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.

Pet Project: Fido, Fluffy get screen time this month.

October 31, 2018 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

It is said that the world is divided into two types of people: cat people and dog people.

The evidence of this controversy is overwhelming. Humans are very passionate about their furry friends, whether they live with them or see them on the street.

The love for these companion animals is so abounding that it is really not surprising that a film festival exists, both for cats and dogs. This year marks the second annual “NY Dog Film Festival,” founded by Tracie Hotchner, and the first annual “NY Cat Film Festival”—because you can’t have one for very long without the other. The short films chosen for these festivals fill two programs each—two for cats, two for dogs—and range from informative to funny to sweet. There is a healthy mix of documentary and fiction.

The quality of the films also, oddly enough, ranges broadly. Some films seem to be well-bolstered slideshows with narration, while others have structured plots and characters. The cat festival, in its first year, seems to still be finding its whiskers, while the dog festival has more surefooted content. But no matter which program you watch, you will be struck with the realization that these are not just films about cats and dogs—they are films that show humans in relation to these companion animals. Cats and dogs serve as mirrors of our humanity. The way we react to these creatures, and pour our hope and love into them, is telling of the very people we are.

Whether you’re a dog person or a cat person, these films will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and give you a chance to “ooh” and “aww” at lovable, furry creatures.

“The NY Cat Film Festival” and “The NY Dog Film Festival” will play on Nov. 10 and 11, respectively, at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg.

November Events
At Midtown Cinema

Digital Theatre
“Hamlet”
Sunday, Nov. 4, 3 p.m.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”
Monday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m.

“Everybody’s Talking about Jamie”
Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.

Down in Front! Presents
“Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders” (1996)
Friday, Nov. 9, 9:30 p.m.

The First Annual NY Cat Film Festival
Saturday, Nov. 10
Program 1: 12 p.m.
Program 2: 1:30 p.m.

The Second Annual NY Dog Film Festival
Sunday, Nov. 11
Program 1: 12 p.m.
Program 2: 1:30 p.m.

3rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“The Adventures of Baron Munchausen” (1989)
Friday, Nov. 16, 9:30 p.m.

Moviate Presents
“Queercore: How to Punk a Revolution” (2017)
Sunday, Nov. 25, 7 p.m.

Artist in Focus: Gabriel Spangler

October 31, 2018 | by TheBurg Editor

Some amazing artists call the Harrisburg area home, and we feature their work in TheBurg each month. However, we want to shower even more attention on the incredible painters, illustrators, photographers and sculptors that reside in central PA.

Therefore, we plan to feature more of the work of a single artist in our pages. In so doing, we hope to give greater recognition to these talented individuals and better highlight the artwork created right here in our area.

So, please enjoy a selection from Gabriel Spangler, a Harrisburg-based photographer who specializes in candid, street and documentary-style photography. You also can see his work in person at Integrative Bodywork Therapy studio, 4076 Market St., Camp Hill, on Friday, Dec. 7, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 8, 1 to 4 p.m. At those shows, you also can purchase two just-released books of his recent photography.

For more information and examples of his work, visit his Facebook page, Gabriel Spangler Photography, and his Instagram page, gabriel_spangler.

October News Digest

October 31, 2018 | by Lawrance Binda and Lizzy Hardison

Harrisburg to Leave Act 47

A bill passed by the state legislature last month allows Harrisburg to preserve its current tax rates and exit Act 47, a state oversight program for financially distressed municipalities.

The House and Senate both voted overwhelmingly to pass House Bill 2557, which allows Harrisburg to maintain its current local services tax (LST) and earned income tax (EIT) for five years after it exits state oversight. The bill also prohibits the city from enacting a commuter tax and convenes a five-member Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) to monitor Harrisburg’s finances.

After the vote took place, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse thanked the lawmakers who supported its passage, including its sponsor, Rep. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland County, and Harrisburg’s lawmakers in the House and Senate, Rep. Patty Kim and Sen. John DiSanto.

“While I wish we had been able to achieve a permanent solution for the city and the region, Harrisburg’s immediate fiscal crisis has lifted,” Papenfuse said. “I look forward to working with the new members of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority—as it’s time to roll up our sleeves and continue to work for the long-term success of Harrisburg and the capital region.”

The bill is the culmination of a 10-month lobbying effort by Harrisburg officials, who have long said the city needs stronger taxing powers to support the capital city. It will allow Harrisburg to preserve about $12 million in annual revenue that would have been lost in a traditional Act 47 exit.

Act 47 allows Harrisburg to levy a 2 percent EIT on all residents and a $156 LST, even though state law caps EIT rates at 1 percent and LST at $56 per year. Without HB 2557, Harrisburg would have been forced to cut its EIT in half and slash its LST by two-thirds when it exits state oversight.

Local officials say those rates are untenable in Harrisburg, which supports large swaths of tax-exempt properties and a daily population of some 50,000 commuters. Mayor Eric Papenfuse had told lawmakers that the city’s emergency services and infrastructure would be in jeopardy if the city had to cut its taxes.

With HB 2557 in place, Harrisburg will also be spared high property tax increases that were prescribed in a proposed three-year Act 47 exit plan.

The city did make one significant sacrifice in the final bill, which was amended in October to put a five-year time limit on the enhanced taxing power.

The original legislation only required Harrisburg to retire its tax rates once its surpluses partially funded a post-retirement benefit fund for its employees. Projections estimated that could take up to 20 years.

Rep. Kim called it “the best we can do” in a Republican-controlled legislature. She hopes that the five-year timeframe will still give Harrisburg enough time to increase its tax base.

Bowers Named to City Council

Danielle Bowers, a lifelong Harrisburg resident and state government staffer, is the newest member of Harrisburg City Council.

Last month, Bowers beat out 14 other candidates, including one past council president, to take the seat formerly held by council member Cornelius Johnson.

Bowers works as an executive director for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. She previously held researcher roles with the Democratic Policy Office and Legislative Black Caucus and holds a master’s degree in public administration from Pennsylvania State University.

Her appointment to council creates a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board, where she has served for the past three years.

Fifteen candidates appeared before council last month to share their qualifications and ask for a chance to serve on the city’s legislative branch. But only four were invited to participate in the interview phase, where sitting council members asked candidates about their skills and goals for public service.

During her interview, Bowers touted her legislative experience and her knowledge of the city’s finances. She said she would like to pass legislation to bolster public safety and hopes to see the city’s Police Bureau return to its full complement.

Candidates Josiah Yonker, an IT professional, Gloria Martin-Roberts, a former council president and mayoral candidate, and Airis Smallwood, a healthcare administrator and musician, also received nominations and sat for interviews.

City Releases Housing Study

The results of Harrisburg’s first citywide housing study are in, and they predict a shortfall of more than 200 rental units at all price points over the next three years.

Representatives from the consulting firm that prepared the study presented their main findings to City Council last month. The authors said demand for rental housing in Harrisburg will outpace supply through 2020, even as development projects put new units on the market.

As a result, Harrisburg will face a shortage of about 244 rental units across the city—a figure that accounts for the city’s existing housing stock, new units coming onto the market and old units becoming uninhabitable.

The study also considers population projections, which anticipate that Harrisburg will gain 300 households in the next three years, mostly in the Allison Hill and Uptown neighborhoods.

The study didn’t offer any policy recommendations, but city hall officials intend to use its findings to develop long-term development strategies and housing policy proposals.

3rd Street Study Released

Harrisburg’s 3rd Street corridor is headed in a positive direction, though it remains a work in progress in terms of redevelopment, economic activity and walkability.

That’s the general conclusion of a study by the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Land Institute (ULI), a nonprofit research and educational organization that recently examined the corridor from Reily Street in Midtown to Chestnut Street downtown.

“The 3rd Street corridor possesses a great deal of momentum and potential for continued development,” stated the report, titled “TLC for Harrisburg’s Third Street Corridor.” “Strategically bridging the gap between the downtown and Midtown neighborhoods can put Harrisburg on the map as a vibrant capital city with a strong urban core.”

ULI visited Harrisburg for two days in April, walking the two-mile stretch then interviewing stakeholders who live, work and own businesses there. Their analysis and report were sponsored by Harristown Development, which owns Strawberry Square.

The 14-page report lauds the recent redevelopment and adaptive reuse that has occurred along the stretch. However, it states that much work still needs to be done so that the corridor can achieve a fuller potential. It cites three specific challenges:

“Dead Zones”: Many buildings have been restored, but many have not. There is still too much blight and too many empty storefronts.
Forster Street: Forster Street is too wide, busy and inhospitable, cutting off downtown from Midtown and deterring pedestrian activity.
Aesthetics: Aesthetics are inconsistent. Some areas appear pleasant, while others do not, both in terms of streetscape and the condition of structures.

The study then offers a variety of recommendations, such as incentivizing homeownership, encouraging pop-ups in empty storefronts, increasing police visibility, enforcing maintenance codes, improving the streetscape and better connecting downtown and Midtown.

Two suggestions stood out as especially ambitious.

The first recommended improving the intersection of N. 3rd and Forster streets by employing traffic-calming measures, making it more pedestrian-friendly and possibly reducing the number of lanes. The second proposed forming a “Third Street Coalition,” which would help promote, brand and advocate for the corridor.

Environmental Council Reconstituted

After more than two years of dormancy, Harrisburg’s Environmental Advocacy Council is back in action.

City Council repopulated the all-volunteer body recently when it voted unanimously to approve five appointees nominated by council members and the city administration. One appointee, Rafiyqa Muhammad, is a holdover from the former EAC that dissolved in 2016.

She’s joined by new members Tanya Dierolf, Christine Proctor, Molly Cheatum and Melanie Cook.

The five-member body will advise the mayor and other city officials on matters related to the environment and sustainability. As an advisory group, it does not have the power to manage or disburse money, but it will make recommendations on how to spend the money collected by Harrisburg’s “host fee.”

Harrisburg collects more than $250,000 a year in fees for hosting a regional incinerator, which is owned by the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA). State law allows cities with regional waste sites to assess a $1 per ton fee on the waste processed there. That money must be used to make environmental improvements in the city.

Christopher Nafe, the city’s new sustainability coordinator, will manage the EAC and attend all of its meetings, Mayor Eric Papenfuse said.

Papenfuse hopes that having a designated city hall staff member will help the EAC avoid the dysfunction that felled it in 2016, when most of its five members resigned.

Nafe hopes that the new EAC will advise the city on existing and new initiatives. Those include working with the Tree Advisory Council, which monitors the city’s tree population, and developing educational programs at the city’s new composting facility in Susquehanna Township.

New CRO for Harrisburg Schools

A retired Philadelphia-area superintendent will serve as the new state oversight officer for the Harrisburg School District.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education appointed Dr. Janet Samuels as the district’s new chief recovery officer in October.

She will oversee the implementation of a new, long-term recovery plan aimed at raising the district’s academic performance and financial health.

PDE put the school district under a financial recovery designation in 2012. State law requires every district in recovery to have a state-appointed recovery officer.

Samuels replaces Audrey Utley, who retired in June after serving as Harrisburg’s CRO for three years.

Her salary is capped at $144,000 annually and will be paid by PDE.

Last June, Samuels retired as the superintendent of Norristown Area School District, where she oversaw a $150 million annual budget and nine schools enrolling 7,400 students. She previously served as a regional superintendent for the Philadelphia Area School District. Her career in public education spans 35 years and includes experience as a principal and classroom teacher.

So Noted

Donald E. Schell has been named the new chair of the Homeland Center’s board of trustees. Schell, who has served on the board since 2001, takes over from Morton Spector, who will continue to serve on the board as immediate past chair.

Jeanne Troy is the new development director for Tri County Community Action, it was announced last month. In the newly created position, Troy is responsible for advancing the mission of TCCA by developing donor strategies and increasing fundraising opportunities.

Justin Roth has been named marketing manager for Capital City Mall, leading the marketing efforts for the Camp Hill shopping center. He previously served as the marketing and communications manager for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC.

Minuteman Press is relocating to larger space next door to its current location on the first block of S. 3rd Street in Harrisburg. Franchise owner Charlotte Todd recently purchased the Original Copy Shop, which had operated for 32 years, and converted it to a Minuteman shop.

Robert W. Morris & Co. last month celebrated the grand opening of its new office at 510 N. Front St., Wormleysburg. This is the second location for the CPA firm, which also has offices in New Bloomfield, Pa.

Three Little Birds Boutique opened a second location last month at the new Hershey Towne Square. The shop, which specializes in women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, joins businesses like Iron Hill Brewpub, Starbucks and several other restaurants and shops at the mixed-use retail and office project in downtown Hershey.
Changing Hands

Bigelow Dr., 22: E. Johnson to T. Henry, $55,000

Briggs St., 214: X. Chen to Around the Corner LLC, $135,000

Capital St., 909: M. Dietz to J. Canamucio & J. Block, $130,000

Chestnut St., 1836: G. Norman to A. Nebbou, $30,000

Crescent St., 219: Anpat LLC to J. Le, $47,000

Croyden Rd., 2926: S. McDougal to A. Guerrero, $74,900

Cumberland St., 260: J. Bane to M. Mueller, $122,250

Delaware St., 266: WCI Partners to D. Taylor, $124,900

Fillmore St., 622: J. Hoch to KAB Rental Properties LLC, $40,000

Fulton St., 1729: J. Tanjung & W. Leyu to M. Gleason, $112,500

Grand St., 924: L. Searles to N. McClure, $79,900

Green St., 1818: J. Lightner to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $110,000

Greenwood St., 2151: Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of PA Inc. to Edwin L. Heim Co., $320,000

Holly St., 1811: Wells Fargo Bank NA to R. Murphy, $32,500

Holly St., 2009: PA Deals LLC to E. Shelly, $65,900

Hunter St., 1535: P. & F. Kehler to S. Costa, $35,000

Kelker St., 231: Cartus Financial Corp. to E. Bliman & H. Hamilton, $180,000

Kelker St., 332 & 1821 N. 3^rd St.: Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority to Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, $125,000

Kensington St., 2302: X. Weng & C. Yang to Fowler Investments LLC, $39,500

Kensington St., 2348: M. Hardison to N. Terry, $66,000

Kent Lane, 198: Neidlinger Enterprises to F. Manzanillo & S. Rodriguez, $75,000

Lenox St., 1910: RTD Properties and Management to R. Do, $40,000

Lewis St., 321: D. Licciardello to R. Neely, $114,900

Luce St., 2354 & 2356: L. Salcedo to C. Santiago, $102,000

Market St., 1829: D. & S. Parikh to G. Allen, $69,000

Market St., 2211: G. Dunn to S., J. & M. Buckham, $84,400

Muench St., 402: M. Huynh to SA Home Solutions LLC, $30,000

Mulberry St., 1842: A. Woolridge to A. Faican & E. Sumbra, $49,900

North St., 1609: W. Davis to R. Cantave, $120,000

N. 2^nd St., 901 & 903: W. & J. Hobbie to B. Golper & WG PA Holdings LLC, $365,000

N. 2^nd St., 907: D. Pong to R. Anspach Jr., 173,900

N. 3^rd St., 1636: MJ Trust Properties LLC & C. Jurasits to Fratelli Property Investment LLC, $110,000

N. 4^th St., 2443: T. & K. Malesic to W. Lawrence, $80,000

N. 5^th St., 2605: Harrisburg Homes Investment LLC to NGDGR Company Inc., $48,000

N. 6^th St., 2605: A. & P. Ashenberg to R2 Property Group LLC, $43,000

N. 7^th St., 2400: J. Holmes & BAS Tax Services Corp. to DAP 7 Curtin LP, $270,000

N. 7^th St., 2640: Q. Higgs to Riley Residential Real Estate LLC, $35,000

N. 15^th St., 1121: Golden Lover Realty LLC to B. Shephard & N. Cook, $39,000

N. 15^th St., 1415: J. & O. Hearn to E. Mantilla, $43,500

Peffer St., 613: K. Timmons to J. Santiago, $46,000

Penn St., 1336: H. & L. Roberts to J. O’Neill, $36,100

Penn St., 2105: G. Hanslovan to T. Hage, $45,000

Penn St., 2139: PA Capital Area Investments LLC to DHS Team LLC, $30,000

Reily St., 333: Dobson Family Partnership to ADS Investments LLC, $89,900

Seneca St., 241: J. Williamson to CR Property Group, $32,500

S. 13^th St., 1403: M. Stewart to B. Price Jr., $38,000

S. 14^th St., 916: 916 S. 14^th Street Partnership to Harrisburg Housing Authority, $1,150,000

S. 14^th St., 1435 & 1400 Randolph St.: A. Ingram Jr. & W. Blankenship to City of Harrisburg, $43,000

S. 20^th St., 1100: Paxton Street Home Benevolent Society Inc. to Paxton Place I LP, $250,000

S. 21^st St., 922: A. Mariluz Jr. to D. Ramos, $68,000

State St., 231, Unit 304: P. Brommer to BCRA Realty LLC, $102,000

Susquehanna St., 1805: HBG Rents LLC to V. & C. Vergara, $61,000

Sycamore St., 1711: Leonard J. Dobson Family LP to H. Yunis, $70,000

Valley Rd., 2305: J. Dunn & A. Meyers to J. Alpert, $179,900

Verbeke St., 233: D. Varno & C. Johnson to E. Herrmann & L. Hall, $126,900

Walnut St., 1232: Valley Real Estate Holdings LLC to C. & C. Hinckley, $33,000

Wayne St., 1517: J. Alvarado to A. Sweet Sr., $120,000

From the Heart: River City Singers bring a message with their music.

October 31, 2018 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Illustration by Aron Rook.

Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Where words fail, music speaks.”

When you sit down and chat with members of the River City Singers, you learn that their repertoire is carefully crafted to lead observers down a particular path—one that is designed to be impactful, yet entertaining; thought provoking, yet accessible.

Uplifting songs brimming with messages of peace, love and inclusivity are designed to transport the observer away from the cares of the day, if but for a few hours.

A group of friends with a shared passion formed the River City Singers.

“About a dozen of us used to sing together,” said Harrisburg resident Sparkie Radcliffe, who serves as the group’s artistic director, along with David Walker. “When we stopped, I missed it terribly.”

Both Radcliffe and Walker bring considerable experience to the table, with musical bona fides including, but not limited to, Radcliffe’s position as the former musical arranger for the Arcona Reel Band and Walker’s positions as director of the Hummelstown Community Singers and the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus.

When the singer-friends decided to resurrect the idea of performing as a group, everything seemed to fall into place, including the practice venue.

“The Penbrook United Church of Christ was willing to give us much-needed rehearsal space, and various members of the church picked up that rental fee for us,” Radcliffe said. “They really are terrific people.”

Participants possess a wide range of musical experience, and the chorus is willing to work with anyone who is interested in joining.

“We welcome volunteer singers and instrumentalists from all ages, faiths, ethnicities and gender identities,” said Radcliffe.

As for musical instrumentation, it varies according to the mood of the song and currently includes piano, bass, drums and guitar.

In January, the chorus will celebrate its second anniversary. During this short period, it has expanded to 33 people, who rehearse each Monday night. Because the group is always open to new members, interested parties are invited to simply show up at the church to learn more.

“There’s not necessarily an audition, but we do require that they can carry a tune,” Radcliffe said, emphasizing that the group seeks passion over perfection. “Beyond that, any singer is welcome to join our chorus. Other choirs may be a bit more polished, but we sing from our hearts.”

Members of the chorus range in age from 19 to 84.

“That’s what makes it fun,” said Kathleen Daugherty, who has been with the group since its inception. “I love to sing. I’ve sung in churches and in my college choir. So, when Sparkie put out the invitation, I decided to join.”

According to Radcliffe, it’s not unusual for their performances to elicit a roller coaster of emotions.

“They bring both tears and laughter,” she said, reflecting back on one of the more light-hearted numbers performed last Christmas season. “We like to include the audience and, last year, when we performed ‘The 12 Days of Christmas,’ we divided them into 12 sections, and three of my neighbors were the three French hens.”

Daugherty broke into a wide smile at the thought, before referencing another song that most people find amusing.

“It’s called, ‘I Want to Stare at My Phone with You,” she said.

Like the makeup of the chorus, the material is inclusive, spanning cultures and generations.

Currently, the group is working on its upcoming holiday performances, most of which deliver a message.

“We sing a song called, ‘The Work of Christmas,’ which describes how the real work of Christmas comes after the excitement of the season is over,” said Daugherty.

When it comes to genres, the River City Singers refuse to be pigeonholed. Songs range from jazz to contemporary to ancient hymns. Radcliffe mentioned that the Indigo Girls song, “There’s Still My Joy,” may be performed on the same evening as “Boar’s Head Carol,” which dates back to the 15th century. Currently in the works—a Fred Rogers “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” tribute.

Radcliffe described the multi-faceted group as “multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-generational,” yet unified in one objective—to bring people together with a message of love.

For more information about the River City Singers, visit their Facebook page, “Harrisburg’s River City Singers.”

Sing Me a Song

The River City Singers have two shows coming up in December:

Dec. 2, 3 p.m.
Penbrook United Church of Christ
56 Banks St., Harrisburg

Dec. 9, 2 p.m.
Colonial Park United Church of Christ
5000 Devonshire Rd., Harrisburg

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