Sopranos Soup: Hey, we got your pasta fazool over here

December 29, 2021 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

When I think back on the food my mother served during my childhood, I’m always struck by how eclectic it was.

We had American food like the rest of the people we knew—a nice rib roast for Sunday dinner and hamburgers on Saturday nights. A happy memory for me is eating barbecued spareribs in front of the TV to watch “Superman.” Life was good.

But often she turned to her Sicilian heritage and cooked what could mostly be considered peasant food: chicken soup with escarole and shreds of egg, lentils with elbow macaroni and chickpeas simply prepared with olive, salt and pepper. When she cooked stewing beef and bones to make broth, we would eat the boiled beef, along with some potatoes, for a separate dinner.

There was no fast food and no take-out. Not ever! This was our comfort food, especially in the dead of winter.

If there is one so-called Italian “comfort food” that would win a popularity contest out there in the culinary world, I think it would be pasta and beans. Now, you might know it as pasta fagioli or in Italian-American vernacular, pasta fazool. I have eaten pasta fazool in my mother’s kitchen, in wonderful New York restaurants and even made (surprisingly) by my younger son. Each one of these dishes has been a little different, and I have loved them all.

The recipe that follows is from “The Sopranos Family Cookbook.” It is one of my favorites because it is more like a stew than a “brothy” soup and also because it has a touch of tomato. You can make it with dried beans, soaked and cooked briefly beforehand, or good canned beans, which have been rinsed and drained. Find some good, crusty bread, sliced oranges and apples, and a fruity Italian red wine like Valpolicella. Be comforted on a cold January night.

Pasta Fagioli

Ingredients

8 ounces (about 1¼ cups) dried cannellini or great northern beans
1 celery rib, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
¼ cup olive oil
1 cup peeled, seeded and chopped fresh tomatoes, canned Italian tomatoes
1 teaspoon tomato paste
½ cup water or chicken broth
A pinch of dried red pepper flakes (more to taste)
Salt
8 ounces small pasta, like ditalini
Parmesan cheese (if desired)

Directions

If using dried beans, put them in a bowl with cold water to cover by 1 inch at least 4 hours or overnight.
When ready to prepare the recipe, drain the beans and place them in a pot with fresh water to cover by ½ inch. Bring to a simmer over low heat, cover the pot, and cook until the beans are soft (about 1 hour). Instead of these steps with dried beans, you can substitute 3 cups canned beans, rinsed and drained.
In a separate saucepan or soup pan, cook the celery and garlic in olive oil over moderate heat. When the garlic is golden in color, remove it from the pan. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, water (or broth), pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture is thickened.
Add the cooked beans and their cooking liquid or the canned beans to the tomato sauce.
Bring the mixture back to simmer, mashing some of the beans with the back of a large spoon.
Stir in the pasta, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente. Add a little water or broth if it seems too thick. But remember, it is a stew!
I add lots of grated Parmesan cheese to this dish, although the recipe does not include it.

If you splurged on your holiday roast beef, you will love this economical but nourishing meal (a little austerity in January).

And remember, as Dean Martin sang to us in 1953: “When the stars make you drool just like pasta fazool, that’s amore!”

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

The Helpful 8: This New Year, resolve to strengthen your mind to cope with stress

December 29, 2021 | by Capital Blue Cross Staff

Each new year, Americans famously renew those promises to shed pounds and tone muscles, but some health experts say finding ways to strengthen our mental health is just as important as getting our bodies in shape.

“Stress can impact job performance, productivity, communication and other aspects of work life,” said Gina McDonald, senior health coach for Capital Blue Cross.

There are ways to help get the mind in shape to meet those mental health challenges, she added.

For example, McDonald and colleagues in the health, promotion and wellness team at Capital Blue Cross offer employer groups a presentation called “Healthy Mind Basics”—simple, scientifically based suggestions for strengthening the mind to better handle stress and anxiety.

“Think of it as a balanced ‘diet’ for mental health,” McDonald said. “There are ways to feed your mind with nutrients that will enhance your brain health. These are things that everyone can do, and that every employer can support in the workplace to help employees cope with stress.”

While not an exhaustive list, McDonald cited eight activities that can help strengthen the mind and lower stress levels.

Focus: Spend time each day on a special challenge that involves focus or stimulation. For example, prepare for a big presentation, lead a meeting, or plan an upcoming holiday event.
Play: Participate in hobbies and new experiences.
Connect: Take time to reach out to your inner circle to keep connections consistent.
Exercise: Move your body to increase your heart rate. Shoot for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
Reflect: Meditating in a quiet, calm place, even for five minutes, can help relieve stress.
Gratitude: Find a healthy way to express gratitude, such as journaling, writing thank you letters, or thinking about people who inspired you. Studies have shown that gratitude makes us feel happier and more content by altering neural structures in the brain.
Relax: Down time is important. Let your mind wander, whether it be watching television or a movie, scrolling your smart phone, or reading a book. Take time to unwind.
Sleep: Try for seven to nine hours each night. This is the time for the brain to rest and recover.

“Take notice where your mental health diet might need some more attention as well as where it strongly supports you each day,” McDonald said. “As our bodies need nutrients each day to thrive, so do our minds.”

For more information about Capital Blue Cross, visit www.capbluecross.com.

This column is sponsored by Capital Blue Cross.

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

Community Corner: Notable Events in January

December 29, 2021 | by Missy Smith

January Community Corner

Penguin Plunge
Jan. 1: Welcome the New Year by taking a plunge into the Susquehanna River with hundreds of other supporters of the Humane Society of Harrisburg to help homeless animals in central PA. The 25th annual event begins at 10 a.m. on City Island beach in Harrisburg with the actual plunge at noon. www.humanesocietyhbg.org

Kids Cocoa Club

Jan. 1-15: Curl up with a good book with New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza. Grab the library’s packet and fill your hot cocoa cup with “marshmallows” (winter reading challenges). Update a reading log to earn a completion badge and prize. Grab your hot chocolate reward at the library before Jan. 31. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Photo Display
Jan. 1-30: View more than 100 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. 16 at 1 p.m. People’s Choice Award winners will be named at the show’s conclusion. www.wildwoodlake.org

Winter Discovery
Jan. 2-30: Visit the Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where special exhibits will highlight some of Wildwood’s animals in winter. The nature center is closed on Mondays. www.wildwoodlake.org

Classics Fest

Jan. 3-8: Gamut Theatre presents Classics Fest, a week-long festival of plays and performances celebrating diversity and classic works, coinciding with the international Shakespeare Theatre Association Conference in Harrisburg. Take in performances at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., and Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. www.gamuttheatre.org

Girls who Code
Jan. 4, 11, 26: Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey, hosts Girls Who Code, a program for girls in grades 6 to 12 who will use computer science to impact their community and join a group of supportive peers and role models. Girls will build skills in teamwork, confidence, time management, communication and more. www.hersheylibrary.org

Pedals, Pipes & Pizza

Jan. 8: This free 3-hour event introduces young musicians in grades 3 through 8 to the workings of the pipe organ, followed by a chance to play on several instruments at Lebanon Valley College, Annville. Check-in at 9:15 a.m. at Miller Chapel, 32 W. Sheridan Ave. www.harrisburgago.org/education

Birds & Coffee
Jan. 8: Stop by the Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, 10 to 11 a.m. Join a naturalist and Appalachian Audubon to observe and count common feeder birds as part of Project FeederWatch. Appalachian Audubon members will also sell bird-friendly coffee. www.wildwoodlake.org

HBG Flea
Jan. 8: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Strawberry Square, Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for growth in the community by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together in one place. www.hbgflea.com

Winter Edibles

Jan. 13: Join a Wildwood Park naturalist for a hike at Detweiler Park, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin, 2 to 3:30 p.m., with a focus on trees and edible winter foods. Become familiar with a variety of common species and a few recipes you can try at home. Dress for the weather. Cost is $5 and space is limited. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Peaceful Poses

Jan. 14: Kids ages 3 and older are invited to go on a yoga adventure with Ann Fields, founder of Peaceful Poses Kids Yoga, at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Encourage your children to bring a story to life with yoga poses, deep breathing and exercise. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Nature Lab
Jan. 14: Explore wildlife photography and filmmaking in a virtual nature lab with the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Tracy Graziano, an award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will discuss her experiences documenting animals in their habitats. www.statemuseumpa.org

Film Fridays
Jan. 14, 28: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for Film Fridays. On Jan. 14, view “Dear White People,” a social satire about Black students at an Ivy League college. On Jan. 28, view “Delicatessen,” about a butcher in post-apocalyptic France with an apartment building in constant need of a handyman. Showings are at 2 and 7 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Martin’s Mission

Jan. 17: Carlisle YWCA, 301 G St., will host a full-day adventure for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade, to learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sessions include “Unleashed Potential,” Dickinson College’s Trout Gallery and Hope Station. A light breakfast and lunch are provided. www.ywcacarlisle.org

Annual Dinner
Jan. 17: Join the Capital Region Council of Governments at Best Western Premier, 800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg, for its annual dinner, reorganization meeting and presentation of the Perry Albert Award. A reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. www.capitalregioncog.org

2022 Farm Show
Jan. 8-15: Attend the PA Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural show in the nation, at the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, N. Cameron and Maclay streets, Harrisburg. Milk a cow, enjoy a famous Farm Show milkshake, learn first-hand the science and skills used in agriculture, and discover some new events and features. www.farmshow.state.pa.us

Networking Mixer
Jan. 12: Mingle with local business professionals at West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s January networking mixer, 4 to 6 p.m., at Healthy You Café, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola. The event is free and open to chamber members. www.wschamber.org

SnowFest

Jan. 15: Celebrate winter at SnowFest, Greenwood Furnace State Park, 15795 Greenwood Rd., Huntingdon, 12 to 4 p.m. Take part in broomball, ice skating, free snowshoe trials, bonfire on the beach, winter camping, ice harvesting, animal tracking, fire starting and the Polar Plunge. www.juniatarivervalley.org

MLK Service Day
Jan. 17: The 13th Annual Central PA MLK Day of Service opening ceremony will be held at Hamilton Health Center at 110 S. 17th St. in Harrisburg. This year’s theme is “The Beloved Community—Ensuring Affordable Housing and Accessible Health Care For All.” Service projects take place throughout the Harrisburg area. www.centralpamlkday.org

Poetry & Storytelling
Jan. 17: Enjoy the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg’s annual MLK International Poetry and Storytelling Festival, 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Zoom, to experience the next generation of poets who celebrate and expand on Dr. King’s dream. Poets, writers and high school writers can submit poems and short stories through Jan. 13. www.wacharrisburg.org

Business After Hours

Jan. 20: Mingle with business professionals at Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC’s free networking event, hosted by Appalachian Brewing Co., 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, 4 to 6 p.m. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

3rd in The Burg
Jan. 21: Check out the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can explore and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Book Sale
Jan. 22: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, will hold pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, DVDs, CDs, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Pedals, Pipes & Pizza

Jan. 22: This free, 3-hour event introduces young musicians in grades 3 through 8 to the workings of the pipe organ, followed by a chance to play on several instruments at Messiah University, Grantham. Check-in is at 9:45 a.m. at the High Center, 580 University Ave. www.harrisburgago.org/education

Preservation Priorities

Jan. 24: Historic Harrisburg Association will host a virtual first look at its annually updated listing of properties and sites deemed to have importance to the community, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees can view the drafted listing and provide input and feedback, prior to its final adoption in February. www.historicharrisburg.org

Legislators’ Forum
Jan. 26: Join the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 2022 Legislators’ Forum, featuring area members of the state House of Representatives, at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 8 to 10 a.m. Cost to attend is $70, or $45 for members. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

Discover Owls
Jan. 29: Families are invited to Kids Discover—Owls at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 to 6 and 1:30 to 3 p.m. for ages 7 to 10. Learn how to identify different species of owls by listening to their unique calls. Become a lab scientist and dissect an owl pellet to discover what they eat. www.wildwoodlake.org

Burns Night

Jan. 29: The Scottish Society of Central Pennsylvania will host the 67th Annual Burns Night Supper, a celebration of the life, poetry and music of the Scottish bard. Enjoy dinner, Burns poetry, bagpipe music, haggis procession, live entertainment and an opportunity to wear a kilt. A social hour will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by dinner. www.pennscots.org

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

Happenings: Our January Calendar of Events

December 29, 2021 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

License Plate Collectors Association Display, retrospective of vintage plates, January to May

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

“Situated: Confronting Identity,” featuring art by Bridie Alvarez, Destiny Santana, Larissa Ramey and Lucy Giboyeaux, through Jan. 6

“Figuratively Speaking,” winter membership celebrating the human form in all media, Jan. 14-Feb. 17; reception: Jan. 14, 5-8 p.m.

Shakespeare-themed art exhibit featuring Kim Stone, Carrie Wissler-Thomas and Tina Reiley, through Feb. 28 at Capital Blue Cross and in conjunction with Gamut Theatre’s Classics Fest

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, Jan. 9-Feb. 27; opening reception: Jan. 9, 12:15 p.m.; other public viewings, Jan. 21, 6-9 p.m., and Jan. 22, 10 a.m. to noon.

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

“Seen,” an exhibit connecting viewer and artist in a conversation about our need to be understood and our preconceived notions of others, Jan. 7-29

“Presenting Racism: Stories from Our Town,” a collaborative exhibit to illuminate historical moments of racism in Carlisle and contemporary visions of equity and inclusion, Jan. 7-29

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

“Tracing Slavery: I—Moses Williams, Silhouettes,” cut-paper profiles by Williams with prints by contemporary artist Kara Walker, through Jan. 22

“Tracing Slavery: II—Kara Walker, Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War,” works highlighting the experience and identity of African Americans, past and present, through Jan. 22

“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, Jan. 5-Feb. 26

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

“Color, Pattern, Function,” Lydia Gasper Ceramics, through Jan. 29; artist’s talk and reception: Jan. 14, 4:15 p.m.

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; metropoliscollective.com

“A Wintry Mix VI: Tangled Up in Blue,” with an emphasis on the wintry color of blue and its associated depth, honesty and sadness; reception: Jan. 21, 7-11 p.m.

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

New works by Millworks artists

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 Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Artisan Marketplace” holiday exhibition, filled with unique handmade items and art for local gift giving, through Jan. 15

7th Annual Juried Exhibition, featuring outstanding artwork in a variety of media, created by local artists, through Jan. 29

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

“Art of the State,” an annual statewide juried competition, through Jan. 2

“Witness to History: Colonel Paul Evanko’s 9/11 Field Notes,” featuring the head of the PA State Police’s handwritten field notes from the morning of 9/11, through Jan. 2

“Why Not in Pennsylvania? Campaigning for Women’s Suffrage in the Keystone State,” through Jan. 2

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

“Four Seasons and Seven Vices—Old Master Prints in Series,” examining stories of seasons, elements, planets, virtues and vices in Renaissance and Baroque-era printmaking, through Jan. 23

“Tradition Interrupted,” exploring how artists weave contemporary ideas with traditional arts and crafts to create thought-provoking hybrid images and objects, through Jan. 23

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

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

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

“Emerging Artists Showcase,” through Jan. 28

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

“Photography Contest Display,” showcasing more than 100 photographs taken at Wildwood Park, through Jan. 29

Read, Make, Learn

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

Jan. 5: Beginner Level 2 Jewelry Making—Pierce Sawing, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 5-Feb. 2: Wednesday In-Person Art Club (grades K-2), 3:45-5 p.m.
Jan. 6: As You Wish Earrings, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 7-Feb. 4: Friday In-Person Art Club (grades 3-5), 3:45-5 p.m.
Jan. 8: Vintage Tin Earrings, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 15: Art Together, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: Celebrate Peace (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 18: Make a Journal, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 19: Suicide Loss Survivors, 5:30-7 p.m.
Jan. 19-May 4: Middle School Art Club, Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m.
Jan. 20-May 5: High School Art Lab, 5-7 p.m.
Jan. 21: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 29: Color Spheres, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Jan. 28-29: Friends Pop Up Book Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
Jan. 8: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
Jan. 13, 27: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
Jan. 15: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.

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

Jan. 12: Virtual Illustrated Lecture—“Honeybees: the View from the Backyard,” 7-8:15 p.m.

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

Jan. 3, 17: Zoom—Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 4: Curl up with the Classics—“Tender Is The Night,” 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 4: Teen STEM Drop-In—Transformative Works, 5:30-6:15 p.m., 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Career Exploration Workshop, 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 5: Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Jan. 5: Reimagining Work—A ‘Hear Me Out’ Dialogue, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27: Discovery Zone Fun, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 am., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Jan. 8: Teen Crafternoon, 3-4:30 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 1 p.m.
Jan. 10: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2-3:30 p.m.
Jan. 10: Mission Transition, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Jan. 10: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 10, 24: STEM Grab & Go, 9 a.m.
Jan. 11: Comics Club, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 11: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 13: Plot Twisters, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 14: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 14, 28: Film Fridays, 7 p.m.
Jan. 15, 29: Preschooler Craft Grab & Go Bag, 1 p.m.
Jan. 18: Cloud Storage Basics, 2-3 p.m.
Jan. 21: Family Movie Nights, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 24: Virtual Fredricksen Reads—“The Lions Of Fifth Avenue,” 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 24: Home-Based Business Roundtable, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 4-Feb. 22: Level 3—The Harold,” Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 6-Feb. 24: “Level 2—Game of the Scene,” Thursdays, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 10-Feb. 28: “Level 3—The Harold,” Mondays, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 12-March 2: “Level 1—Intro to Improv,” Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

Jan. 23: HYP Book Club, 2-4 p.m.

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

Jan. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 25: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Jan. 5: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Jan. 5: Hear Me Out—Reimagining Work on Zoom, 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Beginning Crochet Class, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31: Books and Babies (birth-12 months), 10:15 a.m.
Jan. 11: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15 a.m.
Jan. 12: Card Making Class, 6 p.m.
Jan. 13, 20, 27: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15 a.m.
Jan. 15: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Jan. 28: After Hours Board Games, 6 p.m.

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

Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24: Storybook STEAM, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 4: Tween Scene, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Jan. 10, 24: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 14, 28: Dungeons and Dragons (ages 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 15: Adventure Club, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Jan. 15: Teen Squad, 3-4 p.m.
Jan. 17: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 20: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.
Jan. 25: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 29: Creation Station, 1-3 p.m.

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

Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Jan. 2, 9. 16, 23, 30: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 11, 26: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.
Jan. 13: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.

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

Jan. 6: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 17: 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

Jan. 9: Mark Bowden and Matthew Teague livestream conversation, 5-6 p.m.

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

Jan. 1: First Day Bird Walk, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 1-31: Beanstack Winter Reading Challenge
Jan. 3-24: Cozy Zoom Storytimes (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 6: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 6, 20: Block Party (ages birth-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 8: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 11: Book Review Program, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 11: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12: Pajama Party! (ages 3-7), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12, 26: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 15: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 15: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 15: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 18, 31: Kid Builders! (ages 3 and older), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Jan. 24: Music & More Mondays (ages 3-7), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Jan. 26: KIND Club—Kids Interested in Novels of Diversity (ages 8-12), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Jan. 26: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.

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

Jan. 10: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 24, 27, 31: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Jan. 27: Little Explorers Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.

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

Jan. 29: Basket Weaving—Small Market Basket, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Jan. 2: Artists Conversations Gallery Tour with Stephen Althouse, 2-3 p.m.
Jan. 5: Explore! Owls in Pennsylvania, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 5-30: Highlights Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Wednesdays-Sundays)
Jan. 12: The Games & Puzzle Challenge, 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 13, 27: Curiosity Kids, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 14: Virtual Adventures in Nature Lab—Wildlife Photography and Filmmaking, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Jan. 19: Explore! One-Room Schoolhouse, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 20: Family Gallery Tour—Paleontology, 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 22: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 26: Family Gallery Tour—Mammal Hall, 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 28: Learn at Lunchtime—Virtual Curator’s Choice, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 19: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Jan. 10, 12: Virtual Farm Show Workshops, 9-10 a.m.

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

Jan. 8: Birds & Coffee, 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 8: Kids Discover—Hibernation (ages 5-9), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 11: Virtual Winter Lecture—History of the Susquehanna River, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 13: Winter Edibles Walk, 2-3:30 p.m.
Jan. 15: The Wonders of Rocks (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 15: The Wonders of Rocks (ages 7-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
Jan. 16: Kids Discover—Winter Tracks (ages 5-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
Jan. 22: Rocks & Blocks Workshop, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 25: Virtual Winter Lecture—Geology of the Susquehanna River, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 29: Kids Discover—Owls (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 29: Kids Discover—Owls (ages 7-10), 1:30-3 p.m.

Live Music

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

Jan. 21: Scotty McCreery
Jan. 27: Phillip Phillips and Jon Foreman
Jan. 29: Elvis Birthday Bash with Mike Albert and Scot Bruce
Jan. 30: Mike Albert’s Elvis Gospel Show with The Stamps Quartet

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

Jan. 7: Jazz in the City
Jan. 22: York Symphony—John Williams’ 90th Birthday

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

Jan. 14: Blitz Dynette
Jan. 15: Solar Federation RUSH Tribute
Jan. 21: Hall Williams Band, Nate Myers and the Aces
Jan. 22: Martini Brothers
Jan. 28: Harrisburg University presents MUNA

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

Jan. 1: The Commercials
Jan. 7: New Perspectives
Jan. 15: Nita Strauss
Jan. 20: Funtcase, SweetTooth
Jan. 22: The Lacs
Jan. 28: Riot Ten

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

Jan. 8-9: “The Enchanted Flute”
Jan. 22-23: “Broadway Tonight”

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Jan. 22: MUNA at The Englewood

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

Jan. 5: Tempesta di Mare

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

Jan. 30: Mendelssohn Piano Trio

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

Jan. 9: Charlie Zahm

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

Jan. 29: Windborne

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

Jan. 23: Citizen Cope
Jan. 28: Live At the Fillmore, Bloodshot, Junior Mack

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

Jan. 15: Appetite for Destruction Guns N Roses Tribute
Jan. 22: Big Fat Meanies, Bad Hand, Stonewall Vessels, The 25^th Hour
Jan. 27: Ghost Light

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

Jan. 7: DJ Kynz

Jan. 21: Josh Dominick

The Stage Door

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

Jan. 17-18: “Dancing with the Stars”

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

Jan. 14: PJ Walsh and Dan Mahoney
Jan. 28: “Broadway’s Next Hit Musical”

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

Jan. 7-16: “Arsenic & Old Lace”

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

Jan. 3: “I Don’t Speak Spanish” (Classics Fest)
Jan. 4: “Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender” (Classics Fest)
Jan. 6: “Becoming Othello—A Black Girl’s Journey” (Classics Fest)
Jan. 7: “The African Company—The Mystery of the African Grove Theatre” (Classics Fest)
Jan. 9: “And To Be A Soldier” (Classics Fest)

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

Jan. 9: Queens Who Brunch

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

Jan. 7: Divas Down Under Anniversary Drag Show

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

Jan. 22-23: “Trolls Live!”

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

Jan. 14-30: “The Lion in Winter”

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

Jan. 14: “Dancing with the Local Stars”

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

Jan. 13-16: “Rock/Musical”

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

Jan. 21-Feb. 6: “A Murder is Announced”

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

Jan. 21-22: “Speak to My Soul—A Montage of Voices”

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

Jan. 20: Boozy Bingo with Felicia O’Toole

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

Year in Review: The most popular stories of 2021, click by click

December 28, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg, you like new businesses but hate the spotted lanternfly.

Those are the chief takeaways as we do the math on our most popular stories of the past year.

We’re back with our annual, last-week-of-the-year tradition, totaling up your clicks and letting you know which stories scored the most hits since Jan. 1.

Interestingly, every one of these stories appeared only online, not in print, and not a single one involved government, politics or our editor thinking great thoughts.

But that’s fine with us, as we love covering stories about new businesses and the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in this city.

So, without further delay, here are your top-10, most-read stories of 2021.

No. 10. Church Sells. Back in 2019, the Susquehanna United Methodist Conference put six of its churches on the market. Some sold quickly, others didn’t. At two-plus years, the historic Camp Curtin Memorial Mitchell UMC Church took the longest to find a new owner, but a Harrisburg couple finally bought the stately stone structure in June. The buyers haven’t yet announced a definite plan for the building, though I wouldn’t be surprised to find the project among next year’s list of most popular stories.

No. 9. Second Helping. Nyree’s scored two stories in TheBurg last year. First, we featured their west shore restaurant in our March magazine. Then, a few months later, we found out that owner Joe Hobbs planned a Harrisburg location, along with a nightclub, on 2nd Street. Since then, he has opened the doors of his downtown restaurant in the sprawling building that once housed Bridges Social Club and The Quarter.

No. 8. Soul Much More. In Harrisburg, 2021 was a big year for soul food. In Midtown, Isabelle’s Southern Cuisine debuted in March, the comfort-food project of owner Kim Ross. This was the first of three soul food/barbecue restaurants to open during the year. As mentioned above, Nyree’s also debuted, as did Zachary’s, a new eatery inside H*MAC that itself was among our most popular stories, sliding in at No. 23.

No. 7. Super Duper. For years, a new supermarket has been on the wish list of many Harrisburg residents, especially in neighborhoods deemed to be “food deserts.” In October, a local family—Ramon Contreras, Camila Contreras and Yamelyn Vargas—obliged, opening Market Fresh on the 2400-block of N. 6^th Street. The community embraced the new market with open arms, eager to read our online story and to purchase fresh food previously hard to find in the Uptown neighborhood.

No. 6. Trading Up. In TheBurg, we rarely publish stories about chain stores, using our limited reporting resources to focus on independently owned businesses. In 2021, however, we made an exception after learning that a Trader Joe’s planned to open next year on the west shore. We thought that both our city and suburban readers would want to know what some considered to be the event of the year in the Harrisburg area—nay, the century. Turns out, we were right, as people clicked on the story with enthusiasm that rivaled filling a shopping cart high with vegan tzatziki, Taiwanese green onion pancakes and two-buck Chuck.

No. 5. Last Call. A few years back, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse tried to shut down a Midtown bar called the 3^rd Street Café. He ultimately failed, but, as it turned out, the bar’s days (actually, years) were numbered anyway. In 2021, the owner sold the building, as well as the one next door, to two different buyers. The new owners both plan extensive renovations, with one building slated to become a restaurant/bar and the other an apartment building.

No. 4. Restaurant Redux? For those who remember Harry’s Tavern, this was welcome news indeed. A former co-owner planned to revive some aspects of that fondly remembered Allison Hill restaurant at a new location, an old-fashioned diner building on Herr Street near the Susquehanna Township line. Our January story received thousands of hits, though the restaurant itself didn’t make it through the year, shutting down a few months ago due to the recurring pandemic and the related problem of finding reliable help.

No. 3 & No. 2. Hit the Beach. So, this has never happened before. A single business took both second and third place for our most-read stories of the year. In May, we published an online story that two local businessmen planned to open the Harrisburg Beach Club on City Island, renovating the city’s century-old, long-shuttered bathhouse in the process. Then, five months later, we published another story stating that they were about to open. The owners admitted that early November was not the ideal time to open an outdoor venue in Harrisburg, Pa., but that various delays left them with no choice. We can’t speak to the popularity of hanging out on City Island in the cold, but we can say that, combined, these two stories were hot items on our website.

No. 1. Die Fly! Does bad news trump good? We could make a case for that, as, for the second year in a row, a bad-news story became our most-read of the year. In 2020, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic topped our annual list. This year, it was another type of plague—the spotted lanternfly. We were shocked that a relatively brief September story about this invasive pest quickly rocketed to the top of the news heap. However, we apparently underestimated how much people wanted to be rid of this fluttery menace. Thanks so much to the Harrisburg city forester for helping us out on this one, offering timely advice to some 26,000 inquiring minds. So, what’ll be tops for 2022? Frogs? Locusts?

For a different take on 2021, our editor will have his annual list of top local news stories in the January magazine, which drops on Dec. 29. Does his list differ from that of our readers, who voted with their clicks? Return on Wednesday to find out!

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Bob’s Art Blog: A Prelude to the Year in Art–“I’m Fine”

December 28, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

The gingko leaf, a symbol of resilience and longevity, held personal meaning for Patrick Joyce. He loved to collect them and, as a young environmentalist; they were a perfect match.

The gingko tree utilizes outside resources to survive, and its extracts are linked to mental health wellbeing. Perhaps that was one of the reasons Patrick felt an affinity for them as he struggled with mental illness, surrendering to it in 2018.

A mask from the “I’m Fine” exhibit

As a parent, the devastating effects of losing a child is life-altering and can take its toll on the most fervent believer. In a manner of working through that loss and grief, Maureen Joyce dedicated the “I’m Fine” project to the memory and life of her son. Enlisting the help of close friend and arts activist, Carrie Breschi, the women developed this project through community workshops over the course of two years, addressing the ever-growing crisis of mental health. The pandemic has further pushed mental health boundaries to the tipping point, crippling a disproportionate number of society’s population.

What started as a six-week installation at the Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) this past spring, the project has taken on a life of its own through grant-writing spearheaded by Breschi and Joyce. The exhibit itself is groundbreaking in its multiverse format. It takes a page from Marshall McLuhan, the Canadian communications theorist, as “the method used to communicate information has a significant impact on the message it delivers.” Powerful in its scope and presentation with a tour-de-force wall of painted ceramic masks, it leaves an enormous impact on the viewer as it presents the ravages of mental illness.

A mask from the “I’m Fine” exhibit

The duo has fostered rabid interest in mounting “I’m Fine” in cities and towns throughout Pennsylvania. Already, it has run in Carlisle, with the next stop taking place this month at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU) in Enola. Headed to Creative York in March 2022, “I’m Fine” will reach out to the entire community in the White Rose City. Already booked are additional events in Perry County and in Pittsburgh. Word is it will come to Harrisburg by 2024. Recently, the team addressed the PA Legislative Arts and Culture Caucus in Harrisburg, well received by this august body of legislators. In addition, the Cultural Alliance of York was on board with the project.

For Joyce and Breschi, “The mental health conversations that ‘I’m Fine’ has started, pave the road ahead to take its message across the state” and to destinations elsewhere. Who knows? This may serve as a pilot program for workshops on a national level. “I’m Fine” originated out of a parent’s grief, perhaps the most unbearable thing to face in life. And yet, out of that, a life-saving force was born, growing from a grassroots seedling like the gingko tree represents, into a body of believers who embrace “I’m Fine,” that “talking, caring and sharing can make a difference,” and, for Maureen Joyce and Carrie Breschi, that someday “I’m Fine” will come to mean exactly that.

Art News for the New Year

A quilt by Tom Ward

Arts on the Square Gallery at Market Square Presbyterian Church presents fabric artist, Tom Ward, in his one-man quilting show opening Jan. 9 through Feb. 27. Creativity has no limitation when it comes to age. At 85 years young, Mr. Ward is still at his craft, specializing in Bargello quilts where the fabric is cut into long strips and sewn together in graduated color groups. Bargello needlework is believed to have originated in the 17th century in Eastern Europe. Ward states, “I start a quilt or wall hanging in the center to see how it evolves outward.” In addition, Roger and Debbie Olson will display examples of his woodworking and her stained glass, paper-cutting and knitting.

Opening day for the exhibit is Sunday, Jan. 9, in the upstairs gallery from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on the fourth floor of the church building, with a reception. The gallery will also be open for 3rd in the Burg on Friday, Jan. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Parking will be provided for all three events in the adjacent, city-owned Market Square Garage. Visitors should enter the church through a door on the first level of the garage and continue straight ahead to the elevator lobby. For more information, contact Arts on the Square artistic director Tyler Canonico at 717-257-1270.

Also Around Town

The Nyeusi Gallery Artist Series features in-person events at the gallery at 1224 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. January dates to note:

Saturday, Jan. 8, Donny Lyons, abstract artist, 1 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 22, Larry Washington Jr, photographer, 1 to 5 p.m.

Metropolis Collective at 17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg, announces “A Wintry Mix VI: Tangled Up In Blue” art exhibit on Friday, Jan. 21, from 7 to 11 p.m., with live music, featuring Donna Jean Foster. For more information, call 717-458-8245.

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

Unity, Cooperation: Celebrating Kwanzaa with Harrisburg’s Black-owned businesses

December 28, 2021 | by Jennifer Wright

Bryan Majors of Majors Prep

Just because Christmas ended does not mean that the holidays are over quite yet. Kwanzaa, the eight-day celebration recognizing African American and Pan-African principles and culture, began on Sunday.

Two of Harrisburg’s Black-owned businesses offer a way both to practice Ujamaa (cooperative economics), the fourth principle that is represented on the fourth day of Kwanzaa, and Umoja (unity), the first principle, which is represented on the first day of Kwanzaa.

Major Prep, owned by Bryan Majors, is more than fashion. The goal of Major Prep is to help the community mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually reach its goals. This is represented through the mission of “Power, Wealth and Excellence,” not only in the apparel, but through motivational speaking, fitness training and other forms of empowerment.

“The brand conceived on the best and worse day of my life,” Majors said.

Major Prep was launched in 2012 after overcoming adversity following Majors’ father’s death in 2008.

Majors now is preparing for more projects in the coming year. He will launch the Martin Luther King “I Have a Dream” tour beginning in January. The goal is to speak at Harrisburg area schools, universities, churches and motivational workshops.

“The aim is to give participants the mindset and leadership tools that I believe Martin Luther King would’ve had in 2022,” Majors said.

Also in Harrisburg, Bre’Ale Martin-Darden created an additional holistic space for the community.

Launched right before the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, The Lotus Pot was created to inspire people “to connect back to their roots with the natural healing properties that was left from our ancestors,” Martin-Darden said.

Using crystals, natural medicine, yoga and other alternate healing methods, Martin-Darden aims to help others heal—mind, body and soul on their own.

She was inspired to take action due to her parents’ illnesses and the concern of COVID-19 in the United States. She said that community support has helped The Lotus Pot become successful.

“I started participating in all these pop-up shops that they had around the city,” she said, “That’s what gave me the push I needed for my business–the support from the community.”

Martin-Darden also thanks her supporters for her success with the business so far.

“I just want to say thank you for everyone who has came and purchased anything from any of my events or even if you just came and talked to me and helped me,” she said. “That really does give me a lot of motivation to keep going.”

Martin-Darden noted that, as she is not the only holistic care business in the area, she appreciates her loyal supporters, knowing that they have chosen her to fulfill their holistic health needs.

While The Lotus Pot’s products are available to purchase through Instagram, including custom orders, the business is actually going through a rebrand for the upcoming year.

These are just two of many Harrisburg-area Black-owned businesses. For many others, view the digital edition of The Central PA Black Business Directory.

To purchase from The Lotus Pot, visit them on Instagram @TheLotusPot.

To book Majors’ to present at your organization, visit bryanmajors.com.

To learn more about Major Prep Apparel, visit majorprepapparel.com.

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

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 23, 2021 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

End-of-year update: I’m taking off tomorrow through Jan. 9. No Weekend Roundup next week or the following (I’ve never done that — even when I had a baby), but I have included some limited NYE and New Year’s Day events below. Thank you all for hanging around, replying to my emails, and sharing info and chats via IG (and I’ll prob still be posting on Instagram during these two weeks). I appreciate you all! Wishing you a warm and healthy holiday. See ya in 2022.

(Still) Worth noting: Check out my private Facebook community, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Christmas celebrations; time with family; and extended time off.

Don’t forget to support your local brewery! Click here to find one near you.

For your weekend planning:

Plan your holiday travel now with this tip
Shop these great local markets.
View our local Restaurant Directory
Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are options for your weekend.

Things to Do in Harrisburg + Central PA | Weekend Roundup | Sara Bozich

Top Weekend Recs

For last-min gifts, local is the answer
You can get this stocking stuffer at the grocery store
How to gift a brewery tour (spoiler: digital gift cards!)
Scrap the whole thing and book your holiday party for 2022 instead
Totally stumped? Find (the best) practical gifts here

COVID-19 Disclaimer: Masking and social distancing policies may vary per business, venue, and event. All events are subject to change. Please be considerate, follow the rules, and be nice. And tip extra!

Thursday

Open Stage presents A Christmas Carol (sold out)
Figgy Pudding at Open Stage
Christmas Spirit Light Show at Clipper Magazine Stadium
American Music Theatre presents 2021 Christmas Show: Winter Wonderland
Songs & Stories with Meaghan Farrell & Rebecca Marie Miller at The Englewood
Rock Out with Live Dudes at The Sturges Speakeasy
Shrimp Band @ Market Cross Pub
White Christmas | at Midtown Cinema
Special Edition: Holiday Trivia at Mount Gretna Craft Brewery
Ugly Sweater Contest & Christmas Trivia at Snitz Creek
Ugly Christmas Sweater Happy Hour at District

Friday | Christmas Eve

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
The Christmas Tree Showcase at Hershey Gardens
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Christmas Spirit Light Show at Clipper Magazine Stadium
Licorice Pizza | at Midtown Cinema
TOPS PA South Central Friday Walk
Christmas Eve Party at Moe’s Bar & Grill
Christmas Eve Bootcamp at Omni!

Saturday | Christmas Day

Christmas Spirit Light Show at Clipper Magazine Stadium

What are you doing this weekend around Harrisburg? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Like this content?

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

Community Comment: What to Do with Dauphin?

December 22, 2021 | by Jean Handley

As a result of the 2020 Census, Pennsylvania has lost one congressional seat in Washington. Legislators in the House and Senate State Government Committees of our PA General Assembly are in the process of drawing preliminary, 17-seat congressional maps now. Whatever map is chosen must pass each house of the General Assembly and be approved by the governor. It will be in effect until 2031.

On Dec. 15, the House State Government Committee passed their version of a preliminary map out of committee and on to the full House for amendments and a vote in January. So what should be done with Dauphin County and the adjacent capital region? As a resident of the county for over 44 years, I believe the General Assembly and the governor should consider the following when drawing and approving the final congressional map. In addition, a public comment period ensuring there is adequate time (preferably 30 days) for public review before approving any final map should be required.

COMPACTNESS and COMMON INTERESTS

The current 10th congressional district

In its 2018 decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court applied essentially the same standards that our state Constitution requires for legislative redistricting. The court said congressional districts should be:

“… composed of compact and contiguous territory; as nearly equal in population as practicable; and which do not divide any county, city, incorporated town, borough, township or ward, except where necessary to ensure equality of population.”

The population of each of the 17 new congressional districts created in Pennsylvania for this redistricting cycle is 764,865. Dauphin County has a population of 286,401 according to the 2020 census. Based on population, it is possible to keep the county whole within one congressional district. It should be combined with other counties or areas with similar demographics, concerns, priorities, issues and, if at all possible, should remain whole.

The new district should not include parts of multiple counties such as was done in 2011. It should not be part of a district that stretches far to western, northern or eastern Pennsylvania. How can a legislator effectively focus on and represent two or more areas of the commonwealth containing constituents with very different issues, concerns, priorities, values and cultures? In addition, the county that is home to the PA General Assembly should not be divided. However, if a division is considered absolutely necessary, it should not be divided more than once, it should not be done to favor a party or candidate and an attempt to achieve a reasonably competitive district should be made.

The proposed 10th congressional district (labeled “10”)

With this in mind, the aforementioned House State Government Committee map has divided Dauphin County among three districts. District 10 is comprised of the city of Harrisburg, the eastern one-third portion of Cumberland and all of York and Adams counties. District 11 comprises the lower one-third of Dauphin and all of Lebanon and Lancaster counties. District 13 consists of parts or all of 11 different counties: upper two-thirds of Dauphin (minus Harrisburg); parts of Union and Snyder to the north; all of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Blair and Huntingdon, the western two-thirds of Cumberland to the west; and Franklin and Fulton on the Maryland border. This would seem to violate the requirement for compactness.

BUSINESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The tri-county capital region has become one of the largest warehouse and distribution centers in the country and is the crossroads for the northeast in commerce, rail, trucking, air passenger and freight and general public travel. The major supporting roadways are I-81, I-83, I-78, PA-322, and I-283/ PA-283. The Pennsylvania Turnpike also traverses this area. Harrisburg International Airport is located in Middletown (south of Harrisburg). A common interest in infrastructure, business, commerce, commercial and private development, and environmental concerns exist within this region.

MINORITIES AND VRA REQUIREMENTS

Voting Act Rights requirements dictate that mapmakers strive to retain the voices of racial and ethnic minorities. The urban and suburban voters, along with significant communities of Black, Hispanic and Asian voters in Harrisburg and the surrounding area, are marginalized by combining them with overwhelmingly more conservative and rural areas. Dauphin County has the fourth-highest percentage of African Americans (19.2%) in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia (43.7%), Delaware (22.4%) and Forest (20.8%) counties. In south-central Pennsylvania, the most populous area of people of color is in Harrisburg (over half its residents). As was stated previously, there are significant and growing populations of Hispanic and Asian residents in the area and this trend will continue into the future.

CONCLUSIONS

The current congressional District 10 serves as a good example for the new congressional district. It is compact, encompassing the tri-county capital region of Dauphin, eastern Cumberland and northern York counties with similar issues, shared commerce, infrastructure and economic concerns. It has a mix of rural, suburban and urban populations and similar numbers of registered voters of both major parties, independents and other non-affiliated categories. It is also a district with one of the very few “competitive races” in both 2018 and 2020, with both results within 5%. The House preliminary map would create three safe seats for Republicans.

The citizens of Pennsylvania are calling for a map that has compact and contiguous districts. They are calling for more competitive elections that allow their voices to be heard and representatives that truly represent their interests. The new congressional map will influence policy and legislation affecting all Pennsylvanians for the next decade. What to do with Dauphin? The county that is home to the Capitol of Pennsylvania should not be divided. Keep the county whole within one district and keep the district compact and contiguous by including the tri-county capital region. It is imperative that we have the best map possible to represent Dauphin County, the tri-county capital region and our commonwealth in Washington.

Jean Handley
Resident of Dauphin County
Dauphin County Coordinator – Fair Districts PA

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

Inauguration set for new Harrisburg mayor, council at Whitaker Center on Jan. 3

December 21, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Mayor-Elect Wanda Williams

With the new year will come new executive leadership in Harrisburg, as Wanda Williams will be sworn in as mayor on Jan. 3.

The inaugural ceremony will take place at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, at 10 a.m. The event is free to the public.

Williams will replace incumbent Mayor Eric Papenfuse, who served for the last eight years in office. In November, Williams claimed victory overwhelmingly in the general election, despite Papenfuse’s attempt to win re-election through a write-in campaign.

Williams, the current Harrisburg City Council president, will be the 39^th mayor of Harrisburg.

Harrisburg City Council members will also be sworn into office. They include Ausha Green and Shamaine Daniels, who were re-elected, as well as newcomers Ralph Rodriguez and Jocelyn Rawls. Council will reorganize, vote on a new council president and assign committee members at a Jan. 3 meeting at 12:30 p.m.

City Controller Charlie DeBrunner, who ran unopposed during the election, also will be sworn in for another term.

The following weekend, Williams will revive the tradition of holding a mayor’s inaugural ball. It will be held on Jan. 8 at the Sheraton Hotel, 4650 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg, at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $75.

For more information on the inauguration of Wanda Williams, visit her website.

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

What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday | Christmas Eve

Saturday | Christmas Day

Sunday

Friday | New Year’s Eve

Saturday | New Year’s Day

Like this content?

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like