Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 30, 2022 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
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For something new: SoMa Block Party is tonight (Thursday), a *must* if I do say so. I’d also check out any of Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s summer concerts, then wrap it up with food trucks and fireworks.

(Still) Worth noting: Check out my private Facebook community, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: SoMa Block Party, then off to the PA Wilds for the weekend.

Don’t forget to support your local brewery! Click here to find one near you.

For your weekend planning

7 Reasons it’s worth it to get a Hersheypark Season Pass
Plan a getaway – without the hassle
Start a book club
View my local Restaurant Directory or Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are options for your weekend.

Things to Do in Harrisburg + Central PA | Weekend Roundup | Sara Bozich

Top Weekend Recs

Enter to WIN a pair of Hersheypark passes
Mark your calendar for HU’s Summer Concert Series
Subscribe & save with Broadway Series at Hershey Theatre
Make travel plans (with a discount + perks)
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

What are you doing this weekend around Harrisburg? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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The Det Gets Set: Trails, meadows, restrooms among Dauphin County’s multi-year plan for Detweiler Park

June 30, 2022 | by M. Diane McCormick

Photo simulation of proposed amenities and meadow restoration in the Airstrip Meadow.

During a hike in Detweiler Park, Megan Caruso found her first-ever four-leaf clover, plus 87 more. Wondering if it was dumb luck, she kept alert on her next visit, and there they were—20 in the area known as Airstrip Meadow.

As she plucked a bouquet, she was suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of her grandmother, a first-generation Irishwoman who carried a four-leaf clover enshrined in resin.

“I haven’t just sat in the grass and hung out like that since I was a little girl,” said Caruso, a park regular and TheBurg’s creative director. “Detweiler Park is a really special place.”

Dauphin County is making a $4.5 million bet that many county residents and visitors will experience the same peace in the green refuge of Middle Paxton Township. Gradual upgrades are planned to enhance public access while preserving the park’s natural value. County officials and park supporters say the move is timely, coinciding with the pandemic-inspired urge to find respite in nature.

A History

In 1943, Mary Frances “Frankie” Stackpole married Meade D. Detweiler III. The avid conservationists added trails and pine forests to Frankie’s family land in Middle Paxton Township.

In 2016, the Detweiler heirs donated and sold 411 acres of greenery, farm buildings and the family home to Dauphin County, hoping for the place that Meade Detweiler had envisioned, where “habitats are preserved and managed in perpetuity for wildlife.” Almost immediately, the parkland opened as-is for hiking, fishing and agricultural education.

In the meantime, the county launched a master plan process. A 15-member advisory board contributed expertise in conservation, planning and recreation. Residents submitted their thoughts. Consultants in landscape architecture, planning, ecology, biology, forestry, architecture and recreation helped shape the final plan, which was completed last year (see sidebar).

All told, there will be seven miles of trails, an education center, an Appalachian Trail connector, enhanced ADA accessibility, primitive camping and restrooms. Everyone wanted restrooms.

With that one donation, Dauphin County’s parkland acreage almost doubled, Commissioner Chad Saylor told TheBurg during a tour of the park.

The master plan will unspool for years to come, depending on funding, but “phase one” is ready for takeoff—pun intended, because it’s slated for Airstrip Meadow. Seems that a previous owner ran a crop-spraying biz from this spot. The orange balls alerting his aircraft to utility lines still hang across the road.

This will be the park entrance and gathering place, completed by fall 2023, Saylor hopes. County commissioners designated $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to build a pavilion, ADA-accessible restrooms, event field, parking lot and a helipad for Appalachian Trail evacuations. The next phase is expected to carve out an ADA-accessible meadow trail.

While Dauphin County is dotted with parks, its existing flagships—Wildwood Park and Fort Hunter Park—are clustered in Harrisburg and Susquehanna Township, convenient getaways for city dwellers and suburbanites. Detweiler Park, nicknamed “The Det,” delivers a showcase park to the county’s rural north.

Airstrip Meadow also came with a hangar (of course) where planners envision a future community flex space. Beside it, the 19th-century barn could become an open-air market, “for a kind of farmers’ market atmosphere,” said Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Director Anthea Stebbins.

“Won’t that be cool?” Stebbins said. “This is going to turn into a neat community area.”

The county is expanding programming in its northern Dauphin parks, she added. Detweiler this summer will lead explorations of fireflies, “Leave No Trace” lessons and nature journaling, teaching the enjoyment of nature to an expanding circle of residents.

“People are learning more and more about the healing effects of nature and how being in nature reduces stress,” Stebbins said.

Economic Boost

When corporate partners support Dauphin County Parks and Recreation programs, “that gives you an idea of how the business community values these events,” said Saylor.

He expects the same robust support for Detweiler Park. County officials are working to bring wi-fi to the park, and Saylor hopes for an app directing users to trails, amenities and events, perhaps augmented with coupons from local businesses.

“It’s a real quality-of life-issue,” he said. “To put places like this in beautiful, green, lush spaces that everyone can enjoy, I think, will make everybody’s property values improve. We’re hoping with an app to maximize the economic benefit.”

Plus, added Stebbins, county residents need low-cost entertainment.

“With inflation, this allows people to have an outing that’s free, and if they want to stop and have a treat at an ice cream shop, it’s benefiting local businesses,” she said. “Maybe people can’t afford to go out much right now, and our parks provide a sort of staycation opportunity.”

As for ice cream, it comes up in every conversation about Detweiler Park. After all, the original site of the legendary 3B Ice Cream still stands along the park’s boundaries, selling frozen treats, sandwiches and subs.

Hiking and refreshments “go hand in hand,” said owner Josh Rissinger.

“When you have a nice day, people go for a hike,” he said, adding that development of Detweiler Park into a destination “is not hurting anything.”

Hawk Flight

Hawks migrate, and Detweiler Park is “smack in the middle” of Pennsylvania’s Kittatinny Ridge, an Audubon global “Important Bird Area,” said Sally Zaino. As president of the Hummelstown-based Manada Conservancy, she served on the Detweiler Park advisory committee, finding that her message of conservation resonated with the full group.

“Some people were really interested in the park’s recreational value and access to the public, and other people were interested in its natural resource value,” she said. “The county did a really great job of pulling together a group with varied backgrounds.”

The region, known as Clarks Valley, is home to large tracts of undeveloped forest, thanks to Manada Conservancy’s preserved properties, state game lands and forest, and the Appalachian Trail. Detweiler Park is the “gateway to Clarks Valley,” Zaino said.

Preventing the fragmentation that comes from pockmarked development creates migration corridors for birds, critters and even trees escaping the threat of climate change-driven extinction.

Detweiler Park is “a great birdwatching place,” with nesting warblers and meadowlarks now active, Zaino said. Porcupines roam the forest. Salamanders nest along the streams. Ice cream stops at 3B are a tradition for Manada Conservancy members monitoring their nearby lands.

“The last one I tried was a coconut almond swirl,” Zaino said. “That was really good.”

The pandemic has taught the land trust community about the importance of their land preserves that are open to the public.

“We need to get people outside just for finding peace and being able to appreciate nature,” she said.

In a model honed at Wildwood and Fort Hunter, a friend’s group, partners and volunteers will offer the manpower and fundraising that help keep Detweiler Park in shape.

Volunteers could pull invasive species, managing those annoying hucksters of the plant world that represent, with deer, one of the park’s top-two threats. SAMBA, the Susquehanna Area Mountain Bike Association, will maintain mountain biking trails. Another group will help maintain the nine-hole disc golf course. Dauphin County Anglers & Conservationists will continue to operate the upgraded trout nursery.

“The leaders of the county decades ago came together and did the planning and made the right decisions to make two beautiful gems in the county grounds,” Saylor said. “Now, it falls to us to do the same thing here, so decades from now, people will look back and say, ‘Job well done.’”

Detweiler Park is located at 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin. For more information, visit www.detweilerpark.org.

Park Plan

The Detweiler Park Master Plan was completed in March 2021. It envisions:

An education center in the historic family home, surrounded by trails and open-water wetlands.
ADA-accessible fishing areas for the E.J. Stackpole Memorial Cooperative Trout Nursery.
A forest restoration area with an “exclosure” to prevent deer from nibbling away on sensitive new growth. Deer overpopulation has significantly damaged the “understory”—the cozy, ground-level vegetation that shelters forest-animal habitats. In time, the county could work with state officials on targeted hunting to reduce the surplus population.
Two meadows connected by a boardwalk and converted to native warm-season grasses and wildflowers.
Mountain biking trails on Peters Mountain. Nobody was clamoring for baseball and softball fields, but other recreational uses will include disc golf.

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Pipe Dream: New organ enhances church music, worship

June 30, 2022 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

Harrisburg is rich with old churches, which often means huge old pipe organs that frequently go unused.

The new pipe organ at Market Square Presbyterian Church, therefore, is distinctive, believed to be the first one in decades installed in a Harrisburg church.

Market Square Presbyterian has a long history of organ music dating back to 1872, when a Hook & Hastings organ was installed in the then-12-year-old building. After nearly 50 years, an Aeolian-Skinner organ, in need of major repairs, was replaced by one from M.P. Möller Co.

Then came an unpleasant surprise. The organ began to falter after only about 30 years, said John K. Robinson, a longtime church member and spokesperson.

“Most organs last 50 years,” he said.

Tyler Canonico, now in his fifth year as minister of music and organist at Market Square Presbyterian, said that his predecessor had alerted the church to the bad news.

“When I arrived, I spent several months compiling a list of the organ’s failings and gave a presentation to different committees,” he said.

Canonico then served as co-chair for the organ selection committee, which was responsible for finding organ builders that they believed could handle the project. Interviews and proposals followed.

“Once the project was approved, I oversaw all artistic aspects of the project—the stoplist (different sounds), the console design, etc.,” said Canonico, who also serves as the organist for the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and is founder and co-conductor of the Harrisburg Camerata.

The committee eventually selected the Opus 136 from Quebec, Canada-based Orgues Létourneau.

“Opus 136 reuses the best of the Aeolian-Skinner and Möller pipework to reorient the organ towards accompanying choral music, leading hymn singing, and the performance of solo repertoire,” Robinson said. “Each stop was reworked and re-voiced by Létourneau for remarkably cohesive choruses while assuring each stop’s musicality.”

On Létourneau’s recommendation, Market Square rebuilt the organ chambers with harder, denser surfaces to better reflect sound. Now, the organ’s full spectrum is projected into the sanctuary, especially in the bass and middle registers, Robinson said.

In February, nearly 300 people participated in the new organ’s dedication ceremony, led by world-famous concert organist Ken Cowan. But arriving at that point was complicated by the pandemic, by the closed border with Canada, and by the need to renovate the room that the organ was to occupy.

Choosing a name for the new organ was easier. It was named for the late J. Nedra Schilling, an active member of Market Square Presbyterian for more than 50 years. A leader in the insurance field, Schilling also was a community leader and philanthropist whose foundation supported many causes.

In 2019, the foundation made its single largest distribution in connection with the church’s “Renew, Restore, Rejoice” campaign, which helped fund the rebuilding and enhancement of the church’s organ, as well as significant renovations to the sanctuary.

Opus 136 reflects the church’s uniqueness: its investment in the future, its mission of inclusivity and social justice, and its tradition of fine worship and music, according to Canonico.

“Létourneau’s design was strictly for Market Square,” he said. “There isn’t any other Létourneau organ like ours in the world.”

It isn’t only Market Square Presbyterian that benefits from the organ’s more resonant sound. Many groups, such as the Harrisburg Choral Society, incorporate it into their concerts. It’s also a highlight of “Arts on the Square,” a series of musical and visual arts presented by local, national and international performers.

The church currently is featuring musical events to introduce its new organ to the community.

“It’s a significant new addition to the music scene in central Pennsylvania,” Robinson said. “And the recently enhanced acoustic ambiance of the room has been acclaimed as ideal for both music and the spoken word.”

Market Square Presbyterian Church is located at 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.marketsquarechurch.org.

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30 Years Strong: Pride Festival of Central PA returns to the Capitol grounds for a landmark anniversary

June 30, 2022 | by Susan Ryder

Photo courtesy of Jeff Mitchell/ Betty Whitecastle.

“Pride is about community,” said Cathy Nelson of the Pride Festival of Central PA, which marks its 30th anniversary this month with a big celebration.

The origins of Pride trace back to 1970, one year after the Stonewall uprising, named after the New York City bar where LGBTQ patrons fought back and protested for six days after a police raid. Since then, Pride groups all over the country have held events to celebrate, support and be themselves.

“It’s a special day because we should be able to express ourselves and our pride 365 days a year,” said Eric Selvey O.D., board president. “It’s a day where we can all be ourselves and for our allies to come out and show their support, as well.”

This day is needed because not every LGBTQ person feels understood, supported or accepted.

“I just got a volunteer request yesterday, and she is just finding herself and is actually hoping to be able to realize that she has other people around her and to be a part of something else,” said Rob Brucklacher, vice president of volunteer resources.

Embracing who you are is difficult when the world constantly tries to prevent self-acceptance, said festival organizers. Pride helps that.

“In the beginning, it was like ‘What do you mean, like you celebrate this?’” Nelson said. “Yes, this is a cause for celebration.”

It also offers an opportunity for learning.

“Throughout history, everyone has decided who we are,” Nelson said. “The Pride Festival is showing you who we are.”

And the festival can help clear up misperceptions.

“When people hear about gays, they are always hanging off the ceiling, constantly having sex,” Selvey said. “It’s not about that at all.”

The LGBTQ community, he said, is just like everyone else. They just happen to love someone of the same gender.

Wonderful Thing

Let’s not misunderstand, though—the Pride Festival of Central PA is about having a whole lot of fun, too.

Among the performers this year: Harrisburg native and headliner Brandon Parsons, the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus, Jelli Jive and the Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus. Drag kings and queens will entertain the crowds on a separate stage. The draws for any festival will be there, too—a variety of vendors, plenty of rainbow gear and lots of food.

“All the stuff you shouldn’t eat, but God you love it,” Nelson said.

The fun isn’t just for adults either. There will be a “Kids Zone” with face painting, vegan desserts provided by Mr. Treats and theater by the Popcorn Hat Players.

“I never cease to be amazed as to the parents who bring their children here,” Selvey said. “It’s just a wonderful thing.”

Straight folks, friends, allies and perhaps the curious also attend the festival. Nelson described it as a cultural event and added that it offers a great opportunity to learn about the culture.

“It doesn’t matter what sexual identity you have, you’re just there to be supportive of the community,” said Meghan O’Neill, vice president of operations.

Affirmation

With a newly formed board, the Pride Festival of Central PA also wants to assist the local community, Selvey said. The group plans to donate 51% of funds from the year’s net proceeds to other organizations.

It recently held a skating party for youth.

“It was a hit,” O’Neill said. “You heard kids talking, and they were telling each other, ‘You can be yourself here.’”

Selvey gave credit to Nikki Knerr, “the Grandmother of Pride,” who began this celebration as the Unity Festival on her property 33 years ago.

“We could hardly get anyone to sponsor in the early days,” Selvey said.

In 2018, the Pride Festival of Central PA became the first such festival held on the grounds of a state capitol, when high water forced it off of the riverfront. This year, it will be held on the grounds again, in Emergency Responders Plaza between the State Museum of Pennsylvania and Keystone Commonwealth Building. The group was committed to keeping the festival in what Selvey called “The Gayborhood,” where many in the LGBTQ community call home.

Support, connection, food and unique entertainment all can be found at the Central PA Pride Festival. But what makes the festival most valuable is the people who gather together to enjoy it all.

“I found my tribe, and so it just continues to be a place of incredible affirmation,” Nelson said.

The Pride Festival of Central PA takes place July 30, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Emergency Responders Plaza, 3rd and North streets (behind the State Museum of PA), Harrisburg. Daylong parking for $10 is available at the 7th Street Garage. Pride requests a $10 donation for admission to the festival. For more information and to volunteer, visit www.centralpapride.org.

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Down by the River: Bridge it and they will come

June 30, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

You might say that Harrisburg suffers from an embarrassment of bridge riches.

Six spans cross the Susquehanna River over about a mile, some so close that you might be able to fling a whoopie pie between them.

Some are majestic, crafted of iron or stone, from a time when design and beauty meant something. Others are steel, flat and utilitarian, from a time when it didn’t.

There are vehicle, train and pedestrian bridges. There are active and inactive bridges. Among Harrisburg’s many bridges, there’s something for every taste, style and function.

But there are problems, too. Big ones. In fact, nearly every bridge across the Susquehanna suffers from one major flaw or another.

Now, thanks to the federal infrastructure bill, there’s money to address some of these problems, many longstanding. The regional planning group, the Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS), recently said that its project budget would increase by about one-third, or by about $25 million per year over the next four years, because of the law.

That’s a lot of money. Unfortunately, it’s still not enough to fix everything, especially when you consider that these funds need to be spread out among many road, bridge and multimodal projects. HATS has 153 projects on its to-do list from 2023-26, so choices need to be made.

In my opinion, HATS is making some good ones.

Over the next five years, the immediate Harrisburg area should be buzzing with road and bridge work. Some of these projects fall into the category of deferred or badly needed maintenance, while others will bring significant changes and improvements.

I’m personally looking forward to the “Capital Gateway” project, which will re-design and slim down Forster Street between the Taylor Bridge and N. 2nd Street in Harrisburg for better bike and pedestrian use. Construction, originally set for this year, has been pushed up to 2023.

When it comes to the Susquehanna bridges, I’m generally positive about the plans.

Here, I’m referring to the three, century-plus-old bridges in the middle of Harrisburg’s bridge bounty: the iron-truss, ped/bike Walnut Street Bridge, the stone-arched, auto-centric Market Street Bridge and the long-dormant, concrete-arched CAT (Cumberland Valley Railroad) Bridge.

Starting downriver, the CAT Bridge is perhaps the most exciting project. Armed with new federal infrastructure money, HATS moved this $22.5 million project from “some day” to “let’s schedule it.” The plan would take the unused railroad bridge and turn it into a bike and pedestrian span, with work hopefully starting in 2026.

Next up the river, the Market Street Bridge is set for major rehabilitation, with a decade-long project estimated to cost $63.8 million. The re-design would repair and widen sidewalks, among other fixes, but recently received blowback following a last-minute proposal by PennDOT to build a horrible utility bridge alongside the graceful stone-arch structure.

Then there’s what I consider to be the visual jewel, perhaps the symbol of Harrisburg—the 132-year-old, wrought iron Walnut Street Bridge. New federal funds also have benefitted this project, with HATS expecting to use about $3.5 million to undertake rehab work of the intact eastern span.

So, there you have it, three old bridges, all within 100 yards of each other, which should be treated as a single set of complementary crossings.

That’s how HATS’ parent, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, views it, as well.

“We have three bridges up against each other there,” Executive Director Steven Deck told me recently. “We are trying to figure out what the best mix of investments and projects is to accommodate bike, ped and vehicular traffic across there. It will be some combination of those bridges.”

To me, the missing piece of the puzzle is the piece that’s literally missing. The disastrous 1996 flood knocked out two huge chunks of the western portion of the Walnut Street Bridge, leaving a big gap between the west shore and City Island.

Dick Norford of Bike Harrisburg told me that, given the options, the biking community would prioritize rehabbing the walk/bike CAT Bridge over reconnecting the walk/bike Walnut Street Bridge.

That’s understandable. The CAT Bridge is an intact span and is well located for access to both the east and west shores. It might even give a big push to bicycle commuting, he said.

Indeed, I would love to see the CAT Bridge turned into a new bike/pedestrian crossing, but does it need to be either/or?

The last cost estimate, from 2014, to repair the Walnut Street Bridge’s western span was $15 to $20 million, said Andrew Bomberger, Tri-County’s transportation planning coordinator.

That’s no small sum, but maybe funds could be found elsewhere. For example, could the very expensive, prolonged Market Street Bridge project be scaled back?

At the very least, I hope that fixing the Walnut Street Bridge gets back on the radar. In its current state, the bridge is like an otherwise beautiful smile that’s missing a couple of teeth. Harrisburg may never be truly whole until it’s fixed.

In the end, the genteel Walnut Street Bridge is really a walking bridge, a running bridge. The robust, sturdy Market Street Bridge is really a car bridge. And the CAT Bridge would largely be a biking bridge, with an easy connection to the Capital Area Greenbelt.

Three historic bridges, three uses, three modalities, each separate but functioning as a whole, complementing one another as they move bodies across the Susquehanna for another century.

Lawrance Binda is the co-publisher/editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

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Happenings: Our July Calendar of Events

June 30, 2022 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“ATVs: Off-Road Adventure,” an exhibit of 3-wheel and 4-wheel ATV machines from the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s, through Oct. 16

“Orphan Cars—Vehicles from Discontinued Marques & Brands,” cars, buses and motorcycles that represent discontinued marques and brands from across the motoring landscape, through Oct. 23

“American Motors Owners Through the Decades,” through Oct. 26

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

“94th Annual International Juried Show,” through July 7

“Free For All,” student-member exhibition, July 15-Aug. 18; reception: July 15, 5 to 8 p.m.

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

“Springing Into Art,” Market Square Presbyterian Church Members’ Show, through July 17

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

“What I Keep,” a show by photographer and social activist Susan Mullally, whose project documents stories of 21st-century poverty, through July 23

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

July artist of the month

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

“Weather Reader,” paintings by Eleanor Conover, through Aug. 13

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

“Membership and Student Art Show,” through Aug. 13

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

Campbelltown Academy of Music and Arts, through Aug. 6

Hershey Public Library Gallery, through Aug. 13

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; metropoliscollective.com

“HABITAT: Reflections on Environment,” a show about life on earth, life as mammals, and the strange, often fragile systems we’ve constructed to keep living here; opening reception: July 1, 7-11 p.m., through Sept. 15.

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

New works by Mary Kandray Gelenser, Kelly Curran, Paul Vasiliades and Pamela Black, through July 10

New works by The Huckle Buckle Boys, Pat Frese, Susan Bailey, Kristen Fava and Ann Benton Yeager, July 12-Aug. 14

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)
Landis House, 67 N. Fourth Street
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Director’s Choice,” featuring outstanding student artwork from Youth Art Day 2022, through Aug. 4

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

“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

“A Place for All: Three Stories of Integration in Pennsylvania,” a long-term exhibition highlighting the history of three integration efforts in Pennsylvania after World War II

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

“Making Your Mark,” an array of 52 works on paper that break down various methods and materials used in modern artistic practice, through Sept. 18

“Future Places,” artists render their vision of a promising future, through Oct. 16

“Project—Nature,” offering a sneak peek of the current VanGo! Museum on Wheels exhibition Nature in Art, featuring the work of Victoria Fuller, through Aug. 22

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“A Contemplation of Scenery—The Vesell Family Collection,” through July 31

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

“Art in the Wild,” featuring works of art composed of mostly natural materials to blend with Wildwood’s natural setting, through Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

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

July 5, 12, 19, 26: Beginning Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Intermediate/Advanced Oil Painting (ages 16-adult), 1-3:30 p.m.
July 11-15: Weather Reader (ages 9-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 12, 14, 19, 21: Drawing for Teens 101 (ages 12-18), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 12-Aug. 16: Hand Building, 6 Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
July 15: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
July 16: Copper Enameling, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 18-22: Snip, Clip, Cut, Quill, Collage (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 18-22: Mission Imagination (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
July 18-22: Art in Action Theatrical Camp (ages 9-12), 1-4 p.m.
July 25-29: Dye, Stamp & Stitch (ages 9-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 25-29: Art of the Fold Papercrafts Camp (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

July 1, 8: Tween Dungeons and Dragons, 4 p.m.
July 1, 8: Teen Dungeons and Dragons, 4 p.m.
July 1, 8, 29: Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m., 11 a.m.
July 5, 25: Born to Read, 9:30 a.m.
July 5, 26: Toddler Storytime, 10:15 a.m.
July 5, 6, 26, 27: Born to Read, 10:15 a.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Summer Art Series—Acrylic Painting, 5:30 p.m.
July 6, 27: Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m., 11:00 a.m.
July 9: Nature Journaling, 10 a.m.
July 9, 23: Chess Club, 11 a.m.

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

July 2: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
July 9: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
July 9, 23: LEGO Club, 11 a.m.
July 14: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.
July 14, 21, 28: Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
July 14, 28: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
July 16: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.
July 16: Dog Tales, 10:30 a.m.
July 16: Coffee Art, 11:30 a.m.

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

April 6: Virtual Illustrated Talk—Pre-Colonial Pennsylvania, 7-8 p.m.

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

July 1: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
July 4, 11, 18, 25: Baby & Toddler Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
July 4, 11, 18, 25: Children’s Story Times, 11-11:30 a.m.
July 4, 11, 18, 25: Kindergarten Prep, 6-7 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Career Exploration Workshop, 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6-7:30 p.m.
July 6: Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
July 6, 7, 13, 14, 21, 22: Discovery Zone Fun, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
July 8: Kid’s Paint Night, 6:30 p.m.
July 8, 22: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-11 a.m.
July 8, 22: Film Fridays, 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
July 12: Curl up with the Classics—“Treasure Island,” 10-11 a.m.
July 12: Tween STEAM, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
July 12: Teen Writers’ Meetup, 6-8 p.m.
July 12, 26: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
July 15: Family Movie Night, 6:30-8 p.m.
July 18: Fredricksen Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
July 25: Fredricksen Reads—“The Last Train to Key West,” 7-8 p.m.

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

July 7: Flower Painting Class (ages 12+), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 7: Beginner Photography, 6-8 p.m.
July 9: On The Porch, freelance artist Carrie Feidt, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 11-14: Kids Art Camp (ages 4-7) 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 16: On The Porch, sisters Emily & Evelyn Snyder, 10 a.m.2 p.m.
July 16: Summer Gnome Paint Class (ages 14+), 2-4 p.m.
July 18-21: Kids Art Camp (ages 8-13) 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 23: Wind Chimes Workshop, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 27-28: Introduction to Hand Caning, 6-8 pm
July 30: Booth at Ned Smith Festival at MYO Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

July 5, 7, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 28: Outside 1, 2, Whee! 10:15 a.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Furry Tales, 6:30 p.m.
July 7: Walking Hershey, 9:30 a.m.
July 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Storytime for Everyone Outside, 10:15 a.m.
July 7, 21: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Books and Babies Outside, 10:15 a.m.
July 14: Fear of Commitment Book Group, 6 p.m.
July 14, 28: Block Party, 2 p.m.
July 28: Blood Drive, 11 a.m.

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

July 5, 12, 19, 26: Rhyme Time in the Park, 9-9:20 a.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Toddler Time in the Park, 9:35-9:55 a.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Story Time in the Park, 10:10-10:35 a.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Try It Tuesday, 1 p.m., 6 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Rhyme Time, 5:15 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Toddler Time, 5:45 p.m.
July 7, 13, 20, 27: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
July 7, 13, 20, 27: Toddler Time, 11:30-11:50 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Rhyme Time, 12-12:20 p.m.
July 8, 22: Dungeons and Dragons (ages 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
July 9, 23: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m., 5:15 p.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Toddler Time, 10:45 a.m., 5:45 p.m.
July 11, 18, 25: Storybook STEAM, 6:30 p.m.
July 11, 25: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
July 13: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
July 16: LEGO Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 16: LEGO Club, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 18: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
July 20: Watch the Skies Sci-Fi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
July 21: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
July 23: Trivia at Home—Classic Trivia, 6-8 p.m.
July 26: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
July 27: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.

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

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Passageways, 2 p.m.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
July 9: LGBTQ Book Club, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
July 12, 26: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.
July 14: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.

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

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Star Trek Rewatch online group
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Online Science Fiction Book Club
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Wednesday Summer Reading, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: LEGO and STEM Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

July 2: Children’s Art Class on the Roof, 12-2 p.m.
July 27: Sip and Stitch on the roof, 6-8 p.m.

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

July 2, 16: Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 5, 19: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
July 5-26: Outdoor Storytime & More (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
July 6: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
July 7: Family Game Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
July 9: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 9, 16, 23: Take & Makes (ages 0-5)
July 9, 16, 23: Take & Makes (ages 6-12)
July 11: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
July 11, 25: Evening Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
July 13: Tech Whiz Kidz (ages 8-12), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
July 16: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 16: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
July 18: Block Party! (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 21: Talewise STEAM Storytelling, 10:30 a.m.
July 25: Outdoor Sensory Playtime (ages 0-5), 10:30 a.m.
July 25: Kids & Teen Paint Party (ages 6-10), 1 p.m.
July 25: Kids & Teen Paint Party (ages 10-14), 2 p.m.
July 27: Page to Screen Club (ages 8-12), 5 p.m.
July 27: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
July 28: Oceans of Fun Trivia on Zoom (ages 6-12), 6 p.m.
July 28: Oceans of Fun Trivia on Zoom (ages 13-18), 7 p.m.
July 28-Aug. 25: 1, 2, 3 Play With Me (ages 1-3), 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
July 29: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
July 30: Tween & Teen Yoga (ages 11-14), 6 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

July 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21: Little Explorers Summer Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.
July 19, 26: Tubular Tales Middle School Program, 12-1 p.m.

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

July 1, 16: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
July 1-31: “C.O.L.E. and C.A.M.I. Explore the Planets”
July 1-31: “Birth of Planet Earth”
July 1-31: Highlights Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Wednesdays-Sundays)
July 6: Explore! Geology, 11:30 a.m.
July 20: Explore! Ichthyology, 11:30 a.m.

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

July 13: Monthly Instructed Life Drawing Class, 7-9 p.m.
July 27: Open Figure Drawing Classes, 7-9 p.m.

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

July 1: Kids Discover—Fireflies (ages 5-10), 8:30-10 p.m.
July 8: Walk and Talk with a Master Gardener, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
July 9: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 9, 12: Nature Journaling, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 13: Kids Discover—Outdoor Play (ages 6-8)
July 16: Painting in the Park, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 17: Flower Walk—Still More Blooms, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 23: Art Heals, 10-11:30 a.m.
July 30: Pound the Colors of Wildwood into Cloth, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

July 8: Dion
July 10: Always…Patsy Cline
July 15: Lorrie Morgan & Pam Tillis
July 17: Ricky Nelson Remembered with Matthew & Gunnar Nelson
July 22: Kashmir—The Live Led Zeppelin Tribute
July 23: Mike DelGuidice, Big Shot
July 24: Air Supply
July 29: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
July 30: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
July 31: ABBA the Concert—A Tribute to ABBA

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

July 14: Steep Canyon Rangers
July 17: Britain’s Finest, The Complete Beatles Experience

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

July 14: John Rossey of Cold Spring Union
July 28: Beka Jones

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

July 1: After Hours Big Band

Doughboys Pizzeria and Pub
3652 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
717-896-3131; dbspizzeriapub.com

July 2: Shannon Bobb
July 9: Tanner Bingaman & Seafood Fest
July 16: Pat Cusick
July 30: Antonio Andrade
Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

July 1: Big Wahu Caribbean Band
July 15: Shawan
July 29: The Ogham Stones

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

July 1: Pat Cusick
July 2: Blitz Dynette
July 8, 22, 30: John Rossey
July 9, 23: Corinna Joy
July 15, 16: Bob and Pete Acoustic Revue
July 15: Hometown Strangers
July 22: Tony Ryder & The Idle Saints, the Jellybricks, and Underground Cartoons
July 29: Dirty Grass Players

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

July 21: Shea Quinn & Friends

Greater Harrisburg Concert Band
717-576-758; ghcb.org

July 1: Symposium 2nd Half at Messiah University High Center
July 9: Concert at Hampden Park (rain date: July 10)
July 15: Concert at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg
July 17: Concert at Mount Wolf United Methodist Church
July 22: Concert at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Dillsburg
July 24: Concert at Churchtown Church of God, Monroe Township
July 29: Concert at Newville on the Square
July 31: Concert at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mechanicsburg

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

July 2: Michelle Mayne-Graves and Lifeline Quartet
July 3: Lifeline Quartet with Pastor John Overman, Time for Three
July 8: Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band
July 9: Bruce Adolphe, Raleigh Ringers
July 10: McGill/McHale Trio
July 18: Mr. Music
July 24: Einav Yarden
July 31: Quatuor Danel

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

July 8: Take the Name
July 9: Mae
July 10: Rings of Saturn
July 10: Merci, My Kid Brother
July 12: Blind Accuracy, NC17, Coalstate
July 15: August Burns Red, We Came As Romans
July 23: Frank Foster
July 26: Jimmie Vaughan
July 29: Joey Valence & Brae, Dizasterpiece

Harrisburg Scottish Rite Theatre
2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-238-8868; valleyofharrisburg.org

July 15: Jose Feliciano, Maria Muldaur

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

July 14: Death Cab for Cutie (Riverfront Park)
July 15: The Roots (Riverfront Park)

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

July 3: Bush, Candlebox, Ayron Jones
July 10: Gary Levox of Rascal Flatts
July 17: Yacht Rock Revue Tour
July 24: ZZ Top, Ann Wilson
July 30: Collective Soul, Switchfoot

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-421-1512; keystoneconcertband.com

July 16: Concert at St. Andrews In the Valley Episcopal Church

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

July 20: Summer Serenades
July 23: Ode to An Earworm
July 26: Neil Beckmann and JIJI

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; metropoliscollective.com

July 1: Nick DiSanto
July 15: OAF

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

July 7, 14, 21, 28: Live music on the roof
July 9: Millworks Music Festival

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

July 11: Refugee—Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute

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

July 12: Mark DeRose Music & Art

Historic Peace Church
Trindle Rd. & St. John’s Church Rd., Camp Hill
717-737-6492

July 10: Kevin Neidig
July 17: Jamie O’Brien and Henry Koretzky
July 24: Egerlander German Band
July 31: Luck of the Draw Barbershop Quartet

Rusty Rail Brewing Company
5 N. 8th North St., Mifflinburg
570-966-7878; rustyrailbrewing.com

July 4, 18: Monday Night JamFest
July 9: Lights Out—Tribute to Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons
July 14: The Roof
July 28: Green Divide

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

July 16: AMFM, Real Ralph & The Family Jam, Shawan and the Wonton, Dandy

Zeroday Brewing Co.
925 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

July 15: Natalie Ness

The Stage Door

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

July 8: Coleman Green & Katrina Braxton

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

July 1-Aug. 6: “The Little Mermaid”

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

July 13-Aug. 20: “The Princess & The Pea” w/Popcorn Hat Players

July 30: TMI Improv

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

July 10: Queens Who Brunch

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

July 29-31: “The Rainbow Fish Musical”

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

July 1: Divas Down Under—Flashback to the 80s Drag Show
July 17: Divas Down Under—The Boomerang Brunch

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

July 8, 10: Level 2 Class Show
July 9, 10: Level 3 Class Show
July 15: Free Jam hosted by Barn Bitches

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

July 14-24: “The Wedding Singer”

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

July 26-31: “Anastasia”

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

July 22-Aug. 7: “The Wizard of Oz”

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

July 1-16: “Murder on West Moon Street”

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

July 15: EFF (Erotic Fan Fiction) Live!

July 28: Musical Theatre Workshop Showcase
July 29: The Obstructed View

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

July 22-Aug. 7: “Little Shop of Horrors”

Zeroday Brewing Co.
925 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

July 21: Boozy Bingo w/Felicia O’Toole

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B&B, Breaking Barriers: The Keystone Inn is Gettysburg’s first Black-owned B&B—part of a nationwide small business and travel trend

June 30, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

Stephen, Christine & Patrick Campbell

Gettysburg is a town known worldwide for its history, but there’s a new chapter being written in its supporting tourism industry.

When siblings Patrick, Christine and Stephen Campbell purchased Gettysburg’s Keystone Inn, they became the town’s first Black bed and breakfast (B&B) owners, among more than a dozen area B&B’s.

“We really fell in love with this place. It was the location, the draw of history and tourism, the architecture, the historic renovation,” Patrick said. “We also fell in love with Gettysburg. Beyond the history, we’re loving that this is a great place for people who love the outdoors, it’s a foodie place, and it’s those type of things we enjoy when we travel also.”

What led them on this journey to B&B ownership?

Quite honestly, the Campbell family had a problem. No one owned a home large enough to host extended family gatherings.

“Three of us started flipping houses to get investment money to buy an inn,” said Patrick, 54, the youngest of six siblings. “And through flipping, we learned we could work well together.”

Their grandmother—one of 14 siblings—and family roots are in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland areas. So, when Patrick, Christine and Stephen began searching for the perfect B&B to operate, they cast a wide net through the Mid-Atlantic, including Maryland and Lancaster.

Their primary criteria? In addition to finding a property that could accommodate their own family holidays, they wanted to pay homage to a bigger-picture family heritage. They were seeking a B&B in close proximity to the Underground Railroad—a network of safe houses that helped slaves make their way northward from the South in the 1800s. Gettysburg-area safe houses played a vital role along the route.

That’s because, in Gettysburg, there was a fine line between slavery and freedom. The town is less than 10 miles north of the Mason Dixon Line.

While the Keystone Inn isn’t a Civil War-era home—it was built in 1913—its owners through the years have been pillars of the community. And the Campbells want to continue that tradition.

“One of the core values we share as siblings—it’s not enough for us to own a B&B and treat it as a business—we want to be part of the community also,” Patrick said.

He cites partnerships with Adams County wineries, coffee roasters and farms such as Apple Valley Creamery—breakfast at the Keystone Inn features their eggs, milk and yogurt.

But the Campbells’ sense of community goes even deeper.

“We’re very aware of the question, ‘What is the diversity of Gettysburg?’ One of the things we were happy to see, given the overall political climate, is that Gettysburg itself seems to be not only diverse but really promoting diversity, even before Rita was elected mayor,” said Patrick, referencing Rita Frealing, Gettysburg’s first female and first Black mayor, elected last fall.

That culture and tone is one that the Campbells now emulate as the eight-room Keystone Inn’s owners, as they roll out the welcome mat—especially for Black travelers.

“One of the things we discovered as we were going through the process of becoming innkeepers, is that B&B’s generally are not an option African American travelers consider,” Patrick said.

Leah Bell, hired by the Campbells as Keystone Inn’s innkeeper, sees the family as “part of a new wave of ownership—broadening our vision of what a B&B can be.”

The Campbells joined three B&B associations—the local Inns of the Gettysburg Area, the statewide Pennsylvania Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns (PABBI), and the African American Association of Innkeepers International (AAAii), with membership across the country.

“Less than 1% of inns are minority-owned,” said Monica R. Edwards, AAAii’s executive director. “There’s been more of a spotlight on supporting African American-owned businesses, so the AAAii website allows travelers to find Black-owned inns in one [online] location.”

And it turns out, the Campbells’ purchase of the Keystone Inn in mid-2020 was well-timed with a pandemic surge in B&B-based travel.

“As travel started to come back, our innkeepers were absolutely packed,” said Rose Mape, PABBI director. “Inns already had a high level of cleanliness, and I think the traveling public felt more comfortable staying in smaller properties.”

Many Pennsylvania B&B’s surpassed all occupancy records in 2021—an upward trend that’s continuing into 2022. The state, with 600-some B&B’s, has the second-most B&B’s in the country, behind California.

Being on the forefront of welcoming Black travelers to Keystone State B&B’s is a priority, Mape said, with the Keystone Inn’s Christine Campbell instrumental in leading the charge. Christine serves on the association’s annual fall conference committee, which is organizing a session on inclusion.

Groundbreaking work seems to be in the Campbell family genes. Patrick retired as a global enterprise planner with PayPal several months ago. Stephen, who earned a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard, is Lancaster’s director of public works. Christine, focused on the nonprofit sector, is a consultant to HUD.

The apples didn’t fall far from the tree. The Campbells’ parents were the first in the family to attend college. Their mother was a teacher and mathematician who worked with NASA’s computer systems in a position similar to those showcased in the movie “Hidden Figures.” Their father, now 94, retired as one of the USDA’s national directors.

So what does the family patriarch think about his “kids” purchasing the Keystone Inn?

“I’m hearing from his friends that all he does is brag about us,” Patrick said, with a smile.

The Keystone Inn is located at 231 Hanover St., Gettysburg, and online at keystoneinnpa.com. For more information on Inns of the Gettysburg Area, PABBI and AAAii, see gettysburgbedandbreakfast.com, painns.com and africanamericaninns.com/index.html, respectively.

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Net Gains: Harrisburg basketball league brings community, unity to Reservoir Park

June 30, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Vadel Prince didn’t fall in love with basketball until he was 18.

At the time, he was going through a lot of life changes. For one, he was about to become a father while also in the process of deciding on a college. But he was also struggling with the pain of recently losing a friend to gun violence. It was a lot on his shoulders.

“I found myself on the basketball court, and I stopped thinking about everything else,” said Prince, an Uptown Harrisburg resident. “The court is the one place I can focus, relax and express myself.”

Prince, who never felt he had an outlet for his emotions, had finally found it.

Now, he hopes to share that feeling with others through Foundation 717, a Harrisburg sports league for adults.

When founder Stephen Range asked Prince to join him in starting a basketball league to give people something to do during the pandemic, Prince jumped at the opportunity. He became the president, and the pair started Foundation 717, which now offers basketball and football leagues in Harrisburg.

“There’s not a lot of basketball leagues in the middle of Harrisburg,” said Range. “There’s a lot of ability and people that could make it to the next level. They have potential; they just didn’t have the resources. This is helping them.”

Range has played the sport since he was 5 years old. As a Harrisburg native, he remembers watching and playing in basketball games in the community. It gave him older role models to look up to, he said.

He hopes to do the same with Foundation 717—bring a sense of community and unity amongst players and neighbors.

The league, in its third year, began in early June with six teams playing weekend games at Reservoir Park. From the first weekend, Prince could already see the level of competition that this summer would bring. The teams include a mixture of returning players, as well as new faces to the league. It keeps it interesting that way, Prince said. This year, Prince is also playing on the “HBG Nightmares” team. He might be the president, but there’s no way he’s going to just sit on the sidelines, he said.

But while the competition is fierce, the energy on the court stays positive.

“We can be competitive while still bringing each other up,” he said.

That’s important to both Range and Prince, as well as to Stefani Idžaković, the summer league coordinator for the foundation.

Over the first few years of the league, Idžaković has continued to implement rules around mutual respect, nonviolence and creating a family-friendly environment.

“We want the youth to see that we can use healthier outlets,” she said. “We actually got more interest after we started fostering a more positive environment.”

During this season, Prince has already seen a difference in the way players interact with each other, compared to past years. He recalled a time when a foul in the game would cause a fight to break out. But as he has tried to remain a positive example for other players—controlling his emotions during moments of frustration. He’s seen others take the same approach.

“Every year, I see people come back that change for the better,” he said.

Foundation 717 has seen the impact that its league has had on the community and hopes to expand in the coming years. Range said that they may offer additional sports options in the near future.

“I want to change the way the perspective is of our neighborhood,” he said. “This is just the beginning of what we are capable of.”

For more information about Foundation 717, visit www.foundation717.org.

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Community Corner: Notable July Events

June 30, 2022 | by Missy Smith

Coloring Contest
July 1-31: Children ages 5 to 10 are invited to participate in Wildwood Park’s second annual coloring contest. Young artists may submit a Wildwood-themed, 8½-by-11 hand-drawn, portrait-style coloring page using colored pencils, crayons or markers. Entries may be submitted to the Nature Center, via mail or email throughout July. www.wildwoodlake.org

HBG Flea
July 2: 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

4th Celebration
July 3: Enjoy a July 4th celebration at the Star Barn Village, Newville Rd., Elizabethtown, 3 to 9 p.m. Take a ride through Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, self-guided tours of The Star Barn Village attractions, visits with animals, tractor-pulled wagon and pony rides, games, art displays, demonstrations, train rides, fireworks and more. www.thestarbarn.com

Holiday Concert
July 3: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Independence Day celebration returns with a Hershey Symphony Orchestra concert, 500 University Dr., Hershey, 7:30 p.m. Ice cream and water will be provided, and food and drink will be available for purchase from food trucks. The rain date is July 4. www.pennstatehealth.org

4th of July Concert
July 4: Join the Friends of New Cumberland Public Library for a 4th of July concert with the New Cumberland Town Band on the Library Lawn, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be concessions for sale during the concert. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Taste of Independence
July 4: Harrisburg toasts the nation’s birth with a July 4th Food Trucks and Fireworks featuring food trucks, live music, a wine garden, kids’ activities and more in Riverfront Park, 1 to 9 p.m. The annual fireworks display follows at dark. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Declaration Reading
July 4: The Historical Society of Dauphin County presents the 12th annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence with John Harris Jr. reenactor David Biser from the porch of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. Readings will take place on the hour at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., with a special candlelight reading at 8 p.m. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Film Fridays
July 8, 22: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “Roll Bounce” at 7 p.m. and June 24 at 2 p.m. The film follows Xavier, a teenage boy in Chicago, who struggles with the loss of his mother and turns to roller-skating as a way to deal with his angst. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Outdoor Movies
July 8, 22: Dauphin County Parks and Recreation presents Sunset Series Movie Night at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, with screenings of “Luca” on July 8 and “Soul” on July 22. The movies begin at 8:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or grab refreshments from the Friends of Fort Hunter concession stand. www.forthunter.org

Shipoke Flea
July 9: The annual Shipoke Flea returns, with a wide assortment of goods available for purchase. The event, organized by the Shipoke Neighborhood Association, runs 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the 500- to 800-blocks of S. Front Street, Harrisburg. www.shipoke.org

Volunteer Day
July 9: 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 will be provided, and refreshments will be available. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Pump Primers
July 9: PA Pump Primers’ Annual Antique Fire Apparatus Show and Muster returns to Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A parade of antique fire trucks will leave the PA Farm Show building and travel to Riverfront Park, where they will be on view all day. Speak to owners, play games, grab food and listen to music. www.papumpprimers.org

Music Fest
July 9: Head to Midtown for the Millworks Music Festival at 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, 1 to 7 p.m., for a day of music, food, art and beer, as a benefit for the Broad Street Market. www.millworksharrisburg.com

Book Sale
July 9-14: Palmyra Public Library hosts its annual used book sale at Palmyra First United Methodist Church, 520 E. Birch St. The book sale opens on July 9 with an early preview from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Admission is $5 per person. Customers should bring their own boxes or bags. www.palmyra.lclibs.org

Outdoor Play
July 13: Exchange screen time for Kids Discover-Outdoor Play at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1 to 3 p.m. Join a naturalist at Fort Hunter to discover a variety of creative outdoor games anyone can play at home. Kids can think creatively, move around and have fun. www.wildwoodlake.org

Food Rally
July 14: 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

Curiosity Kids
July 14, 28: Kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to Curiosity Kids to learn about density on July 14 and the history of the general store on July 28, at the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is included with general admission to the museum, but space is limited. www.statemuseumpa.org

3rd in the Burg
July 15: 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

Brewfest
July 16: Sample more than 60 craft brews while listening to music and tasting food from area food trucks at the 10th Annual Dauphin County Brewfest on the front lawn of Fort Hunter Mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door and $15 for designated drivers. www.forthunter.org

Boat Service
July 17: Salem UCC will host a casual ecumenical service on the Pride of the Susquehanna, an event free and open to the public. The boat leaves the dock at 10 a.m., and the service is followed by a picnic on City Island. www.salemuccharrisburg.org

Flower Walk
July 17: Take a walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., to view joe-pye weed, pokeweed, three species of monarda and two species of jewelweed. Learn how these flowers were named and some of their early and even modern-day uses. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Vision Bowl
July 18: Bowl a couple of games, learn about vision loss programs and support Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania at the annual Vision Bowl, which starts at 6 p.m. at ABC East Lanes, 1001 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg. Entry fee includes bowling, food, refreshments and a T-shirt. To learn more, contact Cheryl Cuddy at [email protected] or call VROCP at 717-238-2531.

Harrisburg Mile
July 20: Join the annual sprint down Front Street or just watch from the sidelines during the 41st annual Harrisburg Mile. The race starts at 5:30 p.m. with a fun run and continues through 8 p.m. with age group, corporate challenge and elite heats, with a celebration at the finish line. www.ymcarun.com

Heritage Days
July 21-24: Tuscarora Valley Heritage Days will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. each day at 6201 Route 75, East Waterford, with an antique tractor show, flea market and live music. Find Tuscarora Valley Heritage Days on Facebook for details.

Golf Scramble
July 22: The Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central Pennsylvania hosts its 15th Annual Harrisburg Consistory A.S.S.R. Golf Scramble at the Rich Valley Golf Course, 227 Rich Valley Rd., Mechanicsburg. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m. Registration forms are due no later than July 15. www.valleyofharrisburg.org

Dutch Days
July 27-30: Head to Richfield Dutch Days, Basom Memorial Park, Richfield, for summer family fun, rides, bingo, food, fireworks and more. Enjoy a Dutch menu throughout the week. An outdoor picnic, church service and parade will be held on Sunday evening. www.dutchdays.com

Evening Mixer
July 29: Join West Shore Chamber of Commerce for an evening mixer at Cedar Run, 824 Lisburn Rd., Camp Hill, 4 to 6 p.m. This free event is open to chamber members. Potential members are welcome to attend two free chamber events. www.wschamber.org

Bus Tour
July 30: The Historic Harrisburg Association hosts its second annual bus tour of local landmarks, featuring African American heritage sites in Cumberland County, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.historicharrisburg.org

Pride Fest
July 30: The Pride Festival of Central PA celebrates its 30th anniversary, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with music, food, performances, vendors and fun, at Emergency Responders Plaza, 3rd and North streets (behind the State Museum of PA), Harrisburg. Daylong parking for $10 is available at the 7th Street Garage. Pride requests a $10 donation for admission to the festival. www.centralpapride.org.

Nature & Art Fest
July 30: Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art hosts its annual Nature and Art Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at MYO Park, Millersburg. The free festival includes food and craft vendors, education and art presentations, make-it-yourself bluebird boxes, live music and more. www.nedsmithcenter.org

Concert Series
July 31: Harrisburg Young Professionals hosts a free concert with Natalie Ness at Italian Lake, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blankets and snacks. www.hyp.org

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

Preservation Dedication: West Shore Historical Society builds a bridge to the region’s past

June 30, 2022 | by Alex J. Hayes

Don Paul Shearer & Janice Lynx at Sheepford Road Bridge

A new chapter for the West Shore Historical Society started with a 135-year-old bridge.

Janice Lynx lives a short walk from the 13-foot-high Sheepford Road Bridge iron structure that links Fairview Township in York County with Lower Allen Township in Cumberland County. Walkers and bikers use the single-span, 114-foot-long bridge to cross Yellow Breeches Creek.

Society records state the bridge was built in 1887 using patented Phoenix columns. The Phoenix Bridge Co. was one of the nation’s top developers of metal truss bridge technology in the last half of the 19th century. The company prefabricated the bridges, and another firm, Dean and Westbrook, erected them on site.

Lynx, a 10-year resident of the neighborhood, appreciates the bridge’s beauty and history. When she learned that demolition was possible, the retired New York City public school teacher contacted the society’s president, Don Paul Shearer, who agreed to work to save the bridge. The pair pleaded with county, local and state officials for assistance.

They placed signs stating “Save Our Bridge” in big, black letters on the property and created a website, www.savesheepfordroadbridge.org. Volunteers knocked on doors and collected more than 1,200 signatures on petitions. The Cumberland County Register of Historic Places added the bridge to its registry in June 2021 at the society’s request.

“When these things go away, they can’t be brought back,” Shearer said, of the area’s many landmark structures.

Lynx and Shearer saw a sign of hope when the York and Cumberland county commissioners applied for a $1.4 million PennDOT grant to rehabilitate the bridge for pedestrian and cyclist use.

In mid-April, Lynx was walking on another bridge, thousands of miles away in Paris, France, when her phone rang. The grant was approved, and the bridge was saved.

“It was the perfect place to get champagne and celebrate,” she said.

When construction is complete, the counties will surrender ownership of the bridge to the West Shore Historical Society.

Lynx’s determination and success amazed Shearer, a member of the society since its founding in 2015.

“This thing could have been gone, and nobody could have known about it,” Shearer said. “This was a true grassroots success.”

The bridge connected Shearer and Lynx, but the partnership is not a one-way street. Lynx is now the West Shore Historical Society’s executive director, a path she never could have mapped out a decade ago.

“I have no history at all in history,” Lynx said.

The society now hopes to prevent the sale of the historic Peace Church, located at the northwest corner of East Trindle Road and St. Johns Church Road in Hampden Township. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission currently owns the 224-year-old limestone structure, but wishes to transfer ownership or sell it.

The society’s headquarters on Kranzel Drive, Camp Hill, is a repository of artifacts from the region it covers—Fairview, Lower Allen and Hampden townships and Lemoyne and Wormleysburg boroughs.

For instance, the society owns a red caboose built in 1916 that sits on Lowther and Maple streets in Lemoyne. It also took the lead in preserving the former Lemoyne High School, which is being redeveloped as apartments.

Volunteers are needed to complete the society’s many goals or to identify new ones. Shearer, an active appraiser, appreciates the many hours that Lynx devotes to the organization. He touts her organizational skills and determination, which all started with the Sheepford Road Bridge.

“The bridge helped the society by the society helping the bridge,” Shearer said.

The West Shore Historical Society relies on volunteers and donations to preserve the area’s history. For more information, visit www.westshorehistoricalsociety.org.

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