Happenings: Our June Calendar of Events

May 31, 2016 | by TheBurg Editor

Museums & Art Spaces

3rd Street Studio
1725 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
Facebook: 3^rd Street Studio

“Zack Rudy Solo Exhibition,” featuring illustrations and printmaking, through June 20.

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

“Checker Car Club of America” free car corral, June 25.

“Early Off-Roaders,” through Oct. 15.

“Mods vs. Rockers,” motorcycles and scooters, through Oct. 29.

“Steampunk U,” showcasing recycled gears and parts, repurposed with artistic and functional form, June 10-Nov. 6.

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

“88th Annual International Juried Exhibition,” through June 23.

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

“Anatomy of the Engine,” featuring the paintings and drawings of Casey Halls, through June 11.

Char’s at Tracy Mansion
1829 N Front St., Harrisburg
717-213-4002; charsrestaurant.com

“Works in Steel” by Salvatore Pantano, a graduate of Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, through June.

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

Artist of the Month: Traci Sepkovic

Gallery@Second
608 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-233-2498; galleryatsecond.com

Works by Frederick D. Swarr and Michele Taber, through June 11.

Artwork by Ralph Hocker and Sue Marrazzo, June 16-Aug. 5; reception: June 17, 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.

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

“Illustrations and Paintings by Meghan Morrison,” through June; reception: June 17, 5-7 p.m.

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

“Now Trending: Witness Me,” a solo show by Reina Wooden, through June 17.

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

“KA-POW!” a group show of cartoons and comic art, through June 24.

“Malaise,” a solo exhibition highlighting the works of Maude Marrowbone, June 3-Aug. 1; reception: June 3, 6-11 p.m.

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

“The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls,” the story of a man born into slavery, who later rose to the U.S. Congress, through June.

“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

“The Hidden Works of Jay N. ‘Ding’ Darling,” featuring personal works of the pioneering conservationist and cartoonist, through June 18.

“Patrick Gnan Pencil Drawings and Acrylic Paintings,” through June 25.

“Pennsylvania Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition,” June 27-Aug. 27.

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

“Duets,” an exhibition of artwork featuring 10 pairs of collaborating artists, through June 4.

“Work in Progress,” highlighting the work of Savannah College of Art and Design student Emily Keniston, June 10-Aug. 6; reception: June 10, 6-8:30 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, June 10-Sept. 18; members’ preview: June 9, 5-7 p.m.

“Recasting Nature: Selected Sculptures by Beth Galston,” June 10-Sept. 18; members’ preview: June 9, 5-7 p.m.

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.

WITF – Atrium Gallery
4801 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg
717-704-3000; witf.org

“Seeing These Walls Differently Together,” a group show of artists from Sprocket Mural Works, through mid-June.

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

Works by Taylor Kerns, through June 12
Artwork by Becky Jones and Diana Robinson, June 14 to July 10.

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

“Monstourage,” an exhibit by Rance Shepstone, May 20-June 16.
The Huckle Buckle Boys: “Retrospectivus Hiatus,” June 17-July 14.

Read, Make, Learn

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

June 19: Glass Painting, 1-3:30 p.m.

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

June 8: “Vegetarian Grilling on the Deck,” 6-9 p.m.
June 17: “Father’s Day Grilling on the Deck,” 6:30-9:30 p.m.
June 22: “South of the Border,” 6-9 p.m.

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

June 3: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
June 4: Storytime and Music Therapy, 3:30 p.m.
June 6, 20: Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
June 7: Curl Up With the Classics—“Silas Marner,” 1 p.m.
June 7: Coloring for Grown-Ups, 7 p.m.
June 7, 14, 21, 28: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6 p.m.
June 10: Foreign Film Friday—“Gett,” 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
June 13, 20, 27: Drop In Summer Storytime, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
June 13: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
June 14: Teen Artists’ Meet-up, 7 p.m.
June 14: Getting Started with Hatha Yoga, 7 p.m.
June 15, 16: Summer LEGO Fun Days, 10:30 a.m.
June 17: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
June 17, 18: Safe Sitter Workshop, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
June 21: Teen Tie Dye DIY, 6 p.m.
June 21: Fredricksen Reads, 7 p.m.
June 25: Cookbook Club—100 Days of Real Food, 1 p.m.

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

June 9-July 28: Improv Level 1
June 11-July 2: Summer Kidprov
June 29-July 20: Summer Kidprov

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

June 9: Cooking Grains & Beans the Right Way, 6-8 p.m.
June 23: Balanced Plate Class, 6-8 p.m.

Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center
251 Wiconisco St., Harrisburg
717-232-2700; meditationpa.org

June 18: “Rx for a Happy Life,” 1-4 p.m.

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

June 5, 12, 19, 26: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
June 4, 11, 18, 25: Weekly Meditation Practice, 11 a.m.
June 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
June 9: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
June 21: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.

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

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7 p.m.
June 3, 10, 24: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
June 4: Health and Wellness Meet-up, 10 a.m.
June 4: Music Together, 11 a.m.
June 4, 18: Local Author Saturday, 2 p.m.
June 4: Good News Café, 6 p.m.
June 7: Sci-Fi Writer’s Group, 7 p.m.
June 9, 16: Camp Curtin Toastmasters, 6:30 p.m.
June 11: Story time with Lisa, 11 a.m.
June 14, 28: Meet-Up, 9 a.m.
June 14: Dauphin County Young Democrats Meeting, 7 p.m.
June 15: Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7 p.m.
June 17: Coffee Tasting with Café Staff, 12 p.m.
June 17: Tea Tasting w/Café Staff, 2 p.m.
June 19: Midtown Writer’s Group, 1 p.m.
June 19: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
June 26: Harrisburg Young Professionals Book Club, 2 p.m.
June 27: Feminism Book Club, 7 p.m.
June 28: Friends of Midtown Safety Committee, 6:30 p.m.

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

June 10, 25: “Letting Go!” Paint Night, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

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

June 12: Free Beginner Yoga Class, 10-11 a.m.

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

June 4: Free Drop-in Art Class for Kids, 1-4 p.m.
June 11: “A Novel Idea” writing workshop, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

June 5: “Beginner’s Yoga and Walk,” 10-11:30 a.m.
June 8: “Stress Relief Walk,” 6-7:30 p.m.
June 10: “Early Morning Bird Walk,” 7:30-9:30 a.m.
June 11: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 11-Oct. 15: “Fundamentals of Digital Photography,” 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 12: “Flower Walk: Peak of Blooming,” 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 14-16: “Nature Explorers Day Camp,” 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 18: “Saturday Morning Bird Walk,” 8-10 a.m.
June 22: “Educator Workshop: Susquehanna Watershed Tour,” 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Live Music Around Harrisburg

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

June 3: Who’s Bad: Michael Jackson Tribute Band
June 5: Jennifer Nettles
June 6: Jackson Brown
June 8: Lynyrd Skynyrd & Peter Frampton
June 10: Gary Allan
June 12: Johnny Mathis
June 13: Mary Chapin Carpenter
June 18: Summer Doo Wop Cavalcade
June 24: Happy Together Tour

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

June 10: Dirty Dozen Brass Band
June 17: Hackensaw Boys
June 21: The Toasters
June 24: The Stray Birds & Evie Ladin Band

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

June 1: Deborah Anderson
June 2, 18, 29: Jessica Perla
June 3, 24: Ted Ansel
June 4, 21: Corinna Joy
June 7: Daniel Sheehan
June 8, 10, 17: Noel Gevers
June 9, 12, 23, 26: Anthony Haubert
June 11, 22, 25: Roy Lefever
June 14: Christine Purcell
June 15: Marc Lubbers
June 28: Maria Battista
June 30: Chris Emkey

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

June 3: Surf’s Up!: A Tribute to the Beach Boys

Central PA Friends of Jazz
friendsofjazz.org

June 17: Stefon Harris & Steve Wilson

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

June 2: Against Me!
June 4: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
June 10: Tragedy: A Metal Tribute to the BeeGees
June 11: She Pulled the Trigger, Ashes of our Sin, Tomorrow Awaits
June 18: Eve 6
June 22: Waxahatchee
June 28: Delta Rae

Char’s at Tracy Mansion
1829 N Front St., Harrisburg
717-213-4002; charsrestaurant.com

June 3: Lil’ Brother
June 10: Mark Huber Duo
June 17: Bernie Stevenson Duo
June 24: Dave Wilson Trio

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

June 3: Antonio Andrade
June 4: Seasons
June 5: Crimson
June 10: Something Else
June 11: Dan Zukowski
June 12: Joe Cooney
June 17: Jim Haas
June 18: Doug Morris
June 19: Kara Chante
June 24: Sivart Lee
June 25: Kevin Kline
June 26: Dominick Cicco

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

June 9: Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra

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

June 23: Josh Dominick

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

June 3: First Friday w/Vetour Productions, J Soul, Afrobass
June 5: Felicia Renae
June 9: Time Sawyer & Mike McMonagle
June 10: Shine Delphi
June 11: J and the 9s
June 12: Arc & Stones
June 16: The Ellameno Beat
June 17: The Dirty Chakras
June 18: Mother Moses
June 24: The Jayplayers, Vulcans, Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart
June 25: Peter Asher & Albert Lee
Every Monday: Barcrawler Karaoke
Every Tuesday: Open Mic

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

June 30: Lebanon Valley College Quad

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

June 3: Uptown
June 4: Sapphire
June 10: The Luv Gods
June 11: Save the City
June 17: Into the Spin
June 18: Shadows of the 60s, Funktion
June 24: Platform Soul
June 25: Smooth Like Clyde

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

June 5: Summer Concert at Peace Church

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

June 3: Steve Wilkins
June 10: Aly Darwish Quartet
June 17: Apes of the State, Rivers
June 24: Ben & Joe

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

June 4: Hotel California—A Salute to The Eagles
June 25: The Raleigh Ringers

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

June 18: Shine Delphi
June 23: Prairie Empire

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

June 5: Kyle Marler
June 17: Kosi
June 25: Freddy & Francine

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

June 4: Ryan Moran
June 7: Corinna Joy
June 11: Funktion Quartet
June 14: Kevin Cole of Mountain Road
June 18: Troubadour Light
June 21: Dave Kelly
June 25: Don Johnson Trio
June 28: Shine Delphi

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

June 3: Silver Junction
June 10: Nate Myers
June 17: Havana Blue
June 24: New Direction

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

June 11: Colebrook Road
June 25: River City Big Band

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

June 1: Acoustic Stew Open Jam
June 1: River City Pinball League
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Open Electric Jam
June 3: Bushmaster w/Gary Brown
June 4: Paul Bratcher Trio
June 5: La Playa
June 10: People’s Open Jam
June 11: Music & Wine Jam w/Jackie Scott & the Housewreckers
June 15: Open Showcase w/Shawan Rice
June 17: Nate Myers & the Aces
June 18: La Playa Saturday Nights
June 19: Singer’s Lounge
June 20: River City Big Band
June 22: Don Johnson Open Jam
June 25: Lovers of Music
June 27: CPFJ Jazz Jam

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

June 2: Carly Clark

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

June 3: The Coalishun
June 4: Music Thru Science Lite
June 10: Maria Wilson
June 11: Visitors Duo
June 17: US2 Duo
June 18: Up Pops the Devil
June 24: A Perfect Storm
June 25: TBA

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

June 3: Jazz in the City
June 3: Brass Monkeys: Beastie Boys Tribute (Strand Offstage)
June 5: York County Honors Choirs
June 25: Sean Reilly presents Sinatra 101

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

June 4: Gary Brown
June 11: Hemlock Hollow
June 18: Nate Myers & The Aces
June 25: Jeff Calvin

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

June 11, 12: “French Café” summer concert

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

June 19: Indigo Girls

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

June 10: Rivers
June 17: Dan Jamison
June 24: Indian Summer Jars

The Stage Door

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

June 30-July 3: “Anything Goes”

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

Through June 19: “Million Dollar Quartet”
June 24-Aug. 6: “Mary Poppins”

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

June 3-18: Free Shakespeare in the Park: “The Merry Wives of Windsor” (Harrisburg Shakespeare Co.)
June 8-18: “Wonder Tales from Around the World” (Popcorn Hat Players)

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

June 3, 5: Level 1 Class Show
June 10: Brainwave Aftershave
June 24: Reptile Dysfunction/TBA
June 26: Magic Fairy Monkey Pirates

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

June 5: Chris Hardwick

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

June 10: Lancaster Improv Players
June 17: Comedy Night

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

June 10-26: “Sondheim on Sondheim”

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

Through June 12: “The Burning Man”

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

June 16-26: “The 39 Steps”

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

June 4: Imani Edu-Tainers African Dance Company
June 9-18: “Hamlet” w/The People’s Shakespeare Project

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

June 15-18: “Four Days of Spectacular Ballet” (Central PA Youth Ballet)
June 25: “60th Celebration Performance” (Central PA Youth Ballet)

York Little Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-5715; ylt.org

June 17-26: “The King and I”

May News Digest

May 31, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

Local Tax Raised
People soon will pay more to work in Harrisburg, as City Council has tripled the local services tax.

By a 5-1 margin, council voted to hike the LST from $1 to $3 per week. Only Councilwoman Shamaine Daniels opposed the measure.

Tax withholding will begin on July 1. However, for 2016, workers will actually pay $5 per week to make up for lost revenue back to the effective date of Jan. 1.

People who work in Harrisburg now will pay a local tax of $156 a year if they earn more than $24,500. Commuters vastly outnumber resident workers in Harrisburg, so the majority of income raised from the tax will come from people who live outside the city.

The LST hike coincided with several other tweaks to Harrisburg’s financial recovery plan. Most notably, the amended plan suggests that the city could consider adopting a Home Rule charter, which would give it more taxing options once it exits the state’s Act 47 program for financially distressed cities. However, council would have to pass another ordinance before initiating the Home Rule process.

Treasurer Resigns
Harrisburg will need to find another new treasurer, as Tyrell Spradley resigned last month after just 18 months in office.

City Council now must determine how to replace Spradley. For past vacancies, council members interviewed applicants, nominated their preferred candidates and chose among the finalists.

The treasurer’s office has been a revolving door since September 2014, when elected Treasurer John Campbell resigned after being charged with stealing money from two nonprofit groups. Two months later, Spradley was appointed, but only after council’s first choice withdrew his name from contention. Spradley was elected in his own right last year.

City treasurer is a part-time position that pays $20,000 per year. Deputy Treasurer Celia Spicher runs the office on a day-to-day basis.

New Archives Building
A new state Archives building soon will take shape on long-empty land along the 6^th Street corridor, the state announced.

The building will occupy a three-acre site along N. 6th Street flanked by Harris and Hamilton streets. The $24 million project will occupy almost three complete city blocks, with half of the site backing to N. 7th Street.

Design is expected to begin soon, followed by a two-year construction phase that should be completed in 2019, said Howard Pollman, director of external affairs for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

The commission has been searching for a site for a new building for several years, as the Archives’ current home—a 20-story tower built in the mid-1960s at the Capitol complex—is bursting from more than 450 million documents.

“The building we have here is full,” Pollman said. “We also have issues with environmental concerns.”

The commission will retain and repurpose the tower, perhaps for collection storage, said Pollman.

Reed Counts Dismissed
A judge last month dismissed 305 criminal counts against former Harrisburg Mayor Steve Reed, saying the alleged crimes occurred too long ago.

The alleged acts, pertaining to Reed’s tenure as mayor, were outside the statute of limitations, according to presiding Judge Kevin A. Hess.

Hess let stand another 144 counts, mostly pertaining to allegations that Reed stole and kept city-funded artifacts. The state last year confiscated many historical artifacts from Reed’s home and at a nearby storage site, but the former mayor said they legally belonged to him.

The attorney general’s office could appeal the ruling.

Restaurant, Shops for Strawberry Square
A new restaurant and a new gift shop soon will open in downtown Harrisburg, among a flurry of business activity in Strawberry Square.

A 60-seat eatery is slated to open in early fall near the 3rd Street entrance in a long-empty space once occupied by a bank branch. It’s the latest concept of restaurateur Juan Garcia, who owns El Sol and La Noche. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant will offer a variety of salads, soups, wraps and other healthy options, said Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square.

Inside the Square, Harristown has signed a replacement for Strawberry Patch, the Hallmark store that shut down in January after 35 years in business. By July, owner Shekhar Shah will open Strawberry Gifts, a 4,000-square-foot Hallmark store in the same space as the previous shop, said Jones.

In other retail news, AMMA JO, a fashion and lifestyle boutique, is expanding into space directly next to her original location, said owner Amma Johnson. Johnson will take another 1,200 square feet, extending her product line, as well.

Another specialty retailer, Ideas and Objects, is making an adjustment. Jones said that the long-time retailer will relocate from an interior location to 11 N. 3rd St., a smaller space with street access.

DeHart Deal Approved
The Capital Region Water board of directors has unanimously approved an agreement to conserve its 8,200-acre DeHart property in partnership with the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and Fort Indiantown Gap.

DeHart, located in northern Dauphin County, is the primary source of drinking water for Capital Region Water’s 60,000-plus customers. The property includes the 5-mile long, 6-billion gallon DeHart Reservoir and 7,500 acres of forestland.

Under the agreement, Capital Region Water will receive approximately $9 million through the Fort Indiantown Gap Army Compatible Use Buffer program to grant a conservation easement restricting development on the property. Capital Region Water will continue to own and manage the property.

Incumbents Victorious
Harrisburg-area officeholders beat back party challengers during the recent primary election.

State Rep. Patty Kim defeated challenger Richard Soto by a wide margin for the Democratic nomination for the 103^rd legislative district. She is unopposed in the general election in November.

In the 104^th district, incumbent Republican Sue Helm topped challenger Nate Curtis. She’ll face Democrat Jody Rebarchak in the general.

In the 15^th Senate district, incumbent Sen. Rob Teplitz easily topped challenger Alvin Q. Taylor. In the general election, he’ll face developer John DiSanto, who narrowly beat Andrew Lewis in the Republican primary.

Home Sales Climb
Homes sales in the Harrisburg area rose substantially in April compared to the year-ago period.

The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors reported that April sales totaled 739 units in April, compared to 653 units in April 2015 in its region, which includes all of Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties and parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

The median price dipped a bit, from $163,000 to $160,000, though the average days on the market fell substantially, from 99 to 83 days.

County-by-county statistics reflected similar trends, with unit sales up substantially and average time on the market down.

So Noted

Aangan Express opened for business last month at 263 Reily St. in Midtown Harrisburg. The restaurant, located directly across the street from Midtown Cinema, is a second location for Aangan Indian Restaurant of Susquehanna Township.

Better Homes and Gardens Capital Area cut the ribbon last month at its location at 500 N. Progress Ave. The company offers a range of real estate services for the Harrisburg region.

Dalicia Bakery opened its doors last month at 1419 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. Owner Samra Alic and her daughter, Ajla, run the bakery, which offers breads, sandwiches and Little Amps coffee, in addition to cakes and other sweet treats.

Eastern University and the Papenfuse administration announced a partnership last month to provide tuition breaks to Harrisburg city workers and their families. Employees will receive a 25-percent discount as well as some free professional development training.

Fasta & Ravioli Co. had a “pasta cutting” last month to open its elaborate new stand in the brick building of the Broad Street Market. To celebrate, owner Bob Ricketts gave away 1,000 pounds of pasta to customers.

Harrisburg Mall last month announced the arrival this summer of two new restaurants. Kondu, serving quick-style Asian cuisine, will take a spot next to 2^nd & Charles, while burger-and-fries franchise Checkers will open in the food court.

Mel’s Rock N’BBQ moved into a permanent home in the Broad Street Market last month. Mel’s had been in a pop-up stand for several months before building out a permanent spot in the stone building.

Changing Hands

Barkley Lane, 2525: R. Medellin to T. Brandon, $64,000

Briggs St., 235: J. Bradley to JLS Rentals LLC, $66,000

Calder St., 254: C. Elder to C. Baxter, $93,900

Derry St., 1221: N&R Group LLC & Touch of Color to 101 S. 17^th Street LLC, $250,000

Derry St., 2615: P. Nalewak to S. Mejia, $38,000

Duke St., 2436: A. Miller to D. Moran & M. Everetts, $56,000

Fulton St., 1410: C. Platkin to N. Richardson, $95,000

Fulton St., 1707: J. & C. Thomason to C. Hutchinson, $102,000

Green St., 1610: M. & S. Noorbaksh to A. Calvano, $118,000

Green St., 1619: D. Healey Sr. to M. & L. Stednitz, $101,200

Harris St., 220: E. Brown to D. Grossman, $49,000

Harris Terr., 2483: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development to H. Nguyen, $35,000

Herr St., 267: B. Moehler to R. Joseph, $140,000

Hoerner St., 135: J. Gable to Green Property Management LLC, $49,900

Hoffman St., 3012: J. Dearing to D. Gule, $99,900

Logan St., 1712: Secretary of Veterans Affairs to PA Deals LLC, $72,250

Market St., 1913: Fulton Bank NA to Slatehouse Group LLC, $52,000

Market St., 2501A: J. Langley to A. Buglione, $55,000

Mercer St., 2468: PA Deals LLC to MidAtlantic IRA LLC & C. Hampton, $61,900

North St., 274: Mid Penn Bank to A. Gonzalez & L. Galvis, $240,000

N. 2^nd St., 1007: J. & M. Solomon to C. & E. Bryce, $195,000

N. 3^rd St., 1404 and 1409 & 1411 Susquehanna St.: Volunteers of America to Zecharya International Inc., $50,000

N. 3^rd St., 2331: Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to F. Laoukili & M. Mtere, $32,000

N. 4^th St., 1623: GWD Capitol Heights LP to T. Menta, $109,900

N. 4^th St., 2715: J. Gilmore to K. Hilborn, $90,000

N. 5^th St., 1821: C. Mitchell & J. Jackson to Home for the Friendless, $71,500

N. 6^th St., 1408: PA Deals LLC to D. Sharma & N. Aggarwal, $103,250

N. 6^th St., 2508, 2512 & 2516: JRH Anthony Partnership & Mr. Handyman of Lincoln Park to Harrisburg Housing Authority, $230,000

N. 13^th St., 142: V. Trong to J. Forsyth LLC, $30,000

N. 17^th St., 1000: S. Osibodu to D. Robinson, $75,000

Park St., 1923: S&H Investment Group LLC to Diamond Mined LLC, $45,000

Penn St., 1801: C. Touma to M. McCann, $112,000

Penn St., 1820: PA Deal LLC to D. Kapil, $122,000

Penn St., 1915: A. Mills to J. Bankard, $136,000

Rudy Rd., 1914: J. Charlton to M. Thach, $66,000

Rumson Dr., 2990: M. Salerno to R. Gonzalez & M. Cabrera, $50,000

S. 16^th St., 1047: W. & E. Turns to W. Zawadski, $50,000

S. 18^th St., 1319: New Island Properties LLC to K. Shemory, $80,000

S. 19^th St., 24: J. Forsyth LLC to B. Zimmerman, $40,500

S. 25^th St., 442: P. Bauer to R. Weese, $94,900

S. Cameron St., 912: Camp Hill Cleaners & Mark Cleaners to New Vision Management, $100,000

S. Front St., 707: D. & G. Dowen to A. Patton, $180,000

State St., 1606: Mid Penn Bank to R. Covington & T. Pean, $35,000

Susquehanna St., 1336: Metro Bank to Frog Hollow Associates LLC, $77,500

Verbeke St., 316: Kidder Wilkes LP to Silver Stone Enterprises LLC, $52,400

Wallace St., 1637 & 1639: J. Shurns to Buonarroti Trust, $118,170

Walnut St., 108, 110 & 112: Vast Holding LLC to E. Etzweiler, $225,000

Run for Your Life

May 26, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg’s Fab Four.

The Papenfuse administration had a little fun the other day.

The mayor, city engineer, city planner and budget director channeled their inner Beatle, posing on one of the new crosswalks along Front Street, mimicking perhaps the most famous road crossing this side of the chicken—the day that John, Paul, George and Ringo traversed Abbey Road for an album cover.

It was a publicity stunt, for sure, but Mayor Eric Papenfuse stressed the importance of the occasion, saying that, with the new crosswalks, busy Front Street was now a little safer for pedestrians to cross.

“State law mandates that cars yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk,” he said.

That may be, but will it make any real difference in the dangerous game of Frogger that residents play each day trying to cross over to Riverfront Park? Not much, I fear.

Now, I fully support the state’s recent improvements to the street. The conversion from three to two lanes has, in my view, made the street safer for motorists, particularly as the wide shoulder has allowed cars to enter the street and turn more safely. Front Street is also far more aesthetically appealing than before, and the change hasn’t much affected the flow of traffic.

But, from my office window overlooking Front Street, have I noticed traffic slowing down closer to the 35-mile-per-hour limit? No. And the new, bright white crosswalks, while welcome, have just become just another mark on the pavement for cars to zip across.

Yesterday, to its credit, the city erected two temporary signs in Riverfront Park warning motorists to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. This type of public education is vital since few drivers seem to know their responsibility under the law. However, it’s hardly enough. If PennDOT is serious about pedestrian safety, it must go beyond painting some white lines on the road and must take additional measures to calm traffic along the two-mile stretch from Division to Forster streets.

These methods are well known to traffic engineers, but may include everything from raised pedestrian crossings to permanent signage to a new stoplight or two. Many cities have had success combining several methods, such as changing the surface material at crossings and installing flexible signs within the intersection. The state, in fact, already employs some of these methods around the Capitol complex.

Moreover, I long have advocated for more (or even some) enforcement of traffic laws along Front Street. Police could pick off motorists all day for excessive speeding (over 50, 60 mph easily), reckless driving and illegal turns. Just yesterday, I saw a driver wait for a gap in traffic, then purposely turn the wrong way up Front Street from the driveway of an apartment building because he wanted to enter a side street half a block up, in the other direction. And it wasn’t the first time I’d seen that.

On Monday, I knew the mayor and his cabinet officials had arrived for the photo op because a city police car had parked near the intersection where it was to take place. When the time came for the picture, an officer waited for a small break in traffic, then cautiously waded into the road to stop the next rush of cars. She then held up traffic for a minute so the photo could be taken.

“Without her, the city would have four fewer officials today,” I joked to city engineer Wayne Martin.

And, even with the new crosswalks, that about sums up the state of pedestrian safety along Front Street. If the state is truly interested in making the road easier to cross, it must implement additional safety measures, which, as a happy byproduct, would further integrate the street and the park with the city.

This story was modified to indicate that the city installed the temporary signage.

Spradley Resigns as Harrisburg Treasurer

May 17, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Treasurer Tyrell Spradley as he took the oath of office last January.

Harrisburg will need to find another new treasurer, as Tyrell Spradley today announced his resignation after 18 months on the job.

In a letter to City Council President Wanda Williams, Spradley said that he would leave effective Friday.

“It is with great gratitude, and a little bit of sorrow, that I resign as City Treasurer of Harrisburg, effective May 20, 2016,” Spradley wrote.

Spradley’s letter states that he will go onto other opportunities in the public sector. He could not be reached immediately for comment.

City Council now will need to appoint a new treasurer, its third in less than two years.

The revolving door began in September 2014, when elected Treasurer John Campbell resigned in wake of theft allegations against him. He since pled guilty to charges involving taking money from several organizations, though not from the city.

Two months later, Spradley was appointed, but only after city council’s first choice withdrew his name from contention. He then was elected in his own right last year, narrowly besting primary opponent Brian Ostella.

Council now will need to accept applications for the city treasurer post. In the past, council members interviewed each applicant, nominated their preferred candidates and chose among the finalists.

Ostella declined to comment whether he would apply for the job.

City treasurer is a part-time position that pays $20,000 per year. Deputy Treasurer Celia Spicher runs the office on a day-to-day basis.

Judge Dismisses 300+ Counts Against Long-Time Mayor Steve Reed

May 16, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

Former Harrisburg Mayor Steve Reed speaks last July after announcement of charges against him.

A judge today dismissed 305 counts against former Harrisburg Mayor Steve Reed, saying the alleged crimes occurred too long ago.

The alleged acts, pertaining to Reed’s tenure as mayor, were committed beyond the statute of limitations, according to presiding Judge Kevin A. Hess.

In his decision, Hess said that counts needed to have been brought against Reed either two or five years following the alleged offenses, depending on the allegation.

The offenses alleged by the attorney general took place between September 2003 and January 2010. Reed was charged in July 2015, about six months after the deadline for the latest-possible counts.

The dismissed counts include some of the most serious claims against the former mayor, including bribery and corruption allegations.

Hess also said that a law that extends the statute of limitations to 13 years for public officials did not apply in this case, since prosecution would have needed to start within five years of Reed leaving office. He left in January 2010 after serving as Harrisburg mayor for 28 years.

Hess let stand another 144 counts, mostly pertaining to allegations that Reed stole and kept city-bought artifacts. The state last year confiscated numerous historical artifacts found in Reed’s home and at a nearby storage site, but the former mayor has insisted that they legally belong to him.

“Whether the evidence as ultimately presented will support convictions for theft by receiving stolen property is for a jury to determine,” Hess wrote.

Reed had an ambition of building a series of museums in Harrisburg, including a “Museum of the Old West,” spending millions of dollars of public money to buy artifacts for them. Many of the artifacts taken from Reed’s home and storage facility were western in nature, including statues, clothing, saddles and Indian headdresses.

Last July, Attorney General Kathleen Kane charged Reed with 499 criminal counts covering 17 separate felony and misdemeanor charges. Several counts were later dropped or combined, so that about one-quarter now remain from the original grand jury presentment.

The attorney general’s office has the option of appealing Hess’ ruling.

New Restaurant, Shops for Strawberry Square

May 3, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

New businesses are about to move into Strawberry Square.

A new restaurant and a new gift shop soon will open in downtown Harrisburg, among a flurry of business activity in Strawberry Square.

The 60-seat Fresa Café is slated to open in early fall near the 3rd Street entrance in a long-empty space once occupied by a bank branch.

Fresa Café is the latest concept of restaurateur Juan Garcia, who owns El Sol and La Noche, both up the block on S. 3^rd Street. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant will offer a variety of salads, soups, wraps and other healthy options, said Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square.

In other retail news, AMMA JO, a fashion and lifestyle boutique, is expanding into space directly next to her original location, said owner Amma Johnson. Later this month, Johnson will take another 1,200 square feet, extending her product line, as well. Johnson just opened her Strawberry Square location in December, but cites strong demand for needing additional space.

Another specialty retailer, Ideas and Objects, also is making an adjustment. Jones said that the long-time retailer will relocate from an interior location to 11 N. 3^rd St., a smaller space with street access. That move should be completed by mid-June, he said.

Meanwhile, Harristown is completing the conversion of a part of Strawberry Square to upscale apartments. The 22-unit Flats at Strawberry Square should be opened in late July, and Harristown already is accepting rental applications, said Jones.

Up the street, Harristown is continuing work on 29 apartments and renovated commercial space. Former office space at 18 to 22 S. 3^rd St. is being converted to 15 one-bedroom apartments and being renamed Fifteen@Twenty-Two or F@tt. Across the street, adjacent townhouses at 19 to 27 S. 3^rd St. are being renovated as 14 pet-friendly apartments with lower-level commercial space. That complex will be called SoMa on Third.

“Things are looking very positive in the downtown,” said Jones. “We’re excited at the progress.”

Holding Cost

April 29, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

The very expensive, very empty federal courthouse site at 6th and Reily streets in Harrisburg.

How much would you pay for a piece of empty land in Harrisburg?

Not much, I’m sure.

Most plots here don’t cost much, and a few Uptown and on Allison Hill have even sold recently at tax sale for a few hundred bucks. In many areas of Harrisburg, you can get one with an actual house on it for $20,000 or $30,000.

A quadruple lot, with an old building on it, just sold in the heart of Midtown’s commercial district for $50,000.

Then there’s the radical exception.

There’s a large chunk of land—you may be familiar with it—with a ever-escalating price that now stands at around $55 million. It’s where someday, maybe, a new federal courthouse for Harrisburg will stand.

To clarify–only a portion of the first round of $26 million in federal funds was used to acquire and clear the land at N. 6^th and Reily streets. Some was used for other purposes, such as for studies and design. The U.S. General Services Administration now is asking congressional approval for another $29.5 million.

This amount, though, still won’t yield an actual building, but just more study. So, if Congress approves the use, $55 million will be spent without raising a single board, without driving in a single nail, for a building that, best case, is five to 10 years away from judge and jury.

To put this into some perspective, Pennsylvania just announced a new state Archives building of a similar size, occupying about the same amount of land, directly across the street from the courthouse site. The total cost: $24 million, meaning an entire government building will be built for less than half the price that the feds plan to spend on studies, preparation and land.

I admit this is an imprecise comparison. The courthouse has certain needs, such as for security, which raise the cost of the project, even in the design phase. The Archives, though, has its own exacting criteria that make it more expensive to plan and construct than your average office building.

Recently, I visited the courthouse site, a grassy expanse with an imposing sign, now several years old, announcing the project. Squirrels scampered about, and, looking around the site, I could see traffic and a few blighted buildings and more emptiness beyond.

At one time, rowhouses, corner stores and bars lined these blocks, serving a working-class community of hard-living railroad men and their families. After the buildings fell apart and were razed, much of the land was used for parking, as well as for a fast food restaurant that later became a drop-off point for donations to the Bethesda Mission across the street.

What a strange fate, I thought. Fifty-five million dollars could buy some of the grandest palaces in the world, from the Hollywood Hills to Paris. But, apparently, it’s also the price of a grassy field, bees picking at the dandelions, birds pecking the ground, of a hard-luck corner on a busy street across from a gas station and a homeless shelter in Harrisburg, Pa.

Community Corner: Notable May Events

April 29, 2016 | by TheBurg Editor

Bike Harrisburg
May 1-29: For National Bike Month, Bike Harrisburg will host a series of events, including the Seersucker & Lace Benefit Bicycle Ride (May 15), a Capitol Rally (May 16), Ghost Bikes at the Capitol (May 18) and International Ride of Silence (May 18). For a complete schedule, visit bikeharrisburg.org.

Night of UnWINEding
May 2: Enjoy happy hour with the YWCA Junior Board at Spring Gate Vineyard, 5790 Devonshire Rd., Harrisburg, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Bid on themed gift baskets and taste the vineyard’s wines. Proceeds benefit YWCA’s Camp Reily. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Visit ywcahbg.org.

Leads Over Lunch
May 3: Mix and mingle with business leaders at this free lunch hosted by Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC at Buffalo Wild Wings, 4600 Jonestown Rd., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

Heart Healthy Shopping
May 4: PinnacleHealth will host “Heart Healthy Grocery Shopping Tour” at the Giant Food Store, 2300 Linglestown Rd., at 6 p.m. Discover heart-healthy groceries and comparison shop for nutritional content and value per dollar. Visit pinnaclehealth.org.

Cinco de Mayo Mixer
May 5: West Shore Chamber of Commerce will hold its 8th Annual Cinco de Mayo Regional Mixer at the Conference Center at Shippensburg University, 500 Newburg Rd., 5 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy food, drinks, networking and free admission. Visit wschamber.org.

Art of Tröegs
May 5: Grain + Verse Bottlehouse, 148 Sheraton Dr., New Cumberland, will host Art of Tröegs Tap Takeover, 6:30 p.m. Make art and drink Tröegs brews. Get creative with coloring books and colored pencils and participate in a group art piece. Visit grainandverse.com.

National Public Gardens Day
May 6: Head to Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, for National Public Gardens Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy half-priced admission with a voucher available on the Hershey Gardens website. For more details, visit HersheyGardens.org.

Londonderry’s 5k and Fun Run
May 7: Londonderry School will host a 5K and Fun Run, its annual spring fundraiser. The 5K will start and finish on City Island in Harrisburg. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the race starts at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Visit thelondonderryschool.org.

Flower Barrel Planting
May 7: Friends of Midtown will replant barrels throughout Midtown and replace damaged ones from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will start the day at N. 3rd and Verbeke streets. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Mother’s Day Flowers
May 7: Kids ages 5 to 13 can create a flowering container for mom with Penn State Master Gardeners in Cumberland County at the Penn State Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A parent or guardian must be present. The $10 fee covers the cost of supplies. Visit extension.psu.edu/cumberland.

Book Fundraiser
May 7: Eugenio M. Albano will host a book fundraiser at The Cornerstone Coffeehouse, 2133 Market St., Camp Hill, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a portion of the book sales benefitting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. For more details, visit thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com.

HBG Flea
May 7: The HBG Flea first 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.

Circle School Spring Gala
May 7: The Circle School, 210 Oakleigh Ave., Harrisburg, will host its annual Spring Gala from 12 to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Enjoy student entertainment, refreshments, a silent auction and a basket raffle. For more details, visit CircleSchool.org.

Multicultural Parade and Festival
May 7: YWCA of Greater Harrisburg will host the 14th Annual South Allison Hill Multicultural Parade and Festival, kicking off at 1 p.m. at the Heart of the Community Garden at Derry and Kittatinny streets. Visit ywcahbg.org for more details.

Tea and Conversation
May 7: The Historical Society of Dauphin County will host an afternoon tea at 2:30 p.m. in the Victorian parlor of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. Tickets are $20 and $15 for Historical Society members. Call 717-233-3462 or email [email protected].

Rail Transit in Action
May 10: Harrisburg Chapter National Railway Historical Society will host “Rail Transit in Action,” an illustrated talk with Bob Vogel at Hoss’s Restaurant, 743 Wertzville Rd., Enola. Business meeting and speaker begin at 7 p.m., with a meal available as early as 5 p.m. Call 717-439-9744 or email [email protected].

Midtown Cleanup
May 10: Friends of Midtown will hold a #2MinTue Cleanup, starting at Green and Maclay streets, 6:15 p.m. The group will collect trash around the Olde Uptown neighborhood, weather permitting. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Human Resources Seminar
May 12: SMC Business Councils will host “Key Human Resource Obstacles for Small Business: Human Resources for Non-Human Resource Professionals” from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott Harrisburg West. Visit smc.org for more details.

Soils Workshop
May 12: Penn State Extension will offer a soils workshop at the Penn State Extension Cumberland County office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The registration fee is $60 and includes lunch, a soil test kit and a textbook. Visit extension.psu.edu.

Midtown May Market
May 14: Friends of Midtown will host a Midtown community yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A waffle brunch will be held at Second City Church, 251 Verbeke St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Volunteer Work Day
May 14: Lend a hand at Wildwood Park to help with continued park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snacks, tools and work gloves will be provided. To reduce plastic usage, the park asks that volunteers bring a water bottle. Visit wildwoodpark.org.

Odd Ones Bizarre
May 14: The Odd Ones Bizarre will be held at The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate spring with 26 crafters, artists and creators who will sell their handcrafted wares along with the 31 resident artists. Visit millworksharrisburg.com.

Pint .5K
May 14: Rotary Club of Harrisburg Keystone’s 4th Annual Pint .5K Endurance Challenge will begin at Appalachian Brewing Co., 50 N. Cameron St. at 2 p.m. Cost is $15 before May 6, $20 afterwards. For more details, visit rotarypoint5k.org.

Firkin Funday
May 15: Art and beer join together as Sprocket MuralWorks unveils new concepts and Zeroday Brewing Co. taps a new firkin to support the project. Vote on your favorite concept and listen to great music. Firkin Funday starts at 3 p.m. at Zeroday, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Visit www.sprocketmuralworks.com.

Networking Mixer
May 17: Join the West Shore Chamber and other local business professionals at the May networking mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., at Myers-Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, Mechanicsburg. The event is free and open to chamber members. Visit wschamber.org.

Business After Hours
May 19: Mingle with business professionals at Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC’s free networking event at Keystone Technical Institute, 2301 Academy Dr., Harrisburg, 5 to 7 p.m. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

Camp Reily Open House
May 19: Join the YWCA Greater Harrisburg for an open house at Camp Reily, 300 Camp Reily Rd., 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy free camp food and refreshments, kids’ activities, information on Camp Reily and music by Shawan and The Wonton. Visit ywcahbg.org.

North Korea Program
May 19: Foreign Policy Association of Harrisburg will host Frank Plantan, co-director of the International Relations Program at the University of Pennsylvania, in a talk about North Korea at 7:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill. Dinner precedes at 6:30 p.m. Visit fpa-harrisburg.org.

3rd in The Burg
May 20: 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.

St. Stephen’s Benefit
May 20: St. Stephen’s Episcopal School will host “Foundation,” an evening with premier restaurants, coffee roasters, breweries, world class wines and silent and live auctions, at WITF Atrium, 4801 Lindle Rd., 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 and $30 for St. Stephen’s families and cathedral members. For more details, call Denise Paran at 717-238-8590.

Simpson Library ComiCon
May 21: Joseph T. Simpson Public Library will host its second annual free, family-friendly ComiCon at the First Church of God Community Center, 201 E. Green St., Mechanicsburg, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org.

Women’s Day Service
May 22: Capital Presbyterian Women will celebrate Women’s Day during morning worship service at Capital Presbyterian Church, 1401 Cumberland St., Harrisburg, 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Harrisburg Councilwoman and church Elder Destini Hodges. A reception will follow. Call 717-236-2332 with any questions.

Local Lunch
May 22: Join Friends of Midtown at its monthly community lunch, which will be held at note. Bistro and Winebar, 1530 N. 2nd St., 12 to 2 p.m. Contact [email protected] or visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Business Women’s Forum
May 25: The Carlisle Area and West Shore Chambers of Commerce will host the Business Women’s Forum at High Center at Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The daylong conference is designed to create opportunities for women to network and build leadership skills. Visit wschamber.org.

Preservation Celebration
May 26: The Historic Harrisburg Association will host its annual Preservation Celebration and Toast at John Harris/Simon Cameron Mansion, 5 p.m. The event will include a silent auction and a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. Visit historicharrisburg.com.

49th Annual Artsfest
May 28-30: The 49th annual Artsfest takes place in Riverfront Park. The free event features more than 250 juried artists and craftsmen in a variety of mediums from across the United States and Canada. The festival also features live music, Kidsfest and FilmFest. Visit www.jumpstreet.org/events/artsfest.

Happenings: Our May Calendar of Events

April 29, 2016 | by TheBurg Editor

Museum & Art Spaces

3rd Street Studio
1725 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
Facebook: 3^rd Street Studio

“Zack Rudy solo exhibition,” featuring illustrations and printmaking, May 13-June 20; reception: May 13, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Early Off-Roaders,” May 21-Oct. 15.

“Pinstriping & Automotive Art” by HotRod Jen, through May 31.

“Mods vs. Rockers,” motorcycles and scooters, through Oct. 29.

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

“5 Artist Invitational,” with Claire Giblin, Aron Johnston, M. Tinnin Portwood, Paul Saberin and Gene Suchma, through May 12.

“88th Annual International Juried Exhibition,” May 20-June 23; reception: May 21, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Anatomy of the Engine,” featuring the paintings and drawings of Casey Halls, through June 11.

Char’s Tracy Mansion
1829 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-213-4002; charsrestaurant.com

“The Tree Project” one tree photographed by Bill Bonney over 10 years, with eight colorful images in different seasons and weather conditions, through May 31.

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

Artist of the Month: Aron Johnston

Gallery@Second
608 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-233-2498; galleryatsecond.com

“Works by Frederick D. Swarr and Michele Taber,” May 5-June 11; reception: May 20; 6-9 p.m.

The Hershey Story Museum
63 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-534-8939; hersheystory.org

“Chocolate Workers Wanted,” life in Hershey’s chocolate factory from 1905 to 1925, through spring 2016.

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

“Interior,” an exploration of physical, emotional, sculptural and pictorial aspects of interior space through sculptures and paintings by Brian and Naomi Menkis, through May 7.

“Landis Legacy: Mary M. Landis,” a celebration of the life, legacy and community contributions of Mary Landis, May 13-Aug. 6; reception: May 13, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

“Printmaking works by Andrew Sedgwick Guth,” May 1 to May 31; reception: May 20, 5-7 p.m.

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

“Obsession,” featuring the artwork of Jeremiah Johnson, through May 28.

“KA-POW!,” a group show of cartoons and comic art, May 6-June 24, reception: May 6, 6-11 p.m.

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

“The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls,” the story of a man born into slavery, who later rose to the U.S. Congress, through June 2016.

“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

“The Hidden Works of Jay N. ‘Ding’ Darling,” featuring personal works of the pioneering conservationist and cartoonist, through June 18.

“Patrick Gnan Pencil Drawings and Acrylic Paintings,” through June 25.

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

“Duets,” an exhibition of artwork featuring 10 pairs of collaborating artists, through June 4.

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

“Student Honors Show 2,” through May 6.

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

“National History Day in Pennsylvania,” highlighting a year-long classroom program that engages students in hands-on historical research and exploration based on the 2016 theme “Exploration, Encounter & Exchange,” through May 1.

“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,” May 13-Aug. 11.

“New Light: The Pennsylvania Impressionists, Highlights from the Woodmere Art Museum Collection,” through May 22.

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.

WITF – Atrium Gallery
4801 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg
717-704-3000; witf.org

“Seeing These Walls Differently Together,” a group show of artists from Sprocket Mural Works, May 12-mid-June; reception, May 12, 5-7 p.m.

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

Works by Ann Yeager Lawson, through May 18

Art by Grace Bevelheimer, May 19 to June ; reception, May 20, 5-8 p.m.

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

“Monstourage,” an exhibit by Rance Shepstone, May 20 to June 16.

Read, Make, Learn

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

May 20: “Magic of the Mediterranean,” 6:30-9:30 p.m.
May 25: “Shrimp It Up,” 6-9 p.m.

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

May 2: Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
May 3: Curl Up With the Classics—“Anne of Green Gables,” 1 p.m.
May 6: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
May 9: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
May 10: Teen Artists’ Meet-up, 7 p.m.
May 13: Foreign Film Friday—“Gett,” 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
May 17: Fredricksen Reads, 7 p.m.
May 17: “Gardening with Nature: Mosquitoes and Ticks in PA,” 7 p.m.
May 18: Adventure Crafts, 4:30 p.m.
May 19: Kids and Companions Book Club, 6:30 p.m.
May 20: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
May 26: Drop-in Storytime, 7 p.m.
May 29: Comics Creator Workshop, 2 p.m.
May 31: Master Gardener Plant Clinics, 6 p.m.

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

May 15: “Film Makin’ Soup for the Independent Soul”
May 22: “Why So Serious?” dramatic improv workshop

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

May 5: Sugar Cravings and Root Vegetables, 6-8 p.m.
May 19: Diet for Strong Bones and Inflammation Reduction, 6-8:30 p.m.
May 24: Healthy Fats Keep You Moving, 6-8 p.m.

The Hershey Story
63 West Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-534-8939; hersheystory.org

May 1-31: Chocolate Lab Classes
May 1-31: Tastings—Chocolate from Around the World

Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center
251 Wiconisco St., Harrisburg
717-232-2700; meditationpa.org

May 21: “Improving Relationships Through Meditation,” 1-4 p.m.

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

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Alcoholics Anonymous, 12 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 29: Weekly Meditation Practice, 11 a.m.
May 12: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
May 17: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.

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

May 3, 17: Meet-Up, 9 a.m.
May 3: Sci-Fi Writer’s Group, 7 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7 p.m.
May 6, 13, 27: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
May 7: Health and Wellness Meet-up, 10 a.m.
May 7: Bright Hawk’s Storytime, 11 a.m.
May 7: Good News Café, 6 p.m.
May 8: Conversation with God Book Club, 1 p.m.
May 10: Dauphin County Young Democrats Meeting, 7 p.m.
May 12, 19: Camp Curtin Toastmasters, 6:30 p.m.
May 14: Story Time w/Lisa, 11 a.m.
May 14: Local Author Saturday, 2 p.m.
May 15: Midtown Writer’s Group, 1 p.m.
May 15: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
May 18: Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7 p.m.
May 20: Coffee Tasting with Café Staff, 12 p.m.
May 20: Tea Tasting w/Café Staff, 2 p.m.
May 21: Storytime and Book Release w/ Mrs. Marbles, 11 a.m.
May 23: Feminism Book Club, 7 p.m.
May 24: Friends of Midtown Safety Committee, 6:30 p.m.
May 29: Harrisburg Young Professionals Book Club, 2 p.m.

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

May 14: “Letting Go!” Paint Night, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
May 15: Wild Basketry, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
May 20-22: 3-Day Encaustic Workshop

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

May 8: Open House free class, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

May 7: Spring Bird Walk, 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 12: Colossal Fossils, 7 p.m.

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

May 7: Free Drop-in Art Class for Kids, 1-4 p.m.
May 14: A Novel Idea writing workshop, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 21: Introduction to Carving Soapstone, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 1: “Beginner’s Yoga and Walk,” 10-11:30 a.m.
May 4: “Bird Walk: Peak Migration,” 7:30-9:30 a.m.
May 8: “Flower Walk,” 1:30-3 p.m.
May 11: “Stress Relief Walk,” 6-7:30 p.m.
May 21: “Bird Walk: Songbirds,” 8-10 a.m.
May 21: “Leave No Trace” Boy Scout program, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
May 26: “The Mysteries of the Harrisburg State Hospital Grounds,” 6-8 p.m.

Live Music Around Harrisburg

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

May 6: The Lettermen
May 8: Foreigner
May 13: Gene Watson w/ Lacy J. Dalton & Bobby Bare

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

May 5: Hot Buttered Rum
May 6: Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
May 13: Adam Ezra Group
May 14: Dirty Sweet
May 7: Colebrook Road
May 27: Southern Culture on the Skids

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

May 3: Daniel Sheehan
May 4: Deborah Anderson
May 5, 12, 20: Corinna Joy
May 6, 12, 20: Noel Gevers
May 7: Ted Ansel
May 8, 26, 29: Anthony Haubert
May 10, 13, 28: Chris Emkey
May 11, 19: Jessica Perla
May 17, 21: Roy Lefever
May 18: TBA
May 24: Christine Purcell
May 25: Mark Lubbers
May 31: Maria Battista

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

May 7: Street Corner Symphony
May 14: Oak Ridge Boys

Central PA Friends of Jazz
friendsofjazz.org

May 22: Steve Turre Quartet

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

May 4: Hellyeah
May 5: Texas Hippie Coalition
May 6: DMX
May 7: Sick Puppies
May 9: Avatar
May 10: Insane Clown Posse
May 13: Eagles of Death Metal
May 17: Sunflower Bean
May 19: Beartooth
May 22: Hollywood Undead
May 27: Minus the Bear

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

May 6: Antonio Andrade
May 7: Janie Womacj
May 8: Itsy & Jim
May 13: Crimson
May 14: Kevin Kline
May 15: Dan Zukowski
May 20: Jeanine & Friends
May 21: Doug Morris
May 22: Shawan and the Wonton
May 27: Jim Haas
May 28: Dominick Cicco
May 29: Kirk Wise

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

May 5: Rivers
May 12: Shine Delphi
May 19: Rhyne McCormick
May 26: Visitors Duo

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

May 7: “Chaps in Chaps” Spring Concert

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

May 6: First Friday w/Vetour Productions, J Soul, Afrobass
May 8: Jackson Howard
May 13: Psyday the 13th
May 14: Mock Suns, Flower Garden
May 19: Hey Guy
May 20: Kate Faust, Eskimo Wav
May 21: The Stonewall Vessels, The Mellowells, Kississippi
May 26: Denny Laine and Moody Blues
May 27: Kilmaine Saints
May 28: The April Skies
Every Monday: Barcrawler Karaoke
Every Tuesday: Open Mic

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

May 8: Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra
May 14-15: Masterworks 7

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

May 12: Tedeschi Trucks Band

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

May 6: Sapphire
May 7: No Bad Juju
May 13: Uptown Band
May 14: Luv Gods
May 20: Cruise Control
May 21: Hollywood Nights
May 21: Honeypump
May 27: Smooth Like Clyde
May 28: Up Next
May 29: D-Bo

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

May 7: A Tribute to American Music

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

May 20: Taylor George Moreland Beard

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

May 14: Sinatra Forever: Salute to Frank Sinatra

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

May 6-8: Rites of Spring Festival

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

May 6: Mama’s Broke
May 25: Animal House

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

May 1: United Voices of Praise
May 3: Musica Nova

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

May 6: Trio Agave
May 14: Manian Van Hacker

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

May 7: Shea & Swish
May 14: Tangello Blue
May 21: Joshua Krevsky
May 28: Darcie Miner

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

May 6: Back Rhodes
May 13: Don Hoffman Band
May 20: Bushmaster
May 27: Rhythm on Main

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

May 4: Stuart Malina & Friends

Palmyra Church of the Brethren
45 N. Chestnut St., Palmyra

May 22: Organist Shawn Gingrich

Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus
cpwchorus.org

May 21-22: Plant a Tree of Peace concerts

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

May 4: Acoustic Stew Open Jam
May 4, 11, 18, 25: River City Pinball League
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Open Electric Jam
May 7: Don Johnson Project
May 9: Slippery Rock Jazz Ensemble
May 11: Blue Elephant Open Jam
May 14: Shawan and the Wonton
May 18: Open Showcase w/Shawan Rice
May 21: Soul Solution
May 22: “La Playa” Miami Fusion Dance Party
May 27: Miles Davis Birthday Celebration

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

May 6: Music Thru Science Lite
May 7: Up Pops the Devil
May 13: US2 Duo
May 14: Visitors Duo
May 20: Maria Wilson
May 21: Shea & Swish
May 27: Joshua Krevsky
May 28: Song Smith

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

May 18: Chris Isaak
May 21: York Symphony Orchestra
May 24: The Milk Carton Kids

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

May 14: Davey O.
May 21: TBA
May 28: The Christopher Dean Band

Susquehanna Chorale
susquehannachorale.org

May 6-7: “Sing Me to Heaven” Spring Concert

Susquehanna Folk Music Society
sfmsfolk.org

May 1: The Quebe Sisters
May 8: Jam
May 15: 30th Anniversary Birthday Bash
May 20-25: Bob Dylan Celebrations

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

May 1, 6: Lancaster British Brass
May 14: Broadway Our Way

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

May 20: Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes

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

May 1: Rivers
May 13: Shine Delphi Trio feat. Milly Raccoon
May 14: HIP450

The Stage Door

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

Through Oct. 8: Crooners

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

May 6-June 19: Million Dollar Quartet

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

May 11-26: “Robin Hood”
May 20: TMI Improv Troup Mainstage Show

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

May 20-22: “Jungle Book”

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

May 4-7: World Series of Comedy
May 13-14: Raymond the Amish Comic
May 20-21: Paul Hooper
May 27-28: Big Al Goodwin

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

May 1: Level 3 Class Show
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Jam
May 6, 20: Harold Hour: Spank’d/Spacework
May 13: Harold Hour: Pop Vultures/TBA
May 27: An Indian Comedian: How Not to Fit In
May 29: Magic Fairy Pirate Monkeys (family-friendly improv)

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

May 1: Sundae Best Variety Show
May 29-30: “No Exit” (Narcisse Theatre Co.)

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

May 8: Lewis Black
May 22: Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards

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

May 13: Say What? Poetry Night

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

May 13-29: “Kitchen Witches”

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

May 15: Totem Pole Playhouse Awards
May 17: Fishtown Beer Runners
May 21: Kathleen Madigan

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

May 20: Comedy Night
May 21: Popcorn Hat Storytime

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

May 21: Pennsylvania Regional Ballet

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

Through May 1: “The Old Friends”

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

Through May 1: “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!”
May 27-June 12: “The Burning Man”

Rose Lehrman Arts Center
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

May 23: “The Second City”

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

May 14: Ballroom with a Twist

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

May 1-14: “Big Fish” (Theatre Harrisburg)

York Little Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-5715; ylt.org

Through May 8: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”

Suit Up, Muddy Up: The YMCA’s 2016 Race Series reaches for speed, makes a mess.

April 29, 2016 | by Ashleigh Pollart

Illustration by Aron Rook.

Feet pounding on pavement for 13.1 or 26.2 miles may not be for everyone.

For those in central PA who dread the presumed monotony of the traditional race, you may be pleased to hear that the East Shore YMCA has been adding options to its race schedule.

If army crawls and mud slides are your idea of a perfect weekend, you’ll celebrate when you hear that the YMCA’s MudMash is back for a second year with new obstacles, more mud and more memorable moments.

“The race world has changed a lot in the past five years,” said Tom Gifford, the race series director of the East Shore YMCA.

Gifford and his team of volunteers are on a mission to rebuild and rebrand their traditional race series. One of the goals is to make races that the whole family can participate in. The MudMash illustrates this approach—a combination of running, family fun, memorable moments and impact on the local community.

Getting Dirty

The Y’s annual race series actually steps off this month, with another non-traditional event—the Vinewinder, a four-mile run through the grounds of the Vineyard at Hershey. To balance out the universe, a beer-based run, the HopDash 5K, returns later in the year.

And, of course, there are perennial, traditional favorites like the Harrisburg Mile (July), the Harrisburg Half Marathon (which returns to September) and the Harrisburg Marathon (November).

But, this year, Gifford is especially juiced over the MudMash, which is also the only mud race in the immediate area. So, for the first time, mud-loving runners don’t have to travel long distances to get to the event location.

The race—about the length of a 5K—is one of the few of its kind not considered fiercely competitive. The first heat is perfect for MudMashers looking for a little competition, but the overall course is designed to be safe and accessible for many ages and athletic abilities.

Melody Matter and Jenn Chetaitis—dedicated runners turned dedicated MudMash committee members—said that helping to plan the race gave them a new perspective on the logistics necessary to execute a successful event.

The committee’s unique list of tasks included making the mud pit appropriate for the obstacle; making sure there wasn’t a backlog at obstacles; coordinating obstacles to avoid any younger participants feeling scared; and multiple trial runs, just to name a few.

Andrew Hildebrand has been volunteering for the YMCA for three years, dedicating more than 100 hours to prepping for the 2016 MudMash. Many of those hours have been in the woods bringing the committee’s imagination to life through new and revised obstacles. The greatest obstacle the committee had to face? Making the mud.

“The biggest challenge for this race so far has been water,” he said. “Because the race is on the side of a mountain, we can’t bring large water trucks in like most other races that are held in a field.”

The location also makes the MudMash unique. The race is held on land given to the YMCA by long-time donors Daniel and Barbara Witman Rogers. The mountainside woods make it the ideal place to prep and hold the MudMash, said Hildebrand.

“We dreamed up this course that we can put out on property that we own so we could build permanent obstacles that we can just refine every year and make it better,” he said.

What’s better this year compared with last year’s inaugural race?

Matter and Chetaitis mentioned the mud slide (they were so enthused telling me about it that I wanted to register), as well as the general point that participants can expect to be muddier this year than last.

Also, the 2016 event will host a 21-and-over “Happy Hour Heat” on Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m., complete with a build-a-bar truck quenching the thirst of muddy participants with Shock Top. The all-ages race, the “Saturday Scramble,” will be held the next day, June 18, with starts at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Friends, fun, mud, beer, a good cause and a slide. How could you not want to get a little dirty?

The Harrisburg MudMash takes place June 17 and 18. For more information and to register for this and other races, visit www.ymcarun.com.

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