3rd and Long: Yearlong 3rd Street improvement project set to start.

November 6, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Patched, worn and pot-holed 3rd Street in Harrisburg is ready for its makeover.

People of Harrisburg—the day is almost here.

The long-promised repaving of 3^rd Street is set to begin, as the city has scheduled a groundbreaking on Thursday at N. 3rd and Sayford streets to mark the start of the project.

The project will include substantial work, including milling and paving, on the following sections of the street:

Chestnut Street to State Street
Forster Street to Muench Street
Maclay Street to Seneca Street

Most of the initial work will not involve actual paving, but associated improvements, such as ADA-compliant curb ramps, traffic signal upgrades and new street trees and pits.

Street repaving will hold off until next spring as asphalt cannot be laid down in cold weather. The city expects the project to run through October 2018.

Initially, the repaving was supposed to have taken place this year, but was delayed because the city needed to coordinate with Capital Region Water (CRW), which is using the opportunity to install new drainage pipes.

Harrisburg has contracted with Elizabethtown-based Doug Lamb Construction Inc. for the $5.5 million project, a cost split between the city and CRW. The city is paying an estimated $3.5 million, with CRW footing the remaining $2 million.

The project is funded by a $6 million grant from Impact Harrisburg, a nonprofit set up as part of the city’s financial recovery plan.

The city says that parking on the street may be affected. It will post “no parking” signs 24 hours before work is set to begin on a section of street.

TheBurg Podcast, Nov. 3, 2017

November 3, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

TheBurg Podcast returns after a long hiatus!

This week, Editor in Chief Larry Binda and City Reporter Lizzy Hardison discuss why anti-abortion advocates are suing the city, the proposed changes to 2nd Street, and the revivification of Harrisburg’s mysterious comprehensive plan. Plus, Lizzy breaks down the details of a proposed amendment to the state constitution, which will be on the ballot in Tuesday’s elections. Listen to the end to hear your hosts’ picks for “The Most Harrisburg Thing This Week.” (Hint: they mostly have to do with pasta.)

Stream this week’s episode on SoundCloud. You can also download it in iTunes, or on the Apple and Android podcast apps.

Find the stories referenced in this week’s podcast:

Abortion foes challenge Harrisburg protest buffer in court.

2-Way 2nd: Council action brings major road change nearer.

Plan of Action: Progress finally made on Harrisburg’s comprehensive plan.

Property tax amendment mired in uncertainty ahead of November election.

I’ve Got a Secret: Some of the best places in Harrisburg are worth searching out.

Curious how Second Street became the mimi-highway that it is today? Read this 2013 feature from former Burg city reporter Paul Barker.

Second Thoughts: Decades ago, Harrisburg’s leaders quickly turned 2nd Street into an urban highway. Some people now think they made a big mistake.

Plan of Action: Progress finally made on Harrisburg’s comprehensive plan.

November 2, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Aerial view of Harrisburg. Photo by Dani Fresh

Harrisburg’s long-delayed comprehensive plan appears to be back on track, as the city’s Planning Commission last night agreed on a draft plan and set forth a path for final approval.

The commission unanimously opted for a draft submitted by the Office for Planning and Architecture, a city-based firm headed by urban design consultant Bret Peters.

In May 2015, the city hired Peters for $200,000 to create a comprehensive plan, which cities use as frameworks to guide policy, ranging widely to include everything from land use to recreation. Plans typically have a shelf life of only 10 to 15 years, though Harrisburg’s had not been redrafted in some four decades.

Originally, the city expected its plan to be finished in about 10 months. However, a dispute with Peters over the editing process, communication and, especially, pay, led to a long delay.

At one point earlier this year, the city and Peters parted company after Peters demanded more money to complete the project.

That holdup ended last evening with the commission’s decision to go with Peters’ draft. Commission members said they would make the draft public both online and in hard copy by Nov. 15, with a public hearing slated for Jan. 10.

Following the hearing, the commission may make additional changes based on public input. It then must approve the final draft before submitting it to City Council for its approval.

Several city officials attended the commission meeting and seemed relieved that the process had new momentum.

“That’s why I’m here tonight,” said council President Wanda Williams. “They want to know, ‘Where is the comprehensive plan?’ Thank you for finally moving ahead.”

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said the city has not paid Peters more money than the contract allows and would not do so. Nonetheless, he echoed Williams’ sentiments.

“At least we’re moving the process forward,” he said. “So, it’s positive in that way.”

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

November 2, 2017 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

Please excuse the abbreviated Weekend Roundup. See the reason why:

https://www.sarabozich.com/2017/11/hey-i-had-a-baby/

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

Abortion foes challenge Harrisburg protest buffer in court

November 1, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

Abortion opponents seek an injunction against a Harrisburg city ordinance, saying it limits their ability to offer anti-abortion literature and counseling to women at the 2nd St. Planned Parenthood.

Becky Biter says that the Holy Spirit “lit a fire in her soul” at a religious retreat in 2014, and she has advocated for the end of legal abortion ever since.

Now, Biter and another abortion opponent are taking legal action against Harrisburg for allegedly limiting their free speech rights. They seek an injunction against the city’s “buffer ordinance,” which, since 2012, has outlawed people from protesting, picketing or congregating within 20 feet of health clinic entrances.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said he stands by the ordinance as a fair protection of both free speech and the right to medical care. The plaintiffs claim that it limits their ability to engage in a form of advocacy called “sidewalk counseling” outside of the 2^nd Street Planned Parenthood. That facility is currently the only abortion provider in Harrisburg.

Both sides made their cases yesterday and today before the Hon. Sylvia Rambo, U.S. District Court judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania at the federal courthouse on Market Street. Liberty Counsel, a Florida-based advocacy group, represented Biter, of Fayetville, and co-plaintiff Colleen Riley, of Lebanon pro bono (at no cost.)

The original injunction also listed Lancaster resident Rosalie Gross as a plaintiff. She was dropped from the case after video footage showed her heckling Planned Parenthood patients, Papenfuse said.

The trial concluded this afternoon with testimony from both remaining plaintiffs. Biter recounted how she was driven to an abortion clinic at age 15 by an abusive boyfriend, who forced her to terminate her unplanned pregnancy.

She said her regret over the abortion led to years of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and she claimed that she now wants to spare other women from the same distress.

Claims about the psychological harms of abortion have proliferated since the Supreme Court heard Roe v. Wade in 1973. A peer-reviewed paper published in the American Psychological Journal in 2009, which included a comprehensive review of extant literature on the topic, found that the majority of women who terminate pregnancies do not experience mental health problems.

“Although we conclude that most adult women do not have mental health problems following an abortion of an unwanted pregnancy, we do not mean to imply that no women experience such problems. Some women do,” the researchers wrote.

But they said that those mental health problems could stem from ambivalence toward the abortion or fear of social stigmatization, as well as co-occurring conditions such as unhealthy relationships or economic insecurity.

Pro-life advocates nonetheless point to these perceived psychological harms to dissuade women from seeking abortions. Biter and Riley said that offering “sidewalk counseling” outside of abortion clinics helps them protect women from post-abortion distress.

Before the court, both women insisted that sidewalk counseling is different from protesting. A Liberty Counsel attorney objected when Frank Lavery, a lawyer representing the city, referred to them as “protesters.” Biter and Riley said that they never heckle patrons, raise their voices, or display posters with graphic images.

Instead, they claimed they politely approach women as they walk towards abortion clinics to offer them prayer and literature. Their methods are less effective, they said, when they cannot enter the 20-foot buffer zone near the Planned Parenthood entrance.

“Our goal is to show women they’re not alone,” Biter said on the stand. “The best way is to get close to a woman, hug her, lead her away from the abortion facility, and sit her down in a safe place to show her someone cares.”

During cross examination, Lavery pointed that even though the plaintiffs might be peaceful activists, voiding the buffer ordinance would also empower more confrontational protesters.

If Rambo rules in favor of the plaintiffs, she will issue a preliminary injunction against the city’s ordinance, which would void it during an inevitable appeals process. The defense could then file a motion to make the injunction permanent.

The injunction against Harrisburg was filed in March 2016. City Solicitor Neil Grover estimates that the city has spent more than $60,000 litigating the case since then, mostly on outside counsel.

But there’s even more at stake. If the plaintiffs prevail, Harrisburg will have to reimburse Liberty Counsel for their legal fees in accordance with a Civil Rights Act statute.

Both sides will rest until the court stenographer completes the 500-page transcript of the proceedings. Grover said that could take until January.

After attorneys receive the transcript, they will have 20 days to review it and submit final arguments to Rambo. The judge has no time constraint on her final ruling.

Russian journalist Masha Gessen to talk Trump, Putin at Midtown Scholar

October 31, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

Gessen will discuss and sign copies of her newest book, “The Future is History,” at Midtown Scholar on Nov. 20. Images courtesy of Penguin Random House.

If you’ve spent the last day glued to coverage of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe, mark your calendar for Nov. 20.

Masha Gessen, a journalist, author, and leading voice on contemporary Russia, will speak at Midtown Scholar at 6:30 p.m. that Monday evening about her newest work of nonfiction, “The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia.” Gessen will also sign copies of the book, which is a National Book Award finalist.

Gessen was born in Russia and emigrated to America with her family as a young child. She rose to prominence with the 2012 publication of her book, “The Man Without a Face,” a biography of Vladimir Putin. Since then, she’s emerged as a vocal critic of Putin and a prescient commentator on the conditions that lead to state autocracy.

Since the election of President Donald Trump, Gessen has penned articles and made media appearances about his relationship to Russia. She disputes claims that Trump is an agent of the Kremlin, but argues that he ran as an autocrat in the style of Putin.

Alex Brubaker, manager of Midtown Scholar Bookstore, said the event couldn’t come at a better time.

“As one of the foremost critics of Putin and authoritarian regimes, Gessen provides a unique lens in which to view the current state of American politics,” Brubaker said. “Even before the Mueller probe intensified, even before her book made the shortlist for the National Book Award, I knew we wanted to get her in to Harrisburg to hear her insights on Russia and the language of autocrats.”

“The Future is History” follows four Russians who were born at the twilight of the Soviet Union and came of age as Russia liberalized – a process that began under Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s and ended with the ascent of Putin in 2000.

Gessen argues that Putin set the country on a backwards trajectory to its old Soviet order, creating a Mafia-like state and eviscerating civil liberties in the process.

The event is free and open to the public, but seating is not guaranteed. Members of the public can secure general admission seating by purchasing a copy of Gessen’s book through Midtown Scholar. Books are available in the store or can be pre-ordered online and picked up at Midtown Scholar the night of the event.

For more information, including a link to buy books, see midtownscholar.com/event-tickets/an-evening-with-masha-gessen.

Property tax amendment mired in uncertainty ahead of November election.

October 31, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

A proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution will open up new possibilities for tax laws, but state lawmakers will have to pass legislation before municipalities can adjust tax rates.

Pennsylvania policy wonks Marc Stier and Bob Dick don’t agree on much these days, but there are at least two points where they can find common ground.

The first? Property taxes in Pennsylvania are painfully high.

Second, neither man knows quite what to think of a proposed amendment to the state constitution, which would give municipalities the power to abolish or greatly reduce school property taxes.

That amendment will go to public referendum in the Nov. 7 general election. Both Stier, director of the left-leaning Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, and Dick, an analyst at the conservative Commonwealth Foundation, say that their organizations haven’t taken official stances on the ballot measure.

That’s due in part to the uncertainty that will remain if the amendment passes.

If it does pass by majority vote on Nov. 7, it would create a constitutional path for lawmakers and local taxing authorities to reduce or eliminate school property taxes.

But since the amendment also doesn’t compel legislative action, it could have no practical consequences at all.

Nationally, Pennsylvania has one of the biggest disparities in per-pupil spending between its poor and wealthy districts, due in large part to its dependence on property taxes to fund schools, according to a report from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

Many tax experts and public education advocates agree that the state needs a new school funding formula. Lawmakers seem to think so, too: the amendment passed through the state legislature in 2016 and 2017 with near unanimous bipartisan support.

But changing the constitution is only the first step in a long path to improve school funding in Pennsylvania, said David Davare, director of research at the Pennsylvania Economy League. Even under an amended constitution, lawmakers at the state, county and local levels would have to do the hard work of balancing their budgets.

“Voting for this is really an issue of how much faith you have that the governor, legislators, school boards and municipalities will continue to work on this and get it right,” Davare said.

WHAT IT COULD CHANGE

Essentially, the amendment would allow legislators to broaden the Homestead Act, which currently lets school districts exclude up to a portion of a homeowner’s property value from taxation.

The Homestead Exclusion grants tax relief based on the median property value of a jurisdiction. In Harrisburg, the median home value is close to $70,000. Under the Homestead Exclusion, taxing authorities in Harrisburg are authorized to take half that value—$35,000—and exclude it from everybody’s property tax assessment.

Pennsylvania’s constitution caps the Homestead exemption at the current 50 percent of median value. The amendment would eliminate that cap entirely.

Lawmakers could legally pass a new Homestead Exclusion allowing local municipalities to exclude up to 100 percent of each home’s value from taxation. The owner of a $100,000 home would have $0 of property in the eyes of the school board tax collector.

No district would be required to take advantage of an expanded Homestead Exclusion. But if a school district wanted to, they could eliminate school property taxes all together.

POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS

By theoretically easing the tax burden on property owners, the amendment signals a shift in how the commonwealth conceptualizes school funding. But municipalities will lose revenue if they don’t tax property, and tax experts aren’t sure they could compensate for it with other revenue sources.

Dick and the Commonwealth Foundation say that schools need to cut spending to accommodate school property tax cuts. According to Stier, the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center would propose offsetting the cuts with higher taxes on income and wealth, including taxes on capital gains and investment dividends.

Davare, the researcher at the non-partisan Pennsylvania Economy League, said that reducing property taxes won’t help schools without a corresponding raise in other tax rates. But a clause in Pennsylvania’s constitution could make that difficult.

The state’s Uniformity Clause requires taxing authorities to tax personal incomes at a uniform rate, regardless of a person’s income. Everyone in the state—whether they make $50,000 or $500,000 a year—gets taxed at the same rate of 3.07 percent.

Municipal governments and school boards in Pennsylvania also can’t tax business income, Davare said. Without a mechanism to raise taxes at the local level, school districts with low income tax bases – such as Harrisburg – would likely not be able to grant property tax relief.

“Suburban school districts would have the resources to enact [a property tax reduction,] but urban centers would have a hard time generating revenue,” Davare explained.

WHY ALL THE UNCERTAINTY?

If the amendment passes, it could lead to sweeping changes in school funding or no changes at all. That ambiguity is by design rather than by flaw, according to Stier.

“It’s not the purpose of constitutional amendments to make policy,” Stier said.

Instead, they dictate what laws legislators can and cannot pass.

Since amending the constitution is a long and difficult process, he said, the document ought to be broad to accommodate changing social mores.

Such is the case with the amendment on the Nov. 7 ballot. The new language in the constitution won’t change tax rates; rather, it will open up new possibilities for tax laws. State lawmakers would have to pass legislation to take advantage of those possibilities, and then local taxing authorities – school boards, city councils, and county commissioners — would have to authorize new tax rates on their constituents.

“It’s appropriate that this amendment does not do much itself, but instead provides an opportunity for people with different views to propose policy under it,” Stier said.

As a result, it could be a long time until residents see practical changes to their tax bills.

Since the passage of the amendment is still riddled with conditionals and what-ifs, Stier said that voters ought not view it as a referendum on school funding in Pennsylvania.

“A yes or no on this amendment isn’t an endorsement or a repudiation any one policy,” Stier said. “And it won’t determine the future of how we fund our schools. What determines that is future legislation.”

Happenings: Our November Calendar of Events

October 31, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Happenings

Museums & Art Spaces

3rd Street Studio
1725 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-385-3315; Facebook: 3^rd Street Studio

“Nothing Pretty,” group exhibition of local art, through Dec. 2.

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

“National Corvette Restorers Society Exhibit,” through April 23.

“Getting the Job Done—Vehicles that Earned Their Keep,” Nov. 18-April 23.

“Cars and Christmas at the AACA Museum,” annual holiday exhibit, Nov. 18-Dec. 31.

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

“Metamorphosis,” featuring Candy Delaney, Joanne Landis, Thomas J. Norulak, Samantha Sanders, Barbara Passeri-Warfel, through Nov. 22.

Brain Vessel Gallery
4707 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
717-350-2306; bvcargo.com

“Inside the Box,” a juried exhibition, Nov. 17-18.

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

“8 Looks at Architecture” with Howard Batchelor, Robert Cavenagh, Jonathon Frazier, Patricia Walach Keough, Michael Lahr, Susan Nichols, Kimberly Stone and Leon Yost, through Nov. 11.

“Art for the Holidays,” artist and designer boutique, Nov. 21-Dec. 30; reception, Nov. 26, 12-4 p.m.

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

Artist of the Month: Jesus Gaytan

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

“Hanging by a Thread,” needlework exhibit showcasing handmade needlework, through Dec. 23.

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

Works by Joanne Finkle and Ted Walke, through Nov. 11.

Works by Linda Benton McCloskey, through Nov. 14, at Café 1500.

Works by Carrie Wissler-Thomas and Peg Belcastro, Nov. 16-Jan. 13; reception: Nov. 17, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Dog-Daze of Fall,” a whimsical display of paintings by Dawn Liddick, through Nov. 4.

Historical Society of Dauphin County
219 S. Front St., Harrisburg
dauphincountyhistory.org

“Uncle Sam Calls: Dauphin County in World War I,” an exhibit of historic posters and artifacts, through Dec. 22.

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

“Enhanced Thrift Art,” a group exhibition of salvaged thrift store or attic artwork with creative makeovers by local artists, through Nov. 4.

“Third Annual PCCA Juried Exhibition,” featuring juried regional artwork in a variety of media, Nov. 10-Jan. 19; reception and awards: Nov. 10, 6-8:30 p.m.

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; Facebook: Metropolis Collective

“Origins,” a group exhibit featuring the artists of 717 Tattoo, Nov. 3-Jan. 1; reception: Nov. 3, 7-11 p.m.

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

New works by Linda Benton McCloskey, Elaine Brady Smith, Yachiyo Beck, Christine Goldbeck and P.D. Murray, through Nov. 12

Group show featuring the Millworks’ artists, Nov. 13-Jan. 14.

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

“Reconstruction: The Unfinished War,” examining the unfinished issue of equality among races in the reunited states, through Dec. 31.

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

Quilts by Sue Reno, a textile exhibit composed of brilliantly patterned quilts, through Jan.1.

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

Works by Donna Mitchell and Bob Shatto, through November.

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

“Artisan Marketplace of Perry County,” showcasing unique local art and handcrafted items for holiday gift giving that supports regional artists and crafters, through Jan. 6.

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history.

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

“Virtual Reality Reorganized,” drawings on wood by Denise Stewart Sanabria, through Nov. 17.

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

“Pennsylvania at War: World War I Posters from the Pennsylvania State Archives,” through Nov. 12.

“Pennsylvania at War: The Saga of the USS Pennsylvania,” through Dec. 30.

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

“New Geometry,” abstract invitational featuring Matt Allyn Chapman, Nick Hollibaugh, Brittany Nelson, and Rosalyn Richards, through Nov. 5.

“In the Vault,” featuring small works on magnetic templates to hang on the museum’s bank vault walls, through Dec. 17.

“Ansel Adams: Early Works,” through Jan. 21.

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

Works by Brian Bastinelli, through Nov. 12.

Works by Eli McClymont, Nov. 17-Dec. 10.

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

“Vision Ink & Demonspeak,” by Morgan Shay, through Nov. 16.

“The Witch,” works of Steve Zerbe, Nov. 17-Dec. 14.

Read, Make, Learn

Absolute Pilates
3940 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
717-585-0354; absolutepilates.com

Nov. 10: Yoga Class and DoTerra Essential Oils Make and Take, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Nov. 1: Cut it Out! Ceramic Lanterns, 6-8 p.m.
Nov. 1-Dec. 13: Creative Topics in Photographic Thinking, 6 Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Nov. 1, 15: Try it Glassblowing, 7-8 p.m.
Nov. 3: Craft Beer & Clay, 7 p.m.
Nov. 8, 15: Introduction to Relief Printmaking, 6-8:30 p.m.
Nov. 9: Open Paint Studio, 7 p.m.
Nov. 15: Finger Painting for All, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 26: Gourdaments, 6-9 p.m.

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

Nov. 9: Thanksgiving Boot Camp, 6-9 p.m.
Nov. 15: Hearty Hors D’oeuvres, 6-9 p.m.
Nov. 30: Sensational Salmon & Sides, 6-9 p.m.

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

Nov. 2: Grants—Intro. to Proposal Writing, 10:30 a.m.
Nov. 3: Basic Internet II, 11 a.m.
Nov. 5: Green Your Home, 1 p.m.
Nov. 5: Flooded Icing Cookie Class, 3 p.m.
Nov. 12: Crazy for Coloring, 2 p.m.

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

Nov. 2: Young Adult Book Club for Adults, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 3: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 5: Mindfulness Matters, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 7: Curl Up with the Classics—“The Good Earth,” 10 a.m.
Nov. 10: Foreign Film Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.
Nov. 13: The Page Turners Writers Group (ages 12-14), 7 p.m.
Nov. 13, 20, 27: Cozy Story Times, 9 a.m.
Nov. 20: Math Meets Music, 4:30 p.m.
Nov. 21: Fredricksen Reads, 7 p.m.
Nov. 24: Family Movie Night, 4 p.m.
Nov. 29: Story time at Country Meadows, 10 a.m.

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

Nov. 14-Dec. 12: Intro to Musical Improv, 7-10 p.m.
Nov. 29-Jan. 24: Improv Level 1, 7-10 p.m.

The Hershey Story
63 West Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-534-8939; hersheystory.org

Nov. 18-26: Little Elves Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Historical Society of Dauphin County
219 S. Front St., Harrisburg
717-233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

Nov. 12: “Who Was Thaddeus Stevens?” 2:30 p.m.

Johnson Memorial Library
799 East Center St., Millersburg
717-692-2658; dcls.org

Nov. 10: Bad Art Night, 6 p.m.
Nov. 11 That’s (P)interesting DIY Club, 11 a.m.

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

Nov. 1: Intro to Apple MacBook, 6-8 p.m.
Nov. 2: Learn to Knit, 7-8:30 p.m.
Nov. 3: Coloring for Adults, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Nov. 7, 14, 21: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 7: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
Nov. 8: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Nov. 9: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 13: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
Nov. 15: Start the Conversation—End of Life Decisions, 7-8:30 p.m.
Nov. 16: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Nov. 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Nov. 28: Tea & Stitches Extended, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nov. 29: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Nov. 29: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.
Nov. 30: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist -Center
251 Wiconisco St., Harrisburg
717-232-2700; meditationpa.org

Nov. 11: Living Meaningfully: A Buddhist Perspective on Death and Dying, 1 p.m.
Nov. 18: Letting Go of Anxiety, 2-3:30 p.m.

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

Nov. 15: Friends and Readers Book Club, 2 p.m.

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

Nov. 4: Free Drop-in Art, 1-4 p.m.
Nov. 18: Nature and Batik Art 1-Day Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Nov. 7: Men’s Group, 6 p.m.
Nov. 9: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
Nov. 14: Seniors Group, 6 p.m.
Nov. 21: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.
Nov. 28: LGBT Parents, 6 p.m.

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

Nov. 3: Flooded Icing Cookie Class, 1 p.m.
Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27: Video Game Club, 4 p.m.
Nov. 7: Introduction to Tai Chi, 2 p.m.

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

Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mid-Day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.

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

Nov. 2: Author Event with Gary Fincke, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 3, 24: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28: Coffee, Cake and True Islam, 5-7 p.m.
Nov. 8: Author Event with Jared Yates Sexton, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 9: Author Event with Carmen Maria Machado, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 11: Author Event with Walter Stahr Stanton, 3-5 p.m.
Nov. 15: Author Event with Wendy Pearlman, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 16: Camp Curtin Toastmakers, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Nov. 16: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7-9 p.m.
Nov. 19: Midtown Writers Group, 1 p.m.
Nov. 19: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
Nov. 20: Author Event with Masha Gessen, 7-9 p.m.

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

Nov. 3: Fluid Art Painting Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Nov. 11: Beginner Modern Textural Weaving, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 11: The Art of Spoon Carving, 3-6 p.m.
Nov. 15-Dec. 13: 5 Week Abstract Class
Nov. 18: Oil and Cold Wax, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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

Nov. 2: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 3, 10: Fun Friday at the Library, 3-5 p.m.
Nov. 6, 7, 13, 14: Preschool Storytime, 10:15 a.m.
Nov. 6, 13: Toddler Storytime, 11 a.m.
Nov. 7, 14: Book Babies, 11:15 a.m.
Nov. 8: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Nov. 8: Learn to Crochet Plus, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 11: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Nov. 15: Pennwriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
Nov. 16: STEM Club, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Nov. 18: Saturday Morning Art (ages 7-10), 10:30-12 p.m.
Nov. 18: Couponing For Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 21: Hands on Science—Robots

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

Nov. 3: Storytime, 10-11 a.m.
Nov. 9: Nature Lab—The Wild Turkey, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Nov. 30: Nature Lab—Ooey Gooey Oily Process (ages 3-5), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

“Memory and Invention,” landscape and cityscape paintings by Robert Andriulli, Nov. 10-Feb. 11; 3rd in the Burg free admission: Nov. 17, 5-8 p.m.

“Tropical Wasteland,” abstracted landscapes by Vu Nguyen, Nov. 3- Feb. 25; 3rd in the Burg free admission: Nov. 17, 5-8 p.m.

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

Nov. 4: Creative Arm Balancing for Beginners, 12-1:30 p.m.
Nov. 5: Tween Yoga 4 Week Series (ages 11-14), 1-2 p.m.
Nov. 11: Breath Work for Beginners, 12-1:30 p.m.

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

Nov. 4: Getting Started With Digital Photography, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nov. 4: Full Moon Hike, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Nov. 5: Beginner’s Yoga & Walk, 10-11:30 a.m.
Nov. 11: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 15: Bird Walk—Waterfowl, 8-10 a.m.

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

Nov. 2: Teen Night, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 8: Wednesday Cinema, 6 p.m.
Nov. 14: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Nov. 2: RAQ
Nov. 3: The Hawkeyes
Nov. 10: The Dirty Sweet
Nov. 11: Hackensaw Boys
Nov. 16: The Ballroom Thieves
Nov. 18: One-Trick Grizzley and Buzzard Luck
Nov. 24: Crippled But Free
Nov. 30: Consider the Source

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

Nov. 1-2: York Symphony Orchestra—Young Person’s Concert
Nov. 3: Jazz in the City
Nov. 4: Black Violin
Nov. 9: Citizen Cope
Nov. 17: Invincible—Tribute to Michael Jackson
Nov. 17: Kathy Mattea
Nov. 19: York Junior Symphony Orchestra
Nov. 25: York Symphony Orchestra

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

Nov. 19: The Keating Jazz Orchestra’s Two-Beat Dames

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

Nov. 1: Maria Battista
Nov. 2, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28: Noel Gevers
Nov. 3: Corinna Joy, Noel Gevers
Nov. 4, 17, 21: Roy Lefevre
Nov. 7, 11: Daniel Sheahan
Nov. 8: Deborah Anderson
Nov. 9, 14: Corinna Joy
Nov. 10, 25: Ted Ansel
Nov. 12: Anthony Haubert
Nov. 15, 30: Chris Purcell
Nov. 29: TBA

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

Nov. 11: West Street A.M.E.Z. Church Benefit Concert

Central PA Friends of Jazz
friendsofjazz.org

Nov. 12: Jonathan Ragonese

Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus
cpwchorus.org

Nov. 18: Fall Concert at Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church
Nov. 19: Fall Concert at Colonial Park UCC

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

Nov. 7: Aw Shucks
Nov. 9: Cory Branan
Nov. 9: The Ok-Ok’s, Hodera
Nov. 13: Minus The Bear, Broken Field Runner, Starving Arts
Nov. 14: Hinder, Josh Todd & The Conflict
Nov. 18: Zay Hilfigerrr
Nov. 21: Balance and Composure, The Glorious Sons
Nov. 24: ZOSO—The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
Nov. 25: Hollywood Undead

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

Nov. 3: GRIT
Nov. 4: Hard Travelin
Nov. 5: Paul Zavinsky
Nov. 10: Emily Lynn Wilkins
Nov. 11: Michael Arthur & Kristina Machusick
Nov. 12: Shelba Purtle
Nov. 17: Kevin Kline
Nov. 18: Doug Morris
Nov. 19: Joe Cooney
Nov. 24: Dominick Cicco
Nov. 25: Jeanine & Friends

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

Nov. 26: Special Program for Unitarian Church of Harrisburg

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Nov. 3: A Night of Chamber Music
Nov. 3: Mastrglass, Digital Davy Shaman
Nov. 4: SayWeCanFly, Minshara, Madison Ryan, Tweed, Sun & Rain, Gobbo
Nov. 10: Matt Otis and The Sound
Nov. 11: PennsylMania Music Fest 3
Nov. 12: This Will Destroy You, Sannhet, Bells
Nov. 18: The Districts, Abi Reimold, Friendship, Snow Villain
Nov. 22: Exmag, Yam Yam & Giddy Hop
Nov. 25: Cabinet

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

Nov. 4-5: November Masterworks

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

Nov. 24: Celtic Thunder

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

Nov. 3: Cazhmiere
Nov. 4: DJ Styles, LCD Band
Nov. 10: No Bad Juju
Nov. 11: DJ Ray Rossi, Smooth Like Clyde
Nov 17: Uptown Band
Nov. 18: DJ Dave Styles, The Famous
Nov. 22: Smokin Gunnz
Nov. 24: Sapphire
Nov. 25: DJ Magic

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

Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Open Mic, Walter DeWall
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: DJ Eric B
Nov. 3, 10 17, 24: DJ Joe Hertz
Nov. 4: Bare Creek Junction
Nov. 11: Decipher Life
Nov. 18: fith
Nov. 25: SoS

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

Nov. 19: Steve Rudolph

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

Nov. 4: Qwam, Baby Brains
Nov. 10: Taylor George Moreland Beard

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

Nov. 2: Utah, Sarah Myers, Congis Fizz
Nov. 6: BIRDS, Stuyedeyed Concrete Beach
Nov. 7: Babylawns, Bluff
Nov. 19: Flounder Warehouse, Laura Lizcano, GOBBO

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

Nov. 2: Brit Floyd
Nov. 11: Cheap Trick
Nov. 16: Chicago
Nov. 19: Shippensburg University Community Orchestra

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

Nov. 3: Jazz Ensemble
Nov. 10: The Lonesome Traveler
Nov. 17: Wind Symphony Concert

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

Nov. 11: Amernet String Quartet

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

Nov. 3: Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds
Nov. 4: Percussion Concert
Nov. 10: Symphony Orchestra
Nov. 13: Chamber Ensemble
Nov. 14: Jazz Combo
Nov. 15: Jazz Fusion
Nov. 16: Chamber Ensemble
Nov. 20: Brass Choir and Brass Studio

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; Facebook: Metropolis Collective

Nov. 30: The Bo Deadlys

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

Nov. 4: Good News Café, 7 p.m.
Nov. 10: John Gorka
Nov. 17: John Terlazzo and Voice in the Hall

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

Nov. 4: Corinna Joy
Nov. 11: Sherri Mullen Duo
Nov. 18: Ryan Moran
Nov. 25: Tony Catalano

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
rivercityhbg.com

Nov. 4: Don Johnson Project
Nov. 11: Steven Courtney Band
Nov. 18: Crystal Haze
Nov. 20: River City Big Band
Nov. 27: Central PA Friends of Jazz Jam

Rose Lehrman Art Center
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-231-ROSE; hacc.edu/RLAC

Nov. 18: “Aladdin”
Nov. 28: Cherish the Ladies—Celtic Christmas

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

Nov. 3: Slam Allen
Nov. 10: The Lowest Pair & The Brother Brothers

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

Nov. 3: Devix
Nov. 4: Jamie & Jody
Nov. 10: Mary Kate Lee & Son
Nov. 11: Joe Cooney
Nov. 17: Cotolo
Nov. 18: Just Dave
Nov. 24: Rhoads & Putt Trio
Nov. 25: Craig Bonner

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

Nov. 3: Cruise Control Trio
Nov. 4: Josh Krevsky
Nov. 10: DJ Ray Rossi
Nov. 11: Music Thru Science Lite
Nov. 17: Visitors Duo
Nov. 18: Shea Quinn and Friends
Nov. 24: TBA
Nov. 25: Noel Gevers and Friends

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

Nov. 4: The Kennedys
Nov. 4: November Open Mic
Nov. 5: November Jam Session
Nov. 11: Bill Staines
Nov. 17: Allegro’s Music in the Round—Old Wine in New Bottles
Nov. 19: Le Vent du Nord

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

Nov. 3: Julia Jordan Kamanda
Nov. 5: Yu and Shin—Two Piano Recital
Nov. 12: Nobuntu
Nov. 17: David Myles
Nov. 18: King Street Big Band w/ Amy Banks

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

Nov. 22: The Machine
Nov. 30: Get The Led Out

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

Nov. 17: Suzi Brown
Nov. 19: Josh Dominick
Nov. 25: Tsunami Experiment

The Stage Door

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

Nov. 1-Dec. 30: “The 2017 Christmas Show: Home for the Holidays”

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

Nov. 10: Shawn Banks
Nov. 15: “A Night with Janis Joplin”
Nov. 16: Garrison Keillor
Nov. 28: B—The Underwater Bubble Show

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

Nov. 17-26: “Oliver!”

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

Nov. 3-5: “Into the Woods”

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

Through Nov. 11: “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story”

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

Nov. 4-26: “A Streetcar Named Desire”
Nov. 16: TMI Improv
Nov. 29-Dec. 16: “A Popcorn Hat Christmas Carol”

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

Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Open Mic
Nov. 3, 4: Raymond the Amish Comic
Nov. 10, 11: Rick Reyes, Kate Brindle
Nov. 11: Oxymorons Improv Comedy Show
Nov. 15, 16: Marlon Wayans
Nov. 17, 18: Eric Dasilva, Anthony Zenhauser
Nov. 22: Earl David Reed
Nov. 24, 25: Paul Lyons, Jay Nog

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

Nov. 3, 17: Oppositional Defiants/Hawkward, Name That Tune/TBA
Nov. 4: House Team 3, Love Triangle, Last Resort, Bandito/Fours Company 2: In Addition Too
Nov. 10: Ferd Majelly/What’s the Matter with Henry?, HAI/Brainwave Aftershave, Tristitia
Nov. 11: Kidprov Class Show, Zesty!/Bandjob, Ferret Prom/Solo Sleepover, Spacework
Nov. 17: Oppositional Defiants/Hawkward, Images, Jam
Nov. 18: House Team 3/ JohNathan, Tony Stanza, Spank’d
Nov. 24: TBA/What’s the Matter With Henry?, Tiny Town, Hit Bits
Nov. 25: Zesty!/The Fourest, Introduce A Self, The Actor’s Craft/Pillow Talk

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

Nov. 30-Dec. 2: “A Christmas Carol”

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

Nov. 4: Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Nov. 7: Alton Brown Live—“Eat Your Science”
Nov. 11: Disney Live! Mickey & Minnie’s Doorway to Magic
Nov. 17: Ron “Tater Salad” White
Nov. 28-Dec. 3: “Kinky Boots”

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

Nov. 3-5: “Ghosts of Mechanicsburg”
Nov. 12-13: “The Bad Seed”

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

Nov. 12-19: “Summer and Smoke”
Nov. 16: “Blue Christmas”

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

Nov. 11: “Little Red Riding Hood” (Popcorn Hat Players)

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

Nov. 3-4: “Court Street Cabaret—Jukebox Edition”

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

Nov. 3-19: “Jeeves Intervenes”

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

Nov. 4-18: “How I Became a Pirate”

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
rivercityhbg.com

Nov. 26: “Risque Business”

Rose Lehrman Arts Center
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Nov. 18: “Aladdin”

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

Nov. 3-19: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (Whitaker Center)

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

Nov. 14: “Aunt Lily’s Flower Book”

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

Nov. 3-19: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (Theatre Harriburg)
Nov. 8: Harrisburg Story Slam

Community Corner: Notable November Events

October 31, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

November Community Corner

Mid-Day Getaway
Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: 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.

Dinner for a Cause
Nov. 2: Vision Resources of Central PA will host the sixth annual “Evening in the Shadows” at AACA Museum, 161 Museum Dr., Hershey, for a multi-course dinner and blindness awareness event. Tickets are $80. For details and tickets, call 717-238- 2531 or email [email protected].

One FAB Night
Nov. 3: One FAB Night will be held at the State Museum 300 North St., Harrisburg, 4 to 10 p.m., to honor Mara Keisling, Dickinson College and Adanjesús Marín and to raise funds to support the work of the LGBT Center of Central PA. Enjoy a reception with entertainment, dancing, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Visit fallachievementbenefit.org.

HBG Flea
Nov. 4: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios at Strawberry Square in Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit hbgflea.com for more details.

Fall Benefit
Nov. 4: Junior League of Harrisburg’s second annual Fall Fundraising Benefit & Silent Auction for the Penn State vs. Michigan State away game will be held at the Vineyard at Hershey, 598 Schoolhouse Rd., Middletown, starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25; designated driver rate is $18. Visit jl-hbg.com for more event details.

Fundraising Gala
Nov. 4: South Central PA Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host “Unmask the Stigma” Suicide Prevention Gala at Radisson Hotel Harrisburg from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50 person or $90 per couple. Visit afsp.org/southcentralpa for event details.

Full Moon Hike
Nov. 4: Enjoy a guided adventure on the North Boardwalk at Wildwood Park, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Brave the moonlit path as your eyes adjust to the darkness, while enjoying special activities along the way. Find more details at wildwoodlake.org.

Book Sales
Nov. 4, 18: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, will hold pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library. Shop for books, vintage jewelry, men’s items, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, kids’ books, records and more. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

Mental Health
Nov. 5: Learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health-related crisis or problem in a free Adult Mental Health First Aid Training course at Giant Community Room, 3301 E. Trindle Rd., Camp Hill, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants must be 18 years or older. Visit afsp.org/southcentralpa for details.

Yoga Walk
Nov. 5: Join yoga instructor Traci Wolfe for a guided, 3.1-mile walk around Wildwood Lake at a pace that will warm the body, with stops along the way for simple yoga exercises. The walk begins at 11:30 a.m. in front of the nature center. Appropriate for ages 12 and older. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Library Benefit
Nov. 5: Friends of the East Shore Library will host a fundraiser at the Oyster Mill Playhouse, 1001 Oyster Mill Rd., Camp Hill, at 2 p.m. Oyster Mill Playhouse will present “Jeeves Intervenes” adapted by Margaret Raether from stories of P. G. Wodehouse. Free wine and light refreshments provided. Call 717-839-7517 for more information and limited general admission tickets.

Member Luncheon
Nov. 9: Join the West Shore Chamber of Commerce, 4211 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill, and other local business professionals at a member luncheon, 12 to 1:30 p.m. The luncheon is open to all chamber members or non-members who would like to learn more. Visit wschamber.org.

Foreign Film Friday
Nov. 10: Join Fredricksen Library for “Gloria,” a film from Chile. Follow the story of a 58-year-old divorcee who develops a passionate relationship with an older man. Two showings are scheduled for 2 and 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org for more details.

Craft Show
Nov. 10-11: Winters Heritage House Museum, 47 E. High St., Elizabethtown, will host the 27th annual Elizabethtown Heritage Craft Show, opening Friday, 4 to 8 p.m., with a “Sneak Peek Party” for a first chance at locally made creative pieces. Lunch and baked goods will be available for purchase. An admission fee of $2 or a food bank contribution is requested. Visit elizabethtownhistory.org.

Women’s Expo
Nov. 11: The sixth annual Cumberland County Women’s Expo will be held at the Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K St., Carlisle, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This expo will present more than 80 businesses, including beauty, health and wellness, finance, travel, entertainment and home décor. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

Volunteer Work Day
Nov. 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 a water bottle. Refreshments available. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Nutcracker Storytime
Nov. 11: Join New Cumberland Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet at 2 p.m. for a family-friendly story time with the Nutcracker. Children will explore movement and concepts that stimulate creativity, imagination, coordination and self-confidence. Best suited for children ages 3 and older. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

PA Music Fest
Nov. 11: Enjoy an eclectic line up of hip hop, live bands, instruments, R&B, poetry, emcees, live graffiti art, live hip hop cyphers, DJs, beat boxing, break dancing and more at PennsylMania Music Fest at Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC), 1110 N. 3rd St. Doors open at 4 p.m.; show starts at 5 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $10; tickets at the door are $15. Visit harrisburgarts.com.

Book Review
Nov. 14: New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, will host local author Don Helin, who will discuss two of his works, “Secret Assault” and “Angel’s Revenge,” for the book review program in Foundation Hall, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Reviews are held on the second Tuesday of the month from September to May. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

Railroad Talk
Nov. 14: Alex Mayes will give a digital presentation, “2016 in Review,” to Harrisburg Chapter National Railway Historical Society at Hoss’s Restaurant, 743 Wertzville Rd., Enola. Business meeting and speaker begin at 7 p.m., with dinner served as early as 5 p.m. Call 717-439-9744 or email [email protected].

Holiday Wreaths
Nov. 14-16: Shalom House will host its 8th annual “Wreaths for a Reason,” a community awareness and fundraising event at Strawberry Square, 11 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Local crafters and school students donate the wreaths for this event. Visit shalomhouse.net for details.

Holiday Marketplace
Nov. 16-17: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) will hold the Holiday Marketplace in Village Square of the State Museum, 300 North St., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The marketplace features PA-themed gifts from a variety of PHMC’s historic sites and museums from throughout the state. Visit statemuseumpa.org.

Book Week
Nov. 16-19: Join children’s book author Lauren Castillo in her studio at the Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, during Joan Y. Leopold Children’s Book Week for a meet-and-greet open house. Each family will receive a copy of her book, “Nana in the City,” and an opportunity to have it signed. For details, call 717-652-9380, ext. 144.

3rd in The Burg
Nov. 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.

Winter Fun
Nov. 17-Jan. 28: Whitaker Wonderland offers indoor winter fun for the whole family at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Take a few laps around the sock skate rink, dive in the snowball pit, and take the Cranky Cars for a spin. Festive activities are included with Harsco Science Center admission. Visit whitakercenter.org for details.

Holiday Parade
Nov. 18: Harrisburg will host its 2017 Holiday Parade, featuring local celebrities, music, floats, food and more. The parade steps off at 12 p.m. from City Island and winds through downtown. More information can be found at harrisburgpa.gov.

Silent Auction
Nov. 18: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for its annual silent auction, 1 to 4 p.m. Items up for bid include books, artwork, children’s items, gift certificates, vacation packages and restaurant gift cards. For details, visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Cars and Christmas
Nov. 18-Dec. 31: The AACA Museum will feature themed Christmas trees, unusual vehicles, vintage toys and cars, a Hess Truck display, model train exhibits, Sammy the 29-foot snow plow, a Grinch scavenger hunt and more. Bring a toy or non-perishable food item for the Central PA Food Bank and Toys for Tots. Visit aacamuseum.org.

NYC Bus Trip
Nov. 24: The Dauphin County Technical School Education Foundation will host a bus trip, “A Day On Your Own,” to New York City. Proceeds benefit a scholarship for career and technical students attending the Dauphin County Technical School. Visit dcts.org.

Small Business Saturday
Nov. 25: Celebrate local businesses on Small Business Saturday with a trip to the Broad Street Market, 1233 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friends of Midtown will have its new “Shop Midtown” coupon books for sale, full of bargains from local businesses, and will host its “Local Lunch” from 12 to 2 p.m. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Odd Ones Bizarre
Nov. 25: The annual Odd Ones Holiday Bizarre will be held at the Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop for funky and handcrafted items for the holiday season at this annual alternative arts and crafts event. Dozens of crafters and creators will sell their wares, in addition to the Millworks’ featured studio artists. Visit millworksharrisburg.com.

Festival of Trees
Nov. 25-Dec. 17: View Christmas trees decorated with handmade ornaments and trimmed by local garden clubs at the Fort Hunter Tavern House, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Trees are available for raffle and a selection of ornaments are for sale. Visit forthunter.org.

Toy Train Exhibit
Nov. 25-Dec. 23: Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society returns to Fort Hunter Centennial Barn, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, with a display of HO gauge trains that travel over a large layout representing communities in central PA, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Visit forthunter.org for more information.

Holiday Lights
Nov. 25-Jan. 1: Take a mile-long drive through a Christmas light display, with more than 300,000 lights all synchronized with holiday music broadcasted via FM radio, at Manheim Township Community Park, 209 Petersburg Rd., Lititz. Visit ChristmasSpiritLights.com.

Harp-Felt Christmas
Nov. 26: Harrisburg Harp Orchestra presents the annual “Harp-Felt Christmas” concert at Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center, 340 N 21st St., Camp Hill, 3 p.m. The 50-plus-member ensemble will perform original arrangements of traditional carols and modern holiday favorites. Tickets are $22 for adults, $16 for students and seniors. For tickets and details, visit harrisburgharporchestra.com.

Bulk Joy: New downtown grocer offers value, convenience, one item at a time.

October 31, 2017 | by Norah Griffiths Johnson

Provisions owners Adam Porter and Shaun Donovan

Picture yourself lovingly grinding your own peanut butter on one of the major streets in downtown Harrisburg.

Not on the actual street, mind you, but in Provisions, the just-opened, 2,000-plus-square-foot grocery store on the 3rd Street side of Strawberry Square. Sound far-fetched, or even a little nutty? Think again.

Make your own nut butter is just one of the many offerings available at Provisions, the brainchild of Shaun Donovan and Adam Porter. The two met several years ago through the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, but the idea for a brick-and-mortar grocery store coalesced as Porter helped Donovan set up a website for his online business, Appalachian Organics, which specializes in natural and organic health and beauty products, as well as food, household staples and even an extensive gluten-free section.

Once the pair teamed up to create Provisions, they focused on developing a viable business plan. While they knew they wanted to open the store in downtown or Midtown Harrisburg, finding a location that offered sufficient space at an affordable price turned out to be one of the biggest challenges. Aligning funding proved to be another hurdle.

“It was a process,” Donovan admits, laughing softly.

Ultimately, it came down to being able to articulate to potential funders the “why” in their business plan.

“Being able to tell a community story and how it’s going to benefit the neighborhood—that was really important,” says Donovan.

The two utilized a range of resources to help ensure they were considering every detail, including the Small Business Development Center out of Kutztown and owners of similarly structured stores in Denver, Colo., and Austin, Texas.

Speaking of the business model, one of the most interesting characteristics of Provisions is that it doesn’t mirror your average grocery store. Though customers can expect to find all the usual culinary and household staples, 75 percent of the store’s footprint is dedicated to bulk food offerings. When people hear “bulk,” many think of value-focused warehouse stores like Sam’s Club or Costco.

“Think, the candy aisle, not Costco,” Porter clarifies, chuckling.

Rather than shelves, customers discover gravity bins and containers with scoops. If you like, you can even bring your own containers, though some are available in-store for purchase, should you have lost the inevitable two or three lids from your extensive Tupperware collection. Dairy, produce and meat comprise the other 25 percent through local and PA-based producers like Trickling Springs Creamery in Chambersburg and Four Seasons Produce out of Lancaster County.

The reason for this non-traditional model? Porter and Donovan aim to hit an eventual zero-waste mark.

“The amount of waste created from food packaging is appalling,” Porter notes.

From a financial standpoint, they explain, packaging drastically increases the cost of food. In fact, depending on what products a customer buys, Donovan estimates that they can save anywhere from 30 to 60 percent on their weekly grocery bill. When you remove added costs like packaging and transport, natural and organic products—which tend to skew slightly higher in price—become much more affordable. In addition to the environmental aspect, the two cite an overarching goal to bring affordable, healthy food to downtown Harrisburg.

The intended Provisions customer base is within a 10-minute radius (by foot).

“If you need two cups of flour, you can buy just two cups of flour,” Porter explains, another bonus of the bulk model. “If the in-laws show up, or friends come over, or even if you travel a lot for work and only need breakfast for tomorrow morning.”

For those who work downtown but are not city residents, Porter and Donovan believe they can help these people save a considerable amount of time. They point out that, by shopping over the lunch hour or right after work, customers can alleviate the additional half-hour-plus required to drive to and shop at a traditional, suburban grocery store on their way home from work.

An added bonus: Customers can draw upon Appalachian Organics’ existing online system and network of vendors to access more products and varying quantities. So, if you want to buy an entire box of paper towels rather than just one or two, you can purchase it in-store and have it shipped to your house, or order it online and pick it up on site.

Going forward, Porter and Donovan intend to offer a variety of in-store events, demos, “meet the farmer” days, product samplings and cooking tutorials. They’ll also partner with local chefs to produce recipe cards highlighting ingredients featured in the store so that customers can learn about healthy cooking practices and glean new ideas for seasonal ingredients or those that are a tad less common (e.g. amaranth flour).

The pair’s enthusiasm for Provisions is apparent, but both turn coy when pressed on what foods they’re most excited to offer. Finally, Porter relents.

“I’m excited to carry stuff that I don’t even know what it is yet,” he says.

He speaks of culinary school and time spent as a chef as the underpinnings to this passion.

“I love learning about various cultures,” he says. “There’s a whole world of food out there, and I’m excited to dive in and share it with people.”

Provisions is located at 15-17 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 717-236-5700 or visit provisionshbg.com.

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