Penguin Plunge
Jan. 1: Take a plunge into the Susquehanna River to welcome the New Year with hundreds of Humane Society of Harrisburg supporters. The 28th annual event begins at 10 a.m. at the City Island beach in Harrisburg with the plunge taking place at noon. Enjoy drinks, food, raffles, music, games and more. www.humanesocietyhbg.org
Calm the Mind
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Start the New Year learning short, easy 15-minute calming meditations at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, on Thursdays from 12 to 12:30 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org
Scavenger Hunt
Jan. 2-31: Kids ages 0-12 are invited to New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, for a month-long scavenger hunt to locate bathtime-related objects hiding inside the library for Bath Safety Month throughout January. Find all the scavenger hunt items around the children’s room and win a prize. www.newcumberlandpa.org
Get Fit
Jan. 2-31: Start the New Year right with Capital Blue Cross Connect, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola, for a series of in-person and virtual wellness and fitness classes. Sign up for a variety of classes including yoga, barre, Pilates and tai chi. Find a full list of classes on their website. www.capitalbluecrossconnect.com
Photo Display
Jan. 2-25: View photographs entered in Friends of Wildwood Park’s annual contest in the Olewine Nature Center, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. Vote for your favorite images. Winners will be announced on Jan. 12 at 1 p.m., and People’s Choice Award winners will be named at the show’s conclusion. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
Winter Discovery
Jan. 2-31: Visit the Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to see special exhibits and activities that highlight some of Wildwood’s animals in winter, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Follow self-guided signs along the Towpath Trail and learn the natural history of the park and animals in winter. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
HBG Flea
Jan. 4: Explore the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com
Farm Show
Jan. 4-11: The PA Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural show in the nation, returns to the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, N. Cameron and Maclay streets, Harrisburg. Milk a cow, enjoy a Farm Show milkshake, learn about science and skills used in agriculture and discover new events and features. www.pa.gov/agencies/farmshow/pa-farm-show
Book Sale
Jan. 4, 18: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, will hold pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, DVDs, CDs, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org
Food Safety
Jan. 6, 13: Penn State Extension offers in-person courses to prepare people for the food safety manager certification exam at 310 Allen Rd., Suite 601, Carlisle. The workshop cost is $165 and includes materials. www.extension.psu.edu
Burns Night
Jan. 8: Scottish Society of Central Pennsylvania will host the 68th Annual Burns Night Supper, a celebration of the life, poetry and music of the Scottish bard. Enjoy dinner, Burns poetry, bagpipe music, haggis procession, live entertainment and an opportunity to wear a kilt. A social time will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by dinner. www.pennscots.org
Winter Edibles
Jan. 9: Join a Wildwood Park naturalist for a hike at Detweiler Park, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin, 2 to 3:30 p.m., with a focus on trees and edible winter foods. Become familiar with a variety of common species and a few recipes you can try at home. Dress for the weather. Cost is $5 and space is limited. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
Library Fun
Jan. 9, 15: Beat the winter chill at East Shore Area Library on Jan. 9, 6 to 6:45 p.m., and William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library on Jan. 15, 5 to 5:45 p.m. with snow and winter-themed crafts, STEAM activities and challenges, books and more. The events are designed for families with children ages 3 and older. www.dcls.org
Curiosity Kids
Jan. 10: Families and kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to the State Museum of Pa., 300 North St., Harrisburg, to learn all about chemistry at 11:30 a.m. Curiosity Kids events are included with museum general admission, but space is limited. www.statemuseumpa.org
Film Friday
Jan. 10: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “Die Falscher” from Germany, starting at 2 p.m. Watch the film at the library and stay for a moderated discussion. www.fredricksenlibrary.org
Tonight’s Sky
Jan. 10, 11, 12: Join the planetarium director at the State Museum of PA, 300 North St, Harrisburg, at 3 p.m. to explore what you can see in the night sky. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets and special celestial events. www.statemuseumpa.org
Birds & Coffee
Jan. 11: Stop by the Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, 10 to 11 a.m. Join a naturalist and Appalachian Audubon to observe and count common feeder birds as part of Project FeederWatch. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
Volunteer Preview
Jan. 11: In support of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, join the East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, to learn about volunteer work being done in your community, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Explore area agencies and organizations and how to volunteer. Giveaways and snacks provided. www.dcls.org
PA Rocks
Jan. 11: Explore rocks of Pennsylvania at the State Museum, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Trace the path of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rock through the rock cycle and experiment with rocks to discover the qualities that make them unique. Then make a “kindness” rock to take home or share. www.statemuseumpa.org
Aquaponics 101
Jan. 14: Join Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a Winter Sustainability Series lecture with students from the West Shore School District Aquaponics Program at 7 p.m. Learn the basics of hydroponics and aquaponics and discover how these methods can inspire creativity and independence and advance suburban farming. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
MLK Day Banquet
Jan. 15: Help celebrate the holiday with the third annual Central Pennsylvania Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Banquet, taking place at 5:30 p.m. at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey. Author and minister Dr. Michael Eric Dyson will be the keynote speaker. Register until Jan. 5. Contact Dr. Wanda B. Knight at [email protected].
3rd in The Burg
Jan. 17: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org
Menopause Workshop
Jan. 18: Attend “The 3 Keys to Better Sleep in Peri- to Post-Menopause,” a free workshop with Mary Rothwell Integrative Wellness at 2133 Market St., Suite 205, Camp Hill, at 10 a.m. Space is limited; register by Jan 16. Attendees will receive a gift. www.maryrothwell.net
Snowflake Fun
Jan. 18: Explorers ages 5 to 10 are invited to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for Kids Discover to learn about snowflakes, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Make your own snowflakes and discover the size of the largest one ever found. Dress for a winter walk, go on a scavenger hunt, and try winter science experiments. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
Dance Night
Jan. 19: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for social dancing and music by Dance Avanti at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown, 2 to 6 p.m. All levels are welcome. Admission is $15, $10 for members and $5 for students. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 – Harrisburg Area PA
Guitar Gathering
Jan. 19: Join Gather the Spirit for Justice, a nonprofit aiding Allison Hill neighbors, for “Gather the Guitars” benefit concert at Appalachian Brewing Company’s Abbey Bar, 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, 3 to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music and support a worthy cause that benefits your community. www.gatherthespiritforjustice.org
MLK Service Day
Jan. 20: Save the date for the annual Central PA MLK Day of Service, with projects taking place throughout the Harrisburg area. Visit the Central PA MLK Day of Service website for details about the opening ceremony and this year’s events. www.mlk-365.org
Day of Service
Jan 20: Join Wildheart Ministries from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for a cleanup event focused on preparing the Wildheart mansion for this year’s community activities. www.wildheartministries.net
Legislators’ Forum
Jan. 22: Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce host the Legislators’ Forum, featuring area members of the Pa. House of Representatives, at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 8 to 10 a.m. Cost to attend is $70 or $50 for members. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org
“The Call of the Crusades”
Jan. 25: Catch an original play about nine Penn State Harrisburg students who discover Dr. King’s legacy through Harrisburg’s hidden MLK Memorial. Written by Sharia Benn (Sankofa African American Theatre), co-directed with Professor Maria Enriquez, and performed by students, 2 p.m. at Kulkarni Theatre on campus. Free admission and parking. www.bit.ly/MLKCrusades
Civil War Dance
Jan. 26: Take the whole family to a free Civil War-era dance class at the National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, 2 to 4 p.m. [email protected]
Library Cinema
Jan. 26: Escape the winter chill and enjoy a free movie at East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, 3 to 5 p.m. Enjoy popcorn, snacks and the classic film, “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.” Space is limited, so register today at the library’s website. www.dcls.org
Recycling Talk
Jan. 28: Join the Friends of Wildwood for a Winter Sustainability Series talk on waste reduction and recycling with Dauphin County Dept. of Solid Waste & Recycling from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. Learn what can be recycled at home and at the Dauphin County Recycling Center. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
Orchid Show
Jan. 30-Feb. 2: Susquehanna Orchid Society presents its 41st annual Orchid Show & Sale at the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. View more than 1,000 orchids, attend tours and shop with vendors. Members can enjoy a preview on Jan. 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. www.hersheygardens.org
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