Penguin Plunge
Jan. 1: Take a dip into the icy Susquehanna River in support of homeless animals during the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area’s annual Penguin Plunge. Registration starts at 10 a.m. on City Island, Harrisburg, with the plunge slated for noon. More information is at humanesocietyhbg.org.
Rachel Carson Program
Jan. 6: Biologist Patricia M. DeMarco examines the life and work of environmentalist Rachel Carson, including lessons that we can learn to face challenges today. The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Lake, Harrisburg. Please visit wildwoodlake.org.
Chamber Luncheon
Jan. 7: Learn more about the West Shore Chamber of Commerce and enjoy a complimentary lunch during the Member Benefits Luncheon, noon to 1:30 p.m. at the chamber’s offices, 4211 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill. Additional information is at wschamber.org.
Panama Canal Centennial
Jan. 7: The World Culture Club of Central PA presents “The Panama Canal: Celebrating 100 Years,” with a discussion led by native Panamanian Yolany Neiffer. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr., 5th floor, lecture room C. Additional information is at worldcultureclubpa.org.
Indie Film & Food
Jan. 9: Learn the story behind sriracha through a 33-minute documentary focused on the popular spicy sauce. Showings are at 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.
SAM Preview
Jan. 9: Be among the first to check out the Susquehanna Art Museum’s new Midtown home during a special, ticket-only preview, which includes live music, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a chance to enjoy the museum’s first exhibit. Tickets are $150 apiece for the 7 to 9 p.m. event at 1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more details, visit sqart.org.
2015 Farm Show
Jan. 10-17: It’s another year of shakes, sheep, cows and funky-looking chickens at the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show at the state Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. With nearly 6,000 animals and 10,000 competitive exhibits, it’s the largest indoor agricultural expo in the nation. Details are at pafarmshowcomplex.com.
“The Last Raft”
Jan. 11: Jack Dillman, Susquehanna River historian and captain of the Pride of the Susquehanna, presents “The Last Raft,” the story of a 1938 commemorative voyage that ended in tragedy. Program begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Harris-Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. Additional information is at dauphincountyhistory.org.
CapCOG Dinner
Jan. 19: Capital Region Council of Governments holds its annual dinner and reorganization meeting, featuring a keynote address by HACC President John “Ski” Sygielski. Event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg in Camp Hill. Additional information is at capitalregioncog.org.
Life in a Coal Town
Jan. 13: Retired civil engineer Stephen A. Runkle will present, “The Joller Story—Life in a Company Coal Mine Village,” depicting life in the coal town of Joller, Pa. The presentation follows the business meeting of the Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society at 7 p.m. at Hoss’s Restaurant, 743 Wertzville Rd., Enola. Dinner is available as early as 5 p.m. For more information, email sloan@auchincloss.com or visit harristower.org.
Legislator Forum
Jan. 14: Join the Harrisburg Regional Chamber for the 2015 Legislators’ Forum, featuring members of the state House of Representatives. The event takes place at the Harrisburg Hilton, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.
Civil War Exhibit Opens
Jan. 14: The National Civil War Museum opens the final installment of its sesquicentennial exhibit with “1865,” which examines the last year of the war. Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer will speak during a wine-and-cheese reception, which runs 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. Make reservations by emailing info@nationalcivilwarmuseum.org or calling 717-260-1861. Information is at www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.
Winter Birding
Jan. 15: Appalachian Audubon will present “Frosty Forests and Frozen Fields: Winter Birding in Ontario,” a program that highlights bird species that appear in Ontario and the northeastern United States during the winter months. Program starts at 7 p.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Rd., Camp Hill. More information is at appalachianaudubon.org.
Business After Hours
Jan. 15: The Harrisburg Regional Chamber hosts a monthly business mixer where businesspeople can mix and mingle. This month’s event will be at WITF, 4801 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg. Find more information at harrisburgregionalchamber.org.
3rd in The Burg
Jan. 16: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in The Burg, the monthly arts event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown. For more information, visit thirdintheburg.org.
Community Weekend
Jan. 17-19: The AACA Museum holds its annual Community Weekend, featuring $7 admission and a scavenger hunt throughout the museum. The museum is located at 161 Museum Dr., Hershey. More information is available at aacamuseum.org.
Understanding Islam
Jan. 18 & 25: Join John Maietta, retired U.S. Army colonel and college professor, as he provides an introduction to the core beliefs, sectarian diversity and contemporary challenges of the world’s second-largest religion. No registration necessary. Program will be held in two sessions at the Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill. More information is at fredricksenlibrary.org.
Day of Service
Jan. 19: Volunteers will clean up, fix up and make their communities a little better during the annual MLK Day of Service. Each year, hundreds of people fan out across central Pennsylvania to take part in dozens of projects. For all the details on registering projects, volunteering and sponsorships, visit centralpamlkday.org.
More Than a Forester
Jan. 20: Learn about a conservationist and former Pennsylvania governor during the pictorial presentation, “Gifford Pinchot, More Than a Forester.” The event runs 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Lake, Harrisburg. Visit wildwoodlake.org.
Classical Music Concert
Jan. 20: Market Square Concerts presents violinist Kristof Barati on the eve of his Carnegie Hall debut. Performance will take place at Temple Ohev Sholom, Harrisburg. For more information, visit marketsquareconcerts.org.
Sip and Paint
Jan. 24: Try a new hobby while socializing with friends at the Perry County Council of the Arts’ Sip and Paint Party under the guidance of an artist from aMuse Uncorked. The event will be held 5 to 7 p.m. at Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport. All art supplies are provided, and cost is $45. BYOB. To reserve a spot, stop by the PCCA Gallery or call 717-567-7023. Visit perrycountyarts.org.
Beyond the Footlights
Jan. 24: The Hershey’s Theatre’s annual fundraiser for its Apollo Awards returns with a cabaret-style program spotlighting the talents of past award nominees and recipients. Cost is $75 for a full dinner and the program or $10 for just dessert and the program. Information is at hersheytheatre.com.
Mansion Tour
Jan. 26: Join Janet Bowen, curator for the Historical Society of Dauphin County, on “An Armchair Stroll through the John Harris Mansion.” The free tour begins at 6 p.m. at the Harris-Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. Additional information is at historicharrisburg.com.
Annual Meeting
Jan. 28: The Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will hold its eighth annual meeting and dinner, 6 to 9 p.m., at The Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Rd., Hershey. ABC27 Anchor Alicia Richards will deliver the keynote address and state Rep. Brian Sims will be the guest speaker. Information is at cpglcc.org.
2015 Auto Show
Jan. 29-Feb. 1: Roll into the annual PA Auto Show, an event that features what’s new and exciting in the world of automobiles. The four-day show takes place at the state Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. More information is at motortrendautoshows.com.
Ugandan Kids Choir
Jan. 31: Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill welcomes the Ugandan Kids Choir for songs of hope through traditional rhythmic dances and songs of Africa. The concert is designed for families with children ages 1 to 10. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.
