the Delaplaine is a gem of the city. A must-see at 59 S. Carroll St. is the Frederick Art Council’s magnum opus, “The Sky Stage,” a large-scale public art installation and outdoor amphitheater. Its unique design repurposes a Revolutionary War-era building. It is now a nationally recognized, self-watering garden sculpture. A cultural gathering place, one can experience everything from independent films, stage performances, yoga, salsa and just about anything the public deems appropriate.

If you combined the Susquehanna Art Museum and Millworks (without the restaurant) then you would have just stepped inside the Al and Helen Hurwitz Gallery at 1 N. Market St. The gallery, located in an early-20th century bank, is complete with a show-stopping vault. You will be amazed at the striking resemblance to SAM in its entranceway. It houses 30 artist studios offering amenities like a kitchenette and classroom. Its in-house residents display their works on a rotating basis just like at Millworks. The building itself is a jewel. You can bank on it!

Art Lover’s Feast

To market to market, we go.

District Arts is at the very heart of the downtown art scene found at 15 N. Market St., with owners/artists Bill and Staci McLachlan at your disposal. They represent over 35 local, regional and national artists offering two types of special events. The first is a “featured artist show” while the other is a “themed” exhibit. The shows rotate monthly, so there’s always something new to look at and experience. North Market Street boasts five galleries starting with Gallery 322 at—guess where? The gallery features Maryland artists who offer contemporary painting, sculpture and assemblage. Next, visit Bravura at 428, offering custom framing and other art services one may need at a moment’s notice. NOMA Gallery at 437 showcases 24 local artists in a wide range of mediums, and look for the smalls, larges and extra larges while there. The Art Center at W. 5th and N. Market offers artist studio rentals and a gallery space to show their art, all under one roof. The Artists Gallery showcases original art for sale during monthly solo exhibitions and ongoing group exhibits at 503 N. Market.

If antiquities are your thing, then Great Stuff by Paul Antiques may hold the treasure you’ve been looking for. Hand-selected pieces at wholesale prices speak to the bargain hunter. Husband-and-wife team Paul and Joan Berkowitz know a good deal when they see one. Choose from the best that England, Germany, France and China have to offer at 257 E. 6th St. Think “Antiques Roadshow International” when visiting their shop.

Truly, Frederick is an art lover’s feast, with dozens of outdoor community projects that encompass a self-guided walking tour along the Public Art Trail, with loads of breathtaking murals and sculptures. The Frederick Arts Council can be found at 5 E. 2nd St., and they would love to talk to you about the art in Frederick or Harrisburg.

The Frederick vibe awaits your visit—make a day of it or, better yet, an overnight stay. Drop in at Firestone’s Market for a quick bite to eat, offering sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked breads, gourmet cookies and brownies. Check out the wine and beer scene as the Market at 113 is just up from their namesake culinary tavern at 105 N. Market, an upscale bistro with an outstanding Sunday brunch. Lastly, when you plan your day, first stop at the centrally located Visitor’s Center. Tell them Bob at TheBurg sent you—and a special word of thanks to Gabriella Smith of Frederick Arts Council for a helpful hand.

The Visit Frederick Visitor’s Center is located at 151 S. East St., Frederick. For more information, visit www.visitfrederick.org.

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Knowledge Is Power: Knowing your family’s health history can improve your wellness

March 28, 2024 | by Capital Blue Cross Staff

Family gatherings often are great times to make and share memories, but these get-togethers also provide an opportunity to share your family’s health history as a way to both learn more about your ancestors and help you and your family be healthier.

Most of us have a family history of at least one chronic disease—such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes—which makes us more likely to get that disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And while medical experts acknowledge having a chronic condition in your family history doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be afflicted, knowing about it can help you take steps to reduce your risk.

“When it comes to your health, knowledge is power,” said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, chief medical officer at Capital Blue Cross. “Knowing your family’s health history—and sharing that history with your family doctor—can be a powerful tool in preventing or minimizing chronic health issues.”

Compiling a family health history can encompass more than just making a list of known diseases and health conditions in your family. Families also can discuss:

Shared patterns in diets or exercise habits.
The prevalence of potentially addictive behaviors, such as smoking or drug and alcohol use.
Common traits in environment, such as whether you live in the same areas where you might be exposed to shared risks.

To help guide the family discussion, the U.S. Surgeon General offers an online tool called “My Family Health Portrait.” This free resource can help you both collect your family health history and easily share it with your family members and doctor.

For some families, discussing personal health issues might seem uncomfortable. To help start the discussion, the CDC recommends ways to broach the topic:

If you have a newly diagnosed medical condition, let your family members know about it. By sharing yourself, they might open up about their own health issues.
If you’ve had genetic testing done, share the results with your family members.
If you’re among the older members in your family, you may know more about family diseases and health conditions, especially among deceased relatives. Share that history.

Dr. Wigginton suggests families also should be open about discussing mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, which can run in families.

“Mental health can sometimes be a tough topic for people to discuss, but it’s an important one for families,” he said. “Openly sharing issues around mental wellness can not only help your loved ones understand each other better, it also can bring them closer together as mutual sources of support and guidance.”

For more health and wellness news and information, visit thinkcapitalbluecross.com.

This health article is sponsored and produced by Capital Blue Cross.

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Poison Pen Pals: The delightful “Wicked Little Letters” will deliver a chuckle

March 28, 2024 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Director Thea Sharrock’s “Wicked Little Letters,” penned by Jonny Sweet, gives us a peek at a hilarious but true story from early 1900s Britain, all beginning with a letter.

There are actually quite a few letters, as the title suggests, all addressed to Miss Edith Swan. They are short, comically profane and anonymous—though the Swan family has an idea who the sender is. Edith (Olivia Colman) had previously tried to befriend the neighbor, Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley), an Irish immigrant whose foul mouth and disreputable lifestyle—her daughter has even been seen playing the guitar (gasp!)—has left her with very few friends.

Now, the police are involved. Given Rose’s boisterous, messy personality, they don’t need much in the way of evidence to convince them to arrest her—although Woman Police Officer Moss (Anjana Vasan) needs more evidence to convince her, as it makes objectively little sense for the culprit to be Rose. But Moss is not on the case, and her snooping gets her a warning from her superior. Naturally, Woman Police Officer Moss is not going to let that stop her.

What follows is a fast-paced, sharp and altogether delightful race to discover who the real culprit is before Miss Gooding is convicted in court. While the beginning of the film feels a bit expository (naturally, Edith tells the whole backstory to the police), the storytelling picks up as it goes, and while never straying too far from simple, “Wicked Little Letters” finds fulfillment in its characters.

The relationship between Edith and her father, played by Timothy Spall, is satisfyingly horrific, and the psychological damage that spins off of that brings an immediate likeability to Edith (small content warning for abusive parenting). And there is not a moment where the audience won’t be in love with Rose—a free spirit and quite sure of herself to boot. Colman and Buckley play against each other fantastically, and Vasan’s cool, shrewd composure is a great base to the heightened antics that ensue.

For a story revolving around a court case, it is inevitable that bridges will be burned and lives will be ruined, but “Wicked Little Letters” will have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face. Don’t miss this gem, coming to Midtown Cinema this April.

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

April Events At Midtown Cinema

Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival 
“Remembering Gene Wilder” (2023)
Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m.

Trivia Night
Midtown Cinema 
Tuesdays, April 9 & 23

Down in Front! Comedy Riffing
“Birdemic: Shock and Terror” (2003)
Friday, April 12 at 9:30ish

3rd in the Burg Movie Night  
“Hot Fuzz” (2007)
Friday, April 19 at 9:30 p.m.

Saturday Morning Cartoons
“Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” (2012)
Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m.

“Shrek” (2001) 
Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m.

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Community Corner: Notable April Events

March 28, 2024 | by Missy Smith

April Community Corner

Gardening Program
April 1: The Hershey Horticulture Society’s monthly program will be held at Brownstone Lodge, Hershey at 1 p.m. Penn State Master Gardener Kevin Kelly will present “Happy Hydrangeas—How to Grow Gorgeous Shrubs.” Open to the public, no fee or pre-registration required. www.hersheyhorticulture.com

Discover Salamanders
April 2: Kids ages 8 to 12 can learn about salamanders and what makes them unique at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1 to 3 p.m. Go for a short hike and see if you can catch one. Make your own craft to take home. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Tonight’s Sky
April 3, 6, 7: Families are invited to join the planetarium director at the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 2 p.m., to explore the night sky. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, constellations, planets and special celestial events. www.statemuseumpa.org

Business Day
April 5: Join Wildheart Ministries, 333 S. 13th St., Harrisburg, for its Business Day Out, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join in team building and meet other local business people to serve the community. www.lovethehillpa.com

Spring Fling
April 6: Enjoy shopping, dining, local music, beer gardens, kid’s activities, outdoor games and fun activities along Market Street at Camp Hill’s Spring Fling. Event runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.camphillborough.com

HBG Flea
April 6: Shop 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

Sensory-Friendly Show
April 6: Lebanon Valley College Music Theatre will present a sensory-friendly performance of “Tuck Everlasting” in the university’s Leedy Theatre at the Allan W. Mund College Center at 1 p.m. Modifications include lowered lights, reduced sound and a quiet area. www.lvc.edu

Broadway Gala
April 6: Art Association of Harrisburg hosts its annual gala, “BRD.WAY Bound Gala” at the Country Club of Harrisburg, 401 Fishing Creek Valley Rd., 6 to 10 p.m. Guests are invited to dress as their favorite Broadway musical characters and participate in a costume contest. Enjoy a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, dinner, live music and dancing. www.artassocofhbg.com

Improvapalooza
April 6: Get in some laughs at Improvalooza, an evening of improvisational comedy, with Harrisburg Improv Theatre, The Oxymorons and TMI Improv. Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Audience members choose from a menu of 20-minute performances for the evening. www.gamuttheatre.org

Book Sale
April 6, 20: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, music, puzzles, kids’ books, records and more. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Art in the Wild
April 7: Take a self-guided, 3-mile trail walk to meet “Art in the Wild” artists as they put finishing touches on their trailside installations and observe their processes of creating outdoor art, 1 to 3 p.m. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Bowling Benefit
April 7, 18, 25: Register your bowling team for Bowl for Kids’ Sake to raise funds for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region’s one-to-one youth mentoring program. Enjoy pizza, drinks, raffle prizes and bowling at Dutch Lanes, Ephrata, on April 7, Palmyra Bowling on April 18, and Midway Bowl, Carlisle, on April 25. www.capbigs.org

Evening Mixer
April 10: Join West Shore Chamber of Commerce for an evening mixer at F&M Trust, 6375 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, 4 to 6 p.m. This event is open to Chamber members. Potential members are welcome to attend two free Chamber events. www.wschamber.org

Food Rally
April 11: 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

Mediterranean Cooking
April 12: Learn how to cook healthy Mediterranean meals at home at Penn State Extension’s hands-on cooking class at its Lebanon County Office, 2120 Cornwall Rd., 12 to 2 p.m. Home cooks of all levels can discover the secrets of the Mediterranean diet, focused on fresh vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. www.extension.psu.edu

Organ Music
April 12: Enjoy the festive sounds of Harrisburg’s newest pipe organ with organist Tyler Canonico and Messiah University faculty soloists and student ensembles at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., at 7:30 p.m. Free-will offering. www.marketsquarechurch.org

Spring Showcase
April 12-13: The Hershey Area Art Association is sponsoring “April Artistry: A Spring Showcase” on April 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave, Hershey. Fine art and 3D art will be for sale (over 100 items) from local artists. hersheyart.org and Facebook

Earth Day
April 13: Carlisle Arts Learning Center hosts an Earth Day Celebration for kids ages 5 to 12, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Kids can craft Earth Day-themed projects. Cost is $25 for CALC members and $30 for the general public, as well as a $5 material fee. www.carlislearts.org

People’s Ball
April 13: Join Mayor Wanda Williams and other officials for The People’s Ball, a gala celebrating community heroes of Harrisburg. The event takes place, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. www.HBGPeoplesBall.eventbrite.com

Career Fair
April 14: Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg hosts a free Career Fair and Professional Development Expo at Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life, 2986 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, 12 to 3 p.m. Attend seminars on development and growth, get a professional headshot, and meet with representatives from area companies and organizations. www.jewishharrisburg.org

Earth & Art Fest
April 14: Head to New Cumberland Earth & Art Festival to celebrate the intersection of Earth and art at the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy hands-on learning, plein air painting, sustainable fashion fair, earth-friendly art, food trucks, live music and more. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Plants+Pints
April 14: Enjoy delicious plant-based food, vegan-friendly vendors and craft beverages at Plants+Pints at Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 under 21, with proceeds benefiting Downtown Daily Bread. www.sarabozich.com/events

Wine Event
April 14: Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation will host a Sip & Savor event at The Winery at Hunters Valley, 3 Orchard Rd., Liverpool, with local wine, farm-to-table charcuterie, chocolate treats, a silent auction of unique Pennsylvania experiences and live music, 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. www.paheritage.org

Fundraising Event
April 18: Vision Resources of Central PA hosts the 24th annual Visions of Monte Carlo benefit fundraiser at the Sheraton Harrisburg/Hershey, 4650 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg, for a dinner, live and silent auctions, live music, dancing, casino-style games and more, 5:30 to 10 p.m. www.vrocp.org

Farm Soiree
April 18: West Shore Chamber of Commerce hosts “Soiree at the Farm,” with live music, dancing and hors d’oeuvres by the water at Farm 1840, 101 State Rd., Mechanicsburg, 6 to 9 p.m. Wear your best formal attire. www.wschamber.org

Foreign Policy
April 18: Col. Benjamin Ogden, a teacher at the U.S. Army War College, will discuss the militarization of space at a gathering of the Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania at the Susquehanna Club, New Cumberland, 7:30 p.m. Talk is free and open to the public. www.fpaharrisburg.org

Book Sale
April 18-21: Head to Fredricksen Library, Camp Hill, for its Spring Book and Media Sale, featuring a wide variety of books, media, games and more. www.fredricksen.org

Earth Day
April 18, 20: State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, invites families to learn how long it takes items in the trash to decompose, the history of Earth Day and how what you plant in your yard can impact the environment. Take home a ninebark seedling to start a pollinator garden. www.statemuseumpa.org

3rd in The Burg
April 19: 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

Guitar Show
April 19-21: Artisan Guitar Show will be held at Best Western Premier and Conference Center, 800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg. Visit with guitar exhibitors, attend master classes and enjoy a concert series. www.artisanguitarshow.com

Litter Cleanup
April 20: Help make Harrisburg cleaner and safer at the 12th annual Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup, 8 to 11 a.m. Event brings together hundreds of volunteers to make a positive impact on our community by tackling litter and promoting environmental sustainability. www.cactricounty.org

Block Party
April 20: 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. Wildheart is partnering with the Great Harrisburg Litter Clean-Up for a service day, followed by its spring block party. www.lovethehillpa.com

Retirement Workshop
April 20: Dauphin County Chapter of the PA Association of School Employees will host a pre-retirement workshop at Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, 1280 Clover Lane, and on Zoom, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., for Dauphin County school employees eligible to receive PSERS benefits and planning to retire within four years. www.dcpasr.org

Community Day
April 20: National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, will host its rescheduled Community Free Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a day of free activities and entertainment like a coloring activity grab-and-go station, live music and more. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Navigating Death
April 20: Join The Butterfly Beth for a unique exploration of the topics of death, dying and grief at The Englewood, 1219 Research Blvd., Hummelstown, 11 a.m. Learn how to navigate and nurture this part of our collective journey. Lunch and resources are included in the free event, but you must register to receive lunch. www.thebutterflybeth.com

History on Stage
April 20: National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, hosts “Independence—The True Story of Dr. Mary Walker,” a one-act play starring Kathie Barnes and a Q&A, 1 to 2:30 p.m. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Opera for Kids
April 20: Harrisburg Opera Association presents the world premiere of Adam C.J. Klein’s “Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears” children’s opera at Harrisburg Academy’s McCormick Auditorium, 10 Erford Rd., Wormleysburg, 2 p.m. The opera highlights themes of tolerance and individuality. Q&A session will follow. www.harrisburg-opera.org

Tip Your Hat
April 24: Beacon Clinic for Health and Hope hosts the “Tip Your Hat” gala at West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd., Camp Hill, to celebrate nine years of bringing free health care to uninsured adults. Reception begins at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. Wear your favorite hat! www.beaconclinicpa.org

Plant Sale
April 27: Friends of 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 hanging baskets. Event includes a free presentation about hydroponic gardening at 10 a.m. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Wetlands Festival
April 27: Celebrate Wildwood Park’s treasured wetlands with a day of free activities at the 24th Annual Wetlands Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy live music, food trucks, wildlife exhibits and walks, and interact with members of environmental groups. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Mansion Concert
April 27: The Manor on Front, 2917 N. Front St., Harrisburg, will host a Mansion Concert with Trevor Gordon Hall 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

Gamut Gala
April 28: Gamut Theatre hosts its annual fundraiser, The Gamut Gala, from 4 to 7 p.m., at its home at 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. The event features great food, open bar, entertainment and live and silent auctions. www.gamuttheatre.org

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

Happenings: Our April Calendar of Events

March 28, 2024 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Muscle Cars—Past and Present,” through April 20

Austin-Healey, through April 20

“Legacy Series—Dodge Challengers Then & Now,” through April 21

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

“Repetition & Adaptations,” works by Mike Pavol, through April 4

“Ordinary Life, Up Close,” works by Kathleen Joffrion, through April 4

“A Consciousness Over Matters,” solo show by Young Won that centers on her large abstract works, April 12-May 23

“Wading In,” latest works by Paul Nagle, April 12-May 23

“The Fracas on Front Street,” featuring Auntie Wei and Charlies “Li” Hidley, through May 1

Backstage Cafe Art Gallery
Allen Theatre, Annville
Hersheyart.org or www.allentheatre.com

Artwork by Lee Sandel and Wendy Craig, members of the Hershey Area Art Association, through April

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

“Celebration of Student Art,” CALC’s annual student exhibit featuring the creations of Carlisle Area School District students of all ages, through April 13

“From the Ground Up,” features the abstract paintings of Susan Getty, fiber paintings of Michelle Moats and ceramics by Brooke Jones, April 19-May 25; reception: April 19, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

April artist of the month

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

Artist of the Month: Judy Bouder

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

April featured artists: 7 Lively Artists

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Backstage Café at the Allen Theater, April 3-May 31

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, through April 13

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, April 13-June 7

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

“Balance, Beauty and Strength: plein air paintings by Paul Gallo, April 5-June 1; reception: April 5, 5-8 p.m.

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

Senior Exhibition I, through April 7

Senior Exhibition II, April 20-May 5; reception: April 20, 4:30 p.m.

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

New works by The Huckle Buckle Boys, Pamela Black, R-Lo, Kristen Fava, Marsha Souders, through April 14

New works by Linda Benton McCloskey, Judy Kelly, Richard Souders, Paul Gallo, Paul Vasiliades, April 16-May 12

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

“Pursuit of Freedom—The Abolition of Slavery,” highlighting early attempts to abolish slavery in the U.S. and actions that ultimately ended slavery with the 13th Amendment, through June 2

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

Student Honors Show I, April 1-12; reception and awards: April 11, 5:30-7 p.m.

Student Honors Show II, April 19-May 3; reception and awards: April 25, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

“Oh, the Stories We Tell,” featuring works by Peg Belcastro and Jeanney Wharton, through April 6

Works by watercolor artist Jeannine Swartz, April 11-May 4; reception: April 11, 5 to 7 p.m.

Pop-up of new art by Elide Hower and other local artists, April 19, 5-9 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)

“Benjamin Franklin & Pennsylvania—300 Years,” through April

“Pennsylvania in Watercolor—Revisiting Nick Ruggieri’s Bicentennial Series,” through June 16

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

“From Mantel to Museum—The Eclectic Legacy of Patricia L. Murray,” through April 7

“desire path,” art by Kiani Kodama that explores silent exchanges between that which is human, animal and ancestral, through May 12

“Cocoon Steelton—The Migrations of Many by Kate Browne,” through May 19

“I’m fine. Pennsylvania,” a statewide community project dedicated to sculpting mental health awareness and conversations through art with ceramic masks, stories and photographs, through May 19

“Portraits of Identity—Harrisburg AAPI Narratives Through the Lens,” through June 16

“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

“American Modernism—Works from the Kruszewski Tobiasz Collection,” through April 7

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

“The Boundaries Imagined,” paintings, drawings and prints by Louisa Chase, through April 6

“Disruptive,” a diverse selection of prints, sculpture, photographs and drawings that present disruptive combinations of texts and images from the 19th century to present day, through April 6

Senior Studio Majors 2024, April 19-May 19

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

“The Watercolor World of Bonnie Lorey Designs and the Natural World of Ali Fontaine’s Muse,” through April 27

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, April 7-Sept. 30; meet the artists: April 7, 1 to 3 p.m.

Read, Make, Learn

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

April 1: Hippity Hoppity (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 2: Collage as a Fine Art 1-Day Workshop, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23: Intermediate/Advanced Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23: Beginning Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
April 6, 13, 20, 27: Fashion Fun (ages 9-14), 12-2 p.m.
April 8-May 13: Art Journaling, Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
April 16-May 7: Continuing Ceramics (ages 16-adult), Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
April 13: Earth Day Celebration (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 13: Copper Enameling Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 19: Come on Summer (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 24-May 15: Metals 101, Wednesdays, 5:30-8 p.m.
April 24-May 29: Hand Building, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
April 27: English Landscape (ages 16-adult), 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 30: Indigo Dyeing, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

April 4: Dungeons and Dragons, 7-8 p.m.
April 5, 12, 19, 26: Teen Dungeons and Dragons, 4-6 p.m.
April 10: Spanish Language Conversation Group via Zoom, 6-7 p.m.

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

April 1-30: National Poetry Month
April 3: Information Session—Cumberland County Office of Veterans Affairs & Services, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
April 7-13: Did You Know? National Library Week
April 12, 19, 26: Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m.
April 12, 19, 26: Friday Fun, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 12, 26: Fine Arts Fridays (ages 10 and older), 2-3 p.m.
April 27: Raising Readers Story Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
April 27: Drop-in STEM Day, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

April 1, 15, 29: Paws 2 Read, 6-7:30 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Born to Read, 9:30-10 a.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Zumbini, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Girls Who Code, 4-5 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 23: Toddler Storytime, 9:30-10:10 a.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 23: Toddler Storytime, 11-11:40 a.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Sip & Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
April 5, 12, 19, 26: Born to Read, 10:30-11 a.m.
April 7, 14, 21: Pigment of Your Imagination, 12-2 p.m.
April 9: Stories at Sunset, 6-6:45 p.m.
April 14, 28: The Year of Ghibli—The Cat Returns, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
April 17: Studio Ghibli Podcast—The Cat Returns, 4-6 p.m.
April 18: Sip & Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
April 27: Figment Forge Writing Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

April 2-6: Spring Book Sale, 2-7 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
April 8, 15, 22, 29: Baby Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 10, 17, 24: Toddler Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 11, 18, 25: Family Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 13, 27: LEGO Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 20: Book Discussion Group Night, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

April 3: Pain-Free Living—Hip and Lower Back Mobility Workshop, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
April 15: Fort Hunter Historical Tree Walk, 10-11:30 a.m.
April 17: Meditation to Ease Anxiety, 6-7 p.m.
April 20: Hearth Cooking Demonstration, 12-3 p.m.
April 20: Modern-Day Mosaic Dutch Hex Sign, 2-4 p.m.

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

April 1: Roots & Shoots (ages 5-8), 6-7 p.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Book Explorers, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
April 2: Curl up with the Classics—“The Jungle,” 10-11 a.m.
April 2: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6-7 p.m.
April 2, 16: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
April 3, 17: Device Advice, 5-6 p.m.
April 4, 11, 28, 25: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
April 5: STEAM Discovery Zone, 10 a.m.
April 5: Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
April 6: Computer Basics, 2-3 p.m.
April 6: Pokémon Club, 2-4 p.m.
April 7: Silent Book Club, 2-3:30 p.m.
April 8: World Explorers, 6-7 p.m.
April 8: ESL Conversation Circle, 7-8 p.m.
April 10: Take Me Out to the Ballgame with Randy Whitaker, 1:30 p.m.
April 12: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9:15-10 a.m.
April 12: Peaceful Poses Kids Storytime Yoga, 10-10:45 a.m.
April 13: Tween STEAM Escape Room, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
April 13: Teen STEAM Escape Room, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
April 15: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
April 18-21: Spring Book and Media Sale
April 27: Neurodivergent Adult Support Group, 3 p.m.
April 27, 28: Paint with Us, 1-3 p.m.
April 29: Fredricksen Reads—“Lady Tan’s Circle of Women,” 7-8 p.m.

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

April 5: Wildflower Watercolor Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
April 6: Choose Your Mosaic, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 11: Mosaic Sea Turtle, 6-8 p.m.
April 13: Wet Felt Landscape, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
April 20: Sun Dyed Stitching, 1-3 p.m.
April 26: Abstract Parrot Painting, 6-8 p.m.
April 27: Needle Felted Mushroom, 1-4 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

April 4-May 23: Watermedia, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

April 2: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
April 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 30: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
April 2, 16 Silent Book Group, 10 a.m.
April 3: LEGO Club, 4-4:45 p.m.
April 3: Open Book Group, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Community Crochet Night, 6-7:45 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Teen Zine (A Hershey Reads event), 4-5 p.m.
April 4, 18: Hershey Quilters, 12-4 p.m.
April 8, 15, 22, 29: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
April 8, 15, 22, 29: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
April 9: Philosopher’s Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
April 9, 16, 23, 30: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
April 10: Board Game Night, 5-7:45 p.m.
April 11: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
April 11, 18, 25: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
April 13: Korean Karate, 2-3 p.m.
April 13, 20, 27: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
April 17: Wendy Makes DIY Card Class, 1-2:30 p.m.
April 20: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 20: Painting with Kayla, 2-4 p.m.
April 24: Art Club, 5-7:45 p.m.
April 29: Bricks and Brews at Troegs of Hershey, 6:30-8 p.m.

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

April 8: The State of Preservation in Pennsylvania, 5-6:30 p.m.
April 13: Landmark Walking Tour—Capitol Park and Center City, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

April 17: Pressed Flower Art, 4-6 p.m.

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

April 1: Teen Movie Monday, 6-7:45 p.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Toddler Time, 10:45-11:05 a.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Beginning Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Toddler Time, 11:15-11:35 a.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Rhyme Time, 11:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: LEGO Club (grades 3-5), 6-7 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: LEGO Club (grades K-2), 6-7 p.m.
April 5, 12, 19, 26: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
April 8, 22: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
April 8: Kindergarten Readiness, 1-2:15 p.m. and 6-7:15 p.m.
April 11: Graphic Novel Club, 6-7:30 p.m.
April 12, 26: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
April 13, 27 Block Party, 10:30-11:25 a.m.
April 13, 27: Puzzle Party, 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 15: STEAM Club, 6-7 p.m.
April 15: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
April 18: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
April 18: Teen Third Thursday, 6-7 p.m.
April 19: Apple Group for Seniors, 1-2 p.m.
April 22: Tween Scene, 6-7 p.m.
April 23: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-3 p.m.
April 27: Trivia at Home—Seinfeld, 6-8 p.m.

Kline Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Coloring for Adults, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Teen Gaming Club, 3 p.m.
April 4: Book Bingo, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: All Ages Storytime, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
April 5, 12, 19, 26: Silent Book Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
April 6: Financial Empowerment, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 27: STEAM Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

April 3, 10, 17, 24: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
April 6, 13, 20, 27: Passageways, 2 p.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
April 13: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

April 12, 19, 26: Speech Links to Literacy, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 16: Stories at Sunset, 5:30-6:15 p.m.
April 23: Happy Little Accidents, 5-6 p.m.
April 24: Coloring for Adults!, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

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

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Fiber Arts Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
April 13: Happy Little Accidents, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Storytime & Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 4: Booklover’s Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
April 15: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.

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

April 6: An Evening with Lisa Scottoline, 6-7 p.m.
April 11: How to Write and Publish Anything with Jo Piazza and Jennifer Herrera, 7-8 p.m.
April 16: Salman Rushdie in Conversation with Suleika Jaouad, 8-9 p.m.
April 20: Book Signing with Gabriela Epstein, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 25: An Evening with Nell Irvin Painter, 7-8 p.m.
April 27: Independent Bookstore Day, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
April 27: Book Launch with Lauren Castillo, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 27: Book Signing with Gwendolyn Kiste, 2-4 p.m.

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

April 7: Candle Making Class, 1-3 p.m.
April 9: Learn to Paint Abstractly, 6-8:45 p.m.
April 18-20: Painting Abstractly Oil and Cold Wax, 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
April 21: Fluid Art, 12-3 p.m.

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

April 20: “INDEPENDENCE—The True Story of Dr. Mary Walker,” 1-2:30 p.m.

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

April 1, 15: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 1-30: April Scavenger Hunt—Protect the Earth (ages 0-12)
April 1-30: Beanstack Challenge—Spring Into Reading (ages 0-18)
April 3: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 4, 18: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
April 4: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 4: Solar Eclipse Party!, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 4-June 6: Sunset Yoga Series, Thursdays, 6-7 p.m.
April 5, 12, 19: 1,2,3 Play With Me (ages 0-3), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 9: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
April 10, 14: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 11, 25: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
April 12, 26: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
April 13: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17), 10 a.m.
April 15: Storytime STEAM (ages 3-5), 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
April 16: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 18: Self-Esteem Superheroes!, 6-7 p.m.
April 20: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 20: Secret Gardens of the Library (ages 4 and up), 2-3 p.m.
April 20: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
April 22-May 20: Spring Storytime & More (ages 2-5), Mondays, 10 a.m.
April 23-May 28: Book Babies (ages 0-2), Tuesdays, 11:15 a.m.
April 24: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
April 26: PlayDoh Palooza (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 27: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

April 1: Genealogy Group, 10-11 a.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Strength & Stretching 50+, 10-11 a.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
April 8: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 22: BYO Craft Night (adults 18 and older), 4:30-6:45 p.m.
April 23: Intro to Excel, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

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

April 6: Drop-In Art at Youth Art Day, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
April 27: Macrame Plant Hanger Class, 1-3 p.m.

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

April 3: Homeschool Program, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 3: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky Live Chat, 2-3 p.m.
April 3, 4, 5, 7: Eclipses Crossing America, 1-1:30 p.m.
April 4-28: Exploration Sky, 11-11:30 a.m.
April 5, 20: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
April 6, 7: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky Live Chat, 3-4 p.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Compass, Calendar and Clock, 2-2:30 p.m.
April 12: Curiosity Kids—Build a Nest, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 18: Earth Day—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, 11:30 a.m.
April 19: Virtual Program—Erie’s Maritime Heritage and the U.S. Brig Niagara, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
April 20: Earth Day—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, 10 a.m.
April 26: PA’s Pretzels, 11:30 a.m.
April 27: Oasis in Space, 12-12:30 p.m.

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

April 6: Still Life Oil Painting Workshop, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 24: Open Figure Drawing, 7-9 p.m.

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

April 6: Hand Built Clay Flower Pots, 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.
April 7: Mosaic Montage Sea Turtles, 2 p.m.
April 13: Wood burning Workshop, The Artist Hand, 2-5 p.m.
April 14: Mosaic Montage Sea Turtles, 2 p.m.
April 26: Macramé Wall Hanging, 6-8 p.m.
April 26: Dirty Date Night Making Gnomes, 6:30-8 p.m.
April 27: Hand Built Ceramic Vases, 11 am-1 p.m.
April 27: Folk Art Florals Painting Class, 1 p.m.

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

April 2: Kids Discover—Salamanders (ages 8-12), 1-3 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Wednesday Wellness Walk, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
April 3, 10: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Veggie Series—Gardening in Small Spaces, 6-7:30 p.m.
April 6: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners—Testing Your Soil in 2024, 9:30-11 a.m.
April 7: Art in the Wild Meet the Artists, 1-3 p.m.
April 7: Redbud Tree Sale, 1-3 p.m.
April 11: Endangered Species Educator Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 13: Birds and Coffee with Appalachian Audubon, 10-11 a.m.
April 13: Volunteer Work Day—Tree Planting/Litter Clean Up, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 17: Preschool Storytime—Spring at Wildwood, 10-10:45 a.m.
April 18: Flower Arranging using a Japanese Nageire Container, 6-8:30 p.m.
April 20: Forest Bathing—Nature Based Mindfulness Walk, 10-11:30 a.m.
April 21: Indigo Vat Dyeing Class, 1-3 p.m.
April 25: Kids Discover—Pollywogs (ages 5-10), 2-4 p.m.

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

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Toddler Storytime, 10:15-10:55 a.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tween Dungeons and Dragons, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Born to Read, 10:15-10:55 a.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Preschool Storytime, 10:15-10:55 a.m.
April 6: Sensory Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
April 11: The Science of Stuff, 5-6 p.m.
April 13: The Plot Thickens, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 20: Crafternoon at the Library, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 25: Pressed Flower Art, 1-3 p.m.

Live Music

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

April 4: Aaron Lewis
April 5: Jeremy Camp
April 7: One Night of Queen featuring Gary Mullen & The Works
April 11: Scott McCreery
April 12, 12: The Concert—A Tribute to ABBA
April 14: Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
April 18: Shawn Colvin, KT Tunstall
April 19: The Piano Guys
April 26: Bonnie Raitt, Maia Sharp
April 27: Kansas
April 28: Twitty & Lynn

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

April 5: Jazz in the City
April 6: York Symphony
April 7: Shovels & Rope, Al Olender
April 26: Live & Dead Brothers—A Celebration of Grateful Dead & Allman Brothers
April 27: Glenn Miller Orchestra

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

April 12: Festive Sounds—Organ, Brass and Percussion

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

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Nate Myers Trio
April 4, 11, 18, 25: BSCP Blues Jam
April 5: Acoustic Brew
April 5, 13: Maxwell Project
April 5, 26: Bump City
April 5, 27: Moe Blues
April 6: Blitz Dynamite, Mystic Alpacas, Switch Fu
April 6, 21, 26: Nate Myers & the Aces
April 12, 19, 20: Ben Brandt & the Soul Miners Union
April 13: Bushmasher, Blue River Soul and Karen Meeks
April 28: Vanessa Collier Band

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

April 3, 24: Mathias Cabbell
April 4, 11: Andrea Britton
April 5, 19: Roy LeFever
April 6, 27: Anthony Haubert
April 10: Tristin Lynee
April 12, 26: Ted Ansel
April 13, 20: Chris Emkey
April 17: Christine Purcell
April 18, 25: Dr. Nyce

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

April 5: The Magic of Motown
April 20: Magical Mystery Doors—A Beatles/Zeppelin/Doors Tribute

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

April 28: Champian Fulton

Cumberland Singers
cumberlandsingers.org

April 19: Concert at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Mechanicsburg
April 20: Concert at Fishing Creek Salem UMC, Etters
April 21: Concert at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1610 Carlisle Rd., Camp Hill
April 26: Concert at Bethany Village Rife Center, Mechanicsburg

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

April 5: Blitz Dynette
April 11: The Gibson Brothers
April 19: Cold Spring Union
April 26: Right Now, a Celebration of Hagar-era Van Halen
April 27: The Clarks

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

April 11: The Sea The Sea

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

April 4: The Slackers
April 5: Hardcore Throwdown
April 6: Couch
April 7: Project Leo, Ronny Munroe
April 11: Moon Hooch
April 12: Bromosapien
April 17: Thy Art Is Murder, AngelMaker, Signs of the Swam, Snuffed on Sight
April 18: Promiza Parada, Oliva Hazard
April 19: Screaming Infidelities Emo Night
April 20: The Pharcyde
April 22: Hippie Sabotage
April 28: Asking Alexandria
April 30: Kamelot

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

April 6-7: Night at the Movies
April 20-21: A Majestic World Premiere

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

April 13: Maddie & Tae at XL Live
April 23: Neon Trees at XL Live
April 26: Beach Fossils at XL Live
April 27: The Heavy Heavy at XL Live

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

April 17: The Classic Rock Show

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

April 5, 6: Smooth Like Clyde
April 12, 13: Emily’s ToyBox
April 19: Until Sunrise
April 20: Fuzzy Bunny Slippers
April 26, 27: D-Bo!

Lovedrafts Brewing Co.
165 Gateway Dr., Mechanicsburg
lovedraftsbrewingco.com

April 5: The Koffin Cats & The Queers
April 6: Combichrist w/Cultus Black
April 7: The 69 Eyes
April 10: George Clanton
April 11: The Dwarves
April 12: Lyndhurst
April 14: Oceano
April 17: Casket Robbery
April 18: Preist, Vision Video
April 19: Upon a Burning Body
April 20: Maiden America
April 21: Pig Destroyer
April 25: Andrew W. Boss
April 26: Shrek Rave
April 27: Ozzfest Tribute
April 30: Kingdom Collapse

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

April 7: Shippensburg University Wind Ensemble and Concert Band
April 15: Shippensburg University Jazz Ensemble
April 21: Shippensburg University Community Orchestra: Natural Wonders
April 23: The Piano Guys

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

April 5: Symphony Orchestra Concert
April 12: Wind Symphony Concert
April 14: Symphony Band
April 20: Jazz Ensemble Concert
April 26, 27: Opera Workshop Performance

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

April 28: Stuart and Friends

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

April 9: Messiah University Brass Choir & Symphonic Winds
April 15: Messiah University Chamber Ensembles
April 25: Women in Music Messiah University piano & dance programs
April 26: Messiah University Symphony Orchestra and Opera workshop
April 27: Messiah University Handbell Choir
April 27: Rhonda Sider Edgington
April 28: Messiah University Wind Ensemble

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

April 14: Harmonies of the Divine—A Choral Concert

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

Feb. 16: Jon and David Robinson

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

April 14: April Jam & Song Swap
April 21: Caña Dulce y Caña Brava at West Shore Theatre
April 25: Genticorum

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

April 13: Trailblazing Women of Country—A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly
April 28: Concert Band & Wind Ensemble

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

April 2: Zach Hann Trio
April 6: Pentagon
April 7: Wilson Banjo Co.
April 14: Sempre Dolce
April 19: The Jersey Tenors
April 20, 21: Sweet Baby James
April 21: Susquehanna Folk Music Society presents Caña Dulce y Caña Brava
April 26: Rascal Revival, Lucid Ruby

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

April 6: The U.S. Army’s Jazz Ambassadors

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

April 5: Jessie Murph
April 6: Hey Nineteen Tribute to Steely Dan
April 12: Badfish, Kash’d Out, The Quasi Kings
April 13: Harrisburg University presents Maddie & Tae
April 18: Spafford, Flux Capacitor
April 19: Bumpin Uglies
April 23: Harrisburg University presents Neon Trees
April 24: The Hip Abduction, Vana Liva
April 25: The Motet, Lespecial
April 26: Harrisburg University presents Beach Fossils
April 27: Harrisburg University presents The Heavy Heavy

The Stage Door

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

April 12: Step Afrika!
April 18: “Come From Away”
April 30: “The Book of Mormon”

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

April 19-28: “The Play That Goes Wrong”

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

April 5-May 12: “Ragtime”

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

April 12-14: “Cinderella”
April 19-21: “Romeo and Juliet”

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

April 14: Struggle Jennings

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

April 12-14: “Beauty and the Beast”

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

April 5: The Divas Down Under “Side-Splitting Comedy” Drag Show
April 5, 6: Andy Forrester and Matt White
April 12, 13: Jayson Cross
April 19: Coleman Green
April 26, 27: Will C. and Ray Hensley

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

April 18-21: “Our Town”

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

April 2-7: “Mamma Mia!”
April 13: “Whose Live Anyway?”
April 16: The Price is Right Live
April 28: The Wait Wait Stand-Up Tour

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

April 26-May 12: “Something Rotten”

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

April 19-May 4: “Forever Plaid”

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

April 28: “Dinosaur World Live”

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

April 12, 13: Culmination ’24 Spring Dance Concert
April 26, 27: One-Art Festival and “Shoeless Joe” combined

Open Stage
25 N. Court St., Harrisburg
717-232-6736; openstagehbg.com

April 11-14: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
April 26: Erotic Fan Fiction Live!

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

April 26-May 12: “Seussical” (at Whitaker Center)

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

April 4: An Evening w/Brandon Leake
April 20: “POLI POP” by Brush Theatre, South Korea

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

April 26-May 12: “Seussical” (Theatre Harrisburg)

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Harrisburg School District to consider non-renewal of city charter school

March 27, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Premier Arts and Science Charter School

The future of a Harrisburg charter school may be at risk.

At a board meeting on Tuesday, Harrisburg School District Receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved a resolution that will commence non-renewal proceedings against Premier Arts and Science Charter School.

The district recently completed its charter renewal review process for Premier, evaluating its academics, administration, operation and other aspects. Charter schools must face renewal every five years. Premier’s prior charter period expired in June 2023, but the school has been legally allowed to continue operating during the review.

District officials and an attorney presented findings from the review that included students underperforming academically, low staff retention and non-compliant programs, among other issues.

“For these reasons and others, Premier’s performance and operations warrants non-renewal of the charter under the grounds in the Charter School Law,” said Dr. Marisol Craig, assistant superintendent of the district.

Premier’s charter was initially granted in 2013. In 2018, the district initiated non-renewal proceedings, but the district eventually reached an agreement with Premier to renew its charter with certain conditions. Most significantly, Premier would go from being a K-5th grade school to K-3rd grade.

“Honestly, this is extremely disappointing. I sat on this board when Premier first presented this charter,” said board member Danielle Robinson. “Now it’s the same thing, possibly even worse than it was in 2018.”

Premier could not immediately be reached for comment.

According to attorney Allison Petersen with Levin Legal Group, who helped conduct the review, the review process was delayed due to certain data that wasn’t available until the 2023-24 school year and because Premier was often delayed in sending the district information.

Data collected by the district showed that Premier students’ Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) scores decreased, as the percentage of proficient students in math dropped from 7.1% in the 2021-22 year to 0% in 2022-23, and proficiency in English language arts between the years dropped from 14.3% to 5.6%. Academic performance in several other areas also decreased or remained nearly the same over the years.

Officials also pointed out that average staff retention was only 53% and that there were multiple principals over the past five years, including one who was not properly certified. Premier has also increasingly been utilizing teachers who lack certification or experience, many teaching on emergency permits, Craig said.

Other issues included truancy, non-compliant food facility inspections, noncompliant programs for English language learners, under-enrollment and a lack of enough school board members.

As required by the Charter School Law, the district will begin a hearing process with Premier to support their evidence in support of a non-renewal. Premier will also have a chance to present evidence in its defense.

After the hearings, Suski will ultimately make the final decision regarding renewal.

Also on Tuesday, Suski approved the hiring of Dr. Frances Echevarria as the principal of Steele School, which is slated to open for the 2024-25 school year, with a salary of $111,352, plus an additional doctoral stipend of $3,000 per year.

Additionally, Dr. Scott Lindsey was hired as the principal of Ben Franklin Elementary with a salary of $109,686, plus an additional doctoral stipend of $3,000 per year. Lindsey replaces James Snyder, who resigned.

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Harrisburg to begin spending American Rescue Plan money on affordable housing, other projects

March 27, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday

Harrisburg is preparing to start spending a large portion of its federal COVID relief funds.

City Council on Tuesday approved the appropriation of $18.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the city to spend on affordable housing, home repairs and blighted property demolition, among other projects.

In total, Harrisburg received $47 million in ARPA money. In 2022, council voted to use $15.6 million to reimburse the city for pandemic revenue losses and for bonuses for fire and police bureau employees, among other allocations. In July 2023, council allocated the remaining $31.4 million to go into the city’s general fund as revenue replacement, but specified certain projects that the money would fund.

At Tuesday’s legislative session, council voted to move $18.8 million of that $31.4 million into Harrisburg’s 2024 budget for spending.

The allocations include $8 million for an affordable housing program, which will provide up to $2 million each to developers building affordable housing as defined by federal standards, and $5 million for home repairs to low-income households. Another $2 million will be used to pay for low-income residents’ overdue trash bills, $500,000 will go towards tree removal and pruning services for low-income and elderly residents and $1.5 million will help demolish blighted buildings. Additionally, $1 million will help nonprofits providing bridge housing programs and $25,000 will assist local senior programs. Another $600,000 will cover costs associated with project administration.

Council has also previously expressed its intent to use funds to renovate the Hall Manor pool, construct an ADA-accessible playground, create a workforce development program for youth, fund a “Community Matters” grant program for underserved businesses and nonprofits and create “community connection hubs” in the city to assist with workforce development. However, money has yet to be allocated in the budget to those projects.

Also at their meeting, council approved an update to Harrisburg’s Building and Housing Development Code that would modernize the system and give the city the power to directly fine property owners. The city’s code now aligns with the most recent 2018 International Code Council’s International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) instead of the 2000 edition, which the city was using.

The city will now contract with Wallace, Montgomery & Associates for as-needed engineering services, as council approved the measure on Tuesday. The firm will help fill in for the city’s engineering department, as city Engineer Dan Snow said he has resigned.

Additionally, council awarded $45,000 in funding to the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, which handles maintenance on the city-owned sections of the Greenbelt. Council also approved an agreement with the association for its design, construction and restoration of the Paxtang Parkway Creek and Trail.

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Harrisburg engineer to resign, city begins hiring search again

March 26, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Dan Snow

Harrisburg is back on the hunt for a city engineer as the current department head has resigned.

City Engineer Dan Snow told TheBurg on Tuesday that he would leave his position this week, less than a year after he was hired.

Snow started with the city in July 2023, following a year-and-a-half-long search by Harrisburg to fill the post.

Snow said that he is currently in the process of finding another job, stating that his role with the city was “a lot to manage.” Snow’s last day in his position will be Friday.

“We will continue our search once again for a dedicated city engineer,” said city Communications Director Matt Maisel.

Maisel said that the job posting was published online two weeks ago with a salary of $142,800.

In the meantime, the city has hired Wallace, Montgomery & Associates as a contractor to provide planning and engineering services to Harrisburg on an as-needed basis. City Council voted to approve the contract on Tuesday night.

According to Maisel, the contract with the firm was not brought forth because of Snow’s resignation, but the firm will help fill in for the city engineer while Harrisburg searches for a new one. Former Harrisburg city engineer Wayne Martin, who works for Wallace, Montgomery & Associates, will serve as the project engineer for the firm’s projects with the city.

The engineering firm will replace Dawood Engineering, which has provided services to the city for the past two years.

With Wallace Montgomery’s assistance, Maisel said that ongoing engineering projects will not be affected by Snow’s resignation.

“They will be able to take the ball and run with it,” he said.

Also this week, Todd Webb, the new project manager for the city’s engineering department, started in his role. Webb previously worked as a top official with the Swatara Township Public Works Department.

According to Maisel, he will work with contractors on projects and conduct outreach with city residents, among other responsibilities.

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Harrisburg developer proposes affordable housing project in Allison Hill

March 26, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

The proposed site of “Bailey Street Townhomes” at 1175 Bailey St.

A vacant Harrisburg lot and hot spot for illegal dumping may get a new lease on life as a local developer has proposed building on it.

Ryan Sanders of Harrisburg-based RB Development told TheBurg that they are proposing building affordable housing on the 1100-block of Bailey Street in the Summit Terrace neighborhood.

“For us to bring affordable housing and workforce housing back there and so people don’t have to be displaced, that’s the ultimate goal,” Sanders said.

The project, “Bailey Street Townhomes,” would include 24 townhome-style units in total, configured in eight triplexes with three units in each. There would be one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with at least one parking space per unit, Sanders said.

Currently, the lot sits vacant at the end of Bailey Street, overlooking the downtown skyline. According to Sanders, RB Development plans to purchase the lot from the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority, which currently owns the property.

In addition to the townhomes, the developer has proposed building a community center with a library and meeting space for the community.

Sanders said that, pending all necessary city approvals, they could possibly start construction on the roughly $8.5 million project by the end of the year.

RB Development is also collaborating with the Summit Terrace Neighborhood Association on the project, Sanders noted.

In August 2023, RB Development broke ground on another affordable housing project on the 1000-block of N. 6th Street in Harrisburg. “Bethel Village” will provide 49 units for seniors in a 46,000-square-foot building.

For more information on RB Development, visit their website.

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Bob’s Art Blog: Those Who Have…Great Minds Think Alike

March 26, 2024 | by Bob MacGinnes

“Navajo Corn Maiden” by Sabrina Lay at “Art in the Wild”

One for the money. Two for the show. Three to get ready. Sneak peeks at three spring events taking place the first half of April are delivered neat and tidy in this Easter basket of Bob’s Art Blog.

“Those who have…” refers to the veterans of an annual rite, the season known as “Art in The Wild,” Friends of Wildwood’s gift to the public of landscape art. The 12th edition, opening April 7, features quite a few surprises.

Back in 2012 in its initial offering, AITW founder, Elizabeth Johnson and friends, felt it imperative that the park’s exhibit, open to the community, would engage the public on all levels, provide good public art, and place an emphasis on educational opportunities. Time marches on to 2024 and a field of 17 participants. Visionaries like Marcy Brenner, Donna Curanzy-Seltzer, Moe Hickey, Mary and Paul Lundeen, Olivia Susskind and Jim Caufield have steered the event over the years. Chris Reber, long-time Wildwood Park manager and Richelle Corty, environmental educator, add additional annual support in the day-to-day operations through the six-month run of AITW through Sept. 30.

Beau MacGinnes and his mother, Jana, past back-to-back fist-place award winners, shared the theme this year is “Nature Heals.” Their team includes Aubrey McNaughton, sister, and daughter respectively, and Debbie Reihart, city parks guru, who approach this installation from an ecological point of view with reforestation as its primary focus. In its simplest form, a woodland creature plays a vital role in forest ecosystems. This character is solely responsible for the continued growth of tree development purely by accident. Without revealing its identity, this culprit is taking shape by the hour and day as the team builds from the ground up. On Sunday, April 7, the public gets to meet the artists and can choose to saunter, stroll or scurry and scamper to see what this forest hero drops to replenish the woods.

In terms of AITW artists, they fit into two categories. Having discussed the first already, the group of “those who haven’t” are newbies to the fray. Both sets of participants are equally important in carrying out the tradition. In any annual event, especially one now in year 12, the x-factor needed is to add fresh ideas to the mix to ensure the event’s growth and success in years to come.

Included in the group of those who have are Richard Cary and Maria Joel, will-o-the-wisp woodsman, Ray Curanzy, Lorayn McPoyle who loves the soil, student Ava King has a certain ring, teacher Cindy Mindy, you can’t make that up, the Marcus family of four may leave their mark for sure, and Sabrina Lay may save the day with her “Navajo Corn Maiden” (pictured). Double R’s, Stephen Reinhart and Carol Reed at one end balance Indie Kachel and Tracie Houston, rounding out these time-tested terrain technicians. Chomping at the bit to start creating includes the Heather Whipple family of six promising to gather sticks. Student Yianna Karagianis and Emma McDowell Best individually add fresh takes while dynamic duos, mother and daughter, Samantha and Adeline Lezcano as well as Cortney Malecki and Tracy Buikema prove two may be better than one. Again, behind the scenes, Mick Corman and his intrepid group of student videographers at Capital Area School for the Arts, captures the installations to perfection.

Circling back to the trail’s beginning, team MacGinnes put the finishing touches on their outsized installation. As to the identity of their forest hero, all Beau would say is, “sometimes you feel like a nut!”

Great Minds Think Alike

In the case of the title listed above, a dilemma arose when great minds decided the day to honor spring is April 14, just a few weeks away. On the east shore, Sara Bozich, yes, the one and only, unveils her third annual rite of passage with Plants + Pints on that day from 1 to 5 p.m. at Strawberry Square in Harrisburg, while the west shore raises the curtain on their second Earth and Arts Festival, held by the New Cumberland Collective, on the lawns of the New Cumberland Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A scene from last year’s Plants + Pints in Strawberry Square

If one were to distinguish between the two, the main difference is Plants + Pints may be better suited for the over-21 set as craft beer is a featured attraction. Sara promises that “suds may splash so make a dash and be sure to stash some ready cash for this bash!” With swag bags, exciting demos, and plant-based food vendors, it’s all for a worthy cause to benefit Downtown Daily Bread, feeding the unhoused. Plants + Pints might be just the ticket for you. Shine Delphi will be providing a live soundtrack to make certain the plants enjoy the day. With well over a dozen vendors and vegan cooking demos from Chef Craig Ward of his eponymous Ward of Health restaurant, as well as Chef Corrie of Downtown Daily Bread, health and wellness will be the key items on their menus. Free city parking on Sundays, this family friendly community event will be a sure hit. Buy tickets for $20 (adults) and $10 under 21. https://sarabozich.com/event/plants-pints-2024/

Artist Steph Holmes at last year’s Earth and Arts Festival

Jon Crum, festival chair and Alana Bubris of New Cumberland Collective tout the second annual Earth and Arts Festival as “an arty party for the planet.” It’s a free family get together for the entire community to celebrate spring in all its glory. With all the hoopla surrounding the event, it promises to be bigger and better than last year. With workshops, hands-on activities for the kids, food and fun, and just all out fabulous, you’ll be counting down the days till the 14th. Speaking with some of last year’s participants, artist Steph Holmes of York shared, “The day was amazing with a great turnout, and the reception at my stand came from art lovers of all ages.” Nature inspires Steph’s fine art renderings of flora, fauna and fantasy finding favor with young and old alike. Kid crafter “Kiwi” McNaughton of Harrisburg, age 9, stated, “Sales were brisk all day” as she sold out of her one-of-a-kind handmade clay bracelets perfect for kids and adults. Perhaps as the youngest crafter there, she co-opted the booth with grandmother Jana MacGinnes, artist and soap-maker selling her vegan soap with partner, Barb Kline. This year, they’ve added some new nature-inspired tea soaps. Live music, a plethora of garden topic talks and demos from two dozen “advocates” for those of “the green thumb way of life” will inform and educate from A-Z, and did I mention food trucks with an entire street full of options? Follow New Cumberland Collective on FB and IG for more details or visit their website.

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