Community Corner: Notable August Events

July 31, 2018 | by Missy Smith

August Community Corner

Studio Tours
Aug. 1: The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, will host “Secret Studio Tours” led by storyteller-in-residence P.D. Murray, 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. What secrets lurk at Millworks studios? Which artist collects glass eyes? Which has sensed ghostly presences after hours? Visit millworksharrisburg.com.

Star Shows
Aug. 1-Sept. 2: The planetarium at the PA State Museum offers shows on select days through Sept. 2—“Earth, Moon and Sun” for grades 1 to 5 and “Compass, Calendar and Clock” for grades 6 and up. Shows are $3 per person in addition to general admission. Visit statemuseum.org.

Cultural Fest
Aug. 3: Join the Dauphin County commissioners and the Cultural Task Force for some outdoors fun at the annual Cultural Fest in downtown Harrisburg, Market and 2nd streets, 5 to 10 p.m. Visit dauphincounty.org for more details.

Collector Con
Aug. 3-5: Central Pennsylvania Collector Con will be held at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, for collectors of all ages and all levels to meet fellow collectors, talk with manufacturers and designers, and learn the value of collecting toys. Visit cpccon.com.

Book Sale
Aug. 3-9: Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave., will host its Friends Annual Book Sale. On Aug. 3, library members can shop during the preview night, 6 to 8 p.m. Visit hersheylibrary.org.

Architecture Art
Aug. 3-17: Chris Dawson Architect hosts an architecture exhibition on the ground floor of the company’s office building, 300 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, to reflect on the company’s efforts over the last nine years and to demonstrate the power of architecture. Visit chrisdawsonarchitect.com for more information.

Museum Fridays
Aug. 3-24: The State Museum invites visitors to its “Pay as You Wish” summer Fridays. Fees for the planetarium and other special programs still apply. Curiosity Connection will distribute free timed tickets for entry throughout the day. Visit statemuseum.org.

HBG Flea
Aug. 4: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hbgflea.com for more details.

Island Hopper
Aug. 4: Join Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and Susquehanna River Trail Association for the Susquehanna Island Hopper to discover the islands of the Middle Susquehanna River Water Trail, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults are $25; youth 12 and under is $15. Tickets include lunch, educational presentations, a guided kayaking trip and snacks. Visit susquehannagreenway.org.

Mt. Gretna Tour
Aug. 4: Explore the architecture and style of Mt. Gretna’s iconic homes on a self-guided walking tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a trolley ride, visit the Historical Society Museum and artist studios and enjoy food and drink by Chautauqua homeowners at the Hall of Philosophy. Proceeds benefit Gretna Music. Tickets are $25 or $20 in advance. Visit gretnamusic.org.

Book Sales
Aug. 4, 18: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library will host pre-owned book sales, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library, 1 Benjamin Plaza. Shop for fiction and nonfiction hardback and paperback books, vintage and new jewelry, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, kids’ books, vinyl records, tote bags and more. Visit newcumberlandlibrary.org.

Concert Series
Aug. 5, 12: Harrisburg Young Professionals continues its free Italian Lake Concert series at Italian Lake, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, with Mark DeRose & the Dreadnought Brigade on Aug. 3 and Roanoke on Aug. 12. Concerts are held from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, some picnic blankets and snacks. Get more information at hyp.org.

National Night Out
Aug. 7: Neighbors meet neighbors at National Night Out, with events throughout the greater Harrisburg area. Locally, the fun includes a city-sponsored event, 5 to 8 p.m., at Sunshine Park, 12th and Herr streets, with the members of the Harrisburg Police Bureau. To learn more, visit harrisburgpa.gov, as well as the websites and Facebook pages of community and neighborhood groups.

Networking Social
Aug. 8: Harrisburg Young Professionals will host its 2nd Wednesday Networking Social, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Midstate Distillery, 1817 N. Cameron St. Come out to enjoy $2 off cocktails and martinis and $1 off spirts and mixers. Members and non-members are welcome. Visit hyp.org.

Stress Relief Walk
Aug. 8: Release the pressure of the workday with a stress relief walk, a three-mile stroll around Wildwood Park. Meet at the Nature Center at 6 p.m. Bring water and sturdy shoes. Information is at wildwoodlake.org.

Festival Fun
Aug. 8-11: Lisburn Community Fire Company, 1800 Main St., hosts the 65th Annual Olde Time Festival. To celebrate, enjoy 65-cent hot dogs, rides and games, live entertainment, pony rides, a tractor parade, an array of festival foods and more. Visit lisburnfire.com.

Book Sale
Aug. 9-11: Friends of Newport Public Library will hold its annual used book sale in the downstairs of the library, 316 N. 4th St., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members’ preview night is on Aug. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.; guests can join as members at the door. Shop thousands of used books, CDs, DVDs and more. Proceeds benefit the library. Visit pecoinfo.org.

Reading Run
Aug. 11: Join Joseph T. Simpson Public Library, 16 N. Walnut St., Mechanicsburg, for its “Run for Reading 5K.” Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. and is followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m., the 1-mile fun run/walk at 9:15 a.m., the mini dash at 9:30 a.m. Visit simpsonlibrary.org.

Volunteer Work Day
Aug. 11: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to help 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.

Gospel Worship
Aug. 11: York County Gospel Choir presents “Gospel on the Mount,” an outdoor praise and worship celebration at 537 Big Mount Rd., Thomasville, with song, prophetic dance, Christian art, drama, poetry, food and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome. Visit yorkcountygospelchoir.org.

School & Health Fair
Aug. 11: Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1106 Capitol St., Harrisburg, will host its annual “Back to School and Community Health Fair,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Health, wellness and education vendors will provide free information services, backpacks and school supplies, while supplies last. Enjoy food and refreshments. Learn more at tabernaclebaptist.net.

Brews Cruise
Aug. 11: Grab your kayaks, canoes and tubes for a river float from Buffalo Brew, 24 N. Second St., Newport, to River Bend Hop Farm & Brewery, 1800 Lower Bailey Rd., Newport. The float will start after Buffalo Brew closes at 2 p.m., from the tunnel on Front Street to River Bend for dinner, drinks and good times. Check out Buffalo Brew on Facebook for more details.

Gretna Music
Aug. 12, 26: Gretna Music’s “First Listen” program showcases the talent of local, aspiring musicians at 6:45 p.m. at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse, 200 Pennsylvania Ave., before Gretna Music’s 7:30 p.m. mainstage concerts with professional artists. Mainstage concerts are $1 for youth, $5 for adults who bring a youth and $19 to $26 for regular pricing. For more information, visit gretnamusic.org.

Get in Shape
Aug. 16: Enjoy a self-guided, 3-mile walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, on level trails. The walk starts at the Nature Center, heads up the Towpath Trail, continues to the halfway point, and returns by the same route. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

MLK Impact
Aug. 16 & 17: Capital BlueCross Theatre at Central Penn College, 600 Valley Rd., Summerdale, presents “Stand Up, Speak Out: 6 Degrees of MLK,” each night at 7:30 p.m., with storytelling, music and video about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s impact in the fight for justice, 50 years after his death. Continue the conversation at dessert receptions. Tickets are $7, $3 for students. Visit centralpenn.edu.

Golf Open
Aug. 17: The Education Foundation of Central Penn College hosts the 47th Golf Open, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rich Valley Golf, 227 Rich Valley Rd., Mechanicsburg. All proceeds benefit emergency scholarship funds. Cost is $125 per person. Visit centralpenn.edu.

Golf Scramble
Aug. 17: The 7th Annual Harrisburg Young Professional’s Golf Scramble will be held at Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, 650 S. Harrisburg St., 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Teams of four golfers are invited to register online. Visit hyp.org for more details.

3rd in The Burg
Aug. 17: 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. Check out all the action at thirdintheburg.org.

Summer Switch
Aug. 17: The 2nd annual “Great Summer Switch” will feature Tina Sell, Susquehanna Art Museum director of education, conducting a 6 p.m. tour of “Art of the State” at The State Museum. Visitors then walk to the Susquehanna Art Museum for a tour with PHMC commissioner and artist Ophelia Chambliss of “Romare Bearden: Vision & Activism,” 7:30 p.m. Visit statemuseum.org or sqart.org.

Reptiles
Aug. 18: ZooAmerica will provide an indoor live animal show on Pennsylvania’s native reptiles (plus an alligator), 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Wildwood Park’s Olewine Nature Center, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. Afterwards, take a guided walk on the Towpath Trail to learn about the turtles of Wildwood. Pre-registration is required. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

End of Summer Picnic
Aug. 18: Pack a picnic lunch, a blanket and your dancing shoes and celebrate all the reading you did this summer with a concert at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Music by Silly Joe Sings begins at 11 a.m. and Crossing Abbey Road performs at 12 p.m. For more information, visit dcls.org.

Blood Drive
Aug. 24: Premier Eye Care Group will host a blood drive, 1 to 5 p.m., at its location at 3903 Hartzdale Dr., Camp Hill. For more information, visit premiereyes.com.

Outdoor Movie
Aug. 24: Friends of Midtown and Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, present a free, family-friendly showing of “Toy Story.” The film begins at dusk and, in case of rain, it will be delayed until Saturday. Visit friendsofmidtown.org for more details.

Arts Fundraiser
Aug. 25: Perry County Council of the Arts will host its annual “Country Casual” fundraiser at The Winery at Hunters Valley, 3 Orchard Rd., Liverpool, 4 to 8 p.m. Bid in silent and live auctions, take part in arts-related activities and enjoy live music, food and drink in support of PCCA’s seven-county “Arts in Education” program and free and low-cost events. Visit perrycountyarts.org.

Farm to River
Aug. 26: Fort Hunter’s annual fundraising event will feature a new, localized twist—a farm-to-river experience—at the mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m., with locally sourced, homemade dinner offerings, local brews and wines and live acoustic music. Attendees can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and signature drinks on the west lawn before dinner at 5 p.m. Visit fort-hunter.org.

Native Sons: This summer, show some love to PA’s homegrown grapes.

July 31, 2018 | by Steve Juliana

Pennsylvania is, and long has been, a land of great agricultural diversity, as well as natural fertility.

One of the signs of this bounty is the proliferation of more than 200 wineries across the commonwealth. Here, grapes are converted into wine of all types, from sparkling to table to dessert.

A visit to any of these local tasting rooms may be quite an eye-opener. European varietals are in plentiful supply but so are native grapes. With names such as Concord, Niagara and Catawba, these grapes were made into wine for years before the modern era of gentleman oenophiles bottling the fruits of their vines.

The botanical name for European grapes is vitis vinifera, while American grapes are known as vitis labrusca.

Vikings, landing in a place they called Vinland, first told of wild grapes growing in the northern climes of the New World. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus and his peers first cataloged the natives.

Among the cultivars, an obvious difference is that labrusca is a “slip skin” grape, in which the skins slide off easily when squeezed, as opposed to crushing the pulp to extract the juice. The other characteristic is the strong musky aroma of the fruit, which is how it received the name “fox grape.” It has nothing to do with the sly mammal, but has become a catchall for distinct descriptors that separate it from the vinifera flavors.

Concord is one of the most popular of our native grapes and is used to make jelly, juice and soft drinks, as well as wine, most notably kosher wine. Many wineries in Pennsylvania bottle Concord as a solo quaff or blend it with other grapes. It is very hardy in the winter and quite prolific. Try a glass, and you’ll immediately be reminded of its role in providing one-half of the classic PB&J sandwich.

The Niagara grape was developed in Niagara County, N.Y., and first sold in 1882. It’s a beautiful white grape that is good as a table grape and as wine and juice. The wine from this fruit is very popular and can be found in local wineries, as well as in Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores. Blended with other grapes, it makes for a refreshing summer quaff with its distinctive high-toned, candied muskiness.

One of the native grapes known to many a wine-drinker is pink Catawba. Technically a red grape, the juice produces a pink color not unlike a rosé wine. Its history goes back to 1850, when sparkling Catawba wine was compared to French Champagne, the first native grape to receive accolades from the European vintners.

The popularity of Catawba in the states took off when the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned his “Ode to Catawba Wine.” Since then, it has been the backbone of wine production in the eastern states. Local wineries produce variations of this grape solo and blended with a few sparkling examples. Sample some history!

Keep sipping,
Steve

So Awkward: “Eighth Grade” captures the anxiety, discomfort of middle school, like, really well.

July 31, 2018 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Everyone has been through middle school.

No one particularly looks upon it fondly. In fact, most people reflect back on it with a certain degree of agony. “Eighth Grade,” comedian Bo Burnham’s first feature in the writer/director’s chair, perfectly captures that preteen angst.

Following Kayla (Elsie Fisher), an acne-riddled, phone-absorbed girl who has just won the yearbook superlative “most quiet,” the film gives a play-by-play of every little detail that has ever made us squirm about our past selves. It’s a story that really hits home with its accuracy. Boys make farting noises with their mouths, girls freak out about what they’re wearing to the mall, etc. Kayla finds herself growing up in an uncomfortably familiar world of heightened emotions, naively accelerated sex standards and social media saturation. She is beginning to make really deep connections with her surroundings, but still has no idea what she’s doing.

Kayla’s father (Josh Hamilton) is constantly begging her to talk to and make friends with her school peers, and she wishes she could be cool enough to fit in. Instead, she just wrecks her confidence by giving social advice on her YouTube channel—and then not taking it.

Taking place entirely in the last week of Kayla’s eighth-grade experience, her tumultuous journey navigating boys and friendship and anxiety comes to its peak. Whether it’s her forced attendance at a popular girl’s pool party or trying to befriend high school seniors, each moment of “Eighth Grade” has a delightfully embarrassing reminiscence to it, and Burnham’s choices throughout the film orchestrate that wonderful awkwardness. From the dramatic music that pairs with Kayla’s emotions to the symbolic choices in the mise en scene of each interaction, every inch of this film screams adolescent nostalgia.

The fact alone that Burnham decided to tell this story through the perspective of a girl instead of telling his own story makes the film interesting enough. But the casting choices really make this a great film. Fisher, who has just graduated middle school herself, absolutely nails the role, her anxiety so thinly veiled behind an air of preteen indifference. It is a joy to watch the intricacies of her performance as she desperately tries to keep her emotions in check. And Hamilton wins our hearts as the goofy, earnest father who tries to watch his daughter grow up without interfering.

Though Burnham has cultivated a name for himself in the comedy realm, the film boasts more than just a handful of jokes. Be prepared to be taken back—and feel a little more than you expect—in this gem of a film. “Eighth Grade” starts at Midtown Cinema in early August.

August
Special Events

National Theatre Live
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”
Monday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m.

Outdoor Films
“Toy Story” (1995)
Friday, Aug. 24
Film starts at dusk. Rain date on Aug. 25.

Anime Film Festival
Aug. 25-30

Bring the Baby
“My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997)
Sunday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m.

Down in Front! Presents
“The Time Travelers” (1964)
Friday, Aug. 31, 9:30 p.m.

Where Leaders Learn: Community is in focus at MLK Leadership Development Institute.

July 31, 2018 | by Yaasmeen Piper

In a speech, Martin Luther King, Jr., once said,“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Embodying this message and the techniques used by the famous civil rights leader, the Interdenominational Ministers Conference created the Martin Luther King Leadership Development Institute.

Based in the greater Harrisburg area, the institute aims to provide people with leadership tools and resources to improve themselves and their community regardless of age, race, gender or religious beliefs.

In June, the institute held its sixth graduation, featuring 20 students with a mix of “emerging and existing leaders,” according to President Joseph Robinson. Some of the most notable graduates over the years have included HACC’s President John “Ski” Sygielski, Harrisburg Councilman Cornelius Johnson and Chief Rob Martin, Susquehanna Township’s public safety director.

“People owe it to themselves and to our community to align themselves with the institute,” Robinson said. “They’ll come out of there with a different perspective on themselves and a new cadre of individuals who will help them achieve their mission.”

Over the course of six months, Keith Ellison, founder and CEO of the Ellison Group, meets with students to discuss and teach community and leadership. The program is designed around six key areas mentioned in Tavis Smiley’s “The Covenant with Black America”: education, economic development, quality of life, racial opportunity, harmony and leadership, as well as practices and policies used by Dr. King.

Students are divided into teams and develop a project that they present at the final meeting. The goal is to help them engage with their community and take what they learned back to the community.

The institute also hosts presentations and panels with accomplished people such as retired University of Pennsylvania Professor Carol Spigner, members of the NAACP, state legislators, police officers and lawyers. They discuss everything from criminal justice reform to public policy to business tactics.

“We talk about how to engage in your community and how to bring direct action in your community,” Robinson said.

In 2008, the institute originally targeted the “brain drain” of young people of color who were leaving Harrisburg because they felt like they did not have a place here.

The founders wanted to establish a forum and provide young people with the training tools they needed to work into leadership positions while keeping with Dr. King’s “beloved community.”

A year later, a group of 24, predominantly black, emerging leaders, graduated. Today, the institute has a wide range of students, varying in race, ethnicity, gender and religious beliefs, from ages 20 to 75.

“We have people with GEDs in the same class with people who have Ph.D.s,” Robinson said. “You have all these people, who are basically a microcosm of society in general, and you put them all in the same room and give them all the same foundational training and orientation to the concepts of Dr. King, as well as other tools and techniques on how to make change in their community.”

Done Already?

Aaysha Noor, founder of the Asian American Pakistani Heritage Group, was invited to join the MLK institute after developing her name within the community.

“I am an American Muslim, and I am an immigrant, a woman of color, so I have been involved with social justice,” she said. “I am passionate about equality and equity. I am passionate about immigrant rights and the empowerment of women.”

Robinson attended one of her events and encouraged her to join. Noor graduated in June, saying the institute gave her a better understanding of herself and helped her develop connections.

“They gave us that safe space where we can have those honest conversations where we can build relationships and rely on each other,” she said. “We had some intense conversations, we had some laughs, we had some tears, but, through all of that, we have bonded.”

Before joining the program, 42-year-old Lamont Jones had already found his place as a mentor and life coach for juveniles and adults in the Pennsylvania State Prison and in halfway houses. The CO at the prison recommended the institute and even offered to pay his way through.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” Jones said. “I just went and I liked it. I liked everything about it.”

His favorite moment came when the group discussed criminal justice reform with a panel of law enforcement professionals, including judges, prosecutors and lawyers. They talked of unfair treatment by law officers, sentencing and bail.

“Every aspect that we were talking about, there was someone to represent it,” he said. “It was a very intense group, but we got some good results out of it. That was my best moment there.”

Moments like this, when the students engage with their community and its members, Robinson said, are also some of his favorite parts.

“What’s exciting to me is to see the light that goes on, and every last one of them at the end of the sixth month, they always say, ‘Are we done already? Can’t we come back the next month?’” he said.

Down the road, Robinson hopes to see the institute grow even more to the point that it will need a full-time staff.

Even at $500, the cost of the program should not deter anyone away from joining, he said. If you have a calling for helping your community, they want you.

“Forget about your education. Do you want to do something? Do you want to make a change in your community?” he said. “If we get enough people with that mindset linked together, it just helps now to enhance the opportunity to actually make a difference in the community.”

For more information on the MLK Development Leadership Institute or how to get involved, visit their Facebook page @MLKLeadershipHBG or contact Joseph Robinson at 717-919-4392.

Decade of Dance: This month, Rasika School celebrates its 10th anniversary with–of course–a big dance.

July 31, 2018 | by Alexandra Jones

In small studio off the Carlisle Pike, Rachita Menon, owner of the Rasika School of Dance, paced back and forth, watching five of her intermediate students weave in and out of formation performing a tribute to Ganesha, the Hindu elephant-headed god of fortune and success.

Noting the key elements of the traditional south Indian dance style “Bharatanatyam,” Menon followed the rhythmic movement of their limbs, necks and eyes. She paid close attention to their facial expressions. Looking down, she nodded at their strong stomping footwork, an important detail as the dancers wear bells around their ankles when performing.

Menon has about 75 students, dancers anywhere from age 5 to adult. Right now, she and her dancers are busy gearing up for one of their biggest performances yet, which takes place this month. “Dakshina—A Token” will mark the school’s 10th anniversary with 10 Bharatanatyam dance numbers to 10 gods.

Bharatanatyam dances revolve around the descriptions or stories of deities in Hindu mythology. Menon said she would compare the style, in terms of influence and reputation, to the west’s ballet.

“This is a very prominent style in India and just like any 5-year-old here would love to be a ballerina, you would find young girls starting training in Bharatanatyam,” Menon said.

Menon immigrated to the United States from southern India in 2002 and opened Rasika in 2008 after deciding, despite holding a master’s degree in biochemistry and nutrition, that dance was her passion. She credits the school with giving her dancers confidence, focus and a healthy athletic outlet.

Because she believes dancers make the most improvement when they have an appreciative audience, she named her school “Rasika,” a Sanskrit name that means to “appreciate” or “enjoy.” At “Dakshina,” she most wants the audience to see the dance of Lord Shiva, the god of dance. It is one of her favorite dances, she said, because of Shiva’s costuming — he wears a crescent moon on his head and a tiger’s skin.

Menon also said that she is excited for the dancers to perform because the costumes and makeup used in the performances are very dramatic, as is tradition for this dance style in India. She added that her students will get to show how much brainpower the art involves.

“Some of the dances they learn could be 30 minutes long—involving technique, expression, memorization of the song and memorization of the choreography,” Menon said.

Her students are equally as excited.

“I started dancing because it runs in my family—my mom did it,” said Anoushka Nambiar, Rachita’s 15-year-old daughter and student. “After I started learning, it became one of my passions quickly.”

Nambiar also said that Bharatanatyam is an art she and her friends wish more people would appreciate, explaining that, while it’s gained more traction over the past few years, it is still a style of dance many in central PA are are unfamiliar with.

“We’ve all worked really hard,” another student, 16-year-old Savita Madhankumar, said. “We’re just excited to have an audience experience what we’ve been experiencing for the past few months.”

“Dakshina—A Token” will be held Aug. 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center in Camp Hill. For tickets, call 717-418-5212. For more information about the Rasika School of Dance, visit www.rasikadance.com.

July News Digest

July 31, 2018 | by Lawrance Binda and Lizzy Hardison

Report: Tax Hike Possible

Real estate taxes in Harrisburg could increase by 105 percent over the next three years, if suggestions in a financial recovery plan submitted to city officials come to pass.

The state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) last month released Harrisburg’s Act 47 exit plan, a report intended to guide the city through the next three years in the state financial oversight program.

The plan, which was prepared by Harrisburg’s Act 47 coordinator Marita Kelley, calls for Harrisburg to restructure its revenue sources to align with tax rates set forth in the state code.

Act 47 has granted Harrisburg extraordinary taxing power that generates $11 million in revenue each year. The city doubled its earned income tax (EIT) rate in 2012 and tripled its local services tax (LST) in 2016.

Unless state laws change, Harrisburg would lose that revenue when it exits Act 47 in 2022.

To avoid a fiscal cliff, Kelley suggested that the city gradually surrender its extraordinary taxing authority and replace its EIT and LST revenue with real estate tax revenue over the next three years.

The exit plan calls for a complete reversal of the LST and EIT hikes by 2021. Simultaneously, Harrisburg would levy 20-percent real estate tax hikes for two consecutive years, followed by a 42 percent raise in 2021.

Harrisburg property owners pay taxes to three separate taxing jurisdictions: the city, the school district and Dauphin County. The hikes would only affect the city property tax.

Meanwhile, under the plan, bills for the city’s EIT and LST would decrease. Kelley recommends reducing the EIT by .5 percent in 2019 and 2020, offsetting the 1 percent hike that City Council levied in 2015. The plan also calls for the city to reduce its LST by $52 for the next two years, bringing it down to a $52 annual, flat rate by 2022.

The astronomical real estate tax hikes still wouldn’t bring in as much revenue as the current LST and EIT rates. Budget projections in the exit plan call on the city to spend more than $13 million from its fund balance to mitigate annual deficits.

The plan makes clear that Harrisburg can’t afford any new expenditures. Kelley outlined initiatives the city could make to curb spending, such as paying down debt obligations, renegotiating existing loans, adopting financial management policies to improve the city’s credit rating, and developing a five-year capital improvement plan to prioritize its infrastructure improvement projects.

Harrisburg does have two paths to avoid the real estate tax hikes. It could adopt a Home Rule charter, which would allow it to write its own tax code, though Mayor Eric Papenfuse last month seemed to reject that path.

The city also can ask the legislature to let it levy its current LST and EIT tax rates in perpetuity. City officials have been lobbying lawmakers for months in hopes of securing legislative change.

If the legislature does pass special tax provisions for Harrisburg when it reconvenes in September, the city could exit Act 47 and maintain its current taxing authority.

If the state fails to act, the city would enter its 2019 budget cycle under the assumptions set forth in DCED’s recovery plan.

Papenfuse denounced the report’s findings, calling them “state-assisted suicide.” Local officials vowed to fight any move to significantly raise Harrisburg’s property tax.

For its part, DCED later clarified that it sees real estate hikes as a last resort.

“The recovery coordinator believes the significant property tax proposed in the Act 47 Exit Plan should be considered as a last option,” according to a statement from the department. “As stated in the Exit Plan, the city should first explore reducing costs and renegotiating deals, entering into a home rule charter and negotiating with the state legislature to extend the deadline for collecting the LST and EIT.”

Council Passes Sanitation, Funding Measures

Harrisburg City Council passed new sanitation laws and disbursed more than $2 million in federal grant funds last month before adjourning for summer recess.

Over the course of a four-hour meeting, council made sweeping changes to laws governing trash and recycling collection violations in the city. The city’s new sanitation code establishes harsher fines and new enforcement powers.

Despite the lobbying of the city treasurer, council members rejected a provision that would have inaugurated annual trash billing. The city will continue to send homeowners and businesses monthly bills for trash services.

Under the new ordinance, owners of vacant properties will no longer be billed for trash services at those parcels. Council added an amendment requiring all vacant property owners to apply for a vacant property exemption.

The hallmark of the new sanitation code is a new fine and enforcement structure, aimed at curbing illegal trash disposal across the city.

Under the new ordinance, serious offenses—including illegal dumping, accumulation of trash exceeding 1,000 pounds, improper waste disposal and failure to register as a private trash hauler—are considered category 1 violations, punishable by a $1,000 fine or up to 90 days in jail.

Category 2 violations include failure to bag waste, obstruction of streets and sidewalks or interference with enforcement and will be met with fines starting at $100. Fines will increase up to $500 for each subsequent offense.

The ordinance also permits Public Works to designate enforcement officers to patrol public streets for violations, and it authorizes police officers to issue citations and enforce the ordinance.

Council last month also voted to disburse $2 million in funds from the Community Development Block Grant. More than a dozen local nonprofits and city departments will receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $300,000. These include:

Christian Recovery Aftercare Ministries (C.R.A.M.): $40,000
TLC Work Based Training: $45,000
A Miracle 4 Sure: $50,000
Latino Hispanic Community Center: $25,000
Fair Housing Council: $25,000
PPL/IN HOUSE: $20,000
Shades of Greatness: $15,000
Heinz-Menaker Senior Center: $25,000
Neighborhood Dispute Settlement: $5,000
TriCounty HDC: $250,000
Habitat for Humanity: $100,000
Housing Rehabilitation Programs (city-run): $321,642

In addition, more than $600,000 of the $2 million grant will go to debt service, and $400,000 will reimburse the city for CDBG administration.

Council also approved a new, five-year labor contract with the city’s firefighters, which will lock in 2-percent annual wage increases and establish a new policy to increase retention. Lastly, council passed a resolution reestablishing Harrisburg’s Environmental Advocacy Council, a seven-member body that will be filled by appointments by council and the mayor’s office.

City OKs 2 Buildings for Demo

Another slice of historic Harrisburg seems fated for the wrecking ball, as a long-time property owner has received permission to raze two small downtown buildings.

By a 4-1 count, the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board (HARB) last month voted to allow retired area attorney Gilbert Petrina to demolish 512 and 514 N. 2nd St., buildings that he has owned for at least 35 years.

Petrina’s son, Gilbert Petrina Jr., attended the meeting, saying that his father was too ill to attend.

“My goal is to get these down as quickly as possible,” the younger Petrina said. “They’re a blight. They’re a hazard.”

Several board members pointed out that the properties were blighted only because they had been neglected for so long by the owner.

“I’m disappointed the properties have reached this point,” said member Jeremiah Chamberlin. “Ten years ago, they would have been restorable.”

Petrina said that, someday, he’d like to build a new structure on the site. Until then, he proposed using the lots for parking, hoping that revenue would help offset the cost of the demolition.

However, Assistant City Solicitor Tiffanie Baldock said the city could not allow additional commercial parking because doing so would violate its agreement with Park Harrisburg/SP+, which runs the parking system under a long-term lease with the city.

Petrina, who lives in Virginia, said he still would proceed with the demolition and reiterated that, someday, he hoped to build on the site, though he currently lacked a plan to do so.

So Noted

Mark Kropilak was named last month as the new chief executive officer of Capital Region Water, which provides water and sewer service to much of the Harrisburg area. Kropilak, who has worked both for private water technology companies and in a regulated utility, replaces Shannon Gority, who resigned the post late last year.

Patricia Whitehead-Myers was appointed to the Harrisburg school board last month. Myers, who served previously on the board, replaced Percel Eiland, who resigned his two-year board seat. In other school district news, Director Tyrell Spradley resigned his seat after just five months on the board.

Penn State Health has announced that it plans to build a new, 108-bed, acute-care hospital on 44 acres in the Wentworth Corporate Center in Hampden Township. Construction of the 300,000-square-foot, three-story building is slated to begin in early 2019, according to Penn State Health. It will be located directly across I-81 from UPMC Pinnacle’s West Shore Hospital.

Rob Lesher resigned last month after more than two years as the executive director of the Dauphin County Library System. Karen Cullings, the library’s director of community relations, will assume the position of interim executive director while a national search is conducted to find a replacement, according to DCLS.

TLC Work-Based Training last month held a groundbreaking for a 20-unit affordable apartment complex, the Harrisburg Uptown Building (HUB) and the HUB Veteran Housing Complex. The project at 5th and Kelker streets is TLC’s first major undertaking as a property developer.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2425: M. Washington & J. Holmes to S. & V. Heckman, $61,000

Adrian St., 2436: PA Deals LLC to R. Buehner, $63,900

Allison Ct., 7: Flipside Home Renewal LLC to D. Wallace, $92,500

Berryhill St., 1143: FEI Company to Vich Development LLC, $1,250,000

Boas St., 235: Weichert Workforce Mobility Inc. to D. Kergick & A. McHugh, $177,000

Carlisle St., 308 & 318: R. Jackson to Pop’s House Inc., $285,000

Chestnut St., 1621: R. & L. Ravenel to B. & L. Young, $30,000

Delaware St., 263: M. Dupree to Wells Fargo Bank NA, $76,747

Derry St., 1152: J. Vogelsong to M. Pena & T. Edison, $40,000

Derry St., 2712: D. Diehl to A. Lorenzo, $102,000

Emerald Ct., 2447: Z. Akbar to S. Waheed to D. Ritter, $83,000

Emerald St., 311: J. Yeatter to H. Santiago Andino, $73,500

Grand St., 912: Summerhill Partners LP to D. & M. MacIntyre, $65,000

Green St., 1003: E. & J. Ireland to M. & C. Kwolek, $96,500

Green St., 1632: C. Frater & R. Valentine to F. & C. DiPeri, $130,000

Green St., 3216: P. Wong to M. Zeeshan & S. Patel, $67,000

Harris St., 416: T. Woodyard to M. Riegel, $104,500

Herr St., 112: C. Chandler to K. Kundratic, $118,500

Hillside Rd., 301: J. Harget to R. & L. Wood, $199,500

Hoffman St., 3114: W. & D. Kersey to R. Pereira Chakka, $95,000

Kensington St., 2101: HT Properties LLC to R. Ramos, $68,000

Kensington St., 2138: 2014 LIMG Real Estate Fund LLC to T. Pitts, $64,000

Logan St., 1719: C. Leman to D. Hemperly, $126,500

Maclay St., 248: D. Bowermaster to S. Melville, $53,500

Manada St., 1914: W. Fischer to T. Pitts, $55,000

Mercer St., 2442: P. & B. Huepenbecker to Lynn & Ryan Investment Properties LLC, $34,000

North St., 262: TJC East Properties LLC to Spuntina LLC, $235,000

N. Front St., 325 & 327: Pars Real Estate LLC to Askay Properties LLC, $505,000

N. Front St., 1007, 1115: Industries for Pennsylvania to WCI Partners LP, $452,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 411: A. Hoffman to J. & E. Badeaux, $195,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 507: T. & P. Avant to S. Kolesar, $100,000

N. 2^nd St., 815: Bricker Boys Partnership to J. Ehring, $120,000

N. 2^nd St., 1208: T. Chang to A. Calvano, $110,000

N. 2^nd St., 1301: J. Schlegel to H. Rothrock, $99,800

N. 2^nd St., 1915: C. Benkovic to Apple Tree Community Development Co., $110,000

N. 2^nd St., 2241: K. Shubert & L. Christopher to E. & S. Lawrence, $179,900

N. 2^nd St., 2719: W. & C. Gosnell to J. MacDonald, $212,000

N. 2^nd St., 3225: A. Dillon & C. & D. Kenes to M. Letterman, $104,000

N. 4^th St., 2545: P. Roebuck to C. Plaines, $56,970

N. 5^th St., 3000: J. & E. MacDonald to M. Evans, $120,000

N. 5^th St., 3205: D. Schade to J. Rodriguez & I. Ramos, $105,000

Paxton St., 1630: S. Selimovic to C. Bruno, $33,000

Penn St., 1701: J. Allen to J. Chrisemer, $130,400

Penn St., 1927: WCI Partners LP to A. Griffith, $135,000

Pennwood Rd., 3120: J. Mohler & J. Suter to C. Brubaker, $133,000

Pine St., 116: Metro Bank Property Management Inc. to River and Pine LLC, $1,200,000

Pine St., 124 and 111 Barbara St.: Keystone Service Systems to River and Pine LLC, $1,000,000

Reily St., 209: J. Pamula to E. Fry, $137,000

Rudy Rd., 2459: J. Archie to A. Burno, $46,500

Rumson Rd., 2920: W. Quezada & M. Cedeno to W. & D. Illanes, $30,000

S. 13^th St., 348: R. Eisner & T. Lippi to M. Ortega, $47,500

S. 16^th St., 340: B. & R. Van Wyk to C. Okegue, $94,900

S. 24^th St., 608: R. Lawson to D. & A. Hoyt, $145,000

S. Cameron St., 1058: JWM Associates LP to MSJC Inc., $268,000

S. Front St., 711 & Hanna St., L2A, L3A: P. Moore to S. & D. Moffett, $193,000

State St., 1342: M. Lamereaux to R. Miles, $43,000

State St., 1410: R. & A. Sharp to S. Kochis, $78,000

State St., 1626: Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. Trustee to Harrisburg Homes Investment LLC, $34,344

State St., 1800 & 1802: CNC Realty Group LLC to Harrisburg Electricians Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust Fund, $400,000

Swatara St., 1947: N. Williams to M. & T. Price & J. Seigle, $99,900

Verbeke St., 202: D. Michael to B. Hamilton, $96,000

Verbeke St., 234: J. Dixon to M. & M. Mumper, $178,000

Woodbine St., 226: Bank of New York Mellon Trustee to Axxess Creations LLC, $41,900

Happenings: Our August Calendar of Events

July 31, 2018 | by Missy Smith

Museum & Art Spaces

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

International Thunderbird Club Exhibit, through Oct. 14.

“Mustangs: Six Generations of America’s Favorite Pony Car,” through Oct. 14.

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

“Earth, Air and Sea” Plein Air Invitational Show, with David Henry, Steve Wetzel, Jonathan Frazier, Paul Gallo, Paul Flury, John McNulty, Brian Eppley, Robert Hughes, through Aug. 30.

“From Italy to Harrisburg,” street drawings by Guglielmo Botter, Aug. 3-Oct. 19.

Café 1500
1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg
www.cafe-1500.com

“L’Art Du Foyer,” works by Bethany Nicholle; reception: Aug. 17, 5-9 p.m. (exhibit curated by 3rd Street Studio)

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

Works by Philip Lindsey and Emily Hampson, Aug. 10-Sept. 22; Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m.

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

Artist of the Month: Irene Appleyard

Gallery@Second
608 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
galleryatsecond.com

Works by Jason Orr and Holly Angelique, through Aug. 4.

Works by John Whitney and Jonathan Frazier, Aug. 9-Sept. 15; reception: Aug. 17, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Membership & Gallery Student Show,” through Aug. 18.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Harrisburg Area Art Association Member Art Exhibition, through Dec. 31.

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

Harrisburg Area Art Association display, Aug. 25-26.

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

“Modern Magdalena,” a showing of angel-themed rugs and mats designed and/or created by the Magdalena Rug Hooking Group of Perry County, Aug. 10-Nov. 3; reception: Aug. 10, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

New works by Linda Benton McCloskey, Erin Buckwalter, Christine Goldbeck, Judy Kelly and P.D. Murray, through Aug. 12

New works by Jonathan Bean, Tara Chickey, Kelly Curran, Mary Gelenser, John McNulty, Aug. 14 to Sept. 16.

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

“The Photo Ark” by Joel Sartore, National Geographic photographer and fellow, through September.

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

Paintings by Linda Young, through August.

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

“Art of Social Healing,” a group show of local art, showcasing how artists process social issues for therapeutic release and social dialogue, through Aug. 18.

“True North,” new abstract acrylic paintings by Peg Belcastro, inspired by her time living in Alaska, Aug. 24 to Oct. 6; reception, Aug. 24, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history.

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

“Art of the State—Pennsylvania 2018,” the official, statewide juried competition for PA artists, through Sept. 9.

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

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

“Identity Spectrum,” a juried exhibition that examines one of the fundamental aspect of personal identity: gender, through Aug. 5.

“Perceptions,” a curated show by Lower Dauphin High School graduating senior Emalee Douglass, featuring works from the 2018 “Artistic Expressions” exhibition, through Aug. 5.

“Textbooks and Building Blocks,” geometric sculptures and “Recycled Play,” a unique, site-conscious installation, by Sean Matthews, Aug. 10-Nov. 4.

“Romare Bearden: Vision & Activism,” through Sept. 23.

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

“Miserable,” works by Yesid Gomez, Aug. 3-Sept. 28.

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

“Art in the Wild,” Wildwood Park’s annual outdoor environmental art exhibit, through Oct. 31.

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

Works by New City School students, through Aug. 13.

Works by Karen Commings, Aug. 17-Sept. 10.

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

New art by Ted Lines, through Aug. 13

“Brainfog,” works by Johanna Martin, Aug. 17-Sept. 17.

Read, Make, Learn

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

Aug. 1-Sept. 5: Improv Basics, 6 Wednesdays, 6:30-9 p.m.
Aug. 4: Greeting Cards for Charity, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 4: Surface Series Workshop, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Aug. 6-10: Clayventure, 8:30-11:30 p.m.
Aug. 6-10: Art & Adventure Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Happy Feet!, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 10: Craft Beer & Clay, 7 p.m.
Aug. 13-17: Mixed Media Stories, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Aug. 13-17: Art of Improv, 1-4 p.m.
Aug. 25: Mixed Media Play Day Workshop, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

Aug. 16: Super Summer Sandwiches Beer Pairing, 6 p.m.
Aug. 27: Summer Garden Creations, 6 p.m.

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

Aug. 4: Body Positive Fitness and Movement, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13: Paws2Read, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 10: Microsoft Office Basics, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 15: Sounds of Science, 10:30-11:15 a.m. and 6-6:45 p.m.
Aug. 16: Device Club, 1-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 16: Bank on Your Success, 4-6 p.m.
Aug. 28: Friends of East Shore Area Library Meeting, 9:30-11 a.m.

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

Aug. 1: Meet the Beatles, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 1: Teen Quidditch World Cup USA vs. Britain, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 3: Music Together, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 3: All Ages Movie Sing Along—”The Lion King,” 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 3: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 7: Curl Up with the Classics—“Murder on the Orient Express,” 10 a.m.
Aug. 10, 24: Foreign Film Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.
Aug. 11: Story Time and Music Therapy w/ Sovia Therapy, 3 p.m.
Aug. 11: Trivia After Hours—2000s music, 7 p.m.
Aug. 13: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 16: Blood Pressure Screenings w/ Geisinger Holy Spirit, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 16: Let’s Talk Comics! Book Club, 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 17: All Ages Movie Sing Along—“Moana,” 2 p.m.
Aug. 17: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 21: Fredricksen Reads—“Little Fires Everywhere,” 7 p.m.
Aug. 21: Butterfly Gardening w/ Penn State Master Gardeners, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28: Dare 2B Tick Aware w/ PA Lyme Resource Network, 7 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Fiber and Friends, 6-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 23-Oct. 11: Improv Level 1, 7-10 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Aug. 8-Sept. 12: Fundamentals of Drawing, 1-4 p.m.

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

Aug. 6, 13: Children’s Garden Marvelous Mondays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Chess Club, 1-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 11: Second Saturday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 13-17: Art Camp, 1-4 p.m.
Aug. 15: Rock & Road, 2-5 p.m.
Aug. 16: Meet Us at The Market, 2:30-5 p.m.
Aug. 17: Artemis After Hours, 4-8 p.m.
Aug. 22: Summer Quest Celebration, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 25: Rock the Fort, 2:30-4:40 p.m.

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

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 7: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 8: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 13: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 13, 27: English Conversation Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 15: Preventing Lyme Disease, 7-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 15: Sci-Fi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
Aug. 16: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 22: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 23: Introduction to Computer, 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 28: Tea & Stitches Extended, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Aug. 29: History of Mechanicsburg, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 31: Coloring for Adults, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 2, 9, 16: LEGO Robotics, 4:15-5 p.m.
Aug. 16: Friends of Kline Library Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 29: Knit 1, Crochet Too!, 6-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 4: Drop-in Art, 1-4 p.m.
Aug. 11: A Novel Idea, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Passage Ways—Trans & Non-Binary Group, 2 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Aug. 9: Aging with Pride Lunchtime, 12-2 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Dungeons and Dragons, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15: Afternoon Hangout, 3-4 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13: Video Game Club, 4-5 p.m.
Aug. 7: Mark DeRose Music, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 14: Bank on Your Success—Becoming a Homeowner, 2-4 p.m.
Aug. 20: Cookbook Book Club—30 Minutes or Less, 6 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mid-day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Aug. 9: Gratitude Stones, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22: Coloring Group, 2-3 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Science Fiction Book Club (meets online)
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Summer Saturdays, open play 11a.m.-1p.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 25: Family Yoga, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Aug 6: Musical Monday Performance by Muzette, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 7, 21: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 7, 21: Daytime Family Yoga, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21: Tales with T.A.I.L.S. 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 13: Blood Drive, 3-7 p.m.
Aug. 13: Evening Family Yoga 6-7 p.m.

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

Aug. 3, 10, 24: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23: Almost Uptown Poetry, Cartel, 7 p.m.
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28: Coffee, Cake, and True Islam, 5 p.m.
Aug. 9: Camp Curtin Toastmasters, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 11: An Evening with Darnell Moore, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 14: An Evening with Cara Sue Achterberg, 7-9 p.m.
Aug. 15: Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7 p.m.
Aug. 19: Midtown Writers Group, 1 p.m.
Aug. 19: LGBT Book Club, 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 26: Harrisburg Young Professionals Book Club, 3- 5 p.m.
Aug. 29: An Evening with William Oldfield and Victoria Bruce, 7-9 p.m.

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

Aug. 4: Fluid Art Class, 12-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 10: Mixed Media and Collage Painting, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 9: Pennsylvania Elk, 7 p.m.

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

Aug. 2: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 3: Author Talk w/Diane Ruth Armour, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 11: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 18: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 18: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Aug. 22: PennWriters Writing Group, 5:30-7:45 p.m.
Aug. 23: Teen Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Aug. 14: Tales for T.A.I.L.S., 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16: Nature Lab, 11:30 a.m.
Aug. 3: StoryTime, 10 a.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24: Learn at Lunchtime, 12:15 p.m.
Aug. 5: Artist Conversations—Art of the State, 2 p.m.
Aug. 22, 23: Curiosity Kids, 11:30 a.m.

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

Aug. 1: Yoga in the Main Gallery, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 4, 11: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 4, 11: Young Artist Camp (ages 8-12), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 8: Yoga & Art Summer Saturdays (kids, ages 6-11), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 22: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Sunday Evening Bird Walk, 5-7 p.m.
Aug. 8: Stress Relief Walk, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 11: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 12: Flower Walk, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 16: Get in Shape Walk, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 18: Detweiler Park Hike, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 18: Reptiles, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 22: Preschool Storytime, 10-10:45 a.m.

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

Aug. 2: Slightly Edible, 6-6:45 p.m.
Aug. 2: Teen Night, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16: Afternoon Hangout, 3-4 p.m.
Aug. 7: Novel Thoughts Books Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: 2nd Wednesday Cinema, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 21: Novel Thoughts, Too! Books Club, 1 p.m.

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

Aug. 3, 10, 17: Craft Classes (ages 7-12), 1-2:30 p.m.
Aug. 11: Arts and Crafts Weekend, (ages 12-18)

Live Music Around Harrisburg

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

Aug. 4: The Beach Boys
Aug. 11: Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye
Aug. 12: The Charlie Daniels Band
Aug. 19: Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Rydell
Aug. 24: Blues Traveler
Aug. 25: Bill Anderson, John Conlee, Jeannie Seely
Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Gospel Music Festival

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

Aug. 10: Steal Your Face
Aug. 18: Solar Federation—RUSH Tribute Band
Aug. 30: Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad

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

Aug. 5: Jeff Beck

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

Aug. 1, 4, 15: Roy Lefevre
Aug. 2, 23: Corinna Joy
Aug. 3, 9, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31: Noel Gevers
Aug. 7: Beth Trez
Aug. 8, 22: Chris Purcell
Aug. 11, 25: Ted Ansel
Aug. 16, 30: TBA
Aug. 18, 26: Anthony Haubert
Aug. 29: Deb Anderson

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

Aug. 1: JD Wilkes and Legendary Shacks Shakers Unplugged, New Year Day
Aug. 2: The Stargazer Lilies
Aug. 3: Jon Langston, Wino
Aug. 4: Anthony Green, Dave Hause and The Mermaid
Aug. 9: Pennywise
Aug. 16: The Menzingers
Aug. 25: All That Remains
Aug. 26: Future Island
Aug. 31: The Dead Daisies

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

Aug. 11: Grumpy Old Men
Aug. 17: Adrian Blitzer, Renegade Radio
Aug. 25: 717 Entertainment

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

Aug. 1: Russell Dickerson, Jimmie Allen
Aug. 2: The Devon Allman Project, Duane Betts
Aug. 3, 17: DJ Caraby
Aug. 4: Blackjack Billy, Colt Wilbur, Garrett Shultz Bands
Aug. 10: Saved By The 90s
Aug. 11: Blink 180True—Blink 182 Tribute, Observe the 93rd
Aug. 16: Skerryvore
Aug. 18: Soul Asylum, The Jellybricks
Aug. 24: Rita, Tribute to The Magnificent Men, Buddy King

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

Aug. 3: Antonio Andrade
Aug. 4: Hard Travelin’
Aug. 10: Alexander Mery
Aug. 11: Kip & Megan Skirpan
Aug. 12: Shelba Purtle
Aug. 17: Kevin Kline
Aug 18: Doug Morris
Aug. 19: Colette Eckhart & Janie Womack
Aug. 24: Grit
Aug. 25: Sinclair Soul
Aug. 26: Dominick Cicco
Aug. 31: Joe Cooney

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

Aug. 3: This Way to the Egress
Aug. 24: The Watergate

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

Aug. 9: Janelle Verones Band

Greater Harrisburg Concert Band
717-576-758; ghcb.org

Aug. 5: 32^nd Annual Sousa Concert at Carlisle Theatre

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

Aug. 3: Ugandan Kids Choir

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

Aug. 3: The Whitehalls
Aug. 4: Into the Spin
Aug. 10: The Luv Gods
Aug. 11: Sapphire
Aug. 17: The Josh Squared Band
Aug. 18: Vegas McGraw, Restless

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

Aug. 4: The Spill Canvas, Selfish Things, SayWeCanFly, Minibeast, Insect Factory
Aug. 4: Minibeast w/Insect Factory
Aug. 7: The Western Sons
Aug. 9: Daddy Issues, The Twindows
Aug. 24: Sempre Dolce
Aug. 24: Medusa’s Disco, The Stonewall Vessels, Sun & Rain
Aug. 29: CKY, Slaves, Royal Thunder, Awaken I AM

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

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Open Mic, Water DeWall
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: DJ Eric B
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: DJ Joe Hertz
Aug. 4: Fith
Aug. 11: Jax
Aug. 18: The Colt Wilbur Band
Aug. 25: Disorderly Conduct

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

Aug. 11: Concert at Baughman United Methodist Church
Aug. 25: Concert at Essex House

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

Aug. 14: Mark DeRose

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

Aug. 3: Jack Wright
Aug. 11: Simmer, Howzit
Aug. 24: Grace Vonderkuhn

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Uptown
1836 Green St., Harrisburg littleampscoffee.com
717-695-4882; littleampscoffee.com

Aug. 20: Run-On Sunshine

The Lodge at Liberty Forge
3804 Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-691-5335; lodgeatlibertyforge.com

Aug. 2: Jack’s Back
Aug. 9: Nate Myers Trio
Aug. 16: Swisher Sweets
Aug. 23: Shea Solo
Aug. 30: Rigo

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

Aug. 16: Kansas

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

Aug. 1: Mary Chapin Carpenter

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

Aug. 3: Michelle Canning Bluegrass Band
Aug. 8: Ray Sayler
Aug. 11: Finks Constants
Aug. 17: URN
Aug. 18: Soup Kitchen
Aug. 22: Zach King
Aug. 26: Amy Simpson and Larry Lentz

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

Aug. 16: The Bo Deadlys, Brooklyn Tuff Sunshine, Radiator King

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

Aug. 4: Erica Lyn Everest
Aug. 7: Hank Imhof
Aug. 11: Dave Kelly of Laredo Rocks
Aug. 14: Top Down Band
Aug. 18: Curtis Smith
Aug. 21: Ryan Moran
Aug. 25: Roy LeFever
Aug. 28: Radio Neon

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

Aug. 4: After Hours Big Band
Aug. 11: Kilmaine Saints

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

Aug. 26: Re-Creation

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

Aug. 3: Nate Myers and the Aces
Aug. 4: Don Johnson Project

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

Aug. 10: The Suitcase Junket

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

Aug. 2: Ashley
Aug. 4: Relics of Medievalism
Aug. 9: Vaughn Hummel
Aug. 11: Joe Cooney
Aug. 16: Sofeya and The Puffins
Aug. 17: Sterling Koch
Aug. 18: Amber Nadine
Aug. 24: Cotolo
Aug. 25: Craig Bonner & Steve Geib
Aug. 31: Rhoads & Putt Trio

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

Aug. 1: Indian Summer Jars
Aug. 22: Seasons

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

Aug. 19: Turnpike Troubadours

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

Aug. 2: Slightly Edible, 6-6:45 p.m.
Aug. 2: Teen Night, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16: Afternoon Hangout, 3-4 p.m.
Aug. 7: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: 2^nd Wednesday Cinema, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 21: Novel Thoughts, Too! Book Club, 1 p.m.

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

Aug. 17: The Visitors

The Stage Door

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

Aug. 10-19: “The Rat Pack Lounge”

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

Aug. 29: Arnez J.

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

Through Aug. 4: “The Wizard of Oz”

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

Through Aug. 18: “Hansel and Gretel” w/Popcorn Hat Players

Aug. 9-19: “Choose Your Own Play: Hijacked!”

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

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Open Mic
Aug. 12: Oxymorons Improv Comedy

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

Aug. 3: This Mortal Coil/Mary Todd Lincoln, Spacewerk, Hawkward
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24: Harold Jam
Aug. 4: Rabid Dabblers/Bandito, Images, Love Triangle/Wild Good Chaise
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Free Improv Mixer
Aug. 10: The Fourest/Midnight Library, Tanks, Buddy/The Harvey Taylor Gang, Tony Stanza
Aug. 11: Aesthetic Dying Duck/Barely Adulting, Monotone, Hardly Working
Aug. 12: The Emotron & Cut Throat Freak Show
Aug. 17: Ferd Majelly/JohNathan, Tiny Town, The Happy Beautiful Goodnight Show
Aug. 18: Rabid Dabblers/Name That Tune, Critical HIT/Closed Casket, Elderprov/Pillow Talk
Aug. 24: Fours Company 2—In Addition Too/Midnight Library
Aug. 25: Barely Adulting/Solo Sleepover, Introduce a Self, Band Job/Without a Tres
Aug. 31: Level 1 Class Show, This Show Will Self Destruct/Ferret Prom, HIT Bits

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

Aug. 17: “The Gong Show”

Hershey Area Playhouse
830 Cherry Dr., Hershey
717-533-8525; hersheyareaplayhouse.com

Aug. 9-11: “Daddy Long Legs”

Lancaster Marionette Theatre
126 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-394-8389; lancastermarionette.org

Through Aug. 19: “The Wizard of Oz”
Through Nov. 10: “Treasure Island”
Through Nov. 17: “The Death & Life of Sherlock”

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

Aug. 17-Sept. 2: “I Hate Hamlet”

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

Through Aug. 5: “The Little Mermaid”

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

Aug. 17: The Gong Show Off Broadway

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

Aug. 1: Story Slam

Foundation for Success: For nearly 60 years, publicly minded college students have flocked to Harrisburg as Finnegan fellows.

July 31, 2018 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Joshua Getz, Lyvia Toth, Tara O’Toole

Jaclyn Victor doesn’t mince words when asked about her career goals.

“I would like to be governor of Pennsylvania someday,” Victor, a recipient of the James A. Finnegan Foundation Fellowship, stated rather matter-of-factly.

Sure, it’s a lofty goal, but Finnegan Fellowship Foundation representatives weren’t surprised to hear it. After all, Victor, a senior political science major at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, was one of a handful of college students from across Pennsylvania to be named a Finnegan fellow in 2017.

This summer, the fellowship program marks its 58th year with four more select college students, who are working in Harrisburg as paid state government interns.

Finnegan fellow Patrick McKenna, an incoming junior, said he was all ready to head to Harrisburg following his last exam at Gettysburg College. The 20-year-old public policy and political science major is spending his summer working in the state Department of Labor’s office of policy planning and development.

“I’m excited,” McKenna said. “I’m doing a mix of researching legislation, helping out with the press, and sitting in on meetings. I want to work in public service.”

McKenna and incoming Gettysburg College senior Joshua Getz, another 2018 Finnegan fellow, both said they liked best the weekly luncheons with their cabinet secretaries. Getz, 21, was assigned to work in the state Human Relations Commission. The political science and history major’s future plans include “teaching in higher education and doing research,” he said.

The James Finnegan Fellowship is offered each year to undergraduate students who have completed at least one semester at an accredited Pennsylvania college or university or to Pennsylvania residents who have done so elsewhere. Internships usually last eight to 10 weeks, running from late May until mid- or late August.

Students are selected for the program by a panel of judges under the supervision of the Finnegan Foundation board. Judges consider applicants’ backgrounds, civic endeavors and career interests, as well as an essay based on a public policy theme. This year’s essay asked applicants, “Do you support or oppose a tax on soda?” Winners are announced in late March of each year at a luncheon held at the Governor’s Residence.

In addition to internships that are paid by the commonwealth, Finnegan fellows are awarded cash stipends by the foundation. The number of fellows selected each year depends on the foundation’s available funds, but it usually ranges between four and eight.

Also serving as Finnegan interns this summer are Tara O’Toole, an incoming senior at Washington and Jefferson College, and Lyvia Toth, who is entering her second year at Juniata College. O’Toole, a political science and business administration major, was assigned to the state Department of Revenue. Toth, who is studying international politics, is spending the summer working in the Public Utility Commission.

“The fellowship is intended to encourage young people to public service,” noted attorney Joseph Powers, the foundation’s vice president and an essay judge. “We grew up in an era when people in public service generally were honored. Now, in some cases, they’re disparaged. This program is so that it encourages young people into public life.”

The nonprofit James Finnegan Fellowship Foundation was established in 1960 to honor the memory of James A. Finnegan, who died at age 52 in March 1958. Finnegan had an extensive career of public service in Pennsylvania that included time as secretary of the commonwealth under former Gov. George M. Leader.

“James Finnegan’s friends wanted to do something for him when he died,” explained Powers, who retired after 37 years in state government.

Foundation Treasurer Kathy Speaker MacNett, who also serves as a panel judge, is well aware of how a Finnegan fellowship “opens a lot of doors” for recipients.

Speaker MacNett herself was awarded the fellowship in 1968 while attending Immaculata College, now known as Immaculata University. She since has had a long and illustrious career in state government and law.

Gathoni Jenkins was appointed as a Finnegan fellow in 1993 after immigrating to the United States from Kenya to attend Immaculata College. Today, she is a successful marketing research consultant in Wilmington, Del. She remembers her internship with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare as “such an incredible experience.”

Today, Speaker MacNett holds a picnic at her home for each year’s Finnegan fellows.

“It’s all a lot of continuity for me,” she said. “To me, the experience has opened up a lot of doors.”

For more information about the Finnegan Fellowship Foundation or to donate funds, contact Executive Director Jatoya K. Moore at 717-233-1000 or [email protected] or visit www.finneganfoundation.org.

Photo by Billy Hicks.

Musical Notes: Variety Shows–this month has everything.

July 31, 2018 | by Kait Gibboney

Well, the end of summer is drawing closer.

Before we bid another fruitful musical season farewell, there’s a lot to do while the days are still long and the nights lively. Don’t miss the Dauphin County Cultural Fest early this month for some live music, artists, ethnic food and more fun for all ages. The Pride of the Susquehanna floats on with their summer shows on the river, and Italian Lake has a few more free outdoor concerts to close out the season. From some local favorite venues, we’ve got quite the selection to tune into this month. Bring a friend, grab some sunscreen, and enjoy the last waves of heat before they’re gone.

JACK WRIGHT, 8/3, 7PM, LITTLE AMPS DOWNTOWN, $5
It’s always exciting when truly unique artists visit Harrisburg, and Little Amps is hosting one heck of an underground virtuoso in early August. Jack Wright has been performing solo improvisational saxophone for the past 20 years and, at 75, he’s still going strong. Wright was born in Pittsburgh in 1942 and, although he started playing the sax in 1952 and practiced in a number of bands through 1964, he took a long break from music to pursue his studies. Jumping throughout his life from professor to handyman to community organizer, Wright found his way back to music again. Since the 1980s, he has sought to find the beauty in the skilled chaos of his unsettling, yet honest, works. What appears to be disorganization and disorder is received by the audience as pure free playing, something that Wright lives by. It’s rumored that, if you ask him to play with you, he’ll likely accept. So be sure to bring your appreciation for the unconventional and your musical instruments with you to become lost in this stunning performance—and maybe catch a hot jam session if you’re lucky.

THE GONG SHOW OFF BROADWAY, 8/17, 8PM, SCOTTISH RITE, $45-55
Okay, this one’s a little different for sure, but you know that it’s gonna be a good time. “The Gong Show Off Broadway” is like the absurd rescue dog of performances—part talent contest, part musical, part comedy, part Broadway revival, and all something truly unique. Originally broadcast on NBC in 1976-78, “The Gong Show” has recently been revived on ABC, executive produced by Will Arnett and hosted by Tommy Maitland (aka Mike Myers in a clever disguise). Another recent revival took place, and an adaptation was created. The show ran successfully for three years and now makes its way through Harrisburg as part of a pre-Broadway tour. Lots of musical numbers and jaw-dropping performances await from the hand-picked cast of this sure-to-be memorable and hilarious night out.

CKY, 8/29, 6PM, H*MAC CAPITOL ROOM, $20-95
This might be viewed as lazy journalism, but CKY really does an amazing job perfectly describing (in their own words) their sound, their energy and themselves as a band. “Once upon a time, CKY burned it all down, with a raucous, anarchic, hard-rock sound soaked in the skate-punk culture that birthed them and a hard-partying lifestyle onstage and off that decimated relationships and reputations in its wake. Now, CKY rises from the ashes of the aftermath with ‘The Phoenix,’ a bold mission statement that hoists the flag high for big, raw, authentic, earth-shaking rock n’ roll, liberated from useless pretense.” Wow, right? Don’t underestimate it—it’s a powerful statement for an equally powerful group. Chad I Ginsberg, frontman, guitarist and vocalist, started CKY as a duo with Jess Margera, drummer extraordinaire and cofounder. In 2005, they were joined by Matt Deis, bassist and former member of All That Remains. Since becoming a triple threat, CKY has toured with acts such as Guns N’ Roses, Metallica and Deftones, building a reputation for a killer live show. Check these guys out in person, the best way to experience rock music at its finest.

Mentionables

Indian Summer Jars, Aug. 1, Pride of the Susquehanna

The Spill Canvas, Aug. 4, H*MAC Capitol Room

Ford Theatre Reunion, Aug. 10, J.B. Lovedraft’s

Turnpike Troubadours, Aug. 19, Whitaker Center

Opera in the Park, Aug. 19, Italian Lake

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Aug. 30, The Abbey Bar

Green Scene: It’s a garden party at the 2nd annual HBG VeggieFest.

July 30, 2018 | by Lawrance Binda

A table of tastes from last year’s inaugural Harrisburg VeggieFest.

Eat your vegetables!

As kids, we all heard that bit of standard motherly advice. As adults, we know how sound it was.

Fortunately, you’ll be able to make your mother proud and expand your greens-eating horizons next month as the Harrisburg VeggieFest takes root for a second year.

“The Harrisburg area has so much to offer, and this festival allows vegan, vegetarians and the veg-curious to shop, sip and sample from local purveyors in a fun, inviting space,” said Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown Enterprises.

Harristown owns Strawberry Square, the appropriately named venue that will host the event. This year, the vendor list has grown substantially, with far more food and drink options than the inaugural event in 2017.

Participating restaurants will include the expected, such as Harrisburg’s The Vegetable Hunter, to perhaps the less predictable, like Devon Seafood & Steak of Hershey. There will also be a greater selection of non-alcoholic and adult beverages, including from numerous area craft breweries, to wash down all that plant-based cuisine.

This year will feature VeggieFest’s first competition—a “Faux Burger Showdown”—that will pit several local kitchens against each other to see who can serve up the best meat-alternative burger. Chefs will present their burgers to a panel of judges, while attendees get to munch on samples.

Jones stressed that the event is about much more than vegan and vegetarian food—it’s about healthy lifestyles. So, fitness, therapy and natural cosmetics companies will be among the more than 40 vendors on hand. In fact, UPMC Pinnacle is a lead sponsor of the VeggieFest.

There’s also a social-good aspect, as funds raised will benefit Jump Street, the Harrisburg-based youth arts and education nonprofit organization. Tickets for VeggieFest are $20 regular price and $10 for students and designated drivers.

“We’re excited for the return of Harrisburg VeggieFest to Strawberry Square,” Jones said.

Harrisburg VeggieFest, produced in partnership with Strawberry Square and SaraBozich.com, will take place Aug. 18, 1 to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg. For more information, including a full vendor list and tickets, visit www.hbgveggiefest.com.

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