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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Broad Street Market vendors begin to move into temporary structure, as tent nears spring opening

March 25, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market temporary tent

Harrisburg Broad Street Market patrons will soon be able to visit some of their favorite brick-building vendors who were displaced by the July fire.

The city just announced that vendors can begin moving equipment into the temporary tent market structure that was constructed just across the street from the market.

For months, the opening of the structure has been delayed, due to challenges securing contractors. However, city Communications Director Matt Maisel said that vendors may begin moving in and preparing for an opening by the end of April or early May.

According to Dave Baker, director of facilities, vendors are mainly beginning to move in sinks, so that crews with Harrisburg-area-based McClure Company, which donated services to the city, can finish plumbing work.

The rest of the interior work—electric and carpentry—will be completed in the coming weeks, while vendors move in and the market prepares to open.

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Harrisburg, county to ramp up “full legal enforcement” for illegal dumping issue

March 25, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams, along with city and county officials, at a press conference in a vacant lot in Summit Terrace that is a hot spot for illegal dumping.

Harrisburg and Dauphin County will use new strategies to penalize those illegally dumping trash in the city.

City and county officials stood at the site of a dumping hotspot in Summit Terrace on Monday to talk about the new ways they plan to take action against repeat offenders.

“The last place this junk belongs is in someone’s backyard,” said Mayor Wanda Williams. “We are committed to doing everything we can to stop illegal dumping today.”

According to Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo, his office will work with the city to ramp up enforcement. Instead of using the city ordinances, Chardo said the city will use the state’s crimes code, which allows repeat offenders to face misdemeanor charges. The city code does not allow that. With the state’s charges come fines and mandatory trash cleanup hours.

“There are real teeth in this statute; that is a mandate,” Chardo said.

Additionally, all illegal dumping cases will now go before Magisterial District Judge Marian Urrutia, who presides over the 12-2-01 district court in Swatara Township. This will funnel the cases to one judge who can focus on enforcement, Chardo said.

According to city officials, magisterial district judges often let offenders off with a warning, or a “slap on the wrist,” as Williams described it.

Officials are now saying that enough is enough.

“We do not want to have to use the blunt instrument of the criminal justice system if we don’t have to, but we will if the problem continues,” Chardo said.

According to Public Works Director Dave West, this increased enforcement will also now apply to property owners who don’t take action to deter illegal dumping on their properties. They too may face criminal charges, fines and even fees for the city’s cleanup efforts on their properties.

The city also has at least a dozen cameras placed at dumping hot spots around the city to try to catch criminals.

West said that his crews are cleaning up illegal dumping sites in the city daily. In 2023, that work cost the city over $153,000. In the last year, over 700 tons of illegally dumped trash were picked up by the city.

“We are committed to full legal enforcement to clean up our capital city,” said Dauphin County Commissioner Mike Pries.

Harrisburg City Council member Ralph Rodriguez, who was present at the press conference, announced this summer’s dates for his Hot Spot Saturdays initiative, which encourages people to volunteer to clean up illegal dumping sites.

The dates are as follows:

April 13, Camp Curtin area, from 10 a.m. to noon, meet at the Camp Curtin YMCA
May 18, Allison Hill, from 10 a.m. to noon, meet near 13th and Swatara streets
June 29, Midtown, from 10 a.m. to noon, meet outside Historic Harrisburg Association on N. 3rd Street
July 20, Southside Cloverly Park area, from 10 a.m. to noon, meet at the Southside Boys and Girls Club
Aug.24, North Allison Hill area, from 10 a.m. to noon, meet at 15th and Verbeke streets
Sept. 14, Italian Lake, from 10 a.m. to noon, meet near Zembo Shrine

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Burg Review: Mary Speaks is a tapestry of culture, history and the unending devotion of the Black mother

March 25, 2024 | by Maria James-Thiaw

Angela Polite. Photo courtesy of Angela Polite.

“Mary Speaks” is a one-woman show, brilliantly written and performed by Angela Polite. Polite draws audiences into the life and times of Mary, a girl who was prophesied to bring light into the world. That light is revealed to be a son, whom she must protect at all costs. Her grandmother embeds the divine directive into her spirit: “Always speak up and always speak out.”

Like a needle and thread dipping in and out of fabric, this story takes you on a journey back and forth through history, displaying the joys of African American culture and the truths of mother/son relationships throughout some of toughest racial moments in the American experience.

This, however, is not a play that only Black mothers can understand. Anyone who has felt loss, dreams dashed, joy or pride can connect to Polite’s many characters. I dare say that anyone who has a mother can be moved by the joy and pain of Mary’s life.

Just as baby Mary and Mary’s baby are unveiled at birth to reveal the light, this play sheds light on moments in history that some audiences may have previously been unaware of–for instance, the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Jim Crow era, the Vietnam War and others, when Black lives were deemed unworthy of existence. It is this journey through history that opens eyes of understanding to the recent uprising in wake of the murder of George Floyd.

Playwright Polite does this without judgment or preaching. She masterfully weaves story over story, always holding onto the main thread that is Mary and her son’s relationship. As the play continues, it seems that this American history is the soil in which her son has been planted. Subtly, Polite’s masterful script shows us the parallels between the life of Mary, mother of Jesus, and the life of this 20th-century Black mother. And though a journey through African American culture and history is not without its church moments, they become demonstrations of culture and moments of context, without forcing a religious point of view on anyone. The call and response of the Black preacher’s cadence and music draws audiences in, without pushing anyone away.

Polite fully embodies each character, while continuing to demonstrate a masterful ability to gently transition from one person to the next. The props, lights and musical accompaniment, played by Music Director Jeff Bolding, all take part in telling the story. The simple set becomes a poor grandmother’s southern home, a rich white lady’s kitchen, the foot of the cross, a bloodied street–and the audience has no trouble sustaining their disbelief in those moments.

“Mary Speaks,” written and performed by Angela Polite, with musical direction by Jeff Bolding, should not be missed. It is a powerful part of the Good At Heart Festival at Open Stage of Harrisburg.

“Mary Speaks” runs through March 30 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For information and tickets, visit https://www.openstagehbg.com/shows/maryspeaks.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 22, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Bike share at the Broad Street Market

We’ve made it to the end of another week here in Harrisburg, and we appreciate you following along with our daily news coverage. If, by chance, you missed any of our stories, you can find them all, below.

Bike share has returned to Harrisburg for the season, our online story reported. SusqueCycle allows people to rent bikes at stations in downtown, Midtown, Allison Hill and City Island.

“Cocoon Steelton: The Migrations of Many,” is on display through late May at the Susquehanna Art Museum in Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. The exhibit, by Kate Browne, shines a light on the history of Steelton and its steel mill.

Dennis Owens, the news anchor and Capitol reporter for ABC27, has had a 30-plus-year television journalism career. In our magazine story, read about his background and the highs of his long career.

The Harrisburg City School District Athletic Hall of Fame Committee will host an induction ceremony to honor current and former city student-athletes, coaches and program supporters, our online story reported. The April ceremony will take place at the Hilton Harrisburg.

Harrisburg officials announced that the city will crack down on illegal parking on sidewalks, our online story reported. Officials said that the issue has become an increasing problem, hindering accessibility for pedestrians.

Open Stage’s annual “Good at Heart Festival” focuses on social and racial justice conversations and art, our magazine story reported. The festival will feature the one-woman show “Mary Speaks,” highlighting the strength of Black mothers.

“Problemista” is a whimsical film that “is pretty much a guarantee to delight and confuse,” says our movie reviewer. The movie is playing at Midtown Cinema this month.

Our publisher looks forward each year to seeing Historic Harrisburg Association’s “Preservation Priorities,” a list of endangered properties in the city. While it is discouraging to see the buildings that linger on the list, he is also happy to see the restoration over the years.

Sara Bozich has lined up a great list of activities for your weekend. Find it, here.

Sonya McKnight, a suspended Harrisburg magisterial district judge, will face trial, charged with allegedly shooting her ex-boyfriend in his sleep, our online story reported.

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