Harrisburg plans stricter enforcement of youth curfew ordinance

September 11, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

The Harrisburg Police Bureau plans to strengthen enforcement of a longstanding curfew for youth in the city.

On Monday, the city announced that, starting this week, it will reinforce a 2007 ordinance that mandates a curfew for people until 18 years of age.

“We need to do a better job by our kids. This ordinance is to benefit them,” said Mayor Wanda Williams. “There is no reason why children should be out at night, disrupting neighborhoods and getting involved in fights.”

Over the years, enforcement of the curfew has fluctuated between being more and less strict.

The “after hours” curfew states that youth under the age of 18 may not be in a public place between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday nights, and 12 a.m. midnight and 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Curfew regulations will not apply to youth attending an event, like a concert, school or religious function, or game, according to the city. It will also not affect people coming home from work or traveling through the city.

Harrisburg Police officers will pick up any youth caught violating the ordinance and return them to their home or place of residence, at which point they will only be released to a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, the city stated. If someone is picked up who does not live in Harrisburg, they will be held at the Public Safety Building, located at 123 Walnut St., until a parent, guardian or responsible adult arrives to pick them up, according to the city.

“We plan on having additional enforcement details downtown during these times,” said police Commissioner Thomas Carter. “The goal is not to be the bad guy here. We just want our kids to be safe.”

Exceptions to the curfew are as follows:

The minor is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.
The minor is involved in an emergency.
The minor is engaged in an activity, such as work, a concert, or sporting event, or is returning home from said activity, without detour or stop.
The minor is on the sidewalk directly next to their home
The minor is attending an activity sponsored by a school, religious, or civic organization, which is supervised by adults, or is returning home from said activity.
The minor is on an errand at the direction of a parent, with a signed note from the parent containing the following information: name, signature, address, and telephone number of the adult authorizing the errand.
The minor is traveling through the city.

Any student who attends the Harrisburg School District, and works at night, may pick up a work order form at the district’s enrollment center, located at 2900 N. 6^th Street, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Park in the north parking lot, and enter through Door 4.

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Bob’s Art Blog: Abracadabra & Presto Change-o

September 11, 2023 | by Bob MacGinnes

The magician stepped out onto the stage with all attention on him under the spotlight. He tapped his wand three times on the black top hat and said loud and clear, “Abracadabra.” What took place next you can see now on the main floor at Susquehanna Art Museum in its “Transformative Craft,” an “understated powerhouse” of an exhibit for the next 30 days. If that sounds like an oxymoron, you will soon learn as to why.

“Supplication” by Jordan Bashore

For Susquehanna Art Museum’s 8^th annual juried art exhibition, 24 artists from around the country brought their exceptional skills up to the challenge with their interpretations of what transformative craft entails. In every case, each artist brought critical thinking and ingenuity to the foreground, parlaying positive change in approaching their medium and object reimagined. When the creation is no longer that of its conceptualized norm due to addition, alteration and amelioration, the completed result rises to a whole different plane and idea of beauty reflected in its new state. In other words, when is a chair more than a chair or a textile becomes a photographic keepsake? They are but two of two dozen excellent examples selected from over 500 entries nationwide juried in that made the cut for the exhibit. “Transformative Craft” is born again as a brand-new entity. The tightly compact number of selections is given free rein in the wide-open space of the museum’s ground floor as well as the DeSoto Family Vault. By intentional choice, each objet d’ art shines forth on its own, shared Executive Director Alice Anne Schwab. The narratives that accompany the art share the artist’s arrival at its finished state, critical to the viewers overall experience. The backstory lends insight to the deeper meaning of transformation.

Highlights of the show include Travis Townsend’s “The New Ship of Progress,” a craft of wood and mixed media that pays homage to the Chinese “junks.” These sea vessels were used for trading and housing as well as pirating, originating during the Han Dynasty. Townsend’s vessel is worlds apart from those of yore. He incorporates compartments and apparatus necessary for adventures of the subconscious mind. Conceptually colorful and artistically executed, “Progress” creates the means to an end that appeals to all the senses. Of local interest, Jordan Bashore of Harrisburg marries “textiles, tulle, and acorns,” according to the artist, threading a needle of continuity throughout her work in “Supplication.”

“drifted over the tide (2)” by Morgan Ford Willingham

On a smaller scale, Morgan Ford Willingham’s “drifted over the tide (2)” entails a “cyanotype with hand embroidery on found textiles.” Her skilled craft as a photographic master allows for a union of mediums shining forth in subtle nuances. The subject matter explores the relationship between mother and daughter in an incandescent image that is as haunting as it is healing. The beauty of an intimate object, both personal and universal, brings the viewer to bear on the gravitas of a parent’s love for a child.

The exhibit runs through Oct. 15. 3^rd in the Burg this Friday night provides the perfect opportunity to view the exhibit before its gone.

Robert Childs and Carrie Wissler Thomas

Presto Change-o! (To change quickly from one thing to another, used originally as a magician’s command.)

Wrapping up Gallery Walk 35 this past Sunday afternoon saw the curtain come down on what may be viewed as the best Gallery Walk ever. Thanks to its illustrious leader, Carrie Wissler Thomas, CEO of the Art Association of Harrisburg, and Rachel O’Connor, curator, both had more than a few tricks up their sleeves to pull off such a stunner! Twenty venues, hundreds of artists and hordes of gallery-goers all contributed to a memorable day of art. Curator O’Connor dialed up this year’s theme, “Art Is,” an open-ended dialogue to demonstrate all the facets of the discipline of art with no wrong answers. It is subjective by nature as everyone has their own take on the subject. Evidence was everywhere with more than just “the usual suspects” in the lineup. Museums and murals all added up to lasting memories that will carry us through to next year’s Walk.

“Floating to the Chesapeake” by Kathleen Joffrion, at AAH

Reporting From the Front Lines: Starting at the AAH for Gallery Walk kickoff at noon, the foot traffic was like an art stampede. The amazing thing, the first sale of the day was to a well-known art collector from Winchester, Va., who purchased a Marjorie Taylor painting as an investment. Art patrons also drove in from Fredrick, Md., after seeing the billboard on Route 81 advertising Gallery Walk. Word is out, (literally). Judging by the head count for the first hour at the AAH, edition #35” could be a record setter. The weather tried its best to rain on the parade and, for a while, it did. However, the day would not be deterred nor the art lover’s determination. Rainy day and all umbrellas got their workout. And there were unexpected winners.

“Night Fall on the Farm” by Josephine Alexander, at AAH

Perhaps the most appreciative audience were the ducks on Front Street traveling to the Civic Club of Harrisburg for a special group of artists that included an AAH art instructor, Carrie Feidt. By 2:30 p.m., at the halfway point of the event, the storm passed over with “nothing but blue skies from then on.” In speaking with Vivian Sterste, who marked 10 years at her Vivi on Verbeke studio along with partner Jeb Boyd, reported various artists shopping her studio during Gallery Walk, which included Victor Capecce and Craig Baumgardner, artists showing their works at the AAH. Vivi went on to say that there are “new possibilities in the infinite to be discovered.”

Segue to Chantal Eloundou at her Nyianga Store who stayed open later than the 5 p.m. closing bell as she still had customers visiting her boutique. And if that wasn’t enough, the second annual “impromptu after party” took place at Millworks. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere. Tara Chickey, art director, revealed “the day mirrored the weather with the foot traffic’s ebb and flow dependent on Mother Nature.”

In case there is any doubt, let me assure you that two Pauls are better than one. Paul D. Murray, gonzo artist in residence, echoed Tara’s words as the rain clouds played a part behind the scenes, but when the sun came out, so did the art audience. Paul Gallo, lively and quick, (one of the seven lively artists) joined the after party, stating that “Gallery Walk brought out new faces, curiosity seekers, and a fair amount of folks enamored with art.” The other Paul, ping ponging back to Murray, referenced a painting Paul G. did a few years back depicting a sci-fi galaxy featuring a functional, not flashy, spaceship entitled, “Searching.” Yachiyo Beck took that as a cue to join in returning to Millworks after spending five hours demonstrating her painting at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. Ms. Beck briefly announced, even with the gray skies, last year’s attendance was eclipsed at the church with visitors and onlookers. Artist Judy Kelly rejoiced that the day brought a great experience, one worthy of sharing with the world.

It is the special moments we share in life as part of a bigger picture that matter the most. When we feel connected to a likeminded group (like Judy Kelly’s visit from four college-aged girls who met on an app), which brings strangers together to share activities as simple as going for a walk. It is so obvious. Judy truly relishes the joy in the every day. Those times are remembered long after the event has taken place, put in a memory bank that grows with each passing year. Such is the stuff dreams are made of…

September Art Events
Friday, Sept. 15, 3^rd in the Burg
Saturday, Sept. 16, Hummelstown Art Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photos by Jana MacGinnes

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Burg Review: Theatre Harrisburg deftly explores outer worlds, inner worlds with “A Rock Sails By”

September 9, 2023 | by Gina Napoli

There’s a rock hurtling towards earth. Its movements don’t fit any of the patterns astrophysicists are used to seeing. But Dr. Cummings isn’t at all worried about alien life visiting earth. She’s more worried about the metaphorical rocks hurling toward her, disrupting her personal orbit.

Theatre Harrisburg’s moving, dramatic season opener, “A Rock Sails By,” from playwright Sean Grennan, encounters us with questions about not only life forms in outer space, but also serious end-of-life questions. What happens to us after we die? And what is the point of all this living we do? Or the question Director Eric Pope poses: “Shouldn’t we be more concerned about life here on this rock?”

These issues weigh heavily on Dr. Lynn Cummings (Chris Koslosky), an astrophysicist with an eidetic memory. Every now and again, she can feel herself going into trance-like states. They affect her work as a professor, a mother, and as a license-holding driver. She doesn’t quite yet know what the trances are. As a scientist, she relies only on what she can prove for sure, and she doesn’t fill in the blanks with stories – especially not stories about life on other planets that would make her a laughingstock in her professional community.

With so many mysteries of life, Cummings is comfortable in not knowing. But outside forces compel her to dig further into the possibility of alien life forms. She begrudgingly becomes entangled with Jason (Tyquan Reddick), a pushy journalist who has a complicated relationship with truth and ethics. Together with her daughter, Olive (Chelsea Nasatka), the three embark on an unlikely journey to New Mexico to watch a potentially alien rock sail by earth.

Koslosky brings the audience a know-it-all protagonist who isn’t always likable, but develops her humanity and vulnerability as the play moves along. That softer side of Cummings helps the audience to identify with the mostly insufferably condescending scientist. It’s a long fall from her high horse – a horse as tall as the cosmos stretch. In contrast, Reddick plays Jason as a more reserved personality, but still not backing down from his beliefs or his right to be open-minded about outer space.

If this play were a video on my flick feed, there would be a caption reading “Wait for it.” The payoff scene near the end takes the form of a Messenger (Greg Koslosky) whose presence demands Cummings to unblock and tap in to the feeling part of herself that she hides from the world. Mission accomplished to Greg Koslosky for birthing a character whose presence creates the appropriate amount of ambiguity, with more questions than answers. It’s a compelling storyline that will provide you plenty of fodder for “Act 3 Dissection” with your plus-one after the curtain falls.

I didn’t catch on until I read the cast notes that this production has a cast of mostly novices to Theatre Harrisburg. The play’s cohesive, theater-family-style casting misled me completely, and I don’t mind being wrong about that thing. A special round of applause to Nasatka, walking onstage for her first debut performance anywhere, ever.

If you’re looking to explore any sort of finite theory or have your questions answered about alien life, end of life, or what happens after life, this script doesn’t tie a bow on anything for anyone. If you like nice, tidy endings to your fiction stories, this play isn’t the place to find one. Like Cummings, you’ll need to get comfortable with not knowing. But what you will glean is a message to take a bite out of life while we have it.

“A Rock Sails By” runs through Sept. 17 at the Krevsky Center, 513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg. For more information on show times and tickets, visit https://theatreharrisburg.com/shows/a-rock-sails-by/.

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Burg Review: Take your protein pill and jam out to Open Stage’s “Space Oddity”

September 8, 2023 | by Gina Napoli

Ground control to Harrisburg…

Open Stage’s musical revue, “Space Oddity: A Celebration of David Bowie,” pays tribute to an iconic artist who simultaneously trail-blazed through six decades while also standing off to the side stylistically–a space invader of entertainment perpetually reinventing himself with glam and glitter.

Who else but Ziggy Stardust could make androgyny and heterochromia cool amongst all the young dudes?

Director/Producer Wayne Landon (rather, “Dad” to Open Stage’s Executive Director Stuart and Education Coordinator Rachel) and Music Arranger/Band Director Anthony Pieruccini blow the dust off their old vinyl collections to bring us the most memorable songs of Bowie’s career, plus a few later songs that haven’t yet reached legendary status. The concert format allows for song after song in a rapid wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am succession.

It’s Bowie’s intelligent and serious bravura driving the lyrics of the production’s set list, and his evolving signature fashion inspiring the costumes (Jack Weitzel). Both resemble a chameleon meandering through a lava lamp. Each cast member wears something as a nod to one of Bowie’s personas: a neckerchief, suspenders, one dangling earring, a silky pantsuit, a brazenly colored unitard.

Each lyricist owns their own Bowie interpretation in their individual vocal and stylistic approaches, showcasing their distinctive ranges and styles, with lots of ch-ch-ch-ch-changes to original arrangements. Playing over two dozen of Bowie’s greatest hits, here are the highlights:

Although this show is not meant to be a tribute band in which the performers impersonate the artist note for note, TJ Creedon’s vocals sound truest to form in pacing and tonality, complete with a hint of South London accent. With passionate energy, Creedon pours himself into rollicking solos “Five Years,” “All the Young Dudes,” “Golden Years,” and the wistfully delivered, “Heroes.” Then he duets with Maggie Haynes and Sabrina Williams to deliver solid power ballads fueled with rhythmic, pulsating sensuality. And just like my old CDs of yore, one of the duets is a secret song.

Haynes brings a little rebel rebel to her Bowie rendition, her voice alto and angry, and dancing wild enough to proclaim stage ownership. She especially blazes fire during “Fashion,” as if to channel Mick Jagger. (Note that the Bowie/Jagger collaboration/debacle “Dancing in the Street” did not appear on the set list. Good call, Landon and Pieruccini. Sometimes it’s what we don’t do that speaks louder.) Especially impressive was Haynes’ sustained note during “Suffragette City,” and she gets cool points for knowing how to get real notes out of a kazoo during her saxophone imitation.

Williams slips into her “Starman” character with unabashed confidence, copying many of Bowie’s stances and motions. She captures Bowie’s initial vocal shyness that crescendos in front of an audience’s eyes into self-assuredness, adding a slight playfulness pointing to Bowie possibly – just maybe – having a sense of humor layered somewhere under his blue and coral eye shadow? Williams particularly shines in singing “Moonage Daydream,” during her many lovely duet harmonies with Jasmine Graham, and the punching “This is Not America” with Tyler Shadle.

Reminiscent of Bowie’s angular onstage mannerisms, Shadle shows traces of Bowie in his seemingly displeased facial expressions, reaching all the way into space during his “Ziggy Stardust” solo, and his “Space Oddity” duet with Brad Barkdoll. For his part, Barkdoll nails some standout riffs in “Ziggy Stardust,” “Life on Mars,” “Rebel Rebel,” and “Modern Love.” The four-piece band, with Shadle on keyboard, Barkdoll on guitar, Jon Godinez/Alex Dalious on bass guitar, and Dani Fiore/Jeremy Blouch on drums, gel well and back the vocalists cohesively, rounding out the spacy sound.

Embodying Bowie’s reserve, Jasmine Graham starts off her performance quietly, almost unsure. Then she bursts into Bowie’s “Lady Stardust” persona with that giant voice of hers. Graham also joins Williams to close the show with a special encore performance.

If you float in on your tin can to Open Stage to see this musical revue, take your protein pills and put your helmet on. Or put on your red shoes and dance the blues. Whether you’re still looking for life on Mars, or you’re from the MTV generation, or you’re backtracking through your grandparents’ 8-tracks, there’s a Bowie character for everybody to embody.

“Space Oddity: A Celebration of David Bowie” runs Sept. 8 to 17 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit https://www.openstagehbg.com/show/spaceoddity.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 8, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

In his monthly column, our publisher offers some ideas on how to improve long-term operations at the Broad Street Market. Illustration by Rich Hauck.

Is it already the end of the week?

It may have been a short holiday workweek around Harrisburg, but the news continued apace, as it always does. In case you didn’t have enough time to check out our stories during the week, we have all of our original reporting listed and linked below.

Broad Street Market reconstruction will take about two years, enough time to assess and make changes to the way the market operates, says our publisher in his monthly column. And some good news: This past week, work began preparing the ground for the temporary market building.

Gallery Walk steps off on Sunday in venues around downtown and Midtown Harrisburg. The annual event features art both in traditional and non-traditional spaces, offering unique views into some interiors often closed to the public, according to our magazine story.

Harrisburg City Council last week heard about a plan to raze or move a once-popular diner to make way for a new convenience store and gas station. Our news article offers details of the proposal.

Honey Bear crafts indulgent ice cream for folks with dietary and allergy restrictions. Our magazine feature details how the business went from inspiration to delicious operation.

Midtown Cinema this weekend opens its run of “Scrapper,” a story of a father and daughter making an unplanned connection. Our reviewer offers high praise for the movie, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.

Narcisse Theatre has debuted “Dr. Faustus,” a devilishly fine production, says our reviewer. The play also marks the first use of the theater’s courtyard at its new downtown space.

Open Stage opens its new season this weekend in style—with a musical tribute to the legendary David Bowie. Our magazine feature describes the show’s background and details, with hopes that the unique offering brings new faces to the downtown Harrisburg theater.

PA Latino Convention lands in Harrisburg later this month. The event will bring participants to the city in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, says our online story.

Sara Bozich has your party plan for one incredibly busy weekend in and around Harrisburg. Jazz Walk, the Jazz & Wine Festival and Gallery Walk just scratch the surface of things to do in central PA, according to Sara’s weekly column.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

September 7, 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: End of Summer Art Jam at Ever Grain; Space Oddity: A Celebration of David Bowie at Open Stage Worth noting: Big outdoor show at XL Live featuring The Used Things on my agenda this weekend: Heading to Atlantic City – follow along on IG

For your weekend(ish) planning

WIN tickets to see Mt. Joy and/or Trey Anastasio
🎧 My latest playlist
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
How to help the Broad Street Market and its displaced vendors
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

HU Presents ZZ Ward at XL Live
Fall Music Syllabus – Harrisburg University Presents September Lineup
Theatre Preview: Oyster Mill Playhouse
Fall Finds at Market on Market in Camp Hill
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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PA Latino Convention to be held in Harrisburg during Hispanic Heritage Month

September 6, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

PA Latino Convention Press Secretary, Edith Gutierrez-Hawbaker, among other officials announced the event at a press conference in Harrisburg’s MLK City Government Center.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, an event will focus on celebrating and empowering the commonwealth’s Latino community.

The 2023 Pennsylvania Latino Convention will take place from Sept. 20 to 22 at the Hilton Harrisburg and include panel discussions, workshops and a gala, among other events.

“The PA Latino Convention is the state’s most comprehensive Latino event,” said Edith Gutierrez-Hawbaker, press secretary for the convention, at a press conference on Wednesday.

The convention will take place in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

In February, convention and city officials announced that the sixth annual conference would be held in Harrisburg, bringing in Latino community members from across the state. According to Gutierrez-Hawbaker, there are 1.1 million Latino residents in Pennsylvania.

“There is no better place than the capital of the Keystone state to host the PA Latino Convention,” said Matt Maisel, Harrisburg communications director.

The convention will include over 50 events, discussions, classes and workshops on topics related to education, health, civic engagement and economic development, among others, within the Latino community.

To kick off the event, there will be a PA Latina Women’s Conference. Throughout the convention there will also be special events like, “Murals and Margaritas,” which starts at El Sol in downtown Harrisburg and includes a walking tour of the city’s murals.

For local high school students, the convention will host a college fair and special workshops.

A gala will close out the convention on Friday.

Registration is required for much of the convention, however, some workshops are free to the public.

Outside of the convention, another local organization will host an event in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, during the same week.

Harrisburg’s Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC) will host its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring entertainment and food. The event will take place on Derry Street, from 13^th to 15^th streets.

For more information about the PA Latino Convention or to register, visit their website. For more information about LHACC’s Hispanic Heritage Festival, visit their website.

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Coping Strategies Can Ease Workplace Meeting Anxiety

September 6, 2023 | by THINK Capital Blue Cross

There are an estimated 11 million work meetings each day in the U.S., and the thought of attending them can be nerve-jangling, sweat producing, or even debilitating experiences for some. Coping strategies can help tame butterflies, while therapy and medication can be effective for more serious cases.

Whether triggered by a fear of public speaking or discomfort in real or virtual settings, most people experience some level of anxiety about work-related meetings, according to Karie Batzler, director of Behavioral Health at Capital Blue Cross.

With an estimated 11 million work meetings each day in the U.S., there is a lot of potential for a jangling nerves, sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat, and other symptoms.

“The issue with respect to symptoms is how often do they occur, for how long, and do they stop you from doing your job or living your life?” Batzler said.

Coping strategies such as checklists or focused meeting preparation can help tame the butterflies for most, while therapy or medication is the answer for some.

“Anyone who says they have never experienced (some form of meeting anxiety) is not being honest,” said Jay Solomon, director of provider operations at Capital Blue Cross.

On a nervousness scale of 1 to 10, Solomon puts himself at a “one” when meeting within his own department or with people he knows. That level jumps to about four, he said, when he is less familiar with meeting participants.

For Megan Atticks, a communications specialist at Capital Blue Cross, mild meeting anxiety lurks in the memory of a difficult experience in a previous job in which her supervisor peppered her with seemingly unrelated and distracting questions during a presentation.

Atticks puts herself at about “five” on a nervousness scale of 1 to 10, but adds, “If there’s a technical glitch, I quickly jump up to a nine.”

Batzler, Solomon, and Atticks say the absence of social cues such as body language, facial expression, and eye contact make virtual meetings more stressful.

Their feelings are supported by a March study published in “Trends in Cognitive Sciences,” and in a study on zoom fatigue published in “Technology, Mind, and Behavior.”

Whether meeting anxiety is rooted in a fear of public speaking, lack of preparation, unclear expectations, a previous negative experience, or even poor self-image, there are a host of easily accessible, non-medical coping strategies, according to Batzler. They include:

Practice public speaking – Introduce yourself or tell a story at a gathering.
Arrive early – This allows you to start out conversing with a smaller group.
Review the agenda – Prepare questions and statements ahead of time.
Rehearse statements – Practice what you want to say.
Practice mindfulnessor stress management – deep breathing exercises, meditation techniques, etc.
Make sleep a priority.
Quit smoking and reduce intake of caffeinated beverages.

For some with underlying, diagnosable anxiety disorders, meetings can trigger symptoms that can make it hard to work, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH).

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) says social anxiety disorder, for example, affects about 15 million Americans and generalized anxiety disorder affects an estimated 6.8 million.

The good news, according to the ADAA, is that doctors can effectively manage anxiety disorders through psychotherapy or medication.

“The best advice is always to talk with your doctor about potential treatments,” Batzler said. “Especially in cases where you feel this anxiety is affecting your work and professional relationships.”

THINK (Trusted Health Information, News, and Knowledge) is a community publication of Capital Blue Cross. Our mission is to provide education, resources, and news on the latest health and insurance issues.

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Convenience store proposed for site of blighted gas station, diner, which may be demolished

September 6, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

The former American Dream diner and adjacent gas station on Herr Street in Harrisburg may be demolished to make room for a new convenience store.

A vacant Harrisburg diner may soon be demolished to make room for a new convenience store.

On Tuesday, Harrisburg City Council heard a proposal to demolish the former American Dream Diner and an adjacent gas station on Herr Street in order to construct a modern, 24-hour convenience store.

The diner, located at 1933 Herr St., most recently operated as Harry’s Bistro, which opened in early 2021 and closed shortly afterwards. Next door, at 1951 Herr St., are a gas station and small convenience store.

Nirmal Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill with Mechanicsburg-based M&N, Inc. have proposed razing the current structures, which Nirmal owns, and building a 2,400-square-foot convenience store.

According to the owners, they have been leasing the properties for the past several years. As both structures became increasingly blighted, they decided to construct a more modern convenience store on the site.

“We are trying to have a better look for the place overall,” said Aman Gill, Nirmal’s daughter and partner on the project.

While the applicants’ land development plan proposes demolishing all structures on the property, Aman told TheBurg that someone had purchased the diner. However, she is unsure whether the buyer will be able to move the diner building in time. If it is not moved, the diner would be demolished, she said.

Demolition of the diner and gas station could take place in several weeks. Construction of the new store would take around four to five months, Aman said.

Aman said that the new convenience store would also offer hot food and beer, with indoor seating. They are considering keeping it open 24 hours, as well.

There would be four gas pumps on site.

Several city council members asked questions related to safety improvements in the area. Gill said they would plan to install security cameras, and are considering hiring a security guard during evening hours.

Council is slated to vote on the project at its next legislative session on Sept. 12.

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Burg Review: Narcisse Theatre makes a deal with the devil in splendidly gloomy “Dr. Faustus”

September 3, 2023 | by Gina Napoli

When my family visited Germany several decades ago, our hosts took us to several medieval torture museums, castles with dungeons and chains, and a tour of the concentration camp remains in Dachau. The itinerary of our so-called relaxation time raised the question, “Is this really how we wanted to spend our family vacation?”

That same ilk of gloomy question hangs over Christopher Marlowe’s tragic play “Dr. Faustus,” set in late 16^th century Germany, except that the protagonist asks, “Is Hell really where I want to spend my eternity?”

All jokes about my hellish vacation to Germany aside, Director FL Henley and Narҫisse Theatre Company deliver us an appropriately evil show full of gloom and serious questions to grapple with.

Although Doctor John Faustus (Chris Gibson) is already professionally accomplished, he longs for more in terms of material wealth and power. With a waxy necromantic spell book in hand and a pentagram chalked onto the floor, he conjures the devil to make a deal: to have Mephistopheles (Erika Eberly) do his bidding for 24 years, at the conclusion of which he will trade his soul.

Gibson delivers the audience an exceptional Dr. Faustus, with inner dialogue exploding onstage in strings of soliloquies, with some of them in Latin. Gibson infuses his character with a brash sense of pride, making him unlikeable and unsympathetic. Then later, his vulnerability and desperation make him only slightly less so.

In contrast, the dark energy Eberly brings to Mephistopheles is more of a slow burn. Until it isn’t. Aloof and cunning, she bides her time, playing along with Dr. Faustus, accommodating his every whim. Until she doesn’t. Often, it’s the deliberate mannerisms and gestures that Eberly gives her character that say even more than her dialogue.

There are but a few lightning bolts of comedy in “Dr. Faustus,” although they are straight from the gallows. Benvolio (Daniel Hutchins) is a boorish drunk who trades vengeful barbs and jabs with Dr. Faustus. Throughout all Benvolio’s antics, Hutchins nails this character with self-righteous indignation as his leading emotion.

In a spirit of mentoring, learning and community building, this play features a cast of enthusiastic novice actors amongst the more seasoned, with a few actors even making their theater debuts. Particularly excellent was the convincing (and sometimes intentionally slow-motion) stage combat, as well as the portrayals of the Seven Deadly Sins (Tai Allen, Aaron Bomar, Daniel Hutchins, Kamden Fowler, Eric Richardson, Linde Stern and Benjamin Wesley) shown in the shadows of demonic orange light.

It would be simple for any of us to remain on the outside of Dr. Faustus’ experience and judge it. We may vow that we would never strike a deal with the devil. Why would anyone trade 24 years of pleasure for a lifetime of torture? But Henley reminds us that a devilish deal need not be made officially. If we step inside Faustus’ character and think about the time and other parts of ourselves we trade for the material wealth we accumulate on earth, we might dig deeper to find compassion for Dr. Faustus’ sin of pride.

This legend/play brings forth other serious questions about grave topics: morality, repentance, personal fulfillment, desire, choices. Those are for you and your plus-one to pore over during the “third act,” complete with poured coffee and your choice of angel food cake or devil’s food cake.

“Dr. Faustus” is Narҫisse Theatre Company’s first production in their new space. The outdoor courtyard setting lends additional spookiness, especially when combined with the macabre castle setting and being surrounded by things that go bump in the night. May you all make it home from the theater a half hour before the devil knows you’re dead.

“Dr. Faustus” runs Sept.1-3, 6-9 at Narcisse Theatre Company, 312 Chestnut St., Harrisburg, in the theater’s new courtyard. Find more information at www.narcissetheatre.org.

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