Skate of Mind: Rayzor launches skateboard hub in emerging skateboard town.

September 29, 2017 | by Trey Knarr

Burg in Focus: The Steelton Skateshop at Rayzor Tattoos from GK Visual on Vimeo.

“Skaters serving skaters.”

That’s how owner Ray Young describes his new skate shop, which sits conspicuously on a small retail stretch along S. Front Street in Steelton.

For years, Rayzor Tattoos was, well, a place to get a tattoo, though always with one foot in the skate world. But now, right next door, it has vastly expanded its commitment by opening The Skate Shop, featuring a variety of gear, whether you’re a ripper or don’t know an ollie from a tail grab.

The shop, with something of a steampunk aesthetic, gives the impression that it’s been around for years, when it actually just celebrated its grand opening in August. I found myself staring at the Japanese-style art adorning a back-exit door while waiting on Manager Joe Vandalle, who was tightening a set of wheels for a customer.

As I walked around, the pair’s commitment to art was clear, both in tattoos and skateboarding. And the shop itself showed a carefully curated selection of boards, parts, accessories and apparel.

“Having more space allows us to have more brands,” Vandalle explained. “We are 100-percent skater owned and operated.”

This is beneficial for two crucial reasons. First off, by having more room to work with, the pair can continue to expand their business. Secondly, as skateboarders, they have firsthand experience with the goods for sale. You wouldn’t go to a car mechanic to fix your guitar. The same rules apply here.

“We’re skaters serving skaters,” Vandalle reiterated. “We basically don’t sell anything we wouldn’t ride.”

Vandalle and Young did not seem quite the typical businessmen. Young had slicked-back hair and strutted in the casual-yet-determined manner of a rock musician. Vandalle was more clean-cut, yet wordier. Each seemed perfect for their roles in the shop.

Quite possibly the only thing they had in common with tradition was a commitment to their brand and an animalistic tendency to guard it. On the idea of other shops following suit, Young said, “They may be copying us.”

The pair is also about community, devoted to re-energizing Steelton. They were instrumental in working with the borough to replace little-used tennis courts in Municipal Park with the area’s first free skate park, a 10,000-square-foot skaters’ paradise that opened last month.

“We love skating and what it does for the community, and we’re proud for the park to be opening,” Young said. “We’re very pleased with what skating has done in our lives.”

In addition to their work with Rayzor, they also find time for Get on Board for Autism, a charity that works with autistic kids. The program teaches children the joys of skateboarding in a safe environment, away from any competitive pressure. It also hosts skateboard art exhibits, most recently at Zeroday Brewing Co., which helps to raise money for the organization.

Indeed, Rayzor has gone far beyond any old cliché of a tattoo parlor, reflecting a modern trend of commitment to art, community and family, something also increasingly seen in the skate world. On a given day, you’re just as likely to see a mom stop in with her kid to shop for a new board as a tattooed ripper.

“Skateboarding is diversity,” Vandalle explained. “People come in, in all aspects.”

Rayzor Tattoo & Skate Shop is located at 2-4 S. Front St., Steelton. For more information, visit www.rayzortattoos.com or call 717-939-2222.

Musical Notes: Chills & Trills

September 29, 2017 | by Kait Gibboney

Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Smell that beautiful fall air. Breathe in the cool afternoons and crispness of the changed leaves.

October is here. This month is host to my favorite holiday: Halloween. You’d better believe Harrisburg’s got some creepy crawls prepared. If you’re looking for something spooky, we have costume parties and dances for your nightlife needs. Local talent takes the spotlight this month in popular venues around town for a more mellow time. In the spotlight this month, WXPN is bringing Grammy-winning artist Rickie Lee Jones to H*MAC for what will surely be one of Harrisburg’s biggest acts this month. There’s a lot to do during this mysterious month, so be sure to check out what the city has to offer.

OUTBREAK: THE BLACKLIGHT ZOMBIE BASH, 10/13, 9PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB, $7-$10It’s not really October unless you attend at least one costume party, right? At least, that’s my motto! River City Blues Club is putting on a night of glow, gore and glam with “Outbreak: The Blacklight Zombie Bash.” This evening of dancing, live painting and projections is accompanied by performances by Clark’s Secret Identity and Nefarious Godz with special guests DBU and Elemenetic. The headliner, Clark’s Secret Identity, is a self-titled “humble hometown rock band” with roots in prog rock, experimental, metal and punk. These guys are locals from Mechanicsburg, and they’re bringing their sick shredding skills to the stage for a truly spooky Friday the 13th.

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH RICKIE LEE JONES, 10/23, 8PM, H*MAC CAPITOL ROOM, $50The hype for this show is so real. Rickie Lee Jones is gracing H*MAC’s Capitol Room stage for an intimate evening of music. This two-time Grammy winner’s long music career started in 1978, producing over 15 critically acclaimed albums so far. She has also graced Rolling Stone’s cover twice in two years and has been featured on “Saturday Night Live” several times. Her self-titled album is definitely worth a listen for her notable songs “On Saturday Afternoons in 1963,” “Last Chance Texaco” and the well-known “Chuck E’s in Love.” This show is sponsored by WXPN, and it is definitely one of Harrisburg’s biggest shows in a long time. Don’t miss this chanteuse slay the audience with her bold, yet caramel-smooth vocals and jazzy rhythms.

“THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW” PRESENTED BY H*MAC THEATRE CO., 10/27-10/28, 8PM & MIDNIGHT, H*MAC CAPITOL ROOM, $20-$25 It’s that time of year when this cult classic makes a comeback. When I was going to college, every Halloween, I would go out for the annual screening and performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on campus. I’m glad that I can continue this musical tradition in Harrisburg the way it was meant to be watched—a live performance with an audience shouting out scripted and unscripted lines. Newly engaged and stranded in the middle of the night from car problems, Brad and Janet seek shelter in a nearby castle, only to find it full of wild and weird characters with some serious secrets. If you’ve never experienced “The Rocky Horror Show” before, now’s your chance to dip your fishnetted toes into the water. Come join me, and let’s all do “The Time Warp” again!

Mentionables:
Emmanuel Nsingani, Oct. 6, River City Blues Club; Alash Ensemble: Tuvan Throat Singers, Oct. 7, H*MAC Capitol Room; Corinna Joy, Oct. 8, Spring Gate Vineyard; Mountain Road, Oct. 14, The Abbey Bar; Crocodiles, Oct. 17, H*MAC Stage on Herr; Halloween with Enema—Blink 182 Tribute, Oct. 21, H*MAC Stage on Herr; Keel-O-Ween w/the Larry Keel Experience, 10/27, The Abbey Bar

Oasis of Hope: Paxton Ministries offers a home, a future for people in need.

September 29, 2017 | by Rachel Jenkins

A hand-painted picture of a sunflower field hangs proudly on the wall of Jodie Smiley’s office.

To an observer, it invokes an instant feeling of warmth and summertime serenity. To Smiley, it’s as much a piece of art as a symbol of the abilities in each resident under her care at Paxton Ministries.

Standing proudly on the corner of Paxton and S. 20th streets, Paxton Ministries has, for 36 years, served as a cornerstone of care for people in need. It’s an oasis of hope for those who may be impoverished, battling mental disability or seeking a second chance at new beginnings.

“Our mission from the beginning has been to care for people in need, whatever that need may be,” said Smiley, the organization’s executive director.

Along with providing a bedroom for those invited into the home, Paxton Ministries conquers the day-to-day challenge of fulfilling needs presented by the residents. That’s no easy feat, considering the immense variety in age range, education levels, mental or physical abilities and financial status.

Here’s what Paxton is not: a shelter. Residents, living communally, are there to help cope with psychological issues, overcome physical disabilities or gain financial independence. They will stay a few years or even a few decades. Smiley refers to the organization as a “safety net” for those with few options or financial resources.

Three meals a day are provided, as well as more than 100 activities each month. These are designed to cement a sense of community while creating lasting, positive memories among both residents and volunteers.

Paxton Ministries doesn’t offer direct medical care, but receives help in the form of nurse and doctor visits from PinnacleHealth and psychiatric and therapy services from Wellspan Philhaven. Additional community support includes food from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and the Dauphin County Technical School’s culinary program.

“[Residents] haven’t always been in life situations where they were treated with dignity and respect,” said Smiley. “Integrity is huge in everything we do. To be honest in our relationships with our residents, with each other and with those outside our walls, as well.”

In all, Paxton Ministries consists of four facilities. The Paxton Street Home, home to 85 residents, is a licensed personal care home, while the nearby Hudson Street Apartments offers independent living for people with mental health needs. The organization also runs the Boas Street Lodge and the Scenery Lodge, which employ the “Fairweather Lodge” group living model. Smiley explained the theory behind the model.

“People with a mental health diagnosis live in a peer-supported environment,” she said. “Some of the evidence shows they can speak into each other’s lives sometimes more effectively than others can.”

To maintain its status as a Fairweather Lodge, a model used around the country, the lodges need to offer employment. To that end, Paxton Ministries founded the for-profit Paxton Cleaning Solutions (PCS) and hired Michelle Rife to manage the staff and oversee job sites.

“If people can feel that they are contributing in a positive way, that affects all aspects of their life,” said Smiley.

“It’s a game changer,” added Rife.

PCS employee Jasmine came to Harrisburg for a fresh start and a second chance.

“Where I come from, everything is just really fast-paced, and no one really has time to understand about you and how it’s important to be around positive people,” she said.

Through a connection with Rife, Jasmine was introduced to PCS.

“Being here actually made me feel that I had family away from home, and I enjoy cleaning,” she said. “So, I’m doing something that I love to do.”

For so many, getting and maintaining a job is simply a part of life. For those working for PCS, it means overcoming the curveballs thrown at them by their disabilities or society’s stigma.

“We strive to make a difference for the individuals we serve, the people we employ, the families we touch and our greater community,” Smiley said.

Paxton Ministries is always looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of activities. To learn more, visit www.paxtonmin.org.

Declaring Independence: Options increase for senior living.

September 29, 2017 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Dorothy King plays bingo at Senior LIFE Harrisburg.

Let’s face it: none of us are getting any younger.

According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, 75.4 million people born between 1946 and 1964 live in this country, and, last year, the first of these Baby Boomers turned 70. We are an aging nation.

Given the choice, many of us probably would prefer to live out our golden years as independently as possible. Even the prospect of moving into assisted living may seem frightening to some.

If this resonates with you, take heart. There are more options than ever before to live longer and better while preserving your independence.

Healthy and Active

One concept in independent senior living is unfolding in Elizabethtown, with a name almost synonymous locally with senior care.

Masonic Village plans to construct 48 townhomes for adults 60 and older who aren’t ready for full-fledged senior living.

“These are people 60 and older who are ready to turn the page on the family home,” explained Nicholas Mahler, Masonic Village’s director of sales, admissions and outreach. “They’re in good health and don’t want to pay for a continuum of care. They’re looking for maintenance-free living without the full plunge into retirement.”

Proposed construction on the two-bedroom units with garages would begin in spring 2018, ranging in size between 1,275 and 1,447 square feet, with occupancy expected by the end of the year. Unlike other Masonic Village residences, these homes would be geared toward empty-nesters who are still working, in addition to retirees in good health.

Residents would have “maintenance-free living” that includes automatic snow and trash removal, housekeeping services and access to Masonic Village’s wellness center, swimming pools and restaurants, said Mahler. They would pay a one-time residency fee of $299,000 to $369,000 upon ownership, with monthly service fees ranging between $890 and $1,030.

Mahler said Masonic Village directors came up with the idea for the proposed community “by listening to our customers who were getting ready to retire.”

“They’re looking for a way to have a more carefree way of living and be a resident on our campus,” he said.

Across the river, Betsy Wendlek plans to move into Messiah Lifeways’ new Village Square development, a town square concept at the heart of Messiah Village outside of Mechanicsburg. The brand-new community features 84 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Village Square is designed to appeal to healthy seniors who want maximum independence but still desire access to the amenities offered as part of the Messiah Lifeways campus, such as dining options, recreation and health services.

“I am beyond excited to never have to call a plumber again,” Wendlek said.

She hasn’t lived in an apartment for about 50 years, but, after her husband passed away, wanted a living environment that was simpler and had more amenities, such as exercise classes.

“I wanted it to be my decision, one I had made on my own,” she said. “It is a freeing feeling.”

An Alternative

Earlier this year, Senior LIFE Harrisburg opened its first facility in the midstate, one of a dozen such locations throughout Pennsylvania.

LIFE is an acronym for Living Independence for the Elderly. The home and community-based healthcare program, funded by Medicare and Medicaid, provides lower-income seniors with services to remain living in their homes. Clients also are given the option of paying out of pocket.

“Most people are happy not to be in a nursing home,” said Jordan Hantz, Senior LIFE Harrisburg’s executive director. “Most individuals want to age at home.”

LIFE program participants receive all medical, social and personal support services from under one roof, comprising an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, home care aides, therapists, social workers, dieticians, drivers and others who provide direct care and services.

“We’re pretty unique,” Hantz said. “We’re like a one-stop shop for healthcare for seniors who qualify. We’re set up so that we can provide care 24/7/365.”

To qualify for Senior LIFE Harrisburg, applicants must be 55 or older, live in Dauphin County, be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare or have the ability to self-pay. Monthly personal income must remain below $2,205 with resources not exceeding $8,000. Members also must be able to live safely in the community.

To determine these factors, the Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging conducts in-person assessments.

Senior LIFE Harrisburg center manager Michele Myers said that she can name several instances in which members and families told her how the center improved their quality of life. Many, she said, fear leaving their homes, where they’ve lived much of their lives, for a nursing home.

“We have the opportunity to make a real difference in our members’ lives,” added Melanie Saul, Senior LIFE regional manager.

Masonic Village is located at 1 Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown. For information, call 717-367-1121 or visit www.masonicvillages.org/elizabethtown.

Messiah Lifeways is located at 100 Mount Allen Dr., Mechanicsburg. For information, call 717-697-4666 or visit www.messiahvillage.org.

Senior LIFE Harrisburg is located at 1910 Manada St., Harrisburg. For information, call 717-234-5433 or visit www.seniorlifeharrisburg.com. Senior LIFE Harrisburg is hosting a grand opening on Oct. 4 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Your Own Ark: What can we learn from the recent active hurricane season?

September 29, 2017 | by Jamie Mowery Lewis

Subway Cafe, exterior, and interior showing the high-water maek from 1972.

Recently, we’ve all seen pictures and videos of the terrible flooding in Texas, Florida and the Caribbean due to hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Neither hurricane affected the Harrisburg area, but many of us were probably reminded of times when tropical storms led to severe flooding in Pennsylvania. .

As recently as 2011, Tropical Storm Lee inundated large swaths of central Pennsylvania, and no one who lived through Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972 will ever forget it. If you weren’t alive then, just pop into Subway Café on Herr Street, and you will see the flood line above the front door.

With extreme natural disasters comes the opportunity for growth and learning. Many people are on high alert, and our office has been deluged with inquiries regarding flood insurance. Many assume that they have flood insurance with their homeowners’ insurance, but that isn’t the case.

Most standard homeowner’s policies cover damages incurred when winds blow off your roof, a tree falls on your house or flying debris breaks your windows. Most policies also provide protection from fire, lightning, hail, vandalism, explosions and theft. However, homeowner’s policies typically do not cover flooding.

U.S. law requires people to purchase basic flood insurance if they buy a home in a designated high-risk flood area with a federally backed mortgage. But Hurricane Harvey showed that flooding also can damage properties outside the highest-risk zones and affect homeowners who weren’t required to buy the additional coverage.

Homeowners can buy a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program or through private companies that provide a conduit to purchase the coverage through a local insurance representative. This provides coverage of up to $250,000 to repair your home and $100,000 for personal possessions. If you are not in a high-flood hazard area, the full amount can be purchased for less than $500 a year with lower limits available. It is important to understand that you have a 30-day waiting period before the flood policy takes effect, except if you are closing on a mortgage.

What else should you know? Well, the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is especially true for home insurance. Before a disaster strikes, take pictures of your property and valuables. This is the best way to show the condition your items were in prior to a loss. Some companies, such as ours, have a free home inventory app that you can download, which allows you to upload pictures of your items, attach receipts and more.

Having flood insurance in times of disaster, such as hurricanes Harvey and Irma, helps everyone by reducing the reliance on the federal government and our tax burden of those who are affected and don’t have coverage. Working in the insurance industry, we are often reminded by the quote from the late economist Howard Ruff—“It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.”

By learning from past events and being proactive, you are building your own ark.

Jamie Mowery Lewis is marketing executive for Gunn-Mowery LLC, a community publisher for TheBurg. The people of Gunn-Mowery would like to extend their thoughts and best wishes to everyone affected by this year’s hurricanes.

“Rebel” Without a Focus: J.D. Salinger biopic lacks structure, voice.

September 29, 2017 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

“You failed to turn it into a narrative.”

So says Whit Burnett (Kevin Spacey), a Columbia writing professor, to a young J.D. Salinger (Nicholas Hoult) in writer/director Danny Strong’s “Rebel in the Rye,” a story that spans Salinger’s career from budding student to reclusive iconoclast. While the line is meant to peg Salinger as a novice before he starts to hone his craft, it also neatly describes the biographical nightmare set before us—a story about the beloved author of “Catcher in the Rye” has no structure or voice.

Based on Kenneth Slawenski’s account, “J.D. Salinger: A Life”—the first fresh perspective the world had of Salinger, which portrayed his life through the lens of the war—the film adaptation can hardly be called “fresh.” For those who already know the details of Salinger’s life, there isn’t too much to offer in terms of injecting vitality into the plot. There is an over-abundance of events that shaped his life, and the film tries to fit most of them into the narrative: his mentorship with Burnett, his quibbles with his publishers, his multiple marriages, etc. For a biographical story, one expects a certain amount of plodding through history, event after event. But the beauty of a film adaptation is that you can give it shape and structure and, hell, even focus—things that this film seemed to skip over.

This isn’t the first time Strong has made this mistake. His work in Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” holds the same egregious claim to flat plot structure. Perhaps Danny Strong should focus on the stories that won him Emmys and steer clear of real-life stories.

There were some meaningful scenes, however bereft of connection they were, and, for the most part, Hoult and Spacey really pulled through and made the film worth sitting through. In one especially endearing moment, Spacey says, “Are you willing to devote your life to stories, knowing you’ll get nothing in return?”

This challenge will hit any aspiring writer in the audience square in the heart and is the semblance of a focus for the film. If your purpose in writing is for fame or money, then maybe you shouldn’t be writing. I’ll at least thank Danny Strong for that sentiment.

“Rebel in the Rye” starts on Sept. 29 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

OCTOBER EVENTS
AT MIDTOWN CINEMA
www.midtowncinema.com

National Theatre Live
“Yerma”
Monday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.

Slasher Lock-in
Friday, Oct. 13, 9:30 p.m.
(including Down in Front! screening)

Down in Front!
“Bloody Murder”
Friday, Oct. 13, 9:30 p.m.

A Vidjam of Horror screening
Sunday, Oct. 15, 5 p.m.

“Rocky Horror Picture Show”
Saturday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

Everything New Again: Seniors start the move into the renovated Jackson Towers.

September 29, 2017 | by Diane McNaughton

A newly transfigured, 13-story high-rise, vacant for 13 years, now bears two signature “JT” monograms on its beige and brown façade.

Inside, the building has the aroma of newness, the look of a chic hotel, and the grateful smiles of dozens of senior citizens.

After years of waiting and work, the 159 like-new units of Jackson Towers are filling with residents aged 62 and older, who were eagerly waiting to call 1315 N. 6th St. “home.”

First built in 1960, just blocks from the Capitol Complex, Jackson Towers has stood lifeless and languishing since being vacated in 2004. After a 2011-12 gutting and a long bidding process, renovations began in earnest in September 2013.

Fast-forward four years. After the Labor Day weekend faded into the rear-view mirror, the moving vans started pulling up to the covered portico. Seniors began sitting on the outdoor benches, and a lonely, tranquil building sprang to life.

After the total makeover, many residents are moving from its next-door neighbor, Lick Apartments. Both towers are located across from the Broad Street Market, adjacent to Ben Franklin School, near the Bethesda Mission and the proposed site of the new federal courthouse.

Among those moving in is 80-year-old Arthur Jefferson, who sat outside Lick Apartments in a wheelchair on a sun-soaked August afternoon. Fred Banuelos, vice president of the Harrisburg Housing Authority, called “Jeff” the unofficial “mayor” of Lick Apartments, a man who knows everybody by name and is a friend to all.

Jefferson reached into his back pants pocket to produce his folded white paper bearing his room assignment in Jackson Tower. It was his ticket to a brighter future.

He confessed that a stroke often interferes with his ability to express his thoughts easily, but his eyes and face told the tale. While health complications will prevent him from using the library and gym, he is looking forward to the conversation rooms and group areas.

“I like it,” he said enthusiastically about his new home.

Live in Dignity
When visitors walk beneath the covered entranceway of Jackson Towers, past the benches and precise landscaping, they enter an open, airy two-story lobby. The color palette is a sea of taupe, terra cotta, russet and chocolate brown. The lobby has a security station, open steps and three elevators, one of which is handicapped accessible.

Plush new carpets, tile floors and faux stone walls give the structure a look of sophistication. The first floor, which still had slipcovers protecting the carpet in late August, is non-living space, loaded with amenities. Rounding out the first floor are a library, game room for board and card games, community room with rich, faux cherry cabinets, group dining room, fitness room and resident relations office, where people can get help with medical issues, transportation and employment. Hamilton Health Center has a presence, as well, complete with examining rooms and a spacious waiting room.

“It has the appearance of high-end, but it was done at an economical rate,” Banuelos said.

Room keys work on a high-tech fob system to avoid lost keys and lockouts.

The renovation, which cost $25 million, reduced the building’s units from 240 to 159, so they’re fewer but bigger.

“This is how housing could and should be,” Banuelos said. “If you are low-income, you don’t have to live in an institutionalized setting. They deserve to live in dignity and in something nice as well.”

Great Support
Jackson Towers is part of a vast public housing spectrum.

Banuelos said that there are 1,641 public housing units in Harrisburg, and, of those, 420 are for seniors. In addition to Jackson Tower, Morrison Tower has 120 and Lick has 144. The balance is for families, including Hall Manor, Hoverter Homes and William Howard Day Homes.

At JT, every resident is age- and income-qualified, Banuelos said.

Resident income must fall at 50 percent or below the median income in metropolitan Harrisburg to qualify. A waiting list for housing continues, but the authority is working to shorten it, both in terms of names and waiting times, he said.

He added that residents are charged 30 percent of their income for rent, so it is always affordable.

Banuelos said that he gets the same reaction from virtually everyone who tours JT: “It looks like a hotel!”

Family members of residents are especially thrilled. “I’m so happy my mom can live in such a nice place,” is a common refrain, he said.

“We knocked down walls and made new configurations,” Banuelos said. “We got great support throughout the community. That makes us want to come to work every day.”

The building has four styles of apartments. There are nine efficiencies, which have no private bedroom for “very simple living.” The second style is a one-bedroom apartment, with a galley-style kitchen and long countertops. Pocket doors allow for added space, and walk-in showers and closets offer ample storage and easy movement.

The third style is an L-shaped kitchen, with almond-colored walls. The fourth is handicapped-accessible. Floor-to-ceiling heights are tight. New Energy Star windows help with the energy retrofit of the building.

Banuelos said the intent was to move seniors from Lick to JT, but “the funding environment is making it prohibitive.”

Many residents had their hopes up and were disappointed, he said. The housing authority decided to make the move voluntary, leading about 80 to 85 of Lick residents to move.

Admittedly, coordinating the logistics of the move for many frail residents was tough. It was also like fitting together a jigsaw puzzle—some wanted the top floor, others the first. Some wanted the front and some the back, Banuelos said.

He said almost every preference was accommodated.

Moves began Sept. 5 in the morning, then two waves in the afternoon. Twenty moves each week are expected, until all are resettled.

“It’s a Herculean effort,” he said, even though the residents are only moving about 100 feet.

Much Potential
Jackson Towers and Lick Apartments have a long, proud history in Harrisburg.

Lick was named for Alton Lick, a former commissioner on the Housing Authority. Jackson Tower was named for C. Sylvester Jackson, a community activist and member of the Harrisburg Authority. The old plaques from the original, nondescript brick buildings and timeworn renderings are framed behind glass in the second floor administrative offices.

Lick Tower is being redeveloped also, but at a much slower rate, Banuelos said. Renovations will be done while residents continue to live there.

Denny Shelley served as the project manager with Dillsburg-based eciConstruction for the Jackson Tower overhaul. Involved in all three phases of the project, he said it took longer than expected, which is typical for projects of this magnitude, but it was done within the original construction budget.

He thinks the best part of the building is the architectural design, the lobby area and the Exterior Insulation Finishing System. This water-resistant surface is designed to be more durable and better at thermal and moisture control than traditional brick, stucco or siding.

He said the old building looked like “the public housing of old,” but, with this “new aesthetic,” JT “looks like market-rate apartments.”

Shelley saluted KD3 Design Studio of Lemoyne, led by Dale Hair and Kurt Oravecz, for the architecture and interior design services.

Beyond the project are the residents. Banuelos knows his people well.

“I have 144 grandmothers who are always asking me how my day is going,” he jokes.

But then he turns more serious.

“The city of Harrisburg has so much potential,” Banuelos said. “This is proof.”

When Shelley drinks in an aerial view of the downtown region, his eyes naturally gravitate to Jackson Towers.

“I believe this building stands out in the view of the cityscape,” he said.

Jackson Towers is located at 1315 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. For more information on the Harrisburg Housing Authority, visit www.harrisburghousing.org.

Happenings: Our October Calendar of Events

September 29, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Happenings

Museum & Art Spaces

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

“Just a Painter,” works by Steve George, through Oct. 7.

“Nothing Pretty,” group exhibition of local art, Oct. 17-Dec. 2; reception: Oct. 20, 6-9 p.m.

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

The Tucker Torpedo, first public appearance, Oct. 4-10.

“Camaro & Firebird 50^th Anniversary Exhibit,” through Oct. 8.

“Garage Finds: Unrestored Treasures that Survived Time,” through Oct. 8.

“Spirit of the Season,” showcasing black and orange vehicles and hearses for Halloween, Oct. 16-Oct. 31.

Lory Lockwood Art Display, through Oct. 29.

“Dynamic Duo—AACA ‘Most Awarded’ and ‘Most Traveled,’” through Nov. 1.

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

“Yellow Fever,” fall membership show, through Oct. 12.

“Metamorphosis,” five-artist invitational exhibition featuring the work of Candy Delaney, Joanne Landis, Thomas J. Norulak, Samantha Sanders and Barbara Passeri-Warfel, Oct. 20-Nov.22; reception: Oct. 20, 5-8 p.m.

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

“Exploit | Explore: Then to Now,” oil and cold wax paintings by Michele Taber, through October.

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

“Concha Correal and Joan Wolf—Journeys,” through Oct. 7.

“8 Looks at Architecture” with Howard Batchelor, Robert Cavenagh, Jonathon Frazier, Patricia Walach Keough, Michael Lahr, Susan Nichols, Kimberly Stone and Leon Yost; Oct. 13-Nov. 11; reception: Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.

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

Artist of the Month: John McNulty

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, Oct. 18-Nov. 14, at Café 1500.

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

“Four Generations of Stutzmans,” featuring the artwork of four generations of the Stutzman family, through Oct. 7.

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.

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

Paintings by Tara Chickey, through Oct. 6.

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

“Dark Rooms,” a group art and music tribute to David Lynch, through Oct. 31.

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

New works by Kristen Fava, Andrew Guth, Julie Iaria, Judy Kelly & Caleb Smith, through Oct. 15.

Works by Linda Benton McCloskey, Yachiyo Beck, Elaine Brady Smith and Christine Goldbeck, Oct. 17-Nov. 12.

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, Oct. 1-Jan.1.

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

Works by Charlie Krone, through October.

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

“Two Journeys,” an exhibition of children’s picture book illustrations by Kuen Kuen Liu Spichiger, through Oct. 7.

“Artisan Marketplace of Perry County,” showcasing unique local art and handcrafted items for holiday gift-giving that supports regional artists and crafters, Oct. 13-Jan. 6; reception: Oct. 13, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

“Artifacts,” photography by Owen Butler, through Oct. 11.

“Virtual Reality Reorganized,” drawings on wood by Denise Stewart Sanabria, Oct. 17-Nov. 17; lecture Oct. 17, 5:30 p.m.

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

“Ansel Adams: Early Works,” Oct. 7-Jan.21; members preview opening Oct. 6, 5-7 p.m.

“Earth and Tide: Connected Through Place,” featuring a group of Central PA artists who gather to exchange ideas and expand art communities, through Oct. 29.

“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.

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

“Painting on Clay,” pairing early post-WWII era abstract painters Robert Motherwell, Franz Kline, Helen Frankenthaler, Esteban Vicente and more, with ceramic works of Toshiko Takaezu, through Oct. 15.

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

“Art in the Wild,” nature-inspired art, through Oct. 31.

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

Works by Brian Bastinelli, through Nov. 12.

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

Works by Dan Kalbach, through Oct. 19.

“Vision Ink & Demonspeak” by Morgan Shay, Oct. 20-Nov. 16.

Read, Make, Learn

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

Oct. 28: Breaking Down Barriers to Exercise, 10-11 a.m.

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

Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Oil Painting, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 12: Gourdaments, 6-9 p.m.
Oct. 16-Nov. 20: Monday Night Wheel Throwing, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Oct. 19, 26: Play with Clay at the End of the Day (ages 10-18), 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Oct. 22: Tree of Life pyrography, 6-9 p.m.
Oct. 24-Nov. 27: Advanced Photography, 6:30-8 p.m.
Oct. 26: Open Paint Studio, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30-Dec. 4: Fundamentals of Photography, 6:30-8 p.m.

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

Oct. 5: Oktoberfest & Beer Pairing, 6-9 p.m.
Oct. 11: Bounty of the Fall, 6-9 p.m.
Oct. 19: Tour of Europe, 6-9 p.m.

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

Oct. 1: Mindfulness Matters, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 3: Curl Up with the Classics—“The Invisible Man,” 10 a.m.
Oct. 3: Storytime Yoga, 4 p.m.
Oct. 5: Young Adult Book Club for Adults, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 6: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 7: Traditional Chinese Painting, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 10: The Page Turners Writers Group (ages 12-14), 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: Foreign Film Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.
Oct. 14, 21: Get Started with Crochet, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: Chocolate Make and Take for Teens, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 16: Math Meets Music, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: Estate Planning, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18: Cooking Club, 4 p.m.
Oct. 20: Family Movie Night, 4 p.m.
Oct. 24: Fredricksen Reads, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25: Story time at Country Meadows, 10 a.m.

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

Oct. 5-Nov. 30: Improv Level 1

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

Oct. 3: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 3: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 4: Cyber Security Tips, 7-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 5: Learn to Knit, 7-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 6: Coloring for Adults, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 9: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 10: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 11: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 12: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Oct. 16: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 17: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 18: Intermediate Excel, 6-8 p.m.
Oct. 19: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10–11 a.m.
Oct. 24: Tea & Stitches Extended, 10-5 p.m.
Oct. 25: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 25: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 26: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Oct. 31: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Oct. 7: Drop-in Art, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Oct. 3: Men’s Group, 6 p.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Oct. 10: Seniors Group, 6 p.m.
Oct. 12: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
Oct. 17: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.
Oct. 24: LGBT Parents, 6 p.m.

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

Oct. 23: Ballroom Dancing, 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Manada Conservancy
717-566-4122; manada.org

Oct. 1: A Walk in Penn’s Woods at Detweiler Park, Dauphin

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

Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Coffee, Cake and True Islam, 5-7 p.m.
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 5, 19, 26: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7-9 p.m.
Oct. 6, 27: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7-9 p.m.
Oct. 18: Watch the Skies Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Oct. 19: Camp Curtin Toastmakers, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28: Greg Huber Book Signing, 1-3 p.m.
Oct. 28: Dan Wakefield—Kurt Vonnegut’s Complete Stories, 4-6 p.m.

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

Oct. 6: Fluid Art Painting, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 21: Textured Play—Talk & Demo w/ Sarah Pike, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct. 22: Beer Soap w/Lyes and Lathers, 2-4 p.m.

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

Oct. 2, 11, 16, 25: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 5: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 5: Pumpkin Book Craft for Adults, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 6: Fun Friday at the Library, 3-5 p.m.
Oct. 10: Book Review—“Rose Under Fire,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 14: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct. 19: STEM Club, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Oct. 21: Saturday Morning Art (ages 7-10), 10:30-12 p.m.
Oct. 21: Couponing For Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 23, 30: Preschool Storytime, 10:15 a.m.
Oct. 23, 30: Toddler Storytime, 11 a.m.
Oct. 24, 31: Book Babies, 11:15 a.m.
Oct. 25: Pennwriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

Oct. 2-6: Weekdays Archaeology at Fort Hunter, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct. 20: Learn at Lunchtime—Constellations, 12:15 p.m.
Oct. 26: Nature Lab—Creatures of the Night, 11:30 a.m.

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

Oct. 3: Bird Walk—Migration, 8:15-10:15 a.m.
Oct. 8: Tree ID Walk, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 14: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 19: Detweiler Park Hike, 9-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 21: Wolf Boy Scout Workshop—Paws on the Path, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct. 25: Preschool Storytime, 10-10:45 a.m.
Oct. 28: Night at the Nature Center, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Live Music Around Harrisburg

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

Oct. 1: Wess Cooke
Oct. 8: Gene Watson & The Bellamy Brothers
Oct. 11: Stephen Stills & Judy Collins

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

Oct. 6: Hurricane Irma Relief Concert
Oct. 7: Willie Jack & the Northern Light
Oct. 13: Particle and Catullus
Oct. 14: Mountain Road
Oct. 20: Blind Owl Band
Oct. 22: 5th Annual Bacon and Brew HaHa
Oct. 27: The Larry Keel Experience
Oct. 31: The All Mighty Senators, Hexbelt

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

Oct. 13: Joan Osborne
Oct. 14: York Symphony Orchestra
Oct. 21: Organ Society Gathering
Oct. 28: Preservation Hall Jazz Band

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

Oct. 7: Eaglemania—Eagles Tribute Band

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

Oct. 1: Issues, Summoned Souls x SNXP
Oct. 6: You Bred Raptors?
Oct. 9: PnB Rock, Ages and Ages
Oct. 14: Serencia, The Black Dahlia Murder
Oct. 18: CKY
Oct. 19: 10 Years Red Otherwise
Oct. 20: Pissed Jeans
Oct. 21: Racquet Club, The Obsessed
Oct. 24: Citizen

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

Oct. 6: Emily Lynn Wilkins
Oct. 7: Hard Travelin
Oct. 8: Jeff Judy
Oct. 13: Antonio Andrade
Oct. 14: Joe Cooney
Oct. 15: Dan Zukowski
Oct. 20: Mike Banks, Kevin Kline
Oct. 21: Doug Morris
Oct. 22: Kirk Wise
Oct. 27: Dominic Cicco, Michael Arthur & Kristina
Oct. 28: Machusiak
Oct. 29: Shine Delphi

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

Oct. 28: Spooktacular Glamour

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

Oct. 7: Alash Ensemble, Tuvan Throat Singers
Oct. 8: Jesse Smith & The Holy Ghost, Tonka Tuff, Flesh of the Lotus, Voidhiddem
Oct. 12: Wednesday 13, Eyes Set to Kill, Repulsur, Suicide Puppets, Dead Bird Pie
Oct. 20: Lenore
Oct. 21: “Halloween Is DEAD”
Oct. 23: Rickie Lee Jones
Oct. 28: Motograter

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

Oct. 7-8: October Masterworks
Oct. 28-29: Classical Mystery Tour Celebrates Sgt. Pepper

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

Oct. 27: Hershey Symphony
Oct. 29: Ray LaMontagne

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

Oct. 6: Shea Quinn’s The Band Who Sold The World
Oct. 6: JJ Rupp
Oct. 7: DJ Magic, Mystery Machine
Oct. 13: Sapphire
Oct. 14: DJ Ray Rossi, The Luv Gods
Oct. 20: Radio Neon
Oct. 21: DJ Dave Styles, Smooth Like Clyde
Oct. 27: Light Up The Moon
Oct. 28: DJ Ray Rossi, Time Traveler, Restless

Keystone Capital Chorus
717-350-5712; kccsing.com

Oct. 15: Barbershop Concert at AACA Museum

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

Oct. 14: Concert at Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren

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

Oct 8: Trio Caprice

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

Oct. 5: The Spinners & Little Anthony and the Imperials
Oct. 19: Heart By Heart
Oct. 26: Josh Turner

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

Oct. 13: Vienna Boys Choir

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

Oct. 1: Mendelssohn Piano Trio & Central PA Youth Ballet
Oct. 21: Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble
Oct. 27: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

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

Oct. 20: Indian Summer Jars

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

Oct. 7: Roy Lefever
Oct. 14: Lucas Gienow
Oct. 21: Conrad Fisher

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

Oct. 3: Steve Rudolph, Steve Meashey
Oct. 6: Emmanuel Nsingani
Oct. 7: Sun and Rain, Medusa’s Disco
Oct. 10: Kevin MacConnell Duo
Oct. 14: Lovers of Music Band
Oct. 17: River City Big Band
Oct. 21: Muningu, Soul Solution
Oct. 23: Central PA Friends of Jazz Jam

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

Oct. 6: Eilen Jewell

Sand Trap Grill & Pub
3804 Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-691-5335; thelodgeatlibertyforge.com

Oct. 5: Silver Bright Sound
Oct. 12: Nate Myers Trio
Oct. 16: Open Mic—Roy Bennett & Friends
Oct. 19: Shea & Len

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

Oct. 6: Crossroads Duo
Oct. 7: Vaughn
Oct. 13: Channalia
Oct. 14: Paul Zavinksy
Oct. 20: Cotolo
Oct. 21: Joe Cooney
Oct. 27: Rhoads & Putt Trio
Oct. 28: Just Dave

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

Oct. 6: Cruise Control Trio
Oct. 7: DJ Ray Rossi
Oct. 13: Swisher Sweets
Oct. 14: Noel Gevers and Friends
Oct. 20: Natalie Ness
Oct. 21: DJ Downtown Penny Brown
Oct. 27: Shea Quinn and Friends
Oct. 28: Music Thru Science Lite

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

Oct. 7: Open Mic
Oct. 8: October Jam Session
Oct. 15: Corn Potato String Band
Oct. 28: Fall Coffee House

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

Oct. 1: Allegro Core Concert—Firebird
Oct. 7: Shayna Steele
Oct. 8: Allegretto Fall Concert
Oct. 10: Alash Throat Singers
Oct. 13: Xun Pan & Dana Weiderhold
Oct. 15: Jeremy Davenport
Oct. 28: Mexico Beyond Mariachi

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

Oct. 6: Skribe
Oct. 13: Some Hands
Oct. 15: Josh Dominick
Oct. 20: Tim Cook
Oct. 27: Halloween Spooktacular w/His & Her Music

The Stage Door

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

Oct. 15: “The Price is Right Live!”

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

Oct. 19: Brian Regan

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

Oct. 20-29: “Frankenstein”

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

Oct. 11-28: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” w/Popcorn Hat Players

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
1000 S Eisenhower Blvd., Middletown
717-939-9333; hbg-cpac.org

Oct. 27-29: “The Addams Family” w/The Victory Players

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

Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Open Mic
Oct. 6, 7: Valerie Storm and Johnny Lee Dam
Oct. 8: Oxymorons
Oct. 10: Ray William Johnson
Oct. 13, 14: James “Bodacious” Dobson
Oct. 20, 21: Larry Reeb and Quinn Patterson
Oct. 27, 28: Mike Gardner

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

Oct. 6: Name That Tune/Ferd Majelly, Jam
Oct. 6, 20: Oppositional Defiants/Hawkward
Oct. 7: Love Triangle, Last Resort, Bandito/Fours Company 2: In Addition Too
Oct. 13: HAI/Brainwave Aftershave, Phlegminism
Oct. 13, 15: Level 1 Class Show
Oct. 13, 15: Level 2 Class Show
Oct. 13, 27: What’s the Matter with Henry?
Oct. 14: Table for One/Bandjob, Spacework, Ferret Prom/Solo Sleepover
Oct. 20: Images, Alamo City Improv
Oct. 21: JohNathan, Spank’d, Tony Stanza
Oct. 27: Tiny Town, Hit Bits
Oct. 28: Table for One/The Fourest, Introduce A Self, The Actor’s Craft/Pillow Talk
Oct. 29: Magic Fairy Pirate Monkeys

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

Oct. 22, 26, 29: “Topdog/Under Dog” w/Narcisse Theater Company
Oct. 27, 28: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

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

Oct. 5-15: “The Curious Savage”

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

Oct. 6: “Peppa Pig Live”
Oct. 28: Lewis Black

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

Oct. 7: Terry Fator
Oct. 28: Rita Rudner & Brad Garrett

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

Oct. 5-8: “Kindertransport”

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

Oct. 6-29: “Fun Home”

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

Through Oct. 8: “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”

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

Oct. 28: “How I Became a Pirate”

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

Oct. 11: “Catapult”

Untitled: A Storytelling Project
untitledhbg.com

Oct. 12: “Unthinkable” (at Zeroday Brewing)

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

Oct. 18: “Goodnight Gracie”
Oct. 21-22: “Purple Cries for Blue Skies”

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

Oct. 3: Champions of Magic
Oct. 4: Rob Schneider
Oct. 5: Harrisburg Story Slam
Oct. 21-22: “Hansel and Gretel” w/Central PA Youth Ballet

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

Oct. 12: “Untitled” live storytelling

Never Settled: Hagir Elsheikh may have finally found a home, but that doesn’t mean she’s stopped moving.

September 29, 2017 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Hagir S. Elsheikh conducts her life like a well-choreographed dance, gracefully managing myriad projects with an air of calm confidence and conviviality.

The electrical engineer-turned-registered nurse juggles life as a single mother with two daughters while running HSE Staffing Agency, which pairs healthcare providers with skilled employees. She also teaches at HACC as a clinical instructor and advocates for victims of violence through Tomorrow’s Smiles, her nonprofit organization.

During her “spare” time, she creates podcasts on topics like human trafficking, while studying for her master’s degree, working on her memoirs and shuttling her daughters to New York as they pursue acting careers.

For her work in the community, Elsheikh recently was recognized by the Central Penn Business Journal as a “Woman of Influence.”

“Based on her outstanding contributions to the community, it’s no surprise that Hagir won,” said Associate Publisher Shaun McCoach.

Stronger

As a young girl, Elsheikh lived in the small Sudanese village of Tandalti, where her father was a physician’s assistant.

“Because of his passion for his work, he traveled from place to place,” said Elsheikh. “We would share our water with others, and the line at our faucet was long, but we, as kids, took advantage of it. The little girls and boys who would come with their families played with us, and we learned how to ride donkeys. I also remember being sad when they left.”

Life was simple back then for Elsheikh, whose family eventually left the village to reside in Khartoum, the sprawling Sudanese capital. Then the country fell to a military coup.

“Life started to get more difficult,” she said. “They began dictating what we wore, how we lived, when and where we were permitted to speak. Life as we knew it had changed.”

As Elsheikh grew older, she became an activist, paying a high price for organizing protests in high school and college, where she studied to be an electrical engineer. At one point, government officials beat her for about 10 hours, she said.

“I could smell my own blood, but couldn’t feel my body anymore,” she said. “Close to sunrise, they threw me in the back of a pickup truck and pitched me out in front of my house like a bag of trash.”

Elsheikh described her harrowing struggles as difficult, but just temporarily debilitating. “It only made me stronger,” she said.

Elsheikh later married, became pregnant and moved to Egypt, where she applied for refugee status, living in a tiny, closet-sized apartment, surviving on little money and often walking miles to get to a part-time job.

Opened My Eyes

Eventually, Elsheikh was given entry into the United States. She said that she breathed a sigh of relief, but first had to survive a sleepless, 12-hour flight to Philadelphia while seven months pregnant.

“The packed flight was full of refugees, and my feet kept getting more and more swollen,” she said. “I tried walking, but nothing helped.”

After a month in the states, Elsheikh visited friends in Harrisburg and subsequently fell in love with the area.

“Those friends were kind enough to take us in and help me find work at a nearby daycare,” she said, starting her job just four months after arriving in the states and six weeks after giving birth to a healthy baby daughter.

Determined to make a good life for herself and her family, Elsheikh brushed up on her language skills, passed her driving test, began studying nights at HACC and soon became a certified nurse’s assistant. By this time, she was the family’s sole provider as her former husband lost his job, which escalated to a cycle of domestic abuse.

“It opened my eyes to ways I could help others going through this tragedy,” she said.

Greatest Reward

Today, Elsheikh concentrates on living life to the fullest and wants to help others do the same. Her HSE Staffing clients and staff appreciate the fact that she has worked in healthcare.

“We worked together when I was a new nurse, and we clicked at the onset,” said Bobbi Lehman of Enola. “Then I started working for her agency. She knows what it’s like, and, when she sends me somewhere, I trust that she has checked out the place to see how they treat staff. Because she worked in the field, she knows what it’s like, and, therefore, has compassion for her employees.”

Ezekiel Lemiso also worked with Elsheikh and said she took him under her wing.

“We shared common challenges in life,” he said. “I’m from Kenya, she’s from the Sudan and we’re both single parents. She helped me adapt quickly on the job.”

Lemiso admires Elsheikh’s ability to fit so many projects into her days.

“Hagir has been through hell and back, but managed to become a successful nurse, a business owner and an advocate for civil rights, while working for victims of domestic violence,” Lemiso said.

Then, chuckling, he described her work ethic.

“Her day is 96 hours,” he said. “I sometimes tell her to relax and enjoy the fruits of her hard work. She is just amazing.”

Elsheikh returns the compliment, saying she gains inspiration from others every day, which fuels her motivation to work harder to help.

“The greatest reward for me is to see people around me succeed and help them reach their full potential,” she said. “It brings joy to my heart, and what keeps me going is my ability to inspire others through my stories.”

Student Scribes: 2 Poems

September 29, 2017 | by Sara Stevenson

2 Poems

Inconceivable

When I first saw you,

you were a small dot on the

screen, an idea

I could not fully conceive

Becoming reality.

Drifting Out to Sea

Pen to paper.

The expressions of life

and all its intricacies.

A winding,

shifting

tale.

A memoir.

A vessel.

An anchor

to tether you to reality

you feel yourself

drifting.

An escape.

Sara Stevenson is a graduate student in humanities at Penn State Harrisburg.

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