Student Scribes: Bombeando en San Juan

April 28, 2017 | by Ángela M. Capeles Segarra

“Pá, tu tu tún, pá,

tu tu tún, pá,

tu tu tún, pá.”

It was a Friday night out with friends. We were walking through Old San Juan and I kept hearing this sound over and over.

“Pá, tu tu tún, pá,

tu tu tún, pá,

tu tu tún, pá.”

I suddenly stopped to listen. It is the sound of a yubá!, I said out loud to myself. The rhythm possessed my body, and my legs began walking involuntarily toward the direction of the sound. Without question, my friends just followed me.

“Pá, tu tu tún, pá,

tu tu tún, pá,

tu tu tún, pá.”

We were walking through the cobblestone streets made of various shades of gray. The buildings surrounding us were made of the typical Spanish architecture that distinguished Old San Juan. Buildings and houses of different sizes and of colors bordered the streets like a box of crayons. We walked around intently until we found the source of the sound. There it was, on a stage in Plaza del Tótem. A group was playing bomba. All of its members were dressed casually in light colors, mainly white and beige. They sounded pretty authentic.

As my friends and I drew closer to the stage, I noticed there was a long, dark-green cotton skirt lying on one of the corners, suggesting that either someone had danced earlier or someone was about to. I smiled to myself. “Does that mean you are going to dance?” one of my friends asked. She knew I could not resist dancing. “Yes,” I replied as I began to move my body to the rhythm the group was playing. How could I say no to that? I felt as happy as a kid in a candy store. Little by little, without bothering anyone, we moved closer to the stage, giving us a better view of the show. I left my friends at the front while I sauntered over to the stairs at the back of the stage. I was met by two security guards who I asked if I could join the group and dance. The security guards kindly looked for the manager to get his permission. He said yes.

“Here’s a skirt you can use,” the manager said. I was thrilled. I quickly put on the green skirt and waited for a new song to start. I could tell the skirt was a good five yards of fabric. That meant that I would have more freedom to make my movements. I could get really creative in a skirt like this. My hands instinctively reached down and grabbed the edge of the skirt. I was ready to start.

One of the women on stage grabbed the microphone and started to sing a capella.

“Yo estoy buscando un árbol que me dé sombra,
ay, porque el que tengo calor a mí me da.”

Then los rebuleadores began to play their barriles strongly. Oh! I know this song!, I thought to myself. It was one of the very first songs I danced in a batey. Without thinking, my body moved to the rhythm of the song. I could feel my breathing start to change. After the first two stanzas were done, I approached el primo and challenged him. Feeling powerful and confident, I started the unspoken conversation.

El primo was a 40-something man with long, tied-up dreads and a sleeveless white shirt that blatantly showed his muscular arms. I moved closer to him while dancing the basic steps of a yubá. I politely greeted him, in the traditional manner of the dance, by looking at him and lowering my head in reverence. I then gave him a flirty smile to let him know I was about to start. He smiled back. I didn’t know if he was good at repicando, so I began simple.

“Pá, tu tu tún, pá,

tu tu tún, pá,

tu tu tún, pá.”

The rhythm of the yubá was all I could hear in my head. This was my moment. This was my story to tell. My body was consumed with the music, and the movements just started to come out spontaneously. I began by teasing him lightly at first. I let my feet tell him the basic rhythm. Then I teased him more by adding the movement of my hips. He answered my tease by matching my rhythm. That was my cue. I continued to incorporate the rest of my body into the dance, one part at a time. I shimmied my shoulders and my chest, adding my arms, then my legs.

He knew I was just getting started. He was watching every part of my body now, clueless about my next move. I enjoyed playing with him, and he knew it. He couldn’t help but laugh. The tease had escalated and our conversation had evolved. Without thinking, only feeling, I began combining all the parts of my body. They moved cohesively together, pulsating, swaying, working rhythmically to tell my story. The next thing I knew, my skirt became alive as my hips guided it from side to side while my hand held its hem and my arm swirled it in the air.

Follow this Primo!

Ángela M. Capeles Segarra is a communications graduate student at Penn State Harrisburg and the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Capital Times.

Modern Master: HSO puts Gershwin’s “Concerto in F” into the spotlight.

April 28, 2017 | by Jess Hayden

Photo by Alan Wycheck

When one thinks of the musical “masters,” George Gershwin may not be the first name to pop into mind.

Gershwin, after all, is known by many to be a composer of scores for film and Broadway. But he also composed in the classical genre and even his popular melodies often were orchestral in form.

Gershwin, therefore, fits perfectly into the season finale of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks series, which features Gershwin’s “Concerto in F” with and, more conventionally, Rachmaninoff’s “Symphony No. 2.”

This will be the first time that HSO Maestro Stuart Malina will play the Gershwin piece in public.

“I’ve played ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ many, many times,” he said, referring to an earlier Gershwin work that includes many elements of jazz. “But the concerto is a much more significant work for a pianist.”

Malina said that this would be a good concert for someone who hasn’t been to an HSO concert before or doesn’t regularly attend.

“Both pieces are incredibly beautiful, very exciting and very lyrical,” he said. “From the Gershwin, which is jazzy and fun, to the Rachmaninoff, which is a romantic walk in the park.”

Malina also said that new concertgoers are often surprised at the level of artistry of the orchestra.

“People who come for the first time generally leave feeling like ‘How did I not know that was here?’” he said. “And that’s what we are shooting for.”

Gershwin’s “Concerto in F” is so challenging that Malina has asked Gregory Woodbridge, the symphony’s associate conductor, to take the helm.

“Normally, I conduct from the keyboard, but this piece is a too demanding for that,” Malina said. “Having Greg conduct will be less stressful for me, especially since I’ll be returning to the podium for the Rachmaninoff, which is an enormous piece.”

Despite the concerto’s complexities, Malina said that it’s been a joy to learn.

“Gershwin himself was a pianist, so when he wrote this piece he understood what fingers do on the piano,” he said. “There hasn’t been any point when I asked myself ‘What was he thinking?’”

Gershwin began his career as a “song plugger,” meaning he worked in a department store where he would demonstrate a piece of sheet music that someone might want to buy. He quickly graduated to composing Broadway theater songs with his brother, Ira, many of which have become jazz standards. Interested in composing within a classical music format, he went to Paris to study with the great composer Maurice Ravel, who famously said, “I should be studying with you.”

After the popularity of “Rhapsody in Blue,” Gershwin was commissioned by the director of the New York Symphony Orchestra to write “Concerto in F.” This was the first piece he wrote for all the parts for the orchestra.

“This was a very important progression for him,” said Malina. “So, now we have a fully matured George Gershwin who is beginning to come into his own as a legitimate composer rather than a Tin Pan Alley songwriter.”

Malina also noted that it must have been difficult from him to go from the George Gershwin who wrote “I Got Rhythm” to the George Gershwin who is now writing piano concertos and, eventually, full operas. Tragically, he died of a brain tumor at age 38.

“One wonders if he had lived longer what kind of orchestral output there would have been because it seemed to be the direction that he was moving more and more,” Malina said.

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra will perform its May Masterworks concert on Saturday, May 6 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 7 at 3 p.m. at the Forum, 500 Walnut St., Harrisburg. An informative pre-concert lecture will begin one hour prior to each concert. For information visit www.harrisburgsymphony.org.

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Upcoming Events
www.harrisburgsymphony.org

Spring Young Person’s Concert
Carnegie Hall’s Link Up: “The Orchestra Moves!”
May 5, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
The Forum, Harrisburg

May Masterworks Concert
“Concerto in F” by George Gershwin
May 6, 8 p.m.
May 7, 3 p.m.
The Forum, Harrisburg

HSYO Mother’s Day Concert
Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra
Presents Orchestral Favorites
May 14, 3 p.m.
The Forum, Harrisburg

Author: Jess Hayden

Best of the Brews: A self-described “beer snob” makes the rounds of our rapidly expanding craft beer scene—and shares his favorites.

April 28, 2017 | by Robert Naeye

A few months ago, I was marveling at the seemingly endless list of craft beers at the Federal Taphouse in downtown Harrisburg.

I asked my long-time friend Andy Shaffer, “When was the last time you ordered an imported beer?”

Andy couldn’t recall, and neither could I. Long gone are the dark days when beer lovers were forced to choose between imports and wimpy, watery American brews.

With the craft beer revolution in overdrive, the number of quality American breweries has exploded in recent years. And nowhere is this more evident than in the Harrisburg metro area. New brewpubs are sprouting up everywhere, including five in just the past year alone.

“Making Harrisburg a beer destination point is a big thing,” said Kristin Messner-Baker, owner of the Vegetable Hunter, a downtown Harrisburg restaurant that started serving its own beer in February.

Being a beer connoisseur (some might say “beer snob”), I set out to visit all the brewpubs in the immediate Harrisburg metro area. I ordered samples of their beers, or a flight, and then picked my favorite. I focused mainly on beers that are available year-round.

No two people have the exact same taste in beer. I prefer full-bodied, strong-flavored brews, usually with high alcohol content. I am a generalist, meaning I can appreciate quality beers across a wide spectrum of styles, though I gravitate toward porters, stouts, IPAs and Belgian ales. I am particularly fond of beers that are solid representatives of their types but that have subtle and complex flavors resulting from a creative mix of ingredients.

Below are brief descriptions of the breweries and my selections.

Al’s of Hampden / Pizza Boy Brewing Co., 2240 Millennium Way, Enola
This establishment brews so many beers that I couldn’t try every one. I found the quality to be consistently high, so it was difficult to single one out. In a very close call, I went with the double coffee stout over the Murren River IPA, which I also loved.

Sunny Side Up Double Coffee Stout, 9.5% ABV
This stout has such a strong coffee flavor, courtesy of Little Amps Coffee, that it might turn off some stout lovers. But for me, it has the heart and soul of a great stout. It’s full-bodied with an extremely complex flavor, including a very subtle sweetness that complements the rest of the beer. This is right up there with my favorite Harrisburg-area beers.

Appalachian Brewing Co., 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
There was a period when I avoided ABC because their beers tended to be watery. But I feel ABC has raised its game in recent years. Besides my selection below, I loved the Outta Focus Double IPA and the Chocolate Avenue Stout.

“Jolly Scot” Scottish Style Ale, 5.9% ABV
I instantly liked the ale, and it got better with each sip. It has a tinge of fruitiness that gives it character but does not dominate the overall flavor. I can taste a little bit of maltiness but no hoppiness. It’s right up my alley, but not for hopheads. I sat at the downstairs bar next to a visiting beer-lover from northern Virginia, who said this was his favorite ABC beer.

Boneshire Brew Works, 7462 Derry St., Harrisburg
This small brewpub is one of the new kids on the block, having opened its doors in October.

LazaRIS Unrobed Russian Imperial Stout, 9.5% ABV
This was my favorite in the flight of five, and master brewer Alan Miller described it as his “flagship.” It’s extremely smooth with a beautiful head. It has just enough texture to make it a satisfying stout. I taste a very subtle sweetness that is pleasant but does not overwhelm the classic Russian imperial stout flavor. It has a very pleasant aftertaste, and it went down easily in a way that made me want another.

Ever Grain Brewing Co., 4444 Carlisle Pike, Camp Hill
Ever Grain has gotten off to a flying start since it opened in September, which explains why it has been packed every time I’ve visited. The beers are so consistently strong across the line that it was painful to choose a favorite. All of the IPAs were first rate, and I also really liked the Udder One nitro stout. My bartender Brian said it best: “It’s an honor to pour these beers.”

Kaboo Pale Ale, 5.5% ABV
I actually preferred the IPAs (especially the Surf Breaker and the Doose Juicy), but I was startled by this beer, which I enjoyed far more than a typical pale ale. It has a mild but extremely pleasant hoppy flavor that is a perfect introduction to the world of IPAs for people who normally don’t like hoppy beers.

Harty Brewing Co., 146 Walden Way, Mechanicsburg
This is a very small brewery that opened in 2015. If you visit, I highly recommend the seasonals.

Hefeweizen, 4.9% ABV
I’m one of those snobs who think Americans still have a lot of catching up to do with the Germans when it comes to wheat beers. But this hefeweizen comes razor close to German classics such as Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr. This beer is tasty and thick-textured. The German yeast gives it its flavor, but I could also taste the underlying German hops. Extremely satisfying.

Lancaster Brewing Co., 469 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg
This Lancaster-based brewery has been around since the mid-1990s. The sampler tray consisted of a whopping 13 beers, which ran the gamut—I loved some and hated others.

Boss Hog Double IPA, 9% ABV
This double IPA compares favorably in my mind to any IPA brewed in the United States, or anywhere else, for that matter. It has a strong hoppy flavor, but unlike some IPAs, the hops are in the Goldilocks zone—they are not overdone, they are just right. And it has an extremely smooth and thick texture that makes it an absolute pleasure to drink. And by the way, the Hop Hog single IPA ain’t too shabby either.

The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
The Millworks started serving its own beer in late 2016 and features a small but excellent list of other Pennsylvania beers.

Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Barley Wine, 10% ABV
This extremely strong-flavored beer is definitely not for Bud or Miller Lite drinkers! The malt is prominent, but this high-alcohol barley wine gains its distinction from a strong whiskey flavor resulting from barrel aging. I also detected a very subtle caramel and oak flavor in the background. The taste is better on the back of my tongue than on the tip. A bitter aftertaste lingers quite a while.

Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works, 1 S. Union St., Middletown
This is another new brewery, having opened last July.

Bourbon Barrel Aged Warbonds Stout, 9.2% ABV
I normally don’t find beers mixed with bourbon to be particularly appealing, but I could drink this stuff all night. It has just enough bourbon taste to give it a distinctive flavor, but it does not overwhelm the underlying stout. The high alcohol content gives it a real bite. This is a very well-crafted and highly original beer, but I agreed with the bartender when she said, “It’s not for everyone.”

Tröegs Independent Brewing, 200 Hersheypark Dr., Hershey
Along with ABC, this is the granddaddy of local breweries. And like ABC, Tröegs has been very generous to startups, loaning equipment and supplying hops in a spirit of brotherhood among craft brewers. Tröegs’s flagship line is strong, but like several friends of mine, I tend to prefer the seasonals (especially Nugget Nectar and Mad Elf) and some of the scratch beers.

Nitro Chocolate Stout, 7.1% ABV
The nitro gives this stout an ultra-smooth, creamy texture. The chocolate flavor is just right—strong enough to make it interesting but not overbearing or causing the beer to lose its classic stout character. It has a mellow but complex flavor, with almost no bitterness. It has a very pleasant, slightly sweet aftertaste.

The Vegetable Hunter, 614 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
Another of the newbies, with four beers on tap during my recent visit.

Veg Halen Porter, 5.6% ABV
This mellow porter has a tinge of coffee and coconut flavor in the background that blends in beautifully with the classic porter taste. And it’s full-bodied, while avoiding the tartness and fizziness that ruin some porters. It also has a very pleasing aftertaste that doesn’t linger too long.

The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey, 598 Schoolhouse Rd., Middletown
As one might expect, this establishment brews sweet-tasting beers that seem to be catered toward wine lovers.

Chocolate M.I.L.F. Brown Ale, 5.2% ABV
I admit this is a guilty pleasure. I like this brown ale a lot, but the strong chocolate flavor and light texture will turn off some hard-core beer lovers. The sweet chocolate flavor is so dominant that it almost tastes more like chocolate milk than a traditional brown ale. Still, I really like it for reasons I cannot explain, though I preferred some of the seasonals.

Zeroday Brewing Co., 250 Reily St., Harrisburg
This brewery has improved tremendously from when I first visited two years ago. Over a very strong line, I gave the edge to the triple IPA over the seasonals Grievance Ale (a winter warmer) and the DTF Douglas Fir Saison.

Large Ass IPA (Triple IPA) 12.4% ABV
This beer lives up to its moniker: it kicks serious ass. It has a wonderfully full texture and a bold hoppy flavor that stops just short of crossing the line into the realm of hoppiness-for-hoppiness sake. I could drink this stuff all night, but with its high alcohol content, someone better be available to give me a ride home!

Clearly, craft beer aficionados in the Harrisburg area have no shortage of options, and I didn’t even include high-quality breweries in Carlisle and Lancaster County. If you love craft beer, I urge you to check out all of these establishments. Your list of favorites probably won’t overlap with mine, but you’re guaranteed to find beers that are right up your alley. Harrisburg-area brewers have overachieved in both quality and quantity. Our region has indeed become a destination for beer lovers!

To learn more these beers, visit the breweries’ websites. Also check out the film, “Brewed in the Burg,” on YouTube to find out more about the rise of craft beer in our area.

Author: Robert Naeye

Senior Class: Art as therapy at the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg.

April 28, 2017 | by Ann Hess Myers

Fae Morrison

Fae Morrison, 89, worked as a wedding planner for 45 years.

“I worked with young brides, designing and planning their perfect weddings,” she said. “It took a lot of creativity to make each wedding unique and different, reflecting the individuality of each bride and groom.”

Now, as a resident of the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg, she uses her eye for design in the art studio.

“Painting makes me happy and allows me to explore my creative side,” Morrison said. “This is my therapy.”

Morrison paints nearly every day in the studio, which actually is the activities room at the senior living community outside of Linglestown The setting is fun, casual and social. Soft music plays in the background.

Teacher Lisa Koup helps the artists hone their craft. She’s taught drawing and painting for 30 years, mostly to children and teens, she said.

“I see the same joy in every age group,” Koup said. “Art allows you to escape to a happy place.”

Escaping to that “happy place” brings notable gains, said Keona Carter of Jewish Home Social Services.

“For the seniors living at the residence, art therapy serves as a sense of creative expression and emotional exploration,” she said. “Art therapy can help increase self-esteem and can provide our seniors with a sense of self-worth and social belonging.”

The arts also improve the quality of life for the home’s 60 residents, Carter said. The personal-care apartment building offers an independent lifestyle for seniors looking to part from the responsibilities of home maintenance, cooking and cleaning.

“Art therapy is just one of the ways that we are working to enhance and embrace the uniqueness, creativity and talents of those who live here,” she said.

Morrison, who has lived in the residence since 2006, said pursuing the arts has helped her personally.

“Living in your own apartment, surrounded by precious, personal belongings including some of my paintings, makes an enormous difference in my ability to live a full, active life,” she said.

Other seniors agree. Art class is the residence’s most popular program, said Michael Stewart, assistant director of recreation. Some future artists, though, hesitate before embracing a creative side.

“Many of our residents are often reluctant about taking an art class, but they soon find themselves to be budding Rembrandts, unlocking a hidden passion,” he said.

He credited art teacher Koup for piquing students’ artistic interests, calling her “an expert in lighting that desire.”

“There is a special relationship between Lisa and her students,” he said. “It is therapy—it really is a beautiful thing!”

Morrison said Koup helped her transfer the creativity needed as a wedding planner into her paintings. “I credit my talent and perseverance to my teacher, Lisa,” she said.

The residence displays the artists’ work in a “gallery” for residents, family members and visitors to see, Morrison said proudly.

“You can take a walk down the halls of the skilled nursing facility and the residence any day and see the beautiful paintings of our artists on display,” she said.

Like museum-worthy painters, these budding creatives put their emotions, thoughts and personalities into the medium.

“Their feelings, emotions and joy transcend their painting,” Koup said.

Carter added that the art in these halls feels deeply personal.

“When you explore their work, it truly is telling a story,” Carter said. “It’s telling their story.”

For more information about the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg, visit jewishhomeharrisburg.com or call 717.441.8880

Author: Ann Hess Myers

Abroad, at Home: International eats are as close as, well, down the block.

April 28, 2017 | by Carissa Bannister Kauwell

It wasn’t long ago that the corner pizza joint passed for Harrisburg’s best idea in “international cuisine.” No longer. In recent years, numerous restaurants have opened catering to a wide variety of worldly tastes—from Asian to Latin to African food and beyond.

So, take a trip around the world with us, far away from Pennsylvania’s standard meat and potatoes. And you won’t even have to get your passport stamped.

Pho Kim’s

They say your first love stays with you. It’s true with food, too. Vietnamese cuisine was one of my first food adventures. Ever since, it’s my favorite.

Many people have heard of phở (pronounced “fuh”) as it becomes more popular across the United States. Phở is a beef-based soup with distinct flavors of cloves, star anise and cardamom. Accoutrements such as bean sprouts, fresh basil, cilantro and lime wedges make it extra special.

If you’re not in the mood for phở, try one of my favorites—vermicelli noodles. This dish comes in a bowl of noodles, veggies, meat (usually pork) and cut up egg rolls. Then you mix it all together. It’s served with fish sauce, and I also like to add Sriracha and hoisin sauce.

Phở, bánh mì, bún bò huế and vermicelli noodles are just a few of the delicious items on the menu at Pho Kim’s. If it’s your first time, don’t be intimidated by the menu. The Vietnamese names come with descriptions in English. If you’re nervous, try ordering phở ga (basically chicken soup) and some egg rolls to start. The next time you can try something a little bit different. Make it an adventure—food should be fun!

Pho Kim’s is located at 5490 Derry St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.phokimharrisburg.com.

Suba Tapas Bar

Suba welcomes you to a taste of Spain with this staple of Latin gastronomy—tapas.

Also known as small plates, tapas are sharable dishes meant for a group to enjoy. Along the way, they’ve turned into appetizers or snacks, but they have Spanish origin.

“Food represents who we are, where we come from and what happened to us along the way,” said co-owner Staci Basore. “Food allows us to maintain our cultural identity and, more importantly, to share that identity.”

Located above Mangia Qui and owned by Basore, Rosemarie (Qui Qui) Musarra, and Elide Hower, the colorful space upstairs is intimate and inviting.

And the food, which pulls inspiration from Latin American cuisine, is delicious. In addition to the extensive tapas menu, Suba offers four types of specialty tacos, which are to die for. If you’ve never had homemade, stoneground corn tortillas, you must try them. They’ll make you forget all about Old El Paso.

Suba also has made its way into many hearts by mixing up some of the best craft cocktails around. Be sure to try the Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil (Hower’s homeland), the mojito, a favorite of TheBurg’s editor-in-chief, or one of the many creative seasonal drinks.

Suba is located at 272 North St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.mangiaqui.com/suba.

Korealicious

The next stop on our map isn’t technically in Harrisburg, but it’s close enough. Lemoyne’s Korealicious offers a fusion menu of Korean burgers, tacos and burritos, as well as the traditional bimimbap (rice bowl), bulgogi (slices of beef or pork) and japchae (sweet potato noodles).

Bibimbap translates to “mixed rice.” The dish usually comes with meat and an egg on top, finished with red chili sauce. It’s served with another must-try item, kimchi, a type of fermented cabbage like sauerkraut.

The server brought my bibimbap out in a sizzling hot stone pot. This enticed all five of my senses. There were three little bowls next to the main dish: kimchi, radishes and cucumbers. Using my chopsticks, I mixed the bowl together and dove in. I loved the combination of flavors, and each bite offered me something new. Originally spicy, bibimbap can be adjusted for any level of heat tolerance.

Korealicious is located at 829 State St., Lemoyne. For more information, visit www.korealiciousfusion.com.

Los Tres Cubanos

Los Tres Cubanos could be translated to mean “The Three Cubans,” but the owners’ motto is probably a better version: “Three times the Cubans means three times the flavor and fun!”

Owned by three physicians of Cuban descent, this restaurant in historic Shipoke features classic Cuban fare. The tostones rellenos appetizer, picadillo (ground beef and tomato stew) in a shell made of plantains, is a must-get. For the main course, I suggest the classic dish of lechon asado (roast pork) with moros y cristianos (rice cooked with beans). The succulent pork and beans will melt in your mouth. To finish, you can’t go wrong with the pastelito (puff pastry filled with guava and cream cheese), which will have you asking for más!

This quaint eatery has a classic décor of wood and brick that creates the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening out or a night on the town with good friends. They are only open for dinner (4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday), and reservations are encouraged—which is a good thing because space is limited.

Los Tres Cubanos is located at 540 Race St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit lostrescubanos.com.

2nd St. Shawarma

I always experiment when looking for lunch spots, which led me inside the bright, green walls of 2nd St. Shawarma.

The garlic hummus was the best hummus I’ve ever had—no joke. Maybe that’s because this Mediterranean restaurant prepares everything from scratch.

“The freshest ingredients make the best food,” said owner Mustafa Thabata.

My go-to lunch meal is the mixed grill plate. This time, I ordered it with a skewer of shish kabob, shish kafta (charbroiled ground meat) and shish tawook (charbroiled chicken breast) served over rice and vegetables. The meat was tender. The ginger on the rice and veggies gave a nice contrast to the meat’s seasonings.

As a side, I tried baba ghannouj, which had a nice, smoky flavor. The pealed eggplant dish had a consistency that reminded me of hummus.

Thabata encouraged me in my hunt for international eats.

“Everyone should diversify themselves in every way possible, especially pertaining to food,” he said.

I couldn’t agree more.

2nd St. Shawarma is located at 316 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit the Facebook page.

The Broad Street Market

Our international culinary tour wouldn’t be complete without the Broad Street Market, where you can travel around the world going from stand to stand. The market offers Indian, Greek, Korean, Jamaican, Polish and West African food—and that’s just in the stone building.

“One loop around the stone building is a near circle around the globe in cuisine,” said Market Manager Beth Taylor.

With so many options, I suggest bringing family and friends along to share the best of each vendor. Grab some Puerto Rican beef-stuffed plantains at Ougi’s Cocina, pick up Jamaican oxtail and coconut bread from Porter’s House and round it off with Greek handmade pork souvlaki wrapped in pita bread at Phyllo. There’s plenty of tables and chairs inside, or take your delicious food outside to the courtyard.

Though its regional offerings hit closer to home, the brick building is another must-visit on your trip to one of the oldest indoor farmers market in the country.

“The Broad Street Market is special for so many reasons,” Taylor said. “The most beautiful thing to me is all those people come together every week and cook for one another, support one another and break bread together.”

The Broad Street Market is located at 1233 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.broadstreetmarket.org.

Author: Carissa Bannister Kauwell

HBG Rocks: Local bands are here to energize your spring.

April 28, 2017 | by Kait Gibboney

Supersuckers

You know, Harrisburg’s really got it going on with music. We may be a small city, but it’s full of talented musicians ready to share their sound.

This month, I’m celebrating a year living in Harrisburg. So, I think it’s only fitting to show some city pride in my column. A large part of what drew me here was its unique community of musicians. A lot of my friends, neighbors and coworkers are into the local music scene through their bands, and they often perform in spaces around the city. Last spring marked the first time I started going to shows at spots like H*MAC and the Makespace. For the sake of nostalgia, these are my (mostly) local picks of some alternative rock shows coming up that remind me of my first year here. I wouldn’t want to jam anywhere else. Cheers!

HOT JAM FACTORY, 5/12, 9PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $10

This show is lining up to be a local band triple threat. Hot Jam Factory is a fairly well known band originally hailing from Harrisburg. Joining HJF for the evening are fellow Harrisburg natives, indie folk singer-songwriter Marie Danielle and the alternative rock group, The Give Take. Starting as a two-piece band at H*MAC’s notorious open mic nights, Hot Jam Factory expanded their sound and eventually moved on to open for MTV’s 2011 Winter Tour. This art rock group has a lot of high-energy, experimental tunes that will make you want to dance and sway the night away. If you like some good, guitar-heavy garage rock sounds like I do, I recommend their song “Cold Water” on their “Checkered Past” album.

SPACE PARTY, 5/20, 9PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB

Break out the metallic fabrics, chunky moon boots and star-shaped sunglasses because it’s time to boogie on down. Shawan and the Wonton is set to headline this interstellar evening with friends Gobbo and DJ Star Dog. Lead singer Shawan Rice’s style melds blues, jazz and R&B together into some healing music magic. Her rich vocals blend well with the band’s chill vibes, produced by Mike Dempsey on keys, Billy Cave on lead guitar, Xander Moppin on bass, Jason Mescia on winds and Logan Bedard and Dani Fiore on percussion. The event promises to be an “inclusive space escapade” that highly encourages costumes and props. Space cowboys and aliens alike welcome here.

THE STONEWALL VESSELS, 5/27, 8PM, RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB, $10

Hailing from Lancaster County, this group is close enough to be considered local-ish. The Stonewall Vessels will team up with locals Sun & Rain for a dynamic evening of high-flying psychedelic rock. This band is known for playing with various acts ranging from pop punk to metal. The Stonewall Vessels enjoy taking advantage of their hard-to-pin-down nature to spread some energetic jams locally and nationally. This five-piece is bound to intrigue you with their soaring vocals and varied rock influences. Their single, “The Great Swindle,” draws you in with the smooth guitar, and the lively instrumentals don’t let you slow down once you’re strapped in.

Mentionables: Supersuckers, May 5, Abbey Bar; Doughland Stucks, May 5, Little Amps downtown; The Maccabeats, May 7, Whitaker Center; Pinegrove, May 7, H*MAC Capitol Room; Dossey, May 11, Spring Gate Vineyard; Peter Paulsen Quintet, May 26, River City Blues Club

5/5
SUPERSUCKERS
ABBEY BAR
50 N. CAMERON STREET, HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

5/7
THE MACCABEATS
WHITAKER CENTER
222 MARKET ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 3:30PM

5/12
HOT JAM FACTORY
H*MAC STAGE ON HERR
1110 N. 3RD ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

5/20
SPACE PARTY
RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB
819 S. CAMERON ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 9PM

5/27
THE STONEWALL VESSELS
RIVER CITY BLUES CLUB
819 S. CAMERON ST., HARRISBURG
STARTS AT 8PM

Author: Kait Gibboney

Happenings: Our May Calendar of Events

April 28, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Happenings

Museum & Art Spaces

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

“In Dreams,” a sculptural installation by Chad Whitaker, through May 20; closing reception: May 20, 6-9 p.m.

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, May 13-Aug. 27.

“Camaro & Firebird 50th Anniversary Exhibit,” featuring a show of these iconic American vehicles, May 13-Oct. 8.

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

“(photo) synthesis: from wood to paper,” AHA Collaborative Exhibition with Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, through May 4.

“89th Annual International Juried Show,” May 12-June 15; reception, May 13, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Spring Bloom,” spring watercolor paintings by Rosanne Wolfe license plate art, through late June.

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

“Expression and Exploration,” watercolors by Linda Young and thread paintings by Teri Oja, through May 13.

“Shared Observations,” watercolors by Debra Kreiger and photographs by Jean Macaluso, May 19-June 17; reception: May 19, 6:30 p.m.

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

Artist of the Month: Pam Wenger

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

“Ikebana and Bonsai Exhibits,” with Ikebana International and the Susquehanna Bonsai Club, May 6-7

“First Annual Needle Arts Exhibit,” featuring the handiwork of local needle art designers, May 7 to 21.

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

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

Works by Paul Gallo and Steve Wetzel, through May 16; at Café 1500.

Works by John McNulty and Rebecca Long, May 4-June 10; May 19, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Fiber Arts Show,” with decorative, functional and wearable fiber art, and hand-dyed fabric and yarn, through May 20.

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

“One Ground Beetle,” highlighting the collaboration between haiku poet Melody Davis and printmaker Harold Lohner, through May 6.

“4 x 6 Art Exhibition,” a showcase of small-scale artwork by artists of a variety of media with dimensions that do not exceed 4” x 6” x 1.5”, May 21-July 21; reception: May 12, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

“Nomad Space,” paintings of Paul Nagle, through May 4.

“Girl Uninterrupted,” an all-female show of artists of all ages, opens May 5-July 28; reception: May 5, 6-11 p.m.

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

Works by Elaine Brady Smith, Tami Bitner, Kristin Fava and Julie Iaria, through May 14.

Works by Tina Berrier, Erin Dean, Andrew Guth, Julie Iaria and Linda McCloskey, May 15-June 11.

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

“We Call Them Buffalo Soldiers,” examining the service of black soldiers in the U.S. Armed Forces from the American Revolution to the integration of the services in 1948, through June.

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

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

“Synchronicity,” a collection of prophetic, abstract acrylic paintings by Jeannine Prinz, through May 6.

“Coloring on Metal,” featuring Roxan O’Brien’s colored pencil on metal jewelry, May 12-June 3; reception: May 12, 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.

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

“Students Honors Show,” through May 10; reception: May 4, 5:30-7:30 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

“Relics,” photographs by Stephen Althouse portraying humanity through tools and artifacts people leave behind, through May 7.

“Philip Pearlstein: Seventy-Five Years of Painting,” through May 21.

“Vessels,” a juried exhibition, May 12-Aug. 6; reception, May 19, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Edges | Transitions,” exhibit installation by Pat Badt and Scott Sherk, through May 21.

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

Echo Valley Art Group, featuring member artists of a variety of ages and styles, working and creating in the Lancaster area, May 5-31; opening: May 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

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

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

Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center
Millersville University
60 W. Cottage Ave., Millersville
717-871-4700; artsmu.com

“A Planet that Dreams,” art by Darlene Farris, through May 5.

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

Works by Christina Heintzelman, through May 14.

Artwork by Amie Bantz, through mid-June.

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

“New Paintings,” oil paintings by Dan Kalbach, through May 18.

Read, Make, Learn

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

May 11: Early Mother’s Day Dinner, 6-9 p.m.
May 31: Shimptastic Sensations, 6-9 p.m.

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

May 1, 15: Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
May 2 : Curl up with the Classics—“The Grapes of Wrath,” 10 a.m.
May 2: Page Turners Teen Writers Group (ages 12-14), 7 p.m.
May 2, 9: Natalie D. Craumer Writers Workshop, 6:30 p.m.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Language at the Library, 10 a.m.
May 5: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
May 6: Cookbook Club—Spring Garden Party, 1 p.m.
May 8: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
May 8, 22: LEGO Club, 4:30 p.m.
May 9, 23: Teen Meetup Discussion Group, 7 p.m.
May 11, 25: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group (ages 15-18), 6:30 p.m.
May 11, 25: Drop-in Story Time, 11 a.m.
May 13: Trivia Saturday and BYOB, 2-3:30 p.m.
May 16: Fredricksen Reads—“A Gentleman in Moscow,” 7 p.m.
May 17: STEM Exploration Lab, 4 p.m.
May 18: READ to Dogs, 6:30 p.m.
May 19: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
May 23: Gardening with Nature—Small Flowering Trees, 7 p.m.
May 26: Artist Alley, 6:30 p.m.
May 31: Adventure Crafts—Monster Madness, 4:30 p.m.

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

May 4, 18: Healthy Living 101, 7-8:30 p.m.

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

May 3: Artist Night: Life Drawing, 6:30 p.m.
May 6: Drop-in Art, 1-4 p.m.
May 20: A Novel Idea 102, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

May 2: Men’s Group, 6 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
May 9: Seniors Group, 6 p.m.
May 11: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
May 16: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.
May 23: LGBT Parents, 6 p.m.

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

May 2, 16: Meet-up, 9 a.m.
May 2: Sci-Fi Writer’s Group, 7 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7 p.m.
May 6: MakerFair, 9 a.m.
May 6: Work From Home—Entrepreneur Meet-Up, 10 a.m.
May 6: Good News Café, 6 p.m.
May 7: Author Event w/ James Young, 2 p.m.
May 9: Men’s Conversation, 7 p.m.
May 11, 18: Camp Curtin Toastmasters, 6:30 p.m.
May 12, 26: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
May 13: Book Signing w/Cindy Stauffer, 1 p.m.
May 16, 30: Meet-Up, 9 a.m.
May 17: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7 p.m.
May 20: Book Signing w/Sherry Ostrof, 1 p.m.
May 20: Book Signing w/Will Englund, 5 p.m.
May 21: Midtown Writers Group, 1 p.m.
May 21: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
May 23: Friends of Midtown Safety Committee, 6:30 p.m.

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

May 19: Letting Go Paint Party, 6:30 p.m.

The Movement Center
2134 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-238-0357; themovementcenter.net

May 14: Community Yoga—Free Beginner Class, 10 a.m.

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

May 6: Spring Bird Walk, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 11: Fungal Fortune, 7 p.m.

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

May 1, 10, 15, 24: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 4: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 9: Book Review—“The Hershey Story,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 13: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 20: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 24: Pennwriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

Penn State Extension in Cumberland County
310 Allen Rd., Carlisle
717-240-6500; extension.psu.edu

May 6: Mother’s Day Container, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

State Library of Pennsylvania
Forum Building; 607 South Drive, Harrisburg
717-787-2646; statelibrary.pa.gov

May 23: Meet Aviator Carolyn Van Newkirk, 12-1 p.m.

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

May 5: Storytime, 10-11 a.m.
May 6: Presentation and book-signing w/Nancy Moses, 5-6 p.m.

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

May 10: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

May 3: Innovator Lecture Series: Dr. Aomawa Shields, 7 p.m.

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

May 3: Bird Walk—Peak Migration, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
May 6: Twilight Frog Walk, 7-8:30 p.m.
May 10: Stress Relief Walk, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 13: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 14: Flower Walk—Spring Flowers, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
May 18: Get in Shape Walk, 6-7 p.m.
May 20: Webelo Boy Scout Workshop, 10:30-2:30 p.m.
May 20: Saturday Songbird Walk, 8 a.m.-10 a.m.

Live Music Around Harrisburg

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

May 12-14: Gaither Vocal Band
May 20: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
May 21: Trace Adkins

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

May 5: Supersuckers
May 6: That Girl
May 13: The Pietasters
May 19: Nate Myers and the Aces
May 21: Trez Music School of Rock
May 21: Mississippi Blues (Susquehanna Folk Music Society)
May 27: Hexbelt

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

May 2, 25: Daniel Sheahan
May 3, 17: Chris Purcell
May 4: Jessica Perla
May 5, 18, 26, 30: Noel Gevers
May 6, 10, 19: Roy Lefevre
May 9, 24: Maria Battista
May 11, 14, 20, 28: Anthony Haubert
May 12, 23: Corinna Joy
May 13, 27: Ted Ansel
May 16: Deborah Anderson
May 31: TBA

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

May 6: Cantate Carlisle

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

May 2: Pierce The Veil, Sum 41
May 2-3: Seether
May 4: Twiddle
May 5: Cymbals Eat Guitars
May 9: The Record Company
May 10: LANY
May 10: Thank You Scientist
May 12: NF
May 13: Tall Heights
May 16: Biffy Clyro
May 17: Fozzy
May 19: Life of Agony
May 20: Drake White and The Big Fire
May 21: Cloud Nothings
May 24: All That Remains

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

May 12, 20, 21: “The Big Three-Oh” concerts

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

May 4: Full Band Open Jam
May 5: Vetour Productions First Friday
May 6: Martin Barre
May 7: Pinegrove
May 12: Marie Danielle, The Give Take, Hot Jam Factory
May 18: The Dream Syndicate, Chris Forsyth
May 27: Minshara, Marathon, Youthfool, Madison Ryan

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

May 5: Spring Young Person’s Concert
May 6-7: Masterworks
May 14: Mother’s Day Concert

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

May 4: Dorado
May 5: No Bad Juju
May 6: DJ Dave Styles, Funktion
May 12: Sapphire
May 13: DJ Magic, Vinyl Groov
May 19: DJ Ray Rossi
May 20: DJ Dave Styles, Smooth Like Clyde
May 26: Radio Neon
May 27: DJ Ray Rossi, The Luv Gods
May 28: Smokin Gunnz

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

May 6: Bare Creek Junction
May 13: Off The Wagon
May 20: fith
May 27: End of Silence

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

May 20: “Broadway Lights” Spring Show (Bethany Village)

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

May 13: Spring Concert (Good Shepherd Lutheran Church)

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

May 5: Jack David, Doughland Stucks, Jasper the Tourist and Jerry Fels and the Jerry Fels

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

May 12: Jasper the Tourist, Downtown Vinyl and Tony Strouse

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

May 5-7: Rites of Spring Festival

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

May 3: Verona Quartet & Daniel Hsu

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

May 1: Handbell Choir
May 2: Chamber Ensemble
May 6: Susquehanna Chorale

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

May 6: Josh Krevsky
May 13: Lucas Gienow
May 20: Corinna Joy
May 27: Mark Baxter

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

May 20: Gobbo, Star Dog, Shawan and the Wonton
May 26: Peter Paulsen Quintet w/Jonathan Ragonese & John Swana

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

May 12: Ari Hest
May 26: Alexis P. Suter

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

May 11: Shea & Len
May 18: John Chapman
May 25: Jeffery J. Walker

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

May 5: Cruise Control Trio
May 6: TBA
May 12: Josh Krevsky
May 13: Swisher Sweets
May 19: Visitors Duo
May 20: DJ Downtown Penny Brown
May 26: Shea Quinn and Friends
May 27: TBA

Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center
50 N. George St., York
717-846s-1111; mystrandcapitol.org

May 5: Jazz in the City
May 5: Tony Bennett
May 7: Old 97’s
May 20: York Symphony Orchestra

Susquehanna Chorale
susquehannachorale.org

May 5 & 6: Spring Concerts (Derry Presbyterian Church)

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

May 13: Molsky’s Mountain Drifters

Twin Valley Players Colonnade Theater
269 Center St., Millersburg
717-692-3453; tvpcolonnade.com

May 15: Swing and a Miss

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

May 12-14: Lancaster British Brass Band

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

May 7: The Maccabeats

Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center
Millersville University
60 W. Cottage Ave., Millersville
717-871-4700; artsmu.com

May 6: French Choral Connection

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

May 19: Edgewood & Jagger Holly

The Stage Door

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

Through May 12: “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”
Through May 14: “My Fair Lady”
May 18-June 24: “Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical”

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

Through May 11: “Pinocchio” (Popcorn Hat Players)

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

May 27: “A Warm Heart of Steel”

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

May 5-6: Jim Holder
May 12-13: Larry XL
May 19-20: Raymond The Amish Comic
May 26-27: Ken Evans

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

May 7: Level 1 Teen Class Show

Lancaster Marionette Theatre
126 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-394-8398; lmt.yapsody.com

Through June 3: “The Wizard of Oz”

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
915 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0535; ltmonline.net

Through May 14: “The Shadow Box”

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

May 3: “Pippin”

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

May 12: Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood

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

May 19: Comedy Night

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

Through May 7: “Uncanny Valley”
May 11-14: OSHKids Performance Co.

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

Through May 7: “Superior Donuts”

Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; mystrandcapitol.org

May 4: Mike Eagan and Matt Fernandez
May 13: “The Wiz”
May 18: Steve Sabo and Adrian Crosby

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

May 4-21: “Dani Girl” (Whitaker Center)

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

May 5-6: “Yerma” w/Paloma Players

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

May 4-21: “Dani Girl” (Theatre Harrisburg)
May 25: CASALive, “The Wonder Within”

Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center
Millersville University
60 W. Cottage Ave., Millersville
717-871-4700; artsmu.com

May 7: Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live

York Little Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; ylt.org

Through May 7: “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
May 11-13: “Snow White and the Seven Associates” w/The Bar Stools

Long-Term Caring: From helping Civil War orphans to providing for today’s seniors, the Homeland Center celebrates 150 years.

April 28, 2017 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Before the state Capitol building, before the Market Street Bridge and before Riverfront Park, a small charity house opened in Harrisburg.

It was called the “Home for the Friendless,” a blunt moniker for a building meant to house and assist Civil War widows and orphans.

This was no small problem. Millions of men had died or returned home disabled from the war, leading the Patriot-News, in 1866, to remark on “the large number of children who are daily to be seen on our streets in a ragged, forlorn condition.”

A group of churches responded and, 150 years later, the institution they formed, now called the Homeland Center, still serves a population who need special care—the elderly. Over the years, it has transitioned to a licensed, nonprofit continuing care retirement community that offers nursing care, rehabilitation and dementia care.

“We’ve lasted for 150 years because of our ability to change and our ability to be committed to our mission,” said Homeland Center President and CEO Barry Ramper II.

The center began in a small house downtown, at S. 3rd and Mulberry streets. In 1870, ground was broken on a larger facility, which still stands at the corner of N. 5th and Muench streets. Additions have transformed the original, Gothic-style Victorian building into a major regional, skilled nursing facility.

“It’s the best nursing home I’ve ever been in,” said certified nursing assistant Symira McNeely, a five-year Homeland employee. “Our residents say it’s more like a family here. We give excellent care emotionally and physically. It’s one big family here. I love it.”

Homeland’s umbrella of services also includes Homeland Hospice, which serves patients across 13 counties, Homeland HomeHealth, providing clinical care with registered nurses and Homeland HomeCare, which involves home assistance services with certified nursing aides. A satellite office on Progress Avenue in Susquehanna Township is home base for these services.

To celebrate this milestone, a 150th anniversary gala for Homeland Center is scheduled for this month with keynote speaker Charles Osgood, the recently retired host of “CBS Sunday.” About 400 community leaders and executives of major businesses, financial organizations and academic institutions are expected to attend. Proceeds will benefit Homeland’s benevolent care program, used for clients who have exhausted their own financial resources.

“We are thankful for the generosity of the many individuals in the past 150 years who have helped in creating a financial foundation which enables us to provide a large amount of charitable benevolent care,” Ramper said.

The center has primarily served the elderly since about 1920. It evolved further in mid-century as fewer senior citizens needed the type of institutional charity originally offered. Many seniors still required some type of personal care services, while others needed health care, such as managing a chronic disease or skilled aftercare.

The ensuing decades brought a period of “unprecedented growth,” according to the center’s written historical account. After much deliberation, administrators decided in 1979 that the Homeland Center would remain on 5th Street. The main building’s third floor then was renovated and the fourth floor was removed.

An addition was built in 1984 with a new main dining room and courtyard, giving the Homeland Center a total of 60 skilled care beds. In 1999, the Katherine S. Kunkel Pavilion for skilled nursing care was completed with provisions for 30 more residents. Today, Homeland has a total of 95 skilled care beds.

Homeland started the new millennium by refurbishing and officially naming the 1984 addition as the Ellenberger Unit. In 2004, 50 personal care units were completed in honor of former board member Dorothy J. Sinon. Ramper also came to Homeland with the new millennium and has served the past 17 years.

“I like the opportunity to be of service to others, respecting the individuality and uniqueness that exists for each,” Ramper said. “That’s what makes it fun. I don’t see anything as too difficult to overcome. That’s why I still enjoy working in this field after 40 years.”

The Homeland Center is located at 1901 N. 5th St., Harrisburg. It will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 7 with a gala. For more information, visit www.homelandcenter.org.

Author: Phyllis Zimmerman

Community Corner: Notable May Events

April 28, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Bike Harrisburg May 1-29: For National Bike Month, Bike Harrisburg will host a series of events, including a Capitol Rally (May 15), Ghost Bikes at the Capitol and International Ride of Silence (May 17) and the Seersucker & Lace Ride (May 21). For a complete schedule, visit bikeharrisburg.org.

Annual Meeting May 2: The League of Women Voters of the Harrisburg Area will hold its annual meeting at Rock Bass Grill, 461 S. Front St., Wormleysburg, at 6 p.m. Visit palwv.org for details.

Understanding Islam May 2: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for an interfaith panel, the last session in the “Understanding Islam Series,” and to participate in a Q&A session, 7 to 8 p.m. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Health Screenings May 4: PinnacleHealth will hold free blood pressure screenings at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com.

Cinco de Mayo Mixer May 4: West Shore Chamber of Commerce will hold its 9th annual Cinco de Mayo Regional Mixer at the Conference Center at Shippensburg University, 500 Newburg Rd., 4:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy food, drinks, networking and free admission. Visit wschamber.org.

Kids’ Clothing Sale May 4-6: Closet Connection will sell gently used kids’ clothing, furniture, toys and maternity items at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., during mall hours. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com.

Spring Festival May 5-7: The Rites of Spring Festival in Gettysburg will feature 11 bands over three days during the first weekend in May. The festival features progressive acts from around the world. Visit rosfest.com.

Derby Day May 6: Break out the seersuckers and floppy hats for Jump Street’s 16th annual Derby Day, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. The annual fundraiser will be held this year at a private residence just outside of Harrisburg. Visit jumpstreet.org or the Facebook page.

CPR Training May 6: The Peyton Walker Foundation will host a free community CPR/AED Training at Post Acute Medical, 1828 Good Hope Rd., Enola, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for ages 16 and older. Learn how to perform adult and child CPR, use an AED and relieve choking. Visit peytonwalker.org.

Spring HBG Flea May 6: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hbgflea.com.

Run for Pets May 6: Run for a good cause at the 20th annual 5K Run/Walk for the Animals, with proceeds benefitting homeless pets at the Humane Society of Harrisburg. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the event is at 10 a.m. at Wildwood Park, Harrisburg. Visit humanesocietyhbg.org.

Flowers for Mom May 6: Kids can create a flowering container for mom with Cumberland County Master Gardeners at the Cumberland County Penn State Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Cost is $10, including supplies. Visit extension.psu.edu.

Symphony Fundraiser May 6: The Central PA Symphony will host its annual fundraising gala at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a light buffet and dessert bar, followed by a musical show. Visit centralpasymphony.org.

Frog Walk May 6: Take a walk in the twilight on the boardwalks at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Fee is $5 per person; pre-registration is required. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

English Tea May 7: The Art Association of Harrisburg, 21 N. Front St., will host a traditional tea party in its garden, 12 to 2 p.m., with freshly baked scones, preserves, tea sandwiches, mini-pastries and individual pots of tea. Reservations are required at $25 per person. Visit artassocofhbg.com.

Wine and Jazz May 7: The Civic Club of Harrisburg will host an evening of jazz, wine and chocolate, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., featuring music by the Katie Rudolph Trio and tastings by Macris Chocolates. Tickets are $45 each. To reserve your tickets, please email [email protected] or [email protected] by May 3.

PA Railway Photos May 9: National Railway Historical Society Harrisburg Chapter will host “Continuing a Legacy: Photographing the Pennsylvania Railroad,” with Michael Froio at Hoss’s Restaurant, 743 Wertzville Rd., Enola. Business meeting and speaker begin at 7 p.m., meal available as early as 5 p.m. Call 717-439-9744 or email [email protected].

Green Renovations May 10: Join USGBC Central PA for a Green Home Renovations Seminar, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Cornerstone Coffeehouse, 2133 Market St., Camp Hill. Learn about product labels and certifications and environmental and health benefits of specific materials. Pre-registration is required. Visit usgbc-centralpa.org.

Fungal Fortunes May 11: Learn how fungi and mushrooms can be incorporated into whole system home and farm designs and into the community for food, medicine and remediation at Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, 7p.m. Visit nedsmithcenter.org.

Gardens Day May 12: Celebrate National Public Gardens Day at Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and receive half-price admission with a voucher, available at hersheygardens.org.

Home Tour May 13: Experience the best of Bellevue Park during HYP’s 19th annual home tour, 12 to 5 p.m. The tour of this urban enclave in Harrisburg will feature historic homes and lovely gardens. Tickets are $30 or $35 day of the event. Visit hyp.org.

Plant & Bake Sale May 13: The 8th annual Great American Plant and Bake sale will be held, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 3407 N. 2nd St, Harrisburg, to benefit local rescues and shelters, including Nobody’s Cats Foundation, Loving Care Cat Rescue and Castaway Critters. Visit The Great American Plant and Bake Sale Facebook page for details.

Hunger Run May 13: Support the Hummelstown Food Pantry at the 3rd Annual 5K Hummelstown Hunger Run, beginning at 10 a.m. in Schaffner Park. Bring a non-perishable food item and be entered to win one of many gift certificates. Visit htownhungerrun.wixsite.com.

Volunteer Work Day May 13: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to help with continuing park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snacks, tools and work gloves will be provided. To reduce plastic usage, bring along a water bottle. Refreshments will be available. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Yoga & Spirits May 13: Join Midstate Distillery, 1817 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, at 10:30 a.m. for yoga with Sangha Yoga PA, followed by cocktails and snacks. Each ticket includes a guided, one-hour Vinyasa yoga class, complimentary cocktail and light brunch. Tickets are $20 before May 10, $25 after. Visit midstatedistillery.com.

Spring Gala May 13: The Circle School, 210 Oakleigh Ave., Harrisburg, invites the public to its annual Spring Gala, 12 to 4 p.m. The free event includes student entertainment, refreshments, a silent auction and basket raffle. Visit CircleSchool.org.

Victory Garden Tea May 13: The Historical Society of Dauphin County will host a Victory Garden Tea at 2:30 p.m. in the Victorian Parlor of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. The tea is held in conjunction with the new exhibit “Uncle Sam Calls: Dauphin County in World War I.” Visit dauphincountyhistory.org.

Midtown May Market May 14: Friends of Midtown will host a Midtown community yard sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A waffle brunch will be held at Second City Church, 251 Verbeke St., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brunch is $5 per person; one child admitted free per adult. Proceeds benefit Ecumenical Food Pantry. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Governor’s Breakfast May 15: Gov. Tom Wolf will address the area’s business community during the annual Governor’s Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., Radisson Hotel in Camp Hill. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

Business Women’s Forum May 17: The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce and West Shore Chamber of Commerce will host the Business Women’s Forum at the High Center, Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The daylong conference is designed to create opportunities for women to network and build leadership skills. Visit wschamber.org.

Relations with Iran May 18: Princeton University Research Scholar Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian official once accused of espionage by his government, will speak at the Radisson Hotel, Camp Hill, 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be held prior, and reservations are required. Visit fpa-harrisburg.org.

3rd in The Burg May 19: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown. Check out all the action at thirdintheburg.org.

Harrisburg ComicCon May 19-21: The Harrisburg ComicCon will be held at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., and will feature video games, board games, anime, cosplay, movies, comics and more. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com.

Plant Fest May 20: Join Penn State Extension Cumberland County Master Gardeners at its 13th annual Plant Fest at the Cumberland County Service Center, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for native plants from area growers and plants from Master Gardeners’ gardens. Visit extension.psu.edu.

Odd Ones Bizarre May 20: The Odd Ones Bizarre art and craft show will be held at the Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Browse the wares of 25 artists, in addition to the Millworks’ studios, galleries and gift shop. Visit millworksharrisburg.com.

Local Lunch May 20: Join Friends of Midtown at its monthly community lunch, which will be held at the Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, 12 to 2 p.m. Contact [email protected] or visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Civil War Treasures May 20: The National Civil War Museum will unveil new artifacts to the public, 1 to 2 p.m., with its 2017 version of “Treasures of the NCWM: The Newest Acquisitions.” Curator Brett Kelley will discuss the significance of the items and how they complement existing artifacts. Visit nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

Preakness Soiree May 20: Join the Art Association of Harrisburg for its Preakness Soiree, 4 to 8 p.m., at the home of Don Weaver of Lewisberry. Reservations are $45 in advance, $50 at the door. Enjoy a collection of artwork, beverages and refreshments and the Preakness horse race. For details, visit artassocofhbg.com.

Strength Training Through May 24: Penn State Extension will offer StrongWomen strength training classes at Trinity United Methodist Church, 415 Bridge St., New Cumberland, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. This program is geared for middle-aged women and men or seniors. Visit extension.psu.edu.

Plant Sale May 27: Perry County Master Gardeners will host its 9th annual plant sale at the Perry County Extension office, 8 South Carlisle St., New Bloomfield, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shop for a variety of plants, including herbs, vegetables, pollinator-friendly plants and native perennials. Visit extension.psu.edu.

50th Annual Artsfest May 27-29: Celebrate the 50th annual Artsfest in Riverfront Park. The free event features more than 250 juried artists and craftsmen in a variety of mediums. The festival also features live music, Kidsfest and FilmFest. Visit artsfesthbg.com.

Student Scribes: Sorry Storm

April 28, 2017 | by Alexandria Fazzolari

the storm often dampens summer

I apologize for sopping leaves

harshly ripping through the woods

fresh soil now bleeding mud

onto ground once plush green

no excuses for booming sounds

echoing in the sky

the gray horizon or the flashes of light

blinding to man’s eye

but you will hear no hint of sorry

for staying firmly rooted

as the daytime sky reverses

mirroring the blackest night

and bark is ripped from my base

towering in protection

my branches hold my weight

here I will wait

Alexandria Fazzolari is an English major at Penn State Harrisburg

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like