Happenings: Our May calendar of events

April 29, 2025 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Tailgate Travelers—Station Wagons,” May 3-Oct. 17

“Don Allen Chevrolet Dealership Retrospective,” May 3-Oct. 17

“The Corvette Then and Now,” May 3-Oct. 17

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

“Form, Flex & Flow,” a photography show featuring three Pennsylvania photographers (Evelyn Burton, Michelle DiNicola and Robert Nulph), through May 8

“Recent Excrementations,” an artist showcase featuring the recent work of Douglas Anderson, running parallel to “Form, Flex & Flow,” through May 8

97th Annual Juried Exhibition, May 16-June 19; reception: May 16, 5-8 p.m.

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

Mechanicsburg Area High School Seniors Show, May 4

Mechanicsburg Area School District Show, May 18

Arts on the Square
20 S. Second St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

“Our Core Values in Art—Visualizing Faith, Community, Compassion, Justice & Service,” art by Market Square members and friends that reflect the church’s core values, through June 1

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

“There is No Future Without the Past—Oxana Kovalchuk,” through May 31

“Souls Shot Project—A CALC Collaborative Show,” through May 31

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

May artist of the month

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

“Limelight on Local Artists— Artisan Fair, May 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

Featured artist of the month: Elke Isenberg

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, community room, through May 31

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, hallway gallery, through June 21

Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery
847 Cumberland St., Lebanon
LebanonPictureFrame.com

“Awakening—Gail Savage, Capturing the Beauty of Wildlife Through Art,” through May 31

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Senior Exhibition II: B.F.A. Graphic Design and Studio Art, through May 4

Annual Student Juried Exhibition, May 20-Aug. 29

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

New works by Paul Manlove, Caleb Smith, Ann Benton Yeager and Yachiyo Beck, through May 12

New works by Tina Berrier, The Huckle Buckle Boys, John Davis, Judy Kelly and Marsha Souders, May 16-June 16

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

The mixed media art of Caitlin Gill, May 3-July 19; reception: May 3, 1-4 p.m.

The wildlife art of Christina Bias, through June 20

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

Art in the Stacks—Luke Gawron in the Charley Krone Gallery, May 1-31

Art in the Stacks—J.L. Schultz in the Main Floor Showcase, May 1-31

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

Student Honors Show, through May 5

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

“Game Changers—Pennsylvania Women Who Made History,” celebrating women from across PA in diverse fields, detailing their contributions and challenges they faced in their lifetimes

“Bannered Heroes—Celebrating Pennsylvania’s African American Veterans,” presented by Beta Pi Boulé, the Harrisburg chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boulé)

“Home Improvements—New to the Collections,” artifacts designed and marketed in the first half of the 1900s as modern conveniences

“Portraits of Identity: HAAPI Through The Lens”

“HORSE2AUTO: A Transportation Revolution”

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

“Wall Power! Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum,” through May 11

“THERE,” Jordan Nassar intricately weaves cultural narratives, personal heritage, and the art of Middle Eastern embroidery, through May 11

“Future Fossils,” imagined relics by international artists that depict a future apocalypse, collectively offering a preserved, contemporary snapshot of present-day life, May 31-Nov. 2

“Housing—Pennsylvania Dwellings Observed, paintings by Lou Schellenberg,” through June 1

“Tribute to the Civil Rights Movement—Quilted Swing Coats by Patricia A. Montgomery,” through July 26

The Trout Gallery
Dickinson College
240 W. High St., Carlisle
717-254-8159; troutgallery.org

“Disparate Items,” works by senior studio art majors created in a year-long seminar, culminating in a thesis exhibition showcasing their diverse, conceptually driven projects, through May 18

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

“Ikebana,” a collaborative exhibit by Lancaster AAPI artists, interpreting Japanese floral art, through May 30

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

“Captivating Treasures of the Earth,” featuring local jewelry artists and their interpretation of wearable art using precious metals and gemstones, May 7-June 14; reception: May 9, 6-8 p.m.

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

“Art in the Wild,” a community outdoor environmental art exhibit with works composed of mostly natural materials to blend with Wildwood’s natural setting, through Sept. 30

Winters Heritage House Museum
41-47 E. High St., Elizabethtown
717-367-4672; elizabethtownhistory.org

34th Annual Quilt Show, May 14-June 6

Read, Make, Learn

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

May 1, 8, 15, 22: Introduction to Figure Drawing (ages 18+), 6-8:30 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15: Lampworked Glass Beads for Beginners Session A (ages 12+ with a parent), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20: Lampworked Glass Beads for Beginners Session B (ages 12+ with a parent), 6-8 p.m.
May 7, 14: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step (adults), 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
May 8: Lavender Bouquet Watercolor (adults), 3-5 p.m.
May 8: Eucalyptus Still Life Watercolor (adults), 6-8 p.m.
May 13, 20, 27: Cartoon Drawing (Ages 9-14), 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 13 or 27: Supervised Lampworking Lab (adults), 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 12-1 p.m.
May 21: Date Night with Glassblowing (adults), 6-8 p.m.
May 22, 29, Jun. 5, 12: Intermediate/Advanced Pastel Painting (adults), 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 22, 29, Jun. 5, 12: Pastel Painting for Beginners (adults), 1:30-3:30 p.m.
May 22, 29, Jun. 5, 12: Pottery Wheel Throwing Morning (adults), 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 22, 29, Jun. 5, 12: Pottery Wheel Throwing Afternoon (adults), 1-3:30 p.m.
May 29: Ladybugs, Wildflowers Needle Felting Landscape Workshop (adults), 6-9 p.m.

Bosler Library
158 W. High St., Carlisle
717-243-4642; boslerlibrary.org

May 1, 8, 15, 22: One-Page Tabletop Gaming, 6-7 p.m.
May 6, 13, 27: Embroidery, Sewing and More, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 13: Intro to Massage Therapy, 6-7 p.m.

Capital Blue Cross Connect
4500 Marketplace Way, Enola
capitalbluecrossconnect.com

May 1: Ready, Set, Action at Enola Store and Virtual, 4:15 p.m.
May 1, 2: Women’s Series—Exercise for Women’s Health & Exercise Demo, 11 a.m.
May 2: Strong and Fit Virtual, 10 a.m.
May 2: Virtual Nature Series—Science Behind Mindfulness and Brain Health, 12 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Tai Chi, 4 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
May 7, 14, 28: Virtual Pilates, 12 p.m.
May 8, 15, 22, 29: Ready, Steady, Action! at Enola Store and Virtual, 4:15 p.m.
May 13: Connect Monthly Webinar—Women’s Health, 2 p.m.
May 14, 21, 28: Kickboxing & Strength, 4:30 p.m.
May 16, 23, 30: Strong & Fit, 10 a.m.
May 20: Chair Yoga at York Store, 11:30 a.m.

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

May 7, 14, 21, 28: Explorations in Abstraction, Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
May 8, 15, 22, 29: Abstract Painting, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
May 9: Mother’s Day Felted Vase Workshop (ages 7-adult), 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 10: Cyanotype Prints for Mother’s Day and Beyond!, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 10, 17, 24: Calling All Dogs! (ages 9-14), Saturdays, 12-2 p.m.
May 13: Find Your Clover—Design Your Daily Inspiration, 6-8 p.m.
May 17: Portrait Drawing Workshop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

May 19: The Happy Bookers Virtual Book Club, 2-3 p.m.

East Pennsboro Library
98 S. Enola Dr., Enola
717-732-4274; eastpennsborobranch.org

May 6: Read to Dogs, 6-7 p.m.
May 7: Drop-In Mother’s Day Craft, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
May 8, 22: Story Time and Craft, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 14: Drop-In STEM Play, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
May 15: Drop-In Yarn “Painting,” 4:30-7:30 p.m.
May 20: Fire! Fire! with East Pennsboro Fire Department, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

May 8: Kindergarten Welcome Night, 5-7 p.m.
May 15: Sip & Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
May 17: Figment Forge Writing Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 18: Pigment of Your Imagination, 4-6 p.m.
May 31: East Shore Cinema, 3-5 p.m.

Elizabethtown Public Library
10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown
717-367-7467; etownpubliclibrary.org

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Fiber Artists, 3-6 p.m.
May 3: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
May 8: Spring Classic Book Club—“The Wizard of Oz,” 4-5 p.m.
May 10: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 17: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 20: Baby Musik Time, 10-10:25 a.m.
May 20: Preschool Musik Time, 10:30-11 a.m.
May 24: Board Game Meetup, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

May 8: Boot Camp—Introduction to Tabata Training, 6-7 p.m.
May 13: Zoombalicious, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 18: Mrs. Reily’s Tea, 1-3:30 p.m.
May 20: Pilates in the Park, 6-7 p.m.
May 22: Gentle Yoga, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
May 28: Art Heals—Mosaic Sea Turtle Workshop, 5:30-8 p.m.
May 29: Laughter Yoga, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

May 1: Black Holes Demystified, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Fredricksen Knits, 1-4 p.m.
May 3: Donation Station, 1-3 p.m.
May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21: Baby & Toddler Story Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21: Children’s Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m.
May 25: Game Day for All, 1-4:30 p.m.

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

May 1: Patriotic Wreath (ages 14 and older), 6-8 p.m.
May 8: Stained Glass, 6-8 p.m.
May 10: Butterfly Pinning and Decorating Cloches, 1-3 p.m.
May 13: Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 17: Wastebasket Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 31: Epoxy Resin Ocean Art (ages 18 and older), 11 a.m.-1 p.m,

George & Hettie Love Memorial Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

May 1: Book Bingo, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
May 3: The Watchful Owl with Heather Paterno and P.D. Murray, 11-11:45 a.m.
May 13, 27: Coloring for adults!, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
May 16: Silent Book Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

May 20-June 7: Kidprov (ages 8-12), Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

May 7-28: Introduction to Gouache, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 17: Color as Light—A Plein Air Painting Workshop, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Guided Walk, 10-11 a.m.
May 9: National Public Gardens Day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

May 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Teen Time, 3-4:30 p.m.
May 1, 15, 29: Hershey Quilters, 12-4 p.m.
May 1-30: Spice of the Month—Thyme
May 3, 10, 17: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
May 6: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
May 7: LEGO Club, 4-5 p.m.
May 7: Open Book Group, 6-7:45 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Community Crochet Night—Teen Space, 6-7:45 p.m.
May 13: Philosophers’ Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
May 15, 22, 29: Walking Hershey, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
May 17: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 21: Power Pointers, 3-4:30 p.m.
May 23: Friday Film Club–Little Shop of Horrors, 3-4:45 p.m.
May 28: Grief and Bereavement with Hospice of Central PA, 6-8 p.m.

Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education
4945 Horn Road, York
717-757-6441; hornfarmcenter.org

May 4: Greens Galore—Mid-Spring Foraging Walk, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 4: Walk the Seasons—Spring, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
May 5: Forest Bathing, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 7: Potato Planting Primer, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 10: A Gardener’s Guide to Soil Health, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 17: Pollinator Planters—Container Gardening for All Conditions, 10-11:30 a.m.
May 22: Foraging Focus—Stinging Nettles, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 28: Homeschool Nature Connection, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19 26: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19 26: Toddler Time, 10:45 a.m.-11:05 a.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
May 8: Kindergarten Readiness, 6-7:15 p.m.
May 12: English Conversation Club, 1-2:15 p.m. or 6:30-7:15 p.m.
May 15: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
May 15: Play Scrabble!, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 17: Craft-A-Palooza, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 19: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
May 27: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-3 p.m.
May 27: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
May 24: Trivia at Home—Marvel Universe, 6-8 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
717-409-5781; centralpalgbtcenter.org

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Passageways, 2 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 26: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
May 10: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 North 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

May 14: Inside/Outside Springtime Fun, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
May 27: Coloring for Adults!, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

McCormick Riverfront Library
101 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-234-4976; dcls.org

May 10: Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St, Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Storytime & Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
May 10: Family Board Game Day, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

May 8: An Evening with Chuck Wendig and Nat Cassidy, 7-8 p.m.
May 10: An Evening with Ibram X. Kendi, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
May 14: An Evening with Claire Lombardo and Kate Baer, 7-8 p.m.
May 17: An Evening with Fredrik Backman and Patti Callahan Henry, 7-8 p.m.
May 20: An Evening with Jamie Loftus and Jo Piazza, 7-8 p.m.

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

May 3: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
May 10-June 28: Large Abstract Paintings, Saturdays, 9-11:30 a.m.

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

May 3: “Clara Barton—Red Cross Angel,” with actress and Smithsonian Scholar Mary Ann Jung, 1-2 p.m.
May 15: Civil War Book Talk with James Robbins Jewell and Eugene S. Van Sickle on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.

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

May 3: Spring Migration Walk, 7:30 a.m.-12 pm.
May 7: Pre-K Storytime at the Center, 10:30 a.m.

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

May 1: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 1: PlayDoh Palooza (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 1-5: Star Wars & Space LEGO Contest (ages 3 and older)
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tech Time, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 2-3: Stuffed Animal Sleepover (ages 0-12)
May 2, 30: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 3-17: Take and Makes (ages 2-5)
May 3, 17: Book & Media Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Preschool Storytime (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Teen Monday FUNdays (ages 13-17), 3-4 p.m.
May 5, 19: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 6: Dragon Yoga Storytime & Craft, 5-6 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Book Babies, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 7: Piece Seekers, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 8: Mother’s Day STEAM (ages 3 and older), 5-6 p.m.
May 8, 22: Movers and Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
May 9, 23: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 10: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
May 13: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
May 13: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 14, 28: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 15, 19: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
May 20: Watershed-Friendly Property Certification Info Session, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 20: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
May 27: Good Trouble Teen Book Club (ages 12-16), 6-7:30 p.m.
May 28: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
May 29: Flower Pot Decorating (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
May 31: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

May 15: Mosaic Turtle Class, 6-8 p.m.
May 17: Shibori Tie-Dyeing, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 17: Sashiko Japanese Embroidery, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

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

May 2, 17: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
May 3, 4: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky, 3-3:45 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Who Am I?, 11-11:30 a.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Seasons, 12-12:30 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Oasis in Space, 2-2:30 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Passport, 3-3:30 p.m.
May 16: Virtual Program—Wear It PA! Life Jackets, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

May 31: Folk Artists Gathering at Hershey Public Library, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Susquehanna Outfitters
333 S. Front St., Wormleysburg
717-503-0066; susquehannaoutfitters.com

May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25: Birding Float on Susquehanna, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 9: Sherman Creek Float 12:30-4:30 p.m.
May 11: Full Moon float on Susquehanna 7-10 p.m.

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

May 10: Ceramic Botanical Plates, 11 a.m.
May 14: Mosaic Sea Turtles, 6-8 p.m.
May 16: Spring Gnomes in Clay, 6-8 p.m.
May 17: Intro to Wheel, 1-3 p.m.
May 30: Dirty Date Night, 7-9 p.m.

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library
200 W. Second St., Hummelstown
717-566-0949; dcls.org

May 24: Crafternoon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Live Music

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

May 1: Michael W. Smith
May 3: Stayin’ Alive—One Night of the Bee Gees
May 4: Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
May 9: Old Crow Medicine Show
May 10: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 16: 38 Special
May 17: Trisha Yearwood
May 18: David Foster, Katharine McPhee
May 21, 22: Brothers of the Heart
May 29: Ashley McBryde
May 30: The Modern Gentlemen
May 31: The Beach Boys

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

May 1, 15: Open Jam
May 3: Hunter Root
May 9: Dirty Grass Players, The Dishonest Fiddlers
May 10: Nester, Side of Yams
May 16: Sweet Maple, Featherburn
May 22: Bluegrass Jam
May 23: Hog Slop String Band
May 31: Zack King, The Jacks

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

May 1: Leonid & Friends
May 2: Jazz in the City
May 15: Music & Poetry Open Mic
May 17: York Symphony Orchestra
May 21: Avi Kaplan
May 30: Judy Collins
May 31: Steve Earle

Arts on the Square
20 S. Second St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

May 16: “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with Jason Roberts, organ

Blair Music Center, Lutz Recital Hall
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu

May 2: Fourth Annual LVC High School Jazz Invitational

Blues Society of Central PA
Champions Sports Bar and Grill
300 2nd St., Highspire
bscpblues.com

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Blues Jams

Bosler Library
158 W. High St., Carlisle
717-243-4642; boslerlibrary.org

May 23: SLG Trio

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

May 17: The Ultimate Michael Jackson
May 30: Start Making Sense

Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus
cpwchorus.org

May 17: “Hear us… and Listen: Still celebrating 30 Years of Music” at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Lebanon
May 18: “Hear us… and Listen: Still celebrating 30 Years of Music” at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsburg

Dickinson College Music Department
240 W. High St., Carlisle (Rubendall Recital Hall)
717-245-1568; dickinson.edu/music

May 1: Chamber Music Concert

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

May 2: Fantastic Cat, Jake Thistle

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

May 2: Anime Night—The Party Hidden in the Sound
May 3: Sink In!!!
May 10: Filter
May 10: Tech & Tonics Vol. 1

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
www.hgmcchorus.org

May 16-18, 31: A Choral Kaleidoscope (various locations)

Harrisburg Singers
www.theharrisburgsingers.org

May 2-4: Music to Feed the Soul

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

May 11: Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Mother’s Day Concert
May 16: Spring Young Persons’ Concert
May 17-18: Malina Madness 2.0

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-329-7541; keystoneconcertband.com

May 3: Concert at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Harrisburg

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

May 3: Shippensburg University Community Orchestra
May 16: Doo Wop Project
May 31: Three American Troubadours

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

May 1: Messiah University Music Nova—Student Compositions
May 3: Messiah University Percussion Ensemble
May 3: Messiah University Vocal Jazz
May 3: Messiah University Guitar Ensemble
May 18: Susquehanna Choral Spring Concert

Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-238-9304; pinestreet.org

May 16: Sam Miller

Susquehanna Chorale
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-533-7859; susquehannachorale.org

May 16: “My Spirit Sang All Day” at Derry Presbyterian Church, Hershey
May 17: “My Spirit Sang All Day” at Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg
May 18: “My Spirit Sang All Day” at Messiah University, Mechanicsburg

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

May 17: Bruce Molsky, Ale Möller
May 23: Buffalo Rose

XL Live
801 S. 10th St., Harrisburg
717-409-8975; xlhbg.com

May 3: The Legwarmers Ultimate 80s Tribute
May 4: Saint Jhn, Honey Bxby
May 8: Crobot
May 9: MC Lyte
May 14: MJ Lenderman & The Wind
May 17: Splintered Sunlight
May 25: Future Islands
May 30: Back in Black AC/DC Tribute

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

May 3: Plena Libre

West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge St, New Cumberland
717-759-5464; www.westshoretheatre.org

May 2: The Furious Bongos Frank Zappa Tribute
May 9: The Uptown Band
May 10: Philadelphia Freedom—A Tribute to Elton John
May 11: Jeff Krick, Jr. Returns—Mother’s Day with Elvis
May 16: Rascal Revival
May 17: Crossfire Hurricane
May 18: Erica Lyn Everest

The Stage Door

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

May 2: Blippi—Join the Band Tour!

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

May 3: Paige Hernandez—All the Way Live!
May 4: “Menopause the Musical 2—Cruising Through The Change”

The Belmont Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; thebelmont.org

May 2-11: “Savannah Sipping Society”

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

May 1-13: “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley’
May 1-17: “Fiddler on the Roof”
May 23-June 21: “We Will Rock You”

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

May 7-24: Popcorn Hat Players present “Wonder Tales from Around the World”

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

May 2, 3: Pedro Gonzales, Mike Mancuri
May 9, 10: Kevin McCaffrey, Joe Gerics
May 16, 17: Raymond the Amish Comic
May 23, 24: Mark Riccadonna

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

May 2: Free Improv Jam, Elderprov, Riff Rats, Barn Bitches, Phlegminism
May 3: Teenprov Class Show, Solo Sleepover, Ham Juice, Actor’s Worst Nightmare, What? Hell Yeah! What?, Jeremy++
May 4: Level 1 Class Show
May 9: Level 1 Class Show, Go Fun Me, Spice Crones, Coping Mechanism, Team Z
May 10: Level 1 Class Show, Awkward Timing, Uncomfortable, Rockstar, Rockstar Karaoke
May 16: Level 2 Class Show, Los Complicados, Am I The Assshow, Offbeats, Hyena Skits, REAL Fast Coast Wives of Central PA
May 17: Free Improv Mixer, Homie-Sexual, The Next Leaver, Original 6, Barbra, Blackest Thing Ever
May 23: Free Kid Friendly Improv Mixer, Go Fun Me, Leg of Lamp, Coping Mechanism, Lil Stinkers
May 24: Free Improv Mixer, All Over the Place, The Bondfire Society, Cosmic Trash, Big Business LLC

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

May 3, 4: Cirque Goes Broadway!

May 17-18: Malina Madness

Hershey Area Playhouse
830 Cherry Dr., Hershey
717-533-8525; hersheyareaplayhouse.com

May 29-June 8: “Mary Poppins”

Keystone Theatrics
The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; keystonetheatrics.com

May 2-11: “Sister Act”

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
915 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0535; ltmpa.com

May 23-June 8: “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”

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

May 15: Larry the Cable Guy
May 17: “Whose Live Anyway?”
May 29: “Chicago The Musical”

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

May 2: 360 ALLSTARS

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

May 2, 3: Culmination ’25—Spring Dance Concert

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

May 24: Pennsylvania Regional Ballet

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

May 31-June 19: “The Colored Museum”

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

May 9-25: Jane Austen’s “Lady Susan”

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

May 2-11: “Murder on the Orient Express”

West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge St, New Cumberland
717-759-5464; www.westshoretheatre.org

May 3, 4: “The Wrecking Crew—A Theatrical Concert Event”

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Asthma, Addiction, and E-Cigarettes: A Triple Threat in Minority Communities

April 28, 2025 | by Axel Rodriguez Rosa, MD

Imagine being a teenager who can’t catch their breath, not just from a high school soccer match or a cold winter wind, but every single day because of your asthma. Now imagine that you can’t resist the urge of reaching for your vape pen, since “their safer than cigarettes,” not knowing that it’s silently deepening your struggle and hooking you into a lifetime of nicotine addiction. This isn’t a hypothetical. It’s happening right now in Black, Latino, and underserved communities and communities in general across the country. It is creating a perfect storm—a syndemic—where asthma, addiction, and e-cigarettes intersect in ways that are biologically harmful, socially unjust, and tragically preventable.

We must recognize this for what it is: a triple threat that thrives in the cracks of our healthcare system, our schools, our environment, and our silence.

The Science is Alarming

E-cigarettes are not benign gadgets. They are nicotine delivery devices that often contain concentrations equal to or greater than a pack of cigarettes per pod. For youth, especially those with asthma, the harm is not only immediate, but also magnified. Vaping exposes lungs to chemicals like diacetyl, a flavoring agent linked to “popcorn lung,” a severe, irreversible, and potentially life-threatening condition. Teens who vape face significantly higher risks of asthma attacks, even those who never smoked before.

The developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to nicotine. It rewires circuits tied to impulse control, attention, and mood. This primes youth for stronger, faster, and longer-lasting addiction than previous generations. Unlike combustible cigarettes, vapes are designed for stealth. Kids are using them in classrooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms, often right under the noses of the adults meant to protect them.

The Role of Structural Inequity

This epidemic is not distributed evenly. Asthma already hits minority communities harder due to systemic factors such as air pollution, substandard housing, and limited access to quality healthcare. Now, add e-cigarettes to the equation, and you create a cycle that is as cruel as it is calculated.

Low-income neighborhoods are saturated with vape shops. These are often located near schools and marketed through influencers on social media platforms. Flavors like mango, cotton candy, and mint are not just enticing, they are the bait. These flavors are designed to hook a generation that has already been marginalized in every other system: education, healthcare, and justice.

In places like Puerto Rico, which received failing air quality grades from the American Lung Association in 2024, the burden is even heavier. High poverty, limited medical services, and environmental degradation amplify the risks of asthma and addiction. These are not personal failures. They are systemic failures.

Cultural Blind Spots and Policy Gaps

We also face a cultural disconnect. Many families, particularly in Latino and Black communities, lack the information or the culturally relevant messaging to understand the true dangers of vaping. Parents may not recognize the signs. Older generations may not know what “carts” or “mods” are. Youth, fearing judgment, punishment, or dismissal, often stay silent. This is further complicated by a healthcare system that, despite good intentions, often lacks the cultural competence to diagnose or manage asthma and addiction appropriately in diverse populations.

Policies exist, but they are riddled with loopholes. While the FDA banned flavored vape cartridges in 2020, disposable flavored vapes remain widely available. Enforcement is inconsistent. In Pennsylvania, for instance, flavored nicotine is banned in Philadelphia, but the rest of the state remains largely unregulated. The result is that kids are getting sick, and our systems are looking the other way.

What We Must Do Now

To lawmakers, community leaders, and anyone in a position of influence: We have more than enough evidence. We need decisive action.

Ban all flavored nicotine products, including disposables. Restrict where vape shops can operate. Fund school-based education campaigns that speak to kids in their own language and culture. Train healthcare providers to recognize the unique needs and voices of minority patients. Most importantly, stop criminalizing addiction. Place physicians, not judges, in front of teens in need. Help them have a future, not a criminal record.

Addiction is not a moral failing. It is a medical issue. Asthma is not just a chronic condition. It is a symptom of environmental injustice. Vaping is not just a fad. It is a public health emergency fueled by corporate influence and systemic neglect.

A Generation That Gives Me Hope

What gives me hope is the growing movement of youth advocates, many from communities like mine, who are rising up to fight this crisis. Organizations like Advocates for Tobacco & Vape-Free Communities (ATVFC) within Latino Connections are leading the way. Across the country, teens are not just rejecting nicotine. They are demanding equity. They are organizing, educating, and reclaiming their right to breathe, to thrive, and to live addiction-free.

Cities like Philadelphia have taken bold steps, banning flavored nicotine outright. Research is finally disaggregating health data by race and zip code. This reveals the true scale of disparity and gives communities the tools to fight back. Scientific research continues to show the detriment that this brings. Thankfully, lawmakers are starting to listen.

We’re at a pivotal point. With the right policies, funding, and leadership, this triple threat of asthma, addiction, and vaping doesn’t have to define another generation.

Dr. Axel Rosa is an Interdisciplinary Addiction Medicine fellow at Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center. A board-certified Internal Medicine specialist, Dr. Rosa brings extensive clinical experience in managing complex conditions like asthma and nicotine addiction across diverse populations. His current fellowship further deepens his expertise in treating all forms of addiction, including among youth. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Rosa now lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed below are solely my own and do not represent those of any other provider or institution including, but not limited to, Penn State Health and Penn State University.

Sycamore Homes cuts the ribbon on affordable apartments in Harrisburg

April 28, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Sycamore Homes

On a tree-lined Harrisburg street, a new building offers sorely needed housing.

On Monday, local officials cut the ribbon on Sycamore Homes, a 23-unit affordable apartment complex at 1400 Sycamore St.

The $4.8 million project began construction in October 2022 as a partnership of the Latino Connection Foundation and Fernandez Realty Affordable Homes. Sycamore Homes occupies a previously vacant plot of land across from Foose Elementary School.

“Sycamore Homes represents far more than just shelter; it symbolizes security, stability and the chance for residents to build a brighter future,” said George Fernandez, CEO of Fernandez Realty Affordable Homes and Latino Connection.

George Fernandez (center), family members and other local officials cut the ribbon on Sycamore Homes.

The four-story building’s 23 studio apartments each include a bedroom area, kitchen, bathroom and washer and dryer.

The cost of rent will be determined based on each tenant’s income, based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards. According to Fernandez, Sycamore Homes currently has a waitlist for the application process. He recommends that anyone who is interested in applying should get on the waitlist as soon as possible.

“This is a promise fulfilled, a commitment to the families of Harrisburg who deserve not only a roof over their heads, but dignity, stability and a place they can proudly call home,” said Mayor Wanda Williams.

Fernandez shared that his passion for affordable housing comes from his own experience growing up in a lower-income family and witnessing the often low-quality living conditions for those in this situation.

“Each apartment within these walls has been envisioned as a sanctuary, a place where dignity is upheld and a place where the foundations of personal and collective growth can be firmly established,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez has plans to construct another affordable housing development, this time for senior citizens, at 1001 N. 18^th St., a vacant lot where Woodward School formerly stood. Fernandez said that he plans to break ground on his four-story, 48-unit “Woodward Lofts” project in the fall.

For more information about Fernandez Realty Affordable Homes, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Bike Harrisburg plans full slate of events in May to celebrate National Bike Month

April 28, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Ghost Bikes at the Capitol takes place May 21.

Can it be May already? Well, almost, and, in case you didn’t know, May is National Bike Month. As always, Bike Harrisburg has a long list of events lined up. These include:

HBC Sunday Morning Sociable Ride: Every Sunday 7:15 a.m. at City Island in the parking lot near the Walnut Street Bridge for a casual 8 to 10 mph ride. An optional breakfast to follow the ride at Roxy’s Café, 274 North St., Harrisburg.
Friday Lunch Rides: Offered by Harrisburg Bicycle Club every Friday at 10 a.m. from Five Bridges Health and Fitness, 4450 Oakhurst Blvd., Harrisburg. 30 to 40 miles at 12 to 13 mph pace. Details on the Ride Calendar at www.harrisburgbicycleclub.org.
Harrisburg Bike Crew Rides: These casual social rides will be offered on:

May 1, 6:30 p.m., Broad Street Market
May 8, 6:30 p.m., Broad Street Market
May 16, 6:15 p.m. HBC Friday Night Social ride (details below)|
May 21, 5:30 p.m., Broad Street Market, followed by the Ride of Silence at 7 p.m.
May 29, 6:30 p.m., Broad Street Market
Contact Jonathan Dunk [email protected] or follow HBG Bike Crew on Facebook or Instagram for more information.

National Ride a Bike Day: Sunday, May 4. Ride your bike to celebrate National Ride a Bike Day.
Capital Area Greenbelt Ride: Sunday, May 4, 1 p.m. Meet at the trailhead behind the City Line Diner, 3302 Derry St. This 20-mile ride goes at a casual pace (10 to 11 mph) and may stop at points of interest along the way.
Bike to School Day, Wednesday, May 7: https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/learn-more/about-the-events/about-bike-to-school-day/
HBC Friday Night Social Ride: Friday, May 16, 6:15 p.m. Park at the former HACC Midtown Campus parking lot on Reily Street between 3^rd and 4^th streets in Harrisburg. Take a 10 to 15 mile tour around the streets of Harrisburg. Dinner afterwards at the Broad Street Market for 3^rd in the Burg with several food stands open plus live music.
Bike to Work Week: May 12 to 18 – Ride your bike to work, all the way or part of the way. It’s a great way to get exercise, save money and go green. Log your green commute with https://commutepa.org/bikeandwalk/and win prizes.
Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 16. Get your “I Biked to Work Today” badges in Harrisburg at 3^rdand North Streets from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. Roxy’s Café is offering a complimentary beverage to all riders.
Ghost Bikes at the Capitol, Wednesday, May 21. All day. One white bike is placed on the Capitol steps for each rider who has died while biking in PA during the last year.
International Ride of Silence, Wednesday, May 21. This slow, silent ride starts at the USMC parking lot 2995 Green St., Harrisburg, at 6:30 p.m. and the ride begins at 7 p.m. You can also start at Camp Hill Borough Hall, 2145 Walnut St. at 6:30 p.m. and meet up with the other riders at the Capitol. Riders go to the Capitol steps to recognize all the cyclists who were injured or killed on Pennsylvania roadways. The Ride of Silence is held on the same day in hundreds of locations all over the world.
Free Valet Bike Parking at the Harrisburg Arts Festival: May 24 to 26, Riverfront Park. Valet parking will be set up at Front and Forster streets, also Front and Walnut streets, courtesy of Recycle Bicycle.
The Tour de Belt! Sunday, June 1. Have a great time on your bike while supporting the beautiful Capital Area Greenbelt. This year you can choose from a virtual ride or the main event on June 1. Details at http://caga.org/tour-de-belt/
United Nations World Bicycle Day, June 3. Tricycle or tandem- cycle your troubles away on World Bicycle Day. This day celebrates the bicycle as a sustainable and reliable form of transportation. https://www.un.org/en/observances/bicycle-day
National Trails Day, June 7. Enjoy some time on your bike on your favorite trail.

For more information, visit https://bicyclesouthcentralpa.org/. In Harrisburg, don’t forget about SusqueCycle Bike Share. https://www.susquecycle.org/.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Burg Review: Theatre Harrisburg knocks ’em dead with classic whodunnit, “Murder on the Orient Express”

April 26, 2025 | by Gina Napoli

A scene from “Murder on the Orient Express”

In the grand tradition of the intricately crafted “whodunnit?” detective novels, Theatre Harrisburg both brings audiences’ imaginations to life while knocking ’em dead with Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” Its author’s signature paragon brings the perfect balance of cozy mystery and thriller, broken free from its time capsule planted almost a century ago.

Even before we meet any of the passengers aboard the Orient Express, we meet the stage’s setting as its own character in the story. The antique elements ground the audience, surrounding us in the story in much the same way we might devour one of Christie’s novels in a café while sipping a favorite beverage, or waiting for our own train.

It’s 1934, and an old-timey radio blares the news that a killer is at large. The night air, thick with haze, carries a sense of moody mystery looming in the shadows. Women wearing houndstooth, furs and cloaks carry suitcases with handles to a train platform. Men bustle about in their overcoats, unfolding and re-folding crisp newspapers. The platform is faded brown and yellow, like old parchment.

Costume designer (Paul Foltz), props designer (Kalina Barrett) and scenic designer (Lea Pick) artfully bring together upper-class touches. Also a special kudos to the lighting designer (Matthew Mitra), whose perfect lighting cues and shadowing made certain plot points come alive, even if not all Christie’s characters made it to the end that way. Director Matt Spencer applies a similar sense of continuity and cohesion to dynamics between cast members, the great majority of whom are seasoned Theatre Harrisburg veterans.

Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Darren Riddle) is aboard the luxurious Orient Express in Istanbul, along with a manifest of fellow first-class passengers so diverse that their varied countries of origin alone would tip off border patrol. On the very first night, Samuel Ratchett (Toby Bradbury) is murdered in his sleeping chambers. With a killer at large on this opulent train that becomes stranded in a snowstorm, and persuaded by friend and train owner, Monsieur Bouc (Gordon Einhorn), Poirot pauses his vacation to figure out whodunnit.

Riddle brings to the impeccably presented Poirot character a measured rhythm, a methodical delivery, haughty mannerisms, and Poirot’s ability to make everyone around him nervous. With assumed authority, Poirot could teach a masterclass in deductive reasoning, keenly collecting and analyzing every detail as the investigation progresses. It’s amazing what conclusions he can pull together with clues of the time, such as a handkerchief, a pocket watch or a hatbox.

…the latter of which Countess Andrenyi (Becky Mease) can easily produce from her own chamber, because who doesn’t travel with a hatbox? Mease reveals an initially cool character, with a range of heightened emotions she taps in concentrated spurts throughout the play. With paralleled energy, Michel the Conductor (Quentin West) rides moderate emotional rails under scrutiny, planting just the right amount of believability and doubt, then surges at an opportune moment. Joel Colvin, as the slightly quirkier and stalkerish Hector MacQueen, reveals his character’s anger under Poirot’s interview spotlight in a relatable way. Anger is also the leading emotion for Mary Debenham (Christine Tompkins) and Colonel Arbuthnot (Bradbury), both delivering convincing outbursts that reveal just enough of the plot to keep the story moving.

As the over-the-top Helen Hubbard, TheBurg’s own M. Diane McCormick commands the stage through her pistol of a character. Although literally afraid of pistols, she doesn’t shy away from conflict, either by throwing the first punch or by defending herself. (McCormick also shows onstage what this writer knows to be uncharacteristic restraint while taking a small swig of bourbon.) Hubbard’s oversharing and attention-seeking make everyone uncomfortable, including the prissy Princess Dragomiroff (Beth McIntosh). McIntosh does a smashing job of hobbling around the train, looking down her snoot at everyone. This includes her overly anxious companion, Greta Ohlsson (Alison Whipple), who was just backwards enough to simultaneously evoke sympathy and inject comedy, with her performance peaking during her outburst scenes.

Right up until Poirot’s big reveal ending that ties up all loose ends in the story, questions linger about everyone’s motivations, making it difficult to pinpoint just one suspect. It’s a mysterious and emotionally jarring ride from Istanbul to London. And when you learn whodunnit and why, you might find yourself speculating if you would do it, too.

“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” has already pulled into the station at Whitaker Center for Science and Arts, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. But you’d better hustle to the platform and be all aboard, because they reach the end of the line May 11. To see the online conductor for show times and tickets, visit https://theatreharrisburg.com/shows/murder-on-the-orient-express/.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 25, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg mayoral candidates at a debate hosted by ABC27.

It’s your last chance to grab our April issue of the magazine before our May issue hits the stands. Don’t miss out on reading our special home and garden section for spring and then prepare for a mouth-watering May dining issue. In the meantime, catch up on this week’s news, below.

Autism Acceptance Month is in April and our story shines light on the topic locally. Several Harrisburg area organizations are working to raise awareness and improve support for neurodiverse families.

Country artist Russell Dickerson will take the stage in Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park this July as part of the Dauphin County Live Concert Series, our online story reported.

Dauphin County shared that its elections office has begun sending out mail-in ballots ahead of the May 20 municipal primary election, our online story reported. They have also deployed ballot drop boxes around the city.

Disability Pride Harrisburg festival celebrated community members with disabilities, as well as the grand opening of the Thrive CIL office, our online story reported. Thrive was formerly called the Center for Independent Living, however, the center has moved locations and rebranded.

Families this month should take time to explore the area’s rivers and bodies of water and get their hands in the mud. Our columnist has several fun ideas for how to teach kids about soil, wildlife and gardening.

Harrisburg couple Bruce and Eva Burchfield’s home renovation process was featured on a national television show. In our magazine story, read about the huge undertaking and historic transformation.

Mayoral candidates in Harrisburg participated in a televised debate this week, our online story reported. The five Democrats shared their stances on pressing issues and, while making jabs at each other.

Park Harrisburg announced that it would terminate use of its “LUVHBG” code on the Park Mobile app, which gave users four free hours of parking on Saturdays, our reporting found. The organization also noted that it is removing many of its pay stations as it transitions to an online platform.

Refugee resettlement has been significantly affected as the federal government has made changes. In our magazine story, we delve into the local impacts on resettlement agencies and how churches and volunteers are stepping up to help. To hear from several refugees themselves, read our online article.

Sara Bozich’s list of weekend happenings channels all things spring, with a flower bouquet bar, outdoor dining and neighborhood trash cleanups.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

“LUVHBG” free downtown parking code yanked from app; many pay stations being removed

April 24, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Park Mobile app

An initiative that has long offered free weekend parking in Harrisburg will be cut.

Park Harrisburg recently announced that it would suspend its “LUVHBG” code, which offered four hours of free street parking, using the Park Mobile app, downtown on Saturdays.

No current Park Mobile app users or new registrants will be able to use the code, beginning after this Saturday, April 26.

Instead, Park Harrisburg will offer $5 flat rate parking in the River Street Garage on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also at the River Street Garage, there will be $5 parking after 5 p.m. and $10 parking after 10 p.m. every day.

Park Harrisburg is managed by SP+, which was acquired by Metropolis Technologies, a tech and artificial intelligence company last year. The City of Harrisburg does not control most of its commercial parking due to a long-term leasing agreement.

According to John Gass of PK Harris Advisors, the asset manager for Park Harrisburg, the “LUVHBG” discount code “costs the parking system for each use of the discount and staffing.”

He also said that, because of the code, there was little turnover of metered spaces on Saturdays and that often area “employees” were using the code, rather than the intended visitors and shoppers.

Additionally, Park Harrisburg has begun removing some of its pay stations throughout the city, in favor of transitioning to online payment. Gass said that there are currently 88 pay stations on the streets and that the company plans to remove 25 more in the next quarter. It is not clear how many have already been removed. Gass said that they would keep certain pay stations in high-traffic areas.

For downtown Harrisburg businesses, the termination of the parking discount code comes at a time when parking rates for their patrons are already very high. Street parking downtown currently costs $4.50 an hour.

“It is really disappointing to learn that the program is ending,” said Stuart Landon, producing artistic director of Open Stage. “We’ve really counted on this code for many years.”

Landon said that the code has been helpful to patrons coming to the theater, as well as for the theater’s artists and students.

“We are going to have to reimagine things,” he said. “We wish this sort of program would continue. It’s been really helpful.”

For more information about Park Harrisburg, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 24, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Flower Bouquet Bar Weekend at Maggie Adams; Arcade Night at City Island; CPFJ Spring Concert Series: Melissa Aldana Quartet Worth noting: Independent Book Store Day is Saturday. There are just loads of wonderful events happening this weekend — blues, jazz, bluegrass, classical, rock music — plus, 3 (3??!!) beer festivals on Saturday (what year is it?), several big Earth Day-related events, a few fundraising galas. Things on my agenda this weekend: Lots of cultural events! Seeing friends’ kids perform in The Hobbit at Open Stage, Red Land Youth Baseball opening day, a house concert, and a Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist on Sunday!

For your weekend planning

Have you checked out Mason Dixon Distillery yet? You should.
Oh, and you may as well enter to win a gift card and some of their canned cocktails, too.
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

May 16: WXPN Welcomes Tanjo & Crow with special guest Virginia Masland LIVE in Strawberry Square
May 26: SoMa Block Party | May 2025 – season kick-off!
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Dauphin County sends out mail-in ballots ahead of primary election

April 23, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Ballot drop box. File photo.

It’s almost time to vote.

The Dauphin County Board of Elections announced on Wednesday that it had begun sending out mail-in ballots and placing ballot drop-boxes ahead of the May 20 municipal primary election.

So far, 13,563 mail-in ballots have been requested, which voters can expect to receive in the coming days.

The elections office at 1251 S. 28^th Street will extend its hours until 6 p.m. each day, from May 5 through 19. On Election Day, the office will remain open until 8 p.m.

Completed mail-in ballots can be returned to the elections office, by mail, or at one of seven secure drop boxes. Voters are only legally allowed to return their own ballot. Ballots that are returned by mail or at in-person locations must be received by 8 p.m. on May 20.

The last day to register to vote is May 5 and the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 13.

For more information, visit DauphinCounty.gov/Vote or call 717-780-6360.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg candidates for mayor talk issues, spar during debate

April 23, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Screenshot from the ABC27 mayoral debate. (From left) Dan Miller, Lamont Jones, Tone Cook, Lewis Butts and Wanda Williams

During a televised mayoral debate, Harrisburg mayoral candidates took jabs at each other’s track records and shared their opinions on city issues.

Five candidates vying for mayor of Harrisburg made their cases for why they should be elected, and why their opponents shouldn’t, during a debate hosted by ABC27 on Tuesday night.

The debate came just weeks before the May 20 primary election in the city, in which one of the handful of Democrats will be chosen as the nominee for their party. No Republicans are running for mayor.

Candidates include incumbent Mayor Wanda Williams, City Treasurer Dan Miller, City Council member Lamont Jones, activist Tone Cook and repeat candidate Lewis Butts.

During the debate, several of the current elected officials mounted criticisms of their opponents. Miller claimed that the city “is not well managed” and said that he sees “inefficiency” and “incompetence” in the city under the Williams administration. He cited millions of dollars in unpaid trash bills that the city has not collected as an example.

Williams disputed that they hadn’t collected that money, saying that “since the fact that he [Miller] doesn’t come to work but one time out of the month, he wouldn’t know what’s coming in.”

Williams also took jabs, such as saying that, when it comes to the delayed rebuild of the fire-damaged Broad Street Market, “the biggest obstacle is City Council.” She said that council held up the city from moving toward construction when they voted against hiring the city’s selected construction manager for the project.

Jones voted against hiring Alexander Building Construction Co. for the job, both the first time, when the contract was denied by council, and again when council re-voted and ultimately confirmed the company by a vote of 4-3. But, he said that the action was just council doing its job, as they had concerns about the fairness of the selection process.

“This is a smokescreen to make it look like council was incompetent and we don’t know what we’re doing,” he said. “We did our job. We did our research, and we made sure that it was a fair process.”

According to Cook, the real hold-up on the market rebuild is exactly what was displayed at the debate.

“I believe it’s clear to see, the problem is the lack of communication with council and the mayor,” he said.

Cook pitched himself as a candidate who would seek to work with council instead of feuding with them and would attempt to unify the city.

Butts’ solution to the market construction hang-ups: Amish contractors should’ve been brought in to help.

Crime was another hot topic of conversation during the debate.

Two candidates, Jones and Cook pitched their backgrounds and experience with the criminal justice system as a positive, giving them a unique and personal perspective on public safety.

Cook shared that he lost a brother to gun violence and that he has previously served time in prison. He said that, using his experience, he would work to build better relationships between the police and the community to proactively deter crime.

Jones had previous criminal convictions dating back over 20 years, which he was pardoned for in 2023. Since then, he said that he has gone into prisons and worked with ex-offenders to help others turn their lives around, like he was able to do.

Butts said that he would like to create a police and fire academy to train youth for careers in public safety, as well as better train first responders on cultural competency.

Williams said that her administration has taken steps to stop crime and violence. She cited the city’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program, which aims to offer residents known to be affiliated with crime a way out of that lifestyle, but said that the program takes years to make an impact.

Miller said that he has witnessed gun violence in his neighborhood and believes that a better city-wide camera system would help the issue.

Additionally, candidates shared how they would work to encourage economic development in the city and bring visitors back to shop and dine in the city.

Miller said that the city needs to work to make a more “vibrant” downtown that is pedestrian-friendly and walkable and suggested working with the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce & CREDC.

Butts suggested more attractions for downtown, such as implementing a Civil War history theme and constructing a “Harrisburg International Aquarium.”

Williams said that she is already working to address the issue as mayor by setting up an economic development board to create a business plan.

Jones said that Harrisburg needs to be better marketed to bring businesses and visitors in.

Candidates also addressed affordable housing needs.

“I think the solution to affordable housing is more housing. I mean, that’s really the answer. And it’s not just low-income housing,” Miller said. “We really need to concentrate on housing in general in all areas.”

Williams took credit for several recently constructed, privately developed affordable housing complexes in the city, while Jones countered that Williams has yet to release federal COVID funds that the city designated for housing.

In closing arguments, Williams said that she was the only candidate with “proven leadership skills, knowledge and experience.”

Butts pitched himself as a solutions-driven candidate, noting his many unique ideas for bolstering the city’s revenue stream.

Cook said that his lack of government experience gives him an outsider advantage and a “boots on the ground” mentality.

Jones asked voters to elect him, saying that he’s the only candidate who has “been entrenched in the community,” and said that he would offer a change from other politicians who have long held office.

Miller simply implied that, above all of the other candidates, he’s the most qualified.

To watch the full mayoral debate, click here.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like