Building People Up: Working with grants, donations and generous volunteers, this nonprofit provides free repairs for homeowners in need

March 30, 2026 | by Alexandra Jones

Sue Gebhart and house captains

At the start of March, a group of handy volunteers gathered at Second City Church on a weekday afternoon.

They stood over a row of tables, blanketed by a few dozen project options, eyeing the details of each, eager to choose tasks for Rebuilding Together’s annual “Event Day,” which helps repair houses in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties on the last Saturday in April.

There’s a lot of work to be done and the scope of projects vary. Assignments include repairing soft spots in floors, installing handicap bars, and sealing ill-fitting doors and windows.

The homeowners they’re helping are seniors, veterans, people with disabilities or families with children. They also qualify as low-income. In 2026, this means individuals earning less than $15,960 per year or less than $33,000 for a family of four. Such financial restrictions mean they may struggle to complete home renovations on their own, putting them in a situation that may jeopardize their ultimate wellbeing.

“When a homeowner lacks the financial resources to maintain their home, unhealthy and dangerous situations increase,” explained Sue Gebhart, part-time executive director for Rebuilding Together’s Greater Harrisburg chapter. “No one should have to call an unsafe place home.”

Gebhart, of Mechanicsburg, is the only employee of the nonprofit, which boasts an 11-person board of directors that meets monthly in Harrisburg at Second City Church—the church of the board members who founded the group 31years ago.

Gebhart has worked for Rebuilding Together for roughly two decades, first as program director before assuming her current role. She said the job is special in that it gives her the opportunity to help others, utilizing not just grants and donations but volunteer power.

“We’re supposed to be giving back. We’re supposed to be helping one another,” she said. “That’s pretty much what life’s all about.”

Rebuilding Together volunteer

Leading the Charge

According to Gebhart, Rebuilding Together’s Event Day is its biggest day of the year for projects, putting to work upwards of 150 volunteers.

The keys to the success of the program, she said, are the “house captains”—who take charge organizing their fellow volunteers, as well as preparing a plan of attack for requested repairs.

Bob Brightbill, 55, a building construction technology instructor at Dauphin County Technical School, is one of those house captains. He has been volunteering in the role for the last 25 years.

Last year on Event Day, he led a team that built a 30-foot ramp onto a wheelchair-bound homeowner’s Perry County home, complete with vinyl railings.

The work was done on a cold, windy, rainy day.

“If I was getting paid to work, I’m pretty sure I would have taken the day off,” Brightbill laughed.

Nevertheless, he and around a dozen volunteers from the school—instructors, teachers, students and a bus driver—showed up. Despite the poor weather he said that everybody was happy to pitch in and complete the job, which ultimately took two days.

“It was a beautiful ramp when it was all said and done,” Brightbill said. “It really accented the house. Instead of looking like a handicap ramp that was put on out of necessity, it looked like it was something that was planned and put there—and it was all built by pretty inexperienced volunteers in very harsh conditions.”

Rebuilding Together volunteers

Anyone Can Help

This year, Brightbill will be leading a team to build a set of stairs between the ground and a homeowner’s door for a neighbor located across the street from last year’s ramp.

While he is uniquely qualified for the gig, in that he teaches building construction for a living, Brightbill emphasized that this kind of background is not necessary.

“The necessity to be a house captain is to be organized, to put together your team, and to rely on your team to help you, to help the family improve their situation,” he explained. “Not every house captain that I’ve come across has been extremely skilled in the world of construction. Most of the time, they’re just very willing to put together a team that is very skilled.”

Gebhart added that volunteers working under house captains don’t necessarily have to have building experience—just the ability to be directed.

“The volunteers show up, and they’re advised, ‘OK, this is what we’re going to be doing,’ and they get to it,” Gebhart said.

According to Brightbill, almost any task can be made easy with careful guidance.

“No matter how big the project is, if you break it into small pieces, each of those small pieces is an easy thing to do,” he said.

Executive director Sue Gebhart

Money & Maintenance

House captains come well-prepared to worksites. Before Event Day, each visit their site to evaluate which repairs they can do and scope out how much they’ll cost. They send the prices to Gebhart, who purchases a gift card for the estimated amounts that they can use to buy needed supplies in the days before.

Gebhart said that she applies for grants specific to each project to secure funds, in addition to securing funding through individuals and foundations.

“If we have more grant money, we can do more homes,” she said.

She estimated that Rebuilding Together sees roughly 50 project applications per year. Applying homeowners may be referred by governments, hospitals, schools, insurance companies or local churches. Or sometimes neighbors will find out from neighbors about the program.

In addition to Event Day, the group does projects on a rolling basis for homeowners year-round. It can also help them with emergency situations, if need be. Examples might include burst pipes, broken water heaters, or furnace or air conditioning repairs.

“It can really impact the health and safety of the person,” Gebhart said of such conditions.

Sometimes, repairs also help homeowners with generally unsafe situations—like not being able to access their toilets or to wash dishes in their kitchen sinks or living with moldy carpets.

Gebhart added that aging individuals will often request walk-in shower and grab bar installations.

Other accommodations can make a difference, too. For one elderly homeowner, Gebhart recalled how volunteers completed floor and ceiling repairs, improving lighting in her home in the process.

“She was more excited about the lighting than anything else,” Gebhart said. “Because it’s amazing how when something’s really bright, it just changes the whole atmosphere and your attitude in your home.”

Power of Kindness

Aside from the repairs, Gebhart noted that homeowners also love the camaraderie they experience when the volunteers come to their home.

“We have very caring volunteers,” Gebhart said.

Teresa, a Dauphin County homeowner who received assistance from the organization last year, said that she could attest to this.

“These people made a tremendous difference in my life, and they did it with a smile and laugh,” she said.

A team of volunteers from the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors worked on her house in the fall of 2025. She said that she was touched by their kind nature as they replaced window screens, installed smoke detectors, and added a grab bar and no-slip strips in the bathroom for her—all renovations that she emphasized have made her day-to-day life much easier.

“This might not seem like a lot to somebody, but to me, it made a tremendous, tremendous difference,” she said.

In between projects, the volunteers even helped hang Christmas lights on the front of her house.

Which, while it wasn’t necessary, did make her day.

“I remember sitting and watching them and thinking, ‘These are incredible people,’” she said. “I don’t think people realize how much small gestures can impact someone’s life in a grandiose way.”

To volunteer with, donate to, or find more information on Rebuilding Together Harrisburg, visit rtgh.org.

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Wow Factor: Window boxes add color, beauty to Harrisburg

March 30, 2026 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Dave Miller

Across the country, window boxes brimming with fillers, thrillers and spillers are elevating curb appeal—and perhaps even inspiring a little neighborhood jealousy as passersby stop and take notice.

“‘Wow’ was the expression we heard most often,” said founder Sue Schneider, explaining how the WOW Windowboxes business earned its name.

Schneider went from sharing her window boxes with friends and family to serving residential and commercial clients.

Now the concept has arrived in the Harrisburg area, thanks to Dave Miller. The Susquehanna Township resident, who grew up in Pennsylvania before spending years in San Francisco, recently launched the local franchise.

“I had been doing corporate marketing for 20 years and wanted to build something for myself that is more tangible and local,” he said.

Many people assume the service is seasonal, but Miller says that’s not the case.

“The beauty of it is that it’s year-round,” he said.

Each installation includes a discreet irrigation system connected to the homeowner’s outdoor spigot.

He returns quarterly to switch out the plantings. In the spring, he may bring pansies. Summer arrangements vary depending on the house’s sun exposure. For homes with full sun, plantings may include vinca and sweet potato vine, while shaded homes might feature begonias, impatiens, coleus and creeping Jenny.

In the fall, Miller adds seasonal elements like pumpkins, gourds and ornamental kale. During the winter season, he removes the irrigation system and replaces displays with items like faux garland, wreaths, magnolia leaves and fresh greenery.

Miller believes services like this shouldn’t be limited to larger metropolitan areas.

“Big cities have this service, so why not Harrisburg?” he said.

Growth Path

Customers can tailor their installations to their preferences. Some choose to skip a season, while others enjoy year-round displays.

“We send a quarterly email out to keep people in the loop,” Miller said.

Pricing is determined by the foot.

Homeowners can choose the color window boxes they prefer. Standard options include black or white, but customers can choose any color from the Sherwin Williams palette to match their home’s trim.

Several architectural styles are available as well, including standard, English, mission and modern designs. Some customers opt for corbels—ornamental window brackets installed beneath the planters to add support and visual interest.

The boxes themselves are crafted from PVC, which is weather-resistant and mimics the look of painted wood while resisting rot, warping and insect damage.

Amy Tobin remembers the frustration of maintaining her own window boxes.

“It would take forever for the tiny plants to fill in,” she said. “Then we’d go away, and they’d die.”

When Tobin heard about WOW Windowboxes, she liked the fact that the arrangements start with mature plants and account for whether the house is situated in the sun or shade.

She now has the boxes installed at her home and at an event venue and says they frequently attract compliments. Tobin also likes that the company puts the plants on a timer.

“If I need to use the spigot for something else, there’s a lever we use which makes it easy, and it’s also easy to turn off the irrigation system if there’s a cold snap,” she said.

For now, Miller’s goal is to grow the business steadily while helping homeowners enhance the appearance of their properties across central Pennsylvania.

His dream project? To irrigate and plant the window boxes at the Governor’s Mansion each season.

“That would be great and would make quite a difference,” Miller said.

Until then, he hopes to see more window boxes popping up throughout the region.

“We have pride in home ownership here too—not just in the big cities,” he said. “We also have century-old houses here that could benefit from the ‘WOW’ factor and maybe even become the envy of the neighborhood.”

For more information on WOW Windowboxes, visit www.wowwindowboxes.com.

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A Quiet Close: One realtor has created a specialty serving neurodivergent clients

March 30, 2026 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Let’s face it—the process of buying or selling a home can seem overwhelming at times.

For the neurodivergent, it’s especially daunting.

That’s where the Danielle Winn Team of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty comes in. As the local team’s website states, their realtors do business with “Patience. Empathy. Real estate support designed with you in mind.”

Winn, who’s worked in real estate for 23 years, opened her specialized firm in Camp Hill last year. Although the business isn’t limited to serving only special needs individuals, team lead Winn believes it’s important to offer realty services tailored for the neurodivergent.

“We realized this was an underserved population,” she said. “The work we’ve done with them has been very fulfilling.”

Winn and her team understand their concept firsthand. At 46 years old, Winn is just now in the process of being evaluated for high functioning, “masked” autism, noting that women are often diagnosed with such conditions later in life than men because their symptoms may not appear as “noticeable.”

Nearly all her team operates with various forms of neurodivergence, such as autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD) or a combination of factors. Realtor Kiersten Hyman, who lives with ADD, also has a background in social work and teaching children on the autism spectrum.

“I get how stressful this whole (realty) process can be,” Hyman stated. “That’s why I do things differently: clear communication, no pressure, and I’m super patient.”

Realtor Nora Whitman, 42, gets it, too.

“I am late in life diagnosed with ADHD,” she said. “It helps me to understand my clients better.”

So how is the process of buying or selling homes different when working with neurodivergent clients?

“Our approach is intentionally structured, transparent and adaptable because ‘one-size-fits-all’ doesn’t actually fit most people,” Whitman said.

For starters, the firm’s “sensory-friendly” office offers special needs clients “quiet space, private restrooms, elevator access and adjustable lighting/music.” Clients are given flexibility of such meeting options as in-home visits, Zoom or “a location that feels comfortable.” Matters are explained to clients “step by step, with no pressure,” and repeated as many times as needed. The team also welcomes texts or messages 24/7 “unless we’re sleeping.”

For example, Winn recalled when she recently “went over all the closing papers” with a client with a traumatic brain injury.

“I’m able to break down the process as many times as needed,” she said. “We all have the same anxieties. We don’t like loud noises, either. We just can’t rush through things (with clients).”

Amanda Orner, of Lower Paxton Township, is one of Winn’s buyers. Although not neurodivergent herself, Orner and her “unofficially diagnosed” husband, Jeremiah, are parents to Gracie, 15, who lives with “high functioning” autism, and Joe, 13, who has “severe autism.”

Orner first knew Winn as a friend and became her client five years ago when Winn worked for another firm. As it turned out, Winn’s work with the Orners involved a lot more than finding the family a home.

“Our apartment building was threatening to evict us because of the noise my son was making,” Orner said. “He was doing virtual learning at home and would make loud vocalizations and bang on walls whenever he got frustrated.”

Winn, she said, “advocated” for her son.

“She set up a Facebook page for him titled ‘A House for Joe,’” Orner said. “She was so comfortable around Joe.”

Additionally, the family had “bank issues” due to a second party’s actions, but “Danielle got us a lawyer and helped us,” Orner said.

“It took us a long time to find a house, but Danielle was so involved with getting us the best home for my children’s needs,” she added. “She made sure the house and the neighborhood would be good for them.”

If that weren’t enough, Winn and her cousin, Carlisle real estate agent Brittany Jean Lesher, followed through and painted Gracie Orner’s new bedroom her favorite shade of pink.

“Danielle is so great about working with neurodivergent needs,” Amanda Orner said. “She made sure the house would be good for Joe. My kids are so happy here.”

For information about the Danielle Winn Team of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty, visit www.realtorsforneurodivergents.com or call 717-761-7900. The firm also is on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Honey Home: With Beahive, affordable housing is in reach

March 30, 2026 | by Susan Ryder

Before and after renovations of a home in Harrisburg

As I walked down Harrisburg’s narrow Summit Street and spied the fresh siding and double yellow doors of the duplex, I knew that Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach was “in the house.”

Beahive rehabs blighted properties and offers them for affordable rent, known as “Hive Creation.”

“The mission is for me is to eventually create affordable housing that people can buy, so they can understand their own equity,” said Samara Scott, founder and executive director.

The seed for this nonprofit, named after Scott’s mother, was planted in 2013 when her family experienced a house fire.

“Someone set fire to the house beside us,” Scott said. “We lived in Uptown Harrisburg, so at 3 a.m., our family is up and our house is on fire. This was my family home too. This is the house that I grew up in and had the opportunity to begin raising my kids in.”

The family of five found themselves in a hotel for six weeks as they navigated finding a new place, but they encountered obstacles.

“I made good money—I had my bachelor’s and master’s in human resources and never cared about credit,” Scott said. “I just paid everything in cash. So, now I go to actually apply for our house, and they’re like ‘Your credit?’ I’m like, ‘I can pay.’ But it didn’t matter.”

Another hit: no insurance.

Eventually, the family found a rent-to-own opportunity. Incredulous at first, they did their research and found this to be a legitimate opportunity, which gave them time to build credit and assume the mortgage for the house they were renting.

“COVID was what flipped a switch,” Scott said. “I looked around my community, and I was like—‘What’s happening here? People need help. There needs to be more affordable housing.’”

So, in 2022, she and her husband used the equity in their house to renovate and sell their first property. They have two other completed and rented units on Summit Street.

Scott took everything she learned from her house fire experience and used that to direct decisions at Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach.

Those who rent from Beahive must go through financial literacy classes to understand the basics of how credit works. Renters must also have renter’s insurance. Its “Hive Savings” program assists folks with eviction prevention and with security deposits for those needing to find a new place due to eviction, fire or an unsafe living situation. In its four years, Beahive has helped over 58 families.

Purpose & Mission

Beahive’s current renovation project is a large Victorian house on 3rd Street that will serve as rental units. The carriage house will hold Beahive offices and emergency housing.

Scott pointed out that people need emergency housing for many reasons: house fires, moldy rentals and lead contamination.

“We want to make it available to the Red Cross or insurance companies when they remove people due to lead or mold,” Scott said.

Renters who report mold or lead issues to the codes office often find themselves without housing when owners don’t renew their lease due to the complaint.

Beahive’s completed houses have modern, fresh finishes with an open concept. Scott’s husband owns FHS Contractors, which serves as the general contractor for construction. Scott works to find deals on building materials.

“I have an addiction to building material auctions,” Scott said.

Recessed lighting will show up in future homes— she has 20 boxes of them.

The Summit Street duplex was taken down to the studs, and Beahive added half-baths, a laundry/mud room, and closets to the bedrooms. Scott remarked that Beahive’s renovations have had a positive effect on the street.

“We noticed, as we started doing work, a lot of other property owners started doing work,” Scott said.

All of this takes a lot of money, not so much in the purchase of the property, but in the renovation. It cost about $400,000 to renovate the duplex on Summit Street, so the organization relies on grants.

“Dauphin County has been our biggest supporter thus far,” Scott said.

And, just recently, they received a $400,000 grant from the city of Harrisburg. The properties do come with restrictions.

“We have to keep them for 20 years, and they have to remain at 30 AMI,” Scott said.

AMI stands for “Area Median Income,” restricting the rent to no more than 30% of a household income. This percentage is what’s considered sustainable for renters to maintain housing.

Scott said that they keep their overhead as low as possible, and she’s the only paid employee. They pay contractors, of course, but also rely on volunteers, including the hard-working board. Beahive has a relationship with Dirty Dog Hauling, which provided 44 volunteers on MLK Day of Service. That service event even made it onto “ABC World News Tonight with David Muir.”

So, what’s ahead in 2026?

“We want to purchase a property in Cumberland County,” Scott said.

Also on the 2026 docket—becoming a housing counseling agency. Its Shades of Honey Gala, on April 12, provides a fun opportunity for anyone to support the mission.

Scott has taken her life experiences and used them to create and secure housing for those in greatest need.

“I get up every day, and I’m happy,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s really hard, but I know that the work that I’m putting in is for our purpose and mission.”

For more information on Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach, including the Honey Gala, visit www.beahivehousing.org.

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Artful Adaptation: Strong acting grounds “The Stranger.”

March 30, 2026 | by Gabriel Brown

Image courtesy of Gaumont.

François Ozon’s “The Stranger,” adapted from the novella by Albert Camus, is a simple film, embellished tastefully by a talented cast of character actors, including two of my favorites, Swann Arlaud and Denis Lavant.

But its heart lies in the unaffected yet nuanced performance of its lead, Benjamin Voisin as Meursault, a young, successful businessman without ambition or direction, defined only by his good looks, his class and his existential absurdism, which gradually reveals itself after the death of his mother.

The gorgeous black-and-white photography from cinematographer Manuel Decosse works on several different levels for Ozon’s adaptation of Camus’ novella. The subconscious feeling that black-and-white evokes—that you ought to take what you’re watching a little more seriously—encouraged me to dig more attentively into the onscreen Meursault’s philosophy. It also captures the diverse, sun-drenched and overheated Algiers of the 1930s in an austere lack of color, reducing issues of colonialism and race to shades of exposure on skin and class to costume design and makeup, forcing the viewer to engage with its characters on a more grounded level.

As my first exposure to Camus’ story, I’m thankful that I knew as little about the original as I did going in. And, if you’re the same way with film, I’d encourage you to stop reading here and just come and see the movie when it opens at Midtown in April.

As far as I can tell, as someone who has explored Camus only through summaries and cultural osmosis, “The Stranger” seems to be an incredibly faithful big-screen adaptation of the original novella and varies in only two significant ways that I could detect.

First, some non-linear editing gives us a glimpse into Meursault’s imprisonment and unaffected emotional state before either of the two main plot points occur, which helped clue me in early to the emotional identity of Meursault, before the film even covers his mother’s funeral.

Secondly, in the story’s next central development, Meursault spontaneously shoots and kills an Arab, who remains unnamed in the original novella. Ozon chooses to name the man in an especially poignant, extratextual scene towards the end of the film, which could seem like a footnote of sorts. In his quite rigid adaptation of the original story, this comes across as a decision rooted in intentionality.

I hold the opinion that a successful adaptation of a pre-existing piece of art stays true to the soul of the original while offering a valuable perspective or spin on the original that only the adapter could offer. And, after experiencing “The Stranger,” first through Ozon and then through Camus and Sartre by proxy, I believe the film to be exactly what I look for from an adaptation—and a great film independent of its source material.

“The Stranger” opens at Midtown in April.

Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com. Gabriel Brown serves as assistant manager at Midtown Cinema.

April Events
at Midtown Cinema

Down in Front!
Comedy Riffing
“Bride of the Monster” (1955)
Friday, April 10 at 9:30ish

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001)
Friday, April 17 at 9:30 p.m.

25FOR25 Series
25 films celebrating 25 years of great film at Midtown Cinema

“Amélie” (2001)
Sunday, April 19 at noon

“Magnolia” (2002)
Sunday, Apr 26 at 5 p.m.

Late Night Frights
“Possession” (1981)
Friday, April 24

If you like what we do, please support our work.

Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Thoughtful Planning: Preparation is key for a smooth remodel

March 30, 2026 | by Jim Mirando

Image courtesy of Excel Remodeling

Spring often brings a renewed focus on the home.

As days grow longer and families spend more time together, many homeowners begin to notice what isn’t quite working in their space. A kitchen that feels cramped during meal prep, a bathroom that no longer meets daily needs, or rooms that don’t flow the way modern life demands can all prompt the same question: Is it time to remodel?

A successful remodel starts long before construction begins. In fact, thoughtful planning is often what separates a smooth, rewarding experience from one that feels stressful or rushed.

One of the most important early considerations is function. While design trends change, the way a home needs to work for its occupants is far more personal. Kitchens, for example, are no longer just places to cook. They are gathering spaces, homework stations and hubs for everyday life. Bathrooms, especially primary baths, have evolved into spaces that support comfort, efficiency and long-term use. Understanding how a space is used daily helps guide decisions that will continue to feel right years down the road.

Another key factor is pre-construction planning. Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much happens before a single wall is opened. Finalizing layouts, selecting materials, confirming measurements, and coordinating timelines all take place well in advance. This preparation helps reduce delays, avoids costly changes during construction, and creates a more predictable experience overall.

Material selection also plays a significant role in long-term satisfaction. Visiting a showroom or working closely with a designer allows homeowners to compare options side by side and understand how different finishes, fixtures and surfaces will perform over time. Making these decisions early keeps the project moving and ensures the final space feels cohesive and intentional.

It’s also important to recognize that quality remodeling takes time. While it can be tempting to look for the fastest solution, a well-planned project accounts for design development, product lead times and skilled craftsmanship. Allowing the process to unfold thoughtfully often results in better outcomes, fewer surprises and a finished space that truly enhances daily living.

Finally, homeowners benefit from working with professionals who emphasize clear communication and a defined process. Knowing what to expect at each stage—from initial conversations through final walkthrough—can make the entire experience feel more manageable and far less intimidating.

As spring inspires homeowners to reimagine their spaces, the most successful remodels are those rooted in planning, function and intention. When a project is designed around how people truly live, the result is not just a more beautiful home, but one that supports everyday life in meaningful ways.

Jim Mirando is president and design team member of Excel Remodeling, 570 S. 3rd St., Lemoyne. For more information, visit www.excelremodeling.com or call 717-774-4490.

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Willful Conduct: Planning for a worst-case scenario may be the best gift to your family

March 30, 2026 | by Susan Ryder

Illustration by Aron Rook

“I’ve thought about it a lot, but I haven’t really taken any action,” said Dustin Bishop about creating a will.

He and his wife Amber are my neighbors, and they have two children, ages 15 and 11. The Bishops aren’t alone in procrastination in making financial and custodial arrangements in the event of their passing.

“The number one reason that I hear is the fear that, once they put something into place, that somehow they are going to die,” said attorney Jenni Chavis, owner of Chavis Law Firm, LLC, as we chatted in her Union Deposit office. However, she reassured me that no one has ever keeled over after creating and signing a will with her.

Not to make light of the situation, but the much bigger concern is what may come if an untimely death occurs and the family doesn’t have a will.

“Having to go to court when someone doesn’t have a power of attorney is exponentially more expensive than actually getting power of attorney document in place or fighting over an estate when there is no will,” Chavis said.

For busy families, thinking about what will happen in the future is easy to push to the side. At the West Shore Farmers Market, I talked with three moms out with their children.

“I just keep thinking it’s down the line,” said Maria Mansell. “I don’t have to worry about it yet.”

Her friend, Sophia Topper, turned to the group and said, “I actually was talking about it yesterday to you, about getting one.”

Folks often decide to follow through because they’ve heard of a bad experience that someone has had.

“More often than not, I see people coming in because they had some sort of wake-up call in their life—whether it was a friend who passed, who didn’t have a will, or a parent who left things a mess,” said Jessica Fisher Greene, member partner at Walters & Galloway, PLLC in Mechanicsburg.

Fisher Greene, a former Dauphin County prosecutor, turned her sights to elder law because she saw a need.

“I was getting phone calls from families who were in the thick of things as a result of not having anything in place. It was just horrific,” she said. “So many people were coming in and just crying and trying to grieve and trying to deal with things is the worst.”

Future Freedom

So, what is a will?

“A will is a document that you would create while you are able, so you have capacity, the ability to understand it, and it will allow you to let people know what you’re wishing when you’ve passed away,” Fisher Greene said.

This includes financial wishes but also property wishes. It’s best to not let who’s going to get mom’s wedding ring or dad’s snowblower up to the family to determine.

“Whatever your stuff is, you have to plan for it—whether it’s your sweatshirt or your Pittsburgh Steeler paraphernalia,” Chavis said. “You have to plan for it so that there is no conflict or chaos.”

Chavis added that people can be very reasonable before the life changing event but, “I always say that weddings and funerals bring out the worst in people.”

It is hard to think about our families turning angry and bitter over some dishes or an old car, but both Chavis and Fisher Greene assure me that often happens. Perhaps more important than preventing conflict is the freedom that it provides.

“It’s a gift, a grieving that you’re giving them,” Chavis said. “So, when my parents passed away, they had their plans in place, so I was freed to grieve the loss of my parents versus, ‘We got to run to the courthouse, or we got to get this document signed.’”

When my husband and I began estate planning, the biggest concern on my mind was the custody of the children. The thought of having someone else raise them was a painful one, but the thought of someone raising them, who I didn’t want, was worse. We wanted to pick those people.

“You start thinking about, ‘What are my values?’” Chavis said. “I’m going to start thinking of the people in our lives who fit those values.”

Many parents assume that godparents legally have guardianship, but that is not the case. Also, guardianship doesn’t have to go to a family member, but could go to a friend who knows your children.

When our children reached school age, my husband and I decided to have a friend act as guardian, so that the kids could remain in the same school and keep some continuity in their lives.

Picking an executor who will carry out the will is another important decision to make.

“It’s definitely someone you know who is responsible and going to respond to things,” Fisher Greene said. “They are going to open the mail; they’re going to pay the bills on time—someone you trust to follow through with things.”

The cost of creating a will can prevent people from taking the first step, and at about a $1,000 price tag, that’s understandable. According to Fisher Greene, it’s OK to shop around and ask how much it’s going to cost. People make assumptions about after-death property rights, so despite the cost, it’s best to consult a lawyer about these complicated topics.

It’s common to put off creating a will. What may help is knowing that the will is for the people left behind, and it will also give you peace of mind. Maybe most telling is what Chavis said most families say after completing the process.

“Everyone says, ‘I feel relieved.’”

To contact Jenni Chavis at Chavis Law Firm, LLC, visit www.chavislawfirm.com or call 717-884-8533.

To contact Jessica Fisher Greene at Walters & Galloway, PLLC, visit www.waltersgalloway.com or call 717-697-4700.

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

Green Days: Say hello to spring with this asparagus recipe

March 30, 2026 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

I always thought of my mother as a harbinger of spring.

It was the same every year. She was so happy to see little green shoots sprouting here and there in the yard. She loved the first sight of daffodils and crocuses and was convinced the same robin came to visit her every March on her little back porch. And she took extraordinary delight in the first vegetables of the season as they appeared at the farmers market.

One of her best spring treats was asparagus. But it had to be “home grown” and not “shipped.”

Asparagus flourishes in the northern area of Italy called Emilia Romagna, where it is stuffed into omelets, tossed with pasta, and baked with sharp Parmesan cheese. In the spring, you might have it at every meal when you are visiting there.

My mother cooked it plainly, steamed and bathed in good olive oil. Our little family loved it. Now, my own family was (and still is) a different story. Picky vegetable husband will only eat skinny asparagus stalks and then only the tops. Older son avoids it at all costs. But I love it, and it almost always shows up at our dinners, especially in the spring.

I steam it plainly until it turns bright green and dress it with lots of olive oil. But frequently, I slice the asparagus stalks into 1-inch pieces and sauté them in a non-stick skillet with a healthy sprinkling of red-hot pepper flakes. It’s a fun vegetable side dish that spruces up any dinner. Did you know that grilling asparagus works too as it imparts a great smoky flavor?

I recently found an unusual recipe that can be served as a light lunch, brunch and even a quick dinner. It is simple asparagus but all dressed up. It is perfect with a slice of quiche or frittata or just creamy scrambled eggs. In Italian, it’s Fagottini di Asparagi al Forno or “Baked Asparagus Bundles.” It originates in the Italian region noted above: Emilia Romagna.

Baked Asparagus Bundles

Ingredients

16 to 24 asparagus spears, salt to taste
4 thin prosciutto slices
4 fresh mozzarella cheese slices
1 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into bits

Directions

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9-inch baking dish.
Trim off any rough ends from the asparagus at the point where they turn white. You can also peel them lightly a few inches from the ends of the tips.
Bring a large saucepan with water to a boil.
Add the asparagus and salt and simmer until slightly tender, depending on thickness.
Using tongs, lift the spears to a paper towel-lined plate and dry them gently.
Divide the asparagus spears evenly on the prosciutto slices, centering them across the ends.
Roll the asparagus spears with prosciutto slices to form four neat bundles.
Place the bundles in the buttered baking dish. Lay a fresh mozzarella slice on top of each bundle. Dot the ends and tips of the asparagus with the butter.
Bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Serve on warm plates and serve hot.

Serve as part of a spring brunch with some fluffy scrambled eggs and some fresh fruit. (Don’t forget some daffodils for the table.)

It has been a long, cold winter. Like my mother, I hope you will enjoy the dish above and the many culinary delights that arrive with spring.

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Adventure Together: A split-second decision turned into an exploration of waterfalls and forests for our writer’s family

March 30, 2026 | by Natalie diSanto

On our way to visit friends in Richmond, Va., recently, my kiddo and I spontaneously turned right, transforming our day into an adventure.

Route 15 has multiple signs pointing to Cunningham Falls State Park—advertising that obviously worked well on us.

Just over an hour south of Harrisburg on Route 15 is the Maryland state line. About 15 minutes below that is Cunningham Falls State Park. Cunningham Falls is located in the Catoctin Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachians contribute to the greater Harrisburg area’s identity and community; therefore, the falls fall into our region’s assets.

When you’re unfamiliar with a park, the best first stop is a ranger station. We learned that, in addition to Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall, the park has a 43-acre lake for boating and fishing with a beach area for summertime swimming. Since Cunningham Falls is a Maryland State Park, there’s a fee of $5 per vehicle to enter the park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Catoctin Mountain Park is a U.S. national park that abuts Cunningham Falls. Catoctin Mountain Park is a second growth forest, so it’s rehabilitated from destruction caused by past logging, charcoal making and farming. Catoctin Mountain was designated as a national park in 1936 and, through revitalization efforts, is now able to boast a healthy, thriving forest on 95% of its 5,120 acres. There is no fee to enter the park.

Reporting for Duty

As we learned about the history and properties of the two parks that look like one cohesive forest, the rangers asked my kiddo if he was interested in becoming a junior park ranger by completing a hike and handbook. Thrilled, he accepted the activity book and was shown the badge that would be awarded if he successfully completed the mission.

The booklet had a scavenger hunt, trivia and a connect-the-dots activity. All parents can appreciate the value of a distraction, so I too, was delighted.

First, he had to find a pinecone, then draw a picture of it. Next, he searched for a maple leaf, a flower, a spiderweb and a worm, all of which had to be documented with drawings. As he searched and scavenged, we wound our way along the Cliff Trail toward the namesake of the park, where a creek goes to fall.

Big Hunting Creek tumbles 78 feet down huge gray boulders, where folks can climb and splash in the water when the weather warms up. There’s a boardwalk that carries visitors over the marshy land leading to the main attraction. The boardwalk also allows accessibility for all viewers to enjoy the natural beauty of Cunningham Falls.

After seeing the falls and completing our booklet, we hiked back towards the ranger station. My kid submitted his activity book for examination and excitedly learned he’d passed, though I can’t imagine they fail any children who put in an honest effort. He was then sworn in as an official junior ranger. The ranger who performed the ceremony asked my child to put one hand on the activity booklet, raise the other towards the sky, and repeat an adorable oath to protect forests, remain curious, and be kind to all creatures.

This inspired me to create an unofficial junior park ranger continual educational program by printing off scavenger hunts each month for my kid and his friends to complete. Parents can recreate this experience, motivating kids to get outside in nature with just a few sheets of paper.

Tree Hugs

Become part of the team that helps keep our parks open to all and in tip-top shape by volunteering. Often, we think of park volunteer work as planting trees or cleaning up trails, but Cunningham Falls State Park has so much to offer that volunteers have an opportunity to contribute in exciting ways.

The park hosts events throughout the year and is always seeking people to assist with set-up, parking, food service and tours. They also host interpretive and educational programs, inviting artists and educators to share their expertise with the community. Programs cover topics such as crafts, history, animals and more. Interested folks are encouraged to reach out to the park’s volunteer coordinator.

When we tumbled into our truck to drive to Richmond, we weren’t expecting to spend the day in a forest, see a waterfall, or have my kid become a junior park ranger. Spontaneity is kind of like a second chance. You never know what you’ll get—you just hope for the best.

As I drove back toward Route 15, I thought of the second growth forest and its resilience. Through community care and patience, this once desolate land has regrown into a lush area for people to gather and explore. As the forests burst back to life this spring, let it stir fresh adventure, hope and growth.

Cunningham Falls State Park is located at 14274 William Houck Dr., Thurmont, Md.

Catoctin Mountain Park is located at 14707 Central Park Rd., Thurmont, Md.

To learn more about volunteering with Cunningham Falls State Park, email the volunteer coordinator at [email protected].

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

Musical Notes: April Warms Up

March 30, 2026 | by Skye Cadzow

If your concert calendar looks anything like mine, I’m wishing you the very best of luck as you figure out how and where you’ll sleep this month. It seems like every single artist whose 2025 albums I obsessed over announced tours this April, so I’ll be bopping around the DC area mid-month to catch Hayley Williams, Florence + The Machine and other artists at different venues. That said, I’m trying to work in a few local shows to support the excellent indie rock acts like Phoneboy, The Happy Fits and Old 97’s, all hitting stages in the area this April. See you in the pit!

AMERICANA DREAM

4/2, Old 97’s, Englewood Hershey

I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the Old 97’s are playing at Englewood Hershey this month. The alt Americana/rock outfit is one of the few bands that I think has woven an incredible range of genres into their signature sound, while somehow landing it every time. The opening of “Timebomb” on 1997’s “Too Far to Care” still goes just as hard as it did 30 years ago, and the more recently released song, “The Dropouts,” is permanently etched into my brain as a small light that got me through long, sad summer days in 2020.

GIVE ‘EM A RING

4/3, Phoneboy w/Heart Attack Man, Capital City Music Hall

I don’t know where Phoneboy came from (writer’s note: the correct answer is New Jersey), but “Nevermind” might be one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in a minute, so it shouldn’t be a surprise the band snagged a spot in my top picks for the month. The pop-punk influenced indie rock outfit is exactly what my early-aughts, indie-loving heart needed. Their music is refreshing and clever. For a good smattering of what to expect at the show, check out tracks like “Wayside,” “Nevermind” and “Hey, Kid!”

Oi! Oi! Oi!

4/26, Laura Jane Grace, XL Live

An icon and a poet, frontwoman of punk band, Against Me! Laura Jane Grace is bringing her current solo tour to the ‘Burg later this month. In addition to her amazing performances supercharged with anthemic, heartfelt hooks, Grace is known for her advocacy for transgender visibility, addiction and mental health, often spotlighting her own experiences through raw lyrics in songs like “Black Me Out.” Grace’s latest album, “Adventure Club,” features some excellent tracks like “WWIII Revisited” and a few unprintable titles that I can’t wait to hear live.

If you’re a musician and/or promoter, or a fan of a local artist, and you’d like to share some upcoming shows with TheBurg, drop me a line at [email protected].

HONORABLE MENTIONS

4/3, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, XL Live

4/16, Lotus, XL Live

4/18, Save Ferris, XL Live

4/18, Dance Dance Revolt Tour, Consciousness Coffee

4/24, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Hershey Theatre

4/24, Plunder & Lightning, The Abbey Bar

4/25, Joe Pye and Neidig & Koretzky, Wildwood Wetlands Festival

4/26, Soulja Boy, Capital City Music Hall

4/26, Motown Through the Decades, West Shore Theatre

4/29, John Legend, Hershey Theatre
4/29, The Happy Fits, XL Live

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

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