Happenings: Our January Calendar of Events

December 30, 2019 | by Missy Smith

January Happenings

Museum & Art Spaces

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

“Cars & Christmas,” the museum’s annual holiday celebration with themed decorated Christmas trees, awesome automobiles, model train displays, and more, through Jan. 6

“To Protect and Serve: Pennsylvania State Police Museum Exhibit, Jan. 15-May 6

“Age of Aquarius,” featuring unique vehicles that were manufactured and marketed in America from about 1967 through the early mid-1970s, through April 26

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

“Texture, Fiber, and Form,” featuring the works of Stephanie Wallendjack, Liz Hamilton Quay and Paula Lehman, through Jan. 2

“Figuratively Speaking,” eclectic and exciting mix of AAH members’ take on the human form from the most traditional interpretations to the most abstract, Jan. 10-Feb. 13; reception: Jan. 10, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

“On Thin Ice,” 5th annual exhibition featuring artists’ take on the theme, with artwork in a variety of media and style, selected by juror Lauren Nye, director of exhibitions, Susquehanna Art Museum, Jan. 10-Feb. 1

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Artist of the Month: Michelle-Lee Kozimor King

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

“Manifestation and Adaptation: Variations in Buddhist Sculpture Across Asia,” curated by Dickinson student Bizz Fretty working with faculty members, through Feb. 1

“Abstract Impressions: Postwar Japanese Prints from the DePauw University Permanent Art Collection,” through Feb. 15

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

Hershey Public Library exhibit, through Jan. 18

Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S. Front St., Harrisburg
717-233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

“100th Anniversary of the Treaty of Versailles,” Vance McCormick’s role as chair of the American delegation, through spring

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

“Postcards from the Unknown,” paintings by Nora Sturges, through Jan. 29

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

“A Wintry Mix 5,” group art show, Jan. 10-Feb. 20

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

Group show with the Millworks’ in-house artists, through Jan. 12

New works by Pamela Black, Averill Shepps, Susan Bailey, Judy Kelly, Tara Chickey and Marsha Souders, Jan. 14-Feb. 16

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

“Boots and Saddles: Horses in the Civil War,” through June 7

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

“The Best of Jim Bashline Outside and In,” through January

“Nature’s Palette,” a group exhibition of Perry County Council of the Arts member artists’ work that interprets nature’s various hues and shades, Jan. 17-May 9; reception: Feb. 29, 1-4 p.m.

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

“Annual Juried Exhibition,” showcasing top artistic talent in the region selected by juror Oren Helbok of the Exchange Gallery, through Jan. 17

“Nature’s Palette,” a group exhibition of Perry County Council of the Arts’ member artists’ work that interprets nature’s various hues and shades, Jan. 17-May 9; reception: Feb. 29, 1-4 p.m., at Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art

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

“Artisan Marketplace,” holiday shopping exhibition, filled with unique, locally made fine art and handcrafted items for gift giving, through Jan. 11

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

Winter art show featuring works by Woodrow Derricks and Tom Gianelli; reception with live piano music, Jan. 23, 7-9 p.m.

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-231-ROSE; hacc.edu/RLAC

Art Program faculty exhibit, Jan. 21 through Feb. 13; reception: Feb. 6, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

“Picturing a More Perfect Union—Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies for the Pennsylvania Senate Chamber, 1911-1919,” through April 26

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

“Dreams: Selections from Easton Nights,” photographs by Peter Ydeen, through Jan. 12

“Explore: Found Objects,” an investigation of how historic and contemporary artists utilize found objects in their work, Jan. 15-Feb. 15; reception, Jan. 15, 5-8 p.m.

“War is Only Half the Story,” moving stories of the people left behind after the cameras have moved on from a war zone, through Jan.19

“Other Worlds—Inka Essenhigh,” richly colored distorted fables with archetypes, sprites and anthropomorphized nature, through Jan. 19

“SHIFT,” featuring the work of contemporary painters Tiffany Calvert and Alex Kanevsky, through Feb. 16

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

“Danny Lyon: Memories of the Southern Civil Rights Movement,” Jan. 24-March 22

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

Photography contest display, showcasing more than 100 exhibited photo entries, through Jan. 25

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Art gallery by Enoch Cincotta, Jan. 16

Art gallery by Joanna Pendergast, Jan. 17-Feb. 20

Read, Make, Learn

Boutique on Pomfret
16 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-347-7594; facebook.com/boutiqueonpomfret

Jan. 9: VIP Essential Oil Continuing Education, 5-6 p.m.

BrainVessel Gallery
4707 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
717-350-2306; bvcargo.com

Jan. 25: An Introduction to Handwriting and Statement Analysis, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Jan. 4: Processing Photos in Lightroom, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 8-29: Beginning Watercolor, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 8-29: Watercolor Landscapes, 3:30-6 p.m.
Jan. 8-Feb. 12: Play with Clay at the End of the Day, 6 Wednesdays, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Jan. 9-30: Beginning Knitting, Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 10: Fused Glass Pendants, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 10: Craft Beer & Clay, 7 p.m.
Jan. 11: Flower Enamel Pendant, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 11: Swizzle Sticks & Wine Charms, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 21: May 14: ArtWorks! teen program, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-5 p.m.
Jan. 23: Crepe Paper Flowers 101, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 28-March 3: Wheel 101, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Jan. 9: Home-Cooked Comfort Foods, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 22: Date Night Dinner & Wine Pairing, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 30: Sunday Suppers, 6-9 p.m.

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

Jan. 5: Crazy for Coloring, 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 11: Cocoa and Snowflakes, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: Device Club, 1-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 28: Friends of East Shore Area Library Meeting, 9:30-11;15 a.m.

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

Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Cards & Coffee, 9:15-10:30 a.m., 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 9, 23: Community Knitters, 6 p.m.
Jan. 18: Family LEGO Club, 11 a.m.
Jan. 4, 18: Cards & Coffee, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 11: Lace Cottage Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 11: Dog Tales, 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 18: Book Discussion Group, 9:15 a.m.
Jan. 18: Community Knitters, 11 a.m.

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

Jan. 2, 16: The Plot Twisters (ages 15-18), 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 3: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 6: Teen Makerspace Hangout, 4-6 p.m.
Jan. 7: Curl up with the Classics—“Murder at the Vicarage,” 10 a.m.
Jan. 8: Moving Forward Book Group w/Hospice of Central PA, 1 p.m.
Jan. 10: Indie Film Friday—“Blindspotting,” 2 and 7 p.m.
Jan. 11: BYOB After Hours Trivia—80s Movie Challenge, 7 p.m.
Jan. 13: Twisted Stitchers Knitting Group, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 16: READ to Dogs, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 27, 29 : Library for Lunch—Penguins and Polar Bears, 12 p.m.

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

Jan. 8: Fiber and Friends, 6-8 p.m.

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

Jan. 7-Feb. 25: Level 1 Introduction to Improv, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 13-March 2: Level 1 Introduction to Improv, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 18: One Day Workshop—Slow Comedy, 1-4 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

Jan. 2: ’80s Aerobics Experience, 4 p.m.
Jan. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers and Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Jan. 3: Wee Build Block Party!, 10 a.m.
Jan. 3, 10 , 17, 24, 31: Dungeons and Dragons, 3 p.m.
Jan. 4, 18, 25: Chess Club, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Jan. 8: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Tween Lounge, 3 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: LEGO League, 6 p.m.
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Lounge, 4 p.m.
Jan. 10, 24: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
Jan. 11: Chess Tournament, 9 a.m.
Jan. 12: Friends’ Children’s Program: Barynya-: Russian Music, Dance, and Song, 2 p.m.
Jan. 13, 20, 27: Storytime for 3s & 4s, 10 a.m.
Jan. 13, 20, 27: Storytime for 4s & 5s, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 14: Hosted Writer’s Group, 6 p.m.
Jan. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: 1, 2, Whee!, 10 a.m.
Jan. 15, 22, 29: Sensory 1, 2, Whee!, 11 a.m.
Jan. 26: Friend’s Adult Program—Groundhog Lodges, 2 p.m.

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

Jan. 2, 7, 9, 24, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Jan. 2: 80s Aerobics Experience, 4 p.m.
Jan. 3 Wee Build Block Party, 10 a.m.
Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Dungeons and Dragons, 3 p.m.
Jan. 4, 18, 25: Chess Club, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Tween Lounge, 3 p.m.
Jan. 8: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: LEGO League, 6 p.m.
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Lounge, 4 p.m.
Jan. 10, 24: Play Day for Families, 10 a.m.
Jan 11: Chess Tournament, 9 a.m.
Jan. 12: Friends’ Children’s Program—Barynya Russian Music, Dance, and Song, 2 p.m.
Jan 13, 20, 27: Storytime for 3s & 4s, 10 a.m.
Jan 13, 20, 27: Storytime for 4s & 5s, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29: 1, 2, Whee!, 10 a.m.
Jan. 14: Hosted Writer’s Group, 6 p.m.
Jan. 15, 22, 29: Sensory 1, 2, Whee!, 11 a.m.
Jan 26: Friend’s Adult Program: Groundhog Lodges, 2 p.m.

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

Jan. 2: Learn to Knit/Crochet, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 6: Monday Morning Board Games, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: English Conversation Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 7: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 8: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 13: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 14, 21: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 15: Sci Fi Book Club, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 15: Caring for House Plants, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 16: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 18: BYOB Trivia—1990s, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 20: Monday Morning Board Games, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 22: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 22: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 28: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Jan. 14: Cocoa and Snowflakes, 6-7 p.m.
Jan 16: Friends of Kline Library Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 22: Knit 1, Crochet, Too!, 6-8 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 North 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

Jan. 6, 13, 27: Video Game Club, 4-5 p.m.
Jan. 27: Cookbook Book Club—Soup’s On, 6-7 p.m.

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

Jan. 15, 22, 29: Mid-day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: Role Playing Game Night, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 10: Local Author Night with Nathaniel Gadsden and Amery Weaver, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 17: An Evening with Liz Moore, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 22: An Evening with Stephanie Land, 7-9 p.m.

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

Jan. 16: Sip and Sitch, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 18: Fluid Art with Ann Benton Yeager, 12-2:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 3: Play-Doh Palooza!, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
Jan. 4: LEGO Madness, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 27: Preschool Storytime (ages 2-5), 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 27: 123 Library! Family Storytime, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 6, 20: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 7: Tales for T.A.I.L.S., 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Book Babies Storytime (ages 6-23 months), 11:15 a.m.
Jan. 8, 22: Wednesday Great Books Discussion group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 9: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 11: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 14: Book Review Program—“The Library Book,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 18: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 18: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 20: Block Party, 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Jan. 22: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 30: New Cumberland Library History Room, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 4; Drop-In Art, 1-4 p.m.

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

Jan. 5: “How to Help Individuals with Mental Illness,” 8:45 a.m.
Jan. 12: “Suicide & Its Prevention,” 8:45 a.m.
Jan. 19: “Overcoming Addiction,” 8:45 a.m.

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

Jan. 3: StoryTime—“Charlotte the Scientist is Squished,” 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 9: Curiosity Kids—Owls!, 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 17: Learn at Lunchtime—Picturing a More Perfect Union: Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Jan. 23: Nature Lab—Rock Identification, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

Jan. 15: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Jan. 11: Kids Discover—Animal Adaptations, 1:30-3 p.m.
Jan. 14: Winter Lecture Series on PA State Species—Eastern Hemlock, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 18: Full Cadettes—Night Owl, 4-8 p.m.
Jan. 28: Winter Lecture Series on PA State Species—White-tailed Deer, 7-8:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 2: Teen Night—Tech Toys and Tiny Houses, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 7: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 9: Cocoa and Snowflakes, 6-7 p.m.
Jan. 14: Friends of Alexander Family Library Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 21: Novel Thoughts Too Book Club, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 27: Crazy for Coloring, 6-8 p.m.

Yoga at Simply Well
28 S. Pitt St., Carlisle
717-968-0167; yogaatsimplywell.com

Jan. 3: Amrit Yoga Nidra, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 11-Feb. 22: Kids Yoga 6-week series, 2-3 p.m.
Jan. 11-Feb. 22: Youth Yoga 6-week series, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Live Music

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

Jan. 10: Under the Streetlamp
Jan. 24: The Main in Black—Tribute to Johnny Cash
Jan. 25: Elvis Birthday Bash
Jan. 26: Mike Albert’s Elvis Gospel Show with The Stamps Quartet

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

Jan. 3: Hexbelt
Jan. 4: Steal Your Face
Jan. 10: Aaron Kamm and the One Drops
Jan. 18: Derek Woods Band
Jan. 24: Bumpin Uglies

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

Jan. 3: Jazz in the City
Jan. 9: The Philly Keys
Jan. 17: 70s Flashback—The Soundtrack of a Generation
Jan. 22: Classic Albums Live—David Bowie, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Jan. 25: York Symphony Orchestra

Blair Music Center, Lutz Recital Hall
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

Jan. 21: Ruth Naomi Floyd presents “Frederick Douglass Jazz Works”

Boneshire Brew Works
7462 Derry St., Harrisburg
717-469-5007; boneshire.com

Jan. 23: Dave McCullough
Jan. 30: Shawan and the Wonton

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

Jan. 2, 14, 23: Natalie Ness
Jan. 3, 7, 9, 15, 17, 21, 24, 28: Noel Gevers
Jan. 4, 10: Ted Ansel
Jan. 8: Andrea Britton
Jan. 11, 26, 30: Anthony Haubert
Jan. 16, 18, 29: Roy Lefevre
Jan. 22: Christine Purcell
Jan. 25: Corinna Joy and Noel Gevers
Jan. 31: Andrea Britton and Noel Gevers

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

Jan. 3: Handguns, The Stonewall Vessels
Jan. 4: Departed
Jan. 10: NAH
Jan. 11: Prince Diamond, Sonic Creeps
Jan. 15: The Addicts
Jan. 18: Placeholder
Jan. 24: Medusa’s Disco
Jan. 25: Pennter

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Jan. 3: Antonio Andrade
Jan. 4: Doug Morris
Jan. 5: Allan Combs II
Jan. 10: Paul Zavinsky
Jan. 11: Dominick Cicco
Jan. 12: Peter Stone
Jan. 17: Michael Arthur
Jan. 18: Shoot the Moon
Jan. 19: Jim Sigrist
Jan. 24: Kevin Kline
Jan. 25: Hard Travelin’
Jan. 26: Betsy Barnicle

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

Jan. 11-12: “Shoot for the Stars”
Jan. 25-26: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” in Concert

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

Jan. 25: Beyond the Footlights Cabaret

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

Jan. 3: Ryan Pelton, DJ Jayson Matrix
Jan. 4: DJ Ray Rossi, Sapphire
Jan. 10: Josh Squared Band
Jan. 11: DJ Magic, The Luv Gods
Jan. 17: Funktion
Jan. 18: DJ Jayson Matrix, Emily’s Toy Box
Jan. 24: That Band
Jan. 25: DJ Koolie Kirk, Smooth Like Clyde
Jan. 31: Uptown Band

House of Music, Arts & Culture (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Jan. 17: Awake At Last
Jan. 19: Danny Worsnop, StarBenders
Jan. 24: From Ashes to New, Defiant, Eva Under Fire, Dawn’s Divide
Jan. 25: Offensive, Traverse the Abyss, Suicide Puppets, Feltsideout, Illusion of Solace, Dreams of Eden
Jan. 25: Moon Hooch
Jan. 26: Turkuaz. Neal Francis
Jan. 30: Lukr
Jan. 31: Green Jelly

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Downtown
133 State St., Harrisburg
717-635-9870; littleampscoffee.com

Jan. 18: Pomelo

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Midtown
1836 Green St., Harrisburg
717-695-4882; littleampscoffee.com

Jan. 31: Hollan, Margaret Gehman, Sarah Fiore

Market Cross Pub & Brewery
113 N. Hanover St., Carlisle
717-258-1234; marketcrosspub.com

Jan. 4: Zach King & Guest
Jan. 11: Trio De Janero
Jan. 18: Jill Fullerton Band
Jan. 19: Open Irish Jam
Jan. 25: Twisted Bluez

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-525-8926; rivercityhbg.com

Jan. 4, 5: The Give Take, Bad Luck Charms, Timmy’s Creep Show
Jan. 11, 12: Mountain Road Band
Jan. 18, 19: Don Johnson
Jan. 20: River City Big Band

Rusty Rail Brewing Company
5 N. 8th North St., Mifflinburg
570-966-7878; rustyrailbrewing.com

Jan. 12: Deadgrass

Stock’s on 2nd
211 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg
717-233-6699; stocksonsecond.com

Jan. 3: Derek Henry
Jan. 4: Drew Adams
Jan. 10: Natalie Ness
Jan. 11: Quentin Jones
Jan. 17: Shea Quinn and Friends
Jan. 18: Lucille and The Wolf
Jan. 24: Ben Simcox Music
Jan. 25: Visitors Duo
Jan. 31: Kevin Koa

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

Jan. 5: January Jam

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

Jan. 10: Allegro’s Music in the Round—Back to Bach

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

Jan. 21: Phillip Phillips
Jan. 25: Richard Thompson
Jan. 30: Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame

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

Jan. 3: Glassbeard w/FoxyPanda and Corporate Thugz
Jan. 4: Biz Markie
Jan. 10: Observe the 93rd, Gas Station Disco, Big Fat Meanies & Big Boy Brass
Jan. 11: Under the Radar, Moxie & Rebel, One Trick Grizzly, Silvertung, Gun Metal Gray & Voice the Chaos
Jan. 16: The Glorious Sons w/Des Rocs
Jan. 17: Ghost Light
Jan. 18: Go Go Gadjet
Jan. 24: The Amish Outlaws
Jan. 25: 2nd Generation Wu w/iNTeLL, PxWeR, SunGod & Young Dirty Bastard
Jan. 31: Lettuce

Zeroday Brewing Co.
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-745-6218; zerodaybrewing.com

Jan. 17: Bend the Rails
Jan. 24: Josh Dominick

The Stage Door

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

Jan. 28: The Simon & Garfunkel Story

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

Jan. 10: Joel Lindley
Jan. 17: Terry Pator

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

Jan. 10-19: Neil Simon’s “Rumors”

Chameleon Club
223 N. Water St., Lancaster
717-299-9684; chameleonclub.net

Jan. 27: Joe DeRosa

Castlerigg Wine Shop
110 S. Hanover St., Carlisle
717-462-4663; castleriggwineshop.com

Jan. 17: Garry’s Comedy Show

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

Jan. 2-4: Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn”
Jan. 9-Feb. 15: “Savannah Sipping Society”

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

Jan. 17-26: “Journey to the Center of the Earth”

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

Jan. 24-26: “Back to the 80s”

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

Jan. 3, 4: Steve Sabo, Corey Hunter
Jan. 10, 11: Jason Kanter, Isabel Hagen
Jan. 17, 18: Darrer DS Sanders
Jan. 24, 25: Joel Lindley, Todd Youngman
Jan. 31: Jay Stevens, Ben Jones

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-798-6973; hbgimprov.com

Jan. 3: Free Jam Beef (Howie), Scoreface/The Director, JODY/Drive Thru Pals, Ferd Majelly/Acoustic Tour
Jan. 4: Free Mixer (Preteen Girls), Bad Berries/The Bat, Rockstar Goes Supernova, Introduce A Self
Jan. 10: Free Jam (Oh No Mono), Leg Of Lamp/Art Patrol, ElderProv/Closed Casket, Sangy & Dock/Unbelievably Tasty
Jan. 11: Free Mixer (What? Hell Yeah! What?), Side Hustle/Ball N’ Chain, Critical HIT/Two Princesses, Dang/Without A Tres
Jan. 17: Free Jam (Six In A Row), Scoreface/Bandito, BEEF, Bemafo
Jan. 18: Free Mixer (Wild Goose Chaise), Bad Berries/Sketch Pad, Barbra, Tiny Town
Jan. 24: Free Jam (The Assembly), Leg Of Lamp/This Show Will Self Destruct, Mary Todd Lincoln/Love Triangle, HIT BITS
Jan. 25: Free Mixer (PSYENTZ), Side Hustle/Bandjob, Solo Sleepover/Dropkick Morpheus, The Real FAST Coast Wives

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

Jan. 18: “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”

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

Jan. 17-Feb. 2: “Three Tall Women”

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

Jan. 17: “Dancing with the Local Stars”
Jan. 25: “We Shall Overcome—A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Jan. 31: Mountainfilm on Tour

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

Jan. 10-12: “Heathers the Musical” High School Edition

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

Jan. 17-Feb. 2: “Towards Zero”

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

Jan. 17-Feb. 2: “The Scarlet Letter” at Whitaker Center

Untitled: A Storytelling Project
untitledhbg.com

Jan. 23: 4th Annual Grand Slam

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

Jan. 11: Artie Lange
Jan. 17-Feb. 2: “The Scarlet Letter” w/Theatre Harrisburg

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 27, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Michael Kenneth Williams is appearing at the Sankofa Film Festival.

Christmastime is typically the slow season for news, and so it was around Harrisburg this week. We posted TheBurg Daily for four of the five days, skipping Christmas Day, and now have our coverage recapped below in case you missed anything during this busy week. Happy holidays, everyone!

Black Girl Health returns next month with a series of events that extends over six weeks. Workshops this time around will focus on mental health issues. Read more about this important program in our online story.

The Drunken Smithy lets you get out your frustrations while creating an object for your efforts. Our writer took a trip to Palmyra to get in touch with her inner blacksmith. Click here to find out how she did.

“Joy to the Burg” is an album of holiday music performed exclusively by central PA musicians and bands. You still can order this homegrown album and be all set for next year, with proceeds going to a good cause. Learn how from our feature story.

New Year’s Eve in Harrisburg will feature music, activities, fireworks and, of course, the strawberry drop at midnight. Find out all the details in our online story.

Olive Oil Grille is one of several eateries that opened recently on the West Shore. Discover what makes this restaurant unique in our December feature story.

Sankofa Film Festival is bringing several notable filmmakers to Harrisburg this weekend, along with their movies. Read the story behind the Harrisburg area’s first African American film festival.

Sara Bozich has your last-chance Christmas events, as well as many other things to do during this extremely long weekend. Make like Santa and check over her list twice, then go do something fun.

Story Makers can help turn your scribblings into prose with a yearlong program at Cupboard Maker Books in Enola. If you have a resolution to write better—maybe even write a book—this might be your ticket to success in 2020. Find the details here.

Wine is often a key component of New Year’s Eve dinner. Our wine columnist has his recommendations for a festive bottle to bring along to your celebration.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your inbox? If not, subscribe here!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 26, 2019 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Holiday Weekend!

I hope you all had the merriest and happiest and are heading into an epically long weekend. We’re headed to another family gathering today then out of town for the weekend to visit my in-laws in the PA Wilds.

What are you doing this weekend?

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Black Girl Health to launch campaign focused on mental health issues

December 23, 2019 | by Yaasmeen Piper

Since its formation in 2014, the nonprofit Black Girl Health has strived to help improve the health of black women through education, workouts and more.

This January, the organization is targeting mental health with its first-ever “Minds Matter” campaign.

Across six weeks, the Black Girl Health’s nonprofit arm, Black Girl Health Foundation Inc., will hold free workshops focusing on different aspects of mental health at Dauphin Counties libraries.

“We decided to specifically focus on mental health because there is not enough awareness on this topic and there are so many people who need help but don’t get it,” said Porcha Johnson, founder of Black Girl Health. “We want to detach that stigma, and we hope to motivate people to get help with their mental health and also provide resources and let people know where that help is.”

The workshops include panels that address postpartum depression, stress, racial and cultural disparities in treatment, yoga, natural remedies to help combat anxiety and more.

The campaign kicks off Saturday, Jan. 10, with Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick, Shalawn James, acting executive director of Mental Health Association of PA (MHAPA), and Deshauna Barber, 2016’s Miss USA and a former army captain. Barber will present the campaign’s keynote address and discuss how she navigated through post-traumatic stress disorder.

James will speak on the history of black people in America and its impact on mental health over the years, as well as some of the resources MHAPA provides.

“Black women represent one of the underserved portions of our communities where mental health impacts everyday life,” James said. “So, part of my work with [Black Girl Health] is to bring awareness to that and to also help with some larger initiatives of acquiring more therapists of color and targeting, not just African American women, but African Americans in general.”

Johnson said the panel, “Mom’s Suffering in Silence,” on Jan. 18 is especially important to her. After having her baby, retiring early from her job as a reporter for WGAL and becoming a full-time mother and entrepreneur, Johnson said she went through a “mental shock.”

“There is so much stress in being a mom—trying to be a good mother, taking care of your children, keeping relationships…we go through so much,” she said. “We, as women, often try to multi-task and do everything and that often leads to stress that leads to chronic illnesses.”

Through Black Girl Health, Johnson hopes to help prevent that stress and encourage women to relieve stress through yoga, meditation, natural supplements and therapy.

“All these solutions are going to be presented at the event,” she said. “I want to present these to help people live healthy lifestyles. That’s what it’s really about, increasing the longevity of life.”

The Minds Matter campaign runs from Jan. 10 to Feb. 15. All events are free with registration that can be found on the campaign’s website.

“We brought this to Harrisburg for free because it’s so important, and we want everyone to be able to get help and I hope people take advantage of this opportunity,” Johnson said. “I want people to see that there is help around, and I want people to get motivated to actually seek out that help.”

To register, visit mindsmatter.blackgirlhealthfoundation.org. For more information on Black Girl Health visit blackgirlhealth.com.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 20, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Three partners of The Bridge discuss their development plans with our reporter.

Christmas is knocking and the year is winding down, which often means a last-minute rush of to-do items around Harrisburg.

That made this week especially hectic, as the city passed a 2020 budget, the school district made a big change and new players on the city’s redevelopment scene introduced themselves. As we do each week, we have all our local stories tied up in a nice package in case you missed any of our coverage.

Christmas for Italian-American families traditionally has included a meal called “The Feast of the Seven Fishes.” Our food writer Rosemary offers a twist on that tradition in her monthly column and recipe.

Clear toy candy is a traditional way to celebrate Christmas in central PA. The craft may have gone out of style, but there are still a few Harrisburg-area candy-makers who are keeping the tradition alive. Read our feature story from the December issue.

Forster Street in Harrisburg is a menace to pedestrians, necessitating immediate action by PennDOT. So says TheBurg’s editor in an editorial that urges PennDOT to understand its obligation to both pedestrians and motorists. Read his plea here.

Harrisburg passed a balanced budget that does not raise taxes but will result in higher pay for police and faster debt relief for the city. The budget process lacked the drama of many past years as the administration and City Council agreed on budget priorities. Click here to read the details.

Harrisburg school district is making a change at the top, as the acting superintendent is stepping down, but not without taking a parting shot at the former administration and a key state legislator. Find out why he’s leaving and who’s replacing him in our online news story.

A medical marijuana dispensary can proceed with construction on Allison Hill after a split City Council approved its development plan. Council also OK’d the building plan for an AutoZone store in Uptown Harrisburg. Read the details here.

Open Stage has undergone a complete transformation with a recent renovation of its downtown Harrisburg theater. Read our feature story then go pay them a visit to see a great holiday show.

Sara Bozich has your list of fun events for any free time you may have between last-minute holiday shopping trips this weekend. There are still many holiday options, as well as monthly favorites like 3^rd in the Burg.

State Museum of Pennsylvania has opened an exhibit on muralist Violet Oakley’s preparatory sketches for some of her work inside the state Capitol. Our fine arts blogger wrote about his recent visit.

The Bridge offered TheBurg a tour of the old Bishop McDevitt High School, where the development partners plan to begin building out work, community and living space. Check out our photo gallery to see what the building looks like before its pending transformation.

Whitaker Center recently opened up two newly reconstructed spaces: KidsPlace and the STEM Design Studios. Find out why these improvements were made to the 20-year-old downtown Harrisburg arts center in our feature story.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your inbox? If not, subscribe here!

Harrisburg school district names Chris Celmer as acting superintendent

December 19, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Starting Jan. 1, Chris Celmer, right, will become acting superintendent of the Harrisburg school district, replacing John George, center.

The Harrisburg school district is making a change in its top leadership, as the acting superintendent is stepping down.

Dr. John George announced this afternoon that he will leave his post on Jan. 1, replaced as acting superintendent by Chris Celmer, currently the assistant acting superintendent.

“[Celmer] has been here, on site everyday,” George said. “He has, for all practical purposes, already been serving as superintendent and I, more or less, have been serving as an advisor.”

The district receiver, Dr. Janet Samuels, affirmed that she approved Celmer’s promotion.

Celmer and George have worked together for about a decade, first at the Berks County Intermediate Unit and then at the Reading school district. George brought Celmer to Harrisburg as his second-in-command under Samuels, who was appointed school district receiver in June.

George said that he planned to serve full-time in his current post as executive director of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit until September, when he would retire from that job to lead the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units.

George and Celmer both said that they’ve worked to stabilize the district’s finances, hire competent personnel, instill a solid governing structure and make academic reforms since they arrived in late June. Going forward, the district will focus particularly on academic achievement, they said.

“I’m excited about the opportunity, and I’m very confident that we’ll continue to make great strides in the Harrisburg school district,” Celmer said.

In his final public statement, George again took swipes at two entities that he’s criticized in the recent past: the former leadership of the district, which he described as having a “perverse self-interest,” and PA House Speaker Mike Turzai, who has proposed a bill to give Harrisburg students vouchers to attend private schools.

“Harrisburg school district will be devastated for generations if Speaker Turzai’s ill-conceived voucher bill becomes law,” George said. “On the other hand, with proper governance and leadership, and the support and patience of elected officials, community members, parents and faculty, I foresee much better days ahead for the Harrisburg school district.”

In Pictures: The Bridge begins ambitious transformation of Bishop McDevitt

December 19, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

The old Bishop McDevitt High School is on the verge of a major transformation, and today the development team behind the project opened up the century-old building to TheBurg to speak about their plans.

We first learned last month about The Bridge and its partners—Garry Gilliam, Corey Dupree, Dezwaan Dubois, Rob DeJarnette and Jordan Hill. The old friends all know each other from their years at Milton Hershey School and/or Penn State, and Gilliam and Hill both had professional football careers.

You can read the story here about how they plan to create a multi-use complex that will include co-working, maker, event and community space, and, in the longer term, build out an eco-friendly live/work/play environment. The team also would like to purchase and transform the old William Penn High School in Uptown Harrisburg.

Please look for a magazine feature about the partners and their plans in our February issue. In the meantime, we wanted to share some pictures from Thursday, as the partners gave TheBurg a tour of the interior of the building.

As you can see below, the building needs major work, having been vacant since the Catholic diocese closed the high school in 2013. However, the partners expect to begin renovations soon for a 2020 opening of the first phase.

To learn more about The Bridge, you also can visit their website.

The Bridge partners Jordan Hill, Corey Dupree and Garry Gilliam speak to our reporter.

Garry Gilliam

Partners Dezwaan Dubois and Corey Dupree in the gym area, which will be transformed to community and event space.

The exterior

Main hallway

A classroom blackboard

The Bishop McDevitt mural

Tile surrounds a water fountain

The stage and gym

Fireplace in a classroom

Room 213

A major renovation is ahead for this dilapidated space

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 19, 2019 | by Sara Bozich

Happy Weekend!

I’m starting the weekend at the GK Open House (join us!), then frantically trying to finish up all my Christmas shopping and wrapping. Getting my hair ‘did, visiting the Market, and hopefully relaxing for some football (JUST KIDDING, DEFINITELY NEED TO WRAP GIFTS) on Sunday.

What are you doing this weekend?

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Harrisburg Council approves building plans for dispensary, auto parts store

December 17, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Rendering of the current vacant lot (left) and the medical marijuana dispensary (right).

Two contentious building projects are closer to breaking ground after their development plans were approved on Tuesday night by Harrisburg City Council.

City Council approved the land use plans for both a medical marijuana dispensary on Allison Hill and an AutoZone store in Uptown Harrisburg.

The dispensary generated the most criticism by council members, who passed the building plan by a slim 4-3 margin, with council members Ausha Green, Danielle Bowers and Shamaine Daniels voting against it.

Members who voted in favor stressed they did so not because they support the dispensary at 137 S. 17th St., but because the building plan itself met all city requirements, which was the issue at stake.

“The project is in compliance with all the city laws and regulations,” said Councilman Dave Madsen.

A company called WH RE LLC plans to build a 3,000-square-foot medical marijuana retail store directly across the street from Hamilton Health Center on what now is an empty lot.

About a year ago, the state Department of Health awarded a dispensary license to Local Dispensaries, a related company. City Council has no authority over licensing but had to approve the land use plan for the building.

Following the meeting, Green said that she voted against the plan to “send a message” that she was unhappy with a process that, she said, didn’t include neighborhood residents or take their concerns into account.

“I would like to see more community input even before the application gets to the state,” she said.

With the approval, WH RE LLC hopes to break ground on the facility in spring and estimates a four-month-long construction process, opening next autumn.

“I’m hoping the company will be good neighbors to the residents in the Allison Hill area,” said Bowers.

On Tuesday, council also approved the land development plan for AutoZone, a Memphis-based auto parts chain, to construct a new retail store at the corner of Maclay and N. 7th streets.

Some council members, as well as the city Planning Bureau, had objected to AutoZone’s original proposal for an access point off of N. 7th Street, saying it would create safety issues.

Since a hearing on the project two weeks ago, AutoZone had agreed to eliminate that driveway, leaving two others—one off of Maclay Street and the other from Peffer Street, Madsen said.

“We had multiple discussions regarding this resolution with the applicant,” he said.

Before it can break ground, AutoZone needs to return to council to have several streets vacated on the four-parcel, 1.13-acre site.

AutoZone made its original proposal to locate on the property, now owned by the Vartan Group, about 16 months ago. It is proposing a $935,280 project consisting of a 6,816-square-foot store and 37 off-street parking spaces.

2020 Harrisburg budget passes with no tax increase, more money for police, capital projects

December 17, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday night

Harrisburg has passed a 2020 budget that spends more money on police salaries and debt reduction but does not raise taxes.

City Council on Tuesday night approved Mayor Eric Papenfuse’s proposed spending plan with no changes.

“I think this is a sign that the government is working well together,” Papenfuse said, following the meeting. “We worked very hard to be collaborative in the process.”

Councilman Ben Allatt, chair of the council’s budget and finance committee, concurred that this year’s budget process was a smooth one.

“We had a lively discussion [during the budget hearings],” he said. “I think there’s general agreement about the budget priorities going forward.”

Council voted 6-1 to approve the budget, with a lone “no” vote by council member Shamaine Daniels.

The proposed 2020 budget, which contains no city property tax increase for a seventh straight year, totals $120 million, which includes a $74.3 million general fund, a $17.5 million neighborhood services fund and a $15.3 million debt service fund.

In contrast, the city’s 2019 budget totals nearly $110 million, which includes a $70.8 million general fund, a $20.6 million neighborhood services fund and a $9.8 million debt service fund.

Papenfuse expects the city to run a 2019 surplus of about $1 million. He has attributed the surplus mostly to earned income taxes and business taxes that exceeded expectations, which indicates a healthy jobs climate in the city.

The city will use much of that surplus to increase salaries for police officers, with the hope that a pay boost will help the Police Bureau, which has long struggled with retention, keep its young officers.

In fact, on Tuesday, City Council also approved a new, six-year collective bargaining agreement with the police union to affirm the new pay schedule.

Under the agreement, the entry-level salary for a police officer will remain the same at almost $49,000 a year. However, an officer would be able to move up in pay quickly, so that officers, in year six, would be able to earn as much as $70,000—some $6,000 more than previously.

In all, the city hopes to add 10 to 15 officers to the force, bringing the personnel count to a budgeted 153 officers.

The police union contract didn’t expire for another year. However, the city opened it up early to create the new salary regimen.

“That will hopefully provide an improved retention for our police force,” Allatt said. “The long-term benefit will be good for the city.”

The budget also adds four firefighter positions, mostly paid for by reductions in overtime for existing staff. That would bring the Fire Bureau complement in 2020 to 86 total personnel, plus command staff.

Council also approved a resolution on Tuesday that will amend the city’s agreement with its bond insurer, Ambac Assurance Corp.

Under the agreement, the city will prepay $5 million in debt using its substantial reserve funds. With Harrisburg pre-paying, Ambac has agreed to a “multiplier” that would actually reduce city debt by $6.9 million, Papenfuse has said. He also said he would like to refinance existing general obligation debt that extends through 2022 at a lower interest rate.

The budget contained several other notable provisions.

First, the city and the school district have reached an agreement to split the cost of two school resource officers. The district’s SRO program expired in 2009 when funding dried up and was never renewed.

Papenfuse also is proposing renovating the first floor of the MLK city government center. Money for that work would come from federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

For 2020, the city is focusing on five capital improvement projects. These include:

Beginning the conversion of much of N. 2nd Street to two-way traffic.
A roundabout, improved crosswalks and a partially protected cycle track on N. 7th Street.
Road and curb improvements to the MulDer Square area.
Safety improvements to State Street on Allison Hill, pending cooperation and approval from PennDOT.
“East-West connector” project, which consists of improvements to the area around Walnut and Chestnut streets downtown, funded with a state grant.

These debt reduction and capital improvement measures will tap into the city’s substantial budget reserve balance, which now sits at about $24 million, saved up over the last several years. At the end of 2020, the city expects to draw down the reserve to about $15.6 million, Allatt said.

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