Musical Notes: Wintry Mix

December 28, 2023 | by Skye Leppo

I hope you’ve all had a joyous holiday season and found stockings full of concert tickets for 2024. The year’s live music roster is starting off strong with some excellent picks slated for stages around central Pa., many of which are worth driving beyond county lines to hear and groove to.

GET ON YOUR FEET

Low Cut Connie, 1/19, Appell Center for the Performing Arts

If you’ve had a chance to watch Low Cut Connie perform live, you know what an absolute thrill it is to see Adam Weiner command the stage with his ever-evolving lineup of rock ’n’ roll musicians. Hailing from Philadelphia, the band is among Sir Elton John’s favorite emerging rock acts here in the states, and the Jan. 19 show is slated to be a unique performance, following a screening of Weiner’s new hybrid documentary/concert film that shares a name with the band’s 2023 album, “Art Dealers.”

WORTH THE DRIVE

Black Opry Revue Ft. Sug Daniels & King Jester, 1/6, Zoetropolis

Sug Daniels! King Jester! For those of you who love soul and R&B performances, this show should be at the top of your list. Daniels has been one of my favorite musicians to watch over the last year, with her unique fusion of folk and soul influences. Her easy going demeanor and sunny voice bring a jovial playfulness to tracks such as “When I’m Gone” and “Lightning in A Bottle (feat. John Faye).” Similarly, slide guitarist King Jester delivers warmth and lyrics with depth on his songs recorded with the Mighty Acorns, such as “The Game” and “Give It Away,” and takes a much moodier, bluesy shift on “Grandma Said.” This Black Opry Revue show is not to be missed.

POPS OF HARMONY

HU Presents Joseph, 1/26, XL LIVE

The indie group Joseph, comprised of three sisters—Natalie Closner Schepman and her twin sisters, Allison and Meegan Closner—are touring in support of their fourth full-length LP, “The Sun,” released in April. Their pop tendencies and intricately harmonized voices are truly arresting. You may be familiar with their songs “White Flag” and “Green Eyes,” which have enjoyed a bit of commercial success over the last few years.

FRESH AS FOLK

Cinder Well and Cumberland Honey, 1/26, Unitarian Church of Harrisburg

Amelia Baker, who performs under the moniker Cinder Well when joined by a changing cast of other Celtic music mainstays, including different members of Lankum, Blackbird Raum and Vradiazei, makes her central Pa. debut on Jan. 26 (rescheduled from an original performance date in November). Her lovely voice, classically trained in the styles of western Ireland, is complemented by rich music that has haunting undertones of doomfolk and punk, most audible on her earlier works like “The Unconscious Echo” and “No Summer,” though there are still discernible influences of those genres on her most recent effort, “Cadence.” For starters, check out Cinder Well’s song “Overgrown.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Battle of the Bands,1/6, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.

Escuela Grind, 1/12, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.

Lotus, 1/12, XL Live

Megan Hamilton, 1/12, H*MAC

Jill Barber, 1/19, H*MAC

Sunsquabi, 1/20, XL Live

Fit For A King & Devil Wears Prada, 1/26, H*MAC

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

Have Art . . . Will Travel: This month, skate on over to Smith Fine Art

December 28, 2023 | by Bob MacGinnes

Drake Music Conservatory inside Smith Fine Art Gallery

This second installment of “Have Art…Will Travel” takes us to a local landmark just across the river from Harrisburg to the now-arrived hipster borough of New Cumberland.

January travel can be as unpredictable as keeping New Year’s resolutions. But to ensure safe passage on your travels, I decided to play it close to the vest. Mere minutes from Midtown, you will find the destination, the home of The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing. Hop in.

Framing Your Life

When one pulls up to The Smith Gallery, the first impression is “Art”—with a capital “A.”

On the building’s exterior wall, “framing” its entrance, is a picture-postcard collage featuring artwork from a few of the area’s well-known local artists. The subliminal message sent—this is a destination that takes its art seriously—is a personal invitation from proprietress, Debbie Smith.

Socrates, thousands of years ago, shared that “the way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” That’s the very foundation that Debbie Smith has built her business on, frame by frame. She has been the sole owner for 25 years, taking over operations after her father passed. What started in 1987 primarily as a frame shop for custom work has since grown into an art mecca under her leadership. The motto above the building’s doorway says it all, “Purveyors of Fine Art, Framers of Distinction.”

Arriving at our destination, we couldn’t deny art’s role in every nook and cranny, never far from mind or reach. By Debbie’s count, the gallery represents 30 artists. Reputation is what she hangs her hat on or, in her case, her signature eyewear.

When meeting Debbie, one of the first things people notice are the stylish specs that frame her face. They dramatically change daily, dependent upon the color choice of her wardrobe. They have become synonymous with her persona that is full of “P’s and Q’s.” She is poised, precise, polished and professional. As for the “Q,” you may need to “queue” up in line as the customer counter can become quite congested for the “quality” service that Smith delivers with each and every order.

That quotidian quality stems from surrounding herself with skilled strategists and tacticians. The team shares an esprit-de-corps, unifying them in a common goal.

Nancy is Smith’s right-hand woman. A trained carpenter, she knows what is required in all aspects, from frame molding, matting, glazing and assemblage. For 10 years, she has carried out Debbie’s vision to a “T.” Assisting them in the gallery shop is Elaine, an artist herself who specializes in working with clients on specific needs. In addition are Mallory, who employs “conservation techniques,” and Mariah, who is “a seasoned custom framing designer.” Lastly is the owner’s mother, confidante and inspiration, Polly Smith. A retired music teacher from New Cumberland, Polly is a fixture at the grand piano for art receptions in the spacious Drake Gallery, the music conservatory room.

Together, they form a team to create a powerhouse presentation, both in the showroom and backstage. The Smith Gallery is all about family and making memories, capturing them forever under glass. Debbie learned the trade and art of framing from her father, her best friend and mentor. Working with the public came as a natural extension of her extroverted personality, just as she mastered the technical end of the business. Clients range from walk-ins like us, sent there by recommendation for small custom work orders, to powerhouse players like the Milton Hershey School, which required a major overhaul of art and pictures placed throughout the students’ homes on campus.

For a business that started solely as a frame shop, Debbie Smith has grown it into two-thirds framing and one-third art, pushing the boundaries of the latter to the foreground. In our area, it has become the go-to shop for archival restoration, preservation and conservation. Customers trust Debbie’s instincts, and artists value her attention to creating the niche appeal that will set their art apart.

The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing is poised for its next quarter century. It is evident that Debbie’s tomorrows hold a horizon waiting to be explored and, in her own words, “I will be eternally grateful to my mom and dad, to my staff and to my customers for wanting to be the best I can be by giving the best product and service there is.” Just like the sign above the door reads, that says it all.

The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing is located at 190 Reno Ave., New Cumberland. For more information, visit www.smithcustomframing.com.

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

Shifting Perspectives: “Monster” offers a tender tale, is also a masterpiece

December 28, 2023 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photo courtesy of Well Go USA.

It is always a treat to see director Kore-eda Hirokazu return with another film, and this time, it’s his best film yet. “Monster,” written by Sakamoto Yûji, is an artistic masterpiece and a tribute to humanity, a story told three times, each time from a different perspective.

The film presents as a puzzle, offering up little pieces of truth that don’t quite seem to fit together initially, until the following perspective offers more context. There are cues along the way—fire engine sirens, the blaring of brass instruments, etc— to help you keep track of where in the narrative you are, though admittedly it’s easy to get lost. But stick with it—the puzzle is well worth it.

The first perspective almost seems to hint at something paranormal. Saori (Ando Sakura), notices an odd change in the behavior of her son, Minato (Kurokawa Soya), and begins to piece together that his homeroom teacher, Mr. Hori (Nagayama Eita), is being abusive. She is even able to pry some corroborating evidence from Yori (Hiiragi Hinata), Minato’s schoolmate. She begs the school to do something, but no one seems willing to help her remove the monster she perceives Mr. Hori to be from the school.

Then we see Mr. Hori’s version of the events. And then we see Minato’s version. And each perspective provides a shift.

While the title of the film prepares us to seek out a definitive representative at any given moment in the film, by the end, we are struck not by the monster in all of us but the humanity that the story has revealed in each character. The result is a beautiful, tender, heart-wrenching story that resonates so well with the world we’ve all built around ourselves.

There is not a single actor in the film who doesn’t nail their part, though a personal favorite performance was Hiiragi’s nuanced take on the world. And a special note must be made for the musical score, written by Sakamoto Ryuichi, which carries you deep into every moment. Every inch of “Monster” is gorgeously rendered.

This is a film you aren’t going to want to miss. Make sure to catch it at Midtown Cinema this January.

Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

January Events At Midtown Cinema

January Film Openings
“Monster”
Friday, Jan. 12

“The Zone of Interest”
“Poor Things”
Friday, Jan 26

Down in Front! comedy riffing
“Curse of the Faceless Man” (1958)
Friday, Jan. 12 at 9:30 p.m.

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“The Big Lebowski” (1998)
Friday, Jan. 19 at 9:30 p.m.

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

Happenings: Our January Calendar of Events

December 28, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Muscle Cars—Past and Present,” through April 20

Austin-Healey, through April 20

“Legacy Series—Dodge Challengers Then & Now,” through April 21

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

“Nothing Pretty” collective, featuring the artwork of Sean Arce, Tina Berrier, Ted Walke and Krissy Whiski, through Jan. 5

“Figuratively Speaking,” AAH’s longest-running themed show, features artwork celebrating the human form in all shapes, sizes and media, Jan. 12-Feb. 15; reception: Jan, 19, 5-8 p.m.

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

“Impressions: Watercolors by Elaine Wilson,” with artist’s reception Jan. 14, 12-1:30 p.m.

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

January artist of the month

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

“Limelight on Local Artists—Meet & Greet Artist Reception featuring Reshmi Khatun and Spero Lappas,” Jan. 13, 2-4 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Backstage Café at the Allen Theater, through Jan. 20

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

“Spaces and Faces,” fine art collages by Katherine Horst, through Jan. 27

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

“Cover Design,” featuring a collection of book cover designs by David Fassett, through Feb. 4; artist talk and reception: Jan. 26, 4:30-9 p.m.

Senior Art Educator Exhibition, Jan. 20-Feb. 4

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

New works from Paul Vasiliades, Pat Frese, Marsha Souders, Rachelle Lowe, Judy Kelly and Marjorie Taylor, through Jan. 14

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

“Greatness Thrust Upon Them,” highlighting veterans of the Civil War, through Jan. 31

“Pursuit of Freedom—The Abolition of Slavery,” highlighting early attempts to abolish slavery in the U.S. and actions that ultimately ended slavery with the 13th Amendment, through June 2

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

“Art in the Stacks,” featuring Ava Neff

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

“TIME,” featuring historical clocks from the Landis Collection, alongside contemporary artwork, through March 21

Perry County Council of the Arts
PCCA Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Artisan Marketplace of Perry County,” local handmade gifts by local artists, through Jan. 12

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

“Art of the State,” an annual juried exhibition open to Pennsylvania artists and craftspeople, through Jan. 7

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

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

“Benjamin Franklin & Pennsylvania—300 Years,” through April 2024

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

“Diane Arbus—10 Years,” featuring key images from this famous period of the artist’s work, through Jan. 21

“Shifting Forms—5 Decades of Abstraction” traces radical shifts made by abstract artists over the last 50 years, through Jan. 21

“Far Field,” paintings by Kate Stewart, inspired by brain activity research, through Feb. 11

“In the Grass, With a Baby,” paintings and drawings by Lee Nowell-Wilson through Feb. 18

“The Shop Presents—Essentials,” Shelby Wormley explores barbershops and beauty salons in Black and brown communities during the global pandemic, through a series of photographs, through Feb. 25

“From Mantel to Museum: The Eclectic Legacy of Patricia L. Murray,” through April 7.

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

“Souvenirs of Ruin,” works by Italian artist, archaeologist and architect Giovanni Battista Piranesi, through Feb. 10

“Disruptive,” a diverse selection of prints, sculpture, photographs and drawings that present disruptive combinations of texts and images from the 19th century to present day, through April 6

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

“Yondering with the Wheelers,” photography by James Wheeler and the pottery it inspired by Robin Wheeler, Jan. 9-Feb. 3

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

“2023 Photo Contest Display” of photographs that feature all of Dauphin County’s parks, through Jan. 27; reception and winners announcement: Jan. 14, 1 p.m.

Read, Make, Learn

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

Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Virtual Yoga for Back Health, 10 a.m.
Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Strong & Fit, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 4, 18: Fit Chicks and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 26: Virtual Barre Insanity Express, 9:30 a.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: BOOMer Strong, 10 a.m.
Jan. 8, 22, 29: BOOMer Fit, 9:30 a.m.
Jan. 8, 22, 29: Tai Chi, 4 p.m.
Jan. 8, 22, 29: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
Jan. 11, 25: Boomer Fit Zoomer and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
Jan. 19: Virtual Booty Blast, 9:30 a.m.
Jan. 22, 29: Virtual Adult Art Class, 11:05 a.m.
Jan. 22, 29: Virtual Kids Art Class, 12:05 p.m.

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

Jan. 9-March 12: Advanced Surface Decoration, every other Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 10-Feb. 14: Play with Clay at the End of the Day (ages 10-15), Wednesdays, 3:45-5:15 a.m.
Jan. 15: Pieces of Me Collage Self Portrait, (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 15: Suicide Loss Survivors, 5:30-7 p.m.
Jan. 17-Feb. 21: Ceramics 102, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 19: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 20: Copper Enameling Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 20: Inspired Mixed Media, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Jan. 2-Feb. 29: All-Ages Winter Reading on Beanstack
Jan. 4: Woven Owls, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19: Animals Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19: Friday Fun, 12-2 p.m.
Jan. 6: Shaggy Dogs Pom Pom Animals, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 9: Felt Bird Bookmarks, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Jan. 10: Pine Cone Birdfeeder, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Jan. 13: Raising Readers Story Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
Jan. 13: Tape Town (ages 3 to 8), 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Jan. 6: MLK Volunteer Fair, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 8, 22: Paws 2 Read, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30: Zumbini, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Jan. 16, 30: Around the World in Five Weeks!, 5-6 p.m.
Jan. 21: Escape The Library—The Missing Sermon, 10:30-3:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Fiber Artists, 3-5 p.m.
Jan. 6: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Jan. 20: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Jan. 1-Feb. 26: Winter Baby & Toddler Story Time, Mondays, 10-10:30 a.m.
Jan. 1-Feb. 26: Winter Children’s Story Time, Mondays, 10-10:30 a.m.
Jan. 2: Curl up with the Classics—“The Taming of the Shrew,” 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 2, 16: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 2, 16: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 25: Device Advice, 5-6 p.m.
Jan. 5: Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 7: Paint with Us, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 8: Philosopher’s Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m.
Jan. 8: World Explorers, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 8: ESL Conversation Circle, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Book Explorers, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Jan. 9: Word Basics, 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 12: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9:15-10 a.m.
Jan. 12: Film Friday, 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 13: Table Top Gaming Day, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Jan. 14: Pokemon Fest, 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 15: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
Jan. 16: Excel Basics, 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 17: Ask a Dietician, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 20: Tween STEAM Escape Room, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 20: Teen STEAM Escape Room, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Jan. 21: Tween LEGO Bingo, 3-4:30 p.m.
Jan. 22: Fredricksen Reads—“Wandering Souls,” 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 23: Tween LEGO Club, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 23: PowerPoint Basics, 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 25: Tween Epic Comic Club, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 30: Introduction to Google Suite, 10-11 a.m.

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

Jan. 13: Snowy Cabin Painting, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 14: Wet Felt Landscape, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Jan. 20: Folk Art Cardinal, 1-3:30 p.m.
Jan. 21: Winter Glass Painting, 1-3 p.m.

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

Jan. 4-Feb. 22: Level 2 Game of the Scene, Thursdays, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 9-Feb. 27: Level 1 Intro to Improv, Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 10-Feb. 28: Level 1 Intro to Improv, Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 24-March 13: Musical Improv 2, Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Jan. 9-Feb. 13: Oil and Acrylics II, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 18-March 7: Water Media, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hershey Horticulture
hersheyhorticulture.com

Jan. 8: Four Season Garden—A Photographic Tour, 1 p.m.

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

Jan. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 2, 9: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
Jan. 3: LEGO Club, 4-4:45 p.m.
Jan. 3: Library Happy Hour, 6-7:45 p.m.
Jan. 3: Open Book Group, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Community Crochet Night, 6-7:45 p.m.
Jan. 4, 18: Hershey Quilters, 12:30-4 p.m.
Jan. 6: Chess Tournament, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jan. 9: Philosopher’s Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
Jan. 9, 23: Silent Book Group, 10 a.m.
Jan. 11: Harrisburg Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Jan. 16, 23, 30: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Jan. 20: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Jan. 22: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 29: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Jan. 29: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 30: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.

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

Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Toddler Time, 10:45-11:05 a.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: LEGO Time, 10:15 a.m.
Jan. 8: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
Jan. 12: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 13, 27: Block Party, 10:30-11:25 a.m.
Jan. 13, 27: Puzzle Party, 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 15: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 27: Trivia at Home—Christmas, 6-8 p.m.

Kline Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Teen Gaming Club, 3 p.m.
Jan. 18: Escape the Library—The Missing Sermon, 4-6 p.m.

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

Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Jan. 13: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

Jan. 8, 22, 29: Fiber Arts Club, 3:30-5 p.m.
Jan. 9, 23: Around the World in Five Weeks!, 5-6 p.m.
Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31: Light the Way, Lewis Lattimer!, 4-5 p.m.
Jan. 11, 18, 25: Game On! Coding Challenge, 4-5 p.m.

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

Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Storytime & Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 4: Booklover’s Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 15: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.

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

Jan. 17: An Evening with Jon Clinch and Jeffrey Nichols
Jan. 19: An Evening with Amy Jo Burns
Jan. 24: An Evening with Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Jan. 27: An Evening with Kaveh Akbar

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

Jan. 1-31: BINGO for Books! (ages 0-18)
Jan. 1-31: January Scavenger Hunt—Cold Climate Animals (ages 0-12)
Jan. 2, 15: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 3: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Jan. 4: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 4, 18: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Jan. 5, 19: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 6, 20: New Cumberland Public Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 8-Feb. 19: Winter Storytime & More (ages 2-5), Mondays, 10 a.m.
Jan. 9: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 9-Feb. 13: Winter Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.
Jan. 10, 24: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 11, 25: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Jan. 12: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 12, 26: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
Jan. 13: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17), 10 a.m.
Jan. 16: Cozy Pajama Storytime, 6-6:45 p.m.
Jan. 17-Feb. 21: iPad Class for Adults, Wednesdays, 2-3:30 p.m.
Jan. 19-20: Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Jan. 20: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 20: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 24: Kids Paint Party (ages 5-12), 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 24: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 28: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 31: STEAM Scene (ages 5-12), 4:30-5:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 3-31: We Are Stars, 11-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 3-31: Two Small Pieces of Glass, 2-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 3-31: Constellations, 1 p.m.
Jan. 5, 20: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 10: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky Live Chat, 2 p.m.
Jan. 10, 24: Homeschool Program, 10 a.m.
Jan. 12: Curiosity Kids—Liquids, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 13: Pennsylvania Rocks!, 10 a.m.
Jan. 13, 14: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky Live Chat, 3 p.m.
Jan. 17: Candles, 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 19, 20, 26, 27: From Earth to the Universe, 12-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 26: Curiosity Kids—LIGHT, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 6, 20: Kids Art Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 10: Teen Art Lab—I’m Fine Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 24: Open Figure Drawing, 7-9 p.m.

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

Jan. 13: Snow Folk Clay Workshop, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Jan. 13: Wine Bottle Lights, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jan. 20: Winter Trees Clay Workshop, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Jan. 20: Build Your Own Gnome Clay Workshop, 1-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 20: Aurora Borealis Painting Class, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jan. 27: Make a Mug Clay Workshop, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 4: Winter Edibles Walk at Detweiler Park, 2-3:30 p.m.
Jan. 7: Upcycled Winter Craft (ages 5-10), 1-4 p.m.
Jan. 9, 23: Winter Lecture Series—PA Natural Wonders, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 13: Birds and Coffee with Appalachian Audubon, 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 20: Painting at the Park, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 21: Kids Discover—Winter Wonders (ages 5-10), 2-3:30 p.m.
Jan. 27: Wooden Wall Hangings, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Jan. 12: Marie Osmond
Jan. 20: Elvis Birthday Bash with Mike Albert & Scot Bruce
Jan. 21: Mike Albert’s Elvis Gospel Show featuring The Stamps Quartet
Jan. 28: The Music of John Denver

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

Jan. 5: Jazz in the City
Jan. 20: York Symphony
Jan. 20: Ghost-Note

Blues Society of Central PA
Facebook: Blues Society Of Central Pennsylvania

Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Thursday Blues Jams at Champions Sports Bar, Highspire
Jan. 28: Piedmont Bluz at Centennial Barn, Fort Hunter Park

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

Jan. 3, 6, 27: Chris Emkey
Jan. 4, 11, 25: Andrea Britton
Jan. 5, 19: Ted Ansel
Jan. 10, 17, 31: Mathias Cabbell
Jan. 12, 26: Roy Lefever
Jan. 13: Anthony Haubert
Jan. 18, 20: Dr. Nyce
Jan. 24: Chris Purcell

Greystone Brew House
303 Golf Club Ave., Dillsburg
717.347.0632; greystonebrewhouse.com

Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Kirk Weiss

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

Jan. 12: Megan Hamilton
Jan. 13: Hexbelt
Jan. 19: Jill Barber
Jan. 20: Steal Your Face & Cumberland Honey
Jan. 26: Fit For A King & The Devil Wears Prada
Jan. 27: Be Our Guest (the Disney DJ night)

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

Jan. 6: Twelfth Night at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (new concert date)

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

Jan. 6-7: Voices & Visions
Jan. 20-21: American Diva

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Jan. 26: Joseph at XL Live

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

Jan. 20: Beyond the Footlights
Jan. 25, 26: Leanne Morgan

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

Jan. 5, 6: Stonewood
Jan. 12, 13: The Luv Gods
Jan. 19: Katz 22
Jan. 20: Dance Fever
Jan. 26, 27: Funktion

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

Jan. 12: The Great Love of All Tribute to Whitney Houston

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

Jan. 14: Varshavski-Shapiro Piano Duo

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

Jan. 6: Black Opry Revue w/Sug Daniels and King Jester
Jan. 26: Cinder Well
Jan. 28: Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Dou

Trindle Spring Lutheran Church
14 State Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-766-7091; trindlespringlutheran.org

Jan. 21: Duo Entre Nous

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

Jan. 12: Lotus
Jan. 13: All You Need is Love
Jan. 14: A Salute to the DJs
Jan. 19: Grateful Dub, Roots of Creation
Jan. 20: Sunsquabi
Jan. 26: Harrisburg University presents Joseph
Jan. 27: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

The Stage Door

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

Jan. 14: Puppy Pals Live!
Jan 27: Dancing With the Stars: Live!

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

Jan. 12: Studio Stand-Up
Jan. 27: Bill Blagg Family Magic

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

Jan. 12-21: “The Great Gatsby”

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

Jan. 19-Feb. 17: “The Mousetrap”

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

Jan. 12, 13, 14: “The Borgias—It Dwells in the Blood”
Jan. 17-27: Popcorn Hat Players presents “Tales From Ancient Greece”
Jan. 26: TMI Improv

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

Jan. 12: “The Great American Talent Performance”
Jan. 26-28: “Snow Queen”

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

Jan. 5: The Divas Down Under “Lucky 7th Anniversary” Drag Show
Jan. 5, 6: JJ Curry and Farzin Moradi
Jan. 12, 13: Andrew Rudick and Hanna Ljungholm
Jan. 19, 20: Kevin Lee and Irwin Loring
Jan. 26, 27: Mike Harrison and Kyle Ocasio

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

Jan. 5: Level 1 Class Show, Bandito, Rites of Passage, Elderprov, Gingersnaps, REAL Fast Coast Wives of Central PA, All Over the Place
Jan. 6: Kid Friendly Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Clown Car, Love Triangle, Euphoria
Jan. 7: Level 1 Class Show
Jan. 12: Free Mixer, This Show Will Self Destruct, Ham Juice, Barbra, Tiny French Cigarettes
Jan. 19: Free Improv Jam, Bondfire Society, Girlzilla, Team Z, Same Each, Original 6, Holy Moly
Jan. 20: Free Mixer, Next Level, Uncomfortable, Rockstar Goes Supernova, Blackest Thing Ever
Jan. 26: Level 4 Class Show, 4th Cousins, Naïve Scammers, Our Bizarre Adventure, Offbeats
Jan. 27: Free Mixer, Phil’s Arcade, Cosmic Trash, Elderprov

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

Jan. 26-Feb. 11: “Lost in Yonkers”

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

Jan. 18: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”
Jan. 25: “Hairspray”

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

Jan. 12: “Dancing with the Local Stars”

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

Jan. 11-14: “Mean Girls”

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

Jan. 12-28: “And Then There Were None”
Jan. 27: EFF Live!

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

Jan. 26-Feb. 11: “Next to Normal”

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Community Corner: Notable January Events

December 28, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Penguin Plunge
Jan. 1: Welcome the New Year by taking a plunge into the Susquehanna River with hundreds of other supporters of the Humane Society of Harrisburg to help give animals homes in central PA. The 27th annual event begins at 10 a.m. on City Island beach in Harrisburg with the actual plunge at noon. www.humanesocietyhbg.org

Scavenger Hunt
Jan. 1-31: Kids ages 0-12 are invited to New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, for a month-long scavenger hunt to locate cold climate animals hiding inside the library to keep warm. Find all the cold climate animals around the children’s room and win a fun prize. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Winter Discovery
Jan. 1-31: 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

Photo Display
Jan. 2-26: View photographs entered in Friends of Wildwood Park’s annual contest in the Olewine Nature Center, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, during business hours. Vote for your favorite photos. Winners will be announced at the reception on Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. People’s Choice Award winners will be named at the show’s conclusion. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Get Fit
Jan. 2-29: 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

Freedom Exhibit
Jan. 2-June 2: “Pursuit of Freedom—The Abolition of Slavery” is now on display at National Civil War Museum, One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg. This exhibition highlights early attempts to abolish slavery in the United States and actions that ultimately ended slavery with the 13th Amendment, only after a devastating Civil War. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Winter Edibles
Jan. 4: 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

Calm the Mind
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Start the New Year learning short, easy 15-minute calming meditations at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, on Thursdays, 12 to 12:30 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Volunteer Preview
Jan. 6: In support of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, join the East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, to learn more about volunteer work being done by members of the local community, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Explore area agencies and organizations, and learn how to volunteer for your community. Giveaways and snacks will be provided. www.dcls.org

HBG Flea
Jan. 6: Shop 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

Book Sale
Jan. 6, 20: 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

Farm Show
Jan. 6-13: 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 firsthand the science and skills used in agriculture, and discover some new events and features. www.farmshow.state.pa.us

Art Show
Jan. 7: Visit the State Museum, 300 North St., Harrisburg, on the closing day of the “Art of the State” annual juried exhibition. At 2 p.m., meet artists Kirsten Olson and Joseph Opshinsky and explore their unique styles. www.statemuseumpa.org

Coffee Talk
Jan. 7: Local musician Doug Morris will share a public presentation about “What Actors Can Teach Us About Society” at Cornerstone Coffeehouse, 2133 Market St., Camp Hill, 2 to 4 p.m. www.thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Photo Tour
Jan. 8: Hershey Horticulture Society hosts “Four Season Garden: A Photographic Tour” with Kevin Kelly, Penn State Master Gardener, at Brownstone Lodge, Hershey, at 1 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. www.hersheyhorticulture.com

Winter Stories
Jan. 8-Feb. 26: Take the whole family to Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 11 to 11:30 a.m., for the Winter Children’s Storytime series. Storytime engages kids, ages 2 and older, in fun, dynamic early learning activities with books, songs and movement. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Lecture Series
Jan. 9: Save the date for Wildwood Park’s “PA Natural Wonders” at 110 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join Marci Mowery, president of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, for an in-person lecture to learn more about these special places in the keystone state. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Computer Basics
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for a series of beginning computer classes. Learn Microsoft Word on Jan. 9, Microsoft Excel on Jan. 16, Microsoft PowerPoint on Jan. 23, and Google Suite on Jan. 30. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Evening Mixer
Jan. 11: Network with area business professionals at West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s evening mixer at Healthy You Café, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to chamber members. www.wschamber.org

Food Rally
Jan. 11: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from area food trucks or New Cumberland restaurants, and enjoy shopping and special promotions at local businesses. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Film Friday
Jan. 12: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson” at 2 p.m. Watch the film at the library and stay for a moderated discussion. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Curiosity Kids
Jan. 12, 26: Kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, to learn about gooey and oily liquids on Jan. 12 at 11:30 a.m. and about light on Jan. 26 at 11:30 a.m. Curiosity Kids events are included with museum general admission, but space is limited. www.statemuseumpa.org

Birds & Coffee
Jan. 13: 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

PA Rocks
Jan. 13: Explore rocks of Pennsylvania at the State Museum, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. and 1 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

Tonight’s Sky
Jan. 13, 14: 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

MLK Service Day
Jan. 15: 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

Girls who Code
Jan. 16, 23, 30: Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey, hosts Girls Who Code, a program for girls in grades 6 to 12 to use computer science to impact their community, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Girls will build skills in teamwork, confidence, time management, communication and more. www.hersheylibrary.org

3rd in The Burg
Jan. 19: 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

Painting at the Park
Jan. 20: Join Friends of Wildwood for the sixth annual “Painting at the Park” to create a moonlight boardwalk piece at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $25 per person, with proceeds going to Friends of Wildwood. Materials provided; pre-registration required. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

SnowFest
Jan. 21: Kick off the new year at Juniata Valley YMCA’s 13th Annual Snow Fest and Polar Plunge at Greenwood Furnace State Park, 15795 Greenwood Rd., Huntingdon, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.jvymca.org

Discover Winter
Jan. 21: Young explorers ages 5 to 10 are invited to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 2 to 3:30 p.m., for Kids Discover to explore life in winter at Lykens Glen Park. Discover wildlife still active in winter, go on a scavenger hunt, and attempt some fun winter science experiments. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Legislators’ Forum
Jan. 24: Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce host the 2023 Legislators’ Forum, featuring area members of the state 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

Author Talk
Jan. 25: The Center for Holocaust and Jewish Studies at Penn State Harrisburg will host a virtual book talk by historian Rebecca Erbelding about her book, “Rescue Board: The Untold Story of America’s Efforts to Save the Jews of Europe.” The webinar will begin at 12 p.m. and is free and open to the public. www.jewishharrisburg.org

Burns Night
Jan. 27: 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 hour will be held 5 to 6 p.m., followed by dinner. www.pennscots.org

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Year in Review: The most popular stories of 2023, click by click

December 27, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Over the past year, we’ve spent an enormous amount of time writing about two topics: the Broad Street Market fire and homelessness.

You may not know that, though, judging from your clicks.

Our readers always surprise us, and 2023 was no exception. Sure, you read our hard news, eat-your-broccoli-type content. But you were just as likely (maybe more) to click on less-serious stuff like restaurant and business stories.

Hey, that’s why we serve up a varied menu here at TheBurg. Local news should reflect the wide range of what’s happening in a community.

So, as we wrap up 2023, here’s our annual review of the top-10 most-read stories of the past year, as tallied by your page views from our website.

No. 10. Governor’s Islands. Back in 2022, our most-read story came as a big surprise to me. In August of that year, we reported that two large mudflats in the middle of the Susquehanna River—Independence Island and Bailey’s Island—were up for sale after more than a century in the same family. Everyone wanted to know: who would buy these unbuildable mosquito nests? In 2023, we found out. In early February, we broke the news that the commonwealth, specifically the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, had purchased the pair for $160,000 in order to conserve the land and keep it public. This island news was not No. 1 again this year, but it still ranked highly, clocking in as our 10^th most-read story of the year.

No. 9. Sip on This. Every year, one story vastly exceeds our expectations. Often, this is a rather basic item that we think will have only smallish community interest—and then, to our total surprise, it blows up. In 2023, that story was our March online article about the first-ever SoMa Sips Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival. The story was a brief, just-the-facts-ma’am preview of a booze-based block party slated for late April in downtown Harrisburg. Why did the story prove to be so popular? Your guess is as good as mine, though my guess is, well, all the booze.

No. 8. Friends & Family. Each year, our online-only stories, as opposed to our print magazine stories, dominate the most-read list. Likely, this is because readers have just one option for our web-only content—it’s online or nothing. But, also each year, one or two magazine stories slide into the most-read list online. In 2023, that story was our November feature on Pal’s Apparel, a Harrisburg streetwear shop. In it, our city reporter Maddie Gittens told the story of how family and friends stepped in to run Pal’s after the sudden death of the store’s beloved owner, Moe Rammouni. On a personal note, this may be my favorite Burg story of the past year.

No. 7. Pizza Pass. After all these years in journalism, I still get a little thrill when we beat other news outlets to a story. It actually happens quite a lot, often because we’re out there walking the streets everyday—and we notice things. For instance, one day last March, I was strolling by Cork & Fork downtown when I saw something in the window—a PA Liquor Control Board sign indicating a change of ownership. After a couple of calls, we learned that Millworks owner Josh Kesler was buying the business and the building. This little bit of news about a very popular restaurant came in hot, claiming a top spot on our most-read list.

No. 6. Danger Zone. Unfortunately, our most-read list this year had several bleak spots. In late December 2022, a bicyclist was struck and killed at the intersection of Cameron and Paxton streets, marking the fourth pedestrian or biking death near that intersection over a three-year period. As a result, the local biking community held a vigil for the victim and deployed a “ghost bike” to mark the fatality, which was the basis of our news feature. To be honest, this wasn’t technically a 2023 story. We published it on Dec. 28 of last year, a day after we posted our most-read list for last year. That last week of 2022 proved to be unusually busy news-wise, as the same fate befell our No. 2 story.

No. 5. No Soup for You. Seemingly forever, a classic American diner stood near the corner of Herr Street and Arsenal Boulevard. In fact, when I came to Harrisburg, I ate one of my first meals there. A few years ago, the diner changed ownership then closed and then stood empty. Last September, we reported that a new property owner planned to remove the diner to expand a nearby gas station and convenience store. I guess I’m not the only person in the area with memories of the former American Dream Diner, as our brief story about the project zipped up the charts to land at No. 5 for the year.

No. 4. Restaurant Rebrand. When a business lasts long enough, it becomes part of the fabric of a neighborhood. Such was the case with the Vietnamese Garden at 3^rd and Reily streets in Midtown, which opened about 20 years ago. So, when we saw a new sign go up on the building, we had to find out what was happening. As it turned out, the news wasn’t so much a change of ownership as a change of generations. The owners’ son had taken over, in the process updating the interior and changing the name to The LA Squared. Our May story gained a ton of readers and social media shares, showing that the restaurant, in fact, had become a local favorite.

No. 3. Up in Smoke. In 2023, we wrote dozens of stories about the Broad Street Market following the devastating July fire, covering everything from the temporary market to the fate of the vendors to the community impact. Many of these stories were widely read, but only our first, brief, early-morning article about the fire itself made the top-10. If I had one New Year’s wish for Harrisburg, it would be that, in 2024, the negative market news reverses, with the good making the bad a distant memory.

No. 2. Another Slice. So, this has never happened before—two stories on essentially the same topic made our top-10 list for 2023. As mentioned above, the sale of the Harrisburg location of Cork & Fork was our seventh most-popular online story of the year—well, the west shore location did even better. We also broke this story, that the Cork & Fork ownership group had sold the “Osteria” in Hampden Township to Harrisburg restaurateur Brian Fertenbaugh. This news was sliced just right and became the year’s No. 2 most popular story—well sort of. Technically, this also was a 2022 story, as we published it on Dec. 30, several days after we (mistakenly) thought we were done for the year and posted our top-10 list.

No. 1. Night News. For the past few years, restaurateur Justin Browning has been on a tear. He first opened his downtown alt-pub, JB Lovedraft’s, then his brewery/restaurant/venue on the west shore, then his Broad Street Market stand and, finally, his 2nd Street nightclub. It was the last one, deemed “Nocturnal,” that became our No. 1 most-read story of the year. Would I have predicted this? Well, business-opening stories tend to do well, especially when we break them. But 21,000-plus page views? Total surprise.

For a different take on 2023, I will have my annual list of top local news stories in the January magazine, which drops on Dec. 28. Does my list differ from that of our readers, who voted with their clicks? Return on Thursday to find out!

Lawrance Binda is publisher/editor of TheBurg.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 22, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Treasurer Dan Miller at a press conference on Monday

Happy Holidays from us at TheBurg! We hope you enjoy quality time spent with family and friends. Before you jump into the festivities, get up to speed on this week’s local news coverage.

DaisyAge recently opened in downtown Camp Hill as a modern-meets-vintage boutique, our magazine story reported. Owner Sandra Sharp has been collecting clothes for decades, and now she shares her unique finds with customers.

Governor’s Square’s future plans will remain in limbo as owner Uptown Partners will continue to weigh offers on the sale of its affordable housing development, our online story reported. The bankruptcy court has delayed the final hearing on the sale until Jan. 30.

Harrisburg City Council approved a 2024 general fund budget without a tax hike, our online story reported. City administration also shared how inflation and the impacts of COVID affected the budget.

Harrisburg Treasurer Dan Miller held a press conference to state his opposition to the city’s plan to raise residents’ trash rates, our online story reported. City officials responded to his comments, defending the bill hike.

The Homeland Center in Harrisburg made some discoveries about its history during the process of creating its 2024 calendar fundraiser. In our magazine story, read about the local women and city churches that founded the center.

New Year’s Eve celebrations will take place in downtown Harrisburg with music, fireworks, kids’ activities and a strawberry drop, our online story reported.

Open Stage’s productions of “Who’s Holiday!” and “A Christmas Carol” have become staples for central Pa. audiences. In our magazine story, hear from the two lead actors of the shows.

Professional Santa Clauses in the Harrisburg area share what it’s like to be the star of the season. In our magazine story, hear from a few local Mr. Clauses on what their jolly jobs are like.

Rosemary remembers a meal of oysters that she had during a family trip to Williamsburg, Va., years ago. She recreates that dish for Christmas Eve this year. Find the recipe, here.

Sara Bozich has pulled together all of this weekend’s last-chance holiday activities. Find all of the festivities, here.

State Rep. Dave Madsen announced his candidacy for a second term for 104^th legislative district in Harrisburg, our online story reported. Madsen was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 2022.

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New hemp, CBD shop debuts in downtown Harrisburg

December 22, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

NESTA Hemp Shop has opened in this storefront on N. 3rd Street.

The year is closing out with another new business announcement for downtown Harrisburg.

On Friday, Harristown Enterprises announced that a new hemp/CBD shop has debuted at 9 N. 3rd St. in the retail strip called the “Shops on 3rd,” adjacent to Strawberry Square.

Last June, the owner, Carmelia Rameau, opened C.R. Blooms, a wellness boutique, and now has taken the 700-square-foot space next door for her second business.

According to Harristown, NESTA offers a large selection of CBD products and supplements, as well as dispensary-grade THC products that do not require a medical card. In addition, skin and body care products containing CBD are available, including topical creams, lotions, bath bombs and more.

“We are happy to welcome NESTA to downtown Harrisburg,” said Brad Jones, Harristown’s president and CEO. “Strawberry Square and the Shops on 3rd are a center of activity, and this shop adds to the growing health and beauty corridor along North 3rd Street.”

This past year, many new shops have opened in Harristown’s renovated storefronts around 3rd and Market streets, including Found Collab, Unleashed Grooming Co. and Tamara Boutique, among others.

NESTA Hemp Shop is located at 9 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page or @nestahempshop717 or call 305-965-8086.

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Harrisburg passes 2024 budget with no tax hike; city finances affected by rising costs and pandemic impact

December 21, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council at a past session.

Harrisburg has solidified a spending plan for the new year, one that anticipates impacts from inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic.

On Thursday, City Council approved a $109.4 million general fund budget for 2024, which includes investments in infrastructure and public safety.

The budget does not include a property tax increase.

In total, the balanced budget equals $150.7 million, including the general fund budget and the $21.1 million neighborhood services fund budget, among others.

The budget, first proposed by Mayor Wanda Williams in November, specifically prioritizes projects such as street paving, upgrades to city parks and the hiring of several new police officers. The plan also factors in the spending of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money on projects like renovating the Hall Manor pool and funding affordable housing development, one-time funds that boosted this year’s budget number.

Council passed the budget after making a few minor amendments, mostly reducing raises for city employees that they felt were not deserved or adequately explained by the administration. The budget was slated to be approved on Tuesday, but was recessed for further discussion and approval on Thursday. Council voted 5-1 to approve the budget, with council member Shamaine Daniels voting against it. Council member Jocelyn Rawls was not present.

Additionally, in 2024 the city will raise residents’ monthly trash bills by $3.23, making the cost $35.57 per month.

According to city Business Administrator Dan Hartman, the fee hike is needed to offset inflation and continuously increasing expenses such as tipping fees, wage increases, vehicle costs and fuel prices.

Hartman defended the city’s decision to raise rates on Monday after Treasurer Dan Miller held a press conference that morning to state his opposition to the plan. Ultimately, council approved the measure.

“This is something that, while no one wants to have to do it, I think it is responsible to ensure that our neighborhood services fund can continue to operate from a strong position moving forward,” council member Westburn Majors said.

And while Harrisburg’s budget is impacted by rising costs, it is also affected by areas of decreased revenue, so that the city will have to “tighten its belt” in the 2024 budget, Hartman explained during a separate interview with TheBurg.

Several of the city’s sources of income have struggled to recover post-COVID, including revenue from parking, property taxes and business privilege taxes, affecting its 2024 general fund budget.

“You’re dealing with, what does the new economy look like, and how does the city balance what is the old way of taxing through what is kind of our new economy?” Hartman said.

During the pandemic, Harrisburg saw big decreases in cash flow from parking and taxes from businesses as foot traffic slowed and some shops even closed down. In the wake of COVID, the city is still experiencing losses, as people continue to telework, bringing fewer people into Harrisburg to park, shop and dine.

Harrisburg receives revenue from parking from two buckets, both of which have come up drier than usual.

In 2013, Harrisburg signed a long-term lease of its parking assets. Under the lease, the city gets money from taxes on parking. Before the pandemic, in 2019, Harrisburg brought in about $4.2 million from that bucket of funds. In 2020, that number dropped to about $3.4 million and now, as part of its 2024 budget, city officials project about $3.7 million in revenue, a figure that still hasn’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

Additionally, the city historically has received a few million dollars a year in “waterfall payments” from parking–a small share of the parking system’s overall revenue–but those payments dropped off during COVID. The city currently receives nothing from that stream of revenue, Hartman said.

Hartman attributes the loss in parking revenue to the effects of the pandemic, specifically as fewer people have swapped in-office work for telework.

Additionally, property tax assessment appeals have become the city’s latest financial headache, as office building owners, also impacted by COVID and work-from-home, attempt to lower their properties’ market values, thus lessening the tax revenue received by the city, county and school district.

“All of this loops around and has a direct effect on our bottom line,” Hartman explained.

The city projects a loss of several hundred thousand dollars in taxes from these properties due to reassessments.

“You can walk outside our building, look in any direction, and you’ll be seeing someone [who has appealed their assessment],” Hartman said.

Even considering the revenue losses, the 2024 budget is balanced.

One area of increased revenue for the city is earned income taxes (EIT), which, over the past several years, has jumped. Due to factors like wage increases, inflation and people getting additional jobs, the EIT the city receives has gone from around $10 million five years ago to around $17 million this past year. The 2024 budget anticipates another $1 million increase.

“That growth has exploded,” Hartman said. “That wage growth has done so much to offset drops elsewhere. But keep in mind, our costs go up every year.”

However, the city will need to figure out how to handle the long-term effects of telework.

Hartman said that Harrisburg has goals to draw businesses into the city and create more housing to boost the city’s tax base.

“That’s how you build your fix, is taking underutilized, underdeveloped areas and redeveloping them,” he said.

In other news, council approved the appointment of Rafiyqa Muhammad, Katherine Scott and Pamela Parson to the Environmental Advisory Council.

Council also appointed Quinton Davis, Adrian Selkowitz, Gia Johnson and Lakichia Carrier to the Citizen’s Law Enforcement Advisory Committee. The new committee was created by council in 2020, but its nine seats were never filled.

Thursday marked council’s final meeting of the year. Council meetings will resume in January.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 21, 2023 | 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: Last weekend for much of the holiday events, shows, and performances. Worth noting: A Very Court Street Cabaret Christmas! at Open Stage looks like a fun twist on the usual holiday entertainment Things on my agenda this weekend: Two holiday work parties tonight, then holiday break ✌🏼

For your weekend planning

Sara’s 5 Favorite Local Places to Buy Clothing
9 Foodie Trips Not to Miss | AAA Central Penn
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Christmas Day

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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 | Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

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