Her Life’s Work: Why artist Wendy Allen has devoted her entire career to one subject: Abraham Lincoln

January 28, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

Portrait by Wendy Allen.

Artist Wendy Allen knows every line, every feature of Abraham Lincoln’s face, perhaps better than her own. That’s because she’s painted him more than 500 times.

“It’s a complex, compelling face, but beautiful. I always start each painting with the eyes, and, if I don’t get the eyes just right, I start over,” said Allen, 66, surrounded by a colorful jumble of paints, easels and canvases—works in progress—in her Gettysburg studio. No two are alike.

Just as we, as humans, first make eye contact with people, it’s Abraham Lincoln’s eyes in each of her paintings—whether traditional or modern—that seem to capture and pull the viewer in.

“The eyes are so deeply set, but so beautiful,” Allen said. “His ears are lopsided, his eyes are lopsided, one half of his mouth goes up—the other half goes down, then the high cheekbones. There were 130 photos taken of Lincoln. And the biggest complaint of artists through the ages is his face is never the same.”

Lincoln’s face, although morphing through the years, is one of the most recognizable faces of all time. That’s also due to his stature and role in our nation’s history.

So for Allen, her life’s work is about much more than the challenge of capturing Lincoln’s portrait on the surface of a canvas. It’s about capturing and conveying his ideals.

More than Face Value

If Lincoln were alive today, Allen said, we might describe him as “authentic.”

“But back then, they would’ve said he was organic and natural, because what you see with Lincoln is what you got. With a politician, that’s refreshing,” Allen said. “It’s incredible—what he did, guiding the country through the Civil War, getting the amendments passed, ending slavery. It’s huge—he really corrected the course.”

She should know. She’s studied and read about Lincoln for nearly 50 years, beginning with her college days as a dual history and political science major. Keep in mind, more books have been written about Lincoln than anyone else, except Jesus.

Lincoln was greatly influenced by George Washington and the Declaration of Independence—almost as much as the Constitution, Allen said.

“He loved the concepts, he was so high-minded,” Allen said. “Anything he did, he always referred back to the Declaration of Independence, and you can even hear that in the Gettysburg Address. He really got the essence of freedom and liberty.”

Allen’s gallery, Lincoln into Art, is located along Baltimore Street, on the very route that Lincoln took when he visited Gettysburg to deliver what’s considered the most famous speech in history, in November 1863. As the name of her business states, she’s keeping Lincoln’s legacy alive, via art.

“I love modern art, contemporary art, but there is an emptiness within it that I find disturbing, and I also find a lot of victimization—not that it’s not called for—but art must touch the heart and convey love, and I think that’s starting to get lost in art, to a certain degree,” Allen said. “So, I want to make beautiful art and rebel against what’s going on now. So, what I do is continue to examine Lincoln’s face and try to put it in new settings.”

Like many careers, it was a winding road—even spanning the country—that led to Allen’s own place in history as “the Lincoln artist.”

Journey of a Lifetime

Born and raised in Pittsburgh through the first half of her childhood, Allen and her family relocated to Connecticut, where she obtained the rest of her education, through college. Following graduation, coinciding with the death of her mother, she needed a change.

“I just packed up my little VW Bug—I had about 50 bucks—and I drove out to California,” Allen said. “I eventually found a job in a design department at a publishing company. I was a secretary for the design director, all the talented designers were all artists, as well. There was this great art movement in the Bay area, and I just fell in love with it.”

Even though she’d never had an art lesson, she tried her hand at painting, using her windowsill as her easel. Early attempts, she admits, were “amateurish.” That all changed after a trip back east to visit her younger sister at Gettysburg College. That fateful visit coincided with the college’s Civil War Institute, an annual conference of leading history scholars. When Allen returned to California, she was inspired to paint her first Lincoln.

“It was an entirely different painting—and I thought, ‘Wow, this is so fascinating,’ and I just never stopped,” Allen said.

As she painted Lincoln through the years, she worked her way up the publishing ladder to become creative director for Scholastic. She left the position about a dozen years ago to paint fulltime.

The Rest Is History

Allen’s paintings now start at $800, with large-scale works going as high as $5,000.

Harold Holzer, considered one of the top experts on Lincoln, has written nearly 50 books on the 16th president, including “The Lincoln Image.”

“Almost every artist who encountered Lincoln despaired about how difficult it was to capture him. Most turned to photography,” Holzer said. “He has a familiar but elusive face. As Wendy and I have chatted, when you get down to the anatomical issues, Lincoln actually had a totally asymmetrical face, and it probably happened when he was kicked in the head by a horse as a child.”

To have her paintings accepted by Lincoln scholars is no small feat.

“You can’t flop a Lincoln picture without getting all the Lincoln community upset and hysterical,” said Holzer, who’s known Allen about 20 years. “Her audience, her fan base, and her impact have all grown exponentially.”

She’s also a respected and tireless community volunteer. She recently stepped down from the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania board after 10 years of service.

“She’s a much-beloved civic member of the community—they all adore her,” Holzer said.

While many of us remember Lincoln’s legacy (and Washington’s) this Feb. 21 on Presidents’ Day, Allen pays homage to his memory every day of her life.

“I’ve committed my whole entire life to not only Lincoln, but my love of country,” Allen said. “I love America, I love the ideals, I really do.”

Wendy Allen’s gallery, Lincoln Into Art, is located at 329 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, and online at lincolnintoart.com. And tune into TheBurg Podcast’s February episode to learn more about this fascinating artist and her love of Lincoln.

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Brotherly Bonding: Chosen Friends Masonic Lodge provides sense of belonging for Harrisburg men, while caring for the community

January 28, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Members of Chosen Friends Masonic Lodge No. 43

Clarence Stokes wants to clear up what he sees as a common misconception about freemasonry—it’s not a secret society!

Over the centuries, since its origin, the fraternal organization often has been perceived as mysterious. That’s given outsiders plenty of room to concoct conspiracy theories around the rituals and intentions of the group, some of which you may have heard.

While Stokes acknowledged that, in the past, masons mostly kept to themselves, things are different now, he said.

I can report that I didn’t have to repeat a chant or participate in any rituals in exchange for an interview with some local masons. We just jumped on a Zoom call.

Stokes and Jason Brown were eager to tell me about the masonic organization that they are members of—Chosen Friends Lodge No. 43. It’s a fraternal organization, they said, that has been the opposite of secretive, but present and active in the Harrisburg community.

“The history of this lodge is really the history of Harrisburg,” Brown said. “Our history is not separate from the community; it’s part of it.”

Leaving a Legacy

The lodge’s legacy is deeply tied to Black history in the nation and city. It’s part of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, a branch of freemasonry created by Prince Hall, a man who was one of many African Americans historically excluded from white lodges.

The first Prince Hall Lodge, then called the African Lodge in Boston, received certification as a masonic lodge in 1784. However, when several white lodges in the state joined to form a “Grand Lodge,” it was excluded, according to the book “History of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.” The Prince Hall Lodge formed its own “Grand Body” and opened lodges in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and New York.

Chosen Friends got its start in Harrisburg in 1882. Over the years, it became a place for Black men to gather and form a network. From its early days up to today, politicians, lawyers, business owners, pastors, truck drivers, educators and other professionals have joined the ranks.

“It gave men of color some sense of importance amongst themselves,” Brown said. “It was a place of belonging.”

According to Brown, abolitionist and U.S. Colored Troops soldier Jacob Compton was the first Worshipful Master of Chosen Friends. John P. Scott was also a member and grand master of the statewide Prince Hall Lodge. Scott was the Harrisburg School District’s first Black administrator as a principal, and Scott Elementary School was later named for him.

Other historical figures from the lodge can be found memorialized as part of the Commonwealth Monument, recently installed on the state Capitol grounds. The bronze monument recognizes Black history in Harrisburg and includes a statue of Compton and other activists. Inscribed on it is a list of former residents from the Old Eighth Ward, a majority Black and immigrant neighborhood that was demolished to expand the state Capitol grounds. Several former lodge members are included in the list.

In the present day, the members still represent professions from across the board.

Harrisburg City Council member Westburn Majors has been a member of Chosen Friends Lodge for around seven years. He joined after witnessing his uncle’s experience as a mason and seeing how much the lodge meant to him.

“Guys that I looked up to were part of the lodge,” Majors said. “It was something I was always interested in.”

What Majors found when he joined was a place for fellowship and connection. Majors lost his father in 2008, but, through Chosen Friends, he gained a group of mentors that he could go to for advice and counsel. With them, he often discusses work, faith and family, he said.

“These connections to these guys are invaluable,” Majors said. “There’s a lot that can be learned by sitting and learning from previous generations.”

Friends Forever

It’s not uncommon for Brown’s kids to see their dad talking to a stranger. They’ll ask who it was and Brown always responds the same way— “he’s my brother.” “But you just met him!” they’ll say.

There could be racial, cultural, religious or political differences, but a mason is a mason, and masons are brothers.

“It’s pretty unique,” he said. “You have a friend wherever you go.”

Not only is Chosen Friends a brotherhood, but the lodge has been instrumental in serving the community.

From 1891 to 1982, the lodge ceremoniously laid 16 cornerstones in the construction of buildings in Harrisburg, a traditional practice in masonry that symbolizes stability and strength. All of these buildings were local churches, with the exception of the Camp Curtin YMCA in Uptown Harrisburg.

Community service is what drew Stokes to become a mason. His mentor, a member of Chosen Friends, was always out in the community helping others.

“I love service and giving back to people that are less fortunate,” Stokes said.

The lodge has participated in holiday giving, adopt-a-highway and adopt-a-school programs. They’ve partnered with organizations like the American Literacy Corporation and the Boys and Girls Club. They’ve also hosted their own events like a daddy-daughter dance and a Thanksgiving meal distribution.

When Chosen Friends members meet in-person, it’s at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg. During the pandemic, events and monthly meetings were scaled back and mostly moved to virtual platforms. But for members like Majors, even the online connection was enough to combat isolation.

At the same time, freemasonry is dealing with another big problem—it’s losing its members. According to an NPR article, in recent years, masonic membership nationally has declined by around 75% from a high of over 4.1 million members in 1959. The decline is part of a national trend away from membership in places like Elks lodges, civic clubs and even the Boy Scouts, among other social, civic and fraternal organizations.

According to Brown, in the 1970s and ‘80s, there were close to 200 members of Chosen Friends. However, in the past several years, the lodge drew around 50 members.

Recruiting younger men has been a challenge, Stokes explained. Members’ ages range from the 30s to 90s, but most fall more in the middle to upper end of the scale.

Stokes, though, was positive about membership at the lodge. He wasn’t worried about its future.

“It has been a challenge with the younger generation,” he said. “But we have withstood the times.”

Brown credits Chosen Friends’ longevity with its ability to leverage connections in the community. This was true for Stokes, Brown and Majors, who all found Chosen Friends through the mentors and role models in their lives. If Harrisburg masons can continue to do that for the next generations, they believe the lodge has a bright future.

“We are an important part of the community,” Stokes said. “We are not just a secret society of men dressed in black suits. We take good men, and we make them better.”

For more information on Chosen Friends Lodge No. 43, visit their Facebook page or email [email protected].

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Happenings: Our February Calendar of Events

January 28, 2022 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

Packard Showroom Exhibit Presented by Keystone Packards, through April 23

“Survivors: Unrestored Classic Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles,” through April 23

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

“Figuratively Speaking,” winter membership celebrating the human form in all media, through Feb. 17

Shakespeare-themed art exhibit featuring Kim Stone, Carrie Wissler-Thomas and Tina Reiley, through Feb. 28 at Capital Blue Cross.

“Beauty and Discovery,” an artist invitational featuring the work of Pamela J. Black, Ashley Moog Bowlsbey and Jessie Waite, Feb. 25-March 31; reception: Feb. 25, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

“Tom Ward, Fabric Artist,” featuring exuberant quilts and wall hangings that express themes of nature and spirituality through colorful works of art, through Feb. 27

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

“Go for the Gold,” members’ annual Color Show, featuring artwork in hues of gold, Feb. 4-March 5

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

February artist of the month

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

“Horace Pippin: Racism and War,” centering on Pippin’s “Mr. Prejudice,” representing the artist’s response to the discrimination of African American soldiers fighting in World War II, through Feb. 19

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

“Winterfest,” a winter wonderland of art and crafts by members of the Millersburg Area Art Association, through Feb. 26

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

“For the Love of Art” exhibit by Hershey Area Art Association members in the Milton & Catherine Conservatory at Hershey Gardens, Feb. 11-13

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

“Beyond Limitations” digital sculpture, 3D printing and virtual reality by Joe Meiser, Feb, 11-March 6

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

New works by The Huckle Buckle Boys, Pat Frese, Julie Iaria, Kristin Fava, and Ann Benton Yeager, through Feb. 13

New works by Tara Chickey, Amie Bantz, Tina Berrier, Averil Shepps, Caleb Smith, Feb. 15-March 13; First Saturday: Feb. 5, 2-5 p.m. and 3rd in the Burg: Feb. 18, 5-10 p.m.

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

“Weaving Creativity,” a display of traditional and modern hooked rugs by the Magdalena Rug Hookers of Perry County, paired with basket designs by Teena Beutel, Feb. 11-April 22

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

“Natural Elements,” artist invitational with Judy Bouder, Toby Bouder, Carolyn Pio, Todd Tabb and Hyeyon Wilson, through March 5

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.

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

“In Nature’s Studio,” showcasing a bounty of early 19th century through late 20th century American artists’ depictions of the landscape, Feb. 12-May 22

“Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You,” artwork by Irvin Rodriguez, through Feb. 20

“Approximate Release,” a sculptural installation in the DeSoto Family Vault by Ron Lambert, Feb. 25-April 10

“Hedy O’Beil—The Late Work,” a selection of work from the 1970s to mid-1980s, Feb. 25-June 19

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

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

“Our Strength is Our People—The Humanist Photographs of Lewis Hine,” Feb. 4–April 6

Read, Make, Learn

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

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Beginning Oil Painting, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Intermediate/Advanced Painting, 1-3:30 p.m.
Feb. 1, 9: Beginner Level 1 Jewelry Making—Riveting & Texture, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 1-22: Advanced Vessels, 4 Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 2, 8: Beginner Level 2 Jewelry Making—Pierce Sawing, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 2-23: Abstract Painting, 4 Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 2-March 9: Fundamentals of Photography, 6 Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 2-March 9: Wheel 101, 6 Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12: Heart Art (ages 6-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 5-26: Figure Drawing, 4 Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 7-March 14: Glazing-Taking The Next Step, 6 Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 15, 22: Contemporary Copper Enameled Jewelry, 2 Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m.
Feb. 16-March 16: Wednesday Art Club (grades K-2), 3:45-5 p.m.
Feb. 16-March 23: Zoom! Getting Started with Adobe Lightroom Classic, 6 Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 17: Stay Warm with CALC! (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Feb. 17-March 24: Fundamentals of Photography, 6 Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 18: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Feb. 25-April 1: Friday Art Club (grades 3-5), 3:45-5 p.m.
Feb. 26: Textured Metal and Enamel, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Dinner, 6-9 p.m.
Feb. 23: Comfort Food Classics, 6-9 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9, 22, 23: All Ages Storytime on Zoom, 6 p.m.
Feb. 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25: Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5 years) on Zoom, 10:30-11:10 a.m.
Feb. 1, 7, 8, 22, 28: Born to Read (birth-18 months) on Zoom, 9:30-10 a.m.
Feb. 2, 4, 9, 11, 23, 25: Toddler Storytime (ages 19-35 months) on Zoom, 11-11:40 a.m.
Feb. 5: Black History Hall of Fame on Zoom, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 12: Celebrate the Lunar New Year! on Zoom, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 14: Past Players Present “Happy Birthday, Frederick Douglass” on Zoom, 4-6 p.m.
Feb. 15: Animal Crossing New Horizons 2.0 on Zoom (ages 18 and older), 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 16: Crafternoon (ages 15 and older) on Zoom, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: Spanish Language Conversation Group (ages 15 and older) on Zoom, 12-1 p.m.

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

Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21: Baby Time, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 8, 22: STEM Stations, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 10, 24: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
Feb. 12: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
Feb. 12, 19: LEGO Club, 11 a.m.
Feb. 15: Musik Time, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 19: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.
Feb. 19: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.

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

Feb. 1: Virtual Illustrated Talk—John Harris Jr. with David Biser, 7-8 p.m.

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

Feb. 1: Curl up with the Classics—“Tender Is The Night,” 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 1: Teen STEM Drop-In—Bath Bomb DIY, 5:30-6:15 p.m. (ages 12-14), 6:30-7:15 p.m. (ages 15-18)
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Career Exploration Workshop, 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 2: Moving Forward Book Group w/Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Feb. 2: Accessibility—A “Hear Me Out” Dialogue, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28: Discovery Zone Fun, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 3-March 10: Intro. To Digital Photography, 6 Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Get That Job! Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 5: Library for Lunch, 1 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 1 p.m.
Feb. 7, 21: STEM Grab & Go, 9 a.m.
Feb. 7, 21: Zoom—Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 8: Google Suite Overview, 2-3 p.m.
Feb. 8: Comics Club, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 8: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 9: Spreadsheet Basics, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 10: Plot Twisters, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 11, 25: Film Fridays, 7 p.m.
Feb. 12: Teen Crafternoon, 3-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 12, 26: Preschooler Craft Grab & Go Bag, 1 p.m.
Feb. 14: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Mission Transition, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 18: Family Movie Nights, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 22: Cloud Storage Basics, 2-3 p.m.
Feb. 25: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 26: Paint & Sip, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 28: Virtual Fredricksen Reads—“The Paris Library,” 7-8 p.m.

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

Feb. 18: Virtual Exploring Pen & Ink, 6 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

Feb. 4: First Friday Trivia, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 8: Toastmasters Meetings, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 20: HYP Book Club—“The Midnight Library,” 2-4 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Feb. 2: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Feb. 2: Hear Me Out—Accessibility on Zoom, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 3: Who Says Astronomy Can’t Be Funny?, 7 p.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15 a.m.
Feb. 3, 17: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 5: Fused Glass Class, 1 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 26: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14: Facebook Live—Books and Babies (birth-12 months), 10:15 a.m.
Feb. 10: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10 a.m.
Feb. 16: In-Person Geo-Terrarium Succulent Workshop, 5:30-7 p.m.
Feb. 19: Chess Tournament, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Feb. 19: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Feb. 26: Dried Flower Wreath Class, 10 a.m.

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

Feb. 28: Fourth Monday Program—“How Mira Lloyd Dock and the Board of Trade Made Harrisburg ‘The City Beautiful,’” 6-7:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 1: Tween Scene, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Storybook STEAM, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 9: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 11, 25: Dungeons and Dragons (ages 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 12, 26: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 14, 28: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.
Feb. 19: Adventure Club, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Feb. 19: Teen Squad, 3-4 p.m.
Feb. 21: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 22: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19. 26: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Feb. 8, 22: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.
Feb. 10: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.
Feb. 12: LGBTQ Book Club, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28: Free Tax Preparation, 5:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 3: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Feb. 21: Mystery Book Club (in person and online), 6-7 p.m.

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

Feb. 4: An Evening with Daniel Pink, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 18: Imani Perry with Yaba Blay, 7-8 p.m.

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

Feb. 5: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.

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

Feb. 1-28: Beanstack Challenge—For the Love of Reading (ages 0-18)
Feb. 3: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 3, 17: Block Party! (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 7, 21: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 7-28: Cozy Zoom Storytimes on Zoom (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 8: Book Review Program, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 8: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9: Teen Craft Time (grades 6-12), 3-4 p.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 12: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Story & Craft (ages 4-8), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 15: Teen Volunteer Program (grades 6-12), 3-4 p.m.
Feb. 16: Kid Builders! (ages 3 and older), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 19: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 19: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 20: “Black Pioneers Beyond the Susquehanna,” 3 p.m.
Feb. 21: Music & More Mondays (ages 3-7), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: KIND Club—Kids Interested in Novels of Diversity on Zoom (ages 8-12), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
Feb. 24: BookTok Book Talk (grades 6-12), 3-4 p.m.

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

Feb. 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 24, 28: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.
Feb. 14: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Feb. 19: Rug Hooking for Beginners, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Feb. 2: Explore! Groundhogs, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 2-27: Highlights Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Wednesdays-Sundays)
Feb. 3: The Games & Puzzle Challenge, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 4, 19: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 9: Giant PA Map, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 10, 24: Curiosity Kids, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 11: Virtual Adventures in Nature Lab—Wildlife Photography and Filmmaking, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Feb. 16: Explore! Germs, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Family Gallery Tour—Paleontology, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 23: Family Gallery Tour—Mammal Hall, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 25: Learn at Lunchtime—Virtual Curator’s Choice, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 18, 26: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 16: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Wednesdays Walk at Wildwood, 12-2 p.m.
Feb. 5: Kids Discover—Groundhogs (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 5: Pressed Flower Valentines, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 5: Kids Discover—Groundhogs (ages 7-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
Feb. 8: Virtual Winter Lecture Series—Species of Importance in the Susquehanna River, 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 12: Birds & Coffee, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 15: Wild Edibles Cooking Class, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 17, 24: Advanced Fly Tying Classes, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 19: Kids Discover–Mammals and Their Pelts (ages 5-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
Feb. 22: Virtual Winter Lecture Series—Recreation on the Susquehanna River, 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 26: Cadette Girl Scouts—Night Owl, 4-8:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Feb. 3: Harry Connick, Jr.
Feb. 19: Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly
Feb. 20: The Righteous Brothers—Bill Medley & Bucky Heard
Feb. 26: Kansas

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

Feb. 4: Jazz in the City
Feb. 9: Gordon Lightfoot
Feb. 10: The Philly Keys
Feb. 19: York Symphony
Feb. 26: The Life and Music of George Michael

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

Feb. 18: Tusk

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

Feb. 2: Wednesday Jazz Series
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Industry Night with DJ Caraby
Feb. 4: Hexbelt
Feb. 16: Harrisburg Jazz Collective
Feb. 19: Ben Brandt & Soul Miners Union, Noah Fowler
Feb. 26: Harrisburg University presents Joywave

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

Feb. 3: Keep Lying & Don’t Panic with Locals
Feb. 4: Emo Night Tour
Feb. 6: An Evening with Red
Feb. 12: The Menzingers
Feb. 13: Queens Who Brunch
Feb. 19: Gaelic Storm
Feb. 24: Obscura, Dirt Monkey
Feb. 25: Between the Buried and Me
Feb. 26: Bark at the Moon, Shout at the Devil

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

Feb. 5: Yellow Brick Road Tribute to Elton John

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

Feb. 7: Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra
Feb. 12-13: Keyboard Fireworks
Feb. 26-27: Back to the 80s

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Feb. 24: COIN at XL Live
Feb. 25: The James Hunter Six at XL Live
Feb. 26: Joywave at The Englewood

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

Feb. 18: Spring Musical Showcase

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

Feb. 11: Little River Band, Firefall
Feb. 27: 74th Annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival

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

Feb. 13: Wind Symphony Family Pops Concert
Feb. 16: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin—The Queen of Soul
Feb. 18: Symphony Orchestra Concert
Feb. 26: Jazz Ensemble Concert

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

Feb. 15: Stephen Hough

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Feb. 12: Toni Marie Palmertree & Ellen Rissinger
Feb. 18: Messiah University Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Winds
Feb. 25: Messiah University Symphony Orchestra
Feb. 27: Kuhlman Competition

Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-238-9304; pinestreet.org

Feb. 5: Svyati Duo

Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

Feb. 12: Winter Coffee House
Feb. 20: The Lonesome Ace String Band

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

Feb. 5: Jaclyn Susa Harnish
Feb. 11: Jazz at the Ville with Rick Hirsch
Feb. 12: Charlotte Blake Alston
Feb. 18: Billie, Bessie & Nina—Pioneering Women of Jazz

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

Feb. 4: Abba Mania

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

Feb. 5: Defiant X, Eternal Frequency, WSGS, Lyndhurst, Dinosaurs in Paris
Feb. 11: The Four Horseman Metallica Tribute
Feb. 12: The Strictly Hip
Feb. 17: Papadosio, WSG, Solar Circuit
Feb. 24: Coin
Feb. 25: The James Hunter Six
Feb. 26: Space Bacon & Litz

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

Feb. 4: DJ Kynz
Feb. 18: Natalie Ness

The Stage Door

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

Feb. 18: “Scooby-Doo! And the Lost City of Gold”
Feb. 25: Masters of Illusion
Feb. 27: “The Price is Right Live!”

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

Feb. 2: RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour
Feb. 11: Matt Bergman, Gigi Modrich

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

Feb. 2-19: “Beehive The ‘60s Musical”
Feb. 25-April 16: “Singin’ in the Rain”

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

Feb. 4: TMI Improv
Feb. 11-20: “Echoes of Voices of the Eighth”
Feb. 16-March 5: “3 Billy Goats Gruff”

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

Feb. 18-20: “Pan!” and “The Great Gatsby” two-for-one show

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

Feb. 4: Divas Down Under

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

Feb. 4, Heartthrobs, The Outsiders, Meetwood Flac
Feb. 5: Free Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Love Triangle, Barn Bitches
Feb. 11: Leg of Lamp, The Outsiders, Introduce a Self
Feb. 12: Free Mixer, Ferret Prom, Bandito, Don’t Play with Deacon
Feb. 18: Midtown Funk, Larry Bird, Cheese
Feb. 19: Free Mixer, The Outsiders, Sugar Weasel, Rockstar Goes Supernova
Feb. 25: Level 3 Class Show, Teen Girls, Same Each, HIT BITS
Feb. 26: Level 2 Class Show, Snicker Casket, Critical HIT!, Elderprov
Feb. 27: Level 2 Class Show, Level 3 Show

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

Feb. 13: Queens Who Brunch

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

Feb. 10-20: “Stage Kiss”

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

Feb. 14: “Summer—The Donna Summer Musical”
Feb. 17: Jo Koy

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

Feb. 18-27: “Puffs, or, Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic”

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

Feb. 25-March 13: “Wait Until Dark”

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

Feb. 12: Southern Fried Chicks

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

Feb. 12: “The Complete History of Comedy”

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

Feb. 5: The Obstructed View
Feb. 9: Harrisburg Black Newsbeat
Feb. 12-March 12: “The Mad Ones”

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

Feb. 26: “Speak to My Soul—A Montage of Voices”

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

Feb. 11-Feb. 27: Theatre Harrisburg presents “The Secret Garden”

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

Feb. 11-27: “The Secret Garden” at Whitaker Center

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

Feb. 17: Boozy Bingo with Felicia O’Toole

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Getting the Word Out: The Black Travel Experience seeks to bring people, dollars to the Harrisburg area

January 28, 2022 | by Susan Ryder

In recent years, Harrisburg has seen a burst of new Black-owned businesses and cultural experiences, adding to the already-vibrant scene in the majority-Black city.

The area’s destination marketing organization—Visit Hershey & Harrisburg (VHH)—has now created a resource for visitors who want to learn about and patronize these restaurants, shops, cafés and venues, as well as cultural and other events.

“Larger cities across the country really are doing a great job focusing in on cultural experiences,” said Mary Smith, VHH president and CEO. “So, we feel that our region is home to many diverse tourism, businesses, and opportunities. We realize that visitors to the region, they’re demonstrating an increasing interest in learning more about these types of experiences.”

The Black Travel Experience groups opportunities together, much like VHH has done previously with its Sweet Treat Trail for confection fans, its Adventure Trail for outdoor enthusiasts, and its Brew Barons Beer Trail for suds lovers.

The Black Travel Experience seemed like a natural next step in the process.

“Travelers are more savvy,” Smith said. “They’re looking for more than just a list of places to eat or stay or play. They actually are looking to organizations like ours to paint that picture of what they can expect when they visit.”

Amazing Idea

VHH, Smith said, will help people get the most out of their visit to the area. It may also serve as an important resource for local tourists—people who live in central PA and want information on things to do.

VHH is getting the word out through the Black Travel Experience addition to its website, which offers couples and families “must do” options while highlighting Black-owned businesses, shopping, culture and events.

The site introduces visitors to places like the Nyeusi Gallery, which features art created by people of color. It also informs tourists about shops like Eddie’s Men Store and helps familiarize them with long-time Harrisburg restaurants like Crawdaddy’s and newcomers like Good Brotha’s Book Café, purveyor of coffee, sweets, lunch and books.

Café owner Stefan Hawkins likes the idea behind the initiative.

“The word doesn’t get out enough about us [Black-owned businesses],” Hawkins said. “So, amplified voices… that help us to promote and market ourselves… is very essential to growth.”

Sue Kunisky, VHH vice president of operations, concurs. She said that VHH takes the assets of the region and connects travelers to them. To do that, VHH enlisted the help of MaDonna Awotwi, director of communications at the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Central PA. Awotwi assisted VHH in brainstorming, identifying and coordinating with local Black-owned businesses.

“I thought that it was an amazing idea,” Awotwi said. “I thought that it was very inclusive, for them to design a guide with a Black traveler, or people who identify with a Black experience, in mind.”

Why the need for the Black Travel Experience?

First of all, for economics.

“There’s just been so many inspiring stories coming out of Harrisburg about Black-owned businesses opening or expanding, especially in downtown and Midtown,” Smith said. “So, the timing was perfect for us to jump on this.”

Secondly, for convenience—it makes it easier for people to find what they want.

“As a Black person, when you’re traveling to a place you’ve never been before, looking for things that align with who you are, it takes a lot of research and digging on the internet to find the places you’d like to go,” Awotwi said.

And, thirdly, for cultural reasons. Hawkins believes that people should explore Black culture beyond what’s seen on television, pointing out that each city has a unique expression of the culture.

Bright Light

VHH and business owners hope that this initiative will drive business into the area. Hawkins would like for customers to discover his business. He also thinks that, by highlighting Black-owned businesses, others may be inspired to live their dream of business ownership.

“To take that leap of faith and bet on themselves as an entrepreneur,” Hawkins said.

Awotwi hopes, too, that locals will discover Black-owned businesses. She said that folks have their “go to” restaurants, and she would like Black-owned businesses to be on that list.

“There are some amazing Black-owned restaurants in Harrisburg that deserve to have a bright light shined on them,” Awotwi said.

She mentioned Isabelle’s Southern Cuisine on Reily Street, which serves a to-die-for salmon cheese steak. Hawkins also frequents Zachary’s BBQ & Soul for its plant-based burger.

Smith said that VHH is looking forward to building upon this initiative, by telling business stories through informational videos and continuing to add businesses as part of the experience.

Also upcoming—state investment in similar initiatives.

In December, the Wolf administration announced that it will spend $6.8 million on tourism programs that involve diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Our work on those started well before we learned anything about the state’s investment,” Smith said. “But it definitely reinforced that we’re on the right track, and that this is an important project, not only at a local level, but at a state level.”

A timely project, the Black Travel Experience gives travelers easily accessible opportunities to enjoy the region in the way they choose.

“Our goal was to be thorough, to truly bring value to both the visitor and to the businesses,” said Kunisky

Learn more about the Black Travel Experience at www.visithersheyharrisburg.org.

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Hope for Harmony: With a new administration in Harrisburg, let’s wish for better relations between the mayor and council

January 28, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

Last month, Wanda R. D. Williams was sworn in as the 39th mayor of Harrisburg, ushering in a new era of leadership in the city.

The mid-morning inauguration was replete with the soaring rhetoric, pledges and prayers that normally befit such an occasion.

That’s completely appropriate, as new mayors should be allowed time to take pride in their considerable achievement.

And so ends day one.

Day two inevitably delivers something different—the reality of the tough road ahead.

There’s a budget to redraft and pass. There are department heads to confirm. Managers need to learn their positions, their people, the way things are done around city hall. The to-do list goes on and on.

Harrisburg’s last three mayors all went about their jobs in different ways, with very different demeanors and with differing results. City residents soon will understand that Williams, too, has her own way of doing things.

Having said this, despite their profound differences, Williams’ predecessors shared one common trait, and, unfortunately, it wasn’t a positive one.

All three—mayors Reed, Thompson and Papenfuse—had generally poor relations with City Council. So, if there’s one thing I wish for the new mayor at the jump, it’s this—that her administration is able to maintain a respectful and productive working relationship with the city’s legislative branch.

In a dual-branch government, a natural tension exists between the executive and the legislature. They are, after all, two nodes of power, and clashes between them are almost certain. However, in Harrisburg, the relationship has been particularly rough, which has affected the government’s ability to serve the public as well as it should.

Mayor Reed’s approach to council was to co-opt, pressure and coerce. During election cycles, he often put up a “Reed team,” a group of candidates he backed in the hope that they would support his policies. But what’s that old saying—they got bought, but didn’t stay bought? Over time, many council members went their own way, earning the mayor’s open contempt, so that, come the next election, there was a new “Reed team,” which tried to unseat the old one.

Unfortunately, Mayor Thompson adopted some of Reed’s ways, mimicking his imperious governing style. Like her predecessor, she refused to attend council meetings, holing up in her office as, just a floor below, council members debated such critical issues as whether or not to declare municipal bankruptcy. Soon, a solid majority turned against Thompson, preventing her doing much of anything—until the commonwealth stepped in and imposed its own will on the city.

For Papenfuse, the sour tone also began early, when, after just a month in office, he slammed council for cutting the proposed salaries for several of his department heads. After that, the relationship had some ups, but many downs. To his credit, Papenfuse understood the importance of being present at council meetings, putting in face time and having real-time, substantive discussions with council. Nonetheless, members continually complained (as they also did under Reed and Thompson) that the administration didn’t keep them adequately informed, that they received vital information at the last minute, and that the administration was not responsive enough to their questions and concerns. Also, like the mayors before him, Papenfuse didn’t hesitate to publicly condemn council members who didn’t vote his way.

Now, I don’t mean to lay all the blame at the feet of the mayors. Some council members deserve their share, especially those who, over the years, have seemed more interested in grandstanding than governing. However, in the end, Harrisburg has a “strong mayor” form of government, with a full-time chief executive. That puts the primary onus on the mayor to set the tone, set the agenda and see policies through to passage.

A functional city government depends upon a healthy working relationship between the mayor and council and this, ideally, would include the following:

Mayors should regard council members as equal partners in the governing process, not as annoyances, necessary evils or obstacles to get around. Both branches should treat the other with respect.
Mayors should provide council with as complete, honest and timely information as possible, as early as possible.
Mayors should build relationships with members consistently over time and understand the value of lobbying them on important issues. I’ve often been shocked at how little interaction and communication there seems to be between mayors and council members outside of 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Mayors must be present at council meetings to answer questions, offer information, and participate in the legislative process in real-time.

Now, I’m no Pollyanna. I understand that differences and disagreements happen, as is always the case in the sausage-making process of passing laws and governing. In addition, council has an enormously important role to play providing oversight of the executive branch, which itself can lead to conflict.

However, there’s healthy conflict for good reasons, in which the antagonists still respect each other and can work together constructively. And then there’s unhealthy, dysfunctional conflict, which becomes personalized and bitter and bleeds over into other issues, to the detriment of the public and its business. In Harrisburg, there’s been too much of the latter, for too long.

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

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Community Corner: Notable Events in February

January 28, 2022 | by Missy Smith

Lake Walk

Feb. 2: Take a moderately paced, 3-mile walk around the lake at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, while enjoying the trees and animals at the park, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. You can choose to walk a portion of the trail, then turn around at any point if you would like to customize the length of your walk. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Craft Valentines

Feb. 5: Create your own unique handmade valentine using pressed flowers and other items from nature at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The cost of the workshop is $10 per person. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

HBG Flea
Feb. 5: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Strawberry Square, Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for growth in the community by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together in one place. www.hbgflea.com

Book Sale
Feb. 5, 19: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, will hold pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, music, puzzles, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Susquehanna Series

Feb. 8, 22: Join Wildwood Park for virtual presentations about the ecology and recreation of the Susquehanna River 7 to 8:30 p.m. On Feb. 8, Aaron Henning, from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, will discuss species of ecological importance, and on Feb. 22, a variety of speakers will discuss fishing, kayaking, boating and more. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Nature Lab
Feb. 11: Explore wildlife photography and filmmaking in a virtual Nature Lab with the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Tracy Graziano, an award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will discuss her experiences documenting animals in their habitats. www.statemuseumpa.org

Love of Art
Feb. 11-13: Hershey Art Association presents “For the Love of Art” exhibit of paintings, prints, photographs, 3D art, handmade jewelry and more in the Milton & Catherine Conservatory at Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd. The show is Included with admission and free for members. www.hersheyareaartassociation.com

Film Fridays
Feb. 11, 25: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for Film Fridays. On Feb. 11, view “Jessica,” about an aspiring playwright getting over a break-up when she meets Boone, who is also recovering from a recent split. On Feb. 25, view “Rabbit-Proof Fence,” about girls forcibly taken from their families, under an Australian government policy, to be trained as domestic servants. Showings are at 2 and 7 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Birds & Coffee
Feb. 12: Stop by the Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, 10 to 11 a.m. Join a naturalist and Appalachian Audubon to observe and count common feeder birds as part of Project FeederWatch. Appalachian Audubon members will also sell bird-friendly coffee. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Dinner & Dance

Feb. 12: Valley of Harrisburg, A.A.S.R. presents its St. Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance at the Scottish Rite Theatre, 2701 N. 3rd St. Harrisburg, beginning at 6 p.m. The Italian-themed dinner includes appetizers, dessert, chocolates, treats, flowers and a cash bar. Reservations are $45 per person. www.valleyofharrisburg.org

Book Sale
Feb. 12-13: Joseph T. Simpson Public Library, 16 N. Walnut St. Mechanicsburg, will host a book sale. Shop the regular book sale on Feb. 12, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or the bag sale on Feb. 13, 1 to 3 p.m., when you can pack as many books that fit in a level bag for $10. www.friendsofsimpsonlibrary.org

Truffles for Couples
Feb. 12, 19: Take your Valentine to the Hershey Story’s Chocolate Lab, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., for an evening of truffle-making for Valentine’s Day, 5:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Guests can enjoy drinking chocolates from around the world and making hand-rolled ganache. Tickets are $25 per person. www.hersheystory.org

Wild Cooking

Feb. 15: Join naturalists at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to learn about winter wild edibles and how to make shagbark hickory syrup and a variety of teas, 6 to 7:30 p.m. The cost of this workshop is $10 per person. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Climate Change
Feb. 17: Foreign Policy Association of Harrisburg hosts a talk on “The U.S. and International Climate Change Leadership” with David Titley, Penn State professor of practice in meteorology and a professor of international affairs, at West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd., Camp Hill, 7:30 p.m. Dinner precedes the talk. www.fpaharrisburg.org

3rd in The Burg
Feb. 18: Check out the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can explore and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Musical Showcase
Feb. 18: Joseph T. Simpson Public Library will host a spring musical showcase with local high schools presenting a sampling of songs from their upcoming musicals at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, 1050 S. York St., Mechanicsburg, 7 p.m. www.friendsofsimpsonlibrary.org

Free Museum Day

Feb. 19: The National Civil War Museum welcomes the public to its Community Free Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join NCWM staff and volunteers to celebrate Black History Month and Presidents’ Day, with historians, speakers and the newest exhibit, “Above and Beyond: Medal of Honor Recipients of the Civil War.” www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Heart Ball
Feb. 19: American Heart Association hosts the 2022 Capital Region Heart Ball at Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey, 6 to 11 p.m. Feel like an A-list celebrity at Hollywood’s hottest party while supporting a good cause. www.capitalregionpaheartball.heart.org

Book Events

Feb. 19, 26: Celebrate the written word at Cupboard Maker Books, 157 N. Enola Rd., at its upcoming book events, 1 to 3 p.m. Visit with author Carrie Jacob at the book release of her latest work, “Cat Burglar,” on Feb. 19, and with author Mona Shroff at the book signing for her new book, “The Five-Day Reunion,” on Feb. 26. www.cupboardmaker.com

Cultural Series

Feb. 20: “Black Pioneers Beyond the Susquehanna,” with Dr. Cory Young, University of Nebraska, will be held at New Cumberland Library’s Foundation House, 1 Benjamin Plaza, at 3 p.m. Young will share stories of Black pioneers whose lives and labors transformed the Susquehanna River Valley during the 18th century. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Education Mixer
Feb. 23: Socialize with local business professionals at Central Penn College/Education Foundation evening mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Conference Center at Central Penn College, 600 Valley St., Summerdale. The event is free and open to West Shore Chamber members. www.wschamber.org

Legislators’ Forum II
Feb. 24: Join the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 2022 Legislators’ Forum II, with area members of the PA Senate serving Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., from 8 to 10 a.m. Cost to attend is $70 or $45 for members. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

Curious Kids
Feb. 24: State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, invites kids ages 3 to 6 and their families to “Curiosity Kids” to learn about sleds and sleighs and how people have travelled and had fun in winter, 11:30 a.m. www.statemuseumpa.org

Decisions 2022
Feb. 24: World Affairs Council of Harrisburg hosts “Great Decisions,” a program on world affairs organized by the Foreign Policy Association. Sessions will be held every Thursday from Feb. 24 to April 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. at, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. www.fpa.org

Fight Cancer

Feb. 26: Central Pennsylvania Coalition United to Fight Cancer hosts the 26th Annual Loving Souls and Sweethearts Cancer Education and Chronic Disease virtual conference, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Topics include breast and prostate cancer, hair restoration, hypertension, COVID-19, loss and grief and anxiety. Registration is $10. www.catalystpa.org

Beautiful Burg

Feb. 28: Ryan Unger, CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, historian and a longtime historic district resident will present “How Mira Lloyd Dock and the Board of Trade Made Harrisburg ‘The City Beautiful’” at Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, 1230 N. 3rd St., 6 to 7:30 p.m. www.historicharrisburg.org

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A Long Weekend, a Great Man: A driving tour takes you through the life of Frederick Douglass

January 28, 2022 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Frederick Douglass statue at the Talbot County Courthouse.

For a short month, February seems awfully long.

With the holidays behind us, it may seem like there’s little to look forward to, that is, unless you’re up for a change of scenery. If so, you may want to consider taking a road trip to Maryland to learn more about Frederick Douglass. The Frederick Douglass Driving Tour is not only educational, but also timely, given that it’s Black History Month.

Frederick Douglass, born in 1817, was known as an American social reformer, author, orator and prominent abolitionist. In 1877, he proclaimed, “I’m an Eastern Shoreman, with all that name implies.” So, it stands to reason that the driving tour would start on the eastern shore of Maryland in Queen Anne. The Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe is where Douglass spent his formative years, which prepared him to fight for civil rights as he matured into adulthood.

About 12 miles away, in the town of Easton, is the Frederick Douglass Statue at the Talbot County Courthouse, where Douglass gave his famous “Self-Made Men” speech to a segregated audience. In the speech, Douglass said, “My theory of self-made men is, then, simply this; they are men of work. Whether or not such men have acquired material, moral or intellectual excellence, honest labor faithfully, steadily and persistently pursued is the best, if not the only explanation, of their success.”

Not far from Easton is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. The Maritime Museum is comprised of 12 buildings tracing the geological, social and economic history of the Chesapeake Bay. Here, visitors can view the home of Douglass’s sister, Eliza Bailey Mitchell, who lived there with her free husband Peter and their two children. Eliza was one of the only siblings with whom Douglass maintained a relationship throughout the years.

According to Peter Lesher, chief curator at the museum, Peter was enslaved by the Hambletons, who owned what is now Perry Cabin, which is also on the tour and located just west of St. Michaels.

“The Hambletons were persuaded to free their slaves, and Peter was able to work on the land as a wage earner,” Lesher said. “He subsequently purchased Eliza’s freedom.”

Next, head to Annapolis where Douglass delivered several notable speeches at the Maryland State House. In 1874, he spoke in the Senate chamber, a decade after Maryland’s constitution emancipated its slave population. A newspaper account described him walking in front of the painting, “Washington Resigning His Commission,” by Edwin White and reciting from memory George Washington’s resignation speech of Dec. 23, 1783.

Next on the tour is the Banneker-Douglass Museum, also in Annapolis. Housed within the former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, the museum is a collection of African-American artifacts representing history and culture.

Wax & Works

If time permits, consider continuing on to Baltimore to learn about Douglass’s life there, starting at the Fells Point National Historic District. It was here that Douglass was sent by boat from St. Michaels at the age of 8 to live and work as a slave for Hugh Auld. Today, the area is known for its restaurants, pubs and boutiques. It is also home to the Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park, which offers details on Douglass’s life as an enslaved child.

Not far away from the Fells Point area is the President Street Station on President Street in Baltimore. The former train station now houses the Baltimore Civil War Museum. This was a particularly important place for Douglass, for it was here that he escaped slavery in 1838 by disguising himself and boarding a train heading to Philadelphia.

Head north on President Street, and you’ll find the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African-American History and Culture. The museum celebrates more than 350 years of Maryland African-American history and culture, including the story of Frederick Douglass.

A few miles north of Fells Point is the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, founded by Dr. Joanne Martin and her late husband Elmer. Dr. Martin explained that the museum, which now houses about 150 wax figures, began modestly in an effort to educate the public.

“We started as a traveling exhibit in 1980, purchasing four wax figures and driving them to schools, churches and malls,” she said.

Martin chuckled as she reflected on the early days, saying that it wasn’t unusual to visit her apartment and see part of Harriett Tubman on a dresser or Douglass’s torso in a corner. The exhibit was so well received that it grew and was moved to a storefront in downtown Baltimore in 1983, before ending up in a firehouse on North Avenue in 1988.

The Maryland tour ends with a visit to the University of Maryland College Park, which features a statue of Douglass in front of the Hornbake Library at Frederick Douglass Square. Visitors can venture inside to view an exhibition titled, “Frederick Douglass: Scholarship and Legacy,” which features his works and images.

If you have a long weekend ahead, you can complete the first half of the tour in one day and continue onto Douglass’s time in Baltimore on day two.

These are just the highlights of a tour that celebrates the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass. Hopefully, this will pique your curiosity to learn even more about this man who changed America.

To learn more, visit www.visitmaryland.org/history/african-american-heritage, where you’ll find a link for the Frederick Douglass Driving Tour.

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Midstate to MMA: Central Pennsylvania punches card for Mixed Martial Arts fighters

January 28, 2022 | by Deborah Lynch

Ed Ruth wrestling for Penn State. Photo by Mark Selders.

When the boys with cauliflower ears sprout up around town, it can mean only one thing—it’s high school wrestling championship season.

Central Pennsylvania has long been a breeding ground for high school wrestling, with District III fielding strong representation in the state tournament each year. Many wrestlers have gone on to heralded college careers, including Harrisburg High’s Phil Davis and former Susquehanna Township High star Ed Ruth, both of whom won national championships at Penn State—Ruth three times.

A newer phenomenon, however, is that wrestlers now have a way to parlay that wrestling success into longer careers. Both Davis and Ruth have enjoyed success as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters. At 37, Davis remains an active fighter, while Ruth, 31, is taking a hiatus to coach wrestlers as a University of Illinois assistant after first training Olympic wrestling hopefuls at a regional training center in North Carolina.

“District III and all of the greater Harrisburg area is such a hotbed for Pennsylvania wrestling,” said Greg Goldthorp, athletic director at Central Dauphin East and PIAA District III wrestling co-chair. “Pennsylvania is the top state in the nation for wrestling. So, it doesn’t surprise me that many move on to the MMA world and make a name for themselves.”

Takes Time

Mixed Martial Arts is exactly what its name implies—a combination of boxing, grappling, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai. Let’s break that down.

Boxing is, of course, hitting someone with gloves, while grappling is the wrestling aspect of controlling someone to gain a physical advantage. Kickboxing is a combination of boxing and karate. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. In contrast, Muay Thai is a stand-up, striking martial art, or Thai boxing. That’s not to say a fighter might not throw in some sambo, karate or judo moves, as well.

Sound tough? It is. This is not your father’s WWE, full of predetermined winners and theatrics scripted purely for entertainment. This is probably one of the most extreme physical tests of athleticism.

Does it take a former college wrestling champion to compete at that level? No, but it doesn’t hurt either.

“When you compete at the highest level of college wrestling, it takes a long time to reach the caliber of athlete you are used to competing against,” Davis said of the shift to MMA. “Even though I was outmatched in terms of experience or skill—in every category other than fitness and training—just the ability to know where my body is in space and my overall body control, I’m much better off than the average person.”

MMA fighting exists at many different levels and with a mindboggling number of different organizations. Many amateur organizations exist, but the two biggest professional names are UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and Bellator.

A former Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion, Davis is 23-6 as a professional fighter, with no intention to retire.

Ruth, meanwhile, is 8-3 as a professional fighter with Bellator in multiple classes, most recently at middleweight. He debuted as a professional fighter in 2016 following two years of freestyle wrestling, including as a U.S. World Team member. Did his wrestling background give him an advantage in MMA?

“It certainly did,” he said. “I felt like I just had better conditioning … the other guy was a lot more tired than I was. It was easier for me to take shots, especially being a wrestler. You kind of dictate whether you’ll be on your feet or on the ground.”

Willing to Lose

Jack Valentin, an MMA trainer with Harrisburg Kickboxing Academy, which operates out of Harrisburg Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo in Lemoyne, does not come from a wrestling background. However, he started kickboxing at 17 to get in shape for the Marines.

“I learned really quick that you need one [a wrestling background],” he said.

He noted that, when he was stationed in the South, he could get away with less wrestling knowledge because it’s not as popular there. But, returning to central Pennsylvania, he took advantage of the good wrestlers here to improve his skills.

Valentin and Dave Brogan of Harrisburg Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Judo have seen the popularity of martial arts and fighting sports explode since Brogan opened the school in 2012 with 30 students. That’s now up to 675 members, ranging in age from teens to 64.

Brogan’s wife Monica runs a “Dangerous Damsels” self-defense class every week, and Valentin is starting an MMA class for kids as young as 5 after noticing a group of 8- to 10-year olds hanging around the gym to watch MMA practices.

The gym currently has a core group of about 25 MMA fighters with three who are actively fighting. Jace Kendle should turn pro in 2022, Darrel Horcher has already had some pro fights, and Jillian Boyer had her first amateur fight last July. Another local gym, Deep Water Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Colonial Road in Harrisburg, also offers MMA training.

While still in State College, both Davis and Ruth teamed with MMA trainer Ryan Gruhn, who now heads CPAMMA (Central PA MMA) there. Gruhn still trains former wrestlers, and his gym boasts many fighters who are multiple-time Muay Thai champions. Gruhn said that MMA hopefuls must be prepared to put in lots of training time and be willing to lose, day in and day out, on the mats.

Two-time national champion Bo Nickal, who graduated from Penn State in 2018 and didn’t want to leave the area, recently opened an American Top Team Happy Valley branch in Pleasant Gap in Centre County. Nickal, who won his first amateur fight last July and has his eyes on the UFC, is joined by Musa Al-Sulaimani, a former Penn State collegiate national boxing camp, and fellow teammate Anthony Cassar, who was a national champ at heavyweight for Penn State, along with several other top-level coaches.

Davis, known in the MMA world as Mr. Wonderful, now lives in Chula Vista, Calif., where he helps coach the Bonita Vista High School wrestling team. He continues to train for the next fight opportunity that might pop up. His favorite thing is to cash in on his celebrity to impact lives—through coaching and high school ministry at his church.

While Ruth admits he saw some good money in MMA, he also moved more than 10 times in 10 years. He wouldn’t mind staying still for a spell as he coaches at Illinois.

“To be honest with you, it’s really awesome to be the coach because when you’re the wrestler, you have to go through all the paces,” he said. “As the coach, I can watch and hop in whenever I want to.”

Now, about those cauliflower ears. They are like a badge of pride for many wrestlers and develop when the ears are crushed while wrestling. This causes a hematoma in the cartilage that then deforms and hardens. It can be avoided by wearing headgear.

Ruth always wore his headgear—he hated that it wasn’t allowed in world freestyle wrestling.

“I’m not a fan of cauliflower ear!” said Ruth, who still has model ears, getting in the last word, just as he usually does in his fights.

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In the Spotlight: Harrisburg Black Newsbeat sets the tone for Black culture, talent, community

January 28, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Dr. Kimeka Campbell interviews Winnie Okello.

Often, you’ll find Dr. Kimeka Campbell leading rallies, holding large events, speaking on panels, and talking into the microphone during public comment at Harrisburg City Council meetings. Last year, she added hosting a talk show to her many roles.

Campbell exudes confidence, strength and passion in these leadership positions. So, when asked if she experienced stage fright, I wasn’t expecting to hear her say, “yes.”

But since day one of her show, “Harrisburg Black Newsbeat” at Open Stage, she’s been nervous for every show.

“This is a completely different skillset,” she said. “I’m always thinking—are people going to laugh at my jokes? How do I keep things light, but also inform people? I’m always nervous if people will like it, but they always do.”

One year ago, Campbell began her show at Open Stage. It’s a mix of news, comedy, music, art and interviews, all with one focus—spotlighting the Black community in Harrisburg.

“We try to highlight folks who don’t traditionally get highlighted,” she said. “We want to uplift Black and brown culture and art.”

Campbell is the co-founder of the Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg and holds a full-time position at Hamilton Health Center, as well. In other words, she’s busy.

But everything she does is part of her goal to build community in the city she calls home.

“It’s always been my heart to show what Harrisburg has blessed me with,” Campbell said.

Addictive Energy

Chris Gibson, production manager at Open Stage, met Campbell at a 2020 rally protesting the killing of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer. He heard her speak and saw the passion behind her message. This led him to invite her to host a segment on the theater’s show, “My Talented Friends Live.”

According to Gibson, her segment quickly took on a life of its own and developed into its own show.

“It’s been extraordinary,” he said. “The show has really blossomed.”

Campbell hosted shows twice a month from February through December 2021 and is resuming this month after a break in January. Shows feature several special guests—local artists, musicians, activists and business owners, among others.

Each show also has regular segments, like “Sweeping the Streets,” during which Campbell discusses goings-on in Harrisburg, and “Movies and Melanin,” when she highlights films with Black lead actors. She often shares information gleaned from the city council meetings she attends, hoping to create another path of access for residents to educate themselves.

The fun doesn’t stop at the edge of the stage. Campbell encourages audience members to engage, shout out comments, cheer and laugh out loud. While the audience has still been relatively small due to COVID precautions, there’s no lack of energy.

“People will shout things back at us, and it always works,” she said. “It’s like being in my living room.”

Gibson, who produces the show, has felt that energy as he sits behind the camera, calling it “exciting and addictive.”

“It’s always surprising how much joy the show brings to the audience, the guests and ourselves,” he said. “We come off the show with a high.”

All About Community

Harrisburg hip-hop artist Mikkka3K has pursued music for about a year. When Campbell invited her to perform on Black Newsbeat, it was her biggest stage yet.

“I was intimidated,” she said. “But she made me feel so accepted.”

Mikka3K performed her song, “Visions,” on stage and received a standing ovation from the audience.

“It made me feel confident,” she said. “I really appreciate that experience. [Campbell] inspired me so much. She’s doing more for the community than she even knows.”

That’s why Campbell does what she does. She and her husband Basir Vincent, who handles much of the technical work on the show, put in countless hours prepping for each show. This is all added to the time she spends on her many other ventures in the city. To her, it’s all worth it if it’s helping others feel a sense of belonging.

“I know a lot of people who work really hard,” Gibson said. “But I don’t know anyone who works as hard as Dr. Campbell. She’s an inspiration.”

Gibson also explained how much he has learned, as a white man, from being there for every episode of the show. He encouraged other white community members to come and experience the knowledge, activism and talent of the Black community.

Harrisburg Black Newsbeat’s one-year anniversary is in February, fittingly during Black History Month. Campbell has plans for two special shows that will bring back former guests to the stage and feature new games for audience members to participate in. Artists will also have pieces for sale in the theater.

“It’s about highlighting the talented people of Harrisburg,” Campbell said of the show. “It’s all about community for me.”

Harrisburg Black Newsbeat’s anniversary shows will take place at Open Stage on Feb. 9 and 23. Open Stage is located at 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For tickets and more information, visit www.openstagehbg.com.

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The Good . . . and the Great: ”Voices of the Eighth” returns to central PA

January 28, 2022 | by Carolina Nicholson

Lyeneal Griffin

“Can any good thing come out of Harrisburg?”

This question is addressed, and answered, this month, as Gamut Theatre and Sankofa African American Theatre Company partner to bring “Echoes of Voices of the Eighth” to the Gamut stage in Harrisburg, as part of Dauphin County’s Black History Celebration.

Opening on Feb. 11, this play by Sharia Benn is a deeper exploration of the Old Eighth Ward. A century ago, this vibrant neighborhood was torn down to make way for the expansion of the state Capitol Complex.

As a continuation of the original show from 2019, “Echoes of Voices of the Eighth” is a journey that transcends time to connect two Black teens from the same Harrisburg neighborhood.

This heartwarming story connects the young and old, past and present, and gone but not forgotten, to celebrate the history-making contributions of African Americans who lived in the Old Eighth Ward.

Poetry and music infuse this original play in which Kay, a soon-to-graduate high-schooler, finds her voice and value during an encounter with the past. On her journey, Kay meets Della, who lived a much different life in the long-gone Eighth Ward. As different as the times they live in are, Kay and Della discover that they are connected in many ways.

I had the opportunity to find out a little more about the play from the perspective of Lyeneal Griffin, a former Gamut Theatre Core Company member.

Griffin returns to Harrisburg this month to work on the production. He explained his opinion on why this story—and why now.

“Mark Twain says, ‘History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes,’” he said. “It’s important that we leave something of value behind for those who come after us, so that they don’t repeat the same mistakes or experience the same challenges that we face today.”

That goal, he said, is what he considers to be “the soul” of “Echoes of V.O.T.E.”

“It’s an important story about Harrisburg natives, for Harrisburg natives,” he said. “It fills in a blank for a span of time in Harrisburg that has been lost and forgotten, offering a complete narrative of those who came before us.”

So, what can we expect from this reprisal?

“‘Echoes of V.O.T.E.” shares a similar story to the first adaptation, but will give audiences a completely different experience,” he said.

Twelve actors, both native and non-native to the area, portray over 17 characters from the Old Eighth Ward to tell the story.

“Sharia Benn has deepened and expanded the world of the play, including more voices and stories from the prominent individuals of Harrisburg’s Historic Eighth Ward,” he said.

During this journey from present to past and back again, we meet abolitionists, activists, changemakers and poets, who all were instrumental in fighting for the freedom and rights we enjoy today.

So, to reprise the question: “Can any good thing come out of Harrisburg?”

As it turns out, all of these extraordinary people came out of Harrisburg.

Echoes of Voices of the Eighth runs Feb. 11 to 20. Shows are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are “pick your price.” Choose the tier that fits your budget. Recommended tickets are $38, with discounted tiers of $26 or $14 each. To purchase tickets, visit www.gamuttheatre.org or call 717-238-4111.

February Events
at Gamut Theatre

www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

TMI Improv

Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.

Doors and bar open 45 minutes before the show.

Tickets are $10 each.

“Echoes of Voices of the Eighth”

By Sharia Benn

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