Escape the Ordinary: At Outside the Box Escape Room, the fate of the world is at stake. And only you (yes, you!) can save it.

July 29, 2016 | by Ashleigh Pollart

Time was running out.

I started to become acutely aware of the rising stress levels of the people in the room—strangers and friends.

Without discussing it, the group had split up into pairs, each working on a separate challenge and deep in discussion. As we rummaged through helmets, depicted codes and pondered our surroundings for hidden clues—under furniture, in books, in pictures, on maps—it occurred to me that we may not beat the ever-nearing deadline.

If we could not decipher the final code that needed to be entered into the laptop, the missile would fire, and we would all meet an untimely, tragic end. These were the thoughts that bombarded my mind in the final few minutes of my time in Outside the Box Escape Room in downtown Harrisburg.

Outside the Box is one of a handful of “escape rooms” in central PA, which feature fun, adrenaline-pumping games where small groups of people, locked in a room, work together under intense time pressure to solve a perplexing riddle—often with the fate of mankind at stake. Once the puzzle is solved, the locked door bursts open, allowing humanity’s saviors to return to their far more mundane lives as accountants or state workers or whatever.

Sets Us Apart

Our group, four friends, had reserved our spots on a whim. While waiting in the lobby, we met our two team members, Raul and Elaine Otano. It was their first time, as well.

Before entering the room, Outside the Box’s manager, Sean Michael Kelly, gave us a rundown of the do’s and don’ts, as well as a briefing on our mission. We were part of a covert operations team that had been dropped behind enemy lines, he said. We had to infiltrate the enemy’s command center and disrupt an impending act of mass destruction.

I was a little more prepared for what was coming than the rest of the group, as I had sat down to interview Kelly a few days before.

Besides handling Outside the Box’s day-to-day operations, Kelly pays close attention to how groups interact with the games. He tweaks steps to ensure the mission is challenging but not impossible. He also sends clues into rooms to nudge players when they seem stuck or go down a wrong path.

“I’ve always been trying to integrate games and education,” he said.

Many of the steps integrate technologies that make the experience relatable to an action film. Outside the Box’s owner, Benjamin Andreozzi, explained that this sets his escape room apart from others in the area. Additionally, it is more than double in size of the competition, he said.

“When we originally opened, we thought we’d be about the same size as some of our other competitors,” he said. “But because there is so much competition, we knew we had to do something different. So, we decided to basically triple—at least double—the size of the location so we can cater to large, corporate groups.”

And they have, with corporate groups quickly constituting a large portion of their business. The space even offers a meeting room so clients can hold a meeting on site. Outside the Box also puts time and investment into new, compelling rooms to keep people coming back.

In addition to the “Special Ops” escape room, Outside the Box currently offers two other rooms: “Outbreak,” where you have to stop a deadly virus from spreading, and “Wanted,” a Wild West-themed game.

“One of the things we take pride in is that there’s some pretty interesting electronical components and custom software—things that aren’t entry-level rooms,” Andreozzi said. “These are advanced, and there’s a degree of technology in them that sets us apart.”

To make the experience even more exhilarating, Outside the Box offers a racing challenge. Two groups can experience the exact same room—on different floors—to compete to see how quickly each group can decipher the clues and escape.

Perfect Way

After escaping from the Special Ops room, I caught up with my once-strangers-now-teammates Raul and Elaine. They had come to Outside the Box to celebrate their 10^th wedding anniversary.

They identified the racing option as an experience they would come back for.

“We’re very competitive,” Raul said. “We’d love to get our families in here and compete.”

I asked Raul, who has a military background, and Elaine, who has law enforcement experience, if they felt that their action-packed credentials gave them a leg up in the escape.

“No!” Raul exclaimed.

“Absolutely not,” Elaine added and laughed.

The proximity to other social offerings in the city makes Outside the Box’s location on 2^nd Street an ideal one, Andreozzi said. When considering where to open the business, he recognized the benefit of enhancing the downtown area with a unique entertainment experience.

“It was a balance between bringing something to the city that the city didn’t have and a supplement to the 9-to-5 job,” Andreozzi explained while expressing his passion and love for Harrisburg and what it has to offer.

Indeed, after our time in the escape room, my group ventured up the street to chat about our experience over a beverage. We discussed the rush and agreed that the “Special Ops” experience felt more authentic than any of us had anticipated. It was the perfect way to unwind and debrief after saving the world.

Outside the Box Escape Room is located at 717 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg. To make reservations and purchase tickets, visit www.OutsidetheBoxEscapeRoom.com or call 717-856-9076.

Author: Ashleigh Pollart

Camp Curtain: At this summer camp, plays are the play.

July 29, 2016 | by Gina Napoli

When you think of summer camp, what comes to mind?

Cabins, a lake, maybe a bully or two.

But, in recent years, specialty camps have sprung up with nary a canoe race in sight.

Take, for instance, the Camp Hill Youth Summer Stage. Since 2004, the Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center has offered this unique program, which takes kids through the paces of learning acting techniques, dancing and singing—all while pulling off a full-length production in only four weeks.

“We want to involve as many kids as we can, and we want them to enjoy the process,” said Philip Palese, Pollock Center director, Camp Hill Youth Summer Stage. With Palese’s background in both electronics and teaching, he is natural both onstage and backstage.

Over the years, the Youth Summer Stage has grown from a 15-camper play to one that now serves close to 200 campers for three shows and workshops. Summer camps are open to kids ages 7 to 17.

The summer program matters to the kids who return year after year.

“Summer camp is a wonderful experience for kids who might have an interest in theater,” Palese said. “It’s a welcoming environment. We make everyone feel included, expanding casting so that everybody has a part and feels a part of the show.”

Confident & Strong

With only four weeks to produce a “Junior Broadway” show, summer camp can be intense.

The Camp Hill Youth Summer Stage shares many of the features of a day camp: Crazy Hat Day, Pajama Day, Fashion Shows, Christmas in July and even swimming twice per week. But the stage always comes first, complete with casting, teaching, rehearsing and performing.

“We intend to make a professional show to the best of our abilities,” said Palese. “We treat the kids as professionals. They respond as professionals.”

Actor Josh Miccio was in the first show in 2004, playing the monkey in “Jungle Book.”

“Summer camp made me fall in love with theater,” he said.

During Miccio’s junior year when Palese took ill, Miccio switched to directing. Now, he’s studying theater arts in New York and working at the camp over the summer.

“[Miccio] is bringing New York training with him,” said Palese. “Every year, he brings back different elements he teaches the kids.”

Children’s natural penchant to pretend lends well to theater and acting. As they get older, they often lose that. In middle school, theater becomes uncool or their interest falls toward other things. Palese sees this as not a sad thing, but a natural progression of kids finding themselves.

For the few who hang on to theater, “watching them grow is amazing,” Palese said. “When they first come here, their knees buckle under them when they audition. Years later, they’re confident and strong because they learned to risk it all. They gained something through acting.”

Almost all kids are nervous when auditioning. The teachers work to put them at ease.

“We make it safe for them, and we don’t force them to audition,” Palese said. “Many kids change their minds when they watch other kids audition. They realize not everyone has to be a superstar performer. We focus on having fun.”

Hooked on Theater

Camp Hill Youth Summer Stage isn’t only for kids who can already act. Everyone gets on stage to try acting, dancing and singing.

“Over the years, I’ve watched these kids develop their skills, their confidence,” Palese said. “They become less hesitant each year.”

Miccio added that it’s gratifying to watch shy kids come out of their shells through theater.

“I like to think the camp has a lot to do with it,” he said.

Palese credits his team for knowing how to communicate with the kids. He feels confident in having picked “the most amazing theater people he could find” to work with and learn from. Many of the instructors are alumni who have participated in the program in the past and now want to pass the camp experience on to the next generation.

The instructors’ love of theater naturally extends to the kids loving it, too.

“The kids who have the most enthusiasm, no matter which role they’re cast in, are the ones who have more fun, grow and develop,” said Palese.

The teachers encourage the kids to treat every part as if it’s the lead.

“Casting is the most difficult part of putting on a show, with multiple kids who could play any one part,” said Palese. “I tell the kids, ‘If you’re disappointed, take five minutes and feel disappointed. Then get back onstage and play your part as best as you can.’”

According to Miccio, it’s not always the kids who have natural talent who thrive. There are motivated kids who work hard and love performing.

“It’s not our goal to hold strict, formal theater training,” said Miccio. “Our goal is to get kids hooked on theater and provide them an outlet to express their talents. Maybe they will find talents they didn’t know they had.”

The result of their hard work? A quality musical, enthusiastic actors singing and dancing, and an audience that becomes transported long enough to forget that the actors are still in school—and that they’re sitting in a theater in summertime. Oh, and a lot of fun for everyone involved.

To learn more about the programs and shows at Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center, visit www.gmppac.org.

Author: Gina Napoli

July News Digest

July 29, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

Housing Money Disbursed

Harrisburg City Council last month selected seven nonprofit groups to receive federal housing funds, but not before overriding a mayoral veto.

Council President Wanda Williams called members back from their summer recess to vote to override Mayor Eric Papenfuse’s first-ever veto.

Papenfuse objected to several parts of the bill, but especially opposed a lack of public input on changes that council made to his original bill.

“There was no public comment on any of these specific changes, many of which drastically altered the funding amounts requested by the sub-recipients,” he said.

Originally, Papenfuse proposed that the city retain all $1.9 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds for its own needs. However, council unanimously decided to carve out $295,000 and distribute it to a handful of service organizations, as it has in past years.

The following groups received funds:

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area, $80,000
Heinz-Menaker Senior Center, $40,000
African American Chamber of Commerce, $30,000
East Shore YMCA, $30,000
MidPenn Legal Services, $30,000
Fair Housing Council, $25,000
Christian Recovery Aftercare Ministries, $25,000

MidPenn Legal Services was the only group that received all the money it requested, while others received considerably less. Council also awarded $35,000 to the Ferguson Group, which helps nonprofits with grant writing.

Papenfuse had earmarked $165,000 to restart a school resource officer program for the Harrisburg school district. Council, citing a lack of buy-in from the district, killed the proposal in favor of funding the nonprofits. Smaller amounts were taken from grant administration, housing rehabilitation and emergency demolition.

The city reserved the single-largest amount of money—$641,113—to repay a federal loan it backed for the once-bankrupt Capitol View Commerce Center, as well as for other federal community development loans dating back about 15 years.

The Papenfuse administration has sent a letter to Julian Castro, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, asking for relief from the remaining balance of the Capitol View Commerce Center loan, as the developer, David Dodd, defaulted on the loan and was later convicted on federal fraud charges. At press time, no response had been announced.

Pot Penalties Eased

Harrisburg last month joined several other cities in Pennsylvania in reducing penalties for marijuana possession.

A unanimous City Council lowered the penalty for possession of small amounts of cannabis from a misdemeanor to a summary offense. The penalty for possessing marijuana paraphernalia likewise was lowered.

Fines were set at $75 for possession and $150 for use.

After a third offense, the penalty reverts to a misdemeanor, but only if all three citations occur within a five-year period.

The vote came after several public meetings in which dozens of residents voiced their opinions for and against lowering the status of possession. Many residents supported the change for recreational or medical use of marijuana, while others argued that pot can lead to the use of harsher drugs.

Gun Suit Dismissed

A judge last month threw out a longstanding lawsuit over Harrisburg’s gun ordinances.

Dauphin County Judge Andrew Dowling dismissed a lawsuit by a group called U.S. Law Shield, which had sued Harrisburg over five of its gun control laws. Dowling ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing to bring the suit, as none lived in or had been cited by the city.

U.S. Law Shield filed the lawsuit after the state passed a law known as Act 192, which gave entities automatic standing to sue Pennsylvania municipalities over gun restrictions. The Commonwealth Court later declared that law unconstitutional.

Many municipalities had already repealed their gun control ordinances under threat of a lawsuit. However, Harrisburg and several other cities chose to fight the suits.

Sewer Line Cleaning

Capital Region Water has begun cleaning out major sewer lines in its service area, work that will continue through November.

Crews from CRW, Terra Contracting and CDM Smith will be accessing manholes along the lines, called interceptors, to perform the pipe-cleaning work, said Andrew Bliss, CRW’s community outreach manager. The project includes the Paxton Creek, Paxton Creek Relief, Hemlock Street, Spring Creek and Front Street interceptors.

Bliss said that disruptions to traffic flow are not expected, but that CRW would provide notification through social media if they do occur.

CRW interceptors are up to 60 inches in diameter and convey about 20 million gallons of sewage every day. Bliss said that initial analysis determined that some sections of the interceptors are 50-percent clogged by sediment, adding that the cleaning will remove about 2,300 tons of sediment.

According to CRW, there is no record of when the interceptors were last cleaned.

Bliss said that the $1.4 million project will allow for more storage in the interceptors, which will help reduce combined sewer overflows. Cleaning also will allow for a more detailed condition assessment of the interceptors, which will identify necessary repairs, he said.

Judge Sides with Bar

A Dauphin County judge last month ordered Harrisburg to issue a business license to the 3^rd Street Café, allowing the embattled bar to stay open.

In his opinion, Judge Andrew Dowling stated that state liquor laws trump the city’s own restrictions, limiting the extent to which the city can regulate a business that serves alcohol. Dowling also criticized the cases cited by the city to support its contention that the bar serves as a magnet for crime, saying that most of the alleged criminal activity took place entirely outside of the bar, with few involving bar patrons.

Harrisburg had declared the 3^rd Street Café a nuisance and refused to issue it a 2016 business license. Last year, it also revoked the Midtown bar’s 2015 business license, but a court injunction allowed it to remain open through the end of the year.

Parking Default Declared

Harrisburg last month declared the entities that run the city’s parking system to be in default of their complex, long-term leasing agreement.

The Harrisburg Parking Authority voted to send a default notice to the Pennsylvania Economic Development Finance Agency over nearly $1.5 million in payments the city claims it is owed.

Under the agreement, Harrisburg stands first in line for “waterfall” payments, which is money left over after operating expenses and debt payments.

However, in the agreement’s first two years, the system did not generate enough money from fees and tickets to pay the city’s full share. The sides are now in dispute over what happens when revenue falls short.

The parties have 90 days to resolve the issue. If not, the matter could be turned over to a judge to decide.

New Police Hires

Harrisburg last month swore in seven new police officers to replace officers who are retiring or have left the force.

The city has about 130 sworn officers, unchanged over the past few years. The budget allows for 141 officers.

Police Chief Thomas Carter said that his department has had problems maintaining manpower because some long-term officers are retiring, while others are departing for nearby jurisdictions that offer higher pay and a less stressful work environment.

Video Camera Database

Harrisburg police last month urged residents to register their video cameras as part of a new database aimed at battling crime.

Increasingly, businesses and even residents are setting up surveillance cameras outside their stores and homes. Police would like to know the location of these cameras as footage could help to investigate crimes that occur near them.

Separately, police unveiled a new crime-mapping website that allows residents to see where crimes have occurred and even offer crime tips to police. The website can be located at www.raidsonline.com.

Miller Sworn In

Long-time Harrisburg official Dan Miller took the oath of office last month as the city’s new treasurer.

A split City Council selected Miller in June over three other candidates: former city Councilman Brad Koplinski and attorneys Karen Balaban and Peter Marks. The position was open following the resignation of Tyrell Spradley, who served as treasurer for just 18 months.

Miller, a CPA who runs his own accounting practice, has previously served as city councilman and controller. Three years ago, he ran for mayor, but lost in a hard-fought race to Eric Papenfuse.

Housing Sales Up

Housing sales in the Harrisburg area continued their upward climb, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors.

GHAR reported that sales totaled 1,101 units in June versus 905 in the year-ago period for the area that includes all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

The median sales price rose to $175,000 from $173,500, while average days on the market dipped to 65 from 79 compared to June 2015, said GHAR.

So Noted

Hershey-Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau last month launched the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority to attract more sports tourism and large-scale event business to the region. The announcement was made during the kickoff to the 3rd Annual Mecum Auction at the PA Farm Show Complex.

Harrisburg International Airport last month reached an agreement with Uber to allow the car-sharing service to operate at the airport. Uber expanded into the Harrisburg area early last year, but had been prevented from picking up or dropping off airline passengers.

Raising the Bar bakery opened last month in the stone building of the Broad Street Market, offering a wide selection of freshly baked breads, cookies, muffins and other treats. Owners Casey Callahan and Timishia Goodson are veterans of Caio! Bakery in downtown Harrisburg.

Changing Hands

Balm St., 22: M. Kenny to B. Garrison, $45,000

Calder St., 109: A. Carlson to P. & J. Lawson, $150,000

Calder St., 111: C. & L. Adamson to C. Bailey, $128,000

Calder St., 508: PA Deals LLC to J. Tucker, $110,000

Chestnut St., 2312: W. Morgan & A. Winans to P. & J. Vander Kraats, $136,000

Conoy St., 117: Mannjeim LLC to Marjulisadan Enterprises LLC, $130,500

Division St., 609: G. Barone & L. Ambrosino to M. Della Porta, $189,900

Duke St., 2431: A. & V. Bruckhart to F. Zeray, $45,000

Green St., 1718: M. Matlock & M. Kauffman to A. Bargh & S. Moore, $163,000

Green St., 1931: WCI Partners LP to N. Condon, $209,900

Green St., 2238: LSF9 Master Participation Trust to S. Maurer, $258,900

Green St., 2345: J. & J. DeMarco to J. Chirdon, $68,000

Harris St., 437: Arthur Kusic Real Estate Investments to V. Lacerra, $65,000

Harris Terr., 2453: Santander Bank NA to S. Maurer, $30,800

Hudson St., 825, 835, 840 & 851 S. 19^th St.: H&S Investment Co. & J. Diaz to Harrisburg Properties Associates LLC, $250,000

Kensington St., 2149: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to PA Double Deals LLC, $40,000

N. 2^nd St., 1704: C. Goodhart to R. & A. Allan, $140,000

N. 2^nd St., 2654: A. & C. Lang to U. Culpepper, $120,000

N. 2^nd St., 3004: 8219 Ventures LLC to S. Jusufovic, $60,000

N. 2^nd St., 3015: D. & A. Standish to A. Zecha, $182,500

N. 3^rd St., 1519: Campus Bookseller LP & GreenWorks Development LLC to CPenn Patriot Properties Midtown LLC, $180,000

N. 4^th St., 1432: D. Placide to D. Martin & N. Douglas, $60,000

N. 4^th St., 1621: GWD Capitol Heights LP to B. Parfitt, $100,000

N. 4^th St., 3213: Federal National Mortgage Association to A. Semancik, $40,000

N. 5^th St., 1624: Fifth Third Mortgage Co. to B. Davis, $50,500

N. 6^th St., 2013: Victor Ventures Inc. to Condor Ventures LLC, $75,000

N. 10^th St., 125 & 137: H. Gordon to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $212,500

N. 14^th St., 236: KAB Rentals LLC to Afterkey Property Solutions LLC, $32,900

N. 16^th St., 1310: R. Floyd to D. & K. Scott, $65,000

N. Front St., 2837, Unit 402: M. Lane Jr. to F. Clark, $110,000

N. Front St., 2901: R. Edwards to C. & E. Bryce, $280,800

Peffer St., 417: Peffer Street Associates LLC to S. Maurer, $30,000

Peffer St., 434: D. & M. Watts to S. Maurer, $38,000

Penn St., 917: L. Ware Jr. to B. Fritz, $86,000

Rolleston St., 1031: V. Harper to M. Sanz

Rudy Rd., 2133: C. Duffield & K. Bertin to J. & K. Kio, $123,900

Rumson Dr., 297: A. Segiin to G. Cayamcela & N. Perez, $70,000

Rumson Dr., 2979: Z. Farber to Sangrey Properties LLC, $32,000

Showers St., 585: J. & J. Duthie to A. & K. Morris, $120,000

S. 16^th St., 417: D. & K. Kaiser to M. Olshefski, $59,000

S. 20^th St., 838: Leasing Solutions LLC to Harrisburg Properties Associates LLC, $320,000

S. Front St., 809½: B. Gabler & R. Foreman to Q. Chau, A. Chaplin & A. Nguyen, $90,000

Vernon St., 1306: Hancock Investments LLC to Sweet Properties of Philadelphia LLC, $58,000

Harrisburg property sales for June 2016, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

Author: Lawrance Binda

Recycled Good: The ReStore’s mission–to house, and to help.

July 29, 2016 | by Susan Ryder

What could be described as a textbook example of sustainability oddly takes place in a very industrial setting, across a large surface parking lot and in a building that once housed the Troeg’s brewery.

The store within sells used building materials at a deep discount, keeping those same building materials out of landfills. And all of the money earned builds affordable homes for those in need.

Harrisburg’s ReStore has been open for three years and, in that time, has generated more than $1 million for Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area, according to manager Lindsay Kirkwood.

Just as impressive, the Paxton Street store has kept about 2 million pounds of usable materials out of landfills.

The store attracts “treasure-hunters, do-it-yourself folks, contractors—all walks of life,” said Kirkwood.

One of those treasure hunters is Ted Harris, who showed off the two antique oil lamps he had just purchased. He said it was his third time in the store that week.

“It’s possibly a slight addiction,” he said. “You really do never know what’s going to show up.”

Folks carry measuring tape as they walk around examining interior and exterior doors, tables of home goods and sets of kitchen cabinets. A large display of windows, lined vertically side-by-side, looks as if each window has been freshly plucked from someone’s house—because it has.

Kirkwood said that many of the ReStore’s customers are frequent shoppers.

“What’s so great about the ReStore is that so many of our customers are regulars, and they want to tell us what they are working on, and we want to hear it,” she said.

Transformation

Hugh Dorsey, one of the regulars, looked intently at the inventory.

He pulled out his phone and scrolled through pictures of his work, made possible by the ReStore. One project utilized an old fireplace mantle and a few pieces of molding to create a beautiful threshold. He boasted about it as “a $500 look for $28.” He has purchased doors, light fixtures, patio furniture and furnaces for the bed and breakfast he’s renovating and a restaurant, Tia Simones, he’s planning to open at 7^th and Maclay streets in Harrisburg.

The ReStore has relationships with local organizations, as well. It recently formalized partnerships with Open Stage and the Sundae Best Variety Show. The store offers discounts on materials, storage when available, and free pickup from shows. In return, Open Stage and Sundae Best provide ads in playbills and volunteer hours, which are essential to the ReStore. The store has only five staff and operates primarily on volunteer power.

Pecola Letterlough (aka Grammi) serves as one of those volunteers. Letterlough is a bundle of energy and all business, with a smile. When asked if I could talk to her, she said, “You can help.” As we arranged picture frames, Letterlough credited her granddaughter, who also volunteers, with telling her about the store.

“I always told my children to give for nothing,” she said. “You give for nothing, and you get a whole lot back.”

The ReStore also relies on donations from individuals and organizations.

“The list of what we take is a lot longer than the list of things we don’t take,” remarked Kirkwood.

More specifically, they accept appliances, building materials, furniture, home décor, cabinets and much more. The store also accepts paint. Kirkwood spouts its requirements like a memorized slogan: “Latex-based, half full, never frozen.” The store offers pick up for larger items.

To better serve the community, the ReStore recently underwent renovations, holding its grand reopening in June. Kirkwood said that the store needed to better display its wares, particularly furniture, and needed a more functional layout for customers to navigate and volunteers to work. Pennsy Supply, the ReStore’s neighbor, donated cement for a new ramp that was a part of the transformation.

The Mission

Most of the ReStore’s inventory goes for rock-bottom prices, with one exception—the massive replica of the Great Shield of the United States, a ceramic eagle holding olive branches, arrows and a shield that sits above Kirkwood’s office door.

This item sells for $75,000. Yes, $75,000—the price to build a Habitat house. Kirkwood would be happy to sell it to anyone who’s willing to pay the price. But, more importantly, the eagle offers an opportunity to talk with customers about why the ReStore exists—to fund Habitat’s mission to build housing for folks who need it.

The ReStore functions as much more than a home improvement retailer, and its name means more than reusing stuff. It restores the environment by keeping usable materials out of landfills; restores the community by providing affordable means of home improvement; and restores families by providing funds to create homes.

Who would think that so much could be accomplished by donating stuff that might be thrown away?

The Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area ReStore is located at 800 Paxton St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.harrisburgrestore.org or call 717-480-5083.

Check out TheBurg/GK Visual’s “Burg in Focus” video that accompanies this story.

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Burg in Focus – ReStore

July 29, 2016 | by Admin

This month, our “Burg in Focus” features the good works of the ReStore, the Habitat for Humanity home goods store with a strong social mission.

The GK Visual-produced video features store manager Lindsay Kirkwood and takes viewers through the store, which is located in the former Troeg’s brewery on Paxton Street in Harrisburg.

Through this story, we hope to add greater texture and meaning to our print article, allowing readers to experience the ReStore and what it does in a deeper way. Enjoy!

Casual Class: The new Capital Gastropub marries old world and modern.

July 29, 2016 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Photo by Waxman Photography.

Jeffrey Utzman is on a roll.

The seasoned chef’s booming voice echoes throughout the restaurant as he bounces from one subject to another in rapid succession while discussing the concept for the Capital Gastropub, the newest restaurant in downtown Harrisburg.

Utzman’s passion is evident as he rhapsodizes on everything from the importance of filtered water to why he hews to using stainless steel and ceramic cookware and the meaning of the word “gastropub.”

“You could call it a hybrid, I guess,” he said, explaining the term that originated in Great Britain. “A gastropub is not quite a bar and not quite a restaurant. It’s a place where the atmosphere is very welcoming and attracts foodies and non-foodies alike.”

Experts tend to agree. Hillary Dixler, in her article titled, “Gastropubs, from London Trend to American Phenomenon,” wrote:

“For a working definition of the contemporary gastropub, Eater [magazine] turned to restaurant editor Bill Addison, who put it succinctly: ‘I define a gastropub as a casual establishment, usually boisterous, with a near-equal emphasis on quality eating and drinking.’”

To achieve that high quality, Utzman collaborated with co-owner Erik Sokhadze to create a brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktail menu. For Utzman, who has years of cooking experience under his belt, getting free rein to express his creativity in menu development was a lot of fun.

“The coolest thing for us was being able to play around with stuff,” he said, referring to his partnership with Sokhadze, who previously worked at the famous Russian Tea Room in New York.

Manhattan Elegance

Guests can start their day out with brunch options ranging from omelets to huevos rancheros to French toast. Lunch selections include salads, sandwiches and more substantial options like filet mignon or stroganoff. Those pressed for time can get in and out quickly with the “express lunch,” which changes daily.

Dinner options include steak, burgers, fish and chips, seafood, pork chops and Utzman’s delectable crab cakes, to name just a few. I sampled the famous Utzman crab cakes when he worked at 1794 The Whiskey Rebellion in Carlisle. I know of which I speak when I describe them as delicious.

“Our mission is to be as eco-friendly as possible and that includes using local farms and using sustainable seafood, as well,” said Utzman.

For budget-conscious diners, Utzman created a special, bar-only menu called, “Belly Up to the Bar.” For $5, patrons can choose from dishes like cheese and crackers, fish and chips, soft pretzels and shoestring fries.

“When I was a young child, the adults would say, ‘Belly up to the bar, boy,’ and I created the menu with that in mind,” he said, with a chuckle. “We believe in old-school prices available to those who dare sit at the bar.”

For those who prefer more refinement, Utzman offers his version of “high tea.” Meant to be shared, the selection of finger sandwiches, scones and petit fours is served on an elegant, three-tiered, silver serving tray, alongside a ceramic pot of organic tea and a side of whipped cream.

“Everything we do is centered on the goal of bringing Manhattan elegance to Harrisburg, even down to the details of the decor,” said Utzman.

A Renaissance

The spacious restaurant possesses a masculine, upscale, clubby vibe and seats about 120. Oversized booths done in black leather are ensconced in dark wood, which complements the brick-paneled walls and contemporary iron lighting fixtures. Sokhadze, with partners Anatoly Gutman and Vladimir Vladimirov, spent about $400,000 to renovate the establishment that formerly housed Ceoltas Irish Pub, providing diners with an attractive and comfortable atmosphere conducive to socializing.

No gastropub would be complete without a fine selection of adult libations. The Capital Gastropub has that covered with a selection of craft beer, cider, wines by the glass or bottle, and native and foreign whiskies. Cocktails, priced at $10, include the popular Moscow mule, a rich chocotini served with vanilla vodka, Godiva chocolate and Kahlua, and a Hemingway daiquiri containing aged rum, fresh grapefruit and lime.

Those who prefer to party beneath the stars can take the stairs or the elevator to the rooftop garden, where they can drink and dine al fresco.

Both Utzman and Sokhadze are looking forward to what the future brings as more people learn about the establishment.

Sokhadze said he fell in love with Harrisburg on his very first visit. When he and his partners discovered that the building was for sale, they felt they were at the right place, at the right time.

“This city has potential and is ripe for a renaissance,” he said. “We’re glad to be a part of it.”

The Capital Gastropub is located at 310 N. 2^nd Street, Harrisburg. To learn more, call 717-200-3155 or visit www.capitalgastropub.com or their Facebook page.

Musical Notes: A summer spin–get ready to boogie down.

July 29, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

This month, we highlight three very different styles of music that all have one thing in common—they make you want to dance. And I think this makes sense for the final month of summer. Things are slowly going back to normal. Vacations are winding down. So why not finish summer off with a bang? Yeah, you might sweat a little, but you’ll remember how good it felt to really cut loose when you’re cooped up at home under a blanket next winter. So, if you can make it out to one or all of these shows, don’t be afraid to dance like no one is watching.

ANDY MOWATT’S STEELY JAM, 8/14, 6PM, ITALIAN LAKE: This concert wraps up Harrisburg Young Professional’s Italian Lake summer concert series. They’re ending on a decidedly funky note as they invite the virtuosic Andy Mowatt to play. A singularly athletic and powerful jazz-funk guitarist, his band is renowned throughout Pennsylvania for their entertaining and energetic originals, along with a wide-ranging repertoire of creative covers of rock classics. Mowatt also serves as a production musician for Lancaster’s American Music Theater and holds a degree in music and recording technology from nearby Lebanon Valley College. As with all of HYP’s Italian Lake concerts, this one is family friendly, and attendees are invited to bring their own blanket or lawn chair. That being said—with music this funky, you are liable to spend most of the show on your feet and dancing.

JUANITO PASCUAL, 8/18, 8PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $30: Flamenco is a sensual and exotic musical style originating in Spain. At the heart of this genre is the highly technical and mesmerizing flamenco guitar, and Juanito Pascual is known as one of the foremost masters playing today. Although he was born in the United States, he is equally well respected in Spain, a high compliment for a performer from outside of the native land of this quintessentially Spanish musical form. He has performed in many of the leading folk, jazz and world music festivals around the world and was even featured on Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion.” There is something supremely magical about flamenco music, and nothing will transport you to the Spanish countryside like someone so adept at this extremely challenging style of guitar.

BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO, 8/24, 8PM, ABBEY BAR, $15/$18: Zydeco is an upbeat and uniquely Louisiana musical genre. And zydeco’s presence within the American musical landscape is largely due to the hard work and endless touring of Buckwheat Zydeco. He released his first major label album, “On a Night Like This,” on Island Records in 1987. Over the course of his career, he has played with a wide range of well-respected musicians, including U2 and Eric Clapton, and was a featured performer at both of Bill Clinton’s inaugurals. But he continues to be musically relevant, as he sat in for a performance with the Roots as Jimmy Fallon closed out his “Late Night” show before taking over Jay Leno’s slot on the “Tonight Show.” If you have never experienced zydeco, it is best heard live. So come ready to hear some of the best that the bayou has to offer!

Mentionables: Kenny George Band, 8/12, H*MAC Stage on Herr; Real Talk Collective and Justin Clauser, 8/13, The MakeSpace; Hank and Cupcakes, 8/13, Abbey Bar; Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, 8/16, Whitaker Center; Ryan Kauffman Duo, 8/19, H*MAC Stage on Herr; The Robert Cray Band, 8/30, Whitaker Center

Learning to Dream: Good careers start right here–at Goodwill Keystone Area.

July 29, 2016 | by Kate Morgan

Jessica Greene and Jamie Ruth, recent graduates of HACC’s Cardiology Technician Certificate Program and members of Good Careers Start Here.

Goodwill Keystone Area has a rather unique approach to employee retention—it encourages its people to leave.

The Harrisburg-based branch of the national chain, known for its 100-plus year history as a thrift store and donation center, has pioneered a program called “Good Careers Start Here,” which offers employees the chance to attend continuing education programs—for free—and to secure higher-paying jobs with new companies.

One such employee is Jessica Greene, who is no stranger to hard work and difficult choices. For as long as she can remember, the 37-year-old mother of three has worked two jobs to make ends meet. When it became clear that her young daughter, diagnosed with autism, needed her home more often, Greene says it was a no-brainer.

“I needed to feed my family, give my kids the things they need, and save to put them through college,” she said. “But I also needed to pay more attention to them. They’re growing up, and they need so much support. I was so used to working two jobs, but I just couldn’t do it anymore.”

In 2014, Greene took a leap of faith, quitting one job and continuing her work at Goodwill as an aid to community members with disabilities. She also enrolled, alongside 11 others, in a prep class Goodwill was offering as part of a pilot program.

The students learned, essentially, how to learn. They worked with a career navigator to identify their skills, find a local program that would fit their schedules and career goals, and overcome any obstacles in the way of enrollment. Today, Greene is a graduate of HACC’s Cardiology Technician Certificate Program, applying for jobs in the medical field she never dreamed she’d be qualified for.

Ron Kratofil, president and CEO of Goodwill Keystone Area, said that “Good Careers Start Here” isn’t just about writing a check for tuition.

“In many cases, you’re talking about people who are overcoming barriers, and our folks had to be able to figure out all the pieces,” Kratofil said. “What about the family, the kids, the job? They need childcare. They need to be able to work. So, we help them arrange and afford childcare–we move people around and juggle hours. We do what we need to do to get people on board.”

Breaking the Cycle

The idea to send people back to school came from conversations Kratofil had with fellow members of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board.

“There has been a lot of discussion at the state level about what’s called ‘high priority occupations,’” he said. “There are employers in the commonwealth saying, ‘we can’t find people to fill these jobs, and they pay fairly well.’”

Kratofil realized that he had a “built-in pool” of workers who were already succeeding at Goodwill’s entry-level jobs.

“So, we started connecting the dots, trying to figure out how someone moves from having a job to having a career,” he said. “Most of these careers are in areas like robotics, manufacturing and healthcare—things Goodwill doesn’t have. So, in virtually all cases, we’re preparing our best employees to leave Goodwill.”

Jamie Ruth, who graduated this spring alongside Greene, feels that “Good Careers Start Here” has given her a second chance at her dreams.

Ruth said she was apprehensive about reentering the classroom after so much time away, but the prep class—and the support she received throughout her academic program—gave her the tools she needed to succeed.

“They were there through the entire thing,” she said. “I don’t know if I would’ve made it through without the prep. That’s why this program is so great. No matter what your level is, they teach you everything: how to budget, how to study, how to manage your time.”

Ruth’s experience has encouraged her husband to explore going back to school, too. Though he’s not an employee of Goodwill, the benefits of “Good Careers Start Here” are extended to an employee’s entire household.

“One of the components of this that I think is very humbling is you’re changing the trajectory for an entire family,” Kratofil said. “You’re breaking the cycle and improving things for the children and the children’s children.”

Can’t Wait

Ruth, who’s currently looking to put her newly minted cardiology technician certificate to work, plans to eventually continue her schooling.

“I want to be doing polystenography—sleep studies,” she said. “That’s my dream job. I think it’s altogether fascinating, and now I can’t wait. Now I know I can do it.”

Ruth and Greene are proof, Kratofil said, that the model works. This year, “Good Careers Start Here” will be extended to Lancaster, Lehigh Valley and Reading.

“We’re convincing people it’s OK to dream again,” Kratofil said.

He added that he doesn’t know of a more “thoughtful, comprehensive” plan.

“There are lots of folks in the getting-people-jobs business, but helping people move to a long-term career? There aren’t a lot of people in that business,” he said. “There is great opportunity, and this will be successful. There’s no room for an idea this profound to fail. It will get the support it needs. It will change lives.”

To learn more about Goodwill Keystone Area, visit www.yourgoodwill.org.

Photo: Jessica Greene and Jamie Ruth, recent graduates of HACC’s Cardiology Technician Certificate Program and members of Good Careers Start Here

Happenings: Our August Calendar of Events

July 29, 2016 | by TheBurg Editor

Happenings

Museum & Art Spaces

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

“Guardians & Guides,” acrylic paintings by Dreon Olivetti, Aug. 19-Sept. 19; reception: Aug. 19, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Early Off-Roaders,” through Oct. 15.

“Mods vs. Rockers,” motorcycles and scooters, through Oct. 15.

“Steampunk U,” recycled gears and parts, repurposed with artistic and functional form, through Nov. 6.

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

“Off the Wall,” featuring sculptures by Mike Cerbone, Hannah Dobek, Jeremiah Johnson, Daniel Kalbach, Sean Matthews and Paul Nagle, Aug. 5-Sept. 1; reception: Aug. 12, 5-8 p.m.

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

“Student Juried Show,” featuring the artwork of Department of Visual Arts students, through Sept. 1.

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

“Somewhere: A Path to Abstraction,” artwork by Michele Taber, receptions: Aug. 5-6, 7-10 p.m.

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

Artist of the Month: Janice McCracken

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

“Downton’s Last Stand: A Reprise of the Fort Hunter Fashions of the Downton Abbey Era,” through Dec. 23.

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

Works by Ralph Hocker and Sue Marrazzo, through Aug. 5.

Works by Linda Benton McCloskey and Paul Gallo, Aug. 11-Sept. 24; reception: Aug. 19, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Landis Legacy: Mary M. Landis,” a celebration of the life, legacy and community contributions of Mary Landis, PCCA’s benefactor of Landis House, through Aug. 6.

“Faith, Family and Community: Folk Art Links to the Early Pennsylvania Dutch in Perry County,” Perry Historians exhibition, Aug. 12-Nov. 5; reception: Aug. 12, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

Fiber-based work and woven wall hangings by Jenna Carls, through Aug.; reception: Aug. 19, 5-7 p.m.

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

“Summer of Speedee,” Aug. 5-Sept. 30; reception: Aug. 5, 6-11 p.m.

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

“Tell Mother I’ve Been Good: Vice & Virtue in the Civil War,” illustrating the moral challenges faced by thousands of men in the ranks, through Dec. 31.

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

“Pennsylvania Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition,” through Aug. 27.

“2015 Youth Art Winners,” through Sept. 24.

PCCA Gallery
Perry County Council of the Arts
1 S. 2nd St., Newport
perrycountyarts.org

“Work in Progress,” highlighting the work of Savannah College of Art and Design student and West Perry High School graduate Emily Keniston, through Aug. 6.

“Dyeing for Peru,” featuring eco-dyed and ice-dyed silk scarves and textiles created by Marcia Labant of Luminous Nature, Aug. 12-Oct. 8; reception: Aug. 12, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

“Full Contact Bowling,” graphic design by Scott Laserow, Aug. 17-Sept. 8; reception: Sept. 1, 5:30 p.m.

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

“Working Together for Wildlife: Three Decades of Pennsylvania’s Nature in Art,” through Sept. 11.

“We’re Here: Pioneering LGBT Rights in Pennsylvania,” through Oct. 30.

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

“The City, Juried Exhibition,” through Aug. 11.

“The Luminous River,” works by John Pfahl, through Sept. 18.

“Recasting Nature: Selected Sculptures by Beth Galston,” through Sept. 18.

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-867-6161; lvc.edu/gallery

“Con Spirito: Emotion through the Printed Image,” featuring printed images inspired by Irving Amen’s work “Con Spirito,” through Aug. 7.

Whitaker Center/The Curved Wall
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-221-0292; whitakercenter.org

“Studio To Stage: 25 Years of Music Photography by Drew Wiedemann,” through Aug. 21.

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

“Art in the Wild,” a nature-inspired outdoor art exhibition, with installations mostly including natural materials, through Oct. 31.

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

Works by Crissy Wagner through Aug. 14

Works by Elizabeth Campbell, Aug. 16-Sept. 11

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

“Between the Lines,” ink on wood by Ted Walke, through mid-August.

“Through the Seasons,” award-winning photos from the 2015 PA Parks & Forests Foundation contest, Aug. 19-Sept. 15.

Read, Make, Learn

The Astronomical Society of Harrisburg
Edward L. Naylor Observatory
670 Observatory Dr., Lewisberry
717-938-6041; astrohbg.org

Aug. 7 & 14: Public Observing, 8:15-11:15 p.m.
Aug. 21 & 28: Public Observing, 8-11 p.m.

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

Aug. 10: “Gifts from the Sea,” 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 18: “Cruising the Caribbean,” 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 31: “Crab-tastic Dishes,” 6-9 p.m.

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

Aug. 1, 15: Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
Aug. 2: Coloring for Grown-Ups, 7 p.m.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6 p.m.
Aug. 5: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 6: Storytime and Music Therapy, 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 9: Bad A** Grandmother, 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 9: Curl Up With the Classics—“Their Eyes Were Watching God,” 3 p.m.
Aug. 11, 25: Drop-in Story Time, 7 p.m.
Aug. 12: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 12, 13: Safe Sitter Workshop, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Aug. 16: Fredricksen Reads—“The Aviator’s Wife,” 7 p.m.
Aug. 16: Gardening with Nature, 7 p.m.
Aug. 19, 26: Foreign Film Friday, 2 p.m., 7 p.m.

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

Aug. 2: Root Vegetables to Curb Sugar Cravings, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 18: Balanced Plate Class, 6-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 6: First Saturday/Free Drop-in Art Class, 1-4 p.m.
Aug. 13: “A Novel Idea” writing workshop, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Aug. 18: Heat Patina on Copper jewelry class, 6-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27: Weekly Meditation Practice, 11 a.m.
Aug. 9: Seniors Group, 6 p.m.
Aug. 11: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
Aug. 14, 28: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Aug. 16: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.

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

Aug. 2: Internet for Seniors, 10 a.m.
Aug. 2: Sci-Fi Writer’s Group, 7 p.m.
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7 p.m.
Aug. 5, 12, 26: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
Aug. 6: Health and Wellness Meet-up, 10 a.m.
Aug. 6: Good News Café, 6 p.m.
Aug. 7: Intro to Internet, 1 p.m.
Aug. 9: Dauphin County Young Democrats Meeting, 7 p.m.
Aug. 9: Men’s Conversation, 7 p.m.
Aug. 11, 18: Camp Curtin Toastmasters
Aug. 13: Story time with Lisa, 11 a.m.
Aug. 13: Author Talk and Signing: Cooper Wingert, 2 p.m.
Aug. 17: Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7 p.m.
Aug. 20: Local Author Saturday: Amy Brooks & Tawanda Brown, 2 p.m.
Aug. 21: Midtown Writers Group, 1 p.m.
Aug. 21: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
Aug. 22: Harrisburg Young Professionals, 6 p.m.
Aug. 22: Feminism Book Club, 7 p.m.
Aug. 23: Friends of Midtown Safety Committee, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 28: Harrisburg Young Professionals Book Club, 2 p.m.

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

Aug. 12, 27: Letting Go! Paint Night Party, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Aug. 17: Sea Turtle Watercolor Paint Party, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

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

Aug. 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

Aug. 4: Repurposed Junk and Upcycled Funk, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Aug. 9, 10: Fun with Watercolor, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Aug. 11, 12: Garden Sprouts Camp, 1:30-4 p.m.
Aug. 16, 17: Stage Combat Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Aug. 18, 19: Nature Crafts Camp, 1:30-4 p.m.

The Studio by Absolute Pilates
1322 Saxton Way, Mechanicsburg
717-516-2062; thestudiobyap.com

Aug. 27: Free classes, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Aug. 6: Late Summer Morning Bird Walk, 8-10 a.m.
Aug. 7: Summer Morning Walk, 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 10: Stress Relief Walk, 6-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 13: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aug. 14: Flower Walk—Heat Tolerant Plant, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 17: Preschool Storytime—Summer at Wildwood, 10-10:45 a.m.

Live Music Around Harrisburg

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

Aug. 7: The Shoji Tabuchi Show
Aug. 15: Styx
Aug. 21: Aaron Lewis
Aug. 26: Kellie Pickler
Aug. 28: Loretta Lynn
Aug. 29: Toto

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

Aug. 13: Hank and Cupcakes
Aug. 18: The Mantras & Aqueous
Aug. 24: Buckwheat Zydeco
Aug. 27: Solar Federation, Rush Tribute Band

Bucks Valley Winery
333 Meadow Grove Rd., Newport
717-204-7508; bucksvalleywinery.com

Aug. 6: Stan & Wes Hoke
Aug. 20: Irvine & Lewis

Buddy Boy Winery
111 Barnett Dr., Duncannon
717-834-5606; buddyboywinery.com

Aug. 24: Coffeehouse Open Mic (Perry County Council of the Arts)

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

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

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

Aug. 4: We Came As Romans
Aug. 10: Otep
Aug. 19: Frankie Ballard
Aug. 26: Local H
Aug. 27: Kurt Vile and the Violators

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

Aug. 5: Jim Steele
Aug. 6: Alex McQuade
Aug. 7: Chroma
Aug. 12: Dale Stipe
Aug. 13: TBA
Aug. 14: Charlie Fry
Aug. 18: Jamie O’Brien
Aug. 19: Jim Haas
Aug. 20: Doug Morris
Aug. 21: Kirk Wise
Aug. 26: Seasons
Aug. 27: Dominick Cicco
Aug. 28: Crimson

Flinchy’s
1833 Hummel Ave., Camp Hill
717-761-9000; flinchys.com

Aug. 3: Freddy Long
Aug. 17: Shea Quinn
Aug. 20: Chuck & Friends
Aug. 24: Phil Cannizzaro
Aug. 26: Freddy Long
Aug. 27: Jeffrey J. Walker

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

Aug. 8: Shea Quinn & Friends

Grain + Verse Bottlehouse
148 Sheraton Dr., New Cumberland
717-317-3044; grainandverse.com

Aug. 11: Indian Summer Jars
Aug. 18: Mark DeRose
Aug. 25: The Great Northeast

Gretna Music
Leffler Chapel and Performance Center, Elizabethtown College
717-361-1508; gretnamusic.org

Aug. 7: Jennifer Johnson Cano & Christopher Cano
Aug. 14: Lise de la Salle

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

Aug. 5: HCPAC Choir Concert

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

Aug. 14: Starling

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

Aug. 5: tgDivergence, Vetour First Friday
Aug. 6: Jon Hatchett Band & A.D. Chandler
Aug. 12: Kenny George Band
Aug. 13: Finks Constant & the Keystone Ska Exchange
Aug. 19: Ryan Kauffman Duo, The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow & The Wild Hymns
Aug. 20: Redd Panda, Mother, McClinton, Dylan Andre, Ill Fated Natives & Another Day Dawns
Aug. 26: JR Wolf
Aug. 27: Humandala & The Hair Cut

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

Aug. 27: Symphony Stroll

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

Aug. 21: Celtic Thunder

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

Aug. 5: Vinyl Groov
Aug. 6: DJ Ray Rossi, Stand Tall Baby Doll
Aug. 12: The Luv Gods
Aug. 13: DJ Coach K, Stayin Alive, M80 Band
Aug. 19: Honeypump
Aug. 20: DJ Styles, Sapphire
Aug. 26: Funktion
Aug. 27: DJ Forest, Smooth Like Clyde

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

Aug. 13: Baughman UM Ice Cream Festival

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

Aug. 5: Les’ Bien
Aug. 12: Ellyot H. Ray
Aug.19: CHROMA
Aug. 26: TBA

The MakeSpace
1916 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgmakespace.com

Aug. 7: Chamber Music
Aug. 13: Jazz Night w/Real Talk Collective & Justin Clauser

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

Aug. 12: Nico Padden

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

Aug. 2: Corinna Joy
Aug. 6: Funktion Quartet
Aug. 9: Darcie Miner
Aug. 13: HIP 450
Aug. 16: Josh Krevsky
Aug. 20: Troubadour Lights
Aug. 23: Jason Carst
Aug. 27: Ryan Moran
Aug. 30: Sherri Mullen

MoMo’s BBQ & Grille
307 Market St., Harrisburg
717-230-1030; momosbbqandgrill.com

Aug. 5: Back Rhodes
Aug. 12: Genesis Lorraine w/ The Start
Aug. 19: Skyla Burrell
Aug. 26: Christopher Dean

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

Aug. 6: Nate Myers & the Aces
Aug. 20: Kilmaine Saints

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

Aug. 4: Mark Santanna and the Snake Oil Salesman
Aug. 6: Kat Hart, Norm Eberly Quartet
Aug. 7, 20: La Playa
Aug. 11: Blue Elephant & Friends
Aug. 12: 36th Annual Friends of Jazz Festival Party
Aug. 13: Don Johnson Project
Aug. 18: Shawan & The Wonton
Aug. 19: Switch Fu
Aug. 21: Singer’s Lounge
Aug. 25: Chris Auxt Band
Aug. 26: People’s Open Jam
Aug. 27: Steve Rudolph, Jonathan Ragonese, Peter Paulsen
Aug. 28: La Playa 4th Sunday Miami Fusion Dance Party

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

Aug. 4: Brian Horton
Aug. 5: Mark Lubbers
Aug. 6: Gianna Palanzo
Aug. 11: Todd McCall, One Fat Cowboy
Aug. 12: Cotolo
Aug. 13: Matt Tenny
Aug. 18: Paul Zanngh
Aug. 19: Roger Hammer
Aug. 20: Craig Bonner
Aug. 25: Channalia
Aug. 26: Tim Zimmerman
Aug. 27: Orit

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

Aug. 5, 26: Shea Quinn and Friends
Aug. 6: Visitors Duo
Aug. 12: Song Smith
Aug. 13: Houston Baker
Aug. 19: A Perfect Storm Duo
Aug. 20: Josh Krevsky
Aug. 24: A Perfect Storm
Aug. 25: TBA
Aug. 27: Music Thru Science Lite

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

Aug. 1: Sarah McLachlan

Suba Tapas Bar
272 North St., Harrisburg
717-233-7358; mangiaqui.com

Aug. 13: Nate Myers & the Aces
Aug. 20: Gary Brown

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

Aug. 19: Alash Ensemble
Aug. 24: Soundwaves: Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat Concert

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

Aug. 13, 14: Allegro—American Fare

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

Aug. 16: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band
Aug. 18: Juanito Pascual
Aug. 20: 3West, Summer Scouts, Citizen Cope
Aug. 30: The Robert Cray Band

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

Aug. 5: Shawan and the Wonton
Aug. 7: Rivers (Burgers & Beer w/The Harrisburger)
Aug. 26: Flower Garden
Aug. 27: DJ Bazooka 8-11

The Stage Door

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

Aug. 12: Terry Fator

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

Aug. 13: “The Frog Prince”

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

Through Aug. 6: “Mary Poppins”
Aug. 11-Sept. 24: Yeston and Kopit’s “Phantom”

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

Through Aug. 20: “Cinderella” (Popcorn Hat Players)
Aug. 12-21: “As You Like It” (Stage Door Series)

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

Aug. 5: Class Show—Intro to Musical Improv
Aug. 5: Harold Hour
Aug. 20: Crank
Aug. 28: Magic Fairy Pirate Monkeys

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

Aug. 19: Comedy Night

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

Aug. 12-28: “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”

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

Aug. 12-21: “Side Show”

Growth Path: Cultivating crops, training youth.

July 29, 2016 | by Don Helin

Heidi Witmer is no stranger to the Harrisburg community, having grown up on a farm in Perry County.

She has always been a “hands in the dirt” kind of person—even when she attended college and taught in Japan, then worked with the United Nations in Rwanda. When she returned to Harrisburg, she taught in a private school, but became concerned with the lack of employment opportunities for her students during the summer months.

So, in 2013, she founded the Leadership, Education and Farming (LEAF) Project.

“I founded LEAF on the premise that youth are a good investment and can be powerful change agents when engaged,” Witmer said. “We hire youth ages 14 to 22 and place them in positions of responsibility on farms, working with chefs, and in educating and feeding the community.”

It’s been three years since that pilot year. So, how are things progressing?

New Beginning

LEAF begins the application process on March 1, when youth from Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties apply. Those selected start an intensive, eight-week internship, which runs from mid-June to early August. Historically, LEAF has received three to five times the number of applicants for available positions.

Since that first year, LEAF has developed four steps in the employment process. Youth who successfully complete the eight-week internship may apply for longer employment (Level 2). These employees will be the first-line supervisors for the new interns and work from April through November. The new interns are divided into two, 10-person crews with a Level 3 employee heading each crew.

“Sometimes, we encourage competition between the crews,” said Witmer. “For example, we have weeding contests. For those of you who have done much weeding, you know this is not an easy task. Believe me, crew members get much better at weeding over the summer competing against the other crew.”

LEAF now has one Level 4 employee. This person helps develop the program and participates in the administrative tasks that keep LEAF growing. The development of these four levels has taken a burden off the staff, but, more importantly, has provided a career path for the interns.

“Our goal is to create a healthy ecology within the youth crew, as well as on the farm,” Witmer said. “I compare these young people to a red pepper seed. There is potential in that seed, but the seed needs help in reaching its full potential. Will it be a successful plant or a failed pepper? All of this depends on cultivation, watering and sunshine. The same is true for our youth. They need proper training and motivation to reach their full potential, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Summer Growth

Over the past three years, LEAF has become better organized to take full advantage of the interns’ efforts and to help them grow.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, interns work on the home farm in Perry County, cultivating produce for customers and partners.

“The one thing that hasn’t changed over the three years is that, after a few weeks of this kind of work, the interns move with a new sense of pride, developing both competence and confidence through the work of raising and harvesting produce,” Witmer said.

On Wednesday afternoons, the interns participate in workshops in the outdoor classroom. For example, they might examine their lunch and trace the origins of each ingredient. This leads to a discussion about how our food dollars impact our community in positive or negative ways.

For many interns, the favorite day of the week is Tuesday, when they work alongside regional chefs making and taste-testing new recipes using the produce they have harvested.

Executive Chef John Reis of the Hilton Harrisburg runs an iron chef culinary competition toward the end of the internship each season.

“The interns’ challenge is to master five recipes composed of food grown at the farm,” Reis explained. “Then they must scale up the recipes to be served later in the day to approximately 100 people. The first year, the interns simply took food to the Salvation Army as a donation. Now, they cook the food and serve people at the Salvation Army.”

Diverse Skills

Thursday is “Partner Farm Day.” LEAF has six partner farms, where interns experience many aspects of agriculture, including fruit cultivation, milking and cheese and meat production.

“Spiral Path Farm is a large-scale organic produce farm in Loysville,” Witmer said. “I want them to observe the efficiency as well as the speed of the harvesting process at a farm of this scale and quality.”

In contrast, Piney Mountain Orchards is a one-woman operation. The interns help her with a variety of projects, such as planting, cultivating and harvesting crops, seeing firsthand the diverse skills needed to be successful in independent farming.

North Mountain Pastures raises pigs, cows, goats and produce. There, interns do everything from mucking stalls to making sausage by hand. At Keswick Creamery, a dairy farm and artisan cheese shop, interns arrive early and milk the cows, then, by the end of the day, see the cheese as it’s made.

At Three Springs Fruit Farm, the interns learn how to harvest cherries and peaches. The Ellerman Family Farm offers hard physical work as they learn how to gather hay.

LEAF youth now participate in an extensive rating session with staff and their peers, receiving feedback in the form of “positives” or things that they are doing well, and “deltas,” or things they need to work on or change.

“Many of the LEAF youth are now involved in community outreach and education programs,” Witmer said. “This includes providing meals and snacks from our farm to preschool programs, a weekly vegetable subscription program for local families, and feeding needy people through the Salvation Army.”

To learn more about the Leadership, Education and Farming (LEAF) project, visit www.leafprojectpa.org or email [email protected].

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