Midtown, By Design: ModernRugs creates beautiful, functional art, helping to weave together a neighborhood.

February 28, 2017 | by Jen Fertenbaugh

Owners Tahirih Alia and Zachary Nitzan

Two decades ago, passion drove Zachary Nitzan to share an ancient art with the modern world.

He launched a website, starting a business and a renaissance—an artistic revival that would carry him and his work around the world, and, eventually, lead him to join the architectural restoration of historic Midtown Harrisburg.

Nitzan is the owner of ModernRugs.com, a global, online curator of contemporary area rugs. Last summer, Nitzan, along with his business partner, Tahirih Alia, moved all operations from Washington, D.C., to Midtown after falling in love with its urban landscape.

“Harrisburg is such an organic city with so much beauty,” Nitzan said.

They purchased much of the 1400-block of N. 3rd Street across the street from the Susquehanna Art Museum, including the old Volunteers of America (VOA) building, the adjacent, three-story building that once operated as Midtown Paint & Hardware, two smaller storefronts at the end of the block, and two empty lots behind the properties.

Renovations began shortly after closing on the century-old properties last winter, a project that proved to be an enormous undertaking.

“There was a lot that we couldn’t salvage due to so much intentional damage and neglect,” said company Media Director Brad Moody of the newly remodeled, 8,000-square-foot headquarters of their operations.

The interior’s exposed brick creates a modern, urban feel while preserving the building’s authentic character. This was the perfect project for Nitzan and Alia, as the idea of blending antiquity with modernity is central to their business.

“The process of creating a rug—of knotting the handspun, naturally dyed fabrics together in a precise pattern—is an ancient and beautiful art,” explained Nitzan, who has dedicated much of his life developing his expertise. “Ancient rugs tell the story of life.”

In addition to ModernRugs.com, Nitzan and Alia own and operate Christopher Fareed Design Studios, an exclusive design label serving commercial designers and developers. The label’s high-end, custom-designed area rugs possess remarkable attention to detail, employing organic materials and, when possible, natural dyes. Christopher Fareed rugs decorate the floors of some of the world’s most exclusive properties, including palaces in Dubai and VIP suites in Las Vegas.

“I’m constantly pushing the boundaries of design and materials,” he said, describing his design process as an evolution.

Some clients request an original design while others alter an existing one.

“The rug evolves to perfectly reflect a precise part of life,” he said.

While many of the designs are commercial pieces, several Christopher Fareed collections are sold on ModernRugs.com. Moody added that the custom, commissioned business is expanding into commercial spaces and upscale shopping malls—more evidence that the movement that Nitzan helped start is taking hold.

With increasing demand, Nitzan and Alia both emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear set of ethics to guide their business decisions.

“There is a danger in art becoming a commodity,” Nitzan said.

He and Alia frequently travel the world, searching for high-quality materials and developing personal relationships with the artisans to monitor ethical production practices and support the regions where the rugs are produced.

Despite visiting exotic locales, Nitzan and Alia decided on Harrisburg as the perfect location to relocate their operations, noting that several rug designs hanging in the showroom were inspired by walks along the capital city’s streets.

The showroom is currently open by appointment. However, Nitzan and Alia said the renovations, which should be completed by fall, will allow them to further immerse themselves into the local art scene.

The two small, dilapidated buildings at the end of the block will be torn down to expand the three-story, 9,000-square-foot building at 1408 N. 3rd Street, once a hardware store. The first floor will house an urban showroom open to the public, and the second floor will function as an industrial-style workspace, complete with pendant lights made from repurposed flood lighting that Nitzan acquired from Camp Hill borough’s pool. ModernRugs.com and Christopher Fareed already employ a team of 10, and that number is expected to double.

Alia said that she and Nitzan are committed to supporting the local art scene, and they plan to utilize the top floor to host community events. Future plans also include the transformation of the empty back lots into an outdoor gathering spot.

“Our vision is to create a space where artists can thrive,” Alia said.

They expect that they will build upon the foundation in Midtown already pioneered by such places as the Broad Street Market, H*MAC, Midtown Scholar and the Millworks.

“We are in good company,” Nitzan said.

He added that the community response to their relocation and renovation project has strengthened his appreciation for Harrisburg.

“The city has been so welcoming to us—from area businesses to the mayor’s office,” he said. “We love it here.”

ModernRugs.com is located at 1404 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. To learn more, visit www.new.modernrugs.com and www.christopherfareed.com.

Author: Jen Fertenbaugh

Final Bow: Open Stage’s founders retire, ushering in a new era of leadership.

February 28, 2017 | by Laura Dugan

Burg in Focus: Open Stage of Harrisburg from GK Visual on Vimeo.

Every time a theater season closes at Open Stage of Harrisburg, founders Don and Anne Alsedek embark on a routine that is seldom interrupted. They put away scripts, sets and costumes and begin to plan the next productions—until this year.

As the theater company’s 31st season ends in June, the husband and wife duo will enter a different stage of life: retirement.

“We have created a place where there is excellence in theater, and excellence in making the theater connect to the lives of the people who come to see it,” said Anne, the theater’s education director.

The mission of Open Stage has remained consistent since its founding in 1983. The theater is committed to diversity, thought-provoking theater and education—all in an intimate setting, Anne said.

“From the beginning, Open Stage has taken chances and produced plays that resonate with the entire community and have given actors roles they may have only dreamed of,” said Kristin Scofield, former OSH board member.

Humble Beginnings

The Alsedeks, with former Managing Director Marianne Fischer, created the theater in response to a 1982 report about Harrisburg’s art scene, which outlined the city’s need for high-quality theater.

“There was not enough thought-provoking theater, and I thought we could fill that particular need,” said Don, the producing artistic director.

They called Open Stage’s first location—a spot quietly tucked behind an office building on Jonestown Road—“The Alley Theater.”

Anne laughed while describing Don standing outside with a flashlight to help theater-goers find the place of their first production, Eugene O’Neill’s “Moon for the Misbegotten.”

“They crawled up a loading dock and came in the back door to a tiny box office area,” she said.

The space lacked permanent seating, so the staff added or removed seats depending on the size of the crowd. This guaranteed a full house.

“I was just amazed at the fact that people came and continued to come,” Anne said. “We were all inside wondering if we’d have an audience, and we did.”

Open Stage Studio/School debuted in 1985, and the theater’s first full season opened in 1986. It has been located in its current location at the Walnut Street Parking Garage, in the heart of downtown Harrisburg, since 1992

“We started out as a little, tiny theater,” Don said. “Now, I like to think we’re part of the fabric of the city.”

Mission Driven

Open Stage’s commitment to education and telling diverse stories makes it different from other professional theaters.

Production study guides encourage audience members to converse after the show. Post-performance discussions with the cast and production team offer a glimpse into the theatrical process. Open Stage brings in local experts so audience members can take a deeper dive into a dramaturgical topic.

“We are dedicated to telling African-American stories, and we also have had programs and series that focus on LGBT voices, women’s stories and playwrights, works by emerging artists and local history,” said Stuart Landon, Open Stage’s associate artistic director.

Each season brings at least one show focused on African-American themes. This winter, Open Stage produced “Father Comes Home from the Wars,” a story of a slave coming to terms with what it means to be free.

Each spring, Open Stage offers student matinees of “The Diary of Anne Frank” and reaches more than 2,000 local students every year.

“I think learning is something we take for granted,” Don said. “We benefit by what we learn.”

The theater’s commitment to education led Open Stage to play an instrumental role in founding the Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School in 2001.

“Open Stage has made a difference in the lives of the people who live in and around the city,” said Nicholas Hughes, board member emeritus. “It has made itself a valuable contribution to the cultural scene in Harrisburg.”

Next Steps

While the Alsedek’s retirement means changes for Open Stage, the theater will continue to provide stories beyond the mainstream.

“I think Open Stage owes it to the community that it continue beyond the founders,” Don said.

Board members commend the leadership and vision of the duo.

“More than 30 years is a long time to have started a theater from scratch,” said Hughes. “To be able to pass it on in fine working order to a new generation is a real achievement.”

Current board member (and frequent actor) Sharia Benn praised the pair’s “talent, teaching, encouragement, inspiration and joy.”

“They have given so generously to build a deeply engaging and beautiful theater gem in Harrisburg,” she said.

Landon will step into Don’s shoes and take on the role of artistic director starting with season 32.

“Anne and Don have built something really beautiful,” he said. “I am excited about the future of Open Stage and hope to make them proud.”

After June, Don plans to take a year off from directing. He looks forward to spending time with family. Anne will continue to teach adult acting classes and assist the Studio/School.

The current season will bring the duo’s careers full circle. They started their tenure with a Eugene O’Neill piece, and now will close with “Ah, Wilderness,” O’Neill’s only comedy. A few familiar faces will return to put on this show, including cast members who have been involved throughout the years. Gwen Alsedek, Don’s sister and resident costume designer, retired from Open Stage in 2015, but will return to design the closing show.

“It’s wonderful that we’ll be able to work with some people who have been with us for a long time,” Don said. “It’s nice that we get to go out together.”
For more information about Open Stage of Harrisburg, visit www.openstagehbg.com.

Author: Laura Dugan

Burg’s Eye View: Photos of the Allison Hill community

February 28, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

The Harrisburg area has many great communities. So, we’re sending photographer Ali Waxman out to capture scenes from these places, which we’ll share in our pages from time to time.

We first sent Ali to the Allison Hill neighborhood. Allison Hill was built as Harrisburg’s first suburb, mostly middle and working class, on a bluff overlooking the city’s original neighborhoods along the Susquehanna River.

Today, the term “Allison Hill” usually includes once-separate areas such as Mount Pleasant, Sylvan Heights and North and South Allison Hill. The city’s most densely populated area, it is largely residential, with some strips of small shops and an industrial area along S. 17th Street that has been slowly reviving following the relocation of Hamilton Health Center.

Although often presented in the press as a troubled community, Allison Hill is actually a diverse and vibrant place, with a rapidly growing Latino population. In these photos, Ali shows us some of the people of Allison Hill, those who live, work and play there.

Author: Lawrance Binda

Bangers & March: St. Pat’s Day Parade steps off with new organizers, new ideas.

February 28, 2017 | by Rachel Jenkins

The Downtown Improvement District may be best known for painted planters, bike racks, Restaurant Week and keeping Harrisburg’s main business district nice and tidy.

This month, it will add another project to its rapidly growing portfolio—the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, taking up the mantle from the long-time organizers, the Capital Region Association of Irish and Celts (CRAIC).

Many things will remain the same as before: bands, bagpipes, floats, dancers and, of course, a central location to grab a pint or two. But HDID is adding some of its own touches, including a new route and a race prior to the parade.

“It is a very positive thing for the city,” said Director of Marketing and Special Events Leigh Ann Urban. “Anything that the Downtown Improvement District can do to help encourage and promote the positivity of the city, we’re willing to do.”

Welcoming, Inviting

Last year, CRAIC notified local businesses and past participants that they would no longer host the parade. As members left and the organization shrank, running such a mammoth operation became too much, said President Morgan Williams-Fake.

“When we were very successful with fundraising is when the downtown bars were doing very good,” he said. “The parade was one of their biggest revenue draws, single-event wise.”

With no one to take their place, HDID began to consider taking on the project, which, Urban said, fits into the organization’s mission of creating a welcoming and inviting downtown.

“In some aspect, we’ve always been involved, we’ve always promoted the parade,” she said. “Anything they’ve needed, we’ve always tried to help out.”

To include more businesses and bars, the parade route will shift. It still will begin on Walnut Street, but then will turn onto N. 4th Street followed by Market Street before turning on to N. 2nd to North to 3rd streets. The route also will take the parade past several new downtown apartment buildings, now filled up with residents.

“They can look outside their big picture windows right to the parade,” Urban said.

Another new feature is the “Harrisburg Lucky Charm 5K/10K” race, which will end just as the parade begins. Parade-goers and pub-crawlers will already be in place to cheer on runners as they finish.

“As soon as they’re done, the parade starts and comes around the other side,” Urban said.

This new element may bring challenges of timing, but the outcome, according to Urban, will be worth it.

“This year, it’s going to be a thousand people running,” she said. “So, you’ll have a thousand people and their families who come to watch them finish, that are guaranteed to be down here to watch the parade.”

Better Position

More people at the parade, of course, means more business downtown, said Tom Scott of McGrath’s Pub.

“It’s a chaotic day,” he said. “But it’s fun, because it starts early and goes all day.”

Like many businesses, McGrath’s will open early—at 8 a.m. Breakfast and beer will be served for ambitious celebrators looking to get a head start on the day’s festivities.

The traditional Irish bar, one of the last of its kind in downtown Harrisburg, has taken part in celebrating the St. Patrick’s Day Parade since it opened 15 years ago.

“We have a limited menu—it’s all Irish food,” Scott said. “Lots of things that we’ve had on our menu before, like bangers and mash and other Irish meals. We get people who come in for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They’re there all day.”

Scott looks forward to the changes that HDID is making this year, but also sympathizes with the challenges that CRAIC had, saying that, while businesses prospered from the parade and crowds, there wasn’t enough willingness to give back to the event.

“That’s always the issue, trying to get the money to pull it off,” he said. “[CRAIC] always struggled with the sponsorships and the money. And I think the DID is going to do a lot better that way. Financially, they’re in a much better position.”

Urban said that this year’s parade will have all the favorites, including pipe and drum bands and traditional Irish dancing. Local shops and businesses have been encouraged to open up early, especially for people who may be visiting Harrisburg for the first time.

“This is just one more way for us to put on a positive event and showcase downtown and how great it really is,” Urban said.

The Harrisburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place March 18, starting at 1 p.m., at the corner of Walnut and Aberdeen streets. The “Lucky Charm 5K/10K” race precedes the event. For more information, visit www.harrisburgstpatricksdayparade.com.

Author: Rachel Jenkins

March 2017 Community Corner

February 28, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Homebuyer Workshop
March 1: Centric Bank will host a free first-time homebuyer workshop at Harrisburg Regional Chamber, 3211 N Front St., 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Learn how to purchase a home with little money down, repair your credit, qualify for a loan and more.

RSVP to [email protected] or 717-657-7727.

World War II Talk
March 2: Hear the story of Don Greenbaum and Ernie Gross, a World War II soldier and the prisoner he helped free from the Dachau concentration camp, at the monthly meeting of the Central Pennsylvania WWII Roundtable. The free event takes place at 7 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 433 E. Main St., Hummelstown. For more information, visit www.centralpaww2roundtable.org.

Community Health Fair
March 2: Holy Spirit—A Geisinger Affiliate will be at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. offering free services, including blood pressure screenings, bone density scans, cardiovascular risk assessments, nutrition information and sleep assessments. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org or hsh.org.

Blood Pressure Screenings
March 2: PinnacleHealth will offer free blood pressure screenings from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Food Court Pavilion at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com.

First Friday
March 3: Enjoy First Friday in Hummelstown, 6 to 9 p.m., with shopping, dining, raffle prizes, music and dancing. First Fridays are free. Organizers encourage attendees to bring donations for Morning Star Pregnancy Services. For more details, call 717-991-5105 or email [email protected].

Cancer Awareness
March 4: PinnacleHealth will host the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Fitness Fair at Capital Blue Store, Hampden Marketplace, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Talk with surgeons and gastroenterologists about cancer screenings. Ask questions and learn about colonoscopy. Visit pinnaclehealth.org.

Winter HBG Flea
March 4: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit hbgflea.com.

TEDx Fredricksen
March 4: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will host TEDx Fredricksen Library, a series of local viewings that bring people together to share a TED-like experience and to spark deep discussion. The talk will focus on the concept of happiness and will run from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Visit fredricksenlibary.org.

Maple Sugar Festival
March 5: Head to Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, for the Maple Sugar Festival, 12 to 4 p.m. Kids and adults can have hands-on fun with tree tapping, eating real maple syrup on ice cream and shopping for PA maple products. Visit forthunter.org.

Decisions 2017
March 6, 20: The World Affairs Council of Harrisburg will host “Great Decisions,” a world affairs program organized by the Foreign Policy Association. Sessions are held every other Monday at 1 p.m. at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, through May 15. Cost is $10 per session. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Crazy for Coloring
March 6-26: Dauphin County Library System will host “Crazy for Coloring,” two-hour social, adult coloring sessions at Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library, March 6, 6 to 8 p.m.; William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library, March 22, 6 to 8 p.m.; and East Shore Area Library, March 26, 2 to 4 p.m. Visit dcls.org.

Understanding Islam Series
March 7: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for Islam 101 to learn the basics of the faith, its many denominations and its widespread diversity. Come prepared with questions for the Q&A session that follows. Other sessions in the series will be held on April 7 and May 2 at 7 p.m. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Taste of the Chamber
March 8: West Shore Chamber of Commerce will host “Taste of the Chamber” at Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill, 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy culinary masterpieces from the area’s best restaurants, hotels and caterers. Tickets are $25. Visit wschamber.org.

Well Water Talk
March 9: Join Penn State Extension, Perry County Master Gardeners and Perry County Conservation District for a free presentation on “How Healthy is Your Well Water?” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Perry County Penn State Extension office, 8 S. Carlisle St., New Bloomfield. Visit extension.psu.edu.

Indie Film Friday
March 10: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for “The Commitments,” a movie from Ireland featuring ’60s soul classics and centering on a soul band popular in local clubs, hoping to make the big time. Showings are 2 and 7 p.m. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Railroad Show
March 11: National Railway Historical Society Harrisburg Chapter will host the 31st annual Railroad Show & Collectors Market at First Church of God, 245 W. High St., Middletown, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donation at the door is $5; kids under 12 are free. Call 717-439-9744 or email [email protected].

Volunteer Work Day
March 11: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to help with continuing park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snacks, tools and work gloves will be provided. To reduce plastic usage, bring along a water bottle. Refreshments will be available. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Board Game Day
March 11: Join Friends of Midtown at Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, 1110 N. 3rd St., and get to know your neighbors with friendly rounds of board games from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Food and drinks can be purchased from The Kitchen at H*MAC. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Meditation & Happiness
March 11: Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center, Harrisburg, will host “Meditation and the Art of Happiness,” 1 to 2 p.m. at Kline Library, 530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg. Learn basic meditation techniques and receive guidance for healthy and positive thinking. Visit meditationpa.org.

Free Community Day
March 12: Hershey Gardens will offer free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Browse the gardens, the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory and the indoor butterfly atrium. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., enjoy presentations from local gardening and horticultural organizations. Visit hersheygardens.org.

Charter Day
March 12: Celebrate the commonwealth’s 336th birthday with free admission to the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 12 to 4 p.m. Through March 17, view the original 1681 charter that granted the land of Pennsylvania to William Penn. Visit statemuseumpa.org.

Ducks and Geese
March 13: The Ned Smith Center, 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, will host its annual “Ducks and Geese of the Susquehanna River,” 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about waterfowl and seasonal migration patterns with Scott Bills, retired land management group supervisor at the PA Game Commission. Stay for the Annual Waterfowl Watch. Visit nedsmithcenter.org.

Soup & a Bowl
March 13: The 24rd annual Soup & a Bowl, Harrisburg, will be held at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy soups, breads, desserts, live music, pottery throwing and a raffle. Locally crafted commemorative Central Pennsylvania Food Bank bowls can be ordered in advance. Visit centralpafoodbank.org.

Train Talk
March 14: National Railway Historical Society Harrisburg Chapter will host “Continuing a Legacy: Photographing the Pennsylvania Railroad,” a presentation by Michael Froio at Hoss’s Restaurant, 743 Wertzville Rd., Enola. Business meeting and speaker begin at 7 p.m., with a meal available as early as 5 p.m. Call 717-439-9744 or email [email protected].

GreenCon 2016
March 16: GreenCon, Central PA’s annual Green Building Conference & Expo, will be held at Millersville University, Gordinier Hall, 30 S. George St., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event features a keynote presentation, breakout sessions, a walking tour of MU sustainability initiatives and an expo hall of 30 exhibitors. Visit usgbc-centralpa.org.

3rd in The Burg
March 17: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown. Check out all the action at thirdintheburg.org.

Job and Resource Fair
March 18: The Dauphin County Commissioners will host the 6th annual free “One Stop Shop” Job and Resource Day at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes free health screenings, family resources, services and programs. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 18: Presented by The Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, the 17th Annual Harrisburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 1 p.m. The Lucky Charm 5K and 10K race precedes the parade. For details and parade route, visit harrisburgstpatricksdayparade.com.

New Member Social
March 21: Join Harrisburg Young Professionals for its New Member Social at 6 p.m. at Café 1500, 1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. This event is for new and prospective members who would like to learn more about HYP. An RSVP is required to attend. A cash bar and full menu will be available. Visit hyp.org.

Women of Excellence
March 23: YWCA Greater Harrisburg will host the 28th Annual Tribute to Women of Excellence awards dinner at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The tribute will honor 31 outstanding women who dedicate time and talent to making a difference in Central Pennsylvania. Cost is $100 per seat. Visit ywcahbg.org.

Russia and the West
March 23: Brig. Gen. Peter B. Zwack (Ret.), former U.S. senior defense official and attaché to the Russian Federation, will speak at 7:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill. The talk is free and open to the public. There is a preceding reception and dinner for which reservations are required. Visit fpa-harrisburg.org.

Local Lunch
March 25: Join Friends of Midtown at its monthly community lunch, which will be held at Pastorante, 1012 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 12 to 2 p.m. Contact [email protected] or visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Painting at the Park
March 26: Take your creativity to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for guided painting for all experience levels, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Create a Wildwood Lake-inspired scene to take home with instruction from Jenn’s Craft Parties. Fee is $30; all materials are provided. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Nature Film
March 27: Harrisburg Parks Foundation, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Capital Region Water will host the screening of “Hometown Habitat, Stories of Bringing Nature Home,” at Appalachian Brewing Co., 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, 6 to 9 p.m.

Open House
March 29: St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, 215 N. Front St., Harrisburg, will host an Academic Open House from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Take a tour, ask questions and meet school faculty, staff and families. A pizza dinner will be served. Please RSVP to the school office at 717-238-8590. Visit sseschool.org.

Waste as Resource: You can help turn trash from pejorative to positive.

February 28, 2017 | by Kathryn J. Sandoe

What comes to mind when you hear the word trash? What about waste?

For some, waste is excess. For others, waste is an end product. It’s the “stuff” leftover and no longer useful. In most cases, the implications are negative. But what if the opposite was also true? What if waste offered opportunities to positively impact our community?

LCSWMA works toward this end every day, taking something that people once viewed as worthless and using it to improve Lancaster and Dauphin counties. We view waste as a resource for making great things happen in our community. Here are a few examples of how waste is used to positively impact Harrisburg:

The trash from Harrisburg and surrounding Dauphin County is burned at the Susquehanna Resource Management Complex (SRMC) on S. 19th Street and transformed into renewable energy (electricity) to power state Capitol buildings.
Harrisburg receives a host fee of $1/ton of waste delivered to the SRMC. Over the last 3½ years, this equates to $963,785 paid to the Harrisburg Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). The EAC helps Harrisburg and its residents work together to create a natural and built environment that is both healthy and sustainable.
The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) receives $4/ton of municipal solid waste for its “Growing Greener” program. DEP allocates grant funding from this program to local communities for such efforts as cleaning up abandoned mines, restoring and protecting watersheds, building recreational trails and local parks, helping communities address land use and much more.

These are just a few of the countless ways waste can be used as a resource. I invite Harrisburg residents and businesses to consider all the ways waste impacts your lives, and what you can do to help make it a resource for the capital city.

Here are some programs offered throughout Harrisburg that promote litter abatement, sustainability and beautification. By investing in these worthy causes, you are helping to make Harrisburg a cleaner and safer place for everyone to live, work and play.

Even if you have just two minutes to spare, you can make a big impact. That’s the philosophy behind “2Minute Tuesday,” a program for Harrisburg residents and businesses to help fight litter. Commit to spending two minutes every Tuesday to pick up trash, pull weeds or sweep the sidewalk outside your home or business. Post your progress online using the hashtag #2MinTuesday, and encourage those around you to join the cause too.

For only $10, residents can help fight urban blight and grow fresh food for their families by partnering with the Green Urban Initiative (GUI), a non-profit organization dedicated to implementing sustainable living practices in Harrisburg, especially through small-scale neighborhood gardens. The organization provides construction materials, tools, seeds and gardening tips, while residents rent a garden plot for the season and supply the maintenance and care. GUI operates five community gardens throughout the city. Call 717-831-8872 to reserve your garden plot for the 2017 season.

Join residents, businesses and other community organizations during the “5th Annual Great Harrisburg Cleanup,” happening Saturday, April 22. This citywide effort aims to raise awareness about the negative effects of litter, as well as clean up Harrisburg’s streets, alleyways and public spaces. To get more information or volunteer, call Tri-County Community Action at 717-232-9757. You can also register your own cleanup event by visiting www.gacofpa.org. Registered events receive free supplies such as trash bags and gloves.

Bring art out of galleries and onto the streets by supporting Sprocket Mural Works. With a mission to increase neighborhood pride and civic engagement in Harrisburg through creative action, Sprocket Mural Works fights blight by adding color to city buildings. Help revitalize Harrisburg through art by making a monetary donation, volunteering as an artist or contributing your wall or building. Email [email protected] for more information.

Bike one of the nation’s oldest greenways on Sunday, June 4, during the Tour de Belt, which raises money for the upkeep of Harrisburg’s 20-mile recreational trail, the Capital Area Greenbelt. The trail provides access to green space for all capital region residents, and includes scenic parks, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and Five Senses Garden. Call 717-921-4733 to volunteer time, supplies or monetary resources to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the trail.

Kathryn J. Sandoe is the communications manager for the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, a community publisher of TheBurg.

Creative Class: Education is a core mission for Harrisburg’s theater groups.

February 28, 2017 | by Laura Dugan

When you think of theater, you likely think of the drama, the comedy, the lights, the excitement.

Education may not immediately spring to mind.

But the benefits of an arts education are many—among them, improved communications skills, critical thinking and problem solving. Fortunately, two local theaters provide ample opportunities for education in the arts for students in the Harrisburg area.

Education on Stage

Since 2002, Gamut Theatre Group has been performing both in-house and touring educational productions for students. Gamut’s current offering is William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

Each performance includes a post-show discussion, which can be customized depending on the school’s curriculum. Gamut’s director and professional actors pose questions to students and encourage a dialogue about themes of the play, character development and staging choices for the production. Students and teachers also have an opportunity to ask questions they might have.

Melissa Nicholson, Gamut’s executive director, said that students benefit greatly from seeing Shakespeare performed.

“Shakespeare wrote these as plays,” she said. “However, in schools today, it is studied as literature, which can be confusing since the language is 400 years old. The biggest thing we hear when students come to see a show is, ‘Now we understand it.’ It connects them to the story in an entirely new way.”

Nicholson understands this issue well. She currently is president of the Shakespeare Theatre Association, an international association for theaters that primarily produce the works of William Shakespeare.

The educational performances are designed not to run longer than 90 minutes and combine Shakespeare’s original text with modern “narrations” to increase student understanding.

A few blocks away at Open Stage of Harrisburg, the educational production, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” has been performed for 18 years. This play, which is staged each March, is available as a morning performance for school groups and one public performance. The performances for school groups include a special presentation by Holocaust survivor Hilda Mantelmacher.

“Being able to include a presentation from an actual Holocaust survivor with these performances has such an impact on the audiences,” said Open Stage Associate Artistic Director Stuart Landon. “It brings to light that this is so much more than just a play. It’s a recounting of history, a true story of suffering and survival.”

For the second year in a row, local actor Erin Shellenberger will portray Anne.

“I think that presenting this story through live theater is key,” she said. “Many of our youth are very visual learners, and, by presenting the story to them in real time, it humanizes an event that can sometimes feel distant.”

Education at Camp

In June, school may end, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops. Both Gamut and Open Stage host summer camps so kids interested in the performing arts can pursue their emerging passion.

Open Stage of Harrisburg’s Studio School offers summer classes for kids ages 8 to 18. The OSHKids “Summer Camp: Disney’s Aladdin,” for kids ages 8 to 11, runs June 12 to 30. The classes focus on developing characters, learning how to build sets and costumes and preparing for a student showcase.

For kids ages 12 to 18, the Music Theatre Workshop (MTW) runs July 10 to 28. MTW is an intensive, three-week program in acting, singing and movement focusing on the repertoire of classic and contemporary music theater. Auditions are required to participate in both programs. OSHKids auditions will be held in May and MTW auditions will be held in June.

Over at Gamut Theatre Group, summer programs are offered for kids ages 6 to 16. The Gamut Summer Theatre Academy is for ages 8 to 16 and is an all-day, intensive four-week program in the study of theater, dance, voice, improvisation, stage combat and writing. The academy is offered in one-week sessions, with each week including a Friday night production. The program begins July 10 and ends Aug. 4. The Popcorn Hat Players Theatre Camp is for kids ages 6 to 12 and is a half-day program that runs Aug. 8 to 18. The goal of the camp is to enhance communication skills and develop self-confidence, imagination and creativity.

Education Essentials

At Gamut Theatre: In March, Gamut offers two weeks of educational shows to the public. The public performances of “Romeo and Juliet” are March 17 to 26, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. For tickets, visit www.gamuttheatre.org/tickets. Student matinees run from October through July. Schools interested in more information on the educational outreach performances should call the theater at 717-238-4111. Additional information is available at www.gamuttheatre.org/student-matinees.

Registration for both the Gamut Summer Theatre Academy and the Popcorn Hat Players Theatre Camp can be done online. For more information and to register for classes at Gamut, visit www.gamuttheatre.org/summercamps.

At Open Stage: “The Diary of Anne Frank” will be performed on March 12, for which a limited number of tickets are available. Tickets for the public performance are available at www.openstagehbg.com. Educators interested in bringing classes to see “The Diary of Anne Frank” should contact [email protected] for reservations for performances in 2018.

If your child is interested in either OSHKids Summer Camp or Music Theatre Workshop, call 717-214-3248 to schedule an audition appointment. For more information on classes at Open Stage of Harrisburg, visit www.openstagestudioschool.com.

Upcoming Theater Events At Harrisburg’s Professional Downtown Theaters

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org

The Popcorn Hat Players Present “The Snow Queen”
March 8 to 25
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. available by request for groups of 20 or more.

“Romeo and Juliet”

March 17 to 26
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Doors and bar open one hour prior to the performance.
Tickets are $30 on Fridays and Saturdays.
“Bring Your Own Price” on Sundays, where any size donation buys your admission.

“Improvapalooza 2017”

March 31
Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15

At Open Stage of Harrisburg
www.openstagehbg.com

Studio Workshop at Open Stage
Free evenings of 1-act plays
March 8 & 9 at 7:30 p.m.
No reservations required

“Sundae Best Variety Show”
At Open Stage
March 11 & 12 at 7:30 p.m.

“The Diary of Anne Frank”
Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m.
Open Stage’s 18th annual production
At Whitaker Center

“Uncanny Valley”
A new play about artificial intelligence by Thomas Gibbons
April 7 to May 7

Author: Laura Dugan

Past & Repast: Historic Middletown tavern gets a new life—and a very old name.

February 28, 2017 | by Stephanie Kalina Metzger

Photo by Waxman Photography.

What’s old is new again along E. Main Street in Middletown.

When Thomas Pavlovic took over operations of what was formerly the The Lamp Post Inn, they embraced the concept of serving the community, while preserving a part of local history.

There are actually two kinds of history operating at the newly named Black Horse Tavern. First, there’s personal history.

Pavlovic, a Middletown native, used to visit his grandmother nearby. As a child, he lived just blocks away from the property.

Bob Shoenfelt, who manages the kitchen, is also a native son and brings some of the old Lamp Post favorites back, like the “steak for two” and the crab cakes.

“People love Bob,” said Pavlovic.

Then there’s the colorful history of the building itself, which dates to the mid-1700s.

At one time, taverns were centers of often-raucous town life, places where people had meetings, made speeches, socialized, drank, fought and even voted, and a review of the local news archives shows exactly that.

An 1891 article in The Times of Philadelphia mentions the Black Horse Tavern as the site of a sometimes-contentious meeting held there by the Delaware County Whig Convention.

A year later, the Harrisburg Daily Independent shared a story about a civil suit brought by a Middletown man against the Lancaster, Elizabethtown and Middletown Turnpike Co. due to a buggy that overturned near the tavern. And a 1910 story tells of a certain Harry Hagen of Ephrata, who was accused of manslaughter after a well-landed punch to the jaw led to the death of Henry Waltz of South Lebanon Township.

Much more recently (and peacefully), Peter Zoumas, who owns The Hearth in Lebanon and The Manor Lounge in West Hanover Township, bought the building and mounted an extensive restoration, while preserving the building’s charming old character.

“We installed new floors, updated the plumbing, the electric, the air conditioning, you name it,” he said. “What can I say? I like to punish myself.”

The building may appear a little different these days compared to The Lamp Post, but its historic nature remains, along with many quaint architectural details.

After the renovation, Pavlovic took over, reviving the original Black Horse Tavern name.

Food-wise, he designed the two-page menu to offer something for everyone. “Shareables,” include items like nachos and mozzarella sticks and “Black Horse fries,” which are topped with bacon, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes and cheese. Reubens, wraps and other sandwiches comprise the “Handhelds” section of the menu. Additional casual fare such as wings, salads and soups is also available.

A selection of pasta dishes includes shrimp scampi, spaghetti with meatballs and fettucine Alfredo. A “Beef and Reef” section showcases steaks and seafood like broiled haddock, crab cakes and scallops.

Pavlovic uses his mixologist background to create special, pre-Prohibition-era cocktails on Sundays.

“I put together a small list I release on Facebook that is true to the era like a French 75, which includes gin and champagne with fresh lemon, and a Vieux Carre, which contains brandy, rye, bitters and house-made syrup crafted with demerara.”

Pavlovic said that the new venture has been embraced by a community that is loyal to area businesses.

“I’m at the end of a long journey towards ownership,” said the businessman, who credits restaurateurs like Nick Laus and Max Randazzo for passing along their knowledge of the industry to him.

“I cut my teeth in this town and am happy to work in an atmosphere that I love,” he said. “I’m excited to be part of the growth within this community,” said Pavlovic.

The Black Horse Tavern is located 101 E. Main Street, Middletown. For more information, call 717-944-0450 or visit their Facebook page: Black Horse Tavern.

Author: Stephanie Kalina Metzger

A Troubadour Wanders In: Folk legend John Prine pays us a visit.

February 28, 2017 | by Jess Hayden

John Prine, the legendary troubadour who writes powerful songs about common, everyday people, has often been compared to Mark Twain.

“It’s the combination of being that tender, wise and astute, mixed with his homespun sense of humor,” longtime friend Bonnie Raitt has said.

Like Twain, Prine is good at delivering a message in such a way that puts even the weightiest statements across with remarkable ease. As a result, his catalog of songs feels like treasured anecdotes shared between trusted friends.

This month, you have the chance to see Prine as he gives a rare central Pennsylvania performance at the Hershey Theatre.

Now 70 years old and a two-time cancer survivor, Prine can look back at a career that has spanned nearly five decades.

Considered to be one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, Prine has won plenty of awards, including a Grammy in 1991 for his album “The Missing Years” and another in 2004 for “Beautiful Dreamer.” In 2003, Prine was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting by the UK’s BBC Radio 2 and was also inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has recorded with some of the biggest names in music, including Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, Kris Kristofferson, Carly Simon, Ben Harper and Joan Baez.

Prine and his three brothers grew up in the Chicago suburb of Maywood, Ill., but he always felt rooted to the town of Paradise, Ky., where his parents were raised and he spent summers as a boy.

The town, which later disappeared when the Green River was dammed to allow boats to reach the mines owned by the Peabody Coal Co., became the subject of his popular song “Paradise.” The poignant lyrics of the song’s chorus are:

“Daddy won’t you take me back to Muhlenberg County,
along the Green River where Paradise lays.
I’m sorry my son but you’re too late in asking.
Mr. Peabody’s coal train has hauled it away.”

Prine served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was a mailman for five years before beginning his musical career in Chicago. Delivering mail gave him the time to hone his craft and, on rainy days, he has said that he would often crawl inside a postal relay box to eat a ham sandwich and work on a song. In the late 1960s, he began to sing at open mic evenings at the Fifth Peg on Armitage Avenue, where he was eventually offered a steady gig. By chance, the great film critic Roger Ebert, who worked for the Chicago-Sun-Times, saw Prine’s show and wrote in a review that he was a “great songwriter.”

Prine had become a central figure in the Chicago folk revival by the time he got his first big break. His friend, singer-songwriter Steve Goodman, had brought Kris Kristofferson to a club where Prine was playing. Liking what he saw, Kristofferson invited Prine to play with him in New York City. Soon after, Prine was offered a contract with Atlantic Records, recording his debut album. As fans of John Prine know, this album was jam-packed with some of his best songs, including “Sam Stone,” “Paradise,” “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore,” and, perhaps most famously, “Angel from Montgomery.”

The album was an instant success. Prine has gone on to record 22 additional albums and has written numerous songs that have been covered by artists such as Bonnie Raitt, The Highwaymen, My Morning Jacket, The Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lambchop and Sara Watkins.

Today, Prine lives in Nashville with his wife Fiona and their three sons. Once asked if writing so many classics early in his career had put pressure on him, Prine responded that it had, but now he’s just glad that his old songs feel as fresh as they do. As his fans agree, John Prine songs have no expiration date. His lyrical storylines about people of humble means, basic desires and imperfect qualities will continue to be relevant for years to come.

John Prine performs March 31 at 8 p.m. at the Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey. Ticket prices are $62.35 to $102.35. For tickets and information call 1-800-840-9227 or visit www.hersheyentertainment.com/hershey-theatre.

Author: Jess Hayden

Early Risers: It’s the time of the season for planting.

February 28, 2017 | by Erica Shaffer

My heart is doing cartwheels!

I am surged—“which way do I go?!?”—as the available garden chores and delights rush in along with the early warm spring days.

While it might not seem warm enough to start growing vegetables, this is a perfect time for what are called “cool season crops.” Where tomatoes, peppers and squash like basking in the hot summer sun, the early vegetable garden loves cool days and light, frosty nights.

Let’s start with some basic tips for success.

Firstly, it’s all about the soil. I add a bunch of leaf compost and organic nutrients into my garden beds in autumn. This “cooks” all winter, providing an amazing soil to work with every spring. I haven’t roto-tilled in years. Many gardeners overdo the roto-tilling, getting too enthusiastic about running it back and forth, actually damaging the soil structure. The extra rotations grind the soil particles finer, creating clay and chopping up the helpful worms. I add more organic nutrients each spring as they are “slower releasing” than chemical fertilizers (which have to be applied more frequently). Using a garden fork loosens up and turns the soil—a nice raking then levels it back off.

A soil test at least every few years is a good idea to know what the soil nutrient levels are. Penn State offers this service. The test kits are available at both your courthouse and at garden centers. This information can clue optimum fertility for growing vegetables.

Seed-starting seems to be a scary proposition for many gardeners. Luckily, the crops we’re discussing here are super easy to start, and they are directly sown into the prepared garden. Success tastes so good!

Beginning around the second week of March (I watch for the first dandelions to start blooming), we start with potatoes, onions, spinach and lettuce. Peas scoot in about two weeks later.

Potatoes for planting are called “seed potatoes.” These are chunks of potatoes with “eyes” on them, the sprouts that grow the tops. Place one seed per foot about 3 inches deep and cover. Every few weeks, cover the growing plant with compost and straw, keeping only a few inches of the tops exposed. “New” potatoes can be harvested a few months into the growing season—or allow full-sized growth, harvesting in autumn.

Onion sets are partially grown beginner onions. This means someone else started the tiny seeds then harvested the small onion bulbs. These sets can be planted right into the garden, and they are on their way again. These types, called “green onions,” are usually harvested while still small and chopped into early salads or grilled. I use them in rows as markers between my other crops instead of planting them all together. Plant 3 inches deep to bottom of the bulb and 3 inches apart. If you want big slicing sweet onions, these are a different type. They are planted later, around the time you get tomatoes in.

Spinach and lettuce are started now, too. They love the cool weather and grow quickly. Spinach seeds are planted ½-inch deep. Harvesting foliage by cutting leaves off low to the base encourages them to re-sprout more leaves. Lettuce seeds need light to germinate, so they are simply scattered on top. Then use a hand to gently press them into nice contact with the soil. Both can be planted in rows or broadcast into an area. I plant them in the spots where my tomatoes will be planted later. As the summer heat comes on, spinach and lettuces “bolt,” which means they send up a flower stalk, indicating they are finished. My tomatoes then fill the now-available space.

Near the end of March, I plant pea seeds about 2 inches apart at the base of a trellis for climbing. You can choose snow peas and sugar peas, which have edible pods, or shelling peas. They love the cooler weather, and, as the summer heat comes on, this trellis becomes what my cucumbers climb on. The trick here is to keep picking to keep getting peas. If pods are left too long on the vines, the plant is signaled to quit producing. Young peas can be plucked and popped right into the mouth for a super tasty treat.

Beets, carrots, Swiss chard, cilantro, dill, parsnips and turnips all appreciate this early start. Go ahead, start the seeds and the dreams of harvest!

Erica Shaffer is the nursery manager at Highland Gardens, 423 S. 18th St., Camp Hill. www.highlandgardens.org.

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