Harrisburg crews clean up after weekend storm tears through the city

June 5, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

A tree fell on a car on N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg during Saturday’s storm.

After a destructive storm swept through Harrisburg over the weekend, crews have been working to clean it all up.

City officials shared on Monday the work that Harrisburg has done to remove fallen trees and clear roadways after Saturday’s hail and windstorm.

According to Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline, the evening storm was a non-forecasted, pop-up cell storm that came from the north. The winds, rain and hail ripped through the city, hitting neighborhoods like Uptown and Midtown the hardest, he said.

“It tore things up left and right,” Enterline said.

A large tree that fell near N. Front and Forster streets blocked off Front Street into much of Sunday. Another tree on Bartine Street took down power lines, starting a fire. Some trees were ripped out of the ground by the roots, others cracked and split, officials explained.

According to Dave Baker, director of parks and recreation, the city has been responding to these public safety issues and clearing roads since Saturday night and will likely continue most of this week.

“There’s probably a lot that we haven’t even seen yet,” Baker said. “People need to be vigilant over the next few days.”

He warned residents to watch out for fallen power lines and wires.

Other issues from the storm included a billboard near Forster and N. 3^rd streets that was damaged and leaning over the road. Enterline said that the fire bureau has since taken the billboard down. There was also some localized flooding due to tree leaves clogging sewage grates in the Midtown area.

The fire bureau also assisted a large group of kayakers on the Susquehanna River during the storm and helped divert emergency traffic coming to UPMC Harrisburg hospital.

A few areas in the city, the largest being Hoverter Homes in South Harrisburg, lost power, but according to Enterline PPL was able to restore power quickly.

Officials said that only one injury due to the storm was reported, stating that a woman was hit by a falling branch on the riverfront and taken to the hospital on Saturday.

According to Matt Maisel, communications director for the city, all city roads were cleared by around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday night.

Baker and the parks department have been working to address any fallen or damaged trees that have become a public safety issue because of the storm. They also plan to clean up any fallen trees, branches and debris on city parks and land in the coming days.

For property owners with tree maintenance and removal needs after the storm, Baker said to call tree service providers. For low-income and senior residents with tree assistance needs, the city may be able to provide help through its tree maintenance program.

Anyone who has a public safety concern should call Dauphin County Dispatch at 717-558-6900, Baker said.

For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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24 Winners: See which stories, photos, designs garnered Keystone awards for TheBurg this year

June 5, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Rich Hauck won a first-place Keystone award in graphic/photo illustration for this cover.

It’s early summer, which brings us warm weather, outdoors activities and, if you’re a journalist in Pennsylvania, the year’s most anticipated press awards.

Last week, we learned that TheBurg received 24 individual and group Keystone Media Awards, a peer-reviewed contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) Foundation. According to PNA, it received more than 2,600 entries from 139 news organizations, with entries judged by working journalists in Michigan.

Our awards were the most we’ve ever received in a single contest. They cover a wide range of areas, including reporting, writing, photography, illustration and design and include the prestigious “Sweepstakes” award for the best performance statewide in our category. Earlier this year, TheBurg also won the “Sweepstakes” award in the PNA Foundation’s annual advertising contest.

Of special note, our contributor, Diane McCormick, received, for the second straight year, “Freelance Journalist of the Year,” a specialty prize awarded to just one journalist throughout the entire commonwealth. So, be sure to click on her submission to read some of the highest-quality freelance writing work in Pennsylvania.

But let us delay no further. As I have in previous years, I have all the winners listed below, with links so you can see what the judges deemed to be some of the best work done statewide in 2022.

SPECIALTY AWARD

Freelance Journalist of the Year: M. Diane McCormick (a single, statewide award)

Diane McCormick Freelance Journalist of the Year

REPORTING/WRITING AWARDS

News Beat Reporting: First Place, Maddie Gittens (Harrisburg government beat; one of six contributed stories shown)

Committee Commitment: Harrisburg community members work long hours, for no pay, on important city boards and commissions. What motivates these volunteers?

News Beat Reporting: Honorable Mention, Maddie Gittens (Harrisburg School District beat; one of six contributed stories shown)

State moves to keep Harrisburg School District in receivership for 3 more years, pending court approval

News Feature Story: Second Place, Maddie Gittens

Unfair Housing: Affordable, decent housing comes at great cost to Governor’s Square residents caught in a maintenance, ownership struggle

News Feature Story: Honorable Mention, Deborah Lynch

A Home in Harrisburg: Afghan refugees are resettling in central PA, with the assistance, collaboration of local groups

Sports Feature: Honorable Mention, Diane McCormick

Fighting Back: Rock Steady Boxing takes a jab at Parkinson’s disease

Feature Story: Second Place, Maddie Gittens

Poetry in HBG: Local poets heal, find meaning through putting pen to paper

Personality Profile: First Place, Wallace McKelvey

A Lawyer’s Life: Corky Goldstein has handled some of the highest-profile criminal cases in Harrisburg. After 50-plus years, he’s finally putting down his briefcase.

Lifestyle/Entertainment Beat: First Place, Karen Hendricks (multiple stories)

Night Watch, All the Buzz, Green Getaway, Reigner Reigns, They Made a Stink, For the Love of a Hound

Lifestyle/Entertainment Beat: Second Place, Stephanie Kalina-Metzger (multiple stories)

Dining Noodle Me This, It’s Her Destiny, He’ll Take the High Road, Cuisine & Community

Headline Writing: Second Place, Lawrance Binda (3 headlines)

Head1 Seasons Geekings, Best o Pesto, Louvre of Lunchmeat

Excellence in Reporting on Diversity‐ Equity and Inclusion: First Place, Bob MacGinnes, Stephanie Kalina-Metzger, Diane McCormick, Deborah Lynch

Diversity-Across Generations, Home in HBG, Painted Word, Jump for Joy, Across Cultures, Genres

Excellence in Reporting on Diversity‐ Equity and Inclusion: Second Place, Maddie Gittens, Susan Ryder, Rachel Lindsley

Diversity-Sisterhood with a Squeeze, Brotherly Bonding, Heritage Heralded, Getting the Word Out, Behind the Seams

Excellence in Reporting on Diversity‐ Equity and Inclusion: Honorable Mention, Maddie Gittens, Diane McCormick, Karen Hendricks

Diversity-Freedom Festival, In the Spotlight, A Lasting Legacy, B&B Breaking Barriers, Taste of Home

Podcast: First Place, TheBurg Podcast, Karen Hendricks

ART/DESIGN AWARDS

Feature Photo: Second Place, Meg Caruso

Photo Story/Essay: First Place, Karen Kovacs

Photo Story/Essay: Second Place, Meg Caruso

Photo Story/Essay: Honorable Mention, Meg Caruso

Feature Page Design: Second Place, Meg Caruso (3 designs)

Graphic/Photo Illustration: First Place, Rich Hauck

Graphic/Photo Illustration: Second Place, Michelle Green

Graphic/Photo Illustration: Honorable Mention, Ryan Spahr

Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.

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Burg Review: Heads fall but the night soars as Gamut stages “Richard III” for Free Shakespeare in the Park

June 3, 2023 | by Gina Napoli

With the cold-blooded tragedy that is “Richard III,” during its annual tradition of Free Shakespeare in the Park, Gamut Theatre delivers again on its 30-year mission to tell stories in new and exciting ways. Blending true crime with scandalous royal watching, audiences receive a bonus in learning about a treacherous piece of royal history we might have otherwise just skimmed over during history class.

Directed by Jeff Luttermoser, Gamut Theatre’s cast of “Richard III” brings us a sinister, true account of Richard III’s assassinations of the reigning patriarchy and subsequent power seizure in the late 15^th century. While some dusty tomes tell a kinder story of his killing spree as a means to an end, bringing peace to England, we’re catching Richard during his villainous anti-hero period. It’s by this dark slice of his life that the literary world will best remember him.

If you’re at all concerned that you won’t pick up the story from the actors reciting traditional Shakespearean dialogue, worry not. Not all who wander are lost. There are plenty of context clues that lay the groundwork for the story and help you figure out who’s who, along with time in between to process it. Additionally, the program includes a family tree, a plot synopsis, and a little comic strip, all which summarize with the level of detail you prefer.

Gamut’s talented cast hangs flesh on the bones of Will’s script to form rich, complex characters, boiling all the play’s elements together to create a mood that is foreboding and a little eerie, especially while the audience is simultaneously immersed against a sunset and a darkening sky.

If you like feeling a little creeped out when you’re outdoors in public with a bunch of strangers, then close your eyes and absorb the menacing organ music and the threatening sound effects of a sword being drawn. Then open them to watch ghosts drift by blue lantern light. Notice when the ghosts appear onstage, and what happens after they do. Then observe the corpses moving themselves offstage, as if being pulled up by strings and puppetted away. Bravo to all the actors who had me pulling my covers up a little tighter the night I watched this play.

Out of all the onstage murders, which range somewhere in the double-digits, it’s hard to pick my favorite, and it’s equally difficult to tell you who performed them without inserting a spoiler. All death scenes were well done and convincing, with characters meeting violent ends. But here are some highlights I can share.

Tom Weaver brings a dark, tyrannical energy to Richard III, a spare heir ruthlessly and violently murdering everyone in front of him in line for the throne, bragging about his exploits in his many soliloquies with just a hint of conscience that kicks in way too late. Weaver injects a self-satisfied and arrogant ease into his character, almost charming. He glides across the stage as he owns it, while I imagine the factual Richard III probably didn’t glide or charm as well due to his hunchback.

Cursing Richard every chance she got, the widow Margaret (Karen Ruch) is a minor role, but Ruch plays her with such intensity and passion, she commands the stage every time she’s on it. Ruch matches Weaver’s raging energy, bringing out the element of foreboding that sets the stage for the gory events to come. Although the widow is supposed to be seen as a victim, she leaves the impression that she’s fiercely stronger than that.

It’s often said of Englanders, perhaps stereotypically, that they keep a stiff upper lip. With Shakespeare brushing over most royal family affection for each other, many of the characters who should probably look a little sad when their father, son, or brother dies, well… don’t. After King Edward IV’s murder, only his wife Elizabeth (Amber Mann) seems to mourn him. Then she makes it her job to carry the sadness bucket for the entire cast. Starting out as the sole weeper in Act One, Mann amps the tension from sadness to anger, finding righteous indignation in the depths of her character by Act Two.

Offering the only comic relief, Prince York (Logan McDonnell) is a cheeky young sort, likely dealing with his sadness by cutting up. His character is a light contrast to his main scene partners: his tough grandmother Duchess of York (Kelli Kauterman) and his more serious brother Prince Edward (Daniel Hutchins). There isn’t much about this plot that is light, but the dynamic between them lightens the tension, if only temporarily.

With portions of Reservoir Park under renovation, some of the thoroughfares are blocked, so leave yourself enough time to find parking and walk to the Levitt Pavilion bandshell, looking fresh as ever from its recent makeover. Be sure to bring your own chairs and blankets, because it gets slightly chilly after the winter of our discontent. So that you don’t have a summer of discontent, bring insect repellant, sunscreen and rain gear, just in case. Oh, and don’t forget money and canned goods for the donations basket.

“Richard III” runs June 2 to 17, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., weather pending. Because it’s a free event, no tickets are required. More information is available at www.gamuttheatre.org/fsip.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 2, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Owners of Creative Grounds, which is set to open in Mechanicsburg this weekend.

With Memorial Day behind us, summer is finally here to stay! The sun is out and Harrisburg is feeling the warmth. Find a spot on your porch, at the park or inside with the AC on and catch up on this week’s local news coverage, below.

TheBurg’s June issue of the magazine came out this week and features lots of summer stories. Make sure you grab a copy at one of our many distribution locations and let us know what you think!

Community Corner features an exciting list of June events to kick off the summer in Harrisburg. Our Happenings column has even more to enjoy, from theater to live music and educational events.

Creative Grounds is slated to open this weekend in Mechanicsburg, our online story reported. The creative space will open at the First National Bank building on W. Main Street with Denim Coffee opening on the first floor and an artist and maker space on the second floor.

Free Shakespeare in the Park returns for the summer, starting on Friday, our magazine story reported. This year, Gamut Theatre Group will perform “Richard III” at the bandshell in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg City Council decided to reconsider a proposed apartment development that it had previously rejected, our online story reported. On Tuesday approved a resolution that allows them to re-vote on the project, which aims to build a 21-unit apartment building on N. Front Street.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau pledged to address a series of shootings that have been taking place on the 1000-block of N. 3^rd St., our reporting found. Most recently, four people were shot and sustained injuries on Sunday.

A homeless encampment near the Greenbelt trail in Harrisburg was recently given an eviction notice, our online story reported. As the date approached, occupants wondered where to go next. When eviction day came, those living in the encampment packed up and moved on, our reporting found.

June is here and that means this month’s magazine features all things summer fun, says our publisher. He reminds readers that there’s an awful lot to do in the area without needing to hit the highway.

“Poirot Investigates” lets viewers cast their worries aside for an evening of fun, says our theater reviewer. The silly show plays at Open Stage through June 17.

Sara Bozich has a great lineup of events to fill your weekend in Harrisburg. Check them out, here.

Sophia Nelms, owner of Sophia’s at Walden, has released two cookbooks, our magazine story reported. They include guest favorites from the restaurant, like chicken pastina soup and cinnamon roll pancakes, as well as family recipes.

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Fighting Back: How One Man is Winning a 30-year Battle with Diabetes

June 1, 2023 | by THINK Capital Blue Cross

Dan Nissley was in his 40s when his doctor told him he had Type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis was a surprise to Nissley, given he had no family history of the disease and no typical risk factors aside from having some struggles maintaining a healthy weight.

“For years since then, I had been told by my doctors that that there is no cure – that I would always be a diabetic,” said Nissley, now 76. “I assumed taking medications to control it was the best I could expect.”

But in August 2022, Nissley received a mailing from Capital Blue Cross about a new approach for dealing with diabetes – one that even made reversing Type 2 diabetes a possibility. Instead of focusing on regulating blood sugar through medications, as many diabetes treatments do, this program focused on improving metabolic health through a low-carb, high-fat diet that works to normalize blood sugar and reduce the need for medication.

At first, Nissley was skeptical.

“I’ve tried numerous things over the years to lose weight and improve my health, but none of them really stuck, so I didn’t have great expectations,” he said. “But it was offered at no additional cost with my Capital coverage, so I thought I have nothing to lose by trying.”

What he lost was more than 50 pounds – dropping his weight from 235 pounds to 182 over nine months. He also saw his A1c level plunge from 7.3% to 5.7%. Diabetes is diagnosed when the A1c level (a measure of average blood glucose level over 2-3 months) is 6.5% or higher, according to the American Diabetes Association.

As a result of these health improvements, Nissley has been able to safely reduce his daily medications for diabetes and eliminate his blood pressure medication.

“Physically, I feel a lot different,” Nissley said. “My knees and ankles aren’t complaining from all that extra weight like they did before. My waist size has gone from 46 inches to 38 inches.”

Like many who try to change their eating habits, Nissley was concerned about whether he could move away from the carbohydrate-rich foods he loved to a ketogenic diet that naturally reduces blood sugar.

“My wife and I did not expect to enjoy a keto diet, but we’ve been amazed at how good the food is,” Nissley said. “We keep a three-ring binder full of recipes and we add to it almost daily. It is certainly not a hardship for us to eat this way.” (Nissley’s wife is not diabetic, but decided to follow his nutrition regimen so they could share meals.)

To help Nissley stick to his diabetes control regimen, he has access to a nurse specially trained to guide him. The nurse receives daily updates on Nissley’s weight and blood pressure and can quickly counsel him if it looks like his numbers are moving in the wrong direction. The program also offers optional support groups so others battling diabetes can share their insights and advice.

The result has been life changing for Nissley, helping him fight back against a disease that has affected him for nearly half his life.

“Diabetes was something I just assumed I had to learn to live with,” Nissley said, “and now there’s a real possibility I can live without it.”

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.

On Harrisburg’s eviction day for Greenbelt homeless encampment, occupants pack up, move on

June 1, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Several tents and occupants of an encampment near the Capital Area Greenbelt, off S. Cameron Street, remained at the site on Thursday, the eviction date.

On Thursday morning, Shawn Sweeney wheeled a small cart of items up a dirt ramp, connecting the wooded nature of the Greenbelt trail to Shanois Street, a small side road off of industrial S. Cameron Street.

He waited on a friend with a car to help transport his belongings, which, for several months, resided with him at a small homeless encampment tucked next to the Greenbelt.

Sweeney had only recently found out about Harrisburg’s notice to evict residents of the encampment, which city officials say is largely located on private property, with a small portion on city property, on Thursday, June 1.

Sweeney said that he came to the Greenbelt encampment after two years of living at the longtime encampment under the Mulberry Street Bridge on S. Cameron Street. In January, Harrisburg evicted residents from that encampment, citing health and safety concerns. Now, he had to move again.

Local organizations have come by the Greenbelt encampment to offer assistance with the move, Sweeney explained, but he felt that he didn’t receive any clear instruction about where he should move to, he said.

“They said they had no idea where we should go,” he said. “We had to figure it out.

Sweeney plans to move further up the Greenbelt trail, closer to the Steelton city line.

According to Matt Maisel, communications director for Harrisburg, the city’s “hands were tied” as it faced pressure from the owner of the private land that much of the encampment sits on, as well as members of the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, which has its annual Tour de Belt on Sunday, June 4. The city issued the eviction notice two weeks ago, on May 18.

The city has given the 15 or so encampment occupants until 3 p.m. on Thursday to leave the area. Maisel said that police have been notified of the situation, but will only get involved if needed.

“We hope they [the police] don’t have to,” Maisel said. “Service providers have been tremendous in helping to move along the process.”

On Thursday, Ron, Shelby and their dog Tucker remained at the encampment, along with several others who hadn’t left yet. The pair worked to pack up their belongings, which included a few tents, coolers, bins of items and clothing, among lots of other items. Like Sweeney, they said that they also previously lived under the Mulberry Street Bridge.

Ron and Shelby’s dog Tucker eats while the couple packs up their belongings.

Ron and Shelby plan to move to a nearby location along Cameron Street, deeper in the woods. They hope, the deeper they go, the harder it will be for people to find and move them again.

However, venturing out on your own also poses a risk, as people like Ron and Shelby rely on area service providers for food and water. The more isolated they are, and the more that camps are scattered, the harder it is for those providing aid to find them.

“We rely on the food boxes,” Shelby said. “We don’t know if we are going to get them anymore because we’ll be scattered.”

For that reason, another occupant, who asked to be referred to by her first initial, “Y,” said that she planned to move to the large, long-time encampment in South Harrisburg, near the PennDOT building. While she didn’t want to move there, she felt she had no other option, she said.

Y said that a service provider with Dauphin County helped find a site for her at the encampment near PennDOT and is helping her move her belongings over.

“There’s not where else to go,” she said. “I’m trying not to stress, but I’m overwhelmed.”

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 1, 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: A new cheese shop in Carlisle, a bunch of fun stuff at Harrisburg Beach Club Worth noting: HU Presents The Record Company on Friday at XL Live; Shakespeare in the Park is back; TONS more events Things on my agenda this weekend: TRC, tee ball, Burn30 Open House (join me!)

For your weekend planning

WIN tickets to HU Presents Milky Chance and TALK at XL Live (June 12)
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Add to calendar: Iron Bridge Music Festival (it’s free!) on June 16-17
Sly Fox is in SoMa next month!
Market on Market, downtown Camp Hill’s farmer’s market, is now open Tuesdays
Be sure the full SoMa Block Party Series is on your calendar
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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As Harrisburg prepares to clear homeless encampment, occupants wait, wonder what comes next

May 31, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Homeless encampment just off the Capital Area Greenbelt trail, near S. Cameron Street in Harrisburg.

For several months, Erik has lived in a wooded area just off the Capital Area Greenbelt in Harrisburg.

He’s part of the small community of residents experiencing homelessness who have not only pitched their tents there, but have made a home, building fences, pathways and fire pits.

Two encampments are tucked within the trees, near the Shanois Street access to the Greenbelt, off of S. Cameron Street. On Wednesday morning, a few bicyclists rode along the trail as Erik shared his frustration over a recent announcement that he, along with his neighbors, must pack up and leave.

Harrisburg has stated that the 15 to 20 residents of the two nearby encampments will be evicted on Thursday, June 1. The notice was issued by the city two weeks ago, on May 18.

“I don’t know what everybody’s going to do,” said Erik, who asked that his last name not be used.

The news comes a few months after Harrisburg cleared out a long-time encampment under the Mulberry Street Bridge on S. Cameron Street. City officials said that most of the people at the Greenbelt encampment are not those who were displaced from the bridge.

According to Matt Maisel, communications director for the city, the majority of the Greenbelt encampments are on privately owned land, while a small portion is on city-owned land. Maisel said that both pressure from the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, which holds its annual Tour de Belt on June 4, and the owner of the private property caused them to issue the eviction notice.

“We decided that this area has to be cleared out,” Maisel said. “Our hands are tied here.”

When the city moved residents out of the Mulberry Street Bridge encampment, they designated a space near S. Cameron and Magnolia streets to relocate people. However, Maisel said that only a few people chose to move there, and they left after about a week.

The current Greenbelt encampments are down the road from that location.

With this eviction, Maisel said that the city is not providing a space for people to relocate.

“If we continue to come up with other temporary locations, it becomes an expectation,” he said. “We are here to end unsheltered homelessness.”

With the move-out date a day away, tents and belongings still remained in the encampments on Wednesday morning.

Encampment under a bridge near the Capital Area Greenbelt trail, near S. Cameron Street in Harrisburg.

One woman who asked to be referred to by her first initial, “Y,” has lived at the encampment for about six months. She has set up several tents, which she offers to others who need help, and made a fire pit to cook homemade pizza for neighbors.

Y became homeless after a medical emergency caused her to lose her job as a home healthcare aide, she said. For a while, she lived in an abandoned house, but moved to the Greenbelt encampment when the house was demolished.

As of Wednesday, all of her belongings remained at the camp.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” she said. “I have to move this all by myself. We put a lot of time and effort into this place. I don’t know where we are going to go.”

According to Dennise Hill, Harrisburg’s director of building and housing development and a member of the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH), local homelessness service providers visit the encampments daily, and others weekly, to provide resources.

Erik said that one organization dropped off bins for people to use for packing. But so far, he doesn’t believe anyone has left.

“I would be willing to bet, unless they try to arrest us, people are not going to move,” he said.

Hill said that the property owner of the private land would be responsible for enforcing the eviction on his land and the city will enforce it on theirs.

Erik explained that he was shocked when he first heard of the eviction notice, saying that the residents of the encampment have largely kept to themselves.

“I don’t really think we are bothering anyone,” he said. “We try to keep it clean. We are different to society, but we are still human.”

In May, Harrisburg received $2.3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to deploy to area social service groups to assist people experiencing homelessness.

“The service providers have the resources,” Maisel said. “We rely so much on the county and local nonprofits because this is their specialty.”

While Erik said he may move in with his girlfriend, Y said she didn’t know where she was going to go.

The area under the Mulberry Street Bridge has been fenced off since the encampment eviction. While Harrisburg originally put up the fences in order to clean the area and to conduct rat extermination, Maisel said that PennDOT has since taken over the fence rental costs and is responsible for not allowing people to return.

The large encampment near the PennDOT building in South Harrisburg is another option for those who need to move, but Y isn’t interested in moving into a new, crowded community.

She acknowledged the issue with drug use and occasional overdoses that occur at the encampment, but, like Erik, said that people keep their living spaces clean and keep to themselves.

“I guess they got tired of it and want us all to leave,” she said. “People want it to be homeless-free and don’t want to see us here.”

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Community Corner: Notable June Events

May 31, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Grand Opening
June 1-3: Twisted Mad Hatter Tattoo Shop will host a grand opening of their new location at 941 Kranzel Dr., Camp Hill. Enjoy games, raffles, new merch, tattoos and more. www.twistedmadhatter.com

Barnyard Jazz
June 2: Hershey History Center features the Rose Hudson Band at its “Jazz at the Barnyard” outdoor concert series at Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr., Hershey. Event begins at 6 p.m. with live music from 7 to 10 p.m. www.hersheyhistory.org

Sunset Series
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: 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 start at 8:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or grab refreshments from the concession stand. www.forthunter.org

Free Shakespeare
June 2-17: Don’t miss the 26th annual “Free Shakespeare in the Park” with “Richard III.” The Gamut Theatre production runs 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Reservoir Park, Harrisburg. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. www.gamuttheatre.org

Discover Photography
June 3: Young explorers are invited to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to learn about photography concepts and explore the park with a new perspective. Complete a photo scavenger hunt and practice editing your photos. Two sessions are available: ages 8 to 11, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and ages 12 to 14, 1 to 3 p.m. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

HBG Flea
June 3: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 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

Free Organ Concert
June 4: Monica Berney, concert organist, will present a free concert at 4 p.m. at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg, sponsored by the Harrisburg Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The church provides parking nearby in the Market Square Garage. www.harrisburgago.org.

Tour de Belt
June 4: Capital Area Greenbelt Association hosts the 23rd annual Tour de Belt bike ride, starting at 9 a.m. at HACC, 1 HACC Dr., Harrisburg, and following the 20-mile Greenbelt trail. Proceeds go to Greenbelt restoration and maintenance. www.CAGA.org

Wildlife Search
June 8: Young explorers ages 5 to 10 are invited to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1 to 3 p.m., for the Kids Discover series on herping, the act of searching for amphibians or reptiles. See frogs, turtles and snakes up close and learn about what makes each one special. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Food Rally
June 8: 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

Boat Float
June 10: Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat will host the 2nd Annual Float the Boat 5K on City Island. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Cost is $35 per runner. Proceeds help to fund the maintenance and operation of the riverboat. www.hbgriverboat.org

Volunteer Day
June 10: 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 available. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Creative Workshops
June 10: 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

Refugee Festival
June 10: Welcome the Stranger Festival takes place at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Resettled families of refugee and immigrant organizations will sell handmade crafts and apparel. Information about our country’s resettlement process and opportunities will be available. www.cwsharrisburg.org

Kids Garden
June 10: Take the family to Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, to celebrate the re-opening of the revitalized Children’s Garden, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include composting, harvesting and wildflower seed planting demonstrations. Enjoy food trucks and crafts and receive a take-home pollinator seed kit. www.hersheygardens.org

Proudly PA
June 10: Enjoy the Proudly PA! Festival at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 1 to 8 p.m., with locally sourced food, live music and wine, craft beer and distilled spirits. Bring your own lawn chairs. Pack a picnic basket or grab some goodies at food trucks and dessert vendors. www.dauphincounty.org

Juneteenth Week
June 10-19: Juneteenth will be celebrated with a weeklong series of events in Harrisburg, organized by Juneteenth HBG and Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg. Events include a conference, social events, a concert and a jubilee. www.ypoc-hbg.org

Garden Tour
June 11: Historic Harrisburg’s 2023 Garden Tour offers an exclusive peek inside some of Harrisburg’s most spectacular backyards, patios and outdoor living spaces, as city gardens are at their seasonal peak. www.historicharrisburg.org

Climate Convergence
June 11: Pennsylvania Climate Convergence hosts a Festival for the Planet at Riverfront Park, Front and Market streets, Harrisburg, 12 to 8 p.m. The event features talks, tabling, musical and dance performances, street theater, art installations and interactive art builds, all expressing the need for climate action. www.pennsylvaniaclimateconvergence.org

Cancer Benefit
June 11: Head to Bucks Valley Winery and Vineyards, 333 Meadow Grove Rd., Newport, for the 8th annual “Toasting a Cure at the Vineyard,” benefitting PA Breast Cancer Coalition, 1:30 to 7 p.m. The event will feature live music, cornhole, a silent and live auction and a pig roast. www.pbccbenefit.com

Auditions
June 12, 19: The Susquehanna Chorale will host auditions for all sections. For more information, contact [email protected] or 814-359-8597.

Black Arts Mashup
June 14: Narçisse Theatre Company, 312 Chestnut St., Harrisburg, will host the Young Professionals of Color of Greater Harrisburg’s JuneteenthHBG 2023 “Black Performing Arts Mashup.” The event will showcase the talents of young professionals of color in the performing arts, including music, dance and spoken word. www.narcissetheatre.org

Jubilee Day
June 15: Jubilee Day returns to downtown Mechanicsburg for its 93rd year. Enjoy vendors, games, carnival rides, festival food and more, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.mechanicsburgchamber.org

Black Art Expo
June 15: Along with Harrisburg’s Juneteenth celebration, Capital Area Cleanup will host “Evolution: A Revision of Black Art Expo” at Susquehanna Art Museum, 1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Three local artists share their representation of the past, present and future of Black art. [email protected]

Gourd Fest
June 15-17: “It’s Always a Gourd Day in PA” and the Pennsylvania Gourd Society host the 2023 PA Gourd Fest at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center and Fairgrounds. The event includes three full days of classes, instructed by artists from across the country. www.pagourdsociety.org

3rd in The Burg
June 16: 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

Photo Exhibit
June 16: “Moments, Memories and Mindfulness,” photography by Steve Bootay and Evan Wilson, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Free street parking after 5 p.m. www.pinestreet.org

Juneteenth Free Day
June 17: National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, hosts a Juneteenth Community Free Day with family-friendly activities, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Juneteenth Celebration
June 17: Hope Station will host a Juneteenth Celebration in downtown Carlisle for all to come together and celebrate the freedom of African Americans, 1 to 4 p.m. Explore various vendors, music and kids’ activities. www.carlislehopestation.org

Music Fest
June 17: The Millworks hosts a free summer musical festival, 2 to 8 p.m., on the grass lot at Verbeke and 3rd streets, Harrisburg. The event features live music, food trucks and art vendors. www.millworksharrisburg.com

Father’s Day
June 18: Take dad to Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., to celebrate Father’s Day, with free admission for all dads. www.hersheygardens.org

Flower Walk
June 18: Take a walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., to view water lilies, yarrow, white beardtongue, blue-eyed grass and common milkweed. Learn how these and other flowers were named and some of their uses by early settlers and Native Americans. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Nature Camp
June 19-30: Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, hosts Nature Explorers Day Camp for kids ages 6 to 8. Kids will learn about animal adaptations, explore aquatic life in Paxton Creek and enjoy a live animal presentation. The camp is held over two separate weeks; campers should register for one week only. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Book Talk
June 22: National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, hosts Christopher Graham in a conversation about his new book, “Faith, Race, and the Lost Cause: Confessions of a Southern Church,” at 7 p.m. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Chocolate Science
June 24: Join the WITF education team at the Hershey Public Library, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., to discover the science behind and history of chocolate. This program is designed for kids and teens, 4 to 14 years old. www.witf.org

Block Party
June 24: Church World Service Harrisburg hosts a free afternoon of activities, food and entertainment at its World Refugee Day Block Party, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., at their Harrisburg office, Maclay and N. 2nd streets. www.cwsharrisburg.org

Riverboat Anniversary
June 24: The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat celebrates its 35th anniversary, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets include light fare, two drink tickets and live music. www.hbgriverboat.org

Yard Concert
June 24: Tim and Polly Alexander host a front yard concert at Deer Road/White Rock Acres in Boiling Springs, with Time Sawyer at 7:30 p.m. (driveway opens at 6:30 p.m.). Bring your favorite lawn chair, picnic food and cold beverage. Plenty of street parking is available. Guests are asked to register online. www.mansionconcert.com

Italian Lake Concert
June 25: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals for the first Italian Lake Concert Series of 2023, featuring Natalie Ness, 6 to 8 p.m. at Italian Lake Park, N. 2nd and Division streets, Harrisburg. www.hyp.org

Tap Talks
Jan. 28: Join Penn State Master Watershed Stewards of the Lower Susquehanna at Appalachian Brewing Co., 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg for “Tap Talks” to learn the geology of the Susquehanna River and the influence it has on water quality, 6 to 7:30 p.m. www.extension.psu.edu

Firefly Night
June 28: Join naturalists at Detweiler Park to observe and catch fireflies in their natural habitat on a short hike, 8:30 to 10 p.m. All supplies provided. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. This program is for all ages. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Free Movie Friday
June 30: Harrisburg’s summer series, Free Movie Fridays, kicks off with “Encanto” at the band shell in Reservoir Park, starting around 8 p.m. Attendees should bring blankets and lawn chairs. www.harrisburgpa.gov

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Happenings: Our June Calendar of Events

May 31, 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

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

“The Eppleman Collection—A Triano Family Gift,” through June 22

“Correlated Cultivations,” a three-artist invitational guest curated by Nate Foster that features the work of Young Won, Earle Rock and Marina Radanovic, through June 22

95th Annual International Juried Exhibition, June 30-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, June 9-July 22; reception: June 9, 5:30 -7 p.m.

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

June artist of the month

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

MAAA Past Scholarship Recipients Show, through June 24

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

HAAA Rotation Exhibit Galleries, through June 10

HAAA Member Artwork at the Cocoa Beanery, through July 10

HAAA Member Artwork at Backstage Café, Allen Theater, June 1-July 31

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 Justin and Joelle Arawjo, Pamela Black, Marsha Souders, The Huckle Buckle Boys, Phil Wells and Judy Kelly, through June 11

New works by PD Murray, Julie Iaria, Carrie Shusta, RLO, Marjorie Taylor, Paul Vasiliades, June 13- July 16

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

Art in the Stacks featuring Paul Nagle, June 1-30

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)
PCCA Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Stillness & Motion,” a solo exhibition by Louise Thomas, through June 24

Solo art exhibition featuring Karen Van Newhyzen, through Aug. 5

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

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

“Valery Sutherland—Paintings,” with works completed between 2021 and 2023, illustrating the artist’s investigation into the passage of time and its reflection on nature, through June 18

“Ju Yun—Hybrid Identity,” features vibrant mixed media pieces that take inspiration from the popular culture found in both Korea and the United States, through June 25

“The Creatures Collages” series is the visual component of a collaboration between visual artist Dan Zdilla and composer Rusty Banks, through June 25

“8th Annual Juried Exhibition—Transformative Craft,” June 29-Oct. 15

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

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

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

“Rap Retention,” art by Blake Showers, displaying pivotal, illustrious and esoteric moments from hip hop and rap culture, June 2-28; reception: June 2, 6-8 p.m.

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

“Generations—a Celebration of Family Creativity,” June 3-July 8; reception: June 3, 1-3 p.m.

Read, Make, Learn

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

June 1, 29: Fit Chicks in-store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
June 2, 16, 30: Virtual Booty Blast, 9:30 a.m.
June 5, 12, 19, 26: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Yoga for Back Health, 10 a.m.
June 8: Boomer Fit Zoomer in-store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
June 23: Virtual Barre Intensity Express, 9:30 a.m.

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

June 3: Copper Enameling Workshop (ages 13-adult), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 5-9: Beezzz to Treezzz (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 5-9: Fashion Fun (ages 9-14), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 5-9: Clay Fantasy Camp (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
June 5-9: Mix It Up (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
June 6-27: Intermediate/Advanced Painting (ages 16-adult), Tuesdays, 1-3:30 p.m.
June 6-27: Beginning Oil Painting—Yellow Swallowtail, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
June 7-July 5: Art Journaling, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
June 10: Experimental Mixed Media, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 12-16: “Outsider” Art (ages 5-8), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 12-16: Summer Dance Camp (ages 4-6), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 12-16: Animals in Action (ages 9-14), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 12-16: Clay Critters! (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
June 12-16: Finding Your Inner Artist (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
June 19-23: Art & Adventure Camp
June 19-23: Music & Art (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 19-23: The Art of Recycling (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
June 20-Aug. 1: Tuesday Wheel Throwing 102, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
June: Art Together 1-Day Workshop (ages 6-adult), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 26-30: Be the Curator (ages 9-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 26-30: Cool Cartoons (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 26-30: SPAAAAACE! (ages 9-12), 1-4 p.m.

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

June 20: Sandwich Sensations, 6-9 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

June 10: Reading the Rainbow Book Club at Elementary Coffee, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 14: Spanish Language Conversation Group on Zoom (ages 15 and older), 6-7 p.m.

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

June 8: LEGO Meetup (ages 6-12), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 22: STEAM Stations (ages 6-12), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

June 3: Meet & Greet Artists Reception, 3-4:30 p.m.
June 8: Masked Sing-Along, 6-7 p.m.
June 15: Sip and Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
June 15: Paws 2 Read (ages 6-11), 6-7:30 p.m.
June 16: Teen Open Mic Night, 6-8 p.m.
June 17: Pokémon Go Walking and Meeting Group, 10-11:30 a.m.
June 22: BINGO, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
June 22: Marble Run Building Challenge, 6-7 p.m.
June 26: Paws 2 Read, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

June 10: Children’s Mansion Tour, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 11: Fort Hunter Mansion and McAllister Cemetery Tour, 1-3 p.m.
June 14, 28: Stories on the Stairs, 10-11 a.m.
June 25: Home Skills from History, 1-3 p.m.

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

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
June 2: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
June 5: Roots & Shoots Program, 6-7 p.m.
June 5, 12, 19, 26: Book Explorers (ages 3-6), 5:30 p.m.
June 5, 19: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
June 6: Curl up with the Classics—“Light in August” 10-11 a.m.
June 6, 20: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Summer Children’s Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m.
June 8, 15: Meet and Greet Library Pups, 10-11 a.m.
June 16: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9-9:45 a.m.
June 16: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime, 10-10:45 a.m.
June 16: Family Paint & Pix!, 6 p.m.

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

June 3: Chicken Gourd Workshop, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 3: Needle Felted Mouse, 1-4 p.m.
June 8: Barn Star Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
June 10: Flag Wreath Workshop, 1-3 p.m.
June 17: 3-Piece Jewelry Set, 2-4 p.m.
June 23: Chicken Painting on Wood, 6-8 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

June 26: Encaustic Painting, 7-9 p.m.

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

June 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.
June 1, 15, 29: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
June 6, 20: Silent Book Group at Starbucks in Hershey Towne Square, 10-11:30 a.m.
June 12, 19, 26: Books and Babies, 10:15 a.m.
June 12, 19, 26: Storytime for Everyone, 11 a.m.
June 13, 20, 27: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15 a.m., 11 a.m.
June 21: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
June 23: Craft & a Movie—“The Incredibles,” 10 a.m.

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

June 2, 9: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
June 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28: Rhyme Time (18 months and older), 10:15-10:35 a.m.
June 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28: Toddler Time (18 months-3 years), 10:45-11:05 a.m.
June 5, 12, 19, 26: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
June 6: Teen Tuesday, 6-8:30 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Toddler Time in the Park, 10 a.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Story Time in the Park, 10:30 a.m.
June 8: Beginning Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 8, 22, 29: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 10, 24: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 10, 24: Puzzle Party, 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 12: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
June 14: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
June 19: Monday Night Book Club, 7 p.m.
June 24: Trivia at Home—SpongeBob, 6-8 p.m.
June 27: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.

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

June 1: Book Bingo, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
June 7, 21: Paws 2 Read, 5-6 p.m.
June 9: Kline Friends’ Book Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
June 14: STEAM Stations, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 28: LEGO Meetup, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

June 9: Egg Drop Challenge, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 12: Taste of Black-owned Businesses, 5-6 p.m.
June 17: Colorful Connections, 12-2 p.m.
June 23: Crafting Free for All, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

June 5, 12, 19, 26: Calling All Coders (children and teens, 8 and older), 2-5 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Code Your Story (children and teens, 8 and older), 2-3 p.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: LEGO Stop Motion Animation (children and teens, 8 and older), 2-3 p.m.
June 8, 15, 22, 29: STEAM Sensory Play Time (ages birth to 5 years), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
June 10: The Science Spectacular with Eric Energy, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 23: All Together Now with Music Play Patrol, 11-11:45 a.m.

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

June 6, 13, 20, 27: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
June 14, 21, 28: Wednesday Summer Reading, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

June 3: An Evening with Richard Rothstein and Leah Rothstein, 6-7 p.m.
June 7: An Evening with David Sedaris, 7-8 p.m.
June 13: An Evening with Audrey Clare Farley, 7-8 p.m.
June 14: An Evening with Christine Pride, Jo Piazza, and Kate Baer, 7-8 p.m.
June 24: Book Signing with Nick Tabor, 1-3 p.m.
June 27: An Evening with Riley Sager and Ruth Ware

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

June 17: Fluid Art, 12-3 p.m.

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

June 22: A Civil Conversation with Christopher Graham, 7-8 p.m.

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

June 1-Aug. 15: Go Cumberland!
June 1-Aug. 15: All Together Now Summer Reading Challenge
June 1-Aug. 15: Beanstack Challenge Summer Reading Program
June 1: Cook the Book Club
June 1: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 2, 16: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
June 3, 17: New Cumberland Public Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 5: Outdoor Sensory Playtime (ages 0-5), 10:30 a.m.
June 5: VanGo Art Museum on Wheels (ages 6-12), 1:30 p.m.
June 6-Aug. 8: Outdoor Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11: 15 a.m.
June 7-July 5: Ready for Kindergarten (ages 4-5), 10:15-11:45 a.m.
June 10, 24: Teen Grab-and-Go Kits (ages 13-17), 10 a.m.
June 12: Kids Paint Party (ages 6-12), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
June 12: Teen Paint Party (ages 13-17), 2:30-3:30 p.m.
June 12, 26: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
June 13, 27: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
June 13-July 25: Kids Gardening Club (ages 6-12), Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
June 16, 30: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
June 17: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 17: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
June 19: Summer Yoga for Kids (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
June 19: Summer Yoga for Kids (ages 6-10), 11 a.m.
June 21: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
June 23: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 26: The Secrets of Honeybee (ages 7-12), 1:30 p.m.
June 28: STEAM Discovery Zone (ages 6-12), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
June 28: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
June 30: PlayDoh Palooza (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.

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

June 3-24: Intro to Pastels, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 25: Drop-In Art at Little Buffalo State Park, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

June 8: Macramé Paper Clip Bookmark Workshop, 6 p.m.
June 9: Vintage Tin Earrings Workshop, 6 p.m.
June 10: Second Saturday Workshops and Artist Demonstrations, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
June 15: Wood Burning Cheeseboards Workshop, 5:30 p.m.
June 23: Summer Solstice Celebration Paint Party, 6 p.m.

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

June 1: Bird Walk—Nesting Birds, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
June 3: Kids Discover—Photography (ages 8-11), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 3: Kids Discover—Photography (ages 12-14), 1-3 p.m.
June 4: Daisies & Brownies—Shapes in Nature, 1-3 p.m.
June 8: Kids Discover—Herps (ages 5-10), 1-3 p.m.
June 9: Mulberry Tree Walk, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
June 10: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 10: Stained-Glass Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 15: Paper Making Workshop Part 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
June 17: Macrame Coasters Class, 2:30-4 p.m.
June 18: Flower Walk—Peak of Blooming, 10:30-12 p.m.
June 19-23: Nature Explorer’s (ages 6-8) Week 1, 1-3 p.m.
June 22: Paper Making Workshop Part 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
June 26-30: Nature Explorer’s (ages 6-8) Week 2, 1-3 p.m.

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

June 5: STEAM Stations (ages 6-12), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 6: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6 p.m.
June 20: Novel Thoughts Too, 1 p.m.
June 24: Color Connections (ages 18 and older), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 27: Miss Maggie Sings, 3-4 p.m.

Live Music

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

June 9: Top of the World A Carpenters Tribute
June 10: Leonid & Friends—The World’s Greatest Chicago Tribute
June 11: Brothers of the Heart—Fortune, Isaacs, Walker, Rogers
June 17: Happy Together Tour
June 24: Christopher Cross & Justin Hayward with Mike Dawes
June 25: Brian Regan

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

June 1: Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers
June 2: Jazz in the City
June 3: Tom Rush and Loudon Wainwright III
June 4: York County Honors Choir
June 8: Laughter Saves Lives
June 14: Iris DeMent
June 21: Nickel Creek, Hawktail

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

June 16: Stefon Harris

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

June 9: Solar Federation
June 24: The Bacon Brothers

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

June 18: Time for Tango

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

June 2: Shine Delphi
June 3: North Mountain Ramblers
June 9: Aaron Daniel Gaul
June 10: Tim Colgan
June 16: Matthew Bynum
June 17: Soc Duo
June 23: Curtis Smith
June 24: Noel Gevers
June 30: Josh Krevsky

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

June 6: AJJ
June 10: The Swemo Experience
June 16: Kidd G
June 17: The Best of the Eagles
June 23: Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors
June 24: Bad Bunny Night

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus

harrisburggaymenschorus.org

June 9, 10. 11, 18: Spring Concerts
June 10: Concert Livestream

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

June 2: The Record Company at XL Live
June 12: Milky Chance at XL Live
June 27: lovelytheband, Beach Weather at XL Live

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

June 27: Diana Ross

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

June 2: The Luv Gods
June 3: Slippery When Wet
June 9: Smooth Like Clyde
June 10: Cody Tyler & Gypsy Convoy
June 16: Cellar Sessions
June 17: Emily’s ToyBox
June 23: Funktion
June 24: Grant Bryan Band
June 30: John King Dance Band

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

June 4: Concert at Peace Church

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

June 3: One Night in Memphis
June 2: Airmen of Note

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

June 22: Christian McBride

The Manor on Front
2971 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-884-9596; themanoronfront.com

June 24: Time Sawyer

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

June 1: Tony Catalano
June 15: Dave Kelly
June 22: Dave McCullough
June 29: Josh Krevsky

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

June 8-11: Jekyll & Hyde in concert
June 22-25: Together Off Broadway—Mermin & Martin

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

June 9: Colebrook Road
June 24: The Dave Matthews Band Tribute

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

June 4: The Keystone Concert Band
June 11: Norma Swain and Friends
June 25: John Catalano

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

June 28: Open Mic Night

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

June 13: Harrisburg Jazz Collective
June 19: Sam Greenfield

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

June 4: Dave Mason

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

June 2: Harrisburg University presents The Record Company
June 3: Puddle of Mudd
June 10: The Disco Biscuits
June 12: Harrisburg University presents Milky Chance
June 12: Red NOT Chili Peppers
June 16: KIX
June 20: Juneteenth Summer of Soul with Michel’le, Soul For Real, Zhane, Shai, Jeff Redd
June 23: The Reagan Years
June 27: Harrisburg University presents lovelytheband

The Stage Door

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

June 8: Laughter Saves Lives
June 11: Greater York Dance June Show

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

June 16-25: “Hunchback of Notre Dame the Musical”

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

June 16-25: “Urinetown the Musical”

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

June 1-24: “Elvis—A Musical Revolution”
June 30-Aug. 5: Disney’s “Newsies’”

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

June 2-17: Shakespeare in the Park—“Richard III” (Reservoir Park)
June 23: TMI Improv

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

June 2: Divas Down Under present “Summer Beach Party” Drag Show
June 24: Micro Wrestling All*Stars

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

June 2: Free Improv Jam, Hoagie’s Heroes, Ham Juice, Frankenstein’s Monster!, Bandito
June 3: Kid Friendly Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Baby, Love Triangle, Barn Bitches, Uncomfortable, Tiny Town
June 9: Character Class Show, Is That Beef?, Team Z, Leg of Lamp, Phil’s Arcade, Holding Hands w/ John and Tyler
June 10: Free Mixer, This Show Will Self Destruct, Mary Todd Lincoln—The Real Babe-raham Lincoln, Barbra, Tiny French Cigarettes
June 11: Character Class Show
June 16: Free Improv Jam, Hoagie’s Heroes, Ham Juice, Cosmic Trash, The Bondfire Society
June 17: Free Mixer, Baby, Sunday School, Rockstar Goes Supernova, JODY, Barn Bitches Presents The Haircut
June 23: Free Improv Jam, Is That Beef?, Team Z, Midtown Funk, Merely Players
June 24: Free Mixer, Dark Horse, Original Six, Elderprov

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

June 1-4: “Bandstand”

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

June 13-18: “Six the Musical”

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

June 16-July 2: “Beautiful—The Carole King Musical”

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

June 2-4: “Come Blow Your Horn”
June 11: “Picasso at the Lapin Agile”

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

June 1-17: “Poirot Investigates!”
June 28-30: “The Wizard of Oz” Youth Edition

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

June 2: We the People—“Speak to My Soul”

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

June 10: Dance Revelation “Freedom”

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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 planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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