Watching the River Run: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership works to create happy trails, happy people.

April 30, 2019 | by Diane McNaughton

For 500 miles, the mighty Susquehanna River glides peacefully through rolling mountains and sleepy towns, past wildlife and wilderness, beneath cloudless skies and towering bridges of stone and steel.

From Otsego Lake in New York to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, its glistening waters serve as the scenic backdrop for Kipona, Artsfest and the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat, offering up the picture-perfect setting for picnics, boating, fishing, jogging and more.

Flowing in two main branches in a loosely drawn “Y,” the river has quietly connected the past to the present, the north to the south, the east to the west and the young to the young-at-heart.

Those connections fuel the mission of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP), says Executive Director Corey Ellison.

“It’s all about connecting people,” said Ellison, an Alabama native who has backpacked and rock-climbed her way through Australia and other must-see points in the great outdoors.

She views the Susquehanna as the ideal natural accessory for recreation, economic development, history, culture and a healthier lifestyle.

“Studies consistently show that people want walkable, bike-able communities,” Ellison noted.

Embracing open space also attracts economic development and an influx of vibrant young people, raising the region’s quality of life and beauty quotient, she said.

Greenways & Blueways

The group’s seeds were planted in the early 2000s, when then-Gov. Tom Ridge challenged the state Department of Transportation and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to examine the potential of the commonwealth’s greenways. From there, a committee of 120-plus members developed the Pennsylvania Greenways Action Plan, and the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership was born.

Its charter was signed on City Island in Harrisburg with representatives from the state, federal, city and county governments on hand, along with local advocacy groups. Funded largely by state funds and foundation grants, SGP underscores the importance of greenways and “blueways,” as the march of development bulldozed over suburbia’s vast open spaces.

The strategic action plan, released in 2006, recommended the formation of a nonprofit. That same year, a board of directors was appointed, and SGP became a 501c(3) organization.

Since then, the partnership has been working to build out the idea of a connected greenway and to preserve and link strips of undeveloped land and the environment.

The planned corridor runs one to three miles on either side of the Susquehanna for the entire 500 miles of the western branch.

Based in Williamsport and Lewisburg, the partnership has concentrated its efforts on the central Susquehanna region, working to translate ideas into trails, parks and river access points.

SGP often uses Dauphin County as a model for greenway development and preservation.

Ellison pointed to the extensive county park system and the Capital Area Greenbelt, lovingly dubbed the “emerald necklace,” as proof of the capital city’s love affair with its greenways.

In and around Harrisburg, SGP often shares information at Greenbelt events and sponsors an annual photo contest.

The competition attracts photographers of all skill levels to the greenway. The images captured will be on display in the Capitol’s East Wing Rotunda through June 30. Picturesque landscapes, charming river towns, and panoramic sunsets are frequently captured on film, along with those iconic bridges of the Susquehanna.

“The greenway is so large and covers such a diverse geography that we are always surprised by the images that come in,” Ellison said.

A Resource

Ellison pointed out that many people who live along the river may know what’s in their own backyard, but not what’s upstream. And, of course, what begins upstream eventually flows down into the lower Susquehanna.

She acknowledged that the Susquehanna has a “storied past” that includes the good and bad—beauty and transportation, pollution and massive flooding.

In the recent past, swollen riverbanks and dirty waters caused people to move away from the river, both physically and mentally, Ellison said.

“They saw it as a risk instead of a resource,” she said. “It really is an opportunity, whether for recreation or economic development. We try to work with communities and groups to help see the river, not as a risk but as a resource.”

SGP offers a volunteer ambassador program for those who share the group’s passion. To grow the greenway, these ambassadors attend outreach events, talk to visitors, spread the vision and mission of greenways and identify access to trails.

Every year, the group also hosts a paddling event. This year, the Susquehanna Island Hopper event will allow paddlers to drift from outside Selinsgrove to the Mahantango Creek Fish and Boat Commission on Aug. 3. Early bird tickets are available.

Because last year’s pounding rains led to high river levels that forced the event’s cancellation, the partnership has formulated a backup plan. If the river is too high or too low, “hoppers” will go to a local lake and hike, but the trip is on—rain or shine.

The sojourn is suitable for all levels of paddlers, from beginners to experts and from teens to retirees. It is fully guided, complete with safety boats and naturalists who give “as-you-go” learning opportunities, pointing out wildlife and natural areas in a floating classroom.

Representatives of Selinsgrove will talk about its history as a river community.

SGP also offers day trips that can be found on its website.

Whether you paddle, picnic, picture-take or promote, you should know about this group and its resources. And its members invite you to visit their website, reach out and connect with them.

To learn more about the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, visit www.susquehannagreenway.org.

Stories on environmental topics are proudly sponsored by LCSWMA.

Changing the Game: An annual conference champions female athletes, women’s sports.

April 30, 2019 | by Karen Hendricks

Loretta Claiborne didn’t walk or talk until the age of 4.

Born partially blind with intellectual disabilities in 1953, Claiborne was one of seven children raised in York by a single mother. Public school brought bullying, name-calling, anger and fighting.

The odds were against her. Sports, however, transformed her life.

Claiborne recently delivered the keynote address to about 100 south-central Pennsylvania health care professionals gathered in York for WellSpan Sports Medicine’s annual “Game Changers” conference.

“Loretta, your feet can take you further than your fists.”

That’s the life-changing advice a teenaged Claiborne heard from a teacher.

She took it to heart and started running with her older brother. It was 1966—a different era, before society generally accepted female athletes.

“My sister said I looked crazy running around Penn Park, and my mother said I would hurt my health,” Claiborne said.

She helped raise money to start a girls’ track team at William Penn Senior High School, then was called names like “retard” by teammates due to her disabilities. Claiborne recalls running in the school’s hallways for practice—boys were given priority on the outdoor track and field.

Claiborne’s feet propelled her to the finish line of 26 marathons (including a personal best of 3:03 in the 1982 Boston Marathon) and earned her seven running-related Special Olympics medals, plus three medals for bowling and figure skating.

The longevity and breadth of her career is incredible—she has competed in the Special Olympics since 1970 and also earned a fourth-degree black belt in karate. She talks about her accomplishments in a humble way, as if anyone else in the room could do it all, too.

She recalled many game changers within her own life: her mother, who was the first African American baby born in York Hospital, and her cousin Pierre Ritter, Harrisburg’s first African American police chief.

But she said the biggest game changer was the Special Olympics.

“I look back at the power of what athletics have done for me as a woman,” she said. “Without sports, I’d either be six-feet under or behind bars.”

Today, at the age of 65, the decorated Special Olympics champion is also championing causes.

She’s met four U.S. presidents and the pope. She was on a first-name basis with Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and she continues to serve on the Special Olympics International board of directors. She’s testified before Congress and the United Nations.

Her message? She encourages others to see abilities rather than disabilities.

“Everyone should have the right to play sports,” she said. “I’m going to keep pushing for women in sports, for people of disability.”

Really Listen

This June marks the 47th anniversary of Title IX, the civil rights law guaranteeing that women receive the same educational opportunities as men, including athletic ones.

According to the latest data, there are nearly 8 million high school athletes, including 3 million girls. Compare that to 1972’s participation rate—295,000 girls.

College athletes hit an all-time high of nearly 495,000 in 2017-18, and more than 216,000 were women. Back in 1972, only 30,000 were.

Disparities remain, however. According to the NCAA and the Women’s Sports Federation, schools spend less on female athletic programs, there are fewer female coaches than males, and participation among minority females is significantly lower than that of whites.

Conference organizer Dr. Mark Lavallee of WellSpan’s sports medicine program and head team physician for Gettysburg College, notes one of the most obvious changes in females athletes today.

“The acceptable body type has changed from skinny and twiggy to an athletic female build,” he said. “It’s now acceptable for women to have muscles.”

Interestingly, an increase in muscle mass requires more iron to power the body, meaning athletics can actually contribute to iron deficiency, said Dr. Helen Deitch of WellSpan Adolescent & Pediatric Gynecology.

Still, some athletes, both male and female, strive to be thin and lightweight, putting themselves at risk for eating disorders, stress fractures and anemia.

Conference sessions focused on training health care providers to identify and help athletes who may be suffering from medical conditions, as well as abuse, a timely topic given the rampant sexual abuse perpetrated by the USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University physician Larry Nassar.

“People ask why it’s happening in sports, and the thing you have to remember is that sports is often a sacred culture with tremendous power differentials,” said Kathy Bradley, a psychologist who oversees Gettysburg College’s Health & Counseling Center.

She instructed conference attendees on how to phrase questions to female athletes when abuse is suspected. Ashley Moss of Drayer Physical Therapy, Lower Dauphin (LD) High School athletic trainer for 12 years, said Bradley’s advice was valuable.

“In a world where things are always moving so fast, or we are trying to juggle more than one athlete at a time, we can overlook or miss the details we need to hear, to provide the best care,” Moss said. “This conference was a great reminder to slow down, ask the hard questions and really listen to what the athlete is saying.”

She has seen a rise in the number of LD’s female athletes continuing onto the collegiate level. And she cites numerous female role models at LD, including long-time field hockey coach Bea Hallman and current coach Linda Kreiser, as well as Ruth Goepfert, who helped establish LD’s swim team.

“Like Loretta Claiborne, LD has been very lucky with women who have paved the way in athletics,” said Moss.

For more information on the Game Changers in Sports Medicine Conference, visit www.wellspan.org.

Musical Youth: Annual Mother’s Day concert showcases the passion, talent of the Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra.

April 30, 2019 | by Lori M. Myers

The pull and passion for music can begin early. Some quit and substitute other interests; others keep on.

Matthew Blanchard, a senior at Boiling Springs High School, a tubist and singer, discovered his musical passion upon attending a concert performed by the Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra (HSYO) when he was in eighth grade.

“I was amazed by how professional the kids looked and sounded,” Blanchard recalled. “I also thought it would be amazing to play my tuba in the Forum. I was hooked immediately.”

Blanchard’s seat will be right on stage this month when the HSYO presents its annual Mother’s Day concert at the Forum in Harrisburg. The orchestra is also celebrating a special milestone this year: the 65th anniversary of the first HSYO performance.

“In 2004, as part of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s 75th anniversary celebration, a book was written chronicling the orchestra’s history,” says Mark Hunsberger, director of education, who began playing music in fourth grade. “In that book, the author, Cornelius A. Rodgers, recognized the HSYO as one of the 10-oldest in the country.”

That year, the youth symphony boasted 88 student members from 25 different public, private and home schools. It has now grown to more than 160 student musicians from 45 different public, private and home schools. There are currently two ensembles—one for middle school and one for high school.

“Those numbers alone speak not only to the sustainability of music education here in central PA, but to the growth of the music education communities which HSYO serves,” Hunsberger said.

While Blanchard was inspired by attending a performance, 12th-grader Julia Duvall, a violinist with the HSYO, said that hers started at the age of 3 due to an educational toy.

“I had a LeapFrog tablet that came with a classical music track,” Duval said. “I was obsessed with listening to different composers and playing with an interactive violin featured on the device.”
Range of Interests

HSYO has opened many opportunities for its young musicians and provided a professional atmosphere that teaches lessons going far beyond the intricacies of the music itself.

For Duvall, performing new and exciting compositions has further developed her musical skills. She is also a two-time winner of a scholarship that allowed her to attend “Summer at SEM Creative Arts” at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pa., an international summer program for serious students of music, theater and dance.

“This program impacts these students on a number of levels, many of which have nothing to do with actual music making,” says Greg Woodbridge, HSYO’s music director. “Music is merely the vehicle through which they foster friendships, community and numerous skills they’ll use throughout life outside of music. At the very least, we hope to be building future audiences and educated music consumers through exposure to high-quality orchestral literature.”

According to Woodbridge, who began playing piano at 7 years old and took up the violin at the age of 9, HSYO musicians learn about belonging to a performing ensemble and how to play their instruments with a group, as opposed to playing alone.

“Because of the many activities outside of the orchestra in which students participate, they must have good time management skills,” he said.

Indeed, both Blanchard and Duvall have interests that take up other precious minutes of their days. Blanchard sings bass in the Boiling Springs Chorus and has participated in district and regional choral festivals. He also plays bass trombone in his school’s jazz band and Messiah College’s jazz band. He is president of the Fly Fishing Club at his high school and works at a fishing and tackle shop.

Duvall’s hobbies include yoga, baking and reading.

Despite their busy lives, HSYO’s Mother’s Day concert is a source of excitement for the two musicians, as they will have the opportunity to perform some of their personal favorites. Included in the repertoire are both classical and pops selections such as “Die Fledermaus Overture” by Johann Strauss, “Rumanian Rhapsody No. 1” by George Enescu, and selections from the “Harry Potter” and “Hook” soundtracks, scored by John Williams. In addition, a performance of “Der Schwanendreher” by Paul Hindemith will feature HSYO Concerto Competition winner, Kayra Hyatt.

“Each year, the HSYO holds a concerto competition for members of the orchestra,” Hunsberger explained. “The winner performs their selection with the full orchestra as part of the Mother’s Day concert.”

Also performing will be the Junior Youth String Orchestra with selections by John Rutter, Antonin Dvorak and Edouard Lalo.

While Blanchard plans to major in music education after graduation, Duvall sees her future in the medical field “while participating in an orchestra,” she said.

Whatever each student’s decision, Hunsberger knows the positive impact that HSYO has made on them individually, as well as on their communities.

“We’re helping them understand that they have something positive to contribute to the world,” he said. “And, if that happens to be through a career in music, even better!”

The Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra (HSYO) Mother’s Day concert takes place on May 12 at 3 p.m. at the Forum, 500 Walnut St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.harrisburgsymphony.org.

Heart of the Matter: Peyton Walker Foundation makes sure the beat goes on.

April 30, 2019 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

At a time when her young life should have been just beginning, Peyton Walker, a 19-year-old sophomore at King’s College, died suddenly on Nov. 2, 2013.

Peyton was taken by a sudden cardiac arrest incident related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the genetic heart condition that she shared with her mother, Julie. During the interim, however, young Peyton lived life to the fullest, engaging in snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking or most anything that involved adventure and the outdoors.

Although Julie and husband Norm were devastated by the loss of their beautiful, vibrant daughter who was studying to become a physician’s assistant, it didn’t take long for Julie to become proactive in the wake of her grief. The day Peyton died, she was wearing a T-shirt that read, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

“How could I not carry on?” said Julie, of Mechanicsburg. “Every day, I focused that I’ve got to get my two feet on the floor and go. Wallowing and doing nothing was not an option. You have to keep going. It’s a choice. My daughter wanted to work in health care, and this was her mission.”

In the months that followed, Julie sowed the first seeds of what would become the Peyton Walker Foundation, of which she is now the executive director. The nonprofit organization was founded with a mission of increasing public awareness and survival rates of sudden cardiac arrest through education, screening and training. The organization’s first public screening took place at Trinity High School in Camp Hill in 2015. Since then, screenings have expanded beyond Cumberland County to include Dauphin, Perry, York and Lancaster counties and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area, where Peyton attended King’s College.

Sadly, Peyton hasn’t been the only young person to lose her life to sudden cardiac arrest, or SCA. Every three days, a student athlete dies from the affliction, the number-one killer of student athletes in the United States. In fact, central Pennsylvania recently was hit by the sudden deaths of three student athletes.

However, most heart conditions that lead to SCA are considered detectable and treatable, Peyton Walker Foundation representatives say. Therefore, the foundation holds free heart screening clinics for students ages 12 to 19 throughout central Pennsylvania. Additionally, AED (automated external defibrillator) and CPR training is given to all students who attend the screenings, since these devices increase the chances of survival for those stricken.

By March 2019, the Peyton Walker Foundation had screened around 2,100 young people in central Pennsylvania and the Wilkes-Barre area. Of those screened, at least 38 were found to have “issues,” Julie said.

“Families don’t always follow up on things, so it’s difficult to track exactly what happens afterwards,” noted Julie, who was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in her late 20s. “Some who are found with issues are monitored or have surgery. Sometimes, the parents get screened to see if it’s something that’s hereditary.”

Peyton had received regular screenings since toddlerhood.

The Peyton Walker Foundation also provides free, fully certified CPR/AED training classes to members of the community. In addition, the foundation has donated more than 20 AEDs and supplies to several organizations in the area, including police departments, schools, athletic organizations and public venues.

In fact, the foundation launched a program on March 1 to install 21 new AEDs throughout the Harrisburg school district. The program was initiated in conjunction with Harrisburg schools, PinnacleHealth Foundation, UPMC Pinnacle, state and municipal leaders, students and others. Cougar Academy students in Harrisburg also received CPR and AED training.

Up at King’s College, the foundation has awarded more than $35,000 in scholarship funds for students enrolled in the physician assistant program. The privately funded scholarships are earmarked for students who plan healthcare careers as Peyton had.

Julie said that she is “blessed with a giant army of volunteers” who help spread the messages of the Peyton Walker Foundation. Susan Sherwood of Dillsburg is one of about 125 volunteers assisting the organization through fundraisers and heart screenings.

“I help in any way that I can,” said Sherwood, a family friend whose son was close to Peyton. “I feel very strongly about this.”

Just seven months after Peyton’s death, Sherwood’s husband, Carlton, lost his life to heart issues at age 67.

“We really admire Julie’s strength and perseverance in doing this work,” Sherwood said of her longtime friend. “We want to make to make sure that no other families ever have to suffer this kind of pain.”

To learn more about the Peyton Walker Foundation, including upcoming screenings and events, visit www.peytonwalker.org.

Taste of History: Savor Gettysburg Food Tours whets the appetite of foodies, history lovers.

April 30, 2019 | by Karen Hendricks

Photo by Karen Hendricks.

Gettysburg reminds Lori Korczyk of Epcot.

Just like the Disney park’s microcosm of world cultures, Gettysburg’s downtown streets are dotted with eclectic and ethnic restaurants, from Thai to Mexican, Italian to Irish, plus plenty of American eateries that blend cuisines—like melting pots—with culture and history.

The Adams County town’s crossroads drew Union and Confederate soldiers together during the pivotal 1863 Civil War battle and sealed its role in American history. Today, “the most famous small town in America” continues to draw more than a million visitors annually.

Korczyk saw an opportunity to establish Savor Gettysburg Food Tours (SGFT) six years ago, to appeal to foodies and history lovers alike.

“I always tell people to make a food tour the very first thing you do when traveling, because it gives you the lay of the land, maps out paces to eat and visit, and answers so many questions a traveler needs to know,” said Korczyk.

Keep It Fresh

During Korczyk’s “Historic Downtown Gettysburg Food Tour,” which spans three hours and about one mile, attendees visit and sample dishes from six restaurants.

Tour-goers try some of the best specialty dishes from downtown bistros and restaurants. A winery shop pairs wines with local fruit and cheese; an ice cream shop delivers a sweet ending.

Along the way, Gettysburg’s historic backdrop provides the tour’s flavor. Korczyk explains what the town and its civilians experienced during the Battle of Gettysburg.

“I knew there were remnants of the war, but I had never seen the cannonball or all the bullet holes in the brick walls,” said Amy Boothroyd of Hanover, who took a tour last October with her husband Josh to celebrate their anniversary. “Our tour guide pointed everything out.”

It was history that drew the Korczyks to Gettysburg for their retirement years—now they’re both tour guides. With a background in the retail and food service industry, Lori developed SGFT. Her husband Larry, a lifelong history buff, is now a licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Military Park who also leads SGFT.

To keep it fresh, Korczyk occasionally shifts the tour lineup. But, she said, the Garryowen Irish Pub has been on the tour since day one, serving up shepherd’s pie and Magners Irish Cider.

Owned by Irish transplants Joanne and Kevin McCready, the Garryowen has racked up numerous awards and accolades, including “Best Irish Food Experience in North America” by Irish Pubs Global in 2017.

“Growing up in Ireland, we’re used to bars and restaurants being one thing, and that’s what we tried to do—not make an Irish bar, but to just make it a bar,” said Kevin, who was a carpenter in Ireland, then in Manhattan. “That way, it’s authentic.”

The couple, “together since we were both 16 in ’84,” said Kevin, moved to Gettysburg to be closer to friends and to open the Garryowen in 2007.

“It’s the longest I’ve ever had one job in my life,” Kevin remarked.

Tour-goers hear plenty of tales in the pub. Then there’s the authentic shepherd’s pie, Joanne’s mother’s recipe, and the extensive menu of 112 Irish whiskeys. And you may notice the hundreds of police and fire department patches tacked into the pub’s rafters.

“A guy who used to hang out here worked for the National Park Service,” McCready said. “He gave us a patch, and it snowballed from there.”

There’s Irish history, too. A wall mural pays homage to the 1916 Easter Rising leaders, who paved the way for today’s Republic of Ireland. The restaurant’s new courtyard showcases Irish-themed memorabilia, including a tin Titanic sign, a nod to Joanne’s great-grandfather, who worked on the iconic ship.

This year, a new addition to SGFT is the Hoof, Fin & Fowl, which features authentic seafood dishes by Baltimore native, chef/owner Jeff Jurkowski.

“We’ll feature one dish from the sea and one from land—our popular lamb lollipops,” said Jurkowski, who grew up in a family of Chesapeake Bay watermen.

After operating a popular roadside crab business in York for years, Jurkowski opened the Hoof, Fin & Fowl last September. His seafood experience guides his menu, which he describes as “adventuresome,” with fresh rockfish, pan-seared duck breast, authentic Maryland crab cakes and more.

He said that one of the best things about being on the tour is the personal connection with attendees.

“People always like to meet the owner,” he said. “The hope is people will enjoy their samples, remember us, and come back for dinner.”

Total Story

Annually, about 1,500 people attend 120 SGFT events, April through November. In December, Korczyk offers Christmas-themed food tours. Additionally, her daylong, summertime “Field-to-Fork Agritourism Experience” has transported past attendees to the Adams County countryside to pet goats and sample goat cheese, pick mushrooms and apples, sample wine and cider, and meet farmers and makers along the way.

“I’m definitely a foodie,” said Korczyk, who began baking alongside her mother at the age of 8.

And she’s enjoyed food tours in Rome, Venice, Quebec, Orlando, Vermont and—one of her favorites—Savannah, Ga. Korczyk has gleaned techniques and tips from all of them, woven into SGFT. Her downtown tour script, written out, spans 45 pages of material—all memorized—from the local historical society, battlefield guides, plus restaurant owners and chefs.

“Food tastes so much better when you know the total story—when you can talk to the restaurant owner, learn about the business and recipes,” Korczyk said. “And that’s what gives you memories.”

For more information on Savor Gettysburg Food Tours, visit www.savorgettysburgfoodtours.com.

Sweet, Salty & Self-Made: Eat a snack. But first make it.

April 30, 2019 | by Gina Napoli

Turkey Hill “Taste Lab”

You may remember an early episode of “Seinfeld,” in which Kramer wanted to start a pizza place “where you make your own pie.”

Here in central PA, we may not have a restaurant (yet) where you can make your own pizza. But we can make our own candy bars in Hershey and our own ice cream and pretzels in Lancaster County.

Hershey has two opportunities for tourists and local chocoholics to create personalized candy bars. At $21.95 per person, the candy is much more expensive than wandering to the checkout line and tossing a Skor bar onto the conveyor belt as an afterthought.

But it’s not only the candy bar you’re paying for. The experience of designing the candy and the packaging gives the experience enough “wow” to justify creaking open your wallet.

Dubbed “The Authentic Factory Experience,” the process simulates an actual candy factory, complete with automation and sneeze guards. Each visitor is christened a worker and decked out in aprons, nametags and hairnets. You choose your chocolate and ingredients and then help work the controls to distribute those ingredients into a mold. While your candy cools, you set about the very important and potentially fame-inducing task of designing the packaging.

Though the actual experience lasts only 45 minutes, the pictures of your family holding up their enormous chocolate bar tins will last forever. It might be the only work you get your kids to do all weekend. Plus, the candy bar is huge and takes several sittings to finish (unless you’re me).

Less of a factory and more of a lab setting, you can also make your own candy bar at the Hershey Story downtown. The good folks at Hershey didn’t just replicate the industrial setting already available at Chocolate World. The Chocolate Lab is distinctive enough to stand on its own.

The lab is designed as a science classroom, complete with teachers wearing white lab coats. But it isn’t a dry lesson about the chemical composition of chocolate. The teachers ask questions to test their class’s knowledge of social studies and history, too. (Remember triangular trade?)

And in between those lessons and questions, everyone in the room gets to spoon chocolate into a mold. Just like in a real classroom full of kids, the teachers pause during each step of the lesson to make sure everyone is on the same step and no one is left behind.

There are only three ingredients available to add to your chocolate bar, all with historical significance. You will have to visit the Chocolate Lab to find out what they are. Your mold, still dewy with chilled chocolate, will be overflowing with a combination of those ingredients when you leave the lab.

To absorb the significance of the history behind the chocolate and the sugar cane plant in Cuba, visit the Hershey Story Museum conveniently located in the same building.

Scoop It

Turkey Hill Taste Lab also finds inspiration from a laboratory setting.

Unlike the peek-a-boo window at Hershey’s, Turkey Hill offers complete privacy in its closed-door lab. For 45 minutes, you will take a class the lab technicians describe as “Ice Cream 101.”

With your newfound knowledge, you will create your own ice cream flavor using an electronic menu board. It’s a higher-tech, up-scaled version of a frozen yogurt bar. You start with a vanilla ice cream base, then add as many as 10 different flavor extracts, swirl in accompanying variegates, then garnish with up to 20 different toppings. Next, you go into the lab to taste the flavor you designed.

If you also visit the interactive exhibits within the Turkey Hill Experience, you can immerse yourself in learning about the different steps in making ice cream. Each station is designed for all ages to have fun while learning. Some more cherries on top: design your own ice cream packaging, star in your very own Turkey Hill commercial, and taste unlimited ice cream samples.

The regular price for tickets to just the Taste Lab is $15.40. The “Triple Scoop,” which includes admission to both of these things plus Tea Discovery tea tasting, is well worth the price at $18. There are lower-priced deals available for seniors, kids and the military.

As far from the food lab concept as you can possibly get, there are two “twist-your-own” pretzel factories just south of Harrisburg: Intercourse Pretzel Factory in Intercourse and Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz.

With no special aprons or hairnets to wear, you don’t even have to wash your hands before you handle your raw pretzel. There’s no sanitary way to bake your creation, so you are limited to kneading your dough, learning to twist it into the traditional arms from heaven shape, and taking all the pictures you want.

The attendants will also watch you to ensure you don’t eat raw dough. And if someone happens to try, they will receive a scolding and be asked to spit it out. (Do not ask me how I know this.) I would like to think that only Kramer would be able to get away with a stunt like that.

Happenings: Our May calendar of events

April 30, 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,” May 18-Oct. 20

“Harley-Davidson: History, Mythology and Perceptions of America’s Motorcycle,” May 18-Oct. 20

“Raymond Loewy: A Retrospective,” an exhibit on the American industrial designer, who achieved fame for his design efforts, May 18-Oct. 20

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

“Seek-scapes,” artwork by Josh McCausland, Luie Viisuals, Michael Hower and ZheKa, through May 9

“91st Annual International Juried Show,” May 17-June 20; reception: May 17, 5-8 p.m.

“Paintings—Women.Self.Passages.,” works by Liz Augustine, at Widener University Harrisburg Campus School of Law, through May 31

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

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

Artist of the Month: John McNulty

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

“Needle Art Exhibit,” featuring the handiwork of local needle artists, May 5-June 16

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

“Fiber Art Show,” decorative, functional and wearable art, hand-dyed fabric and hand-spun yarn by Millersburg Area Art Association members, through May 11

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

“Sundays, Sun Days & Sundaes,” membership spring show, through May 18

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.com

“Artistic Expressions: 10th Annual Student Art Exhibition,” May 5.

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

“Department of Art and Design Annual Juried Show 2018-2019,” May 3-Sept. 6; reception: May 3, 6 p.m.

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

New works by Elaine Brady Smith, Christine Goldbeck, PD Murray, Richard Souders and Lori Sweet, through May 12

New works by Rachelle Lowe, Lauren Castillo, Tina Berrier, John McNulty, and Yachiyo Beck, May 14-June 16

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

Woodworking by Chris Martin, of Black Walnut Woodworking, through May

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

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

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

“Student Honors Show 2,” through May 9

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

“Dressed for Service: Pennsylvanians in the Great War,” through May 5

“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

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

“SAFSTOR,” an exhibition by Adam Diller consisting of photographic, video, and audio ephemera from the partial-meltdown of Three Mile Island in 1979, through May 5

“Overlapping Tension,” featuring the work of Los Angeles-based artist Yasmine Diaz, Pittsburgh-based Vanessa German and Arizona-based Laura Tanner Graham, through May 5

“Inspired: Contemporary Responses to a Legacy of Courage,” May 10-Aug. 18; reception: May 17, 5-8 p.m.

“Visions of Place: Complex Geographies in Contemporary Israeli Art,” through May 19

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

“Acts of Welcome,” works by Svetlana Koval, a Russian refugee recently relocated to Lancaster, May 3-31; Art walk weekend: May 3-5

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

Winters Heritage House Museum
41-47 E. High St., Elizabethtown
717-367-4672; elizabethtownhistory.org

“Quilt Show,” annual display of more than 30 locally made quilts, time-worn antiques to new creations, May 1-31

Yellow Bird Café
1320 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-635-8991; yellowbird-cafe.com

Works by Bonita Wagner

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

Art gallery by Dave Yasencheck, through May 16

Art gallery by Nate DeMuro, May 17-June 20

Read, Make, Learn

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

May 1-June 5: Hand Building, 6 Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 2-23: Beginner Oil Painting, 4 Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
May 2-June 6: Wheel 102, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
May 8: Intro to Metal—Color on Metal, 6-8 p.m.
May 10: Craft Beer & Clay, 7 p.m.
May 14-28: Pottery Crash Course—Handles, 3 Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
May 15-29: Crash Course—Lidded Vessels, 3 Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
May 18: Porcelain Pendants
May 22, 29: Eucalyptus Magic

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

May 9: Mother’s Day Celebration, 6-9 p.m.
May 17: Season’s First Catch Salmon & Sauces, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
May 24: Fast and Flavorful Pasta & Sauces, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

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

May 15: File Management, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 16: Device Club, 1-2:30 p.m.
May 17: Introduction to Finding Grants, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 20: Pennsylvania German Genealogy, 6-8:30 p.m.
May 22: Medicare 101, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 28: Friends of East Shore Area Library Meeting, 9:30-11:15 a.m.
May 31: Fandom Friday, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 4, 11: Family LEGO Club, 11 a.m.
May 4, 18: Cards & Coffee, 10 a.m.
May 9, 23: Community Knitters, 6 p.m

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

May 1: Moving Forward Book Group w/Hospice of Central PA, 1 p.m.
May 2, 16: Blood Pressure Screenings w/UPMC Pinnacle, 1 p.m.
May 3: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
May 5: Mindful Livelihood—The Work We Choose, 1:30 p.m.
May 7: Curl Up with the Classics—“The Hiding Place,” 10 a.m.
May 9, 23: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6:30 p.m.
May 10: Foreign Film Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.
May 10: Blood Drive with Central PA Blood Bank, 4-7:30 p.m.
May 13: Philosopher’s Roundtable, 2 p.m.
May 13: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
May 13: Fredricksen Reads—“The Library Book,” 7 p.m.
May 14: Making Dreamcatchers (ages 8-12), 5 p.m.
May 16: READ to Dogs, 6:30 p.m.
May 17: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
May 28: Teen Makerspace Night (ages 12-18), 6-8 p.m.

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

May 1: Whimsical Fairy House Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 6-20: Creative Minds Classes, 3 Mondays, 1-3 p.m.

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

May 1: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
May 2-30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.
May 3,17: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
May 4: Chess Tournament, 9 a.m.
May 5: Friends’ Children’s Program—Splat!, 2 and 3 p.m.
May 6: Summer Quest Preview—A Universe of Stories, 11 a.m.
May 7, 14: Girls Who Code, 5:45 p.m.
May 8: In the Middle—Art, 3 p.m.
May 9, 16, 22, 30: Teen Lounge, 3 p.m.
May 10, 17, 24, 31: Dungeons and Dragons, 3 p.m.
May 11, 18, 25: Chess Club, 1:30 p.m.
May 18: Fairy Garden Class, 10 a.m.
May 19: Friends’ Program—Sea Glass, 2 p.m.
May 20: Central PA Blood Drive, 3 p.m.
May 22: Friends’ Meeting, 9:15 a.m.
May 22: Tween Lounge, 3 p.m.

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

May 1: Elder Care—Documents & Trusts, 7-8:30 p.m.
May 2: Learn to Knit/Crochet, 7-8 p.m.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 6: Monday Morning Board Games, 10-11:30 a.m.
May 7: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 8: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
May 13: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
May 13: English Conversation Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
May 15: Sci Fi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
May 16: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.–1 a.m.
May 18: SimCon, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
May 20: Monday Morning Board Games, 10-11:30 a.m.
May 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
May 22: Apple Users Group, 7-8 p.m.
May 24: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.
May 28: Tea & Stitches Extended, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

May 2: This is My House, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 16: Friends of Kline Library Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
May 29: Knit 1, Crochet Too!, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 4, 11, 18, 25: Passageways—Trans and Non-Binary Group, 2-4 p.m.
May 11: 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

May 1: Afternoon Hangout, 3-4 p.m.
May 1: Dungeons and Dragons, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
May 14, 28: Job Seekers Resources, 1-2:30 p.m.
May 20: Cookbook Book Club—Vegetarian Delights, 6-7 p.m.

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

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mid-Day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
May 17: Escape Room—Back to the Future!, 6-6:45 p.m.
May 28: Device Club, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

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

May 2: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
May 2-18: Spring Book Sale
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Science Fiction Book Club (meets online)
May 6, 13, 20, 27: STEM Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
May 20: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
May 24: Trivia Night, 7-8 p.m.

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

May 2: An Evening w/Nicole Weisensee Egan, 7-8 p.m.
May 4: An Evening w/Mark Bowden, 6-8 p.m.
May 7: An Evening w/Jim Reitmulder, 7-9 p.m.
May 11: An Evening w/D. Watkins, 6-8 p.m.
May 15: An Evening w/Michael Long and George Lakey, 7-9 p.m.
May 19: Harrisburg Young Professionals Book Club, 2-3 p.m.
May 21: An Evening w/Igor Volsky, 7-9 p.m.
May 22: An Evening w/Lorene Cary, 7-9 p.m.

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

May 4: Advanced Fluid Art Class, 2-5:30 p.m.
May 11: Fluid Art Class, 12-2:30 p.m.
May 17: Abstract Landscapes in Cold Wax & Oil, 6-9 p.m.

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

May 12: Community Beginner Yoga Class, 10 a.m.

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

May 2: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 3: Preschool STEM Stations, 10 a.m.
May 6, 13: Preschool Pals Storytime, 10:15 a.m.
May 6, 13: Twos & Threes Storytime, 11 a.m.
May 6, 13: 1-2-3 Library! Family Storytime, 6:30 p.m.
May 6, 20: Monday Great Books Discussion, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 7: Tales for T.A.I.L.S., 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 8, 22: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 11: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 14: Book Review, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 14: Book Babies Storytime, 11:15 a.m.
May 18: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 18: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
May 22: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

May 7: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
May 13: Book Club Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.

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

May 19: Intro to Intuitive Painting, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

May 11: Shawl Ministry, 10 a.m.

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

May 25-26: Opening weekend, 11 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

Rolls-Royce Foundation
189 Hempt Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-795-9400; rollsroycefoundation.org

May 17: A Proper Motor Car Mixer, 6 p.m.

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

May 3: Story Time—“Showtime for Flip-Flop,” 10:30 a.m.

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

May 15: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

Unity of Harrisburg
927 Wertzville Rd., Enola
717-732-9773; unityofharrisburg.org

May 4: Native American Flute workshop, 10:30 a.m.

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

May 5: Kids Discover—Migratory Birds, 1:30-3 p.m.
May 8: Stress Relief Walk, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
May 11: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 15: Bird Walk—Peak Migration, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
May 16: Get in Shape Walk, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
May 18: Saturday Morning Bird Walk, 8-10 a.m.
May 18: Brownie Scout Program—Hiker, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 18: Painting @ The Park, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
May 26: Flower Walk—Jack in the Pulpits and Other Spring Flowers, 1:30-3 p.m.

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

May 7: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6:30-8 p.m.
May 2: Teen Night—Cupcake Decorating, 6-7 p.m.
May 8: 2nd Wednesday Cinema, 6-8 p.m.
May 21: Novel Thoughts Too Book Club, 1-3 p.m.

Winters Heritage House Museum
41-47 E. High St., Elizabethtown
717-367-4672; elizabethtownhistory.org

May 10: Story Hour, 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m.

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

May 18: Family Yoga, 4-4:45 p.m.

Live Music

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

May 1-23: “Ovation—An EMT Pops Orchestra Experience”
May 3: Resurrection—A Journey Tribute
May 4: Straight No Chaser

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

May 3: The Clarks
May 4: Los Monstros
May 10: Jerry Joseph
May 11: Marco Benevento
May 15: Magic Beans
May 24: Medusa’s Disco, GOBBO
May 31: Strung Like a Horse

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

May 3: Jazz in the City
May 4: York Symphony Orchestra
May 4: Classic Albums Live—The Beatles’ “Abbey Road”
May 8: Leo Kottke

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

May 1: Christine Purcell
May 2: Corinna Joy
May 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 23, 24, 28, 31: Noel Gevers
May 4: Andrea Britton and Noel Gevers
May 8, 11, 29: Roy Lefevre
May 9, 15: Andrea Britton
May 16: Chris Emkey
May 17: Corinna Joy and Noel Gevers
May 18, 25: Ted Ansel
May 22: Jessica Perla
May 26, 30: Anthony Haubert

Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus
cpwchorus.org

May 17, 18: “We Rise Again” w/Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network

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

May 1: Slothrust
May 4: Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son
May 4: Murder By Death
May 6: The Damned Things
May 9: Beartooth
May 11: Famous Last Words, Damn The Torpedoes
May 12: Danny Worsnop
May 13: Zeal and Ardor
May 15: Cory Branan and The Low Standards
May 17: The Black Dahlia Murder
May 18: Kublai Khan
May 19: Disparager, Andhera
May 21: Stryper
May 24: The Sh-Booms
May 31: Southern Culture on the Skids

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

May 3: Warrant
May 4: Bowie Live—Davie Bowie Tribute
May 10: The Four Horsemen—Tribute to Metallica
May 11: Saved by the 90s
May 18: Back in Black—The True ACDC Experience
May 23: Savoy Brown

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

May 3: Antonio Andrade
May 4: Mark Brine
May 5: Kevin Kline
May 10: Michael Arthur
May 11: Paul Zavinsky
May 12: Margaret Rainey
May 17: Joe Cooney
May 18: Doug Morris
May 19: Shelba Purtle
May 24: Janie Womack & Jody Echterling
May 25: Hard Travelin’
May 26: Colette Eckhart
May 31: Dan Zukowski

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

May 28: Celebrating Pete Seeger w/Hard Travelin’

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

May 11, 17, 18: “Two Boys Kissing” concert

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

May 12: Mother’s Day concert (HSYO)
May 13-14: May Masterworks

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

May 3: 52 Pickup
May 4: Uptown Funk, Radio Neon
May 10: Funktion
May 11: Sapphire
May 17: No Bad Juju
May 18: The Luv Gods
May 24: Smooth Like Clyde
May 25: Soul Solution
May 26: The Colt Wilbur Band
May 31: Uptown Band

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

May 4: Galactic Empire Strikes Back
May 4: The Hollow Roots
May 5: Gorilla Smack, DJ Poboy
May 10: The Mersey Beatles
May 11: 51 PEG, Spinebelt
May 15: Chuck Prophet
May 16: Hands Like Houses, Dead or American, Shvpes, Dead Eyes, Imbued
May 18: Mayfest, One Slack Mind
May 19: Boondox
May 26: Yngwie Malmsteen
May 30: Max Weinberg’s Jukebox
May 31: All That Remains

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

May 15: Music celebrating Pete Seeger’s 100th birthday

Liberty Forge Golf Course
3804 Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-756-5032; libertyforge.net

May 10: Chicken Clark’s Road Apple Rodeo

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-421-1512; keystoneconcertband.com

May 11: Concert at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

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

May 3: Straight No Chaser
May 4: Tommy James & The Shondells
May 5: NeedToBreathe
May 17: Blue Oyster Cult w/The Outlaws

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

May 16: Oak Ridge Boys

Market Cross Pub & Brewery
113 N. Hanover St., Carlisle
717-258-1234; marketcrosspub.com

May 4: Acoustic Show
May 11: Willies
May 25: Shine Delphi & Grace Maher
May 31: Hambone Relay

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

May 5: Evensong

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

May 1: Messiah College Men’s Ensemble, Women’s Ensemble and Chamber Singers Concert
May 4: Guitar Ensemble
May 4: Messiah College Handbell Choir
May 4: Messiah College One College Ave
May 5: United Voices of Praise
May 11: Susquehanna Choral Spring

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

May 4: Hank Imhof
May 18: Laura Gabriela Lizcano

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

May 4: Leblanc, Kissinger & Messano

Palmyra Church of the Brethren
45 N. Chestnut St., Palmyra
717-838-6369; palmyracob.org

May 19: Lancaster Brass Quintet

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

May 5: Charlie Zahm

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

May 10: Paul Jacobs

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

May 11: Don Johnson Project

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

May 3: Dana Fuchs
May 10: Mike Zito

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

May 3: TBA
May 4: Natalie Ness
May 10: Kevin Koa
May 11: Visitors Duo
May 17: Drew Adams
May 18: Ben Simcox
May 24: DJ Ray Rossi
May 25: Quentin Jones
May 31: TBA

Susquehanna Chorale
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-533-7859; susquehannachorale.org

May 10, 11: “Singing the Dance of Life” spring concerts

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

May 11: The Small Glories
May 12: Jam Session

Unity of Harrisburg
927 Wertzville Rd., Enola
717-732-9773; unityofharrisburg.org

May 3: Armand & Angelina
May 5: Sunday service w/Armand & Angelina

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

May 4: Sonia De Los Santos Quintet
May 5: Allegro’s Prelude Strings & Intermezzo Concert

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

May 14: Joan Osborne—songs of Bob Dylan
May 17: “The Genesis Show”

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

May 17: Jason Ager
May 19: Josh Dominick

The Stage Door

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

May 10: Earl David Reed w/Jesse Blanco

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

May 9-11: “The Bar Stools”

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

May 9-June 22: “Camelot”

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

May 4-18: “Puss in Boots” w/Popcorn Hat Players
May 25-27: Kidsfest at Harrisburg Artsfest
May 31-June 15: “Much Ado About Nothing” (Free Shakespeare in the Park)

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

May 10-12: “Xanadu Jr.”

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

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Open Mic
May 3, 4: The Tennessee Tramp and Amy Dingler
May 10, 11: Chris Barns
May 12: “Oxymorons Improv Comedy” Show
May 17, 18: Raymond the Amish Comic
May 24, 25: Jim Dailakis

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

May 3, 5: Intro to Improv Class show
May 5: Persnickety/Elderprov
May 10, 11: Game of the Scene Level 1 Class show
May 11: Meow Meow Precious/Ferd Majelly
May 17: Persnickety/Room Temp
May 18: WoW MoM/Without a Tres
May 24: Meow Meow Precious/Mary Todd Lincoln
May 31: Musical Level 2 Class Show

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheyentertainment.com

May 2-3: E-Dance Recital
May 17-18: Hershey School of Dance
May 19: Apollo Awards 2019

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

May 17-June 2: “Waiting for Godot” w/Narcisse Theatre

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

May 3-11: “The Unexpected Guest”

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

May 12: The Illusionists

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

May 10: Jeanne Robertson

Market Cross Pub & Brewery
113 N. Hanover St., Carlisle
717-258-1234; marketcrosspub.com

May 22: Fifty Shades of Magic Mike Show

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

May 3-4: GiViM Dance, “Culmination ‘19”

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

May 5: “The Kids You Read About in Textbooks”
May 25-June 16: “Ragtime”

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

May 2-12: “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”
May 31-June 16: “The Fox on the Fairway”

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

May 1-20: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
May 10-26: Monty Python’s “Spamalot”

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

May 26: “Risque Business” Drag and Burlesque Show

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

May 3-12: “Avenue Q” at Whitaker Center

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

May 3: “We the People—Acts of Welcome”

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

May 3-12: “Avenue Q” w/Theatre Harrisburg
May 23: CASALive!

April News Digest

April 30, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Free Downtown Parking Weighed

Free parking may stay on the menu in downtown Harrisburg, as City Council last month considered a measure that would extend complimentary street parking for another year.

The resolution would offer free street parking in most of downtown after 5 p.m., an arrangement that has been in effect since April 2018.

The current, one-year agreement actually expired on April 1, but the parties involved agreed to extend it through the month, until it could be renewed for another year, said Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

Technically, the resolution would allow the city to enter into an agreement with Dauphin County and the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District (HDID) to split the $270,000 price tag. The city’s share would be $110,000, with Dauphin County, which has already approved the agreement, also kicking in $110,000. HDID would cover the remaining $50,000.

That money would be paid to Trimont Real Estate Advisors, the asset manager for the parking system. Trimont, along with operator SP+ (locally, Park Harrisburg), took control of the city’s municipal parking system as part of a debt-restructuring plan in 2014. The $270,000 sum represents the total revenue that SP+ had collected from meters and enforcement fines between 5 and 7 p.m. in the HDID zone, which ranges roughly from State Street to just past Chestnut Street.

Papenfuse said that the city has already accounted for the expected expense as part of its 2019 budget, with the money originating from its share of parking revenues.

HDID’s Executive Director Todd Vander Woude said that he enthusiastically backed another year of free evening street parking. HDID members, many of whom are restaurant owners, have reported increased happy hour and dinner business over the last year since the free parking went into effect, he said.

“I’ve heard very positive things from businesses and customers alike,” he said. “There’s been an increase in downtown business. It’s all been very positive.”

The resolution also requests a city contribution to continue another parking program—the four hours of free street parking on Saturdays enabled by using the code “LUV HBG” for users of the ParkMobile app.

That code went into effect more than four years ago to try to help businesses that said they were being harmed by the $3-per-hour charge for Saturday street parking, which had been free when the city ran the parking system.

Trimont had never requested payment before for revenue allegedly lost through use of the app. However, according to the resolution, it now is requesting $90,000 for the next year.

At press time, council had yet to vote on the “Free After 5” resolution and take into consideration the LUV HBG payment request.

Lobbyist Contract Renewed

Harrisburg City Council last month approved a contract with Maverick Strategies for a second, one-year consulting contract.

After a two-month hold, council passed the $60,000 outlay by a 5-2 vote. In February, council tabled the proposed 2019 agreement with the Harrisburg-based lobbying shop, asking for detailed billing statements for the city’s prior contract, which ended Dec. 31.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse has credited Maverick for helping the city marshal legislation through the state legislature that will enable it to exit Act 47 while retaining its current, elevated levels of taxation for five more years.

The city, he has said, continues to need professional representation before the state legislature, including for renewing the annual $5 million appropriation to the city to support the provision of emergency services to the Capitol complex.

New Director for Broad Street Market

Joshua Heilman last month was named the new executive director of the historic Broad Street Market in Harrisburg.

Heilman, of Harrisburg, bested more than 80 other applicants, according to Amy Hill, president of the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Hielman replaces Beth Taylor, who left the position in December to become general manager of the Millworks restaurant and brewery.

In addition to overseeing market operations on a day-to-day basis, Heilman will help launch a new community program, Friends of the Broad Street Market, and also will be encouraged to identify funding opportunities through grants, Hill said.

“We needed someone who could help us launch our community engagement mission,” she said. “It was a tough decision. There were many, many qualified candidates.”

Brown Appointed to School Board

Joseph Brown Sr. has been appointed to a vacant seat on the Harrisburg school board.

Dauphin County Judge Scott A. Evans selected Brown, a former board member, even though he did not petition for the seat.

The seat became empty following the December death of Melvin Wilson. Subsequently, the city school board could not decide on a replacement, which threw the decision to the court.

Four candidates informed the court of their interest in the seat. Evans, however, selected none of them, opting instead for Brown, who served on the board during the 1990s.

HU Selects Hotel Partner

Harrisburg University last month announced that it had selected a city-based company as its hotel partner for the 17-story mixed-use building it plans to construct in downtown Harrisburg.

HHM, also known as Hersha, has its headquarters on Front Street in Harrisburg. It will operate the 197-room hotel attached to HU’s academic tower at S. 3rd and Chestnut streets.

“We couldn’t be more excited,” said HU President Eric Darr. “Obviously, they’re committed to the region and to the city of Harrisburg. They’ve been long-time supporters of the university.”

HU plans to break ground in July on the $135-million project, which will include a restaurant in addition to the hotel and academic portions. The educational space will house as many as 1,000 students and a health science education center for nursing, pharmaceutical sciences and other health-related programs. It also will have classrooms and training space for advanced manufacturing and interactive media programs.

The 386,200-square-foot building is expected to take two years to complete, opening in time for the 2021-22 academic year. The hotel is expected to open at the same time as HU’s academic portion, Darr said.

The hotel will front Chestnut Street, and the hotel and academic portions of the building will be separated by an atrium in the first 10 stories of the building, according to HU.

The three portions of the building will be owned and financed separately, Darr said. The university will own and finance the academic portion, estimated at $100 million. HHM will own the hotel, projected to cost $33.5 million. The restaurant, expected to cost about $1.5 million, also will be owned separately, he said.

HHM operates about 125 hotels across the United States under a variety of hotel brands, including Westin, Hilton and Hyatt.

“This is a natural partnership for us,” said Naveen P. Kakarla, CEO of HHM. “We are honored to lend our expertise to this exciting project in the city where our company began.”

Apartments for Tracy Mansion

It’s been a long time coming, but a developer is set to complete renovations to the century-old Tracy Mansion.

Last month, developer Jack Kay received approval from the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board for several changes to the exterior of the property at 1829 N. Front St., including a new ADA-compliant ramp, outside steps, a landing and a covered canopy at the southern elevation of the building.

This will allow Kay’s company, York-based Susquehanna Real Estate, to begin converting the unused portions of the property to 13 market-rate apartments.

Industrialist David Tracy built the 30-room mansion as a private residence in 1918. In 1951, it became an osteopathic hospital and eventually a mental health facility.

Kay bought the property in 2005 with plans to convert it to an office condominium, adding a new, seven-story building in the parking lot next door. He received zoning board approval two years later, but the project died after the recession hit in 2008.

In 2012, Kay sold part of the building to Char Magaro, who opened the restaurant, Char’s Tracy Mansion, there. The restaurant, owned separately, is not part of the apartment project.

Kay expects construction to take up much of this year, with an anticipated opening in the fall.

Five two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom units are planned for about 12,000 square feet of space in the building. They will range in size from 750 to 1,200 square feet, and rents are expected to be about $900 to $1,500 a month.

“We are trying to create interesting spaces in the interior with all the modern conveniences,” Kay said.

Kay said that he undertook the project, estimated at about $2 million, due to the revival of both the city and the neighborhood.

“Over a period of time, we came to realize the interest in living in town, especially in a nice location, and that encouraged us,” he said. “With Midtown improving, we felt it was the right time to do this.”

Big Donation for HACC

The HACC Foundation last month announced the largest single donation in its history, a gift of nearly $1.3 million to establish the John E. Paxton and Gloria W. Paxton Fund for Excellence in STEAM.

This fund will provide access to programming and technology for HACC students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) programs.

“They could have given to any nonprofit, and they gave to us,” said Linnie Carter, executive director of the HACC Foundation. “That’s tremendous.”

The Paxtons lived in the Harrisburg area for much of their lives. John, a land survey engineer, was active in the Lawnton and Chambers Hill fire companies. He died in 2007.

Gloria was a member of the Humane Society of Harrisburg and the National Wildlife Federation. Her estate bequeathed the money to HACC following her death in 2017.

“The genesis of this gift is generosity,” said Mark Mateya, the Paxton family attorney. “The Paxtons had no children, but they were very involved in their community and were very good at saving money.”

According to HACC, the Paxton’s gift will provide for several STEAM programs and initiatives, including a mentoring program for underrepresented and marginalized first-time college students, a scholarship program, a fund to pay for textbooks, and the implementation of video classrooms.

So Noted

Capital Region Water last month said that it has started five water infrastructure projects that will extend through the early summer. The projects—four in Susquehanna Township and one in Harrisburg—may lead to road closures and detours until they’re completed.

HACC last month announced a tuition increase and pay freezes as it passed its 2019-20 budget. Under the $140 million spending plan, students from non-sponsoring districts will pay an average of 2.1 percent more in tuition, and salaries will be frozen for employees earning more than $40,000 per year.

Janetta W. Green was appointed last month as the acting chief executive officer for the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, a nonprofit organization with a mission to eliminate and prevent barriers that people with disabilities experience. Green, who has more than 34 years of experience working in the independent living movement, fills the position left vacant by long-time CEO Theo Braddy’s retirement.

Jessica Knapp has been appointed the new executive director for the central Pennsylvania affiliate of Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania. In this position, Knapp will oversee the long-term strategy and direction for the central PA affiliate, as well as development, partnerships and communications efforts.

New Cumberland Farmers Market opens for the season on May 4. The market, which takes place at 4th and Bridge streets in the parking lot of Kelly Financial Services, will operate every Saturday through Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

TheBurg captured 16 Keystone Press Awards in the annual contest honoring the best in journalism in Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. TheBurg won for work completed in 2018 in a wide range of categories, including for reporting, writing, design and illustration.

Theo Braddy retired last month after 30 years as CEO of the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, a nonprofit that works to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities. He will continue his involvement as a consultant.

UPMC Pinnacle took its first step into Midtown Harrisburg last month, relocating about 40 administrative workers to the Campus Square building at Reily and N. 3rd streets. The relocation will free up more space at the main campus for patient services, according to President and CEO Phil Guarneschelli.

Urban Churn last month opened its first brick-and-mortar scoop shop at 1004 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, selling ice cream and related treats The small-batch, craft producer plans to continue operating its stand inside the Broad Street Market, said owner Adam Brackbill.

Virginia “Ginny” Roth, president of PPO&S, a Harrisburg-based integrated marketing communications agency, has received the YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s Carolyne L. Smith Legacy Award for community service. Roth was recognized for her lifelong dedication to a variety of community causes focusing on women’s empowerment, community health and social justice.

Wakeen Enterprise has relocated into Harrisburg from Mechanicsburg, with its new office located at 2001 N. Front St., Suite 300. According to Wakeen, the larger, 5,000-square-foot space gives the marketing/communications/media company the ability to host workshops, better support clients and serve as a hub for its nonprofit entity, Connection Mission. For more information, visit www.wakeenenterprise.com.

Changing Hands

Barkley Lane, 2521: Truemac Homes LLC to C. & S. Posey, $90,000

Benton St., 541: F. Brown to B. Guerrero, $62,370

Boas St., 420: PA Deals LLC to K. & D. Borelli, $116,000

Chestnut St., 308: F. & L. DiNatale to Harrisburg Realty Improvements Corp., $132,000

Conoy St., 114: J. Harmon to W. McMartin, $101,000

Cumberland St., 264: C Peiffer to Z. Rance Bare, $128,000

Derry St., 2223: N. Nguyen & D. Dang to J. Bach, $125,000

Division St., 505: PA Community Investors LLC to J Elias Holdings LLC, $35,000

Dunkle St., 555: Members 1^st Federal Credit Union to J. Hayes, $61,800

Grand St., 912: D. & M. MacIntyre to M. Briner, $75,000

Green St., 2011: E. & S. Orndorff to D. & J. Zeile, $229,500

Green St., 3118: Hawk Vesta LLC to D. & M. Edmiston, $110,000

Greenwood St., 2516: R9 Holdings to KMM Development LLC, $44,000

Harris St., 443: E. Washington to Green Book Enterprises LLC, $115,000

Kelker St., 644: Dobson Family Partnership to EB Real Estate Holdings LLC, $53,000

Logan St., 1731: C. Auletta to L. Fernandez, $142,000

Manada St., 1946: E Street Properties to DHS Team LLC, $42,900

Market St., 2200 & 2300: Diocese of Harrisburg to William Penn Holdings Inc., $300,000

North St., 1930: Brey Ltd. LLC to Y. Abraham, $30,000

N. 2^nd St., 610: C. Delozier to Wyco Investments LLC, $175,000

N. 2^nd St., 1120: 2013 Central PA Real Estate Fund LLC to N. Hurley, $139,900

N. 2^nd St., 1929: G. & W. Banova to E. & A. Anderson, $148,000

N. 3^rd St., 1324: J. & M. Fornwald to E. Papenfuse & C. Lawrence, $30,000

N. 3^rd St., 1638: S. King & S. Williams to J. Frank & K. Mercado, $90,000

N. 3^rd St., 1814: W. & D. Balsbaugh to K. Lally, $77,900

N. 3^rd St., 2104 & 2106: J. Hwang & H. Chen to J. & D. Negron, $50,000

N. 3^rd St., 2206: S. & S. Peart to Grentals LLC, $138,000

N. 3^rd St., 3001: HBG Investments LLC to A. Sauer, $38,000

N. 4^th St., 2452: Lifeline F1 LLC to PropertyNet LLC, $53,000

N. 4^th St., 3117: S. Snyder to P. Hiciano, $106,500

N. 6^th St., 2935: J. Shearer to M. Thebes, $107,500

N. 18^th St., 74: Lenape Investment Group LLC to Declan Holdings LLC, $35,500

N. 19^th St., 1005: G. Neff & City Limits Realty to G. Graham, $35,000

N. Front St., 1103: L. Binda to S&A Merris LLC, $190,000

N. Front St., 1829, Units M1B, M1C, M2A, M2B, M2C, M2D, M2E, MBB, MBC & MBD: Cityscape Investors II LLC & WE Jackson to Tracy Partners LP, $300,000

Norwood St., 905: O. Messmer to F. & R. Ahmed, $40,000

Parkside Lane, 2926: L. & B. Williams to J. McKeithan, $138,000

Penn St., 1615: R. Straub to B. Waltz, $130,000

Putnam St., 1617: H. Nguyen, J. Le & K. Ly to J. & R. Morales, $109,900

Reel St., 2467: V. Rivas to G. Garcia, $70,000

Reel St., 2469: V. Rivas to M. Garcia, $70,000

Reel St., 2733: P. & D. McClenahen to J&G Estates LLC, $30,000

Regina St., 1628: R. Bryant to JOG Investments LLC, $30,000

Reily St., 306: T. Canady to Red Boat LLC, $115,000

Rolleston St., 1113: C. Pastula to R. Gerhards, $69,500

Rudy Rd., 1927: P. Malseed to T. & R. Dantzler, $83,000

Schuykill St., 227: Tassia Corp. to K. Braddock, $54,500

S. 19^th St., 1141: 929 Holdings to 1141 South 19^th LLC, $60,000

S. 26^th St., 627 & 2611, 2613, 2615 & 2617 Duke St.: M. Tucci to T. Brooks, $106,375

State St., 1408: R. & A. Sharp to H. Cabrera, $96,000

Susquehanna St., 1618: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development and Information Systems Networks Corp. to M. Bekelja, $40,001

Sycamore St., 1506: D. Marshall to J. Elias Holdings LLC, $35,000

Sylvan Terr., 124: Reussi Group LLC to K. Zoubiri & F. Abdallahoum, $65,000

Vernon St., 1317: M. Nichols to J. Baugher, $30,500

Vineyard Rd., 212: A. Miller to E. Kawa, $160,000

Washington St., 113: J. & C. Kuntz to W. & M. Hammerstein, $111,900

Whitehall St., 2025: Roberta L. Daniels Trust to Wells Fargo Bank NA, $58,169

Challenge & Triumph: Joel Burcat just published his first novel. But first he had to deal with losing his eyesight.

April 30, 2019 | by Harvey Freedenberg

For first-time authors, the road to publication is often filled with potholes.

But as his debut novel, “Drink to Every Beast,” is published, retired Harrisburg environmental attorney Joel Burcat can look back with satisfaction on the unique challenges he’s had to overcome to bring his literary work into the world.

Dressed in a gray pullover and blue-striped shirt, the bearded Burcat is relaxed and cordial as he sits down to tell that story at the dining room table of his comfortable home in Uptown Harrisburg.

Following graduation from Vermont Law School in 1980 and three years as an attorney at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, Burcat entered private practice. For the last 17 years, he’s been a partner in the Harrisburg office of Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr LLP.

Burcat always harbored ambitions of becoming a writer (he’s co-edited two texts in the field of Pennsylvania environmental law), but it wasn’t until 2008 that he committed himself seriously to fiction.

“All I had to do was give up watching TV,” he said, of the decision to dive into writing while continuing his busy law practice.

Most evenings when he got home, he would retire to a cozy, third-floor writing room, where he’d work for two or three hours, at first producing short stories and then turning to the longer form.

“Writing would give me a total second wind,” he said.

In a good session he could churn out 3,000 words or more.

“It’s almost as though the characters are whispering in your ear, and it’s a very cool thing when that happens,” he said.

Very Unexpected

Burcat has always enjoyed thriller writers like Lee Child and Harlan Coben. With his environmental law experience, he thought a novel like John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief” was a comfortable fit.

The result was “Drink to Every Beast,” the first in a series of four novels he’s written featuring Mike Jacobs, a young environmental lawyer working for the commonwealth. It’s a fast-paced tale centered on illegal toxic waste dumping into the Susquehanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania.

After finishing the novel in 2010, Burcat tried for several years to land a publisher through the traditional route—by securing a literary agent to represent his book. Although, in the early days he kept fairly good track of his efforts, he said that he lost count of the number of rejections he received.

But Burcat’s most serious obstacle, it turned out, wasn’t disinterested agents.

In July 2016, he was diagnosed with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a loss of blood flow to the optic nerve, which caused a progressive and significant impairment of vision in his left eye. About 10,000 Americans contract the condition each year. So, it isn’t sufficiently widespread to attract much research interest and, for now, there is no proven cure.

Doctors told him that he had only a 30-percent chance of developing NAION in his right eye, as well. However, while reading on a business trip to Oklahoma in January 2018, he discovered he belonged to the unfortunate minority.

A few weeks after he returned to Harrisburg, he and his firm’s management decided he should go on short-term disability. At the end of September, when he realized he “was going to have to learn how to practice law all over again, as a blind person,” that leave became permanent.

Burcat went through a couple of difficult months as he contemplated the “very unexpected” end of a long and successful legal career. But he decided he “wasn’t going to let the disease take over control of my life,” as he produced the draft of another novel in a seven-week burst of writing and recommitted himself to publishing “Drink to Every Beast.”

At the suggestion of fellow thriller writer Don Helin, he had connected with Headline Books, an award-winning independent publisher that accepts submissions from unrepresented authors. In August 2018, he received an email from Headline’s founder, Cathy Teets, informing him that she would publish his novel. Burcat credits a professional edit by local publishing consultant Jason Liller with substantially improving the quality of the manuscript he submitted to Headline.

Critical & Honest

Legally blind as a result of his eye disease, Burcat no longer drives. He’s also forced to restrict his reading to e-readers. But employing dictation software and a large, ultra hi-definition computer monitor, he’s able to continue his active writing schedule.

Asked for the best advice he’d offer aspiring fiction writers, Burcat replied without hesitation.

“Absolutely, positively, you have to write every day,” he said.

Many people claim they want to write, he said, but they don’t back up that avowed commitment by making it a priority.

Another of the important lessons Burcat has learned is that, no matter how much support your publisher offers, unless you are Stephen King, most of the responsibility for promoting your work will fall to you. He’s spent the last few months educating himself on effective marketing tactics, and he’s plotted that campaign as carefully as he has the thoughts and actions of his characters.

And now, like any new author, Burcat awaits readers’ reception for “Drink to Every Beast” with mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety.

“I’ve been working on it so long and so hard that I’m eager to share it with the world,” he said. “On the other hand, there’s anxiety because, until now, the book has only been read by family and friends, who might not be so critical. Now, it’s going to read by others with whom I don’t have any relationship—people who may be much more critical and honest.”

“Drink to Every Beast” is available online. For more information about Joel Burcat, visit www.joelburcat.com.

Set to Sail: Pride of the Susquehanna ready to launch for 31st year

April 29, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

The Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat at its City Island dock

An annual rite of spring in Harrisburg is slated to take place on Wednesday, as the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat launches for its 31^st season.

The riverboat typically leaves dry dock in April, but the launch was delayed due to continuing high water on the Susquehanna River, said Jason Meckes, executive director of the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society.

“We were a little bit extra cautious after last year,” Meckes said today. “But now we an see that the water levels have tapered off.”

According to the National Weather Service, the water level at Harrisburg should be about 6-feet in depth on Wednesday, far below the 8 to 9 feet that begins to cause problems for riverboat operations.

Last year, the Pride lost about one-third of its sailing days due to high water, which both flooded its docking area and made sailing conditions dangerous.

With so much lost revenue, Riverboat Society members questioned whether they could continue to operate. Therefore, they repeatedly appealed for financial support and, according to Meckes, the community responded, donating nearly $90,000 to ensure that the Pride would continue to sail.

“People stepped up to the plate and made a difference,” he said. “A lot of people love this riverboat and wanted it to return. It means a lot to a lot of people.”

That level of giving was far above average, as one-time donations ordinarily range from $16,000 to $20,000 a year, he said.

Meckes hopes for a more normal season this year, with a minimum of lost sailing days.

Dinner cruises and special events begin this weekend, with daily public sightseeing cruises starting over Memorial Day weekend. Right now, some 400 cruises are planned for the season, Meckes said, and advanced bookings already have exceeded last year’s level.

In addition, the Riverboat Society is working to expand its educational outreach, with hundreds of students from the Harrisburg school district signed up for free River School educational voyages, Meckes said.

“All indications are that it’ll be a heckuva year,” he said.

The Pride of the Susquehanna is located on City Island, Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-234-6500 or visit https://harrisburgriverboat.com.

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