Chocolate Is for Lovers: Rosemary whips up a sweet dessert for a sweet month.

January 29, 2021 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

Most people, I think, dislike February, but it has always been a rather special month for me—a birthday that often includes snow (I like snow) and Valentine’s Day, a B-Level holiday, I suppose, but one I have always loved.

There are red hearts, pink roses, and a lovely amethyst birthstone to celebrate the month. And I can’t leave out cherry pie for President’s Day.

If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, I am sure that many Harrisburg-area restaurants will be offering entire dinners for takeout and perhaps even socially distanced in-house dining. But if you are cooking at home (seems like we all have been doing a lot of that for a long time), something elegant is in order.

For a special dinner, my choice would be an old-favorite entrée, steak Diane, smothered with a cognac cream sauce, little red potatoes roasted in butter, and a green vegetable like asparagus or baby peas.

But we need a dessert, and I think I found a perfect one: a chocolate amaretti cake.

The cake is made with crispy amaretti cookies that are a unique concoction of egg whites, sugar, almond flour and almond extract. The classic variety, known as Lazzaroni amaretti, come in bright red tins and are expensive. Cookies are packed in “twos” and are wrapped in lovely pastel tissue paper resembling taffy “kisses.” They are most often found in Italian specialty stores. But you can find other amaretti cookies today at your favorite grocery store. (Look for the Doria brand, which is priced very reasonably.)

Combining crispy amaretti cookies with rich chocolate, sugar, butter and almonds results in a delectable specialty cake from the Lombardy region of Italy known as torta di cioccolata alle mandorle. Paired with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or berries (especially raspberries), this lovely desert will brighten your Valentine dinner and your February.

CHOCOLATE AMARETTI CAKE

Ingredients

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (cacao content about 60%), broken into pieces
1 cup almonds (these are plain almonds, not salted or with oil)
1 cup crumbled amaretti (these are crunchy cookies, not soft Italian almond macaroons)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar
4 eggs (I use extra large)
Cocoa powder (this is unsweetened cocoa cooking powder not hot chocolate mix)

Directions

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees
Butter a 9-inch round cake pan with 2-inch sides. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment or waxed paper and butter the paper as well. Dust the entire pan with flour and tap out the excess.
Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl placed over simmering water with the bowl not touching the water. Heat until the chocolate is softened and stir until it is smooth. (You can also gently melt the chocolate in a microwave, at reduced power, stirring frequently.)
In a food processor, process the cookies and almonds until finely ground. Transfer this mixture to a bowl.
Then, also in the food processor, process the butter and sugar until fairly smooth (mixture might still be a little “grainy”).
With the motor running, add the eggs, one at a time and blend well. (Stop and scrape the sides of the processor bowl occasionally.)
Add the nut and cookie mixture and the melted chocolate. Pulse to combine. Using a spatula, place the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake until the center of the cake is slightly puffy, about 30 minutes. (But check at 20 to 25 minutes to make sure there is no burning. My oven seems to cook “faster,” so I always do this.)
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto a serving plate, lift the pan, and remove the waxed or parchment paper. Let cool completely.
Just before serving, place some cocoa powder in a small sieve and dust the top of the cake.

This cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days, or if wrapped tightly, frozen, for up to a month. I think you will love the rich taste of chocolate and almonds in this dessert all winter long. Serve it with a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or Moscato or an Italian liquor like Sambuca or Fra Angelico. (And don’t forget espresso.)

To all readers: Ti voglio bene! I hope you enjoy your Valentine’s Day, even if February is not your favorite month.

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February Editor’s Note

January 29, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Recently, TheBurg’s cartoonist sent me a list of “celebrations and holidays” for February.

Now, I don’t know who compiled this list, but, apparently, Feb. 3 is “National Carrot Cake Day,” Feb. 8 is “National Kite Flying Day,” and Feb. 28 is “National Public Sleeping Day.”

In February, you can find something to celebrate every day, from the frivolous (“National Bubble Gum Day,” Feb. 7) to the intellectual (“World Thinking Day,” Feb. 22) to the serious (“World Rare Disease Day,” Feb. 28 or 29).

When I asked him where he found this long list, the answer was obvious: the internet. Where else?

When I was a kid, February was a child’s paradise.

The month began with the always fun Groundhog Day, segued into the crafty (if nerve-racking) Valentine’s Day and wrapped up with a day off for President’s Day. Toss in a weeklong “winter break” and a few snow days, and we basically learned nothing all month long.

At TheBurg, we also consider February to be a month of holidays. Each year, we have a romance-related story or two, as we do this year, and, in the past, had features with presidential themes. Groundhogs even have made an appearance.

In addition, for many years, we’ve built our February issue around Black History Month, as we do again this year. Since the Black Lives Matters protests last year, there’s been a greater emphasis on Black history, culture, business, etc., and our stories have followed in that spirit. This month, we expand that coverage even further.

One more thing about February—it’s a short month. For someone who prefers the days long and the weather warm, I look forward to the quick progression from mid-winter bleakness to the promise of spring. But to spur summer along, I’ll make certain to celebrate on Feb. 22—National Margarita Day.

Lawrance Binda
Co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

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Noble Cause: Your wine education should begin with these quaffs.

January 29, 2021 | by Steve Juliana

There’s little doubt that we are living in the golden age of wine.

More good wine is being made at this time than at any point in human history. This is a worldwide phenomenon, with new regions springing up in the New World and undiscovered wines coming from areas once hidden behind political barriers.

For the novice oenophile, it’s good to start with the noble wines. These are quaffs from grapes that have spread all over the world, while showing themselves historically to be among the finest and most desirable.

Cabernet Sauvignon is known as the king of red wines and with good reason. Born from an accidental cross of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century France, it is the most widely grown grape around the globe. With the ability to age and vigorous growth, it makes great wine almost wherever vines are planted. The two most famous regions are California’s Napa Valley, where it usually is bottled singly, and France’s Bordeaux region, where it is blended. Flavors of black currant and nuances of cedar are hallmarks of this spicy, tannic wine. Other fine examples can be found in Australia’s Coonawarra region and Chile’s Maipo Valley.

Merlot, which translates as “little blackbird,” was discovered in 18th-century France and is one of the six grapes of the Bordeaux region. It can be traced as the main fruit for the plummy quaffs of the Pomerol and Saint-Émilion wine regions in France. When grown in the New World, it is softer and fruitier than its cousin Cabernet, but, when the two grapes are combined, the wine is greater than the sum of its parts. Some is grown in California. However, I believe that the wine from Washington State is, by far, the best Merlot in the country.

Syrah is a dark red grape with origins in the Rhone Valley of France. Shiraz is the same grape with a different spelling to show its Australian style, where it is the number-one planted grape. Both wines are delicious, with big fruit and a hint of black pepper, which adds complexity to its juiciness. In France, the wine is bottled singly north of Avignon and blended with Grenache and Mourvedre to the south. Down under, the designation is GSM for the classic Rhone blend. Both styles are very good and deserve a try from the student wine drinker. Elsewhere, the wines are good but never reach as high a bar.

Pinot Noir, in many ways, is the ultimate red grape. Under cultivation for 100 years, this finicky, thin-skinned grape makes beautiful, sensual perfumed wine. Never blended, each bottle is a testament to the terroir of its specific site. At its best in French Burgundy, the wines have flavors of cherries and strawberries while showing aromas of herb and barnyard. California’s quaffs show full range, from austere to cherry cola, while Oregon’s wines are closer to Burgundy than anywhere else outside of that region.

In my next column, I’ll address noble white wines.

Keep sipping,
Steve

Auros Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016
$26.99
Chairman’s Selection®
Quoted at $48.00*……Save $21.01
Code #80775

This deeply concentrated cabernet sauvignon opens with dark fruit aromas of cassis, blackberry and dried blueberry, underscored by notes of violet and graphite. The rich, full-bodied palate unveils opulent layers of black currant jam, roasted coffee, tobacco, dried fig and vanilla bean. Soft, supple tannins frame a plush, velvety finish.

— Winemaker’s notes

Milbrandt Vineyards Family Merlot Columbia Valley 2017
$16.99
Code #82933

Offering bright aromas of bing cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate this wine has excellent color and flavor. With a juicy, ripe entry and intense, fruit-driven palate, the red fruit is pronounced and powerful yet remains balanced.

— Winemaker’s notes

Solena Estate Grande Cuvee Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Estate 2018
$21.99
Code #83047

A bright ruby color fills the glass. On the nose, the Grand Cuvée displays youthful exuberance with lively aromas of tart cherries, strawberries, and cranberries. Meanwhile, flavors of licorice, cola and baking spices balance perfectly on the palate. A delightful lightness allows this wine to be the perfect accompaniment to any evening or celebration. Enjoy now through 2026.

— Winemaker’s notes

Happenings: Our February Calendar of Events

January 29, 2021 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Look . . . They Gave Me a Map,” an exhibit examining the enduring appeal of free road maps, through April 23

“Minibike Mania,” a display of more than two dozen miniature motorbikes, through April 23

“Yeah, It’s Got a Hemi!” an exhibit focused on Hemi engines, through April 23

“Yes, We Drive These Cars!” is an exhibit of The Horseless Carriage Club of America, with three display cars, early signage and artifacts, and video of the cards on tour, through April 23

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

“Observations & Experiences,” featuring the works of Peg Belcastro, Carden Holland, Maureen Joyce and Julie Riker, through Feb. 18

“Figuratively Speaking,” annual juried membership show, celebrating the human form, with an added theme this year of coronavirus lockdown/quarantine experience, Feb. 26-April 1

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

“I REaD it somewhere,” CALC’s Annual Members’ Exhibit, Feb. 5-March 6

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

February artist: Jesus Gayton

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

“Winterfest,” an assortment of fiber art creations along with pottery, photography and jewelry, created by members of the Millersburg Area Art Association, through Feb. 27

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

“On and Off the Grid,” abstract paintings in grid style by Thom Kulp, inspired by the work of Agnes Martin and serving as metaphors for restrictions people have faced during the covid-19 pandemic, Feb. 13-April 10

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

Virtual exhibition of paintings by Edmond Praybe, through Feb. 11; Zoom lecture: Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m.

Virtual exhibition of Graphic Design Works by Craig Welsh, Feb. 22-March 18

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

“Sun + Light,” works from the series “Everyone Loves Sunshine” by visual artist Charles Edward Williams that juxtapose his past and present encounters with the 1960s Civil Rights movement, through Feb. 14

“Persephone/Persephone,” a multi-panel collaborative installation by Elody Gyekis and Joanne Landis, Feb. 19-June 20

“Country Charm,” which examines artist Sanh Brian Tran’s experience as a queer Asian man living in rural America, through Feb. 21

“Meanderings,” a collection of collagraphic prints by artist Valerie Dillon, Feb. 24-April 25

“Once A Future Kingdom,” sculptured materials and imagined relics by Anthony Cervino, through March 14

“Project Pattern,” a multimedia display of photography, painting, sculpture and installation by artists Nate Ethier, Nicole Herbert and Luke Murphy, through August

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

“Danny Lyons—Memories of the Southern Civil Rights Movement,” through March 22

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

Display of more than 100 matted entries from the Friends of Wildwood photo contest, through Feb. 28

Read, Make, Learn

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

Feb. 2-March 9: Play with Clay at the End of the Day, Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m.
Feb. 2-23: International Kitchen—Cooking via Zoom, 4:30-6 p.m.
Feb. 6: Creative Collage, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 11: Warrior Artists Lecture, 6:30 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Virtual Anime Club, 4 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 22: Born to Read (birth-18 months), 9:30 a.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Animal Crossing with The Library, 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Virtual Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Virtual Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Virtual Create Lab, 4 p.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Young Adult Book Club on Zoom, 4 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Preschool Storytime on Zoom, 10 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 4 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 3 p.m.
Feb. 8: Virtual Device Club, 1 p.m.
Feb. 9: Virtual Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 7 p.m.
Feb. 10: Mental Health Series—Music and the Arts for Self-care, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 18: Discover Our Community—A Zoom Discussion about Race in Central PA, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 20: The ‘Me’ Quilt, 10-10:30 a.m.
Feb. 23: Job Seeker Resources on Zoom, 6-7 p.m.
Feb. 24: Knit One, Crochet Too! on Zoom, 6 p.m.
Feb. 25: The ‘Me’ Quilt, 6-6:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 15: STEM Grab & Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
Feb. 1, 15: Zoom—Fredricksen Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Teen Grab and Go Bag, 9 a.m.
Feb. 2: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics on Zoom—“Emma,” 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Career Exploration Workshop on Zoom, 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Career Exploration Workshop on Zoom, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 3: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Zoom Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Zoom Resume Writing Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 4, 18: Virtual Peaceful Poses Children’s Story Time, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 6, 20: Easy Craft Grab and Go Bag (ages 4-7), 1 p.m.
Feb. 8: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 12: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2 p.m.
Feb. 12, 26: Zoom STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
Feb. 17: Zoom—Write On, 7:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 4: Virtual Creative Collage, 5-7 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 8, 15: Facebook Live: Books & Babies, 10 a.m.
Feb. 2, 4, 9, 11, 14, 18, 23, 25: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16: Virtual 1, 2, Whee!, 10 a.m.
Feb. 4: Facebook Live Storytime, 10 a.m.
Feb. 6: Zoom Workshop—Photoshop Tone Control and B&W Conversion, 10 a.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Art of Truth—Creative Non-Fiction virtual workshop, 2 p.m.
Feb. 10, 24: Virtual LEGO Club, 3:45 p.m.
Feb. 11: Morning Contemporary Book Group on Zoom, 9:30 a.m.
Feb. 11, 18: Facebook Live Storytime, 10 a.m.
Feb. 11: Evening Contemporary Book Group, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 12, 13: Great Backyard Bird Count, 10 a.m.
Feb. 13: Kids Carry & Craft Valentine Stationery & Stickers, 10 a.m.
Feb. 13: Watercolor Valentine—Teen/Adult Carry & Craft on YouTube, 11 a.m.
Feb. 14: Love Story Trivia, Disney Style on Zoom, 2 p.m.
Feb. 18: Life Long Readers Book Group on Zoom, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 20: Making Movies—The Craft, The Secrets, The Fun, 2 p.m.
Feb. 22: Start Climbing Your Family Tree—Intro to Genealogy on Zoom, 7 p.m.
Feb. 23: Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Feb. 25: Zoom—Between the Lines Book Group on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 26: Facebook & YouTube—Dungeons & Dragons Made Simple, 6 p.m.
Feb. 27: Mirrors, Windows, & Sliding Glass Doors Family Book Group: I am Enough, 2 p.m.
Feb. 28: Zoom Friend’s Program—Letters and Songs from World War 1, 2 p.m.

The Hershey Story Museum
63 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-534-8939; hersheystory.org

Feb. 1-28: Chocolate Lab classes
Feb. 5, 6: Try It with Truffles Virtual Chocolate Lab Class, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 12, 13, 14: Dinner & Truffles for Couples, 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Association
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.com

Feb. 22: Fourth Monday Program—The Underground Railroad in Harrisburg, 6-7 p.m.

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

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Rhyme Time on Zoom (18 months and younger), 10:15 a.m., 5:15 p.m.
Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26: Toddler Time on Zoom (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Toddler Time on Zoom (18 months to 3 years), 6 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Story Time on Zoom, 1:30-2 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: English Conversation on Zoom, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Family Story Time on Zoom, 6:45-7:15 p.m.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Tea & Stitches on Zoom, 10 a.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Zoom Story Time (ages 3-6), 10-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Story Time (ages 3-6), 10-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Zoom Toddler Time (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Rhyme Time (18 months and younger), 12-12:20 p.m.
Feb. 9: Tween Scene on Zoom—Pokemon Night (grades 4-5), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 10: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 12-14: Book Sale
Feb. 12, 26: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 15: Virtual Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 16: Zoom STEM Club, 6-6:45 p.m.
Feb. 20: Kindergarten Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 20: First Grade Club, 1-2 p.m.

The LBGT Center of Central PA
1306 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-920-9534; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Feb. 20: Living Your Authentic Life Virtual Seminar, 2-3 p.m.

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

Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Feb. 15: Mystery Book Club, 6 p.m.

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

Feb. 2: Joel Burcat in Conversation with Harvey Freedenberg via Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 3: Virtual Book Discussion with Russell Shorto, 7 p.m.
Feb. 9: Rebecca Fish Ewan in Conversation with Donna Talarico, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 24: Dreux Richard in Conversation with Jowhor Ile, 7-8 p.m.

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

Feb. 13: Holly & Hot Chocolate, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 8: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 6-8 p.m.

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

Feb. 20: Virtual Engineering Day, 10 a.m.
Feb. 25: Introduce a Girl to Engineering Night, 5-7:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 6: Kids Discover—Groundhogs (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 6: Kids Discover—Groundhogs (ages 7-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
Feb. 9: Virtual Winter Lecture Series—Spotlight on PA State Species, Firefly, 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 17-March 3: Virtual Dr. Seuss Science Series, Wednesdays, 10-10:45 a.m.
Feb. 20: Kids Discover—Animals and Their Tracks (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 20: Kids Discover—Animals and Their Tracks (ages 7-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
Feb. 23: Virtual Winter Lecture Series—Spotlight on PA State Species, Mushrooms, 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 27: Kids Discover—Snowflakes (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
Feb. 27: Full Kids Discover—Snowflakes (ages 7-10), 1:30-3 p.m.

Live Music

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

Feb. 13, 15: York Symphony Orchestra digital concert

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

Live music most Fridays and Saturdays

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

Feb. 17: Sinta at Whitaker Center

Messiah College School of Arts
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Feb. 26: Messiah University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds

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

Feb. 13: Harrisburg Mandolin Ensemble livestream
Feb. 27: “Artist to Artist: A Residency Exploring Gospel Traditions” livestream

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

Feb. 26: Almost Queen—A Tribute to Queen

The Stage Door

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

Feb. 24-April 3: “Happy Days”

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

Feb. 14: “Caesar in Rome” livestream

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

Feb. 18-21: “Alice @ Wonderland”

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

Feb. 5, 6: Coleman Green, Gene Norris

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

Feb. 28: “Crazy Ex-travaganza” virtual cabaret

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

Feb. 19-20: “Drum and Dance”

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

Feb. 12-28: “Tales From Sleepy Hollow” livestream
Feb. 26-28: “Trifles” livestream

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

Feb. 20: “Walk Off The Earth”

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Set to Inspire: Team Scott hits the streets to reach Harrisburg youth.

January 29, 2021 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

James “Scottie” and Rachelle Scott

As James “Scottie” Scott and wife Rachelle well know, being an adolescent is hard, but being an adolescent who’s disadvantaged can be even harder.

Some live on the streets. Others nestle at night in a family car. Some live inside a home but go hungry because the family can’t afford food. Yet others lack proper care or guidance or have been abandoned entirely.

Whatever the circumstance, Team Scott Inspire is set to, well, inspire disadvantaged youth like these across the capital region. Scottie and Rachelle founded the nonprofit organization five years ago as a project of the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, their fiscal sponsor.

“They’re all facing some form of adversity,” Rachelle noted. “Some of our students are transient. Some live in cars.”

“But we never use the word homeless to them,” Scottie quickly interjected. “That word creates a stigma. Homelessness has many different circumstances behind it.”

The Scotts’ volunteer team of 15 to 30 serves under a motto, “Team Scott Inspire has the Desire to Inspire Kindness in the community.” The team’s purpose is “uniting community as one family to inspire kindness while raising funds to help youth facing adversity stay in school,” according to the organization’s website.

Scottie and Rachelle first stepped up as community volunteers in late 2015, accompanied by their 10—yes, 10—children. At that time, Scottie recalled, the couple wanted their children to learn the importance of giving back to their community. It all took off from there.

The family first set out offering random acts of kindness throughout the community, such as distributing unexpected gifts to passersby. That led to volunteering at numerous community outreach events such as the Special Olympics, Color Run, Ronald McDonald House, Suits to Careers and more.

The family’s touchstone event, however, was participating in We Feed Philly. There, Scottie recalls, they encountered a 15-year-old already forced to live on the streets after revealing their sexual orientation to family. That was just one of many similar tales the Scotts heard that day.

“There were hundreds and hundreds of homeless in line waiting to be fed,” Scottie recalled. “Our son Lameck, who was only 4 years old, just dove right in before anyone to help.”

Returning home, Scottie and Rachelle began researching youth homelessness in Dauphin County. They soon discovered “a silent epidemic” in place right around them in Harrisburg and beyond.

Team Scott Inspire started out working with high school students in the city school district. There, Scottie and Rachelle initiated the S.A.S, or Students Achieving Success, program. With this, students “facing adversity” in grades 9 to 12 are invited to outreach “lunch and learn sessions” held throughout the school year.

The S.A.S sessions, now in other local schools, feature motivational speakers in a format that help high-schoolers develop life skills and explore local educational and vocational opportunities, The program encourages disadvantaged students to complete high school and transition to adult success.

A Saturday S.A.S. is held for local youth the fourth Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army Harrisburg. A junior SAS also is in the works this school year for grades six to eight. For the time being, though, sessions are cancelled until further notice due to the pandemic.

Team Scott Inspire also spreads kindness to the general community through “Kindness Korner.” For this, team volunteers take to the streets to converse and hand out treats to passersby. Likewise, it’s now on pandemic hold.

Another team effort, IN-TENTS Night Out, was initiated in November 2019 as a fundraiser promoting homeless youth awareness. For a donation, patrons tented overnight in autumn’s chill on FNB Field on City Island, though the 2020 event had to be cancelled.

Quarantining aside, Rachelle estimated their team has reached “hundreds” of young people throughout the area over the past five years.

“I think the most challenging part through all this has been getting people to believe this program works,” Scottie reflected. “Some kids have a wall that makes them harder to reach. That’s one of the toughest challenges.”

Horace White, a 2019 graduate of John Harris High School, is one of many young adults who Scottie and Rachelle’s team has reached over the years. He tackled academics and varsity football while at John Harris as he and his father cared for his mother during an illness.

While in high school, White was not only mentored by the Scotts but also served as a volunteer for their team. Twice a month, he took to the streets of Harrisburg distributing food to the hungry. Today, he’s earning a biology degree at Georgia Military College and planning a career in the U.S. Marines.

“I would refer (Team Scott Inspire) to kids who even aren’t going through a hard time,” White said. “I really love Mr. and Mrs. Scott and their son Lameck, who treated me like a brother. They treated us like family and were always there to talk to us.”

For more information or to volunteer, visit Team Scott Inspire at www.teamscottinspire.com or on Facebook.

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Cup of Culture: Tasty coffee, inspiring reads at Good Brotha’s Book Café

January 29, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Stefan Hawkins never owned a business before this past summer—now he owns two.

First came House of Vegans, the soul food joint that challenged perceptions of vegan food and gained national attention. We non-vegans realized zero-meat fried chicken is possible and wondered how non-dairy mac and cheese can taste so good.

But, while customers lined up at House of Vegans, owners Stefan Hawkins and Laquana Barber had another plan in the works. Why operate just one business on the 1400-block of N. 3rd Street?

Hawkins and Barber opened Good Brotha’s Book Café just over six months after opening their first restaurant across the street.

“After I saw the success of [House of Vegans] and how the community got behind us, I was like ‘hey, I can get into this a little more,'” Hawkins said.

Hawkins wants to do more than just serve a good cup of coffee—he wants to fill a gap he sees in the city. Good Brotha’s will promote African American literature and art.

Shelves with books for sale line the walls of the café displaying the work of Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ibram X. Kendi, Toni Morrison and other Black authors.

“Representation means a lot to the Black community,” Hawkins said. “Our community needs somewhere to go, something to call our own.”

New Energy

At any good coffee shop, it’s all about the vibe. With some neo-soul playing in the background, Hawkins hopes the café will be a place for people to hang out, enjoy a cup and read a book.

But a vibe must go hand-in-hand with a great mug of joe. As if starting the café weren’t enough, Hawkins began his own coffee brand, Fifth Acres Coffee Company, to serve at Good Brotha’s.

The name recognizes the areas of the city where he grew up—N. 5th Street and Hall Manor in South Harrisburg, sometimes referred to as South Acres.

Hawkins works with a roaster to produce the coffee, which is sourced from African countries. He eventually hopes to learn how to roast it himself.

“I’m trying to bring something new and energetic to the community,” he said.

Behind the counter, steaming milk and brewing coffee is barista Zinnia Moore. She previously worked for a shop that served Starbucks Coffee, but is excited to now work at Good Brotha’s with its unique atmosphere.

“The morning coffee can change your whole day,” Moore said. “I can change someone’s day. I get to interact with customers, and I love meeting different people.”

She’s down for experimenting with new coffee and tea combinations and has a few new creations up her sleeve right now. Become a regular, and Moore might just have your order ready when you walk in.

Besides coffee, Good Brotha’s serves baked goods from Harrisburg-based Cece’s Cake Shop, owned by Cecilia Davis. Smoothies and House of Vegans’ fresh juices are available, as well.

Opening House of Vegans this past summer was Hawkins’ first business venture. In the past months, he has grown in confidence as an entrepreneur and learned a lot about owning a restaurant.

“I’ve learned that customer service is paramount to make a good business thrive,” he said. “We put customers first. I wouldn’t have been able to open two locations without them.”

Vision & Vibes

Bryan “Prolifik” Hickman has been a big supporter of his friend Hawkins and his businesses from the beginning.

“When he started House of Vegans, the first thing I wanted to do is support him,” he said.

Hickman decided to help the best way he knew how—through art.

Under the name “Prolifik,” Hickman creates large canvas paintings inspired by African and African American culture.

Two original pieces hang in House of Vegans, and now two more decorate Good Brotha’s. The paintings in the café are for sale. Hickman sees the collaboration as a way for the friends to support each other’s businesses.

“With everything going on this year with social injustice, there was more importance of supporting Black-owned businesses,” he said.

Through highlighting Black culture, literature and art at Good Brotha’s, Hawkins hopes to inspire young African American kids, he said. He also wants to serve as a role model to encourage young people to become business owners.

“I want this to be a place to relax and chill, but also get inspiration,” he said.

One way he plans to make that happen is through a book club that the café will host. Promoting literacy and education is important to Hawkins.

Even with Good Brotha’s opening, Hawkins is already thinking about more House of Vegans locations and determining his next move.

“2020 was good for me,” he said. “2021 will be even better.”

Good Brotha’s Book Café is located at 1419 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

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Shape Up: Todd Phillips seeks to influence local youth while giving a cut

January 29, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

With the buzz of hair clippers in the background, in between appointments, Todd Phillips told me about some of his favorite childhood memories.

He pointed out black-and-white pictures that hang on his barbershop’s red walls, pictures of his “grandmom” and mother, both who have passed away. Phillips told me about his Uncle Charles, who used to take him to the basketball court or to the store for candy.

“Just that little bit of time that he spent with me, it made a big impact on my life, and I didn’t even realize,” Phillips said. “It showed me that he loved me.”

Growing up, Phillips’ life wasn’t always easy, but the adults that invested in him, like Uncle Charles, made all the difference. Now Phillips aspires to have that same impact on other youth.

In October, Phillips won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. The Chamber recognized him for his business and for his dedication to mentoring youth.

True Legends Barbershop is where both of these meet. Phillips opened the Jonestown Road shop in 2017, bringing years of experience with cutting hair. After working at another barbershop for a while, he was ready to have his own place where he could control the environment.

“I wanted an atmosphere that is family-oriented,” Phillips said. “When I was a little boy, I remember how much the behaviors and how people acted, the men especially, had an effect on me.”

He hopes that he and other barbers at True Legends set a positive example for the kids that come in.

Trim & Therapy

Phillips began cutting hair when he was young, although not well, he admitted. He practiced on his mom and three brothers. One time, in third grade, he gave himself such a bad haircut that his dad had to pick him up from school because kids were making fun of him.

“I still never stopped, and I kept doing it because it was something I wanted to keep doing until I got it right,” he said. “It was a passion since I was younger.”

Phillips often went to church with his grandmom. He enjoyed being around her; she was kind, non-judgmental and loving. One day at church, the pastor’s wife came up to Phillips, crying and laying her hands on him. She said, “God just told me you’re going to be doing something that touches a lot of people.”

That was in sixth grade, but Phillips’ grandmom always reminded him of it.

“I know now that this is it,” he said. “I feel like my calling is to mentor people.”

In October 2019, Phillips hosted an anti-bullying event at his shop and invited youth to come share their experiences and adults to give advice.

“A lot of kids don’t have someone at home to listen to them,” he said. “It’s our job to set an example for the youth.”

Nicole Prator has taken her 14-year-old son Amir to True Legends since the year it opened. A mom of two boys, one now an adult, Prator has seen an array of barbershops over the years.

When she found True Legends, she knew she discovered something different. The shop wasn’t loud and noisy like some other shops, which was a big deal for Amir, who is on the autism spectrum. Amir also tends to be quiet, but Prator said that he feels comfortable talking with Phillips and even looks forward to getting his hair cut.

“I like that the shop has a family-type feel,” Prator said. “It’s the most comfortable shop I’ve ever attended.”

Interactions with clients, Phillips said, are often a two-way street.

“I hear all types of things about families and marriages,” he said. “Barbers are like therapists, but sometimes our clients are like therapists, too.”

When he isn’t giving someone a shape up in the barber chair, Phillips is acting or producing music—two of his other passions.

But at the end of the day, he can’t see himself giving up cutting hair.

“Barbering is always going to be in me,” he said.

True Legends Barbershop is located at 3964 Jonestown Rd., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/beatruelegend.

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Ensuring Opportunity: Deborah Sibbering comes on board as Harrisburg’s new diversity officer

January 29, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A typical day for Deborah Sibbering—watch a horror film, cuddle with her Chihuahuas, fight discrimination. The usual.

The New Jersey native, also a history buff and big “Avatar” fan, moved to Pennsylvania 12 years ago. She first settled in the Poconos then traded the mountains for skyscrapers in Philadelphia. It wasn’t until recently that she migrated to central PA in search of a smaller, more community-oriented town.

Sibbering has a new office in downtown Harrisburg, right in city hall. She was relieved to get out of the house. The dogs were good company, but also needy.

“Harrisburg reminds me of my hometown in New Jersey,” she said. “I like the vibe of the city.”

In November, Sibbering took on the role of equal employment opportunity and diversity officer for Harrisburg, a position that Mayor Eric Papenfuse said he was looking to fill for a while.

By taking on this role, Sibbering also is filling a gap that previously existed in Harrisburg, she said. According to city officials, the position replaces the director of equity and affirmative action, a similar position that was held by Shaashawn Dial until August 2019.

While the job is still being fleshed out, Sibbering described what she’s doing as working on behalf of the community.

“I believe we are placed where we need to be, when we need to be there,” she said. “The timing is meant for me to be here.”

Before making her way to city hall, Sibbering worked in labor relations, dealing with cases of contract violations and discrimination. She is a self-described grassroots professional who “literally started at the bottom.”

Sibbering began her first job when she was in her 20s, working as a human resources and equal opportunity secretary at a college.

“I quickly learned that not only was I effective in my role as a secretary, but I was also effective at a higher level,” she said. “I was resolving issues and able to talk to people and explain the law.”

With encouragement from her supervisor, who Sibbering also considered a mentor, she believed she found her niche.

“At that time no one was saying, ‘When I grow up I want to be an equal opportunities officer,’” she said. “It was by happenstance that I was placed in a role that I was very effective at, but I loved it. I still love it.”

She went on to attend Montclair State University and hold many human resources jobs, working in the public education sector and as the deputy director of human resources for Monroe County.

In her new position, Sibbering said that she is in charge of diversity training for city employees and will act as a liaison for the city’s human relations commission. She is responsible for monitoring city government services and business practices to make sure Harrisburg is following federal and state anti-discrimination laws and regulations around equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Additionally, she will address complaints of workplace violence, discrimination and harassment. Discrimination may be based on race, gender, age, class or other aspects, Sibbering said. She also hopes to build relationships with local businesses.

“I want to engrain myself in the community and offer services to the community,” Sibbering said.

Another significant aspect of Sibbering’s job is to work with the Police Bureau on recruiting personnel that better reflect the demographics of Harrisburg.

Sibbering will train the newly approved Citizen’s Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, which will be tasked with monitoring the Police Bureau. She sees the initiative as a step in the right direction for the city.

Making connections with the community—a big part of her job, has been difficult for Sibbering during COVID. She looks forward to when she can interact more with residents and business owners.

“Years from now, I’d like to look back and see that I was able to serve the community and create a better sense of empathy and diversity,” she said.

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The Bright Side: Author and entrepreneur Christine Titih seeks to inspire hope by telling her story

January 29, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

In 2013, Christine Titih moved into a house in Allison Hill with a group of fellow African immigrants.

The house was hardly livable, she said. The landlord even asked Titih if she was sure she wanted to move in there with her 4-year-old daughter. Hearing gunshots across the street wasn’t unusual.

“It really shouldn’t have been open for people to rent,” she said. “That experience really affected me.”

Titih felt called to fill this gap in services for immigrants and find a way to support others in the same situation. So, in 2019, she founded the Oaks of Central PA, an organization that advocates for and supports African immigrants in the area.

The organization assists people with utility and rent payments and has a program to provide supplies to new moms. Titih said that they also plan to increase outreach efforts, although the pandemic has made that difficult. However, they have been able to continue their assistance programs.

“It’s always a pleasure being able to help others,” Titih said. “I know a lot of African women that have been in shelters. In whatever way possible, I want to help others that are in a position like I was.”

Titih believes that her purpose is to use her story to help others. The Oaks of Central PA is one way she fulfills her mission, but it doesn’t stop there.

Holding onto Hope

When she was about 3 years old, Titih’s daughter Renee was diagnosed with a speech delay. Titih was a single mom, unsure of how to tackle this new obstacle, frustrated and lacking help.

It took five years of speech therapy before Renee was able to communicate at the appropriate level for her age.

“It was a challenging period for me as a single mom, having to go through that,” Titih said.

That experience played a role in her decision to step into the business of care.

In 2016, Titih founded CT Home Care Services to provide assistance to people with intellectual disabilities. The business operates a day program at their center just off of Allentown Boulevard. In non-pandemic times, staff at CT Home Care takes participants on trips to the library, bowling alley, mall and other places they may need to access.

“I really have a lot of respect for parents that have been able to support their children that have intellectual disabilities,” Titih said. “If I can do my part to help them, I really feel fulfilled.”

Titih is especially drawn to this idea of fulfillment and purpose, so much so, that she wrote a book about it.

“How I Discovered My Purpose: A Practical Guide to Faith and Finding Happiness in Uncertain Times,” Titih’s debut book, came out in November.

The book uses examples from her life, including stories from growing up in Cameroon, in central Africa, to the present. She offers advice on how to thrive even through hardship and how to find meaning in life.

“It’s a guide, but also an encouragement for anyone out there that is in a difficult situation and is asking themselves, ‘What am I doing with my life’ or ‘Does my life count?’”

“How I Discovered My Purpose” also heavily incorporates spirituality and faith, which Titih said is important, especially in these times.

It’s her faith that she has clung to while the pandemic forced CT Home Care to temporarily close multiple times and left the Oaks of Central PA unable to perform its most important task—connection.

“I try to look at it in a positive way,” she said. “During this time is when I’ve been able to write the book and do other things. In moments like this, it’s important to have the faith. Things will eventually work out for our good.”

Titih ends her book with a question for readers: Does purpose matter during a pandemic? Well, what if things were to end right now, she said. Would we be pleased with ourselves in the past year?

“That’s the real question, if at the end all of this I have to look back at my life,” she said. “What was it that I did? What was the role I played?”

Christine Titih’s book “How I Discovered My Purpose” is available for purchase online.

For more information on the Oaks of Central PA, visit www.facebook.com/oakscepa.

To learn more about CT Home Care Services, visit www.cthcservices.com.

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CARES Act funding under fire, as Harrisburg School District loses students to cyber charters

January 28, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Commonwealth Charter Academy’s building in Harrisburg

Inequity has been an issue for decades, according to Acting Superintendent for the Harrisburg School District, Chris Celmer.

He was referring to what he sees as unfair funding for charter schools—specifically cyber charters.

While he’s spoken on this numerous times, this time had a new edge to it—new meaning.

Allocation amounts of second-round federal CARES Act funding recently were announced, and Celmer expressed his disappointment in what he saw.

When the pandemic hit, the Harrisburg School District had to pivot quickly, like most brick and mortar schools, closing classrooms and doling out laptops.

They scrambled to create options for students, knowing what would inevitably come and trying desperately to stop it.

The district formed the Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy (HVLA), a cyber-only alternative to their mainstream option in which students will eventually return to the classroom.

“We understand that we need to provide options for our students and families, and we are willing to put in the time, money and effort to do so,” Celmer said.

And yet, that didn’t stop over 200 students from moving to charter schools. He said, without HVLA, which has over 200 students, the number could’ve been closer to 500.

In past years, there’s been a steady rise in students making the switch to charter. Usually, close to two-thirds choose cyber, the remaining, just over one-third, opt for brick-and-mortar, Celmer said. But during the past year, 100% of students who left for charter picked cyber schools.

With each student goes $10,000 from the school district that they must pay to the charter school, he said. For each special education student, that number jumps to $28,000. For the 200 students the district lost this year, Celmer said they are looking at a $2 to $3 million payout.

With another round of CARES funding coming down the tracks, Celmer is not happy with how money is being distributed. Sure, the district is on track to get $25 million, but what sticks in Celmer’s mind is the near $50 million the state is funneling to 12 PA charter schools.

“That is totally inequitable,” he said. “Not only is a cyber charter getting our funding, now they’re getting additional CARES funding. They’re already a cyber charter operation, they don’t have the brick-and-mortar expenses.”

The Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA), a Harrisburg-based cyber school, will likely receive the most of the 12 charter schools—possibly $13 million.

But Tim Eller, senior vice president of outreach and government relations at CCA, disagrees with Celmer, saying the funding is fair.

From the beginning of last school year to the beginning of this school year, Eller said the student body has doubled. CCA now serves around 19,000 students.

While the school doesn’t have traditional brick-and-mortar costs, it does have expenses distinct to cyber schools, he explained. CCA supplies students with laptops, curriculum materials, printers and often subsidizes internet costs. Eller said that they also have to pay for services for small cohorts of special education students. During COVID, costs have increased as services must be one-on-one with a teacher and either at home or in a sanitary location.

“Cyber charters have unique expenses,” he said. “Districts don’t want to admit it or just don’t consider it.”

Eller noted that, under Act 13-2020, from March 13 to the end of last school year, districts did not have to pay tuition to charter schools due to the pandemic. He said that the first round of CARES Act funding helped them make up those lost funds and pay for new teachers’ salaries.

He also pointed out that, in total, $2.7 billion of the second-round CARES money is being distributed to public schools in the state, with $2.3 billion going to school districts and only $4 million to charter schools.

“These are public school students, and they deserve the same funding,” he said.

As part of his 2020-21 budget, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed charter school reform legislation that he said would create fair, predictable and equitable funding for school districts. The proposal has not been acted on.

If the reform doesn’t happen soon, Celmer believes it will never happen, given the state of education in PA today.

“This has been an issue, quite frankly, that the legislature has continued to skirt for decades,” he said. “It’s not just about the Harrisburg School District, it’s a statewide issue. Now is the time.”

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