Artist in Focus: Jovana Sarver

May 31, 2019 | by TheBurg Editor

If you love Harrisburg, you’re almost certain to love Jovana Sarver’s story.

A 2006 graduate of the Capital Area School for the Arts (CASA), Jovana left for the “big city” (Philadelphia) and even spent time in Iceland before coming back to her home city.

Here, she honed her artistry and today creates in a wide range of styles and media, both 2-D and 3-D. So, one day, she might be painting with oils and, the next, making gorgeous pots and paper objects. Or she may be drawing with charcoal or creating installations from fiber.

Whatever the medium, you’re sure to find her art fascinating, expertly rendered and wildly inventive.

To learn more about Jovana and her art, visit www.jovana-sarver.com.

The Final Straw (and Hay): Try one more pasta dish before grilling season.

May 31, 2019 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

My mother always prepared our red sauce pasta the same way.

She cooked the pasta in a big pot of boiling salted water, tested every minute or so to make sure it wasn’t cooked beyond al dente, and then dumped it into a large bowl when done.

The sauce came next, poured over the pasta like hot lava, followed by freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese. Meatballs and pork were served in separate dishes. There was always fresh Italian bread from the Italian bakery on S. 19th Street in Harrisburg and a green salad served at the end of the meal.

To this day, I think there is nothing better than this.

But as I add more pasta dishes to “Rosemary’s Cucina,” I have been incorporating more recipes that call for all the sauce ingredients to be cooked and tossed together in a deep sauté pan with the cooked pasta added at the end. This restaurant technique results in pasta that has totally absorbed the sauce and glistens beautifully on the plate.

I recently celebrated spring by making a pasta classic from Emilia Romagna, located in northern Italy. It’s called “paglia e fieno,” or “straw and hay.” It is so called because the dish traditionally is prepared with a mix of yellow egg pasta and green spinach pasta. I used fresh fettucine purchased from a newly discovered vendor at my farmers market. But you can use dried pasta, as well, either fettucine or tagliatelle—wider noodles that work so well with the creamy sauce.

As discussed many times in this column, so many classic Italian dishes have multiple versions and variations. I used a very simple recipe from cookbook author and restauranteur Lidia Bastianich. It is a luscious combination of fresh pasta (just briefly cooked), baby peas, prosciutto and sweet heavy cream. It drew rave reviews from hubby despite the peas! I would serve it to company, too.

Paglia e Fieno

Ingredients

4 scallions
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shelled fresh peas or frozen baby peas
6 to 8 slices good prosciutto, cut into ½ inch ribbons
2/3 cup chicken stock or canned low sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 pound fresh fettucine, a mix of yellow egg and spinach or a half pound each of dried egg and spinach fettucine
¼ cup or more to taste of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano cheese

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
Trim the roots and tips from the scallions. Cut them in half length-wise, then crosswise into 3-inch strips.
Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
Add the scallions and cook until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.
Scatter in the peas and cook until just tender (if you are using frozen peas, this will only take less than a minute). Add the prosciutto and toss for 1 or 2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the sauce to a simmer and cook until it is reduced by half.
Add the heavy cream and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, another 2 minutes.
Cook the pasta in the boiling salted water. If you’re using fresh pasta, it only needs 3 minutes from the time you toss it in the pot. If using dried pasta, follow the instructions for cooking it “al dente.” Save a little of the pasta cooking water in a measuring cup if needed to thin the sauce.
Drain the pasta when cooked, but leave some cooking water clinging to the strands. Work quickly!
Add the pasta to the simmering sauce and cook a few minutes more to further reduce the sauce. Only add the reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Serve in warm bowls and sprinkle with lots of grated cheese.

You can tinker with this recipe a little bit.

Sauté some sliced button mushrooms along with scallions.
Use chopped pancetta instead of prosciutto.
Use ricotta, thinned with some pasta water instead of cream.
Add a little grated lemon zest.
Substitute chopped sweet onion for the scallions.

My pasta adventures continue. A few nights ago, I cooked some bucatini pasta with my regular red sauce and chopped Italian sweet sausage in my deep sauté pan, adding a little pasta water and lots of grated cheese. It was delicious.

It’s early June. There is still time for a pasta dinner before your grill takes center stage.

Passion & Peace: “The Gospel of Eureka,” a case study for harmony.

May 31, 2019 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Eureka Springs, Ark.: home of “The Great Passion Play,” the epic drama depicting Jesus Christ’s last days on earth that draws 50,000 people a year—and the home of a thriving drag scene, bolstered by an ever-growing LGBTQ community. In a fascinating documentary directed by Donal Mosher and Michael Palmieri, we see “The Gospel of Eureka” unfold.

The beauty of Eureka Springs is its ability to mesh the LGBTQ community with the devout Christian community without a citywide meltdown. Eureka was the first city in the state to issue same sex marriage licenses in 2014 and passed the Non-Discrimination Ordinance 2223, including LGBTQ residents in the list of those protected against discrimination. In the 1970s, Anita Bryant, leader of the “Save Our Children” campaign that targeted gay men, tried to make her comeback by coming to Eureka Springs, and no one showed up to her show. But, “like any other town,” as a member of the drag community narrates, “Eureka is a tinder box, just waiting for the match to strike.”

Mosher and Palmieri do their best to show both sides of this matchbox. The film follows the bathroom ordinance battle in 2017, showing protests and marches from both camps. In one scene, we see a man holding a sign protesting the ordinance, saying, “Nothing’s gonna happen that God doesn’t want to happen” (when the reporter repeats the line for clarification, a look of amusement comes over his face). And in contrast, we see a parade of people marching down the street in support of gay pride.

While there is much controversy here and elsewhere in the country, Mosher and Palmieri spin the focus to capture the specific demographic that finds themselves in the middle of this Venn diagram: LGBTQ Christians and their allies. We meet several key players, such as Lea Keating and Walter Burrell, the gay Christian couple who own the Eureka Live Underground, which hosts drag shows on a regular basis. We meet a trans woman who found peace with herself upon moving with her husband to Eureka and loves to go to “The Great Passion Play.” We meet the man who runs a passion play-based merchandise shop and ensures that the messages on various items (T-shirts, etc.) are inclusive. We meet the pastor running “The Great Passion Play,” who prioritizes people’s civil rights over his own views on homosexuality.

What unfolds is a community of people who love each other and support each other, defying stereotypes as they go. “The Gospel of Eureka” is heartwarming and uplifting, a beacon of hope in a world that defaults to taking sides. It serves as a case study for harmony in controversy.

“The Gospel of Eureka” plays as a one-night only showing on June 12 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

JUNE EVENTS
at Midtown Cinema

Digital Theatre Series
“Coriolanus”
Monday, June 3, 7 p.m.

“Small Island”
Sunday, June 30, 7 p.m.

[Untitled] Docs
“Grizzly Man”
Sunday, Jun 9, 7 p.m.

“The Gospel of Eureka”
Wednesday, June 12, 7 p.m.

Down in Front! presents
“Caged Heat”
Friday, June 14, 9:30 p.m.

3^rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“Mean Girls”
Friday, June 21, 9:30 p.m.

Outdoor Film Series
“Moana”
Friday, June 28, at dusk

Sign of the Salamander: The hellbender puts a face (an arguably ugly one) on river quality, habitat health

May 31, 2019 | by Karen Hendricks

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know the Eastern hellbender is now our official state amphibian.

It’s the largest salamander in North America and actually does live under rocks. Although it’s not endangered, its population is declining. So why should people care about a big nocturnal salamander, also nicknamed the devil dog, the mud devil and, my personal favorite, the snot otter?

Experts say its very presence in Pennsylvania waterways, as an “indicator species,” signifies a healthy habitat and clean water.

“Historically, they lived in the Susquehanna all the way from New York down into Maryland, but most of those populations are gone now,” said Dr. Peter Petokas of Lycoming College. “Their range in the Susquehanna is limited now.”

This year marks Petokas’ 14th year of hellbender research, primarily in the Upper Susquehanna Basin.

The first 10 years were devoted to surveying waterways simply to find hellbenders. It’s no small task—the creatures typically live under huge, heavy rocks the size of car hoods. Petokas and teams of graduate students donned snorkeling or scuba gear in order to find and microchip more than 3,000 hellbenders for further study. They can live 30 to 50 years, eating crayfish, toads, snakes and fish.

Over the past several years, Petokas transitioned into conservation work.

Last summer, he helped release 99 juvenile hellbenders raised by the Bronx Zoo into upper Susquehanna waterways. It’s the first time anyone has attempted a restoration project with the hellbender in Pennsylvania. This summer, he’ll be checking on their health and condition. Meantime, more hellbenders are being reared for future releases.

Can the hellbender population be restored throughout the Susquehanna?

“It’s such a large watershed, my ideal goal is to reestablish the population in the healthier tributaries to start,” Petokas said. “It’s possible, as the quality of the river and its tributaries improve, the hellbender will disperse.”

Numerous partnerships and funding sources include the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Upper Susquehanna Conservation Alliance, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and many others.

In the Harrisburg area, the lower Susquehanna and its tributaries—the Swatara, Yellow Breeches and Conodoguinet—no longer support hellbender populations, Petokas said. He’s considered doing a hellbender project in Perry County’s Sherman Creek, “a historic hellbender stream.”

Great Indicator

Petokas isn’t the state’s only hellbender expert.

Eric Chapman of the nonprofit Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been studying western and central PA hellbender populations for a dozen years, primarily in the Allegheny River Basin—an area he calls “a hellbender stronghold.”

In 2014, he began relying on eDNA, testing water samples for DNA to determine if hellbenders are present in specific waterways. The process helps his team prioritize stream work. A large grant from the Smithsonian National Zoo launched the hellbender eDNA project across multiple states, including Pennsylvania.

Chapman said that most people will never see the reclusive animals in waterways—nor should they, as you need a scientific collectors’ permit in order to search for hellbenders. Instead, he recommends that people visit one of three Pennsylvania zoos to see the creatures—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or Lehigh Valley.

“They’re such a great indicator of environmental health and quality,” Chapman said. “The biggest problem they face is sedimentation.”

When sediment settles around large rocks on the bottom of Pennsylvania’s waterways, it degrades hellbenders’ habitat. Acid mine drainage is another environmental issue hurting hellbender habitat.

Experts like Chapman and Petokas hope that naming the hellbender the official state amphibian raises environmental awareness.

The timing coincides with a recent environmental report by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). For the first time, its “2018 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring Assessment Report” assessed the Susquehanna River’s middle and lower reaches for aquatic life. The hellbender was not one of those species, however.

“Focusing on just one indicator species can be problematic because that species may be sensitive only to some pollutants and not others,” said Beth Rementer, DEP spokesperson. “It is much more protective to look at groups of species—entire communities of aquatic organisms.”

The report determined that nearly 18,000 (21 percent) of 85,000 miles of Pennsylvania waterways are considered impaired for aquatic life.

The leading sources of impairment cited in the report are agriculture, abandoned mine drainage, urban runoff/storm sewers and habitat modification.

As a result, the report recommends the lower Susquehanna (from Duncannon in Perry County to Columbia in Lancaster County) be placed on the impaired waters list, due to high pH levels. This classification would mean additional study by the DEP to remedy the water’s health.

Placing the Susquehanna on the impaired waters list is something the watchdog nonprofit Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has been advocating for several years. B.J. Small of CBF’s Harrisburg office calls the recent classification a “breakthrough.” More than half of the bay’s water flows from Pennsylvania.

The CBF’s “2018 State of the Bay” report gives the bay’s health a grade of D+. According to the report, “the bay suffered a massive assault in 2018” with “extraordinary weather flushing enormous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and debris mostly from PA off our lands and into the bay.”

“It’s important that people realize hellbenders are in trouble, so they can better understand what we do to protect and restore water,” Small said.

The hellbender puts a face, albeit an arguably ugly one, on the state’s declining species.

“We tend to focus on the charismatic species such as the bald eagle, trout or river otter,” Petokas said. “But I believe the hellbender is a very unique species in its own right.”

Learn more about the “2018 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring Assessment Report” at www.dep.pa.gov.

Stories on environmental topics are proudly sponsored by LCSWMA.

Look–Up in the Sky: Naylor Observatory allows those close by to see very far away.

May 31, 2019 | by Gina Napoli

If you contemplate the outer reaches of the universe, what celestial phenomena would you like to see?

A meteor shower? A comet that only appears once a lifetime? How about the terrain of the moon or Mars?

Fortunately, you don’t have to drive far from Harrisburg to get your heavenly fix.

The Naylor Observatory lies just outside of Lewisberry in York County, a short hop across the river though far enough away from the lights of the city and highway to offer a good look at the sky—on a clear night, that is.

The Astronomical Society of Harrisburg (ASH) holds regular viewing events there. Provided the evening’s conditions are right, you’ll be able to observe the night sky through several telescopes and share knowledge with the amateur astronomers at ASH.

The club holds regular viewings for the general public, which can draw a few hundred people. Visitors experience a distinctive ambience both in the sky and on the ground. Dotted along the observatory’s steep driveway is a series of red lights to gently guide your eyes.

“Red light best allows our eyes to transition to night vision, because the rods in our eyes don’t respond to red light,” said ASH member Courtland Barnabei.

Also red-lit on the observatory’s grounds are the compact outbuildings, four of which contain either retractable or removable roofs. These buildings have no heat or air conditioning, surrounding the telescopes with a stable ambient temperature. Inside, the telescopes are permanently mounted to underground piers.

“Wind is a huge factor for telescopes because air currents can distort images,” said ASH Secretary James Davis. “The mounting stabilizes them.”

You can bring your own telescope or use one belonging to ASH, but you don’t necessarily need one.

“The best observing is looking straight up,” said Chip Templin, ASH president. “Your eyes are looking out through various layers of atmosphere. But looking straight up cuts through the fewest number of layers.”

Using the club’s telescopes is an ASH membership perk.

“Most people make the mistake of buying a telescope, but then only use it a handful of times because it’s cumbersome to use or hard to set up,” said Barnabei. “You can use a free online star chart and binoculars instead.”

Some hobbyists even build their own rudimentary telescopes. You would think that a telescope is full of complicated mechanisms, but it’s actually mostly hollow, comprised of just two mirrors and a focuser eyepiece encased in a fiberglass cylinder. Light enters, bounces between the mirrors and through the lens to magnify faraway objects. Depending on the magnification power, some telescopes can see farther than others.

“The sky in Harrisburg doesn’t get dark enough to use certain telescopes,” Templin said.

The more sophisticated telescopes can automatically point to different objects in the sky simply by typing the object into a navigator controller. Davis routinely teaches classes on how to use telescopes, and he shared the secret for taking clear, detailed pictures of the moon. Press the lens of any camera to the telescope eyepiece, guide it to the moon, then click.

If you’d like to locate other celestial objects, ASH members recommend a number of good reference materials, accessible both at the observatory and online.

The “Observer’s Handbook” is like a celestial almanac, with different editions available for different regions. If you’re looking for a visual representation where you can cross-reference date, time of day and coordinate positions, try the “Skygazer’s Almanac.” If you want to be able to recognize what you’re observing when you locate something through the eyepiece, consult “The Messier Catalogue,” a set of 110 celestial objects catalogued by French astronomer Charles Messier.

Some celestial events are predictable or cyclical, so observers have plenty of advance notice to plan a proper star party, which is like a nighttime tailgate party for a heavenly happening. Cloudynights.com provides an online crowd-sourcing forum for sky-gazers. Having a worldwide reach allows hobbyists to leverage pictures, information and logistics of star parties worldwide.

If you’re looking for Pennsylvania’s utmost star party, Templin recommended Cherry Springs State Park, a dark sky park located a few hours north in Potter County, 2,300 feet in elevation.

ASH members often build vacations around premiere observing locations. In the United States, the southwestern desert and parts of Hawaii have the best conditions because of their sparse populations and lack of industry. Internationally, the best place to observe is the mountains of Chile. Also, “the Australian outback is dark, and it has some of the largest telescopes in the world,” said Davis.

ASH facilitates events and classes with local schools, educational centers, the State Museum planetarium and HACC. Regular offerings include 101-level astronomy, identifying constellations, cosmology and telescope how-to.

For ASH members, observing celestial bodies is a lifelong pursuit.

“With new information coming in every day, it’s impossible to learn everything,” said Doug Grove, ASH vice president. “Visitors can leverage the knowledge of the members who have been observing as long as we have.”

Indeed, astronomy is attractive because it’s a “learning hobby,” said Barnabei.

“The benefit of Naylor is that the membership facilitates the learning process,” Barnabei said. “You can come to our observatory with questions, and you’re certain to find a member who once asked themselves that exact same question.”

The Naylor Observatory is located at 670 Observatory Dr., Lewisberry. For more information about the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg, including classes and viewings, visit www.astrohbg.org.

Community Corner: Notable June Events

May 31, 2019 | by Missy Smith

June Community Corner

HBG Flea
June 1: Explore the HBG Summer Flea 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

Summer Reading
June 1: Start your summer celebrating reading at Dauphin County Library System’s Summer Reading Club Liftoff at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Become a club member and enjoy jugglers, face painting, games, music and Rita’s Italian ice. www.dcls.org

Unity Race
June 1: Celebrate Harrisburg’s racial and cultural diversity with music, song, poetry, dance and storytelling on the theme of “Unity in Diversity” at the 41st Annual Race Unity Day at the Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy during the program. 717-232-9163

Adult Prom
June 1: Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, hosts “Adult Prom—A Social Science Experiment,” with two DJs, prom pictures, swag bags and adult-friendly elements like samples from local breweries, wineries, distilleries and restaurants, 7 to 10 p.m. Vote for Prom King and Queen in an online fundraiser to raise money for its STEM scholarship program. Tickets are $40, $70 for couples and $100 for VIP couples. www.whitakercenter.org

Bike Weekend
June 1-2: Enjoy Bike Weekend festivities including the Bikes and Beers ride in Hershey, Bike the Burg family ride, mountain bike rides on the parkway trails, the Five Bridges Bike Tour, Tour de Belt Greenbelt ride, the “Art of the Bike” show and the Tour de Belt After Ride Party. www.bikeharrisburg.org

Free Shakespeare
June 1-15: Don’t miss the 25th annual “Free Shakespeare in the Park” event with “Much Ado About Nothing.” The Gamut Theatre production runs 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Reservoir Park, Harrisburg. www.gamuttheatre.org

Tour de Belt
June 2: The Capital Area Greenbelt Association hosts its 19th annual Tour de Belt bike ride, which starts at 10 a.m. at HACC and follows the 20-mile Greenbelt trail. All participants receive a 2019 Tour de Belt T-shirt. Proceeds go to Greenbelt restoration and maintenance. www.CAGA.org

Women in Tech
June 3: The Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania presents the 2019 Women In Technology Awards Gala at Spring Gate Vineyard and Winery, 5790 Devonshire Rd., Harrisburg, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. www. tccp.org

Mid-Day Getaway
June 5, 12, 19, 26: Get away from your desk and unwind over lunch break at the McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg. Bring your lunch to the library between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for coloring, card games, board games or low-stress activities. www.dcls.org

Mixer
June 6: Build new relationships with local business professionals at the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s June Evening Networking Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, 777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville. The event is free and open to chamber members. www.wschamber.org

Light & Creativity
June 8: The Harrisburg Camera Club hosts its 9th Annual Light & Creativity workshop, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Central Penn College Conference Center, Valley Road and B Street, Enola. Speakers include Kevin Holliday, Paula Chamlee, Mark Bowie and Penelope Taylor. www.lightandcreativity.org

Wellness in Nature
June 8: Learn about nature’s wellness and restorative benefits at “A Dose of Vitamin N(ature)” at Ned Smith Center, 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a slow-pace, short-distance walk and an introduction to Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing). Admission is $5 per person, ages 6 and older. www.nedsmithcenter.org

Bloom Festival
June 8: The Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 5th Annual Bloom Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in downtown Shippensburg, on West Burd Street in the borough parking lot. The children’s area is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with kids’ activities, music, crafts, retail and food vendors and more. www.shippensburgbloomfestival.com

Plant Swap
June 8: Head to Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for a Community Plant Swap, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bring as many plants as you would like to take home. Plants should be divided into containers in advance. Penn State Extension Master Gardeners will be on hand to assist. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Cancer Benefit
June 8: Head to Bucks Valley Winery and Vineyards, 333 Meadow Grove Rd., Newport, for the 5th annual “Toasting a Cure at the Vineyard,” benefitting PA Breast Cancer Coalition, 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature Alicia Richards from ABC27 as emcee, live music, a cornhole tournament, silent auction and light fare. www.pbccbenefit.com

Fun Fest
June 8: Slate Hill Mennonite Church, 1352 Slate Hill Rd., Camp Hill, hosts its 6th Annual Community Hilltop Fun Fest, 4 to 8 p.m., rain or shine. Bring the whole family for carnival games and foods, kids’ activities, a petting zoo, a bounce house, prizes and more. Free parking is available at the Christian Life Assembly, 2645 Lisburn Rd. www.hilltopfunfest.com

Kids Club
June 9: Head to Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., the second Saturday of each month for a free, fun-filled event for kids of all ages, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each month’s event is hosted by a different group and may feature shows, crafts, interactive activities and more. www.shopharrisburgmall.com

Reading Blastoff
June 9: Kick off a space-themed summer reading program at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 1 to 4 p.m., with face painting, crafts, characters and live music with Nick DiSanto at 3 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Book Celebration
June 14: New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland, hosts the “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” 50th Anniversary Celebration, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., for children 4 to 7 years old. Visit the library for games, crafts and activities in honor of the well-loved children’s book by Eric Carle. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Music & Movie
June 14 & 21: Lower Paxton Township kicks off its “Free Summer Concert and Movie” lineup with the Lower Paxton Variety Band on June 14, followed by the Rob Scheps Core-tet on June 21. Following the June 21 concert, the movie “Sandlot” will be shown. Events begin at 7 p.m. at Heroes Grove Amphitheatre, 5010 Commons Dr. www.lowerpaxton-pa.gov/parks-recreation

Dads and Trolleys
June 15-16: Take your dad for a trolley ride at Rockhill Trolley Museum, 430 Meadow St., Rockhill Furnace, to celebrate Father’s Day. Dads with kids ride at the children’s $5 fare. www.rockhilltrolley.org

Yoga in the Park
June 15: Join Shannon Peffley of Yogi Expeditions for a peaceful morning of yoga, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Detweiler Park. Cost is $10 per person. Meet at the park trailhead located at the Dauphin County Conservation District parking lot, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin. www.detweilerpark.org

Butterfly Workshop
June 15: Penn State Master Gardeners in Cumberland County will celebrate National Pollinator Week with a Butterfly Container Workshop at the Cumberland County Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, in two sessions, 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 12 to 1:30 p.m. www.extension.psu.edu

Explore Bugs
June 15: Join Wildwood Park naturalists for an evening of bug exploration at Detweiler Park, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin, with a small hike to one of Detweiler’s open fields, 8:30 to 10 p.m. Kids and adults will learn about moths, butterflies and fireflies. Cost is $5 per person. www.detweilerpark.org

Father’s Day
June 16: Take dad to Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., to celebrate Father’s Day, with free admission for all dads. www.hersheygardens.org

Wildwood Camp
June 17-21: Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, will host Wildwood Way Day Camp for children ages 6 to 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Children will explore nature and the diverse wildlife at Wildwood Park. Registration fee is $135 per camper. www.wildwoodlake.org

Bubble Time
June 20: Kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to explore bubbles, experimenting with various ingredients to create the best ones, 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, but space is limited. www.statemuseumpa.org

Business After Hours
June 20: Mingle with business professionals at Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC’s free networking event, hosted by the Country Club of Harrisburg, 401 Fishing Creek Valley Rd., 5 to 7 p.m. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

Rescue Benefit
June 21: Stop by Zeroday Brewing Co., 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, for an evening of brews, art and live music while supporting Pitties.Love.Peace. dog rescue, 5 to 8 p.m. Adoptable pets will be available outside of Zeroday starting at 5 p.m., and live music will begin at 8 p.m. www.zerodaybrewing.com

3rd in The Burg
June 21: 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

Civil War Days
June 21-23: Immerse yourself in local history during a three-day, community-wide series of events focused on the Harrisburg area’s role in the Civil War. Go on a battlefield tour, visit a re-enactor encampment and enjoy socials, among other activities. Get more details on Facebook: Civil War Days Harrisburg.

Summer Fridays
June 21-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. For general admission, the amount you pay for general admission is up to you. Art docents will be available for tours of “Art of the State,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.statemuseumpa.org

Summer Soiree
June 22: Stroll through downtown Camp Hill while enjoying refreshments, art, outdoor dining, music and more, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visit Downtown Camp Hill on Facebook for more information.

Free Museum Day
June 22: National Civil War Museum presents its Community Free Day, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Join staff and volunteers to celebrate Civil War Days with a day of activities designed to present history in a fun and educational setting. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Summer Yoga
June 22: Observe the summer solstice and International Day of Yoga at Simply Well, 28 S. Pitt St., Carlisle, 2:30 to 4 p.m. Enjoy 90 minutes of yoga, pranayama and meditation to honor the longest day of the year. The workshop is $20 per person and is appropriate for all levels. Bring a small notebook and pen for journaling. www.yogaatsimplywell.com

Summer Brunch
June 23: Get an inside look at and a taste of the best of Harrisburg’s brunch scene at three local eateries during Harrisburg Young Professionals’ Summer Brunch Tour. First stop is Home 231 at 11:30 a.m. on June 23. Enjoy good conversation, hot coffee and a variety of menu options. An RSVP is required to attend, and seating is limited. www.hyp.org

Autoharp Gathering
June 26-29: The 29th Annual Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering brings together hundreds of autoharp enthusiasts from around the world to Little Buffalo State Park Campground, Newport, for five days of workshops, concerts and around-the-clock music-making. Featured performers include Bryan Bowers, Rick Fitzgerald, Tom Schroeder, Allison Guinn, Bob Lewis and Michael Poole. www.mlag.org

You Stayed Where? In central PA, make your hotel part of the attraction.

May 31, 2019 | by Gina Napoli

At one time, the American landscape was dotted with quirky hotels, which often shared a theme with an area’s attraction. For instance, outside of Washington, D.C., a motel called the White House was shaped like, well, the White House.

In recent decades, many of these unique lodgings have disappeared, remodeled due to changing tastes or abandoned altogether.

Several, though, still can be found in Lancaster County, heightening the tourist experience for visitors who want something beyond the blandness of the usual chains.

Red Caboose Motel

The Red Caboose Motel is nestled along the Strasburg Railroad tracks in Ronks, Pa. Perfect for train enthusiasts, it doesn’t get any more hobo chic than sleeping in an actual train car.

The word “motel” may conjure a certain image, but don’t be dissuaded. The motel has a camping-trip kind of feel—family-friendly, with children weaving around yard ornaments, playground equipment and clothesline poles. Chances are, the kids are making their own fun, just waiting to wave at passing train passengers.

The rooms are simply appointed, yet comfortable, with many updates for family stays.

Most of the sleeper train cars are cabooses, although you can book a more spacious mail or baggage car. Why so many cabooses? According to the motel’s written history, the founder, on a whim in 1969, placed a bid on 19 surplus cabooses from the Pennsylvania Railroad. The idea to rent them out grew from there. Appropriately, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the Strasburg Railroad are two of the closest attractions.

But you don’t even have to leave the 10 acres of the motel grounds to find fun activities or stick-to-your-ribs food. On site, you’ll discover a petting zoo, a silo transformed into an observation tower and Amish buggy rides. Situated in two dining cars is a PA Dutch-style diner, appropriately named Casey Jones’ Restaurant.

The Red Caboose Motel is located at 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. For more information, call 717-687-5000 or visit www.redcaboosemotel.com.

Fulton Steamboat Inn

Finding a steamboat-shaped hotel in Lancaster County may seem odd at first. But it does make sense if you flip through your American history textbook.

Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat, was born in the southeastern part of the county in 1765. His invention transformed transportation in the early 1800s and directly led to the concept of the floating hotel—that is, the modern cruise ship.

The inn hearkens back to the golden age of river boating, and you have a choice of two room themes: nautical or Victorian. The period-style décor features fussy drapes, intricate woodcarvings, wrought iron embellishments and somber patterns. Depending on where you are in the hotel, you may be in a room with wavy walls.

In a nod to Fulton himself, the hotel is situated on the water (sort of)—a little pond with Adirondack chairs along the bank. If you’re like me and like to watch things happen while you sit in those chairs, the pond contains a fountain, koi and ducks. On the right night, you can stare at the fire pit along the shore. If you’re feeling more active, there is a walking trail and a ship-shaped playground for the kids.

The Fulton Steamboat Inn is located at Routes 30 & 896, Lancaster. For more information, call 717-299-9999 visit www.fultonsteamboatinn.com.

Tiny Estates

Tiny Estates is more unconventional than unusual, but it still offers far more interest than a night in your average Hampton Inn. Newly built, the Elizabethtown complex is perfect for camping or glamping (glamorous-plus-camping), a writer’s getaway retreat or to test drive minimalist living.

You may already be familiar with the tiny house movement due to programming on channels like HGTV. Just how tiny? The smallest micro-house is the Alfa, measuring 140 square feet. That rental is for one or two people. Some cabin models, up to 400 square feet, can fit six people.

“Most people who stay in a tiny home find it liberating,” said Amy Schaefer, administrative assistant at Tiny Estates. “Many people who take our tour are researching to see if they could go tiny.”

Inside the tiny homes, you will find creative design foldout features, putting you in mind of a Swiss army knife on wheels. For example, you might find vertical ladders to loft bedrooms instead of stairs. If you do find a staircase, there are drawers or cubbies inside or under them. Doors slide instead of swivel. One unit even has a Murphy bed.

There were no closets or secret compartments under floorboards, like those on HGTV. But guests will find homey amenities similar to a boutique hotel, plus some common areas to spread out a little. Property amenities include a hot tub, fire pit, games and entertainment area and fishing from the retention pond.

Tiny Estates has been growing quickly since its debut in early 2018. When the property first opened, there were a handful of houses along dirt roads. Now there are 32 houses of various styles and improvements like paved roads, stones (to lessen the mud) and an electronic gate. Future plans include a privacy fence and a community room for entertaining larger parties.

Tiny Estates is located at 867 Schwanger Rd., Elizabethtown. For more information, call 717-715-0030 or visit www.tiny-estates.com.

Musical Notes: Warm Ways

May 31, 2019 | by Kait Gibboney

With the long, warm days, excellent (often outdoors) entertainment is easy to find around the Burg this month. I’m very excited about our featured performances, but it’s hard to choose, given all of the other quality entertainment.

Two Celtic performance pairs, known as DuoDuo, combine the unique talents of percussive dancing, harp, cello and acoustic guitar on one stage at the Abbey Bar. Rapper Robert Van Winkle, better known by his stage name Vanilla Ice, rose to popularity from his hit single “Ice Ice Baby,” and he’s bringing his Billboard-charted talent to XL Live.

Featured last month, the Legendary Performers of Doo-Wop, Soul and Rock N’ Roll featuring Bobby Brooks Wilson will be here for one night only on June 2 at the Scottish Rite, so be sure not to miss out. The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet is featuring its “Founder’s Series” from June 19 through June 22, showing five unique and unforgettable performances of classics and new works.

And it doesn’t get more Harrisburg than the Pride of the Susquehanna, which has set sail for a 31st season. Many exciting shows are scheduled for the iconic riverboat through autumn, including Indian Summer Jars on June 12.

If you’re bored in the Burg and looking for some excitement, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

MEN WITHOUT HATS, 6/7, 7PM, XL LIVE, $15
If you’re a fan of ‘80s music like I am, you’ve got to catch this iconic performance. Returning to the pop scene, Men Without Hats will set shop in Harrisburg’s hottest venue, XL Live. Originally from Quebec, the Canadian new wave group was active and popular from the mid-‘70s to the early ‘90s. Lead singer Ivan Doroschuk re-formed the group in 2010 and released an album in 2012, “Love in the Age of War.” Check out their new, yet familiar, sound during the performance of this album, which is partly inspired by early ‘80s music that hearkens back to the time of their mega-hit song, “Safety Dance.” If you, like me, happened to learn the safety dance at some point in your life, this is the perfect opportunity to bust it out.

MOON HOOCH, 6/12, 8PM, THE ABBEY BAR, $12
Anything’s possible when it comes to music, especially if you have the talent and drive to make it happen, and Moon Hooch has tons of both. Catch the captivating performances of drummer James Muschler and saxophonists Mike Wilbur and Wenzl McGowen for one of the most unique performances to hit our city. Getting their starts while attending the New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music and first performing on New York City subway platforms, the trio has come a long way. They’ve toured with groups like They Might Be Giants and Lotus, eventually toured solo for a few albums, and even were featured on the NPR “Tiny Desk Concert” series. They’ve been reviewed by NY Mag and the NY Post, praised for their energetic and funky sounds. Their second album, “This is Cave Music,” reached number five on the Billboard jazz albums chart. Catch some of their musical fever at the Abbey Bar.

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, 6/19, 7:30PM, RIVERFRONT PARK, $40
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t extremely excited for this show. It’s official: Death Cab for Cutie is coming to Harrisburg’s own Riverfront Park! This alt-rock band from Washington state was originally a solo project by frontman Ben Gibbard, a multi-talented vocalist, guitarist and pianist. Eventually, the concept grew into a full band with Death Cab’s premiere album, “Something About Airplanes,” in 1998. A favorite of many millennials like myself, their soft, indie emo rock style won people over across the country. Their most recent studio album, “Thank You for Today,” was released in late 2018. Here’s hoping that their performance in the park includes a bit of the old and a bit of the new. Gates open at 6 p.m. on the south end of Riverfront Park, across from UPMC Pinnacle Hospital.

Mentionables:

DuoDuo, June 2, The Abbey Bar;

Legendary Performers of Doo-Wop, Soul and Rock N’ Roll, June 2, Scottish Rite;

Nita Strauss, June 7, H*MAC Stage on Herr;

Vanilla Ice, June 8, XL Live;

Indian Summer Jars, June 12, Pride of the Susquehanna;

Wolfpac, June 21, H*MAC Stage on Herr

May News Digest

May 31, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Challengers Sweep School Board Incumbents

Voter turnout may have been light, but the impact on Harrisburg could be huge, as challengers for city school board swept the Democratic primary last month.

The four challengers on the reformist slate known as C.A.T.C.H. (Concerned About the Children of Harrisburg) were all victorious: Gerald Welch, Jayne Buchwach, Steven Williams and Doug Thompson Leader. Challenger James Thompson, a former member of the school board, also picked up a nomination for one of the five, four-year seats at stake.

All four incumbents lost, some by a lot: Lola Lawson, Ellis R. Roy, Lionel Gonzalez and Patricia Whitehead-Myers. Three other challengers, Lewis Butts Jr., Cory X. Williams and Ralph Rodriguez, failed to secure nominations.

The victorious challengers had all run campaigns broadly critical of the policies of the current school board majority and the district administration led by Superintendent Sybil Knight-Burney.

“This feels gratifying. It feels like mission accomplished,” said Buchwach, the top vote-getter for city school board. “But it’s not my win. It’s a win for Harrisburg, and that’s what feels great to me.”

Buchwach said that, once seated, the new board would have to get to work improving the district’s finances, bettering its academics and rebuilding trust with residents.

“We have to be transparent. We have to be accountable in everything we do,” she said. “We have to tell the citizens of Harrisburg, ‘This is what we will do and why.’”

No Republicans ran in the primary election for Harrisburg school board, meaning that the winners likely will prevail in the general election in November.

In the six-person race for Harrisburg City Council, incumbents Westburn Majors, Dave Madsen and Danielle Bowers easily won nomination for three, four-year seats, defeating challengers Christina Kostelecky, Dionna Reeves and Brianna Smith.

No Republicans ran in the primary, meaning that the winners likely will prevail during the general election in November.

In Dauphin County, incumbent commissioners Jeff Haste and Mike Pries ran unopposed for the two Republican nominations. On the Democratic side, incumbent George Hartwick won a spot on the November ballot, as did challenger Diane Bowman, who prevailed over challenger Tom Connolly.

In the general election, voters will select three commissioners from the two Republican and two Democratic nominees.

For other county offices, all of the Republican incumbents had no competition in their primaries, so won nomination: District Attorney Fran Chardo, Sheriff Nick Chimienti, Clerk of Courts Dale Klein, Recorder of Deeds Jim Zugay, Treasurer Janis Creason, Controller Timothy DeFoor and Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans’ Court Jean Marfizo King.

On the Democratic side, four candidates ran unopposed and therefore won their party’s nominations: Cole Goodman for Recorder of Deeds, Brad Koplinski for Clerk of Courts, Tim Butler for Treasurer and Bridget Whitley for Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans’ Court.

The general election is slated for Nov. 5.

School Tax Hike Proposed

For a second straight year, Harrisburg property owners would see their tax bills shoot up under a proposed budget by the city school administration.

The district is proposing a 3.4-percent tax hike that would increase the millage rate from 28.8 mills to 29.78 mills.

The average city homeowner, with a median property value of $42.800, would see the school portion of their property tax bill increase by $41.91, according to budget data. The hike would raise $1.37 million for the district.

Property taxes support about one-quarter of the district’s annual budget, with the remainder originating from a variety of other taxes and fees, as well as state and federal government support.

“I don’t agree with raising taxes to make up for the budget shortfall,” said board member Carrie Fowler, who added that she opposes the proposed budget. “We’ve been taxed enough. We don’t need to be taxed more for this over-bloated administration.”

The $155.5 million proposed budget for the 2019-20 school year is about $5 million more than the current, 2018-19 budget and about $9 million more than the 2017-18 budget.

The greatest increases in expenses originate from faculty pay and retirement contributions. The district, which has 6,540 K-12 students and 936 faculty and staff, also proposes dipping into its reserve (savings), reducing that fund by some $3 million.

Last year, school property taxes rose 3.6 percent, the maximum amount allowable under state law.

5-Year Plan Unveiled

Harrisburg officials last month dug into the details of a proposed, five-year financial plan for the city, a critical step to fulfill a state mandate and ultimately exit Act 47.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse made a presentation of what he called a “responsible” long-range budget, which assumes “no significant growth” in the city’s tax base, yielding a flat operating budget of about $64 million through 2023.

“This is, in my opinion, a fiscally responsible plan,” he said. “It doesn’t call for the raising of taxes.”

The commonwealth required Harrisburg to draft a five-year financial plan as part of legislation passed last year that allowed the city to retain its elevated local services and earned income tax rates for another five years.

That plan must be approved by the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA), the state-created body tasked with overseeing the city’s financial recovery.

After the budget plan passes muster, both the ICA and City Council must approve an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement. Papenfuse said that he hoped that step would occur by early July, before council takes its traditional six-week summer recess.

At that point, the city would be able to exit Act 47, the state’s program for financially distressed municipalities, Papenfuse said. The city has been in the program since 2010.

While revenues are assumed to remain mostly flat over the five-year period, expenses are expected to increase by several million dollars per year, with the gap made up by tapping the city’s substantial fund balance.

Over the next five years, the fund balance is projected to decrease from the current $21 million to about $3.3 million, leveling out at about 5 percent of the operating budget, which, according to Papenfuse, is the city’s target level.

In recent years, the city has built up a large fund balance mostly by under-spending its budget over successive years.

HMAC Sale Pending

A major arts and entertainment venue in Harrisburg is poised to exit bankruptcy, in a move that promises to bring significant change to the House of Music, Arts & Culture (HMAC).

Judge Henry W. Van Eck, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, has approved the sale of the sprawling Midtown venue, its liquor license and other assets for $6 million to a new partnership called HMAC LLC. This will enable the current controlling entity—Bartlett, Traynor & London—to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Chuck London, a founding HMAC partner, is a minority owner in the new entity. His founding co-partners, Gary Bartlett and John Traynor, will have no ownership in the new company.

“I feel we’re at a turning point with the promise of a new beginning,” London said, in a telephone interview. “We need to take all the lessons we’ve learned from the past and make them our future.”

Bartlett, Traynor & London LLC entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy last August following a loss of business that Traynor blamed on a social media firestorm directed at the venue. He also said that the bankruptcy filing would allow the company to reorganize its finances in preparation for a sale.

Under the new ownership, Traynor said that he will step down as the day-to-day manager of HMAC, which, until a rebranding, was known as the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center. He expects to stay on for about six months to help with the transition and to help supervise a period of construction.

That construction will include the renovation of the basement level into a third music space, a rooftop deck and a “major facelift” to the front of the building, Traynor said. Much of the construction will be funded with a $1 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant that HMAC received in late 2017, he said.

“Now that we have new ownership, it’s going to be a bright new future for this building and for this community,” Traynor said.

In late 2007, Traynor, Bartlett and London purchased the former Harrisburg Jewish Community Center and Police Athletic Club building from the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority. At the time, the sprawling, 34,000-square-foot building had been long abandoned and was badly blighted.

A lengthy, costly renovation followed that eventually yielded the Stage on Herr bar and performance space on the lower level, a restaurant and bar on the main level and the spacious Capitol Room upstairs.

Area Home Sales Strong

The Harrisburg area’s housing market had a solid start to the spring buying season, as inventory dropped and prices crept up.

For April, the median sales price increased 2.9 percent to $180,000 from $175,000 in the year-ago period, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

The number of unit sales dropped to 573 from 623, which GHAR blamed on a lack of inventory. Indeed, “average days on market” dropped significantly, to 50 days from 67 days in April 2018, GHAR said.

In Dauphin County, the median sales price increased to $168,000 versus $156,450 in the year-ago period, while unit sales fell to 265 from 296, according to GHAR. In Cumberland County, the median price fell slightly, to $200,000 from $205,500, with sales falling to 281 units from 300 units in April 2018.

Perry County saw a significant increase in the median sales price, $189,900 compared to $160,000, while sales were flat at 27 units, GHAR said.

So Noted

Alexis Singleton-Robinson last month was named the recipient of the Harrisburg Area Civic Garden Center Inc. scholarship. A graduating senior of Sci-Tech High, she plans to attend North Carolina A&T State University.

Fredricksen Library cut the ribbon last month to its new lower-level entrance, which will allow easier access to the children’s library and public meeting rooms on the ground floor, according to the library. It also debuted its new, main-floor Business and Career Center @ Fredricksen, which will bring workshops, programming and technology assistance for employment and career goals. A final phase, a “reading plaza” on the Walnut Street side, should be completed this fall.

Harrisburg University last month named Jay Jayamohan as executive director for its new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. An engineer, product manager and entrepreneur, Jayamohan brings more than 20 years of experience developing startup companies and tech products, according to HU.

Historic Harrisburg Association last month named two new members to its board of directors: Dr. David Bronstein and Michael Waterloo. Bronstein has practiced medicine locally for more than 63 years and has served on numerous other nonprofit boards. Waterloo works as a content manager for Bravo Group. They join 17 other members of the board of HHA, which is dedicated to historic preservation, urban revitalization and smart growth.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore will be expanding into a nearby storefront located at 1324 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Co-owner Catherine Lawrence said that she her husband, city Mayor Eric Papenfuse, purchased the long-time location of Fornwald’s Shades to house their discount book retail operations.

Orrstown Bank last month named Zachary “Zack” Khuri as its new executive vice president and market president for the Capital Region. In this role, he’s responsible for overseeing the bank’s business development and community engagement efforts throughout Dauphin and York counties, as well as the West Shore community in Cumberland County.

The Storm, Harrisburg University’s varsity e-sports team, captured the ESPN Overwatch National Championship trophy last month, defeating three other teams in the inaugural Collegiate Esports Championship. The victory closed out The Storm’s undefeated 33-0 season.

Three Mile Island plans to proceed with a plan to shut down the nuclear energy facility by Sept. 30. In a news release, TMI owner Excelon Generation stated that hoped-for legislative relief would not come in time to save the plant, which is located in Londonderry Township.

In Memoriam
Edward “Naed” Smith Jr., the long-time manager of the St. Martin de Porres Catholic Worker House in Harrisburg, died suddenly last month. Smith, 52, was born in Wilkes-Barre, where he began his career advocating for social justice and serving the poor. He moved to Harrisburg more than 20 years ago, serving the Allison Hill community and anyone who needed help. Friends are encouraged to make contributions in his memory to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1439 Market St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17103, or to the St. Martin de Porres Catholic Worker House, 1440 Market St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17103.

Changing Hands

Berryhill St., 2306: Jiang Brothers Realty LLC to D. Dang, $43,000

Brookwood St., 2610: University Park Plaza Corp. to Harrisburg Mini Storage LLC, $239,000

Briggs St., 1941: V. Rivas to A. Reyes & F. Narvaez, $65,000

Crescent St. 243: M. Redding to ICE Properties LLC, $32,500

Cumberland St., 261, 263 & 265: J&S Estates to A. Himalaya PA II LLC, $355,000

Delaware St., 263: R. & C. Steele to K. Chaney, $139,900

Derry St., 2505: C. Johnson to M. Ousley, $62,000

Fulton St., 1726: R. & K. Lloyd to T. Reinhart, $110,000

Fulton St., 1939: R. Bowman to Wells Fargo Bank NA, $65,985

Graham St., 304: S. Walther to J. & K. Pianka, $120,000

Green St., 1114 & 221 Sassafras St.: L. & L. Raver to R. Snyder, $148,000

Green St., 1117: PNC Bank NA to A. Nebbou & C. Myers, $55,500

Green St., 1804: C. & R. Stevens to S. Serafini, $140,000

Green St., 2031: WCI Partners LP to M. & M. Doughty, $237,000

Green St., 2046: M. Hochberg to HAMR Property Services LLC, $108,000

Greenwood St., 2239: AADE RML LLC to Rental Link LLC, $33,100

Hamilton St., 232: A. & M. Fretz to J. Serra Jr., $164,900

Hamilton St., 336: S. Heredia to J. Pierre, $35,000

Herr St., 312: M. Kraemer to M. Harris, $133,000

Hudson St., 1131: R9 Holdings to T. Smarsh, $45,000

Lewis St., 228: C. Moss Trust to J. & C. Bisel Trust, $68,500

Logan St., 2222: Jakk B Ventures LLC to B. & K. Saltzgiver, $44,250

Logan St., 2235: Jakk B Ventures LLC to B. & K. Saltzgiver, $44,250

Logan St., 2305: Jakk B Ventures LLC to B. & K. Saltzgiver, $44,250

Logan St., 2157: Jakk B Ventures LLC to B. & K. Saltzgiver, $44,250

Maclay St., 324: R. & S. Keller to J Elias Holdings LLC, $37,500

Market St., 1903: Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to CAR Property Holdings LLC, $62,000

Market St., 2019: T. & T. Black to Harrisburg Community Partners LLC, $140,000

Market St., 2101: E Street Properties LLC to C. Good & B. Mengel, $60,000

Muench St., 273: WCI Partners LP to S. Eicher, $143,000

N. 2^nd St., 1205: L. Smith to S. & J. Toole, $80,000

N. 2^nd St., 1611: A. Skocik to S. & J. Toole, $140,000

N. 2^nd St., 1708: J. Seigle to Harrisburg Redevelopment Group LLC, $176,000

N. 2^nd St., 1710: G. Miller to Harrisburg Redevelopment Group LLC, $182,700

N. 2^nd St., 2522: A. Graham & J. Hays to G. Narehood, $120,500

N. 4^th St., 1911: M. Demeo to D. Bukowski, $80,000

N. 4^th St., 2428: D. Leaman to A. Norris, $51,500

N. 4^th St., 2635: Jhonleo Home Renovations LLC to A. Sload & M. Drake, $121,000

N. 6^th St., 2500, 2502 & 2504: J. & E. Cooper to Harvest DCP of Pennsylvania LLC, $750,000

N. 6^th St., 3203: Premier Property Solutions LLC to Wylie and Wylie Enterprise LLC, $41,000

N. 14^th St., 228: J. Johnson to G. Brown, $47,000

N. 15^th St., 1609: Cama Sidra LLC FBO Shirley Mitrovich IRA to T. & D. Yuncker, $49,000

N. 16^th St., 805: Premier Property Solutions LLC to M. Temba, $39,738

N. 17^th St., 29: D. & L. Godoy to S. Mercado, $39,485

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 405: S. Freet to C. Crago, $153,000

N. Front St., 1701: R. Simons & T. Bissey to 1701 N Front LLC, $350,000

Penn St., 1908: K. Smyth & D. Smith to T. Palmieri & S. Russell, $172,500

Penn St., 2119: G. Neff to DHS Team LLC, $40,000

Race St., 568: E. Fultz to Green Book Enterprises LLC, $142,100

Rudy Rd., 2406: P. & R. Brehm to J. Cruz & C. Proctor, $195,000

Rudy Rd., 2482: N. Wright to F. Sisuc, $52,000

Rumson Dr., 2965: Reverse Mortgage Solutions Inc. to T. Jones, $52,900

Shellis St., 2102: A. Bintavihok to E. Lillo, $52,000

S. 13^th St., 330: A. & R. Stoltzfus to S. Fisher, $35,000

S. 13^th St., 421: B. Nguyen to D. Nguyen, $34,000

S. 16^th St., 943: L. & D. Burkhart to Dowling Management Co. LLC, $35,250

S. 17^th St., 137: D. Peffley Sr. to WH RE LLC, $230,000

S. 25^th St., 434: T. Thompson to W. & C. Eubanks, $95,000

S. 26^th St., 633: M. Tucci to Q. & L. Tran, $75,000

State St., 1510: J. Ansell to Shizzymac 717 Homes LLC, $36,000

Susquehanna St., 2246: University Park Plaza Corp. to Harrisburg Mini Storage LLC, $114,500

Swatara St., 2039: J. Stoltzfus to JPC Property LLC, $49,350

Sycamore St., 1705: K. Jarrett to C. Faicon, $38,000

Waldo St., 2610: W. Foutres to Tassia Corp., $35,000

Walnut St., 120 & 122: Tang & Perkins Property Management LLC to A. Himalaya PA II LLC, $455,000

Zarker St., 1423: T. Freeman & Habitat for Humanity to C. Waters, $64,000

Games Seniors Play: Central PA makes its presence known at the National Senior Games.

May 31, 2019 | by Don Helin

Elaine Eichner, Heide Moebius, Ben Hawn, Pam Schorr and Bob Locke.

What do a retired electrical engineer, a school teacher, a corporate insurance manager, an office manager and an export executive have in common?

They all live in central PA, are over 60, and are very athletic.

In fact, they’re so athletic that they’re part of the Pennsylvania delegation to the National Senior Games, which will be held this month in New Mexico.

Sixty-one-year-old Ben Hawn, a retired electrical engineer, recently moved from Louisiana to Lancaster to be near his family.

A veteran of 10 iron man triathlons, he competed in the 2017 Senior Games in Birmingham, Ala., and finished fifth. He qualified at the Pennsylvania State Games last year and is looking forward to participating in the national games in Albuquerque.

“I stay fit by doing three to four bike rides, three to four swims and four to five runs each week,” said Hawn. “Then I like to add a number of weekly strength sessions.”

This 19-sport, biennial competition for men and women aged 50 and older is the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors, said Pam Schorr, wellness manager at Willow Valley Communities, a 55-plus community in Lancaster County that has a history of fielding senior athletes.

“Events range from tennis to track and field, and it’s a great way not only to stay in shape, but to make new friends,” she said.

Athletes vying to compete in the National Senior Games must first qualify at the state games held the preceding year. They must score in the top four of all participants in their sport at the state level or meet a qualifying standard.

For Pennsylvania residents, the state games were held in Wilkes-Barre last July, Schorr said.

“If a state doesn’t host a particular sport, for instance some track and field events, athletes can participate in another state games to qualify,” she said.

I Can Do That

Swimmer Bob Locke, 73, was a competitive swimmer in both high school and college. His competitive flame blew out during a busy career as a corporate insurance manager at Air Products and Chemicals Co., but lit back up again upon his retirement.

“I believe swimming saved my life,” he said. “I had a heart problem I wouldn’t normally have identified, but one day, while I was swimming, I felt a tightness in my chest. It turned out almost all of my arteries were blocked.”

It’s also improved his social life. At two different meets, he spotted old teammates from college. He hadn’t seen them for 40 years, but they’ve since reconnected.

Heide Moebius and her husband, Richard, came to the United States from Germany in 1960.

Heidi long enjoyed playing tennis and skiing, but, one day, decided to take up running, which became her competitive sport.

“One day, I came off the tennis court and saw someone running by,” she said. “I thought to myself, ‘I can do that.’”

Since then, Moebius has run in more than 700 races, including more than 100 half marathons and 10 full marathons, including the Boston Marathon. Husband Richard serves as her coach.

“I had on my bucket list to run the Athens ‘Authentic’ Marathon, which follows the first Greek marathon route of so many years ago,” Moebius said. “I entered and was proud to win in my age group just one day after my 80th birthday.

Since 1999, she has won 20 medals in senior games, but said that she’s “most proud” to have won three gold medals for the United States in the Masters World Championship in Poland.

A Few More

Elaine Eichner’s father was a well-known amateur tennis player who spent a great deal of time with his daughter, teaching her how to play tennis. She was a varsity tennis player all three years in high school.

As with many young athletes, tennis later took a back seat to raising a family and to work, in her case as an administrator in a dental office. In her senior years, she rediscovered her love for athletic competition.

“I was pleased to be a member of a women’s doubles team which ranked third at a United States tennis event in 2010,” said Eichner, 75.

She went to the Pennsylvania Games in 2018 and won six medals. This year, her fifth time at the National Senior Games, she hopes to win a few more.

Debbie Mink, 67, moved to Lancaster after retiring as a fourth-grade teacher. A long-time tennis player, she participated in the 2015 National Senior Games in Minneapolis.

“I qualified in both table tennis and tennis at the state games in York, so played in both in the Minneapolis games,” she said. “The competition is fierce, and I was proud that, in both events I made it through the first round, but was not able to go any farther.”

She’s now gearing up for the 2019 games.

“I’m hopeful that at the games in Albuquerque, I’ll be able to bring home a ribbon in table tennis,” she said.

The National Senior Games takes place June 14 to 25 in Albuquerque, N.M. For more information, visit www.nsga.com.

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