Thriving, Striving: A new program brings together diverse congregations to dive deep into race, justice.

September 30, 2021 | by Susan Ryder

Brian Smith & Drew Hart

There’s an old saying that states, “The most segregated places in the world is church on Sunday morning.”

So says Rev. Dr. David T. Miller, quoting Martin Luther King, Jr. Miller pastors Wesley Union AME Zion Church in Harrisburg, the oldest African American congregation in the city.

Recently, Miller and congregation representatives, along with 11 other churches, have begun participating in Messiah University’s “Thriving Together” program.

The two-year program, funded by the Lilly Endowment, is bringing together diverse area congregations across geography, race and politics to participate in anti-racism training, learn about geographic racial boundaries, study theologies of justice and reconciliation, and examine their own tradition’s mission and values.

Eventually, they will take a bus tour to areas of civil rights history in the South.

“At the end of our time, our participating congregations would have a deeper understanding of the ways that their own church participates in the racial ecosystem of our region, number one,” said Drew Hart, Messiah professor and program co-director. “They would have a better understanding of their church, in their traditions’ racial history. And they would have refreshed and reimagined their ministries to engage the challenges that we face in our current society today.”

Each group has a particular hope for their congregation.

“My hope and my expectation is that we’ll be able to deepen our roots in the community, but also work together with other congregations, around racial injustice, to become better advocates for the city and racial justice,” said the Rev. Canon Kate Harrigan, rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Racial justice conversations, in the context of church, would also include discussing the hard truth that, throughout history, the church has played a significant role in promoting racial injustice.

“The Bible itself was used as a tool and weapon to enslave people, to define discrimination, to enforce laws, and to tell individuals that what we’re doing, we’re doing because this is what God would have us do,” Miller said.

Reconciliation, Action

The journey through this program will not be an easy one.

Congregations will talk openly about race, in a way that they may not have before and learn facts that they didn’t know. These facts include:

On the west shore, many neighborhoods had racially restricted deeds that limited the people who could buy a home based on race, religion or ethnicity.
The KKK and other white supremacist groups have had a long history in Pennsylvania.
At Wesley Union AME Zion, church property was simply taken from them, on two separate occasions, without any recourse or compensation.

“That part of this program is kind of reckoning with history,” said Josiah Ludwick, associate pastor of Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren on Hummel Street. “Having experts and people who’ve done the scholarship in those areas to help guide us through that process is really exciting.”

Talking and learning is just one aspect of the program. The second involves reconciliation and action.

“We need to be about the work of reconciling broken relationships in our world,” said Brian Smith, program co-director. “And part of that is, of course, dealing with the history and legacy of racial inequalities in this country.”

Each participating congregation will receive a small grant at the end of the two years to develop or revitalize racial justice initiatives, Smith said.

Thirty churches applied for the program, more than double what the program could manage and many others expressed interest.

Hart and Smith both believe that the murder of George Floyd last year demonstrated to congregations a problem they could no longer ignore, heightening interest in the program.

“That just affirmed for us two things: the validity of our program and the good work that people are already doing,” Smith said. “It demonstrated that this is a thing that churches already have in their frame.”

Calling Us

Racism can be viewed as a political topic, and some churches shy away from tackling the issue.

“If churches, in particular, are going to say that they’re committed to the God revealed in scripture, then that’s the same God that says to let justice roll down like waters and righteous, like an ever flowing stream, right?” Hart said. “And so still, that’s the kind of work we should be about as Christians.”

Other churches dive right into what they consider their work, Harrigan said.

“There’s a very tenuous line between political and mission,” she said. “And I think we, you know, the world, walked on that line last year. And, for some, anything that had to do with Black Lives Matters or George Floyd was too political for church. St. Paul’s, we think of that as church. That’s what God is calling us to respond to.”

According to Miller, rather than churches staying away from controversy, they are uniquely situated to create the kind of reconciliation that is promoted through the “Thriving Together” program. He said that he’s looking forward to another, better time.

“When both parties, whether you’re black or white, say, ‘I’m sorry. I was really ignorant to that. I never looked at it that way,’” he said. “And have an understanding of other pieces, learning one another’s culture.”

Rather than segregated from one another, churches connecting in “Thriving Together” will discuss hard issues and will likely feel uncomfortable and challenged.

“I think the church in general is on a precipice, and we can go either way in that precipice,” Harrigan said. “We can either kind of tumble back and fall into being a very ineffective institution. Or we can strive forward. We can become one of the most effective institutions, not imposing our theology or belief system so much as encouraging justice, equity, love and hope.”

For more information on “Thriving Together,” visit www.messiah.edu/info/23582/thriving_together.

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Happenings: Our October Calendar of Events

September 30, 2021 | by Missy Smith

Happenings

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Minibike Mania,” a display of more than two dozen miniature motorbikes, through Oct. 16

“Keep on Truckin’: Light Duty Trucks,” an exhibit focused on the history of pickup trucks, through Oct. 22

“Iconic Chevrolets,” an exhibit presented by the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, through Oct. 22

“Hershey’s History: Before & After Chocolate,” through Oct. 22

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

“Duality,” fall membership show that celebrates duality, which is the quality or state of having two different or opposite parts or elements, through Oct. 14

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

“Suspended Energy,” sculptures by Gregg Silvis and oil paintings by Hannah Steele, through Oct. 30

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

October Artist: Jessica Jacobs

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

“In Light of the Past,” an exhibition considering how we experience photographs, through Oct. 9

“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

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA member art display at Hershey Public Library, through Oct. 16

HAAA member art display at Campbelltown Academy, through Nov. 20

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

“Reflecting the Glory—Sandra Bowden,” through Oct. 17

“Proverbs, Poems and Promises,” a collective show of work by 16 illustrators whose work is linked by their shared Christian faith, Oct. 29-Nov. 21

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

New works by Pamela Black, Kelly Curran, Richard Souders, Reina 76 Artist, Tina Berrier, and Lauren Castillo, through Oct. 10

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

“Artisan Marketplace” holiday exhibition, filled with unique handmade items and art for local gift giving, Oct. 2-Jan. 15

“Art Uplifts” outdoor exhibition of encouraging and inspirational local artwork at Millerstown Community Park, through Oct. 24

“Art Uplifts” outdoor exhibition of encouraging and inspirational local artwork at Little Buffalo State Park, through Oct. 25-Nov. 21

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

The art faculty at HACC, Oct. 11-Nov. 5; zoom lectures by select faculty, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.

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

“Art of the State,” an annual statewide juried competition, through Jan. 2

“Witness to History: Colonel Paul Evanko’s 9/11 Field Notes,” featuring the head of the PA State Police’s handwritten field notes from the morning of 9/11, through Jan. 2

“Why Not in Pennsylvania? Campaigning for Women’s Suffrage in the Keystone State,” through Jan. 2

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

“Four Seasons and Seven Vices—Old Master Prints in Series,” examining stories of seasons, elements, planets, virtues and vices in Renaissance and Baroque-era printmaking, Oct. 9-Jan. 23

“Tradition Interrupted,” exploring how artists weave contemporary ideas with traditional art and craft to create thought-provoking hybrid images and objects, Oct. 9-Jan. 23

“Meanderings,” a collection of variable collagraphic prints by artist Valerie R. Dillon, who illustrates her journey of shifting between known and unknown spaces, through Oct. 17

“Mobility to Movement,” etchings by Isabel Bishop, through Oct. 17

“Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You,” artwork by Irvin Rodriguez, Oct. 22-Feb. 20

“Unpredictable Nature,” works by Sandi Neiman Lovitz and Autumn C. Wright, who use gesture, shape, pattern and spontaneity to create abstract compositions, through Oct. 31

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

“A Contemplation of Scenery—The Vesell Family Collection,” through Oct. 24

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

“Evolving Images,” exploring the history of recorded images from the very first photographs to current Snapchat photographs, through Oct.

Read, Make, Learn

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

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27: Abstract Painting, 12-2 p.m.
Oct. 8: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Oct. 9: Vintage Tin Earrings, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 9: Pen/Ink Watercolor Flower, 12-3 p.m.
Oct. 11-Nov. 15: Wheel 102, Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 12: Beginner Level 1 Jewelry Making—Riveting & Texture, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 12-Nov. 2: Plein Air Painting at Allenberry, 1-3:30 p.m.
Oct. 12-Nov. 16: Collaborative Art Class w/CPARC, Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m.
Oct. 16: Happy Halloween art projects (ages 6-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 16: Easy, Playful Acrylic, 12-3 p.m.
Oct. 16-Nov. 6: Figure Drawing (adult 17+), 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Oct. 20-Dec. 1: Wheel 101, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 23: Carlisle Seed Share T-shirt, 12:30-2 p.m.
Oct. 26-Nov. 30: Mold Making for Ceramics, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 27: Indigo Dye Lab, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 30: Awakening Your Creativity Through Movement, Music & Meditation, 9 a.m-1 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m.
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Teen Dungeons and Dragons online, 4 p.m.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Dungeons and Dragons online, 3 p.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Born to Read, 9:30 a.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Writing Workshop, 4 p.m.
Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27: Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
Oct. 6, 20: Discord Hangouts, 3 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Anime Club, 4 p.m.
Oct. 13, 27: Young Adult Book Club, 4 p.m.
Oct. 15: Haunted Library Tour, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19: Novel Thoughts Book Club Too, 1 p.m.
Oct. 21: Seasonal Science, 6 p.m.
Oct. 27: Spanish Language Conversation Group, 12 p.m.
Oct. 27: Tween Book Club, 4 p.m.

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

Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
Oct. 9: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
Oct. 11: Baby Time, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 13: Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 14: Family Storytime Fall Term, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 14, 28: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
Oct. 16: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.

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

Oct. 6: Virtual Illustrated Talk—Harrisburg Homefront in WWII, 7-8 p.m.

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

Oct. 4, 18: STEM Grab & Go, 9 a.m.
Oct. 5: Curl up with the Classics—“The Yellow Wall Paper,” 10-11 a.m.
Oct. 5: Zoom—Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Career Exploration Workshop, 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 6: Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Oct. 6: Hear Me Out—A Discussion Series, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Oct. 8, 22: Film Fridays, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9: Library for Lunch (ages 3-6), 1 p.m.
Oct. 11: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m.
Oct. 11: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 15, 22: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-11 a.m.
Oct. 16, 23, 30: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 1 p.m.
Oct. 25: Virtual Fredricksen Reads—“The Vanishing Half,” 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 26: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.

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

Oct. 10-Nov. 28: American Sign Language Level 1, Sundays, 2-3:30 p.m.
Oct. 10-Nov. 28: American Sign Language Level 2, Sundays, 4-5:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: Charcoal Drawing for Adults & Teens, 6-8 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

Oct. 2: Peffer Street Gardening Event, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24: HYP Flag Football, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28: HYP Sand Volleyball, 6-10 p.m.

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

Oct. 2, 16: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Oct. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Oct. 6: Card Making Class, 6 p.m.
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27: Laura English Writing Class, 6 p.m.
Oct. 7, 21: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 14: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10 a.m.
Oct. 16: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Oct. 20: Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 11, 21: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15 a.m.
Oct. 18, 25: Book and Babies, 10:15 a.m.

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

Oct. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: Story Time, 10:15 a.m.
Oct. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: Toddler Time (18 months-3 years), 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: Rhyme Time, 12 p.m.
Oct. 4: Storybook STEAM, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27: Rhyme Time (18 months and younger), 10:15 a.m.
Oct. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27: Story Time (ages 4-6), 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.
Oct. 6: How Did My Computer Get Kidnapped?, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 9, 23: Block Party!, 10:30 a.m.
Oct. 11, 25: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 13: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 18: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 20: Apple Users Group, 1 p.m.
Oct. 21: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.
Oct. 23: Trivia at Home—Star Trek, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 26: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
1306 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Oct. 6, 13, 20 27: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 12, 26: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.
Oct. 14: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.

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

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Oct. 7: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.

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

Oct. 1: Allen Guelzo w/Scott LaMar, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5: Kate Johnson w/Sharon Salzberg, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6: TJ Klune w/Kathryn Budig, 7 p.m.
Oct. 8: Keisha N. Blain w/Damon Young, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19: Amor Towles w/Ken Burns, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: Eric J. Johnson w/Philip E. Tetlock, 7 p.m.
Oct. 27: Donald Antrim w/Akhil Sharma, 7 p.m.

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

Oct. 23: Fluid Art, 12-3 p.m.

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

Oct. 9: The Supreme Court and the Civil War, 1-2 p.m.

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

Oct. 1: Take & Make (ages 2-5), 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 4: Book Babies Storytime, 11:15 a.m.
Oct. 5: Storytime & More, 10:30 a.m.

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

Oct. 4, 6, 7, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28: Little Explorers Fall Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Oct. 6, 13: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Little Explorers Fall Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.

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

Oct. 9: Small Market Basket workshop, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 14-Nov. 18: “Arts for All” inclusive art classes w/ CPARC, Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m.

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

Oct. 1: Virtual Artists Conversations, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Oct. 1, 16: StoryTime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 3: 2021 Annual Workshops in Archaeology, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27: Explore! (grades 3-5), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Curiosity Kids (grades K-2), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 8: Adventures in Nature Lab (in-person and virtual)—PA Deer Habitat, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Oct. 13, 14, 15, 16: Life through Time Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 22: Virtual State Museum Perspectives, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Oct. 29: Treasures from the Vault, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 20: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Oct. 2: Cadette Girl Scouts—Trees, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Oct. 2: Kids Discover—Leave No Trace (ages 10-14), 1-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 6: Preschool Storytime—Fall at Wildwood, 10-10:45 a.m.
Oct. 6: Family/Senior Bike Ride, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Oct. 8: Bird Walk—Fall Migration at Wildwood, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Oct. 9: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 9: Nature Journaling for Adults, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 9: Birdhouse Workshop, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 10: Tree Identification, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 11: Greenbelt Bike Ride, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 12: Pawpaw Walk at Fort Hunter, 9 am.-12 p.m.
Oct. 15: New Moon Walk, 8-10 p.m.
Oct. 16: Kids Discover—Trees (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 16: Kids Discover—Trees (ages 7-10), 1-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 19: Fall Tree Walk, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Oct. 20: Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends Sale, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Oct. 21: Kids Discover—Fall (ages 2-4), 10-10:45 a.m.
Oct. 23: Night at the Nature Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 27: Dr. Suess Science Series, 10-10:45 a.m.
Oct. 30: How To Prepare Your Garden for Winter, 9-10:30 a.m.
Oct. 30: Kids Discover—Trees (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 30: Kids Discover—Trees (ages 7-10), 1-2:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Oct. 2: 38 Special
Oct. 8: Martina McBride
Oct. 10: Engelbert Humperdinck
Oct. 14: David Foster
Oct. 15: The Texas Tenors
Oct. 17: Diamond Rio and Blackhawk
Oct. 19: Abba the Concert
Oct. 20: RAIN—A Tribute to the Beatles
Oct. 22: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Oct. 24: Anka Sings Sinatra

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

Oct. 2, 30: York Symphony
Oct. 8: Pedro Gonzalez
Oct. 10: The Ghost of the Paul Revere
Oct. 15: Postmodern Jukebox
Oct. 16: Jimmy Webb and Robin Spielberg
Oct. 17: Nathan Avakian
Oct. 23: High Noon—A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Southern Rock

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

Oct. 14: Shawan Rice

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

Oct. 16: Foreigners Journey
Oct. 30: Mavis Staples

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; [email protected]

Oct. 6: Laughs and Drafts w/Zane Lamprey
Oct. 9: The Clarks
Oct. 13, 27: Wednesday Jazz Series w/Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz
Oct. 15: The Backseat Lovers
Oct. 16: Michigander
Oct. 19: The Minks w/Nordista Freeze
Oct. 20: Big Band Jazz w/Harrisburg Jazz Collective
Oct. 22: Colebrook Road
Oct. 23: Big Sky Quartet
Oct. 28: Blitz Dynette
Oct. 29: Pete Henry
Oct. 30: Crippled But Free

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

Oct. 1: The Seldom Scene, Seldom Said No, ill.GATES
Oct. 2: Hawk, Jake Miller
Oct. 3: Cold
Oct. 8: Dustin Sims
Oct. 9: Twiztid, Bastard Bearded Irishmen
Oct. 10: Cradle of Filth, Chatham County Line
Oct. 15: Kyle Gass
Oct. 16: Blacktop Mojo, Time’s Infinity, Moon Hooch, Consider the Source
Oct. 19: Teenage Bottlerocket, Ford the River, The Chumps
Oct. 22: Marauda, Calcium
Oct. 23: GA-20, From Ashes to New
Oct. 24: Chris Webby
Oct. 26: Tee Grizzley
Oct. 27: Spafford
Oct. 30: D.R.U.G.S.

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

Oct. 2-3: Picture Perfect Master Works
Oct. 23-24: John Williams Tribute

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Oct. 8: Rodrigo y Gabriela (Hershey Theatre)
Oct. 9: Frank Turner (XL Live)
Oct. 12: Black Pumas (XL Live)
Oct. 15: Backseat Lovers (The Englewood)
Oct. 16: Michigander (The Englewood)
Oct. 22: Saint Motel (XL Live)
Oct. 23: Bishop Briggs (XL Live)
Oct. 29: The Record Company (XL Live)
Oct. 30: Cold War Kids (XL Live)

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

Oct. 8: Rodrigo y Gabriela

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

Oct. 1: Hott Toddys
Oct. 2: Funktion
Oct. 8: Stonewood
Oct. 9: Toolshed Jack
Oct. 15: Screamin Daisys
Oct. 16: Sapphire
Oct. 22: Uptown Band
Oct. 23: Smooth Like Clyde
Oct. 29: Jumper
Oct. 30: Emily’s Toybox

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

Oct. 9: Concert at Linglestown Life United Methodist Church

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

Oct. 9: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

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

Oct. 5: Tommy Emmanuel, Andy McKee
Oct. 7: Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony
Oct. 11: Gordon Lightfoot
Oct. 23: Jazz Ensemble Concert

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

Oct. 6: Arianna String Quartet

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

Oct. 2: Voctave
Oct. 9: Messiah University Jazz Ensembles
Oct. 9: Messiah University Symphony Orchestra Family Concert
Oct. 9: Messiah University Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Alumni and Parent Choir
Oct. 31: Mendelssohn Piano Trio

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

Oct. 15: Seipp/Sheets Trumpet and Organ Duo Happy Hour Concert

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

Oct. 8: Bruce Molsky & Tony Trischka

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

Oct. 9: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

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

Oct. 8: 1964 The Tribute

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

Oct. 2: The Crystal Method, MasterGlass, Humandala
Oct. 8: Ben Gallaher
Oct. 9: HU presents Frank Turner
Oct. 12: HU presents Black Pumas
Oct. 15: DEAD: My Chemical Romance
Oct. 16: Lotus
Oct. 22: HU presents Saint Motel
Oct. 23: HU presents Bishop Briggs w/Shaed
Oct. 29: HU presents The Record Company
Oct. 30: HU presents Cold War Kids
Oct. 31: Magic Beans Halloween Party

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

Oct. 6: Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band
Oct. 15: Bend the Rails
Oct. 21: Boozy Bingo
Oct. 28: Johnny Stanec

The Stage Door

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

Oct. 16: Masterchef Live!
Oct. 21: Beyond the Eats—Alton Brown Live
Oct. 23: Justin Willman

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

Oct. 1: David Sedaris

Arts on the Square
Market Square Church, 20 S. Second St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270, ext. 18; marketsquarechurch.org

Oct. 29: Organ Spooktacular w/Tyler Canonico and friends

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

Oct. 22-31: “Blithe Spirit”

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

Oct. 1-31: “Mamma Mia”

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

Oct. 2: “Aesop’s Fables”
Oct. 8-17: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Oct. 29: TMI Improv

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

Oct. 10: Queens Who Brunch
Oct. 20: Ginger Billy

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

Oct. 1-3: “Snow White”
Oct. 29-31: “The Mad Adventures of Mr. Toad”

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

Oct. 1: Divas Down Under “Spooky Spectacular” Drag Show
Oct. 1, 2: Basile
Oct. 8, 9: Rob Ward, Brian Tidwell

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

Oct. 22-24: “The Lion King”

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

Oct. 5-6: “Escape to Margaritaville”
Oct. 9: John Cleese
Oct. 15: Brian Regan

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

Oct. 15-24: “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville—A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”

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

Oct. 15-30: “Frankenstein”

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

Oct. 15: Rich Little

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

Oct. 1-3: “The Glass Menagerie”

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

Oct. 1-24: “White Rabbit Red Rabbit”

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

Oct. 22-Nov. 7: “The SpongeBob Musical” (at Whitaker Center)

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

Oct. 22-Nov. 7: “The SpongeBob Musical”

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Fishing for Fun: Harrisburg families can receive lessons, fish at Italian Lake for a day

September 29, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Italian Lake Park

This weekend, Harrisburg residents can cast a line and hope for a catch in an Uptown lake.

On Oct. 2, the city and the Civic Club of Harrisburg will host a day of fishing at Italian Lake Park, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).

The lake is usually off limits to fishing. However, the city will lift the restriction from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to allow experienced and beginner anglers to cast a line. The event will take place in the southern pond, near the bandshell.

“It’s a chance to let our youth experience things that they haven’t before,” said Dave Baker, director of the Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department. “It’s an educational event.”

Fishing equipment and bait will be provided. However supplies are limited, so Baker encouraged those who have their own equipment to bring it.

The PFBC will provide a basic skills demonstration at the top of each hour for those who are new to the sport.

“When you see a kid catch a fish, no matter how big or small it is, they get so amped up about it,” Baker said. “That’s the most exciting thing ever. You don’t forget those moments.”

According to Baker, there are plenty of fish in the pond. However, he doesn’t know all the types of fish that people may catch, as the lake contains many invasive species.

To help decrease the population of invasive species, Baker said, the PFBC is encouraging people to keep the fish they catch, as long as they are above the legal size.

Participants do not need a fishing license for the event.

Pre-registration for the event has already closed. However, Baker said that people can register on the day of the event.

Parking for the event is available on 3rd and Division streets. There is no parking permitted along Parkside Lane or within the park area.

Italian Lake Park is located at N. 3rd and Division streets. For more information, visit the Harrisburg Bureau of Parks and Recreation’s website.

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Harrisburg, Penn State to conduct free colorectal cancer screenings for residents

September 29, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

MLK City Government Center

While stopping the spread of COVID has been a top priority lately, Harrisburg is offering a way for residents to take other preventative measures for their wellbeing.

On Oct. 6, the city’s health office, along with the Penn State Cancer Institute Office for Health Equity, will host a free colorectal cancer screening and education event at city hall.

“Caught in the early stage, colorectal cancer is 90% curable,” said Eugene J. Lengerich, associate director of health disparities and engagement at Penn State Cancer Institute. “Together, we can conquer cancer. We are extremely excited about this partnership with the city of Harrisburg.”

According to Penn State, colorectal cancer cases are increasing in people younger than 50. Where the screening age used to begin at 50, recent recommendations from The American Cancer Society advise screening at age 45.

If detected early, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable diseases, according to Penn State.

Additionally, Black Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

Harrisburg residents ages 45 to 75 years old, can receive a free colorectal cancer screening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the MLK City Government Center in downtown Harrisburg.

Through the Secure Colorectal Cancer Screening Options Prevent and Educate (SCOPE) initiative, FITKITS—free, at-home, easy to use, non-invasive fecal test kits will be provided to risk-age residents.

“After much collaboration and hard work, having Penn State Cancer Institute’s community health workers on-site to enhance the educational experience will be so beneficial,” said Harrisburg Health Officer Nelva Wright. “We hope this is the first of many outreach efforts.”

Harrisburg and Penn State’s Cancer Institute will hold free colorectal cancer screenings at 10 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg on Oct. 6. For more information, visit the city’s website.

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Harrisburg City Council approves affordable housing for seniors planned for Midtown

September 28, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council held a legislative session on Tuesday.

An affordable housing development for seniors planned for Harrisburg can now break ground.

At a legislative session on Tuesday, City Council unanimously approved the land development plan for Bethel Village, a 49-unit apartment building for low-income seniors at N. 6^th and Herr streets.

“I think this is a win for the community,” said Blane Stoddart of RB Development, one of the partners in the project. “So many people are going to benefit from the building of this building to provide affordable housing for the residents of Harrisburg.”

While many council members voiced support for the mission of creating affordable housing in the city, some did have hesitations about the safety of the site and limited parking.

Officials of the $15 million Bethel Village plan to have only four off-street parking spaces, having received a special exception from the Zoning Hearing Board in August.

Concerns around the lack of on-site parking have come up numerous times during the course of Bethel Village’s municipal approval process. At packed Zoning Hearing Board meetings, residents said that the four spaces were not enough and would cause a significant inconvenience to the neighborhood with many more residents now looking for parking.

On Tuesday, Council President Wanda Williams expressed similar concerns around a lack of parking for residents.

Bethel officials have said that they believe a majority of their residents, all low-income and elderly, will not own a car.

The developers also have letters of intent with Tabernacle Baptist Church for the future use of 15 surface parking spaces and with the state Department of General Services for use of 10 spots.

Williams also noted that using the church and DGS parking lots will require senior residents to walk uphill and across busy streets, something she saw as a safety hazard.

“I want to make sure everything is right for the senior citizens,” she said.

However, in the end, with reassurance from Stoddart that they would increase their safety measures, Williams voiced her support for the project.

“I’m excited for this because I know the city needs this,” she said.

Stoddart said that they hope to move forward with groundbreaking plans by the end of the year, but that they still have a lot of work to do.

“We are dedicated to being good neighbors,” Stoddart said. “We are dedicated to meeting some of the issues that were raised by city council and we are committed to working with everybody.”

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Theatre Harrisburg names new executive director, gets set for 96th season

September 28, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Lorien Reese Mahay

Harrisburg’s oldest operating theater has a new leader to guide its day-to-day operations.

On Tuesday, Theatre Harrisburg announced Lorien Reese Mahay as its new executive director, effective Oct. 4.

“We were searching for an inspiring, dynamic leader to guide Theatre Harrisburg into the future, and Lorien was everything we were hoping for,” says Becky Mease, Theatre Harrisburg board chair. “We are thrilled to have Lorien bring her breadth of experience to our team and optimistic for the future of Theatre Harrisburg with her at the helm.”

According to Theatre Harrisburg, Mahay has over a decade of experience in theater management, education and fund development. Most recently, she served as associate director for the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, based in Stony Brook, N.Y.

She also has served as associate director of development at Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, N.Y., and as program director at the Watermill Center, an interdisciplinary laboratory for the arts based in Water Mill, N.Y.

Mahay holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Calvin College and a master’s of fine art in dramaturgy from Stony Brook University.

“I am excited and deeply honored to be named as the next executive director of Theatre Harrisburg,” she said. “I believe that theatre is most vital when it is the heart of a community, and I am proud to lead an organization that is dedicated to putting their community at the center of everything it does.”

Theatre Harrisburg stated that it plans to host a community welcome event for Mahay in early December.

Founded in 1926, Theatre Harrisburg is one of the oldest continually operating community theaters in the country. It is set to open its 96th season on Oct. 22 with “The SpongeBob Musical,” which will run through Nov. 7 at Whitaker Center.

For more information on Theatre Harrisburg, visit www.theatreharrisburg.com.

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Bob’s Art Blog: All the World’s a Stage

September 27, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Act I: “Dramatis Personae” at Carlisle Arts Learning Center

When the curtain goes up, we have come to realize life is not a dress rehearsal. We present a different face to the world each day after the makeup is applied and the “costume” is assumed, for the part we play is but a fleeting moment.

Thus spoke the omniscient narrator in the voiceover for the production, “Dramatis Personae,” a one-woman show photographed, mounted and directed by Carlisle photographer Nicole Dube. For this behind-the-scenes look at the duality within us all, Dube mined the psychological theory of Erving Goffman’s dramaturgy. The theory regards the schism of the private face and the one that is presented to the world being radically different. “Dramatis Personae,” the Latin phrase translates to “reveal,” we are all “persons of the play.”

A diptych from Nicole Dube’s “Dramatis Personae” (and below)

Nicole’s influence for “Dramatis” was Annie Leibovitz’s “Showgirls,” featuring portraits of Las Vegas showgirls, behind the scenes, in and out of costume. The dramatic difference sans makeup was truly revealing. Dube shared that the most challenging aspect of her project “was rounding up the players to participate in the photographic journey.”

Over the course of six months, she put out a call for participants through Instagram, word-of-mouth and collaborators used in the past. In the end, 45 “hearty” answered, from heroes to villains, mermaids to monsters, royalty to re-enactors and drag queens to Disney characters. The gallery/art center doubled as a studio at times, and Dube “developed” a give-and -take relationship with the “sitters” before, during and after their photo shoots.

The takeaway, a commonality shared by most, was a certain level of discomfort and apprehension in the “before” shot. But once “in costume,” they came to life in their choice of characterization, fully embracing their stage persona. At the heart of it all, Dube chips away at the notion of the male gaze versus the female gaze as historically women have been viewed as objects and not as people. In sharp contrast, the “after” portrays the identity of the face one hopes to project on the stage as they imagine their adoptive roles. The artist/photographer shared that her favorite part of the project lay in the twilight moments “capturing the vulnerability, the insecurity and the glimpse into the psyches of the sitters” as they laid bare their souls. Truth be told, we are all sitters before and after. Presented in diptych format, the “before” picture is in black and white while the “after” is in color. In sharp contrast, the “after” reveals the inner self-identity, ready for the stage called life. The final presentation was a collaborative effort between Nicole and CALC curator, Cathy Stone.

Perhaps Shakespeare wrote it best, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances. And one man in his time, plays many parts.” (“As You Like It,” Act II, scene 7.) And as for the director, Nicole Dube, it is time to take a bow.

“Dramatis Personae” runs through Oct. 23 in the upstairs gallery at CALC, 38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle. For more information, visit their website.

Act II: The Further Adventures of Peabody and Sherman in the Plein Air

Peabody and Sherman here in the “Wayback Machine” (aka WABAC):

“Mr. Peabody, what are the hats the people are wearing, and what are in the little suitcases?”

“Sherman, those black little felt hats are called berets, and those little suitcases are referred to as a pochode box, better known as a portable easel to paint in the plein air. In case you haven’t guessed by now, Sherman, we are in Paris at the beginning of the Barbizon School in 1830. Plein air painting became the rage to capture beauty as it truly is—landscapes like never seen before, so close you can touch nature in the great outdoors.”

Paul Flury at his easel in Negley Park

Borrowing a page from history, almost 200 years ago, we find ourselves surrounded by a coterie of painters with easels a-right at work in the open air, capturing modern life. The Barbizon School advanced the notion that natural light is the best light to paint in—it allowed the artist to capture the emotional and sensory dimensions of a particular landscape at a particular moment in time. The portability of plein air painting emerged to become a revolutionary step forward in art. The Impressionist painters by the 1870s put their own stamp on it as plein air demonstrated a group committed to the craft of painting outdoors, no matter the obstacles. This movement of painting spread from Europe to the United States, with salons springing up in Cos Cob in Connecticut and even Taos in New Mexico.

Now Sherman, press the forward button on the WABAC, and set the year to 2021 as we are headed to Negley Park in Lemoyne. Arriving on July 24, a Saturday morning, Sherman asked Mr. Peabody, “Why here?” Sherman, if you use your powers of observation at the scene playing out before our eyes, you will find the answer to your question and more. That auspicious morning at Negley Park revealed a small group of artists with easels popped and poised to paint secluded in a perfect pocket of poetic charm facing the Susquehanna River. The artists assembled joined instructor Paul Flury, leading the class for this plein air exercise in capturing the scene before them, which evolved over the course of three hours.

This proved to be a regular occurrence as this small enclave meets twice a month, weather permitting, with locales changing on a regular basis. Paul collected this band of merry painters for their take on the west side of the river’s vista. He started out at the Art Association of Harrisburg 10 years ago when he instructed the “Landscape Plein Air” class. “To study the environment around you in real time to apply what one sees in nature” forms the basis of this style of painting, he shared.

Judging by the landscapes that evolved over the course of those few hours until the clock struck noon, theirs was a painterly persuasion that had been at their craft for some time. A true passion came through in the work, mostly untitled at that point, in the process as some varied from the rough-sketched stage to an in-focus dramatic study of the view in living color.

Kelly Charlesworth’s oil-on-panel painting, well underway, was titled on the spot by her own admission, “Morning at Negley Park.” Ann Bayne, an artist from Camp Hill, shared her rendition, “Glitzy Morning,” as the day, especially in those morning hours, was brilliant with sun shining through the trees. Both Cheryl Peters, whose work was in acrylic, and Lina Ferrara’s oil painting were untitled at that juncture. Instructor Flury’s painting was also in an unnamed state. All five artists viewed the same scene, yet their paintings were beautifully unique in their interpretive representation.

Sherman, I need you to hit the dial one last time to August 1970 as Quiksilver Messenger Service is telling us to “Have Another Hit of Fresh Air” in the morning.” Breathe deep.

To reach Paul Flury, email him at [email protected].

October Art Calendar: Dates to Note

Saturday, Oct. 2

Metropolis Collective plein air paintings of Paul Nagle, master in fine arts in photography and painting, opening reception 7 to 11p.m. Show runs through Nov 30.
Millworks First Saturday meet the artists in their studios

Saturday, Oct. 9

Odd Ones Fall Bizarre Part I on the lots at 3rd and Verbeke streets, 11a.m. to 5p.m.
Susquehanna Art Museum opening of exhibit, “Four Seasons and Seven Vices: Old Masters Prints in Series.” Also opening that day at SAM is “Tradition Interrupted.”

Friday, Oct. 15

3rd in the Burg

Friday, Oct. 22

Art Association of Harrisburg, “Nothing Pretty” opening reception 5 to 8 p.m. with artists Krissi Whiski, Sean Arce, Tina Berrier and Ted Walke
Susquehanna Art Museum exhibit opening “Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You” by visual artist Irvin Rodriguez

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New at the Top: Nate Spriggs appointed Harrisburg’s director of public works

September 27, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Nate Spriggs (right) was introduced as Harrisburg’s new director of public works on Monday.

Harrisburg has a new leader for one of its most visible departments.

In a press conference today, Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced that he has hired Nate Spriggs as the city’s new director of public works, the department that handles such critical services as trash pickup and snow removal.

“I’m looking forward to getting started,” Spriggs said. “I want to thank the residents of this city for having me, and I want to thank the mayor for calling me and giving me an opportunity to be the city of Harrisburg’s public works director.”

Spriggs replaces Dave West, who is retiring. West has served as director only since March, when long-time department head Aaron Johnson retired.

West will stay on until the end of the year to help transition the department before retiring, Papenfuse said.

“The residents of this city are the focus,” West said at the city hall press conference. “The residents have to continue to be the focus of this city. They’re first. We work for them. We’re servants to them.”

Spriggs may be a familiar name around Harrisburg. He worked for the city years for 22 years, including 19 in the Public Works Department, before leaving to become the public works director for Susquehanna Township in 2017.

As Harrisburg’s public works director, Spriggs will earn $120,000 a year, a jump from the position’s prior salary of $99,000 a year. Papenfuse said a raise was necessary to attract a high-quality candidate for the post.

Recently, Papenfuse has named new directors to lead several other departments. Earlier this month, he chose Ana White as the city’s new communications director and Otto Banks as the new economic development director.

Harrisburg’s department heads have to be confirmed by City Council, but can serve for up to six months on an appointed basis.

“I welcome Nate Spriggs as the city’s new director of public works,” Papenfuse said. “His previous experience working for the city and Susquehanna Township makes him the right choice for this position. He will be an asset to the city of Harrisburg.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 24, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The dastardly spotted lanternfly

Pawpaw season has hit central PA, prompting a feeding frenzy among fans of PA’s unique, native fruit. Amidst the feast, take some time to catch up on our week’s news, listed and linked below.

5G towers have sprung up all over Harrisburg in recent months. One was nearly constructed directly in front of one of Harrisburg’s grandest buildings, prompting the property owner to take quick action, according to our online feature story.

Harrisburg School District is updating its website to give parents and children information on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Our online story reported that the district is launching a COVID-19 dashboard to offer detailed case data for its buildings.

Ice-skating may not be on your mind in September, but a group of area women meets year-round to practice synchronized skating. Our feature story explains the unique sport and the camaraderie it fosters.

Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority members this week got an earful from Harrisburg’s financial advisor, who strongly advocated pursuing a proposed bond refinancing. According to our story, the issue has been hung up in City Council for several months.

King Mansion is one of Harrisburg’s most storied and stately buildings. In our magazine story, we explain how a new owner is bringing it renewed life and, for the first time, opening it up for public use.

Market Square Concerts is set to open its 40^th season in fine form. Our feature explains what listeners can expect from this music series that is growing older and better.

Nutrition and sustainability are in focus for an educational program called Ngozi’s “Let’s Get Dirty!” Our online story gives the details on this event dedicated to urban gardening and agriculture.

Rosemary says good-bye to the summer’s bounty with her final warm-weather recipe of the year. In her monthly column, she tells us to take those last vine tomatoes and stuff them.

Sara Bozich has a long list of to-do’s for this weekend. Festivals, music, dining—it’s all in her weekly column, just in time for some spectacular early autumn weather.

Spotted lanternflies have emerged as a menace in the Harrisburg area, which is infested by the non-native insect. In our online story, Harrisburg’s forester offers some tips, and the city is doling out free traps.

Steve Rudolph is practically synonymous with jazz music in the Harrisburg area. Our magazine story profiles the local legend, explaining how he came here and what he’s up to now.

Sushi Yatta is one of the newest entries to hit Harrisburg’s vibrant dining scene. Our feature story tells you what’s cooking (and what’s raw) at this takeout place in Midtown.

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City administration makes case for debt restructuring to Harrisburg’s financial oversight board

September 23, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Harrisburg at Wednesday’s meeting

The city administration took its case for a proposed debt refinancing to Harrisburg’s state-appointed financial oversight body on Wednesday, stating that time was running short to finalize an agreement.

Harrisburg’s financial advisor, Dan Connelly, told members of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) that the city must complete a planned debt restructuring by Dec. 31, when a deal negotiated with the city’s bond insurer, Ambac Assurance Corp., expires.

In a lengthy presentation, Connelly outlined various fiscal scenarios, three of which included a refinancing and three that did not include a refinancing. He emphatically stated that refinancing the city’s debt and paying it back over time made the most sense, especially when compared to paying off the bonds with cash on hand.

“Doing the Ambac deal results in less cost than foregoing the deal on virtually any scenario,” he told ICA members.

In early June, the administration introduced legislation that would allow Harrisburg to settle debt associated with the 2005 renovation of the city-owned minor league baseball stadium on City Island, as well as refinance debt incurred when the city defaulted on general obligation bonds in 2012, in the midst of the city’s financial crisis.

According to this restructuring deal, the city would retire the remaining stadium debt of about $5 million. Ambac then would offer the city an immediate discount on its remaining debt load, reducing it by up to $3.3 million, an amount dependent upon how much money the city pre-pays.

Under the deal, Ambac also would lower the city’s interest rate from 6.75% to 5% for up to three years on its remaining debt of about $25 million. According to Mayor Eric Papenfuse, another refinancing next year could lower the city’s interest rate further to the 3% to 3.5% range.

Under the proposed deal, remaining debt would be retired over 10 years.

“All that evaporates if we don’t do the deal by Dec. 31,” Papenfuse, who was not at the ICA meeting, said separately. “We still have to pay off all the debt, but we don’t get any of the benefit.”

However, several City Council members have balked at this agreement with Ambac, and council, so far, has not held a hearing on it. Instead, council leaders, including President Wanda Williams, have said that they prefer to use the city’s substantial savings to pay off the debt in full.

As of June 30, the city had a fund balance of $41.7 million, savings accumulated as the city has underspent its budget for successive years. Recently, city Controller Charlie DeBrunner told council that he expects the city to end 2021 with a fund balance of about $34 million.

On Wednesday, however, Connelly told the ICA that the city does not have sufficient money in the bank to pay off the debt.

Citing upcoming bond payments, capital expenditures and other expenses, he said that a debt repayment from available cash would deplete the city’s coffers and, in fact, would plunge the city into deficit, making it unable to pay its bills.

Notably, Harrisburg and the ICA have already provided for a debt refinancing as part of its five-year financial plan for the city.

“We think the plan going forward is basically the approach that it is outlined in the five-year plan,” Connelly said.

At the meeting, several ICA members urged the administration to cooperate with other decision-makers, such as City Council, in reaching an agreement.

“I would love to leave you with a politely worded urge to have a sense of urgency in engaging with all interested parties to make sure that a plan that everyone can sign off on is acceptable so it can be executed,” said ICA vice-chair Ralph Vartan.

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