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

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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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Hands-On History: New museum, Children of Gettysburg 1863, explains big concepts to Gettysburg’s smallest visitors

June 30, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

Exhibit at Children of Gettysburg 1863. Photos courtesy of Gettysburg Foundation.

Bob is the most popular guy at Gettysburg’s newest museum.

He’s actually a dummy—dressed in Civil War clothing, lying on a cot—whose battle wounds get bandaged by kids nearly all day, every day. He’s just one of many interactive activities that make history hands-on for Gettysburg’s youngest visitors at a new museum called Children of Gettysburg 1863.

Children and families choose one of six “characters”—real Gettysburg children who lived through the Civil War—and follow their personal stories through colorful, oversized storybooks and related hands-on activities like the bandaging of Bob. Everything is conceived and operated by the Gettysburg Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the National Park Service’s Gettysburg National Military Park.

“We’re changing the concept of what a museum is, because it’s entirely hands-on,” said Bethany Yingling, museum manager. “And there’s nothing better than watching parents and kids interact, learning together.”

Eyes of a Child

Yingling is often the one who greets families at the entrance and shadows them through the museum’s five rooms, each presenting specific Civil War topics leading up to, through and following the pivotal Civil War battle. The target age range is kindergarten through fifth grade, yet Yingling said that many adults are surprised by how much they learn—through the eyes of their children—as well as the eyes of Gettysburg’s children of 1863.

In addition to each room’s central, oversized storybooks—based on historically accurate, first-person accounts—there are scavenger hunt cards for kids to emboss along the way, the chance to be a drummer boy in the Civil War (don’t worry, mamas—the drumbeats are muted), lifting a heavy bucket full of bullet shells (a common post-battle activity for Gettysburg’s children), puzzles and more.

“I look at this as an opportunity, as a history nerd, to do all the things that I wish I’d had the opportunity to do as a little kid,” said Yingling, who earned a degree in secondary education social studies and history and previously worked as a teacher. “This is my way to give back to all the little nerds up-and-coming, and I say that word ‘nerd’ with love.”

All that hands-on learning helps kids process what the pivotal Civil War battle was all about. Because, otherwise, how do you explain big concepts like the Civil War and slavery?

“It’s our obligation, our role, to inspire these kids in a way that makes sense to them, because war is scary and slavery is complex,” said Elle Lamboy, Gettysburg Foundation’s vice president of philanthropy. “So, we tried to break it down, working with educators, in ways that kids can begin to understand that they’re in a special place.”

Nurturing the next generation of history lovers by “igniting that spark of curiosity that will keep burning for a lifetime” is the museum’s primary goal, said Lamboy.

Planting Seeds

Converting the foundation-owned house into a children’s museum “was kind of a crazy idea but we felt like there was a real market advantage because there was nothing for this demographic, and as a nonprofit educational organization, we were meeting our mission—and then it was just so rewarding to bring these stories of these kiddos to life,” Lamboy said.

The beginning of the pandemic synched with—and shaped—the exhibits’ creative direction.

“That was the other wild part—the technology factor,” said Lamboy. “Everyone’s gut reaction was that the museum had to be high-tech. But as we were planning the gallery space, we were all on Zoom, kids were on Zoom, we were all on screen overload. And we were like, ‘Let’s just go back to a simpler time so kids really get a feel for what it was like in 1863.’”

Looking at today’s pandemic events through the lens of history often reveals new lessons. For example, did you know, Gettysburg residents wore masks following the battle to protect themselves from post-battle stench and disease?

“Kids have those a-ha moments when they realize they’re living through crazy things too—like COVID,” Yingling said. “They say, ‘They had to wear masks too?’ That connection—seeing that this isn’t the first time something horrible happened that required people to wear masks—and you can get past horrible things that happen in life.”

So far, attendance is shattering all projections. Affordability and accessibility is a priority. Admission is free for each child, age 12 and younger, with a paying adult ($7.50). The museum is already a popular destination for scouts, school and homeschool groups.

“What makes the museum so special is that everything is touchable and interactive,” said Anna Domzalski of Gettysburg, who organizes monthly field trips for a homeschool co-op involving 10 families and about 30 children.

With kids ranging from babies to fourth graders, most outings are especially meaningful for one specific age group, but their visit to Children of Gettysburg 1863 “was great for everyone,” said Domzalski.

“They did a great job with everything—the foundation made great choices,” Domzalski said. “But even more so, they picked the right people to run it. They’re phenomenal.”

Gettysburg’s history lessons are not only important to visitors, but for those who live nearby.

“We drive through the Gettysburg battlefield every day,” said Domzalski. “And your kids naturally ask questions. So, the museum is the perfect starting place to answer those questions.”

While Children of Gettysburg 1863 is located in town, the foundation also operates the popular NPS battlefield visitor center.

“Having the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center is huge, but we want you to grow with us your entire life,” said Lamboy. “What is the legacy of Gettysburg, if we don’t appeal to incoming generations? It could be lost. Our kids are going to be the ones to change this world. So, if we can have even one tiny part in that, it’s very rewarding.”

Children of Gettysburg 1863 is located at 451 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, and online at gettysburgfoundation.org/children-of-gettysburg-1863. Tune into TheBurg Podcast’s July episode to hear more from Elle Lamboy about the individual Children of Gettysburg 1863 stories, plus the museum’s special events.

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Lost & Hound: Find Toby In PA reunites missing pets with their families

June 30, 2022 | by Rachel Curry

Cleo and family

PennDOT Engineering District 8 in Harrisburg is home to piles of road salt and reinforced concrete pipes.

For about two months this year, it also was home to a miniature poodle named Cleo, who likely squeezed through holes in the fence and was living among the pipes.

Find Toby in PA, a nonprofit dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners in central Pennsylvania, got wind of a dog inhabiting the PennDOT property on Herr Street. Within about two days, Kim Bolden and a fellow volunteer were able to trap her in a crate with food.

What came next shocked even Bolden, who has six years of experience volunteering with Find Toby.

Cleo belonged to a family who thought that their dog had died shortly after going missing in late March. The cremated remains from another run-over pup (once a similar size and fur pattern to their own Cleo), sat in their home while the family grieved. Thanks to Find Toby, the real Cleo came home.

“They would’ve never found her if she wasn’t microchipped and registered,” Bolden said.

Pure Passion

Find Toby’s mission is twofold.

On the one hand, the organization helps reunite families with lost dogs, cats and other pets. They do this with the help of administrative volunteers who manage the highly active Facebook page, but also with field volunteers unafraid to sacrifice a good night’s sleep for the sake of a lost animal.

On the other hand, Find Toby has a preventative motive. This means helping people with the often-forgotten step of registering a microchip, as well as informing folks about the need to keep newly adopted animals extra secure with a double leash on a collar and harness.

“Probably more than 50% of the dogs that I end up working with are recently rehomed or rescued within the last week,” Bolden said.

According to the latest data, Find Toby helped reunite 5,754 pets in 2019 alone. This includes mostly dogs, but also cats and other pets (think horses, birds, rabbits and reptiles). Since then, Find Toby has continued to grow in popularity and now is often the first place Harrisburg-area people go when they discover that their pet is missing.

And to think it all started with one dog, Toby himself, who, in early 2013, wandered lost for 16 days before the group’s original community found him and brought him back to his Mechanicsburg home.

Rachel Black, president of Find Toby, said that it took a couple of years for the organization to formalize. Born of necessity and grown on pure passion, the group today is a much more detail-oriented version of its earlier iterations. Facebook group admins volunteer from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. “and this is seven days a week, 365 days a year,” said Black, who herself volunteers on holidays.

The admin volunteer training program teaches standard formats and responses that volunteers have curated over the years. Key field workers undergo Missing Animal Response Network (MARN) training for lost pet recovery.

Helping Hands

By day, Black is a business analyst for Highmark. Her analytical brain has come in handy. When a dog, Charlie Bear, was lost in the Mechanicsburg area for four months, Black said that she looked at data and information to whittle down potential locations based on sightings.

Strategy is crucial in the world of lost pets.

“That dog is safer if it is calm, in a safe spot, even if it is still loose than if we scare that dog and make it run,” Black said, which is why Find Toby often keeps sightings on the down-low until the job is done.

Many owners are surprised to find that their lost dog may not approach them when it has been living as a wild animal for an extended period of time.

“They’re in survival mode now,” Bolden said.

Bolden, too, has a personality suited for the job.

“I’ve always been very calm,” she said.

That doesn’t mean that her work is not stressful, and Bolden emphasizes just how much Find Toby could use helping hands. With its growth comes a need for more people manning the Facebook page, watching live cameras overnight to help field workers get sleep, and even going out in the field to trap lost pets or refresh food and water.

Bolden’s story of capturing Cleo and returning her home to her once-mourning family is unique, but it’s not the only wild tale she has.

Whitney, a dog in Palmyra, escaped her home twice in a matter of days. She was captured both times, first by squeezing herself into a raccoon trap meant for a different critter, then by entering Find Toby’s own trap. A shepherd mix, Kisses, escaped in Annville while en route from the Carolinas to New York. She survived for 29 days in January before popping up in someone’s yard.

“We finally got her, and she smelled like cows and hay,” Bolden said. “So, she must have gotten into barns.”

Ultimately, Find Toby volunteers sacrifice time and energy, but they gain a community of animal lovers and unendingly rewarding experiences.

“The animals and the people that you’ve met always come forward with you, and it makes you a different person,” Bolden said.

For more information or to volunteer with Find Toby in PA, visit www.findtobyinpa.org or www.facebook.com/findtobyinpa.

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

It’s Her Destiny: Amy Brickner takes you to the source for farm-fresh milk, ice cream

June 30, 2022 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Amy Brickner

On a stretch of land near Carlisle, down the road a bit, you’ll find what Amy Brickner calls her “Destiny,” a place where she feels at home and at peace.

A crowd gathers around her, welcoming her as she nears the slide. Suddenly, all heads turn to get a glimpse of the enthusiastic, ginger-furred straggler who, when he realizes he is missing out, begins charging at full speed, grunting loudly, eager for a greeting.

“These are my pets,” said Brickner of the goats and pigs that make Stover Farms their home.

Located near the pet playground is a cozy wooden structure complete with a rocking chair on the front porch that practically beckons visitors to relax, stay awhile, perhaps indulge in a bit of ice cream, and take in the tableau. Brickner named the business “Destiny Dairy Bar” because she knows she is needed here, and it is here where she’s happiest.

“My family has always farmed here,” Brickner said. “My mom, my uncle and my grandfather were all involved until my grandfather passed.”

She eventually left home to study animal science at Cornell University. She later pursued a master’s degree in dairy nutrition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“I wanted to get my Ph.D. since I love teaching and figuring out better ways to do things, but the farm was always in the back of my mind,” she said.

In 2006, she decided to return to the family farm.

“I guess I never felt like I was going to stay in Madison,” she said. “I wanted to be home and be closer to the farm and my family, especially as I began to lose family members.”

Brickner sells non-homogenized creamline milk that will delight those old enough to remember fighting over the cream ball with their siblings.

“You have to shake it to incorporate the cream,” Brickner said.

She explained that creamline means the milk has not been separated and standardized to a certain fat percentage. So, you get it exactly how it comes out of the cow.

“This means it could change by the season, diet or by the number of days the cows have been milking,” she said.

Even finicky children may turn into converts when they taste Brickner’s line of flavored milks. Customers can choose from chocolate, strawberry, root beer, peach, cookies and cream and raspberry, to name a few.

“When you think about how versatile milk is, it makes sense to put flavors in it and make it fun,” she said.

Additional products include ice cream with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan, peanut butter and peach.

Brickner thinks it’s important to be transparent when it comes to operating a farm.

“I love showing people around and connecting them in a small way to their food,” she said. “You worry about things people see being misconstrued, but I think we all need to do better in having open discussions on how animals are raised and treated.”

Brickner wants people to know that she feeds calves and milks cows every day at 3 p.m.

“So, that’s a good time to come out and ask questions,” she said.

On a recent weekday, Jason Fanus stopped by to pick up a few products on his way to work in Carlisle. He weighed in on the flavored milk.

“I like the root beer,” he said. “It tastes like root beer barrels. And if you haven’t tasted the cookies and cream milk, you don’t know what you’re missing.”

Fanus learned about Destiny Dairy Bar from Facebook and convinced his co-workers to visit the farm, too.

“Once you’ve tried her products, you’ll want to come back for more,” he said.

“This is music to my ears,” Brickner said, with a smile.

She added that interacting with the community, sharing what she has learned about the agricultural industry over the years, tending to the animals and offering them the best care possible is the fulfillment of a plan that was set in place long ago when she fell in love with the farm.

“It’s why I named the place Destiny,” she said.

Destiny Dairy Bar is located at 60 Horners Rd., Carlisle. Learn more by visiting their website at www.destinydairybar.com.

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Food & Family: Kimchee Girl shares her love of Korean cuisine with central PA

June 30, 2022 | by Shannon St. Armand

Illustration by Aron Rook.

Joyce Park Williams never planned on running her own pop-up restaurant.

“I started my food company by accident,” said the owner and chef behind Kimchee Girl authentic Korean food.

A former makeup artist, a lifelong resident of the Harrisburg area and the first of her Korean family to be born in the United States, Park Williams could not find kimchee—a 3,000-year-old fermented Korean dish—that rivaled her mother’s.

“Growing up poor, we grew everything,” she said.

She recalled making “hundreds and hundreds of pounds of kimchee” with her family. But in her house, her parents had no recipe; they made it to taste.

After her mother passed away from cancer, Park Williams realized that she needed to find a way to replicate the delicious food she’d grown up with. So, she carefully studied and documented her dad’s kimchee techniques until she felt the recipe matched the taste of her mom’s cooking. Now, she had pounds of kimchee filling her fridge.

“All my friends are on Facebook like, ‘You make kimchee?’” she said. “I’m like, ‘Yeah.’… ‘Do you sell it?’ I’m like, ‘Sure.’”

By the end of the following weekend, she had made $1,000.

In May 2021, she filed the paperwork to become a legal business. Now, you can find Joyce Park Williams and her blazing pink tent all over central PA. And while kimchee, the dish she makes with only a handful of ingredients, is her specialty, it’s usually her other dishes that draw a crowd.

“Korean food is very aromatic,” she said.

Customers follow the smell of Korean-style barbecue ribs, bone-in pork chops and bulgogi wraps with marinated beef. It’s common for people to come back for seconds. Park Williams lights up when she talks about customers enjoying her food.

“But this isn’t really about me,” she said. “It’s about my mom.”

She believes in the power of food to connect us to each other and to the ones we love.

While she tries to locally source as many ingredients as possible, buying from places like the PA Open Air Farmers Market on Cameron Street in Harrisburg, her ultimate goal is to find a farmer to grow her food and to get her mom’s kimchee into supermarkets across the country.

Already through her online shop, she sells kimchee to people in states as far away as California who want a taste of the food that “has four times the probiotics of Greek yogurt” and won’t go bad for years.

“I want kimchee to be as common as ketchup,” she said.

And with her kimchee now sold at five different outlets across Pennsylvania and Maryland, including Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill, she’s doing her best to make that happen.

Though there are hundreds of varieties of kimchee, Park Williams makes hers stand out by making it vegan (without fish sauce) and by donating a portion of every Kimchee Girl sale to a local person battling cancer.

Around Christmas, she and her husband, Kevin, dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus and take gifts, gift cards and money for treatment to a patient or their child who needs it.

“[Cancer] is expensive,” said the survivor of uterine and breast cancer who wants to give back as much as she can.

Soon, along with its pop-up, Kimchee Girl with have a more permanent spot at the new indoor farmers market in Hershey, where kimchee will be served along with their other classic Korean dishes. She is looking forward to sharing her food with even more people.

“It’s very joyful,” she said. “Food is really the fabric of our life.”

For more information on Kimchee Girl, visit www.kimcheegirl.com.

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July Editor’s Note

June 30, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Who’s that doggy on the cover?

Why, that’s Pursuit!

Each July, our magazine offers a special section devoted to our beloved animal companions. So, in past years, we’ve had dog covers and cat covers and, once, even featured a picture of a canary perched atop the head of a boxer (the canine type, not the fighting type).

This year, it’s Pursuit’s turn to show off his handsome mug, as captured by our illustrator, Ryan Spahr. Pursuit is currently a resident of the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area and is looking for his forever home.

According to the Humane Society’s description, Pursuit, a pit bull mix, had some interesting adventures before landing in their care, including a mad dash from some pursuing police officers, which is how he got his name.

If you’re thinking about a pet, perhaps you’ll consider Pursuit or one of the other longer-term residents of our local shelter. A quick online search has a wealth of information about the animals in their care, including likes (for Pursuit, that’s food and other dogs) and dislikes (in his case, cats).

We hope you’ll find a great match for your home!

In addition to our pet theme, July stories include everything from arts to eats to events. Within these pages, you’re certain to discover something new or interesting or just lots of fun.

Lastly, July is a big vacation month. In the past, readers have sent us photos from their holidays, taking TheBurg along as they traveled everywhere from Florida to Italy, from Hawaii to France. If you’ve packed up a copy for vacation reading, send us a pic from the road, from the beach or from abroad, and we’ll be delighted to share it on our social media pages.

Happy summertime, everyone!

Lawrance Binda
Co-publisher/editor-in-chief

Click here to read a digital version of our July magazine.

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