Two Words–No Plastics: Harrisburg-area businesses have joined the movement to eliminate plastic straws.

October 31, 2018 | by Missy Smith

Seasonal cocktails at Rubicon using eco-friendly straws.

Perhaps it was the photos of sea turtles and waterfowl dying after ingesting plastics. Maybe pictures of the great Pacific garbage patch did it.

Locally, you only need venture down to the Susquehanna River to see plastic bottles bobbing in the water and plastic wrappers caught in clumps along the riverbank.

Whatever the motivation, over the past year, many people and organizations have decided to curb their use of single-use plastics, and that includes Harrisburg-area restaurants and businesses.

Earlier this year, Qui Qui Musarra announced that all three of her restaurants—Mangia Qui, Rubicon and Suba—had eliminated plastic straws. The restaurants now offer only paper straws by request. Each restaurant also offers recyclable beverage napkins, in addition to the eco-friendly takeout containers and bags that they have offered since opening.

Co-owner Staci Basore said that the drive towards plastic-free products came from reflection about the massive environmental problem we face with plastics consuming our landfills and oceans.

“People are spending more time eating out than eating in—often with food coming in plastic or throwaway containers,” she said. “Moreover, [a large majority] of all plastic ends up in landfills or the natural world. We have a plastic problem which produces obvious environmental and health impacts.”

Over at the Broad Street Market, Fudgeolutely has also rolled out paper straws, as well as recycled-paper, compostable cups printed with the catchy phrase: “May your cup runneth over with KARMA.” Owner Jessica Kost said that the decision to pull back from plastic use at her confectionary started with thoughts about her own plastic consumption.

“The more I read and learned about the dangers of plastic pollution, the more I felt pulled to take action against it,” she said. “This journey began with the purchase of a reusable, stainless-steel straw for personal use, so I can say, ‘No straw, please,’ when dining out. This prompted a lot of conversation on the topic and, ultimately, propelled me to take the next level of action with my business.”

Kost has also implemented glass-jar packaging for her newer treats, like toffee and nonpareils, and continues to hunt for plastic alternatives for her fudge packaging.

Fudgeolutely’s across-the-street neighbor, The Millworks, also has taken strides recently to ditch plastic. The inspiration for Chef Lance Smith came from loyal customers and staff, who provided him with feedback about the environmental ramifications of consuming single-use plastic.

“We then researched the subject and determined there is no reason we need to serve a straw with every single drink,” he said. “And, when requested, we would provide eco-friendly straws.”
Start Somewhere

Indeed, the spotlight has been on plastic straws this year. But will the movement make enough of a difference in the broader plastic consumption issue?

Basore believes it is a great first step.

“It may seem as though the quarter-of-an-inch diameter straw is the least of our worries, but the fight has got to start somewhere,” she said.

Perry Wheeler, global seafood communications and outreach manager at Greenpeace USA, agreed that the small act of cutting back plastic straw pollution will have a trickle-down effect.

“The hope is that these bans and actions on straws make people think more critically about all of the plastic in their lives,” he said. “It’s important that corporations don’t stop taking action after addressing plastic straws, because it’s not enough on its own. It’s our hope that this movement continues to gain momentum and secures significant victories on phasing out all types of throwaway plastics.”

But what about people who need to use plastic straws? Many with disabilities, especially with limited jaw control, depend on them to stay properly hydrated and nourished, and paper straws and biodegradable options tend to fall apart.

Wheeler said that, while the plastic-free movement effectively highlights how pointless single-use plastic straws can be, it overlooks a segment of the population for which they are necessary.

“Early straw bans ignored this and did not bring all impacted communities to the table to think through solutions to the issue and what sort of viable alternatives currently exist or not,” he said. “That is really critical for bans on single-use plastics moving forward. We feel strongly that the corporations that churn out single-use plastics that pollute our environment for lifetimes or more should be at the forefront of investing in potential alternatives to single-use plastics.”

A realistic approach could bridge the gap between where we are now and where we want to be environmentally. Businesses may want to consider stocking a small number of plastic straws for those with specific needs, until more eco-friendly options are available. But, the major point here is addressing excessive and unnecessary plastic use.

“Overall, companies realize that they can’t just maintain the status quo with single-use plastics and remain viable,” Wheeler said. “Consumers are applying pressure like never before, and corporations are forced to respond.”

Smith said that limiting single-use plastic turned out to be a pretty easy decision for The Millworks, as sustainability is a core value that the farm-to-table restaurant was founded on.

“It makes sense for us do our part in any way we can,” he said. “Almost all of our to-go food packaging is biodegradable or eco-friendly, and we are working to have all of these materials eco-friendly within the next couple of months.”

Stories on environmental topics are proudly sponsored by LCSWMA.

To Benefit Harrisburg: Bi-partisan cooperation leads to continued city success.

October 31, 2018 | by Alex Hartzler and Dave Butcher

Just a few weeks ago, the residents of our city and region were witness to a remarkable display of bi-partisan cooperation and compromise among local and state officials. It was an example of putting aside the destructive politics of personal grievances and ideological commitments in the service of crafting a solution that makes a real difference to the people and the place our officials were elected to represent. It was an example of politics at its best—so often missing at the national level—that has made the residents of our city and region much better off.

Led by the bi-partisan efforts of state Reps. Greg Rothman (R), Patty Kim (D) and Tom Mehaffie (R), as well as state Sens. John DiSanto (R) and Jake Corman (R), and bolstered by the tireless advocacy of Mayor Eric Papenfuse (D), the state House and Senate passed, with overwhelming support, legislation that allows the city of Harrisburg to exit its distressed municipal status (known as “Act 47”) and retain its expanded taxing authority of a 2-percent earned income tax (EIT) and a $156 annual local services tax (LST) for five more years. Gov. Tom Wolf (D) also supported the effort and indicated he would immediately sign the legislation.

Combined, these two taxes provide about $12 million a year in annual operating revenues to the city’s budget (nearly 20 percent) and are crucial to enabling it to continue on a path of fiscal sustainability. Without the continued LST and EIT in place, the city would have been forced to exit Act 47 within three years and face the prospect of drastically cutting services, spending down its surplus reserves, canceling capital improvement projects, and raising property taxes by nearly 100 percent, as proposed by the original Act 47 Exit Plan.

Needless to say, such dire fiscal circumstances would have had devastating effects on residents and businesses—not just within the city but within our entire region. Thankfully, our local and state officials—urban and suburban, liberal and conservative, Democrat and Republican alike—recognized that what happens here in the city doesn’t stay here, and that our region and state are stronger and more prosperous when our capital city is stronger and more prosperous, as well.

This is the logic behind the local services tax. It broadens the tax base while the keeping the burden low (to just 43 cents a day) on a wide swath of users who enjoy the benefits and value that our capital creates every day for the region and state. In many ways, the LST is the embodiment of what economists refer to as an “efficient” (read “ideal”) tax that delivers large, important benefits such as fire and police protection and funds for infrastructure maintenance, while imposing a relatively small burden on a large population that benefits directly from those services.

This is why a large coalition of civic and business leaders, including the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC, the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors and the Downtown Improvement District (DID), stood together in support of the Rothman-Kim bill. They recognize that all residents, business owners and political and civic leaders throughout the region have a deep, vested interest in maintaining a vibrant and fiscally strong capital city.

There has been a lot of good news recently in Harrisburg, as readers of TheBurg know well. The city has made great strides in attracting many new residents and businesses, and it is poised to receive large amounts of new investment (upwards of $750 million, according to estimates) from various private and public projects over the next several years. By supporting and passing this legislation, our local and state officials have enabled the city to harness these positive trends and continue on a strong upward trajectory.

To be sure, much more work needs to be done in building the city’s tax base and shoring up its finances over the coming years, particularly with more permanent sources of revenue. This is why, as part of the legislation, an Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) was created. Its five-member, bi-partisan-appointed board and executive director will assist the city in managing its budget and building long-term solutions for continued fiscal success.

With this legislation passed and the ICA in place, we can be confident that our local and state officials will continue to work together across the partisan divide to achieve long-term solutions for the city in the same cooperative spirit that got us to this point. Thanks to their efforts so far, the city will continue to grow and prosper, serve as a beacon of urban recovery and further strengthen our region and state.

Alex Hartzler is publisher of TheBurg.
Dave Butcher is president of WCI Partners LP.

Community Corner: Notable November Events

October 31, 2018 | by Missy Smith

November Community Corner

Author Talk
Nov. 1: Messiah College will host a lecture by Thomas Friedman, New York Times foreign affairs columnist and bestselling author, at the High Center, Parmer Hall, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, $10 for students (with ID) and youth (18 and under). Visit messiah.edu.

Celebrating Diwali
Nov. 2: Learn about the Hindu festival of Diwali at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 6:30 to 8 p.m., with a special celebration with food trucks, Indian dance and Bollywood singing. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Organ Concert
Nov. 2: Market Square Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg, presents “Organ Spooktacular,” with three of the area’s finest organists performing eerie music, 7:30 p.m. Treats, refreshments and surprises will round out the evening. Visit marketsquarechurch.org.

HBG Flea
Nov. 3: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information and a lineup of artists and makers, visit hbgflea.com.

Community Arts
Nov. 3: The Annville-Cleona Community Arts Day will be held at Christ Church United Church of Christ, 200 S. White Oak St., Annville, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event is a celebration of the arts in the community with live performances, art exhibits, free kids’ art activities and free refreshments. Visit ccucc.org.

Book Sales
Nov. 3, 17: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, will hold pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library. Shop for books, vintage jewelry, men’s items, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, kids’ books, records and more. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

Civil Rights Show
Nov. 3-Jan. 30: Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), 161 Museum Dr., Hershey, will host “Buses and their Impact on the Civil Rights Movement,” to share important events from the Civil Rights and Freedom Riders movements. W. Peter Conroy from the Freedom Riders Park in Anniston, Ala., will give a talk on Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. Visit aacamuseum.org.

Tweed Ride
Nov. 4: Throw on old-timey duds and join Recycle Bicycle for its annual Tweed Ride, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at the Capitol fountain on Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg. After the ride, refuel with discounted sustenance at Rubicon. Visit the Recycle Bicycle Facebook page.

Election Day Break
Nov. 6: Stop in Foundation Hall of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland, before or after you vote for lunch, homemade soup, drinks and homemade baked goods, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit newcumberlandlibrary.org.

Luncheon
Nov. 7: West Shore Chamber of Commerce, 4211 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill, will host a Member Benefits Luncheon, 12 to 1:30 p.m. Chamber members and non-members are invited for a complimentary lunch to learn more about the chamber and to network. Visit wschamber.org.

Mid-Day Getaway
Nov. 7, 14, 21, 18: Unwind over lunch break at the McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg. Bring your lunch to the library, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., for coloring, card games, board games or low-stress activities. Visit dcls.org.

Mapping PA
Nov. 8: Join the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, at 11:30 a.m. for a Nature Lab to explore the different maps of Pennsylvania: road, historic, topographic. Try your mapping skills with historic maps and trek across Pennsylvania in your socks. Get more information at statemuseumpa.org.

Dinner for a Cause
Nov. 8: Vision Resources of Central PA will host the seventh annual “Evening in the Shadows” at the Country Club of Harrisburg, 401 Fishing Creek Valley Rd., Harrisburg, for a multi-course dinner and blindness awareness event, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $80. For details and tickets, call 717-238- 2531 or email [email protected].

Energy Summit
Nov. 8-9: The 3rd annual Regional Executive Energy Summit will be held at The Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Rd., to address energy industry challenges and opportunities, growing demand and the need to cut carbon emissions. Speakers and panelists will cover a variety of topics. To make hotel reservations, call 855-729-3108.

Foreign Film
Nov. 9: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for “Jafar Panahi’s Taxi,” a film from Iran, about an exiled Iranian filmmaker who poses as a taxi driver in Tehran and interacts with a series of colorful characters. Showings are at 2 and 7 p.m. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Craft Show
Nov. 9-10: Winters Heritage House Museum, 47 E. High St., Elizabethtown, hosts the 28th annual Elizabethtown Heritage Craft Show on Nov. 9, 4 to 8 p.m., and Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch and baked goods will be available. A $2 admission fee or food bank donation is requested. Museum members and students are free. Visit elizabethtownhistory.org.

Volunteer Work Day
Nov. 10: Help Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, with continuing park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snacks, tools and work gloves will be provided. Bring along a water bottle. Refreshments available. Learn more at wildwoodlake.org.

Bells for Peace
Nov. 11: In conjunction with the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, will conduct a “Bells of Peace” ceremony at 11 a.m., with a tolling of its full-sized replica of the Liberty Bell. The ceremony will honor Pennsylvania veterans of WWI. Visit statemuseumpa.org.

Veterans Day
Nov. 11: The National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, salutes veterans with free admission for veterans, active-duty military service members and military retirees, 12 to 5 p.m. Learn more at nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

Movie Screening
Nov. 12: Filmmaker Zeke Zelker comes to Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, for a 7 p.m. sneak preview of his film “Billboard,” which transcends the typical movie-going experience. Visit billboardmovie.com for more details.

Volunteer Fair
Nov. 13: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will host a “Volunteer Fair,” 2 to 7 p.m., with a variety of organizations that need volunteers. Get more information at fredricksenlibrary.org.

Curiosity Kids
Nov. 15: Children ages 3 to 6 and families can enjoy “Curiosity Kids—Racing Ramps!” at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. Learn all about roads, racing, speed and travel. Visit statemuseumpa.org.

Business After Hours
Nov. 15: Get to know other business professionals at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC’s free networking event at RETTEW, 5031 Richard Lane, Suite 111, Mechanicsburg, 5 to 7 p.m. Check out the details at harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

Holiday Marketplace
Nov. 15-16: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) hosts the Holiday Marketplace in Village Square of the State Museum, 300 North St., on Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Shop for unique gifts from a variety of PHMC’s historic sites and museums from throughout PA. Visit statemuseumpa.org.

3rd in The Burg
Nov. 16: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. See what’s going on at thirdintheburg.org.

Winter Fun
Nov. 16-Dec. 31: Whitaker Wonderland offers indoor winter fun for the whole family at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Take laps around the sock skate rink and dive in the snowball pit. Festive activities are included with Harsco Science Center admission. Visit whitakercenter.org.

Holiday Parade
Nov. 17: Head downtown for Harrisburg’s annual holiday parade with live music, giant parade balloons, floats and more, 12 p.m. There also will be food trucks and carnival games, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. An awards ceremony, visits with Santa and complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be at Strawberry Square, 3 p.m. Visit harrisburgpa.gov/holiday-parade.

Survivor Day
Nov. 17: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention South Central PA hosts “Survivor Day” at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass Camp Hill, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is hosted for people affected by suicide loss. Visit afsp.org for more details.

Cars and Christmas
Nov. 17-Jan. 6: The AACA Museum will feature themed Christmas trees, unusual vehicles, vintage toys and cars, a Hess Truck display, model train exhibits, Sammy the 29-foot snow plow, a Grinch scavenger hunt and more. Bring a toy or non-perishable food item for the Central PA Food Bank and Toys for Tots. Learn more at aacamuseum.org.

New Member Social
Nov. 20: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals for its new member social at Café 1500, 1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. This event is for new and prospective members who would like to learn more about HYP. Please RSVP to attend. Visit hyp.org.

Odd Ones Bizarre
Nov. 24: The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, hosts The Odd Ones Holiday Bizarre, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop for unique, handcrafted items for the holiday season at this annual alternative arts and crafts event. Visit millworksharrisburg.com.

Festival of Trees
Nov. 24-Dec. 16: View Christmas trees decorated with handmade ornaments and trimmed by local garden clubs at the Fort Hunter Tavern House, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Trees are available for raffle, and a selection of ornaments are for sale. Visit forthunter.org.

Toy Train Exhibit
Nov. 24-Dec. 23: Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society returns to Fort Hunter Centennial Barn, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, with a display of HO gauge trains that travel over a large layout representing communities in central PA, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Visit forthunter.org for details.

Counterterrorism
Nov. 28: Former CIA and FBI official Philip Mudd will speak on counterterrorism at a dinner hosted by the Foreign Policy Association of Harrisburg. The event is at 6:30 p.m. at the West Shore Country Club, Camp Hill. Cost is $50, advanced reservations required. For more information, visit fpa-harrisburg.org.

Pajama Party
Nov. 30: Take the family to the AACA Museum, 161 Museum Dr., Hershey, for the “Polar Express” Pajama Party, 6 to 9 p.m., for screening of the holiday classic. Tour the museum to see holiday displays and enjoy kid-friendly foods. Pajamas, pillows, blankets and stuffed animals are encouraged. Visit aacamuseum.org.

Elegant Progressions
Nov. 30-Dec. 1: Historic Harrisburg Association and Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania host the 27th annual “Elegant Progressions” black-tie progressive dinner. Enjoy chauffeured service to various mansions for hors d’oeuvres and aperitifs, a formal dinner and dessert. Visit elegantprogressions.org.

Land Link: The producer and consumer form a connection, thanks to Revittle.

October 31, 2018 | by Norah Griffiths Johnson

Wild Boar Sopressata, Buttercup Cheese, Shepherd’s Delight Sheep’s Milk Cheese,Cornichons (mini pickles), Parmesan Crackers

If you see Mark Zimmerman, ask to see a video from one of his visits to a wine or cheese maker.

The vistas are painfully picturesque but very real—glowing, low-lying mountains; row upon row of laden grape vines; producers mucking about in hay-scented barns as goats scamper in and out of the frame.

They show, in visual form, why Zimmerman does what he does. You can just sense the dedication of the farmer to his product and imagine the high quality of the end result.

“I’m very passionate about food,” said Zimmerman as we sat down to talk about Revittle, his 4-year-old business that links consumers with small-scale producers of cheese, cured meats and wines.

“This business was built to get the producer closer to the consumer,” he explained.

Revittle was designed as an online exchange so that producers—most small, many from Pennsylvania—could find new markets for their goods, connecting them with chefs, restaurants, stores and ordinary consumers.

“It’s all about connection, really,” he said.

Blood, Sweat, Tears

Zimmerman started Revittle as an online marketplace after identifying a gap between small producers of high-quality foods and those who might want to buy them.

His team built a site so that consumers can find products that, otherwise, they likely would never know existed. When a customer places an order, the producer ships the product directly to the consumer, enabling the entire transaction to be completed in an average of two to three days.

“No one’s going to care for the product better than the producers themselves,” he said.

Selection is another benefit of Revittle, which currently features nearly 500 products on its site.

Many of the products are crafted on multi-generational farms. Regardless of lineage, producers share in common a commitment to quality and sustainability. Revittle highlights many of their stories on its site, which adds a nice personal touch.

But, if you’re local to Harrisburg, you can enjoy an even more personal touch.

In September, Zimmerman opened a stand in the Broad Street Market’s brick building. So, you now can elbow up to the counter to see, taste and purchase some of Revittle’s outstanding selection of artisanal foods.

New cheeses and cured meats are introduced on a weekly basis, with an array of samples available. As if a cold case full of cheese and cured meats weren’t enough, Revittle introduced raclette sandwiches, a gooey, melted cheese delight, spread generously upon a tender, chewy roll baked fresh by fellow market vendor, Raising the Bar.

To Zimmerman, the new market stand is yet another important way to link producers and consumers.

Particular Fondness

So far, the Revittle platform has created some unexpected creative partnerships.

Case in point: a number of repeat customers are professional chefs ordering cheeses and cured meats for their own menus. The ability for producers and chefs to connect directly has spurred the creation of small, artisanal batches of products. Chefs get exactly what they want, and producers enjoy the luxury of getting creative, confident in the knowledge that there will be someone buying once the product is ready.

To better understand how Revittle fits into the landscape of small-scale agriculture, I spoke with Hans Baldauf, a registered architect based in San Francisco who also is a decades-long veteran of the slow food movement and the former board president of the Center for Urban Education.

Our conversation ran the gamut, from relationships between the slow food and green building movements to how farmers markets serve as one of the world’s oldest gathering places in communities. Nowadays, he observed, markets help create real experiences, learn about new products and meet the very people who make the products.

“People want places to go to have real experiences,” he said. “They don’t actually want to do everything with a click.”

Specific to Revittle, he observed, “It’s very, very hard to make a living at small-scale farming in general.” Because of this, creating a side business to leverage the core crop or herd has become an essential component to making ends meet for many producers.

Farmers markets like the Broad Street Market and a platform like Revittle, Baldauf explained, enable producers to take this one step further, leapfrogging the supply chain in order to maximize their return on investment.

“Revittle allows artisanal producers to reach out beyond their direct community,” he said.

This can make all the difference in terms of making a living. Zimmerman shared that sales brought in through Revittle has enabled four different farms avoid bankruptcy.

“It’s all about strengthening the little guy by bolstering the economies of scale,” he said.

For a local industry professional’s perspective, I touched base with Tony Salomone, director of food and beverage for the Hilton Harrisburg.

“We’ve used Revittle on a number of occasions,” he said. “They have a really great selection of local product.”

He listed a number of products they’ve sourced through Revittle, but acknowledged a particular fondness for the fresh chevre made by Little Antietam’s Goat Dairy, located outside of Waynesboro.

“It’s awesome,” he said, chuckling.

Ultimately, Baldauf describes Revittle as “a business that’s about nurturing producers, making sure that they can survive, and creating something for the urban dweller.”

Aptly, the term “revittle” means to resupply, and as we finally settle into fall, what better time to consider where our food comes from and the people who make it.

Revittle is located in the brick building of the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. To view and order from the online marketplace, visit www.revittle.com.

A Mug & a Hug: At Cracked Pot, good coffee and a good cause.

October 31, 2018 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Emily Schmidt learned at a young age that a good cup of coffee and a cheerful disposition can brighten a room on the cloudiest of days.

“My mom said that, when I was five, I always made the coffee and would go around serving it to company,” Schmidt said.

Later on, her desire to serve people continued into waitressing jobs.

“I just loved waiting on people,” she said.

Over the years, she would move to New York, return to Pennsylvania, marry and have three children, putting on hold a dream of one day owning her own place. Eventually, she returned to Pennsylvania to continue on to the next phase of her journey.

Schmidt described driving by the old property that now houses her dream come to life, The Cracked Pot coffee shop in Mechanicsburg.

“When I would drive by, I’d feel almost like a magnetic pull,” she said. “Then, one day, I decided to drive into the parking lot and spotted a sign saying that it was for lease.”

Higher Cause

Schmidt arrived with a big idea.

Years earlier, before she and her husband made the decision to have their own children, they considered adoption, enlisting the help of Bethany Christian Services of Central Pennsylvania.

“I was always drawn to the kids who were older, and then one day it came to me—I wanted the shop to focus on a mission to help those who were aging out of foster care,” she said, explaining that kids can be in the system until age 21, but many of them want to be released earlier because they are sick of being jostled around.

“They travel with a trash bag sometimes,” she said.

Schmidt called about the lease on Mother’s Day, and Rosalie Hess Roland answered, explaining that they were in the building business and were in the process of turning operations over to their son. The historic house had been in the family since 1908 and was converted to a commercial building comprised of three units in 2000.

Schmidt felt that the third unit would be perfect for the shop and proceeded to share her idea to form a nonprofit to mentor young adults and teach them valuable business skills.

“She told me that God told her to put a coffee shop there, and I said that God didn’t tell me, so let me think about it,” said Roland, with a chuckle.

Fast-forward to last May, and the coffee shop with the unique name began serving baked goods made by volunteers, along with smoothies and, of course, coffee—from espressos to lattes and more—using Lancaster-based Passenger coffee, which is also focused on a higher cause, providing fair wages for coffee farmers.

The name “Cracked Pot,” according to Schmidt, is inspired by a Bible verse in II Corinthians that compares humans to clay jars.

“We all have flaws and challenges, and all of us have been through stuff,” Schmidt said. “We want those who work here to learn that they can trust us and that we care about them and where they are headed, regardless of where they’ve been.”

Fallen in Love

Two people currently train at the shop and are expected to meet pre-set goals, according to Schmidt.

The nine-month program begins with a phone interview, a face-to-face interview, customer service training and weekly goal setting. Phase two involves an outside mentor to assist in formulating goals for the future.

“We want to know how we can help them career-wise,” said Schmidt. “If they want to get into HACC, for instance, we will help them go on college visits.”

A six-member board, chaired by Roland, is in place to ensure that goals for the shop and its mission are being met along the way.

“We think it’s a good idea to help young people without a network learn the skills they need to successfully launch into adulthood,” said Elaine Shenk, satellite office director of the Harrisburg office of Bethany Christian Service of Central Pennsylvania.

Pastor Zack Wilt of Dillsburg said that, as an outdoorsman, he’s not usually a big fan of coffee shops, but the atmosphere has turned him into a convert.

“There’s something special about the place that you notice when you first walk in,” he said. “Their mission of wanting to love and serve kids on the back end of the foster system is very special, and now I’ve fallen in love with the place.”

Sue Ross, who lives in Grantham, said her granddaughter volunteers there and, in a day and age when service with a smile is sometimes unheard of, The Cracked Pot is a welcome haven.

“From the minute you enter, you feel very welcomed,” she said.

Schmidt started out with a dream that materialized into a mission. When she shares plans for the future, which include helping additional at-risk youth, her eyes light up and her smile becomes contagious, and you can tell that she’s exactly where she needs to be.

The Cracked Pot is located at 130 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg. To learn more, visit their website at www.thecrackedpotcoffeeshop.com or their Facebook page.

A Deep Dig: Excavation reveals pieces of a long history at Fort Hunter.

October 31, 2018 | by Gina Napoli

A 4,000-year-old prehistoric, full-grooved axe excavated from below the 18th-century level.

Harrisburg-area locals may know Fort Hunter from its many Victorian-themed events each year. But its history goes deeper than that—deep enough to dig for it.

Kurt Carr, senior curator of archeology at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, has held an excavation on the grounds of Fort Hunter annually since 2006. Artifacts unearthed by his enthusiastic team of professionals and volunteers help piece together past events and people, sometimes even answering big-picture questions about societal trends.

“We’re looking for an unbiased description of the past,” Carr said, “We ask questions and base hypotheses founded on our research.”

This year, his team dug on the side of the mansion’s summer kitchen, through the muddy path meandering through the garden. They sliced through layers of soil 3 inches at a time to form a grid 5-feet squared. When they reached the layer that used to be topsoil from the time period they were researching, they scraped sediment and brushed away loose dirt to find items hidden beneath.

“You have to Bob-Ross it,” said Kim Sebestyen, State Museum curator of archeology, referring to the PBS icon who gently painted happy little trees.

The curator leaves the objects in place because the position and context of the object is just as important as the found object itself. Then they control how deeply to dig.

“We take elevations on tops and bottoms of every layer and every feature and changes to soil caused by human activity,” said David Burke, another curator of archeology at the State Museum.

For this particular excavation, the team dug for artifacts from the French and Indian War and compared their findings to other forts from that time period situated around Pennsylvania: Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Fort Augusta in Northumberland County and Fort Le Boeuf in Erie County.

“We see how Fort Hunter fits into that pattern,” Carr said.

His team’s partial list of artifacts is mostly metal- and rock-based: a cannonball, musket balls, musket lock, chunk of iron, crucible pieces, metals for blacksmithing and gun-smithing, flint, spear points, grinding stones, Indian pottery and dishware.

Over the years, the range of artifacts has incorporated various phases of settlement and use in and around Fort Hunter: Native American, military and agricultural.

“Hunter-gatherer tribes were indigenous to this area,” Carr said. “The different tribes put their unique tribal designs on their pottery.”

The evolution of Native American cookware found onsite correspond to what seeds the tribes ate at the time, the grinding of the seeds against the pottery, and how long they had to boil the seeds.

Unearthed bones from a later period indicate that some former residents were wealthy enough to own pets and that they had a barnyard. Infrastructure-wise, the team also found a gristmill, blockhouse, a walkway and a bake oven that soldiers used.

Lab manager Calli Holmes washed, catalogued, inventoried and bagged everything the team found.

“Single artifacts don’t mean much,” Holmes said. “Context is everything in archaeology. We take elevations and site surveys. It’s how we can understand what we find.”

Artifacts are related by function and time period—except when they’re not.

“Some things have mixed context due to human intervention,” said State Museum Curator Elizabeth Wagner. “When the builders dug foundations, they dumped dirt and trash. We also found a sewer pipe.”

In part of the grid, Burke brushed past the French and Indian War sediment layer to dig into the prehistoric layer. Knowing what to look for requires a trained eye.

“Shapes and colors, pieces larger than a thumb,” Burke said. “We look for sharp edges that can indicate part of a tool or piece used to cut or shape something else.”

The most remarkable artifact found at Fort Hunter was a rare button from a Navy uniform. This was exciting for the team because they could “connect the artifacts to the people who once used them and tell a good story,” said State Museum Curator Janet Johnson.

“One of [former landowner] McAllister’s sons was a Navy officer, and the rare button was awarded from a specific skirmish involving a Mediterranean ship,” she said.

Rachel Shin, a junior at Cumberland Valley High School, volunteered at the excavation site during afternoons after being released early from class.

“This is good hands-on experience,” said Shin, who had helped find nails, washers and pottery.

Things that seem to be missing are also significant, Carr said.

“A hospital and a stockade appear in historical records, but the team has not found evidence yet,” he said.

Undiscovered artifacts give the team goals for future excavations.

Through archeological excavations, we can “connect to the past and the people who lived here,” Johnson said. “We’re painting a picture, a visual depiction, of these people.”

Fort Hunter Mansion & Park is located at 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.forthunter.org. The State Museum of Pennsylvania is located at 300 North St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.statemuseumpa.org.

Happenings: Our November Calendar of Events

October 31, 2018 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

Buses and their Impact on the Civil Rights Movement, Nov. 3-Jan. 30

Post World War II Luxury Convertibles, November-Spring 2019

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

“Flux,” experimental art by Brittany Kurtinecz and “Edges of Light” by Wendy Palmer and Kimberly Myers, through Nov. 21

Paintings and prints by Raul Cruz, through Nov. 30

Café 1500
1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg
717-831-8322; cafe-1500.com

“Colours of a Mad Mind,” the art of Kevyn Knox, through Nov. 11

“People in Lines,” art by Amy Powell and Lesley Blandy, Nov. 16-Dec. 16

“Taino Offerings,” art by Luis Cuevas, Nov. 16-Dec. 16

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

“The Visible Echo,” photography by Guy Freeman, through Nov. 3

“Art for the Holidays,” annual fine arts and crafts boutique of CALC members, Nov. 23-Dec. 29

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

Artist of the Month: Susan Getty

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

“Around the Wiconisco,” works by Thomas Wise, through Nov. 3

Annual Holiday Show, featuring unique, locally made items that make great gifts for the holidays, Nov. 7-Dec. 22

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

“Harrisburg’s Merchant Heritage,” a retrospective of the city’s retail legacy, including the iconic Mary Sachs

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

“Modern Magdalena,” a showing of hooked rugs and mats designed and/or created by the Magdalena Rug Hooking Group of Perry County, through Nov. 3

“Annual Juried Exhibition,” featuring original artwork in a variety of media, Nov. 16-Jan. 18; reception: Nov. 16, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

“History Comes Out,” a special display in honor of LGBT History Month, through Dec. 14

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

“Violent Grace: A Retrospective of the Work of Edward Knippers, through Nov. 2

“Beauty Given by Grace: The Biblical Prints of Sadao Watanabe,” Nov. 9-Jan. 25

“How to Meet an Angel,” with Russian-born American artists Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, Nov. 10-Jan. 25

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; metropoliscollective.com

“Scarecrow II: Dark Fields and Folklore,” Halloween-relevant art show, through Nov. 1

“Realized,” a four-artist group show, including Hannah Dobek, Chad Whitaker, Reina Wooden and Kelly Mcgee-Curran, Nov. 30-Jan. 3; reception: Nov. 30, 5-8 p.m., at Art Association of Harrisburg

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

New works by Tami Bitner, collaborative works by Megan Caruso and Joelle Arawjo, Lauren Castillo, Kristen Fava, Rachelle Lowe and Richard Souders, through Nov. 11

Holiday group exhibition, featuring a collection of works by Millworks resident artists, Nov. 12-Jan. 13.

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

“Pennsylvania Game Commission,” through Jan. 1

PCCA Gallery
Perry County Council of the Arts
1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Artisan marketplace, packed with locally made, unique art and gifts, perfect for holiday gift giving, through Jan. 5

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

Displays related to the classic luxury vehicle

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

Photography by Harris Fogel, through Nov. 9

Student Honors Photography, Nov. 19-Dec. 6

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

“Dressed for Service: Pennsylvanians in the Great War,” exhibiting the service of six Pennsylvanians and the contributions of their organizations during World War I; reception: Nov. 11, 12 p.m.

“Pennsylvania at War,” highlighting World War I posters from the Pennsylvania State Archives and The Saga of the US Pennsylvania, through Dec. 30

“Innovative Means: Photography from the Collection,” featuring 29 photographs from the museum’s fine art collection, spanning almost 80 years, through Feb. 17

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

“Recycled Play,” mixed media utilizing childhood artifacts by Sean Matthews, examining the concepts of parental guidance, art history and design principles, through Nov. 4

“Explore—Conceptual Art,” examining contemporary conceptual art through the works of eight regional artists, through Nov. 4

“Pattern & Play,” featuring luminous, large-scale paintings, by Danielle Klebes and Maija Miettinen, Nov. 9-Feb. 17

“Color Improvisations 2,” invitational exhibition of contemporary quilts curated by Nancy Crow, through Jan. 20

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

“Taking Flight, Being Grounded,” works by Kristin Hill, Nov. 2-30

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

Works by Brandie Stonge

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

“Supersonic: SciArt Series 3,” new art by Katie Trainer, through Nov. 15

Art Gallery by Al Maclaughlin, Nov. 16-Dec. 20

Read, Make, Learn

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

Nov. 2: Craft Beer & Clay, 7 p.m.
Nov. 7: Weaving 101, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Nov. 10: Salt Cellar, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 10: Day of Drawing Workshop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Nov. 1: Going Garlic, 6-9 p.m.
Nov. 16: Eggtastic, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

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

Nov. 4: Improv for Adults, 1-3 p.m.
Nov. 8: Mary Sachs Series—A Women’s Retirement Outlook, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 11: Children’s Book Week—Meet Hyewon Yum, 2-3 p.m.
Nov. 14: Literary Trivia Night, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Nov. 14: Project SNOWstorm presentation w/ Scott Weidensaul, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Nov. 15: Device Club, 1-2:30 p.m.
Nov. 17: Tear Apart Technology, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 30: Getting Started with eBay, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Nov. 16: Extraordinary Give

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

Nov. 2: Youth Chess Night
Nov. 4: Gerrymandering and Pennsylvania, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 5: Kid’s Biography Club (ages 6-9), 5 p.m.
Nov. 6: Curl Up with the Classics—“A Little Princess,” 10 a.m.
Nov. 8: Outstanding Origami, 5 p.m.
Nov. 8, 29: Drop-In Family Story Time, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 9: Blood Drive at Fredricksen, 4-7:30 p.m.
Nov. 12: Philosopher’s Roundtable, 2 p.m.
Nov. 12: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 15: Blood Pressure Screenings, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 15: READ to Dogs, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 26: Fredricksen Reads—“The Radium Girls,” 7 p.m.
Nov. 30: Family Moving Night, 6:30 p.m.

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

Nov. 7, 14, 21: Fiber and Friends, 6 p.m.

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

Nov. 1, 15, 29: Hershey Quilter’s Guild, 12:30 p.m.
Nov. 2, 16, 30: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
Nov. 3: Chess Tournament, 9 a.m.
Nov. 5: Books and Babies, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
Nov. 7: In the Middle—Games, 3 p.m.
Nov. 7: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Nov. 7: Adulting—Car Care for High School Students, 4:30 p.m.
Nov. 7, 11, 21, 27, 28: Sensory 1, 2, Whee!, 11 a.m.
Nov. 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 28: 1, 2 Whee!, 10 a.m.
Nov. 8: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers Club, 9:45 a.m.
Nov. 8, 15: Card Making Class, 6 p.m.
Nov. 10, 17, 24: Chess Club, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 10: “Aladdin” w/ Popcorn Hat Players
Nov. 11: Ornament Class, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 12: Books and Babies, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
Nov. 12, 19, 26: Crazy 8s (Grades 1-2), 4 p.m.
Nov. 13: Girls Who Code, 5:45 p.m.
Nov. 13: Hershey Writer’s Critique Group, 6 p.m.
Nov. 13: Financial Education Series, 6:45 p.m.
Nov. 14: In the Middle—Art, 3 p.m.
Nov. 14: Crochet Guild, 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 17: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Nov. 18: Friend’s Program—Woodrow Wilson, 2 p.m.
Nov. 19, 26: Storytime for 3s & 4s, 10 a.m.
Nov. 19, 26: Storytime for 4s & 5s, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 20, 27: Girls Who Code, 5:45 p.m.
Nov. 21: In the Middle—Writing, 3 p.m.
Nov. 23: All Together Playing in the Kitchen, 10 a.m.
Nov. 26: Central PA Blood Drive, 3 p.m.
Nov. 28: Friend’s Meeting, 9:15 a.m.
Nov. 28: In the Middle—Creativity, 3 p.m.

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

Nov. 1: Learn to Knit/Crochet, 7-8 p.m.
Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 5: Brain Games for Adults, 10-11 a.m.
Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 6: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
Nov. 12: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
Nov. 12: English Conversation Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
Nov. 14: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Nov. 15: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Nov. 19: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Nov. 26: English Conversation Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
Nov. 27: Tea & Stitches Extended, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nov. 28: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Nov. 28: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.
Nov. 28: SciFi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 30: Coloring for Adults, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

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

Nov. 7: Resume Writing, 1-2 p.m.
Nov. 10: Children’s Book Week—Meet Hyewon Yum, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Nov. 15: Friends of Kline Library Meeting, 10:15-11 a.m.
Nov. 15: Microsoft Office Basics, 1-2:30 p.m.
Nov. 17: Celebrating Holiday Traditions, 1-2 p.m.
Nov. 29: Microsoft Word, 1-2:30 p.m.

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

Nov. 3: Drop-In Art, 1-4 p.m.
Nov. 10: Bread Basket Workshop, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24: Passageways—Trans & Non-Binary Group, 2 p.m.
Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Nov. 8: Aging with Pride Lunchtime, 12-2 p.m.

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

Nov. 12: Gratitude Stones, 6-7 p.m.
Nov. 14: Dungeons and Dragons, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Nov. 19: Cookbook Book Club—European Tour, 6-7 p.m.

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

Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28: Mid-Day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Nov. 16: Date Night, 6-8 p.m.

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

Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 3: A Morning with Zach Berman & Molly Sullivan, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 7: An Evening w/Erin Hoover, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 10: An Evening w/Andrew Delbanco, 6-8 p.m.
Nov. 11: “The Odyssey,” Emily Wilson & Madeline Miller on Translation, 4-6 p.m.
Nov. 17: An Evening w/Chris McGreal, 5-7 p.m.
Nov. 18: Midtown Writers Group, 1 p.m.
Nov. 21: Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7 p.m.
Nov. 25: Democratic Socialists of America Reading Group, 2 p.m.

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

Nov. 3: Fluid Art Class, 12-2:30 p.m.
Nov. 16: Abstract Painting Workshop, 6:30-9 p.m.

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

Nov. 2: The Fate of a Confederate Deserter after Gettysburg, 6 p.m.
Nov. 3: Marines in the Civil War, 1-2 p.m.

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

Nov. 2: An Evening with Owls, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 10: Cruisin’ with the Cosmos—Postcards from the Universe, 7-10 p.m.
Nov. 15: Winter Bird Feeding, 7 p.m.

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

Nov. 1: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26: Preschool Pals Storytime Series, 10:15 a.m.
Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26: Toddlertime, 11 a.m.
Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26: 1-2-3 Library! Family Storytime, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 5, 18: Monday Great Books Discussion, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Nov. 6: Tales for Tails, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27: Book Babies Storytime, 11:15 a.m.
Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27: Preschool Pals Storytime Series, 1 p.m.
Nov. 10: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Nov. 12: Something Cool After School, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Nov. 13: Book Review—Amish Teacher’s Gift, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Nov. 14, 28: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Nov. 16: Play-Doh Palooza!, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
Nov. 17: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 17: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Nov. 28: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
Nov. 28: Yo-Yo Crafts, 6:30-8 p.m.

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

Nov. 6, 13, 27: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:25 p.m.

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

Nov. 8: Nature Lab—Mapping Pennsylvania, 11:30 a.m.
Nov. 15: Curiosity Kids, 11:30 a.m.

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

Nov. 3, 10, 17: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 3, 10, 17: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 3, 10, 17: Yoga in the Main Gallery, 10-11:15 a.m.

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

Nov. 3: Beginners’ Guide to DSLR Cameras, 9-11:30 a.m.
Nov. 3: Beginners’ Guide to Closeup and Macro Photography, 1-3 p.m.
Nov. 3: Tiger Scout Program, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 10: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 10: Kids Discover—Nocturnal Animals, 6-8 p.m.
Nov. 14: Waterfowl Walk, 8-10 a.m.

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

Nov. 1: Teen Night, 6-7 p.m.
Nov. 10: Children’s Book Week—Meet Hyewon Yum
Nov. 12: Mary Sachs Series—A Women’s Retirement Outlook
Nov. 13: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6:30-8 p.m.
Nov. 14: 2nd Wednesday Cinema, 6-8 p.m.
Nov. 20: Novel Thoughts Too Book Club, 1-3 p.m.

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

Nov. 4-25: Kids Yoga (grades K-5), Sundays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Nov. 2: Swift Technique
Nov. 8: Grass is Dead
Nov. 9: Goose & The Clock Reads
Nov. 16: Strung Like a Horse
Nov. 18: Trez Music School of Rock Show
Nov. 21: Yam Yam
Nov. 24: The Dirty Sweet
Nov. 27: Toubab Krewe
Nov. 30: Hexbelt

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

Nov. 1: The Philly Keys
Nov. 2: Jass in the City
Nov. 3: York Symphony Orchestra, Mipso
Nov. 4: The Lone Bellow
Nov. 7: ABBA the Concert, tribute
Nov. 8: The Kingston Trio
Nov. 17: Wizards of Winter
Nov. 24: York Symphony Orchestra
Nov. 30: Lindsey Buckingham

Boomerang Bar and Grill
110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland
717-920-3627; boomeranggrill.com

Nov. 3: Josh Krevsky
Nov. 10: Greg Snyder
Nov. 17: Radio Neon
Nov. 24: Dan Jamison

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

Nov. 1: Anthony Haubert
Nov. 2, 6, 8, 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 30: Noel Gevers
Nov. 3, 15, 29: Roy Lefevre
Nov. 7: Christine Purcell
Nov. 9: Corinna Joy and Noel Gevers
Nov. 10, 17, 24: Ted Ansel
Nov. 14: Corinna Joy
Nov. 25: Anthony Haubert
Nov. 27: Beth Trez
Nov. 28: Deb Anderson

Central PA Friends of Jazz
friendsofjazz.org

Nov. 4: Joey Calderazzo Trio at WITF

Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus
cpwchorus.org

Nov 17: Concert at Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church
Nov. 18: Concert at Colonial Park UCC

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

Nov. 1: The Wonder Years
Nov. 2: Motives, Ripe
Nov. 3: Irae, Prof
Nov. 5: Cannibal Corpse
Nov. 6: The Ghost of Paul Revere, Charlie Parr
Nov. 7: Devildriver, WSTR, PVMNTS
Nov. 9: Waterparks, Kurt Travis, Velvet Acid Christ
Nov. 10: Imani Wj Wright, Puddle of Mudd
Nov. 11: Everlast
Nov. 13: OWEL, Woven in Hiatus, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Nov. 15: Tim Barry, Cory Branan
Nov. 16: Big Fat Meanies, 25th Hour
Nov. 17: Red Sun Rising
Nov. 27: Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin
Nov. 30: Amish Outlaws

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

Nov. 2: Honeypump
Nov. 3: That Band
Nov. 9: Smooth Like Clyde
Nov. 10: Rattletrap Jack
Nov. 16: Bubba
Nov. 17: Luv Gods
Nov. 21: Colt Wilbur
Nov. 23: Grumpy Old Men
Nov. 24: Nine D
Nov. 30: Flavor of the Week

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

Nov. 2: Everette and Abby Anderson
Nov. 3: Live Dead & Riders ‘69
Nov. 9: Smooth Like Clyde
Nov. 16: Soul Solution
Nov. 17: Observe the 93rd
Nov. 21: The Struts
Nov. 23: KIX
Nov. 24: The Sharks

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

Nov. 2: Antonio Andrade
Nov. 3: Dominick Cicco
Nov. 9: Jim Steele
Nov. 10: Doug Morris
Nov. 16: Kevin Kline
Nov. 17: Janie Womack
Nov. 23: Emily Lynn Wilkins
Nov. 30: Joe Cooney

Grill 22
6197 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg
717-657-0800; grill22.com

Nov. 3: Funktion
Nov. 10: Erica Lyn Everest
Nov. 17: Poised for Flight

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

Nov. 25: Special Music Program at Unitarian Church of Harrisburg

Harrisburg Scottish Rite Theatre
2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-238-8868; valleyofharrisburg.org

Nov. 3: Sweet Adelines

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

Nov. 17-18: November Masterworks

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

Nov. 3: Gordon Lightfoot
Nov. 9: Mike Delguidice
Nov. 30: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

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

Nov. 2: Lima Bean Riot
Nov. 3: DJ Ray Rossi, Amish Outlaws
Nov. 9: The Famous
Nov. 10: DJ Matrix, Sapphire
Nov. 16: Flaxy Morgan
Nov. 17: DJ Jayson Matrix, Smooth Like Clyde
Nov. 23: The Luv Gods
Nov. 24: DJ Magic, Vinyl Groov
Nov. 30: The Uptown Band

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

Nov. 1: A Light Divided, Illusions of Grandeur, Decipher Life, The Gone, SolRyder
Nov. 2: The Body
Nov. 9: Super Bob, City of the Weak, VoidHidden, Carving Out Fiction, Coal, Lasciate, Defiant, Hot and Dangerous, Outlast, The Echo
Nov. 20: Allen Stone, Nick Waterhouse
Nov. 23: Atreyu, Memphis May Fire, Ice Nin Kills, Sleep Signals

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

Nov. 17: Indian Summer Jars
Nov. 18: Trio Caprice

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Downtown
133 State St., Harrisburg
717-635-9870; littleampscoffee.com

Nov. 8: I Am the Polish Army
Nov. 9: Bison Squad, Sleeping Pill, Moth Bucket
Nov. 16: Eli Elkus, Peachy Clean, Our Abstract Mountain
Nov. 23: Fear Not Ourselves Alone

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

Nov. 8: The Doobie Brothers
Nov. 10: Toto
Nov. 18: Shippensburg University Community Orchestra
Nov. 29: Celtic Woman

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

Nov. 9: Jazz Ensemble Concert
Nov. 16: Wind Symphony
Nov. 30: Symphony Orchestra

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

Nov. 3: Willies
Nov. 10: Redacted
Nov. 17: 2nd Time Thru
Nov. 24: Acoustic Juice
Nov. 25: Amy Simpson Duo

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

Nov. 10: Brown-Urioste-Canellakis Piano Trio

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

Nov. 8: Messiah College Wind Ensemble, Messiah College Symphonic Winds
Nov. 12: Messiah College Chamber Ensembles
Nov. 14: Messiah College Jazz Combo Concert

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

Nov. 3: Nate Myers & The Aces
Nov. 10: Sherri Mullen Duo
Nov. 17: The Jayplayers
Nov. 24: Tony Catalano

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

Nov. 4: Jill Hoffman

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

Nov. 16: Central Pennsylvania Oratorio Singers and Orchestra

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

Nov. 3: Tommy D Trio w/Slim Chance
Nov. 4, 11, 18: The Ticket
Nov. 24: Timmy and the Christmas Thyme, Tsunami Experiment

Rose Lehrman Arts Center
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-231-7673; liveatroselehrman.org

Nov. 29: Rob McClure

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

Nov. 2: Jim Lauderdale
Nov. 16: The Nighthawks

St. Thomas Roasters
5951 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
717-526-4171; stthomasroasters.com

Nov. 9: Grit
Nov. 10: Amber Nadine
Nov. 16: Cotolo
Nov. 17: Just Dave
Nov. 23: Rhoads & Putt Trio
Nov. 24: Craig Bonner & Steve Geib
Nov. 30: Relics of Medievalism

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

Nov. 2: DJ Ray Rossi
Nov. 3: Visitors Duo
Nov. 9: Lucielle and The Wolf
Nov. 10: Natalie Ness
Nov. 16: Shea Quinn and Friends
Nov. 17: Noel Gevers
Nov. 23: DJ Tommytunes
Nov. 24: Drew Adams
Nov. 30: Kirk Wise & Alexandria Kucha

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

Nov. 18: Youth Choral Festival

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

Nov. 3: Coffee House
Nov. 10: Jeff Little Trio
Nov. 11: November Jam
Nov. 15: The Honey Dewdrops

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

Nov. 3: Seth Weaver Quartet
Nov. 4: “Death by Puccini”
Nov. 16: Allegro’s Music in the Round
Nov. 17: Julia Nixon and the Dave Ylvisaker Ensemble
Nov. 28: Irish Christmas in America

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

Nov. 21: The Machine
Nov. 28: Home Free
Nov. 29: Get The Led Out

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

Nov. 11: Josh Dominick
Nov. 16: Jelli

The Stage Door

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

Nov. 1-Dec. 30: “The 2018 Christmas Show—The First Noel”

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

Nov. 3: “Bubble Trouble”
Nov. 4: The New Chinese Acrobats
Nov. 6: “The Wizard of Oz”
Nov. 9: Preacher Lawson
Nov. 21: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer—The Musical”
Nov. 29: “A Christmas Carol”

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

Nov. 16-25: “Annie”

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

Nov. 2-4: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

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

Through Nov. 10: “Sister Act”
Nov. 15-Dec. 30: “A Christmas Carol”

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

Nov. 3-25: “Pericles, Prince of Tyre”
Nov. 15: TMI Improv

HACC Theatre
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-231-7673; hacc.edu

Nov. 18: “James and the Giant Peach”

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

Nov. 2, 3: Raymond the Amish Comic
Nov. 9, 10: Valarie Storm and Johnny Lee Dam
Nov. 11: Oxymorons Improv Comedy
Nov. 16, 17: Paul Hopper and Clint Nohr
Nov. 21: Earl David Reed w/Nipsey
Nov. 23, 24: Paul Lyons and Kate Brindle
Nov. 30: Larry XL and Sean Finnerty

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

Nov. 2: This Moral Coil/Mary Todd Lincoln, Hawkward, Spacework/Bazinga Boyz
Nov. 2, 4: Level 2 Class Show
Nov. 3: Free Improv Mixer, Rabid Dabblers/Bandito, Love Triangle/Wild Goose Chaise, Images
Nov. 4: Level 2 Class Show
Nov. 9: The Fourest/Midnight Library, Tony Stanza, Tanks, Buddy/The Harvey Taylor Gang
Nov. 10: Aesthetic Dying Duck/Barely Adulting, Hardly Working, Monotone
Nov. 10, 17, 24: Free Improv Mixer
Nov. 16: Ferd Majelly/JohNathan, Tiny Town, The Happy Beautiful Goodnight Show
Nov. 17: Free Improv Mixer, Rabid Dabbler/Name That Tune, Critical HIT/Closed Casket, Elderprov/Pillow Talk
Nov. 23: Fours Company 2—In Addition Too/Midnight Library, TBA
Nov. 24: Free Improv Mixer, Barely Adulting/Solo Sleepover, Introduce A Self, Band Job/Without A Tres
Nov. 25: Magic Fairy Pirate Monkeys w/ Aesthetic Dying Duck
Nov. 30: This Show Will Self Destruct/Ferret Prom, HIT Bits

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

Nov. 10: “Aladdin” (Popcorn Hat Players)

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

Nov. 2-3: “The Rocky Horror Show”

Lancaster Marionette Theatre
126 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-394-8389; lmt.yapsody.com

Through Nov. 10: “Treasure Island”
Through Nov. 16: “Sleeping Beauty”
Through Nov. 17: “The Death & Life of Sherlock”

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

Through Nov. 4: “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
Nov. 30: “Twas the Night Before Christmas”

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

Nov. 1-5: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Nov. 14: Jessica Lang Dance
Nov. 17: Pantsuit Politics

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

Nov. 8-11: “The Tempest”

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

Nov. 2-18: “The Bridges of Madison County”

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

Nov. 23-Dec. 16: “The Man Who Saved Christmas”

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

Nov. 2-18: “Newsies” at Whitaker Center

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

Nov. 2: We the People—Dream Warriors
Nov. 14: Tea for Three—Lady Bird, Pat & Betty

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

Nov. 2-18: “Newsies” (Theatre Harrisburg)
Nov. 7: Grand Slam Story Slam

Born to Romp: With a much larger facility, Keystone K9 can let a lot more dogs out.

October 31, 2018 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

When Josh Feldman made the decision to work in Manhattan, he was faced with a dilemma, wondering what to do with his beloved dog, Guvner, while he toiled long hours on the job.

After a bit of research, he decided on doggie daycare.

Impressed by his experience, he decided to start his own doggie daycare/boarding business when he returned to Harrisburg, opening up in a former plasma center on N. 7th Street. In just two short years, Keystone K9 was attracting more business than it could handle in that space, which prompted Feldman to take another leap, purchasing and moving into a new building nearly three times the size on N. Cameron Street.

“Our goal is to accommodate the needs of a burgeoning city, and, with the federal courthouse being built nearby, we anticipate a high demand for our services,” Feldman said.

Last month, workmen put the finishing touches on the former warehouse beneath the State Street Bridge, and Feldman and company moved in. The facility features an 8,000-square-foot indoor area with accommodations that range from an economical 30-square-foot enclosure to suites up to 100 square feet.

During the planning phase, Feldman made it a point to steer clear of the antiseptic, cold atmosphere that is prevalent in many traditional boarding facilities.

“Dogs don’t necessarily want to be in a kennel situation, so even our more economical options resemble rooms, which makes them feel more at home,” said Feldman, likening the atmosphere to that of a hotel for dogs, with a décor created with humans in mind.

“The suites all have sports themes,” he said. “We have a Steelers suite, an Eagles suite, Yankees, Orioles and so on.”

Ample Space

As in the previous facility, each dog is welcomed at the door, except now the reception area is more spacious. First-time boarders are evaluated according to age, size and maturity.

“We place them in the appropriate group for their play style,” said Feldman.

Indulgent pet parents can pamper their pooches by scheduling a massage or grooming appointment. Furry friends in need of instruction can take advantage of the on-site trainer who offers a variety of classes, from nose work to obedience to agility.

“One challenge we face is explaining to people that our dogs do get a tremendous amount of exercise,” said Feldman, stating that the new facility has ample space both inside and out for a romping good time.

For pooped-out and older pets, Keystone K9 offers a quiet place where they can snooze on comfy couches and soft flooring.

One thing that sets Keystone K9 apart from other facilities, according to Feldman, is 24-hour supervision.

“We have someone staying overnight with the animals so that pet owners have peace of mind,” he said. “Veterinary offices don’t even offer that, which kind of surprised me.”

The facility is open for business as early as 5:30 a.m. Business travelers are permitted to park in the lot onsite and use the Keystone K9 shuttle to continue on to the train station.

Keystone K9 even plans to partner with Abrams & Weakley, a popular pet shop in Susquehanna Township, to provide food and pet supplies.

“Sometimes, people returning home from a trip might want to pick up a few things, and this makes it convenient for them,” Feldman said.

Whole New Dog

Lauren Orazi has entrusted Feldman and his staff with a stray she adopted about a decade ago.

“Foxy wasn’t well socialized, and I was scared and nervous because she was nervous,” said the Harrisburg resident. “They broke her in a little at a time, and the difference has been unbelievable.”

Orazi laughed when she reflected back on the situation.

“She was kind of a jerk at first; she’s a little grumpy,” she said. “But they were super patient and, over time, her demeanor changed, and she even lost 10 pounds. It’s like she’s a whole new dog, and I’m so relieved.”

Hearing such stories warms Feldman’s heart.

“I really enjoy watching the animals develop relationships with each other and the people who tend to them,” he said. “We have a lot of success stories like Lauren’s—people who think that their dogs aren’t socialized and, when you put them in a daycare setting, then you find out they are.”

As for the dog responsible for helping Feldman pursue his dream, he sadly has crossed the rainbow bridge. Feldman wiped away a tear as he thought of his old friend.

“The day that I knew we were getting too big and had to move, I met with city officials and, when I returned, Guvner was very ill,” he said. “He died that night. It was like he was saying to me, ‘Okay, I got you this far, you are on your own now.’”

Feldman’s heart still aches for his beloved Guvner, but, like any true animal lover, Feldman knows the importance of providing a happy home to another animal in need. Now, Dr. Watson, a Samoyed-Eskimo mix, stands by his side as a loyal companion and cheer giver, and that is certainly nothing to sniff at.

Keystone K9 is located at 147 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-384-5900 or visit www.keystone-k9.com.

Play Us a Song: Bob Barry celebrates a lifetime at the piano.

October 31, 2018 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

illustration by Ryan Spahr

Early behavior doesn’t always predict what lies ahead in life.

Bob Barry’s mother, he recalled, had the hardest time convincing him to take piano lessons. But she needn’t have worried. Her son has been a professional pianist—self-taught on the instrument—for decades.

He actually started out as a drummer/percussionist at the tender age of 10, then transitioned to the piano when he began to “fall in love with rock ‘n roll” and “discovered the gift of playing by ear.” At the time he was, and still is, a “huge Beatles fan.”

Four years later, he formed a band called the Checkmates—the first of several. Though, since 1980, he has played mostly instrumental solo.

Thankfully, there was one time when the young Barry absolutely listened to his mother—to his great benefit. In 1974, she sent him a newspaper clipping about a piano competition. He entered with his own compositions and took home the top prize out of 65 musicians.

The actual prize was the opportunity to play at New York City’s prestigious Carnegie Hall.

“That started my career,” he said.

That same year, the group New Found Freedom, which offered a mix of covers and original music, invited Barry to join.

Over time, he developed his own musical niche, a fusion of instrumental classical rock, progressive rock, New Age and smooth jazz. And he’s been busy.

There were years when the Susquehanna Township resident played more than 100 shows, mostly between New York City and Washington, D.C. But he has also toured widely, including to Hawaii, around the Caribbean, Mexico, Amsterdam, Dublin, Scotland and Dover, England.

“Some of my favorite destinations, usually they’re warmer ones, are Boca Raton, Fla., Barbados, Jamaica and Riviera Maya, Mexico,” said Barry.

These days, the number of shows he plays has decreased to 30 or 40 a year.

The decision to cut back, especially on touring, related to the birth of his children—a son and a daughter.

“I didn’t want to be away for more than a few days,” he said. “My kids came first.”

His piano-related activities go beyond playing. In 1981, he opened Piano One Gallery, which expanded his earlier offerings of piano tuning and restoration to piano moving and the sales of pre-owned vintage pianos.

He has tuned or played for several major recording artists, including Billy Joel, Ray Charles, the Beach Boys, Laura Branigan and Yanni, to mention a few.

In 2014, the Moody Blues, a band he considers his “main mentors,” invited him to perform on a cruise, which proved to be a career highlight.

“I did nine shows along with Starship, Roger Daltrey of The Who and others,” said Barry. “I learned a lot. This was one of my most-iconic music experiences ever.”

Locally, he plays often on Pride of the Susquehanna cruises and has played at Whitaker Center. He’s particularly proud to be one of the “three main players” at the River House concert series—the other two being jazz pianist Steve Rudolph and violinist Odin Rathnam.

In 1994, the pianist released his first instrumental album, “Caverns of the Mind.” There have been five others since, with a sixth, entitled “52/52,” due out soon.

Some of Barry’s favorite pieces, he said, are “scattered throughout the albums, inspired by the people he loves.” For example, he wrote “The Courtship,” for his wife.

Barry has other passions besides music. One is nature, another travel.

Then there’s staying home, which he calls his “calm estate,” which is nonetheless only minutes from downtown Harrisburg.

Aside from the creative meaning Barry has gained over many years from playing and performing, he considers himself particularly fortunate to be able to pursue his career “on my own terms.”

“My wife and, many times, other family members and friends have accompanied me,” he said.

Barry has a simple way of summing up his many years of musical and domestic satisfaction.

“I’ve been a very blessed and happy man,” he said.

To learn more about Bob Barry and his music, visit www.bobbarrypiano.com.

Student Scribes: “Taking the First Step in the Right Direction”

October 31, 2018 | by Sara Stevenson

In August, I stepped onto the Penn State Harrisburg campus prepared to take on my final semester as a graduate student. I stepped onto campus knowing I only had 15 short weeks until I’d be walking across the Giant Center stage with my master’s degree.

In August, I stepped onto campus a new mother.

Before leaving for my first night class of the semester, I made sure to warn my 10-year-old about her screen time (YouTube will probably rot her brain in the three hours I would be gone), and I reminded my 2-year-old that vanilla yogurt is not a substantial dinner, no matter how many times he says, “But yes, it is.” Finally, I gave my 2-month-old a kiss on his forehead and wished my fiancé the best of luck while I was gone.

When you think about all the things that college students have to be concerned about, it’s easy to understand why they are so quickly overcome with stress. Mounds of coursework, projects, clubs, sports and exams; many college students also have part-time or full-time jobs outside of school, and they quickly find themselves juggling their academic responsibilities and their work schedules. All of that is hard enough to handle, but if you throw children into the mix, it becomes that much more difficult.

People constantly ask me how I do it. How do I keep going, keep moving forward with my education, with three young children in tow? Usually when they ask, I chuckle and make a joke—lots of coffee and no sleep. Over the years, I’ve learned to weave my academic life into the hectic personal life that I have: classes during the day, family time and helping with homework (and we can’t forget sports and church and countless other extracurricular activities) until it’s time for bed. Studying and schoolwork get done after the kids are in bed, and a few quick hours of sleep get squeezed in before I have to wake up and do it all again the next day. My life is a delicate balance, and I am constantly changing, adapting and recalibrating to keep that balance.

Continuing my education has been a challenge, and I often find myself continuously frustrated by the things that are beyond my control. For a while, I thought I was wrong for feeling stressed and for feeling like I was constantly at my breaking point; there are so many others in the world who have lives much worse than my own, others who have real reason to be stressed out or frustrated. The truth, I’ve learned over the last few years, is that it’s perfectly OK to feel frustrated and to feel like there’s no possible way you can handle anything else being thrown in your direction.

Taking that first step can be terrifying and, even though I’ve been in college for almost eight years, every semester provides me with new challenges and new struggles. Juggling the intense coursework of my final few graduate classes with my chaotic home life with three children is proving to be the most difficult challenge to date. Struggling to tweak and recalibrate my daily schedule to accommodate softball practices, Girl Scout meetings, diaper changes and meltdowns about what shoes we’re going to wear to leave the house. Squeezing in 30-minute study sessions and consuming copious amounts of caffeine while praying that I’m giving each of my children the attention they need and deserve.

But this semester is also providing me with new opportunities. It’s providing me with the chance to prove to myself that I’m capable of achieving my goals, of reaching my dreams. It’s providing me with the chance to show my children that they are capable of doing anything they set their minds to, regardless of the obstacles they encounter before they get there. My children are what push me to do better, to be better, and I wholeheartedly embrace the struggles and challenges that come. The early morning hours spent cuddling my newborn while reading Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” for the 50th time and the afternoon hours sitting outside while my son and daughter throw sand at one another (despite my urges to please keep the sand in the sandbox) seem like hurdles I’ll never jump right now, but, in the end, I’ll be able to look back and laugh at those moments. Because those were the moments that pushed me to where I am right now.

In August, I stepped onto campus unsure of the path I would be taking to reach my goals, but knowing that I was taking a step in the right direction.

Sara Stevenson graduated with a double major in English and interdisciplinary humanities in 2016. In December, she will earn her master’s degree in humanities from Penn State Harrisburg.

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