Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 29, 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: If you haven’t yet, it’s prime time to check out Harrisburg Beach Club Worth noting: SoMa Block Party tonight!! Things on my agenda this weekend: TBD based on the budget, but maybe some live music, market visits, and dinner with friends.

For your weekend(ish) planning

The June SoMa Block Party (aka Budget Bash) is tonight!
Great Catering Option for all your Summer Events
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

sip @ soma features Broken Chair Brewing in July
Harrisburg University Presents Summer Concert Series starts in July!
Market on Market, downtown Camp Hill’s farmer’s market, is open Tuesdays through October
Save the date for Plants + Pints!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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On the Move: Harrisburg activists work to break down physical, attitudinal barriers facing residents with disabilities

June 29, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Mark Pickens, Pam Auer and Cynthia Gibbs-Pratt

Cynthia Gibbs-Pratt has had her fair share of close calls with cars almost hitting her. She’s gotten lost walking along busy roads and has felt the fear of knowing she’s not in the right place.

During a midday walk in downtown Harrisburg in June, Gibbs-Pratt grabbed onto friend Mark Pickens’ arm for some comfort as the sidewalk narrowed and traffic sped by on three-lane N. 2nd Street. She got a little nervous.

Pickens knew the feeling all too well. He was once hit by a car and offered to switch sides with her and walk closer to the busy street. But Gibbs-Pratt said that she was fine, and soon the pair made it back to a wider stretch of sidewalk, all while sweeping their white canes back and forth in front of them to feel their surroundings.

“We try to watch out for each other,” said Pam Auer, who led the group on her mobility scooter.

A few blocks later, Auer drove over a disintegrated, uneven section of sidewalk as her two friends, who both have impaired vision, walked around her on the flatter surface. They called it “water around the rock”—one person took the bumpy ride so the others could flow around her.

The group has little phrases and terms like this to describe their unique experiences. Some, like “water around the rock,” are more positive, showing comradery, while others, like “doing the twist,” are used to describe the aggravating way that Auer had to lurch her scooter up an uneven sidewalk ramp.

Having a disability impacts the way that the three Harrisburg residents have to think about everything—from navigating public transit to eating out, taking a walk and even using a public bathroom.

“You always have to think and plan in advance,” said Auer, who was born with spina bifida.

Steps Made

On the walk, I got a glimpse of what a fraction of a day might look like for my neighbors with disabilities. However, I was in sandals and walked over cracked pavement without a second thought. If I weren’t with the group, I probably wouldn’t have waited for the “walk” signal— privileges the rest of the group don’t have.

According to data collected by the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey, about 16% of Harrisburg’s population has a disability. This includes those with visual difficulties—like Gibbs-Pratt, who developed macular degeneration in her mid-40s, and Pickens, who lost most of his vision as a teen after suffering nerve damage. It also includes those with cognitive, ambulatory, hearing, self-care or independent living difficulties.

Over the years, Harrisburg has made steps towards becoming more accessible, according to Auer, who works for the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP). She has seen curb cuts updated, wheelchair ramps added to businesses, and sidewalks around the state Capitol building widened.

More recently, Harrisburg City Council added sign language interpretation to its meetings and discussed using a portion of its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to construct an all-abilities playground.

However, activists and residents with disabilities still often feel like their needs aren’t prioritized.

While the friends walked around the city, they pointed out the positives—the businesses that have accommodated them, the auditory crosswalk signals that tell them when to “wait” and when to “walk.”

But for each small victory, they encounter more problems—a bus stop sign that is too discreet for Gibbs-Pratt to find, a crumbling sidewalk that shakes Auer on her scooter, a silent crosswalk signal that leaves Pickens guessing when to cross. The new roundabouts on N. 2nd Street are especially frightening to know how and when to cross, the advocates shared.

“We feel like third-class citizens,” Auer said.

But Auer understands that “you don’t know until you know,” and, once people do know, it’s on them to make a change. That’s why, Gibbs-Pratt and Pickens are both advocates with CILCP, continuing to educate and fight for improved accessibility.

“We want to work with people and be a part of positive solutions,” Pickens said.

Taking Steps

A group from CILCP has met with Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams each month for several months to talk about accessibility in the city.

Auer is grateful for the time and feels that Williams is taking their concerns seriously.

“I understand what the need is,” Williams told TheBurg. “I want to do what they want me to do.”

But, as with most things, it comes down to money, city officials stated.

Harrisburg’s Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center was built in 1982 and, according to the city’s Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director Dave Baker, “the city’s budget hasn’t allowed for any major renovations to city hall.”

However, Baker said that the city has worked in the past few years with a consultant to work up conceptual plans for renovations, which would include ADA updates. Any big renovations, though, would require big funds, Baker explained, which hasn’t been feasible for a city that only recently offloaded large chunks of years-long debt and fought its way out of financial crisis. Grants for renovations are also difficult for city governments to win, Baker said.

In the meantime, the city plans to make small, temporary upgrades to its first-floor bathroom, which has been an issue for Auer as it’s too small to maneuver with her scooter. As frustrating as it’s been to attend sometimes hours-long council meetings without an easy way to access the restroom, she appreciates that the city is trying to help.

Over in the city’s Public Safety Building, renovations are planned for this year to make ADA-accessible updates to the first floor, funded through the city’s general fund. Additionally, all newly remodeled city parks are being made ADA-compliant, Baker said.

However, the city’s most recent ADA self-evaluation and transition plan dates back to 1992. Unsurprisingly, many of the findings and recommendations for updates had to do with inaccessible city hall bathrooms, one of Auer’s biggest headaches, and a problem that persists over 30 years later, among others.

“We are in the process of moving toward where we need to be,” Baker said. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

The CILCP group recognizes the city’s recent efforts, but knows there is much more to be done. There are still buildings and businesses in the city that aren’t accessible.

Ultimately, this can put them at risk of lawsuits. For example, in 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice received a complaint that a Harrisburg restaurant was not accessible. The business was investigated and fined, and owners addressed the ADA violations.

Auer said that she hopes businesses and organizations will proactively work towards accessibility if they aren’t already compliant.

“We want to work together, but we also want things to start moving,” Auer said.

Tools, Resources

CILCP participates in a lot of advocacy work, but also works to provide resources, assistance and community to those with disabilities.

That’s where Gibbs-Pratt and Pickens met and became friends and where people have found their voice for advocacy.

Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania (VROCP) is another local organization that provides support, job opportunities, social groups and audio services to people experiencing visual impairments and blindness.

Londa Peterson, who is blind, serves as Vision Resources’ access technology specialist and leads a group that helps people with visual challenges learn how to use the computer.

“I like seeing someone go from scared to confident,” she said.

In her daily life, Peterson uses different tools to help her access her computer and her phone and to get around when she is alone. She uses a braille display device to read emails and other text on her computer, as well as a program that can read computer text out loud to her. She has also used Aira, a live, on-demand visual interpreting service.

While users must pay for Aira, some businesses and even state and municipal governments have offered the service free to patrons and residents. Aira can be used for free in all Target stores and in Starbucks, and the state of Connecticut ran an 18-month pilot program offering free Aira usage to all residents.

Peterson shared some frustrating experiences, like going to a doctor’s office that only has paper forms or visiting a website that isn’t accessible. These are things that are relatively easily fixed, she believes.

“There are a lot of things that you can do for accessibility that don’t cost a lot of money,” Peterson said. “People need to think outside of themselves. Some of it is up to me and others like me to educate.”

Above & Beyond

For months, Auer has attended Harrisburg City Council meetings, advocating for accessibility. She has implored council members to pose questions of accessibility to developers, business owners and officials who come before them looking to build apartments, renovate buildings or allocate funding. She’s shared her struggles, has told them about the inaccessible bathroom, among other challenges, but she’s mainly interested in the future and how Harrisburg can improve.

Auer and some of the advocates said that they have even offered to serve as an advisory committee to the city.

There are a lot of big changes that Auer and others would like to see, but they believe that they’re really just asking for the essentials.

“We aren’t asking for the moon and stars,” Auer said. “We are asking for basic stuff.”

More than anything, they want to feel included, like they’re an important part of the city they live in. The attitudinal barriers that they face, when people are rude or just don’t care, often hurt the most.

On the flipside, Auer and the others from CILCP pointed out city businesses—like BurgerYum, Little Amps, Gamut Theatre, Open Stage and The Original Hot Dog Factory-Harrisburg—that do inclusion well.

“It’s a family restaurant, and we want everyone to feel like family,” explained Hauson Green, owner of the downtown branch of The Original Hot Dog Factory.

Auer and the group have come to the restaurant several times, and Green and the staff have always welcomed them, even changing the layout of the tables based on their feedback.

“People are people. They’re our customers, and they should be treated fairly,” Green said. “You don’t know what they go through on a daily basis. When you come in that door, we want everyone to feel welcome.”

This mindset, the willingness of people to do all they can to accommodate those with disabilities—that means a lot to Auer, Pickens and Gibbs-Pratt.

“It’s about how you go above and beyond,” Auer said. “It’s about being part of the community.”

The Center for Independent Living of Central PA is located at 3211 N. Front St., Suite 100, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.cilcp.org.

Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania is located at 1130 S. 19th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.vrocp.org.

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10 Years an Owner: This year, several Harrisburg small businesses hit a big milestone, and their proprietors have something to say

June 29, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck

Ah, 2013.

Miley Cyrus straddled a huge wrecking ball, Walter White came to his bloody end, and we were all dancing Gangnam style.

Good times.

It was a big year for Harrisburg, too. After several rough years, the city had a less-than-ideal plan to emerge from its financial crisis, brought on by decades of fiscal inanity.

It wouldn’t seem like an ideal time to start a business in a city still buried under a mountain of debt, whose fate seemed uncertain, at best.

Yet, in Midtown, a number of bold entrepreneurs did just that, and at least three remain in business today—despite hell, high water and a society-changing pandemic.

For any small business, a 10-year anniversary is cause for celebration, as most fail within a year or two. A few-block stretch of Harrisburg, though, boasts three marking that milestone this year: Pursuit Coworking (formerly StartUp), Yellow Bird Café and Pastorante. I set out to find out why.

I caught Steph Perry just after the lunch rush, as she emerged from the back kitchen area to graciously share a few minutes of her time. Yellow Bird opened in February 2013 and has been supplying creative soups, salads, sandwiches—and giant cookies—to hungry Harrisburgers since.

So, what’s behind her business’ longevity?

As any long-time owner will tell you, it’s complicated, with a multitude of factors contributing to the secret sauce of success.

Steph, though, was able to isolate one factor that she thought stood out in the Yellow Bird story: know your community and your customers.

“We’ve tried really hard to get to know our patrons,” she said. “We just try to make people feel welcome.”

Before they opened, Steph and her husband, Ammon, quizzed the community on what they’d like from a neighborhood bakery/café and even let people sample their future offerings. That led, Steph said, to lots of good will and to an understanding of what would work in that neighborhood, as Midtown residents comprise much of Yellow Bird’s daily patrons.

“We tried really hard to have a wide variety on our menu, so we attract a wide variety of people,” she said. “We have everyone from meat lovers to vegans who can eat our food.”

Making my way down 3rd Street, I interrupted Sri Kumarasingam as he was finishing up a to-go order of one of his signature homemade pasta dishes. Like Steff, Sri kindly interrupted his busy workday to chat about his recipe for success.

“Good food, good service—it all it goes back to basics,” he said. “My employees are so good with people—that’s essential.”

Sri explained that, before opening Pastorante, he had worked for Wendy’s, where legendary founder Dave Thomas taught him the value of a great product paired with great service. Over his decade in business, Sri said that he refused to make compromises, even after a core ingredient of fresh pasta—eggs—spiked in price post-pandemic.

“Don’t take shortcuts with food,” he stated, bluntly.

Also, look for a niche.

“I did fresh pasta. No one was doing fresh pasta at that time,” he said. “The second thing is—make sure you know how to do it right.”

A block away, Adam Porter ushered me into a small conference room so we wouldn’t disturb the folks pounding away on their laptops at Pursuit Coworking, which celebrated its 10th anniversary with a big bash at the end of March.

Sitting in the beautifully restored, former Harrisburg Moose Lodge, Adam said that he was in the right place at the right time, as post-pandemic office flexibility proved to be a boon for Harrisburg’s first-ever co-working space.

Besides the favorable climate, Porter said that he’s benefited from focusing on relationships within the greater Harrisburg community.

“Building relationships takes a lot of time and a lot of work, but, the more people you get to know, the friends you make along the way, the more they want you to succeed,” he said.

As per advice for a budding Harrisburg entrepreneur—make sure you have enough capital on hand to survive those lean weeks, months or even years until your business catches on. Adam advises carefully calculating the amount of money you think you’ll need going in—then doubling that figure.

Then, if you have the connections and the capital, go for it.

“Poking and prodding and hemming and hawing over it isn’t going to make it happen,” he said. “Just rip off the Band-Aid and do it.”

As it happens, TheBurg celebrates our 15th year in business this very month, and I could bend your ear for hours about how we got to this point.

First of all, I agree with Steph, Sri and Adam. Business success requires such things as product quality, community engagement, relationship building, customer care and a double dose of cash.

I would add this: total dedication. Running a successful small business is no part-time job. It’s a full-time job, plus another full-time job. If you’re not willing to give it your all, almost obsessively, you should remain on someone else’s payroll.

And there’s nothing wrong with that. Maybe you feel that working for the state is, well, meh, but then you’ll have vacation time and benefits and, presumably, a more balanced life. There’s a lot to be said for that.

But some people just can’t help themselves. They got that itch, and they gotta scratch it. So scratch away. But do so with your eyes wide open, with an understanding of what you’re getting into, and with the powerful will to make it succeed.

In 10 years, I just might come knocking, pulling you out of your kitchen or your office to ask how you managed to make it so long. It’ll be 2033, TheBurg’s silver anniversary, and you’ll have to forgive me if I “accidentally” let that slip.

Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.

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Community Corner: Notable July Events

June 29, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Summer Concert Series
June 30-July 4: Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra will play five free shows on five consecutive days over the long holiday weekend: June 30, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, 8 p.m.; July 1, Negley Park, Lemoyne, 8 p.m.; July 2, Dickinson College, Carlisle, 8 p.m.; July 3, Millerstown Park, Millerstown, 7:30 p.m.; and July 4, Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, 7:30 p.m. www.harrisburgsymphony.org

Pokémon Group
July 1: Adults ages 18 and older are invited to join Dauphin County Library System’s “Pokémon Go” walking and social group, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. Explore the world of Pokémon alongside like-minded trainers with regular walks. www.dcls.org

HBG Flea
July 1: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Book Sales
July 1, 15: New Cumberland Public Library hosts pre-owned book sales, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Foundation House located across the shared parking lot from the library. Sales include books in fiction and non-fiction, DVDs, music CDs, puzzles, children’s books, vinyl records and more. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Coloring Contest
July 1-31: Children of all ages are invited to participate in Wildwood Park’s second annual coloring contest. Young artists may submit a nature-themed, 8.5-by-11-inch, hand-drawn, portrait-style coloring page using colored pencils, crayons or markers. Entries may be submitted to the Nature Center via mail or email throughout July. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Declaration Reading
July 4: Historical Society of Dauphin County presents the 13th annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence by John Harris Jr. with reenactor David Biser, from the porch of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. Readings will take place at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Fourth Fest
July 4: City of Harrisburg hosts the July 4 Food Truck Festival and Fireworks in Riverfront Park, 1 to 9 p.m., with more than 45 food trucks, live music, a wine/beer garden, free kids’ activities and a large fireworks display. www.harrisburgpa.gov

4th Celebration
July 4: Celebrate the Fourth of July at The Star Barn Village, Newville Rd., Elizabethtown, 3 to 8:45 p.m. Enjoy a ride through Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, self-guided tours of The Star Barn Village attractions, visits with animals, tractor-pulled wagon and pony rides, games, art displays, demonstrations, train rides, fireworks and more. www.thestarbarn.com

Bird Sculptures
July 6: The Bower, 1190 Bower Rd., Shermans Dale, offers “Bird Sculptures” for kids ages 5 to 10, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children will learn how to identify native birds at the Bower and in their own backyards. They will observe the “Heron” sculpture, discuss abstract art and craft their own abstract bird. www.thegardenbower.com

Barnyard Jazz
July 7: Hershey History Center presents “Jazz at the Barnyard” outdoor concert series at Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr., Hershey. Events begin at 6 p.m. and live music is 7 to 10 p.m. Concerts are held on the first Friday of May through September. On July 7, enjoy music by Little Brother Band. www.hersheyhistory.org

Sunset Series
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Dauphin County Parks and Recreation hosts an outdoor Sunset Music and Movie Series at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Performances start at 7 p.m., movies at 8:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or grab refreshments from the concession stand. www.forthunter.org

Shipoke Flea
July 8: The annual Shipoke Flea returns, with a wide assortment of goods available for purchase. The event, organized by the Shipoke Neighborhood Association, runs 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the 500 to 800 blocks of S. Front Street, Harrisburg. www.shipoke.org

Volunteer Day
July 8: Enjoy the outdoors and help with park and habitat enhancement projects at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves provided, and refreshments will be available. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Creative Workshops
July 8: Stop by Wheel of Light Studio, 3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax, for Second Saturday workshops and artist demonstrations, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.wheeloflightstudio.com

Pump Primers
July 8: PA Pump Primers’ 47th Annual Antique Fire Apparatus Show and Muster returns to Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A parade of antique fire trucks will leave the PA Farm Show Building and travel to Riverfront Park, where they will be on view all day. Speak to owners, play games, grab food and listen to music. www.papumpprimers.org

Book Talk
July 8: Join the National Civil War Museum, 1 to 2 p.m., 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, for its 2023 “Lessons in History” presentation with Scott L. Mingus, who will discuss his book “If We Are Striking for Pennsylvania.” www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Book Sale
July 8-13: Palmyra Public Library hosts its annual used book sale at Palmyra First United Methodist Church, 520 E. Birch St. The book sale opens on July 9 with an early preview from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Admission is $5 per person. Customers should bring their own boxes or bags. www.palmyra.lclibs.org

Summer Service
July 9: Salem United Church of Christ, Harrisburg, hosts an ecumenical service on the Pride of the Susquehanna at 10 a.m. Enjoy a casual service on the boat, followed by a picnic in the pavilion. All are welcome. salemuccharrisburg.org

Lunch Muses
July 11, 25: Grace United Methodist Church, 216 State St. Harrisburg, will host a “Music for Lunch” series, 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. On July 11, enjoy “Modern Expressions for Saxophone” with Jacob McGovern and, on July 25, enjoy “Nature’s Muse,” with piano music by Shelly Moorman-Stahlman and featuring prints by her husband, Jim Whetstone. www.gracehbg.org

Garden Camp
July 11, 25: Kids ages 7 to 12 are invited to the Penn State Master Gardeners of Cumberland County’s Summer Garden Camp at the Penn State Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. Kids will learn about seeds, soil, plants and the environment and will enjoy time in the Youth Gardens, science instruction, crafts, games and exploration. www.extension.psu.edu

Morning Mixer
July 12: Join West Shore Chamber of Commerce for a morning mixer at The Woods at Cedar Run, 824 Lisburn Rd., Camp Hill, 8 to 10 a.m. This free event is open to chamber members. Potential members are welcome to attend two free chamber events. www.wschamber.org

Survival Essentials
July 12: Young explorers ages 6 to 10 are invited to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 to 11:30 a.m., for a hike at Fort Hunter Conservancy and to learn about essential items needed for every adventure. A few items will be provided for explorers to take home and start their own survival pack. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Food Rally
July 13: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from area food trucks or New Cumberland restaurants and enjoy shopping and special promotions at local businesses. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Film Fridays
July 14: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, at 2 p.m. for Indie & Foreign Film Friday to view a free screening of “Belfast,” a coming-of-age drama that follows a young boy’s childhood in Northern Ireland at the beginning of The Troubles conflict in 1969. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Flag Football
July 15: Capital Rebirth will host an Alumni Flag Football Tournament, 10 a.m., at Harrisburg High School 2451 Market St. A $1,000 cash prize presented by Temple Ohev Sholom will be awarded to the winning team’s high school football program. There will be a donation collection of water, Gatorade and gift cards for Harrisburg High School football program. www.capitalrebirth.com.

Brewfest
July 15: Sample more than 50 craft brews while listening to music and tasting food from area food trucks at the 10th Annual Dauphin County Brewfest on the front lawn of Fort Hunter Mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door, and $15 for designated drivers. www.forthunter.org

Flower Walk
July 16: Take a walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., to view joe-pye weed, pokeweed, three species of monarda and two species of jewelweed. Learn how these flowers were named and some of their early and even modern-day uses. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Harrisburg Mile
July 19: Lace up your running shoes for the Harrisburg Mile. The 42nd annual race begins at Front and Maclay streets, Harrisburg, with heats beginning at 5:30 p.m. A celebration follows in Riverfront Park. www.hbgyrun.org

Bee Workshop
July 20: The Bower, 1190 Bower Rd., Shermans Dale, hosts “Bees are Our Future” for children ages 5 to 10, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Kids will learn the difference between honeybees and native bees and facts about native bees. They will do a “bio-blitz” on native plants to count bees and will create native bee or floral art. www.thegardenbower.com

Planter Workshop
July 20: Join Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a workshop to create a succulent, stone-like planter, 6 to 7:30 p.m. All materials provided. Leave with planting instructions and tips/tricks for keeping your planters looking beautiful. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Heritage Days
July 20-23: Tuscarora Valley Heritage Days will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. each day at 6201 Route 75, East Waterford, with an antique tractor show, flea market and live music. Find Tuscarora Valley Heritage Days on Facebook for details.

3rd in The Burg
July 21: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Ukrainian Dinner
July 22: Join the “Experience Ukraine Dinner Fundraiser” at Immanuel Christian Missionary Church, Mechanicsburg, 4 to 6 p.m. There will also be a presentation on Ukrainian tradition and culture and a class to create Montankas, ancient protective dolls. Proceeds will go to Ukrainian charitable organizations. [email protected]

Game Day
July 23: Harrisburg Board Game Day will be held for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy some friendly fun at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Board, card and roleplaying games will be available, and guests will have chances to win door prizes throughout the day. Facebook: Harrisburg Board Game Day

Dutch Days
July 26-29: Head to the 55th Annual Richfield Dutch Days, Basom Memorial Park, Richfield, for summer family fun, rides, bingo, food, fireworks and more. Enjoy a Dutch menu throughout the week. An outdoor picnic, church service and parade will be held on Sunday evening. www.dutchdays.com

Nature & Art Fest
July 29: Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art hosts its Annual Nature and Art Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at MYO Park, Millersburg. The free festival includes food and craft vendors, education and art presentations, make-it-yourself bluebird boxes, live music and more. www.nedsmithcenter.org

Concert Series
July 30: Harrisburg Young Professionals hosts a free Italian Lake Concert series concert with Cass and the Bailout Crew at Italian Lake, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blankets and snacks. www.hyp.org

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Vintage & Vibes: Found Collab opens in downtown Harrisburg showcasing local businesses, unique wares

June 29, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Photos courtesy of Anela Selkowitz

In a world where anything you want can be ordered online and delivered to you in two days—local Harrisburg vintage retailers are promoting the “hunt.”

They love looking through clothing racks, peering at items on a shelf, and browsing displayed art. It’s the thrill of scouring a store and finding a hidden gem that they enjoy.

Customers can do just that at Found Collab, a new store in downtown Harrisburg, which opened in late May by retail business partners Andrew Kintzi and Anela Selkowitz.

Since 2018, Kintzi, owner of The Midtown Dandy, and Selkowitz, owner of Stash Vintage, operated a joint storefront on S. 3rd Street, in the city’s SoMa district. However, over the years they realized they’d outgrown their space and had a vision for something even bigger.

In May, they closed their shared storefront and moved operations just down the block, to the location of the former Walker’s Art & Framing.

Found Collab still features Stash Vintage and The Midtown Dandy merch—their unique and funky clothing, accessories and home goods, but with lots more to shop. The store sells work from artists, curators and makers locally and nationally.

“We want to be that place you are able to find cool things,” Kintzi said. “It’s a destination to come and hunt.”

There are racks full of men’s and women’s clothing—jean jackets, colorful dresses, trucker hats, vintage T-shirts, footwear and plaid blazers. A wall of shelves displays glassware, bars of soap, rings, mugs, candles, flasks with a map of Harrisburg on them and other hand-picked finds. The shop also features works from several local makers like polymer clay earrings from Earrings By Dee, naturally dyed clothing by Dirt Petal and ceramics by artist Tara Chickey, among others.

By providing a space for local businesses to sell their wares, Found Collab owners hope it helps them expand their reach.

“You can’t get anything we have here on Amazon,” Selkowitz said. “I hope it’ll be a place where artists and makers can succeed.”

Thrill of the Hunt

Selkowitz and Kintzi have been hunting vintage for years, but, in the past several years, the practice has taken off, trending especially among younger shoppers who want one-of-a-kind pieces.

“The vintage scene has gained such popularity as of late,” Kintzi said.

Found Collab owners are happy to see it and cite several reasons why the fad has stuck around. For one thing, during COVID, people started visiting thrift stores both for cheap finds for themselves and to sell during a tough economic time.

In the earlier days of the trend, someone might’ve hit the jackpot and stumbled upon a valuable piece, Kintzi said. But as the popularity of vintage grew, those odds dropped.

“A lot of it was that get-rich possibility of finding that Tupac T-shirt while sifting through the racks, and that doesn’t exist anymore,” he said.

While hunting down hidden gems may have become more difficult, Kintzi and Selkowitz are glad to see so many people pushing back against the fast fashion industry, opting for re-used and locally made items.

At Found Collab, they continue to promote this type of sustainable shopping.

“Whether you’re selling vintage or thrifted, used things, it’s all good,” Selkowitz said. “There’s no bad.”

Customer Rachel Delavan of Camp Hill has shopped at the business’ former location and came to visit Found Collab with her son on opening day.

Her teenage son loves the vintage T-shirts, she said.

“The new store looks amazing,” Delavan said. “I love all the little knickknacks. You don’t have to dig through as much to find the good stuff.”

Take a Chance

Found Collab is one of a small number of retail businesses in Harrisburg. In the city, there are restaurants aplenty, with almost every cultural cuisine at your fingertips. On the other hand, shopping is hard to come by. It was that way when the Stash Vintage and The Midtown Dandy opened downtown, and it is still that way today. But they’ve decided to stay in Harrisburg, on the same block even, with their new venture.

Even so, over the years, they’ve found and kept loyal customers of all ages.

It hasn’t always been easy to be one of the few, but the owners love the city and have a passion to see it thrive.

They hope their neighborhood in SoMa will become even more of a destination and that more businesses will move in. They pointed out several recent initiatives to drum up interest in the area, such as local marketer Sara Bozich’s summer block parties, Sip@SoMa events, and the finished construction of Harrisburg University’s new UPMC Health Sciences Tower. Also, just down the street, Tamara Boutique recently opened and, within the past few years, Boneshire Brew Works opened a taproom on the block.

Selkowitz hopes that Found Collab’s investment in the neighborhood inspires others.

“There are so many empty spots around here,” she said. “We already proved that something could sustain the neighborhood, so, hopefully, other businesses will take a chance. Maybe there can be some inspiration.”

Found Collab is located at 25 S. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.foundcollab.com or find them on Instagram at @foundcollab.

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Happenings: Our July Calendar of Events

June 29, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

“The Liberty Car: Great War Cadillac US1257X,” through summer 2023

BMW Motorcycles Centennial, through Oct. 21

Early Cadillacs, through Oct. 21

“A Celebration of 20 Years—Going Back in Time,” through fall 2023

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

95th Annual International Juried Exhibition, through Aug. 24

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

“By the Book,” a whimsical, interactive exhibit featuring the artwork of nationally known children’s book illustrator Amy June Bates, through July 22

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

July artist of the month

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

On the Porch with Delana Gray-Tuttle, July 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at the Cocoa Beanery, through July 10

HAAA Member Artwork at Backstage Café, Allen Theater, through July 31

Hershey Public Library Exhibit Galleries, through Aug. 12

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

Juried Student Art Exhibition, through Aug. 24; award ceremony and reception: Aug. 24, 4 p.m.

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

New works by PD Murray, Julie Iaria, Carrie Shusta, RLO, Marjorie Taylor, Paul Vasiliades, through July 16

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

Art in the Stacks featuring Jessica Mitchell, July 1-31

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts
PCCA Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Pen & Ink,” featuring the art of Benjamin Ladieu, July 1-Sept. 16

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

Solo art exhibition featuring Karen Van Newhyzen, through Aug. 8

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

“A Flair for Public Service—Genevieve Blatt and C. DeLores Tucker”

“Game Changers: Pennsylvania Women Who Made History,” celebrating women from across the state in diverse fields and detailing the contributions they made and challenges they faced in their lifetimes

“HORSE2AUTO—A Transportation Revolution,” through 2023

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

“The Matter of Money,” artwork by Mark Wagner, best known for his intricate collages made entirely from deconstructed U.S. dollars, through Aug. 13

“Art and Activism at Tougaloo College,” through Sept. 10

“8th Annual Juried Exhibition—Transformative Craft,” through Oct. 15

“The Hidden Museum, 2018,” installation in which viewers are challenged to locate “hidden” works of art, through Dec. 31

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

“Perspectives,” a 40th anniversary showcase of art from the Trout Gallery’s permanent collection selected by gallery audiences, through Oct. 16

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

“Generations—a Celebration of Family Creativity,” July 1-8

Read, Make, Learn

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

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 BOOMer Fit @Enola Store, 9:30 a.m.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Tai Chi @Enola Store, 4 p.m.
July 3, 10, 24, 31: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Strong & Fit @Enola Store, 4:30 p.m.
July 6, 20: Fit Chicks @Enola Store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
July 7, 21: Virtual Booty Blast, 9:30 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: BOOMer Strong @Enola Store, 10 a.m.
July 7: Medicare Coffee Club @Enola Store, 10 a.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Virtual Yoga for Back Health, 10 a.m.
July 12: INSPIRED Virtual, 9 a.m.
July 13: BOOMer Fit Zoomer @Enola Store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
July 14, 28: Virtual Barre Intensity Express, 9:30 a.m.
July 21: Medicare Coffee Club @Enola Store, 10 a.m.
July 26: Strong & Fit @Enola Store, 4:30 p.m.

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

July 1: Copper Enameling Workshop (ages 13-adult), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 1: Experimental Mixed Media, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 8: Vintage Tin Earrings (ages 13-adult), 1-3:30 p.m.
July 8, 15, 29: Character Drawing/Design (ages 12-17), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 10-14: Art & Adventure Camp
July 10-14: Arty by Nature (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 10-14: Camp Groovy (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
July 10-Aug. 4: Connect Summer Program (students going into 7th-9th grades), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 11-25: Beginning Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
July 12-Aug. 16: Hand Building (ages 16-adult), Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
July 17-21: Engineered Art (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 pm.
July 21: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
July 22: Plein Air Painting at Allenberry (ages 16-adult), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 22: Encaustic 101 Paint with Wax (ages 18+), 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
July 24-28: Art & Adventure Camp
July 24-28: The Art of Abstraction (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 31-Aug. 4: Art & Adventure Camp
July 31-Aug. 4: What Makes Something Powerful? (ages 5-8), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 31-Aug. 3: Teen Oil Painting (ages 12-17), 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

July 1: Pokémon Go Walking and Meeting Group at Wildwood Park, 10-11:30 a.m.
July 8: Reading the Rainbow Book Club LGBTQ+ Book Club at Elementary Coffee Co., 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 11, 25: Find Your Voice—An Emotional Wellness Program on Zoom, 6-7 p.m.
July 12: Spanish Language Conversation Group on Zoom, 6-7 p.m.

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

July 6: Crafting Free for All, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 20: Egg Drop Challenge, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 27: Let’s Get Crafty—Art Supply Swap, 3-7 p.m.

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

July 6: Egg Drop Challenge, 6-7 p.m.
July 11: Ijapu’s Story Cloth with Mlanjeni Magical Theatre, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 13: STEAM Stations, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 20: Sip and Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
July 20: LEGO Meetup, 6-7 p.m.
July 22: Ryan “The BugMan” Bridge, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 27: Egg Drop Challenge, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

July 1: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 5: Art with Miss Allison, 2-3 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Fiber Artists, 3-5 p.m.
July 8: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 11, 18: Tuesday Game Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 11, 25: Touch a Truck, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
July 27: Knitter’s Group, 5-7 p.m.

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

July 8: Children’s Mansion Tour, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 12, 26: Stories on the Stairs, 10-11 a.m.
July 23: Home Skills from History, 1-3 p.m.

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

July 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31: Summer Baby & Toddler Storytime, 10-10:30 a.m.
July 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31: Summer Children’s Storytime, 11-11:30 a.m.
July 3, 10, 16, 24, 31: Book Explorers (ages 3-6), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
July 5: Moving Forward Book Group, 1-2 p.m.
July 5, 6: Device Advice, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 6: Pajama Day, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
July 6: Art 101, 6-7:30 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
July 7: Youth Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
July 11: Curl up with the Classics—“Light in August” 10-11 a.m.
July 11: Genealogy Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 11: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6-7 p.m.
July 11: Ryan the Bug Man, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6-7:30 p.m.
July 13, 20: Meet and Greet Library Pups, 10-11 a.m.
July 13: Tween Epic Comic Club, 6-7 p.m.
July 14: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9-10 a.m.
July 14: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-10:45 a.m.
July 14: Film Friday, 2-4 p.m.
July 15: Pain with Us 2023, 1-3 p.m.
July 17: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
July 18: Tween Pokemon Meetup, 2-4 p.m.
July 18, 25: Teen LEGO Meetup, 6-8 p.m.
July 18: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
July 18: Gardening with Nature, 7-8:30 p.m.
July 19: Computer Basics, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 20: Teen Destress Meetup, 6-7:30 p.m.
July 20: Tween STEAM Meetup, 3-4:30 p.m.
July 22: Bingo for Books, 1:30-5 p.m.
July 24: Fredricksen Reads, 7-8 p.m.
July 26: Teen Crafternoon, 4-5:30 p.m.
July 29: Neurodivergent Adult Support Group, 3-4:30 p.m.

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

July 6: Tree of Life Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
July 22: Sea Turtle Mosaic Workshop, 2-4 p.m.

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

July 13-Aug. 31: Level 1 Intro to Improv, Thursdays, 7-10 p.m.
July 18-Sept. 5: Level 2 Game of the Scene, Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

July 13-Aug. 24: Water Media, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 19: Plein Air, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

July 3, 10, 17: Books and Babies, 10:15 a.m.
July 3, 10, 17: Storytime for Everyone, 11 a.m.
July 5, 19: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
July 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.
July 6, 20: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
July 11: Silent Book Group at Starbucks in Hershey Towne Square, 10-11:30 a.m.
July 11, 18: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15 a.m., 11 a.m.
July 21: Craft & a Movie—“Chicken Run,” 10 a.m.

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

July 3, 10, 17, 24: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
July 6, 13: Beginning Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 10, 17, 24: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Toddler Time in the Park, 10 a.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Story Time in the Park, 10:30 a.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Teen Tuesday, 6-8:30 p.m.
July 12: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
July 14, 28: Dungeons & Dragons, 6-8 p.m.
July 17: Monday Night Book Club, 7 p.m.
July 22: Trivia at Home—Taylor Swift, 6-8 p.m.
July 25: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
July 28: Mr. Music, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

July 5: Silly Joe Sings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 5: Summer Writing Workshop, 3-5 p.m.
July 6: Book Bingo at Kline Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
July 11: Ijapu’s Story Cloth with Mlanjeni Magical Theatre, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
July 12: Marble Run Building Challenge, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 12, 19: Summer Writing Workshop, 3-5 p.m.
July 15: Friends of Kline Library Children’s Festival. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 22: Ryan “The BugMan” Bridge, 2-3 p.m.
July 26: Crafting Free for All, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Passageways, 2 p.m.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.

July 5, 12, 19, 26: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
July 8: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

July 5: Silly Joe Sings, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
July 7: LEGO Meetup, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 21: Marble Run Building Challenge, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

July 3: Calling All Coders (children and teens, 8 and older), 2-5 p.m.
July 5: LEGO Stop Motion Animation (children and teens, 8 and older), 2-3 p.m.
July 6, 21: STEAMS Sensory Play Time (ages birth to 5 years), 10:30-11:15 a.m.

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

July 5: Bright Star Theatre, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 12: Grins and Grins, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 26: Talewise, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

July 7: Book Launch w/Monica Prince, Tara Stillions Whitehead, Jamie Beth Cohen, 7-8 p.m.
July 21: An Evening w/Colson Whitehead, 7-8 p.m.
July 27: An Evening w/CW Goodyear and Jeffrey L. Nichols, 7-8 p.m.

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

July 1: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
July 8, 22: Kids Art Class on the Roof, 12-2 p.m.
July 23: Natural Ink Workshop, 1-3:30 p.m.
July 26: Millworks Makerspace on the Roof, 5-9 p.m.
July 30: Candle Making Workshop, 1-3 p.m.

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

July 8: Lessons in History Presentation with Scott Mingus, 1-2 p.m.
July 27: An Evening with C.W. Goodyear and Jeffrey L. Nichols, 7-8 p.m.

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

July 1-31: July Scavenger Hunt—Things We Do Together (ages 0-12)
July 6, 13, 20, 27: All Together Now—Weekly Family Entertainment, 10:30 p.m.
July 7, 21: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
July 8, 22: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17), 10 a.m.
July 10: Outdoor Sensory Playtime (ages 0-5), 10:30 a.m.
July 10: Kids Paint Party (ages 6-12), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
July 10: Teen Paint Party (ages 13-17), 2:30-3:30 p.m.
July 11, 25: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
July 14, 28: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 14, 28: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
July 15: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 15: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
July 17, 31: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
July 19: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
July 24: Summer Yoga for Kids (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
July 24: Summer Yoga for Kids (ages 6-10), 11 a.m.
July 26: STEAM Discovery (ages 6-12), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
July 26: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

July 1: Camp Life, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m.
July 7: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
July 7: Travel by Land, Air, and Water, 1:30 p.m.
July 9: Moving Art, 1:30 p.m.
July 12: State Symbols—Firefly, 10 a.m.
July 12: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky Live Chat, 2 p.m.
July 13: Geography of Pennsylvania Challenge with the Giant Map, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 14: Family Gallery Tour—Mammal Hall, 11:30 a.m.
July 15: Butterflies and Moths, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m.
July 12: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky Live Chat, 3 p.m.

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

July 8: Kids Art Club—Mixed Media College (ages 9-12), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 22: Kids Art Club—Mixed Media College (ages 4-6), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 26: Open Figure Drawing, 7-9 p.m.

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

July 8: Second Saturday Workshops and Artist Demonstrations, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July 8: Macramé Paper Clip Bookmark Workshop, 6 p.m.
July 9: Vintage Tin Earrings Workshop, 6 p.m.
July 10: Susquehanna Clay Club Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

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

July 6-7: Environmental Pioneers (ages 15-17), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 8: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 10-14: Junior Naturalist (ages 9-11) Week 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 12: Kids Discover—The Ten Essentials (ages 6-10), 10-11:30 a.m.
July 13: Sustainable Living Series—Community Gardening and Community-Supported Agriculture, 6:30-8 p.m.
July 14: Walk and Talk with a Master Gardener, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
July 16: Flower Walk—Still More Blooms, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 17-23: Junior Naturalist (ages 9-11) Week 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 20: Natural Stone-Planter Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m.
July 22: Pound the Colors of Wildwood into Cloth, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 22-23: Moths of the Night, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
July 25-27: Little Sprouts (ages 4-5), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 25-27: Little Sprouts (ages 4-5), 1-4 p.m.

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

July 3: Marble Run Building Challenge, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 17: Crafting Free for All, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 18: AFL Friends—Novel Thoughts Too, 1 p.m.
July 18: AFL Friends—Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6 p.m.
July 22: Crafternoon at the Library, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 28: ZooAmerica—Paws, Claws, Scales & Tails, 2-3 p.m.
July 31: Masked Sing-Along, 10:30-11 a.m.

Live Music

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

July 2: Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
July 7: Three Dog Night
July 9: Straight No Chaser
July 14: EagleMania
July 16: Gene Watson, Wilson Fairchild
July 20: The Docksiders
July 23: Crowder
July 28: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
July 29: Garrison Keillor
July 30: Always Loretta—The Ultimate Loretta Lynn Tribute Band

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

July 1: Pat Travers Band

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

July 6: Dennis McLaughlin

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

July 15: Rivers

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

July 7: Etienne Charles
July 29: Buster Williams Quartet

Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus
cpwchorus.org

July 28: Voices United 15

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

July 13: Sam Bush
July 15: Hometown Strangers, Viv & Riley
July 21: The Bad Toupees
July 22: Rhett Miller, Salim Nourallah

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

July 27: Shea Quinn

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

July 2: Timberdale Brass
July 7: Etienne Charles
July 9: Natasha Paremski
July 17, 31: Mr. Music Mondays free family sing-alongs
July 23: Chanticleer
July 29: Buster Williams
July 30: Sona Jobarteh

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

July 1: Lil Brother Band
July 7: Ryan Mayersky
July 9: Shine Delphi
July 14: Roy LeFever
July 15: Dan Jamison
July 21: Dave McCullough
July 22: Dave Kelly
July 28: Aaron Daniel Gaul
July 29: Josh Krevsky

Greystone Public House
2120 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg
717-829-9952; www.greystonepa.com

July 1: Noel Gevers
July 7: Shine Delphi
July 8: Corinna Joy
July 14: Tim Colgan
July 15: Keara Rose
July 21: Jason Carst
July 22: Josh Krevsky
July 28: Roy LeFever
July 29: Joe Cooney & Friends

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

July 2: Alba Ross
July 8: Emo Night
July 12: Joyce Manor
July 13: Wild Child (Doors tribute)
July 14: 90’s vs. 2000’s
July 16: Soul Glo
July 19: Willi Carlisle
July 21: Hazing Over
July 21: Bayside
July 22: Grip
July 22: Yellow Brick Road
July 27: Zao

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

June 30: Summer Concert at Lebanon Valley College, Annville
July 1: Summer Concert at Negley Park, Lemoyne
July 2: Summer Concert at Dickinson College, Carlisle
July 3: Millerstown Park, Millerstown
July 4: Reservoir Park, Harrisburg

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

July 14: The Struts (at XL Live)
July 26: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (at Riverfront Park)
July 29: The Roots (at Riverfront Park)

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

July 6: Tori Amos

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

July 1: Draw the Line
July 7: Jess Zimmerman Band
July 8: Smooth Like Clyde
July 14: Emily’s ToyBox
July 15: Cold Spring Union
July 21: Vertigo Vultures
July 22: Sapphire
July 28: Josh Squared Band
July 29: Stephanie Grace Band

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-329-7541; keystoneconcertband.com

July 8: Concert at St. Andrews In the Valley Episcopal Church, Harrisburg

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

July 13: Sarah Chang at The Shippensburg Festival
July 20: Jurassic Park in Concert w/the Shippensburg Festival Orchestra
July 22: Broadway Lovers—Richard Troxell and Melissa Errico

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

July 6: Get the Led Out
July 29: Iron & Wine, Half Gringa

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

July 7: Jason Vieaux, Julien Labro
July 12: Canellakis-Brown Duo
July 19: Escher String Quartet

The Mill in Hershey
810 Old West Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-256-9965; themillinhershey.com

July 20: Ryan Mayersky
July 27: Lucy Freeman

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

July 8: Spin Doctors
July 22: Peter Rivera

The Peace Church
Trindle and St. John’s Church roads, Camp Hill
717-737-6492

July 9: The Vintage Brass Quintet
July 16: Louis Lynch and Friends
July 23: Cumberland Singers
July 30: Henry Koretzky & Jamie O’Brien

Perry County Council of the Arts
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

July 14: Tangle Up in Dead, Dandy at Little Buffalo State Park

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

July 26: Open Mic Night

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

July 1: Shea Quinn’s The Band Who Sold the World
July 30: Acute Inflections

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

July 29: Steve Vai

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

July 8: Roots of Creation
July 14: The Struts (HU Presents)
July 15: Back in Black
July 20: Ballyhoo!
July 22: Declan McKenna
July 28: One More Time Daft Punk Tribute

The Stage Door

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

July 21: The Magic of Rob Lake
July 22: Terry Fator

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

July 8: Drag Arena All Stars
July 14: Pat House and Jake Matter with host Ron Caine

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

July 1-Aug. 5: Disney’s “Newsies’”

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

July 12-Aug. 19: “Three Little Pigs” w/Popcorn Hat Players
July 29: TMI Improv—Pride Fest

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

July 8: Bindlestiff Family Cirkus

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

July 28: “Hello. Shakespeare!”

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

July 7: Divas Down Under “Back to 80s” Drag Show

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

July 7: Level 1 Class Show, Hoagie’s Heroes, Ham Juice, Frankenstein’s Monster!, Bandito
July 8: Kid Friendly Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Baby, Love Triangle, Barn Bitches, Uncomfortable, Tiny Town
July 9: Level 1 Class Show
July 14: Free Improv Jam, Is That Beef?, Team Z, Leg of Lamp, Phil’s Arcade, Holding Hands w/ John and Tyler—A Late Show with John and Tyler
July 15: Free Mixer, This Show Will Self Destruct, Mary Todd Lincoln—The Real Babe-raham Lincoln, Barbra, Tiny French Cigarettes
July 21: Free Improv Jam, Hoagie’s Heroes, Ham Juice, Cosmic Trash, The Bondfire Society
July 22: Free Mixer, Baby, Sunday School, Rockstar Goes Supernova, JODY
July 28: Free Improv Jam, Is That Beef?, Team Z, Midtown Funk, Merely Players
July 29: Free Mixer, Dark Horse, Original Six, Elderprov

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

July 20-30: “9 to 5 The Musical”

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

July 7: Jerry Seinfeld

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

July 1-2: “Beautiful—The Carole King Musical”
July 21-Aug. 6: “The Sound of Music”

Gretna Theatre
Mt. Gretna Playhouse
200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mount Gretna
717-964-3627; www.gretnatheatre.org

July 13-16: “Gypsy—A Musical Fable”

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

July 27: MTW 2023 Showcase—Heroes & Villains

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

July 7-23: “Deathtrap”

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July Publisher’s Note

June 29, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

From time to time, we at TheBurg fall butt-backwards into controversy.

In other words, we publish something intended to be positive, or even just neutral, and then—blammo—all heck breaks loose.

Enter Pursuit the dog.

Last July, for our annual pet-themed issue, we asked our talented illustrator, Ryan Spahr, to craft a portrait of Pursuit who, at the time, was the longest-tenured tenant at the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area. The adorable, tongue-wagging illustration had a plea, “Adopt Me,” scrolled beneath the portrait.

On the day the issue dropped last summer, we even went over to the Humane Society, where we met Pursuit, played with him and took a video, which we posted.

Unfortunately, our best efforts did not bear fruit. Pursuit wasn’t adopted and, last winter, was scheduled to be euthanized, which, as you may remember, led to protests at the Humane Society. Ultimately, a volunteer fled with the dog.

Suddenly, our prior July cover featuring Pursuit was all over the news—in stories, on the web, on TV, in social media posts.

Most entities didn’t ask permission to use our illustration, and I especially chafed at online speculation that we were somehow involved in this mess—when all we wanted to do was help get a dog adopted. What’s that old phrase: no good deed goes unpunished?

Fortunately, another old cliché concludes this story: all’s well that ends well. Pursuit was saved, which certainly was the best possible outcome to this topsy-turvy story.

Well, it’s July again, so our pet-themed issue is back, this time, I hope, with far less drama. In this issue, you’ll find a host of stories focused on our furry companions, including several that highlight the human/animal bond.

And, if you’re not that into pets, that’s OK, too. Our magazine always includes an array of stories from our community: people, food, sports, art, music and the list goes on.

Happy summer, everyone! Since it’s July in Harrisburg, I’m sure it’ll be a hot one. We hope to catch you out and about in the neighborhood, in the park or anywhere else there’s a cool breeze.

Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor

Click here to read the digital version of our July issue.

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

July News Digest

June 29, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Apartment Building Breaks Ground

The “Savoy 48,” an apartment building planned for Midtown Harrisburg, ceremonially broke ground last month.

Harrisburg-based developer Vice Capital, owned by LeSean McCoy, a former NFL running back and Harrisburg native, plans to construct a 48-unit apartment building with first-floor commercial space on the 1500-block of N. 6th Street.

“I’m so excited,” Mayor Wanda Williams said, at the event. “Our greatest days are ahead of us. I support him [McCoy] through and through.”

The property, near the new federal courthouse, formerly housed three rundown buildings before developers demolished them recently to make room for new construction.

The four-story, 46,000-square-foot building will include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, 10 of which will be affordable by federal standards. There will also be a rooftop deck and fitness center.

While developers do not yet have tenants lined up for the 6,000-square-foot commercial space, they plan to bring in several businesses, possibly including a restaurant or office tenant, according to Ryan Sanders of Vice Capital.

The total cost of the project is around $9.5 million, which includes funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and Dauphin County. Harrisburg City Council approved the project in March.

“We are really looking forward to continuing to push development from downtown to Midtown to Uptown,” said Jonathan Bowser, founder and CEO of Wormleysburg-based Steel Works Construction, the general contractor for the project.

According to Bowser, construction will begin in the fall and is slated to be complete by the fall of 2024.

Wellness Boutique Opens

C.R. Blooms, a new wellness boutique, held a grand opening last month in downtown Harrisburg.

According to owner Carmelia Rameau, the wellness boutique offers facial treatments and wellness products, including teas, handmade Indian silk robes, cleansers, facial masks and more

“I am excited to bring my facial and wellness services to the downtown and surrounding areas and look forward to encouraging wellness and self-care to a new audience in this region,” Rameau said.

The 860-square-foot storefront is located at 7 N. 3rd St., on the 3rd Street side of Strawberry Square and across the street from Whitaker Center.

“We are thrilled to welcome C.R. Blooms to downtown Harrisburg,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square. “Strawberry Square and the Shops on 3rd are a center of activity, and this boutique adds to the growing health and beauty corridor along N. 3rd Street and will offer unique wellness options unavailable elsewhere in downtown.”

“Tiny Home” Project Begins

Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA) last month ceremonially broke ground on “Veterans Grove,” a project that will create a tiny home village for homeless veterans in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg, county and state officials put shovels in the dirt at the site of the construction project, a five-acre plot of land at 1105 S. Front St., along the riverfront past the PennDOT building.

“We’ve been working day and night,” said VOPA president and founder Tom Zimmerman. “What a great day it is today.”

At the site, VOPA will construct 15 tiny homes and a community center for veterans experiencing homelessness. The organization plans to work with local agencies to identify potential residents who will live in the homes rent-free.

The over $4 million project was approved by Harrisburg City Council in July 2021. Since then, the once-wooded land, donated by local philanthropist Peggy Grove, has been cleared for construction, according to VOPA board member John Hickey.

Hickey estimated that construction would take around eight months and be completed in February 2024.

“This is progress,” said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams during the groundbreaking ceremony. “It is a step toward a more permanent solution.”

According to Hickey, there are about 25 homeless veterans in Harrisburg on any given day. The tiny home village will provide temporary housing, among other support services, to veterans in need.

Home Sales Down, Prices Steady

Home sales slumped but prices held firm in May in the Harrisburg area, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county region, 533 houses sold in May compared to 670 in May 2022, as the median sales prices rose slightly to $264,000 from $260,000, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 258 homes sold, a decline from 320 in the year-ago period, as the median sales price was nearly steady at $234,200, GHAR said.

It was a similar story in Cumberland County, where sales totaled 240 housing units compared to 322 a year ago, while the median price rose a bit to $299,950 from $291,000 in May 2022, according to GHAR.

Perry County saw 31 home sales, a gain of five from a year ago, as the median sales price dipped to $217,129 compared to $243,000 the prior May, stated GHAR.

The pace of sales slowed, as the “average days on market” rose to 25 days versus 16 days in May 2022, GHAR reported.

So Noted

David Cohen was hired last month as the new president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, following a yearlong national search. In this role, he will lead the federation, the Jewish Community Center and partner agencies, as well as the organization’s transition to the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life, which is slated to open later this year, according to the federation.

Greg Woodbridge last month was named music director of the Hershey Symphony, starting with the 2023-24 season. Woodbridge has served as the symphony’s principal guest conductor since 2017 and the associate conductor for 10 years, according to the symphony.

Harrisburg celebrated the grand opening of the Chutes and Ladders Playground in Reservoir Park last month. City officials were on hand to mark the occasion with food and music, as well as demonstrations of the expansive playground based upon the classic children’s board game.

Jon Kirssin, chairman of the board for Members 1st Federal Credit Union, last month received the 2023 Calvin Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award for “Volunteer of the Year” from CrossState Credit Union Association. In addition, the credit union’s Indirect Sales and Service Manager Deana Barnes was named one of the top three finalists in CrossState Credit Union Association’s 2023 Credit Union Ambassador Contest.

Mike Wilson has been named the new president and CEO of Members 1st Federal Credit Union, assuming the position on July 1. Wilson, who was most recently the credit’s union’s chief experience officer, replaces George Nahodil, who retired after 23 years with the Enola-based not-for-profit financial institution.

Paul D. Mahoney, M.D., a leading structural interventional cardiologist, has joined the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. as co-director of the structural heart program. He will work alongside interventional cardiologist, Hemal Gada, M.D., and cardiothoracic surgeon Mubashir Mumtaz, M.D.

TheBurg last month received 24 Keystone Media Awards in the annual, statewide journalism contest sponsored by the PA NewsMedia Association Foundation. TheBurg won awards in a diverse array of categories including reporting, writing, podcast, design, illustration and photography. For a seventh time, TheBurg also won the “Sweepstakes” award for best performance in its category. For the second straight year, contributor Diane McCormick won “Freelance Journalist of the Year,” a single award that spans all publications in the commonwealth.

UPMC in Central PA and the city of Harrisburg last month launched the “Minutes Matter” campaign to provide emergency training and education to the public. The initiative offers online and in-person training and resources on how to attempt to save the life of someone experiencing cardiac arrest, uncontrolled bleeding, opioid overdose or a mental health crisis. For more, visit www.minutesmatter.upmc.com.

In Memoriam

Mike Trephan, the inspiration and driving force behind the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat, died last month at age 86.

Trephan, of Mechanicsburg, came up with the idea for the now-iconic, traditional red-and-white paddlewheel boat during the mid-1980s, when Harrisburg was trying to bring people and attractions back to City Island, which had undergone a long period of neglect. He then helped to fund and build the boat, which launched in 1988 and still operates today. In addition, Trephan, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, founded other long-time City Island attractions, including the carousel and the train now called the City Island Railroad.

“Very simply, the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat would not exist without Mike Trephan,” said Kim Rice, board president of the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society, the nonprofit that operates the Pride. “He not only had the idea to build the riverboat, he remained a huge advocate who kept his finger on the pulse of the riverboat for every one of our 35 years. He was an inspiration from the start who remained deeply involved. He will be so dearly missed.”

Changing Hands

Barkley Lane, 2514: Wengs Labor Services LLC to S. Rios, $169,000

Berryhill St., 1505: J. Prado to F. Ramirez, $41,000

Bigelow Dr., 12: S. Adamson to M. Albari, $90,501

Boas St., 222: C. McGill to U. Ottley, $160,000

Briggs St., 1810: Your New Home LLC to S. Martinez, $185,000

Brookwood St., 1854; 1733 Berryhill St.; 507, 549 S. 18th St.; 512 S. 19th St.; Brookwood Ventures LP to AD Commercial LLC, $11,000,000

Brookwood St., 2110: M. Clanagan to I. Williams, $112,000

Chestnut St., 1818: J. & A. Padilla to NDTPA Properties LLC, $90,000

Cumberland St., 270: D. Reinhart to J. Angell, $180,000

Curtin St., 508: SR Homes LLC to Dreams2Reality Services LLC, $57,000

Derry St., 1628: D. Albizuventura to Rivas Property Investments LLC, $58,000

Derry St., 2131: SPG Capital LLC to Global Reach LLC, $68,000

Derry St., 2606: DLK Properties LLC to A. & S. Gomez, $151,500

Disbrow St., 79: A. Crummel to Penn Es Holdings LLC, $46,000

Edward St., 106: E. Molnar to Aljo Properties LLC, $100,000

Emerald Ct., 2455: D. Nguyen & P. Quach to A. Das & G. Biswas, $160,000

Emerald St., 240: Great Row LLC to Global Reach LLC, $82,000

Emerald St., 328: D. Long to Jhonleo Home Renovations LLC, $60,000

Evergreen St., 313, 315 & 317: NA Capital Group LLC to RC Realty Investments LLC, $100,000

Forster St., 1923: T. Paige to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $40,000

Green St., 811: W. Hoover to C. Delgado, $185,000

Green St., 1002: PA Deals LLC to R. Delacruz & J. Alejandro, $175,000

Green St., 2030: D. Heller & M. Williams to J. Frederick & N. Esbiansky, $252,500

Green St., 2104: N. Harutyunyan to S. Margaryan, $128,000

Green St., 2144: K. Kassmel to D. Urrutia, $99,000

Harris St., 346: J. Cruz to J. Lamb & S. Pomroy, $197,500

Herr St., 312: M. Harris to S. Pannizzo, $213,000

Hillside Rd., 110: E. Kief to J. & K. Ford, $310,000

Holly St., 2009: SF Rentals LLC to H. Lee, $100,000

Howard St., 1345: A. Davis to ST Howard LLC, $73,000

Howard St., 1357: A. Cruz to P. & F. Eras, $49,000

Jefferson St., 2213: J. & T. Allan to NA Capital Group LLC, $55,000

Kensington St., 2345: 2101 Cedar Run 306 LLC to K. Deininger, $95,000

Kensington St., 2424: M. & C. Early to T. & P. Early, $100,000

Lawton St., 1416: J. Foote & R. Tompkins to SJL Rentals LLC, $636,000

Logan St., 1931: D. Boyle to J. Gomez, $40,000

Logan St., 2101: M. Badrani & Z. Alkubaisy to C. Samuel, $115,000

Maclay St., 415: T. Buttross to Shree Vinayaka LLC, $158,000

Manada St., 1913: J. Smith to M. Rodriguez, $65,750

Manada St., 2019: W. Skorija to D. Layton, $105,000

Market St., 2464: G. & J. Trump to S. Saini & H. Kaurm, $325,000

Muench St., 205: S. Vielot to A. Britcher, $169,000

Mulberry St., 1154: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to A. Gracia, $55,000

Mulberry St., 1901: R U Making Moves LLC to D. Vail, $180,000

Naudain St., 1515: Parcview 135 Corp. to WiseChoice USA LLC, $44,000

Naudain St., 1525: A. Cruz to P. & F. Eras, $45,000

North St., 1907: J&N Blowouts & Barber LLC to M. & B. King, $77,500

North St., 2014: Salah El Din LLC to C. Brooks, $75,000

N. 2nd St., 401: 401 Partners LLC to Harrisburg Heritage Coworking LLC, $381,150

N. 2nd St., 612: J. Chamberlin to E. Ni & A. Petersen, $195,000

N. 2nd St., 2037: WCI Partners LP to E. Ni & A. Peterson, $255,000

N. 3rd St., 600; 605 Susquehanna St.: Pennsylvania Motor Federation to Deels LLC, $475,000

N. 3rd St., 604: R. LaMarco to North of Liberty LLC, $580,000

N. 4th St., 1428: R. Kabir to E. Rossum, $95,000

N. 4th St., 2240: SPG Capital LLC to Penn Properties Associates LLC, $52,000

N. 4th St., 2425: D. Davis to E. Jensen & C. Dominguez, $86,500

N. 5th St., 2230: Jerry L. Parker Trust to V. Agun, $80,000

N. 5th St., 2406: C. Grimm & J. Price to S. Benson, $165,000

N. 6th St., 3156: J. Ulloa & A. Villar to T. Sechrist, $130,000

N. 15th St., 1121: B. Shephard & N. Cook to M3 6 Realty LLC, $95,000

N. 15th St., 1304: B. Shephard & N. Cook to M3 6 Realty LLC, $95,000

N. 15th St., 1308: Henry & Sons Property 2 LLC to C. & E. Little, $93,000

N. 16th St., 47: B. Shephard & N. Cook to M3 6 Realty LLC, $95,000

N. 18th St., 814: URED Know LLC to AJ Real Estate Properties LLC, $100,000

N. 18th St., 920: Link Investment Properties LLC to Global Reach LLC, $72,000

N. 19th St., 719: SPG Capital LLC to J. Roberts, $56,750

N. 19th St., 721: SPG Capital LLC to Burama Enterprises LLC, $59,500

N. 19th St., 1000: G. & K. Sipe to W. Slone, $150,000

N. Front St., 1201: Linden Terrace PA LLC to River Trail PA TC LP, $11,860,000

Norwood St., 920: J. Arocho & I. Gonzalez to C. Vega, E. Cruz & L. Rivera, $155,000

Park St., 1937: Adonis Real Estate LLC to V. Gil, $148,000

Pine St., 121: Bowser Properties LLC to Global Reach LLC, $180,000

Regina St., 1509: A. & T. Neal and T. Williams to O. & S. Malcolm, $87,000

Regina St., 1529: City Limits Foundation to R. Clark, $110,000

Regina St., 1829: C. Smith & D. Tisinger to B. Baptiste & B. Paul, $74,000

Rudy Rd., 1909: H. Shbeeb to G. Chacon, $40,000

Rudy Rd., 2107: P. Fanning to Bomadeck Home Care Services LLC, $159,999

Rumson Dr., 2923: H. & J. Rivera to L. Chavez, $130,000

Schuylkill St., 546: M. Powell to A. Shahin, $99,900

Seneca St., 517: R. Cutting to D. Boyle, $45,000

Showers St., 585: A. & K. Morris to C. Nguyen, $175,000

S. 13th St., 245: Inder Group Real Estate LLC to Zac Penn LLC, $60,500

S. 13th St., 347: Q. Phillips to P. Smith, $165,000

S. 15th St., 441: RRMMM Real Estate LLC to Glad Rentals LLC, $54,000

S. 15th St., 526: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to M. Gutierrez, $80,000

S. 16th St., 525; 1716, 1718 Miller St.; 1625, 1632 Park St.; 1945 North St.: Great Row LLC to RC Realty & Investments LLC, $329,000

S. 18th St., 169: R. Irvis to Sky Resort Investments LLC, $82,500

S. 23rd St., 1036: N. Farnum to R. & T. Spencer, $55,000

S. 26th St., 738: C. Roach to A. Ramirez, $133,000

S. 26th St., 741: L. Newton to EA&G Real Estate LLC, $45,000

Spencer St., 1855: M. Hoogerbrugge to M. Brown & C. Peters, $125,000

State St., 231, Unit 602: R. Murcia to P. & R. Takac, $167,000

State St., 1314: 88314 LLC to Kurtz Investprops LLC, $105,000

State St., 1732: M. Cepeda to Camacho Realty LLC, $85,950

Susquehanna St., 2032: S. Gomez to C. Zeger, $75,000

Verbeke St., 221: A. Smoot & C. Hogue to A&W Homes LLC, $220,000

Vernon St., 1407½: Buy the Block Back LLC to Vernon St. LLC, $72,000

Vine St., 119: D. Beebe to B. & P. Palmer, $155,000

Woodbine St., 346: J. Russell to Vram Homes LLC, $50,000

Harrisburg property sales, May 2023, greater than $40,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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The Simple Life: Marysville couple creates, embraces an off-the-grid lifestyle

June 29, 2023 | by Susan Ryder

Living simple means freedom, according to Ben Masters.

He and his wife Katie Haunstein live in a 600-square-foot, off-the-grid home in Marysville.

“Small but not quite tiny,” Masters said.

Surrounded by meadows on an utterly charming piece of property, with the song of the red-winged blackbird coming from the tall grass, the acreage has a “Little House on the Prairie” feel.

“We wanted it to be big enough that we wouldn’t ever feel that we needed to add on, but small enough that it would be easy to maintain and not become a place that we just filled up with unnecessary things,” Haunstein said. “We also didn’t want a home so expensive that we would have to work for the rest of our lives to pay it off.”

This small, off-the-grid living is much more about intentionality than the stereotype of dogged independence, criticism of modern amenities, or a desire to sequester oneself from the “outside world.” It has the typical amenities—electricity from a six-panel solar system, septic system for sewer, and propane for cooking and heating water.

When the weather doesn’t cooperate, the couple taps power from their lithium phosphate batteries. That’s a huge improvement from the lead-acid batteries they once relied on, which don’t store as much electricity.

“We’re living the good life now,” Masters said.

With physical space at a premium, thoughtful purchases are a requirement.

“Living in a smaller-than-average house also keeps us mindful of what we buy, what we have,” Haunstein said. “There’s not a lot of room for excess stuff.”

The home uses every inch efficiently, but is lovely. The kitchen, with its wooden live-edge countertop, holds an efficiency-sized refrigerator and oven. Rather than traditional cabinets, Ball jars on shelves store oats, flour, sugar and the like. Books line the shelves up the steps towards the loft. The full bath is small but well appointed, with a stained glass piece depicting a scene from Peru decorating the sink.

The couple’s two stints in the Peace Corps, Zambia and Peru, had them considering an even more meager lifestyle—a thatched roof with mud-brick walls wasn’t entirely out of the question. However, “a lot of the building techniques they use abroad we couldn’t use,” Masters said.

Also, living within a town came with certain rules.

Masters said that they talked with the Perry County commissioners about a composting toilet rather than septic system, but that was a no-go. They had also considered using salvaged barn beams as the structure for the house, but getting approval would have been costly.

Masters said that, even with all the regulations, the municipality was willing to work with their desire to be off the grid.

“We came in with some wacky ideas, and they said ‘Let’s dial it back, but there’s some wiggle room,’” Masters said.

They relied on local Amish builders to create the hemlock mortise-and-tenon structure, but the rest was a labor of love. The couple cut, planed and joined the rough-cut walnut, cherry, oak and hickory boards that make up the flooring, building about 80% of the home themselves.

They also chop all the wood that heats their home in the winter. The structural insulated panels provide terrific insulation, which keeps the house cozy during the cold months with minimal wood usage.

“For me, it’s like anything I look at, I can remember doing it,” Masters said. “That’s a rewarding feeling.”

There’s plenty to do outside, too. Haunstein handles the gardening and chickens.

“I love to garden,” she said. “It is a place that calms and grounds me, genuinely makes me happy. The yearly cycle of growth and new life is inspiring.”

Blackberry and raspberry bushes line the house’s front fence. The garden holds strawberries, cilantro and chives topped with purple globe blossoms. The summer will add a plethora of veggies. Pear, cherry, peach and apple trees round out the agrarian variety.

Haunstein doesn’t intend to grow all of their food, just enough organic produce to eat fresh through the growing season and some to “put up” for the winter.

The couple funds their lifestyle through each of their home-based small businesses, as well as Haunstein’s job as a massage therapy instructor at HACC. She has a massage studio in their loft, and Masters re-creates bike cranks into wall-art clocks in his basement workshop for his “Crank Therapy” Etsy page. He also dabbles in sewing wallets and small bags from bicycle tubes, using a bicycle-operated sewing machine.

“I wanted to do something I enjoyed,” he said.

Masters described their life as “homestead light.”

“My hope is that we can be an inspiration for someone to live a little more simply, with a little bit less, and a little more in tune with the world around them—and to know that it doesn’t have to be an extreme jump to go off the grid,” Haunstein said. “You can just take one small step in a new direction.”

For more information on Crank Therapy designs, visit www.etsy.com/market/crank_therapy.

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Safe & Sounds: It’s all good moos at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary

June 29, 2023 | by Gina Napoli

Claire and Jude

The green pastures of Lancaster County have some thorny terrain when it comes to rural legends of puppy mills and poor treatment of farm animals.

But since 2017, a dedicated team of animal advocates at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary (LFS) rescues and rehabilitates farm animals deemed “non-standard” or “not for farm use”— animals that otherwise may have been discarded.

Spanning 23 acres (and counting), LFS isn’t easy to find—down long and winding roads, tucked behind neighboring farms. A volunteer directed me down a maze of driveways confusing enough to turn around twice. At one point, three chickens literally crossed the road in front of me.

If my life were the movie I sometimes imagine it is, I would be starring in a classic fish-out-of-water story. My low-rider car isn’t for off-roading. I wore designer sneakers instead of boots, the more sensible choice to side-step animal scat. I brought hand sanitizer instead of accepting that organic things would stick to me.

LFS’s co-founder and executive director Sarah Salluzzo sniffed my trademark intensity right away.

“It’s nice to just be here with the animals,” she said. “Even people who volunteer here for one day let go of their stress. They tend to become more Type B.”

She was right. It’s relaxing when you can tap into non-verbal communication to bond with animals, stroking their fur in a hypnotically Zen state.

Then I met Salluzzo’s partner, Jonina Turzi, LFS vice president and co-founder. Like every other animal fanatic I’ve met, she will tell you everything about every animal she’s ever known. Some of the animals are even tattooed on her arms.

In addition to sharing the heartbreaking circumstances that brought the pot-bellied pigs to the sanctuary, Turzi wove fun backstories, spilling the tea about their friendship. Meanwhile, pot-bellied pig Pumpkin roamed the expansive pen with her first friends ever, having escaped filthy conditions, infections and eventual slaughter. LFS is their happily ever after.

Turzi and volunteer Amie Adams shared many general stories about common practices for animals raised for food:

Pre-pubescent chicks restricted to small spaces and fattened to the point that their legs couldn’t support their obese bodies.
Male chicks killed after birth by egg farmers before they can fertilize any eggs.
Animals’ ears and tails cropped without giving anesthesia.
Babies taken from their mothers immediately, before they could nurse.
Animals of all kinds found in puddles of their own waste, their own feet rotting underneath them.

Just to name a few.

Many animals came to LFS as the result of human cruelty cases, and some from police seizures. Many were rescued from the farming industry or from being turned into dog food. Almost all had outlived their usefulness as agricultural commodities.

“They would have been destroyed,” Adams said.

Pet Causes

Somewhere near the middle of all the spacious pens with pigs oinking, ducks quacking, horses neighing, and sheep baa-ing, Salluzzo and Turzi have their own little farmhouse. In addition to their sweat equity and resources from their nonprofit sanctuary, they estimate that their 30 to 40 volunteers donate some 36 hours per week to help run LFS.

They are fortunate to count a veterinarian as one of their volunteers. Although there are a few nearby vets for farm animals, sometimes they need to consult specialists in other counties.

“It’s telling that in an area as animal-saturated as Lancaster County, veterinarians are so scarce,” Turzi said.

In addition to LFS’s animal activism, their pet (pardon the pun) causes include veganism and LGBTQ+ rights. LFS believes strongly that rescued animals will find and choose their own families. They do not allow them to breed because there are way too many animals to care for already.

“There is an academic counter-argument that altering the animals removes their reproductive rights,” Turzi said. “But out here in the real world, we have to turn animals away every day.”

Most LFS residents felt content to chew everything in their immediate surroundings, respecting the humans’ personal space. But not all the animals on my two-hour tour were docile, or even happy to meet me. Adams warned me about the ducks not being super fans of humans. But no one warned me about the enterprising goats, Max and Kevin.

To be clear, Max and Kevin liked everyone else, accepting coos and scritches from over 20 other visitors. But every time I came into Max’s view, something pinged inside his brain, much like the Terminator’s computer brain chip on red alert. No matter where I hid, Max wove his horns through the crowd to find me, repeatedly ramming my thigh. Then when I thought I was safe, his friend Kevin took a bite from my notebook, just before delivering me fresh fertilizer.

Turzi reasoned that my notebook looked a lot like their food dishes. Totally logical. Until then, I was convinced goats just didn’t care for journalists.

So I had to get my mammalian affection from two very sloppy kissers, two cows rescued from the beef industry. Claire’s face is half paralyzed, her purple tongue darting in and out on one side. With Jude’s cleft palate, he can’t quite close his mouth, so his saliva drips everywhere.

Whether you are an old hand at farming, are a fellow fish out of water, or somewhere in between, you can learn the origin stories for the 80 rescued animals that live at LFS. And you can follow the animals and their antics on LFS’s very active social media sites.

Lancaster Farm Sanctuary is located at 1871 Milton Grove Rd., Mount Joy. For more information, visit www.lancastersanctuary.org or social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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

What you’ll find:

For your weekend(ish) planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday (Fourth of July)

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