Treasured Threads: One weaver passes her legacy to another

June 30, 2022 | by Molly Foster

Nelly Smith

When you walk into Weft Wabi-Sabi Weaving on a brisk day, you’re enveloped in the radiant warmth of a fired-up Irish wood stove.

During summer’s sticky string of months, sheep’s wool insulation cools the shed-turned-small business to a comfortable equilibrium. Above you, natural light rains in from skylights—beneath your soles, a cushiony cork floor.

Womb-like is how one weaver described the feeling upon entry.

“Womb-like,” owner Nelly Smith echoed, mulling it over. “I don’t think I could put Weft to words better than that if I tried.”

Though, if she did try, she’d equate it to “a little slice of heaven”—an ambiance reminiscent of a Japanese tea room, which, to her, a lover of tea and artistry, is as close to heaven as can be experienced on earth.

At Weft, Smith facilitates a weaving experience that’s about much more than just putting thread onto loom. Rooted in “Wabi-Sabi,” an ancient Japanese aesthetic philosophy in which beauty is found in imperfection, weavers are encouraged to explore this concept through their creations.

Shelved on the walls and bundled together in baskets on the floor are threads of nearly every color and texture imaginable. With bountiful fibers within reach, weavers are at liberty to intermix hues of reds and yellows, purples and blues—whatever their hearts desire.

“There are no rules,” Smith said.

When people enter, she wants them to feel free to be the truest version of themselves and to express that through the loom as they rhythmically move the needle over and under the warp thread. She simply instructs: “Pick a color and start weaving.” The rest is up to them.

“When they leave after weaving for a few hours, I hope they feel a little more ‘something’—whatever that ‘something’ is that they needed most,” she said. “I want them to feel like they can handle the world a little bit better.”

A Legacy

Smith believes the loom can help people find—or rediscover—themselves because it happened to her several years ago.

As a stay-at-home mom who home-schools her three young children, she’s experienced joy in teaching them to exercise their creativity and explore their curiosities. But while nurturing her children, she grew increasingly aware of the stuck spots in her life, including her long battle with dyslexia and accompanying feelings of imperfection. Looking for a cathartic outlet, she stumbled upon Kite Tales SAORI Weaving Arts Studio.

Kite Tales, located in downtown Mechanicsburg at the time, just down the street from her house, was offering classes, and Smith began weaving there every Wednesday. There, she became close to owner Tara Kiley-Rothwell.

“Tara started to reteach me how to live. Her love for her students and passion for weaving was the medicine I had been searching for my whole life,” Smith said. “I learned to trust myself and honor myself. I often say I started weaving, then I started crying, and then I started healing.”

Last June, Kiley-Rothwell passed away after a battle with cancer, and the studio closed. She left behind a parting request for Smith.

“On her deathbed, Tara told her husband that she wanted me to continue the studio,” Smith said.

Wanting to fulfill her dear friend’s wish, she combined her degrees in art and social work to open Weft, located down a small alley in downtown Mechanicsburg. Having purchased the authentic Japanese looms and remaining thread that Kiley-Rothwell left behind, Smith is now giving them a second life.

“Nelly continuing Tara’s legacy is a beautiful tribute to our dear friend,” said April Bilbrey, who befriended Smith at Kite Tails and now helps teach classes at Weft. “It’s an amazing art form that formed bonds between us that will last beyond this lifetime.”

These treasured threads from the past are not just being shaped into potholders, table runners, scarves and wall hangings. They’re interweaving Kiley-Rothwell into the core of Weft—the person who inspired the people and the place.

Once students and now teachers, Smith and Bilbrey are sharing the lessons they learned through weaving, encouraging people to see beauty in all things, whether an artistic creation or themselves. And Smith is cherishing every little “magical” moment.

“I am blown away by the students I have had in the short time Weft has been open,” Smith said. “Their ideas give me goosebumps; their joy in weaving is infectious. I feel like I have so much to learn from all of them. It is such a joy to be part of their weaving journey.”

Weft Wabi-Sabi Weaving is located on E. Stouffer Alley (rear of 310 E. Main St.), Mechanicsburg. For more information, visit www.weftweaving.com.

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Good Dogs, Made Great: Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program trains pups and parents how to have a great relationship

June 30, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

Natahnee Miller & Bruce

It started with a growl.

Norman was just a puppy when he began showing signs of “resource guarding”—the phrase that dog behavior experts use to describe dogs being possessive—and sometimes aggressive—over their food or toys.

“We couldn’t walk near his food bowl,” said Jessica Green of Millersburg. “The first time or two, I thought, ‘Oh, he’s just being a puppy.’ But then you could tell by the look in his eye, he was not playing.”

And Norman was growing by the minute. A Mastiff mix, he already weighed between 30 and 40 pounds at 10 weeks old.

“Our fear was—he was going to get a lot larger,” said Green, although admittedly, she has “a soft spot for large breeds.”

She went online to search for accredited dog trainers in the Harrisburg area, focusing on those affiliated with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Her search turned up two options—only one of which offered the individualized training Norman needed.

“My only hope was Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program, and luckily they had space for me,” Green said.

For several months, Norman and his pet parents—Green and her fiancé—worked with trainer Natahnee Miller, president of Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program.

One of the first things Miller focused on wasn’t necessarily Norman’s behavior—but his parents’. Norman, like many pups, was adopted in 2020 amid pandemic shutdowns and work-from-home lifestyles.

“At the time, we weren’t the most structured people in the world. But Natahnee gave us ideas as to how to integrate structure into our lives because Norman needed that as a puppy,” Green said. “Now, we purposefully walk him in the morning and at lunchtime every day.”

Miller also taught them how to read Norman’s body language and behavior. And you could say that Norman has let his guard down. Now a big boy of 105 pounds, 2-year-old Norman no longer growls to protect his food, although he’s still working on a few other quirks.

“He’s not perfect, but he’s much better,” said Green. “The training made living with our dog that much more enjoyable. We will forever be thankful to Natahnee and Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program.”

The experience was life-changing in many ways. Green became so fascinated with dog behavior training that she now volunteers at an area shelter—the Perry County Animal Rescue—once a week.

Another way Green showed her appreciation was through donations to Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program. As a nonprofit, the all-volunteer organization is dedicated to providing high-quality training with no expectations of payment. Donations fund the organization’s relatively small budget of $5,000 annually, which covers everything from insurance to dog treats.

Very Rewarding

Founded by Andrew Hyle in 2012, Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program first offered free dog training at the Allison Hill Community Center.

When Miller came on board in 2016, she brought a wealth of knowledge from her experience as a former state dog warden and the former director of behavioral care at the Harrisburg Humane Society.

“Working at the shelter, and as a dog warden, you see a lot of people having a lot of communication issues with their dogs—things that are fixable,” Miller said. And she wanted to help.

The most common issues?

“What dog owners typically label as ‘aggression’—things like barking at other dogs or people, cars and bikes,” said Miller. “Separation anxiety is also up there, a lot of behavioral issues.”

Miller realized that Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program could fill several voids in the community. Very few area trainers were using the modern, relationship-based training methods she believed in. Dog behavior, she said, usually boils down to two things—context and communication.

“They either haven’t learned a behavior, or they don’t know what you’re asking,” said Miller, whose day job is with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.

Today, 10 years after its founding, Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program has helped hundreds of pet owners and their pooches, mostly in the Harrisburg area. But the circle widened during the pandemic. Many pet owners across the country—struggling with pandemic puppies and struggling financially—discovered and contacted Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program. The magic of Zoom allowed Miller’s free training to go nationwide.

“Natahnee’s mission at Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program makes sure cost isn’t a barrier to great dog training, and it keeps dogs in homes and out of shelters,” said Rhonda Renwick of Harrisburg. “It kind of hit my heart—I love the mission behind the program.”

An IAABC-accredited dog trainer, Renwick juggles volunteer time—at area dog shelters and Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program—with her career in electrical engineering.

“It’s very rewarding to see a dog live a happy life and break some of the barriers they had in a shelter and allow a dog to just be a dog,” Renwick said. “To break down fear, barriers with other dogs, with people, so you can have a happy wiggly dog, is so worth it.”

For more information, visit www.greatdogprog.org. And tune into the July episode of TheBurg Podcast where Natahnee Miller provides free advice on the top five dog behavior issues.

Look for the Signs

It’s a common scenario: You’re at an area park, when a dog—off-leash—runs up to you. “It’s OK—he’s friendly,” shouts the owner, usually from a distance. But does that pet parent really have their dog under reasonable control? What if you’re afraid of dogs? Do you have children or a dog with you? How is your dog going to react?

For all these reasons and more, two area nonprofits—Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program and Cumberland County’s Animal Assistance Program—are teaming up to place educational signs in area parks. So far, 10 parks in East Pennsboro Township are installing the signs, which explain why it’s best to ask permission before letting your dog approach others. A QR code links to free dog training and sociability materials on Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program’s website. Additional parks and rec contacts are being sought.

“Consent—just like with people—is the key,” said Natahnee Miller, president of Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program. “I don’t want someone I don’t know running up to me and giving me a hug—and most dogs don’t either.”

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Good, Better, Best: Palmyra man reaches career peak as Westminster Dog Show judge

June 30, 2022 | by Jeff Falk

Richard Powell

Richard Powell possesses highly evolved observation skills. He pays great attention to details. And his propensity for focus and concentration is off the charts.

In other words, he has everything required for being an excellent judge.

A 77-year-old resident of Palmyra, Powell judges show dogs at the highest level. Last month, he judged the terrier group at the 146th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, N.Y.

“If you don’t have ‘the eye,’ you shouldn’t judge dogs,” Powell said. “You have to have an artistic attitude. You’ve got to understand beauty. You’ve got to recognize quality.”

Powell explained that dogs are judged by a standard written by designers of the breed and approved by the American Kennel Club.

“When you first look at a dog, you look at the overall balance, the symmetry and the closeness to the breed standard,” he said. “Then, you start at the face, its eyes and how it looks back at you. But the most important thing about a dog is the shoulders. If it’s made right, it will move right.”

In the dog world, Westminster is the Super Bowl, the World Series and the Kentucky Derby all rolled up into one. The second longest continually staged sporting event in the country, it features 3,200 dogs of all breeds from throughout the United States.

But a show is only as good as the dogs that compete and the human beings who judge them.

“Our mottos are ‘only the best’ and ‘there’s only one,’” said Gail Miller Bisher, director of communications for the Westminster Kennel Club. “And it’s true on several levels. If you’re bringing in the best dogs and the best dog exhibitors, they expect the best judges, and we have the best judges. Having excellent judges is critical to the success of the Westminster Dog Show.”

Powell never intentionally set out to become a dog show judge, much less a judge at the most distinguished show in the world. In many ways, it was the culmination of a career centered around his love of canines.

Following years of breeding, handling and showing a variety of breeds, Powell started judging in 2000, in his mid-50s. Through his numerous judging assignments across the country and internationally, through seminars and via book learning, he became an expert at his craft.

“It’s very prestigious. It’s an institution,” Powell said, of the Westminster show. “To be asked to judge, it is quite an honor. I think it will be the culmination of my judging career. Everyone wants to win there, and everybody wants to judge there.”

The feeling is mutual. Westminster cherishes Powell’s commitment and expertise, said Miller Bisher.

“The most important thing about Mr. Powell is his dedication to the sport of dog shows,” she said. “It’s a lifestyle. You have to be somebody who wants to learn. You’ve got to be dedicated and love, love dogs.”

Retired from full-time work, Powell lives with his wife on 1.5 acres of farmland outside of Palmyra, complete with a lawn, a garden, chickens and some collectible automobiles. Not surprisingly, he said that he couldn’t imagine life without his own dogs.

“I’m from England, and dogs are such a huge part of life, more so there than here,” he said. “People who have dogs are very lucky to have them in their lives. I don’t think I’ve ever been without one. Dogs are so loyal. They expect nothing.”

Slowing down isn’t part of the current plan for Powell, who’s as busy as he wants to be judging dog shows. While Powell appreciates the opportunity that the Westminster show has offered, I left with the distinct impression that, if this one was indeed his last, that would be OK, as well.

“I have no idea,” said Powell, when pressed on his desire to judge a third Westminster Dog Show. “If I’d be invited, that would be great, and I would think about it.”

For more information on the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, visit www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

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Pets & Pests: Comb through your options for the best critter control

June 30, 2022 | by Kristen Zellner

Many of us know the horror of petting our dogs and cats only to come across tiny, blood-sucking critters on their fur or attached to their skin.

Just the other day, my cat was batting around a gray, oblong object that was the size of a dime. My 5-year-old daughter asked my wife and me what it was. Upon inspection, I announced, in dismay, “It’s a bloated tick!” If emojis were appropriate here, I would insert three green little faces.

Our cavalier, Darcy, had been wearing a Seresto collar, which has consistently kept the fleas and ticks away for a few years. We have tried a few chemical-free products on her, but Darcy has a severe reaction to fleabites, so we wanted something stronger. Darcy had no issues with the collars, but, after reading the recent warnings and reports of injury and death to some pets that wore them, we took it off a couple days ago.

This tick seemed to be dead, so I assume the poison that remained on Darcy’s coat after we removed the collar was enough to kill it. However, it ate very well before its demise, and there is still a possibility that it transmitted a bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes Lyme disease. Now, we headed to her veterinarian for a Lyme disease screening. I have seen the effects of untreated, tick-borne illness, and it is heartbreaking. Lyme disease can cause fever, joint swelling and pain, lameness, loss of appetite, lethargy and damage to the kidneys.

There are a ton of flea and tick preventatives available in many forms today. Oral and topical medications, collars, shampoos, sprays, powders and oils have saturated the market. A century ago, people were dousing their homes with kerosene and rubbing crushed mothballs into animals’ fur. Since then, the effort to prevent and kill pests has become easier for pet owners. It’s a dream come true, in a sense, but sometimes at the expense of our pets’ health and the environment.

The FDA regulates and reports on the chemicals used in flea and tick products. At FDA.gov, you can find, and I encourage you to do so, information on the ingredients used in these products, in addition to the risks they carry for harming pets, humans and the planet. Just because the FDA approves a medication does not mean it is entirely safe for all pets. On the flip side, not all products touted as “natural, organic or plant-based” are safe for all pets either. Be sure to read labeling and reviews of the products, and talk to your veterinarian before choosing the one that is right for your pets.

After reading reviews and labels and talking to the vet, you should choose the best, safest and most effective remedy. The size, breed, health and lifestyle of your pet will help you determine your needs.

Does your pet stay indoors? If so, you may not need much, if anything at all. What type of coat do they have? A long coat provides plenty of places for bugs to hide and breed. A short coat is easier to manage and comb through with a flea comb. (Flea combs are one of my favorite tools, as they can remove fleas and unattached ticks with great efficacy.) Also, consider where you live and travel with your pets, their contact with other animals, and if they interact with young children. I mention the latter because the chemicals used on pets are toxic if ingested, and children should not touch them.

The best piece of advice I can impart is to repel the biting pests before there is a problem. I have been using a few different products with neem, citronella, rosemary, peppermint or lemongrass oils for two decades without any adverse reactions for my pets or my family. They can also be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, unless the labels state otherwise.

Pest control is not a one-size-fits-all program. There is a delicate balance between keeping pets safe from too many chemicals and avoiding the deadly diseases spread by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Assess the health of your pet before using any product. Even though reactions to drugs can happen to any pet, the ones with health issues are more likely to have an adverse reaction. Never use a drug on your animal that isn’t prescribed for them, and always purchase from a veterinary practice or registered dealer. Finding the right pest control regimen can be difficult to navigate, but acquiring more information from reputable sources will always be to your benefit.

You are your pet’s best advocate.

Kristen Zellner is owner of Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals, 3963 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-232-3963 or visit www.abramsandweakley.com.

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Squid Bliss: Rosemary grills the calamari of her dreams

June 30, 2022 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

Back in the middle 2000s, when Harrisburg’s downtown restaurant scene, known as Restaurant Row, was drawing big crowds and new places were opening everywhere, my husband had a meal that he still talks about. It was at Stock’s on 2nd, the longtime dining establishment and bar owned by Stephen and KJ Weinstock.

Stock’s was different back then—a more formal restaurant, maybe even a “special occasion” place where reading the menu was as much fun as eating the innovative food.

He ordered something he had only seen on a menu once in Italy and hasn’t seen anywhere since—a calamari (squid) “steak.” I think it was grilled and served on a bed of greens and likely drizzled with a type of balsamic glaze. He loved it.

To this day, when we get to know a chef at one of our favorite restaurants downtown, he will ask, “Can you get calamari steak?” Some have promised to search but to no avail.

Now, in truthfulness, I think what he dined on that evening was simply a very large calamari body that someone called “steak.”

Many restaurants and bars serve fried calamari. Sammy’s on 3rd Street in Harrisburg serves theirs with a wonderful ginger dipping sauce. It is unique and worth a try.

On other occasions, the closest we got to non-fried calamari was at Suba, the wonderful tapas bar formerly atop the Mediterranean restaurant, Mangia Qui, on North Street in Harrisburg. The calamari, cut into rings, were served in little ramekins with lots of browned garlic and bathed in a vinegary sauce. It was a popular menu item that we ordered frequently.

So, I’ve been searching for a calamari recipe for my husband that doesn’t involve frying or being tossed into red sauce for pasta. Since the Baer family is sporting a new gas grill, I began researching all my grilling cookbooks and magazines for a recipe for grilled calamari that would be “do-able” at home. I found a good one. I generally like hot and spicy food, but I’ve eliminated the 13 fresh red Thai chilis that were called for here and substituted some Calabrian chili paste and additional red bell pepper. If you like calamari, you will have fun with this at home.

Cooking Light’s Barbecued Calamari (Squid)

Ingredients

1½ pounds whole cleaned squid (calamari bodies). If you are buying fresh ones, ask for the largest the fish vendor has. No need for the tentacles in this recipe.
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste or garlic red chili paste (calibrate amounts to your liking)
6 large garlic cloves
3 large peeled shallots, coarsely chopped
1 one-inch piece fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons lower sodium soy sauce
1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Non-stick cooking spray

Directions

Make small, crosswise cuts across each squid body.
Place the bell pepper, chili paste, garlic cloves and shallots in the bowl of a food processor. Process until finely ground.
Pulse in the sugar, soy sauce, black pepper and salt.
Place 2/3 cup of this mixture in a zip-top bag with the squid. Marinate the squid for 3 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Save the remaining sauce for dipping.
Pre-heat your grill to medium heat and coat the grates with a non-stick spray. Weber makes a good one as does PAM. It’s important not to skip this step as calamari are very delicate and will stick and tear.
Remove the calamari from the plastic bag and discard that marinade.
Place each squid on your well-oiled grill racks for 2 minutes on each side, until slightly charred, and the edges begin to curl a bit.
Remove to a platter and serve with the remaining sauce.

If you are a fan of eating calamari at restaurants and bars, you might have had the experience of getting some that are tough and rubbery. That is why it is so important not to overcook these delicate little creatures.

You can experiment with adding more “heat” to your marinade, and you can use any hot chili peppers you like. Sliced cucumbers in a light vinaigrette are a nice accompaniment to the calamari and contrast nicely with the spicy seafood.

You can serve these as appetizers with a nice cold beer. But for my husband, they are dinner!

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Command Central: Susquehanna Service Dogs opens new center to expand mission

June 30, 2022 | by Rachel Lindsley

Puppy-raiser Casey Gould & Magoo

Assistance dogs provide people the [paw]sibility to live independently.

In fact, that is the mission of Susquehanna Service Dogs, an organization that breeds, raises, trains and places task-oriented Labrador and golden retrievers with children and adults with disabilities.

To grow their operation, Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) recently opened a 13,000-square-foot training facility to provide a homebase for volunteers, trainers and partners to work together on tasks with their canines using residential- and public-style simulations.

The Robin C. Reedy Training Center was built on a horse farm in Grantville, yielding acres of grasslands with three large play yards. The center’s footprint includes 24 kennels, two training rooms, a common area, washer and dryer, accessible bathrooms and a simulated elevator.

The organization, part of Keystone Human Services, relies on its 400-plus volunteers to fulfill its mission and serve Pennsylvania and the four-hour driving radius of the training center.

“We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers,” said Director Deb Tack. “From our whelping homes to puppy raisers, sitters, canine enrichment program participants and everyone in between, this community helps our dogs change lives.”

York resident Casey Gould has been volunteering with SSD as a puppy raiser for five years. Gould has raised six dogs and is thankful for the new center’s training facilities and the networking opportunities it offers.

“This new center provides a place for our family of staff, volunteers, trainers and partners to meet and learn from one another,” Gould said. “There are areas for us to practice skills such as public-style bathrooms, a washer and dryer and an elevator. The kitchen is a great place for teams to learn how to navigate around tables, chairs and appliances—as they would in their partner’s home.”

Following Assistance Dogs International’s guidelines, SSD breeds primarily Labrador retrievers with a limited number of golden retrievers and Lab/golden crosses. They consider genetic testing, health checks and temperament before breeding or choosing a mate from another program within the overall organization.

The organization trains for a variety of services and allows the dogs to be placed in the career best suited to their top skills. Careers range from autism and psychiatric services to mobility, hearing and seizure response.

From birth to 2 years old, the service dogs in training are exposed to new faces, new environments and positive reinforcement to prepare them to become comfortable with the unknown.

Partners can apply for a service dog, interview and have a home visit, wait for the right match and visit the center for two weeks of training before they are ready to leave with their counterpart. The group has more than 150 active teams of partners and service and facility dogs that have graduated from the program. Each team is followed for the working life of the dog and through retirement.

“We work with our partners to make sure that they are set up for success,” Tack said. “Each service dog is trained specifically for tasks that will help their partner be independent. We then train the partner on cues and tasks and offer opportunities for them to participate in online classes and educational opportunities beyond graduation.”

It costs SSD more than $30,000 to fund an assistance dog through their entire working life. Visit their website to learn more about naming a puppy, sponsoring a dog’s harness or donating items to their wish list.

Looking to be more hands on? Volunteer to be a puppy raiser and help SSD train a 9-week-old puppy for 15 to 18 months. No experience is necessary. They will teach you everything you need to know about raising an assistance dog. All veterinarian costs are covered.

In 1993, founder Nancy Fierer started training dogs from her home with a long-term vision for growth. Tack and her team at SSD believe that the founder’s spirit lives within the new center, and she can see them making her dream a reality.

“A dog can change someone’s life,” Tack said. “Our founder knew that and saw the impact firsthand—as have I. Our dogs help our community members gain independence to complete tasks and live on their own successfully, living the lives they want to lead.”

Susquehanna Service Dogs’ Robin C. Reedy Training Center is located at 1078 Gravel Hill Rd., Grantville. For more information, visit www.susquehannaservicedogs.org. Follow them on Facebook for training photos, a puppy cam and to see their mission come to life.

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Art Becomes Reality: Twists, insights, laughs from “Official Competition”

June 30, 2022 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photo courtesy of Media Pro.

From directors Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat comes “Official Competition”—a film within a film and an act that turns into reality.

Humberto Suárez (José Luis Gómez) is a wealthy businessman who wants to leave an imprint, not by donating to a children’s center or funding medical research, but by funding a hit film. He pays an egregious amount of money to buy the adaptation rights to the book, “Rivalry,” which he has not read, and hires Lola Cuevas (Penelope Cruz), an eccentric director who takes uncharted paths when it comes to finding the heart of the scene.

Two actors are hired to play rivaling brothers: Félix Rivero (Antonio Banderas), a blockbuster actor, and Iván Torres (Oscar Martinez), an esteemed theater actor/acting professor. Lola’s hope is that they will butt heads naturally and be able to appropriately capture the headspace of the roles they play. She puts the two actors through a series of unconventional exercises that she is certain will get them to where they need to be. But her methods may push things a little too far as the actors find themselves gliding into their roles, even outside the contexts of the film.

The film toes the line between silly and uncomfortable in a beautiful orchestration of pride, ambition and art becoming reality, portraying a side of humanity that we always hope to ignore. Banderas’ and Martinez’s tense chemistry and Cruz’s surprising idiosyncrasies will leave you laughing throughout the whole movie, and the story holds plenty of emotional twists and turns. What a bizarre film to sink your teeth into this summer.

“Official Competition” will play at Midtown Cinema this July.

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

July Events At Midtown Cinema

3rd in The Burg Movie Night
“Flash Gordon”
Friday, July 15 at 9:30 p.m.

Free Outdoors Film Series
“Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Saturday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m.

National Theatre Live
“Henry V”

Sunday, July 17 at 5 p.m.

eSports Demo Day
With SNDBX Gaming
Monday, July 18

Down in Front! Presents
“Mac and Me”
Friday, July 22 at 9:30 p.m.

Free Outdoors Film Series
“The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”
Thursday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Down in Front!
Pride Edition presents
“Mommie Dearest”
Friday, July 29 at 9:30 p.m.

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Federal Building owner details plans for “luxury” apartment conversion, rooftop restaurants

June 29, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The federal building in downtown Harrisburg

The owner of a landmark downtown building says that he’s ready to proceed with a “luxury apartment” project for Harrisburg.

On Wednesday, developer Justin Etzin stated that he’s preparing to move forward with a plan for “The Federal,” a proposed 200-unit apartment building, which also would include several restaurants, at the corner of N. 3^rd and Walnut streets.

“The 200 apartments will bring much needed residential space to Harrisburg and be the most luxurious available,” said Etzin, CEO of Global Ocean Investments, which is based in the Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean.

In February, Etzin bought the 56-year-old, 251,000-square-foot building for $10 million from the U.S. government. It currently is listed back on the sales market for $22 million. Etzin has said previously that having the building on the market is “standard practice” as he gets investors onboard and the project underway.

The U.S. government is currently finishing up a new federal courthouse at N. 6th and Reily streets, where it soon will move courthouse staff. Other federal agencies in the downtown federal building are also slated to relocate.

Etzin stated that he would begin to seek city approvals, including from the city’s Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission, for the project, which includes construction of a new, split-level, 8,000-square-foot addition for two rooftop restaurants–an American-style steak house and a “luxury” Italian restaurant.

“This new glass-top pavilion we are proposing will house a top restaurant with sky bar and gardens, allowing visitors and residents of Harrisburg to dine overlooking the Pennsylvania Capital Complex,” Etzin said.

A rendering of the proposed rooftop addition to the federal building (credit: Global Ocean Investments)

In a news release, Etzin said that the apartment units will include high-end finishes, eat-in kitchens, master suites and dens. The building also will include a movie theater, fitness center, lounge and nail and hair salon, he said.

According to Etzin, construction would begin once the federal government vacates the building in early 2023 and would be completed by 2025.

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Proposed Uptown Harrisburg residential project struck down by City Council

June 29, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

The site of a proposed apartment building project (2463 Jefferson St.), which Harrisburg City Council denied.

A proposed residential project for Uptown Harrisburg has hit a major obstacle, as City Council unanimously voted it down on Tuesday night.

At a legislative session, council opposed the project, by local developer D&F Realty, to transform a warehouse into apartment units at 2463 Jefferson St. According to council member Shamaine Daniels, the developer had at least 80 recent citations for code violations on other city properties.

“Generally speaking, there’s a presumption that when applicants come before this body that they come in good faith,” Daniels said. “However, given the circumstances […] I would recommend that given the history of this applicant, we can’t make a presumption of good faith.”

The project originally came before council in March, with David Peffley of D&F Realty explaining that it would include constructing and rehabbing 22 apartment units in total.

In November 2021, D&F received Zoning Hearing Board approval for the building, permitting a multi-family dwelling use and offering parking relief.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, Peffley said that, since the March meeting, D&F had addressed a majority of the code violations—paying fines, renewing licenses and appealing citations. However, council was not satisfied and expressed doubt over whether the company would remain in compliance with city codes in the future.

“If this is approved, are we going to end up in the same situation?” council member Ausha Green said.

When council rejects a land development plan, the applicant does have the option to appeal the decision.

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Harrisburg announces plans for July 4th festival, including food trucks and fireworks

June 28, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

Mayor Wanda Williams announces the July 4th Food Truck Festival at a press conference on Tuesday.

Harrisburg will celebrate the Fourth of July this year with a bang.

The city will host its annual July 4th Food Truck Festival and Fireworks event, Mayor Wanda Williams announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

“Downtown Harrisburg is going to be a party for the 4th of July and I can’t wait to celebrate,” Williams said. “Harrisburg is at its best on days like this, when families can experience our city together. We really can’t wait to see the fun they’re going to have when they come to Riverfront Park.”

From 1 to 9 p.m. on Monday, July 4, over 45 food trucks will line N. Front Street. Harrisburg festival classics, such as funnel cakes and Farm Show milkshakes, will be offered, but new food options will be available as well. Additionally, there will be vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Beer and wine gardens will feature drinks from five different breweries and vineyards.

Local businesses such as Yellow Bird Café, JB Lovedraft’s Micropub, Stock’s on 2nd and others will also offer unique items that can only be found for the holiday weekend.

Six musical acts will perform on the Capital Blue Cross Live Music Stage, including groups like Big Sky Quartet and Big Fat Meanies. This year, the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast will be performing onstage between Liberty and State streets beginning at 2:15 p.m.

For families with small children, there will be a Kids Zone where children can get free balloon animals and face painting.

City Island businesses will also be open for anyone who wants to take a ride on the railroad, play a round of Water Golf, or cruise the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna.

To conclude the evening, at around 9:15 p.m., the city will shoot off fireworks, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. The show, produced by Bixler Pyrotechnics, will last 15 minutes and include 2,000 shells. The city’s fireworks display will commence after the Harrisburg Senators’ own fireworks display following their game against the Erie Seawolves.

At 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and by candlelight at 8 p.m., a John Harris Jr. re-enactor will read the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion.

Street parking is free during the holiday. Parking on City Island will cost $5 and Market Square Garage parking from 1 p.m. to midnight will be $10. Handicapped parking is available on State Street, and free bike parking is available at Walnut Street. Front Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to midnight, and the Market Street Bridge will be closed westbound from 6:30 p.m. to midnight.

For more information on Harrisburg’s July 4th celebration, visit their website.

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