Community Corner: Notable July Events

June 28, 2019 | by Missy Smith

July Community Corner

Library Learning
July 1-Aug. 8: Join New Cumberland Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, for “A Universe of Stories” summer learning program. Earn incentives and raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes by reading, visiting the library and attending programs. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Midday Getaway
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Families with kids from newborn to 4 years old can enjoy a peaceful afternoon with a beverage and soothing music on the first floor of Elizabethtown Public Library, at the Coffee Co., 10 S. Market St., 1 to 3 p.m. Quiet play stations with colorful, educational toys and coloring pages are available. www.etownpubliclibrary.org

4th Celebration
July 2-4: Head to the 3rd Annual July 4th celebration at The Star Barn Village, Newville Road, Elizabethtown, for a ride through Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, self-guided tours of The Star Barn Village, a visit with animals in the petting zoo, pony rides, games, vendors, demonstrations and more. www.thestarbarn.com

July 4 Celebration
July 4: Join Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, for their annual Independence Day Celebration, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy patriotic marches and show tunes by the New Cumberland Town Band at 10:30 a.m. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Purchase picnic foods and shop a book and jewelry sale. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Declaration Reading
July 4: Historical Society of Dauphin County presents its annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence with John Harris Jr. re-enactor David Biser from the porch of the Harris-Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. Readings will be held at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Taste of Independence
July 4: Harrisburg toasts the nation’s birth with the annual “Taste of Independence” food truck festival with more than 40 food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, a wine garden and more in Riverfront Park, 3 to 9 p.m. Annual fireworks display follows. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Summer Fridays
July 5-Aug. 23: Summer Fridays at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, are “pay as you wish,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Art docents will be available for tours of “Art of the State,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.statemuseumpa.org.

Summer Flea
July 6: Explore the HBG Flea summer market, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Shop for local art, handmade gifts and vintage wares from local artists and curators. www.hbgflea.com

Concert Series
July 7: Harrisburg Young Professionals hosts a free Italian Lake Concert series concert at Italian Lake, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, with Switch Fu, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blankets and snacks. www.hyp.org

Golf Tournament
July 8: Bethesda Mission will host its 29th Annual Mission Open Golf Tournament at Colonial Golf and Tennis Club, 4901 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, to raise funds for its long-term recovery program. Light refreshments will be available at 7 a.m., and the four-ball scramble starts at 8 a.m. Luncheon and awards ceremony follows. www.bethesdamission.org

Community Carnival
July 9-13: Middle Paxton Lions Club will hold its free annual carnival at the Lions Club Carnival Grounds on Allegheny Street, Dauphin, beginning 6:30 p.m. each night. Enjoy live music, children’s rides, games and carnival foods. Visit their Facebook page.

Evening Mixer
July 10: Build relationships with local business professionals at the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s June Evening Networking Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., at Premier Eye Care Group, 3903 Hartzdale Dr., Camp Hill. The event is free to chamber members. www.wschamber.org

Networking Social
July 10: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals for a networking social at the rooftop biergarten at Café Huey, 260 Championship Way, Harrisburg, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. HYP members receive a complimentary drink ticket. Non-members welcome to join. www.hyp.org

4-H Days
July 11, 18: Cumberland County 4-H hosts 2019 Activity Days for kids, 8 to 12 years, at Penn State Extension Office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. On July 11, kids can navigate a fire safety house, learn self-defense and explore a virtual emergency. On July 18, they will learn about the body, exercise and enjoy a healthy snack. Cost is $8 per day. www.extension.psu.edu

Jazz Fest
July 11-14: Central PA Friends of Jazz will host the 39th Annual Central PA Jazz Festival, featuring concerts, a riverboat cruise on the Pride of the Susquehanna, a jam session, a jazz party, workshop, picnic and more. www.friendsofjazz.org

Brews & Views
July 12-14: Keystone Trails Association hosts Brews & Views, a hiking and brewery tour of scenic Pennsylvania vistas and hiking trails and Cumberland Valley breweries and pubs. Stay at Carlisle Comfort Suites, starting each day with breakfast and taking guided hikes to scenic vistas and well-known Appalachian Trail spots. Wind down at local pubs and breweries. www.kta-hike.org

Music & Movie
July 12 & 19: Lower Paxton Township’s “Free Summer Concert and Movie” series features a Beatles tribute by The Jellybricks on July 12 and Rayzen Kane and Howard and the Islanders on July 19. Following the July 12 concert, the movie “Hidden Figures” will be shown. Events begin at 7 p.m. at Heroes Grove Amphitheatre, 5010 Commons Dr. www.lowerpaxton-pa.gov

Volunteer Work Day
July 13: 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 provided. Bring a water bottle. Refreshments available. www.wildwoodlake.org

Pump Primers
July 13: PA Pump Primers’ 44th Annual Antique Fire Apparatus Show and Muster returns to Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A parade of antique fire trucks will leave the PA Farm Show building and travel to Riverfront Park, where they’ll be on view. Speak to owners, play games, grab food and listen to music. www.papumpprimers.org

Kids Club Event
July 13: Take the kids to Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., for a Mario Party with Gamestop. Kids Club events are free and held the second Saturday of each month, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. www.shopharrisburgmall.com

Thursday Fun
June 13-27: New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, offers Thursday Family Entertainment in Foundation Hall. On July 11, ZooAmerica hosts a fun, educational program with live animals; on July 18, Bright Star Interactive Theatre presents “Jack’s Adventure in Space;” and on July 25, Music Play Patrol leads interactive drumming. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Book Sale
July 13-18: Palmyra Public Library hosts its annual used book sale at Palmyra First United Methodist Church, 520 E. Birch St. The book sale opens on July 13 with an early bird preview, 7:30 to 9 a.m. Admission is $5. Customers should bring their own boxes or bags. www.palmyra.lclibs.org

Summer Theatre
July 15-26: Theatre Harrisburg, 513 Hurlock St., invites kids to its Summer Theatre Program, a theater experience in an interactive environment. The program is held in two sessions: July 15 to 19 for students going into 3rd to 5th grades and July 22 to 26 for those going into 5th to 8th grades. www.theatreharrisburg.com

Harrisburg Mile
July 17: Run or walk down Front Street during the annual Harrisburg Mile, part of the YMCA race series. The race begins at 6 p.m. at Front and Maclay streets and culminates near Boas Street with an after-race party. www.ymcarun.com

Explore the Moon
July 18: Kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to explore the moon at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This Curiosity Kids event is included with general admission to the museum. www.statemuseumpa.org

Business After Hours
July 18: Mingle with business professionals over food and drink at Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC’s free networking event, hosted by the Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Rd., Hershey, 5 to 7 p.m. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

NCPC Meet
July 18-20: National Chrysler Products Club will host its 41st annual national meet at Hotel Rock Lititz, 50 Rock Lititz Blvd. The three-day meet includes driving tours, a judged car show and a banquet. www.nationalchryslerproductsclub.org

3rd in The Burg
July 19: 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

Arts & Drafts
July 20: Support Perry County Council of the Arts at its “Arts & Drafts” fundraiser at River Bend Hop Farm and Brewery, 1800 Lower Bailey Rd., Newport. From 12 to 6 p.m., enjoy a family-friendly, picnic-style event, with art and craft vendors, activities, live music and a silent auction. From 6 to 10 p.m., guests receive access to a private upper level with music, beverages and hors d’oeuvres. www.perrycountyarts.org

Brewfest
July 20: Taste more than 50 craft brews while listening to music and sampling food from area restaurants at the 8th Annual Dauphin County Brewfest at Fort Hunter Mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 advance, $50 at the door and $15 for designated drivers. www.forthunter.org

Art Soiree
July 20: Art Association of Harrisburg hosts a “Soiree in the Country” at 1140 Gettysburg Rd., Mechanicsburg, 5 to 8 p.m. Featured artists include Yachiyo Beck, Jonathan Frazier, Paul Gallo, John McNulty Lowell and Linda Gates. Cost is $45 in advance, $50 at the door. www.artassocofhbg.org

Summer Brunch
July 21: Harrisburg Young Professionals’ Summer Brunch Tour continues at The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. Enjoy good conversation, hot coffee and a variety of menu options. RSVP is required. www.hyp.org

Mantra Practice
July 21: Eckankar of PA hosts “Chant HU: the Sound of Soul,” a workshop focused on the sacred sound and ancient mantra, at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 2 to 3 p.m. Free and open to all. www.eckankarofpa.org

Zero K
July 21: Support St. Stephen’s Episcopal School at a “Zero K,” a race that ends as soon as it begins. After “crossing” the finish line, participants enjoy an after-party, with music, beer, food, etc. The event begins at 4 p.m. at Zeroday Brewing Co., 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. www.sseschool.org/zero-k

Folk Fest
July 26-28: Susquehanna Folk Music Society hosts the Susquehanna Folk Festival at Roundtop Mountain Resort, 925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry. Enjoy live music, dancing, workshops, storytelling, crafts, kids’ activities, food and more. susquehannafolkfestival.org

Nature & Art Fest
July 27: Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, hosts the 26th Annual Nature and Art Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free festival includes food and craft vendors, education and art presentations, make-it-yourself bluebird boxes, live animal demonstrations and fish print T-shirts. A concert will at 5:30 p.m. www.nedsmithcenter.org

Pride Festival
July 27: The 27th annual Pride Festival of Central PA takes place in Soldier’s Grove Memorial Park, in back of the state Capitol, Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with vendors, live music, drag performances and more. www.centralpapridefestival.com

Stogies & Stories: Five old guys, five smoky cigars and endless jabber at “Live from the Lounge.”

June 28, 2019 | by Ann Beth Knaus

George Burns once said: “If I had taken my doctor’s advice and quit smoking when he advised me to, I wouldn’t have lived to go to his funeral.”

As the great granddaughter of a four-cigar-a-day smoker who closely resembled George Burns and lived well into his 90s, I have to admit that maybe he was on to something. I recently met up with a group of guys who might agree.

Bill Graffius, Gary Lightman, Frank Dombroski, Jerry Waters Sr. and newcomer Dale Albertson are the cigar-smoking hosts of the radio show, “Live from the Lounge,” which is taped at Harrisburg Beer N Cigar on Union Deposit Road in Susquehanna Township.

As the name implies, “Live from the Lounge” features five guys sitting in a cigar lounge, talking about anything and everything. Their comedic banter covers the gamut, from local business to community happenings to live-to-tape visits at various locales. Although politics and religion aren’t off the table, they rarely come up.

Usually, journalists sit behind the microphone, separate from the story they’re reporting, observing and taking notes. It’s not often that we get to be a part of the interview with our subjects. Such was the case on this particular day, when the “Live from the Lounge” hosts decided my interview might make for a good program. They invited me on air and let me ask anything I wanted. Their candor and humor kept me entertained, as it does their regular listeners.

Solving Problems

“Live from the Lounge” is more than two years old.

The guys actually wanted to start their own YouTube channel or create some type of podcast that they could farm out to the public. As fate would have it, however, veteran radioman Frank Schofield, then of iHeart Radio, just happened to be at the lounge one day and suggested that the team should have its own show. A few demo tapes later, “Live from the Lounge” was born.

The crew originally taped their show at the station with Schofield. But they soon agreed that the program would be better if they all sat around smoking cigars and—in their words—solved all of the world’s problems. Dombrowski acquired some equipment that allowed them to record remotely from the lounge, giving the show greater authenticity.

“We are a very eclectic group, and we speak here as friends,” Lightman said. “When you walk in the lounge, you will meet people of every walk of life, every religion and every ethnic group.”

More Damage

The bunch, all retired, have known each other for about 10 years, although Graffius and Lightman have known each other since the 1960s. The majority of the group are transplants: Graffius is from Port Matilda; Lightman is from Atlantic City, N.J.; Dombrowski is from Shamokin; and Albertson is from Franklin, Mass. Waters is the only member originally from Harrisburg.

Getting to know the team means getting to know their on-air personas. Each one has a nickname.

Waters, who worked for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, is “The Godfather.” Lightman, an attorney, is “The Duke.” Former hospital administrator Bill Graffius goes by “The Professor.” Dombrowski used to be a Harrisburg police lieutenant, so he’s known on air as “The Cop.” And listeners know former UPS employee Albertson as “The Instigator.”

Being in studio, you realize that, even during commercial breaks, the show really doesn’t stop. The hosts are always in character, or just being themselves, constantly joking and ribbing.

Back on the air, I asked the team about some of the road trips they took to record the show. Recent trips have included to Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day, which they admit was a blast, despite the weather. When they mentioned Eastern State Penitentiary, I told them it’s haunted. Without missing a beat, Dale interjected and joked that it’s even worse since they’ve been there. Centralia, known for its underground mine fires, was a stop along the road show, with the joke being that Frank dropped a cigar there, causing even more damage.

The “lounge” gets around.

The hosts have visited the Wolf Sanctuary in Lititz and the Appalachian Trail; taken fishing trips where Lightman fell into the water twice during one trip; and even visited London and the pyramids in Egypt, a bucket list trip for Lightman. They hosted a show at a U.S. Army training center at Fort Indiantown Gap, where they operated helicopter flight simulators learning how to fly—or, as they describe it—crash helicopters.

The trips are intriguing. But beyond that, the show is about the real and organic conversations they have about what’s happening today, especially with young people.

“We talk about the good things kids are doing around our community, things that never get reported,” Waters said.

A son of one of the lounge members shared details of his five-month hike across the length of South America.

So, what’s next for a local crew who easily could have a show on Comedy Central?

They’re planning to race cars at the Autobahn Indoor Speedway in Lemoyne, meet with local mushroom growers in Kennett Square in southeastern Pennsylvania, and attend the Elegance at Hershey, an annual car show. For this bunch, the possibilities are endless.

“We shake hands when we come to the lounge, and we shake hands when we leave,” Graffius said.

And about those cigars?

“You can’t be angry or upset when you are smoking a cigar,” Albertson said.

“Live from the Lounge” airs at noon on Saturdays on 1460 AM. For past shows, visit the podcast page at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/498-live-from-the-lounge-28240856/.

For more information, visit the Facebook page: The Lounge HBG.

African Style: Jambo Fashion brings a bit of Kenya to Harrisburg.

June 28, 2019 | by Maddie Conley

If you’ve taken a trip downtown in the past six months, you may have seen the new African store on 4th Street. The bold orange sign and string-light framed windows showcasing vibrantly patterned clothing are hard to miss.

Jambo African Fashion and Design brings you fabrics, wood carvings and an endless assortment of beads straight from Kenya. They are one-of-a-kind handmade African items—something that was hard to find in Harrisburg before now.

“I would love people to come taste African fashion and try it out,” said Edwin Maina, who owns the store with his wife Yolanda.

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Edwin came to America in 2011 followed by Yolanda in 2014. He started out working in Bristol, Pa., before moving to Harrisburg in 2013.

Yolanda had made and sold clothing in Kenya under the guidance of her mother who taught her the skill. A few years after she moved to Harrisburg to accompany her husband, she began designing clothes and jewelry to sell at markets and events like Artsfest.

“People were asking us if we had somewhere they could come and buy our things,” Edwin said. “I told my wife, ‘It’s high time we open a shop.’”

The Mainas evaluated the local economy and decided to make their clothing affordable to the community they were serving—making their quality goods a deal for any fashion lover.

“Even if I wasn’t African, I would love it,” said Susan Irungu, a regular customer. “They are really friendly and polite—in customer service, that’s all you need.”

Irungu even recalled times when she didn’t have the money for a clothing item at the time, and Yolanda would let her pay later in the week.

Not only do the Mainas care for their community in Harrisburg, but they seek to empower their friends and family in Nairobi, as well. Edwin explained how they create employment for women back home in Kenya who weave the baskets and bags they sell in their store. Family members also help make the items to be sent to Jambo for purchase.

Walking around the store, your eyes bounce from color to color, each pattern unique and carefully stitched. There’s everything from casual culotte pants to professional web capes to traditional dashiki shirts. There are fist-sized earrings and quarter-sized studs, thick bangles and dainty stringed beads. If you try on something and it doesn’t fit, chances are, Yolanda can tailor it for you. Or you can pick out a fabric for a custom-made clothing item. Edwin can even embroider it. For a small shop, there are endless choices and something for everyone.

“You won’t plan to buy anything and then you walk in and you’re like, ‘Oh, I want that skirt!’” Irungu said.

While business is good, Edwin is all about the people.

“My favorite part is the interaction, meeting new people and sharing the African culture,” Edwin said.

He hopes to incorporate hair braiding into their business in the near future. Long-term, Edwin would love to assist people in learning more about African culture by providing trip planning services to those wishing to visit Kenya.

A trip to Jambo isn’t just a trip to any other fashion boutique. You can’t leave without getting a glimpse into African culture or talking with Edwin about his beautiful home country. The designs will make you want to come back, and the prices will keep you coming back. All the while, the smiling faces of Edwin and Yolanda will be there to greet you.

“They are unique, they make everybody feel special,” Irungu said. “It doesn’t matter who comes in.”

Jambo African Fashion and Design is located at 19½ N. 4th St. Harrisburg. For more information, visit and like their Facebook, Etsy and Instagram pages.

Summer Lovin’: This season, fall hard for fresh peppers.

June 28, 2019 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

Among the many memories of my mother’s cooking was the unmistakable smell of roasting peppers on a summer afternoon. It was a regular ritual of hers, and one that I carry on all year long.

Fresh bell peppers were mostly available during the summer months back then. And our hot, non-air-conditioned kitchen didn’t deter my mother from cranking up the broiler every week.

We had roast peppers with our dinner but also alongside a sandwich for lunch. Sometimes, the roast peppers were lunch! To this day, they remain one of my favorite foods. And I always look for them as a first course in any Italian restaurant I might be visiting. When I have the time, I serve them with cocktails and garlicky crostini before Sunday dinner.

We are lucky today to see bell peppers of almost every color in our markets: red, yellow and orange, along with the more familiar green. I have even found creamy white and purple ones at the height of summer. Red peppers are considered the sweetest, but I like to use a variety of colors, as they look so beautiful arranged on a platter.

If you would like to try roasting sweet summer peppers at home, here are some things I’ve learned along the way:

Look for large, thick-skinned peppers. I have learned to recognize them by sight and feel. They are so much easier to peel when roasted.
You can use either the broiler or the outdoor grill. In the summer, the grill is my choice.
I roast the peppers whole and keep turning them until they are almost completely charred. (Some sources recommend cutting them in halves or quarters.)
Use a heavy bag for steaming. (I recently had a Ziploc plastic bag break with hot, steaming peppers inside. Whatever you use, support the bottom of the bag and place it in a bowl.)
As noted above, red peppers, which have been allowed to ripen longer in the summer sun, are sweetest.
When peeling the peppers after roasting, do not rinse with water.
Look for peppers grown locally. Fresh summer produce is the best and the most economical too.

Italian Roast Peppers (Pepperonata)

Ingredients

6-8 large and heavy bell peppers, assorted colors if available
Extra virgin olive oil
Good vinegar—red wine, white wine or balsamic
Salt and pepper

Directions

Scrub and then dry the peppers thoroughly.
Pre-heat your grill or broiler.
If using your broiler, place the peppers on a broiler pan or sheet pan. If using the grill, place the peppers directly on the grates.
Broil or grill the peppers until each side, along with the tops and bottoms, are charred. Turn from side to side frequently. (Don’t be afraid to see the peppers turn black. This is what you want.)
When the peppers are completely charred on each side, place them in a heavy bag (paper or freezer). Seal the bag and place it in a bowl or on a plate. Let the peppers cool (at least 45 minutes).
When cool, remove each pepper and remove all the skin and seeds with your fingers. If the peppers have been completely charred, the skin should slip off easily.
Pull or cut the peppers into strips and place them in a serving bowl.
Drench the peppers with lots of good olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
Serve at room temperature.

I often “dress up” my roast peppers by tossing in several cloves of peeled, fresh garlic and a sprinkling of capers. For a buffet table or summer lunch, roll the pepper strips and place them on a platter. Tuck fresh mozzarella slices and/or tomato wedges among the peppers. And if you are adventurous, add some oil-packed anchovies. Serve this wonderful antipasti with good, crusty Italian bread and extra olive oil and vinegar for dipping.

Roast peppers in oil freeze well and are great to pair with grilled steak, fish or chicken for a quick summer meal. They are terrific on homemade pizza and cheesesteaks.

Roast peppers: Another example of Italians’ love affair with vegetables!

The Cat Saver: A Lebanon sanctuary has attracted a global following.

June 28, 2019 | by Hanna Martin

Kelly Shutter with Mariah

Kelly Shutter shares her Lebanon home with her husband, her son and her 122 cats.

Shutter’s home, dubbed the 809th Armpurred Cattalion, is a sanctuary for cats that otherwise would have been euthanized, such as special needs cats and those on death row in shelters.

Shutter never intended to care for so many cats. People started bringing the animals to her once word got out that she would take in otherwise unwanted felines.

“Next thing I know, every day I’m getting calls,” Shutter recalled. “If I say yes, they live; if I say no, they die. So, I just kept saying yes, and next thing I know, we were up to 220 cats. I was just completely overwhelmed.”

That’s because Shutter does not rely on donations or volunteers to run her sanctuary. Instead, she cares for the cats herself, including seven with special needs and around 30 that are feral.

She doesn’t blame the shelters, though.

“I understand if you have 20 cats come in one day and you have five cages, you can’t pick a cat [with a disability] like this,” Shutter said. “You have to pick and choose. I would never ever want to be in that position where you have to choose who lives and who dies.”

One Big Family

Shutter has always loved cats. She grew up playing outside with about 40 cats on her childhood farm, so it became normal for her to have a multitude of cats around.

“People just don’t realize, saying, ‘There’s just no way you can take care of them all,’” Shutter said. “But they don’t know me. Every moment is spent taking care of them. You just have to use your time wisely.”

Despite rescuing so many cats, Shutter remembers every cat’s name, condition and where they are from. She receives cats from all over the United States, including from New York, North Carolina and Florida.

“You see a big pile of cats but there’s no fighting [here],” Shutter said. “It’s just one big colony, one big family. They’re family.”

The cats arrive to Shutter’s home through a nationwide volunteer pet transportation system. Volunteers drive for a short time with a rescued animal before passing the pet off to another person, who will pass it off again until it arrives at its new home.

Shutter has made many sacrifices to care for her furry family. Her living room no longer has a couch nor items on the shelves. Instead, there is only a TV playing soft music for the cats.

Finances can also be tough. She spends about $400 every two weeks for food, as the cats eat about 32 pounds of food and drink about 10 gallons of water a day. She also has 20 litter boxes. Still, Shutter is sometimes criticized for caring for so many cats.

“It makes me sad because people don’t know how hard I work and what I sacrifice,” Shutter said. “We can’t just go away for a weekend. Nobody could take care of them. That’s our sacrifice. And it’s $1,000 a month just for food and litter. But we made a commitment, and they’re alive because of us.”

Worth It

Beyond rescuing cats in need, Shutter has a greater mission to educate the public on pets with disabilities. She does this by taking some of her special needs cats to local events. One such cat, internet-sensation Freddy, had cerebellar hypoplasia, the feline form of cerebral palsy.

Freddy rode around in a stroller, donned in outfits fit for the occasion. When Shutter started her Facebook page for the cats, Freddy quickly became an online celebrity. However, he started simply as Shutter’s emotional support pet.

The two became inseparable. Before, Shutter would not leave the house for two weeks at a time, but Freddy wanted to go outside and explore.

When he suddenly passed away from feline infectious peritonitis in January, a disease that causes a high fever and sometimes fluid in the chest and abdomen, Shutter was flooded with words of support and donations from strangers all over the world.

“I had no idea the impact he had on people. I mean, a little black cat in clothes, and he brought the world to its knees when he got sick.”

Now, Mariah takes Freddy’s place in educating the public on special needs cats. Mariah, sent to Shutter from Florida, cannot walk, so she rides around in Freddy’s old stroller. Although the neurologists are not sure why she is paralyzed, Mariah is a spunky, healthy cat, often wearing baby clothes when she goes out with Shutter. Like Freddy, she is known worldwide. She even had a fan in Singapore pay for some of her medical expenses.

Shutter says that she will continue Freddy’s mission through Mariah.

“People aren’t aware that cats can get cerebral palsy,” Shutter said. “A lot of times these cats are just kept away. We just want to bring them out and show people that cats have disorders. They deserve the right to live just as humans with disorders do. They’re just as special and just as loving.”

Shutter said that, although it can be challenging to have so many cats, it’s worth it.

“I always had a dream to open a cat sanctuary, and then it just happened,” Shutter said. “How often do your dreams come true without even trying?”

See the cats on Shutter’s Facebook Page @809th Armpurred Cattalion.

Gimme Shelter: What’s the best way for Harrisburg to address its housing shortage?

June 28, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

If you want to get a beat on Harrisburg’s problematic housing situation, listening to Ahmad Ibrahim would be a good place to start.

The South Allison Hill resident not only owns his own house, but he leases out several others, all in his neighborhood, where renting, not owning, is the general rule.

To add to his bona fides: Ibrahim’s graduate class at Penn State Harrisburg recently authored a paper called “An Exploratory Study of U.S. Capital Cities’ Affordable Housing Policies”—and presented their results, twice, to City Council.

That’s why I paid special attention when Ibrahim leapt up from his chair during a special council meeting back in May dedicated to a single topic—affordable housing in Harrisburg. The issue that so motivated Ibrahim was inclusionary zoning, and he had something to say about it.

Ibrahim stated that he isn’t necessarily opposed to inclusionary zoning—the requirement that developers set aside a certain number of new units for low- and moderate-income people. He just thinks that Harrisburg’s policy-makers are mistaken if they believe that inclusionary zoning will do much to solve the city’s affordable housing problem.

“Inclusionary zoning is a very good idea to fix a problem that Harrisburg doesn’t have,” he said.

Why might this be?

Harrisburg’s problem isn’t really that developers refuse to build lower-income housing. It’s that there’s hardly any development at all, at any price point. So, there are nearly no apartments to “set aside.” In short, the city suffers from a severe supply problem that isn’t being remedied.

Drop in the Bucket

Currently, the only substantial projects in Harrisburg are two office-to-apartment conversions next door to one another downtown on Pine Street, which together will add 72 rental units when they’re done early next year.

In American cities, inclusionary zoning set-aside requirements vary, but typically mandate that 10 to 15 percent of total units be “affordable,” assuming the project exceeds a certain number of units in total (for instance, at least 20 units).

Therefore, if it were subject to set-asides, the Pine Street project would have yielded seven to 10 affordable units, apartments priced maybe a couple of hundred dollars lower than the going market rate. (This assume that, following a feasibility study, the project would be subject to any set-asides at all.)

Unfortunately, that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the city’s need. According to last year’s Harrisburg housing study, hundreds of new units are needed right now, with the shortage expected to get much worse over the coming years.

Now, those seven to 10 units might mean something if Harrisburg were littered with cranes, with builders throwing up apartments to meet the city’s shortage. But that’s not the case.

Right now, Harristown—the developer of those Pine Street properties—is the only builder in the entire city doing new, market-rate projects on any scale. And it’s only here because its stated mission, since the 1970s, is the redevelopment of downtown Harrisburg. That’s why it was formed, and that’s why it’s willing to take risks that other developers can’t or won’t take.

There is, literally, no other developer with a substantial, market-rate residential project actively in progress. I’m not exactly certain why that is. Maybe builders have not yet “discovered” Harrisburg or perhaps they don’t see a reasonable return on investment or maybe their prospects are better elsewhere.

Whatever the reason, market-rate developers continue to avoid the city.

More Supply

Harrisburg, though, does have another, and, I believe, more promising path forward, which also came up during that City Council meeting. According to last year’s housing study, the city has some 4,000 vacant buildings located in every part of the city.

In addition, many other buildings are blighted and barely habitable, and there are countless empty lots that could be developed.

To cite just one example, S&A Custom Built Homes owns, by my count, 58 empty lots in its so-called MarketPlace development, a profoundly well-located townhome neighborhood just north of the Broad Street Market.

In 2005, the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority sold those lots to S&A for $1 apiece. That’s right: a buck. In exchange, S&A promised to develop those units over the course of a decade—and that was 14 years ago. It started the project then stopped and hasn’t built a new house there in years, which actually may jeopardize its agreement with the authority.

In my view, Harrisburg would be better served putting its time and effort doing everything possible to increase supply—convincing developers that already own vacant land to build on it, putting blighted and abandoned buildings back into productive use and encouraging homeownership, which, in Harrisburg, can be substantially cheaper than renting and, all in all, is better for the city.

“We need to help people own the houses, more homeowners versus rentals,” Ibrahim said. “That’s what I’m trying to say.”

Coincidentally, at that same meeting, council members heard from officials of the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership, which offers loans to both builders and homeowners for fair and affordable housing. It would like to do more business in Harrisburg.

The city needs more housing “at every price point,” stated COO Shelby Nauman.

“We’re hoping, if we get more housing, things will come back into balance,” she said.

I agree.

Inclusionary zoning might, at some point, serve Harrisburg well, but that time has not come and is not near.

Sure, the city could pass an inclusionary zoning ordinance and sit and wait for development to occur. But, as they say in economics, hope is not a strategy.

Meanwhile, the city is littered with abandoned buildings, blighted properties, empty lots and rundown rentals that could be improved and owned. Focusing powerfully on these prospects would be a far more promising path to more housing in Harrisburg, which, in turn, would create a more livable, stable city.

Lawrance Binda is editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

Back to Business: From donuts to tequila, Harrisburg businesses continue to grow, change.

June 28, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

So much has been happening business-wise around Harrisburg recently that it’s been hard to keep up. Therefore, we decided to stop by a few places around town to find out what they’ve been up to.

The Vegetable Hunter
614 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-695-6229
www.thevegetablehunter.com

The Vegetable Hunter (former Crave & Co.) has been around for several years now, serving some of the tastiest vegetarian fare around, then adding a small-batch brewery. Now, owners Kristen Messner-Baker and John Baker have renovated and opened their second floor, which they call “Upstairs at the Vegetable Hunter” (pictured). In this new space, they feature a small plate vegan menu, in addition to their selection of craft beer and cocktails.

Tiki T’s Mini Donuts & More
221 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-340-0025
www.tikitsminidonuts.com

You could call Tiki T’s a hole in the wall—and you’d be spot on. After starting as a vendor in Saturday’s Market in Middletown, owner Will Horn recently opened his first brick-and-mortar store on the ground floor of the recently renovated downtown apartment building, the Bogg on Cranberry. At Tiki T’s, customers order through a take-out window (the aforementioned hole in the wall) and stroll away with a bag or bucket of tiny donuts, in a variety of flavors. Horn said that the line can get long when the downtown bars close up and disgorge their late-night, weekend crowds, which really isn’t surprising at all.

Taste Agave Tequila & Taco Bar
31 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-681-3000
www.tasteagave.com

Club and restaurant owner Ron Kamionka likes to shake things up. At his numerous downtown Harrisburg venues, he’s always weighing new concepts, tearing down and building back up again. So, just in time for Cinco de Mayo this year, it was out with 205 Speakeasy nightclub and in with Taste Agave restaurant, capitalizing on the current tequila craze. But don’t wait too long to visit. Kamionka plans to change restaurant concepts in the building several times a year, which might be the perfect approach for a guy who thrives on trying new things and giving customers novel experiences.

Sweet 717
Broad Street Market
1233 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
www.sweet717.com

Four years ago, Jessica Kost opened fudge-o-lutely, offering a line of rich confections based on her family’s tried-and-true fudge recipes. She’s now expanded and rebranded, adding items like vegan gummies, organic edible cookie dough and “stuff cups,” a taste experience far beyond your traditional peanut-butter cup. Kost said that customer tastes drove the expansion and, since she now offers a variety of sweets, the name had to change. Chocolate-lovers, though, shouldn’t fear, as Kost still offers a full line of her popular homemade fudge and other items, like fluffs, which she’s added over the years.

Mostly Toasted
Broad Street Market
1233 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
Facebook: Mostly Toasted

Mother/daughter duo Sally and Jewel Shanahan last month opened Mostly Toasted, the latest addition to the Broad Street Market’s large and growing number of food vendors. From the back of the brick building, they cook up a wide variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with such names as the “Bold and Beautiful” (cheddar, steak, onions, asparagus) and the “Johnny Appleseed” (Havarti, bacon, Granny Smith apples). According to Sally, all of their ingredients are locally sourced, with the cheese originating from grass-fed PA cows. Yup, the grilled cheese sandwich has moved far out of the grammar school cafeteria—it’s all grown up and ready for a taste.

Musical Notes: Fests & Folkies

June 28, 2019 | by Kait Gibboney

Summer’s in full swing, and we’re slinging some sizzling shows. It’s the time of year for outdoor events of all kinds, and Harrisburg’s got a ton to choose from this month.

Check out the Lower Paxton Summer Movie & Concert Series going on all summer, featuring two shows this month by The Jellybricks Beatles Tribute and Razing Kane and Howard & the Islanders.

For some festive fun on July 4, don’t miss Harrisburg’s Independence Day celebration, featuring fireworks by Tripwire Pyrotechnics launching from City Island beach. Dauphin County’s 8th Annual Brewfest kicks off at Fort Hunter on July 20 for a day of socializing and sampling over 50 craft beers. Back in the city, SoMa hosts its block party on July 25 featuring local beer, food, and live music in one of Harrisburg’s hottest downtown destinations. Near the end of the month, on July 27, get ready to proudly wave your rainbow flags and don your most colorful outfits for Pride Fest of Central PA at the Soldier’s Grove Park in the Capitol Complex.

With concerts going on at Reservoir Park and Italian Lake, there’s music everywhere you turn in Harrisburg. Always here with your entertainment hookup, here are some more shows I think y’all might enjoy.

CITIZEN COPE, 7/12, 7PM, XL LIVE, $31
Harrisburg’s building a reputation for memorable and prolific shows, and the music scene continues to grow every month. This month, XL Live keeps rolling out the big name artists, and Citizen Cope is no exception. With the help of WXPN, Clarence Greenwood brings his unique American songwriting sensibilities for an evening of bluesy folksy rock. Starting off his musical career as the DJ for the DC Hip Hop group Basehead, he was signed with DreamWorks under the name Citizen Cope in 2002. This past March, he released his first album in six years, titled “Heroin and Helicopters” on his own label, RainWater. Billboard magazine even got a chance to listen to the album, and called it “personal and poignant.” This is shaping up to be yet another hot show you don’t want to miss at XL.

STEVE FORBERT, 7/16, 7PM, NOTE BISTRO & WINEBAR, $25
Note is known around here for their relaxing atmosphere and amazing food, but did you know they also feature some sweet music? Their concert series now welcomes one of the biggest names in troubadour folk to their neighborhood stage: Steve Forbert. Bringing his pop-rock style to audiences since 1978, Forbert has built a strong career for himself that continues to this day. He’s had several singles like “Romeo’s Tune,” his album “Jack Rabbit Slim” hit certified gold status, and his 2003 album, “Any Old Time,” was Grammy-nominated for Best Traditional Folk. If that’s not enough to get you into his audience, he recently released his memoir, “Big City Cat: My Life In Folk Rock,” to accompany his 19th studio album release, “The Magic Tree.” Experience some of his 40-year career and see for yourself what the folk fuss is all about.

SUSQUEHANNA FOLK FESTIVAL, 7/26-28, ROUNDTOP MOUNTAIN RESORT, LEWISBERRY, TICKETS ONLINE
I’ve saved the best for last, as the second annual Susquehanna Folk Festival makes it way through our area to captivate audiences once more. Hosted at Roundtop Mountain Resort, it’s only a short drive from HBG to Lewisberry for some of the best folk you’ll experience all year. Heavy hitters are gracing the stages this year, with Grammy-award winning Cajun band BeauSoleil, Irish American group Cherish the Ladies, and award-winning fiddler Jeremy Kittel and his band, Kittel and Co., to name just a taste of the offerings. If you want more of a festival experience, check out their dance hall to try some swing and other steps, plenty of workshops for instrumentalists, an artisan marketplace, family friendly activities, and so much more. This event is sponsored by the Susquehanna Folk Music Society and will be emceed by WXPN’s own Ian Zolitor. Check out their website for full information and ticket pricing for an unforgettable weekend of folk.

Mentionables:

Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow, July 2, H*MAC;

Brandon Reece, July 7, Spring Gate Vineyard;

Switch Fu, July 7, Italian Lake;

The Jellybricks Beatles Tribute, July 12, Heroes Grove Ampitheatre;

Ron Holloway Band, July 12, The Abbey Bar;

IATT, July 13, J.B. Lovedraft’s;

Jantsen, July 13, H*MAC;

Razing Kane and Howard & the Islanders, July 19, Heroes Grove Amphitheatre;

Halloween in July, July 27, River City;

Robert Randolph & the Family Band, July 28, Whitaker Center

We Have Liftoff: Valley Youth House helps launch foster children into adulthood.

June 28, 2019 | by Susan Ryder

Marsha Washington described why, at the age of 18, she decided to close her case with Dauphin County Children and Youth.

“I was just done looking for families to love me and care about me like I wanted a regular family to,” she said.

As she sat across a conference table, two neat braids framing her bright face, she explained that people can remain in the foster care system until 21, but have the option of leaving at 18.

Washington made that decision, in part, because she had the support of Valley Youth House (VYH), where she started in its “Adolescents Achieving Independence” and “Aftercare” programs at age 16.

“They raised me, teaching us stuff we wanted to know,” she said.

What kind of stuff?

Well, the organization teaches a crash course in life, according to VYH Central PA Associate Director Melanie Hill.

VYH works with young people on life skills such as cooking, budgeting, getting a driver’s license, learning about taxes, understanding job benefits, etc.—basically anything a parent would guide a teenager through.

Hill pointed out that children miss out on much when they move foster homes frequently.

“They miss the life skills they need to become an adult,” she said. “VYH bridges the gap between foster care and adulthood.”

Most importantly, VYH helps youth figure out their life plan, said Hill. Part of that plan is finding out what they want to do, especially because, in the foster care system, children and teens’ decisions are continually directed for them.

Washington’s life plan involves becoming a physical therapy assistant. A recent high school graduate, Washington credits VYH with teaching her “humbleness and patience,” without which she would never have been able to graduate.

“When you feel loved, stable and cared for, it boosts your motivation,” she said.

Tools & Support

While VYH supplies developmental help, partner Scholars Inc. offers affordable housing through its Thrive Housing Services Program.

Scholars Inc. owns 17 properties throughout Harrisburg, helping people of all ages living on a shoestring. It additionally helps youth by providing some case management, according to Dee Allen, founder and executive director.

“It was very difficult before Valley Youth House came [3½ years ago] for us to juggle all the balls, to provide appropriate and accurate services to kids,” said Allen.

VYH’s objective is to continue that connection in the community. Youth in foster care often feel disconnected from their community because they can be placed with families far from where they began. Washington, at one point, was living with a family in State College.

VYH recognizes that its services to the youth will end, so they need to help build a support system for them.

“It takes a community, churches… businesses, and other organizations to help them settle,” Hill said. “These youth are capable of being successful in spite of life’s challenges, if given the right tools and support.”

VYH has recently added two new programs in support of homeless youth.

The Synergy Project, a street outreach, seeks to find and assist youth on the streets. The project takes a vanload of supplies and searches for young people living in cars, under bridges or couch surfing with friends, among other places.

“The hope is that they can develop relationships—and find alternative housing,” said Hill.

A line of bikes in the VYH office offers alternative ways to reaching youth, as do kayaks—some can only be reached via a waterway.

In February, VYH began a Transitional Living Program, offering adolescents 16 to 21 who are homeless or in foster care options for housing in the community, along with case management.

Hill pointed out the need for such services.

“If you don’t know where you are going to sleep, you’re not worried about life skills,” she said.

Offering affordable housing and providing speakers for its life skills classes are ways that people can assist VHY. Financial donations are an obvious option, but not-so-obvious items like tents and camping equipment are needed, as well. Letting VHY know about local homeless youth is another important way to help its mission.

Washington recognizes what she’s missed and what she needs. She’s keenly aware and enormously grateful for the help she’s received and the relationships she’s built at VHY. She got “chill bumps” when talking about the organization.

“I was afraid, lonely, and felt kind of lost,” she said, of life before VHY. “But now I don’t feel alone.”

Her confidence and determination bubbled up when she talked of the future.

“This isn’t the life I chose to live, but I have to work with it,” she said.

Valley Youth House is located at 1625 N. Front St., Harrisburg. To learn more, visit

www.valleyyouthhouse.org.

The Glass Sailing: “Maiden” recounts the first all-female crew for the legendary World Yacht Race.

June 28, 2019 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

It was 33,000 miles. It was a great source of patriotic pride and a chance to prove your weight in the sailing world.

Back then, it was called the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. Now, it is simply the Ocean Race, and it took its competitors on a journey very reflective of its title, submitting them to arduous, dangerous conditions.

In 1989, 23 crews set out from Southampton, England, for the nine-month haul. One of those teams was Tracy Edwards’ crew, sailing Maiden (or, with a wink and a nudge, “Maiden Great Britain”), the titular focus of director Alex Holmes’ new documentary.

Edwards, enamored by life at sea since she worked as a stewardess on a yacht, submitted the first all-female challenge. She was laughed at when she first proposed the idea in 1986—sailing was seen as a “men’s sport.” The film catches us up to speed, quickly relaying the three years it took for Edwards to build her crew, raise funding for the challenge, and, at age 27, bring that dream to fruition.

Holmes recreates Maiden’s journey, combining found footage from Tracy’s childhood, TV footage from the event itself, and interviews from each of the crew members years later, reflecting on the race.

Apart from the ocean itself, there were plenty of obstacles throughout their journey. No one believed that they could even pull off such a feat. They were, after all, women, and it was a men’s competition. Edwards had to convince the women she gathered to crew the ship that it was a battle worth fighting, herself taking the role of skipper—though by the end of the trip, she had picked up more responsibilities.

Not only does the film pull the nostalgia card, capturing the emotions of the crewmembers as they look back on that legendary trip, but the TV footage places you right in the midst of the action. We get to see Edwards hunched over the nautical map, drafting the route. We get to see the intensity of the waves, the crewmembers hoisting the sails and scaling the ropes to do their jobs. It is an incredible combination of mid- and post-experiential reflection.

Also included in the film’s narrative is the retrospect of Maiden’s competition, and various media outlets, such as Bob Fisher from The Guardian. It is fascinating to see the men discussing the sexist predispositions they’d had in 1989 and perhaps glimpse the lasting effects of those ruffled feathers. Despite Edwards stating in old footage that she hated the word “feminist,” we see Maiden’s valiant attempt to shake the societal structures set in place—to remind the world that, “Anything you can do, we can do.”

“Maiden” will play in July at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

JULY EVENTS
at Midtown Cinema

Central PA Open Screen
Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m.

National Theatre Live
“Julie”
Monday, July 15, 7 p.m.

3^rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“Wrath of Khan”
Friday, July 19, 9:30 p.m.

Moviate presents
“The Juniper Tree” (4K restoration)
Sunday, July 21, 7 p.m.

Down in Front! presents
“Ben & Arthur” (Pride edition)
Sunday, July 28, 7 p.m.

Outdoor Films
“Labyrinth,” July 12
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1990), July 26
“Coco,” Aug. 9
“Paddington 2,” Aug. 30

All outdoor films begin at dusk.

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