Art in Focus: Murals Among Us

September 30, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

By now, you surely have noticed them.

They’re large, colorful and, until a few weeks ago, didn’t exist at all. They’re Harrisburg’s newest murals.

The 2019 Harrisburg Mural Festival wrapped up last month with 14 new murals adorning public spaces in downtown and Midtown Harrisburg, Allison Hill and a section of the Capital Area Greenbelt.

Sprocket Mural Works brought world-class muralists to Harrisburg for the 10-day festival, which included such events as an artist Q&A, a community paint day and, greatest of all, a huge block party in front of the state Capitol.

But maybe you haven’t seen all of the murals—or would just like to see them all in one place. So, we proudly present the newest kids on the block, stunning works of art that will be with us for decades to come.

To learn more about Sprocket Mural Works, visit www.sprocketmuralworks.com.

The Wright Site: At Polymath Park, you’ll find a cluster of work from America’s most famous architect.

September 30, 2019 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Autumn is the perfect time to take a road trip to the Laurel Highlands, where the journey is almost as interesting as the destination.

The winding roads, tidy farms and sun-dappled woodlands resplendent with fall colors are a wonderful reminder of the beauty of our state.

For Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts, the end of the road trip is no less inspiring. The labor of love known as Polymath Park in Acme, Pa., beckons visitors to learn more about the famous architect and his simple, stylish houses, deemed “Usonian.” These houses, unlike some of Wright’s better-known creations, such as the nearby Fallingwater, were designed especially for the American middle class.

Tom and Heather Papinchak are the husband-and-wife team behind Polymath Park. The couple moved into a home on the property in 2000 and lived there until 2008, when they decided to transform the structure into a full-service restaurant called Treetops for guests of Polymath Park.

In 2003, the Papinchaks had the opportunity to purchase two nearby homes and the 130 acres surrounding them. The dwellings were in danger of demolition, and the land eyed for development.

The couple jumped at the chance to save the houses that belonged to the Balter and Blum families of Pittsburgh, especially when they learned that they were designed by Wright protégé Peter Berndston. It didn’t hurt that Tom had a background in design and construction, which came into play as a hobby blossomed into a major project.

In 2006, the couple decided to move a Frank Lloyd Wright original onto the property. The Papinchaks learned that the Duncan House had been moved from Lisle, Ill., to Johnstown, Pa., by a group of investors who intended to rebuild it and develop a botanical garden. When the deal fell through, the structure made its way to the Papinchak’s Polymath Park.

A decade later, the couple embarked upon another ambitious endeavor, moving another Wright original that was in danger of demolition due to encroaching development. The structure, known as Mantyla, Finnish for “among the pines,” was built in the 1950s in Cloquet, Minn., for Ray and Emmy Lindholm. The house was listed for sale for almost a decade and sat empty for two years before Peter and Julene McKinney donated the structure to Usonian Preservation, Inc., the nonprofit group associated with Polymath Park. Everything was numbered and disassembled except for the concrete block, floor slab and roof rafters. The project was no small feat and clocked in at about 9,000 hours.

Peter McKinney, grandson to the Lindholms, said that he is pleased that the public will be able to enjoy the structure, and both he and his wife attended the grand opening in Acme last April.

“Without passion, we would not have been able to complete the job,” Papinchak said. “There were many people involved.”

Inspiration

Guests who visit Polymath Park can take a tour of three houses—the Duncan House, Mantyla and the Balter House. The hour-long tour takes visitors through the homes while a guide explains Wright’s vision and how the structures were saved from demolition.

Guests also can enjoy lunch or dinner at Treetops, the onsite restaurant nestled among the trees at Polymath. If the weather is nice, the outside deck is a lovely place to enjoy skillfully prepared and creatively plated dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Those who crave a more immersive Wright experience can opt to stay overnight at any of the four houses.

The Wright immersion needn’t stop there.

Two other Wright properties—Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob—are located less than 30 miles away.

“Nature is my manifestation of God,” Wright once said. “I go to nature every day for inspiration in the day’s work.”

He said that he found inspiration in the landscape of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands and, after visiting the area, it’s certainly clear why.

Polymath Park is located at 187 Evergreen Lane, Acme, Pa. Reservations for Treetops dining, tours and overnight accommodations can be made at www.franklloydwrightovernight.net.

A Brew with a View: Hit the deck for a unique, scenic dining experience at Cold Springs.

September 30, 2019 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

On a crisp autumn day, it’s tough to beat a fine craft beer sipped out on the deck.

And few decks in the region can compare with the one at the new Cold Springs Inn & Brewing Co., located directly above the Yellow Breaches Creek, about halfway between Dillsburg and Mechanicsburg.

Partners Chris Crowley and Dennis Mulroy may not have opened the business if it weren’t for the permission to add the two-story deck.

“The fact that they allowed us to build it over the creek is what sealed the deal,” said Crowley, explaining that the structure needed approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection. “The place ran as an inn during the early 1900s and, years ago, there was a lower deck, so the piers already existed, and we were grandfathered in.”

He added that workers first had to put up netting to ensure that nothing fell into the creek.

“That is sacred ground there,” he said, with a grin.

During the warmer months, the business attracts kayakers, so special accommodations have been made for them.

“We offer changing rooms, dryers and lockers where they can store their stuff,” he said.

The Yellow Breaches is also famous for its fishing, and Crowley is hoping that families will come out to take advantage of it.

“The kids can fish from the lower deck, as long as they are supervised,” he said.

Mulroy said he learned of the availability of the inn after bumping into the former owners, Brad and Barb Maxwell, who informed him that they would be selling the establishment.

“After 28 years, they were ready to retire,” Crowley said.

After purchasing what some have referred to as a “dive bar,” the two set to work.

In addition to building an upper and lower deck, the partners went to work renovating the interior. Among their many changes were ripping out a drop ceiling and adding wood floors, low- and high-top seating, a new bar, attractive lighting fixtures, flat-screen televisions and windows to transform what was once dark and gloomy to a space filled with natural light.

“There was not a window in the place,” Crowley said.

The extensive work took about two years to complete.

“It took 12 months to rip it apart and another 12 to build it before we were ready to open in June of this year,” Crowley said.

On the Menu

The pair has been ramping up the food side of the business slowly, Crowley said.

Among the choices are pulled pork and pit beef sandwiches, along with a small selection of salads and finger foods like fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, tortilla chips and salsa and chicken fingers.

The greatest attraction, though, may be the inn’s own craft beer.

The Maxwells sold their liquor license separately, so Cold Springs Inn now operates under a brewery license.

“Mom-and-pop joints are affected by the cost of liquor licenses, and they are being bought up by the supermarkets,” said Crowley. “So, we decided to operate under a brewery license, which allows us to sell Pennsylvania beer, wine, cider and spirits.”

The owners tapped award-winning brewers Kristen Richards and Steve Nott to take on the challenge. Nott had experience in home brewing and competing against others to hone his skills.

“I enter competitions primarily for the feedback,” said Nott, who also worked at Bube’s Brewery in Mount Joy.

Richards has also been active on the home-brew circuit, winning numerous awards over the years. She credits a friend for getting her started by buying her a home brew kit.

“It’s how I got bit by the bug,” she said.

The pair brews twice a week using a three-barrel system to keep up with demand.

“We have over nine beers on tap, including a stout on nitro, which helps to soften the beer on the palate, making it a little softer and creamier,” Richards said.

Additional beers include an IPA, a hefeweizen, a pale ale, a Belgian saison and an interesting sounding habanero-based smoked wheat called an “endorphin enhancer.”

Richards said that, when she started, she was relegated to learning by reading books.

“What’s changed over the years is that more people are doing it,” she said. “Now, I can have conversations with other brewers and get information from them on tips and tricks of the trade.”

Both brewers like that their beers are being well received, even if it does mean maxing out the three-barrel system.

“We fill them as much as we can,” Richards said.

Thus far, Crowley has hired some 40 people, mostly part-time, to keep things running smoothly. He added that business is brisk enough to rely on word-of-mouth advertising for now. As far as changes are concerned, he may tinker around the edges of the menu as the weather cools.

When asked what he enjoys most, Crowley said the answer is easy.

“It’s the people,” he said. “I just enjoy meeting new people and interacting with them.”

Cold Springs Inn & Brewing Co. is located at 993 Park Pl., Mechanicsburg. For more information, call 717-790-9395 or visit www.coldspringsinn.com.

Musical Notes: October Ambiance

September 30, 2019 | by Kait Gibboney

Ah, what a festive fall month we have ahead. It seems like there’s no shortage of good entertainment in and around Harrisburg this time of year, and, as usual, we’ve got a lot of shows to choose from.

This month, Whitaker Center will show two special cinema features that double as live concerts. First up is the iconic Roger Waters on Oct. 2, a one-night-only showing of footage from his solo touring in Amsterdam, titled “Roger Waters Us + Them.” Featuring music from his Pink Floyd days and solo work, the show is coupled by some sick audio-visual effects for a vibrant soundscape of a live performance.

The second show is S&M², the second incarnation of Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony. This special screening will be a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the original S&M concerts and albums performed together under conductor Michael Tilson Thomas. If you’re less of a cinema-goer and here to read up on some in-the-flesh live bands, we’ve got plenty to satisfy whatever musical mood you might be in.

XIU XIU, 10/3, 8PM, THE ABBEY BAR, $12
Back in April 2017, Xiu Xiu graced the stage at Der Maennerchor, and now they’re back for more, this time at the Abbey Bar. This underground indie band has been busy since then, featuring a fresh lineup, including two members of the band SWANS, and releasing a new album this year, “Girl with Basket of Fruit.” I recommend their track “Pumpkin Attack on Mommy and Daddy” for its strange samples woven into an intense sound tapestry. Their earlier stuff is pretty good, too, especially their famed alt rock album “Forget.” If you like “Twin Peaks,” they’ve done a spectacular album homage that I’m very fond of, “Plays the Music of Twin Peaks.” Sharing the stage, Baltic Noise, an ambient group from Lancaster, is set to open on what is sure to be one knockout of a show.

LAKE STREET DIVE, 10/15, 7:30PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $36.95-59.95
Indie pop? Folk rock? Alt jazz? Whatever this multi-genre group goes by, Lake Street Dive is undeniably unique to themselves. They formed in 2004 while studying at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and worked their way up to a record deal with Nonesuch Records in 2013. Their debut album on their new label, “Side Pony,” was a smash hit, earning praise from Rolling Stone and the Boston Globe. “Free Yourself Up” is the band’s latest album, featuring rock that’s soulful swagger. Appearing with Lake Street Dive for the show is singer-songwriter Madison Cunningham, a 22-year-old musical prodigy with a debut album coming out this year. Two cool things about their tour is that they’ve teamed up with Mission Impact Partners and Cool Effect. These organizations will help to connect the band with local nonprofits along their tour and fund environmental projects to offset their carbon emissions generated along the trip. If it wasn’t already a good idea to buy a ticket, Lake Street Dive’s positive tour projects make this show even sweeter.

AQUEOUS, 10/30, 8PM, XL LIVE, $12
First off, it’s pronounced “ay-kwee-us.” Second off, these jammy dudes from Buffalo really know how to rock. Specializing in improvisational styles and creating some truly groovy sounds, their tunes’ tempo can range from laid-back to the heavier, intense side. Like any good improv group, guitarist Mike Gantzer, guitarist and keyboardist David Loss, bassist Evan McPhaden and drummer Rob Houk have developed their own understanding of each other and their sound. Playing together since 2006, they seem to have an almost psychic musical sense that comes in handy when creating intricate music together. Aqueous makes its way to XL’s impressive stage the night before Halloween, resulting in a great musical way to kick off your Hallow’s Eve activities.

Mentionables

Black Dahlia Murder, Oct. 3, H*MAC Capitol Room;
Uncle Kracker, Oct. 4, XL Live;
Rivers, Oct. 4, The Abbey Bar;
Solar Federation, Oct. 5, The Abbey Bar;
Shawan & The Wonton, Oct. 10, JB Lovedraft’s;
Marc Cohn, Oct. 18, Whitaker Center;
My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, Oct. 28, H*MAC Capitol Room

Little Town, Big Flavor: Whip up one of Rosemary’s favorites–bucatini all’Amatriciana.

September 30, 2019 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

In August 2016, a deadly earthquake shook central Italy. Devastation was widespread, and several small towns were reduced to rubble.

One of these was Amatrice, which is located in a region of Italy called Lazio. Today, many of Amatrice’s historic structures, including beautiful churches and basilicas, as well as homes and even the town square, have not yet been rebuilt. As is often the case with natural disasters, those who remain struggle with a lack of resources to restore their town.

At the time, when news outlets reported the earthquake, they were quick to provide viewers with a map of Italy pinpointing where the tiny village of Amatrice is located. But, almost as quickly, they emphasized that this was the home of the famous pasta dish known as bucatini all’ Amatriciana.

Despite the fury of nature, bucatini all’ Amatriciana endures in Amatrice, in the city of Rome and in America. A recent article in the New York Times by Stephen S. Hall recounted a visit to Amatrice. While saddened by the earthquake destruction that remained, Hall wrote that he enjoyed several variations of this famous pasta and that each chef he encountered insisted their recipe was the best.

The key ingredients of bucatini all’ Amatriciana typically are:

Guanciale—unsmoked pork cheek (really!) that is cured with salt, sugar and sometimes pepper. Guanciale is very hard to find, so cooks usually substitute pancetta, which is also an uncured pork product but taken from the belly of the pig.
Tomatoes, garlic and red chili or chili pepper flakes.
Pecorino cheese—a sharp sheep’s milk cheese from southern Italy.
Bucatini pasta—a long pasta that is thicker than spaghetti and has a hole in the center.

Some recipe variations call for butter instead of olive oil, some chopped onion and a bit of Parmesan Reggiano cheese added to the pecorino. What follows is how I make it. The source is “Savoring Italy,” a favorite cookbook of mine from Williams and Sonoma. It is the classic version from Lazio, Italy.

Bucatini all’ Amatriciana

Ingredients

¼ pound pancetta or unsmoked bacon, chopped (let me know if you can find guanciale)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
A pinch of dried red chili flakes
2½ cups crushed or chopped tomatoes (good imported canned tomatoes work very well and are actually better than fresh tomatoes that aren’t beautifully red and ripe)
Pinch of salt with extra added to taste
1 pound bucatini pasta
1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for passing at the table

Directions

In a saucepan or deep sauté pan that is large enough to hold the cooked pasta and sauce, cook the pancetta or unsmoked bacon in the olive oil over medium heat until golden and soft (about 10 minutes).
Add the chopped onion and sauté about 5 minutes more.
Add the garlic and red chili flakes and cook for just 1 minute. (Be careful not to overcook or use too high heat. Burnt garlic will ruin the dish.)
Add the tomatoes and salt, bring to a simmer, and cook about 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens. (Best to lower the heat here and be very careful with the salt if the tomatoes you are using already are salted.)
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it is al dente. When the pasta is cooked, remove and save about a cup of the pasta cooking water.
Drain the pasta, pour it into the deep pan with the sauce, and toss well. Add a little of the cooking water to thin the sauce if needed.
Sprinkle the pasta with the grated cheese and toss again. Transfer to a warm serving bowl and serve. (A little sprig of fresh basil on top adds a lovely touch.)

This dish is robust enough to stand up to a good Italian red wine, although it is noted that the Lazian natives prefer to serve it with a full-bodied white like frascati.

I love this dish. If the only bacon I have in the fridge is ordinary smoked bacon, I’ll even make it with that. (I know this is culinary heresy.)

However you might prepare bucatini all’ Amatriciana, toast the little town of Amatrice with the hope that it may thrive again.

Lititz Rocks: Music, meadows and a good meal, in the heart of Lancaster County.

September 30, 2019 | by Amy Black

Scene from “Shock the Block.”

Amidst the farms and pastures in Lancaster County sits Rock Lititz, a popular hub for A-list musicians. The 96-acre campus was designed to be a “one-stop shop” for artists preparing to head out on tour.

Rock Lititz Studio opened five years ago and is the heart of the sprawling complex, drawing in musicians like Taylor Swift, Usher and Ariana Grande. Rock Lititz is also a local destination for those drawn to the businesses on campus open to the public, with plans for further growth.

“The idea behind the campus grew from a community of live event companies that had already established themselves in Lititz,” said General Manager Andrea Shirk.

The Clair Brothers (audio enterprises) and TAIT (stage and lighting designers and builders) were the two original companies. ATOMIC Design (soft goods set design and production) and Pyrotek Special Effects have since opened on site. The Rock Lititz campus now employs 405 workers.

Shirk described the Rock Lititz Studio in “POD 2” as a place “where touring concerts can install, test and rehearse their productions before opening night, in a location close to key vendors.” In all, there are 30 companies in POD 2, a 250,000-square-foot collaborative community.

Many of these businesses participate in Rock Lititz’s signature community event, which is centered around Halloween. The 3rd annual “Shock the Block” is expected to again draw thousands this month during a night of “treats and family-friendly Halloween thrills,” said Jill Brown, media relations.

Brown described the event as a time when the entertainment industry companies “combine their creativity and special effects to create an indoor array of activities.”

Shock the Block features attractions like hayrides, a children’s dance party, indoor trick or treating, fall-themed crafts, a donut eating contest and a “Shock Zone” for older kids. The haunted house features concert-quality special effects, including lasers, smoke, fire and water. Admission to the ticketed event benefits the Warwick Education Foundation.

Other businesses in POD 2 include the Tone Tailors guitar studio, Evolution Power Yoga and Fetish Brewing Co. POD 2 is also home to CM Entertainment Training Center and recROC, a recreational area with a rock-climbing wall and ninja warrior obstacle course.

Lots of Creativity

The most recent major addition to Rock Lititz is the Rock Lititz Hotel, which opened last year to accommodate musicians and their road crews, as well as wedding guests, event patrons and just visitors. While the hotel keeps to the music theme, Brown said they “didn’t want to be like a Hard Rock” and looked to local craftsmen, including Amish carpenters, for a custom build and boutique feel.

Erica Dabose is sales coordinator at the 139-room hotel, which includes two luxury penthouses that offer musicians a private elevator. Rooms feature custom-made wallpaper that uses backstage passes from concerts over the past 40 years. Common areas throughout the hotel incorporate items from actual concert sets and aim for what Dabose called “backstage vibes and Lancaster charm.” She added that guests can even request a barn view room, because “part of Lititz’s charm are the views, the cornfields and barns.”

Deborah Erb is owner and lead planner of Simply Events at Rock Lititz, which launched less than a year ago. She said that her company offers “a unique atmosphere and fun space” in central PA.

“There is a lot of creativity that can happen here that can’t happen at a regular hotel and event space,” Erb said.

All food service on campus is handled by TFB Hospitality. This includes the Per Diem restaurant in the hotel, which features farm-to-table seasonal fare and craft cocktails, the catering business that services the Rock Lititz Studio, and the casual eatery Gravie Kitchen Commons in POD 2.

TFB President and CEO Joshua Funk explained that the restaurant’s name ties to the campus theme because a “per diem” is the daily expense allowance given to those touring with a band. Besides catering to musicians, Funk estimates that 75 to 80 percent of the restaurant’s customers are local.

“From our perspective, we’ve seen people travel down that interstate and 283 corridor from Reading, Ephrata, Manheim, Hershey, Harrisburg and York,” Funk said. “We’d like the word about all that Rock Lititz has to offer to spread organically, if we’re doing our job.”

Funk said that Per Diem’s menu will change up for the fall/winter, when they bring back last year’s Smokey Old Fashioned drink. In addition, many products are from local producers, including Fox Meadows Creamery, Caputo Brothers, Kegel’s Produce and several local farms like Village Crest, Field’s Edge and Barr’s Farms.

This fall, Per Diem will also offer a “fire pit package” with a s’mores-making kit and blanket for those who want to use the outside fire pit.

While POD 1 is still on the horizon, Client and Community Development Manager Rachel Hales said that Rock Lititz “will definitely have future buildings.”

“That was always the vision,” she said. “It’s been fluid based on demands.”

Rock Lititz is located at 100 Rock Lititz Blvd., Lititz. For more information, call 717-626-0338 or visit www.rocklititz.com.

Hotel Rock Lititz is located at 50 Rock Lititz Blvd., Lititz. For more information, call 717-925-7625 or visit www.hotelrocklititz.com.

Shock the Block takes place Thursday, Oct. 24, 5:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook page: Shock the Block at Rock Lititz.

Style and Substance: YWCA’s “Power of Style” fashion show is designed to raise awareness of domestic violence.

September 30, 2019 | by Karen Hendricks

The day that her husband pushed her into a wall was the day that Cherie Faus-Smith left.

“It was a feeling of shock and fear,” she said. “The back of my head hit the wall, and two things ran through my mind—my son was in the house, and I was afraid of what Phil* might do next.”

Leading up to that moment, Phil, her husband of six years, often threatened and intimidated her—by slamming knives onto a table in front of her or by accelerating to high rates of speed on the highway, with their young son also in the car. More than once, he threatened to commit suicide.

“When our son Michael* was born, his abuse increased because our child was getting my attention, and he was angry and resentful,” Faus-Smith said.

She considers herself lucky to have had an escape route. She moved into her parents’ Lancaster County home with her son, filed a protection from abuse order, and began the healing process.

“Sometimes, people think women who are abused deserve it, but there are reasons why they stay—financial, emotional, because of the children or because they don’t have resources, but it’s also because there’s a lot of shame,” said Faus-Smith. “It’s a silent epidemic. We’re often afraid to talk about it.”

That’s why October is designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month—to bring the subject into the spotlight and into conversations. Faus-Smith is the keynote speaker at the Oct. 10 “Power of Style Fashion Show: An Evening of Empowerment,” hosted by the YWCA Greater Harrisburg.

She recently authored a book describing her experiences as a domestic violence survivor. Faus-Smith writes about a repeating cycle of abuse—a pattern first set by a teenaged boyfriend, followed by two abusive husbands. Today, at age 50, she is happily married to her third husband of 18 years. They reside in Dauphin County.

“You can succeed and thrive in a relationship even though you suffered before,” Faus-Smith said. “I want to be proof that women can break the cycle of violence.”

Domestic violence, defined by the YWCA, includes physical, verbal, emotional, economic, psychological or sexual abuse such as hitting, name-calling, withholding money or employment, intimidation, harassment and rape.

The single most important fact about domestic violence, according to Mary Quinn, CEO of YWCA Greater Harrisburg, is “that it doesn’t discriminate. A lot of people believe it doesn’t exist in their community or with their coworkers, but it affects all segments of society.”

The YWCA provided services to nearly 3,000 domestic violence victims during the past fiscal year. During that time, 276 women and children used their shelter and 1,300 hotline calls were answered to help victims assess and develop strategies for safety.

Overall, one in three women experience severe physical violence by a partner. Last year, 122 people died as a result of domestic violence in Pennsylvania.

“A lot of people with a superficial understanding of domestic violence say, ‘Why doesn’t she just leave him?’” Quinn said. “But domestic violence isn’t just about violence. It’s about power and control, and it happens gradually over time to a typical victim.”

Last year, the fashion show raised $50,000 for the YWCA’s Violence Intervention and Prevention programs, which offer free medical, legal, housing, employment and counseling services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Dauphin and Perry counties.

That $50,000 is the equivalent of one week of safe shelter for more than 100 women. Organizers hope to increase both attendance and profits at this year’s 15th annual event.

“It’s a fun evening, but the main driver of the event is domestic violence awareness,” said Pina McCarthy, event co-chair. “It’s an opportunity for women in the area and women-owned businesses to come together.”

The evening’s couture, jewelry, hair and makeup—provided by local, female-owned boutiques and salons—are coordinated into a true runway experience. About 30 volunteers organize the event. Vendors, drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a raffle of custom jewelry by local designers all add to the evening’s glitz and glam, with a message underneath.

While the focus of fashion is to transform participants in fun, creative ways, the event’s overarching focus goes much deeper—toward the goal of transforming lives.

“This event is about domestic violence, but, as a YWCA, we are really looking to transform lives and create a peaceful, just community for all,” said Quinn. “We aren’t just looking to house someone for a night. We’re looking at helping them break the cycle of violence.”

Looking at the big picture—the prevalence of domestic violence—how does Quinn think we as a society can tackle this issue?

“We should be raising people not to be violent in any way,” she said. “It’s not just about getting services for victims or survivors. It’s about us as a society saying this is unacceptable, speaking up when we see something. It takes someone a minute to ask if they’re safe at home. And it can result in a lot more awareness and people held accountable.”

“The Power of Style Fashion Show: An Evening of Empowerment,” hosted by the YWCA Greater Harrisburg, is set for Thursday, Oct. 10, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ywcahbg.org or at the door.

*Names have been changed

Volcano & Vines: Put a Sicilian wine on your shopping list.

September 30, 2019 | by Steve Juliana

In the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, barely two miles from the toe of Italy, lies the storied island of Sicily. It’s a land that has been at the crossroads of empires and subjected to invasion and settlement for thousands of years.

Wine culture arrived with the Greeks and spread throughout the isle under Roman control, when native grapes were grown and developed independently of mainland varieties. The modern age for Sicilian wine began in the 1980s with a shift from bulk, blended wine to the bottling and cultivation of indigenous vinifera. Sicily now boasts a total of 24 designated regions, encompassing red, white and dessert wines—many unique and quite delicious.

Grillo is one of the best known white wines in Sicily, used for making the island’s most famous dessert wine, Marsala. The origins of this fruit are obscure, but legend has that it was used to make a sweet wine called mamertino, which was a favorite of Roman emperor Julius Caesar. Modern grillo is a fresh, aromatic wine with topical fruit and great minerality. It’s a perfect match for fish, which only enhances the idea of island life.

Eastern Sicily boasts a white grape that only grows in the volcanic soils around Mount Etna. Carricante is probably the best white wine that you’ve never heard of. With nuances of peach and herbs, this is a very clean and thirst-quenching wine that is great as an aperitif. It’s a wonderful quaff from a region where the grape has grown for at least 1,000 years.

Mount Etna is also home to red grapes. Nerello Mascalese is a purple grape that thrives on the ash-covered slopes, resulting in a wine known as Sicily’s version of pinot noir. Here, vineyards extend to 1,000 meters above sea level, giving acidity and mineralogy to a wine that is elegant and aromatic with good aging ability. Blends from this area often contain nerello cappuccio in small amounts and are labeled as “Etna Rosso” on the label.

One of my favorite Sicilian reds is frappato. This wine is soft and fruity with flavors of berries and with a salty streak, round and easy with light tannins and a grainy sensation. Bring out the cheese and bread to match with this—and enjoy.

For those who prefer something on the sweet side, zibibbo will fit the bill. The Greeks brought this white wine to the island from Egypt. Here, the grape is moscato d’Alexandria and has a history going back thousands of years. For anyone familiar with moscato d’Asti, this variation on a theme deserves a try. Look for bottles labeled as dry for a distinctive wine style.

Keep sipping,
Steve

Community Corner: Notable October Events

September 30, 2019 | by Missy Smith

October Community Corner

Archaeology Dig
Oct. 1-4: State Museum of Pennsylvania will conduct its annual excavation at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Archaeologists will be on site weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come see what they find. www.statemuseumpa.org

Business & Industry Night
Oct. 3: West Shore Chamber of Commerce hosts its 69th annual Business and Industry Night, 2 to 6 p.m., at Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill, showcasing members’ products and services. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, prizes, giveaways and networking. www.wschamber.org

Open House
Oct. 3: Schein Ernst Mishra Eye hosts an informative presentation on LASIK with the surgeons and staff at its Harrisburg office, 10 Capital Dr., 6 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an adult beverage and light fare and enter a drawing for free LASIK (must register and attend to win). Have your LASIK questions answered and receive discounts. www.seegreat.net

Book Event
Oct. 3: Join Dauphin County Library System in welcoming Garth Stein, bestselling author of “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” to Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg, for a discussion of his novel, which is now a motion picture, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Q&A session will follow, with book sales and signing. www.dcls.org

Book Festival
Oct. 3-6: Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, hosts the seventh annual Harrisburg Book Festival. With 20 visiting authors, the festival will showcase a diverse, award-winning lineup with panel discussions, keynote presentations, book signings, story times and more. www.hbgbookfest.com

UPNEXT Fest
Oct. 3-18: UPNEXT Fest is a celebration of central PA tech companies and the organizations and meet-ups that support them. Attend morning coffees, conferences, meet-ups, happy hours and more. www.upnextfest.com

Praise Conference
Oct. 4-5: Praise Community Church, 705 S. Ogontz St., York, hosts “The Shout” Youth Conference, which will feature NBC’s “World of Dance” finalist, Poppin’ John, who will speak, perform and offer dance tutorials. www.faithlikebirds.com

HBG Flea
Oct. 5: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. www.hbgflea.com

Trolley Fest
Oct. 5: Enjoy fall foliage on the Liberty Liner and San Diego LRV 1019 at the Rockhill Trolley Museum, 430 Meadow St., Rockhill Furnace, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fare is $10 for adults and $6 for kids. www.rockhilltrolley.org

Open House
Oct. 5: Wildheart Ministries, 333 S. 13 St., Harrisburg, will host an open house and self-guided tours, 1 to 4 p.m., for visitors to explore the group’s headquarters and learn about its work to revitalize Allison Hill. www.wildheartministries.com

Arts Festival
Oct. 5: The 36th annual free Little Buffalo Festival will be held at Little Buffalo State Park, 1579 State Park Rd., Newport, 12 to 6 p.m. Take in live music on three stages, listen to poetry readings in the Writer’s Nook, browse an array of art vendors, get creative in the Buffalo Kids craft area, and sit in on some sustainable and art-themed workshops. www.littlebuffalofestival.com

Food Fest
Oct. 5-6: Enjoy homemade Slavic and Eritrean specialties at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, 5501 Old Locust Lane, Harrisburg, for the Slavic “Plus” Food Festival, 12 to 3 p.m., which includes a basket raffle and vendor fair. www.ctshbg.org

Fall Meet Week
Oct. 9-12: High-performance cars are in focus during the Eastern Regional Fall Meet, Hershey’s annual antique car show and festival. View period automobiles, see racecar demonstrations and visit the flea market. On Oct. 9, attend the annual “Night at the Museum” dinner and reception, 6 to 10 p.m. www.aacamuseum.org

Curiosity Kids
Oct. 10: Visitors, ages 3 to 6, and families can enjoy “Curiosity Kids—Build a Nest!” at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. Experiment with making a nest with found materials. www.statemuseumpa.org

Open House
Oct. 10: Circle School of Harrisburg will hold an open house so students and parents can learn about self-directed, democratic education. The event runs 6 to 8 p.m. at the school, 727 Wilhelm Rd., Susquehanna Township. www.circleschool.org

Foreign Film
Oct. 11, 25: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for “35 Visages, Villages,” a film from France, on Oct. 11, and the U.S. film, “Moonlight,” on Oct. 25. Showings are at 2 and 7 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Meet the Author
Oct. 12: University of Pittsburgh African American Alumni Council, Harrisburg, presents an afternoon with Jack Daniel, former Pitt professor and provost, at Crawdaddy’s, 1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg, 1 to 4 p.m. Daniel will discuss his book, “Navigating a Predominately White University While Black.” Books will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting scholarships. 717-877-8164

Brew Fest
Oct. 12: The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties Foundation hosts Spirits of the Community Home Brew Competition & Festival at the S. Wilson Pollock Center for Industrial Training, 262 Silver Spring Rd., Mechanicsburg, 1 to 5 p.m. Guests (21+) can sample craft beer from area home brewers and enjoy food, music and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit CPARC. www.cparc.org

5 Mile Run
Oct. 12: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals on City Island for the 6th Annual HYP 5 Miler to benefit HYP Outreach Initiatives, Downtown Daily Bread, LGBT Community Center of Central PA, Young Professionals of Color Greater Harrisburg and RASE Project. Kids’ fun run begins at 8:30 a.m., and the race starts at 9 a.m. Stick around for music, food and beer. www.hyp.org

Fall into Holidays
Oct. 12: Jumpstart holiday preparations at “Fall Into Christmas Marketplace” at Grace United Methodist Church, 309 Herman Ave., Lemoyne, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features crafts, white elephants, collectibles, a children’s boutique, vintage and antique items and a silent auction. www.graceumlemoyne.org

Volunteer Work Day
Oct. 12: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to help with continuing park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snacks, tools and work gloves will be provided. Bring a water bottle. www.wildwoodlake.org

Family Fun Day
Oct. 12: Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, hosts a Fall Family Fun Day, 12 to 4 p.m. Enjoy “The Great Migration” presentation by ZooAmerica and family activities including pumpkin chunkin’, painting and carving. www.nedsmithcenter.org

TEDx Harrisburg
Oct. 14: Fourth annual TEDx Harrisburg will be at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Take in an evening of dialogue centered on the theme “Chaos,” featuring a diverse lineup of speakers and topics. www.tedxharrisburg.com

New Member Social
Oct. 15: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals for its new member social at Café 1500, 1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. This event is for new and prospective members. RSVP to attend. A cash bar and full menu will be available. www.hyp.org

Book Sale
Oct. 16-19: Friends of Kline Branch Library will host a book sale at Paxtang Municipal Building, 3423 Derry St., Harrisburg. A members’ preview sale will be held Oct. 16, 5 to 7 p.m., and the public sale will be held Oct. 17 to 19. New and gently used books, videos, CDs and other items will be available for purchase. www.dcls.org

Business After Hours
Oct. 17: Mingle with business professionals at Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC’s free networking event at PSECU, 1500 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, 5 to 7 p.m. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

3rd in The Burg
Oct. 18: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Harvest Fest
Oct. 19: Central Penn College, 600 Valley Rd., Summerdale, hosts “A Very Hippie Harvest” in honor of Woodstock’s 50th anniversary, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival will feature inflatables, live music, food trucks, vendors, pumpkin carving, face painting, raffle baskets and more. www.centralpenn.edu

Spaghetti Dinner
Oct. 19: Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus will hold its annual spaghetti dinner, 4:30 to 8 p.m., at Colonial Park United Church of Christ, 5000 Devonshire Rd., Harrisburg. Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat pasta dinner for $10. Kids ages 6 to 10 eat for $5, and kids 5 and under eat for free. Proceeds benefit the chorus. www.cpwchorus.org

Costume Days
Oct. 19, 20, 26, 27: Show off your Halloween costume on historic trolley car rides at the Rockhill Trolley Museum, 430 Meadow St., Rockhill Furnace. Children in costume ride free (must be accompanied by adult); adults are $8; and children without costume are $5. www.rockhilltrolley.org

Books on Tap
Oct. 24: Dauphin County Library System hosts Books on Tap at Sturges Speakeasy, 400 Forster St., Harrisburg, 5 to 6 p.m. The book club meets to dive into new genres and forms while getting to know other readers. This month’s book is Erin Morgenstern’s “Night Circus.” www.dcls.org

Nature at Night
Oct. 26: Take an after-hours walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Then make s’mores around a campfire and sip apple cider, while taking in a not-so-scary Halloween story. Kids can dress as their favorite animal or in a costume. Bring a trick-or-treat bag. Cost is $5. www.wildwoodlake.org

Halloween Fundraiser
Oct. 26: Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus presents a “Memorable Characters” Halloween Fundraising Party at Lounge 704, 704 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg, 8 to 11 p.m., featuring local drag personalities. Dress in costume as a memorable character from film, stage, screen or history to win a prize. Admission is $10. www.harrisburggaymenschorus.org

Boos & Brews
Oct. 26: Perry County Council of the Arts hosts Boos & Brews, a Halloween fundraiser to support local arts programming, at River Bend Hop Farm and Brewery, 1800 Lower Bailey Rd., Newport, 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is free, but a percentage of food and drink purchases benefit PCCA. Guests can enter a costume contest for a small fee to win prizes. Enjoy music and karaoke, local brews, food and more. www.perrycountyarts.org

Howl-O’Ween
Oct. 27: Celebrate pets at “Howl-O’Ween: Pets at Fort Hunter,” 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 12 to 3 p.m. The event includes a pet and owner costume parade, a photo booth, kids’ activities, pumpkin painting, vendors and food for sale. www.forthunter.org

Trunk or Treat
Oct. 27: AACA Museum, 161 Museum Dr., Hershey, will host “Trunk or Treat,” 12 to 3 p.m. Kids are invited to dress in Halloween costumes, decorate their own goodie bags and hunt for treats in the museum. Watch Halloween-themed videos in the indoor drive-in theater and see a hearse vehicle display. www.aacamuseum.org

Halloween Party
Oct. 27: State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, will host the family-friendly “Great Pumpkin Day,” 12:30 to 3 p.m. Participate in the costume contest and parade, enjoy holiday games, snacks and magic. Tickets are $5. www.statemuseumpa.org

Benefit Concert
Oct. 27: Church organist Harry Strack will present a concert of his original works and arrangements for organ and piano during a free benefit concert at Grace United Methodist Church, 309 Herman Ave., Lemoyne, 3 to 4:30 p.m. A free will offering will be taken to benefit the church. www.graceumlemoyne.org

Historic District Forum
Oct. 28: Historic Harrisburg Association hosts “Neighborhood Preservation, Historic Districts and Community Building,” with panelists discussing the city’s historic neighborhoods, evolving historic district guidelines and other issues facing buildings in historic districts. The event begins at 6 p.m. at Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, 1230 N. 3rd St. www.historicharrisburg.com

Fall Storytime
Oct. 30: Kids ages 2 to 5 are invited to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a story session, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Stories, songs, rhymes, play and a take-home craft will introduce children to the joy of books and language. www.wildwoodlake.org

A River Runs Near It: Some fun along the Northwest River Trail.

September 30, 2019 | by Don Helin

The Northwest River Trail is known for its scenic beauty and quality paved path, but walking and cycling isn’t the only fun to be had.

The trail parallels the Susquehanna River and follows the historic Pennsylvania Mainline Canal, which ran from Duncan Island, north of Harrisburg, to Columbia, explained Lancaster County Principal Planner Michael Domin.

“Canal operations ceased in 1857 when it was purchased by the Pennsylvania Railroad,” he said.

The route now contains a trove of historic iron furnaces and building ruins, a canal lock, sections of the original towpath and canal bed, and an abandoned railroad tunnel.

Informal planning for the proposed 14-mile trail began in the early 1990s. A trail from Columbia to Falmouth was feasible, but not without some significant challenges, primarily a plan to bypass the Shocks Mill Railroad Bridge and the Columbia Rail Yard.

Unlike many other shared-use trails, the Northwest River Trail was not a single, linear parcel of land. Instead, individual tracts of land had to be acquired and stitched together to form the trail corridor.

Pit Stops

The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center serves as the southern trailhead for the Northwest River trail. It took 20 years to build and is managed by the Susquehanna National Heritage Area.

“At Columbia Crossing, we meet and talk to folks from all over the area about why they visit,” said manager Hope Byers. “Cyclists appreciate the paved surface of the trail. Walkers and families enjoy the history along the riverfront, including remnants of the iron furnace industry, railroads and the canals.”

In addition to the visitor education information, there are activities offered at the center to bring community members together.

In October, the staff will host a pumpkin painting time, and, in December, an ornament-making workshop with natural materials such as pinecones, twigs and wood slices. Byers explained that one of their most popular programs is “Tadpole Time,” a nature-themed story-time class that meets the second Wednesday of each month.

The Musselman Vesta Iron Furnace Center in Marietta is another great place for visitors to stop by. What was once a restoration project of Marietta Restoration Associates is now managed by Rivertownes PA USA, a nonprofit with a purpose to cultivate the art, heritage and recreation of the river towns. The original office of the Musselman-Vesta Furnace is now a learning center that features many exhibits, as well as a diorama depicting the Vesta Blast furnace.

With the beautiful trail for hiking, biking and strolling, new restaurants have sprung up to satisfy the adventurer in need of a refuel.

“The trail has been a tremendous revenue generator for local communities like Marietta and Columbia,” Domin said. “New restaurants and brew pubs have opened in both communities and existing businesses have expanded dining space as well as business hours.”

Path Ahead

The Northwest River Trail spans five municipalities, and there are six entities that own various sections of the trail, Domin said. While all the entities agreed on local ownership, working with six entities has had its difficulties.

“Trying to develop the trail to look and feel the same to the user from mile 1 to mile 14 is challenging,” Domin said.

This fragmented trail ownership affects consensus-building on the types of surface, signage, rules and regulations. In addition, some of the entities involved are more urban and have full-time staff, while others are rural and have few staff members.

For Domin, the next major challenge is connecting trail systems.

Five miles south of Columbia is the beginning of another long-distance, shared-use trail called the Enola Low Grade Trail. When finished in 2021, this trail will run for 29 miles from the base of Turkey Hill in Manor Township to the Chester County line, just south of Christiana.

Five miles to the northeast of the Northwest River Trail is the beginning of the Conewago Trail. That trail runs 5½ miles until it leaves the county and enters Lebanon County. There, the trail connects with the Lebanon Valley Trail and continues all the way to the city of Lebanon. When connected, there will be a continuous trail through southern and western Lancaster County.

Currently, 11 miles of the Northwest River Trail are constructed and open to the public, and the last three miles should be paved in the fall.

The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center is located at 41 Walnut St., Columbia. For more information, visit www.columbiacrossing.org.

Musselman Vesta Iron Furnace Center is located on the east end of Marietta. For more information, visit www.rivertownes.org.

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