Throw Your Cares Away: Local artist Robin Wheeler shares her joy of pottery

September 29, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

Robin Wheeler

In the summer of 2012, Robin Wheeler returned to school as an adult, attending HACC to complete her associate’s degree in small business management.

In her schedule, she included a ceramics class, something she had never tried, but decided to toss in, just for fun. Quickly, the elective course became a passion.

Wheeler took every pottery class offered at HACC until she graduated in 2018. In some of her classes, she displayed her work and gave pottery wheel demonstrations at craft shows. Sometimes, people approached her and asked her to teach them the art.

“That started the thought process of not just being a potter and making my wares, but teaching other people how to use the pottery wheel and the other things I had been learning,” Wheeler said.

After finishing at HACC and, with the rise of COVID-19 in 2020, Wheeler searched for a reason to keep making pottery. That’s when the opportunity arose to start her own business.

Wheeler opened her studio, Wheel of Light, in Halifax in October 2021. The building has rooms that offer a variety of classes for adults and children, like painting, wood burning, jewelry making, weaving, masonry and more. There is a designated studio with wheels and kilns for pottery classes. Additionally, a gallery spotlights the work of different local artists each month, and a consignment shop features the work of 30 different artists.

Wheeler teaches many of the classes within her expertise, with help from some of her former HACC classmates who teach other courses. Many Wheel of Light teachers, vendors and class members have come to the studio through word of mouth and meeting at craft shows.

Wheeler said that opening the studio as a place for people to freely make art was important to her, as she’s seen spaces like these “shrivel up” as some schools get rid of their art programs.

“If the school is not going to offer it, someone has to,” Wheeler said. “And that’s where I come in.”

Wheel of Light’s location in Halifax was carefully chosen.

“Sometimes, I think I should’ve put it near Harrisburg because there are more people there,” Wheeler said. “But I really felt like I needed to open it here. When we opened, I had community members thank me for opening it here. I had one woman look at me and say, ‘We deserve nice things.’”

Beth Hogan and Tammy Rumbaugh, two of Wheeler’s pottery students, have enjoyed their time at Wheel of Light.

“Robin is very patient. She knows what she’s doing, and her demonstrations are very good,” Hogan said. “She’s always very positive and creates a good space.”

Rumbaugh always wanted to learn to make pottery and finally had the chance to do so this year. As a counselor, she finds many similarities between the art of pottery and what she tells her clients.

“You have to be very, very mindful,” Rumbaugh said. “It is definitely a soul journey.”

Besides the classes, Wheel of Light offers studio memberships to anyone who wants to perfect their skills on their own time. Each member gets a locker and unlimited access to all equipment in the studio.

As for Wheeler’s goals, she hopes her students learn not only about the art, but about themselves.

“I hope they find their creativity. I hope they grow their creativity,” Wheeler said. “I hope they find some freedom or some comfort in the process of making whatever it is they make.”

Wheel of Light is located at 3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax. They will hold an open house on Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information and a class schedule can be found at www.shop.wheeloflightstudio.com or on their Facebook page.

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Taking Turns: After retirement, Robert Gaynes carved out a new purpose in life

September 29, 2022 | by Alex J. Hayes

Ninety-two-year-old Robert Gaynes escapes to his garage almost daily, carving new life into dead trees while re-energizing himself.

The former salesman has been turning discarded wood into bowls, vases and candleholders since he retired more than 30 years ago.

Turning provides Gaynes with instant gratification, allowing him to transform a piece of rough wood into a beautiful bowl in about two hours. He believes it can also be a stress reliever but quickly adds that he does not have much stress in retirement.

“I am addicted to it, I really am,” Gaynes said. “I just love it.”

Turning is an ancient art form. Every piece begins as a log mounted to a lathe. Gaynes, like most turners today, uses an electricity-powered lathe, but turners in the 1600s used foot-powered lathes controlled by a large wheel and twine. Human-powered lathes faded away during the Industrial Revolution to make way for water- and gas-powered machines.

Gaynes dons a smock and safety glasses as he carefully uses a bevel to smooth edges and create shapes as the wood rapidly spins in circles. Once a piece is complete, he applies a lacquer finish to make it shine. Occasionally, the wood breaks, and a piece gets tossed into the scrap pile.

Hundreds of bowls sit on tables, counters and bookshelves in every room of Gaynes’ home in his Colonial Park neighborhood.

“The question is, when does a hobby stop becoming a hobby and become an obsession?” quipped Gail, Gaynes’ wife of 55 years.

She supports his craft but is always quick to give pieces to visiting family members.

“This is the first time I have seen our dining room table in a while,” she said after hosting guests recently. “It is usually covered in bowls.”

Gaynes started turning about 30 years ago when he retired from full-time work. He wanted to stay active but was not interested in typical retirement hobbies like cards and golf. He spotted a lathe in the window of a Sears store while shopping with his father. He purchased it and started a woodshop in his basement.

“The learning curve was terrible,” Gaynes said.

He was determined to excel, so traveled to Utah and Vermont to learn from masters of the craft.

Armed with knowledge, Gaynes’ new hobby took off. He eventually moved his lathe and tools into his garage and turned his basement into a showroom. He encourages all new turners to take lessons and not waste time trying to learn on their own.

“It has been a constant learning process,” he said.

Each type of wood has its own challenges, depending on type and dryness. Gaynes’ pieces are made from walnut, mulberry, sassafras, cherry and what Gaynes jokingly describes as, “I-don’t-know” wood. He has also tried his hand at cabinetmaking, a slow and meticulous process.

Gaynes rarely sells his pieces but often donates them to fundraisers. His biggest donation, much to Gail’s delight, is in the works.

Gaynes plans to give his entire collection of hundreds of pieces to the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg. The federation is opening the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life in Uptown Harrisburg. The six-acre, six-building campus will include a pool, fitness center, senior services, an educational facility, social services and community programs.

Gaynes’ work will be displayed and sold on the campus, with proceeds benefiting the center as well as other nonprofit organizations important to him, such as the United Way and Susquehanna Service Dogs.

Marty Rogoff, Jewish Federation vice chair, recently visited Gaynes’ home and is excited how the sale will boost fundraising efforts. Details are still being finalized, but a spring 2023 date is possible.

“Bob’s work is incredibly beautiful, and the thought that he would be willing to donate proceeds of the bowls to us and other charitable organizations is amazing and heartwarming,” Rogoff said.

To learn more about the art of woodturning, visit the American Association of Woodturners at www.woodturner.org.

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Ode to October: The weather cools, but tunes are still hot

September 29, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

Prior to writing this column, I expected summertime’s torrid pace of area concerts to slow this month, given that the weather is starting to cool down. I was shocked to see that Harrisburg University Presents stocked this month with so many concerts—even more than in the summer months.

Although this month’s concerts are held inside and in smaller venues, they are just as good as their outdoor predecessors. Here are some shows I don’t think you’ll want to miss.

James Hunter Six, 10/1, 8 p.m., XL Live

James Hunter is a blues/R&B singer from England. He has sung backup for Van Morrison and opened for artists like Willie Nelson, Tom Petty and Aretha Franklin before starting his own group, the James Hunter Six. The group’s music reminds me of the ‘60s, while still feeling modern. Songs like “Whatever It Takes” and “I Can Change Your Mind” sound as if they should be played on a jukebox. His songs, “I Don’t Wanna Be Without You” and “(Baby) Hold On,” seem like they were written to be performed live.

Barns Courtney, 10/14, 8 p.m., XL Live

Barns Courtney sounds a bit like if Fall Out Boy were one guy instead of a whole band. His indie rock/alternative/folk sound is destined to please fans of pop punk, as well. The vocals on songs like “Glitter and Gold” and “Sinners” are clear and passionate. I can only imagine how good he will sound when performing live.

Engelbert Humperdinck, 10/15, 7:30 p.m., American Music Theatre

All these years later, and he’s still got it. Engelbert Humperdinck brings his iconic ballads to Lancaster this month. From hits like “A Man Without Love” and “Quando, Quando, Quando” to covers like “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You,” the legendary singer will please all comers, regardless of age. After 50 years in show business and countless hits, Engelbert Humperdinck is sure to belt out at least one song you can sing along to.

Mentionables

Clinton Kane, Oct. 13, XL Live

The Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash, Oct. 16, American Music Theatre

The Dead Boys, Oct. 20, H*MAC

Kilmaine Saints, Oct. 22, H*MAC

Accept, Oct. 27, XL Live

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For the Love of a Hound: Gulliver’s Run honors a beloved dog—and benefits canine cancer research

September 29, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

Left: John Heycock and dogs, Duncan and Gulliver.

The perfect dog, according to John Heycock, is a Hungarian Vizsla.

“I love all dogs, but I’ve had Vizslas since 1969,” Heycock said. “They’re just a very sensitive dog, family-oriented, and they love to run.”

Every Vizsla that’s been part of Heycock’s family has been special, but there’s one dog whose story—and spirit—has inspired hundreds, if not thousands of people. He was a dog named Gulliver.

“Gulliver was diagnosed with canine lymphoma in 2011 after I found a lump on his neck, and I was absolutely shocked,” Heycock said.

Innovative clinical trials for canine cancer treatments at the University of Pennsylvania gave Gulliver one more year with his family.

“He was in good spirits the entire time, and he still wanted to run. So, we continued to run together, just about every day,” said Heycock, 69, of York Haven.

And running, Gulliver by his side, gave Heycock an idea.

“The thing about cancer—whether it’s with people or our pets—it kind of makes you feel powerless,” he said. “But I knew when he was gone, we were going to have to do something—not just to honor his memory, but to fight back against this disease. So, we decided we were going to have a trail run at Gifford Pinchot State Park, which is where we ran.”

Gulliver passed away on Nov. 5, 2012. On that date—or as close to it as possible—every year thereafter, Gulliver’s Run inspires hundreds of runners and walkers to gather and rally around the disease that took his life. The participants—a mix of humans and hounds—fill the park’s trails and picnic area with activity and a festival-like atmosphere. Last year, 22 vendors participated, including dog rescues and food trucks, even one with baked doggy treats.

“People are united in celebrating the bond that has existed between dogs and humans for at least 15,000 years,” said Heycock, describing the event atmosphere.

Following the race, there’s an awards ceremony—not just for the quickest two-legged runners, but for those running alongside the fleetest four-legged companions. Amid the fun—and furry friends—there are stories.

That’s because the event doesn’t just attract dog lovers. It draws many people who, like Heycock, personally feel the impact of canine cancer statistics. About 6 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer annually in the United States.

Honoring Hobie

“Every year, I hear people’s stories about their dogs fighting canine cancer,” Heycock said. “So, we created the ‘Hobie Award,’ which goes out to a family that’s had an experience in the battle against canine cancer, in the spirit of Gulliver.”

Hobie was a black Lab mix that participated in the very first Gulliver’s Run with owner Annie Flaud of Lititz.

“We actually saw the first [warning] signs on the morning of the race, when he didn’t eat breakfast, but he ran the race with no problems,” Flaud said. “Two weeks after the race, he was diagnosed with lymphoma—stage four—and he passed away in September of the following year.”

At the second annual Gulliver’s Run, Flaud received the very first Hobie Award—and much more.

“It’s funny how things come into your life when you need them,” Flaud said. “The timing of the event—it was actually comforting.”

Flaud has co-presented the Hobie Award with Heycock ever since.

“Whether it’s canine cancer or cancer among humans, it’s never easy—it’s heartbreaking—but there is hope and support out there, as we continue to tell our stories and as research is ongoing,” Flaud said. “Gulliver’s Run has a special place in my heart.”

Track Record

While Gulliver’s Run has created a community for those who lost dogs to canine cancer in central Pennsylvania, the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, it’s also approaching a major charitable milestone. Gulliver’s Run, as a nonprofit organization, has amassed a financial impact of $90,000 over nine years, and that total is expected to top the $100,000 mark at the 10th annual event this November.

Race entry fees and donations, described by Heycock as “sacred money,” hail from “everyday people” and area small businesses, including veterinary practices, all in the battle against canine cancer.

Over the years, the Heycocks—John and his wife Lisa—have donated race proceeds to various charities, including the National Canine Cancer Association and a Philadelphia-area vet hospital hosting canine cancer trials.

The current recipient, the nonprofit Animal Cancer Foundation, is embarking on an innovative canine cancer genome project. Its goal is to map the seven most common canine cancer tumor genomes and make the information public, available to all veterinary and cancer researchers.

Winning the Battle

Over the past five years, Heycock has waged his own battle with cancer—and developed an even deeper appreciation for man’s best friends in the process.

“In May of 2017, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. A month later, I had Lyme disease, and I was diagnosed with CLL [a cancer of the blood and bone marrow known as chronic lymphocytic leukemia],” he said. “I’m surviving two kinds of cancer, and, quite honestly, I think being active with my dogs has helped keep CLL at bay.”

It appears that Heycock, who retired after devoting 42 years to a career in the mental health field—mostly as a therapist who helped others navigate their struggles—has discovered a new, yet similar, calling in life.

“It’s very humbling to think about Gulliver’s Run,” he said. “It makes us very proud to think basically my wife and I have done this with the support of people who believe in what we’re doing, not just to honor Gulliver, but for all the dogs battling cancer and all the families.”

The 10th annual Gulliver’s Run is scheduled for Nov. 6. For more information, visit gulliversrun.org.

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Art Imitates Life: Current events make “Call Jane” especially relevant

September 29, 2022 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photo by Wilson Webb. Courtesy of Roadside Attractions.

Phyllis Nagy’s “Call Jane” is fatefully relevant, and almost painfully so. Not because the film is bad… but more because the timing is either terrible or brilliant, and I can’t decide which.

Joy (Elizabeth Banks) is having another baby. She and her husband, Will (Chris Messina), and teenage daughter, Charlotte (Grace Edwards), couldn’t be happier about this, although Joy’s dizzy spells seem to be a distant concern—until she faints and they discover the problem is much more serious. The doctor tells her that her pregnancy is affecting her health, and she has a 50% chance of surviving labor. The best solution to this problem, he says, is to not be pregnant. But, unfortunately, the board at the hospital will not let her have an emergency abortion.

So, Joy decides to take matters into her own hands. She tries to convince doctors to help her, and even the receptionist suggests taking a tumble down some stairs. But, finally, Joy discovers a flier on the street that says, “Pregnant? Anxious? Get help! Call Jane.” And she does.

And so we are introduced to the Jane Collective, the real-life organization that existed from 1969 to 1973, until Roe v. Wade made their services unnecessary. Jane is an underground organization of women who help others get abortions. And Joy’s journey throughout the film is a rough estimate of what the actual Jane Collective did. The story is fascinating, and there are already countless films about it—documentary and dramatized. So what makes “Call Jane” stand out? It certainly has more big names, with Elizabeth Banks and Sigourney Weaver heading the bill. But a star-studded cast isn’t the driving factor, somehow, in a film like this.

There aren’t too many twists and turns in the story of the Jane Collective. The women manage to do exactly what they set out to do. But here’s the strange thing about this film: since its premiere at Sundance in January, the context has completely changed. In the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, one has to wonder what the cinematic experience would have been like without the resulting dread of this development as context.

Honestly, it probably would have faded into the background more than it does now. The end of the film almost feels too on the nose, with everyone clapping for a victory made, but then how else would a film about the Jane Collective end? With today’s context, however, the ending feels much more emotional, with a sad twist of irony. And that was just the complexity a film like this needed.

“Call Jane” is worth the watch, and maybe it will do some good in putting our own times into context. The film will play this October at Midtown Cinema.

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

October Events At Midtown Cinema

Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m.

Down in Front Presents
“A Night to Dismember”
Friday, Oct. 14, 9:30 p.m.(ish)

National Theatre Live
“Frankenstein”
Sunday, Oct. 16, 5 p.m.

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Friday, Oct. 21, 9:30 p.m.

Vidjam of Horror
Sunday, Oct. 23

Moviate Presents
Sunday, Oct. 30

Special Halloween Screenings

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
Friday, Oct. 7, 9:30 p.m.

“Friday the 13th” (1980)
Saturday, Oct. 8, 9:30 p.m.

“Halloween” (1979)
Sunday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.

“Psycho”
Saturday, Oct. 15, 1 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

“Evil Dead” Triple Feature
Sunday, Oct. 16

“The Evil Dead,” 3 p.m.
“Evil Dead II,” 5:15 p.m.
“Army of Darkness,” 7:30 p.m.

“Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m.

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
Saturday, Oct. 22, 9:30 p.m.

“Halloween” (1979)
Sunday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m.

“Friday the 13th” (1980)
Friday, Oct. 28, 9:30 p.m.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)
Saturday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

“Scream” Marathon
All five “Scream” films
Sunday, Oct. 30, beginning at 12 p.m.

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
Monday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m.

“Friday the 13th” (1980)
Monday, Oct. 31, 7:15 p.m.

“Halloween” (1979)
Monday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m.

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Urban Churn launches supermarket distribution, adds Carlisle scoop shop

September 28, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The Urban Churn shop in Harrisburg

A Harrisburg-based creamery is substantially expanding its reach, opening a new retail store and beginning supermarket sales.

Urban Churn announced today that it plans to open its third scoop shop later this year at 248 Westminster Dr. in Carlisle.

In addition, customers now can purchase the company’s small-batch craft ice cream in Giant Food Stores in Linglestown and on the Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg.

Adam Brackbill founded Urban Churn in 2014, opening its scoop shop on N. 3rd Street in Midtown Harrisburg several years later. Last year, the company expanded to a second location on the Carlisle Pike outside of Mechanicsburg.

According to Brackbill, more retail shops will follow, as will more supermarket locations, including Wegmans in Mechanicsburg.

Moreover, Urban Churn recently renovated and opened a commissary in Harrisburg with an expanded churning facility to increase ice cream production and with loading docks to facilitate greater distribution.

The product line available in retail locations is also expanding. Customers soon will be able to purchase flavored popsicles, ice cream cakes, waffle cone chips and more, according to Brackbill.

Due to the expansion, Urban Churn stated that it is now hiring drivers, churners and in-shop team members.

For more information on Urban Churn, visit their website.

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Harrisburg School District moves forward with re-opening of vacant Steele Elementary School

September 28, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Steele Elementary School

The Harrisburg School District soon will move forward with a plan to renovate and reopen a shuttered school building.

At a board meeting on Tuesday, Receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved the revitalization of the long-vacant Steele Elementary School as an elementary school.

“I’m so excited to have this started,” said school board director Danielle Robinson at a previous meeting. “I have wanted this for so long. I’m happy this is the start of opening this school.”

The $21.6 million proposed project includes restoring the three-story building, which is located on the 2500-block of N. 5^th Street. The school closed around 11 years ago.

The renovated property would house pre-K through fifth-grade classes in the district. A study by Mechanicsburg-based architect Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates showed that most of the district’s schools are near or over their capacity. With the addition of Steele School, the district will be within the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s recommended capacity levels, according to the architect.

According to the district, funds for the project would come through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) dollars that the district received during the pandemic.

A preliminary design by Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates proposes demolishing much of the interior of Steele School, as it has become dilapidated over the years. Engineers have also proposed building an addition onto the back of the school to house a new cafeteria and extra classroom space. They would also renovate all classrooms, the gym and administration and nurse offices.

The current plan would place pre-K and kindergarten classrooms on the first floor, first and second grade on the second floor and third through fifth grade on the third floor.

As part of the project, outdoor play areas would be updated, as well. Engineers plan to preserve the historic nature of the building’s exterior.

Also on Tuesday, Suski approved a $558,000 contract with Retro Environmental, Inc. for the selective demolition within Steele School.

The district currently anticipates the renovation taking place from January 2023 through June 2024, with a possible opening date in August 2024.

“We want to bring a sense of pride back to that neighborhood because now they have their own neighborhood school,” Superintendent Eric Turman said at a previous meeting. “It’s another step in the right direction for Harrisburg as we try to do what’s right for our students.”

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Harrisburg City Council presents “Unsung Hero” awards to local activists, volunteers

September 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

“Unsung Hero” awardees (from left) Cynthia Watkins, Eugene Spells and Rafiyqa Muhammad (Angel Fox was not present)

Several Harrisburg activists and volunteers were honored by Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday night.

At a legislative session, council members named its four recipients of the 2022 “Unsung Hero” award, which recognizes city residents who have volunteered their time to make the community better.

“Each of these people truly embody what it means to be an ‘Unsung Hero,’” said council President Danielle Bowers in a statement. “Our city wouldn’t be able to function without the work they do, most, if not all of the time, behind the scenes. We want to make sure that everyone sees how much we appreciate them.”

Angel Fox, Rafiyqa Muhammad, Eugene Spells, and Cynthia Watkins received the awards.

The “Unsung Hero” award was last presented in 2019 and returns this year after a pandemic hiatus.

Fox, nominated by council member Jocelyn Rawls, is the district director for State Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) and owns Fox’s Wash & Go laundromat on Market Street. Fox also founded the nonprofit, Tears for Tarina, to help bring awareness and provide assistance to victims of domestic violence.

Muhammad, nominated by council member Shamaine Daniels, established Ngozi, Inc., a nonprofit that provides training and cultural, nutritional and economic education to the African American community. She also provides programming at the Camp Curtin YMCA community garden and serves on state and city environmental advisory boards.

“I’m excited,” Muhammad said. “It’s an honor to be recognized.”

Spells, nominated by Bowers, is the principal at Camp Curtin Academy. He has worked in the Harrisburg School District for 25 years and has been the principal at four other district schools. He has also coached little league football in the city and served as Basileus of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Kappa Omega Chapter.

“I think you do so much, and you want to see youth in the community be successful, but you don’t always stop and think about all the hours you have put in,” Spells said. “Just to be recognized for your work in the community is really heartwarming.”

Watkins, nominated by council member Westburn Majors, worked as a long-time employee for the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus. Most recently, she served as an administrative assistant for PA Legal Services, ARC of PA and Harrisburg Uptown Neighbors Together (HUNT), among other positions.

“I just do what I do and don’t think about it,” Watkins said. “This feels wonderful.”

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Reel Good Time: Family Fishing Day to let residents cast a line in Italian Lake

September 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

A previous Family Fishing Day at Italian Lake in Harrisburg

Next month, families from around Harrisburg can visit Italian Lake to try their hand at a new sport.

The city will hold its Family Fishing Day on Oct. 22, offering participants a chance to learn how to fish and cast out a line for themselves.

“A lot of people in a city setting don’t always have the chance to go out to more rural setting to fish,” said Dave Baker, director of parks and recreation. “This is in everyone’s backyard. It’s a learning experience for people.”

The event is hosted in partnership with the Civic Club of Harrisburg and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, which will teach attendees the basics of fishing. All equipment and bait will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to Baker, those who want to be sure they’ll get a rod need to pre-register for the event. Pre-registration ends on Oct. 21.

On the day of the event, no fishing license is required. Baker recommends bringing a container to store caught fish. Italian Lake will be stocked with larger fish for the event.

New for this year, a fish fry station will demonstrate how to clean and cook fish.

Baker noted how popular the event has become, adding that around 200 people attended last year’s day of fishing.

Check-in on the day will take place at 9 a.m., and the educational program, which is required for all participants, will follow at 9:30 a.m. Fishing will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For first-time anglers, Baker said they will find plenty of help.

“There’s a lot of support there,” he said. “You don’t have to worry about anything.”

Italian Lake is located at N. 3^rd and Division streets. For more information and to register for Family Fishing Day, click here.

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“Thin Blue Line” football game to honor fallen police officers, firefighters

September 26, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

A previous “Thin Blue Line Game”

Dauphin County Sheriff Nicholas Chimienti expects that an upcoming event to honor first responders will be a touchdown.

Chimienti and the Dauphin County Chiefs of Police Association will host its second “Thin Blue Line” high school football game on Oct. 7 to pay tribute to officers and firefighters who were killed in the line of duty.

During the game, Bishop McDevitt High School, playing on its home field, will face Hershey High School.

“It’s such a great way to honor those heroes and show their sacrifices,” Chimienti said.

Displays and presentations will honor 14 fallen officers and firefighters and their families.

Chimienti and the police association first held the event in 2019, but had to put it on hold the past few years due to the pandemic.

The night will include appearances by state and local law enforcement. The Pennsylvania State Police will fly its helicopter over the stadium, and its mounted team and ceremonial unit will participate, as well. Law enforcement K-9s also will be present.

Additionally, the Kiltie Band of York, a bagpipe and drum team, will perform before the game and the Blue/Red Knights Motorcycle Club of active and retired officers and firefighters will escort the Hershey High School team to Bishop McDevitt.

Local vendors and organizations also will attend to provide resources to community members.

Chimienti hopes that the event will help build relationships between the first responders and local residents.

“It’s a great way to reach out to the community,” he said.

The “Thin Blue Line Game” will take place at the Rocco Ortenzio Stadium at Bishop McDevitt High School, 1 Crusader Way, Harrisburg at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

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