I’ll Be Your Voice: Area kids bring stories of homeless children to life on stage.

December 30, 2019 | by Karen Hendricks

Aneliese Saxman

Eight-year old Alexi is hiding in a closet with his younger brother.

It’s a game they often play called “invisibility cloak” because, as Alexi says, “Being invisible is the best superpower.”

But the real story is that their mother locked them in the closet for their own safety. Ultimately, domestic violence drove them into homelessness.

It’s one child’s story of being homeless of a dozen told through the play, “I Will Be Your Voice.” Alexi, portrayed by Dominic Saxman, 9, of Enola, is one of the youngest in a cast comprised of area children.

For about five minutes, he sits perched on a stool before a crowd of about 200 people. They’re gathered for the play’s debut in late November at the Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley in Boiling Springs. His boyish voice, amplified by a microphone, gives voice to Alexi’s story.

“I’ve interviewed and spoken with hundreds of homeless children in the past 20 years,” said playwright Chris Kapp, manager of the coordinated entry system for 11 Pennsylvania counties based in Carlisle.

Kapp works under the umbrella of the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. All 12 of the play’s monologues are actual stories she documented, detailing how area children became homeless.

“It’s been 10 years in the making,” Kapp said. “It’s the intersection of two gifts and vocations. I’ve worked with the homeless by day for 20 years, and I’ve been in theater for almost 35 years. Finding a way to have them come together is an incredible gift.”

Her goal is to increase awareness of the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population—families with children. In between the children’s monologues, a narrator provides backstories as well as facts and stats.

This current school year (2019-20), there are 30,000 homeless children attending Pennsylvania schools; 199 are in Cumberland County classrooms.

School provides meals, heat and a reliable, predictable schedule—a safe haven from homelessness—for 11-year old Gabe. His story, told by Zach Woodward, 12, of Carlisle, explains how he finds refuge in math: “Numbers make me feel safe because they don’t change.”

Cheyanne, 15, became homeless after she endured years of bullying by her older brothers. Called “sibling violence,” the situation became unbearable, and she began sleeping in an area park overnight. One of her teachers recognized her and helped her into a youth shelter.

“Twelve-year-olds shouldn’t know what the word ‘foreclosure’ means,” said Alyanna Grim, portraying Maddie. Her story focuses on lot of things that “shouldn’t” be in her young life.

Katelynn’s story recounts how her father’s job loss led to homelessness. The family spent the summer living in a tent at the nearby state park, followed by months living out of their minivan.

There are bright spots throughout the stories.

Emmanne’s success in high school, along with support from her advocate, propelled her to Cornell University. This, despite being homeless and living in six different motels with her schizophrenic mother during her teen years.

“I started crying the first time I read the script because it hit me that these are real stories,” said Torrence Brown, 16, who portrayed Emmanne.

Many of the cast’s children—from six school districts between Harrisburg and Newville—say the experience opened their eyes and changed them.

“Homelessness comes in many shapes and sizes, and no kid deserves to be homeless,” said 13-year-old Greta Weirich of Carlisle.

“After hearing the stories, it made me feel thankful,” said 17-year-old Jaden O’Brian of Enola. “Homelessness is much more common than we think, and it woke me up. Sometimes it’s just simple, not big things that cause homelessness,”

O’Brian gave the final performance of the night, but it was his first ever experience on stage. He gave voice to the story of 19-year-old The’ron, who was homeless for two years.

The’ron had something in common with the abandoned buildings he lived in—he was abandoned by his mother. But a child welfare advocate connected him with services, including a volunteer position at a senior center, which sparked his pursuit of a college degree and career path as a senior center activity director. Residents at the center where he volunteered watched O’Brian’s portrayal of The’ron in “I’ll Be Your Voice,” thanks to a livestream via Facebook.

“Having them connect the stories to where they are in life, by playing children exactly their ages,” said Manuela Saxman of Enola. “It’s a beautiful thing because it impacts them personally.”

Three of her children, including O’Brian, were in the play.

As for the audience, many were moved to tears during the show.

“I thought about the issue of homelessness before, but I didn’t think about children—I didn’t know there were so many,” said Lani Breidenstein of Carlisle. “I cried because, although I knew they were actors, the stories were real.”

Playwright Chris Kapp designed “I’ll Be Your Voice” to be performed by school districts, theater companies, church youth groups and other community groups. She welcomes the public to contact her for licensing rights by emailing her at [email protected].

New Year, New View: How to shop clearly for 20/20.

December 30, 2019 | by Dr. Brett B. Ernst

Illustration by Ryan Spahr.

2020 might just be the year you get rid of your glasses and contacts to see 20/20. But is laser vision correction with LASIK the right answer for you?

LASIK uses a flap of tissue in the cornea to allow cool laser beams to reshape the cornea, allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused for clear vision. More than 10 million people in the United States alone have had this life-changing surgery and over 90 percent would recommend it to a friend or family member.

Why? Probably because 94 percent of them see 20/20 or better without glasses or contacts after LASIK and are experiencing visual freedom they previously only dreamed about. LASIK has a high satisfaction rate among patients because the rate of complications is estimated to be less than 1 percent, making it one of the safest elective surgical procedures available today.

Although they’re minimal, the risks associated with LASIK should still be considered and discussed before moving forward with the procedure. Being able to see clearly can improve your life in many ways, but the most important factors to consider are safety and effectiveness. Here are some helpful tips for you to shop smart for 2020.

It starts with you. First, consider your individual goals and visual needs. What do your glasses or contact lenses provide for you? Do they help you to see at a distance? Are you wearing readers to see things up close? Bifocals?

LASIK is not a “cure all” for all vision correction needs. Most commonly, LASIK is used to treat distance correction and astigmatism. If you rarely wear glasses or contacts for distance, LASIK may not be necessary.

If you are starting to experience difficulty reading or other tasks “up-close,” a form of LASIK called monovision can help some people. Not everyone can adjust to monovision, and you should be tested, often in contact lenses prior to your consultation. Some visual symptoms such as large glass prescription changes, glare or halos may mean that an alternative procedure, such as cataract surgery, would be best for you.

Most importantly, you need to know that your goals after surgery are achievable, and you should discuss this with the doctor who will perform your LASIK prior to your surgery.

Preparing your eyes for LASIK is key to success. If you wear contact lenses, even occasionally, your contacts are changing the shape of your cornea. Your contacts must be discontinued long enough to allow your cornea to return to its natural shape for accurate measurements. The FDA recommends two weeks for soft and three weeks for rigid (gas permeable) lenses.

If you have dry eyes or inflammation of the eyelids called blepharitis, you should have this addressed by your doctor prior to surgery. Certain medications, like Accutane or Imitrex, should be stopped well in advance of your LASIK procedure.

Consider the experience and reputation of the LASIK practice. Read reviews, talk to friends and neighbors, ask your optometrist, and try to find a local doctor that has been practicing for a long time in the local area. LASIK is an investment in your future and you want to be sure that a surgeon will be there for you, even years after the surgery. Occasionally, some patients need to consider additional correction in the future if their vision changes. So, be sure to look ahead and know what options are available to you down the road.

Transparency and trust are a must. When you go for a consultation and meet the surgeon, assess how the facility and the staff make you feel. Since safety is a priority, and LASIK can often invoke fear and anxiety, the practice you choose should make you feel secure in your decision and throughout the process. They should be friendly and knowledgeable, but, most importantly, transparent on the entire process—pricing, treatment options, risks, etc. It’s okay to visit a few offices to find a place where you feel comfortable. If you feel that a facility is not upfront about everything, you may want to consider other options.

Be sure your screening and testing process is thorough. Answer health questions clearly and honestly. These questions are a good indicator of how well your body will heal after surgery. Most of the time you invest in a LASIK procedure is dedicated to the testing process (the procedure itself only takes 15 to 20 minutes). Be patient and allow the staff to get accurate measurements. A good testing process should take two to three hours and possibly a few trips to the office.

Advanced technology and personalization are imperative. At this point, most facilities are using advanced lasers, but treatment options can vary. Do some research on the lasers that are being used to help ensure accuracy. Be sure the surgeon is able to personalize your LASIK treatment to your eyes specifically. Don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding the treatment process or testing equipment during your consultation.

LASIK is one of the most technologically advanced and successful procedures available. It has proven safety in the right hands, and, with a few careful steps, you too can experience this life-changing event. So if you are ready, 2020 could be the year for you to have 20/20 vision.

Brett B. Ernst, MD, is president of Schein Ernst Mishra Eye, 10 Capital Dr., Suite 300, Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-233-EYES or visit www.seegreat.net.

Happenings: Our January Calendar of Events

December 30, 2019 | by Missy Smith

January Happenings

Museum & Art Spaces

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

“Cars & Christmas,” the museum’s annual holiday celebration with themed decorated Christmas trees, awesome automobiles, model train displays, and more, through Jan. 6

“To Protect and Serve: Pennsylvania State Police Museum Exhibit, Jan. 15-May 6

“Age of Aquarius,” featuring unique vehicles that were manufactured and marketed in America from about 1967 through the early mid-1970s, through April 26

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

“Texture, Fiber, and Form,” featuring the works of Stephanie Wallendjack, Liz Hamilton Quay and Paula Lehman, through Jan. 2

“Figuratively Speaking,” eclectic and exciting mix of AAH members’ take on the human form from the most traditional interpretations to the most abstract, Jan. 10-Feb. 13; reception: Jan. 10, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

“On Thin Ice,” 5th annual exhibition featuring artists’ take on the theme, with artwork in a variety of media and style, selected by juror Lauren Nye, director of exhibitions, Susquehanna Art Museum, Jan. 10-Feb. 1

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

Artist of the Month: Michelle-Lee Kozimor King

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

“Manifestation and Adaptation: Variations in Buddhist Sculpture Across Asia,” curated by Dickinson student Bizz Fretty working with faculty members, through Feb. 1

“Abstract Impressions: Postwar Japanese Prints from the DePauw University Permanent Art Collection,” through Feb. 15

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

Hershey Public Library exhibit, through Jan. 18

Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S. Front St., Harrisburg
717-233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

“100th Anniversary of the Treaty of Versailles,” Vance McCormick’s role as chair of the American delegation, through spring

Messiah College School of Arts
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

“Postcards from the Unknown,” paintings by Nora Sturges, through Jan. 29

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; metropoliscollective.com

“A Wintry Mix 5,” group art show, Jan. 10-Feb. 20

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

Group show with the Millworks’ in-house artists, through Jan. 12

New works by Pamela Black, Averill Shepps, Susan Bailey, Judy Kelly, Tara Chickey and Marsha Souders, Jan. 14-Feb. 16

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

“Boots and Saddles: Horses in the Civil War,” through June 7

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

“The Best of Jim Bashline Outside and In,” through January

“Nature’s Palette,” a group exhibition of Perry County Council of the Arts member artists’ work that interprets nature’s various hues and shades, Jan. 17-May 9; reception: Feb. 29, 1-4 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
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Annual Juried Exhibition,” showcasing top artistic talent in the region selected by juror Oren Helbok of the Exchange Gallery, through Jan. 17

“Nature’s Palette,” a group exhibition of Perry County Council of the Arts’ member artists’ work that interprets nature’s various hues and shades, Jan. 17-May 9; reception: Feb. 29, 1-4 p.m., at Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art

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

“Artisan Marketplace,” holiday shopping exhibition, filled with unique, locally made fine art and handcrafted items for gift giving, through Jan. 11

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

Winter art show featuring works by Woodrow Derricks and Tom Gianelli; reception with live piano music, Jan. 23, 7-9 p.m.

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-231-ROSE; hacc.edu/RLAC

Art Program faculty exhibit, Jan. 21 through Feb. 13; reception: Feb. 6, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

“Picturing a More Perfect Union—Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies for the Pennsylvania Senate Chamber, 1911-1919,” through April 26

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

“Dreams: Selections from Easton Nights,” photographs by Peter Ydeen, through Jan. 12

“Explore: Found Objects,” an investigation of how historic and contemporary artists utilize found objects in their work, Jan. 15-Feb. 15; reception, Jan. 15, 5-8 p.m.

“War is Only Half the Story,” moving stories of the people left behind after the cameras have moved on from a war zone, through Jan.19

“Other Worlds—Inka Essenhigh,” richly colored distorted fables with archetypes, sprites and anthropomorphized nature, through Jan. 19

“SHIFT,” featuring the work of contemporary painters Tiffany Calvert and Alex Kanevsky, through Feb. 16

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

“Danny Lyon: Memories of the Southern Civil Rights Movement,” Jan. 24-March 22

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

Photography contest display, showcasing more than 100 exhibited photo entries, through Jan. 25

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Art gallery by Enoch Cincotta, Jan. 16

Art gallery by Joanna Pendergast, Jan. 17-Feb. 20

Read, Make, Learn

Boutique on Pomfret
16 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-347-7594; facebook.com/boutiqueonpomfret

Jan. 9: VIP Essential Oil Continuing Education, 5-6 p.m.

BrainVessel Gallery
4707 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
717-350-2306; bvcargo.com

Jan. 25: An Introduction to Handwriting and Statement Analysis, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Jan. 4: Processing Photos in Lightroom, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 8-29: Beginning Watercolor, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 8-29: Watercolor Landscapes, 3:30-6 p.m.
Jan. 8-Feb. 12: Play with Clay at the End of the Day, 6 Wednesdays, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Jan. 9-30: Beginning Knitting, Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 10: Fused Glass Pendants, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 10: Craft Beer & Clay, 7 p.m.
Jan. 11: Flower Enamel Pendant, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 11: Swizzle Sticks & Wine Charms, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 21: May 14: ArtWorks! teen program, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-5 p.m.
Jan. 23: Crepe Paper Flowers 101, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 28-March 3: Wheel 101, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 9: Home-Cooked Comfort Foods, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 22: Date Night Dinner & Wine Pairing, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 30: Sunday Suppers, 6-9 p.m.

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

Jan. 5: Crazy for Coloring, 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 11: Cocoa and Snowflakes, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: Device Club, 1-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 28: Friends of East Shore Area Library Meeting, 9:30-11;15 a.m.

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

Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Cards & Coffee, 9:15-10:30 a.m., 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 9, 23: Community Knitters, 6 p.m.
Jan. 18: Family LEGO Club, 11 a.m.
Jan. 4, 18: Cards & Coffee, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 11: Lace Cottage Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 11: Dog Tales, 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 18: Book Discussion Group, 9:15 a.m.
Jan. 18: Community Knitters, 11 a.m.

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

Jan. 2, 16: The Plot Twisters (ages 15-18), 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 3: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 6: Teen Makerspace Hangout, 4-6 p.m.
Jan. 7: Curl up with the Classics—“Murder at the Vicarage,” 10 a.m.
Jan. 8: Moving Forward Book Group w/Hospice of Central PA, 1 p.m.
Jan. 10: Indie Film Friday—“Blindspotting,” 2 and 7 p.m.
Jan. 11: BYOB After Hours Trivia—80s Movie Challenge, 7 p.m.
Jan. 13: Twisted Stitchers Knitting Group, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 16: READ to Dogs, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 27, 29 : Library for Lunch—Penguins and Polar Bears, 12 p.m.

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

Jan. 8: Fiber and Friends, 6-8 p.m.

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

Jan. 7-Feb. 25: Level 1 Introduction to Improv, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 13-March 2: Level 1 Introduction to Improv, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 18: One Day Workshop—Slow Comedy, 1-4 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

Jan. 2: ’80s Aerobics Experience, 4 p.m.
Jan. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers and Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Jan. 3: Wee Build Block Party!, 10 a.m.
Jan. 3, 10 , 17, 24, 31: Dungeons and Dragons, 3 p.m.
Jan. 4, 18, 25: Chess Club, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Jan. 8: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Tween Lounge, 3 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: LEGO League, 6 p.m.
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Lounge, 4 p.m.
Jan. 10, 24: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
Jan. 11: Chess Tournament, 9 a.m.
Jan. 12: Friends’ Children’s Program: Barynya-: Russian Music, Dance, and Song, 2 p.m.
Jan. 13, 20, 27: Storytime for 3s & 4s, 10 a.m.
Jan. 13, 20, 27: Storytime for 4s & 5s, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 14: Hosted Writer’s Group, 6 p.m.
Jan. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: 1, 2, Whee!, 10 a.m.
Jan. 15, 22, 29: Sensory 1, 2, Whee!, 11 a.m.
Jan. 26: Friend’s Adult Program—Groundhog Lodges, 2 p.m.

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

Jan. 2, 7, 9, 24, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Jan. 2: 80s Aerobics Experience, 4 p.m.
Jan. 3 Wee Build Block Party, 10 a.m.
Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Dungeons and Dragons, 3 p.m.
Jan. 4, 18, 25: Chess Club, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Tween Lounge, 3 p.m.
Jan. 8: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: LEGO League, 6 p.m.
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Lounge, 4 p.m.
Jan. 10, 24: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
Jan 11: Chess Tournament, 9 a.m.
Jan. 12: Friends’ Children’s Program—Barynya Russian Music, Dance, and Song, 2 p.m.
Jan 13, 20, 27: Storytime for 3s & 4s, 10 a.m.
Jan 13, 20, 27: Storytime for 4s & 5s, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: 1, 2, Whee!, 10 a.m.
Jan. 14: Hosted Writer’s Group, 6 p.m.
Jan. 15, 22, 29: Sensory 1, 2, Whee!, 11 a.m.
Jan 26: Friend’s Adult Program: Groundhog Lodges, 2 p.m.

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

Jan. 2: Learn to Knit/Crochet, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 6: Monday Morning Board Games, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: English Conversation Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 7: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 8: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 13: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 14, 21: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 15: Sci Fi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 15: Caring for House Plants, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 16: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 18: BYOB Trivia—1990s, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 20: Monday Morning Board Games, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 22: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 22: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 28: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Kline Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

Jan. 14: Cocoa and Snowflakes, 6-7 p.m.
Jan 16: Friends of Kline Library Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 22: Knit 1, Crochet, Too!, 6-8 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 North 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

Jan. 6, 13, 27: Video Game Club, 4-5 p.m.
Jan. 27: Cookbook Book Club—Soup’s On, 6-7 p.m.

McCormick Riverfront Library
101 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-234-4976; dcls.org

Jan. 15, 22, 29: Mid-day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: Role Playing Game Night, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 10: Local Author Night with Nathaniel Gadsden and Amery Weaver, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 17: An Evening with Liz Moore, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 22: An Evening with Stephanie Land, 7-9 p.m.

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

Jan. 16: Sip and Sitch, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 18: Fluid Art with Ann Benton Yeager, 12-2:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 3: Play-Doh Palooza!, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
Jan. 4: LEGO Madness, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 27: Preschool Storytime (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 27: 123 Library! Family Storytime, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 6, 20: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 7: Tales for T.A.I.L.S., 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Book Babies Storytime (ages 6-23 months), 11:15 a.m.
Jan. 8, 22: Wednesday Great Books Discussion group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 9: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 11: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 14: Book Review Program—“The Library Book,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 18: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 18: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 20: Block Party, 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Jan. 22: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 30: New Cumberland Library History Room, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 4; Drop-In Art, 1-4 p.m.

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

Jan. 5: “How to Help Individuals with Mental Illness,” 8:45 a.m.
Jan. 12: “Suicide & Its Prevention,” 8:45 a.m.
Jan. 19: “Overcoming Addiction,” 8:45 a.m.

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

Jan. 3: StoryTime—“Charlotte the Scientist is Squished,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 9: Curiosity Kids—Owls!, 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 17: Learn at Lunchtime—Picturing a More Perfect Union: Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Jan. 23: Nature Lab—Rock Identification, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Jan. 15: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Jan. 11: Kids Discover—Animal Adaptations, 1:30-3 p.m.
Jan. 14: Winter Lecture Series on PA State Species—Eastern Hemlock, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 18: Full Cadettes—Night Owl, 4-8 p.m.
Jan. 28: Winter Lecture Series on PA State Species—White-tailed Deer, 7-8:30 p.m.

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library
200 W. Second St., Hummelstown
717-566-0949; dcls.org

Jan. 2: Teen Night—Tech Toys and Tiny Houses, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 7: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 9: Cocoa and Snowflakes, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 14: Friends of Alexander Family Library Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 21: Novel Thoughts Too Book Club, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 27: Crazy for Coloring, 6-8 p.m.

Yoga at Simply Well
28 S. Pitt St., Carlisle
717-968-0167; yogaatsimplywell.com

Jan. 3: Amrit Yoga Nidra, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 11-Feb. 22: Kids Yoga 6-week series, 2-3 p.m.
Jan. 11-Feb. 22: Youth Yoga 6-week series, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Live Music

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

Jan. 10: Under the Streetlamp
Jan. 24: The Main in Black—Tribute to Johnny Cash
Jan. 25: Elvis Birthday Bash
Jan. 26: Mike Albert’s Elvis Gospel Show with The Stamps Quartet

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

Jan. 3: Hexbelt
Jan. 4: Steal Your Face
Jan. 10: Aaron Kamm and the One Drops
Jan. 18: Derek Woods Band
Jan. 24: Bumpin Uglies

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

Jan. 3: Jazz in the City
Jan. 9: The Philly Keys
Jan. 17: 70s Flashback—The Soundtrack of a Generation
Jan. 22: Classic Albums Live—David Bowie, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Jan. 25: York Symphony Orchestra

Blair Music Center, Lutz Recital Hall
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

Jan. 21: Ruth Naomi Floyd presents “Frederick Douglass Jazz Works”

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

Jan. 23: Dave McCullough
Jan. 30: Shawan and the Wonton

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar
204 Locust St., Harrisburg
717-909-9191; carleysristorante.com

Jan. 2, 14, 23: Natalie Ness
Jan. 3, 7, 9, 15, 17, 21, 24, 28: Noel Gevers
Jan. 4, 10: Ted Ansel
Jan. 8: Andrea Britton
Jan. 11, 26, 30: Anthony Haubert
Jan. 16, 18, 29: Roy Lefevre
Jan. 22: Christine Purcell
Jan. 25: Corinna Joy and Noel Gevers
Jan. 31: Andrea Britton and Noel Gevers

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

Jan. 3: Handguns, The Stonewall Vessels
Jan. 4: Departed
Jan. 10: NAH
Jan. 11: Prince Diamond, Sonic Creeps
Jan. 15: The Addicts
Jan. 18: Placeholder
Jan. 24: Medusa’s Disco
Jan. 25: Pennter

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

Jan. 3: Antonio Andrade
Jan. 4: Doug Morris
Jan. 5: Allan Combs II
Jan. 10: Paul Zavinsky
Jan. 11: Dominick Cicco
Jan. 12: Peter Stone
Jan. 17: Michael Arthur
Jan. 18: Shoot the Moon
Jan. 19: Jim Sigrist
Jan. 24: Kevin Kline
Jan. 25: Hard Travelin’
Jan. 26: Betsy Barnicle

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

Jan. 11-12: “Shoot for the Stars”
Jan. 25-26: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” in Concert

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

Jan. 25: Beyond the Footlights Cabaret

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

Jan. 3: Ryan Pelton, DJ Jayson Matrix
Jan. 4: DJ Ray Rossi, Sapphire
Jan. 10: Josh Squared Band
Jan. 11: DJ Magic, The Luv Gods
Jan. 17: Funktion
Jan. 18: DJ Jayson Matrix, Emily’s Toy Box
Jan. 24: That Band
Jan. 25: DJ Koolie Kirk, Smooth Like Clyde
Jan. 31: Uptown Band

House of Music, Arts & Culture (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Jan. 17: Awake At Last
Jan. 19: Danny Worsnop, StarBenders
Jan. 24: From Ashes to New, Defiant, Eva Under Fire, Dawn’s Divide
Jan. 25: Offensive, Traverse the Abyss, Suicide Puppets, Feltsideout, Illusion of Solace, Dreams of Eden
Jan. 25: Moon Hooch
Jan. 26: Turkuaz. Neal Francis
Jan. 30: Lukr
Jan. 31: Green Jelly

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

Jan. 18: Pomelo

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Midtown
1836 Green St., Harrisburg
717-695-4882; littleampscoffee.com

Jan. 31: Hollan, Margaret Gehman, Sarah Fiore

Market Cross Pub & Brewery
113 N. Hanover St., Carlisle
717-258-1234; marketcrosspub.com

Jan. 4: Zach King & Guest
Jan. 11: Trio De Janero
Jan. 18: Jill Fullerton Band
Jan. 19: Open Irish Jam
Jan. 25: Twisted Bluez

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-525-8926; rivercityhbg.com

Jan. 4, 5: The Give Take, Bad Luck Charms, Timmy’s Creep Show
Jan. 11, 12: Mountain Road Band
Jan. 18, 19: Don Johnson
Jan. 20: River City Big Band

Rusty Rail Brewing Company
5 N. 8th North St., Mifflinburg
570-966-7878; rustyrailbrewing.com

Jan. 12: Deadgrass

Stock’s on 2nd
211 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg
717-233-6699; stocksonsecond.com

Jan. 3: Derek Henry
Jan. 4: Drew Adams
Jan. 10: Natalie Ness
Jan. 11: Quentin Jones
Jan. 17: Shea Quinn and Friends
Jan. 18: Lucille and The Wolf
Jan. 24: Ben Simcox Music
Jan. 25: Visitors Duo
Jan. 31: Kevin Koa

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

Jan. 5: January Jam

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

Jan. 10: Allegro’s Music in the Round—Back to Bach

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

Jan. 21: Phillip Phillips
Jan. 25: Richard Thompson
Jan. 30: Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame

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

Jan. 3: Glassbeard w/FoxyPanda and Corporate Thugz
Jan. 4: Biz Markie
Jan. 10: Observe the 93rd, Gas Station Disco, Big Fat Meanies & Big Boy Brass
Jan. 11: Under the Radar, Moxie & Rebel, One Trick Grizzly, Silvertung, Gun Metal Gray & Voice the Chaos
Jan. 16: The Glorious Sons w/Des Rocs
Jan. 17: Ghost Light
Jan. 18: Go Go Gadjet
Jan. 24: The Amish Outlaws
Jan. 25: 2nd Generation Wu w/iNTeLL, PxWeR, SunGod & Young Dirty Bastard
Jan. 31: Lettuce

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Jan. 17: Bend the Rails
Jan. 24: Josh Dominick

The Stage Door

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

Jan. 28: The Simon & Garfunkel Story

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

Jan. 10: Joel Lindley
Jan. 17: Terry Pator

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

Jan. 10-19: Neil Simon’s “Rumors”

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

Jan. 27: Joe DeRosa

Castlerigg Wine Shop
110 S. Hanover St., Carlisle
717-462-4663; castleriggwineshop.com

Jan. 17: Garry’s Comedy Show

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

Jan. 2-4: Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn”
Jan. 9-Feb. 15: “Savannah Sipping Society”

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

Jan. 17-26: “Journey to the Center of the Earth”

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

Jan. 24-26: “Back to the 80s”

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

Jan. 3, 4: Steve Sabo, Corey Hunter
Jan. 10, 11: Jason Kanter, Isabel Hagen
Jan. 17, 18: Darrer DS Sanders
Jan. 24, 25: Joel Lindley, Todd Youngman
Jan. 31: Jay Stevens, Ben Jones

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-798-6973; hbgimprov.com

Jan. 3: Free Jam Beef (Howie), Scoreface/The Director, JODY/Drive Thru Pals, Ferd Majelly/Acoustic Tour
Jan. 4: Free Mixer (Preteen Girls), Bad Berries/The Bat, Rockstar Goes Supernova, Introduce A Self
Jan. 10: Free Jam (Oh No Mono), Leg Of Lamp/Art Patrol, ElderProv/Closed Casket, Sangy & Dock/Unbelievably Tasty
Jan. 11: Free Mixer (What? Hell Yeah! What?), Side Hustle/Ball N’ Chain, Critical HIT/Two Princesses, Dang/Without A Tres
Jan. 17: Free Jam (Six In A Row), Scoreface/Bandito, BEEF, Bemafo
Jan. 18: Free Mixer (Wild Goose Chaise), Bad Berries/Sketch Pad, Barbra, Tiny Town
Jan. 24: Free Jam (The Assembly), Leg Of Lamp/This Show Will Self Destruct, Mary Todd Lincoln/Love Triangle, HIT BITS
Jan. 25: Free Mixer (PSYENTZ), Side Hustle/Bandjob, Solo Sleepover/Dropkick Morpheus, The Real FAST Coast Wives

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

Jan. 18: “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”

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

Jan. 17-Feb. 2: “Three Tall Women”

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

Jan. 17: “Dancing with the Local Stars”
Jan. 25: “We Shall Overcome—A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Jan. 31: Mountainfilm on Tour

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

Jan. 10-12: “Heathers the Musical” High School Edition

Oyster Mill Playhouse
1001 Oyster Mill Road, Camp Hill
717-737-6768; www.oystermill.com

Jan. 17-Feb. 2: “Towards Zero”

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

Jan. 17-Feb. 2: “The Scarlet Letter” at Whitaker Center

Untitled: A Storytelling Project
untitledhbg.com

Jan. 23: 4th Annual Grand Slam

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

Jan. 11: Artie Lange
Jan. 17-Feb. 2: “The Scarlet Letter” w/Theatre Harrisburg

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 27, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Michael Kenneth Williams is appearing at the Sankofa Film Festival.

Christmastime is typically the slow season for news, and so it was around Harrisburg this week. We posted TheBurg Daily for four of the five days, skipping Christmas Day, and now have our coverage recapped below in case you missed anything during this busy week. Happy holidays, everyone!

Black Girl Health returns next month with a series of events that extends over six weeks. Workshops this time around will focus on mental health issues. Read more about this important program in our online story.

The Drunken Smithy lets you get out your frustrations while creating an object for your efforts. Our writer took a trip to Palmyra to get in touch with her inner blacksmith. Click here to find out how she did.

“Joy to the Burg” is an album of holiday music performed exclusively by central PA musicians and bands. You still can order this homegrown album and be all set for next year, with proceeds going to a good cause. Learn how from our feature story.

New Year’s Eve in Harrisburg will feature music, activities, fireworks and, of course, the strawberry drop at midnight. Find out all the details in our online story.

Olive Oil Grille is one of several eateries that opened recently on the West Shore. Discover what makes this restaurant unique in our December feature story.

Sankofa Film Festival is bringing several notable filmmakers to Harrisburg this weekend, along with their movies. Read the story behind the Harrisburg area’s first African American film festival.

Sara Bozich has your last-chance Christmas events, as well as many other things to do during this extremely long weekend. Make like Santa and check over her list twice, then go do something fun.

Story Makers can help turn your scribblings into prose with a yearlong program at Cupboard Maker Books in Enola. If you have a resolution to write better—maybe even write a book—this might be your ticket to success in 2020. Find the details here.

Wine is often a key component of New Year’s Eve dinner. Our wine columnist has his recommendations for a festive bottle to bring along to your celebration.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your inbox? If not, subscribe here!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 26, 2019 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Holiday Weekend!

I hope you all had the merriest and happiest and are heading into an epically long weekend. We’re headed to another family gathering today then out of town for the weekend to visit my in-laws in the PA Wilds.

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

Black Girl Health to launch campaign focused on mental health issues

December 23, 2019 | by Yaasmeen Piper

Since its formation in 2014, the nonprofit Black Girl Health has strived to help improve the health of black women through education, workouts and more.

This January, the organization is targeting mental health with its first-ever “Minds Matter” campaign.

Across six weeks, the Black Girl Health’s nonprofit arm, Black Girl Health Foundation Inc., will hold free workshops focusing on different aspects of mental health at Dauphin Counties libraries.

“We decided to specifically focus on mental health because there is not enough awareness on this topic and there are so many people who need help but don’t get it,” said Porcha Johnson, founder of Black Girl Health. “We want to detach that stigma, and we hope to motivate people to get help with their mental health and also provide resources and let people know where that help is.”

The workshops include panels that address postpartum depression, stress, racial and cultural disparities in treatment, yoga, natural remedies to help combat anxiety and more.

The campaign kicks off Saturday, Jan. 10, with Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick, Shalawn James, acting executive director of Mental Health Association of PA (MHAPA), and Deshauna Barber, 2016’s Miss USA and a former army captain. Barber will present the campaign’s keynote address and discuss how she navigated through post-traumatic stress disorder.

James will speak on the history of black people in America and its impact on mental health over the years, as well as some of the resources MHAPA provides.

“Black women represent one of the underserved portions of our communities where mental health impacts everyday life,” James said. “So, part of my work with [Black Girl Health] is to bring awareness to that and to also help with some larger initiatives of acquiring more therapists of color and targeting, not just African American women, but African Americans in general.”

Johnson said the panel, “Mom’s Suffering in Silence,” on Jan. 18 is especially important to her. After having her baby, retiring early from her job as a reporter for WGAL and becoming a full-time mother and entrepreneur, Johnson said she went through a “mental shock.”

“There is so much stress in being a mom—trying to be a good mother, taking care of your children, keeping relationships…we go through so much,” she said. “We, as women, often try to multi-task and do everything and that often leads to stress that leads to chronic illnesses.”

Through Black Girl Health, Johnson hopes to help prevent that stress and encourage women to relieve stress through yoga, meditation, natural supplements and therapy.

“All these solutions are going to be presented at the event,” she said. “I want to present these to help people live healthy lifestyles. That’s what it’s really about, increasing the longevity of life.”

The Minds Matter campaign runs from Jan. 10 to Feb. 15. All events are free with registration that can be found on the campaign’s website.

“We brought this to Harrisburg for free because it’s so important, and we want everyone to be able to get help and I hope people take advantage of this opportunity,” Johnson said. “I want people to see that there is help around, and I want people to get motivated to actually seek out that help.”

To register, visit mindsmatter.blackgirlhealthfoundation.org. For more information on Black Girl Health visit blackgirlhealth.com.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 20, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Three partners of The Bridge discuss their development plans with our reporter.

Christmas is knocking and the year is winding down, which often means a last-minute rush of to-do items around Harrisburg.

That made this week especially hectic, as the city passed a 2020 budget, the school district made a big change and new players on the city’s redevelopment scene introduced themselves. As we do each week, we have all our local stories tied up in a nice package in case you missed any of our coverage.

Christmas for Italian-American families traditionally has included a meal called “The Feast of the Seven Fishes.” Our food writer Rosemary offers a twist on that tradition in her monthly column and recipe.

Clear toy candy is a traditional way to celebrate Christmas in central PA. The craft may have gone out of style, but there are still a few Harrisburg-area candy-makers who are keeping the tradition alive. Read our feature story from the December issue.

Forster Street in Harrisburg is a menace to pedestrians, necessitating immediate action by PennDOT. So says TheBurg’s editor in an editorial that urges PennDOT to understand its obligation to both pedestrians and motorists. Read his plea here.

Harrisburg passed a balanced budget that does not raise taxes but will result in higher pay for police and faster debt relief for the city. The budget process lacked the drama of many past years as the administration and City Council agreed on budget priorities. Click here to read the details.

Harrisburg school district is making a change at the top, as the acting superintendent is stepping down, but not without taking a parting shot at the former administration and a key state legislator. Find out why he’s leaving and who’s replacing him in our online news story.

A medical marijuana dispensary can proceed with construction on Allison Hill after a split City Council approved its development plan. Council also OK’d the building plan for an AutoZone store in Uptown Harrisburg. Read the details here.

Open Stage has undergone a complete transformation with a recent renovation of its downtown Harrisburg theater. Read our feature story then go pay them a visit to see a great holiday show.

Sara Bozich has your list of fun events for any free time you may have between last-minute holiday shopping trips this weekend. There are still many holiday options, as well as monthly favorites like 3^rd in the Burg.

State Museum of Pennsylvania has opened an exhibit on muralist Violet Oakley’s preparatory sketches for some of her work inside the state Capitol. Our fine arts blogger wrote about his recent visit.

The Bridge offered TheBurg a tour of the old Bishop McDevitt High School, where the development partners plan to begin building out work, community and living space. Check out our photo gallery to see what the building looks like before its pending transformation.

Whitaker Center recently opened up two newly reconstructed spaces: KidsPlace and the STEM Design Studios. Find out why these improvements were made to the 20-year-old downtown Harrisburg arts center in our feature story.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your inbox? If not, subscribe here!

Harrisburg school district names Chris Celmer as acting superintendent

December 19, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Starting Jan. 1, Chris Celmer, right, will become acting superintendent of the Harrisburg school district, replacing John George, center.

The Harrisburg school district is making a change in its top leadership, as the acting superintendent is stepping down.

Dr. John George announced this afternoon that he will leave his post on Jan. 1, replaced as acting superintendent by Chris Celmer, currently the assistant acting superintendent.

“[Celmer] has been here, on site everyday,” George said. “He has, for all practical purposes, already been serving as superintendent and I, more or less, have been serving as an advisor.”

The district receiver, Dr. Janet Samuels, affirmed that she approved Celmer’s promotion.

Celmer and George have worked together for about a decade, first at the Berks County Intermediate Unit and then at the Reading school district. George brought Celmer to Harrisburg as his second-in-command under Samuels, who was appointed school district receiver in June.

George said that he planned to serve full-time in his current post as executive director of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit until September, when he would retire from that job to lead the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units.

George and Celmer both said that they’ve worked to stabilize the district’s finances, hire competent personnel, instill a solid governing structure and make academic reforms since they arrived in late June. Going forward, the district will focus particularly on academic achievement, they said.

“I’m excited about the opportunity, and I’m very confident that we’ll continue to make great strides in the Harrisburg school district,” Celmer said.

In his final public statement, George again took swipes at two entities that he’s criticized in the recent past: the former leadership of the district, which he described as having a “perverse self-interest,” and PA House Speaker Mike Turzai, who has proposed a bill to give Harrisburg students vouchers to attend private schools.

“Harrisburg school district will be devastated for generations if Speaker Turzai’s ill-conceived voucher bill becomes law,” George said. “On the other hand, with proper governance and leadership, and the support and patience of elected officials, community members, parents and faculty, I foresee much better days ahead for the Harrisburg school district.”

In Pictures: The Bridge begins ambitious transformation of Bishop McDevitt

December 19, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

The old Bishop McDevitt High School is on the verge of a major transformation, and today the development team behind the project opened up the century-old building to TheBurg to speak about their plans.

We first learned last month about The Bridge and its partners—Garry Gilliam, Corey Dupree, Dezwaan Dubois, Rob DeJarnette and Jordan Hill. The old friends all know each other from their years at Milton Hershey School and/or Penn State, and Gilliam and Hill both had professional football careers.

You can read the story here about how they plan to create a multi-use complex that will include co-working, maker, event and community space, and, in the longer term, build out an eco-friendly live/work/play environment. The team also would like to purchase and transform the old William Penn High School in Uptown Harrisburg.

Please look for a magazine feature about the partners and their plans in our February issue. In the meantime, we wanted to share some pictures from Thursday, as the partners gave TheBurg a tour of the interior of the building.

As you can see below, the building needs major work, having been vacant since the Catholic diocese closed the high school in 2013. However, the partners expect to begin renovations soon for a 2020 opening of the first phase.

To learn more about The Bridge, you also can visit their website.

The Bridge partners Jordan Hill, Corey Dupree and Garry Gilliam speak to our reporter.

Garry Gilliam

Partners Dezwaan Dubois and Corey Dupree in the gym area, which will be transformed to community and event space.

The exterior

Main hallway

A classroom blackboard

The Bishop McDevitt mural

Tile surrounds a water fountain

The stage and gym

Fireplace in a classroom

Room 213

A major renovation is ahead for this dilapidated space

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 19, 2019 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

I’m starting the weekend at the GK Open House (join us!), then frantically trying to finish up all my Christmas shopping and wrapping. Getting my hair ‘did, visiting the Market, and hopefully relaxing for some football (JUST KIDDING, DEFINITELY NEED TO WRAP GIFTS) on Sunday.

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

Happy Holiday Weekend!

What are you doing this weekend?

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

Happy Weekend!

What are you doing this weekend?

You May Also Like