Best in Class: When a dog misbehaves, both animal and owner might need some expert help.

June 30, 2016 | by Amy Powell

As a dog trainer, I often hear from owners that their dog is not behaving in an acceptable manner. The owner is now exasperated and is ready to throw in the towel instead of trying to figure out a better way to train the pet.

Part of the problem is that dog training looks so easy on television. Terrible behaviors are addressed and corrected in a short amount of time, and the dog seems to be completely exorcised of all past devilish doings.

This is not reality. Dog owners have varying levels of experience, and each dog is an individual. The last dog owned does not resemble the next dog added. Each dog and situation is unique and can possess its own challenges.

Schools of Thought

The average owner does not think that he needs a dog trainer.

Indeed, the majority of dog owners are perfectly capable of teaching their dog boundaries and simple commands like sit, down and stay. Most dogs do not have behavioral problems. Some do, however, and those behaviors can be addressed by a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. In those cases, training should begin as soon as the dog is current on all vaccinations.

In general, there are two schools of thought on how to properly train a dog.

The first is commonly referred to as the “Old School” method or “Alpha dog technique,” which is established through various forms of physical manipulation. The other is the “New School,” also known as positive reinforcement or treat training.

Old School methods can be seen on shows like the “Dog Whisperer” and were commonly used in American Kennel Club obedience trials. They employ a form of “touch” to correct the dog when it does something wrong. New School methods were developed by animal behaviorists and dog trainers such as Ian Dunbar and are demonstrated by trainers like Victoria Stillwell and Karen Pryor, who use clicker training or shaping exercises with rewards of treats or play for the correct behavior

Before making a decision, owners should do some research to understand what they are paying the trainer to teach. They also should be comfortable with the fact that they are being taught because, ultimately, it’s the human who gets the training.

Training takes commitment from the owner. Training the dog to sit, down and stay in a classroom setting is great. However, the dog will need to get out and about and socialized to ensure that the training works in all environments and under all circumstances.

Socialization means that the dog is familiar with different people, animals, environments and conditions. When a dog is learning new tricks, the owner or handler should be aware that, if the dog is overstimulated, it is not going to absorb the lesson trying to be taught. Therefore, training should begin in a quiet space and, as each trick is learned, the dog should be taken out to keep increasing the difficulty. By teaching the dog tricks and working with it in different situations, the owner and dog are forming a working relationship and a bond.

Where to Go

Classes are offered in many different places, including pet stores like PetsMart, Petco and Pet Valu, through community and recreational centers like the West Shore Recreation Commission, and through privately owned businesses that can be found online or through veterinarian offices. Dog training classes in these settings offer an excellent opportunity to socialize your dog.

Good online sources include the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com), the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) or Bark Busters (www.barkbusters.com). These sources offer information about both dog trainers and animal behaviorists, as well as group classes or personal, in-home training.

You might also consider specialty and alternative activities and classes such as agility, dock diving, freestyle Frisbee or Rally-O. These are fun, social and a great alternative to the traditional obedience dog training classes.

Ownership of a dog requires training for both the dog and the owner. It is a working relationship that should also be an enjoyable experience. There are tips and resources at a dog owner’s disposal to assist in training the dog, to help bridge any gaps in the relationship and to teach the dog to be a part of the household and under control.

Ideally, training should begin as soon as the dog is brought into the home and vaccinated. If the behavior is more than can be handled, it may be time to contact a professional.

Amy Powell is a dog trainer and Owner of Doggie U, LLC.

Grinding the Mill: Are PA’s efforts to combat puppy mills effective?

June 30, 2016 | by Gina Napoli

When we added our Labrador retriever puppy, Stella, to our family in 2002, we purchased from a licensed, first-time breeder Mennonite family. Their paperwork came from the American Kennel Club. A litter of eight pups romped with kids in a temperature-controlled garage full of clean bedding and toys.

We met Stella’s mother in the backyard. The breeders gave us a picture of Stella’s father, a Labrador from a neighbor’s farm. All were active and healthy. We took Stella home after eight weeks. We felt confident the breeders responsibly bred the litter.

We were only minimally educated on how to spot a responsible breeder. Mostly, we were just lucky.

Those who buy puppies from non-reputable breeders are often not lucky. Their puppies tend toward health and behavioral problems from inbreeding and poor conditions common in puppy mills.

Kept in cramped, unhealthy conditions with little interaction, the dogs aren’t pets. They are profit-driven commodities. Females are bred one litter after another with no recovery time, physically depleting them. When females can no longer breed, they are discarded.

Desired Effect?

Basil Merenda, chief deputy attorney general, director of Bureau of Consumer Protection, cited rural Lancaster County as having a particularly large puppy mill and unregulated backyard breeder presence. Merenda’s office regulates the “Pet Lemon Law,” adopted in 2008, which stipulates that sellers must provide health and registration records.

Unfortunately, that law has not proved very effective in helping buyers or in battling puppy mills, said certified dog trainer Amy Powell.

It gives buyers just 10 days to document that the animal has a contagious or infectious disease and 30 days for a congenital defect. (Some hereditary conditions take more than six months to manifest themselves.)

Buyers must initiate the complaint to the attorney general’s office. They may demand a refund of the purchase price, minus sales tax, plus any veterinary expenses. Sellers, who must be USDA-licensed, can be fined $1,000 for each violation.

Many buyers, though, don’t know about the law, find the process burdensome or don’t realize they have a troubled animal until it’s too late. Also, the law addresses the symptom of puppy mills—how to return a defective puppy—but it does not attack the root cause: irresponsible breeding.

Former Gov. Ed Rendell championed and signed another protection measure—the “Dog Law” in 2008—which implements stricter provisions for kennel conditions, prevents dog abuse and mandates humane euthanizing. It also covers licensing, sale, transportation and estimates for damages.

Under Rendell, Pennsylvania budgeted for dog wardens to enforce the law, with the Department of Agriculture responsible for conducting regular facility inspections. However, where there were once ample wardens to cover a region, there are now not enough, according to Powell.

“That funding went away with Gov. Corbett,” she said. “The enforcement for ‘Dog Law’ is not there anymore. Puppy mills fly under the radar in rural areas. Rescues are over-full. We would like to see puppy mills being held accountable.”

Changes to the “Dog Law,” made in February, still do not provide for socializing the animals, she said. The law also does not specifically address inbreeding or the numbers of dogs being bred.

Meanwhile, for registered boarding kennels and breeders who comply with the “Dog Law,” the increase in regulations has had a negative effect, decreasing the number of registered facilities and driving costs higher for the remaining.

“We were gung-ho activists and rescuers at first,” said Powell. “Then lobbying became costly, ineffective and heartbreaking. Our choice was to lobby for stricter laws or rescue more dogs. We can’t save them all.”

Enter special interest groups. Humane PA is a political action committee that supports candidates who further animal protection legislation. In addition to caring for animals hands-on, the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society both lobby and politically advocate for animals nationally and at the state levels. The groups also educate.

“Buyers need to be educated about how to spot responsible breeders and also dog laws,” Powell said. ”Buying from backyard breeders is keeping puppy mills in business.”

Hard Decision

The state’s efforts, unfortunately, have had other unintended consequences. For instance, when buyers return a defective dog, it is destroyed or sent to an animal rescue, which are both unwelcome outcomes.

“We often get dogs from puppy mills,” confirmed Denise Durkay, who runs The Dogs’ Den, a rescue in Grantville.

Meanwhile, it remains tough to do battle against puppy mills, as many charged with offenses simply change their business name to a family member’s name, Durkay said.

“They post ‘No Trespassing’ signs,” she said. “They get away with [continuing to operate].”

Bobbie Ditzler, certified veterinary technician at Mechanicsburg-based Rossmoyne Animal Emergency Trauma Center, often sees the results of puppy mill dog breeding.

“We see a lot of parvo[virus],” Ditzler said. “The breeders tell buyers the puppies had fecal tests, but they didn’t.”

Highly contagious, parvovirus can infect an entire kennel. Treatment costs anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000, with only a 50-percent survival rate.

In the end, many owners decide to keep their puppy mill-bred dogs—healthy or not.

“We tell owners about the ‘Pet Lemon Law,’” said Ditzler. “Buy many are too attached to consider returning them. It’s a hard decision.”

A number of websites offer additional information on efforts to combat puppy mills, including www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/lemon_mn.html, www.unitedagainstpuppymills.org, www.thedogsden.rescuegroups.org and www.mlar.org.

Car Models: The beautiful, the sleek strut their stuff for Supercars on State Street.

June 30, 2016 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Not every exotic car show is a memorial tribute to a friend’s mother, but that’s exactly what motivated Evan Ross to start Supercars on State Street.

Ross, a 2011 Central Dauphin High School graduate now living in Florida, began the annual event in 2010 to benefit the American Cancer Society in honor of Patti Burkhardt, who lost her life to breast cancer at 42. She was the mother of Evan Ross’ close friend, Sarah Burkhardt.

“It’s a labor of love,” Ross said of the car show.

This year’s event, scheduled for July 30, features makes of cars—Maserati, DeLorean and Lotus, for example—not often seen on the streets of Harrisburg. The show quickly has become one of the largest exotic car shows in the northeast. Last year, 350 registrants hailed from 11 states, numbers that organizers expect to top.

“You typically don’t see a lot of Lamborghinis and Ferraris around Harrisburg,” said Ed Ross of Susquehanna Township, who organizes Supercars with son, Evan. “Other car shows in the area are for cars that are antiques, classics or muscle cars.”

Evan Ross never knew Patti Burkhardt because she died months before he and Sarah Burkhardt met as sixth-graders at Linglestown Junior High. What he did know, however, was that his young friend bore a painful grief from her mother’s early death that would never totally ebb.

Today, Sarah Burkhardt, a first-grade teacher in the East Pennsboro School District, carries memories of her mother that are warm and wistful.

“As soon as you walked into a room, my mom could make you smile,” she said. “She was the glue that held the family together. She was always good at bringing out the best in people.”

Passion for Cars

As teens, Sarah and Evan began taking part in fundraisers like car washes and the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk held each year on City Island to benefit the Patti’s Light Foundation, named in honor of Sarah’s mother.

Then Evan came up with the idea to hold a car show fundraiser that would benefit the American Cancer Society in Patti Burkhardt’s honor. Supercars on State Street was born.

“I just always had a passion for cars,” Evan explained. “It sparked my interest. I thought (the car show) would be fun and a surprise for Sarah with a check in her mother’s memory. I thought it could be something that she was involved with and not have to do a lot of work.”

Sarah said she didn’t know anything about what was happening until Evan told her to come to State Street one Saturday morning in the summer of 2010. That’s where she spotted 60 exotic cars lined up near the state Capitol complex for what was the first Supercars on State Street.

“She was shocked,” Evan recalled

“I was really surprised. I had no clue,” Sarah recounted. “Evan just told me to that I had to be at State Street. He didn’t say anything about a car show. He was just one of those people who was always there for me. It was just such an honor that he would do this.”

For the first year, Supercars on State Street raised $2,100 for the American Cancer Society. Last year, the show raised around $10,000, pulling in a total of more than $30,000 in its first five years. Ed Ross said he hopes this year’s show earns $20,000.

Ed Ross, who lives in Lower Paxton Township, said that he does most of the “local duties,” while Evan takes care of the show’s website from Florida.

“My son and I have always been interested in cars,” he noted. “We’ve been to a lot of car shows, so we had some idea of what it involved to organize one. However, a lot of cars shows are held at fairgrounds. They don’t have to deal with a lot of logistics that we do.”

Many Friends

The show runs on State Street from Front Street to 3rd Street, and on Front Street from Forster Street to the Walnut Street Bridge. For the first time this year, cars also will be shown on N. 3^rd Street from South Street to North Street, which includes 120 parking spaces situated near the steps leading to the Capitol.

One of Ed’s many duties is wrestling with several local agencies to clear parking for the event, which includes pre-show parking on City Island. This year, the job has been made a little easier, said Ed, because Standard Parking has become an event sponsor. Until now, the Rosses were forced to buy out parking meters in the area of the show.

Ed also makes the show’s trophies, which are comprised of a wood base topped with various used car parts. This year’s award categories will highlight five Ferrari classes, with the remainder being People’s Choice awards.

Over the years, the Rosses have made many friends through the show, including Adam Frank of Monroe Township. Frank said he helps out and has participated in the show for the past three years after first learning about it on social media.

“Today, I was passing out show flyers in the State Street area,” he said. “I like being at the show and seeing people from all over the country with their support. I heard that this is one of the biggest car shows on the whole East Coast. We love to do charity.”

Supercars on State Street takes place in downtown Harrisburg on July 30, noon to 5 p.m. Vehicle check-in runs 8 to 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.supercarsonstatestreet.com.

June News Digest

June 30, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

Miller Named Treasurer

Long-time Harrisburg official Dan Miller is the city’s new treasurer, following a close vote last month by City Council.

Miller bested a field of four nominees to replace Tyrell Spradley, who left after 18 months in office and just months after being sworn in for a full term. Miller will serve until the next municipal election in 2017.

Council selected Miller by a 4 to 3 margin in a second round of voting, following interviews with all four nominees. Besides Miller, the finalists included former city Councilman Brad Koplinski and local attorneys Karen Balaban and Peter Marks.

Miller, an accountant by trade, told council that he wished to serve because he is well qualified for the job and hopes to improve the operations of the department. He plans to set up a separate website for the treasurer’s office and said he is not interested in running for higher office.

Miller has a long history of public service in Harrisburg, previously serving as a city councilman and city controller. Three years ago, he ran unsuccessfully for mayor in a contentious race against now-Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

School Budget Passed

The school portion of Harrisburg’s property tax will drop slightly this year under a $143 million budget passed last month by the district’s school board.

The board cut the tax rate from about 27.9156 mills to 27.8 mills, meaning that an owner with property valued at $100,000 would see a tax decrease of about $11 for the 2016-17 school year. Property tax bills are due to be mailed this month.

The school board was divided on whether to retain the current tax rate and keep about $150,000 in the budget or give homeowners a small tax break. In the end, the board decided to offer the largely symbolic tax cut.

Teacher Contract Approved

The Harrisburg school board and teachers agreed to a new contract last month, ending a four-year battle between the two sides.

The agreement gives teachers their first raise since a state-appointed chief recovery officer was named in 2012. In turn, teachers and others covered by the agreement, including school guidance counselors and nurses, will contribute more to their health care plans.

Before the agreement, teachers had threatened to strike if the school board and the Harrisburg Education Association could not reach a new accord.

Dispersal of Housing Funds Considered

Harrisburg would retain federal housing funds for its own use under an ordinance introduced last month by the city administration.

Under the proposal, the city would keep nearly $1.9 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, an annual grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. For years, the city has shared the money with a select group of nonprofit organizations.

Under the administration’s proposal, about one-third of the amount would go to debt service, as the city must pay back a federal loan it backed for the once-bankrupt Capitol View Commerce Center, as well as pay back other federal community development loans dating back about 15 years.

Remaining funds would go to public safety, housing rehabilitation, emergency demolition and several other city-identified priorities.

Several nonprofit groups have protested being shut out of the annual distribution. At press time, City Council had not agreed to the final disbursement of the monies.

Tax Abatement Finalized

Dauphin County last month gave the final OK to Harrisburg’s tax abatement plan, allowing the 10-year abatement to proceed.

The county commissioners approved the plan unanimously, which will offer a full, 100-percent abatement over 10 years for improvements to residential properties and at least a 50-percent abatement on improvements to commercial properties.

A divided City Council passed the administration’s abatement plan last year. The school board approved it in May, leaving only Dauphin County—as the final taxing authority for city properties—to offer its blessing. Harrisburg now must hire an administrator to oversee the program.

The abatement also offers some benefit for new construction, but, to get tax relief, developers must follow certain requirements, including paying a prevailing wage for construction workers and hiring a certain percentage of minority and local workers.

State Forgoes Appeal

The state attorney general’s office will not appeal a court ruling that dismissed 305 criminal counts against former Harrisburg Mayor Steve Reed.

In a brief statement, the office said it would honor a May ruling by presiding Judge Kevin A. Hess that the crimes alleged by the state occurred too long ago, exceeding the statute of limitations.

The state, though, will continue to pursue 144 criminal counts against Reed on theft-related charges.

“With his fascination for the Wild West, this man used other people’s money to decorate his house and office with antiques,” said Solicitor General Bruce L. Castor Jr. “But Pennsylvania is not the Wild West. We have the rule of law here.”

New Precinct Planned

Allison Hill soon may get a new police precinct, as the city plans to renovate a building near 15^th and Derry streets.

Money to rehab the one-story structure would come from part of a $250,000 federal community grant, according to Harrisburg Police Chief Thomas Carter.

Allison Hill residents have been clamoring for increased police presence for many years, and Carter said the new, 24-hour station should make police officers more visible, while reducing response times and increasing ties to the community.

Home Sales Jump

Home sales in the Harrisburg area continued their yearlong rise, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors.

Sales rose to 908 units in May compared to 792 units in the year-ago period, with the median price rising to $174,900 vs. $170,000, said GHAR.

In Dauphin County, sales totaled 297 units against 269 in May 2015, while the median price dipped to $155,000 from $159,900. In Cumberland County, sales rose to 326 from 281, and the median price increased to $219,561 from 213,712. Average days on the market fell in both counties.

In Perry County, 30 homes sold compared to 37 in the year-ago period. However, the median price increased to $151,500 vs. $117,900 in May 2015.

In addition to all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties, GHAR covers parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

So Noted

Harrisburg Beer Week handed over a check for $40,000 last month to Harrisburg River Rescue and Emergency Services. The check was double the amount raised last year during the weeklong celebration of craft beer. River Rescue plans to use the money for additional improvements to its facility.

Highmark Blue Shield presented Harrisburg with a $100,000 grant last month to fund summer enrichment and after-school programs for children in the city school district. The Highmark funding will support activities like basketball, golf, swimming, various educational field trips and a daily lunch. Harrisburg children ages 6 to 18 are eligible.

PinnacleHealth this month plans to open the new Lebanon Valley Advanced Care Center, an 80,000-square-foot building at 1251 E. Main St., Annville. When fully occupied, the facility will house numerous groups, including Annville Family Medicine, PinnacleHealth Endocrinology, Select Physical Therapy, PinnacleHealth Express and the PinnacleHealth CardioVascular Institute.

Rite Aid in downtown Harrisburg will move across Market Street into about 14,000 square feet in Strawberry Square, it was announced last month. The larger space will allow Rite Aid to offer more products, as well as a retail pharmacy, said Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square. The move should occur by the end of the year. In other Strawberry Square news, CASA plans to take another 2,400 square feet of space there, while the fashion brand AMMA JO last month doubled its presence by expanding into an adjoining storefront.

The Game Table Café has cut the ribbon on its location at 4900 Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg. The Game Table Café provides a relaxed setting to enjoy a cup of coffee and play board games with friends and family.

Changing Hands

Barkley Lane, 2515: K. Troung & L. Pham to L. Truong, $45,000

Bellevue Rd., 2114: Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to D. & E. Kerr, $153,000

Boas St., 219: D. Commins to A. Moyer, $136,000

Brookwood St., 2434: R. Hillman to The IRA Club & T. McDougal, $42,000

Calder St., 115: A. & M. Anselmo to Penn Real Estate Solutions LLC, $49,700

Calder St., 519: S. & M. Martin to J. Fisher, $100,000

Croyden Rd., 2778: PA Deals LLC to D. Blumenthal, $78,000

Derry St., 2712: L. & J. Burnette to D. Diehl, $72,000

Edward St., 243: A. Clionsky to D. & J. Ruscito, $200,000

Edward St., 504: S. Krum to D. & J. Kruzhilin, $88,000

Ellersie St., 2344: G. Rudy to V. Ramsey, $59,000

Fulton St., 1405: PA Deals LLC to S. Orwan, $110,000

Fulton St., 1937: B. Rodriquez & American Heritage Property Management to T. Gates, $43,800

Green St., 1414: S. Jusufovic to V. Reydams, $140,000

Green St., 1423: J. & V. Bates to R. Walter, $81,900

Green St., 1915: GRSW Stewart Real Estate Trust to J. & K. Johnston, $195,000

Green St., 1945: J.A. Hartzler to WCI Partners LP, $212,000

Hale Ave., 415: T. Pham & T. Vu to J. & J. Fickett, $59,000

Hamilton St., 238: J. Manzella to J. & M. Moritz, $135,000

Herr St., 127: R. Lake to C. Wagoner, $156,500

Hudson St., 1246: Bank of New York Mellon to PA Deals LLC, $47,250

Logan St., 1728: Wilmington Savings Fund Society to S. Eagle, $102,000

Maclay St., 245: N. Do to M. Cvetko, $30,000

Midland Rd., 2408: J. Jaxheimer to M. Boone, $179,900

Mulberry St., 1951: C. Campbell to E. & B. O’Brien, $51,000

N. 2^nd St., 812: J. Swoyer to A. Meoli, $197,500

N. 2^nd St., 1700: Metro Bank to Hopewell Estates 2^nd Street LLC, $400,000

N. 2^nd St., 2414: A. & G. Hall to R. Gist, $62,000

N. 2^nd St., 2539: US Bank NA Trustee to D. Garber, $58,000

N. 2^nd St., 2802: D. Skerpon & C. Baldrige to S. Gallagher & C. Prestia, $166,900

N. 2^nd St., 3004: E. & T. Lukoski to 8219 Ventures LLC, $40,000

N. 3^rd St., 1621: Wells Fargo Bank NA to Henly Homes LLC, $54,180

N. 3^rd St., 2451: Triple J. Assoc. Ltd. To Hornby Zeller Properties LLC, $149,900

N. 5^th St., 3204: Information Systems Networks Corp. & Secretary of Housing & Urban Development to T. Radcliff, $98,100

N. 16^th St., 911: M. McManus to S. Sprinkle, $87,500

N. 18^th St., 1116: P. & S. Mitchell to K. Wright, $70,000

Parkside Lane, 2922: A. Anderson to J. & B. Williams, $200,000

Race St., 562: Brady Daughters Realty LLC to S. Garnes, $153,500

S. 2^nd St., 302: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to J. Pronio, $49,900

S. 17^th St., 319: E. & L. Castillo to 4P Ventures LLC, $120,000

S. 29^th St., 720: C. Karstetter to S. Maurer, $38,000

S. Front St., 709: R. Stevenson to D. Smith, $185,000

State St., 217: Medical Bureau of Harrisburg to D. Ragland, $110,000

State St., 231, Unit 303: LUX 1 LP to T. & D. Jensen, $121,000

State St., 1936, 1940 & 1942: L. & K. Price to M. & E. Duvall, $75,000

Susquehanna St., 1825: A. Tilley to M. Manley, $87,000

Susquehanna St., 2005: Kusic Financial Services LLC to M. Rioux & H. Perry, $68,000

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

Home Works: Area theaters bring original, local plays to the stage.

June 30, 2016 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

Imagine Shakespeare without the Globe Theatre.

Even the most talented and prolific playwright needs a venue—the lack of one may be the most-frequent complaint of writers for the stage.

Central Pennsylvania theaters are increasingly answering the call by encouraging the creation and production of original works.

This year, Theatre Harrisburg launched a New Works Festival competition. It coincided with the hiring of a new artistic director/executive director, Brett Bernardini, who had directed new works and run a theater company that fostered them.

“Because of his background and the fact that this was not a common practice in the area, he was very interested in [new works] being part of a new face of the theater,” said Leslie Gulden, festival coordinator. “We’re hopeful this will be well received, but we haven’t made a commitment beyond this year’s festival.”

By mid-March’s deadline, Theatre Harrisburg had received 137 new works. Six finalists—four plays and two musicals—will be selected. Each playwright will win $500 and transportation to attend the festival in September.

“Each winning play will have a reading and be evaluated by the audience, with a chance of being produced in the following season,” Gulden added.

Unrealized Resource

One of the “veterans” of original productions regionally is Gretna Theatre, a professional summer theater based in Mt. Gretna. For about a decade, Gretna has presented five hour-long, original children’s musicals during its regular season as part of its “Theatre for Young People” series.

“The series started when writers started getting in touch and pitching ideas, “ said Larry Frenock, former artistic director.

Gretna offers the playwrights production photos and a DVD, so they then can pitch their work to other theaters.

“Once two theaters produce a play, the playwrights are more likely to get other live productions, because they have much more credibility,” Frenock explained.

Harrisburg’s Gamut Theatre Group isn’t about original works per se, though its Popcorn Hat Players retell classic fairy tales, and its Stage Door Series offers adaptations of classic works in streamlined productions.

In 2011, “Sonnet Inspirations” broadened the theater’s mission, with several playwrights taking Shakespeare’s poems and looking at them in a new way.

Karen Ruch directed the program, and, in August, she returns, taking on “As She Likes It,” original works by area playwrights involving some of the Bard’s female characters.

“We ask what we can learn about these characters by putting them in a different venue,” said Ruch.

Sean Adams, Gamut’s resident playwright, has authored short plays for Popcorn Hat. He also has written full-length works that incorporate large casts for the Young Acting Co., which presents one original production a year.

Other theaters are following suit.

In 2015, Oyster Mill Playhouse, a community-based venue in Camp Hill, established the “Not the Run of the Mill” festival, one-act works by local playwrights that were part of the theater’s “Spotlight Series.”

“At this time, Oyster Mill isn’t soliciting original plays for our mainstage productions,” said Keith Bowerman, public relations manager. “However, this is something we’ve discussed looking into when our financial house is a little more in order.”

Bowerman has reviewed scripts from “several extremely talented local playwrights” he’d love to see in production.

“I really believe our local playwrights are an extremely unrealized resource in the capital theater community,” he said.

The current plan is to mount a new play every other year, alternating with a series of radio plays, in the “Spotlight Series,” beginning next year.

Stuart Landon, associate artistic director of Open Stage of Harrisburg, said the professional theater is doing some initial work to create more opportunities “for actors and works” of color.

Go to PAPA

A driving force behind original works is the Playwrights’ Alliance of Pennsylvania. A nonprofit, PAPA hosts monthly meetings for area playwrights and promotes their work, said Marjorie Bicknell, secretary/treasurer.

Members’ short plays were presented at Theatre Harrisburg years ago and, more recently, at Hershey Area Playhouse. PAPA does an annual group production at the Cicada Festival in Mt. Gretna in August.

President Kevin Pry is in discussions with Open Stage about presenting one PAPA member’s full-length play, with Gamut about an evening of plays in the spring, and with Ephrata Area Playhouse about a reading.

“We are definitely interested in increasing interest in presenting new plays in the area,” said Bicknell. “Theaters have learned that they can make money with new plays, while also bringing in new actors.”

Hershey Area Playhouse, a regional community theater, has presented evenings of four or five short plays as part of its “Dark Night” non-mainstage events. It just solicited one-act plays, with special encouragement for central Pennsylvanians.

“We give writers the opportunity to direct their own shows and select casts,” said Mark Douglas Cuddy, artistic liaison of the theater and a board member. “We hope this will become an annual event.”

The evenings are less about “competition” and more about trying to see what local playwrights are “up to and giving them good exposure,” Cuddy added.

To learn more about the New Works Festival competition, visit www.harrisburg-new-works-theater-festival.com.

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Musical Notes: July Juxtapositions–Versatile musicians take the stage.

June 30, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

This month, we welcome a slate of live music here in Harrisburg that will bring together otherwise disparate elements: punk and R&B; Americana and world music; muscle and delicacy.

In many ways, these are my favorite types of artists. They aren’t constrained by genre but instead pick and choose from various elements to create something new and fresh yet still recognizable. So, don’t let the heat of summer keep you from getting out at night. Go and hear some excellent live music instead.

KINO KIMINO & AMY KLEIN w/WEIRD YEAR, 7/2, 7PM, MAKESPACE: Kino Kimino is the latest project from Kim Talon, a Brooklyn musician originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kino Kimino is reminiscent of Sleater-Kinney, with Talon’s melodies threading the needle between sweet and angst-y. They are touring in support of their new album, “Bait is for Sissies.” They are joined by Amy Klein, who recently left the New Jersey punk band Titus Andronicus to focus on her own music. Local folk band Weird Year will provide additional local support. This show should offer an excellent play between hushed songwriting and angular, muscular indie-rock.

DAVID WAX MUSEUM, 7/8, 8PM, ABBEY BAR, $10/$15: David Wax Museum is, frankly, a pretty great love story. The band began as a collaboration and blossomed into a romance between its two principal members. In fact, they are now married with a kid. Their chemistry is reflected in their lovely, effortless and tight folk arrangements. They are on the road in support of their latest release, “Guesthouse,” which has them experimenting with new textures. Their approach to songwriting is akin to Paul Simon as their songs are, at first listen, instantly recognizable as folk. However, each arrangement also bears a depth rooted in world music and a keen sense of musical theory. And those who are worried about a folk-induced sleepiness should know that David Wax Museum isn’t afraid of a healthy dose of rhythm.

CHUCK MOSLEY w/YAM YAM & SAINT BRENDAN AND THE NAVIGATORS, 7/14, 8PM, FEDLIVE, $10/$15: Chuck Mosley began garnering attention as the lead singer of Faith No More. Although he left the band in 1988 and was replaced by Mike Patton, he has continued to make a name for himself as a singular voice in rock ‘n’ roll. In 1990, he also served briefly as the lead singer of Bad Brains. His music is aggressive but funky, taking that less-traveled path between punk and R&B. He will be traveling through Harrisburg as part of his “Reintroduce Yourself World Tour.” He will be supported by local favorites Yam Yam and Saint Brendan and the Navigators. Just know that, when it comes to Chuck Mosley, you should expect the unexpected.

Mentionables: Andrew Pauls, 7/1, Little Amps Downtown; DRIFTWOOD, 7/7, Abbey Bar; Graham Nash, 7/20, Whitaker Center; Matt Otis and the Sound, 7/21, H*MAC Stage on Herr; The Bo Deadlys, 7/29, H*MAC Stage on Herr; Bacon Brothers, 7/30, Whitaker Center

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Yum City: In downtown Harrisburg, happiness is a warm bun.

June 30, 2016 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Over the years, the brick building at the corner of North 2^nd and South streets in Harrisburg has been many things, housing relatively short-lived businesses with names like “Egypt” “Mars” and “Buddha, Buddha.”

This history of impermanence may be daunting to some, but not for Nick Laus, who has started many restaurants in the region. Both Laus and business partner Milan Naramcic are confident that Burger Yum will transform that area into the little corner that could.

The décor consists largely of stainless steel, wood and corrugated metal, giving the establishment a decidedly industrial vibe, and an open kitchen allows customers to witness the caramelization technique that makes a Burger Yum burger so mouthwateringly delicious. The modern, no-frills space accommodates about 32 diners, with room for 20 more at brightly colored outside tables.

When I arrived at midday, customers were filtering in and placing their orders at the register after consulting the large chalkboard near the front that lists menu items. Some sat at a table and waited for to-go orders, while others decided to eat in and stay awhile. Naramcic said that business has been brisk since the grand opening in late May.

Restaurant Row regulars may recognize Naramcic, a former personal trainer, who previously worked for Laus at Level 2 and Café Fresco and now oversees operations at the business.

Naramcic took a seat at one of the tables in front of the restaurant to explain the origins of the concept, raising his voice a bit to compete with the Door’s “Soul Kitchen,” which played in the background.

“Nick has a house in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and there are places like these there which are very successful,” he said. “We were on the lookout for a trend that would work with the area demographic and discovered this one.”

A small, manageable menu, along with high-quality, fresh ingredients, allows the restaurant to turn out a superior product that is never frozen.

“We have no freezer,” Naramcic stressed.

Elyse Brubaker recently dined at Burger Yum and said she could tell that everything she ordered was fresh.

“The food was phenomenal,” said the Camp Hill resident. “The French fries were the best I’ve ever had, and the all-white-meat chicken sandwich was extremely moist and seasoned perfectly. The herb sauce made everything taste awesome.”

Nate Melton joins friends every Thursday at a different restaurant, and the group recently decided to give Burger Yum a try.

“The overall consensus is that we are in love with Burger Yum,” he said. “It was definitely the best chicken sandwich I’ve had in a very long time.”

Naramcic said that Brubaker and Melton aren’t alone in their enthusiasm for the sandwich, which is the second most popular item at the eatery.

Kim Little, who works in Paxtang, recently had the opportunity to try the food when her office made a lunch run.

“I tried the cheeseburger with YumSauce and it was delicious,” she said. “I loved that it was on a potato roll. The name fits!”

Craig Nye concurred.

“I had the regular hamburger with YumSauce, and it was served fresh in a white paper wrapping that made it easy to eat,” he said. “The fries were also very tasty.”

Nye said that Burger Yum reminds him of a Shake Shack he visited in King of Prussia and that he’s glad to have the option in Harrisburg.

“I intend to eat there on a regular basis,” said the Mechanicsburg resident.

In addition to the Burger Yum Classic, the BurgerYum cheeseburger and the Chicken Yum, the restaurant offers an all-day breakfast burger served with yellow American cheese, applewood smoked bacon, a fried egg and caramelized onions. Vegetarians will be pleased to learn that they, too, have an option with the “VeggieYum,” served with grilled portobello mushrooms and topped with goat cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and YumSauce and served on a wheat roll. Diners also can opt for the combination “Two Yum Worlds,” a burger that comes with portobello mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and YumSauce.

Hot dogs are also available, along with a selection of Hershey’s ice cream and shakes. Other beverages include iced tea and soda and, for the adults, a selection of beer and wine.

Naramcic said he’s pleased with the popularity of the place so far and is happy to be at the helm.

“It’s gratifying to see people’s reactions, read the good reviews and hear the positive feedback,” he said. “ I think the quality of the product is so good that everybody loves it.”

Burger Yum is located at 400 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg. To learn more, call 717-727-7127 or visit www.burgeryum.com or their Facebook page.

Community Corner: Notable July Events

June 30, 2016 | by TheBurg Editor

July Community Corner

HBG Flea
July 2: The HBG Flea outdoor market will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on N. 3^rd Street between Herr and Cumberland streets. Enjoy local art among vendors, food trucks, music and more. For more details, visit hbgflea.com.

Declaration of Independence
July 4: The Historical Society of Dauphin County will present the 6th annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence from the porch of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion at 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Declaration will be read by John Harris, Jr., portrayed by re-enactor David Biser. Visit dauphincountyhistory.org.

Taste of Independence
July 4: Harrisburg toasts the nation’s birth with a “Taste of Independence” festival featuring live music, food trucks, kids’ activities and more in Riverfront Park, starting at 3 p.m. The annual fireworks display follows at dark. Visit harrisburgpa.gov.

Fireworks River Party
July 4: Join Modern Transit Partnership for a private party and Harrisburg’s Independence Day fireworks at the Overlook at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St., 7:30-10:30 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, food, non-alcoholic beverages and complimentary beer and wine (for guests over 21). Visit mtptransit.org.

Rare Collections Open House
July 5: Visit the Rare Collections Room at the State Library of Pennsylvania, Forum building, 607 South Dr., Harrisburg, 11:30 to 1 p.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m. July 4 marks the 240^th anniversary of American Independence, and Rare Collections Librarian Iren Snavely has selected materials from that time period. Visit statelibrary.pa.gov.

Mental Wellness
July 7: Join the American Mental Wellness Association, 25 Spruce Rd., Marysville, for a launch party, 6:30 p.m. The association aims to unite individuals and organizations together as one voice for mental wellness. For more information and to RSVP, contact Sharon Engdahl at [email protected].

Apartheid Lessons
July 7: Join YWCA Carlisle’s Racial Justice Committee for a community potluck and discussion, “Transforming Schools in a Changing World: Lessons From Apartheid,” 6 to 8:30 p.m., at 301 G St., Carlisle. Featured speakers will be Laraine Roberts, headmistress at Holy Rosary Girls School in South Africa, and Chris Mattise, Ph.D., founder of Hurt Free Schools. Visit ywcacarlisle.org.

Foreign Film Friday
July 8: Join Fredricksen Library for a film from France, “For a Woman,” with two showings at 2 and 7 p.m. After her mother’s death, Anne discovers family photos and letters, taking a journey stretching from post-war France to the 1980s. Not recommended for viewers under 17. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Outdoor Films
July 8 & 22: Friends of Midtown and Midtown Cinema will host two outdoor movies in July: “Godzilla vs. Megalon” on July 8 and “Back to the Future” on July 22 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Both films begin at dusk and, in case of rain, will be delayed to Saturday. Admission is free. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Volunteer Work Day
July 9: 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.

Pump Primers
July 9: PA Pump Primers returns to Harrisburg starting at 10 a.m., when a parade of 125 antique fire trucks will leave the state Farm Show building and travel to Riverfront Park, where they will be on view all day. Speak to owners, play games, grab food and listen to music. The event is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Pump Primers, Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Antique Fire Apparatus Club of America. Learn more at www.papumpprimers.org.

Library Book Sale
July 9-14: Palmyra Public Library will hold its annual used book sale at Palmyra First United Methodist Church, 520 E Birch St., Palmyra. The book sale opens on July 9 with an early bird preview from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Admission is $5 per person. At 9 a.m., the sale will open to the general public and will run until 1 p.m. Visit lclibs.org/palmyra.

Art Collection Tour
July 10: Art Association of Harrisburg will present a tour of President Carrie Wissler-Thomas’s art collection in her home on N. 2nd Street, 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 for advance reservations and $20 at the door. Visit artassocofhbg.com.

Leads Over Lunch
July 12: Mix and mingle with business leaders at this free lunch hosted by Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC at Eastern University, 750 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

3rd in The Burg
July 15: 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.

Local Lunch
July 16: Join Friends of Midtown at its monthly community lunch, which will be held at Aangan Express, 263 Reily St., Harrisburg, 12 to 2 p.m. Email [email protected] or visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Hamm Camp
July 18-22 & July 25-29: Hamm Camp, 2451 Market St., Harrisburg, offers a free week-long camp for girls and boys that combines high-level, on-the-court skills instruction with a daily workshop focusing on essential life skills. The camp’s goal is to build higher expectations for achievement among inner city youth. For more details, visit hammcamp.com.

Author Series
July 20: Join the State Library of Pennsylvania, Room 321, Forum building, 607 South Dr., Harrisburg, for the “Pennsylvania Authors Lunchtime Lecture Series” with Ken Frew, author of “Building Harrisburg,” 12 p.m. Contact librarian Ellen Shenk at [email protected] or 717-783-5969.

Harrisburg Mile
July 20: Enjoy family fun at the First National Bank Harrisburg Mile along Front Street in Harrisburg, 6 to 7:45 p.m. The starting line is at Front and Maclay streets by the Governor’s Mansion. Enjoy music provided by WINK 104, grab some refreshments and check out the activities along the Susquehanna River. Visit ymcarun.com.

Putt it Into the Park
July 21: Head to City Island in Harrisburg to enjoy an 18-hole mini-golf course and a Harrisburg Senators game during the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s “Putt it Into the Park,” 4 p.m. Cost to attend is $25, ages 13 and older; $20, ages 4 to 12; and free for kids 3 and under. Visit wschamber.org for more information.

Rummage Sale
July 23: Head to .note Bistro, 1530 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, for an old-fashioned neighborhood rummage sale to kick off the restaurant’s two-year anniversary celebration, 8 a.m. Enjoy shopping, as well as an outdoor bar, and hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill. Visit notewinebar.com for more details.

Garden Experience
July 23: Join Penn State Extension for the 11th annual “Summer Garden Experience,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Penn State’s Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 1446 Auction Rd., Manheim. This event includes five hours of gardening ideas and information. Admission is covered with a $10 parking fee. For more details, visit agsci.psu.edu.

Living History
July 23-Aug. 18: The National Civil War Museum announces its “Living History” schedule for the 2016 summer season. Visit encampments, which include Confederate and Union infantry units, loading and firing demonstrations and more. Most infantry groups perform loading and firing demonstrations each day. Visit nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

Bras & Booz
July 27: Feel Your Boobies Foundation is coming to Grain + Verse Bottlehouse, 148 Sheraton Dr., New Cumberland, for a night to promote proactive breast health in young women, 6 p.m. Enjoy discounted growlers and a surprise brewery that will donate its beer sales to the foundation. For more, visit grainandverse.com.

Networking Mixer
July 27: Join the West Shore Chamber and other local business professionals for an ice cream social from 4 to 6 p.m., at United Methodist Home for Children, 5120 Simpson Ferry Rd., Mechanicsburg. The event is free and open to chamber members. Visit wschamber.org.

Community Day
July 30: State Sen. Rob Teplitz invites residents to his annual Community Day, as well as a free document shredding event at his Harrisburg district office, 46 Kline Village, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shredding event will take place in the John Harris High School’s parking lot across the street. Enjoy free food, music and kids’ activities. Visit senatorteplitz.com.

Pride Festival
July 30: Head to Riverfront Park, 200 S. Front St., Harrisburg, for the 24^th Annual Pride Festival of Central PA, presented by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pride Festival provides safe environments for people to celebrate diversity and support local economic growth. Visit centralpapridefestival.com.

Harry Potter Birthday
July 31: In honor of Harry Potter’s birthday, East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, will show the first film in the Harry Potter series, 1 p.m. This is an interactive program with audience members taking part in the movie. Enjoy birthday cake afterwards. Visit dcls.org or call the library at 717-652-9380.

Summer Reading
Through Aug. 30: Dauphin County Library System invites readers of all ages to participate in its “On Your Mark, Get Set… Read!” summer reading club. Participants can learn more at dcls.org or by visiting a Dauphin County library, where summer reading guides are available.

Student Scribes: “Secrets”

June 30, 2016 | by Gabrielle Vincent

Melody was everything. Her name suited her well, her beauty comparable to that of a choir of a thousand seraphs harmonizing the most divine tune. I loved everything about her from her hair, which resembled obsidian in both color and shine, to her eyes, the color of fresh grass in the summer. I memorized her every feature and mannerism and had come to know them like the back of my hand. I was completely head over heels for this girl and the most interesting aspect of it all was that I hadn’t even met her.

Melody and I had been chatting for about a year and two months online. We met on a website that allowed you to video chat with people based on similar interests. She caught me by surprise. I was sure she would just click disconnect on me like most other conventionally attractive girls had, but she was different. She immediately greeted me and gave me the warmest smile. We talked for hours about our interests from music to literature to simple things like our favorite foods. Ever since we met that night, we’ve spoken nonstop. Between texting each other from dawn til dusk to losing precious sleep by Skyping at all hours of the night, she had become the center of my world. She knew everything about me. Well, almost everything.

I heard the ting from the computer, signaling me that Melody was calling. I pressed answer, feeling my heart flutter when her face appeared on my screen.

“Hey there, I have great news!” She practically yelled as soon as I answered the call.

“What is it, Mel?” I smiled at her excitement.

“I got a promotion at work, do you know what that means?”

“Uh, that you’re one step closer to taking over the company?” I chuckled. She made a face. I don’t think she found my joke funny.

“No, it means I can finally buy a plane ticket to come see you!” She grinned, her eyes visibly lighting up.

My face felt hot. I smiled awkwardly and shifted the conversation to something else by cracking another dumb joke. I could tell she didn’t find it funny but she didn’t call me out on my blatant dance around that subject. We chatted for an hour or so until she cut the conversation short.

“Ugh, I forgot I’m supposed to have dinner with my mom tonight. I gotta go, I love you Danny. Byeeee!” She sang before hanging up. Her “I love you” rang in my head as I stared at the now blank monitor. I felt my pocket buzz a few minutes later and I pulled out my phone. Melody’s name lit up my screen with a message below:

“I’m happy I got to see your face, even if it was only for a little. I love you.”

I grinned ear to ear. She always made me feel like the luckiest guy alive. I don’t know how I ended up with a girl so out of my league. She was perfect in every sense of the word, but I could tell she was slowly getting frustrated with me and it made my heart sink. I knew at this point that my time with Melody was limited, and I wanted to cherish every moment I could. She became more vocal about her frustrations with me avoiding the visit. Every conversation seemed to blur into a mess of excuses and angry sighs.

“I don’t know if I can get off work, Mel.”

“I’ll hang at your place until you’re off work. We wouldn’t have to be together every minute of every day.”

“Well, my car has been having a lot of problems lately. I don’t know if it’ll make the trip to the airport and back.”

“I’ll rent a car or something, Danny.”

“My dad has been sick lately and I think I should be using my spare time taking care of him.”

“You never told me that. I’d be happy to help. I volunteered at an assisted living clinic for five years.”

For every excuse I gave her, she had a solution. I felt desperate and nervous. I wanted nothing more than to hold her in my arms but my dark secret stood in the way. I couldn’t go through with it, and even she wouldn’t understand. Our daily Skype calls soon turned into weekly Skype calls and our texts went from actual conversations to “Sorry, I’m busy right now.” I could feel her slipping from my grasp and all I could do was sit back and watch. I felt powerless and defeated but I knew this was the only way we could go from here.

It had been about two and a half weeks since our last Skype call at this point and I felt as if the end was near, but then I heard the familiar ting from my laptop. I hesitated for a moment but answered the call. Her face popped up and instead of being greeted by a warm smile, I was greeted by a stern and cold expression.

“Daniel.” I cringed hearing her use my actual name.

“Hey smelly Melly.” I tried to joke, but she didn’t crack a smile.

“I can’t do this anymore.” My heart sank. “Danny if you keep refusing to meet me I have no other choice but to move on from you.”

“I-I understand Mel. I really do. I want to meet you but-”

“But what, Danny? What could possibly be your excuse this time?”

“I just can’t.”

“Well then I just can’t talk to you anymore.”

“I understand, Melody. I’m sorry.”

I watched a single tear roll down her face and then the call ended. I stared at the blank screen and watched her icon go from online to offline. Tears trickled down my cheeks as I just sat there, unable to do anything but stare and cry. I wish she knew. I wish she could understand where I’m coming from. I wish she knew how much I loved her. I sat there for what felt like hours until I decided to move. I leaned over and grabbed my bandage, wrapping my thigh and sliding into my prosthetic. I stood up slowly and adjusted myself so the prosthetic cupped my thigh properly. I sat back down at my computer desk and stared at the screen. I continued to stare at her Skype profile, trying to hold back the tears.

Gabrielle Vincent is a senior at Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School (CASA).

Student Scribes: “Donate your body to someone who needs it.”

June 30, 2016 | by Alix Gregory

I am a maggot, a decomposer, a consumer of the dead, and most importantly, I am the last witness of a dead body.

My family is excited to move me and my brothers into our new home.

I overheard this at this woman’s funeral, that Elyse Gabel was a psychology professor at the college nearby.

“She’ll be great for your first,” Mom says “She’s smart. The smartest ones have the sweetest brains.” We take her advice.

My brothers and I slither through the edges of Elyse Gabel’s casket. I inch my way across Elyse’s shoulder and into her ear and start gnawing. Sweetest remains I have ever tasted.

I feel the pressure of my brothers sinking into Elyse’s flesh and eating her torso. She gets heavy with us on top of her, then lighter as we eat her. I imagine this is how breathing is. It’s like we’re giving the dead another life, a new purpose.

What a life it is—providing a feast and a home to smelly bugs. I know she wouldn’t understand this.

Humans move. They switch houses to get a new start. They travel for jobs, for freedom, for their families. Maggots only change our places in search of the next meal. Elyse is fresh. We won’t have to move for quite some time.

Dirt starts to fall through the edges of the coffin. I slide out of Elyse’s ear. The earth sprinkles atop of the family. I curl my body around her pearl earrings.

Something bangs on the coffin, hard. There’s a click. Elyse Gabel’s dead body lights up. I’ve never seen an “alive” human until now. It’s strange to see someone’s mouth move on its own, and to finally connect a voice to a face.

“Jackpot.”

I know he can see us, smell us, chewing leftovers of something he’d saved for himself.

“He must think we’re disgusting.” My brother creeps behind me.

“So then why’s he here? To stare?” I say.

I’ve never seen a human open their eyelids by themselves either. The only times I’ve looked into a human’s eyes is when I’ve eaten them. But the eyes never moved. It’s unsettling to realize how much control you really have over someone.

“Nah. He’s one of those—” my brother says.

“What?” I uncurl to look at him.

“Grave robbers.”

“Aren’t we technically the grave robbers?”

“You could think of it that way, but we’re after the guts and the skins. It’s ethical. We need death to live.”

“And this person?”

“Grave robbers use death to get a thrill and some money. Why do you think they put bodies in the ground? So the living don’t get greedy.” He looks up. “See?”

The grave robber kneels on Elyse’s knees. Some of my other brothers start to crawl atop him, but he smashes them down. Dying in another’s coffin seems rude. But we have no control.

The living human squirms about. A noise escapes his lips. I’ve heard this noise before, at burials. It’s shock.

People don’t accept death the way that maggots do. They get scared, sad. I hear it in their trembling voices. It sounds like the noise that comes out of my mouth right now. This body is my home.

He removes her shoes, picks out a ring and dumps it in his front pocket. He moves his hands up her body, shaves some of my brothers off her legs along the way. Her tights already have holes from where the other maggots have bitten through.

A different noise from the grave robber. This is not a scared, shocked or sad noise.

His arms circle Elyse’s waist as he moves up her dress. Maggots wiggle under the fabric, but he puts his arms under anyway. He palms Elyse’s chest and pulls a gold chain from her neck. Then he gets to her ears. He works carefully, as if avoiding piercing Elyse and getting formaldehyde all over his clothes, even when he’s already got smashed maggots all over them.

He pulls on Elyse’s left ear, pulls the backs off of a gold hoop, a pearl, and a diamond. Three piercings to match the ear I’m in. He holds the prizes in his fist. Grave robber slides across Elyse’s arm. Maggots crawl under her fingernails. He ignores us, takes some jingly bracelets off her hand.

The noise again. He lines up every inch of his body atop hers. Almost like he is dead, too.

But his heart pounds on my home, blood rushes through his veins, noises that pouring out from his lips.

His hand creeps near me as he removes the last of Elyse’s jewelry. I squiggle away when he picks out the hoop, pearl and diamond.

He shoves the treasures in his pocket, then presses into Elyse, hard. That noise. He’s smashing my home, taken all the pretty things she was left with. And he’s not even finished.

I crawl back through Elyse’s ear and to her brain, but I no longer taste the sweetness. Just the bitterness of defeat.

Thud.

Another living human. This one holds a shovel above his head. Another thud, this time on the grave robber’s skull. Finally a different noise from his mouth. Something scared and sad. Blood gushes from the wound.

A feast.

The human with the shovel slams the casket shut, and I hear the earth bury us again.

The grave robber’s body smashes against Elyse’s, but now, my brothers and I swarm over both of them. We have complete control.

Alix Gregory is a sophomore at Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School (CASA).

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