All for One: Local authors share stories in the anthology, “A Book of Plays”

August 28, 2025 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

“Book of Plays” playwright Barrett Rhoads (left) is joined by James Casey and Jemar Sweets at a recent PAPA performance.

One way to move a play from the page to the stage is to publish it.

That was one rationale behind the decision of the Playwrights Alliance of Pennsylvania, or PAPA for short, to publish the collective works of its members in one volume.

Entitled “A Book of Plays,” the anthology was issued in 2024 by Sunbury Press, a Mechanicsburg-based publisher. The collection of 15 plays marked the first such venture by PAPA, which is based in central Pennsylvania but welcomes all Keystone State playwrights.

PAPA was spearheaded by the late Marjorie Bicknell—a playwright, actor and director—and incorporated in June 2008. The group holds regular monthly meetings during which playwrights read and discuss each other’s works under the guidance of Kevin Pry. A retired English professor at Lebanon Valley College and long-time theater professional, Pry is PAPA’s chair.

“We hope the anthology will attract more playwrights, especially students and new playwrights,” said Barrett Rhoads, PAPA vice-chair. “We are also looking for new ways to connect our playwrights with theaters and production sites near and far.”

For example, the group takes part in the Cicada Festival at Mt. Gretna every August. The festival presents 10-minute plays by PAPA members who choose to submit. Cicada showcases the talents not only of local playwrights but local actors.

Beyond “A Book of Plays,” PAPA fosters the development of new plays through workshops, readings and other events, as well as greater access to actors, directors and producers of the Dramatists Guild of America and similar organizations.

Kimberly Barger, a Hampden Township resident, joined PAPA in 2019 at the invitation of Bicknell. The education supervisor at Hershey Theatre, Barger organizes educational programs at the theater and produces the annual Apollo Awards event for high school theater students.

“I was blown away by how much talent we have here in little old central PA,” said Barger, after joining PAPA. “I love meeting and getting to know the other playwrights. The networking community and opportunities the group provides have been wonderful.”

Barger had published three plays before submitting “Pizza Boy” to “A Book of Plays.” What was particularly exciting about this anthology is its local group approach.

She chose that particular play for “numerous reasons.”

“It was fun to write and fun to see it staged at a PAPA event,” Barger said. “I also thought the play would work well in written form—and not just on stage.”

And since the majority of her plays are “entertaining,” as opposed to tackling larger issues, “Pizza Boy” was a good representation, she said.

Another PAPA member included in the anthology is Bill Savage of Lower Allen Township. After a journalism career, he has been—since 2022—teaching writing as an adjunct professor at a number of colleges and universities.

Although Savage originally downplayed his playwriting efforts, he delved into the field more seriously after involvement with the Dramatists Guild and Lancaster Playwriting Dramatists.

His submission to “A Book of Plays” is “Say He Was a Soldier,” a one-act play set right after the Civil War. An admirer of the Western genre with serious themes, Savage was also influenced by a contemporary documentary he saw. It concerned the 1980s band, Culture Club, and the relationship between the singer, Boy George, and the drummer. The drummer, who later married a woman, denied the two had a relationship.

“That’s what ‘Say He Was a Soldier’ is about and why I chose it for the anthology,” Savage said. “It was performed in Philadelphia a year after I wrote it, literally before the COVID pandemic hit, and the audience thought it was powerful. I hope it will be performed again soon.”

Gale Sherrid of Susquehanna Township, a retired social worker, worked as a stage manager in local theaters. A member of PAPA since its inception, she said she joined the group to learn from veteran writers, while she could share her knowledge of and contacts in the local theater community.

“A lot of writers at the time didn’t have many or any real-life contacts,” Sherrid said. “But a number of them had training and/or background in producing plays, so mostly everyone would be able to contribute something.”

Inspired by Bicknell, she began to write plays. Among them was “Telling Stories,” her contribution to the anthology that she had shared earlier with PAPA.

“The feedback and input I received from others helped refine and clarify what I was trying to say,” Sherrid said. “It connected me with someone I cared about but had lost. It helped me express a lot of the emotions I’d experienced during that loss but had never really processed.”

For information about PAPA, contact [email protected]. For more information about Sunbury Press, visit www.sunburypress.com.

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Journey of Discovery: A new troupe enters the scene, staging meaningful, impactful plays

August 28, 2025 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Scenes from Journey Theatric shows, 2025

For Griffin Yena, acting is more than a single-handed endeavor.

“Acting is a very community-driven, collaborative art form,” Yena said. “It takes a village to put everything together.”

Recently, Yena played Father Flynn in “Doubt,” a drama staged by the Journey Theatric Sanctuary (JTS), a new ensemble that performs at HACC’s Rose Lehrman Arts Center.

Yena, of Myerstown, became involved with JTS after meeting Troy Cooper, who founded the troupe in January 2025. Yena, a 10-year acting veteran, auditioned for “Doubt” at Cooper’s request.

Although the Rose Lehrman Arts Center is JTS’s home base, it operates as an entity separate from HACC’s Film and Theater Department. Instead, the troupe operates as “its own separate entity that utilizes” HACC’s theater, Cooper stated.

“The college is a gracious host, and this company relies upon the talent and generosity of Alyx Nornhold, the college’s technical director,” Cooper said.

Cooper, 46, said that he’s been doing live theater since age 15.

“It’s something that’s in my blood,” he noted.

He runs JTS with a premise of paying attention to “things that are often overlooked,” such as actors’ emotional wellbeing.

“Acting can be very emotionally taxing,” Cooper said. “Part of our growth is to have a mental health professional on full-time.”

The ensemble’s listed mission is “to create thought-provoking, emotionally resonant performances that inspire change both on and off the stage… Journey Theatric Sanctuary is built on the principles of equity, accessibility and the unwavering belief that theatre should be a space where all voices are heard and valued.”

Lead actor Yena has directed productions at Elizabethtown College’s Tempest Theatre and runs the Actor’s School in Reading and Lancaster with partner Adam Kinzinger. He said that he “jumped at the opportunity” to audition for JTS’s August production, “Doubt.”

“It is an award-winning show,” he said. “I saw the production a few years ago. Patrick Shanley is a phenomenal playwright.”

According to Cooper, a common theme underlies their shows.

“We get to see lead characters go on a journey, and audiences can relate to it,” Cooper said. “You don’t have to go to Philadelphia or Broadway to see a great show.”

JTS is conducting auditions for its 2025-26 season at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center on Sept. 7, with callbacks on Sept. 13. A full list of available roles is available on the troupe’s website.

For the coming season, JTS plans to stage the Tennessee Williams classic, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” as well as “Bare: A Pop Opera,” a coming-of-age musical, among other shows.

“Wonderland,” a musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, “Through the Looking Glass,” is scheduled to close the 2025-26 season in May.

“We will be the first theater company in the state to be granted the performance rights to this show,” Cooper said.

He explained the show as a “reimagined ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ where we find Alice returning to Wonderland as an adult to find her younger self, the premise being that, as we become adults, we sometimes lose sight of our imagination and who we are.”

“The overarching theme is the importance of revisiting our youth and our roots,” he said.

Yena noted that the biggest challenges in running theater are “scheduling when you get (a production) with a lot of people and finding a space to gather an audience.” Cooper added that “building an audience” for the newfound troupe also remains a challenge but that they’re “gaining popularity.”

Finding donors is another challenge. The ensemble works on an entirely volunteer basis but must pay its production costs. Cooper said that he strives to “make sure we are a financially prudent production and to present shows that are somewhat popular.”

For its part, Rose Lehrman Arts Center hopes that JTS becomes a long-time tenant for its theater.

“HACC is proud to lease space to Journey Theatric Sanctuary, a budding theatre company,” according to the college. “(JTS) is a pleasure to work with, and it is exciting to see this new group emerge and join the region’s performing arts community.”

For more information or to donate to Journey Theatric Sanctuary, visit www.journeytheatricsanctuary.com or on Facebook.

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Musical Feast: Market Square Concerts dishes about their new season

August 28, 2025 | by Lori M. Myers

Cuarteto Latinoamericano

Music is quite magical. It can calm, exhilarate, make one smarter.

There’s also a direct connection with food. Case in point is the celebrated Balourdet Quartet, which will open Market Square Concerts’ 2025-26 season this month at Market Square Presbyterian Church.

Winner of the 2024 Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award and Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Career Grant, the group’s name was inspired by the food of Antoine Balourdet, the chef at the Taos School of Music, for which violinists Angela Bae and Justin DeFilippis and cellist Russell Houston share a passion.

“While naming a string quartet after a chef may be a surprising choice, great cuisine at its best can be as impactful and memorable as other sensory experiences, including visual art and music,” said Peter Sirotin, MSC’s co-director and concertmaster of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra.

One of the best examples, he said, can be found in the life of the great Italian operatic composer, Gioachino Rossini. After creating nearly 40 celebrated operas by age 37, he retired from composing and dedicated the second half of his life to creating recipes that are still popular today, such as Tournedos Rossini and a macaroni dish.

“Balourdet Quartet will open our season with this type of program ranging from poise and humor in Hayden’s celebrated ‘Lark’ quartet and frenetic intensity of Ligeti’s second quartet to evocative richness of Smetana’s grand autobiographical String Quartet No. 1 (‘From My Life’),” Sirotin said.

If cuisine can result in a musical group’s title, what other sorts of inspiration do musical groups draw on to come up with a name?

Take, for example, the Sebastians, the New York-based music ensemble next on MSC’s schedule on Nov. 5 at Market Square Presbyterian Church. These innovative musicians will present music of the Baroque era relevant to the contemporary listener. The Sebastians, who received high praise from the New York Times, decided to use Johann Sebastian Bach’s middle name as their own.

“I am really looking forward to their program, ‘Handel’s Vibrant London,’ because it will immerse listeners into the unique atmosphere of 18th century London, which attracted tremendous talent leading to an explosion of creativity similar to early 20th century Vienna or late 19th century Paris,” Sirotin said.

Next on MSC’s season of concerts is Canadian violin virtuoso, Kerson Leong, whose name is all his own. The solo recital by Leong will be presented on Jan. 7 at St. Michael Lutheran Church. As Sirotin explained, MSC is primarily a chamber music series, but every so often, it presents an exceptional artist taking the spotlight on their own. Sirotin, who is also a professional violinist, is thrilled to introduce audiences to Leong.

“His approach to virtuosity is based in an unusually thorough understanding of physics, acoustics and physiology, which combined with deep knowledge of musical tradition and impeccable taste, make him an unforgettable performer,” he said. “I also love that this program really stretches violin’s expressive possibilities to their limits, particularly compositions by Ysaye and Bach, which remain unsurpassed achievements in violin repertoire.”

On Feb. 18, the ever-popular Stuart and Friends concert will feature the maestro’s favorite works for piano and winds, showcasing the spectacular principal wind players of the Harrisburg Symphony in whimsical music by Prokofiev, Poulenc, Sondheim and Avner Dorman, an award-winning composer on faculty at Gettysburg College.

The last two concerts of the season will showcase two of the world’s finest string quartets. On March 17 at Temple Ohev Sholom, the U.K.-based Doric Quartet marks their return to MSC with the program, “Art of Fugue,” exploring musical conversations in works of Bach, Haydn and Beethoven. Finally, on April 30, also at Temple Ohev Sholom, the winner of a Latin Grammy, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, concludes the season with “Tribute to the Americas,” a celebration of cross-cultural dialogue through music of North and South American composers.

Great music and great food are good for the soul, and, for Sirotin, live performances are like a “delicious chocolate truffle.”

“There are a lot of similarities in preparing a well-balanced menu and a satisfying concert program,” Sirotin says. “Memorable musical experiences need to combine tradition and innovation, as well as balance, predictability and surprise.”

Balourdet Quartet will open Market Square Concerts’ 2025-26 season on Sept. 24 at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For information on all Market Square Concerts, visit www.marketsquareconcerts.org/concerts.

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Just Like Grammy Made: This simple peach pie recipe crosses generations

August 28, 2025 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

As September arrives every year, I experience the same thing—a reluctance to let go of the beautiful, sweet fruits of summer. I love them all. From June’s strawberries that almost taste like wine to the brilliant blueberries that grace my Fourth of July picnic.

But peaches might be my favorite. As summer wanes, I find myself asking my favorite farmers market vendors, “How much longer will you have peaches?” The answer is usually, “not long.” Only a little longer to make peach melba, peach marsala pie and bellinis for the cocktail hour. And I can’t possibly have my Cheerios without them.

A long time ago, my mother taught me how to make a very simple peach dessert that is the essence of summer. I think she claimed the recipe as her own but, between you and me, I think it belongs to Betty Crocker. Nevertheless, it is luscious and so easy.

It’s called a “Peaches and Cream Pie” and, other than the pie pastry dough, only has five ingredients. Both my mother and I always have made our own pie crust. There are many recipes out there and, once you get the hang of it, it is not hard. Recently, I have been making Ina Garten’s version. She uses butter and the food processor. To me, it’s the best homemade pie crust ever. But a bought pie shell will work too and makes putting together this dessert a snap.

Peaches and Cream Pie

Ingredients

Pastry for a 9-inch one-crust pie
¾ cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
5 fresh peaches, peeled and halved
¾ cup whipping (heavy) cream
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Heat oven to 450 degrees.
Prepare the pastry dough and gently place in pie plate. Crimp the edges as you like.
Stir together sugar and flour and place half of the mixture into the pastry-lined pan.
Place peach halves cut-side down on the sugar, overlapping if necessary. Smaller peaches work best here and, sometimes, I sneak a few extra peach quarters in to fill the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the peaches and then pour the heavy cream over all.
Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
Cover the edge of the crimped pie dough with a thin strip of foil to prevent excess browning. Remove the foil after the first 15 minutes of baking.
Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees. Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer until the cream is set.
Cool and serve.

I hope you enjoy this beautiful “little dessert.” No need for ice cream!

So many of my life memories involve cooking and food. Is that the Italian in me? I will always remember the perfect late summer afternoon when I took my little boys to a country orchard to pick peaches. We stood on ladders and filled our basket until it was overflowing. When we brought the peaches home, they were still warm from the sun. What was I thinking and what did I do with all those peaches? I’m sure, I made “Grammy’s Peaches and Cream Pie!”

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Bartender’s Choice: Take a High Dive into high-end cocktails

August 28, 2025 | by Randy Gross

Dustin Isbert.
Photo by Will Masters

High diving may seem like a risky sport to some. Transforming a former dive bar into a high-end cocktail bar could be considered even riskier. But the High Dive Cocktail Bar in Harrisburg is defying the odds, thanks to a cocktail-forward concept that, unlike diving, puts teamwork ahead of the individual.

Bartender Dustin Isbert, a south Jersey/Philly boy who worked at nightclubs near and around Atlantic City for over 15 years before relocating to the capital city, has been valuing High Dive’s teamwork since its grand opening last Dec. 31.

“I feel that a lot of bars don’t have the camaraderie that we have,” he said. “It’s a very close-knit group.”

That group has been integral to the R&D behind the innovative cocktail menu at High Dive, but its membership extends beyond the two full-time and five part-time bartenders.

“We’re very fortunate here to also have a prep team that gives us so much back-of-house support, so that, when we come on bar, it’s all very fluid,” said Isbert.

That prep work includes sous vide preparation for various drink ingredients, including all the chocolate and strawberries used for one of High Dive’s most popular drinks, the Negroni.

“Our team is always working with us and utilizing tools that the owners have given us to bring the best product we can to Harrisburg,” Isbert said.

As evidenced in the trio of drinks mixed by Isbert during our visit, the word “best” is spot-on.

The Spicy Manhattan is a flavorful combination of Cocchi Storico Vermouth, Alma Tapec smoky chili liqueur, choice of bourbon, plus some Bittermens Hellfire bitters (“to boost the spicy notes,” said Isbert).
The 50/50 Margarita (recipe below) is a colorful reimagining of the classic margarita that replaces tequila with an even mix of mezcal and sherry—ideal for a crisp fall evening.
Finally, the Navy Grog is perfect for celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Jaws.” It features Demerara rum, Jamaican rum, grog syrup (Coca-Cola, allspice and sugar), acid-adjusted grapefruit juice, Angostura bitters and saline, all served in a special shark glass freshly anointed with drops of “blood” (aka Peychaud’s bitters).

Sounds to me like they may need a bigger shark glass.

High Dive Cocktail Bar is located at 1400 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.highdive717.com. Photos by Will Masters.

ISBERT’S CHOICES

Words of advice to home mixologists

Have fun, that’s it. Making drinks is a blast; making drinks that you love leaves lasting impressions. Watch YouTube videos, read literature, explore, learn brixing (measuring and balancing sweetness), understand how to fatten cocktails, etc. Never stop learning in anything in life!

Favorite spirit straight

Maker’s Mark 46

Recommendations for two or three spirits to try

Campari, add it with some club soda on a hot day, pair it with Fernet for a Ferrari shot, or in your best Negroni.

Alma Tapec, smoky chili liqueur. I’ve been working it into margarita variations and spicy Manhattans a lot. Complements mezcal well, too.

Pedro Ximenez (PX) Sherry, a fortified wine with sweet notes of molasses and dates. Blends well with smoky liqueurs and chocolate.

Most commonly ordered drink(s) at your bar

Negronis. Tried and true, nothing better in my opinion.

Your day job (if bartending isn’t your only occupation)
I work in real estate with RSR, where my biggest focus is helping people grow, whether it’s their first time buying a home, expanding on their real estate investment portfolio, building their business, or expanding their business.

Days you normally work at High Dive
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

DRINK FOR SEPTEMBER

50/50 Margarita
.25 oz agave
.5 oz Bauchant orange liqueur
.75 oz lime juice, squeezed
1oz mezcal of choice
1oz PX sherry of choice

Shake, pour in a rocks glass with 1-to-1 ice. Garnish with a Tajin rim and lime wedge.

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Community Corner: Notable September Events

August 28, 2025 | by Missy Smith

September Community Corner

Scavenger Hunt
Sept. 1-30: Kids are invited to New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, to see how many Pokémon they can find at the library. Find all the scavenger hunt items around the Children’s Room and win a fun prize. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Luminary Awards
Sept. 4: West Shore Chamber of Commerce will honor two local female professionals at the Luminary Awards luncheon, Penn Harris Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. www.wschamber.org

Calm the Mind
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Learn short, easy 15-minute meditations to help calm the mind on Thursdays, 12 to 12:30 p.m., at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. The meditations are suitable for people of any background. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Jazz Walk
Sept. 5: Central PA Friends of Jazz and Dauphin County Parks and Recreation present the Harrisburg Jazz Walk, 6 to 9 p.m., at locations in Midtown Harrisburg, as part of the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival. Relax at one venue or stroll the neighborhood. www.friendsofjazz.org

Barnyard Jazz
Sept. 5: Bring your lawn chairs and BYOB for a night of live jazz under the stars at the Hershey History Center’s Barnyard, 40 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey. The barnyard opens at 6 p.m. and will host live music by Third Stream. www.hersheyhistory.org

Community Days
Sept. 6: Faith Immanuel Presbyterian Church and Cub Scout Pack #256 host Community Days on Colonial, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 1801 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg. The free family festival will include games, activities, food and children’s books. www.fipc.org

HBG Flea
Sept. 6: Explore the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Jazz & Wine Fest
Sept. 6-7: Join Dauphin County Parks and Recreation at Fort Hunter Park to enjoy national, regional and local recording artists. Visit Pennsylvania’s top wineries and browse craft and food vendors. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets. www.forthunter.org

Doll Show
Sept. 7: Central Penn Doll Collectors Club hosts a doll and bear show at Lebanon Expo Center, 80 Rocherty Rd., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors offer antique, vintage, modern and reborn dolls, clothing, furniture, bears and more. www.centralpenndollcollectorsclub.org

Hershey Horticulture
Sept. 8: Hershey Horticulture Society presents a talk on “Rebuilding Biodiversity” at the Brownstone Masonic Lodge, 215 W. Caracas Ave., Hershey, 1 p.m. Hear from Eiyse Jurgen, owner of Waxwing EcoWorks, on being an ecological gardener. www.hersheygarden.org

Restaurant Week
Sept. 8-19: Harrisburg’s premier dining event returns, spanning two weeks, Sept. 8 to 12 and Sept. 15 to 19. Explore and enjoy the many flavors of Pennsylvania’s capital city. www.HarrisburgRestaurantWeek.com

Planting Webinar
Sept. 9: Penn State Extension hosts a webinar on “Proper Native Tree Planting for Long-Term Success,” 12 to 1:30 p.m. The webinar is $5 and will review site selection, planting techniques and follow-up care for newly planted trees. www.extension.psu.edu

Mega Mixer
Sept. 11: Join Carlisle Area, Mechanicsburg, Shippensburg and West Shore chambers of commerce and Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp/Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau for the Cumberland County Mega Mixer at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, 500 Marketplace Way, Enola, 5 to 7 p.m. www.wschamber.org

Food Rally
Sept. 11: Explore the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m., to grab dinner from area food trucks or New Cumberland restaurants. Enjoy shopping and special promotions at local businesses. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Creek Float
Sept. 12: Explore Yellow Breeches Creek with Susquehanna Outfitters on a guided float, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., through the creek’s clear water, riffles and bends, offering a challenging but rewarding experience. www.susquehannaoutfitters.com

Film Friday
Sept. 12: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “Lunana—A Yak in the Classroom” from India at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to join for a discussion following the film. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Contra Dance
Sept. 12: Harrisburg Area Contra Dance Association hosts a second Friday contra dance with live music, 8 to 10:30 p.m., at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Rd., Mechanicsburg. Free beginner lesson starts at 7:30 p.m. www.harrisburgcontra.org

Plant Sale
Sept. 13: Spruce up your landscape at the Hershey Horticulture Society’s Fall Plant Sale, 7:30 to 11 a.m. Find a variety of plants perfect for the season and get advice from members. www.hersheyhorticulture.com

Wreath Workshop
Sept. 13: Join Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to design and decorate a fall wreath out of natural materials, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Supplies provided, but participants may bring embellishments. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Arts Festival
Sept. 13: The 43rd annual Hummelstown Arts Festival will be held in Hummelstown Square, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with works by more than 150 juried art vendors, children’s activities, a food court and more. www.hummelstownartsfest.com

Stories at Midtown
Sept. 13: Dauphin County Library System staff will host stories, songs and more at Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, for families with children of all ages, 10 to 11 a.m. www.dcls.org

Sneaker Ball
Sept. 13: Join the Harrisburg Police Athletic League for its Sneaker Ball 2025, 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg. Enjoy a three-course dinner, live DJ, silent auction, guest speakers and “Sneaker Strut”—a showcase of stylish sneaker fashion. www.harrisburgareapal.org

Volunteer Day 
Sept. 13: Get outside in nature at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to help with park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves provided and refreshments available. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Wellness Fair
Sept. 14: Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg will host a Health and Wellness Fair at the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life, 2986 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy vendors, mini-sessions and speakers, focused on ways to improve health and wellness. www.jewishharrisburg.org

Gallery Walk
Sept. 14: Explore Harrisburg galleries and venues for art, music and refreshments during the Art Association of Harrisburg’s 37th annual Gallery Walk, 12 to 5 p.m. Find the full lineup of 17 participating venues on AAH’s website. www.artassocofhbg.com

Heart Walk
Sept. 18: Join American Heart Association’s Capital Region Heart Walk at FNB Field, City Island, Harrisburg, 5 to 8 p.m. Registration begins at 5 p.m., and the walk starts at 6 p.m. www.heart.org/capitalregionwalk

Wild Weekend
Sept. 18-21: Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Rd., York, presents the Wild & Uncommon Weekend, celebrating local food, crafts and nature in the Lower Susquehanna Riverlands with tours, tastings and educational experiences. The signature York County Pawpaw Festival is on Sept. 20. www.hornfarmcenter.org

Shoe Strut
Sept. 19: Join Salvation Army Harrisburg for its annual Shoe Strut benefit, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr. Enjoy a networking lunch, auctions, contests and more. Each ticket provides one shoe voucher to a local child in need. www.shoestrut.com

History Talk
Sept. 19: Join author Jimmy Rosen for a book signing and conversation, 6 to 8 p.m., at Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, 1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. His books tell the architectural history of the area’s 20th century gas stations. www.historicharrisburg.org

Cocktails & Cannonballs
Sept. 19: Enjoy a night out at Cocktails & Cannonballs 2025 at the National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, with historians, regional cuisine, a silent auction, a cigar bar and wine pull, trivia, raffles, a live cannon firing and more, 6 to 8:30 p.m. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

3rd in The Burg
Sept. 19: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Coin Show
Sept. 19-20: Explore the Harrisburg Coin Show at the Scottish Rite Entertainment Complex of Harrisburg, 2701 N. 3rd St., with 70 exhibit tables, a raffle, door prizes, food and free seminars. www.harrisburgcoinclub.com/coin-show

Walking Tour
Sept. 20: Join Historic Harrisburg Association, 1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, for a free walking tour of “Lost Service Stations of Harrisburg” with author Jimmy Rosen, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Discover the stories behind these structures and their impact on the city. www.historicharrisburg.org

Clothing Swap
Sept. 20: Teens can refresh their wardrobes at the East Shore Area Library’s Fall Clothing Swap, 12 to 4 p.m., at 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg. Participants can bring their old clothes to find new homes and search for fresh pieces. Event is for ages 13 to 18. www.dcls.org

Trail Run
Sept. 20: Join the Tröegs + NSCNA Rugged 5K Trail Run, a fundraiser to support the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art’s conservation efforts and trail maintenance. The race starts at 5 p.m. at 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, followed by live music and refreshments. www.nedsmithcenter.org

Fall Fest
Sept. 20: Messiah Lutheran Church, 901 N. 6th St., Harrisburg, hosts its annual Fall Fest to benefit the church’s capital improvements and the Harrisburg Area Food Pantry. Enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music and a silent auction, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. www.messiahhbg.org

Three Creek
Sept. 21: Harrisburg Bicycle Club will host its annual Three Creek Century event starting at Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company, 1750 Pine Rd., Newville. Choose from scenic routes ranging from 20 to 100 miles. www.harrisburgbicycleclub.org

Cleanup Day
Sept. 21: Wildheart Ministries hosts a Love the Hill cleanup event, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers will pick up trash, do basic landscaping, help with dumpsite removal or plant flowers in the neighborhood. www.lovethehillpa.com

Fort Hunter Day
Sept. 21: Celebrate fall with family fun, including arts and crafts, children’s games and activities, historic demonstrations and exhibits, entertainment, food and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. www.forthunter.org

Shop Local
Sept. 21: Shop local at Stay Apparel Co.’s Makers Market, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr. Discover unique creations from local artists, enjoy treats and pick up fresh-cut flowers. www.stayapparel.com

Cemetery Tours
Sept. 21: Join tours of Harrisburg Cemetery, co-hosted by Historic Harrisburg Association and Camp Curtin Historical Society. Different tours each hour at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. $10 per tour or three for $25. Meet at 521 N. 13th St. www.historicharrisburg.org/events

Dance Night
Sept. 21: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for a cha-cha lesson at 2 p.m., followed by three hours of social dancing, at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. Admission is $15, $10 for members and $5 for students. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 Harrisburg Area PA

Digital Detox
Sept. 25: William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library presents a five-week book club at 200 W. 2nd St., Hummelstown. Participants will read “How to Break Up with Your Phone” by Catherine Price, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., to learn practical steps for improving their relationship with technology. www.dcls.org

Celebrate Wildwood
Sept. 27: Help celebrate Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, with a nature-themed afternoon, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about butterflies and birds, paint a pumpkin, get creative with crafts, enjoy live music and go for a guided walk. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Free Music Festival
Sept. 27: The Colonial Park United Church of Christ will be holding a free Music Festival from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Festival will feature three live bands (Lower Paxton Variety Band, Blue River Soul, and Janie Womack and Jodie Echterling). Plus there will be a Basket Raffle, Kids’ Zone, Food Truck, and appearances from the local police and fire department. Fun for the whole family! The Festival will be held on the CPUCC grounds at 5000 Devonshire Road, Harrisburg 17109.

Author Event
Sept. 27: Explore Books Books Books 2025 at “The Barn” at Wyndham Resort, 2300 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, featuring a variety of authors selling and signing books, 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online. www.bit.ly/BooksBooksBooks2024

Harvest Dinner
Sept. 27: Susquehanna Folk and Beshore Hill Farm, 2529 S. Market St., Mechanicsburg, are teaming up for their fourth annual Harvest Dinner, with a hyper-local dinner at 5:30 p.m. and live music at 7 p.m. www.susquehannafolk.org

WoofStock
Sept. 28: Central PA Animal Alliance presents the 20th annual WoofStock, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Riverfront Park, Harrisburg. Enjoy vendors, entertainment, a pet costume contest and more during the annual festival celebrating all-things canine. www.centralpaanimalalliance.org

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Happenings: Our September Calendar of Events

August 28, 2025 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Tailgate Travelers—Classic Station Wagons,” through Oct. 17

“Don Allen Chevrolet Dealership Retrospective,” through Oct. 17

“The Corvette Then and Now,” through Oct. 17

“Husqvarna—Get Your Husky On,” through Oct. 25

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

“The 7 Lively Artists: 70 Years of Excellence,” a retrospective exhibit celebrating one of Harrisburg’s most important and enduring painting groups, through Sept. 4

“Villains, Misfits & Anti-Heroes,” fall membership exhibition, Sept. 12-Oct. 16

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

“Observations & Intuition—Seeing Beyond the Obvious,” works by Jonathan Frazier, Paul Nagle and Julie Riker, Sept. 5-Oct. 2; reception: Sept. 5, 5:30-7 p.m.

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

“Along the River & Beyond: Landscapes by Jonathan Frazier and Carrie Wissler-Thomas,” Sept. 28-Dec. 14 (select dates); reception: Sept. 28, 12-1:30 p.m.

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

“Elevate—Honoring the Ordinary with Scotte Meier & Becky McDonah,” through Sept. 13

“Wild Elegance,” a retrospective of works by Anne Cherry, through Sept. 13

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Artist of the month: Joe DeLutis

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

“Limelight on Local Artists—Brenda Fernsler and Craig S. Bomberger,” through Sept. 30

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

Featured artist of the month: Connie Betz, Sept. 3-27

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, hallway gallery, through Oct. 23

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, community room, through Nov. 29

Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S Front St., Harrisburg
717- 233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

Mansion tours, Tuesdays-Friday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery
847 Cumberland St., Lebanon
LebanonPictureFrame.com

16th Annual “12 & Under Small Works Group Show,” through Sept. 27

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

“Metanoia,” works by Stephen Althouse, Sept. 5-Oct. 12; artist talk and reception: Sept. 5, 4:30 p.m.

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

New works by Linda Benton McCloskey, Reina 76 Artist, Julie Iaria, Spencer Jackson, Tina Berrier, Jemar Sweets and Kristen Fava, through Sept. 14

New works by Ann Benton Yeager, Kristin Livelsberger, Kathy Mina, Ambria Michelle, Caren Shelley, Caleb Smith and Tami Bitner, Sept. 16-Oct. 12

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

2025 Youth Art Contest winners exhibit, through Sept. 27

The Photography of Melissa Penley Cormier, through Nov. 1

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

Art in the Stacks—Alissa Kachel and Beth Moore Sept. 1-30

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

“Color Meets Canvas—The Way I See the World” By Marilyn LaDieu, through Sept. 20

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

Art of the State, the 58th annual juried exhibition of Pennsylvania’s rich artistic heritage, featuring a diverse range of works, through Sept. 14

“Game Changers—Pennsylvania Women Who Made History,” celebrating women from across PA in diverse fields

“Bannered Heroes—Celebrating Pennsylvania’s African American Veterans,” presented by Beta Pi Boulé, the Harrisburg chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boulé)

“Home Improvements—New to the Collections,” artifacts designed and marketed in the first half of the 1900s as modern conveniences

“Portraits of Identity—HAAPI Through The Lens”

“Horse2Auto: A Transportation Revolution”

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

“Common Ground—Works by Betsy and Gerry Bannan,” oil paintings and representational drawings, through Oct. 5

“Future Fossils,” imagined relics by international artists that depict a future apocalypse, offering a preserved, contemporary snapshot of present-day life, through Nov. 2

“Collage Philadelphia Presents: Tactile Shift,” featuring three collage works by Philadelphia-based artists Jason Chen, Jake Dombroski and Florence Weisz, through Nov. 30

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“Wendy Red Star—Her Dreams Are True,” Sept. 26-Feb. 7

“Viewing the Indigenous Landscape,” an exhibition exploring different artistic perspectives on the American landscape and Indigenous cultures, through Oct. 12

The Trout Gallery
Dickinson College
240 W. High St., Carlisle
717-254-8159; troutgallery.org

“Imprint—Selected Gifts from Eric Denker ‘75,” celebrating donations from Dickinson College alumnus and art historian Eric Denker, through Sept. 13

“To Listen Deeply,” through Dec. 13; reception: Sept. 5, 5-7 p.m.

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

“Walela—Wings of Nature,” photographer James Wheeler captures a hummingbird mother’s journey from a new nest to egg laying and rearing young to their fledge, Sept. 10-Oct. 11; reception: Sept. 20, 2-5 p.m.

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

“Art in the Wild,” a community outdoor environmental art exhibit with works composed of mostly natural materials to blend with Wildwood’s natural setting, through Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

Sept. 3: Date Night With Glassblowing, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 3, 17: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Introduction to Figure Drawing, 6-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: Acrylic Painting, 1:30-3 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: Figure Drawing Studio, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 11-Oct. 23: Create Amazing Pictures with your iPhone, Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 11-Oct. 16: Pottery For All (ages 15+), Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m.
Sept. 16-Oct. 28: Functional Pottery, Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.
Sept. 16-Oct. 7: Next Steps for the Very Beginner in Watercolor, Tuesdays, 3-5:30 p.m.
Sept. 16: Galaxy Watercolor Workshop, 3-5 p.m.
Sept. 16: Garden Gnome Needle Felting Workshop, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 16: Poppy Bouquet Watercolor Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 18-Oct. 9: Beginning Drawing, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 18-Oct. 9: Pottery Wheel Throwing, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 18-Oct. 9: Intermediate/Advanced Pastel Painting, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 18: Sensational Silk Scarves, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 18: Sunflower Basket Weaving Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14, 28: Watercolor for the Very Beginner, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7: Cartoon Drawing (ages 9-14), 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9: FUNdamental Drawing (ages 9-14), 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 2: Wheel 101, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Oil Painting, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 6: Put Your Color Pedal to the Metal, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 9-Oct. 14: Fundamentals of Photography, Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 10-Oct. 15: Create Amazing Pictures with your Phone Camera!, Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 17: Suicide Loss Survivors, 5:30-7 p.m.
Sept. 17, 24: Pastel Pet Drawing, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 17-Oct. 15: Beginning Hand Building—Dinner for One, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 19: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 20: Abstract Painting Workshop, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 22-Oct. 27: Wheel 102—Dinner for One, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 23: Sensational Silk Scarves, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 27: Creative Collage, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sept. 27: Can you Guess the Word Workshop (ages 9-14), 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Sept. 11: Southern Hospitality, 6-9 p.m.
Sept. 25: Fast and Flavorful Pasta, 6-9 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Sept. 9: Books on Tap at Rubber Soul Brewery, Hummelstown, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 13: Stories at Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Harrisburg, 10-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 13: Reading Rainbow at LGBT Center of Central PA, Harrisburg, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Sept. 1: The Stitch Sitch, 2-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 6: Figment Forge, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 16: Around the World in 12 Fairytales, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sept. 18: Sip & Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
Sept. 24: East Shore Cinema—“To Kill a Mockingbird,” 3 p.m.

Elizabethtown Public Library
10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown
717-367-7467; etownpubliclibrary.org

Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Fiber Artists, 3-6 p.m.
Sept. 6: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sept. 13: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sept. 20: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 27: Board Game Meetup, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

Sept. 9: Sound Meditation, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 11: Art Heals—Mosaic Pumpkin Workshop, 5:30-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31: Children’s Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 1, 15: Fredricksen Writes, 7-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 2: Curl Up with the Classics, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 2: Computer Basics, 2-3 p.m.
Sept. 3: Embroiderer’s Stitch In, 1-4 p.m.
Sept. 3, 17: Zen Meditation, 2-3 p.m.
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Baby & Toddler Story Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 4: Ikebana, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Fredricksen Knits, 1-4 p.m.
Sept. 5: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 6: The Puzzlers, 1-4:30 p.m.
Sept. 7: Paint With Us, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 8: Mock Interview Sessions, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 9: Resume Writing, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 9: Card Games for the Fun of It, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 23: Read to Dogs, 6-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 11: Gardening with Nature Series, 7-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 12: STEAM Discovery Play – Preschool, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 12: Indie & Foreign Film Fridays, 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 15: Genealogy Club, 5-6 p.m.
Sept. 15: Zoology Club, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 26: Peaceful Poses Yoga for Adults, 9:15-10 a.m.
Sept. 26: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime for Preschoolers, 10-10:45 a.m.
Sept. 26: Solopreneur Roundtable—Taking Control: Project Management Strategies for Solopreneurs, 12-2 p.m.
Sept. 27: Teen Game Day—Life Size Club 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 28: Game Day for All!, 1-4:30 p.m.
Sept. 28: Pokémon Club, 3-4:30 p.m.
Sept. 30: iPhone Basics, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Sept. 13: Hammered Leaves, 10-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 14: Tie Dye, 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 20: Needle Felted Pendant, 2-4 p.m.
Sept. 21: Sunflower Basket, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Sept. 27: Beginner Watercolor, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

George & Hettie Love Memorial Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

Sept. 13: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 20: Silent Book Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 23: Engineering Simple Bots, 5-6 p.m.
Sept. 30: Coloring for Adults, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 13: Workshop—Objects As Metaphors, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 13: Workshop—Where Are We?, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 15: Workshop—That Reminds Me, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Sept. 3-17: Introduction to Plein Air Painting, Wednesdays, 2-5 p.m.
Sept. 4-Oct. 23: Water Media, Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 15-Oct. 27: Oil and Acrylics, Mondays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Sept. 1-30: Spice of the Month: Dill
Sept. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30: Penn State Hershey Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 3: LEGO Club, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Community Crochet Night, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 4: Walking Hershey Gardens at Hershey Public Library, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Teen Time, 2:30-4:15 p.m.
Sept. 4, 18: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Sept. 11, 18, 25: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Sept. 16: Tween Tuesday, 4-5 p.m.
Sept. 16, 30: Silent Book Group, 10-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 24: Cybersecurity with Members 1st, 2-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 29: Read to a Hockey Player, 4-4:45 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-4646; historicharrisburg.org

Sept. 5: Jazz Walk live music, with Central PA Friends of Jazz, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 14: Harrisburg Gallery Walk, featuring photographer Jeff Wiles and oil painter Rebecca Keim Shirk, plus historic gas stations by Jimmy Rosen, noon to 5 p.m.

Sept.19: 3rd in the Burg open house, with Wiles, Keim and Rosen exhibits, plus book signing and brief talk by author Jimmy Rosen, 5 to 8 p.m.

Sept. 22: Fourth Monday Program, “Harrisburg History and the Kelker Family,” as revealed in “Immigrant Family: Three Centuries in America” by Norman Kelker, 6 p.m.

Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education
4945 Horn Rd., York
717-757-6441; hornfarmcenter.org

Sept. 7: Wild Abundance—Late Summer Foraging Walk, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 7: Introduction to Nature Journaling, 1:30-4 p.m.
Sept. 14: The Art of Pressing Flowers, 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 19: Pawpaw Preview—Exclusive Tour and Tasting, 5:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 27: Pollinator Planters—Container Gardening for all Conditions, 10-11:30 a.m.

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

Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 4: LEGO Club, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Sept. 13, 27: Block Party!, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 13, 27: Puzzle Party, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 20: Craft-A-Palooza, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 25: Tales for TAILS!, 6-7 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
717-409-5781; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Sept. 13: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 17: Sip & Speak, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 30: Coloring for Adults, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: STEAM Club, 6 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tiny Tots Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Wee Readers Storytime, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Teen Time, 4-5 p.m.
Sept. 13: Family Board Game Days, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Sept. 6: An Evening with Drew Hart and Peter Enns, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 9: “The End of the World As We Know It—New Tales of Stephen King’s ‘The Stand,’” a conversation with Brian Keene, Somer Canon, Chuck Wendig and Richard Chizmar, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 13: Storytime at the Scholar, 10-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 20: An Evening with Jill Lepore and Malcolm Kenyatta, 7-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 6: Paint & Be a Dreamcatcher, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 6: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
Sept. 20: Painting Large Acrylic Abstracts, 9-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 26: Abstract Expressionism in Oil and Cold Wax, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 22: Equinox Night Walk, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 27: Fungi Foray, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Sept. 1-5: Back to School LEGO Contest (ages 5 and older)
Sept. 1-30: Fall Into Reading Challenge (ages 0-18)
Sept. 1-30: Pokémon Scavenger Hunt (ages 0-12)
Sept. 3: Piece Seekers, 6-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 4: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 6, 13, 20: Take and Makes (ages 0-12)
Sept. 6, 20: Library Book & Media Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sept. 9: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 9: Organizing Your Genealogy Research, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 10: Storytime STEAM (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Sept. 11: Toddler Time (ages 2-3), 10:30-11 a.m.
Sept. 11: Pumpkin Painting (ages 3 and older), 5-6 p.m.
Sept. 12: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30-12 p.m.
Sept. 13: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
Sept. 15: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 15-Oct. 20: Retro Storytime Series (ages 3-5), Mondays, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Sept. 17: Family Fort Fest (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 17: Outdoor Sports-Themed Minute to Win It (ages 6-12), 5-6 p.m.
Sept. 18: Movers and Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Sept. 18: Teen Tarot Club (ages 12-16), 5-6 p.m.
Sept. 19: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 21: Cultural Series—“Our Beginnings” with Charles Stone, 3-4 p.m.
Sept. 23: Junior Scientists (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
Sept. 25: STEM Sort & Match with Fall Sensory Bins (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 25: STEAM Scene (ages 6-12), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sept. 26-Oct. 24: 1,2,3 Play With Me (ages 0-3), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 27: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 30: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Sept. 1: Genealogy Group, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Strength & Stretching 50+, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 8: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 18: Debut Author Book Club @ Book Bar, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 22: BYO Craft Nights Adults 18+, 4:30-6:45 p.m.
Sept. 22, 25, 29: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Sept. 25: Little Explorers Early Learning Class, 1:30-2 p.m.

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

Sept. 2: Paint Your Pet, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 16: Mosaic Maple Leaf, 6-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 3-27: Legends of the Night Sky, 11-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 3-28: Two Small Pieces of Glass
Sept. 3-28: We Are Aliens
Sept. 5, 20: Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28: Violent Universe, 12-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 10: Homeschool Program—Celebrating Art and Food, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 19: Virtual Program—Discover Dairy Beyond the Fridge, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 24: Fall Leaves, 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 26: Curiosity Kids—Apples, 11:30 a.m.

Susquehanna Outfitters
333 S. Front St., Wormleysburg
717-503-0066; susquehannaoutfitters.com

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Wednesday Night Workout Paddles, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 7: Full Moon float on Susquehanna, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Sept. 12: Yellow Breeches Creek Float, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 26: Brewery Float, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

Sept. 9: Mosaic Maple Leaf, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 13: Fall Botanical Plates, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 13: Pinch Pot Pumpkins, 2-3 p.m.
Sept. 19: Ceramic Ghosties Workshop, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 26: Date Night Mugging, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 27: Glazing of the Botanical Plates, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Sept. 9: Monarch Tagging, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 13: Fall Wreath Workshop, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 13: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners’ Brake the Rake—Surprising Ways to Winterize the Garden, 9:30-11 a.m.
Sept. 13: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 18: Kids Discover—Herons & Egrets (ages 5-10), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Sept. 13: Crafternoon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 22: Teen Silent Book Club, 3-4 p.m.
Sept. 25: Digital Detox Book Club, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Sept. 5: Gabby Barrett, Payton Smith
Sept. 6: Get the Led Out
Sept. 7: The Malpass Brothers, Wilson Fairchild
Sept. 11: The Nelsons
Sept. 14: Celtic Thunder
Sept. 15: ZZ Top
Sept. 18: Clint Black
Sept. 19: The Texas Tenors
Sept. 21: The Australian Pink Floyd Show

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

Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Open Mic Night
Sept. 19: Zac Brown Tribute, The Jacks
Sept. 26: Bella’s Bartok
Sept. 27: 90s Rockfest with tributes to Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against The Machine, Smashing Pumpkins

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

Sept. 20: Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara
Sept. 25: The Wallflowers, Brother Elsey
Sept. 27: Black Violin

Arts on the Square
20 S. Second St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

Sept. 28: Alcee Chriss III

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

Sept. 3, 17: Christine Purcell
Sept. 4, 25: Andrea Britton
Sept. 5, 19, 26: Ted Ansel
Sept. 6, 10, 24: Roy Lefever
Sept. 11, 12, 18, 20: Chris Emkey
Sept. 13, 27: Anthony Haubert

Englewood Hershey
1219 West End Ave., Hummelstown
717-256-9480; www.englewoodhershey.com

Sept. 6: Josh Krevsky
Sept. 20: Curtis Smith
Sept. 27: Dan Kibler & Amy Simpson

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

Sept. 12: The Villones

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Sept. 13: First Listen, free performance by talented youth—Daniel Qi
Sept. 13: Michelle Cann, Tommy Mesa

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Sept. 6: Skydxddy, Demi the Daredevil
Sept. 12: Instinctual Self-Slaughter
Sept. 14: Dragonforce
Sept. 13: The Nu-Metal Values Tribute Festival
Sept. 14: Kickin Valentina, Bad Marriage

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

Sept. 27-28: Symphonie Fantastique

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

Sept. 5: Luv Gods
Sept. 6: The Edward Twins
Sept. 12: Emily’s ToyBox
Sept. 13: Stonewood
Sept. 19: The Uptown Band
Sept. 20: South Penn Dixie
Sept. 26: Amish Outlaws
Sept. 27: The Unusual Guests

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

Sept. 10: George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Sept. 24: Engelbert Humperdinck

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

Sept. 24: Balourdet Quartet

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

Sept. 7: The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own
Sept. 18: Paragon Ragtime Orchestra

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Sept. 19: Messiah University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds

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

Sept. 6: Real Diamond

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

Sept. 12: The Kathleen Parks Band
Sept. 21: Open Mic Night

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

Sept. 5: Nicks in Time Tribute to Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac
Sept. 6: Several Species—The Pink Floyd Experience
Sept. 10: Burning Witches
Sept. 12: Allen Stone
Sept. 13: Steel Panther
Sept. 20: Nirvani—A Nirvana Tribute
Sept. 27: Finger Eleven & Alien Ant Farm

West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge St, New Cumberland
717-759-5464; www.westshoretheatre.org

Sept. 18, 19: Sweet Baby James
Sept. 26: The Unforgettable Big Band
Sept. 27: The Flying Circus Tribute to Led Zeppelin
Sept. 28: Erica Lyn Everest

The Stage Door

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

Sept. 12-21: “Titanic The Musical”

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

Sept. 3-7: “Songs For a New World”

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

Sept. 3-20: “Buddy—The Buddy Holly Story”
Sept. 26-Nov. 1: “A Chorus Line”

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

Sept. 17-Oct. 4: “Little Red Riding Hood” (Popcorn Hat Players)
Sept. 19-21: “Three Queens”
Sept. 26: TMI Improv

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

Sept. 5, 6: Tom Daddario
Sept. 12, 13: Erik Terrell
Sept. 19, 20: Steven Rogers
Sept. 26, 27: Psychic Comedian Peter Antoniou

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Poetry Night at H*MAC

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center (HCPAC)
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, Middletown
717-939-9333; thehcpac.org

Sept. 19-20: “Bingo Spells Murder”

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

Sept. 5: Free Improv Mixer, Goose Parade, Bondfire Society, Barn Bitches
Sept. 6: Free Improv Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Lil’ Stinkers, Ham Juice
Sept. 12: Team Z, Girl’s Trip, Left Unsupervised, Tater Tot Dish, Spice Crones, Neighborhood Gossip
Sept. 13: Free Improv Mixer
Sept. 19: Free Improv Mixer, Goose Parade
Sept. 26: Free Improv Mixer
Sept. 27: And Another Thing—A Sketch Show

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

Sept. 11-14: “13”

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

Sept. 4-8: “Broadway Bound”

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

Sept. 14: “Pirate School—Sea Dreams”

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

Sept. 6-21: “Come Together—A Celebration of The Beatles”
Sept. 11: EFF Live!
Sept. 28: Court Street Cabaret

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

Sept. 5-21: “Misery”

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

Sept. 12-21: “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”

West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge St, New Cumberland
717-759-5464; www.westshoretheatre.org

Sept. 14: “Messing with Lehr: A Night of Improv” w/Susan Messing & John Lehr

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Creative & Crafty: Nearby art classes let youth express themselves, practice skills

August 28, 2025 | by Gina Napoli

Illustration by Aron Rook

It wasn’t until last summer when I finally created a fridge-worthy painting.

As a child, I’d taken art classes, my creations later shoved into the back of my shame-drawer. Most of my art teachers (God bless them!) tried to teach me, but they soon identified with the nuns’ comments on my report cards: “Impervious to instruction.”

I’d thought (incorrectly) that art is an “anything goes” experimentation sesh. What I realized as an adult is that art classes teach more than mixing colors and buying the right kind of sketchpad. Kids must learn rules and correct techniques before strategically flaunting them.

Most art styles are forgiving, allowing experimentation … but not pottery class. Bob Cappelluti, a self-taught pottery teacher and owner/president of Riverbottom Pottery in Swatara Township, stressed the need for kids to follow directions.

“If they don’t follow the steps, the piece doesn’t make it,” he said.

Although the atmosphere is fun, Cappelluti expects kids (ages 7 and older) to learn, to apply critical thinking in 3-D, and to communicate with instructors, all six of whom used to teach elementary school.

In pottery class, “there’s a sense of satisfaction that they’ve successfully materialized something,” Cappelluti said. “Whatever piece they make, they take through the whole process.”

Sarah Kachurik said pottery classes expanded her fifth-grade daughter Tori’s creativity “beyond the typical box of crayons.” Mom said, “She stepped away from electronics and worked with her hands to create something she saw in her imagination.”

There’s also a takeaway lesson when things don’t work as intended. Tori either had to fix it, or accept that the piece wasn’t working and start over. Either way, Mom reports, Tori had fun.

Try Something New

Other types of art instructors can afford to encourage experimentation because their media are more forgiving. Art Association of Harrisburg’s Youth Drawing & Painting instructor Allison Juliana believes that, while basic guidance and structure are important, kids are there to learn something new and to use art as a means of expression.

Beyond trying new materials, like tempura paint or mixing colors, she encourages kids to “take risks, to think about materials in a new way. I show them different styles and approaches so they can learn about the many different ways to create art, maybe try something they haven’t tried before.”

Fellow Art Association of Harrisburg instructor Carrie Feidt also uses diverse art media to allow children to discover what works for them. (Feidt also teaches independently through Carrie Feidt’s Freelance Art, focusing on kids ages 5 to 14.) Feidt encourages kids “to look at the world around them in a more artistic way. They may begin to wonder how they would go about painting a scene that they see.”

Resiliency and troubleshooting are other important lessons.

“I have seen young kids learn how to be creative and fix something that they originally thought was an accident,” Feidt said.

Although she is clear in warning her students what will happen when they make certain decisions, their true understanding must stem from working with the materials hands-on.

“Kids always get excited when they can turn something they didn’t like into something they are proud of,” she said.

Making, Collaborating

I’d like to think I learned something from each teacher who tried to “correct” my art. But more important are art instructors who develop insights into their students, and those who nurture relationships—especially for kids who don’t fit into more interactive reference groups.

Tina Antonicelli, secretary of the Art Center School and Galleries board of directors and volunteer director, loves to see artsy kids come together, bouncing ideas off each other.

“Kids who don’t have athletics or music may lose their way,” Antonicelli said. “Art classes give those kids a chance to build self-confidence and experiment with different techniques.”

Katie Seward, an eighth grader who has attended several pottery and drawing classes at the Art Center, considers art itself to be a lifelong part of her friend group and a form of self-expression that allows her to be in the moment.

Her mother, Huyen Nguyen, has seen her daughter develop patience, work ethic and the ability to take her time.

“I’m starting to see her combine her two interests together: pots, plates and bowls with patterns or drawings,” Nguyen said. “One year, Katie had [drawings of] dragons and snakes swimming all over her artworks. She’s even won awards for her art pieces.”

That same spirit of collaboration and experimentation helps kids grow in other life areas, with instructors who nudge them out of their comfort zones. Although there is no typical child who enrolls in art classes, many local art classes tend to attract kids enrolled in virtual cyber schools looking for in-person interaction.

“Art classes bring kids together,” Juliana said. “They’re meeting like-minded peers, forming new relationships.”

“The first day of camp is quiet,” Cappelluti added. “But they’re old friends by the end.”

As critically formative as art classes are, they can be expensive. My daughter is currently an art major in college, and you can practically hear my two leftover nickels clinking together. In the spirit of inclusion and opportunity, inquire about scholarships, sponsorships, benefactor offerings and ride sharing for your kids. If you’re on the other side of the tin cup, thank you for supporting the arts.

For more information on The Art Center School and Galleries of Mechanicsburg, visitwww.theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com/kids-classes.

Find out more about the Art Association of Harrisburg at www.artassocofhbg.com.

Learn more about Riverbottom Pottery at www.riverbottompottery.com.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Adventure Together: It’s out with the old and in with the new as summer turns to fall and this month’s activities explore recycling and erosion

August 28, 2025 | by Natalie diSanto

We’ve done a lot of breaking down this month.

Our craft centered on deconstructing recyclables to make ecofriendly designs. Our hike took us to a spring in the mountains where water flowed out of rocks eroded over the years. Our social action focused on removing old clothes from the closet, making space for new. The summer follows suit, with trees dropping their first leaves.

To start off the month, we explored Dauphin Middle Paxton Community Park. Surrounded by views of the Appalachians, the park is a hotspot for community activity, with six baseball fields, two playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, and (my favorite) a walking trail that allows parents to keep an eye on the kids from a distance while enjoying some peace and quiet.

Spring in Your Step

Post-park, we took a short drive to Clark’s Valley Road. The road is crowded with trees, and we played peekaboo with the creek while meandering along the winding asphalt. Our hike began at an Appalachian Trail access point just before Rush Mile Marker 10. There are two options for this hike. The southbound trail starts at the parking lot with a level gravel trail. On this hike, there’s creek access with a sandy beach and toppled trees that make great hiding areas for fish, if you’re inclined to bring a hook.

The northbound trail begins across the road. Cars speed down this corridor, so hold on to your littles and look both ways and listen before crossing the street. This trail climbs Peter’s Mountain, with a steady incline and rough terrain. About a half mile in, there’s a wooden sign with a blue blaze that reads, “Spring.”

If you follow the “Spring Trail,” you’ll find a campsite for thru hikers. The site was empty during our trip, and it was fun to imagine what it would be like to carry everything we need in backpacks. We brainstormed the items we would bring, but one thing we didn’t want to carry in our pretend packs was huge and heavy containers of water.

About 20 yards from the campsite is the spring that the trail is named for. There are signs advising folks not to drink the water, which was disappointing, but makes sense. As water travels through the mountain, it does its own version of breaking down, picking up minerals and impurities that may make it unsafe for human consumption. So, we relied on the reusable bottles that we had filled at home.

After the hike, we popped by 3B Ice Cream in Dauphin, which is directly across from Clarks Valley Road and works as a great incentive and rewarding treat after a long day out in nature.

Creative Re-use

Back home, we started our craft, breaking down old boxes to repurpose the cardboard into a new medium for crafting. We ripped the cardboard into 2-inch pieces then put them in a blender with water. We turned on the blender and immediately burned out the motor. Whoops!

By the time we replaced the blender, the cardboard had soaked long enough to turn to mush. We blended the mush until it became a slurry. Then we stretched out a piece of window screen on the grass, held it down with sticks, and dumped the cardboard slurry onto it. The excess water from the slurry dripped into the grass, and my kid had fun shaping the muck into a heart.

After a day, the cardboard heart had dried and solidified in its new shape, feeling similar to papier mâché. It was a really cool experience to transform something that usually gets thrown in the recycling bin into a craft that we are proud of.

Rolling with the transformations, we sorted through our clothes next, packing up items that no longer served us but could be repurposed then dropped off as a donation to Community Aid. There are so many places to donate gently used clothes, such as Salvation Army, Goodwill and Once Upon a Child, which help to reduce our carbon footprint and save money. Pro tip: Halloween is on the horizon, and thrift stores often sell costumes at a fraction of the cost of newly bought!

We learned a lot this month, focusing on ways that breaking or changing can make space for creativity and transformation. Like the stream in the mountain, carving its way to a spring or cardboard being blended to a new shape, it is important to be willing and ready to embrace change.

Dauphin Middle Paxton Community Park is located at 700 Claster Blvd., Dauphin.

3B Ice Cream’s Dauphin shop is located at 1430 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Fab Fall: Open Stage channels the spirit of the Beatles

August 28, 2025 | by Stuart Landon

Photo courtesy of Open Stage

The first chord of “A Hard Day’s Night” kicks off “Come Together: A Celebration of The Beatles,” and, with it, Open Stage’s 40th anniversary season.

Running Sept. 6 to 27 on the Capital Blue Cross Main Stage, the concert-style tribute brings the Fab Four’s legendary catalog to life with powerhouse vocals, a killer live band and no impersonations in sight.

This show also marks the return of Open Stage’s popular fall tribute series, which has celebrated artists like Judy Garland, Carole King, Dolly Parton, David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac. This time, it’s all Beatles—from the infectious pop of the early years to the layered brilliance of “Abbey Road” and beyond.

Directed by TJ Creedon and produced by Wayne Landon, the concert features music direction by Anthony Pieruccini and Brad Barkdoll. The band includes Pieruccini and Barkdoll on guitar, Dani Fiore on drums, Jeremy Blouch on bass and Adrienne Connaghan on piano and vocals.

“We didn’t want to impersonate the Beatles,” said Pieruccini. “The power of these songs is that they’re timeless. So, we focused on telling the story through the ensemble’s own voices and musicality.”

That ensemble includes Creedon, Connaghan, Jess Logan, Maggie Haynes, Aubrey Kyler, Drew Patti and Zachariah Roush. Each brings a fresh take to familiar songs while tapping into the emotional core of the music.

“It’s just such fun music to sing,” said Haynes, who previously appeared in Open Stage’s “Space Oddity: A Celebration of David Bowie.” “Everyone in the cast is a fan, and you can feel the joy from the first chord.”

The production team also includes Bethany Frymark (stage manager), Rachel Landon (costumes), Tristan Stasiulis (lighting), Kevin Cole (audio) and Kalina Barret (technical direction).

The setlist spans more than 40 songs across the Beatles’ catalog—from “Twist and Shout” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to “Blackbird,” “Come Together,” and the sweeping “Abbey Road” medley. Expect deep cuts and surprises too, like “Helter Skelter,” “Because” and the newly released “Now and Then.”

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering their music (in which case, welcome and where have you been?), “Come Together” is a joyful, harmony-filled celebration of the band that changed music forever. And with a full bar and fun Beatles-themed cocktails, it’s a perfect night out.

“Come Together: A Celebration of The Beatles” runs from Sept. 6 to 27 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For tickets and more information, visit www.openstagehbg.com. Stuart Landon serves as producing artistic director at Open Stage.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Popcorn Hat Players
“Little Red Riding Hood”
Sept.17 to Oct. 4

Stage Door Series
“Three Queens”
The U.S. Premier
Sept. 19 to 21

TMI Improv
Comedy Show
Sept. 26

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

“Come Together: A Celebration of the Beatles”
A concert tribute to the Fab Four
Sept. 6 to 27

Open Stage 40th Anniversary Party
Celebrate four decades of storytelling, community and creativity with music, memories and more
Sunday, Sept. 7

EFF Live!
A night of shameless, comedic and erotic fan fiction readings
Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

BaRPG
Tabletop roleplaying meets drinking games in this raucous, improvised night of adventure
Wednesday, Sept.17 at 7:30 p.m.

Court Street Cabaret
An open-mic style cabaret of songs from Broadway and beyond
Sunday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

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