French Twist: Bon Appetit Crêperie brings a new accent to the Broad Street Market.

December 29, 2017 | by Ann Beth Knaus

Owners Lalla and Shawket Mourtada

A simple food invented on the rocky moors of northwest France has become a culinary favorite all over the world.

The crêpe, a staple of French dining, has been pleasing palettes for centuries. Originally called galettes, which means flat cakes, the thin, little pancakes are served with sweet and savory fillings.

This international delight has now made its debut at the Broad Street Market, with locals jumping on the crêpe train. Open only a few months, Bon Appetit Crêperie has introduced central Pennsylvanians to this French treasure, quickly garnering a faithful following.

Husband and wife team Shawket Mourtada, originally from Liberia, and Lalla Mourtada, from Mali, wanted to own a business that would reflect their love of food and of their culture. Mali, an African nation, is a former French colony, and Lalla grew up speaking French and eating crêpes.

“I would go to France in the summer, and there are crêpes on every corner,” Lalla said. “We decided, why not offer these in Harrisburg?”

Shawket visited Paris this past summer. After his return, the couple decided that owning a crêperie would be an excellent choice.

The Mourtadas left no crêpe unturned as they developed their business and their menu.

“We worked on the recipes for months and would fill up these gallon jugs with different batters we created and mixed up at home,” Shawket said. “We would just try them out to see what worked.”

It turned into a family affair.

“My mother, who is a good cook, came from Boston to help us,” Lalla said.

Both admit it took them awhile to figure out how to make the perfect crêpe.

The equipment can be tricky to use, but, through trial and error, they were able to figure out their recipes. They now own four French-made crêpe makers, which are in full use in the brick building on market days. Their system allows them to make one flat cake and then transfer it the iron beside it to keep it warm. Their stand has glass windows that allow customers to watch the process from beginning to end.

Their crêpe menu is divided into two categories—savory and sweet—and the names that accompany the recipes are as interesting as the recipes themselves.

For instance, the “Sea Master” (a savory crêpe) is stuffed with smoked salmon, capers, scallions and cream cheese. The “Campfire” (a sweet crêpe) has graham crackers, mini-marshmallows and Nutella spread topped with a chocolate drizzle and whipped cream. There are 15 crêpe recipes to choose from. Customers also have the option to “Be the Chef,” which lets them choose their own spread, fruits and toppings.

The Mourtadas get a lot of their vegetables and milk from vendors in the market, so crêpes are both local and fresh. They are considering rotating menu items to reflect the seasons. The two also speak various African dialects between them, as well as Spanish, Portuguese and French, which helps when greeting the market’s increasingly diverse customer base.

Things have moved quickly for the newly minted crêpe-makers.

Next up are some ideas that include weekly posts on Instagram to pick a crêpe from two or three options that will be that week’s special, as well as someday, they hope, expanding to other regional locations.

Shawket and Lalla are trying to improve every day and to educate their customers about their favorite cuisine. Along the way, customers can line up to watch the crêpes being made and, best of all, chomp into the end result.

Bon Appetit Crêperie is located in the brick building of the Broad Street Market, Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page: Bon Appetit Crêperie.

Guided by Breath: Meditation and Mindfulness in Harrisburg.

December 29, 2017 | by Ben Cohen

In the past, the stars often guided us. Now, small screens seem to be the constellations that people use to engage with their world.

Despite the rise of the internet, some people practice meditation to help them navigate the 21st century. Their breath has become their guide. And, if you speak to a few practitioners in the Harrisburg area, you begin to hear about ways they keep themselves grounded in awareness while so many distractions spin around them.

Meditation, whether done sitting, walking or otherwise, is consistently used by about 8 percent of Americans, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Mindfulness, according to physician and veritable guru Jon Kabat-Zinn, is “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding experience moment by moment.”

In the Harrisburg area, you can find several options to practice meditation and mindfulness.

Andrea Minick Rudolph’s path began when she was 16 years old with “Siddhartha,” Herman Hesse’s 1922 novel about self-discovery.

After reading it, she began to question organized religion and sought new ways of thinking. Ultimately, she adopted Buddhism because it did not require adherence to dogma and it supported the interconnectedness she saw in nature. By 2012, she founded Oryoki Zendo, which has two operating principles: the philosophy of non-dualism (everything is interconnected) and the practice of non-harming.

“We are all connected in ways that are not necessarily definable, but with mindfulness, we are able to practice compassion, loving kindness, joy and equanimity,” she said from her location above Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill.

When we realize how much we relate to one another, the chance we might cause harm decreases, while our capacity for compassion increases, she said.

Across the river, Chuck Daley is the facilitator of the Mindfulness Meditation Group (MMG) at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg. MMG offers Tuesday evening meditation gatherings to help build mindfulness among participants. Daley started meditating in his early 20s, seeking a way to ground himself for college as he transitioned from a more unstructured life.

Meditation, he said, helps him be realistic about life.

“Our heads are filled with ideas about how things should be, and things never are that way, and we’re very unhappy about it and we have to deal with that,” Daley said. “We have to deal with those expectations.”

And not only is mindfulness helpful with expectations, it can help navigate tough feelings, he said.

“I’m a lot happier with myself, and not just when I’m on the cushion [meditating],” he said. “I notice crappy feelings before I try to escape them.”

Research on meditation and mindfulness has confirmed these types of benefits. For example, mindfulness practice has been associated with supporting weight loss, stress reduction and recovery from addiction. In fact, the benefits of mindfulness and meditation for those with addictions have led to Refuge Recovery, a national organization that holds meetings in the Harrisburg, Lancaster and York areas.

Tony Stultz knows well the power of meditation. He is the director of the Blue Mountain Lotus Society (BMLS) and the Center for Mindful Living, founded in 1999. BMLS seeks to offer the benefits of mindfulness, such as self-awareness or solace, to anyone seeking them. His interest in Eastern philosophy started in grade school with Bruce Lee and kung fu movies, as well as the influence of a Japanese aunt. His meditation practice and affiliation with Buddhism grew when the discontents of adolescence required him to find a firmer footing in life.

Stultz’s practices boil down to a straightforward effort to live peacefully, for himself and others.

“The cornerstone [of practicing mindfulness] is that you’ve made an existential choice to move away from suffering by realizing we create experiences with our thoughts,” he said.

Stultz is directly referring to one of the Buddha’s most fundamental messages, but the majority of people attending BMLS aren’t Buddhist.

“Seventy percent of people who come here would not identify as Buddhist,” he said. “But they’re really drawn to the practices. Everything about Buddhism is in mindfulness, and integrating this with one’s existing faith is fine.”

On the Way

Would you like to begin your own journey to meditation and mindfulness? Here are a few resources in the Harrisburg area mentioned in this story.

BMLS
6496 Jonestown Rd.
Harrisburg
www.bmls.org

MMG
1208 Clover Lane
Harrisburg
www.meetup.com/Mindfulness-Meditation-at-Clover-Lane

Oryoki Zendo
2133 Market St.
Camp Hill
www.oryokizendo.com

Refuge Recovery
Community Center of Giant Food
3310 Trindle Rd.
Camp Hill
www.refugerecovery.org

The Sweet Spot: Chocolatefest celebrates 23 years of confections, connections.

December 29, 2017 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

January, for many, seems like a big letdown.

After the highs of the holidays, an icy landscape brings on cabin fever, and, let’s face it, who has ever heard of “summer doldrums?”

Just around the time everything seems so bleak, we are reminded that Keystone Human Service’s Chocolatefest is right around the corner. Suddenly, life begins to take on a brighter sheen, not unlike that of a good bar of chocolate, by the way.

Author and humorist Sandra Boynton once said, “Research tells us that 14 out of 10 individuals like chocolate.”

If that “statistic” brings a knowing smile to your face, imagine having access to a huge smorgasbord chock full of chocolate creations. And what better place to throw a chocolate party than in chocolate town?

This year’s extravaganza will take place on the last weekend of January at the Hershey Lodge. The annual “ChocolateBall” will kick off the event on Friday night with live music, dancing, dinner and auctions. On Saturday, guests can choose to attend the premiere reception or opt for one of two 90-minute sessions beginning at noon and continuing through the afternoon.

The theme chosen for this year’s black-tie gala is “Reach for the Stars,” a reminder that Keystone’s mission is to advocate for those with disabilities to live full, rich, meaningful lives and become valued members of their communities.

Works of Art

This year, some 60 vendors will participate. Confectioners, hoteliers and restaurateurs will offer a wide-range of samples to ensure no one’s sweet tooth goes unsatisfied, and other businesses will do their part to support a worthy cause.

“We are grateful for the partnerships that we have made in order to provide such a great community event,” said Danielle Ruddy, Keystone Human Services development specialist.

Each year, guests’ eyes pop out at the over-the-top cakes created by skilled bakers. The annual baking competition creates quite a stir as retailers, students and professional decorators show off their talents and vie for prizes awarded by a professional panel of judges.

“The cakes are amazing—real works of art,” commented Ann Moffitt, vice president of community development.

Ruddy said that this year’s event will include several new activities.

“Home Depot will be bringing along kits for kids’ workshops, and the Girl Scout STEM Mobile will be onsite where girl’s can earn their STEM Mobile patch,” she said.

The STEM Mobile lab provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Hershey Kissmobile will also make an appearance.

Speaking of kisses, a select group of four-legged friends will be in attendance with tails wagging, eager to unleash their charm on willing guests.

“We will have a Susquehanna Service Dogs kissing booth, where guests can get a kiss for a $1 and take their own picture with them,” said Ruddy.

Wineries, breweries and distilleries will join the event for the first time this year, keeping spirits bright by offering a variety of adult libations for tasting and/or purchasing.

Remarkable Job

Chocolatefest depends on the generosity of not only businesses, but also hundreds of volunteers.

Mimi and Bob Goodling have donated their time throughout the years in various ways, from buying a table at the ChocolateBall to traffic control to serving on various boards. The Mechanicsburg couple has witnessed firsthand what a blessing Keystone Human Services can be. The couple’s son has benefited from the services provided by the organization.

“Once I saw how Keystone treated these individuals and how they worked with them, I knew this was an agency I wanted to help,” said Bob, adding that he saw his son flourish after Keystone helped him transition from the state hospital into a productive and happy life. “They do a remarkable job enhancing the human spirit.”

Keystone currently serves 7,500 people and families in central Pennsylvania, even reaching other states and places as far away as India.

Ruddy considers the event a win-win for everyone—from businesses to patrons to the folks who benefit from the thousands of dollars generated to enhance our neighbors’ lives.

“Chocolatefest isn’t just about the massive amounts of desserts that can be consumed,” she said. “It’s about our community businesses coming together to support one another while providing an event that is fun and inclusive, while raising much-needed funds for our programs and services.”

Chocolatefest takes place Jan. 27 and 28 at the Hershey Lodge, Hershey. To learn more, visit www.keystonehumanservices.org or call 717-232-7509. Tickets can also be purchased at the Hershey Lodge, Hotel Hershey, Boscov’s and AMMA JO in Strawberry Square.

Food Lanes: At the Broad Street Market, new tables, crowned with memories.

December 29, 2017 | by Norah Griffiths Johnson

Brendan O’Neill, Terry Hanley & Jennie O’Neill

Have you ever felt your heart leap with joy as you bowled a strike or sink as you watched your ball drift into the gutter at Red Crown Bowling?

Many in the area share fond memories of the beloved alley, including siblings Jennie and Brendan O’Neill.

“They’d load us into a van every week and take us over there for bowling gym class,”
said Brendon, with a laugh, recalling his high school years at Bishop McDevitt.

Later, as an adult, he went there about once a week with friends and became acquainted with the Kirkpatrick family, who owned the business, and this is where the story took an unexpected twist.

In March, the Kirkpatricks decided to close after 37 years.

The news was bittersweet. Red Crown has a long history in Harrisburg, and many were sad to see it go. But a neighboring business, looking to expand, met their asking price, and retirement became a reality for one generation and a nest egg for the next.

Brendan shared the news with Jennie and her husband, Terry Hanley, who co-own Knead Pizza at the Broad Street Market. They knew the burger chain, Shake Shack, had a practice of buying up old bowling alley lanes to repurpose into tables, which got their collective wheels turning about doing something similar here.

After some back and forth with the Kirkpatricks, they settled on $1 per square foot for 2,000 square feet of wood from the approaches (the part of the bowling alley where you stand to bowl). They then approached Broad Street Market Manager Beth Taylor about building custom tables, which they would donate part and parcel, tongue and groove.

At the time, the market’s seating was composed of a hodgepodge of plastic tables and chairs, many dating back to the ‘90s. While they had held up admirably, it was an offer Taylor could not refuse.

“It’s such a touching gift,” she said, getting a little emotional. “Jennie, Terry and Brendan donated their time, efforts and money to make this happen for the market.”

Jennie shrugged, smiling.

“We like the opportunity to do projects like this,” she said. “The market needs this. The opportunity came along, and it worked out perfectly.”

Work of Art

The process was far from easy.

While $1 per square foot is quite a deal for wood like this, the catch was that they had to do their own removal. The floorboards were intimidatingly thick, designed to withstand the weight of your average bowling ball.

Jennie, Terry and Brendan had to use a combination of a johni-bar (a giant pry bar, essentially), circular saw and a reciprocating saw to pry up and remove the wood. Brendan estimates that they went through $400 to 500 in circular saw blades alone, thanks to the thickness coupled with countless nails riddled throughout the floor construction.

The excavation process complete, they stored the wood in Jennie and Brendan’s dad’s garage, and Brendan set about the process of cutting and sanding tabletops. Eventually, they ended up with dozens of tables, which were sealed and finished by Oak Park Cabinetry. Extra wood went to Zeroday Brewing Co.’s stand at the market, which used it to create a gleaming bar top.

The finished tables bear a robust, smooth appearance that shows off the layers of hardwood, each table its own distinct work of art. On some, there are subtle gouges in the wood where nails used to be, while contrasting wood inlay characteristic of a bowling alley floor remains visible on others.

Some of the tables are low, four-tops for sitting, while others are four-person high-tops, perfect for leaning against as you wolf down your latest culinary discovery from the market’s many vendors. Jennie estimates that, when refinishing is eventually needed, the tables have at least five good sandings in them.

Second Chapter

On a practical level, Taylor explained that the tables are “not only a way to elevate the aesthetic of the market, but also to maximize seating.”

In fact, the project ended up adding more than 30 seats in the stone building alone, and, in another area, it doubled the number of seats from 12 to 24. The tables are now located throughout the brick and stone buildings, which adds a cohesive warmth throughout the market.

At a deeper level, Taylor stressed that the tables represent much more than just a place to eat for hungry visitors. She described the community of vendors that has blossomed throughout the market.

“The gift of the tables is emblematic of this,” she said. “The fact that Jennie, Brendan and Terry would take so much time and effort—it’s a gift to generations and exemplifies the community spirit that exists in this market.”

Thinking of the long game, Taylor sees rich potential in the gesture.

“If the spirit of the market is inspiring people to contribute and get involved in their community, that’s above and beyond us just providing food for people,” she said, smiling warmly as she gazed across the expanse of tables in the stone building.

Brendan added a kind point of clarification.

“We’re donating them,” he said. “But we’re making our lives better.”

The tables add another chapter to Harrisburg’s modern history. As one business closes its doors, a second chapter begins at the Broad Street Market.

The Broad Street Market is located at N. 3rd and Verbeke streets in Harrisburg.

Refuge from the Storm: Hurricane survivors have poured into Harrisburg–and their needs are immense.

December 29, 2017 | by Susan Ryder

Lillian Vazquez rode out Hurricane Maria in her mother’s cement house in Puerto Rico, concerned that her own coastal Vega Baja home would not survive the onslaught of wind and rain.

“It was terrible,” she said. “I could see everything flying, you know, the roofs of the houses flying.”

Her mother’s sturdy house shook in the wind as trees fell all around them. Her own home lost its roof.

Lack of water and electricity brought Vazquez to Pennsylvania. Her cousin, Gloria Vazquez Merrick, executive director of the Latino Hispanic American Community Center in Harrisburg (LHACC), invited Vazquez to stay with her.

Like Vazquez, many Puerto Rican families are coming to stay with family on the mainland, and when those families land in Harrisburg, one place they come for help and guidance is LHACC.

“We are the go-to place right now,” said Vazquez Merrick.

An energetic Vazquez Merrick juggles calls about providing families with Christmas gifts, details about Thanksgiving turkey deliveries, and a plethora of other tasks as she talks about LHACC’s increased workload. Since early October, LHACC has served more than 40 newly arrived families in Harrisburg, with more coming daily.

“We anticipated the exodus [from Puerto Rico], because we knew what conditions were,” she said.

Some fathers have sent their families to the states while they handle the cleanup until living conditions improve and schools reopen. Vazquez Merrick said that education is a driving force for people leaving Puerto Rico, as they want their children to get back into a routine as quickly as possible.

“They are afraid that the kids will be left behind from an educational standpoint,” she said.

People come to the center for a variety of needs—food, clothing, housing, transportation, jobs. Warm clothing tops the list because Pennsylvania’s chilly winters seem almost unbearable to folks accustomed to living in a tropical climate.

Recent arrivals share the need for basic necessities, but their needs vary considerably.

“There is no cookie-cutter approach to accommodating their needs,” said Vazquez Merrick.

Some need help getting children into school, finding a doctor, translation services or legal assistance. For example, people have left cars behind and want to transfer the title so that the car can be sold or given to someone else. Transferring that title in Puerto Rico while living in Harrisburg poses logistical problems, and people come to LHACC for assistance with the process.

Vazquez has been volunteering at LHACC since her arrival.

“I am helping my people,” she said. “I feel proud of that.”

Others want to give back, too. One woman, a music teacher, said she doesn’t speak English well but wants to help the center. She’s going to work with the seniors teaching piano, said Vazquez Merrick.

She said that LHACC’s small, dedicated staff of six does a lot of listening.

“Even to refer, you have to understand the whole story,” she said.

Those stories involve tears and showing pictures of their homes before the storm. Some people report nightmares. One little girl panics when it begins to rain. An LHACC supporter has volunteered mental health services for those who survived Maria.

The holidays offer the possibility of a “positive distraction” for displaced families.

“We want to do whatever we can do to help get them through the holidays,” Vazquez Merrick said.

People have offered to “adopt” families and children for Christmas and Three Kings Day (El Dia de los Reyes Magos) on Jan. 6, a special day to the people of Puerto Rico. All families at the center register with Toys for Tots, but Vazquez Merrick said she is concerned that, as families continue to arrive, some children will miss the registration date.

Vazquez Merrick would like to make LHACC a hub for connecting people with services—similar to a model used in New York City—a one-stop shop where people could get registered for school, fill out housing applications, find jobs or connect with a local church food bank. The Harrisburg School District and Christian Churches United HELP Ministries are already on board with the venture, Vazquez Merrick said.

LHACC continues its work helping the all people in the Harrisburg community as it receives those displaced by Maria. Vazquez Merrick said her staff is “stepping up and going above and beyond.”

Those on the receiving end of help show tremendous gratitude, which lifts the spirits of staff and volunteers at the center.

“You give somebody a pair of gloves, and you see how much they appreciate that,” Vazquez Merrick said.

Lending a Hand

LHACC needs a variety of goods, as well as cash donations, to better serve the people displaced from Hurricane Maria. These include:

Office supplies, Staples or Amazon gift cards (copier paper, five 2018 desk calendars, one 2-drawer file cabinet with lock, tri-fold presentation board, 3-inch, three-ring binders, tape, large scissors, two staplers, ESL flash cards); medium storage container bins
Coffee pot, pots and pans, cupcake and cookie sheets (baking items) and a hand mixer
Cleaning supplies/paper towels/trash bags
A dolly for moving boxes and heavy items
Craft supplies for children and adults in “Sharing Wisdom Program,” or AC Moore/Michael’s gift cards
Get It Now Print gift cards (or other print shop in close proximity to 13th and Derry streets)

The Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC) is located at 1301 Derry St., Harrisburg. To donate, call 717-232-8302 or visit www.lhacc.org, where you also can make cash donations.

The “Acting” Secretary: For Patrick McDonnell, it’s a short road between the Capitol and the HIT.

December 29, 2017 | by Joseph Powers and Mike McCarthy

It was just another Friday afternoon in May 2016 when Patrick McDonnell arrived at the governor’s suite of offices on the second floor of the state Capitol.

McDonnell was the policy director in the Department of Environmental Protection, and he was in the Capitol to meet with the governor’s policy secretary to discuss departmental issues. Nothing to get excited about—just the type of meeting that takes place all the time around the Capitol complex.

And then the unexpected happened. The meeting location had changed, and McDonnell was ushered into the governor’s inner office. Gov. Tom Wolf gave him stunning news: The DEP secretary had just resigned. How would he like to be the new acting secretary?

It’s not often that a career public servant like McDonnell is thrust into oversight of a department with 2,400 employees and with responsibilities that range from Marcellus Shale drilling to black fly spraying. There had been no warning, and yet there he was, asked to make a life-altering decision. Someone else might have been too stunned to answer or might have stammered through an incoherent response.

Instead, McDonnell calmly answered that he had always been committed to public service and was prepared to help in any role. And, with that, Patrick McDonnell, with startling suddenness and no inkling of what was about to happen, became the acting secretary of DEP.

The truth of the matter, though, is that McDonnell is accustomed to having to think quickly and respond to others without any knowledge of what they are going to say. That’s because of his other life—performing on the stage at the Harrisburg Improv Theatre.

Sanctuary

It’s a Friday night, and a crowd has settled into the pew-like benches in the small theater on N. 3rd Street in Midtown. They are there to watch a series of performances in what has to be one of the most unusual—and challenging—forms of public performing.

Improvisational theater (or “improv”) is the “playing of dramatic scenes without written dialogue or no pre-determined dramatic activity,” according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.

But that definition doesn’t begin to do it justice.

At the Harrisburg Improv Theatre (aka the HIT), the actors—groups of five or six people—enthusiastically enter the stage and ask the audience for one word. That’s it: one word. From that single word, the performers are expected to invent a series of skits that last about half an hour.

And so it was that on this particular Friday night as a group calling themselves the “Hawkwards” entered the stage. Among them was one of the most powerful figures in Harrisburg, Patrick McDonnell. But he didn’t look much like a department secretary. Clad in jeans and a blue T-shirt, he could have been anyone from the neighborhood performing with this group of five men and one woman.

They asked for their word, and someone yelled out, “sanctuary.” And off they went, jumping from skit to skit and, of course, improvising often-hilarious dialogue. That night, a highlight was when McDonnell spontaneously assumed the role of an Irish nun, leaving the audience laughing at his quick wit.

The performances are fast-paced and unpredictable, and then, in what seems like a flash of time, the lights go on as the appreciative audience claps and cheers.

So, what does this have to do with being environmental secretary?

Well, a lot, according to McDonnell. Just like in his improv performances, every day he is confronted by a variety of unexpected developments and unplanned conversations. So improv has been great training for dealing with the unpredictable—like being asked by the governor out of the blue to be the next DEP secretary.

“Improv makes you a better listener,” said theater owner and performer Jake Compton. “It also helps with empathy because you’re taught how to think through another person’s point of view in a way that is honest. Improv also helps you approach life with a sense of fun.”

A Balance

The son of a Philadelphia policeman, McDonnell and his wife Colleen moved to the Harrisburg area 17 years ago and are raising their four children here. They have come to love this area.

“You’re in an urban environment, and 10 minutes later you’re in a park,” he said.

This helps him keep a balance between work and home, urban and rural. He’s found that carving out time to have fun is a big part of that balance.

Besides his devotion to improv, he’s a dedicated movie buff and a fan of sketch comedy shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “Second City.” In fact, when he first addressed the employees of the department, he broke the ice by doing impressions of Yoda, Jack Sparrow and other movie characters.

Of course, running a department like DEP can be serious business. But improv helps him here, too. The experience has, he said, made him a better listener, determined to hear and understand the viewpoints of the staff, legislators, business officials and environmentalists who fill his calendar from early in the morning until late into the evening. And that open approach often leads to getting results that might not have been on the table when discussions began.

McDonnell seems to relish juggling the demands of his family life and running a critical state agency. From his perch on the 16th floor of the Rachel Carson Building, with its spectacular view of Capitol Park, he runs a department responsible for ensuring clean air and clear drinking water, as well as overseeing the state’s mines and drilling and even its nuclear reactors—while having only about two-thirds of the workforce it did 20 years ago.

By all accounts, he’s done it well. The Senate clearly agrees and easily confirmed his nomination earlier this year. And with that, the word “acting” was removed from his title. He’s now the “secretary.”

Except, of course, for Friday nights, when he returns to the Harrisburg Improv Theatre and, once again, is “acting.”

The Harrisburg Improv Theatre is located at 1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, including classes and shows, visit www.hbgimprov.com.

Community Corner: Notable January Events

December 29, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

January Community Corner

Penguin Plunge
Jan. 1: Welcome the New Year by getting your feet wet in the Susquehanna River with hundreds of other supporters of the Humane Society of Harrisburg. The 21th annual event begins at 10 a.m. on City Island beach in Harrisburg with the actual plunge at noon. For more information, visit humanesocietyhbg.org.

Photo Display
Jan. 1-27: Visit Wildwood Park’s Olewine Nature Center during regular business hours to view photographs entered in the Friends of Wildwood annual photography contest. Visit wildwoodlake.org for details.

Winter Fun
Jan. 1-28: Whitaker Wonderland offers indoor winter fun for the whole family at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Take laps around the sock skate rink, dive in the snowball pit, and take the cranky cars for a spin. Festive activities are included with Science Center admission. Visit whitakercenter.org.

Comfort Food
Jan. 3-24: Cornerstone Coffeehouse, 2133 Market St., Camp Hill, will warm you up with a selection of comforting cooking classes on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. The January schedule includes: Heathy and Delicious, Jan. 3; Comforting Soups, Jan. 10; and Mid-Winter Comforts, Jan. 24. For more details, visit thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com.

Benefit Concert
Jan. 5: Enjoy a 7 p.m. trombone tribute concert to Diana Heilner (Ziegler), who was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of her husband early last year. Proceeds from a free-will offering will benefit Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Find “Twelfth Night of Christmas” on Facebook.

HBG Flea
Jan. 6: Explore the monthly HBG Flea Winter Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St. Shop for local art, handmade gifts and vintage wares. Visit hbgflea.com for vendor information.

2018 Farm Show
Jan. 6-13: Attend the annual PA Farm Show, the largest indoor agriculture show in the nation, at the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, N. Cameron and Maclay streets, Harrisburg. Milk a cow, enjoy a famous Farm Show milkshake or learn first-hand the science and skills used in agriculture. Visit farmshow.state.pa.us.

Book Sales
Jan. 6, 20: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, will hold pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library. Shop for books, vintage items, jewelry, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

Mindfulness Hike
Jan. 7: Go for a guided 3.1-mile walk with yoga instructor Traci Wolfe around Wildwood Park, 10 to 11:30 a.m. The pace will be brisk enough to keep the body warm, with some stops to observe nature and a silent walking session to wrap up. Dress in layers and assume the walk is cancelled if it is raining or snowing. For more details, visit wildwoodlake.org.

Read For Kindergarten
Jan. 8: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 9th St., Camp Hill, hosts “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” to challenge parents to read to their children to get them ready to read for kindergarten. Stop by the Children’s Desk to register for the program and learn more. Registration begins on January 8 at 12 p.m. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org for details.

Strength Training
Jan. 8-March 15: Penn State Extension offers StrongWomen strength training classes for middle-aged women and men and seniors at Trinity United Methodist Church, New Cumberland, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and First Church of God, Carlisle, Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. For details, visit extension.psu.edu.

Trolley Talk
Jan. 9: National Railway Historical Society Harrisburg Chapter will host “Hershey Trolley No. 7,” an illustrated talk with Don Rhoads, Jr., and Bob Lawless at Hoss’s Restaurant, 743 Wertzville Rd., Enola. The speaker starts at 7 p.m.; dinner begins as early as 5 p.m. Call 717-439-9744 or email [email protected].

Camera Club
Jan. 9: Harrisburg Camera Club photographer Andrew Hoff will present “Calculated Composition—From Basic to Advanced Concepts” at Giant Community Room, 3300 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill, 7 to 9 p.m. This 70-minute program will focus on concepts of composition and ways to improve compositions in Photoshop. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more details, visit harrisburgcameraclub.org.

Girls who Code
Jan. 9-Feb. 27: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 9th St., Camp Hill, hosts Girls Who Code, a program for 6th- to 12th-grade girls, who will learn to use computer science to impact their community and join a sisterhood of supportive peers and role models. This is a six-week program that meets Tuesdays at 4 p.m. Registration required. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Foreign Film Friday
Jan. 12, 26: Join Fredricksen Library for “After the Storm,” a film from Japan on Jan. 12, and “Kahaani” from India on Jan. 26. Each film has two showings scheduled for 2 and 7 p.m. Neither film is rated. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org for more details.

Community Weekend
Jan. 13-15: The Antique Automobile Club of America Museum, 161 Museum Dr., Hershey, hosts its annual Community Weekend, with general admission of $7. Guests can enjoy a museum-wide scavenger hunt, an interactive photo stop, a model train display and more. Visit aacamuseum.org.

Music and Civil Rights
Jan. 14: Join East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, for a showing of “Let Freedom Sing: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement,” a powerful documentary on the songs and songwriters that were influenced by the Civil Rights movement and music that influenced the actions of others, 1 p.m. Visit dcls.org/adultevents.

Civil Rights History
Jan. 14: Join Betty Garman Robinson at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 9th St., Camp Hill, as she shares her experiences during the years of the Civil Rights movement, 1:30 p.m. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org for more details.

Crazy for Coloring
Jan. 14, 22: Dauphin County Library System will host “Crazy for Coloring,” two-hour sessions of social, adult coloring at East Shore Area Library on Jan. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m.; and William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library on Jan. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more details, visit dcls.org.

MLK Commemoration
Jan. 15: The 28th Annual Carlisle Commemoration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and ceremonial march will begin at 3 p.m. The march will start at First Presbyterian Church of Carlisle, 2 N. Hanover St., and participants are asked to assemble at the church at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact 717-243-4612.

CapCOG Annual Dinner
Jan. 15: Join the Capital Region Council of Governments at the Central Hotel & Conference Center, Best Western Premier, 800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg, for its annual dinner, reorganization meeting and presentation of the Perry Albert Award. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. For details, visit capitalregioncog.org.

Winter Story Times
Jan. 15-Feb. 23: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, in the Pollock Children’s Library for a six-week program for young children that promotes literacy and provides a fun library experience. A variety of days, times and age sessions are available. For complete details, visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

MLK Service Day
Jan. 16: Join the Central Pennsylvania Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service to help with service projects and advance King’s dream of opportunity for all. Learn how to get involved at centralpamlkday.org.

King’s Kamp for kids
Jan. 16: Carlisle YWCA, 301 G St., will host a kids’ camp to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The camp is open to students in grades 1 to 5 and includes activities centered on the teachings of King. A light breakfast and lunch are included. Space is limited, so register early. Visit ywcacarlisle.org.

MLK Day Breakfast
Jan. 16: Commemorate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., at the “Access and Opportunity Breakfast”—with presentations on recruiting, retaining and developing a diverse workforce—held at Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 9 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $75. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Visit accessandopportunitybreakfast.info.

Poetry & Storytelling
Jan. 16: Join the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg for a cultural event with international cuisine, guest speakers and student poetry readings on the topic of “Peace at Home and Abroad” at Temple University Harrisburg, 234 Strawberry Square, 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for the general public. Visit wacharrisburg.org.

Legislators’ Forum
Jan. 17: Join the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 2018 Legislators’ Forum, featuring area members of the state House of Representatives, at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 8 to 10 a.m. Cost is $70 or $45 for members. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org for more details.

Mid-Day Getaway
Jan. 17, 24, 31: Unwind over your lunch break at the McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg. Bring your lunch to the library between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for coloring, card games, board games or low-stress activities. Visit dcls.org for details.

STEM Club
Jan. 18: Students in grades 3 to 6 are invited to New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, after school on the third Thursday of each month, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m., for STEM Club: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. At January’s meeting, explore Little Bits and program an R2-D2 droid. Visit newcumberlandlibrary.org.

3rd in The Burg
Jan. 19: 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.

Giant PA Map
Jan. 20: Take the family to the East Shore Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, at 2 p.m. to learn about our state using a giant map of Pennsylvania. Wear socks so you can play games and walk from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. The program is best for ages 8 and older, but families with children of all ages are welcome. Registration is limited. Visit dcls.org/specialevents.

Networking Mixer
Jan. 24: Join the West Shore Chamber of Commerce and other local business professionals at the January Networking Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., at Healthy You Café, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola. The event is free and open to chamber members. Visit wschamber.org.

Sunni-Shia Talk
Jan. 25: Foreign Policy Association of Harrisburg will host former U.S. ambassador to Oman John B. Craig at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill, at 7:30 p.m. Craig will speak on the two major divisions of Islam, Sunni and Shia. A dinner precedes the talk. Visit fpa-harrisburg.org for more information.

2018 Auto Show
Jan. 25-28: Roll into the annual PA Auto Show, an event that features what’s new and exciting in the world of automobiles. The four-day show takes place at the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, N. Cameron and Maclay streets, Harrisburg. Visit autoshowharrisburg.com for more information.

Burns Night
Jan. 27: The Scottish Society of Central Pennsylvania hosts its annual Burns Night Supper at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Center, Camp Hill, beginning with a social hour at 5 p.m. This event celebrates the life, poetry, and music of Robert Burns with a sit-down dinner, entertainment, presentations of Burns poetry, toasts and more. Visit pennscots.org.

No Excuses, Only Action: A few simple steps will get you moving this year.

December 29, 2017 | by Dr. Andrew Zang

It’s January, so everyone must share their perspectives on health/fitness and tell you how/why you must begin to exercise this year.

Why must you/we/us wait until the turn of a calendar year to begin to exercise? It’s silly that we make these “resolutions” to be or do something this year and yet so often fail. But why is that?

Is it because of lack of commitment to the process? Do we fail because we are lazy? Because we simply are not willing to put in the work? Lack of time?

Habits form and are very difficult to break. It is much easier to simply sit than to get up and move, but it shouldn’t be. It should be second nature to move and be active for our overall health and wellness.

So why is this the article you must read? Because it is going to tell it to you straight. You know the health benefits of exercise. You know you should be exercising to improve how you feel. You know that, if you just exercised, you would have less pain and an easier time completing daily tasks. So, that is not where I am going to head with this.

I am going to tell you exactly how to succeed. How to move and feel better. And how to get back to enjoying life again.

Step 1: Understand that it is not going to be easy. You are going to have to put in some work if you wish to make gains. And, yes, starting out will most likely be difficult. But if you will just hang in for six weeks, you will form that new habit. You know, the non-lazy habit of being active versus sitting on the couch watching TV all night. Recognize that your body may hurt a little when you begin a new exercise program. This is normal. That initial soreness will fade if you keep at it. But avoiding exercise until you feel good again does not work. If you have concerns, talk with a qualified health professional to be sure you are starting and working at an appropriate level or to address those injury concerns.

Step 2: Pick something you think you will enjoy and enlist a friend. If you choose an activity you know you will hate, you are sure to stop. But if you pick something you believe you will like, you have a shot. The friend part—misery loves company? No, having someone to help hold you accountable for your workouts will ensure you stay true to the plan this year.

Step 3: Realize that you will need to carve out some time in your schedule for this. I know what you are thinking—I am too busy with work and life. So is everyone who exercises. But they made the conscious decision to make exercise a part of their weekly or daily routine. No excuses anymore—only action!

There you have it—the blueprint for success with exercise this year. I just took away your excuses, objections and rationalizations. The next step is getting going. Here is to actually achieving those health and wellness goals this year.

Dr. Andrew Zang is board certified in orthopedics and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapists.

On the Rocks: Climbing high, warm and dry, in Perry County.

December 29, 2017 | by Karen Hendricks

Burg in Focus: Awakening Adventures from GK Visual on Vimeo.

Their friendship got off to a “rocky start.”

A mutual friend introduced Travis Haines to Kyle Stapp, an experienced rock climber, about five years ago.

“I don’t have time to climb rocks,” Haines recalls saying to Stapp at the time.

The two men laugh at the memory because today they not only share a love of rock climbing but are co-owners of the newly opened Susquehannock Climbing and Fitness Center.

Located half-an-hour north of Harrisburg in Liverpool, the business is housed in a former sewing factory known locally as “The Facktory,” just two blocks from routes 11/15 and the Susquehanna River.

Haines, 29, served in the U.S. Navy, worked as a park ranger at nearby Little Buffalo State Park, and enjoys obstacle course challenges so much that he has applied twice to the popular television show, “American Ninja Warrior.”

Stapp, 33, also served in the military—the Army—followed by six years as a rock climbing supervisor at Perry County’s Longacre Leadership Camp. He’s also a certified single pitch (meaning one pitch or one climb between two points) instructor by the American Mountain Guides Association.

Open since November, Susquehannock Climbing offers rock climbing walls with numerous options, skills and strength training, obstacle course training, instruction in wilderness survival skills and more. Patrons are also welcome to use the facility as an open gym.

All the skills learned indoors, in the controlled environment of Susquehannock Climbing, can be transferred outdoors, to other sports and life experiences, according to Stapp and Haines.

“We truly believe anyone can climb,” Stapp said. “If you’re a total rookie, we welcome you.”

The pair has additional aspirations.

“We want to teach rock climbing as a form of therapy—helping special needs children, those with PTSD such as veterans and recovering addicts,” Haines said.

Above and Beyond

Stapp said he “geeked out” researching what’s called adventure-based therapy.

He pointed to studies that show that climbing stimulates language, balance, spatial body awareness, overall muscle tone, fine and gross motor skills. Additionally, climbing is said to encourage problem-solving, independent thinking and confidence.
Haines said he especially enjoys teaching “newbies” how to climb since it wasn’t long along that he, too, was a beginner.

“I recently had a 242-pound man on the rope—he got the whole way up the wall to the top and that felt good,” Haines said. “I was so proud of him.”

Another source of pride for Haines is the “transformation” he says is underway in Liverpool.

“I feel this building has a lot to do with that,” he said, referencing the rehabilitation of the factory into “The Facktory” by owner Brent Lesperance.

A contractor for 25 years, Lesperance bought the former factory and began rehabbing it in 2004 with his stepbrother.

“We wanted to create a place for kids to go, and it was easier to repurpose the factory instead of starting over from scratch,” he said.

Within the 1900s-era brick-and-stone walls, Lesperance created an indoor basketball court, event and concert venue complete with a stage and sound system, kitchen, space for ping pong tables and other games. A former boxer, Lesperance coached area kids in The Facktory’s boxing ring.

Health issues soon forced him to shut down The Facktory, except for rentals of the space. But he said he was thrilled when Haines and Stapp approached him with a plan to lease part of it for the climbing center.

“They’ve taken it above and beyond what I imagined,” Lesperance said. “It’s inspiring, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Figure It Out

After touring the facility, it was finally time for me to “climb the walls.” I enjoy adventure—running, hiking and biking—however, I’ve always had a fear of heights. I figured if Haines and Stapp could talk me through it, they really could teach anyone to climb.

First, I had to put on my gear—special climbing shoes and a harness—and learn the lingo. Haines would “belay” me, meaning he would stay on the ground, bracing the rope attached to my harness, taking up any slack, so that I stayed safe. I learned how to do the “figure eight retrace,” a secure rope knot.

To climb the wall, my hands and feet would use holds bolted into the wall that felt like rocks. Their size varied, measuring a few inches wide and deep at most. Haines showed me how to start—pointing to a series of holds that mimicked steps where I could begin climbing. I took a deep breath, dug my fingers and toes into the holds and trusted he had my back.

Both Haines and Stapp cheered and encouraged me from below.

“Remember to use your legs—not just your arms so that you’re not relying completely on your upper body strength,” Stapp advised.

As I looked for the brightly colored holds, I realized that rock-climbing involves a good bit of creativity and decision-making. I paused several times, assessing which hands or feet (left or right?) would go where, in order to climb higher. Creating a path was harder than it looked from the ground.

“That’s good, take your time, figure it out,” Haines called up to me.

I tried not to look down, always looking up for more holds. I was inches from the top of the wall when my left hand reached what looked like a larger, more secure hold than most. Boy, was I wrong. As my fingers curled around the hold, expecting a firm grip, the hold shifted slightly and my heart raced. I held on for dear life.

“It’s OK—we didn’t tell you, there are a few ‘spinners’ on the wall,” Stapp called.

I had survived it and was almost at the top. I wasn’t sure if my voice would come out, but I managed to say, “I’m ready to come down.” As Haines let out my rope, I “walked” down the wall. Back on the ground, we high-fived, my heartbeat returned to normal, and I felt a sense of accomplishment.

Stapp explained how, in an outdoor experience, rock-climbing holds aren’t always as secure as they appear, which is why “spinners” simulate the experience on climbing walls. He also said that the placement of the holds is changed every few weeks, so that climbers can experience different routes and challenges. I noted how difficult it was, at certain points, to decide how to climb, to determine which hands and feet would go where—much like solving a puzzle.

Haines and Stapp both nodded in agreement, clearly excited that my first climb had given me this insight.

“Everyone is unique,” Stapp said. “Climbing is a holistic experience. It’s experiential learning at its best.”

Susquehannock Climbing and Fitness Center is located at 101 Chestnut St., Liverpool. For more information, call 570-541-6718 or follow them on Facebook.

She Persisted: At Evolution Power Yoga, all things are connected.

December 29, 2017 | by Rachael Dymski

With the New Year, we ring in all kinds of resolutions, promising to change for the better over the next 365 days.

It’s like we all remember the person we wanted to be before we buried ourselves in chocolate and Christmas cookies.

This year will be my year, we tell ourselves. So, we stock up on kale and health shakes, throw away stale crackers and soured eggnog and sign up for that gym membership. We decide that the cold days of January are gong to wake up the ideal self somewhere beneath our skin.

The fact that so many resolutions fall flat by the first days of February might signal to us that we need a new approach.

Enter Evolution Power Yoga, which seeks to create lasting change.

Lisa Taylor started her company in 2001, back when yoga was not the cultural sensation it is today. At first, she was greeted by skepticism in her quiet, conservative Lancaster community. But Taylor persisted and, in doing so, grew her studio into a sustainable business across four locations in central Pennsylvania.

As per Taylor’s philosophy, Evolution Power Yoga focuses on the body as a whole, as each part influences the others.

“At its core, our program teaches you to take the time to extensively reflect on all aspects of yourself: your consciousness, your thought patterns, your yoga practice and your life overall,” she said.

Amanda Bachman, manager of Evolution’s Harrisburg branch, said that they help people become a part of something bigger than themselves.

“We are a community that supports one another,” she said. “People will experience mental and physical benefits after coming to Evolution.”

In January, the yoga studio will embark on “40 Days to Personal Revolution,” a program based on the Baron Baptiste book of the same name. The program explores motives, behaviors and repetitive patterns in oneself.

The program includes a daily yoga practice, as would be expected. But it also includes a weekly, one-hour group meeting and instruction to “encourage curiosity, self-reflection and exploration,” according to Bachman. Evolution Yoga, she said, takes a holistic view of the body and sees all parts as intertwined.

The belief is that, with this mindset, New Year’s resolutions will be a lot harder to break.

Evolution Power Yoga also runs a training and teaching program called the Evolution Learning Institute. The goal is to train people who would like to teach yoga, taking a similar approach to the “40 Days” program by focusing on the body as a whole.

“Engaging in a program like this, you teach yourself,” Taylor said. “This is about training teachers, but it’s mostly about training leaders.”

Bachman added that yoga has had a positive effect on her own life.

“Yoga has elevated our lives and inspired us as individuals,” she said. “We now are driven to share those experiences by making yoga accessible for all.”

Evolution Power Yoga has four locations in central PA, including the Harrisburg studio at 2591 Brindle Dr. (Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace). For more information, call 717-727-7069 or visit www.evolutionpoweryoga.com.

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