Pasta + Pumpkin: Rosemary learns to love the ubiquitous orange squash

October 30, 2023 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

You might have noticed—the onslaught of the pumpkin! It’s happening earlier and earlier.

By the time August arrives, there are Halloween and fall decorations overflowing the shelves at grocery stores and garden centers. Pumpkin drinks at coffee shops. Mums for sale that won’t survive the heat of late summer. T-shirts proclaiming, “It’s fall, y’all” (ugh). And everyone saying that fall is their “favorite season.”

Well, Italian cooking has taken a turn toward loving the pumpkin, as well. You can find pumpkin and its first cousin, butternut squash, incorporated into pastas, risottos or simply roasted for a tasty side dish.

Since pasta with “red sauce” was my mother’s specialty, pumpkin was relegated to a jack o’ lantern on the front stoop at our house. But I have been trying to incorporate this healthy vegetable into many of my fall and winter dishes. And it has become easy because many grocery stores and farmers markets now sell bags of cubed pumpkin and butternut squash that are ready to cook. No need to risk life and limb trying to peel and cut these thick-skinned fall “treasures.”

How about pumpkin and squash pasta? I know there is pumpkin ravioli out there. I went to the “Silver Spoon Cookbook,” as I often do, for some information on authentic Italian recipes. It’s considered the bible of cooking in Italy and a great source for learning about what they are really cooking in Italy.

I learned there is an authentic pumpkin pasta dish that originates from northern Italy. It is called “Maltagliati with Pumpkin.” In Italian, maltagliati means “badly cut,” which refers to the leftover scraps of fresh pasta dough that remain after cutting ribbon pasta like fettuccine or tagliatelle. They look like little squares that I thought resemble the potpie dough I used to make for soup.

I thought some adjustments were in order. The first was to use fresh pasta that is easily available, like pre-packaged gnocchi (De Cecco makes good ones), or tortellini (cheese is best), like those made by Buitoni. Neither of these is as good as homemade, but work well for a weeknight meal. Because cut pumpkin cubes are harder to find than butternut squash, squash is a good substitute.

Like many Italian pasta dishes, the ingredient list is relatively short. That means using real sweet cream butter, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg that wasn’t purchased three Thanksgivings ago. This dish is easy to make and doesn’t require dragging out the food processor.

Maltagliati with Pumpkin

Ingredients

3 tablespoons of olive oil
½ cup butter (I always use unsalted)
4 cups diced pumpkin or butternut squash (size should be about ½ inch)
12 to 16 ounces pasta such as gnocchi, tortellini or small ravioli
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Heat the oil and 6 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy, deep sauté pan.
Add the pumpkin or squash and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. The pumpkin should be tender but not breaking apart.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until it is “al dente.”
Drain the pasta and stir it into the sauté pan with squash or pumpkin.
Add the remaining butter, the nutmeg and a little freshly ground pepper (taste for salt but likely not needed because Parmesan cheese can be salty).
Add the Parmesan cheese and gently mix everything together.
You can serve right from the skillet. A fresh green salad is a good partner.

Some additional tips: Squash and pumpkin go beautifully with sage. So, if you like this herb, chop a few leaves and mix into the pasta or sprinkle on top. Another tasty addition would be some crumbled amaretti cookie on top for some crunch and sweetness (it really is good!). And, finally, if you prefer a creamier pasta dish, add a little heavy cream at the same time as the Parmesan cheese.

This is a comforting late fall pasta dish. And I’ve been trying other recipes with pumpkin and squash. One of my favorites is roasting cubes of squash or pumpkin on a sheet pan, glazed with melted butter and pure maple syrup. It goes so well with baked chicken breasts or pork chops.

Enjoy the waning days of fall. And Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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To a Shared Future: Documentarian Bryan Wade set to release the third installment of “Keystones Oral Histories”

October 30, 2023 | by Christina Heintzelman

Bryan Wade

“There are no limitations other than the limits we place on ourselves,” Bryan Wade, CEO and founder of “Keystones Oral Histories,” often tells others.

He speaks from personal experience. In his quest to overcome a past filled with loss of family, foster homes and health issues, he has worked toward creating an understanding of the people within any given community and how their lives intertwine beyond racial and socioeconomic constructs.

Throughout his life and 20 years of radio, television and documentary production, Wade has striven to create a fair and balanced synopsis of life within our country and how it is experienced by various people.

He was the producer and host of the popular, award-winning television series “Worlds Apart,” which ran from 1997 to 2008 on local television networks and explored the historic legacy of social constructs, myths and stereotypes of race in America.

Then, in 2007, while recovering from knee surgery, he began working on a documentary for the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. This documentary has now morphed into “Keystones Oral Histories,” which can be seen on WITF and other PBS member stations around the country.

“Hopefully, if these documentaries resonate and we can do something as a collective—talk to each other without disparagement—there is hope for the people of America and our view of humanity,” he said.

This documentary series began in 2017 with Wade’s longtime realization that many people lacked knowledge of diverse communities and their marginalization in history. This led him to create oral history documentaries highlighting their military and community contributions, which are often scarcely known or talked about.

“We endeavor to create unique regional documentaries, accompanied by companion K-12 grade curriculum, focusing mainly on middle school grades,” Wade said. “It is our desire that all students will have access to our catalogued curriculum system and documentary library.”

The curriculum manual is aligned with Common Core Standards, PA State Core Standards and National History Standards. Currently, this curriculum is available for all local school districts at no cost. Strategically, the goal is to have this type of curriculum and these documentaries available to school districts in all 50 states.

In November, “Keystones,” in conjunction with Ruby Media, will release its third documentary in a 15-part series focusing on the contributions to our society by diverse populations within our region.

This documentary will highlight the history of the Underground Railroad and the abolitionists who assisted throughout south-central Pa. A major focus will be on the collaboration between Quakers, white and Black abolitionists and conductors, who worked together to ensure that enslaved people realized their dream of living in freedom.

“This can easily be thought of as the beginning of a civil rights movement in our country,” Wade said.

For this documentary, Wade enlisted the assistance of numerous regional historians, including George F. Nagle, Cooper H. Wingert, Calobe Jackson Jr., Randy Harris and Scott L. Mingus Sr., in order to deeply research the history of the Underground Railroad in our area.

The first screening of the new documentary will be held at Penn State, York Campus. Additional screenings will be at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Gettysburg College, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, York College and Dickinson College in Carlisle. After the screenings, the documentary will be available on local PBS networks.

In these days of banned books and attempts to discredit the holistic study of American history, the “Keystones Oral Histories” documentaries provide insights into our region and our country by examining the historic perspective shared by many diverse communities. His goal is to assist people in seeing beyond color.

“When we can see our humanity… beyond the constructs of color, along with class division and various ‘isms’ that have been developed in our culture and realize that we are all the same, we can come together as a country,” Wade said.

For more information on “Keystones Oral Histories,” visit www.keystonesoralhistories.com. The TV series, “Worlds Apart,” by Bryan Wade is available on YouTube and TikTok. Photos by Will Masters

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Have Art . . . Will Travel: EsōArts— a gathering, a groove, a gallery

October 30, 2023 | by Bob MacGinnes

This column marks the beginning of a new adventure. “Have Art…Will Travel” plans to make the journey as much fun as the destination. The primary focus will remain art in all its splendor, taking us to locales far and wide, mainly in Pennsylvania, but will venture to neighboring states. The goal is for day trips only, and it will do its best to align with the seasons for timely choices to travel safely.

First stop is to the Red Rose city of Lancaster and EsōArts, located in its heart. Lancaster is known for its love affair with the field of art, as its reputation is inextricably linked to “Gallery Row,” home to art emporiums, museums, restaurants, shops and coffeehouses, all connected to art. The new kid on the map, EsōArts, opened in the winter of 2023, starting the year off on the right foot and, by now, its footprint is clearly making a lasting impression.

Andrew Silvius and Zachary Walter

Rebels and Pioneers

Life has its share of twists and turns, ups and downs, and roadblocks along the way. And there are times when even the best of us travels down a dead-end alley with no light to point the way. That an unlikely trio of trailblazers came together under the banner of “art” as their saving grace is remarkable.

Providence paradoxically provided point and counterpoint in uniting entrepreneur Chris Dreisbach with two former clients of his clinic, Blueprint for Addiction Recovery. Renegades both, Andrew Silvius and Zach Walter at one time were “lost souls in revelry” before seeking help. Coming together under the umbrella of sobriety, they discovered a shared love of art, and a connection was forged that became unbreakable. To this day, Andrew and Zachary hold each other accountable both in business and staying strong and sober through life. As fate would have it, Andrew had just completed running a successful West End art market in Lancaster when, shortly after, he was contacted by a real estate agent about a warehouse-sized space available at the site of the former Chameleon Club.

On the day we arrived to visit EsōArts, Corey, an art ambassador, gave us the grand tour. Entering the hallway, there is art for as far as the eye can see. The second observation is that EsōArts has a vibe so chill and Zen, I felt for a moment I was in a deep freeze in a grocery store.

The ebb and flow through the main floor delivers a new artist and medium at every turn. Music played on a flat screen TV showcasing concerts from a multitude of genres, much like the diverse representation of artists throughout the venue. EsōArts, in its first year, has featured, in its 4,000-square-foot cavernous “art airport,” yoga classes, figure drawing classes, open mic nights, poetry slams, art classes and lectures, tattoos, rock nights, hip hop hegemony, dance offs and anything else one can dream of.

EsōArts’ strength comes from a different point of view artistically as it showcases unique brands, purely of the artists’ making. It has a street beat with its pulse resonating across borders. The name derives from “esoteric,” which translates to, “understood by a small group, for people in the know.” A mix of mediums makes for a surprise at every turn and finds touchstones throughout the building. Wild paintings, fabulous fiber art, potent photography, upcycled clothing, and barrels full of arcane accessories complete the picture.

EsōArts is the antidote, or at least a viable alternative, to the fine art found on Gallery Row. Since January, this “new kid” blocks away is making its “rep” with street cred to spare. “From the very start, it was never our intent to be a fine art gallery,” Andrew stated.

EsōArts is the people’s gallery—their art, their scene, their dream.

“The response to the enterprise has been overwhelming, and the learning curve takes place daily,” Andrew shared. “Chris brings business acumen to the operation, as Zach and I start to realize something as small as receipts for supplies and petty cash expenses all add up to a bigger picture.”

There is no label attached to EsōArts as it wears so many hats: art space, concert hall, retail boutique, after-school art programs, and even a tattoo parlor upstairs.

“We would not have the success we have seen without community love and support,” Andrew said.

Kathleen Sullivan from Lancaster City Alliance has been instrumental, as has Lancaster Distilleries, providing mixed spirits for the special over-21 events. Jae, the owner of vintage clothing store, Basura, adds dramatic flair for the stage of life at the gallery. Andrew is effusive in his recognition and praise of so many players behind the scenes.

The best part may be that the artists keep all the profits from the sale of their wares. At any given time, EsōArts is home to 65 artists, a myriad of hopes and dreams. The rent for space is extremely affordable, ranging from $70 to $150 a month. More important than the financial gains, the artists’ sales validate them as important contributors, making Lancaster a more vital place. First Fridays are a conduit of energy and electricity running through the space, with the crowd always ready for a unique experience.

Andrew’s overarching goal has always been to “inspire vulnerability in our community,” a commitment from the heart. Everyone involved becomes part of the inside looking out at the world with their own special point of view. EsōArts: a gathering, a groove, a gallery for all the right reasons. The lyrics from X Ambassadors’ “Renegades” tells a story of how “rebels and pioneers,” once lost, found their way home. “All hail the underdogs; all hail the new kids…it’s time to break the rules. Let’s begin.”

EsōArts is located at 317 N. Queen St., Lancaster. For more information, visit www.esoartslanc.com.

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Musical Notes: Thankful for Live Music

October 30, 2023 | by Skye Leppo

Might I suggest a new Thanksgiving activity this year? Instead of going around the table listing what you and your fellow celebrants are thankful for, ask your loved ones what song or concert deepened their love for music discovery. Maybe you’ll learn more about sweet Great Aunt Carole’s “brief spell in San Francisco” than you ever imagined.

A BIT OF PUNK

Brian Fallon, 11/14, H*MAC

Brian Fallon, perhaps best known as the lead vocalist/songwriter and rhythm guitarist for New Jersey’s *other* heartland rock sensation, The Gaslight Anthem, is bringing his latest solo tour to H*MAC this month, and it should be a hell of a great show. If you’re not familiar with the Gaslight Anthem’s punk Springsteen sound, I highly recommend acquainting yourself (the band has been a favorite of mine for years), and a key part of the band’s talent comes from Fallon’s great lyrics and an urgency in his vocals that I can’t describe as anything other than equal parts rebellious and romantic.

SIX DEGREES OF ROCK’N’ROLL

The Bacon Brothers, 11/19, The Englewood

One of Philadelphia’s favorite sons, Kevin Bacon (yes, THAT Kevin Bacon) and his brother Michael have been playing amazing music for the better part of a quarter century, and their material just keeps getting better and better. The duo’s 2022 brief but soulful release, “Erato,” is an eclectic set and should make for a really fun live show.

SWOON FOR A NEW CLASSIC

HU Presents Stephen Sanchez, 11/30, XL Live

Consider me smitten. The first time I heard 20-year-old Stephen Sanchez’s “Evangeline” on the radio this spring, I was completely floored by his dreamy crooning and quickly Shazam’d the track for later listening. His whole vibe is a modern take on retro love songs, and I’m so here for it. His latest album, “Angel Face,” is just fantastic, but I recommend getting started with the brilliant “Easy On My Eyes,” released last year.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

The Legwarmers, 11/3, XL Live

Dirty Honey, 11/4, H*MAC

Mama’s Broke, 11/7, Fort Hunter Centennial Barn

Mutoid Man, 11/9, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.

Barely Alive, 11/9, XL Live

HU Presents Lucero, 11/10, XL Live

Cinder Well, 11/16, Unitarian Church of Harrisburg

Andrew McMahon w/Michigander, Wildermiss, 11/18, H*MAC

The Bad Toupees 30th Anniversary Reunion, 11/18, The Englewood

The Wild Hymns w/Public Disco Porch, 11/22, The Englewood

Jon Spencer, 11/24, H*MAC

The Badlees, 11/25, XL Live

York Symphony’s Holiday Pops Spectacular, 11/25, The Appell Center for the Performing Arts

Jared James Nichols, 11/29, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.

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The Return of Gilbert and Sullivan and Gamut: Light opera gets an encore as the “H.M.S. Pinafore” sails into Harrisburg

October 30, 2023 | by Francesca Amendolia

“Did you know Gamut Theatre is putting on a full-blown production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’ this November?”

“Gamut? But Gamut doesn’t do musicals.”

“What, never?”

“No, never!”

“What, never?”

“Well, hardly ever!”

(You have to sing the last line to get the full Gilbert and Sullivan effect—or grab tickets to “Pinafore” to hear this little exchange sung with orchestral accompaniment.)

It might be true that Gamut Theatre “hardly ever” does musicals, but that just makes this upcoming production of (full title) “H.M.S. Pinafore; or, the Lass That Loved a Sailor” all the more exciting. If “Innocent Merriment,” last season’s Gilbert and Sullivan revue, whetted local appetites for some light opera fare, then “H.M.S. Pinafore” is the eagerly anticipated three-course meal.

After the success of “Innocent Merriment,” director Benjamin Krumreig is excited to take Gamut and Harrisburg audiences deeper into the Gilbert and Sullivan canon. The revue did exactly what he hoped and intended. It offered people a lighthearted evening of music and banter that illustrated just how appealing, accessible and un-intimidating light opera actually is.

“Too often, people worry that opera is scary,” noted Krumreig. “They think, ‘I won’t understand it. I won’t know what’s happening. It will be boring. It won’t be funny.’ Nothing could be farther from the truth.”

Gilbert and Sullivan, he points out, were in the entertainment business (not unlike Shakespeare). They designed their shows to be lively, funny—and timely.

There are two camps when it comes to producing Gilbert and Sullivan. There are the traditionalists, who insist that these shows must be done exactly as they were first performed, and the updaters, who believe that modern audiences are more likely to appreciate revamped productions. For example, “H.M.S. Pinafore” has elsewhere been performed as “Starship Pinafore,” where all the action takes place not on a British Royal Navy warship but on a Star Trek–like vessel.

Gamut’s upcoming production leans traditional, but philosophically, Krumreig occupies a space between the two camps.

“There is a reason that some traditions have lasted,” he explained. “But there are also good reasons to modernize some of the dialogue and lyrics.”

Gilbert, the lyricist of the pair, repeatedly poked fun at politicians and other dignitaries. Those references were of their time, however, and the jokes and commentary would be lost on modern audiences. Krumreig firmly believes Gilbert would want us to update those references, so that’s what he’s doing.

“Were Gilbert writing now, he’d be writing jokes about the public figures we all know,” he said. “He would want everyone to laugh, not just the history professor in the third row going ‘har har har’ at the obscure 19th-century reference.”

This is Krumreig’s fourth production of “H.M.S. Pinafore,” though it’s his first time directing the show. “Pinafore” was also Gilbert and Sullivan’s fourth collaboration—and their first international hit. At its heart, it is a love story, a tale of wrong-side-of-the-tracks lovers doomed by a world where class and station are designed to keep people in their place. Happily, in Gilbert and Sullivan’s hands, nothing can stand in the way of true love.

That’s true even on Gamut’s relatively small stage, where it is frankly very easy for an actor to stand in someone else’s way. Typically, there would be a large chorus, a bustling ship full of sailors all going about their tasks (while singing, of course). That’s not feasible here, but obstacles breed innovation, observes Krumreig, who is delighted at the challenge of working with a smaller cast.

Another unique challenge? In a theatre without an orchestra pit, where should the musicians sit? Krumreig and musical director Nick Werner decided it would be fun for the audience if they put the five-musician ensemble above and behind the main action of the show—on the upper level of the stage. They then designed a monitoring system to allow the singers to see the conductor without having to spend the show looking over their shoulders.

“Nick Werner is a fantastic collaborator,” Krumreig said. “He really understands the style and is just wonderful to work with.”

All this might seem like a lot of goings-on, but it’s all behind the scenes, and what the audience will see is a short, sweet and to the point (two hours including intermission) spun-sugar concoction of a show filled with familiar music and the joy of happy-ever-after. And that’s just how Krumreig likes it.

“My goal in my artistic life is to keep operetta alive and relevant,” he said quietly but firmly. “By people coming to this production, it lets me know I’m doing my job. I want people to know that these shows are fun and everyone can enjoy them.”

“I promise,” he added, “you’ll have a good time.”

“Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore” runs Nov. 18 to Dec. 3 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. Fun fact? Opening night is W. S. Gilbert’s 187th birthday. For more information and tickets, visit www.gamuttheatre.org/hms-pinafore or phone 717 238 4111.

UPCOMING EVENTS

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

TMI Improv

Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Gilbert & Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore”

Nov. 18 to Dec. 3

Nov. 18, 25, Dec. 1, 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 19, 25, 26, Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m.

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

Mrs. Kasha Davis
“There’s Always Room for a Cocktail!”

The “RuPaul Drag Race” Kindness Queen
Comes to Harrisburg
Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

EFF Live!

Erotic fan fiction readings
Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Black NewsBeat

With Dr. Kimeka Campbell

Join us in the live studio audience
Wednesday, Nov. 8 & Friday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

“Who’s Holiday!”

Cindy Lou is back in this irreverent comedy
Nov. 25 to Dec. 22

“A Christmas Carol”

Scrooge’s ghostly holiday adventure returns
Dec. 2 to 23

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Out of This World: “Under the Skin” leads a monthlong spotlight of aliens on film

October 30, 2023 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photo courtesy of A24.

This November, the name of the game is aliens.

Midtown Cinema will be screening all sorts of films about extraterrestrials and quite the variety of them, as well. From the classic “Alien”/“Aliens” pairing to “The Man Who Fell To Earth” to “It! The Terror From Beyond Space,” there are a variety of films to choose from.

But this reviewer’s favorite alien films are the ones that have a lot to say about humanity. And for what it’s worth, most of them do say something… but the prize winner is “Under The Skin,” director Jonathan Glazer’s close-up take on Michel Faber’s book of the same name.

The book and the movie are vastly different. While Faber’s story is a character-rich external take on the meat industry and animal cruelty, the film is more of a zoomed-in, stretched-out character piece, in which its protagonist (played by Scarlett Johansson) is very different but just as textured (deceptively so).

The first half of the film takes us on a spine-chilling, disturbing and erotic journey, revealing the unnamed protagonist’s goal—to lure human men into a trap to harvest their organs. A caretaker of sorts, disguised as a motorcyclist, seems to be following her around to pick up any remaining pieces that she can’t handle herself. Our nameless protagonist seems cold to the fact that she is harming individuals. In fact, she seems to view them with as much (or as little) empathy as she views an ant.

In the second half of the film, however, something changes. Maybe it’s the last man she ensnares that hits her with a pang of empathy or maybe it’s the fly she sees throwing itself at the window, trying to break free. Whatever it is, it causes our leading lady to break out of her role as temptress and try to lose herself in the world she was trying to use.

“Under The Skin” is more than just a thought-provoking alien film—it strives to make you uncomfortable. And it’s heavy on the sex, but not in a titillating way. In fact, it strives to show you many different shades of sex (sex for the purpose of entrapment vs. entrapment for the purpose of sex—so for those who need it, there’s your content warning for attempted rape). But also sex as connection and as an experience—one of many that she tries out in order to understand the humans around her. The film leaves much up to interpretation, and some might argue the pace is a bit glacial. However, all of these elements combine to create something truly stark and foreign. Johansson gives a surprisingly rich performance for a character who emits so little emotion, and the result is fascinating.

While there are plenty of great films playing for this month’s alien-themed repertory, make sure you leave time to see “Under The Skin,” playing Nov. 21 and 25.

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

November Events At Midtown Cinema

An Out-of-this-World November

“Alien” (1979)
Friday, Nov. 3, 9:30 p.m.

“Aliens” (1986)
Saturday, Nov. 11, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m.

“A Quiet Place” (2018)
Saturday, Nov. 18, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 19, 7:45 p.m.

“The Man Who Fell to Earth” (1976)
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 7:15 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 26, 7:15 p.m.

“Under The Skin” (2013)
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 25, 9:30 p.m.

Family Series presents
“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
Saturday, Nov. 4, 11 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday Docs Series presents
“Ariel Phenomenon” (2017)
Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m.

Down in Front! comedy riffing presents
“It! The Terror from Beyond Space” (1958)
Friday, Nov. 10, 9:30 p.m.

3rd in the Burg Movie Night presents
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977)
Friday, Nov. 17, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m.

“Our Right to Gaze” (2023)
Shorts from Black filmmakers
Sunday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 27, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Blake Lynch announced his run for Congress.

Enjoy the last little bit of warm weather this weekend before the colder days are upon us again. And get excited because our November issue of the magazine will be distributed early next week. For now, catch up on this week’s news coverage, below.

Blake Lynch, a central PA native, announced his run for the Democratic nomination for the 10^th congressional district, our online story reported. Lynch formerly served as the director of community relations for the Harrisburg Police Bureau and, most recently, served as senior vice president and chief impact officer at WITF Public Media.

Central Wedge Cheese Shop opened recently in Carlisle, offering a unique array of cheeses, our magazine story reported. The shop also includes a café which carries salads, sandwiches and grazing boards, among other items.

Governor’s Square, a problematic Harrisburg housing development, is on the sales market, our online story reported. The owner, Uptown Partners, filed for bankruptcy in May and is in search of a buyer for the 222 apartment units.

Green Ridge Farm Market & Café recently opened in Camp Hill with homegrown and homemade food, our magazine story reported. The business formerly operated in Harrisburg’s Broad Street Market, but decided to move and open their own storefront.

Messiah University’s “Thriving Together” initiative came to a close recently after a two-year journey of racial justice education and learning. In our magazine story, hear from members of the 12 local churches who participated and how the program impacted them.

The Rummagers opened in Midtown Harrisburg in September, selling their unique vintage items, our magazine story reported. The shop offers retro toys, vinyl records, vintage clothing and home décor, among other collectibles.

Sara Bozich has a great lineup of events for you to check out this weekend. Find them all, here.

The Susquehanna Valley Official Liverpool Supporters’ Club meets on Sunday mornings at local sports bars to watch Liverpool F.C., an English Premier League football (soccer) club. In our magazine story, read about the dedicated local fans.

Theatre Harrisburg has entered its 98th season, opening with a production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” In our online story, read a preview of the show and how the play emphasizes the theater’s mission of highlighting community.

Westy’s Beer Distributor in Hampden Township celebrates its 75^th anniversary this month, our magazine story reported. The family-run business has been serving their community since 1948.

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Tradition! Theatre Harrisburg’s production of “Fiddler On the Roof” brings a timeless story of community back to the stage

October 27, 2023 | by Alexandra Johnson

A scene from “Fiddler on the Roof”

When you think of the community of historic Harrisburg, images of the Capitol building, bridges stretching across the Susquehanna, and the Broad Street Market may come to mind.

But tucked away in the north of the city on Hurlock Street is The Krevsky Center, the home of Theatre Harrisburg, an organization approaching a century of operation.

Originally established as Harrisburg Community Theatre in 1926, Theatre Harrisburg now enters its 98th season by reflecting on the importance of fostering community and embracing an evolving tradition with the popular musical, “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Based on the stories by Shalom Alecheim, “Fiddler on the Roof” follows the life of Tevye, a milkman living in the village of Anatevka in the early 1900s, and his struggle to honor his religion and traditions during an unsettling and unstable time in history. Understanding that the purpose of theatre is to hold a mirror up to society and remind the audience what it means to be human, Theatre Harrisburg believes this story is more relevant than ever.

“As Harrisburg’s community theatre, our hope is for Theatre Harrisburg to be a place of safety and warmth—a place of belonging and connection,” said Lorien Reese Mahay, the theatre’s executive director.

The production team for “Fiddler on the Roof” features local standouts, choreographer Kelly Strange, musical director Marina Cherpinsky and director Kevin L. Biddle.

When asked what drew him to this project, Biddle cited the evergreen relevance of the story.

“‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is an iconic musical. It is truly a classic,” Biddle said. “The story is equal parts heart-wrenching and heart-warming.”

This is the third time that Biddle has directed the play.

“This time, I was particularly drawn to the show because of how relevant the story is in 2023,” he said. “This story speaks to us even louder and clearer today than it did in the 1960s when it was written.”

Why? Because, according to Biddle, “Fiddler on the Roof” is about community, finding balance between tradition and what is best for our family—literally, locally or globally.

“This show really emphasizes the message of Theatre Harrisburg: ‘where community takes center stage,’” Biddle said. “I encourage audiences to come see members of their own community—teachers, lawyers, students, businessmen and women, volunteers and professionals, all tell a timeless story that includes some of the best musical theatre songs ever written.”

The importance of producing meaningful stories of identity that members of our community can reflect on and relate to is not lost on the artistic team.

The core message of “Fiddler on the Roof” is also well understood by their ensemble. The play uses a very specific culture, location, and period of history to convey truly timeless and core elements of the human condition

These include the safety and security of traditions vs. how what we need and desire to evolve might contradict them; the bittersweet consequences of watching children grow up; success and failure; struggling to decide what we have faith in; learning what love is and facing the inevitability of loss; and the endurance of the human spirit in the face of gross injustices, according to Marc Lubbers, who plays the role of Tevye.

“These—and more—are issues humanity has struggled with since the beginning of its history and will continue to struggle with for the rest of it,” he said. “This is a major contribution to why ‘Fiddler’ endures.”

“Fiddler on the Roof” runs Nov. 3 to 19 at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, visit www.theatreharrisburg.com or call the box office at 717-232-5501 x2.

“Fiddler on the Roof” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also suppled by MTI. www.mtishows.com

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Bankrupt Governor’s Square housing development in Harrisburg now listed for sale

October 26, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Photo by Dani Fresh

A sprawling, problematic affordable housing development in Harrisburg is on the sales market.

After filing for bankruptcy in May, Baltimore-based Uptown Partners, LP now is in search of a buyer for the Residences at Governor’s Square, a large swath of properties that have received hundreds of code violations and condemnations.

Hilco Real Estate Sales is handling the sale of the 222 units, which span 27 buildings, and accepting bids through Nov. 30. There is no formal asking price for Governor’s Square.

Uptown Partners initially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, with their attorney stating in May that they ran out of money to operate the complex. However, after realizing that the quick liquidation process, which typically characterizes Chapter 7 filings, might not be the best option, they transitioned to Chapter 11 in August. At the August bankruptcy court hearing, they stated that they hoped the change in status would provide them more time to find a buyer.

For several years, residents of the complex have raised concerns about mold, leaky roofs and rodents, along with other quality-of-life issues at Governor’s Square. Uptown Partners has also received hundreds of code violations, and several of its buildings have been condemned and placarded, deemed unfit for habitation.

As the developer seeks a buyer, Uptown Partners has enough money to continue operations “for now,” their attorney Robert Chernicoff told TheBurg in August.

According to the real estate listing, 85 of the 222 units are currently vacant. Governor’s Square properties consist of a mix of one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom units.

While in bankruptcy, any sale of Governor’s Square will need to be approved in court by Chief Judge Henry Van Eck of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 26, 2023 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find:

For something new: Don’t miss Paul “25 Tequilas” Cauthen at XL Live on Saturday. An HU Presents show for the books! Worth noting: You can literally trick or treat all day on Saturday, if so inclined. Things on my agenda this weekend: Trick or Treat tonight, with friends Friday, and Guest Alumnus Speaker at the West Shore Foundation Gala until they realize they picked my name from the wrong “alumni to watch” list. On Sunday, a bday visit to Hersheypark for the newly 6-year-old.

For your weekend(ish) planning

HU Presents Paul Cauthen on Oct. 28
4 Spooktacular Fall Cocktails | Fine Wine & Good Spirits
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

WIN tickets to Harrisburg University Presents Lucero on Nov. 10 | GIVEAWAY
Find the perfect holiday-themed getaway — no planning required!
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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What you’ll find:

For your weekend(ish) planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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