Youth Poetry Slam to give Harrisburg young people a positive outlet during recent violence

April 5, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

State Museum of Pennsylvania

Feeling the weight of recent violence in Harrisburg, Nathaniel Gadsden wanted to bring something uplifting to local youth during a difficult time.

On April 10, Gadsden’s organization, Writer’s Wordshop, will host a Youth Poetry Slam in downtown Harrisburg with the goal of providing an outlet for young people to express themselves.

“We’ve got to put our abilities to work to help young people,” he said. “We are hoping to inspire not only the writers, but also the community members.”

The event encourages youth from 4^th to 12^th grade to read an original work of poetry. Participants will be split up into three divisions according to age and compete to win cash prizes.

The poetry slam will take place at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, from 1 to 4 p.m. Entry is free, but registration is required for participating youth. There will also be vendors, music and door prize giveaways. Participants will receive a gift bag and there will be free book giveaways for children in attendance.

Gadsden reflected on his youth and how much poetry meant to him as a child, giving him a way to be heard. He hopes that it will do the same for students participating in the poetry slam.

“We want to see them using their voices for positive things,” he said. “A lot of young people have dealt with trauma. If we can get them to unpack that stuff in a positive way, we can make a difference in our community.”

Nicole Wilkerson, a co-organizer of the event, is also hoping to see youth recognize the value of poetry and writing and the ability it has to open doors to future career paths.

Gadsden is expecting to see many young people involved in the poetry slam, noting that students from local schools will likely be in attendance.

“We are hoping to inspire students just to write—period,” Gadsden said.

For more information, contact Nathaniel Gadsden at 717-608-2312 or [email protected]. To register for the Youth Poetry Slam, click here.

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Harrisburg breaks ground on Chutes and Ladders playground in Reservoir Park

April 5, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Sign for the Chutes and Ladders playground coming to Reservoir Park

Harrisburg is finally putting shovel to dirt on a construction project to make Reservoir Park more enjoyable for residents.

On Monday, city officials broke ground on the Chutes and Ladders playground, which will replace outdated and underused equipment in the Allison Hill park.

“We all loved playing the Chutes and Ladders board game when we were younger, right?” Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams said at the ground breaking. “Soon, our children will get to live it and experience it. The work we are starting here today will lead to needed improvements for this entire park.”

The $1 million playground project has been in the works for years, but will finally begin to take shape this year. It is part of Harrisburg’s Reservoir Park Master Plan, which aims to increase traffic and interest in the 87-acre park.

Rendering of the Chutes and Ladder playground design

First, the city will replace existing playground equipment with new attractions. The playground will be based off of the popular board game, “Chutes and Ladders,” and will allow visitors to engage in a life-sized version. The city expects to complete the playground by August.

In a subsequent phase of construction, the city will create additional parking, add a “tot lot” playground for younger children, plant trees and increase walkways in the park.

The Chutes and Ladders playground was paid for with over $724,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, $250,000 from The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and just under $50,000 from the city’s general fund.

The city is currently applying for grants to help pay for the next phase of the project.

Harrisburg City Council recently voted to allow the city to apply for several park-related grants, including one with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ C2P2 Park Rehabilitation and Development Subprogram. If awarded, the funds would support phase two of the Reservoir Park project.

The city will also apply for a grant with DCNR to fund the development of a Harrisburg City Parks Master Plan. According to city officials, this would help create a vision for the city’s parks and assist with applying for future grants.

For more information on the city’s parks, visit their website.

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Road milling begins on 2nd Street, as the two-way conversion project proceeds

April 4, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

The milling process began on N. 2nd Street on Monday

Harrisburg is driving forward with a long-awaited project to transform N. 2^nd Street from one-way to two-way traffic.

On Monday, construction workers and equipment took over a stretch of the street as they began milling the road—a major next step in the multi-year initiative.

The milling process, which includes removing the top layer of pavement from the road, will take about three weeks, according to the city. One or two lanes may be closed at portions of the road during construction. The road will remain one-way during the 2022 construction season, the city said in a statement.

Parking will be restricted on certain parts of N. 2^nd Street on the following dates:

April 4: Right side, Forster Street to Hamilton Street
April 5: Left Side, Forster Street to Hamilton Street
April 6: Left side, Clinton Street to Woodbine Street
April 7: Right side, Clinton Street to Woodbine Street
April 8: Right side, Maclay Street to Radnor Street
April 11: Left side, Maclay Street to Radnor Street
April 12: Left side, Schuylkill Street to Division Street
April 13: Right side, Schuylkill Street to Division Street

“No parking” signs are posted. These parking restrictions are enforced from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The city ceremoniously broke ground on the two-way conversion project in May 2021, with the goal of making N. 2^nd Street safer and more walkable. Since then, contractors have constructed many ADA-accessible ramps at intersections along the street to comply with PennDOT’s construction guidelines.

In addition to converting the street to two-way traffic, the plan calls for the construction of several roundabouts at intersections along the corridor and added pedestrian and bike-friendly elements.

The N. 2^nd Street project is part of Harrisburg’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries by 2030.

For more information about the N. 2^nd Street two-way conversion project, visit the city’s website.

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“Panchatantra Tales” to bring Indian dance, culture to the theater stage

April 4, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Dancers in “Panchatantra Tales” at a rehearsal

Rachita Menon remembers reading the Panchatantra, a series of Indian fables, as a young girl.

Now, those childhood stories, that many Indian children like Menon grew up with, will become a stage production for the first time.

“Those stories always stuck with me,” she said. “I wanted to bring them to life.”

Menon’s Rasika School of Dance has collaborated with Gamut Theatre to create “Panchatantra Tales,” bringing Indian classical and folk dance to the stage in central PA. The show will run at Gamut Theatre for one weekend only, from April 8 to 10.

At her dance studio in Enola, Menon teaches the traditional south Indian dance style “Bharatanatyam.” She has always felt that this style of dance would be perfect for the stage, with its expressive hand gestures and beautiful dress, she said.

“We’ve seen this in bigger cities, but we haven’t seen something like this in central PA,” Menon explained.

The “Panchatantra Tales” was written by Sean Adams and is co-directed by Menon and Gamut’s Executive Director Melissa Nicholson. It is based on Indian stories that are comparable to “Aesop’s Fables.” The show is both comical and packed with meaning, touching on themes of kindness and respect, much like the original stories.

The show follows a noble king in ancient India who has three big problems: his children, the reckless and lazy royal princes. He fears for the future of his people, and thus consults with a wise guru, who teaches the young princes through animal stories and folk tales. These lessons are woven together to form the Panchatantra (“Five Treatises”). In the end, the princes will learn about dharma–the duties and virtues expected of us–and the importance of being part of a bigger picture.

Both students from Rasika School of Dance and actors from Gamut’s Young Acting Company will perform together in the show. Performers range in age from 6 to 18 years old.

“This is a big dream come true to me,” Menon said. “To promote this style of dance in a way that the global masses can relate to. It’s crossing boundaries.”

Audience members can expect to see lots of dancing, of course, but also singing, beautifully designed costumes, exciting fight choreography and classical Indian hand gestures. It’s a play that anyone of any age will enjoy, Menon said.

“It’s an experience that everyone should come watch,” Menon said. “It’s not something you’ve seen before.”

Gamut Theatre is located at 15 N. 4^th St., Harrisburg. For more information about “Panchatantra Tales,” visit their website. Tickets for the show are still available, but selling fast, according to Menon. They can be purchased on Gamut’s website.

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Burg Review: Reflections, regrets in Theatre Harrisburg’s thoughtful, funny “Now and Then”

April 2, 2022 | by Gina Napoli

Theatre Harrisburg’s latest production, “Now and Then,” is a heartfelt romantic dramedy that challenges its characters’ decisions at critical crossroads, all within the confines of an Irish pub setting.

The play may be a locked-room piece set in a comfortable venue, yet the questions and potential scenarios posed are anything but. It’s a thought-provoking story about middle-aged people with regrets, and it’s a story about young people asking “Should I…?” about their futures.

Then when the liquor starts to flow, the conversation turns into a daring string of truth or dare questions: If you could travel back in time, what wisdom would you impart to your younger self? Where would you be if you turned left instead of right at that proverbial fork in the road? What would you change about your life if you had the opportunity? What if you lived your whole life, and you never figured out why you’re here? And because you’re drinking, there’s a desert island or a million dollars somewhere in the phrasing.

“Now and Then” is a newish play (2018) from playwright Sean Grennan, directed by Theatre Harrisburg’s Kelli Kauterman. Although the play likely isn’t familiar to you, the many themes that surface will feel like home. If you’re the type to lie awake at night, wincing or fantasizing about alternative endings for the embarrassing moments of your life, then this play will especially resonate with you.

Theatre Harrisburg’s Artistic and Production Director Kristi Ondo said, “‘Now and Then’ is about choices we make in life. It’s one of those plays that get people thinking and talking. I think audiences will like it and be surprised by it.”

It’s that word “surprise” that keeps this reviewer from fully unpacking the plot for you, dear readers.

But here’s the set-up: The year is 1981. Would-be musician/bartender Jamie (Mo Tanveer) is closing Mulligan’s Bar for the night. A mysterious older man (Craig Copas) wants to stay and drink for an hour, and he’s willing to pay Jamie and his girlfriend/waitress Abby (Sarah Pinter) $2,000 to hang out.

Jamie and Abby reluctantly indulge the stranger, sinking sideways into awkwardly deep conversations. The man seems unnervingly knowledgeable about and inappropriately engaged in the couple’s life decisions, making their once easy money decidedly uneasy. Then a fourth mystery character (Patty Cole) enters the eroding coziness of the bar, delivering hilariously vicious honesty that simultaneously hurt my heart and made me laugh.

All of the actors delivered excellent performances throughout, although revealing specifics (there were many) would surely spoil the surprise.

But I can tell you that, when the lights snapped off for intermission, I yelled, “NO!” probably a little too loudly. I would rather have sat in my fold-out chair with my urgently full bladder and empty candy wrappers than to even take a 15-minute break from the play.

Post-curtain, “Now and Then” inspired my plus-one and I to have a lively “third act”—intense examinations of different choices we might have made in life—all desert islands and million dollars aside.

I hope it inspires the same for you.

“Now and Then” runs through April 10 at the Krevsky Center, 513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg. For more information on show times and tickets, plus up-to-date COVID-19 protocol for attendance, visit www.theatreharrisburg.com/2021-2022-shows/now-and-then.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 1, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Jamien Harvey, executive director of the Camp Curtin and East Shore YMCA, at the site of an affordable housing development project in Uptown.

Ready for spring? We sure are. This month’s home and garden issue of the TheBurg magazine features all the things, green and leafy, that spring brings. Look for the cover with lots of plants. and grab a copy of the April issue. And, of course, don’t miss out on this week’s local news, listed below.

Art in the Wild returns to Wildwood Park in April, celebrating its 10^th anniversary. In our magazine story, get a behind-the-scenes look at the event that features art made of elements found in nature.

Bob’s Art Blog features a fun April Fools’ Day twist and showcases art happenings at The Millworks.

The Camp Curtin branch of the YMCA in Harrisburg began construction on an affordable housing project in Uptown, our online story reported. The development will include four single-family homes for low-income residents.

Church World Service hosted a night at the movies this week in celebration of the opening of its new Harrisburg office, our online story reported. The organization will provide services to refugees including case management, basic needs support and cultural orientation, among others.

The Dauphin County Library System kicked off National Library Week with the county commissioners reading to local students, our online story reported. Also this week, they are asking residents to participate in a connectivity survey.

Our editor discusses the newspaper industry and the importance of local news to a community, in his April Editor’s Note.

Five candidates will compete in the race for the redrawn 103^rd House district, which may prove to be especially hot. To find out who will be included on the primary ballot in May, click here.

Harrisburg Havoc, the area’s new women’s tackle football team, will take the field for their first season on April 9, our reporting found. According to players, the team has provided a way for women to participate in a sport that they’ve largely been left out of.

Harrisburg will plant over 50 new trees in Allison Hill throughout April, our online story reported. The city is seeking volunteers to assist with the plantings.

John Wilsbach is central PA’s traffic guy, our magazine story reported. He updates central Pennsylvania commuters on traffic conditions multiple times each workday, mainly during rush hours, 52 weeks of the year.

The Ronald McDonald House in central PA provides a home for families with children receiving treatment at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. In our magazine story, read more about the services and care that the organization has given to over 1,000 families annually.

Rubicon will host a dinner to raise funds for the family of a Ukrainian staff member, among other relief efforts, our reporting found. The multi-course meal will feature traditional Ukrainian dishes.

Sara Bozich has weekend recommendations from concerts to beer trails and art outings. Click here to view them all.

Spring events are in full swing this month. See what’s happening in the Harrisburg area in April, here.

Trader Joe’s opened in Camp Hill on Thursday, our online story reported. Customers waited in a line that wrapped around the building on opening day.

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Dauphin County Library System kicks off National Library Week, issues connectivity survey

April 1, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Dauphin County commissioners George Hartwick (right) and Mike Pries read to St. Stephen’s students at the McCormick Riverfront Library.

On Friday morning, the Dauphin County commissioners read to a group of St. Stephen’s School students at the McCormick Riverfront Library.

The literary event helped to kick off National Library Week, which runs April 3 through 9, within the Dauphin County Library System (DCLS).

“Our libraries are so important to all of us,” commission Chair Mike Pries said before opening a picture book to read to the students.

In tandem with the special week of recognition, the library system will focus on the digital services and resources that it provides, fitting with the week’s theme—“Connect with Your Library.”

Library officials are asking the public to participate in a survey about which digital services they use and what they would like to see offered. According to DCLS Executive Director Karen Cullings, this will help the library determine which future tech purchases and investments they may need to make.

“Public use of the library’s PCs is at an all-time high and use of the Wi-Fi network on personal devices and downloading of e-books and e-audiobooks is experiencing explosive growth,’’ Cullings said. “The library has been through many years of fast-paced change as it has adapted to meet the community’s need for information.”

Everyone who fills out the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift card from a local business.

The library system currently offers over 120 public computers and free Wi-Fi across its eight locations.

The McCormick Riverfront Library is currently undergoing construction for an expansion project. Once that is completed, the library will offer more than 3,400-square-feet of added online resources and specialized computer tools for science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and math learning support, according to officials.

Additionally, to celebrate National Library Week, MARCO, the library’s mobile “Exploration Station,” will visit the following locations:

April 4 – Cumberland Court Apartments, 1111 Capitol St., Harrisburg, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
April 5 – Downey Elementary School, 1313 Monroe St., Harrisburg, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
April 6 – Rutherford Park Townhouses, 337 Brokas Dr., Hummelstown, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
April 7 – Northern Dauphin Human Services, 295 State Dr., Elizabethville, 3 to 5 p.m.
April 8 – Felton Lofts, 100 S. 4th St., Steelton, 3 to 5 p.m.

They will also provide free books for readers of all ages, goodie bags and online library card sign-ups.

For more information about the services that the Dauphin County Library System offers, visit its website.

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Bob’s Art Blog: A Special Day in the Year

April 1, 2022 | by Bob MacGinnes

Part I: The Men Who Fell to Earth

Scientists from NASA put out the alarm as soon as they heard static on their sonar tracking system thousands of miles out in space. It picked up a devastating, 230-kiloton asteroid that could hit Earth early May or sooner. The odds were one in 3,800 that it would actually hit our planet…but still. NASA readily admitted not all asteroids are trackable, but, with the size of this one, that fact fell out the window. Perhaps the noise could be an identified craft entering Earth’s atmosphere. The Northeast coast was the target, but when and where would be anyone’s guess. As the week wore on, the unknown object became the main topic of conversation with speculation rabid. Whatever would arrive by the workweek’s end was headed straight for central Pennsylvania.

The clock struck midnight as the first day of the month arrived, with a glowing streak shot through the rooftop at the Millworks with such force, finally settling on the third-floor art studios. For the local residents, it was a massive jolt causing the Midtown neighborhood of Verbeke and 3rd to come to life with everyone spilling into the streets to find out what caused this catastrophic collision. A spacecraft glowed for city blocks, emitting a strobe show like something out of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” UFOs have always held a certain fascination for the American public, and this one would only serve to advance that notion. When the craft’s doors opened, the Electric Prunes’ “I Had Too Much to Dream Last Night” echoed, the reverb feedback created by the guitars thumping bass line.

Art of the Huckle Buckle Boys

As the spacecraft entered the Earth’s atmosphere, it hit a time warp continuum setting the calendar back to 1967, and the occupants within left dazed and confused. As the mothership’s portal swung wide, out stepped Zack Rudy and Garrick Dorsett of Studio 318, Millworks’ very own Huckle Buckle Boys, delivering their out-of-this-world art. “The Men Who Fell to Earth” were none other than comrades-in-arms, brandishing paint and canvas to conquer Earth or at least central PA bringing a fresh palette back with them from their space jaunt just in time for an April 1 arrival. Canvases featuring characters that could easily come from Area 51 showcase optic colors of moondust yellow, Venutian violet, Jovian juniper to include the multi-colored rainbow rings of Saturn. Zack eagerly exclaimed to the onlookers that, “we were off in a dream and went for a ride last night” by the Turtles’ “She’s My Girl,” as Garrick gleefully gushed we even traveled to “Itchycoo Park and touched the sky” by Small Faces. Both agreed, “it’s all too beautiful!”

This blog is delivered in the spirit of the day and all April Fools Day stands for. With a nod to Orson Welles’ Halloween night original broadcast of “War of the Worlds” in 1938.

Look for the unveiling of Huckle Buckle Boys’ room-size mural and beer release collaboration at Spring House Brewery at 209 Hazel St. in Lancaster on May 1. Public invited.

Part Two – More Millworks Mayhem

Works by Erica Binder

Continuing the theme of out-of-this-world art at Millworks finds “Words of love, soft and tender” as once cooed by Mama Cass, lends credence to Karma Ashanti Love, a crafter of consummate skill with her one-of-a-kind rope bags, bowls and baskets. The business-branding name is derived from the designer’s daughters, “tossed with love at the end. Hand dyed ropes and buttons made of clay, complete the labor-intensive process in delivering the final product to the customer,” shared Erica Binder of Studio 212.

Display by R76

Reina Wooden (R76) makes “singing in the rain” easy-peasy with her message laden umbrellas twirling and swirling on the wall recently in the lobby at Millworks. Decked out in eye-catching colors, the protection from the elements is more than functional and fun when the conversation-starters clamor for attention down the boulevards of Midtown.

Art by P.D. Murray

Outsized and outrageously outré iterations that P.D. Murray borrows from The Bard for inspiration, using Shakespearian icons Prospero, Ariel and Caliban from the “Tempest,” King Lear, Ophelia from “Hamlet” and Papageno, Queen of the Night, from Mozart’s opera, “The Magic Flute.” This eclectic group is featured in Murray’s latest array of cotton candy-colored paintings found in Studio 323. Choosing a palette perfect for “Springtime when Man’s fancy turns to thoughts of…” Artist-created libations found at the bar at Millworks, mixed with elan by its in-resident bartender, Roman. Millworks’ artists now have their own signature cocktails available to sip and enjoy. Cheers and happy April Fool’s Day!

April Art Events

“I’m Fine” at Creative York, 10 N. Beaver St. in York, is a community-engaged exhibit of masks and stories dedicated to sculpting mental health awareness through May 21.

Spring Odds One Bizarre is Saturday, April 30, in the parking lot of the Broad Street Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Trader Joe’s opens in Camp Hill, customers come in droves to shop for unique products

March 31, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Trader Joe’s on opening day, Thursday.

On Thursday morning, 100-year-old Bess Gorelick, strolled into the just-opened Trader Joe’s in Camp Hill.

Gorelick was the first customer to enter, preceding the line of eager shoppers that wrapped around the building at 8 a.m. on the grocery store’s opening day.

“I love Trader Joe’s,” she said. “They have products that they don’t have anywhere else.”

The 12,550-square-foot store is the first Trader Joe’s in the area and the ninth in Pennsylvania. Nationwide, it has over 500 stores in 42 states. It’s known for its unique, quality food products at affordable prices.

At the opening, store captain Jamie Brown welcomed customers into the store, along with a team of Hawaiian shirt-sporting staff members.

“We are super excited to have you all here,” he said.

Since last June, when the store announced it would be coming to the Lower Allen Commons, fans of the franchise were anticipating its arrival.

Customers shop inside Trader Joe’s

For New Cumberland resident Heather Keller, visiting Trader Joe’s before meant taking road trips to different locations. It was something she and her stepmom did together, before she passed away last year.

“She would’ve loved to have one so close,” Keller said. “It’s nice that it’s a little more convenient now, but probably not good for my wallet.”

Keller’s go-to items are the miso soup, mini chicken wontons and the dunker cookies, although she said she could make a long list of favorites.

Inside Trader Joe’s

Other popular Trader Joe’s products include their signature chocolate hazelnut biscotti, kettle cooked chicken soup and “five-buck Chuck.”

Inside, the store features artwork with familiar images to central PA. There is the Market Street Bridge, white-tailed deer, a Nittany lion and even the sign from Harrisburg’s Broad Street Market.

According to the store, it will also participate in the company’s Neighborhood Shares Program, meaning it will donate unsold products to nonprofit, community-based organizations.

Trader Joe’s is located at 3545 Gettysburg Rd., Camp Hill. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.traderjoes.com.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

March 31, 2022 | by Sara Bozich

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

What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Like this content?

For something new: Hersheypark opens this weekend! Have you tried Reiki? Don’t miss this giveaway.

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: Dinner out with a (different) friend, market trips with Bo

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

For your weekend planning

Call for sponsors and vendors: Plants + Pints 2022
My trip to Lancaster last weekend
View our local Restaurant Directory
Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are options for your weekend.

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

Top Weekend Recs

Check out my ? Spring Bucket List!
Plan for April in SoMa
Make travel plans (with a discount + perks)
Review of Dutch Apple’s Singin’ In the Rain
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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

Like this content?

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What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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