Harrisburg Regional Chamber, CREDC name new chairs, officers for 2022

February 1, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC today announced new board chairs, as well as new officers and members of the boards of directors.

G. Greg Gunn

For 2022, G. Greg Gunn will serve as the chair of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber board of directors, while Casey Khuri will serve as the chair of the board for CREDC.

“I want to make sure that the Chamber continues to educate and advocate for our area businesses and the tens of thousands of employees they engage,” said Gunn, president and CEO of Gunn-Mowery LLC, a Lemoyne-based insurance and consulting company. “The Harrisburg Regional Chamber defines itself with broad leadership, visionary members, and powerful results, so I want to get to work with my fellow members and prove that definition every day.”

Casey Khuri

Khuri is vice president at Lemoyne-based NAI CIR, overseeing and managing the 50-year-old, family-owned, commercial real estate business.

“In both strong and challenging times, CREDC has been our region’s champion for economic growth, workforce retention and business creation,” said Khuri. “As a businesswoman and a mother, it gives me great pride to chair an organization that is focused on the betterment of our community.”

The chairs of both the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC hold yearlong terms.

“Greg and Casey have demonstrated they have the bold and visionary leadership skills to help lead our team,” said Ryan Unger, president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC. “We look forward to working with both of them to achieve our goals for 2022 and to continue to serve the businesses in our community.”

The additional slate of 2022 Harrisburg Regional Chamber officers is as follows:

1^st Vice Chair- Karen Gunnison, Gunnison Consulting LLC
2^nd Vice Chair- Zachary Khuri, Orrstown Bank
Treasurer- Kara Beem, Greenlee Partners
Secretary- Alisa Harris, UGI Utilities
At-Large member- Abigail Fortino, Conrad Siegel
Immediate Past Chair- Meron Yemane, Morgan Stanley

The additional slate of 2022 CREDC officers is as follows:

1^st Vice Chair-Wade Becker, RKL, LLP
2^nd Vice Chair- Katie Clark, LeTort Trust
Treasurer- Shawn Leppo, McNees Wallace and Nurick, LLC
Secretary- Beth Peiffer, E. Jones, Inc.
Immediate Past Chair- Michael Funck, Wohlsen Construction Company

The Chamber & CREDC also added new business leaders to their boards. The new board members elected for 2022 includes the following,

Chamber board of directors:

Wes Reohr, Capital Blue Cross
Erik Ryberg, Everound
Adam Stewart, PSECU
Leigh Twiford, FirstLight Home Care
Karen Young, HR Resolutions

CREDC board of directors:

Don Deegan, Quandel Enterprises
Vic Rodgers, HACC

For more information on the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC and a complete list of board members, visit www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

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Regional drive-through COVID testing site to open in Hershey on Wednesday

February 1, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

A high-volume, drive-through COVID-19 testing center will open in Dauphin County on Wednesday, it was announced today.

In a news release, Penn State Health said that the mass-testing site will begin operations tomorrow at 50% capacity, with full capacity on Thursday.

Tests will be offered for free on the campus of the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey. The federal government-run site is meant to offer a central location to test people throughout south-central PA.

“Testing is an important way to help keep people with COVID-19 from having further person-to-person interactions that spread illness,” said Deborah Berini, president of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, in a statement. “With our state and federal partners, Penn State Health is proud to be part of this important effort to reduce the number of cases and to support our community.”

Nearly two weeks ago, Penn State Health announced that a high-volume, drive-through testing site would open soon on the medical center campus, but declined to state the exact opening day.

The site will allow people to remain in their cars while being tested and to administer their own nasal swabs for testing. The average turnaround time for results will be 48 to 72 hours, according to Penn State Health.

The site will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It will be located in Lot L, which is adjacent to 90 Hope Dr. (accessible from Cherry Drive) on the Hershey Medical Center campus.

An exception to the schedule is the first day, Feb. 2, when the center will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The community site will be able to provide testing for as many as 1,000 people per day, said Penn State Health.

People may register for a testing appointment here. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, though on-site registration also will be available.

The federal government will fund clinical staff, testing supplies and laboratory support associated with bringing in the “Increasing Community Access to Testing” (ICATT) team. In addition to hosting the site, Penn State Health will provide resources and operational support.

This story has been updated to reflect the Feb. 2 schedule and to clarify the registration requirements.

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An Ice Time: Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire Festival to return with ice sculptures, fire dancers

January 31, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

A past Ice & Fire Festival. Photo courtesy of city of Harrisburg

If you can’t beat the cold weather, why not join it?

That’s what Harrisburg plans to do at its annual Ice & Fire Festival, featuring a street festival and display of ice sculptures around the city.

“We are really excited,” said Cortney Ranck-Cameron, the city’s interim manager of special events. “This is an event that the community really loves.”

On Saturday, March 5, the community can view over 50 ice sculptures scattered throughout downtown, Midtown, City Island, Shipoke, Italian Lake and Reservoir Park. Life-sized sculptures will include an ice throne, a Dr. Seuss hat and a Feeding America tribute. Sculptures will be on display from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will be illuminated beginning at 7 p.m.

This year, a street festival will take place on Front Street, from Walnut to State streets. Ranck-Cameron said that it will include community favorite activities like an ice slide, fire pits with free s’mores, fire dancers and performances by local school and community groups. Food trucks and other vendors will also set up shop along Front Street and Riverfront Park.

The portion of Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 8 p.m. on Friday, March 4, to midnight on March 5.

Last year, the city cut the street festival from the program due to the pandemic. Instead, it featured ice sculptures throughout the city and a drive-through event on City Island, calling the event “Ice in the Burg.”

Ranck-Cameron said that they received positive feedback on the event and decided to keep some elements of it this year, including positioning the ice sculptures throughout the city.

In past years, the Ice & Fire Festival has been held on 2^nd Street downtown. However, Ranck-Cameron said that they decided to hold it on Front Street to allow for access to parking on 2^nd Street.

While visitors explore the ice sculptures, they can participate in a scavenger hunt for the chance to win gift cards from Harrisburg businesses. Each sculpture will have a QR code and participants must scan at least 10 different sculptures to enter the drawing.

Participating Harrisburg businesses will also feature coffee, cocoa and cocktail specials throughout the city.

“This event is a really great way for people to explore the city,” Ranck-Cameron said.

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, ExploreHBG and M&T Bank are sponsors of the event.

Organizations wishing to sponsor an ice sculpture can still do so, on the city’s website.

Street parking is free after 5 p.m. on Saturday in the downtown area and free all day on Sunday. Get four hours of free downtown street parking using the code LUVHBG on the Parkmobile app. A discounted $10 daily rate is available at the Market Square Garage courtesy of Park Harrisburg on March 5. Parking on City Island is free. Check the city’s website for parking options in other areas of the city.

A full schedule of events for the Ice & Fire Festival will be released in mid-February, according to Ranck-Cameron.

For more information about Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire festival, visit their website.

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Court names Dr. Lori Suski as new receiver for Harrisburg School District

January 28, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Dr. Lori Suski, the new receiver for the Harrisburg School District

The Harrisburg School District has a new court-appointed receiver, as the district’s chief recovery officer has been named to the top position.

On Friday night, the district announced that the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas has appointed Dr. Lori Suski as receiver, effective Jan. 29.

“The bar has been set high, and I intend to continue moving the Harrisburg School District in a positive direction in collaboration with the new Superintendent, Mr. Eric Turman, and the administration, faculty, and staff of the district,” Suski said, in a statement.

The position was open due to the departure of Dr. Janet Samuels, who served as receiver for about 2½ years, following her court appointment in June 2019.

As receiver, Suski will be able to make most policy decisions unilaterally, without the approval of the elected school board. Currently, the three-year receivership is slated to expire in June.

According to the district, Suski has 32½ years of experience in public education, including as a teacher and assistant principal in the Central Dauphin School District and as a principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent of schools for the Middletown School District.

The state Department of Education appointed Suski as the Harrisburg district’s chief recovery officer in September, upon her retirement from Middletown. She also has served on the Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Advisory Board and the Penn State Harrisburg board of advisors, according to the Harrisburg district.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 28, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Young Professionals announced Meghan Bachmore as their new executive director.

Have you spotted February’s cover yet? A new issue of the magazine hits stands today! This month, read stories featuring Black history and culture in honor of the month-long holiday. Catch up on this week’s local news, below, and then go grab a copy of the magazine.

Amethyst Retreat Center in Duncannon holds events and programming centered around a culture of wellness, our magazine story reported. Connecting people with nature, an inclusive mindset, and a focus on cultivating a diverse natural environment are core principles.

Blogger Bob rounds out the year in art with part II of his blog. Read about the Harrisburg area’s best exhibits of 2021, here.

Bridge of Hope, with 25 offices in 13 states, assists single mothers who are unhoused or facing homelessness, using social capital and “neighboring.” In our magazine story, hear from women who were impacted by the program and moved from feelings of despair to hope.

Capital Region Water appeared before members of the state Senate to address the commonwealth’s refusal to pay its assessed stormwater fees, our online story reported. According to CRW, if the state doesn’t pay its share, Harrisburg residents and business owners will have to pay more.

Dauphin County introduced a new online portal for its emergency rent and utility assistance program, our online story reported. The platform will make it easier for residents in need to apply for and receive help.

Our editor frets about the weather every month around our magazine distribution day. Will it be rainy, snowy or just right for delivery? In his editor’s note, he thanks TheBurg’s trusty delivery team who braves the weather and fills the many magazine racks and street boxes each month.

Harrisburg Young Professionals announced Meghan Bachmore as its new executive director, our reporting found. Bachmore fills a role with the organization that was empty for over two years.

Historic Harrisburg Association announced its proposed 2022 Preservation Priorities this week, our online story reported. Find out which historic Harrisburg properties are the most blighted and threatened.

LGBTQ+ youth can find an alliance and explore their identities in the Common Roads program—serving Dauphin, Cumberland, York and Lancaster counties. The program offers a drop-in social setting and community resources for youth and young adults, our magazine story reported.

Lynn Reigle is the owner of Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Lemoyne, York and Lancaster. In our story, read about the recent expansion of her Lemoyne location and why she loves to dance.

Raymonde “Ré” Désabres Plaut was a French artist who lived in Harrisburg before passing away in 2020. She was known for her in-home art gallery, her glamorous parties, her creativity, love and eccentricity. Read about Ré and her art in our magazine story.

Soup is the perfect meal to cook up on these cold winter days. Rosemary has your back in the kitchen with her pasta fazool recipe.

The Time Brothers, a local band, recently released their first album, “October,” our magazine story reported. The album meshes the musical styles of musicians Matt Wurst and Jim Grinnen.

Sara Bozich has you covered in the weekend plans department. For food, art and entertainment recommendations, click here.

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Dauphin County offers new way for residents to apply for rental assistance, continues disbursing millions to those in need

January 28, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Dauphin County Administration building

While many of us, although impacted by the pandemic, have been able to move into a “new normal” way of life, some residents are still facing the insecurity of a most basic need—housing.

For months, Dauphin County has been working to disburse about $18 million in federal and state Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program (ERAP) funds to help those behind on rent or utility payments.

On Friday, they introduced a new online program application portal as a way to make the process easier for those in need. The portal will launch on Feb. 7.

“This new online interface will enhance the applicant’s experience, and, we hope, trim processing time,” Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick said.

The new interface will prioritize applicants with the highest level of risk, according to the county. It also will make it easier to upload documents required for applying and will allow residents and landlords to check their application status. Residents can also receive case notifications.

As of Jan. 21, 5,100 applicants submitted 5,730 applications to the program. So far, $14.6 million (total federal and state combined) has been released for 2,286 applications, according to the county.

The application period, which began in March 2021, remains open, and the program will continue until all of the money is disbursed, on a first-come-first-served basis. However, the online platform will be down from Feb. 1 to 6 as the county transitions to the new system.

Those who have already applied do not need to reapply under the new program.

For a resident to be eligible for the assistance, they must qualify for unemployment benefits or have experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19 that hinder their ability to pay rent. They also must prove there is a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability and must be at 80% “Area Median Income” or below, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“We still continue to see a fairly steady stream of applications,” said Darrel Reinford, executive director of Christian Churches United, who is helping administer the ERAP funds.

While most people aren’t facing job loss as a result of the pandemic like many were at this time last year, people can still miss work due to a COVID exposure or diagnosis, Reinford pointed out.

“The reality is that a landlord can start the eviction process as soon as anyone is behind at all on rent,” Reinford said. “Even losing two weeks of work, they can get behind.”

Last winter, federal and local eviction moratoriums shielded many people from losing their homes, but that safety net has long since expired. In an attempt to combat homelessness, applicants to the ERAP program who are facing immediate danger of eviction are prioritized, Reinford said.

However, CCU has still seen an increase in homelessness this winter and a greater demand for their men’s and women’s shelter, which are at capacity, during the cold months, Reinford said. He cited the expired eviction bans, increased cost of housing and limited availability of affordable housing as possible reasons for the rise.

“I can’t imagine how the situation would be without this program,” he said. “The program has really helped the homelessness system from being totally overwhelmed. We hope the online portal will help. There’s still a lot of applications that we are working through.”

For more information on the Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program, or to apply, visit the county’s website.

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Across Generations: Black Americans are discovering a fuller picture of their past, aided by new tools, digitization

January 28, 2022 | by M. Diane McCormick

Barbara Barksdale with photos of her ancestors.

Something was up. Sharonn Williams, an experienced Black genealogist, just knew it.

She had typed into Ancestry.com the name of a distant connection born in Charlottesville, Va., and dozens of “hint leaves” popped up from other family trees. More frightened than curious, Williams turned off the computer.

“I had to push away,” said Williams, the great-granddaughter of Ephraim Slaughter, one of Harrisburg’s last surviving Civil War veterans. “I knew that meant white blood. I knew it had to be somebody important, or there would not have been that many leaves, and because it was Charlottesville, I thought, ‘This is not going to be good. I can’t deal with that tonight.’”

Genealogy has never been a breeze. Still, for white Americans, the truth about sepia-toned ancestors usually lurks in census records, ship’s logs and church archives. But Americans of African descent have few Mayflower moments for their unnamed, enslaved ancestors. Even after the Civil War, indifference or barriers to documenting the lives of African Americans created genealogy roadblocks.

Now, social media, digitization and DNA are restoring forgotten stories to the American experience, dispelling myths and illuminating the interconnectedness of Black and white in America.

Williams’ encounter with the chasm between white and Black genealogy, and its closure through the power of technology, happened that night she entered “Betsy Hemmings” into Ancestry. Naturally, you see what’s coming. Hemmings was born at Monticello, a cousin of Sally Hemings. Williams learned that Betsy, too, was an enslaved concubine, to Thomas Jefferson’s son-in-law, John Wayles Eppes, a prominent Virginia lawyer and politician who would go on to serve in the U.S. House and Senate.

Without that link to famous whites in history, few leaves would have appeared. Betsy Hemmings’ life would have been barely traceable.

Hard Pill

Pre-internet, records didn’t come to genealogists. Genealogists went to the records. For Black genealogists, those records were less likely to be housed in archives.

Prominent genealogist Barbara Barksdale remembers chasing clues, driving around the country, pumping quarters into pay phones, hunkering in basements, and jumping over holes in the floor to put her hands on family records.

“Everything was visual,” said Barksdale, the founder of Friends of Midland, the society preserving the historic African American cemetery in Steelton. “Everything was in hand. You had to smell it. You had to sneeze from the dust of it all.”

And while the digital age is minimizing the tactile joys of genealogy—“You don’t get to sneeze your ancestors out,” Barksdale said—it is also connecting researchers with previously inaccessible records.

Harrisburg historian Calobe Jackson, Jr., notes that the details of the 1950 U.S. Census will be released this April and quickly digitized for easy access. There, in the count reflecting the post-World War II migration of Black Americans from the South to the North, he hopes to find a few previously hidden ancestors—perhaps an elderly relative living with family.

“More people will see themselves in the Census than ever before,” Jackson said. “A lot of people are going to see their relatives in the north they never knew about.”

While transcription of handwritten records has saved countless historian eyes, digitization that makes them searchable has finally come to an invaluable trove for Black Americans—the records of the Freedmen’s Bureau. Documents from the federal agency, charged with helping the formerly enslaved adjust to life after the Civil War, were once scattered and confoundingly organized. When Ancestry.com made them available online in fall 2021, historians gained searchable access to records of rations issued, refugee camps operated and relocations facilitated.

Lynette Palmer at Dauphin County’s East Shore Library.

Lynette Palmer, a Dauphin County Library System information services assistant, presents genealogy webinars for institutions nationwide. One webinar attendee found a relative in a Freedmen’s Bureau labor contract—“the first place she ever found something in writing that gave validity to this person that her mother said her family had been telling her about,” Palmer said.

“It’s given people the opportunity to fill in some holes,” she said. “Digitizing is great, but digitizing still doesn’t make them searchable. You can browse if you have a million hours in a day.”

There are shocks to prepare for. Palmer once discovered an enslaved ancestor inventoried with a plantation owner’s livestock.

“To these people, my ancestors were the same as cows and horses and other property,” she said. “If you know history, you know it was real, but seeing actual real-life documents with a price on a person—for a lot of African Americans, it’s a hard pill to swallow.”

Ties that Bind

DNA and technology are revealing an unvarnished truth—a long history of shared blood between white and Black. Much of it began with rape by slaveholders and others in positions of power.

“People want to believe the Romeo and Juliet thing, that they were in love,” said Williams, founder of Kindred Spirits genealogy workshop. “Get over yourself. We know what it was.”

Barksdale, whose DNA traces to 13 world regions, only occasionally reaches out to white relations through Ancestry, hesitant to reveal that their greats were rapists or slaveholders. Of those she has contacted, one said his long-ago grandfather must have really loved Barksdale’s long-ago grandmother. Others don’t respond.

“It’s a big difference once the whites find out they have a lot of Blacks in their history,” said Barksdale.

Through a relative who wrote a family history, Palmer found a distant grandmother descended from a slaveholder’s son.

“The proof is on multiple levels,” she said. “Here are actual documents that exist from that time that clearly say this. Then there’s the DNA piece. DNA doesn’t lie. If you share DNA with somebody, then you’re related on some level.”

Difficult conversations might follow, said Williams, but the findings also create opportunities. Through digitization, descendants of slaveholders can share family records that could fill holes in Black family trees, such as plantation logs revealing names and places where enslaved ancestors were purchased.

“Genealogy is something that is very personal, but you can’t do it in a vacuum,” said Williams. “You have to depend on the generosity of others.”

Fuller Picture

People today infected with the “crippling mindset” of believing “Lost Cause” myths are unlikely to accept the true version of events, Williams said. That would mean relinquishing power and “admitting that they are just like everybody else.”

Still, the stories must be told for a picture more encompassing than the history taught in school, said Jackson.

“The true stories are starting to come out about what really happened in American history,” he said. “There are the horror parts of slavery, and the fact that slavery did exist. We’ve even found more Black Americans that owned slaves. It’s telling the whole story.”

Black genealogists continue fighting to archive existing records for all to find. Williams was among the experienced genealogists recruited for the meticulous process of transcribing the Freedmen’s Bureau records. Barksdale once caught materials tossed out a window to her.

“And they were so moldy and filthy,” she said. “But now, those records are in the Historical Society of Dauphin County, and Dickinson College transcribed them. If we did not salvage those records, they would not be online for everyone in the world to look at.”

Of course, some stories are just plain colorful. Williams discovered her great-grandfather William was married to Carrie Jackson, and William’s brother, Daniel, was married to Mary Jackson. Just a case of brothers marrying sisters, right?

It took years, but Carrie’s obituary on that searchable godsend to genealogy, Newspapers.com, finally confirmed a hunch—that Mary Jackson was Carrie’s mother.

“I was like, ‘That can’t be right,’” Williams said. “It was so crazy. So, the mother and the daughter were in-laws.”

Every morning, Barksdale prays that she has the best of all her ancestors “wrapped up inside of me.” She turns her genealogy work for clients into positive stories of the journeys into “nooks and crannies of the world that nobody has bothered to dust off.”

“It gives them peace of mind to know who they are,” she said. “We are part of our ancestors. It helps us think about what our next steps in life could be, and how we pull forward those who are around us. It doesn’t matter if they’re Black or white. How do we help everybody in that unit get ahead? Just because there were some bad things in our lives that we found out through DNA, how do we turn that back and make it into something better and more prosperous for all of us?”

Finding Your Roots

Superheroes are popular because everyone likes origin stories, a guest once said on “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.”

That knowledge, made increasingly possible for Americans of African descent, adds to the national dialogue about where the United States came from and where it’s going, “Finding Your Roots” executives told TheBurg in a phone interview. The popular PBS series is helping drive interest in personal genealogy and its cumulative power to reveal untold chapters in American history.

“For so long, African Americans were erased from the narrative,” said Lead Genealogist Kimberly N. Morgan. “We need to get their stories told, put them back into the narrative, and give them and their descendants as much of their agency as possible. Everybody wants to know where they come from. If we can answer that, especially for African American people in this country, it’s a really powerful gift.”

Since “Finding Your Roots” premiered in 2012, the availability of genealogical records online “has just exploded and continues to explode,” said Executive Producer Sabin Streeter. “Our sense of what’s possible, even at the professional level, has expanded, and certainly what’s possible for the person at home who wants to do their family genealogy, it seems like a tremendous shift.”

The average Black American has about 25% European heritage, said Morgan. Gather that DNA in databases, and the common threads of heritage become clear. Such findings and stories, when uncovered and shared, provide a launching pad for conversations about race.

“It’s a very quick way of telling how interconnected we are,” said Streeter. “It’s a very quick way of bringing the horror of slavery present for everybody. It is a hard thing to think about, but it is a fundamental aspect of who we are as a people.”

This season’s “Finding Your Roots” session with actor and director Rebecca Hall, whose grandfather sometimes chose to pass as Native American or white, generated “a huge amount of chatter on social media,” said Morgan. The answers to many “whys” of history will never be known, but creating context helps build understanding.

“I love that our episodes and our work are facilitating some of these conversations,” Morgan said. “You need to find a foothold into history that catches your interest and opens that door to how you relate to them, and that relation allows you to start to empathize.”

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Her Life’s Work: Why artist Wendy Allen has devoted her entire career to one subject: Abraham Lincoln

January 28, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

Portrait by Wendy Allen.

Artist Wendy Allen knows every line, every feature of Abraham Lincoln’s face, perhaps better than her own. That’s because she’s painted him more than 500 times.

“It’s a complex, compelling face, but beautiful. I always start each painting with the eyes, and, if I don’t get the eyes just right, I start over,” said Allen, 66, surrounded by a colorful jumble of paints, easels and canvases—works in progress—in her Gettysburg studio. No two are alike.

Just as we, as humans, first make eye contact with people, it’s Abraham Lincoln’s eyes in each of her paintings—whether traditional or modern—that seem to capture and pull the viewer in.

“The eyes are so deeply set, but so beautiful,” Allen said. “His ears are lopsided, his eyes are lopsided, one half of his mouth goes up—the other half goes down, then the high cheekbones. There were 130 photos taken of Lincoln. And the biggest complaint of artists through the ages is his face is never the same.”

Lincoln’s face, although morphing through the years, is one of the most recognizable faces of all time. That’s also due to his stature and role in our nation’s history.

So for Allen, her life’s work is about much more than the challenge of capturing Lincoln’s portrait on the surface of a canvas. It’s about capturing and conveying his ideals.

More than Face Value

If Lincoln were alive today, Allen said, we might describe him as “authentic.”

“But back then, they would’ve said he was organic and natural, because what you see with Lincoln is what you got. With a politician, that’s refreshing,” Allen said. “It’s incredible—what he did, guiding the country through the Civil War, getting the amendments passed, ending slavery. It’s huge—he really corrected the course.”

She should know. She’s studied and read about Lincoln for nearly 50 years, beginning with her college days as a dual history and political science major. Keep in mind, more books have been written about Lincoln than anyone else, except Jesus.

Lincoln was greatly influenced by George Washington and the Declaration of Independence—almost as much as the Constitution, Allen said.

“He loved the concepts, he was so high-minded,” Allen said. “Anything he did, he always referred back to the Declaration of Independence, and you can even hear that in the Gettysburg Address. He really got the essence of freedom and liberty.”

Allen’s gallery, Lincoln into Art, is located along Baltimore Street, on the very route that Lincoln took when he visited Gettysburg to deliver what’s considered the most famous speech in history, in November 1863. As the name of her business states, she’s keeping Lincoln’s legacy alive, via art.

“I love modern art, contemporary art, but there is an emptiness within it that I find disturbing, and I also find a lot of victimization—not that it’s not called for—but art must touch the heart and convey love, and I think that’s starting to get lost in art, to a certain degree,” Allen said. “So, I want to make beautiful art and rebel against what’s going on now. So, what I do is continue to examine Lincoln’s face and try to put it in new settings.”

Like many careers, it was a winding road—even spanning the country—that led to Allen’s own place in history as “the Lincoln artist.”

Journey of a Lifetime

Born and raised in Pittsburgh through the first half of her childhood, Allen and her family relocated to Connecticut, where she obtained the rest of her education, through college. Following graduation, coinciding with the death of her mother, she needed a change.

“I just packed up my little VW Bug—I had about 50 bucks—and I drove out to California,” Allen said. “I eventually found a job in a design department at a publishing company. I was a secretary for the design director, all the talented designers were all artists, as well. There was this great art movement in the Bay area, and I just fell in love with it.”

Even though she’d never had an art lesson, she tried her hand at painting, using her windowsill as her easel. Early attempts, she admits, were “amateurish.” That all changed after a trip back east to visit her younger sister at Gettysburg College. That fateful visit coincided with the college’s Civil War Institute, an annual conference of leading history scholars. When Allen returned to California, she was inspired to paint her first Lincoln.

“It was an entirely different painting—and I thought, ‘Wow, this is so fascinating,’ and I just never stopped,” Allen said.

As she painted Lincoln through the years, she worked her way up the publishing ladder to become creative director for Scholastic. She left the position about a dozen years ago to paint fulltime.

The Rest Is History

Allen’s paintings now start at $800, with large-scale works going as high as $5,000.

Harold Holzer, considered one of the top experts on Lincoln, has written nearly 50 books on the 16th president, including “The Lincoln Image.”

“Almost every artist who encountered Lincoln despaired about how difficult it was to capture him. Most turned to photography,” Holzer said. “He has a familiar but elusive face. As Wendy and I have chatted, when you get down to the anatomical issues, Lincoln actually had a totally asymmetrical face, and it probably happened when he was kicked in the head by a horse as a child.”

To have her paintings accepted by Lincoln scholars is no small feat.

“You can’t flop a Lincoln picture without getting all the Lincoln community upset and hysterical,” said Holzer, who’s known Allen about 20 years. “Her audience, her fan base, and her impact have all grown exponentially.”

She’s also a respected and tireless community volunteer. She recently stepped down from the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania board after 10 years of service.

“She’s a much-beloved civic member of the community—they all adore her,” Holzer said.

While many of us remember Lincoln’s legacy (and Washington’s) this Feb. 21 on Presidents’ Day, Allen pays homage to his memory every day of her life.

“I’ve committed my whole entire life to not only Lincoln, but my love of country,” Allen said. “I love America, I love the ideals, I really do.”

Wendy Allen’s gallery, Lincoln Into Art, is located at 329 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, and online at lincolnintoart.com. And tune into TheBurg Podcast’s February episode to learn more about this fascinating artist and her love of Lincoln.

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Brotherly Bonding: Chosen Friends Masonic Lodge provides sense of belonging for Harrisburg men, while caring for the community

January 28, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Members of Chosen Friends Masonic Lodge No. 43

Clarence Stokes wants to clear up what he sees as a common misconception about freemasonry—it’s not a secret society!

Over the centuries, since its origin, the fraternal organization often has been perceived as mysterious. That’s given outsiders plenty of room to concoct conspiracy theories around the rituals and intentions of the group, some of which you may have heard.

While Stokes acknowledged that, in the past, masons mostly kept to themselves, things are different now, he said.

I can report that I didn’t have to repeat a chant or participate in any rituals in exchange for an interview with some local masons. We just jumped on a Zoom call.

Stokes and Jason Brown were eager to tell me about the masonic organization that they are members of—Chosen Friends Lodge No. 43. It’s a fraternal organization, they said, that has been the opposite of secretive, but present and active in the Harrisburg community.

“The history of this lodge is really the history of Harrisburg,” Brown said. “Our history is not separate from the community; it’s part of it.”

Leaving a Legacy

The lodge’s legacy is deeply tied to Black history in the nation and city. It’s part of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, a branch of freemasonry created by Prince Hall, a man who was one of many African Americans historically excluded from white lodges.

The first Prince Hall Lodge, then called the African Lodge in Boston, received certification as a masonic lodge in 1784. However, when several white lodges in the state joined to form a “Grand Lodge,” it was excluded, according to the book “History of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.” The Prince Hall Lodge formed its own “Grand Body” and opened lodges in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and New York.

Chosen Friends got its start in Harrisburg in 1882. Over the years, it became a place for Black men to gather and form a network. From its early days up to today, politicians, lawyers, business owners, pastors, truck drivers, educators and other professionals have joined the ranks.

“It gave men of color some sense of importance amongst themselves,” Brown said. “It was a place of belonging.”

According to Brown, abolitionist and U.S. Colored Troops soldier Jacob Compton was the first Worshipful Master of Chosen Friends. John P. Scott was also a member and grand master of the statewide Prince Hall Lodge. Scott was the Harrisburg School District’s first Black administrator as a principal, and Scott Elementary School was later named for him.

Other historical figures from the lodge can be found memorialized as part of the Commonwealth Monument, recently installed on the state Capitol grounds. The bronze monument recognizes Black history in Harrisburg and includes a statue of Compton and other activists. Inscribed on it is a list of former residents from the Old Eighth Ward, a majority Black and immigrant neighborhood that was demolished to expand the state Capitol grounds. Several former lodge members are included in the list.

In the present day, the members still represent professions from across the board.

Harrisburg City Council member Westburn Majors has been a member of Chosen Friends Lodge for around seven years. He joined after witnessing his uncle’s experience as a mason and seeing how much the lodge meant to him.

“Guys that I looked up to were part of the lodge,” Majors said. “It was something I was always interested in.”

What Majors found when he joined was a place for fellowship and connection. Majors lost his father in 2008, but, through Chosen Friends, he gained a group of mentors that he could go to for advice and counsel. With them, he often discusses work, faith and family, he said.

“These connections to these guys are invaluable,” Majors said. “There’s a lot that can be learned by sitting and learning from previous generations.”

Friends Forever

It’s not uncommon for Brown’s kids to see their dad talking to a stranger. They’ll ask who it was and Brown always responds the same way— “he’s my brother.” “But you just met him!” they’ll say.

There could be racial, cultural, religious or political differences, but a mason is a mason, and masons are brothers.

“It’s pretty unique,” he said. “You have a friend wherever you go.”

Not only is Chosen Friends a brotherhood, but the lodge has been instrumental in serving the community.

From 1891 to 1982, the lodge ceremoniously laid 16 cornerstones in the construction of buildings in Harrisburg, a traditional practice in masonry that symbolizes stability and strength. All of these buildings were local churches, with the exception of the Camp Curtin YMCA in Uptown Harrisburg.

Community service is what drew Stokes to become a mason. His mentor, a member of Chosen Friends, was always out in the community helping others.

“I love service and giving back to people that are less fortunate,” Stokes said.

The lodge has participated in holiday giving, adopt-a-highway and adopt-a-school programs. They’ve partnered with organizations like the American Literacy Corporation and the Boys and Girls Club. They’ve also hosted their own events like a daddy-daughter dance and a Thanksgiving meal distribution.

When Chosen Friends members meet in-person, it’s at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg. During the pandemic, events and monthly meetings were scaled back and mostly moved to virtual platforms. But for members like Majors, even the online connection was enough to combat isolation.

At the same time, freemasonry is dealing with another big problem—it’s losing its members. According to an NPR article, in recent years, masonic membership nationally has declined by around 75% from a high of over 4.1 million members in 1959. The decline is part of a national trend away from membership in places like Elks lodges, civic clubs and even the Boy Scouts, among other social, civic and fraternal organizations.

According to Brown, in the 1970s and ‘80s, there were close to 200 members of Chosen Friends. However, in the past several years, the lodge drew around 50 members.

Recruiting younger men has been a challenge, Stokes explained. Members’ ages range from the 30s to 90s, but most fall more in the middle to upper end of the scale.

Stokes, though, was positive about membership at the lodge. He wasn’t worried about its future.

“It has been a challenge with the younger generation,” he said. “But we have withstood the times.”

Brown credits Chosen Friends’ longevity with its ability to leverage connections in the community. This was true for Stokes, Brown and Majors, who all found Chosen Friends through the mentors and role models in their lives. If Harrisburg masons can continue to do that for the next generations, they believe the lodge has a bright future.

“We are an important part of the community,” Stokes said. “We are not just a secret society of men dressed in black suits. We take good men, and we make them better.”

For more information on Chosen Friends Lodge No. 43, visit their Facebook page or email [email protected].

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Happenings: Our February Calendar of Events

January 28, 2022 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

Packard Showroom Exhibit Presented by Keystone Packards, through April 23

“Survivors: Unrestored Classic Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles,” through April 23

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

“Figuratively Speaking,” winter membership celebrating the human form in all media, through Feb. 17

Shakespeare-themed art exhibit featuring Kim Stone, Carrie Wissler-Thomas and Tina Reiley, through Feb. 28 at Capital Blue Cross.

“Beauty and Discovery,” an artist invitational featuring the work of Pamela J. Black, Ashley Moog Bowlsbey and Jessie Waite, Feb. 25-March 31; reception: Feb. 25, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

“Tom Ward, Fabric Artist,” featuring exuberant quilts and wall hangings that express themes of nature and spirituality through colorful works of art, through Feb. 27

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

“Go for the Gold,” members’ annual Color Show, featuring artwork in hues of gold, Feb. 4-March 5

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

February artist of the month

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

“Horace Pippin: Racism and War,” centering on Pippin’s “Mr. Prejudice,” representing the artist’s response to the discrimination of African American soldiers fighting in World War II, through Feb. 19

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

“Winterfest,” a winter wonderland of art and crafts by members of the Millersburg Area Art Association, through Feb. 26

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

“For the Love of Art” exhibit by Hershey Area Art Association members in the Milton & Catherine Conservatory at Hershey Gardens, Feb. 11-13

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

“Beyond Limitations” digital sculpture, 3D printing and virtual reality by Joe Meiser, Feb, 11-March 6

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

New works by The Huckle Buckle Boys, Pat Frese, Julie Iaria, Kristin Fava, and Ann Benton Yeager, through Feb. 13

New works by Tara Chickey, Amie Bantz, Tina Berrier, Averil Shepps, Caleb Smith, Feb. 15-March 13; First Saturday: Feb. 5, 2-5 p.m. and 3rd in the Burg: Feb. 18, 5-10 p.m.

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 (PCCA)
Landis House, 67 N. Fourth Street
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Weaving Creativity,” a display of traditional and modern hooked rugs by the Magdalena Rug Hookers of Perry County, paired with basket designs by Teena Beutel, Feb. 11-April 22

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

“Natural Elements,” artist invitational with Judy Bouder, Toby Bouder, Carolyn Pio, Todd Tabb and Hyeyon Wilson, through March 5

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

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

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

“In Nature’s Studio,” showcasing a bounty of early 19th century through late 20th century American artists’ depictions of the landscape, Feb. 12-May 22

“Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You,” artwork by Irvin Rodriguez, through Feb. 20

“Approximate Release,” a sculptural installation in the DeSoto Family Vault by Ron Lambert, Feb. 25-April 10

“Hedy O’Beil—The Late Work,” a selection of work from the 1970s to mid-1980s, Feb. 25-June 19

“Project—Nature,” a sneak peek of the current VanGo! Museum on Wheels exhibition, “Nature in Art,” featuring the work of Victoria Fuller, Aug. 22

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

“Our Strength is Our People—The Humanist Photographs of Lewis Hine,” Feb. 4–April 6

Read, Make, Learn

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

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Beginning Oil Painting, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Intermediate/Advanced Painting, 1-3:30 p.m.
Feb. 1, 9: Beginner Level 1 Jewelry Making—Riveting & Texture, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 1-22: Advanced Vessels, 4 Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 2, 8: Beginner Level 2 Jewelry Making—Pierce Sawing, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 2-23: Abstract Painting, 4 Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 2-March 9: Fundamentals of Photography, 6 Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 2-March 9: Wheel 101, 6 Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12: Heart Art (ages 6-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 5-26: Figure Drawing, 4 Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 7-March 14: Glazing-Taking The Next Step, 6 Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 15, 22: Contemporary Copper Enameled Jewelry, 2 Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m.
Feb. 16-March 16: Wednesday Art Club (grades K-2), 3:45-5 p.m.
Feb. 16-March 23: Zoom! Getting Started with Adobe Lightroom Classic, 6 Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 17: Stay Warm with CALC! (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Feb. 17-March 24: Fundamentals of Photography, 6 Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 18: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Feb. 25-April 1: Friday Art Club (grades 3-5), 3:45-5 p.m.
Feb. 26: Textured Metal and Enamel, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Dinner, 6-9 p.m.
Feb. 23: Comfort Food Classics, 6-9 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9, 22, 23: All Ages Storytime on Zoom, 6 p.m.
Feb. 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25: Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5 years) on Zoom, 10:30-11:10 a.m.
Feb. 1, 7, 8, 22, 28: Born to Read (birth-18 months) on Zoom, 9:30-10 a.m.
Feb. 2, 4, 9, 11, 23, 25: Toddler Storytime (ages 19-35 months) on Zoom, 11-11:40 a.m.
Feb. 5: Black History Hall of Fame on Zoom, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 12: Celebrate the Lunar New Year! on Zoom, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 14: Past Players Present “Happy Birthday, Frederick Douglass” on Zoom, 4-6 p.m.
Feb. 15: Animal Crossing New Horizons 2.0 on Zoom (ages 18 and older), 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 16: Crafternoon (ages 15 and older) on Zoom, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: Spanish Language Conversation Group (ages 15 and older) on Zoom, 12-1 p.m.

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

Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21: Baby Time, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 8, 22: STEM Stations, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 10, 24: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
Feb. 12: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
Feb. 12, 19: LEGO Club, 11 a.m.
Feb. 15: Musik Time, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 19: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.
Feb. 19: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.

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

Feb. 1: Virtual Illustrated Talk—John Harris Jr. with David Biser, 7-8 p.m.

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

Feb. 1: Curl up with the Classics—“Tender Is The Night,” 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 1: Teen STEM Drop-In—Bath Bomb DIY, 5:30-6:15 p.m. (ages 12-14), 6:30-7:15 p.m. (ages 15-18)
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Career Exploration Workshop, 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 2: Moving Forward Book Group w/Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Feb. 2: Accessibility—A “Hear Me Out” Dialogue, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28: Discovery Zone Fun, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 3-March 10: Intro. To Digital Photography, 6 Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Get That Job! Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 5: Library for Lunch, 1 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 1 p.m.
Feb. 7, 21: STEM Grab & Go, 9 a.m.
Feb. 7, 21: Zoom—Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 8: Google Suite Overview, 2-3 p.m.
Feb. 8: Comics Club, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 8: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 9: Spreadsheet Basics, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 10: Plot Twisters, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 11, 25: Film Fridays, 7 p.m.
Feb. 12: Teen Crafternoon, 3-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 12, 26: Preschooler Craft Grab & Go Bag, 1 p.m.
Feb. 14: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Mission Transition, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 18: Family Movie Nights, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 22: Cloud Storage Basics, 2-3 p.m.
Feb. 25: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 26: Paint & Sip, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 28: Virtual Fredricksen Reads—“The Paris Library,” 7-8 p.m.

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

Feb. 18: Virtual Exploring Pen & Ink, 6 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

Feb. 4: First Friday Trivia, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 8: Toastmasters Meetings, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 20: HYP Book Club—“The Midnight Library,” 2-4 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Feb. 2: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Feb. 2: Hear Me Out—Accessibility on Zoom, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 3: Who Says Astronomy Can’t Be Funny?, 7 p.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15 a.m.
Feb. 3, 17: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 5: Fused Glass Class, 1 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 26: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14: Facebook Live—Books and Babies (birth-12 months), 10:15 a.m.
Feb. 10: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10 a.m.
Feb. 16: In-Person Geo-Terrarium Succulent Workshop, 5:30-7 p.m.
Feb. 19: Chess Tournament, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Feb. 19: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Feb. 26: Dried Flower Wreath Class, 10 a.m.

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.org

Feb. 28: Fourth Monday Program—“How Mira Lloyd Dock and the Board of Trade Made Harrisburg ‘The City Beautiful,’” 6-7:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 1: Tween Scene, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Storybook STEAM, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 9: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 11, 25: Dungeons and Dragons (ages 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 12, 26: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 14, 28: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.
Feb. 19: Adventure Club, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Feb. 19: Teen Squad, 3-4 p.m.
Feb. 21: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 22: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19. 26: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Feb. 8, 22: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.
Feb. 10: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.
Feb. 12: LGBTQ Book Club, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28: Free Tax Preparation, 5:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 3: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Feb. 21: Mystery Book Club (in person and online), 6-7 p.m.

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

Feb. 4: An Evening with Daniel Pink, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 18: Imani Perry with Yaba Blay, 7-8 p.m.

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

Feb. 5: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.

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

Feb. 1-28: Beanstack Challenge—For the Love of Reading (ages 0-18)
Feb. 3: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 3, 17: Block Party! (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 7, 21: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 7-28: Cozy Zoom Storytimes on Zoom (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 8: Book Review Program, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 8: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9: Teen Craft Time (grades 6-12), 3-4 p.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 12: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Story & Craft (ages 4-8), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 15: Teen Volunteer Program (grades 6-12), 3-4 p.m.
Feb. 16: Kid Builders! (ages 3 and older), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 19: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 19: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 20: “Black Pioneers Beyond the Susquehanna,” 3 p.m.
Feb. 21: Music & More Mondays (ages 3-7), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: KIND Club—Kids Interested in Novels of Diversity on Zoom (ages 8-12), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
Feb. 24: BookTok Book Talk (grades 6-12), 3-4 p.m.

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

Feb. 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 24, 28: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.
Feb. 14: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Feb. 19: Rug Hooking for Beginners, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Feb. 2: Explore! Groundhogs, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 2-27: Highlights Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Wednesdays-Sundays)
Feb. 3: The Games & Puzzle Challenge, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 4, 19: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 9: Giant PA Map, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 10, 24: Curiosity Kids, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 11: Virtual Adventures in Nature Lab—Wildlife Photography and Filmmaking, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Feb. 16: Explore! Germs, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: Family Gallery Tour—Paleontology, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 23: Family Gallery Tour—Mammal Hall, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 25: Learn at Lunchtime—Virtual Curator’s Choice, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 18, 26: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 16: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Wednesdays Walk at Wildwood, 12-2 p.m.
Feb. 5: Kids Discover—Groundhogs (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 5: Pressed Flower Valentines, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 5: Kids Discover—Groundhogs (ages 7-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
Feb. 8: Virtual Winter Lecture Series—Species of Importance in the Susquehanna River, 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 12: Birds & Coffee, 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 15: Wild Edibles Cooking Class, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 17, 24: Advanced Fly Tying Classes, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 19: Kids Discover–Mammals and Their Pelts (ages 5-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
Feb. 22: Virtual Winter Lecture Series—Recreation on the Susquehanna River, 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 26: Cadette Girl Scouts—Night Owl, 4-8:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Feb. 3: Harry Connick, Jr.
Feb. 19: Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly
Feb. 20: The Righteous Brothers—Bill Medley & Bucky Heard
Feb. 26: Kansas

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

Feb. 4: Jazz in the City
Feb. 9: Gordon Lightfoot
Feb. 10: The Philly Keys
Feb. 19: York Symphony
Feb. 26: The Life and Music of George Michael

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

Feb. 18: Tusk

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

Feb. 2: Wednesday Jazz Series
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Industry Night with DJ Caraby
Feb. 4: Hexbelt
Feb. 16: Harrisburg Jazz Collective
Feb. 19: Ben Brandt & Soul Miners Union, Noah Fowler
Feb. 26: Harrisburg University presents Joywave

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

Feb. 3: Keep Lying & Don’t Panic with Locals
Feb. 4: Emo Night Tour
Feb. 6: An Evening with Red
Feb. 12: The Menzingers
Feb. 13: Queens Who Brunch
Feb. 19: Gaelic Storm
Feb. 24: Obscura, Dirt Monkey
Feb. 25: Between the Buried and Me
Feb. 26: Bark at the Moon, Shout at the Devil

Harrisburg Scottish Rite Theatre
2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-238-8868; valleyofharrisburg.org

Feb. 5: Yellow Brick Road Tribute to Elton John

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

Feb. 7: Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra
Feb. 12-13: Keyboard Fireworks
Feb. 26-27: Back to the 80s

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Feb. 24: COIN at XL Live
Feb. 25: The James Hunter Six at XL Live
Feb. 26: Joywave at The Englewood

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

Feb. 18: Spring Musical Showcase

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

Feb. 11: Little River Band, Firefall
Feb. 27: 74th Annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival

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

Feb. 13: Wind Symphony Family Pops Concert
Feb. 16: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin—The Queen of Soul
Feb. 18: Symphony Orchestra Concert
Feb. 26: Jazz Ensemble Concert

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

Feb. 15: Stephen Hough

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

Feb. 12: Toni Marie Palmertree & Ellen Rissinger
Feb. 18: Messiah University Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Winds
Feb. 25: Messiah University Symphony Orchestra
Feb. 27: Kuhlman Competition

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

Feb. 5: Svyati Duo

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

Feb. 12: Winter Coffee House
Feb. 20: The Lonesome Ace String Band

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

Feb. 5: Jaclyn Susa Harnish
Feb. 11: Jazz at the Ville with Rick Hirsch
Feb. 12: Charlotte Blake Alston
Feb. 18: Billie, Bessie & Nina—Pioneering Women of Jazz

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

Feb. 4: Abba Mania

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

Feb. 5: Defiant X, Eternal Frequency, WSGS, Lyndhurst, Dinosaurs in Paris
Feb. 11: The Four Horseman Metallica Tribute
Feb. 12: The Strictly Hip
Feb. 17: Papadosio, WSG, Solar Circuit
Feb. 24: Coin
Feb. 25: The James Hunter Six
Feb. 26: Space Bacon & Litz

Zeroday Brewing Co.
925 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Feb. 4: DJ Kynz
Feb. 18: Natalie Ness

The Stage Door

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

Feb. 18: “Scooby-Doo! And the Lost City of Gold”
Feb. 25: Masters of Illusion
Feb. 27: “The Price is Right Live!”

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

Feb. 2: RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour
Feb. 11: Matt Bergman, Gigi Modrich

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

Feb. 2-19: “Beehive The ‘60s Musical”
Feb. 25-April 16: “Singin’ in the Rain”

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

Feb. 4: TMI Improv
Feb. 11-20: “Echoes of Voices of the Eighth”
Feb. 16-March 5: “3 Billy Goats Gruff”

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

Feb. 18-20: “Pan!” and “The Great Gatsby” two-for-one show

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

Feb. 4: Divas Down Under

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

Feb. 4, Heartthrobs, The Outsiders, Meetwood Flac
Feb. 5: Free Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Love Triangle, Barn Bitches
Feb. 11: Leg of Lamp, The Outsiders, Introduce a Self
Feb. 12: Free Mixer, Ferret Prom, Bandito, Don’t Play with Deacon
Feb. 18: Midtown Funk, Larry Bird, Cheese
Feb. 19: Free Mixer, The Outsiders, Sugar Weasel, Rockstar Goes Supernova
Feb. 25: Level 3 Class Show, Teen Girls, Same Each, HIT BITS
Feb. 26: Level 2 Class Show, Snicker Casket, Critical HIT!, Elderprov
Feb. 27: Level 2 Class Show, Level 3 Show

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

Feb. 13: Queens Who Brunch

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

Feb. 10-20: “Stage Kiss”

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

Feb. 14: “Summer—The Donna Summer Musical”
Feb. 17: Jo Koy

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

Feb. 18-27: “Puffs, or, Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic”

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

Feb. 25-March 13: “Wait Until Dark”

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

Feb. 12: Southern Fried Chicks

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

Feb. 12: “The Complete History of Comedy”

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

Feb. 5: The Obstructed View
Feb. 9: Harrisburg Black Newsbeat
Feb. 12-March 12: “The Mad Ones”

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

Feb. 26: “Speak to My Soul—A Montage of Voices”

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

Feb. 11-Feb. 27: Theatre Harrisburg presents “The Secret Garden”

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

Feb. 11-27: “The Secret Garden” at Whitaker Center

Zeroday Brewing Co.
925 N. 3rd St, Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Feb. 17: Boozy Bingo with Felicia O’Toole

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