York State of Mind: Discover food, beer and fashion in the historic, revitalized city center.

October 31, 2018 | by Maddie Crocenzi

The way Silas Chamberlin describes it, there’s the big three—Harrisburg, Lancaster and York.

That’s how the Downtown Inc CEO plays up the strengths of the region and pitches downtown York as a destination for business owners.

“The idea that you can explore communities in your backyard is becoming more and more tempting to people,” Chamberlin said.

York is a 30-minute trip down I-83 from Harrisburg. The city’s revitalization efforts have branded it a craft beer destination, a shopping oasis along Beaver Street and a place for businesses to collaborate.

In the past three years, Chamberlin said, 130 new businesses have opened in downtown York. That includes service-oriented companies such as law and engineering firms, but many new restaurants and retail spaces have popped up, as well.

There are both big names and new faces. The Yorktowne Hotel, under the Hilton flag, is a $30 million-plus redevelopment project, according to Chamberlin. It’ll be done in early 2020. A new restaurant specializing in pizza and whiskey recently opened called Fig and Barrel, and Chamberlin said that S. Beaver Street is now a destination during the city’s popular First Fridays event.

“The more variety we have and the more business growth, the better it is for everyone,” Chamberlin said.

This shopping season, you might want to day-trip down to the historic, revitalizing White Rose City for everything from clothes and accessories to dinner and drinks.

Elizabeth & West
44 W. Philadelphia St.

The quaint boutique right next to Central Market boasts a side entrance straight from the market and into the second room of the shop. Rebecca Wattenschaidt, the face behind the popular “Mommy in Heels” blog and Instagram account, started the store in December 2013 as an e-commerce endeavor.

She looked for a part-time job at Downtown Inc while waiting for the online store to turn a profit. The same minute she sent the email, she received another one from Downtown Inc asking if she was interested in some retail space downtown.

“The idea of having an actual storefront put the whole part-time job search on hold,” Wattenschaidt said.

She moved to her current location on W. Philadelphia Street 2½ years ago, expanding from an online shop to an actual storefront. Her goal for the store is to provide affordable pieces, while catering to a broad demographic.

The clothes focus on fun patterns and chunky knit sweaters for the season. Wattenschaidt even does “try on” videos on Instagram so women can see what near arrivals look like on an actual person.

“It’s me. It’s very personal,” Wattenschaidt said. “Your experience is very personal. In all my online orders, I always include a handwritten thank-you note, as well, which I really pride myself on.”

Hamir’s Indian Fusion
24 S. George St.

A little over five years ago, Hamir Patel was a general manager at Wendy’s when his friend Denise was diagnosed with breast cancer. A month later, his sister-in-law was also diagnosed.

It brought a passion for cooking to the forefront. Patel asked Denise what he could do to help, and she told him to cook for a good cause. Denise invited friends over to her home. Patel cooked, and a dream began.

He slowly started creating more recipes, combining the traditional flavors of Indian food with other cultural dishes such as Thai, Creole and Mediterranean. Denise and her friends are still his loyal taste testers.

“Once I get a green light from all of them, then it becomes a recipe,” Patel said.

He turned cooking into a home-based business and then auditioned at Taste Test York before opening a space on S. George Street. The restaurant is tucked away from the bustle of the market district, while simultaneously offering a homey vibe and a nice dinner spot for two. The décor on the walls is even donated by the women who helped him get his start.

That’s what it’s all about to Patel, who alternates between the chef who prepares your meals and the restaurant owner who tries to visit every table to talk to his guests. Meanwhile, plates of coconut curry chicken, Indo-Thai shrimp and many others make their way to tables.

“Food is something that brings people together,” Patel said. “It should be that way. You should have a good experience surrounded by your friends, colleagues, spouse.”

My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe
38 N. Beaver St.

This consignment shop traces its roots back to Harrisburg University, when owner Alexandria Keener-Hammond was looking for a meaningful internship. Her mother had always wanted to open a boutique, and, with a house full of clothes, it seemed like a good idea. Keener-Hammond, a web design major, went to her advisor and asked to start an online consignment business.

“It just kind of all came together one day with needing an internship and not knowing what to do and having all of these really great pieces in our closet that we were going to get rid of,” Keener-Hammond said.

Now, she owns My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe with her mom and runs the business full-time. They’ve been operating for six years and moved to their Beaver Street location this past May.

Stepping inside is like going to a friend’s house. There are exposed beams, a fireplace and exposed brick walls that make it feel more like a stumbled-upon gem. Items are typically priced at a third of what they originally sold for, and they carry brands from Chanel to American Eagle.

Keener-Hammond said that it’s not just the coveted Beaver Street location that makes My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe a destination. She’s noticed that more foot traffic downtown means her business grows every year.

“More and more people every day are realizing that downtown York is a really great place to come down and grab lunch and hang out with friends, or bring their kids on First Fridays and just have a really good time.”

Collusion Tap Works
105 S. Howard St.

There are now six breweries within a half-mile of each other in downtown York, according to Collusion Tap Works owner Jared Barnes. He called it “quite overwhelming” but is happy to see so many new restaurants, and even breweries, opening up that bring people downtown and give them options.

Collusion Tap Works opened in 2016 after Barnes worked for multiple breweries up and down the East Coast. The York Suburban grad lived a full life before he started making beer. He joined the military at age 18, came back to go to school for engineering and then started making beer in the basement of a place he worked at in Columbia, Pa.

The basement beer turned into a full-time gig. Barnes went to school to learn brewing in Chicago and then Germany. Eventually, he came back to York to work for himself.

Collusion is located in the trendy Royal Square area near Taste Test York and numerous art galleries. There’s plenty of parking, which is in demand in other downtown locations. The building itself is small but comfortable, with eclectic decorations that remind you fondly of your college dorm.

Barnes said they have 21 to 24 beers on tap depending on the day. Homunculus and the Fuzzy Scrumpit IPA are two of the most popular options, but there’s also a mix of sours and stouts.

“We don’t just brew one or two styles of beer,” Barnes said. “We’ve done 430-something different beers now since we’ve been open for two years. You’re going to have something new every time that you come to Collusion.”

Gusa by Victoria
252 W. Philadelphia St.

“I got married into the area, and when I came here there was absolutely nothing—or so it seemed—for me to do,” Victoria Kageni-Woodard said about her arrival in York.

Kageni-Woodard, originally from Kenya, started working in the construction industry to provide for her family. However, it was a passion for creating clothes that drew her to the United States in the first place.

She attended Savannah College of Art and Design to hone her sewing and fashion skills. After a few years of renting a space in Royal Square, she ended up on W. Philadelphia Street.

While her core product is sewing and fashion design, there’s no limit to the experiences at Gusa by Victoria. The clothes, all of which she makes herself, are bright and vibrant, reminiscent of many of the patterns in African fashion. However, Kageni-Woodard doesn’t stop there. She teaches sewing workshops and Swahili to kids and adults, hosts jazz nights outside of the shop and created the Gusa World Music Festival.

“I’m always trying to figure out other things to make it more lively,” she explained.

Kageni-Woodard also offers a dining experience called Gusa Dining Excursion. Every quarter, she picks a country from Africa and has a celebration, including native food, traditional dancers and even a class about the people and the culture. Next summer, she’s hoping to launch “Gusa Goes to Kenya” to bring a group of people, including her children, back to her home in Kenya.

Day Trip: York

In recent years, downtown York has become a haven for boutique browsers and shoppers. Here are a few more places to stop during your trip to the historic city center.

Central Market
34 W. Philadelphia St.

The arguable hub of downtown York, Central Market has a stand for everyone. Whether it’s a burrito or flavors of Africa, you will find it in the large building.

Cherie Anne
48 W. Philadelphia St.

Unique gifts and personal service are the hallmarks of Cherie Anne, a boutique featuring everything from hand-knitted clothes to gourmet food to locally made, artisanal products. Cherie Anne and daughter Amanda will steer you through their carefully curated, eclectic selection of handmade creations.

HIVE artspace
126 E. King St.

HIVE is an arts collective that features both local and national artists. It’s free and open to the public.

i-ron-ic
256 W. Philadelphia St.

This coffee shop also functions as an art and thrift boutique. Stop by the store in the WeCo neighborhood or check out the window downtown with a drive-thru menu for coffee.

Molly’s Courtyard Cafe
46 W. Philadelphia St.

The former Cherie Anne’s Courtyard Café recently changed names and moved right next door to a bigger space. The courtyard is still magical, especially on a nice night.

Redeux Vintage
113 S. Duke St.

Get your upcycling on at this secondhand marketplace, which features curated vintage goods from apparel and antiques to handmade jewelry.

Timeline Arcade
54 W. Market St.

Check out classic arcade games and new gaming consoles in both downtown York and Hanover.

York City Pretzel Co.
39 W. Market St.

These hand-twisted pretzels are made right downtown. Purchase them for your next party or stop in for a pretzel sandwich while you’re walking around.

Great Writing Lives Here: Authors speak, collaborate and stay awhile at Bowers Writers House.

October 31, 2018 | by Don Helin

In Elizabethtown, there is a low-slung brick house that you might breeze right by without a second glance.

It’s pleasant-looking enough, tucked behind some trees, similar to other houses on the leafy streets around Elizabethtown College.

Inside, however, the house is special indeed, especially if you’re a fan of writing and literature.

It’s Bowers Writers House, a just-off-campus building that has been hosting writers and authors since 2010, when Director Jesse Waters launched this mecca for thinking, writing and creative collaboration.

“My plan was to set up an environment where a person from one discipline—perhaps a chemist—can partner with one from another discipline—maybe a poet—and the two can learn from each other,” Waters said. “This is the perfect answer for a liberal arts college. I want our workshops to leave the academics at the door and bring in a passion for learning.”

Waters may be the perfect person to foster such an inter-disciplinary collaboration, given his own diverse background, which includes stints as an executive chef, rock musician and clam farmer. He also brings impressive writing credentials, as his fiction, poetry and nonfiction have appeared in publications nationally and internationally, receiving numerous prestigious nominations and awards.

After Elizabethtown College asked Waters to launch Bowers Writers House, he traveled to other schools to determine what made their houses successful. Franklin and Marshall College and the University of Pennsylvania had programs he liked, he said.

“I believe it’s critical to make the Bowers Writers House a location of the campus, but not on the campus,” he said. “The goal is to create a tone of quiet excellence in learning for the students and other attendees in a comfortable and relaxed environment.”

A dozen or so public events take place each semester at Bowers Writers House, named for college alumni and philanthropists Ken and Rosalie Bowers. For each event, one or two visiting instructors set up programs there and stay overnight in the cozy four-bedroom, three-bath house.

The craft portion of a workshop usually runs in the late afternoon then workshop members are hosted at a dinner, where they meet with the presenter in an informal setting. After dinner, the presenter reads from his or her works and answers questions without needing to hurry.

Over the years, Bowers Writers House has become known both for the diversity of its programming and its collaboration among disciplines, which together have helped recruit many “A-list” authors and speakers to the small-town college campus in central Pennsylvania.

Examples include the nationally known author and scholar, Haroon Moghul, who spoke about his book, “How to Be a Muslim: An American Story;” Peter Mehlman, co-executive producer and lead writer for “Seinfeld;” and “Hoop Dreams” star and educator Arthur Agee, Jr.

“We have usually between 12 to 15 presentations each academic semester, from dramatic readings to musical performances to interactive panels,” Waters said. “Our programs offer a dynamic variety of enjoyable and formative experiences and are open to the public.”

I personally had the pleasure of attending an afternoon workshop by Matt Tullis, an assistant professor at Fairfield University. His memoir, “Running with Ghosts,” highlights how he survived cancer as a teen, while many of his fellow patients, whom he befriended, did not live. In later years, he became a runner and visited with the families of those patients. Sometimes, he said, he could feel the ghosts of those children running with him.

“For the future, I hope to enhance student involvement in the various workshops,” Waters said. “For example, if we are presenting an art workshop, I want to take advantage of this beautiful house and set up easels on the lawn so students can actually practice what they are learning.”

Bowers Writers House is located at 840 College Hill Lane, Elizabethtown. For more information call 717-361-1000 or visit www.etown.edu/centers/writershouse.

Fun in the Burg: Over 9 years, a small arts event has grown into a celebration of city, community.

October 31, 2018 | by Diane McNaughton

Broad Street Market during 3rd in the Burg.

Friday at 5 p.m. is the workweek’s golden hour.

You’ve endured the rigors of the grind, running on caffeine and stress, and then… freedom. TGIF.

In the capital city, there’s a double shot of thanks on tap on the third Friday of every month.

That’s when Harrisburg rolls out its greatest hits reel: new gallery openings, hot new bands, custom cocktails, novel exhibits, gourmet specials, door-buster sales. The lights stay on longer in venues throughout the city, the crowds descend, and businesses put their best foot forward.

Akin to First Friday celebrations, “3rd in the Burg” runs year-round and allows folks to dial down the breakneck pace of the work week and stroll through the streets of the capital city, relax with a fine cocktail and gourmet dinner and mingle with friends, artists and musicians.

Nine years after 3rd in the Burg debuted, it’s getting an exciting refresh: a new logo, a new brochure with a map, a litany of new sponsors, a revamped website and a stronger social media presence.

“3rd in the Burg has operated rather quietly, like clockwork, for years,” said Larry Binda, editor-in-chief of TheBurg, which organizes the monthly event. “We want to raise its profile a bit and emphasize its association with TheBurg, since few people seem aware that we lead it.”

Opens Your Eyes

In recent years, the Broad Street Market has arguably become the heart of the action during 3rd in the Burg. However, the celebration extends broadly throughout Midtown and downtown, and typical participants include The Millworks, the Susquehanna Art Museum, Midtown Cinema, Home 231, Midtown Scholar, Zeroday Brewing Co., Right on Reily, Cork & Fork, Mangia Qui and the Vegetable Hunter.

Nor is it just for young hipsters, millennial professionals, state workers or the uber-artsy.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Kelsey Tatge, the 3rd in the Burg coordinator who often attends with her “West Shore mom” for dinner at Café 1500, Pastorante or Cork & Fork.

It’s family-friendly, dog-friendly and safe, too, she emphasized. And, after 5 p.m., parking is free in much of downtown.

To see the rapidly growing list of sponsors, just turn this magazine over. The ad for 3rd in the Burg was first placed on the back page nine years ago, and it has remained in that coveted spot since.

Devan Drabik, director of Explore HBG—a new sponsor—said it is “a celebration of not only the arts, but of the creative minds in the city, including the adaptive re-use” of so many buildings, including The Millworks and the Historic Harrisburg Association’s ongoing renovation of its bank building.

“Having TheBurg involved has been a tremendous blessing to 3rd in the Burg and the businesses involved,” Drabik said. “Since they took leadership of 3rd in the Burg, there has been a continuity of anchor businesses participating and an outpouring of new venues wanting to be involved.”

When Binda brought his friends from the nation’s capital to the state capital’s citywide art walk and bash, they were pleasantly surprised by the culture here. Their one challenge: Binda saw so many people he knew, they never ventured far from the Broad Street Market and Little Amps. His friends started calling him “mayor.”

Lots to Do

The reunion of old friends and the attraction of new tourists is part of the beauty of Harrisburg’s signature cultural event, as energy reaches critical mass.

Sydney Musser, of the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, said they timed their “Art in the Box” event, featuring artists painting 14 utility boxes, with 3rd in the Burg.

“3rd in the Burg is great because we can highlight all parts of Harrisburg,” Musser said. “Harrisburg is a small city, but it still has lots to do and check out, and this opens your eyes to that fact. It makes Harrisburg shine for those living here and those visiting.”

Tara Chickey, art director at The Millworks, said that the restaurant/brewery/art venue is often elbow-to-elbow during 3rd in the Burg as they schedule show openings with the event. An added draw is that “95 percent” of their artists are in their studios that evening, so patrons can meet them and chat.

“Harrisburg is a walkable city,” Chickey said. “This lets us connect the downtown with Midtown and Uptown.”

It also supports the “buy local” movement, she said.

Vivian Sterste said her fine arts gallery, Vivi on Verbeke, has been participating for several years. Located a stone’s throw from the Broad Street Market, she opens her cozy studio/gallery free of charge every month for a dose of unique pottery, vibrant paintings and more.

“We bring a warmth and camaraderie to our community on 3rd in the Burg,” Sterste said.

Even the downtown McCormick Riverfront Library is joining the party this year. Marketing Assistant Christina Zeiders said that, on Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., the library will hold “Date Night.” Attendees can bring their significant other or friends for food and crafts. They can choose either a pint glass or wine glass to decorate, at no cost to participants.

“Last summer, we began opening Saturdays as well as two evenings a week,” said Lisa Howald, new branch manager. Starting in September, they opened their doors late for 3rd in the Burg.

“We kicked off with ‘Bad Art Night,’” she said. “Participants had a great time making the worst art they possibly could in competition for a terrible trophy.”

In October, they hosted “Escape the Library,” an escape-room-style challenge. And, in the coming months, they plan to have live music, book bingo, mini-golf, snacks and more.

About Community

3rd in the Burg started in late 2009 when several local gallery owners wanted to launch a First Friday-type event to attract art-lovers to their venues. They approached TheBurg to be a founding member and media sponsor.

In the beginning, businesses and galleries had to pay a fee, which limited participation. After the original galleries closed, a steering committee asked TheBurg to take the reins completely. The first change made by TheBurg: eliminating the participant fee and attracting sponsors to offset the cost of the prominent, back-cover ad.

“The fee, although modest, was a huge barrier to participation,” Binda said. “After we eliminated it, everyone wanted to be part of 3rd in the Burg.”

Venue participation immediately jumped and, most months, 40 to 50 galleries, museums, restaurants, bars and other places now join in.

Binda noted that 3rd in the Burg receives no public funds, which distinguishes it from many First Friday-type events in other cities, nor is it a moneymaker for TheBurg.

“We basically donate staff time to it,” he said. “But we like providing this service. It’s become important to the fabric of Harrisburg.”

Importantly, it both brings people into Harrisburg for the evening and, for residents, acts as a community gathering, as locals use the night to congregate, chat and share a meal.

“It’s not just for tourists. The people who live here participate,” Binda said. “It’s a communal gathering. You see neighbors talking to neighbors.”

Tatge agreed.

“Everyone says ‘hi’ to each other,” she said. “It makes you feel like you are a part of something. I’m proud of it.”

In the end, 3rd in TheBurg is a natural extension of TheBurg’s mission, Binda said.

“We want to serve and foster community,” he said. “The Harrisburg area can be a contentious place, and we like to think that 3rd in the Burg is when the entire community can come together.”

So if it’s the third Friday, and the crowds throughout the city are big and happy, this must be Harrisburg.

3rd in the Burg takes place the third Friday of each month throughout downtown and Midtown Harrisburg. This month, 3rd in the Burg is on Nov. 16. For more information, see the brochure in this month’s issue, go to www.thirdintheburg.org or visit the Facebook page.

Sweet Scent of Success: Another busy holiday season awaits family-run Keystone Candle.

October 31, 2018 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

When you pull into Keystone Candle, you can detect the pleasing scents even from the parking lot.

Such is the ambiance of the local, family-run factory store in Swatara Township.

Keystone Candle doesn’t just sell any old candles shipped in from wherever. This homegrown business has been crafting its own products for more than 40 years. Today, it offers around 100 scents in votives, tapers, pillars, jars and even baking dishes.

“We make all our candles here,” said Kristen Cowles, the third generation of her family to work the business. “For our candle rings and other accessories, most are made in the U.S. or ordered from a U.S. facility.”

Inside, a virtual cornucopia of candle scents mingle into a delightful potency. There’s apple cinnamon, coffee cake, baked apple crisp, lavender, bayberry and “Night Before Christmas,” plus sweet pea, merlot and spiced pumpkin, to name just a few.

Pumpkin also is the name of the friendly resident cat that greets you at the door. He likes leading customers around the store.

Ito, a devoted customer who hails from Swatara Township, has bought Keystone Candles on a “constant, revolving-door basis” for 25 years, he said. His favorite is sandlewood, but he also likes mesquite, balsam pine, linen and citronella.

“They’re amazing. I buy them as gifts and keep buying them for the home and work,” said Ito, who works as a hairdresser in Susquehanna Township. “I also like that they will put candles in your own containers.”

George Morris and wife Lindy of “Imagination by Lindy” sell Keystone Candles with their own crafts in shows and fundraisers around Pennsylvania and their home state of Maryland. George said he favors the pumpkin pie and pecan waffle scents.

“As soon as we started selling them, so many people wanted to buy them,” George said. “The wax is scented all the way through. To me, they’re very high quality.”

So Popular

Like many family businesses, Keystone Candle originated as a small, home-based enterprise.

In the mid-1970s, Jeff and Cathy Brown began crafting homemade candles as a fundraiser for Middletown Christian School, where both worked as elementary-level teachers. Things changed, however, when Cathy’s parents, Art and Jane Eccles, started selling the Browns’ candles in their three gift shops. Before long, the candles became so popular that Jeff continued production in his basement.

In 1976, Cathy became pregnant with the couple’s first child, and Jeff decided that a growing family needed more income. He quit teaching and went into the candle business full-time with the Eccles.

“I knew when my dad was home because I could smell the candles on him when he walked past my bedroom at night,” daughter Katie recalled.

The popular business continued to grow and, soon, the Brown family’s basement became too cramped for the increasing production. The business moved into a rented garage near their Middletown home and acquired its first few employees. Candle Lite—Keystone Candle’s first incarnation—was in business.

The new location quickly attracted the public’s attention. In response, the Browns and Eccles opened a small retail shop at the entrance. A wholesale division kicked off when other storeowners ordered the candles to sell in their own businesses.

Soon, the Eccles closed their gift shops to focus exclusively on making and selling candles. The business outgrew the garage and was moved into its current location on state Route 322/Paxton Street in Swatara Township. Cathy left teaching to work the factory and help with retail after her mother’s death in 1988.

The business continued to grow and was renamed Keystone Candle. The Browns took it on as their own after Art died in 1997. Daughters Kristen and Katie stayed on, too.

“They’re all fabulous, very, very nice people,” Ito stated.

It’s Our Family

Soon enough, the family faced another challenge. In July 2000, a fire gutted the business, just as work began on that year’s stock for Christmas, the busiest season.

“We had just gotten a wax shipment in, and we still had to pay the bill,” Kristen recalled. “It was a total loss.”

Fortunately, a fire sale held the following week attracted so many loyal customers that local police showed up to direct traffic in the area. For the next three years, Keystone Candle operated from a rented location on Derry Street as the permanent site was rebuilt.

“When you have such a devastation like that, you find out who your friends and family really are,” Kristen noted. “It’s one of those things when you just pull together and keep going.”

Today, Cathy manages the business’ bills and checks on a semi-retired basis. Jeff, who recently had knee surgery, comes in most days to help out. The business also employs 15 full- and part-time workers.

Kristen manages the store, and Katie works the factory, as does Kristen’s husband Peter. Kristen and Peter’s teenaged daughters, Taylor and Sydney, work summers there just like Kristen and Katie once did. Peter also writes the company’s blog.

“I’m very picky about making our candles,” Katie said. “Everything has to be perfect. I grew up with this business. It’s our family. That makes it mean even more to me.”

Keystone Candle is located at 7241 Paxton St. (state Route 322 East), Swatara Township. For more information, visit www.keystonecandle.com or call 717-564-2220.

We Need a Hero: Shakespeare’s Pericles–a character worth rooting for.

October 31, 2018 | by Meghan Jones

Though not as often celebrated as some of his other works, William Shakespeare’s “Pericles, Prince of Tyre” is, by all accounts, one of his most popular plays.

Indeed, there’s not much to dislike. It has adventure, betrayal, love, reunion, redemption, and at the center is a character that takes it all in stride. There’s something truly cathartic about seeing a good hero prevail in a story that seemingly has the perfect set-up for a classic Shakespearean tragedy.

Gamut Theatre Group seeks to tell the story through a combination of elements, including original music and dance, in order to convey the deep emotions of this story by highlighting their universality. In talking with the director, Thomas Weaver, and the choreographer, Rachita Nambiar, it becomes evident that the essence of compassion is at the center of the theater’s production.

Weaver says this is exactly what makes this play so timely.

“’Pericles’ has become a popular title, these days,” he says, “and I can see why.”

The play follows a prince from his homeland of Tyre to various countries and cultures as he explores the lands and flees persecution from a tyrannical king in another region. As a result of his travels, Pericles finds a home in every place he visits, yet he faces incredible hardship. A production like this— where travel and new culture is a central element— can be very dynamic. Both Weaver and Nambiar use this to their advantage in their approach to the play, stylistically and thematically.

The play itself, and its creation, is a combination of various styles that lends itself to a diverse outlook. It is widely accepted that this story was written by multiple authors: William Shakespeare and, as Weaver describes, a “philandering London low-life” named George Wilkins. While, today, the idea of original content and work attribution is very important, it was common in early modern times to collaborate anonymously, especially with playwrights.

The authorship question, as it relates to “Pericles,” helps us to understand how the play can toe the line of so many thematic elements in what is one of the Bard’s shortest plays. It also helps us understand the technical approach Weaver has taken in directing the play and how the inclusion of Nambiar’s traditional dance techniques complements the collaborative attitude that surrounds much of Shakespeare.

With elements of tragedy, history, adventure and romance, it would be easy for the text to be convoluted. Weaver explains that it helps that Pericles is a sympathetic character and one who the audience believes deserves a happy ending.

“It’s rare to have a Shakespearean hero who you can 100 percent root for without reluctance,” he says.

Exuding that compassion is something the Nambiar believes is enhanced by the dance numbers included in the performance. Coming from a background of traditional south Indian ancient dance, Nambiar has used a combination of fusion techniques to blend these elements to enhance the story.

“These dance forms are traditionally very dramatic, so they complement the play nicely,” Nambiar says. “A lot of these dances are used to tell a story. They talk about the feelings in a way that really enhances the aura of the entire play.”

Audiences should be able to recognize and relate to the moments of joy, strength and victory that Pericles expresses in his first dance and the soft, romantic moments of the second. The inclusion of the dance not only makes the emotions of the play more tactile, but it serves as an interlude and celebration of success after a great deal of suffering.

Weaver believes it is precisely this expansive emotional and thematic range that has attracted people to the play for more than 400 years. The universal themes of Shakespeare allow us to examine our humanity, and watching a performance allows us to share those moments with each other.

“The story is adventure, not just for Pericles, but for the audience,” Weaver says. “And I’m very interested in what Shakespeare might be trying to tell us about the nature of adversity and suffering. It is important to see stories that celebrate hope in times of very real adversity.”

“Pericles, Prince of Tyre” runs Nov. 3 to 25 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.gamuttheatre.org.

UPCOMING THEATER EVENTS
AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL
DOWNTOWN THEATERS

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

William Shakespeare’s
“Pericles, Prince of Tyre”
Nov. 3 to 25
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

The Popcorn Hat Players Present
“The Steadfast Tin Soldier”
Nov. 28 to Dec. 15
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. available by request for groups of 20 or more.

At Open Stage of Harrisburg
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736

“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 1 to 23
The Charles Dickens classic about redemption and the Christmas spirit returns for another triumphant year at Open Stage.

“A Very Court Street Cabaret Christmas”
Dec. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m.
The Court Street singers return performing holiday favorites with a few twists and laughs along the way.

Sours? Sweet!: Mellow Mink brings Belgian style to central PA.

October 31, 2018 | by Casey Kelly

Matthew Miller remembers a certain day in 2007 as one that would change his life.

It was when he tried his first Belgium lambic, and he immediately fell in love with the taste of sour beer.

Fast-forward a decade or so, and Miller and his husband, Cole Taylor, opened Mellow Mink Brewing to share their affection for high-quality sours—and great craft beer—with the people of central Pennsylvania.

“We’re crafting tap lists to appeal to someone who’s completely craft beer naive, the whole way up to someone who has very specific tastes,” Miller said.

Miller, the director of brewing and blending, began home-brewing in 2009, then started writing specifically about sour beers in 2014 on his blog. Now, he’s doing what most people only dream of—turning his passion into a career. Miller is the brains behind the many new recipes and flavors Mellow Mink features on its rotating taps.

“The more involved I got with writing, the more the passion kind of took hold,” he said. “It eventually became a thing where, I brew a lot of beer and I write about a lot of beer, but I wanted to be able to take that to the next level so I could actually make enough to share with the public.”

Meanwhile, Taylor brings creative strategy to the table, focusing on perfecting Mellow Mink’s online presence, marketing and overall “vibe.”

“We want to take the brewery and elevate it to a more upscale level,” Taylor said. “I think there’s already been this whole culture established around different breweries that, atmospherically, tends to be more industrial. I wanted to create more of an upscale environment that kind of mixed more interior design with beer. But, while it is visually upscale, the attitude is very much down to earth.”

Or, as he describes it—“sophisticated but not snobby.’”

Miller said this type of setting aligns with the brewery’s specialization in sour beer, as it takes some serious time and TLC to perfect this type of ale — in fact, it’s comparable to the aging process of fine wines and cheeses.

“The wine world is filled with beautiful tasting rooms, estates and vineyards and things like that,” Miller said. “But in the brewing world, it does often come down to function over aesthetics. And we really wanted to kind of bridge the gap between those worlds.”

Crown Jewels

Miller and Taylor are joined by Cale Baker, Mellow Mink’s head brewer, who brings both his own and Miller’s new ideas to life. Baker also began home-brewing in 2009, and he’s been brewing professionally for about three years.

And, to ensure something for every palette, sour beer isn’t the only thing on tap.

Mellow Mink has around eight versatile, in-house blends on draft at all times. Right now, they’re playing with around 30 or 40 recipes, Miller said.

Miller said that he finds a lot of his inspiration from food, cocktails and other beverages to create new flavors. Specifically with sour beers, he typically incorporates tastes from fruits, yogurts and even cheeses and cured meats.

Both Miller and Baker said they’re inspired by brewers such as Cantillon, 3 Fonteinen, Jester King, The Rare Barrel, Russian River Brewing and Allagash. They agreed that the culture these breweries create around their beers influences and motivates them just as much as their incredible flavors.

Soon, they plan to start an aging program, where they’ll age beer in oak barrels and stainless tanks for anywhere from three months to a couple of years. Then, they’ll bottle-condition them, allowing the brews to continue to age for several years. Miller said these blends will likely be the “crown jewels” of Mellow Mink’s lineup.

Overall, Miller and Taylor want Mellow Mink to be a place that becomes a well-known feature of the community, as well as somewhere people can sit down, relax and try something that maybe they haven’t had before. They want to be a place that creates unique brews for drinking on site, for taking home and even saving for special occasions and for giving as gifts.

“Hopefully, 20 or 30 years from now, we’ll still have a Mellow Mink,” Miller said. “And hopefully, it’s something everyone knows and appreciates.”

Mellow Mink Brewing is located at 4830 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, in the shopping center near Planet Fitness and Karns Foods. For more information, call 717-693-7687 or visit www.mellowmink.com.

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.

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