Sweets & Sweethearts: A college couple reunited to open an ice cream shop in Arcona

January 30, 2024 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Sometimes, life takes unexpected twists and swirls.

For instance, Rita Weiss and Peter Neavling were college sweethearts who hadn’t seen each other in years. Later in life, they reconnected through Facebook.

“We dated in college, then went our separate ways, married other people, had children and got divorced around the same time,” Weiss said.

The connection then got even sweeter. In May 2020, the couple opened an ice cream shop called Shirley Rae’s, a 1,000-square-foot space in Lower Allen Township at Arcona. They named it for Neavling’s mother.

“It has an old-timey ring to it, and no businesses in the United States shares that name,” Weiss said.

More Upscale

The shop features lighthearted, beachy décor with homemade kites that hang from the ceiling. A colorful, whimsical mural painted along the back wall stars a large octopus, a bobbing jellyfish and other denizens of the deep. Attractive beaded curtains line the windows and twinkle in the sunlight in the bright space.

The younger set, some of whom are just learning to read, enjoy surveying the chalkboard wall, which is chock-a-block with dad jokes that are swapped out on a regular basis. The shop seats 20 inside and 16 outside, employing 12 to 16 workers during the spring, summer and fall seasons.

The couple serves products from Tamaqua-based Leiby’s Dairy, which has been churning out hand-dipped, premium ice cream for 90 years. Flavors include pistachio, birthday cake, pralines and cream, peanut butter cup and Tandy cake, among others. And if you’re not content to settle for a cone or dish of the frozen dessert, Shirley Rae’s sells sundaes, floats, milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches crafted with homemade brownies.

The couple also caters to four-legged friends with doggie ice cream.

“We make it out of whole milk, yogurt and all-natural peanut butter,” explained Weiss, whose daughter is in the veterinary medicine business and consulted with the couple to serve what’s best for canine health.

It’s no secret that the ice cream business slows down during the winter months. So, the couple has diversified to sell hot chocolate and sandwiches, which aren’t your run-of-the-mill scoop shop fare.

“Because we’re so close to Thea’s and SpringGate, we decided to make them a little more upscale,” Weiss said.

The sandwich/panini menu includes selections like turkey and guacamole, ham and brie, ham and cheddar with spinach and cranberry aioli and roast beef. For vegetarians, there’s apple and brie and a four-cheese option.

Phil Broder, who lives about a half-mile from Shirley Rae’s, said that he’s glad to have an ice cream place near him and that he and his wife also enjoy the sandwiches.

“My Labrador likes the pup cups,” he added.

Mike Fee of Duncannon also makes the trip, visiting about six times during the year and sometimes bringing along his mother, who hails from Hazleton.

“I like to order a scoop of black cherry with a scoop of chocolate on top,” he said.

Making Plans

Before opening, the couple struggled with the normal issues wrought by COVID-19, as they launched during the height of the pandemic.

“Contractors couldn’t work during the shutdown,” Weiss said.

However, those complications ended up paling in comparison to her health issues.

“I needed to be listed for a heart transplant and was in the hospital for 50 days,” Weiss said. “During that time, Peter was a great caretaker.”

The fact that he was recently retired proved to be a tremendous benefit.

“It gave me the opportunity to be with her and not be fired,” Neavling said.

Weiss was offered a heart transplant but learned that she has a rare antibody that rejects 98% of all hearts. So, right now, she is dependent on a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), which helps pump blood from the lower left heart chamber to the rest of the body. She carries with her a controller unit and battery pack that is connected to the LVAD through a small opening in the skin.

In the near future, Weiss plans to undergo what she calls a “very painful procedure” in order to receive the transplant.

She explained that the device hasn’t hampered her ability to work and that she’s glad to have reconnected with her college love, who has been by her side every step of the way.

“It’s been great working together, reconnecting and enjoying the smiles on the faces of our customers,” Weiss said. “However, what we are especially looking forward to is when the transplant is in the rearview mirror so that we can get back to living, loving and traveling like we have planned.”

Shirley Rae’s is located at Arcona at 1347 Saxton Way, Mechanicsburg. For more information, visit www.shirleyraes.com or their Facebook page.

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The Painted Word: Steve Barber—a cut above the rest

January 30, 2024 | by Bob MacGinnes

Steve Barber

The timing could not have been more auspicious, occurring on the eve of Black History Month last February. Dr. Dale Dangleben, owner of Nyeusi Gallery, the area’s only dedicated Black art gallery, announced that Steve Barber would be its new art director.

Barber, an abstract expressionist painter, was tailor-made for the position, as it takes an artist to show and sell art no matter what it depicts. Barber, fully immersed in the process, deep dives into the details, relating what the artist is conveying on the canvas. He is a master storyteller, be it his own or that of the gallery’s compendium of artists and their works.

It starts with his mile-wide smile and the twinkle in his eyes, signaling that the best is yet to come. Getting to know the artist firsthand becomes second nature as Steve makes it a point to feature Nyeusi’s gallery of creatives with guest artist appearances, especially for 3rd in the Burg. Those monthly events on the third Friday also find jazz trio of renown, RC Rhythm Dual Band, at the gallery entertaining guests, romancing art through music.

“From the time I was a small child, I knew I was destined for a life where art would be the connective tissue,” he shared. “My sister and I loved to draw and paint at an early age.”

Steve attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia and received an associate’s degree in visual communication. Unable to find work in his field, he was encouraged to continue his painting by one of the instructors, Miss Sophia, who recognized a “gift in his art and to never give up.” Steve, a native of Harrisburg, makes it his mission to educate visitors to Nyeusi about the history of Black art and its migratory march across continents as it became a vital link in the African diaspora. He became a member of the Art Association of Harrisburg in 1988 and is still actively involved 35 years later.

Steve stated that the greatest influence on his work was his instructor, the late expressionist painter Li Hidley of Harrisburg. In addition, he has studied under Linda Benton McCloskey of the Millworks studios and Thom Kulp, a local painter. His personality shines through his paintings as his exuberant persona bursts forth on the canvas, often told through explosions of color. One cannot help but smile with mood lifted, floating into the clouds, when viewing his art. The experience is like grabbing onto the string of a big red balloon going higher and higher. Steve achieves a Zen-like state, euphoric at times, by starting each day “in meditation of the day that lies ahead.”

“I explore my art as a building block for life,” he said. “My creativity comes from my heart and my actions.”

In his role, Steve features an artist of the month on the front gallery wall and also offers open mic poetry nights and, of course, jazz. In addition to being the art director at Nyeusi, he is the chief operating officer of Ethel Lee Vintage and Art (ELVA). Locally, his artwork has been featured on ad campaigns, as the face of numerous area businesses. His proudest accomplishment was being featured in the “International Contemporary Artist” (volume X) catalog.

“My goal and inspiration is to paint with design sense, imagination, a spiritual mindset and letting my skillset dictate what the actual creation is,” Steve said.

When asked about the responsibility of being the gallery director, he was candid.

“To be given this golden opportunity at Nyeusi and, for Nyeusi, the key to success is inspiring the next generation of youngsters who may have interest in expressing themselves through art, but not quite sure where to start, is where I come in,” he said. “As a role model for young Black artists, it is a challenge I look forward to every day. If I am able to guide a young person, no matter their race, and impact their lives in a positive way, then I am truly fulfilling my mission.”

In the grand scheme of life, having an art gallery dedicated to African, Caribbean and African American works of art should be a source of pride for all Harrisburg residents. Nyeusi is adding a new chapter to Black history in our city, making Harrisburg’s legacy richer and fuller by the day, page by page, or in Steve Barber’s words, “canvas by canvas.”

The Danglebens and Steve Barber take a great sense of accomplishment in bringing their vision to fruition, having celebrated the gallery’s second anniversary this past September. They look forward to the challenges and rewards that the New Year will bring. And for first-time visitors, art impressions will expand exponentially. They extend a warm invitation to drop in during gallery hours and for 3rd in the Burg evenings, to be inspired by the beauty of beyond.

Nyeusi Gallery is located at 1224 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.nyeusi.art.

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Happenings: Our February Calendar of Events

January 30, 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

“Figuratively Speaking,” AAH’s longest-running themed show, features artwork celebrating the human form in all shapes, sizes, and media, through Feb. 15

Kathleen Joffrian-Michael Pavol exhibition, Feb. 23 to April 4; reception, Feb. 23, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

“Looking In, Reaching Out,” featuring art of all mediums that explore friendships, loneliness, mental hurdles and barriers to expression, through Feb. 3

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

February 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: Caryn Hand, Creations by CM Hand, through Feb. 24

Gallo’ry on Market
2010 Market St., Camp Hill
717-874-2999; galloryonmarket.com

February featured artists: Yachiyo Beck and Tara McHugh

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Backstage Café at the Allen Theater, Feb. 1-31

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, Feb. 10-April 13

“For the Love of Art” at the Hershey Gardens Butterfly Conservatory, Feb. 16-18

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

“Cover Design,” featuring a collection of book cover designs by David Fassett, through Feb. 4

Senior Art Educator Exhibition, through Feb. 4

“Among the Perishing,” an immersive installation by Zac Bension, Feb. 16-March 10; reception and artist talk: Feb. 16, 4:30 p.m.

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

February 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

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

Art in the Stacks featuring Richard Neff

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. 4^th 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

“M E T I N M E,” mixed media sculptures by Kourtney Stone, Feb. 9

The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing
190 Reno Ave., New Cumberland
717-774-4301; FineArt2u.com

Exhibit featuring works by oil painter Lina Ferrara, in the gallery, through Feb. 24; artist reception, Feb. 8, 5-8 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

“Banner 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

“Cocoon Steelton—The Migrations of Many” by Kate Browne,” Feb. 10-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, Feb. 10-May 19

“Far Field,” paintings by Kate Stewart, inspired by brain activity research, through Feb. 11

“In the Grass, With a Baby,” paintings and drawings by Lee Nowell-Wilson, through Feb. 18

“The Shop Presents—Essentials,” Shelby Wormley explores barbershops and beauty salons in Black and brown communities during the global pandemic, through a series of photographs, through Feb. 25

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

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,” Feb. 2–April 7; reception: Feb. 2, 5-7 p.m.

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

“Souvenirs of Ruin,” works by Italian artist, archaeologist and architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi, through Feb. 10

“The Boundaries Imagined,” paintings, drawings and prints by Louisa Chase, Feb. 23-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

“Yondering with the Wheelers,” photography by James Wheeler and the pottery it inspired by Robin Wheeler, through Feb. 3

“How Do I Love Thee,” a group show of work inspired by love, Feb. 6-March 16

Read, Make, Learn

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

Feb. 1, 15, 29: Fit Chicks, in store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: BOOMer Strong, 10 a.m.
Feb. 2, 16: Virtual Booty Blast, 9:30 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: BOOMer Fitness, 9:30 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 26: Virtual Adult Art Class, 11:05 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 26: Virtual Kids Art Class, 12:05 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 : Tai Chi, 4 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Yoga for Back Health, 10 a.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
Feb. 8, 22: Boomer Fit Zoomer, in store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Virtual Barre Insanity Express, 9:30 a.m.
Feb. 14, 21, 28: Strong & Fit, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 19, 26: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
Feb. 21: Virtual Zumba, 12 p.m.

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

Feb. 3, 10: Good Hair Day (ages 9-14), 12-2 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Intermediate/Advanced Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Beginning Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 10: Ring Dishes (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 14, 21, 28: Monet’s Watercolor Garden (ages 8-14), 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Copper Enameling Workshop (ages 13-adult), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 17, 24: Say Cheese (ages 9-14), 12-2 p.m.
Feb. 19: Winter Wonderland (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Feb. 21: Experimental Mixed Media, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Feb. 1-29: All-Ages Winter Reading on Beanstack
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Winter Story Time (ages 3-6), 11-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 3: Winter Craft Day, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 12-17: Valentine’s and Book Lover’s Scavenger Hunt
Feb. 17: Bingo for Books, 12-1 p.m. or 1-2 p.m.
Feb. 26-March 2: Leap Day Challenge

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

Feb. 6, 13: Zumbini, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Feb. 11: The Year of Ghibli, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 12: Paws with a Cause, 6-6:45 p.m.
Feb. 17: 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

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Family Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Fiber Artists, 3-5 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Baby Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Crazy 8s Math Club, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Toddler Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 10, 24: LEGO Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 17: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 20: Baby Musik Time, 9:50-10:20 a.m.
Feb. 20: Preschool Musik Time, 10:30-11 a.m.
Feb. 29: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 1-29: Winter Reading Challenge
Feb. 2: Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 4: Game Day, 1:30-4:30 p.m
Feb. 5: Roots & Shoots (ages 5-8), 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Book Explorers, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 6: Curl up with the Classics—“ A Raisin in the Sun,” 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 6, 20: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 6, 20: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 7, 21: Device Advice, 5-6 p.m.
Feb. 8, 15, 29: Meet & Greet Library Pups, 10 to 11 a.m.
Feb. 9: Film Friday, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 10: Tween Crafternoon, 1:30-3 p.m.
Feb. 10, 11: Paint with Us, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 11: Teen Mystery Party, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 12: Philosopher’s Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m
Feb. 12: World Explorers, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 12: ESL Conversation Circle, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 19: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
Feb. 21: Ask a Dietician, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 23: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9:15-10 a.m.
Feb. 23: Peaceful Poses Kids Storytime Yoga, 10-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 24: Tween STEAM Escape Room, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 24: Computer Basics, 2-3 p.m.
Feb. 24: Teen STEAM Escape Room, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 25: Tween Mystery Party, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 26: Fredricksen Reads—“Take My Hand,” 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 27: Tween LEGO Club, 6-8 p.m.

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

Feb. 8: Mosaic Heart, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 10: Kids Valentine Gnomes Workshop, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 11: Sweetheart Valentine’s Day, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 15: Moonwalk Pendant, 6-8 p.m.

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

Feb. 4: Acting Tips and Techniques for the Improviser, 1-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 18-March 24: Kidprov (ages 9-14), Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Feb. 5-March 25: Oil and Acrylic Painting, Mondays, 6-9 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 1, 15, 29: Hershey Quilters, 12-4 p.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Chess Club, 11-3 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 6: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
Feb. 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Feb. 6, 20: Silent Book Group, 10 a.m.
Feb. 7: LEGO Club, 4-4:45 p.m.
Feb. 7: Library Happy Hour, 6-7:45 p.m.
Feb. 7: Open Book Group, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Community Crochet Night, 6-7:45 p.m.
Feb. 8: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Feb. 8: Teen Zine (A Hershey Reads event), 4-5 p.m.
Feb. 13: Philosopher’s Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Board Game Night, 5-7:45 p.m.
Feb. 17: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Feb. 17: Crafting Supply Exchange, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Feb. 17: Wendy Makes DIY Card Class, 1-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 26: MOMS Club of Derry Township, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Feb. 13: Paint-by-Number for Grownups, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Beginning Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Toddler Time, 11:15-11:35 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Rhyme Time, 11:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Feb. 5: Teen Movie Monday, 6-7:45 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Toddler Time, 10:45-11:05 a.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 8: Graphic Novel Club, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 10-11: February Book Sale
Feb. 10, 24: Block Party, 10:30-11:25 a.m.
Feb. 10, 24: Puzzle Party, 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 12: Kindergarten Readiness, 1-2:15 p.m. and 6-7:15 p.m.
Feb. 12, 26: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 15: Teen Third Thursday, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 15: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 19: STEAM Club, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 19: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 23: Apple Group for Seniors, 1-2 p.m.
Feb. 24: Trivia at Home—Music, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 26: Tween Scene, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 29: Tales for TAILS!, 6-7 p.m.

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

Feb. 6, 13: Coloring for Adults, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 6, 14: Teen Gaming Club, 3 p.m.
Feb. 10: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Feb. 1, 8: Game On! Coding Challenge, 4-5 p.m.
Feb. 3: Saturday Family Playtime, 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 5: Fiber Arts Club, 3:30-5 p.m.
Feb. 6: Around the World in Five Weeks, 5-6 p.m.
Feb. 7: Light the Way, Lewis Lattimer, 4-5 p.m.
Feb. 17: Black Makers Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

Feb. 1: Booklover’s Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Storytime & Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 19: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.

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

Feb. 6: An Evening w/Joel Burcat with Tory Gates, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 7: An Evening w/Sadeqa Johnson with Jo Piazza, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 10: Kristin Hannah with Adriana Trigiani, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 15: Wake Up America—An Evening w/Dr. Keisha Blain, Ruth Richardson and Taifa Smith Butler, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 16: Allen Guelzo with Scott Lamar, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 24: Book Signing with Lindsay Hameroff, 1-3 p.m.

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

Feb. 1: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 1: Love Birds Storytime(ages 3 and older), 10:30-11 a.m. and 4:30-5 p.m.
Feb. 1-29: Beanstack Challenge—For the Love of Reading (ages 0-18)
Feb. 1-29: February Scavenger Hunt—Community Helpers (ages 0-12)
Feb. 2, 16: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 3: Valentine Card-Making Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 3, 17: New Cumberland Public Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Feb. 5: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12: Winter Storytime & More (ages 2-5), Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 6, 13: Winter Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.
Feb. 7: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 8, 22: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
Feb. 10: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17), 10 a.m.
Feb. 13: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 14, 28: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 15, 29: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Feb. 17: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 17: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 18: An Afternoon with Thaddeus Stevens, 3-4 p.m.
Feb. 20: MLK Celebration with local author and illustrator Shelly Lipscomb, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 24: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 26: Storytime STEAM (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 28: Pet Rock Party (ages 4 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 28: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 22, 26, 29: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.
Feb. 5: Genealogy Group, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 7, 28: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Strength & Stretching 50+, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Little Explorers Early Downtown Learning Classes, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 12: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 26: BYO Craft Night (adults 18 and older), 4:30-6:45 p.m.

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

Feb. 3: Drop-In Art, 1-4 p.m.

The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing
190 Reno Ave., New Cumberland
717-774-4301; FineArt2u.com

Feb. 3: Art demos by Thom Glace (transparent watercolorist) and Lina Ferrara (oil painter), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 14: Pop-up gallery at Rubicon, 5-9 p.m.

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

Feb. 1-3: Constellations, 1 p.m.
Feb. 1-4: We Are Stars, 11-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 1-4: Two Small Pieces of Glass, 2-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 2, 17: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 7: Homeschool Program, 10 a.m.
Feb. 9: Curiosity Kids—2-Dimensional Shapes, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 10: Color!, 10 a.m.
Feb. 11: Experience Folk Art, 1:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Traditions, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 16: Virtual Program—Presque Isle Behind the Lens, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Feb. 22-29: Exploration Sky, 11-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 22-29: Eclipses Crossing America, 1-1:30 p.m.
Feb. 22-29: Compass, Calendar, and Clock, 2-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: Curiosity Kids—It’s Alive!, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 24: Oasis in Space, 12-12:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 3: Kids Art Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 28: Open Figure Drawing, 7-9 p.m.

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

Feb. 2: Date Night, Make Your Own Clay Mug, 7 p.m.
Feb. 3: Build Your Own Clay Gnome, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 10: Paint Your Own Ceramic Heart Ring Dish, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 10: Iris Folder Origami Paper Valentines, 11 a.m.
Feb. 10: Bob Ross Inspired Painting Class, 1 p.m.
Feb. 10: Clay Luminaries Workshop, 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Spoon Rest with Clay Mug Workshop, 11 a.m.
Feb. 24: Ceramic Hand Built Candle Boxes, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 24: Foxy February Paint & Sip, 11 a.m.

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

Feb. 3: Kids Discover—Groundhogs (ages 5-10), 1-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Wednesday Wellness Walk, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 10: Birds and Coffee with Appalachian Audubon, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 10: Kids Discover—Rocks and Fossils (ages 8-12), 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 10: Winter Tree ID at Detweiler Park, 1-2 p.m.
Feb. 13, 27: Winter Lecture Series—PA Natural Wonders, 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Preschool Storytime—Winter at Wildwood, 10-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 17: Redesigned Barn Shutter Workshop, 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 20: Wild Recipes—Winter Foraging in Your Backyard, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 24: PSE Master Gardeners’ Spring Symposium, 9-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 24: Winter Candle Making Class, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Feb. 10: The Plot Thickens, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Dream Pillows—A Holistic Approach to Sound Sleep, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Feb. 9: Little River Band, Firefall
Feb. 17: Jo Dee Messina
Feb. 18: 50s Dance Party—The Music of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens
Feb. 23: Boyz II Men

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

Feb. 2: Jazz in the City
Feb. 3: Let’s Sing Tayler—A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift
Feb. 8: Sarah Jorosz, The Ballroom Thieves
Feb. 10: York Symphony
Feb. 17: York County Student Music Festival
Feb. 17: The Machine Performs Pink Floyd
Feb. 20: Drew & Ellie Holcomb

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

Feb. 9: Jonathan Walker-VanKuren

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

Feb. 1: Sherri & Dennis
Feb. 15: Holly Serio
Feb. 29: Josh Dominick

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

Feb. 1, 8, 14: Andrea Britton
Feb. 2, 16: Ted Ansel
Feb. 3, 10, 17: Anthony Haubert
Feb. 7: Mathias Cabbell
Feb. 9, 23: Roy LeFever
Feb. 15, 24: Chris Emkey
Feb. 21: Chris Purcell
Feb. 22, 29: Dr. Nyce
Feb. 28: Tristan Lyncé

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

Feb. 23: Dirty Deeds—The AC/DC Experience

Elizabethtown College
1 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown
717-361-1212; www.etown.edu

Feb. 5: Maria Corley
Feb. 12: Erin Lippar and Justin Badgerow
Feb. 26: Anne Gross and Thomas Bandy

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

Feb. 10: Damn the Torpedoes Tom Petty Tribute
Feb. 17: Soul Miners Union, Cumberland Honey
Feb. 24: Rhett Miller

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

Feb. 1: Jessica Kirson
Feb. 6: Vader
Feb. 9: Abstrakt Sonance & Wraz
Feb. 10: Veil of Maya
Feb. 15: Alash Ensemble
Feb. 17: SubDocta
Feb. 24: The Taylor Party

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

Feb. 5: HSYO Winter Concert
Feb. 10-11: Stirring Strings

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Feb. 21: Indigo De Souza (XL Live)
Feb. 24: Sing & Swing (The Forum)

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

Feb. 3: KC and the Sunshine Band

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

Feb. 2, 3: Emily’s ToyBox
Feb. 9, 10: Screamin’ Daisys
Feb. 16, 17: The Cellar Sessions
Feb. 23, 24: Colt Wilbur Band

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

Feb. 6: Drum Tao
Feb. 20: “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”
Feb. 24: Atlanta Rhythm Section & Pure Prairie League—50 Years Together!
Feb. 29: Michael W. Smith

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

Feb. 18: Wind Symphony Family Pops Concert
Feb. 24: Jazz Ensemble Concert

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

Feb. 21: Galvin Cello Quartet

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

Feb. 16: Messiah University Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Winds
Feb. 18: Mendelssohn Piano Trio
Feb. 23: Messiah University Symphony Orchestra

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

Feb. 3: Winter Coffee House
Feb. 9: Trischka, Molsky & Daves
Feb. 25: Winter Open Mic
Feb. 27: Lúnasa with Daoirí Farrell

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

Feb. 16: Louis! Louis! Louis!
Feb. 23: MU Orchestra Winners’ Circle
Feb. 24: Shadows of the ‘60s A Tribute to Motown
Feb. 25: Spring Chorale Concert

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

Feb. 18: The Robert Cray Band

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

Feb. 1: Boombox, Tep No
Feb. 2: Minnesota, Abelation, Corporate Thugz, Funkbot & Bishop
Feb. 3: The Lizards—Phish Tribute
Feb. 9: The Ten Bend—A Tribute to Pearl Jam
Feb. 10: Tesehki, Cache, Liah
Feb. 16: Papadosio & Tauk
Feb. 17: Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers
Feb. 21: Indigo De Souza (HU Presents)
Feb. 24: Splintered Sunlight

The Stage Door

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

Feb. 21: “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”

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

Feb. 6: “The Cher Show”
Feb. 16: Anthony Rodia
Feb. 24: Josh Blue

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

Feb. 16-25: “Rock of Ages”

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

Feb. 1-17: Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”
Feb. 23-March 30: “The Addams Family”

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

Feb. 10-25: “The Jackson Rooming House—Music’s Resting Place”

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

Feb. 16-18: “The Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater”

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

Feb. 2, 3: Brent Terhune
Feb. 9, 10: Galyn Nash, Brandon Legendre

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

Feb. 2: Free Improv Jam, Elderprov, Gingersnaps, REAL Fast Coast Wives of Central PA, All Over the Place, Bandito, Rites of Passage
Feb. 3: Kid Friendly Mixer, Clown Car, Solo Sleepover, Love Triangle, Euphoria
Feb. 9: Free Improv Jam, 4th Cousins, Naïve Scammers, Our Bizarre Adventure, Leg of Lamp
Feb. 10: Free Mixer, This Show Will Self Destruct, Ham Juice, Barbra, Tiny French Cigarettes
Feb. 16: Free Improv Jam, Team Z, Same Each, Original 6, Holy Moly, Bondfire Society, Girlzilla
Feb. 17: Free Mixer, Next Level, Uncomfortable, Rockstar Goes Supernova, Blackest Thing Ever
Feb. 23: Free Improv Jam, 4th Cousins, Naïve Scammers, Is That Beef?, Offbeats
Feb. 24: Level 4 Class Show, Phil’s Arcade, Cosmic Trash, Elderprov

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

Feb. 16: Amy Jo Brixius

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

Feb. 16: Fortune Feimster

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

Feb. 9-25: “The Prom”

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

Feb. 1-11: “Lost in Yonkers”

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

Feb. 9: “Menopause the Musical 2—Cruising Through The Change”

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

Feb. 3: Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live
Feb. 8: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Feb. 26: “Titanic The Musical”

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

Feb. 23: 2024 Humanities Symposium Dance Concert
Feb. 29-March 7: “The Spitfire Grill”

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

Feb. 24-March 16: “Sweeney Todd”

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

Jan. 26-Feb. 11: “Next to Normal” (Krevsky Center)

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

Feb. 18: Oxymorons Improv Comedy

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

What Price Democracy? “The Monk and the Gun” charmingly shows a society in transition

January 30, 2024 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Images courtesy of Roadside Attractions.

It’s 2006, and the people of Bhutan are about to discover democracy.

Director Pawo Choyning Dorji presents a piece of politically charged poetry set in a time shortly after Bhutan’s introduction to television and the internet, when the king announces that he will be ceding his power and allowing the people to choose a leader.

It is the government’s job to educate its people in the process of an election, and so a mock election is organized with three faux parties: red, blue and yellow. But the people of Bhutan, who have lived in a land renowned for its “Gross National Happiness Index,” are resistant to change, and the road to democracy may be more difficult than is initially expected.

“The Monk and the Gun” follows three stories: a man (Tandin Sonam) who has taken a job as a guide for a gun collector (Harry Einhorn) to pay his bills; a family that is splintering under the weight of competitive scorn from the mock election; and a monk (Tandin Wangchuk) on a journey to find a gun. If the idea of a monk with a gun puzzles you, then you know how the Bhutanese citizens feel when told they must choose a new leader. “But we already have a leader,” says one.

But democracy is an exciting prospect, one that people have killed for. So, the story unfolds, ploddingly (as any plot centered on a society that has just discovered the internet should—let the people have their moment of calm before the storm), with the characters of each story bumping into one another in an altogether satirically satisfying way, until they reach the day of the mock election. The comedy is prevalent, yet so quiet that you will question whether Dorji wants you to be amused or discomfited.

A story like this almost provides a devil’s advocate for democracy—the idea is pure and idyllic, but at what cost to achieve it? At the very least, the film is a shrewd critique of what we perceive as normal in the West and a lovely way to shake an audience into placing themselves in another culture’s perspective.

The cast is small and relatively unknown—some of them are not even actors (the young monk is played by the lead singer of a rock band, and his lama is played by an actual lama, Kelsang Choejay). But what the film lacks in celebrity, it more than makes up for in heart. Honestly, every American citizen would benefit from seeing “The Monk and the Gun,” especially given the political and social climate we’ve had as of late.

“The Monk and the Gun” will play at Midtown Cinema in February. Don’t miss this gem of a film.

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

February Events
At Midtown Cinema

First-Run Film Openings
“The Monk and the Gun”
Feb. 9

“The Taste of Things”
Feb. 14

“Oscar Nominated Shorts”
Feb. 16

“Drive Away Dolls”
Feb. 23

Down in Front! comedy riffing
“Mitchell” (1975)
Friday, Feb. 9 at 9:30ish

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Cruel Intentions” (1999)
Friday, Feb. 16 at 9:30 p.m.

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

Stay Awhile: Sankofa, Gamut team to highlight local history in “The Jackson Rooming House: Music’s Resting Place”

January 30, 2024 | by Gina Napoli

Cast of ” The Jackson Rooming House: Music’s Resting Place.”

When I think of great musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, Count Basie and Cab Calloway, Muddy Waters and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, I can’t picture any of these colossal stars in my hometown. But back in their heydays, all played Harrisburg venues as they worked their way up and down the East Coast.

This month, their journeys through Harrisburg will be highlighted in Sankofa African American Theatre Company’s original play, “The Jackson Rooming House: Music’s Resting Place.” Sharia Benn, Sankofa’s executive artistic director, and Clark Nicholson, Gamut Theatre’s founding artistic director, co-authored this musical drama to celebrate Black History Month.

The play’s plot features the journeys of trailblazing Black artists who brought their legendary jazz, gospel, blues, country and western, and rock ‘n’ roll music to towns all across the country. It’s set against the historical backdrop of Jim Crow-era segregation, when mainstream travel wasn’t considered safe for Black people.

“Their music formed the contemporary music we enjoy today,” Benn said. “It became America’s music, enjoyed by all races and generations of people.”

The play opens with three young Harrisburg residents, who find themselves in the ruins of the Jackson Rooming House on N. 6th Street. When they cross over a magical portal, their surroundings transform into the hotel’s former glory during its primetime.

The young people learn directly from former owner, German Jackson, and present-day guides not only about the music that influenced the generations, but about how Black performers were afforded safe and dignified transportation and lodging by using The Green Book, a Black-friendly travel directory. From the 1920s through the 1970s, the Green Book listed the Jackson Rooming House, among other Harrisburg landmarks and Black-owned establishments.

Even if you’re only familiar with the present-day burger joint next door of the same name, this play will reanimate the Jackson Rooming House as a lively scene, complete with well-appointed rooms and concierge-level service. (Some of the musicians mentioned were even painted on the building’s mural before it collapsed in 2021.) And audiences will learn about the wonderful world of local rooming houses that hosted these famous entertainers so long ago.

Although Benn and Nicholson researched and wrote the play with middle school and high school students in mind, people of all ages will learn some important local history, as well as the greater message. And if education isn’t why you usually attend live theater, don’t worry—the play features a great live band you can skip, scat and doodle-do to.

Local actors play all the roles, many performing in previous productions for both Sankofa and Gamut.

“Local is part of Sankofa’s mission,” Benn said. “We have talent here that needs to be mined, developed and encouraged. When we do have talent, they will go away [from Harrisburg], but I want them to have something to come back to—and for.”

Marking the sixth year of Sankofa and Gamut collaborating, Gamut Theatre’s Executive Director Melissa Nicholson values this partnership in support of Gamut’s mission to tell stories in new and exciting ways, to bolster their educational programs, and to be able to share history with student groups.

“It’s important to Gamut that we cherish classic stories, stories from the past and to share with future generations where we fit into history, especially Black history,” Nicholson said.

Benn is hopeful that this play will help to promote a sense of safe belonging for young people, especially “under the shadow of the pandemic and political unrest.”

Directly following each show, talkbacks will give attendees the opportunity “to ask questions, learn and share in a community where we find ourselves divided politically, culturally and socially,” Benn said.

“Music has a unifying spirit, bringing us together, allowing us to level set, to come out stronger, more respectful, more peaceful than when we went in,” she said.

Benn’s other challenge: “Sit next to someone you wouldn’t otherwise.”

And a postscript—Benn feels a special connection to Gertrude “Ma” Rainey because she portrayed her in Open Stage of Harrisburg’s 2012 production of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” earning Benn a “Best Actress in a Play” award from Broadway World.

“The Jackson Rooming House: Music’s Resting Place” runs Feb. 10 to 25 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, visit www.sankofatheatrehbg.com or www.gamuttheatre.org.

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

Baked to Perfection: Savor a song and a meat pie at Open Stage’s “Sweeney Todd”

January 30, 2024 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Brad Barkdoll as Sweeney Todd. Photo by Anela Selkowitz.

Sondheim returns to Open Stage this month with a melodramatic musical horror dealing with class structure, a corrupt sense of justice and bloodshed.

Sweeney Todd began as a character in a “penny dreadful” (horror pulp fiction) in the 1800s, and has, delightedly, haunted us ever since.

Stephen Sondheim adapted the musical from a theatrical version of the story in 1979, captivating the musical theater crowd, and a film was adapted by Tim Burton in 2007, further introducing “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” to the masses. It seems the story has never gone out of style.

So, what is “Sweeney Todd” about?

“It’s about murder and revenge and making things equal in the eyes of those who have done wrong,” says Brad Barkdoll, who plays the titular character in Open Stage’s adaptation, directed by Producing Artistic Director Stuart Landon.

And that is about all you really should know going into it, according to Rachel Landon, who plays Mrs. Lovett, Todd’s partner in crime.

“If you’ve never seen the play or the film, I highly recommend going into it blind,” she said.

I’ll quickly add that this musical is not for the faint of heart. Its twists are gruesome, and its turns involve a heck of a lot of blood. As the saying goes, “revenge is a dish best served cold,” but the meat pies that Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett conjure up are best served hot—and to music.

Rachel Landon and Barkdoll have performed in many of the same productions at Open Stage, but never side by side—a key factor that both are excited to experience.

Barkdoll, a tenor who is stretching his vocal cords for a bass/baritone role, is excited to discover such a different character from the roles he’s played previously, and while he doesn’t necessarily feel a common bond with Sweeney Todd—thank goodness—there is something about the play that strikes a chord. Landon agrees.

“The plot has themes that modern society altogether finds too relatable,” she said, from criminal injustice to the seeming inevitability of violence in today’s society.

“Sweeney Todd” runs Feb. 24 to March 17 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.openstagehbg.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736

Harrisburg Asian American Pacific Islander presents
Lunar New Year
Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

EFF Live!
A night of naughty fan fic readings
Friday, Feb 23 at 7:30 pm

Black NewsBeat with Dr. Kimeka Campbell
Join the live studio audience!
Wednesday, Feb. 14 & 28 at 7:30 p.m.

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
The Sondheim musical thriller
Feb. 24 to March 16

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

Binding Community: Local educator will host gala to support mission of providing diverse books to area students

January 30, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Corey Dupree and a young reader at the Harrisburg Book Festival

Growing up, Corey Dupree loved reading book series like Harry Potter, Goosebumps and The Chronicles of Narnia.

But for as much as he loved the stories and the action, the characters were never described with features that looked like his.

“They could describe Ron Weasley with his red curly hair and Slappy, the doll from Goosebumps, but not once was there someone who looked like me,” he said. “The first time I can remember reading a book that had a Black protagonist was in sixth grade.”

Representation in literature is something that Dupree is passionate about now, as an adult with kids of his own. Not only is it important that Black and brown children see themselves reflected in what they read, but it’s crucial that all kids are exposed to diversity, he believes.

As a teacher and community member, he’s seen the effects of a child lacking that exposure.

Dupree, of Palmyra, remembers a day at the playground with his children, when several white middle-schoolers yelled a racial slur at his family. Dupree spoke with the neighborhood kids, sharing why the word was hurtful and explaining the meanings of words like “racism” and “diversity.”

“It led me to think about how I can impact my community,” he said.

In 2021, Dupree started Layers of Black History, an organization dedicated to promoting literacy and hosting educational events for adults and youth. Dupree’s main focus—collecting and distributing diverse books.

The initiative started with Dupree collecting books to donate to his local school district in Palmyra, but has since grown to support several other area districts, such as Harrisburg, Steelton-Highspire and Milton Hershey School, which he attended. Books also go to community organizations and businesses.

To raise funding to purchase books and for other events, Dupree hosts two annual events, The Layers of Black History Gala and The Little Layers of Black History Gala—one catering to adults and the other to youth.

In March, Dupree, along with his daughter Mariah, 12, will host the second annual Little Layers gala at the Keystone Building in the state Capitol complex.

And while Dupree has been known to throw a good party, his daughter may have the best intel on the target audience.

“I get to help him plan it all out because I know what kids like,” Mariah said.

Just in November and December, Layers of Black History donated 3,200 books. Those included books like “Hey You!: An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black,” “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You,” “Hair Love” and “The Swag Is in the Socks.”

With help from the upcoming gala, they hope to acquire over 6,400 books in the coming year. Money raised will also support the organization’s scholarship fund, as well as events like haircare workshops and an upcoming conference series aimed at educating and supporting men who are raising Black boys.

The gala will include author book readings, craft stations, STEAM activities, food and about a dozen vendor tables, among other activities. Dupree expects around 200 people to attend.

Ultimately, with each book purchased and donated, he hopes to inspire youth and adults to enjoy reading. Additionally, he hopes that students of color get to see themselves reflected in the books they read and that white students get to learn from new perspectives.

With encouragement from her dad, Mariah has followed in Dupree’s footsteps.

“I’ve been reading for a long time now,” she said. “It makes me proud when I see more Black people in books.”

When children can relate to the books they read, they become more engaged, which can ultimately increase reading scores, Dupree said, and just maybe, kids will be inspired to become writers and illustrators themselves.

“Libraries were my safe space,” he said. “When a student shares that they don’t like reading or they haven’t found the right book, that’s a personal challenge for me now to get them to engage in reading.”

The Little Layers of Black History Gala will take place on March 16. For more information or to purchase tickets (ticket sales close on Feb. 20), visit www.layersofblackhistory.com.

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Musical Notes: Leap into Live Music

January 30, 2024 | by Skye Leppo

This month, there’s a whole extra day to appreciate music. While there aren’t any shows on my radar for Feb. 29, hit me up if you’ve got a solid Leap Day/bonus tracks playlist. Happy listening!

SO METAL
2/10, Veil Of Maya, H*MAC
The Chicago metalcore/djent outfit, Veil Of Maya, now in their 20th(!) year as a band, is supporting the release of their 2023 album “[m]other.” The band’s sound has evolved a lot over the last decade, notably incorporating Lukas Magyar’s signature cleaner vocal sound after he officially joined the band in 2015. While attendees are sure to hear songs from “[m]other,” I’d recommend also checking out “Overthrow” or “Outrun” for a sampling of the band’s other works to get a taste of what you’re going to experience at the show.

MORTALITY IN ALL ITS GLORY
2/21, Harrisburg University Presents Indigo De Souza, XL LIVE
Arguably coming off a breakout year with the release of her third LP, “All of This Will End,” Asheville singer-songwriter Indigo De Souza hits the stage at XL Live this month. Her song, “You Can Be Mean,” was one of my favorite 2023 releases (and is stuck in my head quite often), and the album as a whole is a beautiful compilation of songs that really feel like De Souza is coming into her own and choosing joy despite the pain and odds stacked against her, which listeners might hear on her other releases. This’ll be a good one to catch.

CALLING ALL DEADHEADS
2/24, Splintered Sunlight, XL Live
I grew up in a house filled with music, and one of the bands usually gracing our speakers was the Grateful Dead. It’s safe to say that I have been to my fair share of Dead & Co. and tribute band shows. Splintered Sunlight is among the best bringing something unique to the live experience of appreciating the Dead’s music. So, if you or a loved one have an appreciation for this legendary band, or just love to jam out, this is for you!

Honorable Mentions
2/3 — KC & The Sunshine Band, Hershey Theatre
2/10 — Go Up Records Baddies Bash, XL Live
2/15 — Alash Ensemble, H*MAC
2/16 — Papadosio & Tauk, XL Live
2/16 — The Maxwell Project, West Shore Theatre
2/22 — Blake Shelton & Dustin Lynch, Giant Center
2/23 — Almost Honest Album Release Show, West Shore Theatre
2/24 — Harrisburg University Presents “Our American Songbook” featuring Bria Skonberg & Benny Benack III, The Forum

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The Road Back: Treatment and recovery programs bring hope to those suffering addictions

January 30, 2024 | by Capital Blue Cross Staff

Samantha Osterlof & family

It took four years of addiction to opioid painkillers and heroin to transform Samantha Bixler from a wholesome, high school honors student and athlete with a bright future into a drug-addicted, 22-year-old hospital ventilator patient with a 10% chance of survival.

Thankfully, the 2005 Palmyra High School graduate’s story did not end in an intensive care unit.

Today, Samantha Osterlof—her married name—is a wife, working mother of three and a passionate advocate for treatment and recovery programs like the one that she said saved her life.

In 2021, more than 46 million Americans had at least one substance use disorder, while just more than 6% had treatment, according to the National Institutes of Health.

About 107,000 people died. The economic burden of drug-related productivity losses, medical costs, crime and more is close to $530 billion, according to Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute.

“No matter how you calculate it, substance abuse disorder is an enormous disruption to the lives of the employees and others,” said Karie Batzler, Capital Blue Cross’ director of behavioral health. “Anytime is the right time for companies to open up a clear dialogue with employees about the issue. Put it out there. Let it become a topic of discussion. The more we talk about it, the more we work to reduce the stigma and support treatment and recovery.”

Capital Blue Cross’ Health Promotion and Wellness team works with employer groups on ways to create awareness of substance use disorders.

Some companies, including Capital, offer an employee assistance program (EAP) that makes it easy for employees to access mental health professionals for any issue.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders Services Administration (SAMSHA) publishes an evidence-based resource guide that educates employers on the merits of creating recovery-friendly employment policies.

The Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan created, among other things, a Recovery-Ready Workplace Resource hub through the Department of Labor.

“Just letting the employee know that their recovery comes first is important,” Batzler said.

Osterlof’s 10-year addiction took her right to the cliff’s edge.

A 37-day stay at an addiction treatment center, seven months of outpatient therapy and group meetings pulled her back from that edge, and a lifetime of being in recovery will keep her from falling down again.

Clean and with a new chance at life, Osterlof set out to redefine herself.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Elizabethtown College in 2016, and a master’s degree in criminal justice and behavior management from Saint Joseph’s University in 2017, all while working as an outreach specialist and therapist at the same recovery facility that helped save her life.

In March, took a position as a marketing director with a company that specializes in outpatient treatment and recovery at several locations in southeast Pennsylvania.

She is certified as both a recovery specialist and a family recovery specialist and is an approved trainer who works with the Pennsylvania State Police and other organizations.

The tragedy of substance use disorder is well documented. By eagerly sharing her story of addiction and recovery, Osterlof hopes to let the world hear another message.

“Everything good in my life today, I have as a result of my recovery,” said Osterlof, who hasn’t taken a mood or mind-altering substance since Dec. 21, 2011. “The message is hope. The promise is freedom. Treatment works, and recovery is possible.”

For more information, visit www.capitalbluecross.com.

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A Doctor’s Life: Dr. Charles Crampton was one of Harrisburg’s most prominent Black citizens, until the system turned against him

January 30, 2024 | by M. Diane McCormick

Illustration by Ryan Spahr.

“He enters the Esquire Bar. All the big muck-a-muck politicians go there. It surprises me that they let a colored man enter. He’s certainly the only one.”
– “The Blue Orchard,” Jackson Taylor

In early 20th century Harrisburg, then called “a Northern city that still practices Southern ways,” Dr. Charles Crampton broke racial barriers.

He was vice chairman of the Dauphin County Republican Committee. State deputy secretary of health. Vote-getter for power-broker M. Harvey Taylor. Popular emcee for the era’s countless testimonial dinners and confabs. Wartime patriot and tireless civic fundraiser. Beloved high school athletic trainer. Physician whose wealth purportedly derived, at least in part, from providing the “illegal operation” sought by women of all classes and races.

And a man whose reach and influence didn’t protect him, in the end, from arrest for allegedly providing the very abortion procedures that likely had been an open secret for decades. To this day, his legacy lingers in the youth he inspired to pursue their dreams—and in the tale that his story tells of racism’s power to hem in Black Americans of accomplishment.

Inspiration to Youth

“Have you thought about college?” One question from Charles Crampton changed the trajectory of Calobe Jackson Jr.’s life. Like many other young people, he was inspired to reach higher by Crampton’s example and guidance.

As a child, Jackson, now 93 years old, lived around the corner from Crampton. Jackson’s father, whose barbershop still stands at 6th and Boas streets, would go to Crampton’s home every day to give the doctor a shave and weekly haircut.

Young Calobe sometimes stepped in for Crampton’s chauffeur—Crampton was known for his grand autos driven by white chauffeurs—to perform the daily task of hosing down the sidewalk and polishing the brass doorknobs. Crampton would give Jackon $5 or $10 for the job, “which was a lot of money then,” recalled Jackson, now a leading historian of Harrisburg history.

In August 1948, Jackson graduated from William Penn High School. Though he enjoyed academics, he figured he would follow in his father’s footsteps until Crampton offered the prospect of a senatorial scholarship to Lincoln University. Harvey Taylor, then a state senator representing the city and Dauphin County, had already awarded his allotment.

“But don’t worry,” Crampton told Jackson. “I’ll get you one from Cumberland County.” Which he did, through state Sen. George Wade.

Road to Leadership

Charles Hoyt Crampton was born in Harrisburg in 1879, probably to Benjamin and Susan Crampton. “Probably,” because he was adopted at age 7 or 8 by Col. L.F. Copeland.

A white progressive, Copeland, a lawyer and Chautauqua-circuit lecturer, “maybe did this as an experiment, to adopt a Black child and see what would happen,” Jackson said. “He gave him a chance at all possible education.”

Elected class orator for the Harrisburg High School class of 1899, Crampton was the first Black student to give an address at graduation ceremonies. Skipping undergraduate studies, he went directly to Howard University Medical School.

Returning to practice medicine in Harrisburg, Crampton “immediately leaped into popularity,” reported the Pennsylvania Negro Business Directory–1910.

He led or joined everything. Masons. Elks. Harrisburg Kappa Omega. He chaired wartime Red Cross drives. He helped desegregate city movie theaters, according to Jackson. He brought renowned Black personalities to speak in Harrisburg: contralto Marian Anderson, boxer Joe Louis, track star Jesse Owens.

“He seemed to know everybody,” Jackson said. “I understand Booker T. Washington came here at his request at one time.”

Sports Icon

Crampton’s unflagging devotion to building the Forster Street YMCA was driven by a passion for giving the city’s Black youth, barred from the all-white YMCA, an outlet for sports and team play. For 40 years, he served as athletic trainer for Harrisburg Technical High School and one of its successors, William Penn High School.

Every Thanksgiving, Crampton wound up the crowd at pre-game rallies for the annual William Penn-John Harris high school football matchup. He kept William Penn players “in tip top shape,” reported the Harrisburg Telegraph. Injured students never got a greenlight to play, no matter their star power.

When students visited his office, they might leave with a bit of life advice and maybe “treats, money to buy this and that.”

“The Blacks (working) in the schools were probably janitors, and here we had Dr. Crampton, who was this outstanding man who came out and made speeches before football games,” Jackson said. “He was a great person to be around.”

His work with youth exemplified “staunch adherence to the philosophy of true sportsmanship in play as a character building essential,” said a 1947 news report of a tribute dinner attended by Pennsylvania Gov. James H. Duff and other luminaries. “‘Dr. Charley,’ as he is known to his countless friends, is a living example of leadership in the Colored Race,” stated the Harrisburg Telegraph.

Unraveling

From the early 1930s to late ‘60s, state Sen. M. Harvey Taylor ran the city and, as Senate President pro tem, much of Pennsylvania.

Crampton hitched his star to Taylor’s political wagon, earning appointment as Pennsylvania deputy secretary of health. As county Republican Committee vice chair, he represented the Black vote. Leading the “Colored Voters for Shannon League of Pennsylvania,” he endorsed Edward Shannon’s 1934 gubernatorial campaign with, “The response among members of my race has been whole-heartedly for General Shannon. We are for him 100 per cent.”

But even as early as 1928, columnist George S. Schuyler berated what he saw as well-heeled Black leaders in Harrisburg loathe to jeopardize their lucrative political connections by fighting to desegregate the city’s Jim Crow elementary schools or open doors to better jobs for Black citizens. Crampton was one of them, Schuyler wrote in the Pittsburgh Courier, a Black newspaper. They were “sheep in the Republican fold.”

After World War II, Crampton’s fate spiraled downward. Reformers sounded the “dirge against Taylorism” in their “fight against local bossism,” in the words of the Harrisburg Evening News. Joseph A. Randall, a physician and boxing manager, rallied the Black Democratic vote. He charged that Taylor’s machine siphoned money from scholarship funds meant for the city’s Black students.

In those post-war years, Taylor was pushing a breathtakingly audacious plan to expand the Capitol grounds by razing swaths of the city’s largely African American 7th Ward, repeating history from the 8th Ward’s fall in the 1920s. Properties in the way included Crampton’s own fine home and his beloved YMCA on Forster Street.

Crampton’s attempt to straddle the gap by offering $5,000 toward public housing for the displaced embarrassed and angered Taylor, as described in “The Blue Orchard,” Jackson Taylor’s meticulously researched novelization of the story of his grandmother, Crampton’s white nurse. The rift would not heal.

In May 1953, Crampton received notice from the IRS demanding $95,791 in back taxes. That November, he was demoted from his Health Department post. Three weeks later, he suffered a heart attack.

In the days before Roe v. Wade, women in every family and every beauty parlor knew where to find abortion procedures. Those with means chose physicians for an assurance of safety and hygiene.

Was Crampton one of those physicians?

“I suspect that he was, but they couldn’t really prove it,” Calobe Jackson said.

In 1951, a new Dauphin County district attorney succeeded a friend of Crampton’s. This DA did not turn a blind eye when a Hazleton woman, in a tiff with her boyfriend, told police they had gone to Harrisburg for an abortion performed by Dr. Charles Crampton.

In November 1954, police arrived to arrest Crampton and his nurse. “That’s what you get for doing favors for people,” Crampton told them.

At trial, he would explain. “I was vice chairman of the Dauphin County Republican Committee, and I should have been treated more justly.”

Crampton denied the charge. The first jury he faced couldn’t reach a verdict. In a second trial, 42 character witnesses included his student athletes, now grown into solid citizens. The judge asked the jury whether such a respected man “could have done the things of which he is accused.”

That jury also deadlocked, and the judge ordered acquittal.

“Charles H. Crampton is a free man today!” cheered the Pittsburgh Courier.

In March 1955, 400 friends gathered at First Baptist Church in Steelton to celebrate Crampton’s 76th birthday. On Nov. 16, 1955, Crampton died at Harrisburg Hospital. He was buried not in the city he devoted his life to, but in Tyrone, Pa., home of his parents.

In April 1956, his belongings were auctioned to pay the back taxes. His home was then razed to make way for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry building.

Crampton once welcomed the 22nd meeting of the District Grand Lodge Number One, Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, a Black division, to Harrisburg.

“Honor men as you expect to be honored, be good and law-abiding citizens and treat your fellow men as you expect to be treated,” he told them, “and there will be no dividing line between the white and colored races.”

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