Lives, Shattered: Gettysburg’s newest museum focuses on the civilians who lived through the famous battle

May 31, 2023 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Gettys Tavern

In a darkened parlor, the thundering ka-boom of cannons and the whizzing of bullets spark imaginations.

Floorboards shake as the occasional bullet strikes the side of the home and anxious voices in muffled tones discuss the horror of what’s happening outside. A dog whimpers, terror-stricken by the chaos. Some visitors are brought to tears by the realness and the gravity of the immersive experience titled “Caught in the Crossfire.”

The exhibit is part of a new attraction in Gettysburg called “Beyond the Battle Museum,” which uses cutting-edge technology to allow patrons to see, hear and feel what civilians experienced during the bloody Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863.

Ken Burns, the well-known documentarian who created the miniseries, “The Civil War,” and who visited the museum in February, described “Caught in the Crossfire” as “visceral.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this,” he said.

Historian and author Garry Adelman echoed that sentiment.

“I got chills and a little bit emotional at the same time,” he said.

The 25,000-square-foot history center, located on Biglerville Road on the edge of the Gettysburg Battlefield, opened in April, part of the Adams County Historical Society. In 2020, the society launched a successful, $12 million campaign to construct a new, permanent home, which includes the museum.

The museum itself contains more than 1,000 artifacts and 12 interactive exhibits, including the accounts of eyewitnesses and their experiences before and after the Civil War.

To begin the tour, guests are transported back to the area’s pre-history to view rock formations, a meteorite and dinosaur tracks, before moving on to learn about Native Americans and the lives of local indigenous people. The next exhibit describes life on the frontier, and guests are led to a recreation of Gettys Tavern, founded by settler Samuel Gettys, to eavesdrop on conversations taking place there in the late 18th century.

The exhibits that follow are designed to educate young and old alike about well-known figures with ties to the Gettysburg area, such as National Anthem lyricist Francis Scott Key and abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens. This museum, though, is truly unique in that it tells the stories of regular folks like Sarah Broadhead, whose diary helped raise funds for wounded soldiers, and Joseph Broadhead, who, blind in one eye, joined local men to fell trees to thwart Confederate advances.

Then there’s the story of Basil Biggs, an African-American who served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and later took on the unpleasant task of overseeing the disinterment and relocation of about 3,000 Union soldiers from the battlefield to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, now known as the Gettysburg National Cemetery. For the families who wanted their soldier’s remains returned, Biggs was responsible for taking them to the local train station for transportation.

At the end of the tour, guests can visit the gift shop to pick up a reasonably priced book or other item as a memento, before taking the elevator upstairs to view the bright event center that overlooks the battlefield. Adjacent to the community center is a research room that is chockablock with old tomes containing property deeds, maps, records of wills, Adams County ephemera and more.

“It’s a spectacular evocation of not only the Battle of Gettysburg, but, more importantly, the people and the place,” Burns said. “And it’s a beautifully told story.”

Beyond the Battle Museum is located at 625 Biglerville Rd., Gettysburg. For more information, visit www.achs-pa.org.

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June News Digest

May 31, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

General Election Field Takes Shape

Two newcomers and one incumbent won Democratic nominations last month for three seats on Harrisburg City Council.

With all precincts reporting and mail-in ballots counted, council President Danielle Bowers topped the eight-candidate primary field, followed by challengers Crystal Davis and Lamont Jones, according to the Dauphin County Election Bureau’s unofficial results for the municipal primary.

Cole Goodman came in fourth place followed by Brad Barkdoll, current council member Robert Lawson, Leslie Franklin and Lori Beamer Saulisbury, according to the bureau.

The Democratic nominees are heavily favored to win the three, four-year council seats in the Nov. 7 general election, as no Republicans ran in the primary in the heavily Democratic city.

For city treasurer, incumbent Dan Miller ran unopposed for another four-year term. No Republicans ran in the primary.

The Harrisburg school board race had five seats at stake, but only four candidates ran—all Democrats and all incumbents. They are Ellis Roy, James Thompson, Doug Thompson Leader and Terricia Radcliff, so all will appear on the November ballot.

For magisterial district justice, Matthew Pianka won both the Democratic and Republican primaries for District 12-01-02, as he cross-filed, and was the sole candidate on the ballot in each primary. Autumn Fair ran unsuccessfully as a write-in candidate after getting knocked off the Democratic ballot following a challenge to her nominating petitions.

For District 12-1-04, Democrat Mikaela Sloan won her primary as the sole candidate to run for that district judgeship.

In District 12-1-05, incumbent MDJ Hanif Johnson defeated two challengers, Claude Phipps and Lori Ann Jenkins, to win the Democratic nomination for the seat. He cross-filed in the primary and also won the Republican nomination.

In Dauphin County, no primary races were contested, but the results will set up several contests for the November general election.

For commissioner, Republican incumbents Mike Pries and Chad Saylor, Democratic incumbent George Hartwick and Democratic challenger Justin Douglas will vie for three, four-year seats on the board.

For clerk of courts, Republican John McDonald will face Democrat Bridget Whitley. For recorder of deeds, Democrat Tami Dykes will challenge incumbent Republican Jim Zugay. And, for county treasurer, Republican Nick DiFrancesco and Democrat Fred Faylona will compete.

In other county races, incumbent District Attorney Fran Chardo, Sheriff Nick Chimienti, Controller Mary Bateman and Register of Wills Jean Marfizo King all ran unopposed in the Republican primary. No Democrats appeared on the primary ballot in those races.

Federal Funds to Boost Housing Security

The effort to assist unhoused residents in Dauphin County received a boost last month, as area officials announced a multi-million federal grant to help battle housing insecurity.

In the MLK Jr. City Government Center, Harrisburg and Dauphin County officials were on hand to accept a $2.3 million check from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), money that will help area social service groups assist people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

“Thanks to HUD, $2.3 million is coming back into Harrisburg and Dauphin County to give groups like CACH [Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness] the tools we all need to give our unsheltered men, women and children the shelter they desperately crave,” said Mayor Wanda Williams.

Dauphin County/Harrisburg is one of 32 communities throughout the country selected to receive the competitive “continuum of care” grant, according to Matthew Heckles, HUD Regional Administrator, Region III, Mid-Atlantic.

“It’s not just enough to give someone a roof over their head, but also to provide the supportive services that they need to address the challenges that they face,” he said. “They must be able to address those challenges while knowing that their housing is secure.”

According to Heckles, the federal government’s goal is to reduce homelessness nationwide by 25% by 2025. In January 2022, the annual “point in time count” found 423 homeless individuals in Dauphin County, including 64 living on the streets at that time, he said.

During the half-hour check presentation ceremony in city hall, HUD also announced that it would provide five additional “stability” vouchers that help with emergency housing for Dauphin County residents.

The three-year, $2.3 million grant will be distributed to several social service organizations already addressing housing insecurity and homelessness in Harrisburg and Dauphin County, said Dennise Hill, president of CACH and the city’s director of building and housing development:

CACH will receive $91,030 for its homeless management information system.
Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area will receive $549,784 for unsheltered rapid re-housing to quickly rehouse people experiencing homelessness; $341,800 for coordinated entry services; and $270,450 for street outreach.
Gaudenzia will receive $491,814 for unsheltered permanent supportive housing.
Scholars Inc. will receive $582,381 for Thrive Housing, joint transitional housing and rapid rehousing.

“As we all know, the need is often greater than the resources,” Hill said. “These funds will help to expand the capacity of the dedicated service providers doing incredible work as it pertains to homelessness in the city of Harrisburg and the CACH network.”

School Renovation Breaks Ground

Harrisburg is one step closer to reopening a “state-of-the-art” school for students.

Last month, Harrisburg School District officials ceremonially broke ground on the renovation of Steele Elementary School, which they plan to reopen for the 2024-25 school year.

“It feels good to get to a place where you can finally see things coming to fruition,” said Superintendent Eric Turman. “What I want the community to do at this point in time is to get excited about what this is going to look like.”

Steele School, built in the 1930s, closed in 2011 and has since sat vacant on the 2500-block of N. 5th Street. In September, district Receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved a $21.6 million revitalization project and the reopening of the school.

According to Turman, the district’s decision in April 2022 to move fifth-grade students from the middle schools back to the elementary school level made classrooms fuller, while many of its buildings were already near capacity.

The reopening of Steele would help solve that capacity issue, while providing a neighborhood school in the Uptown community. Turman noted that many children currently have to walk a far distance to Ben Franklin Elementary School. Steele School will have classrooms for kindergarten through fifth grade.

The building, which is about 68,000 square feet, has been largely gutted inside for renovations, and the exterior will receive new windows, doors and a deep clean, according to district director of operations Craig Glass.

An addition will also be constructed onto the rear of the building to house a new cafeteria and classrooms. A new playground and basketball court will be constructed, as well.

The project is being funded through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds that the district received during the pandemic.

Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates is serving as the architect, and Fidevia Construction Management & Consulting is the contractor for the project.

“They [the students] are going to walk in here over time, and they’re going to see a school like no other,” Turman said. “This will be a model that, hopefully, over time we can look at how can we create these types of facilities for our children, because this is what they deserve.”

Veterans Multi-Service Center Opens

A long-established veteran support organization cut the ribbon on its new facility last month.

Philadelphia-based Veterans Multi-Service Center celebrated the opening of its downtown Harrisburg office, which provides assistance to low-income and homeless veterans.

“It’s really to give veterans a hand up rather than a handout,” said Ryan McGoldrick, deputy executive director of mission execution for VMC. “They really need someone to help guide them.”

VMC officially moved into the new center, located at 21 S. 3rd St., in September and has already served over 100 veterans and their families, according to officials.

The organization, which got its start in 1980, assists over 6,500 veteran households each year across its 10 east coast locations and expects to add another 150 to that yearly number with the addition of the Harrisburg office.

The resource center helps underserved veterans with services like housing, food security, transportation, employment, accessing veteran and social services and pro bono legal services. According to McGoldrick, veterans make up a large portion of the homeless population in the U.S.

With several centers already in the commonwealth, VMC saw expanding into Harrisburg as a natural fit and a way to address a lack of veteran services in the area, McGoldrick explained.

The new, three-story center includes staff offices and meeting rooms where clients can work with staff and case managers to create a support plan. There is also a women veterans closet on site, with toiletries and household items for those in need.

Veterans in need of assistance can walk into the center, visit the website or call 844-226-0368. Those experiencing homelessness should call 2-1-1 and veterans will be connected with VMC.

“They served us so we want to serve them,” said Lincoln Strehle, deputy executive director of business operations.

Housing Market Cools

After several hot years, the local housing market is showing signs of cooling off, with both sales and prices falling in April.

For the three-county Harrisburg region, 448 previously owned homes sold in April, a sharp drop from 628 houses in April 2022, as the median sales price fell to $245,000 from $250,500, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 233 homes sold versus 314 in the year-ago period, while the median sales prices declined to $213,900 from $230,000, GHAR said.

Cumberland County sales totaled 193 homes compared to 268 in April 2022, as the median price dipped to $285,000 from $290,950, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, 19 houses sold versus 36 a year ago, as the median sales price rose to $219,000 from $208,900, GHAR reported.

The pace of home sales slowed significantly, as “average days on market” for the region rose to 34 days in April versus 16 in April 2022, according to GHAR.

So Noted

Cate Barron will retire as president of PA Media Group as of June 30, the Hampden Township-based company has announced. Barron spent nearly four decades with the Patriot-News, PennLive and PA Media Group, rising through the ranks after starting in 1985 as an assistant city editor.

Danette Blank will retire as executive director of Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania at the end of June, according to the organization. She has served with Harrisburg-based Vision Resources for 23 years, building up the organization and solidifying its mission to assist the blind and visually impaired.

Found Collab opened last month at 25 S. 3rd St., Harrisburg, the long-time home of Walker’s Art & Framing. Andrew Kintzi and Anela Selkowitz, the owners of Midtown Dandy and Stash Vintage, respectively, moved down the street into a much larger space, rebranded and expanded their offerings to include vintage clothing, household goods, unique gifts and art, among many other items.

Park Harrisburg initiated a new “pay-to-text” option last month for street and garage parking. Through the service, parkers can text 30202 and enter their parking zone number, license plate number and parking length of time. Drivers still can pay at the 168 parking meters or through the ParkMobile app.

Rev. Timothy C. Senior has been named the 12th bishop of Harrisburg, according to the Diocese of Harrisburg. Senior, 63, succeeds Bishop Ronald Gainer, who, in keeping with canon law, offered his resignation when he turned 75 years of age in August 2022.

Tri County Housing Development Corp. has simplified its name, rebranding as “Tri County Housing.” In conjunction with the name change, the Harrisburg-based affordable housing nonprofit has an updated logo, website and slogan. For more information, visit www.TriCoHousing.com.

Will Foster was named last month as the new executive director of the Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, previously serving as the group’s program supervisor. The nonprofit recruits, trains and supervises community volunteers who serve as advocates representing the best interests of foster children in court.

WITF will assume ownership this month of LNP, a daily newspaper based in Lancaster. In late April, Steinman Communications gifted the paper, as well as several other Lancaster County-based news assets, to the Swatara Township-based public media organization. Steinman will retain ownership of Lancaster Farming, a weekly farm newspaper, and Susquehanna Printing.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2429: P. Madigan to D. Boyle, $50,000

Adrian St., 2460: D. & P. Seng to PT Capital Properties LLC, $50,000

Allison St., 1506: J. Davison to Treasurehunt Home Investments LLC & New Harvest Solutions LLC, $73,000

Berryhill St., 1637: A&K Investment Partnership LLC to F. Kale, $139,000

Berryhill St., 2425: N. & S. Harris to EJB Rentals LLC, $62,000

Berryhill St., 2432: SF Rentals to PA Deals LLC, $75,000

Brookwood St., 1929: R&K Realty Group LP to J. Morrison & Y. Blanding, $153,000

Brookwood St., 2435: I. & K. Mita to T. & B. Baka, $110,000

Chestnut St., 1826: KBH Properties LLC to Wengs Labor Services LLC, $46,400

Chestnut St., 1926: E. Ayala & N. Vogt to Two Three Two Investments LLC, $88,800

Chestnut St., 2312: A. & L. Myers to D. Appel, $241,000

Croyden Rd., 2887: C. Oman to B. & K. Sheehe, $55,000

Curtin St., 634: CRS Housing LLC to S. Santiago & Z. Marla, $150,000

Dauphin St., 636: M. Graybill to J. & D. Negron, $40,000

Derry St., 1301, 1307, 1311, 1313, 1315: Keystone Community Development Corp. Inc. & National Tax Search LLC to Latino Hispanic American Community Center, $450,000

Derry St., 2331: D. Clark to A. Puklowski, $150,500

Derry St., 2344: C. Mescan to J. Ross, $130,000

Derry St., 2453: L. Brown & C. Bennett to J. King, $91,000

Ellersie St., 2352: Kirsch & Burns LLC to Wengs Labor Services LLC, $46,400

Emerald St., 222: C. Shokes to P. Mikkilineni, $239,000

Emerald St., 317: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to M. Fane, $148,000

Emerald St., 327: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to PA Deals LLC, $47,000

Evergreen St., 12: C. Murphy to D. Boyle, $50,000

Geary St., 611: L. Marquez to Balaci Properties LLC, $97,000

Green St., 1102: C. Frey to N. Campos, $270,000

Green St., 1612: G. Hoffner to A. Desrosiers, $247,500

Green St., 2127: Pietro Enterprises Inc. to D. Boyle, $78,000

Green St., 2316: Dolly Properties LLC to T. Zuzzio, $155,000

Herr St., 308: M. Woodring to RSB Real Estate LLC, $105,000

Holly St., 1806: Tassia Corp. to D. Boyle, $62,000

Holly St., 1847: E. Shadd to M. Martinez, $75,000

Holly St., 1922: Jhonleo Home Renovations LLC to C. Benedetto & C. McCorkel, $180,000

Hummel St., 335: U. Doub to Su Hogar LLC, $49,000

Jefferson St., 2223: T. Allan to R. & K. Engle, $65,000

Jefferson St., 2263: Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust HB7 to TKO Property Holdings LLC, $81,527

Kensington St., 2259: D. Griffy to Lansanah Home Services Group, $65,050

Kensington St., 2406: J. Zandieh to B. Thapaliya, $110,000

Lewis St., 319: K. Berry to Feudale Investments LLC, $82,500

Logan St., 1722: J. Edmondson to J. Ziobro, $227,000

Logan St., 2242: D. Boyle to R. & S. Pichardo, $52,000

Manada St., 1948: E. Miller to Paramount Sol LLC, $85,000

Manada St., 1949: I. Robinson to J. Irvin, $95,000

Market St., 1921: M. Gillespie to State West LLC, $125,000

May St., 918: M. Goldberg to Tommy Boy Holdings LLC, $56,452

Muench St., 212: C. Kim to J. & L. Wadley, $225,000

Muench St., 413: Castro Investment Group LLC to Sector 3 Properties, $145,200

Naudain St., 1638: T. Tolbert to M. Holston, $40,000

North St., 1941: A. Mohamed to D. Eberly, $72,500

N. 2nd St., 1715: A. & T. Stienstra to Golden Property Holdings LLC, $280,000

N. 2nd St., 1817: W. Livington & M. Magilton to J. & C. Armour, $182,500

N. 2nd St., 1909: S. Catanese to J. Becker, $240,000

N. 3rd St., 1810: A. Manning to O. & K. Troxell, $266,750

N. 3rd St., 3104: B. McClain to A. & K. Scott, $140,000

N. 3rd St., 3118: A. & F. Joppy to J. Cruz, $90,000

N. 4th St., 3014: Buonarrati Trust to Global Reach LLC, $110,000

N. 5th St., 2512: D&F Realty Holdings LP to L. Pimentel & A. Nunez, $68,000

N. 6th St., 3161: D&A Homes LLC to Y. Mota, $141,000

N. 14th St., 1313: Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust HB5 to P. Brisneo, $120,000

N. 14th St., 1319: M. Strawn to E. Trujillo, $60,000

N. 15th St., 1217: SF Rentals to PA Deals LLC, $130,000

N. 15th St., 1327: J. & S. Nolten to M. Griffin & K. Roberts, $69,000

N. 16th St., 1019: L. Bumbrey to A&K Investments Partnerships LLC, $70,000

N. 18th St., 16: S. Pichardo to E. Lopez, $55,000

N. 18th St., 67: D. Boyle to M. de los Santos & C. Bonilla, $62,500

N. 18th St., 812: Great Row LLC to A. Castro, $75,000

Oxford St., 627: B. & L. Nguyen to HD Financial Services LLC, $90,000

Peffer St., 321: V. Robinson to A&W Homes LLC, $100,000

Penn St., 2220: Inder Group Real Estate LLC to New Ventures Investments LLC, $98,100

Pine St., 115: Peleton Investments LLC to Din Investments LLC, $295,000

Reel St., 2406: C. Arango to Zephawk Investments LLC, $68,000

Regina St., 1608: Keystone Properties Solutions LLC to J. Suarez, $100,000

Regina St., 1820: F. Stabley to J. Lamb, $130,000

Revere St., 1620: S. Doeur to Your New Home Rental LLC & La Cultura LLC, $65,000

Schuylkill St., 540: Ideal Associates LLC to Y. Abdur Rahman, $42,000

Seneca St., 607: W. & D. Foutres to Julias Essentials Ltd., $71,000

S. 15th St., 443: J. Espaillat to B. Pasco, $125,000

S. 16th St., 520: L. Smith to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $45,000

S. 17th St., 320: Henderson & Sons LLC to E. Torres, $114,900

S. 17th St., 546: G. & Y. Garcia to S. Paniagua, $65,500

S. 18th St., 1309: A. Bouhach to J. Chanchonte & J. Patterson, $235,000

Susquehanna St., 1728: J. & D. Miller to S. & D. Williams, $170,000

Susquehanna St., 1841: SJL Rentals to J. Morales, $186,800

Swatara St., 1505: Tri County HDC Ltd. to Z. Hernandez, $119,000

Swatara St., 2048: JBNPA Properties LLC to K. Parker, $116,000

Taylor Blvd., 36: LMG Enterprises LLC to Biyaki Enterprises LLC, $90,000

Valley Rd., 205: K. Stewart to T. Kline, $225,000

Verbeke St., 256: J. Speakman to T. Brown, $230,000

Walnut St., 1810: VV Real Estate Developments LLC to Global Reach LLC, $55,350

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

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June Editor’s Note

May 31, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

There’s an old cliché that the motto for Harrisburg should be, “Two hours from major cities.”

Indeed, Harrisburg is extremely well located, so that description is accurate, if a bit cynical.

So, a few times a year, TheBurg is here to remind folks that there’s an awful lot to do in our area without needing to hit the highway for a couple of hours. Our current issue is one of those times.

Each June, we feature numerous stories focused on fun things to do in and around Harrisburg for the summertime. In these stories, we try to avoid the obvious (sorry, Hersheypark) and feature events and activities that may be more under the radar.

Over the years, we’ve run stories on everything from exhilarating hikes to niche museums to day trips galore. You’ll just have to flip through these pages to see what we have in store this time around.

I’d like to use the rest of my allotted space for a little shoptalk.

Recently, we local news types were stunned to learn that our area’s public media organization, WITF, soon will acquire LNP, a venerable Lancaster-based newspaper with roots dating back to Colonial times. LNP’s long-time owner, Steinman Communications, is gifting LNP and several other news outlets to WITF.

On behalf of TheBurg, I want to publicly congratulate both WITF and LNP. I look forward to the great things these top-notch news organizations will do together.

However, I also want our readers to understand that this deal is but the latest development in a rapidly changing local news scene. Unfortunately, most have not ended with as much promise as this one, as many newspapers have closed, while others have scaled back considerably.

Given this, TheBurg is profoundly grateful for the support of the greater Harrisburg community. Without you—our cherished advertisers, sponsors and Friends of TheBurg—we could not continue to report, write and publish. So, thank you everyone, from the bottom of this newsman’s ink-stained heart.

Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor

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

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Recital, Revival: Harrisburg church kicks off concert series, fundraiser for restoration of century-old organ

May 31, 2023 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Helen Anthony

Helen Anthony has played organs in many of the area’s churches, but, for her, none compares to the 1918 Moller pipe organ at Messiah Lutheran Church in Harrisburg.

“This is such a beautiful organ, and the acoustics at Messiah are so wonderful,” said Anthony, who serves as the church’s director of music and organist. “Whenever I lift my fingers off the keys, the sound reverberates for another three seconds.”

Carol Scott, the church’s former director of music and 20-year member, concurs. In fact, Scott, of Linglestown, is a chair of the Messiah Steering Committee that formed this year to raise funds for restoring the “magnificent” instrument.

On June 11, the committee will launch the first of a planned series of organ recital fundraisers at the landmark 1860 church located at N. 6th and Forster streets. The public is welcome to attend the 3 p.m. event featuring Anthony performing the works of classical composer, J.S. Bach.

An afternoon tea reception is scheduled in the church social hall immediately following the recital.

Messiah Lutheran Church, formerly known as the Second English Evangelical Lutheran Church, was founded in 1860 and currently has about 175 members. An initial church structure was dedicated on July 12, 1867, but due to a growing congregation, a new, two-story brick chapel, measuring 100-by-60 feet, was dedicated on April 13, 1890. Today’s congregation continues to meet in the same historic building.

Scott, a 20-year Messiah Lutheran member, said that she wants a greater swath of area locals to become aware of all that her church has to offer.

“We are a presence in downtown Harrisburg,” she said. “Thousands of cars pass our church every day, but nobody really knows the beauty of this building.”

The goal, besides raising money for the organ restoration, is to open their doors and show people the grandeur of the church, Scott said.

“We have beautiful stained glass windows and a magnificent organ,” she said.

Anthony also lauds an abundance of “hard surfaces” inside Messiah Lutheran’s vast sanctuary that contributes to a mighty reverberation of the church organ’s sound.

The historic organ has been evaluated by a professional and is estimated to cost around $300,000 to fully restore, according to Scott. However, raising the needed funds “may be a few years,” she admitted. This month’s recital is considered the first in a series of fundraiser concerts the church plans to run in the coming months.

In addition to the concerts, Messiah Lutheran offers sponsorship and donation opportunities for organ restoration in the following denominations: J.S. Bach, $1,500; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, $1,000; Ludwig Van Beethoven, $500; Frederic Chopin, $250; and Friends of Messiah, other amounts.

Since its installation 105 years ago, the instrument’s three keyboards and pedal keys were rebuilt in 1948 and restored in 1974, Anthony said.

“Fifteen years ago, we did major work on the organ’s console, including the keyboards and stops,” Scott noted.

Overall, the organ’s pipes, enclosed in two chambers, now require professional cleaning to remove accumulated dust and plaster as some pipes are no longer in operation. Altogether, the organ comprises three keyboards and 33 ranks. Each organ rank comprises pipes that make a same sound at different pitches.

Likewise, the instrument’s chamber enclosures need fresh paint, and leather pouches affected by water damage also need work.

During the upcoming restoration, Anthony said that she plans to use a “lovely baby grand Steinway” piano, also in the church sanctuary.

“It will sound very vibrant in there,” she said.

Music at Messiah holds its inaugural concert on June 11 at 3 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 901 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. Information and tickets are available at www.messiahhbg.org or by calling 717-652-6880.

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Long Ride: Under new ownership, Pedal Pusher marks 50 years of serving Harrisburg

May 31, 2023 | by Jeff Falk

In the dog-eat-dog world of local retail business, the weak are weeded out and only the strong survive.

So, it says something special that Pedal Pusher Bicycle Shop has been serving Harrisburg and surrounding communities for 50 years.

Over that time, the bike shop has stayed true to its traditional values, has served thousands of riding enthusiasts of all ages and interests, and has evolved right along with this very personal mode of transportation.

Ted Carskadon, a 54-year-old resident of Lower Paxton Township, has been Pedal Pusher’s proprietor and shopkeeper only since February. But he is neither new to the business nor the bicycle, experiences that give him an empathetic insight into the minds of customers.

“We try to stay cutting edge,” he said. “But we know we can’t be all things to all people. My biggest enjoyment comes from people being thankful we’re here. We see the delight when a customer makes a purchase. People can’t wait to ride the bicycle they just bought. It’s that joy.”

Jay Barnhart and James Hartman founded Pedal Pushers Bicycle Shop in 1973. Carskadon had worked in the store for about two years when he was approached with a business proposition.

“There was the prospect that Pedal Pushers was going to close,” said Carskadon. “One of the owners said to me, ‘We could talk about this.’ I wanted to see it continue because it’s been such a fixture in Harrisburg. Harrisburg needs a bike shop. I’m willing to take a chance because this place is worth it.”

Subculture

Gone are the days when bicycle shops were sprinkled in every downtown business district and suburban shopping mall. Today, two-wheelers often are purchased online, at mega superstores or at do-it-all sporting goods palaces.

But many come disassembled, and good luck when something breaks or a replacement part is needed.

“They know me, and I know them,” said Dick Norford, a local bicycle enthusiast and a loyal Pedal Pusher customer since 2004. “I’m confident they’ll do the work right, and if they don’t, they’ll make it right. I don’t want my bike out of service too long. It’s the kind of place I like to do business.”

Indeed, the local bicycling scene is like its own societal subculture. Everybody knows everybody else, and they share a craving for pedaling on the open road.

“I love the freedom of getting outside and using my power to move me,” Carskadon said. “I like that it’s exercise and that it keeps me healthy, physically and mentally. There’s a great feeling of accomplishment that comes from riding a bike. I like that you get to see things, smell the air, feel the sun.”

On any given day, Pedal Pushers displays about 100 bikes across its floor. Road bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes, kids’ bikes, adult bikes, a handful of used bikes that were trade-ins—all the makes and models, all the accessories.

Pedal Pusher’s bicycles range in price from around $150 all the way up to $3,000. Repairs and service generate 65% to 70% of the shop’s earnings, while the remainder is the result of sales, Carskadon said.

“We’re a pure bike shop, and there’s only one of us,” he said. “We have a lot of knowledge. It’s not about putting the almighty dollar first, and people see that. We try to treat everyone fairly, and we’re honest. I think that’s what kept us here so long.”

Norford agrees with that assessment.

“There’s a lot of people who do a lot of business there, and it’s because of the personal service,” he said. “It’s like your car. You can’t drive it forever. Things do break, and when they do, you have to take it to people who know how to fix it.”

New Phase

Carskadon is optimistic for the future of his sport and his shop.

He traces the long history of the bicycle from its early 20th-century frenzy to, over the following decades, a niche product for kids and enthusiasts. But he now believes that biking is entering a new phase.

“There’s this shift that’s taking place, a shift in the mentality,” he said. “Bicycles are definitely making a comeback, with the price of gas and the weather. Plus, a lot of people are working from home.”

Carskadon is more than happy to ride that wave, offering his experience and expertise to a new of generation of cyclists.

“I’ve been very fortunate to come across an opportunity to turn a love and passion into a business,” he said. “I know I’m not going to be the next millionaire. But I can go home every night knowing I helped people.”

Pedal Pusher Bicycle Shop is located at 3798 Walnut St., Harrisburg (Susquehanna Township). For more information, visit their Facebook page.

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Refresh & Recharge: History, shopping, art await nearby in Havre de Grace

May 31, 2023 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

The Concord Point Lighthouse dates back to 1827.

Folks of a certain age may recall when our local weatherman would point out the hottest spot in the region, which, more often than not, turned out to be Havre de Grace. He’d trace his finger along the map and say, “It’s located way down here.”

Why he always included Havre de Grace was a mystery to me then and still is now. Did he have ties to the town? Who knows? What I do know is that my curiosity led me to the area located about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Harrisburg in Harford County, Md., at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay.

Havre de Grace touts a total of eight museums, all of which feature aspects of an area rich in history. If museums aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other places to while away the time. The relatively short drive leads to a quiet town where boutique shops and restaurants line the streets and elegant bed and breakfasts beckon.

Lafayette Trail

A good way to see a nice sampling of what Havre de Grace has to offer is to take a self-guided tour of the Lafayette Trail, which can be accessed at the Visitors Center on Pennington Avenue.

One of the first stops along the trail is the Lock House Museum, where visitors can learn about the importance of canals in facilitating early trade and commerce. The two-story structure overlooking the Susquehanna was built in 1840 and was home to the lock tender and his family. Guests of the museum will learn about the “locks” that were devised to raise and lower canal boats to adjust for the difference in elevation as they passed through the channels.

Along the trail, one of the most popular landmarks is the Concord Point Lighthouse, which looms large as a backdrop in many a selfie. It is known as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the country and was once slated for demolition before a concerned citizens group banded together to save it. Guests can learn more about the lighthouse at the nearby museum, which dates back to 1827.

Along those same lines is the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the region’s nautical heritage. An exhibit was recently installed in the 10,000-square-foot, three-story building that tells the story of the Underground Railroad in the area.

Quirky Shops

Shoppers who visit the area have plenty of places to window shop, purchase souvenirs or buy that unique gift for someone who has everything. Two unique examples are JoRetro and Washington Street Books & Music, both located on Washington Street.

JoRetro transports customers into the wayback machine to a time when Pyrex was popular. Quite a bit of shelf space is dedicated to the kitchenware. Vintage vinyl, clothing, gifts and jewelry are among the other items that customers can purchase at the quirky, fun shop.

Washington Street Books serves as both a retail shop and a museum. During a recent visit, ABBA blared on the sound system while 20-somethings browsed comic books that lined a wall. Items for sale include crystals, toys, minerals and other curiosities, surrounded by dozens of floor-to-ceiling display cases containing costumes worn by stars in movies. The owner rotates out 250 movie costumes from 75 different movies. When I visited, the display featured costumes from “Hunger Games” and “Respect,” including a gown decorated in hundreds of Swarovski crystals and worn by Jennifer Hudson.

For those who enjoy browsing decor that may have decorated our grandmothers’ houses, there’s the sprawling Seneca Cannery Antiques, where dozens of vendors sell items that have long been forgotten.

After a day of shopping, consider winding down by taking a leisurely walk along the Promenade, a lovely boardwalk that provides a beautiful view of the Susquehanna, where waterfowl frolic and boats traverse the bay. Just off the Promenade, a century-old fieldstone building offers visual interest. Al Capone was said to have stayed there, but the Depression forced the hotel out of business. Today, the structure is home to luxury condominiums.

Beautiful B&Bs

The Vandiver Inn, located on Union Avenue, is home to many “I do’s,” and rightly so. The mansion dates back to 1886 and is named after Murray Vandiver, who served as secretary and treasurer of Maryland and as the mayor of Havre de Grace. Vandiver built the large Victorian “cottage” as a present for his wife.

A short walk away is the Spencer Silver Mansion, built in 1896 and purchased in 1917 by Charles Bartol Silver, a local canning magnate who made it his home, along with his wife, “Fannie” Hopkins Silver. Silver was part owner of the firm Silver, Spencer & Co., reputed to be the largest salt fish packer in the East.

Art & History

On Market Street, an ambitious project is underway called Harmer’s Town Art Center, named after the original settlement at Havre de Grace.

Currently, construction is apace for a 34,000-square-foot indoor facility that soon will debut as a creativity incubator, an art center and an economic driver. The public soon will be able to able to watch artists as they work, much like the Millworks here in Harrisburg.

Located outside of the center will be the Graw Alley Interactive Art Park containing sculptures, outdoor seating and signage, leading visitors on a tour of Havre de Grace history as told through murals and public art installations. Harmer’s Town Art Center is slated to open this summer.

These are just a few highlights of beautiful, quaint and charming Havre de Grace—an area that is ideal for a laidback getaway to refresh and recharge.

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River Rhapsody: Mansion Concert series brings intimate, acoustic musical performances to Harrisburg

May 31, 2023 | by Rachel Curry

A packed house listens to Steve Baughman and Robin Bullock at a past concert.

Since 2017, Tim Alexander has dedicated his spare time to organizing a series of acoustic musical performances at the Manor on Front, all to bring the house concert culture to Harrisburg.

Alexander, together with his wife Polly, created what he calls a “listening room experience,” which they have dubbed the Mansion Concerts—a play on house concerts, as the events take place inside a historic Front Street mansion.

In the time before sold-out arenas and Ticketmaster resales, people often experienced musical performance in homes and backyards. From Mozart’s house concerts in the 18th century to Harlem buffet flats in the 1930s, the genres and audiences varied, but the intimacy of the setting meant there were no bad seats to be had.

Now, at the Mansion Concert series, which takes place at the Manor on Front’s glass-shrouded River Room, an artist could drop a pick and “somebody might pick it up and hand it to them, they’re that close to the audience,” Alexander said.

Alexander plays guitar and has participated in numerous instructional events, including at the Swannanoa Gathering in North Carolina, where many of the guitar players who have been invited to the Mansion Concerts are instructors.

The Alexanders’ Harrisburg events, which operate under a nonprofit structure, donate all ticket sales, outside of sale platform fees, straight to the artist. The River Room fits 85 people, allowing them to attract artists without sacrificing the intimacy that house concerts are known for.

“At the end of the show, I am shameless in asking my guests to buy a CD,” Alexander said. “Musicians just are not making any money on the streaming of music.”

Mark Bennington, who owns the Manor on Front with his wife Sheri, touts the quality of the acoustics and lighting in the River Room, which contributes to a warm and cozy event space.

“The Mansion Concert series has brought a new level of sophistication to the Harrisburg music scene,” Bennington said.

On the List

Alexander organizes Mansion Concerts on top of his nonprofit day job, so the exclusive shows run only about once every other month.

However, due to the series’ popularity, the schedule is already packed through 2024, with upcoming shows featuring artists like symphonic acoustic guitarist Christie Lenée on Aug. 26, singer-songwriter-poet Johnsmith on Oct. 7, and international acoustic guitarist Peppino D’Agostino on Dec. 10.

In true house concert fashion, Mansion Concert tickets are invite-only, but you just need to sign up for emails on the organization’s website to get on the list.

On a typical show evening, doors open at 6 p.m. while the artist mills around, getting their equipment set up and sound checking. By 7 p.m., the lights go down for two sets, separated by a brief intermission. It’s not a late evening—music is usually finished by 9:30 p.m.—but it can go later if the artist wants to hang around and chat with the audience.

Some folks bring a bottle of wine and charcuterie for afterwards, and Polly’s homemade chocolate chip cookies are always a big hit.

“The music is important, but Polly’s chocolate chip cookies are far more important,” Alexander said.

The Manor on Front typically sells out all of its rooms on show nights, he added. This includes 11 sleeping suites across the two mansions, each with its own private bathroom and a hot breakfast in the morning. At breakfast time, the venue is known for its sourdough French toast.

“Our sourdough bread is made from scratch by Sheri’s 80-year-old mother, Dee Smith, who lives just across the river in Camp Hill,” Bennington said.

Of course, the artist gets to stay overnight and for breakfast, courtesy of Alexander and his team.

“For the whole time you’re in Harrisburg, you have no obligations,” he said. “We’ve got you covered.”

Mansion Concerts are as close-knit as it gets, proving that they take the house concert standard to heart. For people who appreciate acoustic music, it’s an ideal setting, as well as a nice way to cultivate community with likeminded people.

“Some of our best friends now are folks we’ve met through the concerts,” Alexander said.

Mansion Concerts take place at the Manor on Front, 2917 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.mansionconcert.com. Learn more about the venue at www.themanoronfront.com.

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Jovial June: Starting off a summer to remember

May 31, 2023 | by Belle Frank

It’s six months into the year, and Harrisburg has welcomed so many spectacular artists to the area. Likewise, this summer is going to be filled with classics and newcomers of all different genres. I think I’ve been to at least five concerts this year so far, and I’m not planning to stop any time soon. There is just something energizing about seeing artists in person. Listening to live music is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Milky Chance, 6/12, XL Live (Harrisburg University Presents)

Milky Chance’s origin is any kid’s dream—two friends from high school making amazing music together. Clemens Rehbein and Philip Dausch formed the group in 2012 and now are joined by Antonio Greger and Sebastian Schmidt. Originating from Germany, they are classified under a few genres, such as reggae, alternative rock, indie and electronic. In 2014, the band played its first show in the United States at the Bowery Ballroom, releasing their music in the U.S. market. Milky Chance’s specific sound aesthetic can be picked out of a crowd, which is why they were added to the music app, Shazam, “Hall of Fame” in 2015. The group’s sound has been described as a cross between the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bob Marley. This is definitely a band I don’t want to miss. I’ve been following them since their U.S. debut.

Best of the Eagles, 6/17, H*MAC

For some music fans, a “tribute band” may sound like dirty words, conjuring thoughts of second-rate musicians in dingy basement bars. News alert—today, many tribute bands are magnificently talented, not trying to imitate the object of their affection as much as honor their music, their legacy and their devoted fan base. Enter Best of the Eagles, which authentically re-creates the sound and spirit of the beloved 1970s and ‘80s rock band without attempting to impersonate them. These six middle-aged musicians all had long careers in numerous regional and touring bands before joining forces to share the legendary music of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and the rest of the fractious, oft-changing gang. How about spending an evening singing along with such hits as “Take It Easy,” “One of These Nights” and “Hotel California?” Yes, please.

Lovelytheband, 6/27, XL Live (Harrisburg University Presents)

Friends Mitchy Collins, Jordan Greenwald and Sam Price started Lovelytheband in California in 2016. Their first single, “Broken,” hit the Billboard charts in 2017 and stayed on top for seven straight weeks. The group formed in Los Angeles, which perfectly captures their west coast sound. They are definitely modern pop artists, but their release, “Heartbreak of America,” combines traditional pop music with social commentary. Their music is reminiscent of the late 2010s style of pop music that reminds me of college. I think anyone in high school or college around that time has a memory with their friends of the song, “Sail Away,” playing on the radio in the car or in the background somewhere. It will be a great band to see to relive those years of my life.

Mentionables

The Record Company, XL Live, June 2
Bridge City Sinners, June 2, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
Puddle of Mud, June 3, XL Live
Maroon 5, June 9, Hersheypark Stadium
The Swemo Experience, June 10, H*MAC
Corinna Joy, June 24, Spring Gate Vineyard
Diana Ross, June 27, Hershey Theatre

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Collected History: Art and activism connect Mississippi to Harrisburg

May 31, 2023 | by Alex J. Hayes

Tougaloo College Alumni, Barbara A. Thompson and Sterling S. Thompson, Ph.D. Photo by Eliseo Rosario Jr. MD with Craftsman Photographer, Ruben Mills of Ruben Mills Photography. Illustration by E Catlett, “Danys y Liethis,” 2005

A Harrisburg area couple’s life as civil rights activists in the deep South more than 50 years ago serendipitously connects to a city museum’s upcoming exhibit.

Barbara Garrett Thompson arrived in Jackson, Miss., to attend Tougaloo College in 1963 with years of experience in social activism. The Birmingham, Ala., native knew nothing but segregation. She marched in the now-famous Children’s Crusade, during which fire hoses and angry dogs were unleashed on Blacks seeking equal rights.

Tougaloo College was different.

“It was open, embracing and fun,” Barbara recalled. “You were in an environment where people were studious and wanted to learn.”

The faculty was about 50% white and included Jewish and Polish professors who experienced discrimination on other college campuses.

“It wasn’t that they just came to the college. They circled the world to go away from danger,” she said. “They brought a certain kind of sensibility and understandability about what the community was experiencing.”

She quickly met Sterling S. Thompson. The Memphis native watched the civil unrest in Mississippi from afar during high school and doubted Tougaloo was right for him.

“I just thought Mississippi was a terrible place,” Sterling said.

Despite his apprehensions, a scholarship convinced Sterling to enroll. When civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in April 1968, the choir that Sterling sang in had been practicing their repertoire for weeks. The conductor changed course to a requiem Mass only two weeks before the performance. Sterling and other choir members were not sure they could deliver a performance that would properly honor the legend, but their conductor struck the right note.

“The chapel was full, people came from everywhere,” Sterling said. “To me, that was the moment I realized it was a great place to be.”

Tougaloo gave students the opportunity to hear activists such as Robert F. Kennedy, Stokely Carmichael and H. Rap Brown speak without fear of police interference.

“It was an experience you couldn’t really buy,” Barbara said.

Strong Ties

Barbara and Sterling graduated, married and moved to Michigan. They relocated to Swatara Township in 1985 when Sterling accepted a position with The Hershey Company as a fellow for global food safety and innovation. Barbara worked for Penn State Harrisburg as director of multicultural recruitment and community affairs.

Their ties to Tougaloo remained strong. They visited often and were each named “Alumnus of the Year.” When Susquehanna Art Museum board member Terrie S. Rouse-Rosario started asking around the Harrisburg area about people who may be connected to Tougaloo in preparation for an upcoming exhibit, “Art and Activism at Tougaloo College,” the Thompsons’ names came up.

David C. Driskell, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” 1972

The exhibit, which opens on June 10, features pieces that the college has collected over the years, beginning when the Thompsons were students in 1963. Activist Medgar Evers held meetings at the school, and, in May 1963, an integrated group of students and faculty participated in the sit-in at Woolworth’s in downtown Jackson. Faculty and students decided that art was a powerful way to tell the story of injustice. The collection grew over the years, and pieces of it are now lent to galleries such as the Susquehanna Art Museum.

Rouse-Rosario and museum Executive Director Alice Anne Schwab met the Thompsons to discuss the exhibit and how it relates to their time at Tougaloo. They knew there was a connection, but never imagined how strong. Rouse-Rosario handed the Sterlings a brochure that featured a group of students walking across campus.

“I said ‘That’s me,’” Barbara recalled, noticing a young woman on the far left side of the group.

Sterling piped up, “I remember that dress. You made it!”

The exhibit is organized into three sections.

“The Focus and Magnet” surveys the earliest works acquired by Tougaloo, including prints by canonical European modernists such as Pablo Picasso, along with artists of the New York School like Hedda Sterne.

“Toward a Modern World” highlights the relationship between modernist aesthetics and the ideals of social reform, with works by artists such as Robert Motherwell and Fritz Bultman.

As the Black Power movement expanded in the late 1960s and ‘70s, Tougaloo students and faculty argued that the collection should better reflect the Black experience. “A New Vision” details the college’s response to this charge, presenting works by African American artists who engaged with social issues, including Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, David C. Driskell and Elizabeth Catlett.

For Everyone

More than 50 years have passed since the Thompsons earned their Tougaloo diplomas, but the pieces inspired by activists such as themselves are still relevant.

“Let’s not forget, I am not reading this in a history book,” Barbara said. “I lived this experience. It wasn’t so long ago. We are still dealing with some of these same issues.”

The Tougaloo pieces expose humanity, Barbara said.

“You can experience what was happening,” she said.

Sterling is amazed by Tougaloo Professor Ronald Schnell’s vision to start the collection as an arm of the college’s social justice efforts.

“I don’t think he knew how far his idea would go beyond Tougaloo,” Sterling said. “Just the fact he had the idea and someone forced it to grow, and the fact 35 pieces are coming to Harrisburg, is inspiring.”

Rouse-Rosario and Schwab emphasized that “Art and Activism at Tougaloo College” is an exhibit for everyone, not just those who experienced racism. They believe anyone can learn from the struggles the pieces portray.

“It’s so far-sighted,” Schwab said.

The museum is working to expand its reach in the Harrisburg community. Museum leaders encourage groups consisting of art lovers of all ages to view the pieces and participate in other programs that the organization offers.

“Art and Activism at Tougaloo College” runs June 10 to Sept. 10 at the Susquehanna Art Museum, 1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.susquehannaartmuseum.org.

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Coffee & Community: Nour is brewing a new status quo

May 31, 2023 | by Rachel Curry

Abigail Krevsky

When Demi Keller isn’t tracking what’s going on in the NFL or dreaming of starting her own business, she works as a barista at Nour, one of her two part-time jobs.

According to a sign above the front door, Nour is a cafe “where everyone’s light shines brighter.” It’s a place that celebrates diversity and creates space for all. That’s in addition to its high-quality bakery treats, healthy lunches and a full range of coffee and tea beverages that keep people coming back.

“I was shocked Kait wanted to do this,” said Keller, referring to the cafe’s owner and founder, Kait Gillis-Hanna.

However, as Gillis-Hanna said during a speech at the cafe’s grand opening event in late March, “There are people of all abilities who are ready, willing and able to work with us.”

Aaliyah and Nour

Gillis-Hanna named the cafe after her daughter, Nour, who has Down’s syndrome. With other models of disability-focused cafés across the country, Gillis-Hanna got to work—but made the Camp Hill-based café all her own. With the closest independent coffee shop located a couple of miles away, Nour also fills a gap in the community.

What makes Nour different? It’s not just the focus on disability empowerment, but the integrated workforce that, to Gillis-Hanna, is “a more realistic example of what life is.”

Then there are the products that come straight from the community, including baked goods from Mysig and coffee from Colina Coffee, the latter of which puts 10% of profits into its mission to help beautify Allison Hill. Gillis-Hanna also works as executive director for Brethren Housing Association in Allison Hill, so that area is close to her heart.

“I never wanted Nour to be kitschy. I don’t want people to come and be like, ‘I’m here to see the people with disabilities,’” Gillis-Hanna said. “I wanted it to be a place where people think—‘they have the best food and coffee in the area, and they’re also benefiting our world in this way.’”

Reading the Room

According to customer Garek Strouse, that’s exactly what Nour is.

While Strouse admits that the concept of Nour is something he’s never seen before, he believes that it’s pretty cool to have in the community. Strouse’s son, Rowen, befriended Nour herself during the bustling grand opening, which was a repeat visit for the father-son duo.

Beyond food and drinks, Gillis-Hanna is working on enhancing the community-building aspect of Nour. This is a big part of the mission because a lot of people with disabilities have trouble connecting with others once high school ends.

“The opportunities to engage with friends really start to dwindle,” she said.

Her hope is to incorporate bingo nights, movie nights, cooking classes and other activities with the intent of creating a fun, after-hours space for people of all abilities to interact and participate. While Nour is a for-profit organization, these activities will be part of a nonprofit corner of the company.

While these activities gain momentum, Nour employees are already making the fun happen. You may find karaoke going on in the café, with the staff singing when the customers are not on work calls or in remote meetings.

“They’re reading the room and getting out there and singing, which is super fun because they’re all really passionate about it,” Gillis-Hanna said.

Even those who aren’t into coffee won’t be left out. Nour is introducing another product line, a plant-based energy drink called Lotus, perfect for those who want an energizing alternative.

Perhaps the most noteworthy part of Nour’s journey so far is, as Gillis-Hanna put it, “the overwhelming quantity of applicants that we have received in a time when most employers are having challenges hiring.”

For her, this says something about the power of inclusion.

“People want to be in a space that is loving and accepting and empowering,” she said, and that includes competitive pay, a focus on mental and physical health, flexibility and managerial support.

Ultimately, while the café’s sleek design and varied menu are foundational, it’s Gillis-Hanna, her family and her employees who make Nour what it is.

“I don’t think I make a day with a dry eye of seeing the different families come in and talk about the impact that even just having this in the community is having on them,” she said.

Nour is located at 101 St. Johns Church Rd., Camp Hill. For more information, visit www.nourcoffee.com.

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