Happenings: Our August Calendar of Events

July 31, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Happenings

Museums and Art Spaces

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

“Hemmings Classic Car Detroit Underdogs,” highlighting the often overlooked, under-appreciated and easily attainable cars of youth, through Aug. 27.

“Camaro & Firebird 50^th Anniversary Exhibit,” featuring a show of these iconic American vehicles, through Oct. 8.

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

“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

“In Your Face: Humor, Memory and Expression,” featuring the works of Douglas D. Anderson, Evelyn R. Burton, Cathy Frey, John Guarnera and Fred Scruton, through Aug. 31.

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

“Mythic Realms,” enchanting oil paintings by Jon Carraher, through mid-August.

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

Artist of the Month: Wendy Palmer

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 Irene VanBuskirk, Karen Commings and Mark Wesling, through Aug. 5.

Works by Julie Riker and Sue Marrazzo, Aug. 10-Sept. 23.

Works by Joanne Finkle at Café 1500, 1500 N. 6th St., through Aug. 15.

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

“Membership Show & Gallery Student Show,” showcasing artists taking classes and workshops at the gallery, and Art Association members, through Aug. 26.

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, Aug. 11-Nov. 4; reception: Aug. 11, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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

“Girl Uninterrupted,” an exhibition of artwork all created by women; closing reception: Aug. 4, 7-11 p.m.

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

Works by Tina Berrier, Tami Bitner, Tara Chickey, Bob McCloskey and Marsha Souders, through Aug. 13.

Works by Mary Gelenser, Joan Maguire, John McNulty, Caroline Owens and Richard Souders, Aug. 15-Sept. 10.

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

“Wild America: The Art of Roger Tory Peterson,” through August.

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

Works by Donna Berk Barlup, through August.

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

“Weaving Through the Countryside,” paintings by Valerie Moyer and basketry by Teena Beutel, through Aug. 5.

“PCCA Volunteers,” an exhibition of artwork by the volunteers who help Perry County Council of the Arts build community through the arts, Aug. 11-Sept 2; reception: Aug. 11, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history.

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

“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

“Vessels,” a juried exhibition, through Aug. 6.

“Art in Balance, Motorcycles and Fine Art,” with modern and contemporary works on display juxtaposed with rare and historic motorcycles, Sept. 17.

“Earth and Tide: Connected through Place,” an exhibit featuring the work of eight central PA artists, opens Aug. 4.

“New Geometry” an invitational exhibit featuring abstract works by four artists, Aug. 11-Nov. 5.

Whitaker Center/The Curved Wall
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

“Art on Tour,” featuring the works of Perry County Council of the Arts member artists, through Aug. 18.

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 Monica Smith, through Aug. 9.

Works by Charisah Cleath, Aug. 13-Sept. 10.

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

“Science Meets Art,” geometrical and symbolic designs by Katie Trainer, through Aug. 17.

“On the Record,” acrylic on vinyl records by Sarah Fogg, Aug. 18-Sept. 14.

Read, Make, Learn

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

Aug. 7-11: Art Speaks Summer Camp, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 6: Why Single Payer Healthcare? 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 10: Creative Crab Dishes, 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 16: Fast and Flavorful Entrees, 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 31: Italian Villa Dinner and Wine Pairing, 6-9 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Curl up with the Classics—“The Bridge of San Luis Rey,” 10 a.m.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Blood Pressure Screenings, 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group (ages 15-18), 6 p.m.
Aug. 3: Drop-in Story Time, 6:30 a.m.
Aug. 7, 21: Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 7: Teen Short Story Workshop, 7 p.m.
Aug. 9: Meet & Play for New Parents, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 12: Story Time and Music Therapy by Sovia Therapy—Let’s Go Camping, 3 p.m.
Aug. 14: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 15: Fredricksen Reads—“The Painted Kiss,” 7 p.m.
Aug. 18: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 22: Gardening with Nature—Ned Smith, Gone for the Day, 7 p.m.
Aug. 23: Meet & Play for Grandparents, 9:30 p.m.
Aug. 30: Story Time at Country Meadows, Mechanicsburg, 10 a.m.

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

Aug. 3-Sept. 21: Improv for Insight—A Drama Therapy Class, Thursdays, 7-9 p.m.
Aug. 6-Sept. 24: Improv Level 1, Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Healthy Living Kitchen
16 S. Rosanna St., Hummelstown
717-512-0077; healthylivingkitchenpa.com

Aug. 14, 28: Cooking Class—Summer Cook Nights 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Drop-in Art, 1-4 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Men’s Group, 6 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 39: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Aug. 8: Seniors Group, 6 p.m.
Aug. 10: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
Aug. 15: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.
Aug. 22: LGBT Parents, 6 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Good News Café, 6 p.m.
Aug. 9: An Evening w/Zinzi Clemmons, 7-9 p.m.
Aug. 12: “Lair of the Lion: A History of Beaver Stadium” book event, 4 p.m.
Aug. 19: Author Event w/Shelly Lipscomb Echeverria, 12-2 p.m.
Aug. 20: Midtown Writers Group, 1 p.m.
Aug. 20: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
Aug. 26: Author Event w/Dave Levitan, 4-6 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Macrame Wall Hanging Workshop, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Aug. 12-13: Abstract Painting, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aug. 26-27: Color Mixing Workshop, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 1: Book Babies, 11:15 a.m.
Aug. 3: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10: 15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 4: Fun Friday, 3-5 p.m.
Aug. 7: Build a Better World: Minecraft Challenge, 1-2 p.m.
Aug. 8: Family Fun Night, 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 11: Book to Movie Matinee, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” 2-4:30 p.m.
Aug. 12: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 19: Couponing For Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 23: Pennwriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 17, 23, 24: Nature Lab, 11:30 a.m.
Aug. 3: “When Mammoths Roamed Pennsylvania,” 11:30 a.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Learn at Lunchtime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Aug. 18: 3^rd in the Burg—Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 5: Kids Discover—Mammals of Wildwood, 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 6: Beginner’s Yoga and Walk, 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 9: Stress Relief Walk, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 12: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 13: Flower Walk—Heat Tolerant Plants, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 17: Get in Shape Walk, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 20: Sunday Evening Bird Walk, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 26: Cadette Girl Scout Workshop—Night Owl, 4:30-9 p.m.

Live Music

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

Aug. 6: Sonny Turner
Aug. 11: Clint Black
Aug. 13: The Duke Ellington Orchestra
Aug. 19: Kool and the Gang
Aug. 25: The Orchestra

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

Aug. 17: Yarn

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

Aug. 16: Ann Wilson

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

Aug. 1, 25: Daniel Sheahan
Aug. 2, 31: TBA
Aug. 3, 29: Jessica Perla
Aug. 4, 10, 18, 22: Noel Gevers
Aug. 5, 16, 26: Roy Lefevre
Aug. 8, 23: Maria Battista
Aug. 9: Deborah Anderson
Aug. 11, 19: Ted Ansel
Aug. 12, 17, 30: Corinna Joy
Aug. 13, 27: Anthony Haubert
Aug. 15, 24: Chris Purcell

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

Aug. 1: Kevin Devin & The Goddamn Band
Aug. 4: Alesana
Aug. 5: Chris Webby
Aug. 19: Greta Van Fleet
Aug. 26: Puddle of Mudd

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

Aug. 4: Antonio Andrade
Aug. 5: Hard Travelin
Aug. 6: Paul Zavinsky
Aug. 11: Joe Cooney
Aug. 12: Kevin Kline
Aug. 13: Michael Arthur & Kristina Machusick
Aug. 18: Emily Lynn Wilkins
Aug. 19: Doug Morris
Aug. 20: Kirk Wise
Aug. 25: Dominick Cicco
Aug. 26: GRIT
Aug. 27: Jim Steele

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

Aug. 3 & Aug. 31: Open Jam w/Mark Santanna
Aug. 4: First Friday w/Glassbeard & Pfarrcyde
Aug. 5: Hank & Cupcakes and Van Goose
Aug. 11: Threesound, Electric Love Machine, Duck Duck Goose
Aug. 12: The OK-OK’s
Aug. 18: Entellekt, Vito DePiero, Windchill, Louie Loca & Lep
Aug. 19: 717 Entertainment Morningstar Festival
Aug. 26: Adam Stehr

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

Aug. 14: Yestival Summer Tour
Aug. 18: Alison Krauss & David Gray

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

Aug. 4: Honeypump
Aug. 5: DJ Ray Rossi, The Famouse
Aug. 11: The Big House Band
Aug. 12: DJ Magic, Hollywood Nights, D-Bo
Aug. 18: Sapphire
Aug. 19: DJ Styles, Smooth Like Clyde
Aug. 25: Luv Gods
Aug. 26: DJ Ray Rossi, Into the Spin

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

Aug. 6: Annual Sousa Concert at Carlisle Theatre

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

Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Open Mic
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Walter DeWall
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: DJ Eric B
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: DJ Joe Hertz
Aug. 5: Bare Creek Junction
Aug. 12: The Colt Wilbur Band
Aug. 19: Observe the 93^rd
Aug. 26: Adrian Blitzer

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

Aug. 12: Concert at New Cumberland Ice Cream

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

Aug. 18: Sean Marshall
Aug. 25: Heather Mae

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

Aug. 1: Tony Catalano
Aug. 5: Mark Baxter
Aug. 8: Colt Wilbur
Aug. 12: Hank Imhof
Aug. 15: Dave Kelly
Aug. 19: DJ Ray Rossi
Aug. 22: Keith Goldstein
Aug. 26: Lucas Gienow
Aug. 29: Ryan Morans

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

Aug. 5: Jazz Me Rhythm & Blues Band
Aug. 19: Kilmaine Saints
Aug. 26: MI Foundation Summer Concert

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

Aug. 22: Coffeehouse at Buddy Boy Winery

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

Aug. 1: Nancy & Spencer Reid
Aug. 5: Giddy Hop w/Shawan and the Wonton
Aug. 8: Tom & Greg Stroman
Aug. 9: Open Mic & Jam
Aug. 15: Cathi Chemi & Steve Rudolph
Aug. 30: Open Mic & Jam w/Shawan Rice

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

Aug. 11: Dana Fuchs

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

Aug. 3: Stan & Wes
Aug. 10: Shea & Len
Aug. 15: Open Mic Night
Aug. 17: TBA
Aug. 24: Nate Myers
Aug. 31: Swish & Joey

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

Aug. 3, 17: Channalia
Aug. 4: Crossroads Duo
Aug. 5: Jamie & Jody
Aug. 10: Lucille
Aug. 11: Cotolo
Aug. 12: Amber Nadine
Aug. 18: Relics of Mediaevalish
Aug. 19: Craig Bonner
Aug. 24: Something Else
Aug. 25: Rhoads & Putt
Aug. 26: Joe Cooney
Aug. 31: Zach Burkett

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

Aug. 4: Swisher Sweets
Aug. 5: Visitors Duo
Aug. 11: Cruise Control Trio
Aug. 12: Shea Quinn and Friends
Aug. 18: DJ Rays—Rossi and Smith
Aug. 19: Music Thru Science Lite
Aug. 25: TBA
Aug. 26: DJ Downtown Penny Brown

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

Aug. 2: 3 Dollar Suit on the Pride of the Susquehanna
Aug. 20: Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards
Aug. 23: Camela Widad

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

Aug. 16: Nashville Unplugged w/Keith Anderson
Aug. 25: Kenny Wayne Shepherd

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

Aug. 18: Aaron Daniel Gaul
Aug. 20: Josh Dominick

The Stage Door

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

Aug. 11-20: “Ring of Fire”

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

Through Aug. 12: “Peter Pan”
Aug. 17-Sept. 23: “Pippin”

Gamut Theatre Group
3^rd Floor, Strawberry Square, Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamutplays.org

Through Aug. 19: “The Ugly Duckling” w/Popcorn Hat Players

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

Aug. 11, 13: Level 1 Class Show
Aug. 25, 27: Level 3 Class Show
Aug. 27: Magic Fairy Pirate Monkeys

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

Through Aug. 6: “Tintypes”

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

Aug. 11-27: “Taking Leave”

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

Aug. 4-24: “We the People”

Stage of Life: Allison Hays steps in as Theatre Harrisburg’s new executive director.

July 31, 2017 | by Lori M. Myers

Allison Hays has only held Theatre Harrisburg’s executive director job for a few months, yet it seems she’s been preparing for this position all her life.

Her journey from her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, to Harrisburg—with a stop or two along the way—has focused on the arts: its performance, its management, its future. She’s ready, for sure.

But, first, a bit of background.

For Hays, it only took one person to stoke the creative flames—her kindergarten teacher—who saw something in her, something special, and cast her as Suzy Snowflake, a leading role in a holiday play. In Hays’ words, she took to it like a “fish to water.” It helped that the artistic seeds were already being planted at home within a household of musical theater lovers, who began to notice their daughter’s passion for the stage.

“I have vivid summer memories of my mother working in the garage while I danced around in circles to ‘Phantom of the Opera’ or ‘Cats,’” she recalled. “I don’t think I know a time where I wasn’t singing, dancing or acting.”

In third grade, Hays got to see “The Nutcracker” and she proclaimed to her mother, “I wanna do THAT!”

Her parents enrolled her in a dance academy, drove her to theater auditions, and allowed her to join the Columbus Children’s Choir, where she learned solid musical skills. Theater became a part of her identity, and, while she hasn’t always had the good fortune to be employed in the arts, she has always found a way to actively participate through small productions or community theater.

And that’s where Theatre Harrisburg comes into “play.” Since 2010, Hays has performed in leading roles in shows such as “Camelot,” “Crazy for You” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” among others. She’s also choreographed, as well as been in the audience, when friends performed or cheered on those who were new to the Theatre Harrisburg family. While Hays has been involved in other projects at other venues, it’s there that she feels most at home.

“I have met so many wonderful people, and I have never ever felt like I didn’t belong,” Hays said. “I cannot express how fantastic it is to have beautiful set and lighting designs, be wearing a costume built just for you, and get to sing along with a professional pit orchestra. An amateur doesn’t often get that kind of experience.”

Hays also brings arts management know-how to her new executive director title. She has previously held positions at WITF, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet. She recently managed an off-Broadway play and has served as a manager for a long-running musical called “The Days of ’98 Show With Soapy Smith” up in the wilds of Skagway, Alaska, where she’s run the daily operations—from directing to box office coordination.

“It’s a hoot,” she said. “Can-can dancing, ragtime piano, vaudeville humor. I’ve met several people from the Harrisburg area. It’s so fun to meet all the way up in the northland.”

While Hays loved Alaska’s extended daylights and starlit skies, she admits that Harrisburg has other advantages, such as its museums, a fabulous symphony and great dance companies, not to mention its proximity to larger cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Washington, D.C. She’s more than ready to continue to put Theatre Harrisburg’s stamp on the midstate, much to the delight of the board of directors who recognized Hays’ passion for the theater‘s mission.

“She possesses a diverse skill set which matches our needs and demonstrates the ability to work with people from different backgrounds and points of view,” said Solomon Krevsky, Theatre Harrisburg board president. “Allison has deep roots in the central Pennsylvania performing arts and business communities. We are thrilled to have her.”

And the feeling is shared. She was excited and nervous when Krevsky called with the offer, but “chewed it over in my mind” and then thought, “Let’s go!”

Theatre Harrisburg’s upcoming season (and Hays’ first as executive director) will include the musicals “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Hairspray” at Whitaker Center. The Krevsky Center on Hurlock Street will present “Rumors,” “Grave Doubts,” “God of Carnage” and a recent off-Broadway musical, “I Love You Because.”

“I have also added a holiday performance featuring young performers only,” Hays said. “Hopefully, it will also feature student directors, costume design, etc. Young people in our area are passionate about doing shows. I want to open up our opportunities to include them as a part of our community.”

Along with expanding youth programming at Theatre Harrisburg, Hays hopes to actively work towards building a community of volunteers and audience members along with balancing both classic and contemporary shows.

“All of my separate experiences now seem to be related when I look at how useful they are to this new position,” Hays mused. “I feel poised and ready to make a difference.”

For more information about Theatre Harrisburg, including its 2017-18 season, visit www.theatreharrisburg.com.

Author:Lori M. Myers

Burg’s Eye View: Harrisburg’s Midtown, in pictures

July 31, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda and Ali Waxman

Midtown may be the most diverse neighborhood in all of Harrisburg. Partially, that’s because of its size. As currently defined, Midtown includes a huge chunk of the city from Forster to Maclay streets, from the river to N. 7th.

But it’s also because Midtown is a generally desirable neighborhood that finds itself in the crosshairs of change. It includes many intact, densely built blocks that allow easy walkability to downtown and the Capitol complex, attracting young people and professionals to its narrow streets and Victorian-era buildings. But it also includes areas that fell on hard times as the city experienced deindustrialization, depopulation and flooding after the 1950s. Those blocks are some of the most desolate in all of Harrisburg. Midtown, though, has been slowly reviving over many years, with the pace of change picking up recently, especially along the vital 3rd Street corridor.

We asked photographer Ali Waxman to walk the streets of Midtown, taking pictures of anything that he found interesting. We include a small sample of his work in this photo feature.

Authors: Lawrance Binda and Ali Waxman

Greenbelt Getaway: Trips for Kids offers a break from the streets

July 31, 2017 | by Carissa Bannister Kauwell

Summer break can be tough on city kids.

They’ve lost the structure of the school year and, with parents and caregivers usually working, they easily can be led astray.

An organization called Trips for Kids offers a unique outlet: nature bike rides for Harrisburg youth, ages 10 to 18. It operates in conjunction with such groups as St Barnabas Center, Boys and Girls Club and Left Out Organization Program.

After retiring, Harrisburg resident Scott Shepler wanted to share his passion of biking and nature with the community. So, he began to search for ideas.

“Ross Willard (of Recycle Bicycle) was instrumental in the start-up,” he said. “He suggested I approach the Boys and Girls Club and provided an initial set of bikes.”

He also told Shepler about an international nonprofit called “Trips for Kids,” which uses bike trips so kids can get out of their neighborhoods, have fun, build confidence and learn about health, fitness and the environment. Shepler formed the Harrisburg chapter in 2011.

Shepler takes his eager participants on the Capital Area Greenbelt for their bike adventures. This 20-mile trail winds its way through and around Harrisburg, allowing for different views along the journey, including the Susquehanna River, wooded areas, parks, neighborhoods and urban businesses.

“The trail,” as the locals call it, is a wildlife oasis for those living in an urban setting, but it offers so much more. It passes near historic buildings, through rustic and manicured gardens and even by remnants of Harrisburg’s industrial past. Which part of the Greenbelt does Shepler most like to share?

“I favor the natural areas of the Paxtang and Cameron parkways,” he said. “During Harrisburg’s City Beautiful movement, (landscape architect) Warren Manning planned to connect the parks with carriage trails, but the plan depended on land donations, and these two parkways were the only parts donated and built.”

Shepler said his group almost always stops at the MLK Memorial on the Cameron Parkway.

“If we have time, I point out some of the historic sites, like the Rutherford Farm Spring House, the State Hospital Morgue and (City Beautiful activist) Mira Dock’s house,” he said. “She was an amazing person.”

One of the organizations that Shepler works with is L.O.O.P. Boyz & Girlz.

L.O.O.P. is a nonprofit with a goal to empower youth and keep them off the streets. L.O.O.P. took its first Trips for Kids ride in 2014, had two last year and has another one scheduled for this month.

“The kids absolutely love the Greenbelt ride,” said Cathy McMillian, assistant secretary for L.O.O.P. “They look forward to it every year. Kids always learn something new while stopping at different areas on the Greenbelt.”

There is no cost to L.O.O.P., and Trips for Kids provides riders with helmets and safety training before they leave.

“Scott loves what he does,” McMillian said of Shepler. “He has a passion for this. He is always up for a ride with the kids!”

“Nature is often overlooked as a healing balm for the emotional hardships in a child’s life,” wrote Richard Louv in his book “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.” That seems to sum up well Shepler’s philosophy through Trips for Kids.

“I really enjoy sharing things with the kids, but most rewarding is seeing the kids enjoy themselves, overcome challenges and accomplish their goals,” he said.

For more information about Trips for Kids and L.O.O.P., visit www.tfkofharrisburg.org and www.loopbng.com.

Author: Carissa Bannister Kauwell

City to Country: Harrisburg kids escape the swelter

July 31, 2017 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

When outdoor enthusiasts Chase and Hillary Lyle moved to Swatara Township last year after finishing college, one of the first things the newlyweds did was search online for hiking and youth volunteer opportunities in the area.

What they found was Harrisburg Inspiring Connections Outdoors, a volunteer organization dedicated to giving urban youth opportunities to experience the great outdoors. It was a perfect match for the Lyles, who began volunteering for the group last autumn.

“I’ve always liked being outdoors and working with kids,” said Chase, a Jefferson County native. “I tutored while I was growing up. My brother is 10 years younger than me, so I worked with his team.”

Hillary, a native of rural Clearfield County, also loves the outdoors. She camped with her family while growing up and began hiking in college, she said.

Today, the Lyles lead groups of sixth- and seventh-graders from the Harrisburg School District’s Marshall Math Science Academy on outdoor excursions that most of the young people have never before experienced. Hot city confines are left far behind as the youngsters eagerly experience hiking, camping, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and orienteering—a sport that hones navigational skills. They’ve even planted trees and made holiday wreaths from fresh boughs.

“I don’t know who gets more out of it, us or them,” Chase reflected. “I love things like just seeing them see the ocean for the first time and to see crabs. (Our trips) are the best day of the month for them sometimes.”

Harrisburg ICO, formerly known as Harrisburg Inner City Outings, was formed in 1996 by a group of five Sierra Club Pennsylvania members “who wanted to share their love of nature and the outdoors with youth,” Hillary explained. The all-volunteer group serves around 150 participants each year with day and weekend trips to Hawk Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, Susquehanna River, Middle Creek and various state parks.

“The kids learn practical skills,” Hillary said. “They eat and cook healthy meals. They also learn about leadership and meeting new people.”

Of course, the kids have fun, too. They’re given a balance of unstructured time on every outing for uncomplicated pursuits, such as skipping rocks on water, searching for frogs and turtles, or even just rock hopping.

Marshall students are selected for the program on the basis of their grades and conduct. Marshall teachers serve as trained agency representatives for the program.

Former youth participant Micaela Zawadski said a favorite of her many HICO trips was visiting the Juniata River in rural Pennsylvania.

“I’ve always been in love with the water,” said Zawadski, who emigrated from Paraguay with her family in 2003. “I just really enjoyed seeing nature. I was from South America, so I was used to being outside. Plus, all the group leaders were so caring to us.”

Zawadski enjoyed her HICO experiences so much as a seventh- and eighth-grader at Marshall Academy, she formed a similar group as a ninth-grader at Harrisburg High School’s SciTech campus. Unfortunately, the group disbanded four years later when Zawadski graduated.

“It left with me,” she noted.

Today, however, Zawadski, now 23, is back with HICO as a youth leader after graduating in May from Geneva College with a degree in environmental engineering.

“I think it’s a really neat experience, and I want to give back what was given to me,” she said. “I think it makes a really big impact on kids.”

Hillary Lyle said she likes “just seeing the real impact we have on these kids. We provide them with a cultural exchange. They go to new places and meet people they’d never met before. They develop leadership skills and communication skills.”

Chase Lyle said he likes to see the looks on the kids’ faces when they accomplish something.

“They were so proud when they made the wreaths and planted trees,” he said. “It’s nice to see them so proud of something they’ve done and see it make a positive impact on them.”

The HICO program organizes and leads outdoor trips at no cost to youth participants. Donations, grant writing and local fundraising pay for activities.

“HICO has always done amazing things for Harrisburg very quietly,” said Hillary Lyle, now HICO’s fundraising chair. “We have a few new volunteers this year, and we want to get the word out about our organization.”

For information about donating or volunteering for Harrisburg Inspiring Connections Outdoors, visit www.harrisburgico.org.

Author: Phyllis Zimmerman

Owning Up: McFarland admits owning collapsed wall.

July 28, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Howard Henry stands in front of the collapsed wall that destroyed his business.

The owners of the McFarland Apartments have admitted ownership of a retaining wall that collapsed last year, sending a mountain of debris onto a tire repair shop.

In a court filing today, McFarland LP said its own title search and survey indicated that it owned the century-plus-old concrete wall, which had helped to stabilize the ground near an apartment building and parking lot that it also owned.

In May 2016, following heavy rains, the wall collapsed, spilling tons of dirt, debris and a parked car onto the business below, Howard Tire & Auto on S. Cameron Street. Owner Howard Henry tried to stay open, but was forced to shut down and lay off his dozen employees a few months later.

“The collapsed wall is indeed owned by the petitioner,” Judge Lawrence F. Clark Jr. stated in the court order.

The conclusion came after a survey by Conshohocken-based Biscon Geospatial and a historical review by Harrisburg historian Jeb Stuart, according to court documents.

This was the first time McFarland LP has publicly admitted ownership of the wall. In fact, the apartment building owners previously had denied owning the wall and had been fighting a subsequent condemnation order for its apartment building issued by the city.

This acceptance of ownership appeared to finally allow a resolution of the case to begin.

The order states that the parties have agreed that, as a first step, the site must be secured. So, Howard will erect a security fence around his property, at McFarland’s expense, to prevent trespassers.

Moreover, McFarland and the city have 10 days to agree to a “stipulation of facts” and a proposed solution so the city can enforce its condemnation order.

Separately, Henry in May filed a civil lawsuit against McFarland LP and its parent firm, Sharon Hill-based Primavera Properties, in addition to two PennDOT contractors that worked on the Mulberry Street Bridge rehabilitation project, seeking damages related to the wall collapse.

Author: Lawrance Binda

Fixing History: Harrisburg begins to replace, refresh historical signs.

July 27, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg recently replaced some of its damaged historical signs, including this one in Riverfront Park.

On a visit to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park, you may have wondered about the history of your surroundings—the story behind such prominent structures as the Walnut Street Bridge and the J. Donald Cameron Mansion.

The information is there for you. It’s just been hard to read on the soiled, bleached, tagged and damaged historical markers scattered throughout the park and the city.

The city administration now has begun to freshen up Harrisburg’s history by replacing many of the Plexiglas-covered signs that offer information on everything from Governors’ Row to the Hope Fire Station.

“Many were in terrible shape,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “Over the years, they had been covered in graffiti and damaged from sun bleach.”

The signs themselves aren’t actually very old. Part of the “Harrisburg History Project,” they were installed between 2002 and 2004 at 113 locations throughout the city. However, by 2015, they already were in such poor shape that Historic Harrisburg Association placed them on its list of preservation priorities.

“We were delighted when we started seeing the new signs appearing,” HHA Executive Director David Morrison said today. “They’re a wonderful asset to the city.”

In June, the city replaced about 30 signs, part of a duplicate set it received along with the project 15 years ago. Over the years, the duplicates apparently had been moved from one storage facility to another, and, through administration turnover, had been forgotten about, Papenfuse said.

“Security rediscovered them, and we put them out,” he said.

Unfortunately, the rest of the duplicate set is missing. Papenfuse believes these signs were used for other purposes—for instance, mounted as part of other historical displays during the Reed administration.

This worn and vandalized sign, which tells the story of Verbeke Street, awaits replacement.

“We don’t have a complete set,” he said.

Not all of the signs need to be replaced, as some are still in good shape, Papenfuse said. He added that he hopes to find funds to replace the others. In addition to the signs, some of the metallic, podium-style stands have suffered damage and need to be replaced. In fact, over the years, some units have been removed entirely after getting hit by cars or otherwise destroyed.

But, to Morrison, 30 new signs is a good start.

“This is wonderful,” he said. “We’d love to see it completely restored.”

Author: Lawrance Binda

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

July 27, 2017 | by Sara Bozich

Cheers to the weekend!

It’s been a busy Poured week for the GK Visual crew. We spent Tuesday at Yuengling (Go! What a great tour), are heading to Lancaster Brewing Co. today, and visit Elk Creek Ale Works in Millheim tomorrow.

I’m hoping to catch JAWS at Midtown Cinema on Friday, but the forecast looks as though it may be pushed to Saturday.

I’ll start Saturday with my usual Next Step Performance workout, then hit the Broad Street Market.

»» Shop Camp Hill businesses on Saturday during the Summer Soiree!
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By night, you gotta check out Gamut Theatre’s one-night-only performance of The Golden Boiz.

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

A Park’s Future: Reservoir Park Master Plan Unveiled.

July 26, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

A map of proposed improvements for Reservoir Park under the new master plan.

On an average day, sprawling Reservoir Park is a rather quiet place.

A guy walks his dog, a car cuts through to Market Street, a handful of people visit the National Civil War Museum.

It’s a place that’s lightly used, which is great if you’re a squirrel or groundhog, but probably not what you want in the middle of a busy city.

Harrisburg now has taken a major step towards reviving public interest in the 87-acre park, unveiling a master plan that will help steer its future.

At a meeting last week, landscape architect Peter Simone, president of Norristown-based Simone Collins, offered a detailed presentation of a multi-year, $7.7 million plan to make improvements ranging from new lighting and restrooms to playgrounds and handball courts.

“The park has had less use in recent years,” Simone told a group of about 50 residents. “So, we want to increase use of the park.”

The master plan is the culmination of an 11-month process that included public meetings, surveys, focus groups and an 11-member steering committee. The $100,000 study, funded equally by the city and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, was led by Harrisburg-based landscape architects H. Edward Black & Associates.

Simone offered some park history, saying that it sprang from the City Beautiful movement of a century ago.

“It’s the same park that your forebears enjoyed 100 years ago,” he said.

Over the years, many features have been added to the park, including an arts village, a greenhouse, fountains and sports facilities, many now in disrepair. The city just completed rehabilitation of the band shell, one of the park’s most prominent structures.

Simone broke the master plan into seven phases. The first, the most expensive at $2 million, would cover pricey items like park security and lighting. It also would include less expensive features, like meadow planting and a dog park.

Subsequent phases would include new restrooms, a water spray park, handball courts, new pavilions, changes to roads, more parking, a food truck pull-off area, new playgrounds, a grandstand and band shell seating.

“This is a plan that will take a decade or more to implement,” Simone said. “It’s not going to happen overnight.”

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that he’d like the city to begin the first phase soon, following a presentation to City Council this fall.

“We believe we can fund a portion of it from city funds,” he said. “We’re looking to grant a portion, too.”

The plan recommends seeking grants from numerous sources, including the state departments of Environmental Protection, Community and Economic Development and Conservation and Natural Resources.

At last week’s meeting, the park’s neighbors seemed generally supportive of the plan, but a few spoke out on the subjects of security and roads.

The plan addresses security through more cameras and by installing long-lasting LED lighting, and Papenfuse said that the city is about to add second park ranger.

“If we’re going to put an investment of millions of dollars into this park, we’ll also put the investment into the personnel to make sure the park is safer,” he said.

The crowd seemed split on proposed changes to roads and traffic flow, with some insisting that all existing roads should remain open and others advocating restricting automobile use. The plan recommends making some roads one-way to make room for pedestrians and bicyclists and possibly closing off a portion of Park Drive to traffic.

“I like driving through Riverfront Park,” said one resident who wanted to ensure she still could cut through the park between State and Market streets. “It’s a lot quicker and much more beautiful.”

The crowd seemed to agree that Reservoir Park was a diamond in the rough, a remarkable city asset that needed investment, a little love and a lot more use.

“The first time I went up to the park and looked out, it was like, ‘Wow, this is a million-dollar view,” Simone said. “It’s an important facility, and one that’s not really replicated in communities all across the country. This is a very special place.”

Find more details about the Reservoir Park Master Plan at www.harrisburgpa.gov/reservoirplan.

Author: Lawrance Binda

Petite Plants: New Hershey Gardens exhibit teaches sustainable gardening on a small scale.

July 25, 2017 | by Allison Moody

The Hoop House, a new sustainable gardening exhibit at Hershey Gardens.

Fruits and veggies have taken root where butterflies once took wing, as Hershey Gardens recently debuted its new sustainable teaching garden.

This space, formerly the Butterfly House, is now the Hoop House, containing multiple varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs, planted in ways promote sustainable gardening.

“What we were lacking in here were vegetable gardens,” Hershey Gardens Associate Director Dan Babbitt said.

The exhibit opened the week of Memorial Day following six months of preparation.

But don’t worry about the butterflies—they’re doing just fine. Last year, they were captured and moved to the new Butterfly Atrium, leaving space within Hershey Gardens for something new.

In Hoop House, crops will be rotated with the seasons, so each trip should look different. Current varieties include mid-summer crops like cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers and more, all grown to maximize resources.

“You don’t need a lot of space to grow your own veggies,” Hershey Gardens Horticulture Specialist Alyssa Hagarman said.

Throughout the exhibit, small signs teach visitors about sustainable gardening techniques. Some of the recommendations include choosing smaller varieties of each plant, growing vertically on poles or trellises and planting natural pest repellents like marigolds or peppermint.

Hoop House itself was designed to promote sustainability. Plants are watered with rainwater collected in a barrel, lowering electricity and water costs. Food produced from the small garden feeds Hershey Garden’s bugs and butterflies, as well as some hungry staffers. In the future, extra food may be donated to a local food bank.

Although this inaugural season has been mostly trial and error, the Hoop House has been well received by visitors, said Hagarman.

“Interest [ranges] from toddlers to the elderly,” she said. “Everyone is really excited about it.”

In the future, staffers at Hershey Gardens hope to use Hoop House to explore new programming opportunities, including cooking, canning and children’s activities. There will be an observational beehive installed by August, where visitors can watch bees work without the danger of getting stung.

Hershey Gardens is located at 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey. Regular admission to the Hershey Gardens is $12.50 per person, and includes entrance to the Hoop House. For more information, visit www.hersheygardens.org.

Author: Allison Moody

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Cheers to the weekend!

»» Shop Camp Hill businesses on Saturday during the Summer Soiree! »» Details here

What are you doing this weekend?

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»» Shop Camp Hill businesses on Saturday during the Summer Soiree!
»» Details here