Nonprofit Focus: S&T Bank & United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania (UCP Central PA)

February 28, 2024 | by Admin

S&T BANK
S&TBANK.COM

Why do you feel it’s important for your business to support our area’s nonprofits?

Making people our purpose is what we’ve done at S&T Bank for over 120 years. S&T has always been driven to support the nonprofits within our operating footprint. Giving back to the communities we serve is central to who we are and is fundamental to our philosophy of putting people first and working together to better the lives of our employees, customers and communities. Nonprofit organizations in any given area have a direct pulse on the needs around them. They work tirelessly to meet those needs, sometimes with limited volunteers and resources. Much more can be accomplished when we work together toward a shared goal. This common desire to improve lives and circumstances is why we operate as a neighborhood-minded bank guided by empathy, humility and compassion with a sincere desire to uplift each other and work towards a brighter future. We are proud of the dedicated work of our employees who continuously volunteer their time, treasure and talents to serve others. People-forward banking at S&T is a multi-faced endeavor in which we assist with a variety of needs across all of our markets through the donation of time and resources. We’re committed to making a difference in the lives of others by providing hope, encouragement and care. We believe that we have a responsibility to assist these nonprofits, and we are confident that when we work together, we will see tangible results, and make a true impact on the world around us.

Why do you support this particular nonprofit and what does your business do to benefit the organization?

UCP Central PA provides life changing, vital support for people with a variety of diverse abilities. At S&T, we have the utmost respect for all individuals and recognize that all people have their own individual story and background. We join UCP in embracing all differences that make each person unique, and we support equality and inclusion to empower everyone to live their lives to the fullest. UCP promotes life with no limits and offers a wide range of services to those with disabilities. Like other nonprofits, they must also rely on the assistance from partners to fund and physically and intellectually support those efforts and programs. S&T Bank Commercial and Industrial Regional Manager, Market Executive, Joseph Entenman, continues to be highly involved in supporting UCP’s mission, stating, “I have been a supporter of UCP for over 16 years. I have served at the committee level, as Committee Chair, Agency Board of Directors, Foundation Board of Directors and as a two-time Board President. I support UCP of Central PA because I believe in their mission, guiding principles, dedicated employees and the exceptional service they provide their clients. S&T graciously allows me to donate my time and expertise to UCP and also supports them financially through various sponsorship opportunities.”

UCP Central PA
ucpcentralpa.org
55 Utley Drive, Camp Hill

Describe your organization and the importance of corporate or foundation support to further your mission.

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania (UCP Central PA) has been creating opportunities for people of all ages with all types of disabilities for 70 years. Today our 1,600 employees deliver on our mission as we empower 2,500 people with diverse abilities each year to live a meaningful life through innovative support and services. We plant seeds daily until we achieve our vision of a community that embraces every individual’s ability. We encourage a life without limits for people who are born with a disability, acquire a disability through illness, accident, or injury, or are aging into a disability through our comprehensive service offerings.

We rely on our corporate partners to help us meet unfunded needs related to the implementation of our mission. This includes funding assistance for things like start-up costs for a new home, replacement of furnishings and fixtures for existing homes or program facilities, upgraded technology, testing new ideas (innovation), and supplies to facilitate a person-centered approach to programming. Additionally, UCP is governed by a 20-member Board of Directors and four Board Committees. Our corporate partners lend us their team members who are looking for a measurable way to give of their time and talents to an organization committed to positive outcomes for people with disabilities in Central Pennsylvania.

For 2024, what is your greatest need for corporate or foundation support?

In 2024, our greatest need for corporate or foundation support is to help us empower people to have a meaningful life in a constantly evolving service system. Pressures in the direct support professional (DSP) workforce have led to the encouragement of providers to explore alternative ways to support people in a person-centered way that ensures health and safety. As such, we are building our plan for remote support, and will need to invest in technology.

Remote support offers innovative, technology-based solutions to people who are looking for something other than traditional 24/7 in-person staff support. Remote support for people with intellectual disabilities and autism provides a more customizable menu of services while offering greater independence due to less reliance on staff. As with traditional supports, remote supports are individualized. This includes technology that will be used to address the following areas: physical health, seizure management, fall risk mitigation, elopement mitigation, medication management, kitchen safety, overnight support and independent living.

At a very basic level, remote support is a tool for communication. This includes communicating when someone is in danger, needs support, or has veered from a typical routine. Sensors and communication devices produce an alert that can be responded to by a natural support such as a neighbor, or a staff member who is either nearby or in a remote call center. Remote health monitoring will allow us to monitor, report, and analyze an individual’s acute or chronic conditions from outside a clinical setting.

This is sponsored content.

The Citizen’s Skeptic: With another election year looming, Dennis Owens is . . . energized.

February 28, 2024 | by Jeff Falk

Dennis Owens performs at Hershey Symphony Orchestra’s holiday show.

Straightforward. Genuine. Transparent.

He wears his heart on his sleeve. And with Dennis Owens, what you see is always what you get.

Still, one can’t help but think that there’s something more going on below the surface, that there’s a deeper level to Owens’ persona. Perhaps it’s simply enough to say that there’s a public Dennis Owens and a private one.

“I do struggle with work-life balance,” he said. “I feel very secure at work, but sometimes struggle with my life at home. If I’m open and honest, it builds trust. The private Dennis is an assistant coach for a seventh- and eighth-grade basketball team.”

That transparency is the common thread woven throughout the fabric of Owens’ 30-plus-year television journalism career. That, and a nature that seems to put him on the side of the little guy.

“I am fascinated by the fact that good people occasionally do bad things,” Owens said. “There are also bad people who occasionally do good things. I do gravitate towards those types of stories. I am genuinely curious about people. I like to meet new people.”

It almost seems redundant to say that Dennis Owens is the 6 o’clock news anchor and the Capitol reporter for ABC27, simply because nearly everyone knows who he is.

“Most people don’t care about state politics,” he said. “I want to tell you why you should care, and I want to take complex issues, boil them down and explain why it should matter. If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. State politics is important.”

Creative Side

Owens grew up in an Irish Catholic family in northeast Philadelphia in the 1970s and ‘80s where the talk around the dinner table usually revolved around sports and politics.

In the early 1990s, he came to Harrisburg from Bakersfield, Calif., where he was the sports director at KGET. He started out as a weekend sports anchor under the late Gregg Mace, before his career path took an unexpected exit into news, politics and features in 1999.

“Sports is known as the candy store of any news operation, but I got fascinated with the journalism side,” said Owens, 61. “Switching to the journalism side has not only piqued my interest, but it’s also kept my curiosity. As I’ve applied that to the state Capitol, it was just a win-win.”

The station explored Owens’ creative side with his man-on-the-street turn on “Live at Five” and with his current show, “This Week in PA,” a weekly 30-minute wrap of the political comings and goings in Harrisburg.

“Our viewers can see that Dennis is competent, works hard and does a great job,” said Alicia Richards, Owens’ co-anchor. “The bottom line is you’ve got to be interested in people, and Dennis is interested in people.”

Owens’ personal story is one of personal growth and serving the Harrisburg community, with just a hint of destiny sprinkled in.

“The way the path usually works for people in my field, you come to a place like Harrisburg for two years and you move on to something usually bigger,” Owens said. “But because I was getting challenged and advancing within, I was content going up the inside of the silo instead of looking for another farm.”

Unique Perspective

Throughout his career, Owens has covered stories big and small.

He has interviewed Muhammad Ali and broke the 1997 story that led to then-Penn State running back Curtis Enis being declared ineligible for the Citrus Bowl. He covered the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s early morning pay raise of 2005 and helped bring to light electric companies’ practices of price spikes after the polar vortex in 2014.

“I do recognize I have this wide knowledge of state politics,” said Owens, the winner of 15 Emmy awards. “It’s my job to keep people informed. Sometimes, I’m doing a story that no one else is doing, and I’m wondering why. I like to joke that I’m not partisan—I dislike both parties equally.”

Owens’ experience and expertise provides him with a unique perspective on Pennsylvania politics and the Keystone State’s role in national issues.

“Almost everyone I meet in state politics is a good person who wants to do good things,” said Owens. “But it’s broken because of partisanship, and that’s true of the entire country. We are the largest of the battleground states, and I think the (presidential) candidates think Pennsylvania is in play. When the presidential election comes around, I’m going to cover my eyes, but I can’t help but look.”

When you give everything you have all the time, eventually the tank empties, the well dries. But, in his early 60s, Owens remains energized, ready to head into yet another presidential election cycle.

“What I love about it is that I’m doing something different almost every day,” he said. “That certainly keeps the job fresh, and when you’ve been there 30 years, you’ve got to keep it fresh.”

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Your Best Self: Allenberry opens Longevity Center to promote wellness, healthy aging

February 28, 2024 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Vibro-acoustic chair

Mike Kennedy could feel age beginning to creep up on him.

“I’m 55 now and, as a workaholic, I haven’t taken care of myself physically like I probably should have,” he said.

So, he decided to do something about it and, in the process, felt he could help others who similarly needed to make changes as they aged.

The owner of the Allenberry Resort, Kennedy recently unveiled the Longevity Center, a self-care haven nestled in a serene corner of the property with a view of the scenic Yellow Breeches.

“When I started looking into this, I discovered that the technology that exists is pretty amazing, and that the body is resilient and can bounce back from years of abuse—until it can’t,” he said.

Feeling Good

Kennedy said that, as we live longer, it’s more important than ever for us to take care of ourselves, rather than relying on the healthcare system alone.

“Tens of thousands of us are retiring every day, and that will increase over the next few decades,” he said.

Gabby Murray, a nurse and the director of wellness, offered a tour of the facility, explaining the benefits of various machines, processes and procedures based upon the individual needs of clients.

For instance, there’s the portable electric ion transfer mat.

“People lay on it, fully clothed, for about 20 minutes, and the magnetic activity promotes circulation in the body while opening up blood vessels,” she said. “It helps people with inflammation that they may have in areas where their circulation isn’t good or if there’s damaged tissue.”

Murray also mentioned a machine often used by professional athletes.

“It’s a Peloton that is hooked up to oxygen and helps with performance so that people feel great exercising,” she said. “That’s because the circulation and oxygen keep cells alive.”

There’s also a machine for red light therapy, which touts anti-aging benefits, only this one treats the entire body. Shaped like a tanning bed, it helps with pain relief and treats fine lines, wrinkles, skin pigmentation and rashes.

“We want you to leave feeling good,” Murray said.

Also on site is a two-person dry infrared sauna.

“We can infuse salt into the air for detoxification and purification to treat asthma and respiratory conditions,” Murray explained.

This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill sauna. It also features chroma therapy, a sequence of colored lights designed to boost immunity, elevate mood, treat sore muscles, aid in sleep and more. Murray said that clients generally use the sauna, then settle down into a cold plunge afterwards.

“Some people use it in the morning,” she said. “It’s like their coffee.”

Long Lives

Kennedy said that he uses the equipment himself. He begins with oxygen-infused cardio, then moves on to the PEMF (pulsed electro-magnetic field) mat that wakes up his cells before moving on to red-light therapy.

To combat stress, he does the “brain tap,” something that especially helps “type A” personalities. The BrainTap headset is said to de-stress the body and create peak brain performance by producing a deep meditative brain state as users sit back, slip on a headset, close their eyes and relax.

As for the cost, there are various ways to take advantage of the facilities, ranging from a la carte fees to a monthly membership.

According to Kennedy, the center also is ramping up its retreats.

“Groups can stay for three to four days where they have access to lockers, the onsite restaurant, overnight accommodations, and a room where speakers can hold educational sessions,” he said.

The center currently works with Dr. Vu Nguyen at Sage Integrative Medicine in Mechanicsburg.

“Clients can order labs one to two weeks prior to coming in and having a one-on-one consultation with him about alternative ways to treat their conditions,” Murray said.

Kennedy added that he underwent blood tests in January then received advice on diet and supplement changes.

“My plan is to retest in three months,” he said. “My hopes and dreams are likely shared by many others. I hope that, if I and my wife Katie live a long life, we aren’t spending it laying in a hospital bed.”

The Longevity Center at Allenberry is located at 1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs. For more information, visit www.allenberry.com/the-longevity-center-at-allenberry.

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Novel Approach: Eight writers combine forces for a new book addressing gun violence

February 28, 2024 | by Susan Ryder

Contributors to “American Roulette.”
From top: Jody West, Andy Carey, Cheryl Dunn Bychek, Cheryl Woodruff Brooks, James Dodds, Matthew Best, Phyllis Orenyo, Sherry Knowlton, Robert Bradshaw, Pat LaMarche.

“Matthew and I are notorious for grabbing an elephant and saying, ‘I can eat that!’” said Pat LaMarche, writer, homeless advocate and executive director of the Carlisle-based Charles Bruce Foundation.

She’s referring to the recently released “American Roulette,” which features eight local authors who combined their talents to write a book about the crisis of mass shootings in America.

In this case, Rev. Matthew Best, pastor at Christ Lutheran in Harrisburg and executive director of the health ministries there, is the fellow elephant-eater, the one who presented the idea to LaMarche.

“American Roulette” combines qualities of a mystery and a social impact novel, featuring characters who eventually find themselves involved in a mass shooting.

Fatigued by the predictable “cycle” that often follows such events, Best wanted to use the novel form to humanize the issue.

“People have a debate about the abstract issue of guns, talking past each other, without any resolution whatsoever, with no intent of having a resolution,” he said.

LaMarche pulled in her network of writers to collaborate on the book. Why eight?

“If Matthew had to write the whole thing all by himself, this could take years, because he’s got a real job,” she said.

Can’t Un-see

Eight authors working on the same book, using the same timeline, which will end in the same place, presented many challenges. Cheryl Dunn Bychek was brought into the project to edit and help keep the timeline and story straight.

The group met regularly via Zoom to work out all of the details. Authors were asked to write to a certain point in the novel’s day; then they would meet and talk about it. One might think that combining eight authors’ work would be like wrangling cats, but the process was surprisingly smooth.

“Everybody’s story is pretty much intact,” Dunn Bychek said. “A lot of what I did was polish up the timeline and try to tighten up some of the narrative.”

The authors brought their particular expertise into the project, including Andy Carey, a counselor and former co-editor of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association Journal who lives in Shippensburg. He didn’t immediately say “yes” when invited to participate.

“My whole being pulled back from the idea of doing it when Pat asked me, partly because I like writing uplifting things,” he said.

But, after some thought and consideration of the book’s goal, he reconsidered.

“I felt like my contribution to the novel would be of insights into the dynamics that are built into situations,” he said. “I felt like, if anything, it could actually help people learn about dynamics that often lead to these kinds of situations.”

Each author wrote a character, and to avoid any possible spoilers, they won’t be divulged here. However, Best did write the pastor character.

“I needed to start with something familiar,” said Best, who was making his first foray into fiction writing.

The pastor and all the characters avoid the stereotypes often conjured when talking about gun violence.

“There was a lot of intentionality and conversation around not allowing any of these characters to move into the realm of caricature,” Dunn Bychek said.

Best added that he treated the book like one of his sermons.

“Sermons are designed to do two things—to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable,” he said.

What does that mean?

“It’s kind of like when I first learned about homelessness in the area, at especially the truck stops,” he said. “I had driven by truck stops, I don’t know how many times, and once you learn about it, you can’t un-see it.”

Call to Action

The “who done it” aspect of the book will leave readers wondering.

“It’s also a great mystery book,” LaMarche said. “And what makes a good book is when you realize who the killer is going to be. When was it? Was it two hours early? Were you halfway through the book?”

Unlike the typical mystery novel, all proceeds from the book will support anti-gun violence groups. The first checks will be cut to the Brady Campaign and Orange Ribbons for Jamie.

Writing with the group was much less turbulent than the book’s topic.

“I’m thrilled with the company I keep,” LaMarche said. “I am so impressed by the other authors. Everyone did a great job, and nobody’s ego was ever bigger than the project.”

She believes that the way the book is written creates a learning opportunity for students to read about an important issue and to participate in the storyline.

“This would be a great assignment for an English teacher to tell their kids, ‘Write another character for that day,’” LaMarche said. “Then I want you to put a character in the timeline.”

Best and LaMarche did indeed take the last bite of this elephant, producing, with their fellow authors, a humanity-driven mystery book, a mystery book with a call to action.

“I’m just amazed that I had this idea a year ago and here we are,” Best said. “There’s an actual book that I can hold in my hands. That’s just amazing to me and it could not have happened without the authors and Sunbury Press.”

To order “American Roulette,” visit www.sunburypress.com, www.americanroulette.vip or Amazon.com.

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Walk-In Wellness: Allison Hill medical clinic stresses whole-person healing

February 28, 2024 | by Molly Pavlovich

Bill Holland first learned about the Penn State Health Medical Outreach Clinic shortly after moving to Harrisburg from New York 12 years ago.

At the time, he was volunteering at a local church’s food bank, and nurses from the clinic were there offering free blood pressure screenings. He received a screening, made a mental note of the clinic’s down-the-street location, and has been going to and advocating for it ever since.

“It’s a known and loved resource in the community—the people and the place,” said Holland, who has developed strong connections with the staff over the years. “Whatever I need, whether it’s medical related or not, I know I can go to them.”

Nestled on the lower level of Christ Lutheran Church in Harrisburg’s Allison Hill neighborhood, the free-of-charge health clinic touches the lives of more than 10,000 people a year.

Unlike most medical practices, patients don’t need insurance or an appointment to receive care. It’s a walk-in clinic, so people come as they are.

Some come for regular blood pressure or sugar screenings; others require medication prescriptions or an urgent referral to a specialist. A considerable number of people simply need someone they can talk to and trust. Regardless, the clinic is committed to providing care to all those who enter—never turning anyone away.

“We meet people where they are in life,” said Vanessa Garcia, clinic director. “How we’ve served the community for the last several decades is so much broader and deeper than just providing health care.”

A big part of the approach, she said, is actively showing that you care.

“We’re here to listen to people—really listen to them,” she said. “We sit down with them for however long they need us. We talk about the individual’s needs, we talk about life. We get them the help they need, and we get to know each other on a first-name basis.”

With a staff of only six—Garcia, one full-time and two part-time nurses, a secretary and a custodian—each takes on their day-to-day tasks with heartfelt diligence, transforming the sterile-in-nature environment of a health clinic into a welcoming place rooted in whole-person healing.

Garcia, who was a nurse at the clinic for many years before becoming director, still takes the time to visit patients like Holland and ask them how they’re doing. Similarly, Sandra Cruz, one of the nurses, said that she loves what she does so much that she’d do it for free. In fact, as a long-time volunteer, that’s exactly what she did for many years.

“That’s not how most hospitals or doctor’s offices function, but the fact that we do is what made me want to work here at this clinic in the first place,” Cruz said. “It’s who I am at my core—extending my hand out to others, no matter who you are or where you came from.”

In 1995, the clinic began as a church soup kitchen turned health ministry, now affiliated with Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center. Nearly 30 years later, its ties to spirituality remain strong in more ways than just its location.

Matthew Best, the newly appointed pastor of Christ Lutheran, began his role with the church and its health ministries a little more than six months ago, but it didn’t take him long to embrace it fully. Many days, he can be found sitting in the lobby of the clinic with a sign that reads, “Free Prayers,” and engaging with waiting patients.

“A lot of churches think of themselves as the congregation and outreach as an extra add-on. In the case of Christ Lutheran Church, I see an important partnership between the two,” Best said. “The congregation can’t exist without the health ministries, and the health ministries that exist in our church do so because of the congregation. It’s a symbiotic relationship. They both rely on each other’s existence.”

Every day, Garcia sees the support of Christ Lutheran and countless other local ministry partners who believe in and contribute to the clinic’s people-centered mission at work—in the lights kept on, the shelves stocked with supplies, the lives that have been transformed, and the people who keep flowing in.

“If we can maintain what we have—the place, the space and the mission support to keep it running like this—that is my hope, that this goes on forever,” she said. “We will certainly evolve some as the needs of the community change. But foundationally, I hope that we’re always here, and we’re a stable place for people to come into because the need will always be there.”

The Penn State Health/Holy Spirit Hospital Medical Outreach Clinic is located in Christ Lutheran Church at 124 S. 13th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.christharrisburg.org/health-ministries.

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A Fair Fix: Harrisburg friends open auto repair shop, strive to provide transparent, affordable services

February 28, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Carlos Lozada & ThoMas Mari

A handful of years ago, Carlos Lozada referred to himself as “the backyard guy”—always tinkering on cars, taking pieces apart, and trying to put them back together again.

Before his dad showed him the basics of fixing cars, Lozada admitted, he didn’t even know how to change a tire.

But as he started learning more about cars and even decided to tackle building an engine himself, with help from YouTube, his interest was piqued. Still, early on, he wasn’t considering making auto work his career.

However, Lozada recounted all of this to me from behind his desk at On The Go Services, he and his business partner’s newly opened auto repair shop in Harrisburg. So, obviously, plans changed.

As we talked, he explained his car knowledge in a way that everything didn’t just fly straight over my head, which isn’t always a given from car people. And that’s coming from someone who doesn’t know an alternator from a carburetor. But Lozada understands uneducated auto users like myself, because not long ago, he was one.

“I disliked everything about cars. I just wanted to get in it and drive it,” he said. “It was honestly an accident. I didn’t plan on getting sucked into it.”

Previously, Lozada, of Harrisburg, worked jobs at a grocery store, in a bank and even as a car salesman. He was skilled at working his way into jobs that, at the time, he didn’t necessarily feel qualified for.

“I somehow talked my way into a lot of different things in my life,” he said.

At one point, a friend who owned a local car shop offered Lozada a job, with one condition—he had to get a dysfunctional Honda running again. At that point, Lozada was in between jobs and having trouble finding work, so he said yes.

“I had a little box of tools. I’m thinking it’s a simple fix, but it was completely torn apart,” he said. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but I hyped myself up. I ended up fixing that car.”

From there, Lozada set off in the auto repair field, working at dealerships and starting his own company, which provided mobile services.

Eventually, he connected with high school friend ThoMas Mari, who was also running his own business, while working at a dealership. The pair decided to join forces doing mobile work, and, in January, opened their first garage for On The Go Services on N. Cameron Street.

Both Mari and Lozada have seen the worst of the auto industry, customers getting swindled out of money, being taken advantage of and getting mistreated. Because of that, they strive to do the opposite at their shop and give people fair and affordable services.

“The reason we are doing this isn’t about the money,” Lozada said. “I try to give everybody the same experience I would want.”

Repairs & Relationships

Like Lozada, Mari was introduced to car repair and maintenance by a family member, his grandfather, but he didn’t really understand the benefit of the skill at first.

At 17 years old, Mari needed a repair on his car that ended up costing him all of the money in his bank account. After that experience, he knew he needed to figure out how to do repairs for himself.

As he learned about cars, Mari, also a Harrisburg resident, felt like he had finally found his niche. He recalled experiences in school being told he would never amount to anything. His work also became a way to help financially support his family as his late father was seriously ill and in the hospital at the time.

Hard times like those have helped Mari empathize with customers.

“Being able to help someone out is a great feeling,” he said.

I may not know much about what’s under the hood, but I can understand and appreciate that kindness.

I’ve seen, firsthand, the impact that a caring and compassionate car guru can have on you, especially when you’re stressed about that noise your vehicle is making and about the bill that accompanies a repair. Shout out to my grandpop Jim who is always helping me, his neighbors, friends and family with car troubles.

Unfortunately, according to Lozada and Mari, that attitude isn’t always easy to find.

At On The Go, the owners will talk with customers, walking them through the issues they’ve found and physically showing them where those parts are on the car. They also seek to make their services affordable.

“I’m a person, you’re a person. We want to show people what it’s actually supposed to be like,” Lozada said.

Opening the garage wasn’t easy, but the owners are happy to have made it to this point. Getting to this place and discovering their passions wasn’t a straight line, but they feel like they’ve found a great fit and are excited to serve their community.

“Getting up in the morning is fun,” Lozada said. “I enjoy what I do.”

If I’ve learned anything from Mari and Lozada, it’s time I learn how my car works…or maybe I’ll just take it to someone, like them, who already does.

On The Go Services is located at 1914 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit onthegoservicesllc.com or call 717-602-9550.

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Happenings: Our March Calendar of Events

February 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

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

“Impressions: Watercolors by Elaine Wilson,” through March 31

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

“Nothing Rhymes with Orange,” CALC’s 19th annual members exhibit, through March 9

“Celebration of Student Art,” CALC’s annual student exhibit featuring the creations of Carlisle Area School District students of all ages, March 21-April 13

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

March 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: Bill Reed

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

March featured artists: 7 Lively Artists

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Backstage Café at the Allen Theater, through March 31
HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, through April 13

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

Gallery’s Choice—a selection of paintings by local artists, through March 30

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

“Among the Perishing,” an immersive installation by Zac Bension, through March 10
Senior Exhibition I, March 23-April 7; reception: March 23, 4:30-7 p.m.

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

March featured artists

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

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

“TIME,” featuring historical clocks from the Landis Collection, alongside contemporary artwork, through March 21

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

HACC Faculty Exhibition, through March 15

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, March 7-April 6; reception: March 7, 5-7 p.m.; interactive artist demonstrations: March 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Pop Up of new art by Elide Hower and more next to Mangia Qui and Rubicon, 266 North St., Harrisburg, March 8, 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 2024

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

“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

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

“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

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

“How Do I Love Thee,” a group show of work inspired by love, through March 16

“The Watercolor World of Bonnie Lorey Designs and the Natural World of Ali Fontaine’s Muse,” March 19-April 27

Read, Make, Learn

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

March 1, 7, 21: Fit Chicks, in store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: BOOMer Strong, 10 a.m.
March 1, 15, 29: Virtual Booty Blast, 9:30 a.m.
March 4, 11, 18: BOOMer Fitness, 9:30 a.m.
March 4, 18, 25 : Tai Chi, 4 p.m.
March 4, 25: Virtual Adult Art Class, 11:05 a.m.
March 4, 25: Virtual Kids Art Class, 12:05 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Virtual Yoga for Back Health, 10 a.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
March 8, 22: Virtual Barre Insanity Express, 9:30 a.m.
March 11, 18, 25: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
March 13, 20, 27: Strong & Fit, 4:30 p.m.
March 28: Boomer Fit Zoomer, in store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.

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

March 2, 9: Hands Down (ages 9-14), 12-2 p.m.
March 2-30: Figure Drawing (ages 17-adult), Saturdays, 2-4:30 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Beginning Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Intermediate/Advanced Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.
March 7-April 4: Start Up Again (ages 17-adult), 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 9: Encaustic 101 (ages 18-adult), 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 13-April 10, April 13: Raku (ages 16-adult), Wednesdays and one Saturday, 6-8 p.m.
March 15-April 26: Friday Art Club (grades 3-5), Fridays, 3:45-5 p.m.
March 16: Leprechaun Gardening Bowls (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 16: Copper Enameling Workshop (ages 13-adult), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 16: Experimental Mixed Media, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 16, 23, 30: Intro to Stills (ages 9-14), 12-2 p.m.
March 18: Suicide Loss Survivors, 5:30-7 p.m.
March 18-April 22: Monday Art Club (grades K-2), Mondays, 3:30-5 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

March 9: Reading the Rainbow Book Club at Elementary Coffee, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 13: Spanish Language Conversation Group via Zoom, 6-7 p.m.

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

March 5: Pom Pom Chicks (ages 10 and older), 6:15-7:15 p.m.
March 8, 15, 22, 29: Story Time
March 8, 15, 22, 29: Friday Fun, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 8, 22: Fine Arts Fridays (ages 10 and older), 2-3 p.m.
March 11-16: Leapin’ Lizards, There’s a Leprechaun in the Library!
March 11-16: Mischief and Mystery
March 12: Crazy Cardboard Faces (ages 10 and older), 6:15-7:15 p.m.
March 13: Air Dry Clay Dog Faces (ages 10 and older), 6:15-7:15 p.m.
March 16: Raising Readers Story Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
March 16: Tape Town (ages 3-8), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 19: Bingo for Books, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
March 26: Air Dry Clay Phone Stand (ages 10 and older), 6:15-7:15 p.m.
March 28: Dried Flower Bookmark (ages 10 and older), 6:15-7:15 p.m.
March 30: Pine Cone Zinnias (ages 10 and older), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

March 4: Paws 2 Read, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 10, 24: The Year of Ghibli—The Cat Returns, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
March 11: Mamas ‘n Dramas, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 12: Stories at Sunset, 6-6:45 p.m.
March 13, 27: Studio Ghibli Podcast—The Cat Returns, 4-6 p.m.
March 16: Figment Forge Writing Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 17: The 1619 Project—Race, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 21: Sip & Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.

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

March 2: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 5: Crazy 8s Math Club, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
March 16: Book Discussion Group Night, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 19: Baby Musik Time, 9:50-10:20 a.m.
March 19: Preschool Musik Time, 10:30-11 a.m.

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

March 6: Meditation for a Happy Life, 6-7 p.m.
March 19: Zen Planter Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 23: Backpacking 101, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

March 1: Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
March 3, 27: Silent Book Club, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 4: Roots & Shoots (ages 5-8), 6-7 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Book Explorers, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
March 5: Curl up with the Classics—“Moll Flanders,” 10-11 a.m.
March 5, 19: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6-7 p.m.
March 5, 19: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
March 6, 20: Device Advice, 5-6 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
March 8: STEAM Discovery, 10 a.m.
March 11: Philosopher’s Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 11: World Explorers, 6-7 p.m.
March 11: ESL Conversation Circle, 7-8 p.m.
March 15: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9:15-10 a.m.
March 15: Peaceful Poses Kids Storytime Yoga, 10-10:45 a.m.
March 16: Pokémon Club, 2-4 p.m.
March 16: Craft-a-Palooza:—Garden Style!, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
March 18: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
March 23: Tween STEAM Escape Room, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
March 23: Computer Basics, 2-3 p.m.
March 23: Neurodivergent Adult Support Group, 3 p.m.
March 23: Teen STEAM Escape Room, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 23, 24 Paint with Us, 1-3 p.m.
March 24: Tween Crafternoon, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
March 24: Teen Crafternoon, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 25: Fredricksen Reads, 7-8 p.m.

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

March 2: Intro to Woodburning, (ages 16+), 1-3 p.m.
March 7: Mosaic 4-Leaf Clover, 6-8 p.m.
March 9: Fruit Basket, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
March 16: St. Patrick’s Day Gnome on Wood (ages 12+), 1-3 p.m.
March 21: Stained Glass Flower Class, 6-8 p.m.
March 23: Hippity Hoppity painting, 1-3 p.m.

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

March 12-April 30: Level 1 Intro to Improv, Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m.

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

March 2, 9, 23: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
March 4: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
March 4: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
March 5: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
March 5: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 5, 19: Silent Book Group, 10 a.m.
March 5, 12, 26: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
March 6: LEGO Club, 4-4:45 p.m.
March 6: Open Book Group, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Community Crochet Night, 6-7:45 p.m.
March 7: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
March 7, 21: Hershey Quilters, 12-4 p.m.
March 7, 21: Teen Zine (A Hershey Reads event), 4-5 p.m.
March 9: Wendy Makes DIY Card Class, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 12: Philosopher’s Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 13: Board Game Night, 5-7:45 p.m.
March 14: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
March 16: Fused Glass Fish, 1-4 p.m.
March 16: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 25: MOMS Club of Derry Township, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 25: Bricks and Brews at Troegs of Hershey, 6:30-8 p.m.
March 27: Art Club, 5-7:45 p.m.

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

March 11: On the Road—A Home Decorating Expedition, 6-8 p.m.
March 25: Fourth Monday Program—The Life of Violet Oakley, 6-8 p.m.

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

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
March 4: Teen Movie Monday, 6-7:45 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Toddler Time, 10:45-11:05 a.m.
March 5, 12, 19: Parents & Toddlers Together, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Beginning Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Toddler Time, 11:15-11:35 a.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Rhyme Time, 11:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
March 8, 22: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
March 9, 23: Block Party, 10:30-11:25 a.m.
March 9, 23: Puzzle Party, 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 11: Kindergarten Readiness, 1-2:15 p.m. and 6-7:15 p.m.
March 11, 25: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 14: Graphic Novel Club, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 18: STEAM Club, 6-7 p.m.
March 18: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
March 19: Living Room Conversations, 7-8:30 p.m.
March 21: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
March 21: Teen Third Thursday, 6-7 p.m.
March 22: Apple Group for Seniors, 1-2 p.m.
March 23: Trivia at Home—90s Movies, 6-8 p.m.
March 25: Tween Scene, 6-7 p.m.
March 26: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-3 p.m.

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

March 1, 8, 15, 22: Silent Book Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 2: Dr. Seuss Celebration, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 5, 12: Coloring for Adults, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 6, 13, 27: Teen Gaming Club, 3 p.m.
March 9: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 16: Women’s History Quilt Square Program, 12-1 p.m.
March 25: Our Amazing Butterflies!, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
March 30: STEAM Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Passageways, 2 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
March 9: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

March 12: Invisible Beauty Documentary Screening, 6-8 p.m.
March 12: Stories at Sunset, 5:30-6:15 p.m.
March 25: Support Our Pollinators, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 27: Coloring for Adults!, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

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

March 4, 11, 18: Sewing Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19: Travel the Tropics, 5-6 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20: Light the Way, Lewis Lattimer!, 4-5 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21: Game On! Coding Challenge, 4-5 p.m.

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

March 5, 12, 19, 26: Storytime & Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 7: Booklover’s Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 18: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.

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

March 9: Book Signing with Anthony Fredricks, 1-3 p.m.
March 21: Keystone Speaker Series—The Future of War in Europe and Ukraine, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 23: Rebecca Serle with Sara Shepard, 5-6 p.m.
March 27: An Evening with Peter Pomerantsev, 7-8 p.m.

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

March 3: Kids Class—Exploring Cyanotypes and Alternative Developing, 12-1:30 p.m.
March 3: Kids Class—Digital Photography, 12-1:30 p.m.
March 23: Fluit Art Class, 12-3 p.m.

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

March 9: Lessons in History Presentation with Edda L. Fields-Black, 1-2 p.m.
March 21: A Civil Conversation with Dr. Bruce Levine via Zoom, 7 p.m.

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

March 1: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 1-31: Beanstack Challenge—Smokey Bear Reading Challenge (ages 0-18)
March 1-31: March Scavenger Hunt—Colors of the Rainbow (ages 0-12)
March 2, 16: New Cumberland Public Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 4, 18: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 4, April 1: A Short History of Folk Music, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 4-April 8: Storytime & More (ages 2-5), Mondays, 10 a.m.
March 5-April 9: Book Babies (ages 0-2), Tuesdays, 11:15 a.m.
March 6: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
March 7: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 7, 21: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
March 8: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 8, 22: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
March 9: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17), 10 a.m.
March 9: Family Game Day, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
March 10: Cultural Series—The Past, Present, and Future of Pennsylvania State Parks, 3-4 p.m.
March 12: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 13, 27: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 14, 28: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
March 16: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 16: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
March 21: Rainbow Science stations (ages 4 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
March 22-April 19: 1,2,3 Play With Me (ages 0-3), Fridays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 26: Peaceful Poses kids yoga (ages 2-5), 10:15-11 a.m.
March 27: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
March 28: March Minute-to-Win-it (ages 6-12), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
March 30: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

March 4: Genealogy Group, 10-11 a.m.
March 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
March 6, 13, 20: Little Explorers Early Downtown Learning Classes, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Strength & Stretching 50+, 10-11 a.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.
March 11: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 25: BYO Craft Night (adults 18 and older), 4:30-6:45 p.m.

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

March 6-April 10: After School Art Class—Printmaking (grades 5-7), Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m., 3:30-5 p.m., or 6-7:30 p.m.

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

March 1, 16: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
March 1-30: Exploration Sky, 11-11:30 a.m.
March 1-30: Eclipses Crossing America, 1-1:30 p.m.
March 1-30: Compass, Calendar and Clock, 2-2:30 p.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Oasis in Space, 12-12:30 p.m.
March 6: Homeschool Program, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 6: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky Live Chat, 2-3 p.m.
March 8: Curiosity Kids—Build It!, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 20: Yuck! Germs, 11:30 a.m.
March 22: Virtual Program—Exploring Eclipses, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
March 23: That’s Gross!, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
March 27: The Art of Mammal Hall, 11:30 a.m.
March 29: Curiosity Kids—Feed the Birds, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

March 2: Kids Art Club—Self-Expression (ages 8-12), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 27: Open Figure Drawing, 7-9 p.m.

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

March 2: Build Your Own Gnome, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 9: Welcome Spring Saturday with Art Demos
March 9: Succulent Cupcakes Decorating Class, 10 a.m.
March 9: Kid’s on the Wheel Class, 1 p.m.
March 9: Mosaic Four Leaf Clover Class, 2 p.m.
March 15: Dirty Date Night Give it a Spin, 7-9 p.m.
March 16: Kid’s Cupcake Decorating Class, 10 a.m.
March 16: Macrame Plant Hanger Class, 11 a.m.
March 16: Make a Mug Workshop, 1 p.m.
March 23: Ceramic Snack Dishes, 11 a.m.
March 23: Boss Ross Inspired Painting Class, 1 p.m.

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

March 2: Kids Discover—Tracks and Scat (ages 5-10), 10-11:30 a.m.
March 3: Bonsai Workshop, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20: Cat in the Hat Learning Series, 10-10:45 a.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Wednesday Wellness Walk, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
March 9: Birds and Coffee with Appalachian Audubon, 10-11 a.m.
March 16: Spring Wreath Workshop, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
March 17: Kids Discover—Seeds (ages 4-6), 1-2:30 p.m.
March 20: Birdwalk—Waterfowl and Early Spring Migrants, 8-10 a.m.
March 23: Kids Discover—Nocturnal Animals (ages 5-10), 6-8 p.m.
March 24: Cub Scouts—Tigers in the Wild, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 24: Flower Walk—Cold Tolerant Plants, 1:30-3 p.m.
March 29: Kids Discover—Tracks and Scat (ages 5-10), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

March 23: Crafternoon at the Library, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Live Music

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

March 2: Lee Brice
March 3: TUSK, the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute
March 5: TESLA with Kurt Deimer
March 8: Dwight Yoakam
March 16, 17: The Oak Ridge Boys
March 23: Clint Black
March 24: Nickel Creek with Monica Martin
March 28: Blackberry Smoke
March 29, 30: Celtic Woman

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

March 6: Ledisi
March 9: York Symphony
March 15: Tartan Terrors
March 17: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
March 21: Samantha Fish
March 22: Turn to Stone, tribute to ELO
March 23: Dopapod
March 30: Lyfe Jennings and J. Holiday

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

March 5: Furman Singers

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

March 7, 14, 21, 28: Blues Jams

Boneshire Brew Works
7462 Derry St., Harrisburg
717-469-5007; boneshire.com

March 14: West & Ward

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

March 1, 15, 29: Roy LeFever
March 2, 6, 20, 27: Mathias Cabbell
March 7, 9, 14, 21: Andrea Britton
March 8, 23: Ted Ansel
March 13: Chris Purcell
March 16, 28: Chris Emkey
March 22: Dr. Nyce
March 30: Anthony Haubert

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

March 8: Sweet Honey in the Rock

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

March 14: Connor Rohrer

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

March 2: Joan Osborne, Meghan Cary
March 8: The Badlees
March 16: U2topia—U2 Tribute Band
March 30: Box of Rain—Grateful Dead Tribute Band

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

March 5, 12, 19, 26: Kirk Weiss

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

March 8: Dead By April
March 9: Turnover
March 9: JJ Rupp
March 11: KMFDM
March 13: Silversun Pickups
March 16: 3 Of A Kind Tour
March 16: 90s vs 2000s Night
March 21: The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
March 22: Matt Koziol
March 23: Hot Mulligan
March 27: Kitchen Dwellers

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

March 2, 3: Arrival from Sweden—The Music of ABBA
March 16, 17: Prokofiev and Brahms

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

March 15: Beach Weather at XL Live
March 27: Guster at XL Live

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

March 2: Diana Krall
March 12: Brit Floyd

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

March 1: The Cellar Sessions
March 2: Smooth Like Clyde
March 8: Emily’s ToyBox
March 9: Brass Pocket
March 15: The Luv Gods
March 16: Stampede
March 22: Josh Squared Band
March 23: Cazhmiere
March 29: Into The Spin
March 30: Chorduroy

Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-291-6440; lancastersymphony.org

March 8, 9: “Four Seasons” by Vivaldi

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

March 1: The Hold Fast
March 3: Zao
March 8: Defiant EP Release
March 9: Mutoid Man
March 13: Nita Strauss, Starbenders, Diamante
March 14: Adelitas Way
March 15: Adrian Blitzer
March 16: Skullfunkaz
March 17: Powerman 5000
March 23: Lighting The Way to Pride
March 24: Dreamwake
March 28: If Not For Me
March 29: Art of Anarchy
March 30: The Emo Night Tour

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

March 3: The Irish Tenors
March 16: Johnny Cash—The Concert Experience
March 25: Small Island Big Song

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

March 9: The Kings of Queen
March 14: The Red Hot Chili Pipers

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

March 24: Poulenc Trio

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

March 1: Messiah University Chamber Singers
March 24: Messiah University Concert Choir
March 25: Messiah University Chamber Ensembles
March 26: Messiah University Jazz Combo

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

March 10: Trumpet and Organ Concert w/John Stoudt and Joseph Garrison

Rusty Rail Brewing Company
5 N. 8th North St., Mifflinburg
570-966-7878; rustyrailbrewing.com

March 4, 18: Monday Night Jam

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

March 9: Gourley & Feddersen at Sonas
March 10: March Jam & Song Swap
March 26: Lena Jonsson Trio

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

March 12: Harrisburg Jazz Collective
March 16: Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road
March 17: Seasons with Cas Ceol
March 23: Jeffrey Gaines with Meaghan Farrell
March 30: Jimmy the Bugman, Darcie Miner, Glenn Hamilton, Antonio Andrade, Jackie Cassatt, Clish

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

March 2: Appetite For Destruction, Poisonous Crue
March 8: King’s X, Sound & Shape, Kamenar
March 9: Several Species The Pink Floyd Experience
March 15: Harrisburg University Presents Beach Weather
March 20: Dark Star Orchestra
March 21: Everclear
March 23: The Legwarmers
March 27: Harrisburg University Presents Guster
March 29: Crazy Train, The Ozzy Experience

The Stage Door

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

March 15: “Masters of Illusion”

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

March 1-30: “The Addams Family”

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

March 1: TMI Improv
March 9-24: “Pride and Prejudice”

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

March 1-3: “Annie”

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

March 1, 2: Wyatt Cole, Bob Lauver
March 8, 9: Mark Gregory
March 15, 16: PJ Walsh

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

March 1, 3: Level 1 Class Show
March 8, 10, 15: Level 2 Class Show
March 15, 17: Musical Level 2 Class Show
March 29: Kidprov Class Show

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

March 23-24: “Jesus Christ Superstar”

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

March 8-24: “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”

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

March 24: “Blippi”

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

March 1-7: “The Spitfire Grill”
March 22-23: Spring Senior Series

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

Through March 16: “Sweeney Todd”
March 19-24: The Good at Heart Festival
March 20-22: “The Diary of Anne Frank”
March 22-30: “Mary Speaks”

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

March 8-17: “The Vagina Monologues”

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

March 15: “Ceilidh—An Evening of Irish Music and Dance”
March 23: “Japanese Storytelling with Magical Masks, Mime, and Music/Origami Tales by Kuniko Yamamoto”

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

March 3: “Drag Arena All-Stars”

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Community Corner: Notable March Events

February 28, 2024 | by Missy Smith

March Community Corner

Share a Smile
March 1: S&T Bank and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia are teaming up for “Share a Smile” fundraiser day. Make a donation at various bank locations or online to support S&T’s mission for meaningful, impactful community involvement. www.chop.edu

Women’s History
March 1: Arts at Millersville University joins Lancaster’s First Friday celebrations with “We the People” at the Ware Center, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a poetry showcase and open mic by Thunda Khatt and the opening reception of an art exhibition featuring Millersville alumni Kerry Sacco and Ann Thomas. www.artsmu.com

Home + Garden Show
March 1-3: Visit the 2024 PA Home + Garden Show for the latest trends and practical advice in home improvement, gardening and landscaping, interior design and more from HGTV celebrity guest experts and more than 200 home and garden professionals. www.pahomeshow.com

Get Fit
March 1-31: Get fit with Capital Blue Cross Connect, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola, at a series of in-person and virtual wellness and fitness classes. Sign up for a variety of classes including yoga, barre, Pilates and tai chi. Find a full list of classes on their website. www.capitalbluecrossconnect.com

HBG Flea
March 2: 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

Ice & Fire
March 2: Enjoy Harrisburg’s annual Ice & Fire Festival with an ice slide, ice skating, fire dancers, ice carvings, fire pits and smores, local school and community performances, kids activities, food trucks, an artisan market, vendors and more, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ice sculptures will be displayed throughout the city. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Book Sales
March 2, 16: Friends of New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, music, puzzles, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Maple Sugar Festival
March 3: Explore the annual Maple Sugar Festival at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 12 to 4 p.m. Visitors can try tapping a tree, see maple syrup and candy making, and learn about the types of maple syrup. Kids can have fun with various activities, and products will be available for purchase. www.forthunter.org

School Visit
March 3: The Circle School will host an open house for visitors and families to learn about the school’s democratic approach to education. Event takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the school, 727 Wilhelm Rd., off Progress Ave., in Susquehanna Township. www.CircleSchool.org

Horticulture Program
March 4: Hershey Horticulture Society hosts its monthly program at Brownstone Lodge, 215 W. Governor Rd., Hershey, at 1 p.m. Constance Schmotzer, Penn State-York extension consumer horticulture educator (retired), will present “10 Biggest Gardening Mistakes/No Dig Garden.” The event is free and open to the public. www.hersheyhorticulture.com

Roots & Shoots
March 4: Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to “Roots & Shoots,” a youth service program developed by Jane Goodall, at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 6 to 7 p.m. Kids learn how to foster respect and compassion for all living things, promote understanding of cultures and beliefs, and take action to make the world a better place. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Let’s Cook
March 5: Penn State Extension offers the class, “Let’s Cook the DASH Diet,” 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Cumberland County Extension Service, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. Participants learn how plans focused on fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure. www.extension.psu.edu/lets-cook-dash

Let Music Live!
March 5: Harrisburg Choral Society presents “Songs of Celebration” at 3 p.m. at Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N. 23rd St., Camp Hill. Tickets available online, from Choral Society members or at the door. www.harrisburgchoralsociety.org

Choral Concert
March 5: Arts on the Square presents the Furman Singers, a 60-voice choral group from Furman University of Greenville, S.C., at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg at 7 p.m. Following the concert, an exhibit of the watercolors of Elaine Wilson will be open for viewing in the Arts on the Square Gallery in Geneva Hall. www.marketsquarechurch.org/concerts

Tonight’s Sky
March 6: Explore the night sky with the planetarium director at the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, at 2 p.m. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets and special celestial events. www.statemuseumpa.org

Legislators’ Forum II
March 7: Join the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 2023 Legislators’ Forum II, with area members of the PA Senate at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 8 to 10 a.m. Pre-register online. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

Film Friday
March 8, 9: Head to Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for a special Film Friday of 2023 Oscar-nominated short films. View animated short films at 1 p.m. and live action short films at 6 p.m. on March 8 and documentary short films at 1:30 p.m. on March 9. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Curious Kids
March 8, 29: State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, invites kids in kindergarten through second grade to “Curiosity Kids” at 11:30 a.m. On March 8, kids can explore engineering and build structures, and, on March 29, they can study birds’ beaks and make a simple bird feeder. www.statemuseumpa.org

Train Show
March 9: Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will host its Railroad and Model Trains Show at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5; kids under the age of 12 are free. www.harrisburgnrhs.org

Birds & Coffee
March 9: Visit the Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for bird watching and a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, 10 to 11 a.m. Discover which birds visit feeders most often and learn how to identify them. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Heath Program
March 9: Penn State Health Specialty Services, 429 N. 21st St., Camp Hill, hosts a free event about urinary incontinence and overactive bladder, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dr. Adrian Sosenko will discuss behavioral therapies, lifestyle changes, exercises, medications and injections, nerve stimulation and surgical options. www.pennstatehealth.org

Empty Bowls
March 11: Carlisle Arts Learning Center’s “Empty Bowls” project fights hunger one bowl at a time at Project SHARE, 5 North Orange St., Carlisle, 6 to 7:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit Project SHARE. Tickets are $25. www.carlislearts.org

PA Birthday
March 12: Celebrate Pennsylvania’s birthday by learning about its history at the State Museum of PA, 12 to 4:30 p.m. Free general admission for the celebration. Limited-timed tickets for “Curiosity Connection” will be available for families with children 5 and younger. www.statemuseumpa.org

Mini Med School
March 12, 19, 26: Penn State College of Medicine will host its 25th annual Mini Medical School, with a unique curriculum on the field of medicine and the college’s contributions to research and healthcare. This free, virtual event is open to everyone, 6 to 8:30 p.m., each evening. med.psu.edu/mini-medical-school

Food Rally
March 14: 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

3rd in The Burg
March 15: 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

Irish Celebration
March 15: The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick host a St. Patrick’s Day Party that will honor “Irishperson of the Year” Pat Halpin-Murphy at HMAC, 1103 N. 3rd St., 6-10 p.m. Event features Irish music and dancing. Proceeds benefit PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Tickets available on Eventbrite.

Spring Wreath
March 16: Decorate a spring wreath with natural materials at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cones, nuts and seedpods will be supplied, and participants may bring additional materials. Sip tea or coffee while adding finishing touches. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

St. Patty’s Parade
March 16: Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 2 p.m. The Lucky Charm 4-Miler race through downtown Harrisburg precedes the parade, beginning at noon. www.harrisburgstpatricksdayparade.com

TV Trivia
March 16: Join the Cumberland Singers for “TV Time Trivia” at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 626 Williams Grove Rd., Mechanicsburg, 3 p.m. Tickets include four rounds of trivia, a raffle ticket and music between rounds. Guests can compete for prizes, including best TV character costume. www.cumberlandsingers.org

Menopause Seminar
March 17: Dwennimmen African Dance Community presents a menopause awareness workshop with Dr. Sharee Livingston OB/GYN and African dance fitness with Tracey Jennings at the Sara Lindemuth Anna/Carter Primary School Gymnasium, 4 to 6 p.m. Facebook: Dwennimmen African Dance Community

Women of Excellence
March 19: YWCA Greater Harrisburg will host its 35th annual “Tribute to Women of Excellence” awards dinner at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The tribute will honor 27 outstanding women who dedicate time and talent to making a difference in central PA. www.ywcahbg.org

Eyewear Show
March 21: Premier Eye Care Group, 3903 Hartzdale Dr., Camp Hill, hosts a style show featuring top brands in eyewear, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, enter a glasses giveaway and get a discount of up to 30% off purchases. www.premiereyes.com

Speaker Event
March 21: Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania and Midtown Scholar Bookstore host the “Keystone Speaker Evening” with guest speaker Marie Yovanovitch, at Hershey Country Club, 1000 E. Derry Rd. The evening includes a social hour, book signing and dinner before Yovanovitch’s presentation and Q&A. www.fpaharrisburg.org

Art Auction
March 22: Harrisburg Habitat for Humanity’s 19th annual “Art Builds Homes” art auction will be held in the Empire Room at Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., 6 p.m. The event includes an artist reception with hors d’oeuvres, tastings, raffle tickets, a cash bar, a silent auction, a dessert bar and live art auction. www.harrisburghabitat.org

Kids Discover
March 23: Kids ages 5 to 10 are invited to explore nocturnal wildlife with a naturalist at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Call for owls, discover adaptations that let animals roam at night and look for night-flying insects. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Flower Walk
March 24: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1:30 to 3 p.m., to take a walk to find skunk cabbage, other cold tolerant plants and anything left over from winter. You may even spot a few flowering trees. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Bowling Benefit
March 24-25: Register your bowling team for Bowl for Kids’ Sake to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region’s one-to-one youth mentoring program. Enjoy pizza, drinks, raffle prizes and bowling at ABC West Lanes, Mechanicsburg. www.capbigs.org

Music Awards
March 28: Save the date for the annual Central Pennsylvania Music Awards and its Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the red-carpet pre-show. The Englewood, 1219 Research Blvd., Hummelstown, will host the after-party. www.cpmhof.com

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

Musical Notes: Lucky month for music

February 28, 2024 | by Skye Leppo

Beach Weather

There were only one or two gigs on my radar for March when I started working on this column, and, boy, was I underestimating the absolute deluge of great live music coming to the region this month. Don’t just take it from me, though. If you’re unfamiliar with some of the names I’m about to share in this column, give ‘em a listen and maybe plan to catch a show if you want to shake off the winter freeze and joyfully thaw among other live music enthusiasts.

HOPE YOU ALREADY BOUGHT TIX
3/13, Silversun Pickups, H*MAC

The summer between my sophomore and junior years of college, I worked four jobs, and as a result, spent a crazy amount of time in my borrowed ‘04 Ford Escape, constantly blowing out the speakers while blasting “Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)” from Silversun Pickups’ 2012 release “Neck of the Woods.” Of course, this was after spending a ton of time with their earlier albums like “Carnavas” and “Swoon,” which were usually peripheral noise on the soundtrack of my high school days. I’ve never seen the band live, and, unfortunately, for this girlie, the show is already sold out, but kudos to H*MAC for securing this tour stop. Those attending are sure to have an awesome experience.

GROOVE INTO WARMER VIBES
3/15, Harrisburg University Presents Beach Weather, XL Live

Admittedly, I only knew Beach Weather from a feature the band has on “My Body ft. Your Lips” by the band Beaches (who, side note, have been on constant rotation in my playlists recently, but that’s a different story). Beach Weather’s 2023 album, “Pineapple Sunrise,” is a smooth collection of milky pop/rock songs in the vein of The Neighborhood or Glass Animals. And, from a glimpse at the group’s social media, their shows look really fun, especially the live versions of “Unlovable” and “Sex Drugs Etc.

OMG—OH MY GUSTER!!
3/27, Harrisburg University Presents Guster, XL Live

1991 was a great year—it brought the world your favorite local music writer. But, more importantly, it delivered us the sheer wonder that is Guster (though at that time, they were going by “Gus”). I have unabashed love for this Boston rock outfit, who are the brains behind hits such as “Satellite,” “One Man Wrecking Machine,” “Fa Fa,” “Amsterdam” and so many others. They’re also among the funniest bands you could see. They have really great stage presence and banter, and their encore cover songs are something of a legend among fans. See you in the front row?

Honorable Mentions

3/2 — Joan Osborne, The Englewood
3/2 — Diana Krall, Hershey Theatre
3/6 — Ledisi, Appell Center for the Performing Arts
3/8 — Dead by April, H*MAC
3/11 — KMFDM, H*MAC
3/12 — Brit Floyd, Hershey Theatre
3/16 — The Bad Toupees, The Hershey Italian Lodge
3/16 — Kilmaine Saints, XL Live
3/17 — Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Appell Center for the Performing Arts
3/17 — Seasons, West Shore Theatre
3/20 — Dark Star Orchestra, XL Live
3/21 — Everclear, XL Live
3/23 — Jeffrey Gaines with Meaghan Farrell, West Shore Theatre

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Frozen Friendship: The quirky “Problemista” will put a smile on your face

February 28, 2024 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Image courtesy of A24.

Alejandro wants to make toys. He has come from El Salvador to the United States to get a job at Hasbro, but, as usually happens, one’s dream does not always match one’s results.

Writer and director Julio Torres also stars in this tumultuously whimsical film, “Problemista,” which, though with faults, is pretty much a guarantee to delight and confuse.

In order to keep his green card until Hasbro responds to his job application, “Ale” gets a job at FreezeCorp, a company that puts people into a cryogenic sleep until they can, one day, figure out a way to wake them up. There, he meets our title character, Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), a fussy, high-strung art dealer whose late husband, Bobby (RZA), painted eggs. Now, Bobby is in a state-of-the-art freezer, and Elizabeth must sell his art collection to pay for FreezeCorp’s services, making her even more tense than she already is.

Ale meets Elizabeth shortly before being fired from FreezeCorp, and, in need of someone to sponsor him so he can remain in the country patiently awaiting Hasbro’s call, he accepts Elizabeth’s suggestion that he freelance with her. And so the staggeringly chaotic journey begins.

Both Torres and Swinton bring astounding energy to their characters—the chemistry between the two is what makes the film work so well. Ale’s quiet nature and quirky gait make him a likable protagonist, and maybe it is that calm that reins in the storm. Somehow, even the most stress-inducing scenes with Elizabeth will endear her to the audience. It probably also helps that those moments of terrorizing the waiter or chastising employees are sandwiched between scenes of an entirely different version of crazy—Ale’s surrealistic dramatizations of his attempts to find under-the-table work on Craigslist (hilariously enough, Craigslist is played by a person, Larry Owens).

The story has its weak points—its ending, unfortunately, being one of them. Even Elizabeth’s impulsivity cannot make this reviewer satisfied by how clumsily the story tied its last knot. And the pacing can be too brisk at times, leaving a whirlwind to sift through as Ale and Elizabeth jump to the next task at hand. But “Problemista” has an overall charming effect, just like the friendship that takes the spotlight.

“Problemista” will play at Midtown Cinema this March. Don’t miss your chance, as it will probably be a quick run.

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

March Events
At Midtown Cinema

First-Run Film Openings
“Love Lies Bleeding”
“The Monk and the Gun”
“Dune: Part Two”
“Io Capitano”

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Hundreds of Beavers” (2024)
Friday, March 15 at 9:30 p.m.

Down in Front! comedy riffing
“Birdemic: Shock and Terror” (2010)
Friday, March 29 at 9:30ish

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