Sips & Sounds: At Fort Hunter, the wine is local, the music is country.

May 31, 2019 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Music. Wine. Nature.

On a warm, early summer day, that combination can be fun, peaceful, relaxing—pick your adjective. And, most importantly, it’s one that can be enjoyed this month near the banks of the Susquehanna River.

For a 12th year, the Dauphin County Music & Wine Festival returns to Fort Hunter Park, this time stretching into a two-day celebration, with the music portion tweaked to emphasize country performers.

“This year, we’re putting a new twist on one of our most popular festivals and going country,” affirmed Jeff Haste, chairman of the county board of commissioners.

Scheduled musicians include recording artists Jay Allen and Josh Gracin. Allen is known for the song “Blank Stare,” which he wrote about his late mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. Gracin initially gained fame as a second-season finalist on television’s “American Idol” competition.

“Looking forward to playing the Dauphin County Music & Wine Festival,” Gracin said last month. “The PA crowd is always a high-energy crowd.”

Other scheduled performers include Chapel Hill Country Band, a Harrisburg country-rock cover ensemble; The Flat Wheels, native Perry County folk-rockers now based in Carlisle; and the Jess Zimmerman Band, country hard rock recording artists from Fayette County.

Also taking the weekend stage are central Pennsylvania’s Make Mine Country Band performing a self-described mix of classic country, old rock and roll, blues and gospel; country/pop artist Dion Pride, son of Country Music Hall of Fame’s Charley Pride; and Ward Hayden & The Outliers, a Johnny Cash-esque ensemble from Boston.

As the name of the festival implies, music is only half the story. Each year, the event attracts some of the best wineries in central Pennsylvania. Guests can enjoy five free samples, and bottles and cases will be available for sale.

This year’s participants include area wineries Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery, Broad Mountain Vineyard, Four Springs Winery, J&P Winery, Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery, Nissley Vineyards, Spring Gate Vineyard and the Vineyard at Hershey.

If you’re hungry, food vendors will offer a variety of fare, and craft artisans will have wares for sale. And, if wine isn’t your drink of choice, two local craft brewers will have beer available for purchase.

Dean Miller, an owner of Armstrong Valley Winery, said that his Halifax-based business has participated in the yearly festival “many times.”

“We like it because it’s local,” Miller said. “Lots of people go there, so it’s great exposure for us. We also like supporting the local businesses and Dauphin County Parks and Recreation.”

Michelle McKeown, assistant program director for Dauphin County Parks and Recreation, said that the annual festival has become more than a local event. It’s also become a tourist attraction, with many out-of-towners venturing to the Harrisburg area.

“We’ve seen an uptick of people coming to this [festival] from outside of the area,” she said.

McKeown cited visitors from places like Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Haste agreed that the county’s events have become an economic driver.

“Our summer concert series, including Music & Wine, not only showcases our beautiful parks but also brings a big economic boost to the region,” he said.

The Dauphin County Music & Wine Festival takes place June 8 and 9 at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Gates open at 3 p.m. each day. Weekend passes cost $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Patrons can bring their own coolers, picnic baskets and lawn chairs, but outside alcohol is not permitted. For more information, visit www.dauphincounty.org and www.forthunter.org.

Happenings: Our June Calendar of Events

May 31, 2019 | by Missy Smith

Museum & Art Spaces

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

“Studebaker Cool: 114 Years of Innovation,” exploring South Bend, Indiana’s contribution to wheeled transportation,” through Oct. 20

“Harley-Davidson: History, Mythology and Perceptions of America’s Motorcycle,” through Oct. 20

“Raymond Loewy: A Retrospective,” an exhibit on the American industrial designer, who achieved fame for his design efforts, through Oct. 20

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

“91st Annual International Juried Show,” through June 20

“Free for All,” a membership and school show, June 29-July 19; reception, June 29, 5-8 p.m.

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

“Along the Painted Journey,” works by the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society Board of Directors, through June; receptions: June 7 and 8, 7 to 10 p.m.

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

“IMAGERY and FIELD,” an exhibition of contrasts with paintings by Mary Hochendoner and color field work by Maaike Heitkönig, through June 1

“Works and Working,” works by Arlyn Pettingell and Sharon Pierce McCullough, June 14-July 20; reception, June 14, 6:30 p.m.

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

Artist of the Month: David Thompson

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

“Needle Art Exhibit,” featuring the handiwork of local needle artists, through June 16

“Leisure Time Exhibit,” highlighting what the Reily family did for fun in their spare time as previous owners and residents of Fort Hunter, June to December

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

“Teachers, More Than the 3 Rs,” showcasing the diversity and creativity of Millersburg Area Art Association educators, through June 22

“Membership Show & Gallery Student Show,” highlighting the art and craftwork of Millersburg Area Art Association class and workshop participants and association members, June 26-Aug. 3

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

“Department of Art and Design Annual Juried Show 2018-2019,” through Sept. 6

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

New works by Tina Berrier, Yachiyo Beck, Lauren Castillo, John McNulty and Rachelle Lowe, through June 16

New works by Meg Caruso, Jonathan Bean, Mary Gelenser, Marsha Souders and Paul Vasiliades, June 18-July 14

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

“Christy’s Creations,” an eclectic collection of artwork by Christy L. McKenna, through June; meet the artist: June 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Black-and-white prints and watercolor giclee prints of local scenes by Jennifer Burke (first floor showcase)

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

“Big, Bigger, Biggest,” showcasing sculptures and large-scale original wall art in a variety of media, through June 1

“Class Reunion,” a showing of artwork by PCCA student award winners, interns and staff members of years past, and a special exhibit by Wanda Pines, June 14-Aug. 3; reception: June 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

“Clay—The Way of the Maker,” an exhibition featuring the work of the Central PA Potters, through June 1

“Homegrown,” a group showing of works in a variety of media by Perry County artists, June 7-Aug. 3; reception: June 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. Third St., Harrisburg
pinestreet.org

“Summer Art Show,” through summer; opening: June 21, 7 to 9 p.m.

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

“Pennsylvania at War: World War I Posters from the Pennsylvania State Archives,” through Dec. 29

“Pennsylvania at War: The Saga of the USS Pennsylvania,” through Dec. 29

“Art of the State,” the 52nd annual juried exhibition featuring Pennsylvania artists and craftspeople, June 23-Sept. 8; reception: June 23, 1-5 p.m.

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

“Picasso: A Life in Print,” highlighting 1904-1970 works of Pablo Picasso from the collection of the John Szoke Gallery, NYC, June 8-Sept. 22

“Explore: Archives & Collections,” an investigation of archives and collections in the S. Wilson and Grace M. Pollock Education Center Gallery, through Aug. 11

“Inspired: Contemporary Responses to a Legacy of Courage,” through Aug. 18

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

“Expanded Visions: Lancaster Summer Arts Festival,” June 7-28

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

“Art In The Wild,” naturally inspired trailside creations along Wildwood Park’s wandering trails and wetlands, through Oct. 31

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

Art gallery by Nate Demuro, through June 20

Art gallery by Gretchen Gross, June 21-July 18

Read, Make, Learn

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

June 12, 19: Create Your Own Creatures 2-Day class, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
June 19: Make-a-Face Mug, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Upcycled, Sustainable Fashion, 5 Saturdays, 12-2 p.m.
June 3-7: “Mix It Up” Summer Camp (ages 5-12), 8:30-11:30 a.m.
June 3-7, June 24-28: Art & Adventure Camp (ages 9-14), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 4, 11, 18, 25: Illustrative Impressionism—Portraiture, 4 Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
June 5, 12, 19, 26: Impressionist Landscapes in Watercolor, 4 Wednesdays, 5-7:30 p.m.
June 10-14: “Under the Sea” Camp (ages 5-12), 8:30-11:30 a.m.
June 10-14: “Dance Me a Story” Camp w/ Central PA Youth Ballet (ages 3-7), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 10-14: “I Ink I Can, I Ink I Can!” Camp (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
June 11, 18, 25: Basic and Continuing Ceramics, 3 Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
June 17-21: Cartoons & Movie Camp, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
June 17-21: “WaterWorks” Camp (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
June 21: Craft Beer & Clay, 7 p.m.
June 24-28: “FiBear Arts” Camp (ages 5-12), 8:30-11:30 a.m.
June 26: “Set The Table” Ceramic Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
June 29: Fun with “FiBear Arts” Adult Camp, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

June 7: “Meet The Millworks” Tapas & Beer Tasting, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
June 14: “Grilling Favorites,” 6:30-9:30 p.m.
June 21: “Fresh From the Dock,” 6:30-9:30 p.m.

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

June 4: Hubble Telescope, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
June 6: Internet Fundamentals, 6-7:30 p.m.
June 9: “A Starry Night” Painting, 1-3 p.m.
June 18: Bank on Your Success—Banking Basics, 4-6 p.m.
June 20: Device Club, 1-2:30 p.m.
June 25: Friends of East Shore Area Library Meeting, 9:30-11:15 a.m.
June 30: eReader Resources, 1-2:30 p.m.

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

June 1, 15: Cards & Coffee, 10 a.m.
June 1, 15, 29: Family LEGO Club, 11 a.m.
June 4, 11, 18, 25: Cards & Coffee, 9:15 a.m.
June 4, 11, 18, 25: Evening Cards & Coffee, 6:30 p.m.
June 13, 27: Community Knitters, 6 p.m.

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

June 29: Native Americans Along the Susquehanna, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

June 4: Curl up with the Classics—“A Grief Observed,” 10 a.m.
June 5: Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1 p.m.
June 6, 20: Blood Pressure Screenings w/ UPMC Pinnacle, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: The Plot Twisters (ages 15-18), 6:30 p.m.
June 7: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
June 8: Community Plant Swap, 1:30 p.m.
June 9: Summer Reading Kickoff—A Universe of Stories, 1-4 p.m.
June 10-Aug. 2: Summer Drop-In Story Times (under 3 years old), 9:30 a.m.
June 10-Aug. 2: Summer Drop-In Story Times (over 3 years old), 10:30 a.m.
June 10-Aug. 5: Teen Summer Movies, 6:30 p.m.
June 10: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
June 10, 24: Teen Makerspace Drop-In (ages 12-18), 4-6 p.m.
June 11: Djembe—African Drum Circle, 10:30 a.m.
June 14, 28: Foreign Film Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.
June 21: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
June 24: Fredricksen Reads—“Becoming Mrs. Lewis,” 7 p.m.
June 25: Jesse the Reptile Guy, 10:30 a.m.
June 26: Stranger Things Party (ages 12-18), 3 p.m.

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

June 29-30: Pet Portraits in Watercolor, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

June 10-July 29: Character Level 2, Mondays, 7-10 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
40 Northeast Dr., Hershey
hersheyart.org

June 11-13: The Art of Collage, 1-4 p.m.

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

June 4-27: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.
June 7: Children’s Summer Quest Kick-off Open House, 11 a.m.
June 7: Dungeons and Dragons, 2 p.m.
June 8: 2nd Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
June 12, 19, 26: Next Generation Yoga for Teens, 3 p.m.
June 17, 24: Book and Babies, 9:30 a.m.
June 17, 24: Book Buddies, 10 a.m.
June 17, 19, 24, 26: Chewsy Readers, 12:15 a.m.
June 18, 25: 1, 2 Whee!, 10 a.m.
June 18, 25: Terrific Tuesday, 1 p.m.
June 18, 25: Children’s Program, 1 p.m.
June 19, 26: Sensory 1, 2, Whee!, 10 a.m.
June 19, 26: Teen Time, 1:30 p.m.
June 19, 26: Furry Tales, 6:30 p.m.

June 20, 27: LEGO Club, 1:30 p.m.
June 21: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
June 24: Central PA Blood Drive, 3 p.m.
June 28: Movie and a Craft—“Wonder,” 10 a.m.

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

June 3, 17: Monday Morning Board Games, 10-11:30 a.m.
June 4, 11, 18: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 4: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
June 5: Elder Care: Part 2, 7-8:30 p.m.
June 6: Learn to Knit/Crochet, 7-8 p.m.
June 6, 13, 27: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 10: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
June 10, 24: English Conversation Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
June 12: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
June 17: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
June 19: SciFi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
June 22: DollyCon, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 25: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
June 26: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
June 26: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.
June 27: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

June 8: 2nd Catan Tournament, 1-4:30 p.m.
June 12: Internet Fundamentals, 5-6:30 p.m.
June 13: Make Your Own Telescope, 2-3:30 p.m.
June 20: Friends of Kline Library Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
June 26: Knit 1, Crochet Too! 6-8 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
1306 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Passageways—Trans and Non-Binary Group, 2-4 p.m.
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Common Roads Young Adult, 4-6 p.m.
June 5, 12, 19, 26: Common Roads Youth, 6-8 p.m.
June 8: Queer & Trans People of Color Advisory, 6-8 p.m.

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

June 5: Dungeons and Dragons, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
June 6: Banking Basics, 4-6 p.m.
June 10: Astronomy Trivia, 6-7 p.m.
June 10, 17, 24: Video Game Club, 4-5 p.m.
June 17: Cookbook Book Club—Pop Culture Cooking, 6-7 p.m.

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

June 4: Bank on Your Success—Banking Basics, 4-6 p.m.
June, 5, 12, 19, 26: Mid-Day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
June 21: Alien Felties, 6-8 p.m.
June 25: Device Club, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St., Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

June 3, 10, 17, 24: STEM Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
June 4, 11, 18, 25: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 4, 11, 18, 25: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
June 4, 18, 25: Family Yoga, 6-7 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Science Fiction Book Club (meets online)
June 8: Summer Reading Kick-off, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 12, 19, 26: Summer Reading—Other Worlds Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 28: Trivia Night, 7-8 p.m.

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

June 4: An Evening w/ Jericho Brown, 7-9 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20, 27: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7 p.m.
June 7, 14, 28: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
June 8: An Evening w/David Epstein, 7-9 p.m.
June 12: An Evening w/Bernice Hausman, 7 p.m.
June 16: LGBT Book Club, 4:30 p.m.
June 18: An Evening w/Casey Cep, 7-9 p.m.
June 22: An Evening w/Randi Hutter Epstein, 7-9 p.m.

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

June 1-2: Acrylic Abstract Painting 2-Day Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 8, 9: Fluid Art Class, 12-2:30 p.m.
June 22: Wine and Tine Modern Calligraphy Workshop, 1-4 p.m.

The Movement Center
2134 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-238-0357; themovementcenter.net

June 9: Community Beginner Yoga Class, 10 a.m.

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

June 8: “Mississippi and the Care of Confederate Veterans,” 1-2 p.m.

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

June 1: Fishing for Families, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 8: A Dose of Vitamin N(ature), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 25: Smoothies and Smocks, 1:30-4 p.m.
June 27: Smoothies and Smocks, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

June 6: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 7-Aug. 8: Summer Reading for Adults
June 7-Aug. 8: “A Universe of Stories” Summer Learning Program
June 8: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 10: Fun with My Gym! (ages 3-5), 10:30 a.m.
June 11: Fun with My Gym!, (ages 1-2) 11:15 a.m.
June 11, 25: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
June 12, 26: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 12-July 31: Ready for K!, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
June 13, 20, 27: Thursday Family Entertainment, 10:30 am.
June 14: Teen Library After Hours, 6:30-8 p.m.
June 15: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 15: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
June 17: Kindergym (ages 3-5), 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m.
June 17: Maker Mania! (ages 8-14), 4-6 p.m.
June 18: Kindertots (age 2), 10:30 a.m.
June 18: VanGo! Museum on Wheels—Special FX, 1-2 p.m.
June 18: Tales for T.A.I.L.S., 6:30-7:30 p.m.
June 20: Teen Gaming Hour, 3-4 p.m.
June 24: Peaceful Poses Kids Yoga (ages 3-6), 10:30 a.m.
June 24: Family Game Night, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
June 25: Build & Play (6-24 months), 11:15 a.m.
June 26: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
June 28: Mommy & Me Music, 10:30 a.m.
June 28: Library After Hours—Family String Art, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

June 10: Book Club Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
June 10, 17, 24: Monday Family Program, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 11-27: Little Explorers Story Times
June 14, 21, 28: Makerspace Friday, 1-2:30 p.m.

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

June 1: Drop-In Art, 1-4 p.m.

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

June 8: Shawl Ministry, 10 a.m.

Rockhill Trolley Museum
430 Meadow St., Rockhill Furnace
814-447-9576; rockhilltrolley.org

June 1: Aughwick Antique Tractor Ride & Show, 11 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
June 8-9: Johnstown Car Days, 11 a.m.-4:15 pm.

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

June 7: Story Time—“What a Treasure,” 10:30 a.m.
June 20: Curiosity Kids—Bubbles, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 21, 28: Learn at Lunchtime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
June 26: Nature Lab—“Leaf Identification,” 11:30 a.m.
June 27: Nature Lab—“Dinosaurs in Pennsylvania,” 11:30 a.m.

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

June 1-Aug. 24: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 1-Aug. 25: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 19: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

June 1: Brownie Scout Program—Wonderful Water, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
June 2: Tree ID Walk, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
June 8: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 9: Kids Discover—Frogs & Turtles, 1:30-3 p.m.
June 12: Stress Relief Walk, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
June 13: Bird Walk—Nesting Birds, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
June 16: Flower Walk—Peak of Blooming, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 17-21: Wild Way Day Camp 1 (ages 6-8), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 20: Get in Shape Walk, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

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

June 4: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6:30-8 p.m.
June 6: Teen Night—Escape Room, 6-7 p.m.
June 12: 2nd Wednesday Cinema, 6-8 p.m.
June 18: Novel Thoughts Too Book Club, 1-3 p.m.
June 24: Full Moon Folklore, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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

June 5-26: Restore Your Core, 4 Wednesdays, 2-3:30 p.m.
June 29: Meditation & Yoga Six Pack, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

June 8: Kristin Chenoweth
June 9: Sonny Turner, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, The Original Coasters
June 17: The Robert Cray Band, Marc Cohn, Blind Boys of Alabama, Shemekia Copeland
June 21: Everclear, Fastball
June 22: The Turtles, Chuck Negron, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Buckinghams, The Classics IV, The Cowsills
June 23: Martina McBride
June 26: Diana Ross

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

June 1: Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
June 2: DuoDuo
June 12: Moon Hooch
June 15: Cousin Earth

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

June 1: York Symphony Orchestra
June 1: Croce Plays Croce
June 2: York County Hours Choirs
June 6: Exmag Live Band
June 8: Todd Snider
June 9: Susquehanna Valley Theatre Organ Society w/ Donnie Rankin
June 23: Blondie

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

June 20: The Super High-Tech Jet Fighters, Johnny Stanec
June 27: Brandon Reece

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

June 1, 12, 22: Roy Lefevre
June 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25: Noel Gevers
June 5: Christine Purcell
June 6: Corinna Joy
June 8, 29: Ted Ansel
June 13, 26: Andrea Britton
June 23, 27: Anthony Haubert
June 28: Corinna Joy and Noel Gevers

Central PA Friends of Jazz
www.friendsofjazz.org

June 14: Sean Jones at Messiah College

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

June 1: Jameson Rodgers
June 5: Texas Hippie Coalition
June 7: Tech N9ne
June 8: A Scent Like Wolves
June 11: The Lemonheads
June 15: The Wild Feathers
June 22: Wolf Blood

Cliff’s Tavern
1104 Carlisle Rd., Camp Hill
717-412-7323; cliffstavern.com

June 1: Nine D

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

June 7: Men Without Hats
June 8: Vanilla Ice
June 13: The Zapp Band
June 14: Frontier—The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band
June 15: Kix
June 21, 22: Electron
June 27: Mikey Avalon & Dirt Nasty

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

June 1: Dominick Cicco
June 2: Shelba Purtle
June 7: Antonio Andrade
June 8: Kevin Appleby and Erik Bohn
June 9: Kirk Wise
June 14: Michael Arthur
June 15: Doug Morris
June 16: Brian Davis
June 21: Kevin Kline
June 22: Hard Travelin
June 23: Rayzen Kane
June 28: Steven Gellman
June 29: Janie Womack and Jody Echterling
June 30: Mary-Kate Spring Lee

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

June 13: Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra
June 24: West Shore Symphony Orchestra

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

June 22: Ahn Trio and Nai Chen Dance Company
June 30: Alicia Olatuja

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

June 1: Emily’s Toybox
June 1, 29: DJ Ray Rossi
June 7: M80 Band
June 8: DJ Magic
June 14: The Luv Gods
June 15: DJ Matrix, Smooth Like Clyde
June 28: Josh Squared Band
June 29: 7 Bridges, Radio Neon

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

June 1: Founding Fathers, Big Gorgeous, Knite Bitch, The Mighty Klucks
June 4: Frank Iero and the Future Violents, Reggie & The Full Effect
June 7: Nita Strauss, Kore Rozzik, Kamikaze Kupcakes
June 14: A Killer’s Confession, Eve to Adam, Suicide Puppets, Satanic Panic, UltraViolent
June 15: Anika
June 21: Wolfpac
June 22: Mir Fontane, Nicky The Jet, Messiah
June 28: Smile Empty Soul, Anthrophobia, Eternal Frequency, Coldville, Dead Eyes, Stellar Circuits, East Coast to Nowhere, Backseat Hooligans, Slik Helvetika, The Curly Jeffersons

Johnny Joe’s Sports Bar & Grill
5327 E. Trindle Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2254; johnnyjoesbar.com

June 1: Observe the 93rd
June 5, 12, 19, 26: Open Mic, Walter DeWall
June 7, 14, 21, 28: DJ Joe Hertz
June 8: Suicide Puppets
June 15: fith
June 22: Adrian Blitzer
June 29: The Jacks

Keystone Concert Band
717-421-1512; keystoneconcertband.com

June 2: Concert at Peace Church, Mechanicsburg

The Lodge at Liberty Forge
3804 Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-756-5032; libertyforge.net

June 6: Swisher Sweets
June 13: Acoustic Moose
June 20: Nate Myers Trio
June 27: Acoustic Stew

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

June 1: Classical Mystery Tour—A Tribute to The Beatles

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

June 28: Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

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

June 14: Sean Jones

The Mill in Hershey
810 Old W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-256-9965; themillinhershey.com

June 1: Laredo, Dave Kelly
June 8: Sought Out City
June 15: Steve Dincau
June 22: Emmanuel Nsignani
June 29: Hank Imhof

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

June 8: Parrot Beach
June 22: After Hours Big Band

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

June 22: Justin Angelo Band

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

June 7: Robert Kimbrough, Sr.

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

June 1: TBA
June 2: Visitors Duo
June 3: Kevin Koa
June 14: Ben Simcox
June 15: Drew Adams
June 21: Natalie Ness
June 22: Erica Lyn Everest
June 28: Shea Quinn and Friends
June 29: Quentin Jones

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

June 2: DuoDuo (at Abbey Bar)
June 22: Justin Angelo Band at Perry County Council of the Arts

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; millersville.edu/muarts

June 9: Allegro’s Young Music Masters Competition
June 15: 24^th Annual Imani Edu-Tainers Community Concert

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

June 21: Bend the Rails

The Stage Door

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

June 8, 9: Greater York Dance
June 14: Rich Guzzi

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

June 14-16: “My Fair Lady”

Capitol Opera Harrisburg
capopera.com

June 14, 15: “The Magnificence of Mascagni!” at Bishop McDevitt High School

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

June 1-22: “Camelot”
June 27-Aug. 10: “Annie”

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

June 18: “Andrew’s Big Show”

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

June 1-15: Shakespeare in the Park—“Much Ado About Nothing” at Reservoir Park

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

June 23: Ahn Trio w/the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Co.

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

June 28-30: “Hamlet”

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

June 6, 13, 20, 27: Open Mic
June 8: Seth Knorr and Lee Hardin
June 9: “Oxymorons Improv Comedy” Show

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

June 2: Musical Level 2 Class Show
June 7: Persnickety/Elderprov
June 14: Meow Meow Precious/Ferd Majelly
June 15: WoW MoM/Without a Tres
June 21: Persnickety/Room Temp
June 21, 23: Intro To Improv Class Show
June 28: Character Level 1 Class Show, Meow Meow Precious/Mary Todd Lincoln
June 30: Character Level 1 Class Show

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

June 22: Revolution Wrestling Federation

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

June 7-23: “Cannibal! The Musical”

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

June 15-16: “Newsies” w/The Vault Theater Company

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

June 1: Pennsylvania Regional Ballet

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

June 1-16: “Ragtime”

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

June 1-16: “The Fox on the Fairway”

The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; allenberry.com

June 21-July 7: “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”

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

June 30: “Risque Business” Drag and Burlesque Show

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

June 14-23: “Sylvia” at Whitaker Center

Untitled: A Storytelling Project
untitledhbg.com

June 9: “Midtown at the Cinema—View Life through a New Lens” at Midtown Cinema

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

June 7: “We the People—Rise Festival”

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

June 14-23: “Sylvia” w/Theatre Harrisburg
June 19-22: “Founder’s Series” w/Central PA Youth Ballet

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

May 30, 2019 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

It’s a busy weekend for us. We have our community Yard Sale on Friday (and Saturday), a family wedding Friday night. Bo starts swim lessons on Sunday, and post-nap, we’ll be hitting the Serb Picnic!

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

Split Harrisburg school board passes preliminary budget with 3.4% tax increase

May 30, 2019 | by Mary Imgrund

The Harrisburg school board in a meeting last night

At a special board meeting Wednesday night, the Harrisburg school board squabbled over, and ultimately passed, a preliminary 2019 budget that would raise the school portion of the Harrisburg property tax by 3.4 percent.

The majority voting bloc, led by board President Danielle Robinson, defended the budget against board opponents Carrie Fowler, Judd Pittman and Brian Carter.

Four of last week’s five Democratic primary winners, Douglas Thompson Leader, Jayne Buchwach, Steven Williams and James Thompson, attended the meeting. All of the defeated incumbents, Lionel Gonzalez, Lola Lawson, Patricia Whitehead-Myers and Ellis Roy, now in lame-duck status until December, supported the new budget.

Before the protracted budget fight, resident Peter Marks made the only public comment, suggesting that the board ensure that the length of new contracts don’t stymie the incoming board’s policy agendas.

“There will be, in December, a large change to the composition of the board,” Marks said. “I would respectfully suggest that it would be improper for the board to enter into any long-term agreements between now and the time the new board takes these seats.”

During the debate over the new budget, Pittman asserted that his questions and concerns were not adequately answered about the new budget. He claimed that his suggestion to move towards a decentralized budget, akin those in Chicago and New York City public schools, sparked no dialogue or interest from other board members.

“Let’s really engage the public in really thoughtful and mindful dialogue,” Pittman said, referencing the low public attendance of the school board’s public meetings regarding the budget. “Having a meeting to have a meeting to say you had a meeting isn’t engagement.”

Robinson disagreed, saying that there was ample opportunity for questions and comments for both the public and board before the vote took place this evening.

Kirsten Keys, the district’s public relations coordinator, stated that the public meetings were publicized on the website and in local print publications. The board’s social media is occasionally active, though no events or posts about opportunities for public comment on the budget are present.

Pittman also referenced a potential storm water fee that could create a significant financial strain on the district as it owns large swaths of impermeable land, such as parking lots, across the city.

Meanwhile, none of the members addressed the ongoing dispute with the teacher’s union, which had threatened a one-day strike on Friday over ongoing issues with contract negotiations.

Wednesday night’s budget vote approved the district’s preliminary budget for the 2019-20 school year. The school board still must approve a final budget by June 30.

In city hall ceremony, Harrisburg police officer receives Congressional Badge of Bravery

May 30, 2019 | by Maddie Conley

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey awards Harrisburg Officer Chad McGowan with the Congressional Badge of Bravery.

It’s not every day that U.S. Attorney David Freed looks out his 3^rd and Locust street office to see a Harrisburg police officer involved in open fire.

But, 17 months ago, that’s exactly what happened.

On Dec. 22, 2017, Harrisburg Officer Chad McGowan responded to a call for assistance after a Capitol police officer was shot at.

McGowan had a county probation officer and three officers in training in his vehicle with him. Approaching the suspect’s car, the gunman began firing at McGowan. The officer quickly took cover beside his vehicle and shot back at the suspect, while his passengers left the vehicle. The man charged McGowan and the PA state trooper that came to his assistance. However, they were able to fatally wound the man and end the assault.

Yesterday, Officer McGowan received the 2017 Congressional Badge of Bravery. In a ceremony hosted by U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey and the Harrisburg Police Bureau, McGowan was recognized for his courage and service in a dangerous shootout.

“Officer Chad McGowan is an American hero,” Toomey said simply.

“Chad McGowan went toward the danger and stayed until the job was done,” Freed added.

For his act of courage, McGowan was awarded one of the 18 badges given by the U.S. attorney general to U.S. police officers each year.

In 2008, Congress passed the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act to honor “exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by federal, state and local law enforcement officers,” according to the Office of Justice Programs. To be awarded the badge, officers must have sustained or faced risk of serious injury or death.

“Every day across Pennsylvania, about 25,000 men and women put on the uniform,” Toomey said. “They put on the badge, and they answer the call of anybody who needs help. While the rest of us have the luxury to run away from trouble, they run toward it, to protect and defend all of us.”

Toomey presented McGowan with the badge as resounding applause and a standing ovation followed.

“I am so humbled by this experience,” McGowan said. “I’m so proud to wear this badge on my shoulder.”

McGowan held his head high, freshly adorned with his red, white, blue and gold badge.

He then recalled his humble beginnings as an officer, lying tired and out of breath on the Police Academy floor, with Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter towering over him and yelling, “Get off your face!”

Carter had walked in, a moment McGowan would never forget, and made the trainees do pushups.

“That’s when I knew I wanted to work for Harrisburg city,” McGowan said.

Nearing 1½ years after confronting the gunman, McGowan still desires to serve Harrisburg through his work, even when it is life-threatening.

“Today is truly a great honor to the city,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse, during the ceremony. “It’s a great honor to the Harrisburg Police Department and the region.”

Harrisburg gets closer to exiting Act 47, as state body backs 5-year financial plan

May 29, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

City Solicitor Neil Grover speaks during today’s meeting of the Harrisburg Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority.

The state-appointed body tasked with overseeing Harrisburg’s finances today approved the city’s five-year financial plan, getting Harrisburg a step closer to exiting Act 47.

The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) unanimously endorsed the city’s long-term financial plan, following some tweaks and updates from an earlier draft plan.

“I believe that working on this will allow us to take a first necessary step for the city of Harrisburg,” said ICA board member Kathy Speaker MacNett.

Next, the ICA and the city need to draft an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement, which will formally set the terms and conditions of the intergovernmental relationship. A draft should be ready by mid-June, said ICA Chairman David Schankweiler.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that he hopes the final agreement will be approved by the ICA and City Council before council goes on summer hiatus in early July. At that point, with Commonwealth Court approval, the city can formally exit Act 47, the state’s program for distressed municipalities. The city has been in the program since 2010.

The financial plan approved today had some good news in it.

Since the May 1 draft, the city’s financial picture has brightened considerably. Real estate taxes, earned income taxes, local services taxes and interest income have all been stronger than projected, adding about $1.1 million in projected revenue for 2019.

Meanwhile, projected medical expenses for this year were reduced by $750,000.

As a result, the city expects to be able to pay down its debt faster than it projected just a month ago. It also expects to have to use less of its fund balance over the five-year period.

Nonetheless, Papenfuse remained concerned over what will happen when the five-year plan period expires in 2023. At that point, the city would lose some $12 million in extra taxing authority granted by the state legislature.

If, in the interim, the state does not allow Harrisburg to continue its elevated earned income and local services taxes, the city’s options would be to slash expenses, raise property taxes or perhaps pass a home rule charter, which could allow it to recoup some of the lost taxes.

Several ICA members voiced one reservation about the five-year financial plan. They noted that projected revenues were expected to be basically flat over the period, prompting several members to advocate a strong economic development policy for the city.

“There’s a lot to be done on the economic development front,” said ICA board member Audry Carter.

Following the meeting, Papenfuse said that he welcomed all ideas and proposals from the ICA to spur economic development in the city. He also said his administration is proposing transferring money that was used to fund a city communications director to hiring an economic development director.

The communications director position has been vacant for several months after Joyce Davis left to join PennLive. The economic development director job, which had been funded by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, has been vacant since last year when then-director Jackie Parker left.

Harrisburg to seek grant funding for road, recreation projects

May 29, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Proposed improvements to part of the Market Street corridor in Harrisburg

Harrisburg expects to apply for grants for several infrastructure projects, as it makes plans for improvements to roads, sidewalks and recreational spaces.

At tonight’s work session, the administration will make a pitch to City Council for submitting three separate grant applications.

The largest, a $2.24 million grant request to the Commonwealth Financing Authority, would help fund a series of improvements downtown along Walnut, Market and Chestnut streets.

“It’s for road diets, bike lanes, paving and general improvements,” said city Engineer Wayne Martin, who noted that this is the fourth time that the city has sought funding for what is now called the “Harrisburg East-West Multimodal Connection Project.”

Other improvements would include traffic signal upgrades, new crosswalks, bump-outs and green areas.

According to Martin, the city hopes to build on the improvements now taking place along the 3^rd Street corridor, which includes new curbs, lighting, sewers, ADA-accessible ramps and pavement, among other work.

The idea, he said, is to improve several critical north/south corridors, including the portion of Market Street between the train station and Cameron Street. Both the city and the state hope to revitalize those largely abandoned blocks on Market Street by better controlling flooding, adding green space and relocating the city’s bus transfer station to the area.

“We’re going to make a concentrated effort to make this [grant] happen,” he said.

The administration also is seeking council approval to apply for two smaller grants focused on recreation.

The first would offer match funding for the planned Chutes & Ladders playground in Reservoir Park, a $600,000 project that is part of the Reservoir Park Master Plan.

In April, the city submitted an application for a $250,000 grant to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to build the playground. That grant, though, requires a one-to-one funding match, which the city hopes to obtain through a $250,000 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

Another project, if it came to fruition, would mean a major change to the city’s summer recreation for its young people.

The administration hopes to apply for a $50,000 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to conduct a feasibility study for replacing the city’s two public swimming pools with spray park/splash pad installations.

In recent years, the two pools—at the Jackson Lick and Hall Manor public housing projects—have been closed often due to leaks and other problems. According to Martin, the pools are nearing the end of their lifespans, and the cost of replacing them is prohibitive. Therefore, the city is searching for more affordable options.

“Every year, we spend tens of thousands of dollars to Band-Aid them,” he said. “The feasibility study would look at the new aquatic facilities and what they would cost.”

Currently, both pools are slated to open for the season in mid-June.

Parking Advisory committee meeting incredibly short, sparsely attended

May 28, 2019 | by Mary Imgrund

Tuesday’s meeting of the Park Harrisburg Advisory Committee

Despite constant complaints about parking in Harrisburg, only three members of the public showed up Tuesday night for a rare Park Harrisburg Advisory Committee meeting, which was was short, quiet and methodical.

Nancy Keim, deputy executive director of the Harrisburg Parking Authority, enumerated what she considered to be the parking system’s 2018 successes: increased use of the ParkMobile parking app, which now accounts for about one-third of all transactions; event parking rates for visitors attending festivals; and 12 electric car charging stations installed in partnership with the commonwealth.

Also in 2018, Park Harrisburg received less revenue overall, but that shortfall was offset by lower expenses, she said. So, it was able to deposit about $1 million into its capital reserve fund, the first money put into reserve since 2014.

Capital improvement projects from last year focused on fixing the Locust and Chestnut street garages, with both projects finishing under budget, she said.

Objectives for this year include a retrofit of the Walnut Street garage’s elevators and continued concrete work at the Chestnut Street garage, she said.

This year, the committee anticipates that the system will lose some $760,000 due to increased costs, which may negatively affect 2019’s payment to the city.

Few residents were in attendance for the brief meeting, despite frustrations often articulated about parking in Harrisburg and the fact that the committee had not met publicly in well more than a year. However, those in attendance offered thoughtful commentary.

Michael Hertrich, a Midtown transplant from Pittsburgh, said that existing parking policies harmed residents and stifled small businesses.

“I owned and operated a business in the south side of Pittsburgh for 30 years, and I’m looking to open a business in the City of Harrisburg,” he began. “But I need someone to explain to me why I would consider opening a business in a city that doesn’t promote small business. Right now, it is totally stifled by your parking system.”

He suggested that Harrisburg could learn from the experiences in his former area of Pittsburgh. For instance, Park Harrisburg could allow a window of free parking in permit-only areas or allow residents to buy yearly guest permits to accommodate deliveries, home repairs, neighbor visits, or other happenings of a healthy urban center, he said.

Another resident, AJ Knee, said that he’s generally thankful for Park Harrisburg, but believes that signage should be made clearer and the committee should implement a way to transfer residential permits in the case of rental vehicles.

Following the public comment period, the meeting ended abruptly after about 20 minutes, without the committee addressing the comments and concerns of residents.

The next public Advisory Committee meeting is slated for later this year, likely in November or December.

Burg Review: Open Stage’s “Ragtime”–an emotionally charged musical of America in transition.

May 28, 2019 | by Amy Mastrangelo

Many may know “Ragtime” as a grand Broadway spectacle—or even from the grand, 1981 feature film.

But there is something magical about seeing this larger-than-life story in person, and on a smaller stage. In this way, you can see facial expressions filled with torment, love and hatred. You can clearly hear the emotions behind line, whether spoken or sung.

Directed by Rachel Landon, the high-energy and emotionally charged musical debuted this weekend at Open Stage of Harrisburg’s intimate downtown theater. The cast portrays complex roles, making each gaze and grimace a memorable sight. The acting and impressive voices are best experienced up close and very personal.

The play centers around three groups of people—white, black and immigrant—and how they experience turn-of-the-century America in all its glory and all its misery. The production breathes deeply of the rapidly changing times circa 1900 and the emergence of such phenomena as celebrity influence, mass-market culture, transience and the quest for economic and racial equality, among other issues.

As the play progresses, the characters’ lives become interconnected, and they learn how their actions can have unexpected consequences.

This production features impressive double- and triple-character casting. Performers fluidly change attitude, posture, head-to-toe fashion and tone of voice.

Georgianna Hicks plays a spunky Evelyn Nesbit as she wears glittering garb and hits every high note. Surrounded by protest signs that read “Opportunities for all people,” Benny Benamati channels anarchist Emma Goldman’s passionate spirit.

The live, three-piece orchestra plucks string instruments and piano keys, while the performers articulate in tandem. The carefully choreographed left- and right-footsteps mimic Henry Ford’s systematic assembly line. Boisterous speakeasy patrons float across the stage as they dance.

The score never stops to catch its breath, and each song is just as impactful as the one before. Characterized by its syncopated and ragged rhythm, ragtime music is unexpected. Though the characters step to each beat with determination and hope, they are swept into a cacophony of grief and loss.

Jimmy Oronoz plays his role as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. with such conviction that, when he balls his fists and cries demands of justice, the audience collectively holds its breath. You could also feel Mother’s [Stacey Werner] emotions build to an intense crescendo during the powerful solo, “Back To Before.” As Sarah [Pilisa Mackey] and Coalhouse [Oronoz] sing and dance together, their chemistry shines.

Occasionally, a wall-mounted television displays genuine black-and-white footage of historical events. As we, the audience, watch the cast watch the television, we recognize that the socioeconomic themes of a bygone era are still with us in today’s America.

Given the intimacy of the stage and the talented cast, you can expect to get goose bumps watching this production of “Ragtime.” You also may realize how much has changed over the past century-plus—and how much hasn’t.

“Ragtime” runs through June 16 at Open Stage of Harrisburg, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, call 717-232-6736 or visit www.openstagehbg.com.

The Week that Was: A summary of news and events around Harrisburg

May 24, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

A polling place on primary day in Harrisburg

What happened around Harrisburg over the past week? Here’s a summary of news and events that you may have missed.

Art Association of Harrisburg debuted its latest exhibit, “International Juried Show,” at its Front Street gallery. Our art critic has the lowdown on the new show. Click here for the full story.

Artsfest takes place this weekend in Riverfront Park in Harrisburg. The annual juried art show also will feature food, music, vendors, a kid’s area and the annual Moviate film festival. Click here for the full story.

Cappy took a bow last week as the newest member of the state Capitol police force. She’s a pit bull mix and will serve as the department’s community service dog. Click here for the full story.

Elementary Coffee Co. was the site of a rally for pay equity and raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania. State Rep. Patty Kim joined Elementary owner Andrea Grove and others in the push for fairer pay. Click here for the full story.

Fredricksen Library last week cut the ribbon a new entrance and a new business/career center. The Camp Hill library also plans a new outdoors plaza to finish up the improvement project. Click here for the full story.

Harrisburg ranks No. 4 in the nation among best cities for recent college grads, according to a new study. Realtor.com, a leading real estate website, commended the city for its many amenities, outdoors life and relatively low cost of living. Click here for the full story.

Harrisburg school board challengers swept the primary election last week, defeating four incumbents and capturing all five seats at stake. In the race for City Council, the opposite occurred, as all three incumbents prevailed. Click here for the full story.

HMAC (House of Music, Arts & Culture) sold for $6 million last week to a new controlling partnership, allowing it to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The new owners plan to begin immediately on another round of renovations and improvements. Click here for the full story.

Lower Dauphin School District students took on a mural project that will be hung in the adolescent wing of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. You can contribute to it during this weekend’s Artsfest in Harrisburg. Click here for the full story.

Open Stage of Harrisburg debuts its newest production, “Ragtime,” this weekend. The intertwining stories of America at the turn of the 20th century runs through June 16. Click here for the full story.

Parking will be the topic of the evening on Tuesday when the Park Harrisburg Advisory Board meets in the Crowne Plaza Hotel downtown. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. and will feature both a review of the system and a public portion, where comments can be aired. Click here for the full story.

Sara Bozich has dozens of ideas for things to do this weekend—that is, when you’re not at Artsfest. Check out her “Weekend Roundup.”

TheBurg’s editor weighed in with his post-mortem on the race for Harrisburg school board, saying it was the third “change election” in Harrisburg over the past decade. Click here for the full blog post.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily email digest of news and events? If not, subscribe here!

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