Together Again: Library purchases historic Harrisburg building next door, will expand services

August 22, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Karen Cullings, executive director of the Dauphin County Library System, spoke today in front of the newly acquired Haldeman Haly house.

For many years, two prominent parcels on N. Front Street in Harrisburg had common ownership and a shared history.

More than a century ago, those parcels separated, and the building’s side yard became the site of the McCormick Riverfront Library.

Now, those two properties are linked again.

In a ceremony today, Dauphin County Library System (DCLS) officials announced that they had purchased the original, two-century-old house next door to the McCormick Library, with plans to renovate and turn it into administrative offices.

“This project let us restore and preserve this historic structure,” said DCLS Executive Director Karen Cullings. “It is one of the oldest buildings in the city.”

Ken Frew, the long-time librarian for the Dauphin County Historical Society, affirmed the historic credentials of the building at 27 N. Front St.

Frew said that Stephen Hills, who came to Harrisburg to construct the original state Capitol, built the Georgian-style house for his own home around 1812. He owned the building for many years, eventually renting it out to Gov. John Schulze, one of a group of houses now known as “Governor’s Row.”

“If I had to compile a list of the top-10 most-historic houses in Harrisburg, this house would be in the top five,” Frew said.

In July, DCLS bought the 5,458-square-foot house for $295,000 from long-time owner, attorney William Balaban.

The library itself sits on land that originally was the side yard to the building, bequeathed by a later owner, Sara Haldeman Haly, who had a beautiful garden on the property.

“I am truly honored that we were able to acquire the property that was Sara’s home,” Cullings said.

Cullings said that DCLS was still “in the formative stages of the project,” as it still needs to raise money for the substantial renovation.

Once the renovation is done, DCLS plans to move its administrative staff into the house. That will free up space in the library for more family and children’s activities, including STEM and arts-related programming, Cullings said.

Next door, DCLS plans to renovate the house’s first floor for community meetings and events and also will allow public access to the courtyard in the back, she said.

“This expansion will not only provide additional space for children’s and family activities but also will preserve a historic landmark in perpetuity,” said Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick, who also spoke.

DCLS board President Andrew Enders wrapped up the brief ceremony with a pitch to the community to help the project come to fruition.

“It’s time for the Dauphin County Library System to continue to make our mark on this community,” he said. “But we need your support. Whether it’s your time or your money, we’ll take it.”

For more information about the Dauphin County Library System and to make a donation, visit the website.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 22, 2019 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

We have a relatively quiet weekend ahead, and I’m all about it. There are a couple of influencer events dotting my calendar, but otherwise, I expect no major plans.

What are you doing this weekend?

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New Season, New Space: Open Stage is in the midst of a makeover

August 21, 2019 | by Yaasmeen Piper

An artist’s rendering of the new front entrance of Open Stage of Harrisburg

People often told Stuart Landon that Open Stage was one of the many hidden gems of Harrisburg.

Even though they meant well, Landon, the theater’s producing and artistic director, would joke that he’s ready for the space not to be hidden anymore. Just a gem.

Thanks to a $1 million renovation project, Open Stage is on its way to achieving Landon’s “just gem” status. Almost every part of the theater is being revamped, including the stages, lighting and sound system, and even a new N. Court Street entrance.

“It’s going to be more of a destination than it ever was,” Landon said. “We’re hoping that this allows us more visibility, along with improving the experience of our patrons and improving our experience with our students.”

One of the bigger additions is the Open Stage bar. The bar will feature a small stage, which will be used for spoken word and open mic nights, cabarets and drag performances.

Along with the stage in the bar, the theater will have two other stages: the main stage (see floor plan, right side) and a black box or studio theater, which will hold around 50 people (see floor plan, left side).

For performers, Open Stage is reconfiguring its backstage area and upgrading its green room and dressing rooms.

“It’s important that our mission is to support a company of artists, and it’s important that their spaces are all utilized and efficient in a comfortable way,” Landon said. “So that was a big part of our renovations.”

Open Stage is also adding a classroom for students in the Alsedek Theatre School. Named after Don and Anne Alsedek, co-founders of Open Stage along with Marianne Fisher, the Alsedek Theatre School helps K-12 students develop their acting skills through workshops and productions. This spring, students are performing “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “James and the Giant Peach” on the new black box stage.

“It’s really exciting for them to kind of have a home that they can call their own,” Landon said.

Open Stage also is increasing the theater’s accessibility and adding bathrooms and an emergency exit near Strawberry Alley.

Open Stage was able to upgrade its space (which, according to Landon, “is long overdue”) thanks to its 30/30 campaign. The 30/30 campaign is a fundraiser in which the theater honors its previous 34 years, while looking toward the next 30 years, hence the renovations.

“We’re going to be here for the long haul,” he said. “We love where we are. We love our space. We love being downtown. And so it’s like, ‘Okay, if we’re going to be here, then what do we need to do to our facility to make sure that it can last for the next 30 years?’”

Open Stage started its campaign in spring 2017 and has gotten donations from residents, local businesses and foundations. According to Landon, it’s the largest capital campaign in Open Stage history, and they still have a ways to go. So far, they’ve raised $700,000 of the $1 million they need to reach.

“We’ve not only never made an ask this big, but we’ve never made an ask like this,” he said. “The fact that we looked to our community and said, ‘Hey, will you help us?’ and they turned right around and said, ‘Yes.’”

Open Stage is set to open the doors to its new space in early October. Their first production will be “Who’s Holiday!” which runs Nov. 16 through Dec. 28 and stars Rachel Landon, who also is Open Stage’s marketing manager.

“[Patrons] get to see this beautiful product that a group of artists put together, and so it’s a really beautiful thing,” she said. “So, I’m glad that we get to improve our facilities and improve the experience because I think it’s worth it. It really is.”

Open Stage of Harrisburg is located on 25 N. Court St, Harrisburg. For more information, visit the Open Stage website.

Harrisburg Council may decide on 3rd Street sign removals after residents urge action

August 20, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

The stop sign at N. 3rd and Kelker streets

Harrisburg City Council likely will have the final word on whether to retain or remove stop signs along N. 3rd Street.

That was the main takeaway from a lengthy meeting tonight, which was called specifically to discuss the proposed removal of stop signs at four N. 3^rd Street intersections--at Boyd, Harris, Kelker and Emerald streets.

“I serve at the pleasure of City Council,” said city Engineer Wayne Martin. “I hope to get guidance from City Council.”

Martin’s assertion came near the end of a three-hour-plus meeting, which was attended by about 40 residents, many of whom spoke out against the planned removals.

Council President Wanda Williams then said that, before any action could be considered by council, she had to confer with city Solicitor Neil Grover, who was not present at the meeting, as action may necessitate changes to the city’s traffic control map. She said that council may schedule another special meeting on the issue before the next regular legislative session on Sept. 17.

The meeting began with a presentation by Martin, who explained that the stop signs were no longer needed at those intersections. The ongoing 3^rd Street multimodal project, he said, would calm traffic along the street due to the project’s numerous curb extensions and bump-outs.

In addition, he said that, with the changes to 3^rd Street, the intersections do not warrant stop signs. Per federal and state guidelines, stop signs should be used to control traffic, not slow it down, he said, adding that, in the past, the signs only served to assist sight distance.

“Going back in time, the only warrant that was met was sight distance,” he said. “We installed bump outs to improve sight distance, so there are no sight distance issues.”

Martin also said that stop signs can actually create more dangerous intersections where they’re not warranted.

“Leaving those stop signs in there when they’re not warranted will cause more crashes,” he said.

Despite Martin’s presentation, dozens of residents urged the city to retain the stop signs at those intersections, almost uniformly saying that removing them would create a more dangerous street.

“Everyone understands what stop means,” said Angela Johnson, a Green Street resident. “You have people who are afraid for their safety, who are afraid for their children, who are afraid for their pets.”

The signs were due to be removed on Friday. But, according to Martin, the removal has been rescheduled because the 3^rd Street repaving project was delayed due to rain.

Former council President Gloria Martin-Roberts, an Uptown resident, advocated for retaining the stop signs and for greater traffic enforcement at the intersections, as the signs are routinely disregarded currently, she said.

“I’m telling you this is a bad idea,” she said. “If you remove the stop signs, pedestrians will be harmed. This is very, very, very serious.”

In their comments, most council members seemed to side with the residents who objected to removing the signs.

Councilman Dave Madsen said that he helped circulate a petition both online and in person objecting to removal of the signs.

“I can tell you there was overwhelming support among residents for keeping the signs at Kelker and Harris streets,” he said.

Councilman Ben Allatt preached taking a long-term view. He said that, even if 3^rd Street does not warrant stop signs today, it may in the near future, given the proposal to return much of N. 2^nd Street to two-way traffic, increased development in the area and more people moving into Midtown.

“I think it’s really quite premature to go ahead with the removal of stop signs until we find out what traffic patterns will be in place in the near future and the far future,” he said.

Proposed PA STEAM Academy faces more delay, as Harrisburg school receiver appeals court decision

August 20, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Midtown 2, where PA STEAM Academy would like to locate

For months, the proposed PA STEAM Academy has been waiting for a date to take its case before the state’s Charter School Appeal Board.

It appears the proposed charter school’s supporters now will need to wait even longer.

At Monday night’s school board meeting, Harrisburg school district Receiver Dr. Janet Samuels approved a resolution starting the district’s own appeal, specifically an appeal of a lower court’s approval of signatures supporting the proposed school.

On Aug. 2, Dauphin County Judge John McNally issued an order stating that PA STEAM had collected enough valid signatures so that the proposed school could now move forward with mounting an appeal to the state Charter School Appeal Board.

“The required number of signatures (1,000) were properly obtained and presented to the Court . . . ,” McNally wrote in his decision.

Samuels now is appealing that decision to the Commonwealth Court. Asked about the issue on Monday night, Samuels declined comment.

However, during the meeting, she said that the Harrisburg district stood ready to compete with charter schools, and she even encouraged district parents with children in brick-and-mortar and cyber charter schools to consider returning to the Harrisburg school system.

“I want to be very clear about, here in the Harrisburg school district, we are ready in a very bold and courageous way [to compete] with all charter schools in this area,” Samuels said.

Reached by phone on Tuesday morning, Dr. Carolyn Dumaresq, chair of the PA STEAM Academy’s board of directors, said that she was disappointed with Samuels’ action.

“It’s kind of a mystery to me that the receiver says she wants to compete with charter schools, but then doesn’t allow any to open,” said Dumaresq, who served as state secretary of education under former Gov. Tom Corbett.

In fact, PA STEAM had submitted petitions with 1,844 signatures, far exceeding the 1,000-signature threshold, making it unlikely that the district’s appeal will succeed, she said.

“To challenge the signatures—isn’t there a better use of taxpayer money?” she said.

Originally, PA STEAM Academy had hoped to open for the 2019-20 school year in the building now known as HACC Midtown 2, previously the Evangelical Press Building, at N. 3^rd and Reily streets.

However, in February, the Harrisburg school board unanimously denied their charter application. Charter school supporters then collected signatures as a first step in the appeals process. With the petitions approved by McNally, school founders believed that they were free to continue their appeal to the state Department of Education’s Charter School Appeal Board.

PA STEAM Academy now must mount another hurdle—defending their signatures before the Commonwealth Court.

“You would have to prove that these people (who signed the petitions) don’t live in the city, and they do,” Dumaresq said. “It seems like just more delay. It’s sad.”

Dumaresq said that PA STEAM now hopes to open in time for the 2020-21 school year. The founders envision starting with 120 students in a K-2 school, adding a grade level each year until it becomes a K-8 school.

“I think this appeal is such a misuse of taxpayer money,” she said. “But are what are you going to do?”

The Broad Street Market says: Thank you for being a friend.

August 20, 2019 | by Yaasmeen Piper

You now can become a “friend” of the Broad Street Market.

Do you consider yourself a “friend” of the Broad Street Market?

If so, Josh Heilman wants to hear from you.

Heilman is the market’s new executive director, and, as one of his first major initiatives, he has launched a long-planned “Friends of the Market” program.

The new initiative allows residents to help the market through a yearly donation or by volunteering for certain events and activities. The goal of the program is to bring additional revenue and support to the Broad Street Market for renovations, events, merchandise and more.

“We’re looking to get monetary donations and volunteer time,” Heilman said. “The market kind of needs some work, so we’re looking for some extra sources of revenue.”

The immediate donations are going toward two different projects: installation of banners that will surround the market and replacing the string of roof lights on each building, which have been out for some 20 years.

Volunteers, also called “market ambassadors,” will be asked to help with landscaping, painting and any special events. According to Heilman, the market is planning to roll out a merchandise table by Christmas, which the volunteers will also help run. They’ll sell tote bags and eventually T-shirts and answer any questions people have about the market.

Members get an exclusive Broad Street Market tote bag, which serves as a member ID, access to special market events such as an upcoming barbecue in September, and discounts to certain stands in the market. Right now, Sweet 717 and R.G Hummer Meats & Cheese are offering 10 percent off to all members.

The idea for Friends of the Market came from Beth Taylor, former Broad Street Market manager and Amy Hill, president of the board of directors. The idea was brewing for about three years before Heilman and the board decided to implement it.

“That was my first goal of coming here, getting it launched,” Heilman said. “There were a lot of hiccups along the way. It was pushed back about 90 days. In August, I just decided that we needed to do it now and just go from there.”

They had a soft launch of the program in early August. Heilman is planning an official launch of the program in late September with a press conference, guest speakers and the unveiling of the new banners.

Heilman hopes the program will become a revenue driver and allow the market to work on even bigger projects such as replacing the doors and making the market more accessible to customers.

Even with its soft launch, the program has gained traction, already signing up 85 members.

“I was overwhelmed with the response of volunteering. It’s been amazing that people are willing to donate their time and money into the market,” Heilman said. “I think people love the market so much that they’re willing to pitch in and help out where it’s needed.”

For more information on how you can become a “Friend of the Market” visit broadstreetmarket.org/friends.

Charter school fate again in doubt as school district restarts “non-renewal” process

August 19, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Members of the Harrisburg school board and administration during Monday night’s board meeting.

A Harrisburg charter school is once again in jeopardy, as the city school district is restarting efforts to deny it a charter.

Receiver Dr. Janet Samuels approved a resolution on Monday night that will continue “non-renewal” proceedings against Premier Arts and Science Charter School, located at 500 N. 17^th Street.

The district now will hold public hearings on its decision not to grant a renewal, though Samuels did not immediately offer a timeframe for doing so.

“. . . the School District will present evidence in support of the grounds for non-renewal set forth herein, and Premier will be given a reasonable opportunity to present witnesses and evidence in support of its defense,” according to the resolution approved by Samuels.

“Tonight, this meeting, Aug. 19, 2019, this district will commence with the non-renewal proceedings,” she said during Monday’s meeting.

Premier was granted a five-year charter in 2013, which has now expired. Nonetheless, it continues to operate and just opened for the 2019-20 academic year with about 220 students. If the district does refuse to renew the charter, the school could appeal the decision, allowing it to continue to operate during the appeals process.

Last year, the Harrisburg school board indicated that it would not renew the charter and began non-renewal proceedings against Premier. However, those proceedings were stopped and, earlier this year, the board was prepared to vote for a settlement that would have allowed Premier to continue to operate.

Once appointed receiver for the district in June, Samuels halted that settlement and now has restarted the district’s effort to deny Premier a renewal.

In its resolution, the district cites 22 separate reasons for denying the school a charter renewal, alleging procedural, reporting, data and funding issues, as well as alleged academic, achievement and instructional shortfalls.

“This board voted not to renew the charter based on lots of reasons,” Samuels said. “There are mandated reporting pieces that were not adhered to. When you think about, we talked about this at our last meeting, ensuring that clearances were done for staff—not adhered to. And I could go on.”

Also on Monday night, Samuels named Dr. John George, previously the district’s financial recovery plan service director, as the district’s acting superintendent, and named Christopher Celmer, previously the chief operating officer, as the acting assistant superintendent.

In his update on Monday, George went through a list of continuing issues facing the district. He said that the district’s finances are being pieced back together, though he projected that another 30 to 60 days of work remained to have a clear understanding of the budget.

“We’re building a puzzle without knowing what the picture will be like in the end,” he said. “However, it’s coming together.”

The district, he said, needs to close out the 2018-19 school year financially before it can create a firm 2019-20 budget, but “the bills keep coming in,” and they need to be examined and settled.

George also said that personnel records “were in disarray when we inherited them.” Going through them, they found that three support staff members lacked proper clearances and four teachers lacked appropriate certifications, so all were dismissed.

He also reflected on the morning’s faculty and staff convocation, which was held in the auditorium of Harrisburg High School.

“Today was an amazing day, watching all the staff members come back,” he said. “The excitement in the room, the enthusiasm, the sense of renewed hope was clearly, clearly contagious.”

Lastly, he said that the district is ready to start the school year, which begins for students next week.

“Monday is an important day for us, and we’re looking forward to it,” he said.

Fit & Balanced: Sculpt Pilates opens on Front Street in Harrisburg

August 19, 2019 | by Yaasmeen Piper

The interior of Sculpt Pilates

“It’s very tiring trying to open your own business,” said Beth Seitz, who, nonetheless, had a huge smile on her face.

In just under 10 months, Seitz has created her own Pilates studio called Sculpt Pilates and Barre. Located on N. Front Street in Uptown Harrisburg, the studio offers traditional Pilates classes, as well as some specialty classes that she created.

“People should come [to Sculpt Pilates] because we are different from any other Pilates studio,” she said. “We really value our clients. We want to keep them happy, we want to keep them coming, we want their feedback.”

One element that helps the studio stand out is the “fuse ladder,” which is similar to a Pilates tower. The ladder incorporates a lot of strength training through its springs, different handles and a bar that allows you to do pull-ups on it. According to Seitz, Sculpt is the only studio in the area with these ladders.

“I think that really sets us apart from other studios,” she said.

Sculpt offers a wide variety of classes, such as a “planks and play” class for mothers and their kids, pre- and post-natal classes, private sessions, classes for seniors and more. There is a private room for people who need more personal training, a special room for mat and barre classes and another room for retail items.

The exterior of Sculpt Pilates, located on N. Front Street in Harrisburg

Seitz initially got into Pilates after giving birth to her son 17 years ago. After starting, it became more than just about losing weight.

“I don’t like to exercise at all, but I fell in love with Pilates,” she said. “It just gave me such improved mental clarity. I felt better physically, I felt better mentally, I felt better emotionally. It was an all encompassing transformation really.”

Seitz started teaching Pilates six years ago because she wanted to help other people achieve this feeling. She taught for five years at a studio run by someone else, but she said it felt like something was missing. In December, after leaving her previous instructor position, she decided she wanted to create her own studio.

“I wanted to tailor what was taught at the studio and what the experience should be,” she said. “I don’t like the big gyms. I think, whenever you do Pilates and when you do barre, you should have an extra-special experience in the studio.”

Right now, Seitz is pulling away from her instructor role to focus on the business side of things. So, she has instructors on-site to help her in the studio.

Even though they have a soft opening today, Seitz and her crew have already given free, 30-minute demos so customers can get a feel for the studio.

“Clients are really loving that the space is so modern, that it’s really relaxing and comfortable. They think the instructors are great, which they are,” she said. “Everyone who walks in just says, ‘This is absolutely incredible.’”

Seitz offers numerous subscription packages, from monthly auto renewal packages to no contract and drop-in prices. Classes can also be purchased through an app, which is available on IOS and Android. She also offers specialty prices from Aug. 19 until their grand opening at the end of September. People in the military, officers, health care workers, senior citizens and certain businesses in the city also get 10 percent off whichever package they choose.

“We’re community-focused. We want to connect with the community and get everyone involved no matter what their fitness level is,” Seitz said. “We want everyone to feel welcomed and come in and have a good time and get to be the best version of themselves.”

Sculpt Pilates and Barre opens Monday, Aug. 19, at 2609 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Parking is available behind the studio. For more information, visit www.sculptpilatesandbarre.com.

“New Era”: At convocation, Harrisburg school district leaders pledge respect, kindness, competence

August 19, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg school district Receiver Dr. Janet Samuels rang a bell to start today’s convocation at Harrisburg High School.

“I wondered: Why did you come back?”

Dr. John George asked that question today to hundreds of Harrisburg school district faculty and staff, who packed the auditorium of Harrisburg High School.

George, who is helping to lead the district’s recovery team, was half-joking, and the large crowd chuckled in response, but George quickly turned serious.

“I had the pleasure to ask a few of you, ‘Why did you stay through a decade of a difficult situation?’” he said. “One by one, I got the exact same answer from every single person I asked, and that was, ‘Because of the children.’ And that’s an incredible statement.”

The crowd then applauded in acknowledgement, marking one of the many emotional high points during this morning’s school opening convocation–a part orientation, part pep rally and part group hug to kick off the 2019-20 school year, which begins for students in a week.

District Receiver Dr. Janet Samuels opened the 45-minute meeting by ringing a bell, symbolizing a “new day” for the district, a theme stressed repeatedly during the ceremony.

“As we begin the new year together, may we recommit ourselves to excellence and expect nothing but the best,” she said. “It is the power of our beliefs and our expectations that can spark a burning desire in our students and rekindle their joy of learning and, of course, to move forward in a very successful manner.”

Samuels then called upon the faculty and staff from each of the district’s 11 schools and academies to stand up to applause.

“You indeed are very, very special and very important,” she told them. “And this is an opportune time to thank you for all that you do and all that you’re going to do to impact the students here in the Harrisburg school district.”

The convocation also was marked with implicit—and sometimes explicit—criticism of how the district was run previously, under the nine-year administration of former Superintendent Sybil Knight-Burney.

“This is not business as usual,” said Samuels, who was named district receiver in June and quickly fired Knight-Burney. “I want to underscore that. It is not business as usual.”

Samuels went on to list several areas where the district’s 835 faculty and staff should expect improvements under her leadership, including an emphasis on early learning, curriculum materials, safe schools, clean buildings and a more responsive human resources department.

“This is about the business of service and support and putting our children first,” she said. “That means working together arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder to make a difference.”

Harrisburg school district faculty and staff packed into the Harrisburg High School auditorium today for a districtwide convocation.

Samuels also praised George, the financial recovery plan service director for the 6,000-student district, noting his key role in helping to turn around the Reading school district before agreeing to take on a similar role in Harrisburg.

“It’s my pleasure to be here and be part of this incredible team of people who are going to do amazing things here in the Harrisburg school district,” George said. “You’ve been through an incredibly difficult time period. That time period is over.”

George mentioned several areas where his team was making progress, most notably in straightening out the district’s troubled finances.

“We have to rebuild the budget,” he said. “We don’t know yet where we stand exactly. We’re getting close to figuring that out.”

He also pledged that the administration would treat faculty, staff, parents and students with “integrity, respect and kindness.”

“One thing I can tell you—there’s going to be no nepotism,” he said, a statement that may have gotten the loudest cheer of the morning. “That’s over.”

After the convocation concluded, Jody Barksdale, the head of the Harrisburg Education Association, remarked on the different atmosphere she already felt in the district, just two months after Samuels took over as the court-appointed receiver.

“Everybody feels like it’s a fresh start,” she said. “It a new era for the Harrisburg school district.”

Art in the Burg: Our fine arts columnist takes a stroll up Verbeke Street during 3rd in the Burg.

August 19, 2019 | by Bob MacGinnes

Works by Ann Benton Yeager adorn the wall of “The Gallery” at The Millworks.

Usually in an art column, one starts with the art and its impact felt by those who view it. This time around, it is important to discuss three components that go into making an art event work.

The first is an “A” for atmosphere. Is the stage set to provide the tone the artists want to convey? For last Friday’s 3rd in the Burg, we narrowed that stage to Verbeke Street, nicely tucked between the two art blockbusters currently in Harrisburg (“Picasso: A Life in Print” at Susquehanna Art Museum and “Art of the State” at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, both reviewed previously).

Tara Chickey is the art director of the Millworks, presiding over a beehive of activity in this art enclave on Verbeke, just across from the Broad Street Market. We got the inside buzz for the new show that opened Friday night and runs through Sept. 15, including the lineup of artists that will be featured for the citywide Gallery Walk on Sept. 8. The Millworks has been a natural home for local artists creating their own nest within the larger art community. Tara knows that, to keep the colony productive, there has to be a sense of cross-pollination. Think of the artists as vital to the sociality of the hive.

Ann Benton Yeager’s “Modern Art” on the main floor, studio 103, revealed her “cold wax and oil” painting. The finished product is “cool” to say the least, but it is the process that makes it so unique. Yeager will demonstrate her art for Gallery Walk. Next, onto the Millworks’ first-floor Market Place, a room filled with treasures for art lovers of all flavors. From candles to leather goods, textiles to trinkets of an artistic bent, jewelry and clothing, all touchable and tempting, provide visual stimulation to those who enter.

We next traveled upstairs to Studio 319, a shared space with a trio of artists who refer to themselves as “the three-ring circus.” This includes Tina Berrier, who spoke to the stories behind her colorful and quirky portraits of people and animals. A personal favorite was a cocky chicken named Clyde smoking a cigarette (pictured). Colonel Sanders would frown upon that activity as this character proved to be a “Kentucky Clyde Chicken.” Fellow painter Judy Kelly gave us the lowdown on their place in Millworks history, as the trio has been part of the creative hive since its inception. Mary Gelenser, with her fiber art, rounds out this group of friends.

Sharing studio 323 is none other than Caleb Smith and Tara Chickey, the Millworks studio’s resident married couple. And TheBurg’s own creative director, Megan Caruso, adds her “Quiet Clay” vessels to the charm, elegant in their clean lines. In the back half of 323 was Maddie, gallery assistant to artist P.D. Murray, whose paintings were drenched in rich colors with wildly imaginative subjects. The hive atmosphere carried over into the restaurant and bar, a hub of after-work gatherings with weekend wishes already starting to come true, enhanced by the clink of glassware and gab. In a glamorous and gregarious way—that’s atmosphere.

We next ventured up the street, to No. 258, also known as “Vivi on Verbeke.” Here, Vivian Sterste and Jeb Boyd had a welcoming stage set up outdoors and in, with a bench and chairs and the most comfortable divan. Perfect pottery by Vivi and painterly photographs by Jeb added just the right amount of pop that also snapped and crackled. Again, the relationships they make with 3rd in the Burgers create a lasting bond. In promoting that mindset, an outsized community painting (pictured) waits inside for visitors to add their own creative marks.

Just up the street at 214 Verbeke, La Cultura makes networking a nuance not to be outdone by any other organization. Elyse Irvis, owner and operator of this unique establishment, subscribes to her mission statement of, “For the culture…franchising the disenfranchised.” Her plan allows local businesses and artists to rent space within the premises for special events and art exhibits, limited only by the imagination. Coming up on Sept. 21 is a self-care workshop from entrepreneur April Ashe. Her line, “UnBottled Expressionz,” combines bath salts and beauty, proving that, if you are relaxed in spirit, you beauty shines through. The artist on hand was Dillon Mitchell, CEO of Art Only LMG, and his line of artistic products, including tees and paintings.

All told, 3rd in the Burg took a leisurely three hours in our tour of art on Verbeke Street. That brings me to the “T.” Time flew in the best sort of way. What we experienced in our investment of that ever-fleeting intangible commodity is something you cannot measure in quantifiable terms. Our night at all three venues was enlightened by rich cultural exchanges, atmospheres completely individual. The hive at Millworks in all its layers of “Art.Food.Brewery” and the venturous vibe at Vivi on Verbeke, completed by culturally committed La Cultura, all add up to “Atmosphere,” “Relationships” and “Time,” immeasurable gifts to be relished. So when the hourglass flips for the next 3rd in the Burg, may I suggest pursuing moments worth remembering?

The next 3rd in the Burg will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, through downtown and Midtown Harrisburg. For more information, visit https://thirdintheburg.org/.

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Happy Weekend!

What are you doing this weekend?

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