Grape Expectations: A trip to Lake Erie resulted in deeper appreciation for PA wines—and some gift ideas

November 29, 2023 | by M. Diane McCormick

Image courtesy of Mazza Vineyards

“Let’s go taste the regent, and then we’ll go back and taste some wine.”

Lovely words, heard in the very vineyard that birthed those wines. The regent grapes we tasted right from the vine were almost ready for this year’s vintage. The wines waiting for us came from past harvests.

This was a tour of Erie wine country. Hosted by Mazza Vineyards, the venerable Pennsylvania winemaker, I sipped Mazza’s portfolio of wines crafted in close partnership with local grape growers. By introducing new wines and reintroducing the classics, the experience raised new possibilities for holiday gift giving.

In the Beginning

Come to Erie, where grape-friendly conditions are infused into soil formed by glaciers and into air moderated, temperature-wise, by the 9,900-square-mile Lake Erie.

Everywhere you go, there are grapevines, in sprawling expanses or tucked between homes. The industry jumpstarted with Welch’s and its circa-1897 juice plant built in Westfield, N.Y., just over the Pennsylvania line.

But grape growers can sell only so much juice, and, in the 1960s, Doug Moorhead led a successful campaign allowing wineries to sell directly to the public. In the wake of the Pennsylvania Limited Winery Act of 1969, Robert Mazza founded his family winery in 1972.

In this region, every bottle sings with history. The setting helps. I took my first sips of Mazza’s The Perfect Rosé while standing on a ridge overlooking the vastness of Lake Erie. Just beyond the cliff, a young bald eagle swooped past.

Our cliffside lodgings were at Lakeview on the Lake, a charmingly retro, family-owned lodge with motel rooms and cottages spread around a grassy quad. I stayed in an auto court cottage straight out of the classic movie, “It Happened One Night”—not the donut-dunking one, but the knotty pine-walled, “Take me with you” one. I was tempted to hang a “Walls of Jericho” blanket.

Grape to Glass

Lake Erie’s cooler climate and breezy days compare to wine regions in Germany, nurturing the whites Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, plus red Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.

It all starts with the growers, close collaborators with Mazza in planning each year’s harvest and vintages.

Bill Semelka, whose father originally grew juice grapes, now grows regent, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Itasca, a new cool-climate variety from Minnesota for a fruity, dry white. There on a bluff, air movement keeps the vines dry, for grapes that ripen earliest.

Standing in the vineyard, we sipped wines made with “right-here grapes,” in the words of Mazza Brand Ambassador Blaine Ballard. The regent plays well as a blend, I learned, giving a lift to Cab Franc or Merlot. The regent-chambourcin was rich and lively, closing with a hint of apple.

At Szklenski Farms, in Harborcreek Township, Blaine again set up a tasting table from the back of his truck. This time, he lined up dozens of glasses in rows of four.

This was a “vertical tasting,” comparing one wine across vintages. We sipped the Cab Franc made from Szklenski grapes in 2016, ’17, ’19 and ’20. The two elders were the clear winners, left to age gracefully and reach their full mellow.

The ’19 and ’20 were no slouches, though. As explained by Mario Mazza, second-generation general manager and vice president, the tasting proved that the Szklenski Cab Franc is no fluke. In agriculture, there will always be crop failures, like the season at Semelka’s farm when the regent grapes, “you just looked at them funny, and they’d fall off.” But a good wine from year to year demonstrates the consistency in farming practices needed to create “a commonality of structure and architecture,” Mario said.

As a later tour guide, Director of Distilling & Brewing Joe Nelson, would say, every glass brims with the symbiosis of grower and maker.

“We do what we’re good at,” he said. “We hire people who are good at what they do.”

A Travel Guide

A vineyard is a unique place to taste wine, but a cavern? Now we’re talking character and mystery.

Mazza operates three Lake Erie wine country sites, each a unique destination. Let’s start with the cavern.

In 1864, the owners of Erie’s first commercial winery built a stone cave where horse-drawn carts brought grapes for storage. Fast forward to 2006, when Robert Mazza bought the decrepit property in North East and restored it as South Shore Wine Company.

Descend into the cavern for a taste of Mazza’s Coupe Collection of sparkling wines. Our breakfast mimosas paired beautifully with bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches from an Erie eatery, and that was fine with Mario. You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy sparkling wine, he said. Open a bottle and take the tedium out of Tuesday.

Mazza’s logo features grapes, grain and hops. Why? Because Mazza established New York State’s first combination winery, distillery and brewery. Just over the Pennsylvania-New York line, in picturesque Chautauqua County, you can while away the evening on the patio or in the tasting room at Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, a.k.a. The Westfield Wonder.

Sip on rye whiskeys and bourbons in straight traditional or finished in different barrels for added levels of complexity, all made with local grains. On the brewing side, choose from pale ales, stouts, seasonals, a cream ale that hearkened back to my college days and the uniquely Erie-ish Grape Lakes American Wheat, flavored with a hint of concord grape.

Finally, explore Mazza’s origins by visiting where it all started—Mazza Vineyards in North East, the company’s first winery and tasting room. Here, we saw clusters from that morning’s harvest hand-loaded into a presser separating grapes from stems. I reached into the bin to feel and taste the sweet mash, grapes picked at just the right ratio of sugar and acid on their way to fermentation.

The tasting room exudes Old World charm, with red tile floors, stucco walls and bottles on a mantel decked out in mantles of wine-competition medals.

This room celebrates tradition, including Mazza’s La Famiglia line honoring winemakers who have come, over the years, from five continents. The collection is “technique-focused,” said Mario, such as the dry Appassionato made by drying the grapes on a rack.

“We are always building on their legacies,” Mario said. “You have to work as a team. I continue to learn from them all the time.”

Guide for Giving

A bit of knowledge helps when pairing the right wine or spirit with the right loved one.

The Perfect Rosé: For the perky friend who always cheers you up. Nice and bright. Pairs nicely with spicy.
Mazza Chautauqua Cellars Riesling (Nutt Rd. Vineyard): For the wisecracker in your life. Semi-dry, made from grapes all grown on the same block. This was where I learned that a distinct whiff of turpentine is desirable. I’m still trying to process that.
South Shore Wine Company Lemberger: For the friend who’s ahead of the curve. Lemberger, a wonderful discovery for me, produces a peppery, dry red.
Five & 20 Spirits and Brewery Déjà Vu Bourbon: For the whiskey aficionado who’s equal parts sweet and roasty. Begins life in new, charred American oak barrels. Then, it’s transferred for a 24-month stay to casks that recently held Five & 20’s Commiseration Imperial Stout.
Mazza Vineyards Ice Wine of Vidal Blanc: Surprise the friend who swears on dry wines only. Harvesting day is all-hands-on-deck, when—and if—the temperature plummets to 17 degrees. Even community volunteers bundle up and pitch in. The tradition behind it gave me a new appreciation of ice wine. It was fruity and dense, with some acidity blunting the sweetness.
South Shore Wine Company Pét Nat Riesling: For the hazy IPA lover who’s wine-curious. The ancestral Pétillant Naturel method creates fizz by bottling juice while it’s still fermenting. Increasingly popular for its lack of additives.
South Shore Wine Company Sparkling Pinot Noir: Perfect for a certain writer for TheBurg. A cheery, dry sparkler with notes of black cherry and ripe plum. As Mario said, a bubbly lift for an ordinary day, but also the ideal glass to raise when saying, “Happy holidays, everyone!”

For more information on Mazza Vineyards, visit www.enjoymazza.com. For more information on Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, visit www.fiveand20.com.

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

Colonial Christmas: Rosemary heads south for a Tidewater holiday nosh

November 29, 2023 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

In the fall of 1973, along with my husband and parents, I took my one and only trip to Williamsburg, Va.

I was enchanted. It was a sun-splashed weekend with bright days and cool nights. The fall leaves, most of them a bright, buttery yellow (maybe maples?) almost glittered in the sunshine.

My father, who normally preferred traveling to Italy or New York City, walked ahead of us on the beautiful, wide streets, taking one photograph after another. These photos became the basis of his “Williamsburg Collection”—watercolors of the tree-lined streets and quaint buildings of this magical colonial town. We still have several of these paintings hanging in our home.

The food we savored during our little trip to Williamsburg was different than anything I had ever eaten before: peanut soup and Cornish hens at the King’s Arms Tavern, salmagundi salad at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, and an elegant lobster dinner at the Williamsburg Inn.

I returned home with “The Williamsburg Cookbook” and, over the last 40-plus years, have made and treasured so many of its recipes: pork chops with sweet potatoes, pound cake, ham with brandied peaches, and wassail Christmas punch. I made Chowning’s Tavern “Welsh Rabbit with Beer” for years. It was an easy dinner.

Because of Williamsburg’s location in the tidewater area of Virginia, seafood dishes are offered in abundance at all of its inns and taverns. As the “Williamsburg Cookbook” notes, “Water and fish are everywhere in tidewater Virginia,” and, “Residents who live along the rivers can scrape up shellfish by the bushel.” Especially oysters!

The first Christmas Eve after our Williamsburg trip, I made some wonderful “scalloped oysters” as part of a late-night buffet. I decided to make them again this year as a first course to a Christmas Eve dinner. The recipe below was originally served at a Williamsburg restaurant called the Travis House, which was built in 1765 and restored in 1930. I think even the non-oyster lovers among you may enjoy them, but don’t let the amount of butter scare you!

Williamsburg Travis House Oysters

Ingredients

1 cup butter
¾ cup all-purpose flour (Wondra flour works great)
1½ teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper
½ clove garlic, minced
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
½ medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 quart fresh shucked oysters in their “liquor”
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ to ½ cup cracker crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Grease a 2-quart casserole or six ramekins with PAM or softened butter.
Melt the cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Remove from the heat, add the flour, and whisk until smooth.
Return the pan to the heat and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture is light brown.
Add paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic, onion and green pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the oysters and their liquor, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce and stir well.
Pour into your prepared casserole and sprinkle with cracker crumbs. Small ramekins also work nicely here instead of a larger casserole, especially when serving the oysters as a first course.
Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Serve while still warm.

I have always wanted to spend a few days in Williamsburg during the Christmas season. The festivities are said to last almost the entire month of December: the flaming yule log, strolling carolers dressed in colonial garb, and a holiday dinner known as the “Crown of the Turtle Feast” at the King’s Arms Tavern.

I guess my dreams of a Williamsburg Christmas are far from my Italian tradition, but they are a nice little change. My ancestors might have enjoyed the rich eggnog I made for years, as long as there were some Italian pine nut cookies to go along!

Whatever you are cooking (or eating) this holiday season, I wish you happiness and peace.

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

Musical Notes: Sleigh Your Concert Season

November 29, 2023 | by Skye Leppo

Amidst the season’s “Album of The Year” countdown listicles and modern takes on holiday tunes of yore, I hope you’ll find some time this month to enjoy live music too, whether you’re just out enjoying caroling from passersby or dancing at a concert.

I’m equally as pumped to catch a few gigs live as I am to spin “A Very Special Christmas” on vinyl, which I scored at a yard sale after noticing the signature Keith Haring cover of the record—a fave find of this year’s adventures. Wishing you all a joyous season with lots of great tunes!

SEE YOU ON THE DANCE FLOOR

HU Presents The Maine, 12/7, XL Live

Emo dance rockers The Maine are bringing their latest tour to Harrisburg for a night of pop punk goodness early this month. They’ll probably flash back to a few goodies from their skater sound of 2008’s “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” but the five-some did release their ninth studio LP earlier this year, so I imagine you’ll hear some bangers from that record, including “dose no. 2” and “blame.”

FA LA LA LA FOLK

Girl Named Tom, 12/8, Hershey Theatre

Girl Named Tom, a folk pop trio of siblings, hits the stage at Hershey Theatre on Dec. 8 for an evening of hypnotic harmonies on the “One More Christmas” tour. You may recognize the group from “The Voice,” where they held the distinction of being the first group ever to win the competition during Season 21. They released their first original single earlier this year, “What A View,” and, according to their website, more original tunes are on the way.

FOR CONSIDERATION

Start Making Sense, 12/29, XL Live

I normally wouldn’t add a tribute band to this roundup, but Start Making Sense is as close to the Talking Heads as you’ll see shy of catching David Byrne playing a surprise gig somewhere. The New Wave icon’s Broadway show, “Here Lies Love,” will have taken its final bow by the time this column hits print.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Jazz Is Dead featuring Alphonso Johnson, Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli & Bobby Lee Rodgers, 12/1, XL Live

The Egyptian Lover, 12/8, H*MAC

Straight No Chaser, 12/10, Hershey Theatre

Susquehanna Folk Music Presents An Irish Christmas with John Doyle & Mick McAuley, Dec. 15, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York

The Dirty Sweet & Friends, 12/15, XL Live

From Ashes to New, 12/16 & 12/17, H*MAC

Cirque Dreams Holidaze, 12/21, Hershey Theatre

Observe the 93rd Album Release Show, 12/30, XL Live

YAM YAM, 12/31, XL Live

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

Happenings: Our December Calendar of Events

November 29, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“A Celebration of 20 Years—Going Back in Time,” through fall 2023

“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

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

Fiber artist Gloria McPherson, through Dec. 17

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

“Art for the Holidays” gift market, through Dec. 23

“Pulled—The Art of Print Making,” showcasing hand-pulled prints, through Dec. 23

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

December artist of the month

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

Mid Penn Bank Art Show Reception, through Dec. 1

The Annual Holiday Show, through Dec. 31

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Hershey Public Library Exhibit Galleries, through Dec. 9

Backstage Café at the Allen Theater, Dec. 1-Jan. 20

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

“Spaces and Faces,” fine art collages by Katherine Horst, Dec. 1-Jan. 27; artist reception, Dec. 1, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

“Cover Design,” featuring a collection of book cover designs by David Fassett, Dec. 8-Feb. 4

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

New works by PD Murray, R Lo, The Huckle Buckle Boys, April Henbest, through Dec. 10

New works from Paul Vasiliades, Pat Frese, Marsha Souders, Rachelle Lowe, Judy Kelly and Marjorie Taylor, Dec. 12-Jan. 14

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

Art in the Stacks featuring Shelly Lipscomb, Dec. 1-31

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. 4^th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“TIME,” featuring historical clocks from the Landis Collection, alongside contemporary artwork, Dec. 14-March 21

“Art on Tour” at the PA state Capitol, Dec. 1-31

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

“Mugstravanganza!” with more than 100 mugs created by local artists, through Dec. 31

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

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

“Student Honors Photography,” through Dec. 8

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

“HORSE2AUTO—A Transportation Revolution,” through 2023

“From the Collections—Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Campaign Material,” through 2023

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

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

“The Hidden Museum, 2018,” installation in which viewers are challenged to locate “hidden” works of art, through Dec. 31

“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

“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

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“Scatter Terrain,” representations of peculiar landscapes, architectural and intimate domestic corner by 25 contemporary artists, Dec. 17

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

“Home for the Holidays,” through Dec. 31

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, Dec. 12-Jan. 27; reception and winners announcement: Jan. 14, 1 p.m.

Read, Make, Learn

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

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: BOOMer Strong, 10 a.m.
Dec. 1, 15, 29: Virtual Booty Blast, 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Virtual Adult Art Class, 11:05 a.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Virtual Kids Art Class, 12:05 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Tai Chi, 4 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, 28: BOOMer Fit, 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 5, 12, 19: Virtual Yoga for Back Health, 10 a.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 20: Strong & Fit, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 7, 21: Fit Chicks at Enola Store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 8, 22: Virtual Barre Insanity Express, 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 13: Virtual INSpired, 9 a.m.
Dec. 14, 28: Boomer Fit Zoomer at Enola Store and virtual, 4:15 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Make an Ornament (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 2: Copper Enameling Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12: Intermediate/Advanced Painting, 1-3 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12: 2-Week Beginning Oil Painting, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 6: Mixed Media Small Gifts of Art, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 20: Intro to Linocuts (ages 11-17), Wednesdays, 3:30-5 p.m.
Dec. 9: Holiday Ornament Workshop, 9-11 a.m.
Dec. 9: Hiding in the Pines Painting, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dec. 16: Snowy Path & The Foggy Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 22: Winter Art Workshop (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Dec. 9: Reading the Rainbow Book Club at Elementary Coffee, Harrisburg, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Dec. 6: Horsehead Ornaments (ages 8 and older), 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Dec. 7: Mini Yarn Hat Ornaments (ages 8 and older), 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Dec. 9: Bingo for Books, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 12: Air Dry Clay Gnomes (ages 8 and older), 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Dec. 13: Pine Cone Owls (ages 8 and older), 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Dec. 15: Friday Fun—Holiday/Winter Craft
Dec. 15, 29: Holiday Story Time (ages 3-6), 11-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 16: Raising Readers Story Time (ages 3-6), 10-10:30 a.m.
Dec. 16: Drop-in STEM Day, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 19: Clothes Pin Sheep (ages 8 and older), 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Dec. 27: Bingo for Books, 6:15-7:15 p.m.

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

Dec. 9: Figment Forge Writing Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 11: Mamas ‘n Dramas, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 14: Craft Café, 5-7 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Fiber Artists, 3-5 p.m.
Dec. 9: LEGO Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 16: K-Pets Therapy Reading Sessions, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 19: Baby Musik Time, 9:50-10:30 a.m.
Dec. 19: Preschool Musik Time, 10:30-11 a.m.

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

Dec. 1: Chess Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Dec. 4: ESL Conversation Circle, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 5: Curl up with the Classics—“Arms and the Man,” 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 5: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Dec. 5, 19: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 6: Moving Forward Book Group, 1-2 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 28: Device Advice, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 8: Film Friday, 2-4 p.m.
Dec. 8: Peaceful Poses “Nutcracker” Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-10:45 a.m.
Dec. 9: Tween STEAM Escape Room, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Teen STEAM Escape Room, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Dec. 11: Philosopher’s Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m.
Dec. 12: Tween LEGO Club, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 18: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
Dec. 20: Ask a Dietician, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 21: Tween Epic Comic Club, 6-7 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Holiday Wine Glasses/Water Goblets, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dec. 6: Boxwood Christmas Tree, 6–7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7: Mosaic Christmas Tree, 6–8 p.m.
Dec. 9: Kids Christmas Workshop, 1–3 p.m.
Dec. 10: Mixed Media Christmas Tree Trio, 1–3 p.m.
Dec. 17: Country Snowman Painting on Wood (ages 12+), 1–3 p.m.
Dec. 29: Snow Mouse Painting, (ages 8+), 2–4 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Fused Glass Class—Glass Inlay Wooden Tray, 12-4 p.m.
Dec. 2: Prose Writing Workshop, 1-4 p.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
Dec. 2, 16: Fused Glass Class—Snow Scene with Snowman, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Dec. 4, 7, 14: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Dec. 5, 19: Silent Book Group, 10 a.m.
Dec. 5, 12: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Dec. 5, 12: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
Dec. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12, 19: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Dec. 6: LEGO Club, 4-4:45 p.m.
Dec. 6: Library Happy Hour, 6-7:45 p.m.
Dec. 6: Open Book Group, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Dec. 7, 21: Hershey Quilters, 12:30-4 p.m.
Dec. 9: Christmas Wreath Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 9: DIY Card Class, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 11: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 12: Philosopher’s Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
Dec. 16: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Dec. 29: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22: LEGO Time, 10:15 a.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Rhyme Time, 10:15-10:35 a.m.
Dec. 5, 12, 19: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12, 19: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27: Toddler Time, 10:45-11:05 a.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 8: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 9, 23: Block Party, 10:30-11:25 a.m.
Dec. 9, 23: Puzzle Party, 11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 11: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 23: Trivia at Home—Christmas, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 28: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.

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

Dec. 1, 15: Silent Book Club, 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27: Teen Gaming Club, 3 p.m.
Dec. 6: Book Bingo, 5:30 p.m.

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

Dec. 2, 9, 15, 22, 29: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 20 27: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 9: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

Dec. 4: Sewing Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Dec. 5: Calling All Coders!, 5-6 p.m.
Dec. 7: Exploring zSpaces, 5-6 p.m.

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

Dec. 5, 12, 19: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26: Storytime & Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 7: Booklover’s Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: Mystery Book Club, 6-7 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Fluid Art, 12-3 p.m.
Dec. 8: Candle Making, 6-8 p.m.

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

Dec. 9: Lessons in History—“Longstreet, the Confederate General Who Defied the South,” 1-2 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Wreath Workshop, 9-11 a.m., 11:30-1:30 p.m., 2-4 p.m.

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

Dec. 1, 15: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 1-31: December Scavenger Hunt—Sweet Treats (ages 0-12)
Dec. 1-Jan. 5: Beanstack Challenge—Kid Cocoa Challenge (ages 0-18)
Dec. 2, 16: New Cumberland Public Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 4: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11: Cozy Storytime & More (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
Dec. 5, 12: Cozy Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.
Dec. 6: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Dec. 7: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 7, 21: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Dec. 8: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 8: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 13-17), 4-6 p.m.
Dec. 9: Secret Santa Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 9: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17), 10 a.m.
Dec. 12: Holly Luncheon—The Story of the Little Drummer Boy, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 12: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 13: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 14: Candy Cane Coding (ages 5 and older), 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 14, 28: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Dec. 16: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 18: Let it Snow! Snowy Stories and Crafts (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 22: Ugly Holiday Sweater Party (ages 3 and older), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 29: PlayDoh Paloozza (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 16: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Dec. 30: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Dec. 4: Genealogy Group, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Dec. 11: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 18: BYO Craft Nights Adults 18+, 4:30-6:45 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Drop-In Art at the Newport Senior Citizens Center, 3-5 p.m.

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

Dec. 1, 16: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Dec. 1-29: We Are Stars, 11-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 1-29: From Earth to the Universe, 12-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 1-29: Two Small Pieces of Glass, 2-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 2, 6, 7, 8, 14: Constellations, 1 p.m.
Dec. 6: Homeschool Program, 10 a.m.
Dec. 6: Homeschool Program, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 6: Stargazing—Tonight’s Sky Live Chat, 2-2:45 p.m.
Dec. 8: Curiosity Kids—Color, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 8: Curiosity Kids—Wild Canines of PA, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 13: Colonial Pennsylvania Holiday Traditions, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 15: Virtual Program—The Ice Volcanoes of Erie, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Dec. 22: Toys and Games—1950s and 60s, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 23: Family Gallery Tour—Paleontology, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 27: Light up the Night, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 27: Family Gallery Tour—William Penn, 2:30 p.m.
Dec. 28: Discover PA with the Giant Map, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Dec. 30: Noon Year’s Celebration, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Winter Luminaries, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 2: Clay Snowmen, 1-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 2: Wine Bottle Lights, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Clay Trees, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 9: Winter Second Saturday Holiday Open House
Dec. 9: Winter Luminaries, 1-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 16: Clay Sampler, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Girl Scouts Cadettes—Night Owl, 4-8:30 p.m.
Dec. 3, 10: Natural Ornaments, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dec. 9: Birds and Coffee with Appalachian Audubon, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 14: Make and Take Holiday Décor, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 17: Reindeer Workshop, 1:30-3 p.m.
Dec. 22: Sunset Winter Solstice Hike, 4-5:30 p.m.
Dec. 30: Kids Discover—Winter (ages 9-12), 12-2 p.m.

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

Dec. 2: Dance Me a Story, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Live Music

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

Dec. 1-30: “The 2023 Christmas Show—The First Noel”

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

Dec. 1: Jazz in the City
Dec. 1: Tab Benoit with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Dec. 3: A Holiday Celebration with Nathan & Claire Avakian
Dec. 14: Cherry Poppin’ Daddies Christmas Canteen
Dec. 16: Zoso—The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
Dec. 16: Dru Hill

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

Dec. 10: Carols by Candlelight—A John Rutter Christmas

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

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 31: Ted Ansel
Dec. 2, 16, 30: Anthony Haubert
Dec. 6, 20: Mathias Cabbell
Dec. 7, 9, 23, 27: Chris Emkey
Dec. 13: Chris Purcell
Dec. 14, 21, 28: Andrea Britton
Dec. 22, 29: Roy Lefever

Central PA Friends of Jazz
friendsofjazz.org

Dec. 10: George Burton—The Yule Log (HACC, Rose Lehrman Center)

Cumberland Singers
cumberlandsingers.org

Dec. 3: Christmas Coffee House at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Mechanicsburg
Dec. 15: White Winter Hymnal Concert at Community Church of New Cumberland
Dec. 16: White Winter Hymnal Concerts at Fishing Creek Salem UMC, Etters
Dec. 17: St. Peter Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg

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

Dec. 6: Holiday Music with Ray Holland and Lizzy Baldwin

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

Dec. 9: Sugar Mountain—Tribute to Neil Young

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

Dec. 11: Harp & Handbells Concert

Gettysburg Choral Society
gettysburgchoralsociety.org

Dec. 1: Christmas Concert at United Lutheran Seminary, Gettysburg

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

Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26: Kirk Weiss

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

Dec. 1: Nonpoint, (hed)p.e., Sumo Cyco
Dec. 8: The Egyptian Lover
Dec. 9: Styles P
Dec. 12: Knuckle Puck & Friends
Dec. 15: DMVU & Toadface
Dec. 16-17: From Ashes to New
Dec. 30: That Arena Rock Show
Dec. 31: Emo Night

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

Dec. 2: Holiday Concert at Heidelberg UCC, York
Dec. 3: Holiday Concert at Unitarian Church of Harrisburg
Dec. 16: Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ephrata
Dec. 17: St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Middletown

Harrisburg Singers
theharrisburgsingers.org

Dec. 2: Carol Concert at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Mechanicsburg
Dec. 3: Carol Concert at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Camp Hill

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

Dec. 2-3: A Rodgers & Hammerstein Celebration

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Dec. 7: The Maine at XL Live

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

Dec. 2: Hershey Symphony presents “Holiday Spectacular”
Dec. 8: Girl Named Tom
Dec. 10: Straight No Chaser

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

Dec. 1: 3 AM Tokyo
Dec. 2: Downtown Sound
Dec. 8: Cellar Sessions
Dec. 9: Shake Shake Shake
Dec. 15: Until Sunrise
Dec. 16: Funktion
Dec. 22: Cazhmiere
Dec. 23: Honeypump
Dec. 29: Vertigo Vultures
Dec. 30: Smooth Like Clyde
Dec. 31: Sapphire, The Luv Gods

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

Dec. 2: Concert at St. Andrews in the Valley Episcopal Church, Harrisburg
Dec. 9: Concert at All Saints Episcopal Church, Hershey

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

Dec. 5: Glenn Miller Orchestra
Dec. 10: Tanya Tucker
Dec. 12: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

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

Dec. 1: Symphony Orchestra Concert

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

Dec. 3: Messiah University Christmas Concert
Dec. 5: Messiah University Musica Nova—Student Compositions
Dec. 8: Christmas with the Annie Moses Band
Dec. 9: Josiah Provan and Joseph La Marca
Dec. 10: Messiah University Guitar Ensemble
Dec. 15: Susquehanna Chorale Concert—“A Candlelight Christmas”

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

Dec. 15: Luca Savarino Quartet

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

Dec. 8-22: “A Very Court Street Cabaret Christmas!”
Dec. 10: Tony Wayne & The Figgy Pudding Band

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

Dec. 15: Candlelight Christmas Concert at Messiah University
Dec. 16: Candlelight Christmas Concert at Elizabethtown College
Dec. 17: Candlelight Christmas Concert at Market Square Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg

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

Dec. 15: An Irish Christmas with John Doyle & Mick McAuley

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

Dec. 8: The Swingin’ Jazz Nutcracker Suite

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

Dec. 8: Motown with a Twist with Shea Quinn, Erica Lynn Everest, Dr. Nyce & Friends
Dec. 9: Adam Pascal
Dec. 22: The Uptown Band Holiday Extravanganza
Dec. 29: Acute Inflections

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

Dec. 1: Judy Collins
Dec. 2: An Evening of Rush by Solar Federation

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

Dec. 1: Jazz in Dead, Alphonso Johnson, Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli, Bobby Lee Rodgers
Dec. 2: Lil Skies
Dec. 7: Harrisburg University presents The Main
Dec. 8: Caligula Blushed
Dec. 9: EPMD
Dec. 15: The Dirty Sweet & Friends
Dec. 16: Big Something, The Ries Brothers
Dec. 22: The Warped Tour with The Airwaves & Age Against the Machine
Dec. 23: Back in Black ACDC Tribute
Dec. 29: Start Making Sense
Dec. 30: Observe the 93rd, Take the Name Dinosaurs in Paris, The After Hours, Pine Creek Academy
Dec. 31: Yam Yam, AMFM, Chalk Dinosaur

The Stage Door

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

Dec. 2: Cat & Nat Unfiltered
Dec. 9: Greater York Dance presents “The Nutcracker Ballet”
Dec. 10: Greater York Dance presents “Holiday Show”

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

Dec. 1-10: “Elf”

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

Dec. 8-17: “A Steampunk Christmas Carol”

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

Dec. 1-31: “A Christmas Carol The Musical”

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

Dec. 1-3: Gilbert & Sullivan’s “M.S. Pinafore”
Dec. 31: Last Laughs of 2023

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

Dec. 14: Filthy & Fabulous Holiday Drag Show

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

Dec. 8-10: “Seussical Jr.”

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

Dec. 1: The Divas Down Under “Jingle Bell Rock” Drag Show
Dec. 1, 2: Matt Holt and David Beck
Dec. 8, 9: Kevin McCaffrey and Zach Sims
Dec. 15, 16: Jay Nog and Mike Keegan
Dec. 29-31: Jeff Leeson

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

Dec. 1: Free Improv Jam, REAL Fast Coast Wives of Central PA, All Over the Place, Bandito, Rites of Passage, Elderprov, Gingersnaps
Dec. 2: Kid Friendly Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Clown Car, Love Triangle, Euphoria
Dec. 8: Free Improv Jam, 4th Cousins, Naïve Scammers, Our Bizarre Adventure, Leg of Lamp
Dec. 9: Free Mixer, This Show Will Self Destruct, Ham Juice, Barbra, Tiny French Cigarettes
Dec. 15: Free Improv Jam, Original 6, Holy Moly, Bondfire Society, Girlzilla, Team Z, Same Each
Dec. 16: Free Mixer, Next Level, Uncomfortable, Rockstar Goes Supernova, Blackest Thing Ever
Dec. 22: Free Improv Jam, 4th Cousins, Naïve Scammers, Our Bizarre Adventure, Offbeats
Dec. 23: Free Mixer, Phil’s Arcade, Cosmic Trash, Elderprov

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

Dec. 7-10: “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

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

Dec. 6: Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson
Dec. 16-17: Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 21: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Dec. 26-31: “Come From Away”

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

Dec. 1-17: “White Christmas”

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

Dec. 1-11: “One Christmas Eve at the Evergreen Mall”

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

Dec. 14: Terry Fator—”A Very Terry Christmas”

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

Dec. 8-17: “A Christmas Carol”

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

Dec. 1-23: “Who’s Holiday!”
Dec. 2-23: “A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 9: Slayride! with Paige Turner

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

Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10: Fall Senior Series

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

Dec. 13: Irish Christmas in America

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

Dec. 1-3: Black Nativity presented by Sankofa African American Theatre Company

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

Dec. 9-10: Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 16: Studio 22 Dance Academy presents “A Holiday Classic”

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

Silent Partnership: “Fallen Leaves” seems to be a cynical love story—we think

November 29, 2023 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photo by Variance Films.

Oh, boy. Sometimes you can see the theory of a film while watching it without actually seeing the praxis.

This is exactly the case with “Fallen Leaves,” helmed by Aki Kaurismäki.

It was clear that Kaurismäki had something to say, and he was so close to saying it, but what resulted is a wobbly story that needs to be carried by abrupt humor and tragic character flaws. Spoiler alert: they definitely dropped the casket.

The film is meant to be a sweet love story of two lonely people who overcome obstacles to be together.

Ansa (Alma Pöysti) keeps getting shuffled from job to job by nearly cartoon-like circumstances. Her solace is the occasional drink with her friend, Tonja (Alina Tomnikov), and returning to her apartment to half-listen to news of the war on the radio.

In contrast, Holappa (Jussi Vatanen) job-hops to enable his alcoholism, routinely finding himself at the bars with his friend, Rauno (Martti Suosalo), and returning to his bunk to half-listen to news of the war on the radio.

Ansa and Holappa first see each other across the bar, but do not meet until a while later when the bar shuts down and Ansa finds herself once again without a job.

Then their quirky relationship begins, traipsing along like a gritty Finnish version of “Napoleon Dynamite.”

Usually, this would be the point where the audience roots on a couple that clearly has chemistry but is bombarded by obstacles.

Unfortunately, Ansa and Holappa have very little chemistry, barely even looking at each other (let alone speaking) on their dates—a fact that is further cemented when the characters point out that they don’t know each others’ names after the first date.

Perhaps this is meant for comic relief. Alternatively, it gives the vibe that these poor people are so lonely that they accept the first person who comes their way as a substitute for love. (Was that Kaurismäki’s intention? You decide.)

We get snippets of these characters’ backstories with the hope that their arcs will culminate in a satisfying way, but the story wraps up too easily for that satisfaction to fully be realized.

Overall, “Fallen Leaves” seems to have bones, but no flesh. But perhaps that is just a jaded critic’s take. Decide for yourself when the film comes to Midtown Cinema this December.

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

December Events At Midtown Cinema

December Film Openings

“Dream Scenario”
“Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé”
Friday, Dec. 1

“The Boy and the Heron”
Friday, Dec. 8

“Fallen Leaves”
“Maestro”
Friday, Dec. 15

“The Color Purple”
“Ferrari”
Monday, Dec. 25

“Poor Things”
Friday, Dec. 29

Special Holiday Features

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
Sunday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 23 at 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 24 & Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 7 p.m.

“White Christmas” (1954)
Sunday, Dec. 3 at 7:10 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 23 at 12 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 24 & Monday, Dec. 25 at 7:10 p.m.

“Home Alone” (1990)
Sunday, Dec. 10 & Sunday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989)
Sunday, Dec. 10, Sunday, Dec. 17 & Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7:15 p.m.

“Elf” (2003)
Sunday, Dec. 10 & Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

“Die Hard” (1988)
Saturday, Dec. 16 & Friday Dec. 22 at 9:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Late Night Frights Series presents

“A Christmas Horror Story” (2015)
Friday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 p.m.

“Violent Night” (2022)
Saturday, Dec. 9 at 9:30 p.m.

Family Film Series presents

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 24 at 11 a.m.

Sunday Docs Series presents

“I Am Santa Claus” (2014)
Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.

Down in Front! comedy riffing presents

“Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” (1964)
Friday, Dec. 8 at 9:30 p.m.

3rd in the Burg Movie Night presents

“Gremlins” (1984)
Friday, Dec. 15 at 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7:45 p.m.

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

Community Corner: Notable December Events

November 29, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Rubies & Roses
Dec. 1: Alder Health Service hosts its annual Rubies & Roses, an HIV awareness event and annual fundraiser in honor of World AIDS Day, 6 to 10 p.m. You are invited to wear something red and attend an evening of celebration, glamour and fun. www.alderhealth.org

Elegant Progressions
Dec. 1-2: Historic Harrisburg Association and Kidney Foundation of Central PA host the 31st annual “Elegant Progressions,” with two black tie progressive dinners. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and aperitifs, a formal dinner and dessert at decorated mansions in Harrisburg. www.elegantprogressions.org

Christmas Show
Dec. 1-3: Shop the 40th Annual Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show at the PA Farm Show Complex, 2301 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. Meet actress and author Karolyn Grimes, best known for her role as Zuzu Bailey in the classic 1946 holiday film “It’s A Wonderful Life.” www.pachristmasshow.com

Light Show
Dec. 1-29: Messick’s Equipment, 1475 Strickler Rd., Mount Joy, will host its 11th annual Christmas Light Show of 70,000 lights choreographed to holiday music. Drive up and watch the show from your car or park and enjoy from the bleachers. The show is free and open to the public, but donations will be collected for local charities. www.messicks.com

Light Show
Dec. 1-31: Experience the Christmas Spirit Light Show at Clipper Magazine Stadium, 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster, a festive drive-through show, with hundreds of thousands of color-changing lights, synchronized to classic Christmas music. Visit with Santa and live reindeer inside the stadium. www.christmasspiritlightshows.com

Tree Showcase
Dec. 1-Jan. 1: Hershey Gardens welcomes the holiday season with a festive exhibit of beautifully decorated Christmas trees by local artists, sparkling lights, a 14-foot white poinsettia tree and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and children’s crafts, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). www.hersheygardens.org

Cocoa Challenge
Dec. 1-Jan. 5: Kids are invited to participate in a reading challenge at New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza. Grab the library’s packet and fill your hot cocoa cup with “marshmallows” (reading challenges). www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

HBG Flea
Dec. 2: Shop the holiday 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

Holiday Homes
Dec. 2: The Strasburg Heritage Society hosts the 12th annual Strasburg Holiday Tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The seven featured homes vary in age and style and will be decorated for the season. Tour tickets, lunch, greens, craft vendors and a silent auction will be available at First Presbyterian Church, 101 S. Decatur St. www.strasburgheritagesociety.org

Holiday Concert
Dec. 2-3: Kick off the holiday season with the Harrisburg Singers’ holiday concert of sacred, secular and inspirational works. Dec. 2 concert takes place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mechanicsburg, at 7:30 p.m., and the Dec. 3 concert will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, at 3 p.m. www.harrisburgsingers.org

Victorian Tea
Dec. 3: Sample sweet and savory treats and sip spiced tea while enjoying holiday décor at Fort Hunter Mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tour the mansion decorated for the holidays by the Civic Committee of the Harrisburg Garden Club, hear holiday music, view a clear toy candy demonstration and more. www.forthunter.org

Makers Market
Dec. 3: The Englewood, 1219 West End Ave., Hummelstown, hosts a Makers Market to celebrate the holiday season with 21 vendors, a photo station, classic holiday music, a sock drive and more, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Santa will visit from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. www.englewoodhershey.com

Annual Meeting
Dec. 5: Join West Shore Chamber of Commerce for its annual meeting and dinner at the Penn Harris Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., to celebrate the chamber’s accomplishments throughout the year. www.wschamber.org

Deck the Halls
Dec. 6: Dauphin County Historical Society hosts the 28th annual “Deck the Halls” gala at the Harris-Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy food, desserts, craft wines and beer, musical performances, holiday décor, a silent auction, a raffle and networking. Tickets start at $80. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Film Friday
Dec. 8: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “Joyeux Noel” at 2 p.m. and “Woman in Gold” from Vienna at 6:30 p.m. Read the films’ descriptions on the library’s website. Stick around for discussions after the films. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Light Parade
Dec. 8-9: Camp Hill Borough hosts the Parade of Lights for Toys for Tots on a walking trail through Willow Park, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Dec. 8, in addition to walking the trail, a trolley will be available at the borough building for visitors who prefer to ride around the display. New unwrapped toy donations are requested as admission. www.camphillborough.com

Christkindlmarkt
Dec. 9: Get in the holiday spirit at the Lower Paxton Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market with more than 100 craft vendors, craft activities, German and festival food, a live nativity, pictures with Santa, live music and a holiday sing-a-long, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.facebook.com/LPChristkindlmarkt

Holiday Village
Dec. 9: Explore Camp Hill’s Makers Market and Holiday Village, a magical winter wonderland reminiscent of European holiday markets, 12 to 4 p.m. Willow Park will be lit up, and 24th Street will be lined with various makers of apparel, crafts, food, art and more. Grab food from vendors and visit with Santa. www.camphillborough.com

Diversity Fest
Dec. 9: The PA Immigrant & Refugee Women’s Network hosts the 20th Annual Diversity Festival at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 4 to 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy stories, performances and food. Registration is $10. www.pairwn.org

Christmas Fest
Dec. 9-10: Bethesda Mission hosts “Christmas at Italian Lake,” 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 12 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 10. The event features a market of local artists, a tree lighting, caroling by local churches and schools, food trucks, sleigh rides and more. www.bethesdamission.org

House Tour
Dec. 10: Join Historic Harrisburg Association for the 50th Annual Candlelight House Tour, 1 to 6 p.m. Advanced discounted tickets are on sale through Dec. 10 for the self-guided holiday tour. Day-of-tour tickets are on sale at HHA, 1230 N. 3rd St., for $25 each. www.historicharrisburg.org

Candlelit Carols
Dec. 10: Arts on the Square hosts “Carols by Candlelight—A John Rutter Christmas” at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg, 4 p.m. Enjoy carol singing and candle lighting. www.marketsquarechurch.org

Lessons & Carols
Dec. 10: Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, presents a service of scripture and song at 4 p.m. A gala reception follows. www.maps.pinestreet.org

Holly Lunch
Dec. 12: Friends of the New Cumberland Library, Foundation House, 1 Benjamin Plaza, presents its annual Holly Lunch and a presentation of “The Story of the Little Drummer Boy,” 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program is free; luncheon is $10. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Holiday Luncheon
Dec. 12: Harrisburg Garden Club hosts a holiday luncheon and raffle at the Country Club of Harrisburg, 401 Fishing Creek Valley Rd., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donald Koones will present “Pierre C. Dupont, the Visionary Genius who created Longwood Gardens.” www.gardenclubofharrisburg.org

Photo Display
Dec. 12-Jan. 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 on Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. People’s Choice Award winners will be named at the show’s conclusion. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Holiday DIY
Dec. 14: Join Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a Holiday Décor Make and Take, 6 to 8 p.m. Create a sustainable and reusable base that can be transformed into a table centerpiece, doorway swag or foundation for a holiday mantel. Workshop cost is $30, and all materials are provided. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

3rd in The Burg
Dec. 15: 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

Candlelight Concerts
Dec. 15-17: Susquehanna Chorale presents its annual Candlelight Christmas concerts series on Dec. 15 at Messiah University, Mechanicsburg; Dec. 16 at Elizabethtown College; and Dec. 17 at Market Square Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg. www.susquehannachorale.org

Blanket Display
Dec. 21: The Homeless Memorial Blanket Project will display handmade baby blankets and handmade quilts—which will be given to people experiencing homelessness—on the state Capitol building steps. The organization seeks donations of blankets, quilts, diapers, wipes, formula and other necessities for infants. www.memorialblanket.org

Candlelight Service
Dec 24: Historic Salem UCC, Chestnut Street, Harrisburg, hosts its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6 p.m., with pre-service music starting at 5:45 p.m. Enjoy holiday decorations in the sanctuary as you sing familiar carols, light candles, and listen to the story of Christmas. www.salemuccharrisburg.org

Curiosity Kids
Dec. 29: Kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, to learn about the wild canines that have lived, and still live, in Pennsylvania, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Curiosity Kids events are included with museum general admission, but space is limited. www.statemuseumpa.org

Noon Year
Dec. 30: State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, welcomes families to ring in the “Noon Year,” 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring the whole family to enjoy hands-on crafts and games, a story time, a planetarium show, and the dropping of the firefly at noon. The event is included with general admission. www.statemuseumpa.org

Family Countdown
Dec. 31: Families are invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Hershey Story, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can get in the party spirit by making noise stomping on bubble wrap and taking part in fun activities. www.hersheystory.org

Kids’ New Year
Dec. 31: Children can count down to noon at the Popcorn Hat Players’ 31st annual New Year’s Eve party and performance of “The Three Little Pigs,” starting at 11 a.m. Tickets include admission to the show, noisemakers, party hats, a Hawaiian lei, and don’t forget the balloon drop. Reservations recommended. www.gamuttheatre.org

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

Harrisburg Smiles

November 29, 2023 | by TheBurg Editor

It all started from a combination of curiosity and community.

In 2019, Jenelle Dulack moved to Harrisburg and began to explore the city, encountering people like we all do: baristas, bartenders, servers, artists, booksellers, etc.

She began to wonder about their lives. Who were they outside of their jobs? Where were they from? What did they do in their spare time?

Eventually, Dulack began to interview them and, as a photographer, asked to take their portraits. The result was a project called “Harrisburg Smiles,” a collection of photos of over 60 Harrisburgers from all walks of life.

We thought our readers would enjoy seeing a sample from Dulack’s project. For the complete collection, visit @hbgsmiles on Instagram and, for more of her work, go to her creative photography business, @freakshowphotog.

: Willy, 39: I love to take in nature.

: Wade, 58: Before becoming the resident cheesesteak guy at Broad Street Market, I was a professional seafood chef.

: Tisha, 49: I’m a shoe fanatic and have a collection, but I don’t wear even close to half of them.

: TAHYA, 24: I was born in Egypt and moved to America when I was 11. Now, I run a charity that provides essential needs like food, water, and shelter to people internationally.

: Sheila, 65: Gospel is my favorite genre of music to sing.

: Robert, 44: Nowadays, I’m most proud to be known as “Rosie’s dad.”

: Richard, 46 and his daughter: I just taught my daughter how to ride a bike without training wheels.

: Randy, 44: I have worked at the Art Association of Harrisburg for 23 years, more than half my life.

: Raj, 28: Strangers love to tell me about their personal lives.

: Michael, 73: I’m a retired hotel breakfast cook and was once tipped $100 for making incredible eggs.

: Liz, 38: My parents met on 3rd Street in the ’60s.

: Leroy, 33: I’m currently attending barber school so I can make people happy and give them a fresh cut they like.

: Larry, 71: I’m sick of drunk drivers; one totaled my car.

: Krista, 33: I took a road trip with my school after graduation and sang with my jazz band in the streets of Florence, Italy.

: Khiana, 18: I am a volunteer for the East Penn Fire Department and will be going to school to become an EMT next spring.

: Kenzie, 28 and Cody, 33: Our first date was at HMAC, and now we have a storefront on the same block.

: Kayla, 34:When I was a kid I wanted to be a taxi driver; I thought it would be the best way to meet new people.

: Johquan, 42: I want you to know just how special you are.

: Jillian, 23: I live along the Appalachian trail; I grew up camping and being outdoors. It absolutely influences my art.

: Glitch, 116 (?): I make custom-ordered mini robot figurines.

: Gabe, 25: I tattoo, make music, art, and the list goes on.

: Faye, 80: I used to live in an old home that had lots of chimney fires and I’ve had a fear of firemen in uniform ever since.

: Eric, 39: I am the Harrisburg bike guy.

: Emry, 33: Of the 13 countries I’ve visited, Turkey was my favorite because the stray cats are plentiful and well respected.

: Emma, 19: I don’t have any rigid plans for the future, but I enjoy makeup, writing, and working at Freshido.

: Drew, 35: I needed a change from my stressful real estate job and decided to open Pedego in Strawberry Square.

: Caroline, 30: I’m working as a coach for people with autism and ADHD, helping them navigate workplace accommodations.

: Bob, 72: I know most locally owned businesses don’t make it past 10 years, but I opened Jean Joint in July of 1989 and we’re still operating 35 years later.

: Bob, 51: I’ve been playing in a punk/metal band with my friends called The Factor for the last seven years.

: BarbaraJean, 65: My mom taught me how to crochet, but wouldn’t teach me sewing until after I finished my 4-H courses.

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

Harrisburg’s proposed 2024 budget includes trash bill hike, no property tax increase

November 28, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Mayor Wanda Williams presented the city’s 2024 proposed budget to City Council on Tuesday.

Harrisburg’s annual budget approval process kicked off on Tuesday, as the city presented a balanced spending plan for 2024.

At a City Council legislative session, Mayor Wanda Williams shared her proposed general fund budget of $109.4 million, which includes investments in infrastructure, public safety and parks and recreation.

The spending plan does not include a property tax hike.

“I strongly feel that this document presents the best path forward,” Williams said. “We have the opportunity with this budget to move the city of Harrisburg forward.”

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

According to Williams, the budget would prioritize projects like street paving, additional upgrades to city parks and the hiring of 10 new police officers.

The city will also start to spend federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money on projects like renovating the Hall Manor pool and funding affordable housing development and home repairs for low-income residents.

The proposal does include a $3.23 increase for residents’ monthly trash bills, making the cost $35.57 per month. The rate has not changed in over a decade, Williams said.

Williams said that the increase was needed to help balance the budget, citing issues like inflation and the fact that many state Capitol workers have not returned to the office as areas of lost revenue.

“Charging an additional utility cost is not what I wanted to do,” she said. “However, we feel this is the best business decision we can make with how hard inflation and rising costs have hit our bottom line.”

Council will hold budget workshops at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 and is slated to vote on the 2024 budget on Dec. 19.

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

Harrisburg tells people living in Riverfront Park to vacate; service providers work on long-term homelessness plan

November 28, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

An encampment at an overlook in Riverfront Park, behind the old Waterworks building

Harrisburg is urging people living in tents along the riverfront to move on.

To address a recent increase of unhoused people residing in Riverfront Park, the city posted signs stating that all belongings must be moved from the area.

According to Harrisburg Communications Director Matt Maisel, the rise in the number of people living along the river has created sanitary concerns and health hazards.

On Tuesday, the city temporarily removed the signs to clarify the language in the public notice, but the order to vacate still stands.

Several tents can be seen congregated at an overlook in the park, behind the old Waterworks building. Others are scattered along the upper and lower riverwalk paths.

This increase has caused sanitation concerns in the city, as the Public Works Department has had to routinely clean up the area, Maisel said. He added that city code prohibits people from camping in parks and dumping things into the Susquehanna River.

While Maisel said that the city recognizes that homeless people have camped in the park for years, the issue has become worse as of late and Harrisburg can no longer “turn a blind eye” to the situation, he said.

A sign posted by the city in Kunkel Plaza in Riverfront Park

One woman currently living along the riverfront said that she saw the city’s signs, but that she had not heard from the city when she would need to leave or where she should go. There is no date marked on the signs.

“What do we do? Where do we go? We are in limbo,” said the woman, who asked to be referred to as LS.

According to Maisel, the signs are purposely vague, as the city is not currently setting a deadline for the move.

“No one is getting arrested, as we’ve stressed all along it is not a crime to be homeless, and we are purposely not setting a date, yet,” he said.

Unlike this time, the city did set eviction deadlines for homeless encampments in other areas of the city twice earlier this year.

City officials also cited health concerns when, in January, they evicted people living under the Mulberry Street Bridge, which was one of the largest encampments in Harrisburg at the time. The city determined that the area needed a deep cleaning and extermination, stating that it had been infested with rats. Since then, the area was fenced off and later, PennDOT, which owns the land, placed large rocks in the area to deter people from returning.

Again in June, the city announced an eviction at an encampment which had popped up along the Capital Area Greenbelt trail, just off Shanois Street. Several occupants of the encampment, which the city said was located largely on private property, had previously lived under the Mulberry Street Bridge.

With the holidays coming, Maisel said that the city doesn’t want to create any “serious disruptions” during this time of the year, which is why they aren’t setting a deadline for the move. Instead, he said, they are working with area service providers and the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) to help those in need.

According to Aisha Mobley, community mobilization coordinator for Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area (CCU), her organization, along with others, have been assisting those living on the riverfront.

Some people that they’ve helped have lived in the park for years, she said.

“My job is to service the people that need help,” she said. “If they want to move, I’m there to help them.”

In Harrisburg, CCU will open a winter overnight shelter for men and one for women and non-binary people on Dec. 1, both remaining open through March. Downtown Daily Bread will also open a night shelter for men on the same date. Mobley hopes that those living along the riverfront will utilize the shelters, though she recognizes that it’s not a long-term solution.

LS said that she has lived in her tent in Riverfront Park for a few months and occasionally stays in the large encampment near the PennDOT building and the I-83 ramp, as well.

The PennDOT encampment, which is currently the largest in the city, has become overcrowded and at times, dangerous, LS said. But right now, it feels like her only option if she is forced to leave the riverfront, she shared.

However, even the future of the PennDOT encampment is uncertain as the state Department of Transportation’s I-83 widening project may affect that area. Mobley believes that, at some point, the encampment will be dispersed as construction work begins.

The city, county and members of CACH are working on a longer-term plan to address homelessness in Harrisburg, she assured.

“We are working to come up with a collective and collaborative plan,” she said.

And while Mobley believes the winter overnight shelters will provide enough space for those who need them this season, she expressed the need for more “low-barrier” shelters, ones that offer easy access, in the future. Additionally, a lack of housing, especially affordable housing, is another issue exasperating the homelessness issue, she said.

In the meantime, those who find themselves living unsheltered are wondering, what’s next?

On Monday night, LS arranged blankets in her tent, preparing for the cold night ahead.

“I have dreams and goals. It’s not like we want to be here,” said LS. “We are going through trauma, and we just get overlooked. Now, we are all just being scattered.”

For more information about CCU and their winter overnight shelters, visit their website.

This story has been updated.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Bob’s Art Blog: The Originals and Holiday Gallery Gift Guide

November 28, 2023 | by Bob MacGinnes

P.D. Murray

“The Originals” sounds like it may be a Pixar movie arriving right before the holidays, but, in truth, it is a tribute to the current trio of artists who recently unveiled their Oscar-worthy art exhibit in the Millworks lobby, right on time for First Saturday, Dec. 2. To be an original, one must truly be a “1” of a kind. To be original is to break the mold. Over the years, it has afforded me great joy to write about all the Millworks artists, past and present. They are a community that ardently supports each other, shares an unbreakable camaraderie, and celebrates one another’s successes.

Artists, scalawags three, hold a special place in my art blogs, having written about them on numerous occasions, and now is the perfect time to introduce the new kid–but hold tight for a second. The trio is synonymous with “unique.” Prolifically profane at times, prescient posturing for others, but always on point, P.D. Murray is poised for permanence in the “Painting Pantheon of Poetic Paleontology.” His library of characters is overflowing with quirks and twerks, works with perks, and even “gherks that irks” (sour pickles). Pucker up, P.D. Murray. This is your life!

Huckle Buckle Boys

“Beep beep!!” A P.D. Murray mainstay, “Roadrunner,” like a gust of wind whooshing by in a flash, is on his way to see Garrick Dorsett and Zack Rudy, aka The Huckle Buckle Boys. Shortened to HBB, the Boys, over the years, have dealt in outrageously outre originals, spaceships and intergalactic travel, birds wearing masks pre-COVID precognition, and, of late, niche numerological navigation. Starting with the number “6” in a series of pattern forming methodologies within their current framework, mathematicians both, Garrick and Zack, crack the code, revealing that “doubling” continues ad infinitum.

R-Lo

Brand new to the Millworks mix, hanging art on the lobby wall, is a major force to be reckoned with…Richard L. Hernandez, better known as R-Lo. The “R” is key and points to the artist’s medium of choice, charcoal. The mystical gravity that pervades charcoal drawings is the interplay of dark against light, as ancient as cave paintings and the Pyramids, the elemental pull of creation comes full cycle in studies employing charcoal. From the first mark on the paper, the work starts to evolve as the velvety tone and texture of soot swirl in a brush with imagination. The components of energy and expressive freedom join in a seesaw of give and take, striking the balance in dusk and twilight shadings. R-Lo takes the Midtown art audience, caught in a whirlwind hurricane on a wild ride, bringing them to its very center at the eye, tossing caution topsy-turvy, tumultuously escaping, coming out on the other side safe but greatly moved and enlightened. Humble and hesitant to recognize his own immense talent, R-Lo’s art bridges the temporal and the eternal, depicting mankind’s struggles of the here and now played out on a grand scale. The paper canvases are wall-sized and dramatically draw initiates new to the medium into the mainframe’s depth as the seductive smears and smudges surrender to surround the senses scintillatingly surreal. R-Lo naturally draws comparisons to the great master himself, Leonardo, both in symphonic symbolism and as a supernal being. Richard’s star will shine bright in the firmament in the years to come.

Millwork’s current show runs through Dec. 10 and sets the holiday table with this unforgettable group of “Originals.” Be sure to stop in to see them and all the other Millwork’s artists in their studios and for First Saturday. View Murray, Dorsett, Rudy and R-Lo. And while you’re at it, break the mold this holiday season and pass on the fruitcake. Try something original instead.

Art for purchase at Vivi on Verbeke

Art Gallery Gift Guide for the 12 Days of Christmas, 8 nights of Chanukah, 6 days of Kwanzaa

Art Association of Harrisburg, 21 N. Front St., 717.236.1432
Specializing in paintings, statuary and assembled objects
Contact Nate Foster, Gallery Sales Director

Carlisle Arts Learning Center, 38 W. Pomfret St., 717.249.6973
Holiday Art Market, an entire gallery devoted to gifts galore.
Contact Amanda Kistler, Giftware Guru

Pat Craig Studios and The Pond, 30-32 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle 717.245.0382
Award-winning gift and custom framing store, hand crafted jewelry, cards, socks, and fine art and prints.
Contact Pat Craig, owner

EsoArts, 317 N. Queen St., Lancaster, 717.696.2093
Artisanal crafted goods from art to jewelry to upcycled clothing and even a tattoo parlor.
Contact Andrew Silvius or Zachary Walter, owners

Hershey Art Gallery and Studio, 1077 Swatara Rd., Hershey, 717.580.1614
Specializing in watercolor paintings, repurposed metal sculptures, charcuterie boards,
Culinary salts, bath salts and botanical soaps, jewelry, fabric art, prints and cards.
Contact Joan Maguire, owner

HIVE artspace, 126 E. King St., York, 917.971.7456
Paintings, cards, tree ornaments, jewelry and gift items
Contact Susan Scofield, owner

Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, 717.695.4888
Visit 36 artists on 3 floors, shop main floor gift boutique for art, clothing, jewelry, pottery, home goods, and stained glass
Contact Art Director Tara Chickey

Nyeusi Gallery, 1224 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 717.421.4630
Specializing in Black art and art of the Caribbean with artwork, statuary, masks and books
Contact Art Director Steve Barber

Smith Fine Art Gallery & Custom Framing, 190 Reno Ave., New Cumberland, 717.774.4301
Specializing in fine art, featuring 30 local artists and custom framing, conservation and restoration.
Contact Debbie Smith, owner

Venture, 128 E. King St., York, 717.495.9992
Royal Square Arts District purveyor of fine gifts
Specializing in artisanal paintings, pottery, paper, felting and handbound books
Contact Susan McDaniel, owner

Village Artisans, 321 Walnut St., Boiling Springs, 717.258.3256
Gift gallery 200 nationally known artisans
Specializing in blown glass objects, pottery, jewelry and giftware
Contact P.J. Heyman, owner

Vivi on Verbeke, 258 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, 717.961.9826
Specializing in pottery, photography, paintings and handmade gift items
Contact Vivian Sterste or Jeb Boyd, owners

Photos by Jana MacGinnes

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

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like