Place Your Beats: My Heroes Stage at Hollywood Casino offers a new entertainment option in central PA.

May 31, 2022 | by Jeff Falk

If variety is the spice of life, then options and alternatives are true delights. Cue the My Heroes Stage in five, four, three, two, one.

My Heroes Stage is central Pennsylvania’s newest live music venue. Located at Hollywood Casino in Grantville, it’s bringing big-name recording artists from the musical realms of rock, pop and country and western to the Harrisburg region.

For Hollywood Casino, the venue is a way to expand its business footprint, to spread its entertainment wings. But the real winners are music-loving locals.

“My Heroes Stage is more than just another entertainment venue at the casino,” said Dan Ihm, vice president and general manager at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. “We wanted to provide a different experience. We’re not here to compete with Hershey. We’re here to complement them. They bring in a different type of artist than we would bring in.”

More than just another concert, a show at My Heroes Stage at Hollywood Casino is an intimate experience in music.

Located on the north side of the complex, My Heroes Stage is within walking distance of the casino building, and the picturesque Blue Mountains serve as the enormous stage’s scenic backdrop. The venue’s outdoor seating can accommodate 5,000 guests, and concerts are staged in a festive, carnival-style atmosphere.

Vendors, food trucks and outdoors bars are located nearby, admission is reasonably priced, and parking is free.

“I went to see Journey last summer, just to see what it was like,” said Glenn Hamilton, program director and morning host for Harrisburg radio station, WRVV 97.3 FM. “The thing I was impressed with was how big the stage was and the quality of the production. For a first-year endeavor, they put on a great show. Nobody knew what to expect. You’re surrounded by the mountains, and the setting is absolutely beautiful.”

From a business standpoint, My Heroes Stage was an opportunity born of a pandemic. With COVID-19 restrictions easing, August 2021 proved to be the perfect timing for the opening of a new outdoor music venue.

Or, as Ihm put it, “We seized the moment last year, and now it’s growing.”

“I think, overall, we’re just making Dauphin County more of a destination,” he said. “We’re creating entertainment value. We’re bringing in new people who may not have come here before. The more reasons we provide for people to come into the area, the more opportunities for economic growth.”

Last year, My Heroes Stage offered a limited series of six shows, a schedule that included music legend John Fogerty, comedian Larry The Cable Guy and the rock band, Journey. The 2022 schedule has expanded to include 15 concerts, featuring such big names as Martina McBride, Bush, Big & Rich, Collective Soul, Rick Springfield, Men At Work and John Waite.

“I think they’ve got a great place that fits into the local live music scene,” said Hamilton. “There is a need, and it fills a need in that market. There is no better way for an artist or a band to connect with their audience than through a live performance. You’re there in person with someone you like or love.”

There’s also a direct community element to My Heroes Stage.

The venue is named in honor of active military, veterans, police, firefighters and first responders. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from shows is donated to myheroes charities.

“The concept of My Heroes is part of our loyalty program,” Ihm said. “Penn National is very involved in providing services to the military. It was very important to us to give back and provide live entertainment to the community. For me, it’s about giving back to all the people who have given so much to us and our community.”

In a unique way, My Heroes Stage represents a natural entertainment progression of Hollywood Casino and Penn National. Thoroughbred horse racing at the Grantville property began on August 30, 1972, and Hollywood Casino was built in 2008.

“You have all these conveniences, all these different things to do, in one spot,” Ihm said. “In my mind, there’s not a better place to go. People can come here, and they don’t have to gamble. We just want to introduce more people to our product. We’re in the entertainment business, and we do it well.”

There are few vehicles with as much universal appeal as music. Music possesses the power to bridge generations and bring people together.

“Central Pennsylvania loves live music,” Hamilton said. “Now, it seems like there’s more of it, with so many different venues. None of the venues are hurting; they’re all doing well. My advice would be, buy a ticket, go experience a show and be your own judge. There’s nothing else like it.”

My Heroes Stage is located at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, 777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville. For more information, visit www.hollywoodpnrc.com/entertainment/myheroes-stage.

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Freedom Festival: This month’s Juneteenth celebration in Harrisburg is set to be the biggest yet.

May 31, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Juneteenth organizers

For Dr. Kimeka Campbell, Juneteenth means a lot of things.

It’s about celebration, history, reflection, rest, education and economics. People may spend the day differently, but one thing’s for sure—it’s an important holiday for all.

“We are celebrating American history,” Campbell said. “It’s an important day for every single American. How you observe it is in your hands.”

All of these different meanings behind the holiday will be spotlighted in this month’s Juneteenth HBG event, hosted by the Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg (YPOC), co-founded by Campbell. And while the holiday itself may be just one day, YPOC plans to celebrate all week long with conferences, reenactments, art experiences, concerts and vendor markets.

Juneteenth—June 19—commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. It is recognized as the day in 1865 when the remaining African American slaves in Texas received word that they were free. While celebrations of the holiday date back to as early as the year after those last slaves were freed, Juneteenth was only officially recognized as a national holiday in 2021.

YPOC has held Juneteenth events for the past few years, but 2022 will be their biggest yet. Their vision is far-reaching, as shown through their theme, “One City. One Team. One Economic Impact.”

The economic impact of Juneteenth is of special importance to Campbell and the team as they head into the holiday.

“The ending of slavery is not just about freeing people physically, it’s also about being free to economically advance,” Campbell said. “Wealth was stolen from Black people, even post-slavery.”

After slavery ended, targeted policies and structural practices such as sharecropping, Jim Crow laws and redlining made economic advancement difficult. With the long-lasting, multi-generational effect of this history in mind, YPOC came up with its program for Juneteenth.

“It’s this idea of economic impact and restoring wealth to the Black community,” Campbell said. “This is a drop in the bucket of that very huge landscape, but we wanted to do something and craft a week where we had education, economic drivers, entertainment and celebration.”

Throughout May, the committee held microenterprise business courses, free to 10 local entrepreneurs. All of those who completed the course were offered free vendor slots at the June events. La Cultura, a partner in the Juneteenth events, hosted the courses.

“There needs to be more Black businesses to shop from, and they need to last longer,” said La Cultura founder Elyse Irvis.

People will be able to shop from local Black-owned businesses at a few of the Juneteenth week events, most notably the Juneteenth Jubilee.

The Jubilee will take place on June 19 at Reservoir Park. The event will showcase live music, local vendors, speakers, talent acts and community resources.

Additionally, earlier in the week, organizers will hold a concert, featuring rapper Bow Wow, at XL Live, a Harriet Tubman reenactment, and a “Paint Noir” interactive art event with artist Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman on City Island.

Additionally, there will be a downtown restaurant crawl, a joint event with UPMC’s “Healthy Harrisburg” program and a kickoff event at the state Capitol. A Juneteenth conference will be held on June 14 at HACC, featuring local speakers from the region and nationally renowned keynote speaker Michael Eric Dyson. The event will include interactive sessions, panel discussions and a Q&A. Many of the events are free, but some require tickets.

Legacy Building

Campbell is proud of the unity her organization has achieved through partnerships in the Juneteenth event. In past years, community groups have largely held separate events scattered throughout the city, but she feels that this year is more of a collective effort.

“It is probably the most collaborative Juneteenth event the city has ever seen,” she said. “Together, we can do more and leave more of an impact.”

Organizations like UPMC, the African American Chamber of Commerce, The Singer’s Lounge, La Cultura, Capital Blue Cross and Dauphin County are partners in the event.

YPOC also received a state grant from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s “Journeying Toward Freedom” grant program in April. The funds will support their Juneteenth efforts.

“To see it come this far—I’m very grateful,” Campbell said. “This is a legacy building event for the city.”

While the team plans for the day, Campbell has a request for Harrisburg-area businesses—give employees the holiday off from work.

“You’ll actually make your employees feel like you care about them,” Campbell said. “It’s a tangible thing to do. Give people the day off.”

Shaniqua Williams, another member of the Juneteenth leadership team, sees the day off as a way for people of all races and cultures to learn more about the history of the holiday. She hopes YPOC’s events will prove educational for attendees.

“This is something that Harrisburg truly needs,” she said. “There’s just so much to celebrate. The celebration starts in your heart.”

For more information about Juneteenth HBG and the Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg, visit www.ypoc-hbg.org.

Juneteenth HBG Events

Meeting of the Minds Community Summit: Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Keystone Building

Capital Kick-Off: Sunday, June 12, 12 to 2 p.m. at the state Capitol steps

Harp Love in Action Protest: Monday, June 13, 3 to 5 p.m., at the Harrisburg Mall parking lot, opposite the Dauphin County Prison

Juneteenth Conference: Tuesday, June 14, 12 to 6 p.m. at HACC

It’s Lit Black Theater Cafe + Harriet Tubman Reenactment: Wednesday, June 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at Open Stage Theatre

Paint Noir: Thursday, June 16, 6 to 10 p.m. at the City Island carousel pavilion

Discovery Walk and Restaurant Crawl: Friday, June 17, 5 to 10 p.m., starting at Ad Lib Kitchen and Craft Bar inside the Hilton Harrisburg

UPMC Healthy Harrisburg Kick-Off: Saturday, June 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on N. 2nd Street in downtown Harrisburg

Juneteenth Concert: Saturday, June 18, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at XL Live

Juneteenth Jubilee: Sunday, June 19, 1 to 8 p.m. at Reservoir Park

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Happenings: Our June Calendar of Events

May 31, 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,” a collection of cars, buses, and motorcycles representing 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

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, June 10-July 23

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

June 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

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

Works by Marilyn Traini, Jim and Shirley Davis, Marie Gamon, Wendy Craig, Sue Ann Myers, Stephen Durick, Stephanie Lewis, Deb and George Reitbauer, and Kathleen Forney, through June 10

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.org

“A Celebration of Resolve: 50 Years After Agnes,” community celebration: June 11, 12-2 p.m.; 3rd in the Burg open house: June 17, 5-8 p.m.

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

New works by John Davis, Judy Kelly, Marsha Souders, Tami Bitner, Erica Binder, through June 12

New works by Mary Gelenser, Pamela Black, Paul Vasiliades, Kelly Curran, June 14-July 10

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

Perry County Council of the Arts (PCCA)
PCCA Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Frame of Mind,” a display of artwork in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month that will explore how artwork can be a wonderful outlet for self-expression, through June 11

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, June 11-Sept. 18

“World Traveler/Shelter At Home,” works by Diana Jensen, who took inspiration from an anonymous assortment of vernacular photos for her paintings, through June 19

“Hedy O’Beil—The Late Work,” a selection of work from the 1970s to mid-1980s, through June 19

“Future Places,” artists render their vision of a promising future, June 24-Oct. 16

“Mythologies of Motherhood,” personal stories of artists currently raising children, through June 26

“Project—Nature” offers 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” features 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

June 4: Macramé 101, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
June 4, 11: Copper Enameling Workshops (ages 13-adult), 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
June 5, 12, 19, 26: Intermediate/Advanced Painting (ages 16-adult), 4 Tuesdays, 1-3:30 p.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Beginning Oil Painting, 4 Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.
June 6-10: All Mixed Up Multimedia Camp (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 6-10: Exploring Animals Through Art Camp (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
June 10: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
June 11-July 9: Figure Drawing, 4 Saturdays (skip July 2), 2:30-5:30 p.m.
June 12, 14, 19, 21: Drawing for Teens 101 4 class workshop, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 13-17: Nature Hunt Camp with Trout Gallery (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 20-24: Mud Buds Camp (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 20-24: Art of Abstraction Camp (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
June 27-July 1: Make & Create Camp (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

June 9: Anti-Inflammatory Cooking Class, 6-8:30 p.m.
June 25: Seaside Specials, 6-9 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

June 14: Health Living for Your Brain and Body in-person and on Zoom, 6 p.m.

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

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
June 9, 23: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
June 11: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
June 18: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.
June 25: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.

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

June 1: Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
June 1: Environmental Care in the Climate Crisis—A ‘Hear Me Out’ Dialogue, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30: Discovery Zone Fun, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
June 3: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
June 3, 10: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-11 a.m.
June 3, 10, 17, 24: Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Baby & Toddler Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Children’s Story Times, 11-11:30 a.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Kindergarten Prep, 6-7 p.m.
June 6, 20: Zoom—Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
June 7: Curl up with the Classics—“The Trumpet of the Swan10-11 a.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Career Exploration Workshop, 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6-7:30 p.m.
June 7, 21: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
June 10: Kid’s Paint Night, 6:30 p.m.
June 11: Gardening with Nature: Family Workshop—Plant a Pollinator Container, 1-3 p.m.
June 11: Young Explorers (ages 5-8), 1:30-3 p.m.
June 13, 24: Film Fridays, 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
June 14: Tween STEAM, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
June 14: Teen Writers’ Meetup, 6-8 p.m.
June 15: Mock Interview Session, 2-4 p.m.
June 17: Family Movie Night, 6:30-8 p.m.
June 21: Teen STEM Meetup, 2-4 p.m.
June 27: Fredricksen Reads & Author Visit—“The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek,” 7-8 p.m.

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

June 4: On the Porch with Lynne Hoffman, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 5: Geode Resin Pour, 3-5 p.m.
June 11: Introduction to Hand Caning, 1-5:30 p.m.
June 18: On the Porch with Chris Pagano, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 25: Wire Bonsai Tree Workshop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 26: Paper Quilling, 1-3:30 p.m.

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

June 12-July 31: Level 1 Intro to Improv, Sundays, 2-5 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

June 11: Fluid Art, 1-3:30 p.m.

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

June 1: Hear Me Out—Environmental Care in the Climate Crisis on Zoom, 5:30 p.m.
June 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, , 21, 23, 28, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.
June 2, 16, 30: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
June 4: Fused Glass, 1 p.m.
June 9: Fear of Commitment Book Group, 6 p.m.
June 13: Blood Drive, 11 a.m.
June 16: Andrew’s Big Show, 2 p.m.
June 17: Craft & A Movie—Finding Nemo, 10:15 a.m.
June 18: Fresh Herb Wreath, 11 a.m.
June 20, 27: Books and Babies Outside, 10:15 a.m.
June 21, 28: Outside 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15 a.m.
June 22, 29: Furry Tales, 6:30 p.m.
June 23: Kit’s Interactive Theatre—Grace the Pirate, 2 p.m.
June 23, 30: Walking Hershey, 9:30 a.m.
June 23, 30: Storytime for Everyone Outside, 10:15 a.m.
June 28: Cartoonist Joe Wos, 2 p.m.
June 30: Black Party!, 2 p.m.

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

June 1: Summer Celebration, 4 p.m.
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Rhyme Time, 5:15 p.m.
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Toddler Time, 5:15 p.m.
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Toddler Time, 11:30-11:50 a.m.
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 2, 9, 23, 30: Rhyme Time, 12-12:20 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m., 5:15 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Toddler Time, 10:45 a.m., 5:45 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Storybook STEAM, 6:30 p.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Rhyme Time in the Park, 9-9:20 a.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Toddler Time in the Park, 9:35-9:55 a.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Story Time in the Park, 10:10-10:35 a.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Try It Tuesday, 1 p.m., 6 p.m.
June 8: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
June 10, 24: Dungeons and Dragons (ages 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
June 11, 25: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 13, 27: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
June 15: Andrew’s Big Show, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 15: Watch the Skies Sci-Fi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
June 17: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
June 17: Turtle Dance Big Screen Show, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 18 LEGO Time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 18 LEGO Club, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
June 22: Kit’s Interactive Theatre, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 22: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
June 25: Trivia at Home—Harry Potter, 6-8 p.m.
June 28: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
June 29: Music Play Patrol, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 30: Tales for TAILS!, 6-7 p.m.

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

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
June 4, 11, 18, 25: Passageways, 2 p.m.
June 5, 12, 19, 26: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
June 9: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.
June 11: LGBTQ Book Club, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
June 14, 28: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.

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

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: LEGO and STEM Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
June 3, 10, 17, 24: Star Trek Rewatch online group
June 3, 10, 17, 24: Online Science Fiction Book Club
June 15, 22, 29: Wednesday Summer Reading, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Café
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

June 8: An Evening with Ann Leary, 7-8 p.m.

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

June 4: Kids Art Class on the Roof, 12-2 p.m.
June 4: Fluid Art, 12-3 p.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 18: Trivia on the Roof, 6 p.m.
June 16,17,18: Cold Wax Workshop

National Civil War Museum
One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg
717-260-1861; nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

June 4: Lessons in History Presentation with Emily Lapisardi, 1-2 p.m.

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

June 1: Jellyfish Lanterns (ages 8 and older), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
June 2: Ruth’s Mysterday Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 3: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
June 6: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
June 6, 20: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 6-27: Outdoor book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.
June 6-Aug. 5: Beanstack Challenge—Summer Reading Program and GO Cumberland! (ages 0-18)
June 6-Aug. 5: Pirate Scavenger Hunt
June 6-Aug. 15: GO Cumberland!
June 6-Aug. 15: Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Challenge
June 7-28: Outdoor Storytime & More (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
June 7: Ryan the Bug Man, 6:30 p.m.
June 9: Peaceful Poses Story Yoga (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
June 9: Peaceful Poses Story Yoga (ages 6-12), 11-11:30 a.m.
June 10: Whitaker on Wheels (ages 10 and under), 10:30 a.m.
June 11: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 13, 27: Evening Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
June 14, 18: Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 14, 28: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 14, 28: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
June 15: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
June 16: Andrew’s Big Show, 10:30 a.m.
June 16: Tween & Teen Yoga (ages 11-14), 6 p.m.
June 18: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 18: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
June 20: Outdoor Sensory Playtime (ages 0-5), 10:30 a.m.
June 20: Sea Creatures Bingo Night, 6-7 p.m.
June 22: Tech Whiz Kidz (ages 8-12), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
June 23: Kit’s Interactive Theatre, 10:30 a.m.
June 27: Kids & Teen Paint Party (ages 6-10), 1 p.m.
June 27: Kids & Teen Paint Party (ages 10-14), 2 p.m.
June 29: KIND Club—Kids Interested in Novels of Diversity on Zoom (ages 8-12), 5:30 p.m.
June 29: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
June 30: Music Play Patrol, 10:30 a.m.

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

June 13: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30: Little Explorers Summer Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
June 14, 28: Tubular Tales Middle School Program, 12-1 p.m.
June 16, 23, 30: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.
June 15, 22, 29: Little Explorers Outreach, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

June 1-30: Highlights Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Wednesdays-Sundays)
June 3, 18: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
June 22: Explore! Entomology, 11:30 a.m.
June 23: Family Gallery Tour—Paleontology, 11:30 a.m.
June 29: Family Gallery Tour—Paleontology, 11:30 a.m.
June 30: Curiosity Kids—Pennsylvania State Flag, 11:30 a.m.

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

June 2, 23: Bird Walk—Nesting Birds, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
June 3: Mulberry Tree Walk, 10-11:30 a.m.

June 5: Daisy & Brownie Girl Scouts—1-3 p.m.
June 7: Wild Edibles Program, 6-8 p.m.
June 9: Kids Discover—Songbirds (ages 7-10), 1-3 p.m.
June 10: Walk and Talk with a Master Gardener, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
June 11: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 12: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners’ Home Gardening Series—Growing Carnivorous Plants in a Container, 1-2:30 p.m.
June 16: Educator Workshop—Wild About Pollinators, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 19: Flower Walk—Peak of Blooming, 10:30-12 p.m.
June 20-24: Nature Explorers Day Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 21-22: Summer Nature Camp, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 27-July 1: Nature Explorers Day Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Winters Heritage House Museum
41-47 E. High St., Elizabethtown
717-367-4672; elizabethtownhistory.org

June 10: Scherenschnitte Paper Cutting, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 24: String Art, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Live Music

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

June 2: Kenny G
June 10: The Letterman
June 16: Fleetwood Mask
June 17: The Frontmen of Country
June 25: Happy Together Tour

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

June 3: Jazz in the City
June 5: York County Honors Choir
June 6: ABBAFAB
June 17: Corinne Bailey Rae
June 22: Lake Street Dive
June 25: 70s Flashback

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

June 2: Hidden Roots
June 16: Holly Serio
June 30: Dave Gates

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

June 10: Justin Faulkner

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

June 3: Los Monstros
June 17: Emmanuel Nsingani

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

June 1: Generations Big Band
June 3: The Uptown Band
June 4: The Wild Hymns, Bobby Gentilo
June 4, 25: Corinna Joy
June 10: Tractor Jerry, The Mud Bucket
June 11: The Minks
June 15: Raelyn Nelson Band
June 24: John Rossey
June 24: Stable Shakers

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

June 19: Bob James Trio

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

June 3: The Emo Night Tour
June 3: Bommer & Artix!
June 4: Walk Off the Earth
June 6: Tab Benoit, Whiskey Bayou Revue
June 10: He$h
June 11: Cradle of Filth
June 11: Bedroom Floor, Elsewhere
June 12: Hinder, No Resolve
June 17: Fab the Duo
June 26: Suzi Moon, Violet Fire
June 26: Liliac
June 27: The Psychedelic Furs

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

June 10-12: 35 and Still Alive!

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

June 25: Martina McBride

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

June 18: Concert at Bridges at Bent Creek

Little Amps Coffee Roasters
133 State St., Harrisburg
717-635-9870; littleampscoffee.com

June 17: Brook Pridemore

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

June 4: Forever Motown

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

June 23: Gordon Lightfoot with Jeff LeBlanc

The Millworks

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

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Live Music

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

June 11: Gentleman East
June 25: Cruise Control & No Last Call

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

June 18: Imani’s 25th Annual Concert presents “The Calabash—the African Gourd”

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

June 2: Max & Iggor Cavalera
June 3: The Smithereens, Marshall Crenshaw
June 4: King Yellowman, Kreema & The Sagittarius Band
June 8: Helmet
June 10: Yam Yam, Dizgo
June 11: Puddle of Mudd
June 16: Moonshine Bandits
June 17: KIX
June 18: Bow Wow
June 24: Jackyl

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

June 3: DJ KYNZ
June 17: Natalie Ness

The Stage Door

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

June 4: “Blippi the Musical”
June 11: Terry Fator

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

June 9: Colin Jost
June 10: Rob Maher, Erik Woodworth
June 12: Greater York Dance June Show

The Belmont Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; thebelmont.org

June 10-19: “Hello, Dolly!”

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

June 17-26: “The Secret Garden The Musical”

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

June 3-25: “Great Balls of Fire”

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

June 18: Zane Lamprey

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

June 3-18: 29th Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park—“The Winter’s Tale” (Reservoir Park)
June 22-24: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

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

June 12: Queens Who Brunch
June 25: Shades of Men XXL

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

June 3: Divas Down Under—Slaying Summer
June 19: Divas Down Under—The Boomerang Brunch

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

June 3: The Bondfire Society, Heartthrobs, Meetwood Flac
June 4: Free Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Love Triangle, Barn Bitches
June 10: Sunday School, House Team Z, Leg of Lamp, Teen Girls
June 11: Free Mixer, Ferret Prom, Bandito, Don’t Play with Deacon
June 17: Free Jam with Barn Bitches, The Bondfire Society, Midtown Funk, Beautiful Baby
June 18: Free Mixer, The Outsiders, Sugar Weasel, Rockstar Goes Supernova
June 24: House Team Z, Sunday School, Same Each, Teen Girls, HIT BITS
June 25: Free Mixer, Snicker Casket, Elderprov

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

June 14: The Masked Singer National Tour

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

June 10-26: “The Play That Goes Wrong”

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

June 2-4: “Come Blow Your Horn”

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

June 3-26: “Crowns”

Theatre Harrisburg
513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg
717-232-5501; theatreharrisburg.com

June 10-19: “Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike”

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

June 3: “We The People First Friday,” Live from the Red Rose
June 19: Juneteenth Celebration

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

June 15-17: “The Founder’s Series” with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet

Zeroday Brewing Co.

925 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com
June 16: Boozy Bingo with Felicia O’Toole

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

It’s a Tragedy, It’s a Comedy: “The Winter’s Tale” will bring magic this month for Gamut’s Free Shakespeare in the Park.

May 31, 2022 | by Carolina Nicholson

Gamut’s “Free Shakespeare in the Park” has a longstanding tradition of taking Shakespeare’s works and blowing them wide open.

Year after year, Harrisburg Shakespeare Company (HSC) makes the playwright accessible to everyone when they perform at Reservoir Park in Harrisburg’s Allison Hill neighborhood. The shows are completely free, exposing many different types of audiences to the Bard—some for the very first time.

This year’s play is one of Shakespeare’s more experimental works. He toys with tone, genre and even a little bit of magic. The story begins as a wholehearted tragedy but, by the end, transforms into one of the playwright’s funniest comedies. If you love to be outdoors on a summer night and you’re looking for high-quality entertainment, this is the show for you.

I spoke with Director J. Clark Nicholson about this year’s production, “The Winter’s Tale,” to get a better sense of the story, what audiences can expect, and why Gamut chose this play for the 29th season.

“We chose it because of the time we’re in now in the world—a time of recommitment, rebirth and, hopefully, positive change after a trying time for the entire earth,” Nicholson said. “It’s my second time directing this play, and I knew from the first time that the play is special—and, for Shakespeare, experimental. A theme of ‘still trying to find life-force despite these trying times’ is really embedded in the writing of this play.”

This is HSC’s first full-scale “Free Shakespeare in the Park” since 2019, and everyone working on the show was eager to get back to it. This will be evident to audiences when they see how much talent and care will go into every aspect of this production—from the costumes and sound to the lighting designs and large outdoor stage.

And of course, as many Shakespeare nerds will attest, there is the matter of “The Bear.”

“The bear is a pivotal—literally a pivotal—part of the story,” Nicholson said. “It’s the place and event where the whole story pivots. A very dark story gets as dark as possible before light comes, and we can see the possibility of forgiveness, growth and rebirth.”

Still wondering what exactly the bear is and why it matters?

“You’ll have to come see the play if you want to see what we do with the bear,” Nicholson said, with a chuckle.

Gamut’s main community partner for the 29th annual “Free Shakespeare in the Park” is Narçisse Theatre Company, run by Artistic Director FL Henley, who is also a member of the cast. He plays Leontes, King of Sicilia, one of the major characters in “The Winter’s Tale.”

“It’s a very challenging role,” Henley said. “What we see with Leontes is a man who very rapidly has a complete disintegration of his psyche. He goes mad with jealousy.”

He compared Leontes to an even more famous Shakespeare character—Othello.

“It’s very similar, but Othello has five acts to descend into madness,” Henley said. “Leontes has about 10 minutes. His anger is based upon fear, and his fear is completely irrational. It’s a very intense role, and I’m loving the challenge.”

If you’re not sold on this production yet, you may be interested to know about one final and essential element—food. Jazzeryn’s Catering will be at every performance, selling catered comfort foods, as they have for several years.

So, why is it worth the trip to Reservoir Park this month?

“Our audience can expect an evening of reflection, followed by reconciliation, and followed yet again by belly laughs,” Nicholson said. “I think people should come see this play because this (‘Free Shakespeare in the Park’) has been a fun tradition. And because it offers great dramatic and comedic performances with magical elements that are completely enchanting.”

“The Winter’s Tale” runs June 3 to June 18 at the bandshell in Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, with shows Wednesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. There are no tickets for this production and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Gamut recommends that patrons bring a chair or blanket for seating, and come early to claim a great spot. They will also be accepting canned goods for the Bethesda Mission. For more information, visit www.gamuttheatre.org/fsip.

UPCOMING EVENTS
AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL
DOWNTOWN THEATERS

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

29th Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park
“The Winter’s Tale”
June 3 to 18
Wednesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
This event is free.

Encore Production
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
By William Shakespeare
June 22 to 24
Shows at 7:30 p.m.
Doors and bar open one hour prior to the performance.
Tickets are “pick your price.” You can choose the recommended $38 ticket or a discounted ticket price of $26 or $14.

At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736

“Crowns”
A gospel musical
Through June 26

Open Stage Gala
At Country Club of Harrisburg
June 4

Black NewsBeat
With Dr. Kimeka Campbell
June 8 & 22, 7:30 p.m.

OSHKids Summer Camp
Enrolling now
June 13 to 30

Disney’s Frozen Kids
June 29 & 30, 7 p.m.

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

In a Heartbeat: Bicyclist’s tale of survival is reminder that immediate CPR saves lives.

May 31, 2022 | by Capital Blue Cross Staff

Stacy Teets, Bobbie Ayers, Bonnie Rhoad, Rich Williams, Jennifer Stokes, Steve Wade

As he had done countless times before, Rich Williams, a fit, lean, 62-year-old, joined friends for a long bicycle ride through Lebanon County farm country on the morning of Sept. 4, 2021, unaware of the ticking time bomb in his chest.

He has no memory of what happened next. The cardiac arrest, the bike crash, the ambulance ride to the hospital—it’s all a blur. What he knows is that he is alive today because friends leapt to his aid, called 911, and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the crucial minutes before help came.

June 1 to 7 is recognized each year as CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) week by the American Heart Association, and Williams’ ordeal is a compelling reminder of the unpredictable nature of sudden cardiac arrest and the vital role that ordinary bystanders can play when the unexpected happens.

More than 350,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year, and about 90% die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nearly 80% of sudden cardiac arrests occur at home or in a nursing home setting, while about 21% occur at work and in other public areas. Warning signs are rare.

“I heard someone holler, ‘Rich went down,’” said fellow rider Bobbie Ayers, a registered nurse and clinical vendor consultant at Capital Blue Cross. That triggered a textbook emergency response.

Someone called 911. Ayers checked for Williams’ pulse while Jennifer Stokes, a nurse at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, began rapid chest compressions to preserve blood flow to the brain.

Paramedics arrived on the scene within about 12 minutes, restarted Williams’ heart with one jolt of electricity from their automated external defibrillator (AED), and sped him off to Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon.

While Ayers and Stokes are well informed on CPR techniques, the CDC urges bystanders who witness sudden cardiac arrest to help even if they have no such training:

Call 911.
Start CPR chest compressions. Push down hard and fast in the center of the chest with about 100 to 120 pushes per minute. The American Heart Association recommends pushing to the beat of songs like “Stayin Alive” by the Bee Gees or “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor.
Use enough force to push the chest down about two inches.
If in a high-traffic public building or arena, ask available bystanders to try to locate an AED while you continue chest compressions. AEDs are increasingly common in public places.
Continue CPR chest compressions until medical help arrives.

Studies show the chance of survival can double or triple for a person who receives CPR in the minutes before medical help arrives, according to the CDC.

“This could happen anywhere,” said Ayers. “Just as an innocent bystander you could save somebody’s life and allow them to get another chance.”

On Dec. 4, three months to the day after he got another chance, and nearly three months after surgeons performed quintuple bypass surgery to restore normal function to his heart, Williams saddled up for a 27-mile ride through farm country.

Blood now flows freely through Williams’ surgically repaired heart. “I’m feeling better than I have in years,” he said. “It’s like night and day.”

“There is no way to express the gratitude I have,” he added. “I feel that encouraging people to learn about CPR is really a civic duty of mine at this point. You just don’t know when somebody is going to need help.”

For more information about Capital Blue Cross, visit www.capbluecross.com.

This column is sponsored by Capital Blue Cross.

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

Beauty & Boredom: If you like your movies slow, “Memoria” is the one for you.

May 31, 2022 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photo courtesy of Sandro-Kopp © Kick the Machine Films, Burning Anna Sanders Films, Match Factory Productions, ZDF/Arte and Piano 2021

I have to admit—I found “Memoria” to be disappointing.

Written and directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the film has a lot of potential for beauty and exploration, and, at least for the former, it scratches that itch. And it even has Tilda Swinton in it, which is almost always a win. But it takes an awfully long time for the film to say what it is, and then it really doesn’t satisfactorily fulfill its own narrative.

Swinton plays Jessica, a Scottish woman visiting her sick sister in Bogota, Colombia, who is haunted by a loud, intermittent banging sound that no one else can hear. She spends the majority of the film seeking the help of various experts to navigate what the sound is and why she’s hearing it—an audio technician, a psychiatrist, an archaeologist, etc.—and as the film plods ever slowly forward, it becomes clear that something is definitely not quite right.

You will feel compelled to piece together the clues of what is happening to Jessica as you watch, but be forewarned that there might not be any conclusion to draw. Maybe it’s psychological, as sometimes the sound appears to happen when she’s under stress. The fact that there is a real phenomenon called “exploding head syndrome,” usually caused by anxiety or fatigue, backs this theory up. Or maybe it’s not that at all. At some point, one has to throw up their hands and admit that there may not be an actual reason for the noise. Or at least, a satisfactory, thematic reason.

The film is excruciatingly slow-paced (even too much for a reviewer who loves slow-paced films), which allows for enjoyment of the scenery, but honestly could have been cut to produce a 20-minute film. Each shot seems to stretch on and on, not only static but often with very little movement within the frame, for minutes on end. Sometimes Jessica will stare at a painting; sometimes she’ll stare out the window. Sometimes you’ll watch a man sleep for literally six minutes. While the shots are beautiful, the content is inanely superfluous.

Swinton is her usual magnificent self, though, with such a role, her talents may have been better utilized. But as always, watching her onscreen is an experience in itself, with the painstaking care she takes with her character. The supporting cast (Juan Pablo Urrego and Elkin Diaz both play characters named Hernán) is lovely as well, and the relationships that form throughout the film are its major respite. Overall, however, the film feels like it has more depth than it does, and the ending may leave you bristling a bit.

Perhaps you will get more out of this film than I did. “Memoria” will play this month at Midtown Cinema.

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

May Events
At Midtown Cinema

National Theatre Live presents
“A View from the Bridge”
Sunday, June 5, 5 p.m.

Friends of Midtown
Free Outdoor Film Series
“Encanto”
Saturday, June 11, at dusk (rain date, June 12)

National Theatre Live presents
“Skylight”
Sunday, June 12, 5 p.m.

Friends of Midtown
Free Outdoor Film Series
“The Princess Bride”
Saturday, June 25, at dusk (rain date, June 26)

Documentary & Discussion
“The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson”
Sunday, June 26, 6 p.m.

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

Let’s Rolls: See how the other half lives, without ever leaving the midstate.

May 31, 2022 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Rolls-Royce may be the ultimate symbol of opulence and luxury.

A long-slung commercial stretch on the outskirts of Mechanicsburg? Arguably not.

But the two come together perfectly along Hempt Road, where the Rolls-Royce Foundation exhibits a stunning collection of the world-famous motorcars.

Despite its low-key location, the destination attracts about 1,500 visitors a year. It’s comprised of a show room, an art gallery, a warehouse and a working garage where volunteers employ their mechanical skills.

Mark Lizewskie, executive director of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club and Rolls-Royce Foundation, said that he enjoys seeing people when they first enter the showroom.

“We are the largest organization in North America dedicated to Bentley and Rolls-Royce motorcars,” he said. “It is always fun to see the expressions on our visitor’s faces when they discover our facilities.”

Those who visit are escorted through the showroom, which displays about 30 Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars dating back to the 1920s. Guests learn about the history of the brand, including how Rolls-Royce owned Bentley for a period of about 70 years (today, Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW, while Bentley is owned by VW).

Visitors also hear interesting details about the cars on display. These include a 1929 Springfield Phantom I, which was a replacement for the original Silver Ghost, and the 1946 Silver Wraith, which was the first post-war automobile manufactured by Rolls-Royce. They also see a unique-looking vehicle that may prompt them to dig a little deeper into the story of a cult leader who was a huge enthusiast, the owner of 93 Rolls-Royces.

After the showroom tour, guests are led into an adjacent room to view a gallery of artwork. There, they’ll see works by the painter and illustrator Melbourne Brindle. The Australian-American artist’s passion for Rolls-Royce motorcars shines through in his work. Among the vehicles featured are the first Silver Ghost shown in front of the Cook Street factory in Manchester, England, in 1907, a 1911 tulip-back limousine, and a 1914 Rolls-Royce that belonged to a Russian aristocrat by the name of Prince Yusupov. A handy printout allows visitors to learn about the history of the cars shown in the paintings.

Gearheads can delve into the weeds as much as they like since this is also the largest research center for Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars. Sarah Holibaugh, research librarian, is on site to answer any questions.

The public is permitted to look through books, technical manuals, handbooks, sales literature and periodicals, as well as historical documents.

“One of the favorite parts of my job is researching all the hidden stories that come with a Rolls-Royce or Bentley,” she said. “[Also, I] get to show new owners that these are more than just classic cars, but drivable art, complete with rich histories, notable ownership and unique provenance.”

The Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club & Rolls-Royce Foundation is located at 191 Hempt Rd., Mechanicsburg. For more information, visit www.rollsroycefoundation.org or call 717-597-4671.

On a Roll

Here are some fun facts about Rolls-Royce:

The hood ornament called “The Spirit of Ecstasy,” which debuted in 1911, was commissioned by car collector Baron John Edward Scott-Montagu, who based it on a likeness of his secretary-turned-mistress. Initial ornaments portrayed the sculpture with a finger pressed against her lips.
More than 60% of all Rolls-Royces are still on the road.
Rolls-Royce offers a “White Glove” training program, which teaches drivers how to open and close doors without leaving fingerprints behind, how to brake without jolting the passenger, and how to drive for maximum smoothness.
Rolls-Royce uses only bulls for the leather interior, since cows can get stretch marks from pregnancy. They don’t use just any old bull, though. They source bulls from Europe, since higher altitudes mean fewer insect bites.
The Rolls-Royce wheels logo always remains upright. When the car is in motion, the logo on the center cap remains static. A gyroscopic mechanism keeps it from rotating.

Perhaps these few fun facts will pique your curiosity enough to pay a visit and maybe more than once, since the donated cars rotate every few months.

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The Painted Word: A world of creative surprises awaits at “Art House.”

May 31, 2022 | by Bob MacGinnes

Paintings by Michael McCullough.

Art House “is a very, very, very fine house with two cats in the yard…”

At the risk of dating myself, the two cats are “hep” as in “way cool” (‘60s beatnik lingo), and the house nestled in the Fairfield Valley is full of art from floor to ceiling. June may be the perfect month for road trips. In fact, anytime through the fall works well to venture to the McCullough “House of Art.”

Michael McCullough and wife, Sharon Pierce McCullough, have made art their life, and it is evident in the shrine they have built to it throughout their eclectic dwelling. Both artists work in diverse media and their tastes, although uniquely different, complement each other as represented in their approaches and presentations. As with other married couples, they complete a yin and yang with ample latitude for limitless imagination coming together to create a holistic habitat rich and deeply textured. Both deal in abstract expressionistic paintings, with Sharon adding statuary as well as geometric equations to the mix. Schooled in the self-taught realm of “experience being the best teacher,” the couple constantly pushes their art to dramatic heights, embracing challenges as opportunities in developing new works.

Michael started his career as a furniture maker, evolving into photography, printmaking and painting. All mediums are based in large part to his “connection and exploration with the world.”

“The work is intended to evoke an emotion or thought which might not necessarily be my own,” the artist shared.

Michael’s outsized abstract paintings are often depicted on stretched canvases that permeate outdoor installations. He engages with the world through assemblage, drawing, photography and painting. He leans into “personal interactions linking a place or book to the process involved in creating, often informed by the movement of layers of paint.” They bring about remembrance and resolution. Michael’s work has been juried into national exhibitions that include the Washington County Museum of Art in Maryland and the State Museum of PA in Harrisburg.

Sharon’s journey started out as a “visual artist engaging in a multi-disciplinary practice that encompasses painting and sculpture,” she said. Her ever-expanding universe now eclipses four decades of creating her own orbit of art.

With elements of cement, plaster, cardboard and found metal objects, her statues take on a personality all their own. Standing up to 5 feet tall, they often appear larger than life. Colorfully abstract in their construct, the paintings she creates are lyrical and narrative, following the muse of the artist, which leads her to expand a theme that becomes serialized. In their rendering, they offer a before, now and after, allowing the viewer a complete story by the end. She holds a deep appreciation for negative and positive space, which influences the process of creating, as well as providing color and form.

Geometric configurations play a repeating role in Sharon’s art, offering dimensional problem-solving resulting in a different algorithm. Well known and shown, she is most proud of a statue on exhibit at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. The juried exhibition features work created by the Washington Sculptors Group, of which she is a member. In addition, McCullough took first place in the “Sculpture” category in 2015 at “Art of the State” at the PA State Museum. Her body of work has included stops nationally and internationally in Europe.

Perhaps the elephant in the room is the house itself, in its role as repository of an ever-expanding collection created by the McCulloughs and friends and then curated to perfection by the couple. Pulling up to the property in Cashtown, one sees a stage already set with statues dotting the landscape, canvases floating off the line, and acreage relegated to massive rustic wheels connecting the present to the past. Part museum, part fantasy theme park, the property takes visitors through time in viewing folk art that pays homage to historical tradition, offering treasure upon treasure that leads from one vignette to the next, room by room. When viewed as a whole, the effect may feel like Alice in Wonderland going down the rabbit hole. But, when taken in small doses, the art is educationally sound and, like Graham Nash wrote, “the windows are illuminated by the evening sunshine through them.”

Art House exists in large part for the art enthusiast who embraces creativity and is willing to take a drive for an adventure to a magical land of imagination and meaning, a world of enchantment full of treasures, jewels and “fiery gems for you, only for you.”

Art House “is a very, very, very fine house.” The “cats” await.

For more information, visit www.sharonpiercemccullough.com, follow on Instagram @share333 or email at [email protected].

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 27, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter and Mayor Wanda Williams swore in five new officers on Thursday.

Happy Memorial Day, Harrisburg. Whether you’re headed to Artsfest or plan to grill with friends, make sure you first get up to speed on this past week’s local news.

Another Round Lemoyne resells professional-grade restaurant wares at a fraction of their original prices, our magazine story reported. Owner Jon Bellem purchased the items from the pandemic wave of closed cafes and restaurants.

Artsfest will return to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park this weekend from May 28 to 30, our online story reported. The event will feature 150 art vendors, as well as food, music and entertainment.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region received its largest donation ever, our reporting found. Philanthropist Mackenzie Scott awarded the organization $1.1 million. In total, she donated $122.6 million to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which then allocated a portion of the funds to 38 local agencies.

Dauphin County announced tourism grants for dozens of local programs, projects and organizations, our online story reported. The county will award over $2.3 million in grants to 77 recipients.

Dauphin County Library System opened a new downtown Harrisburg Print Shop, our online story reported. The facility will allow the library to print its own materials, as well as provide affordable services to local nonprofits.

Harrisburg plans to begin a Group Violence Intervention program to prevent gun violence in the city, our online story reported. According to officials, it will only be successful if the community is committed to helping out.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau swore in five new officers on Thursday, our reporting found. They also presented officers with awards of bravery and recognized retirees.

Jeannetta Politis was appointed executive director of the Joshua Group in Harrisburg, filling the shoes of founder Kirk Hallet, who retired. In our magazine story, read more about the organization’s mission to support at-risk youth.

Obesity is a national pandemic that has been exasperated by the COVID-19 pandemic, says George Fernandez, founder of Latino Connection. Latino populations are especially at risk. For tips on how to combat obesity, read our online story.

One13 Social is an upscale, casual restaurant specializing in dishes created with locally sourced ingredients, our magazine story reported. The restaurant is relatively new to Carlisle, but already has dedicated customers.

Once Upon a Pesto, an online blog, showcases unique pesto recipes from around the world. In our magazine story, read about Dauphin County resident Jessica Paholsky’s vision behind the blog and find a few recipes to try.

PennDOT announced that it expects to move forward with a plan to rehabilitate the Market Street Bridge, our online story reported. The project would include adding a new utility bridge.

PennDOT’s proposal for the Market Street Bridge has our editor wondering how one agency could have so many bad ideas. In an editorial, read why he’s opposed to the proposal to add a utility bridge next to the historic structure.

Poets in Harrisburg have found healing and meaning through writing, our magazine story reported. Read about several local poets who not only write to help themselves, but to impact others.

Sankofa African American Theatre Company will premiere “Crowns” this weekend at Open Stage in Harrisburg. In our magazine story, read about the show, which centers the experiences of Black women finding their place in the world.

Sara Bozich has lots of ideas for how to spend your weekend, including Artsfest, Harrisburg Senators games and Memorial Day festivities.

“Saving Our Streets” will honor the families of gun violence victims, as well as educate the youth, on May 28, our online story reported. The event will be held at Italian Lake Park in Harrisburg and feature vendors, community resources and kids’ activities.

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Dauphin County, Harrisburg weigh vacant Paxton firehouse for service center for unhoused

May 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

The Paxton firehouse building at 336 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg

Harrisburg and Dauphin County may repurpose a prominent, long-vacant building to serve as a facility for the city’s unhoused.

The Paxton firehouse, located in Shipoke, has sat empty for years, but is now being weighed as a potential service center to support residents experiencing homelessness.

According to Randie Yeager, Dauphin County human services director, the proposal came after the county noticed an increased need for shower facilities for the unhoused population. Several area organizations that have provided those services have either reduced capacity, reached max capacity or closed, she said.

The county, along with the city and local organizations that serve the unhoused, are working together to address this issue, she said.

Their current proposal, dubbed “Showers on Second,” would be to use the 85-year-old firehouse as a place for residents in need to possibly access showers, among other services, according to a written proposal sent to Shipoke residents by the county.

County, Harrisburg Fire Bureau and Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness representatives held a closed meeting with Shipoke residents on Wednesday to discuss the proposal. When contacted by TheBurg, the Shipoke Neighborhood Association declined to comment on the proposal.

The Paxton Fire Co. firehouse, formerly known as Station 6, closed in 2014 due to its need for significant repairs and its location in a flood zone.

Yeager said that the county is still considering other locations for a service center and that no decision has yet been made on the firehouse.

“The City of Harrisburg is committed to addressing homelessness in our city through non-traditional ways and we are excited to collaborate with local partners,” said Harrisburg Director of Communications Matt Maisel.

According to Yeager, if the county moves forward with the proposal, it would seek a local organization to run operations at the facility.

Other possible services offered at the center could include providing locker space, snacks and visits by Dauphin County Human Services staff.

According to the proposal document, the Paxton firehouse location could serve around 15 to 30 people daily and is in close proximity to south Harrisburg and downtown encampments of unhoused residents.

While the initiative is still in draft form, Yeager said that she hopes to soon see action to fill the gap in services.

“The sooner, the better,” she said.

The Paxton Firehouse is located at 336 S. 2^nd St., Harrisburg.

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