Game On: It’s pixels, not pigskins, as HU introduces varsity e-gaming.

December 29, 2017 | by Diane McNaughton

Amanda Fidler isn’t your typical athlete.

Yes, she’s dedicated to her sport and has high hopes for a collegiate scholarship for the next academic year. However, you won’t see Fidler hitting a ball or running laps.

You will see her, though, at her computer, practicing every day at such games as “League of Legends,” “Overwatch” and “Hearthstone.”

Fidler, of Philadelphia, is a student at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, and she is working towards earning a valuable scholarship next year as the computer club that she heads morphs into a full-scale varsity sports team.

On the cutting edge of this growing international craze, HU is the first college in the mid-Atlantic to join the National Association of Collegiate eSports.

The Next Move

In the past few years, e-gaming has grown into an explosive cultural phenomenon, attracting throngs of screaming young fans, often dressed in colorful costumes representing their favorite animated characters.

Devotees fill cavernous, darkened arenas in places like Seoul, South Korea, where e-sports clubs dot every street and offer high-dollar prize money. The e-gamers don headphones and compete on a raised stage under the harsh glare of floodlights before a high-powered computer projected onto a huge screen. Thousands of spectators erupt sporadically into cheers and groans, frequently jumping out of their seats as they follow the vibrant graphics and live action.

E-gaming will be HU’s first varsity sport, and the college plans to offer 15 scholarships—three teams of five players each. The scholarship selection process is expected to take place in the spring.

HU President Eric Darr is a gamer himself. He started playing Pong, the most rudimentary of arcade video games, some 40 years ago. Fast-forward to today, when he and his son, now a student at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, often compete against each other in a complex online game called “Civilization,” which requires players to build a society, with all the military, political, artistic, scientific and economic challenges that entails.

Like Darr, Fidler appreciates the stories within the stories in each game and the intricacies that accompany each. She watches video competitions daily, often streaming them on her computer.

“You learn by watching,” said the sophomore student, gleaning new tricks and combinations all the time.

To be a varsity-level gamer, it’s not just about hand-eye coordination. “You have to be good at multi-tasking,” she explained.

You also must be aware not only of the opposing team but of your own teammates. “You’re always looking for your opponent to make the next move,” she said.

A Big Deal

As HU’s e-gaming team is built, school officials are now conducting a national search for a world-class gaming coach. They are also seeking one or two assistant coaches, so the 5,000-student university can field a powerful program by September 2018.

The matches that get played between colleges may be broadcast over an internet channel called Twitch, Darr said. ESPN already broadcasts the “League of Legends” championships, which occurred Nov. 4, and as the competitions become more popular, it is likely that it will broadcast even more, Darr predicted.

HU is also looking for an arena to broadcast the play of its e-gamers.

The competitions are something to see. Five players usually emerge in sweatshirts wearing sponsor patches, much like today’s racecar drivers. They sit behind consoles on a stage. The game loads, they talk strategy, and a color commentator and tactician may narrate. Spectators can watch on a big screen, and important events can even be replayed.

America’s best team is “Cloud 9,” which has its own A-list celebrities, Darr said.

“If you are a gamer, and you understand what you are seeing, you realize, ‘These guys are really, really good,’” Darr said. “They get millions of views already. It’s a big deal.”

He said that e-gaming involves not just finding the best players, but fielding the best team.

“The team aspect is critically important, much like any other sports,” Darr said.

For example, a team with the highest-ranked players in the world recently lost a high-stakes championship because of how they interacted as a team, he said.

“You don’t have to be the fastest person to pull the trigger,” Darr said. “You have to be the one to come up with a unique strategy.”

He said that the newly forming e-sports teams tie in nicely with HU’s academic programs. Some gamers are artists, not techies, but most gamers are passionate technology lovers, he said.

Because scholarship winners must be HU students, he hopes that the best students who want to study science and technology will set their controller on HU.

HU e-gamers will practice often, but it will be limited. Academic standing is a requirement, so gamers can’t play all day, Darr emphasized.

But practice, strategy sessions and white-boarding will occur, sans the Gatorade and sweat towels of a traditional sports practice.

“We think about e-sports and the move into varsity sports as part of the growth and evolution of HU,” Darr said. “It better engages students, and it’s a way for students to feel better about HU and develop a passion for it. It also gets the word about HU out at the national level.”

The team may wind up attracting some of the world’s best gamers to HU, and science-minded whizzes may build a league of legends of its own right here in Pennsylvania’s capital city. Game on.

For more information about Harrisburg University for Science and Technology, visit www.harrisburgu.edu.

Old Story, New Relevance: “Gaslight” part of Midtown Cinema’s Oscar month.

December 29, 2017 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

You’ve probably heard of the term “gaslighting”—the act of manipulation by psychological means to cause someone to question their own sanity. But do you know where the term originated?

It turns out, there has been a story floating around since the late 1930s about a woman whose husband uses psychological tricks to slowly convince her that she has lost her mind. It’s a tale that humanity continues to revisit.

The story originated in 1938 with a play by Patrick Hamilton titled “Gas Light,” and, in 1940, a British film adaptation was made by the same name. Four years later, America, not to be outdone, stepped up to the plate and made the critically acclaimed version of “Gaslight” with Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer, directed by George Cukor. And what a good decision, because, with seven Academy Award nominations and two wins (Best Actress and Best Production Design), audiences here artfully proved that the story was still relevant.

Bergman plays Paula Alquist, the niece of Alice Alquist, a famous opera singer who was murdered in her home in Thornton Square. The killer was never caught, and, years later, after moving away from the scene of the crime, Paula returns with her new husband, Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer), a man who suddenly appeared in her life and immediately swept her off her feet. The newlyweds move into the house in Thornton Square and board up the top floor, cordoning off all of Alice’s belongings so that Paula doesn’t have to look at them and remember the painful events from her past.

But soon, Gregory begins commenting on Paula’s forgetfulness and then objects start going missing—things that Paula should have kept in safekeeping. Every night, when Gregory leaves the house to work, Paula hears noises in the floor above, and the gaslight in the house dims, though no one in the house has lit one in another room. Luckily for Paula, her neighbor, Miss Thwaites (May Whitty) and a local investigator, Brian Cameron (Joseph Cotton), believe something is afoot. Brian begins to piece together Gregory’s criminal history, including connections to Alice and a case of missing jewels.

Though the film has a rocky introduction with its heavily expository setup (poor Paula is told exactly why she’s leaving the country after her aunt’s murder—she must forget the past, of course), the story continues with a solidity that most screenplays today forego for special effects. Even with the actual act of gaslighting aside, every scene nails the daily frustrations that a woman must deal with, whether it’s unfair comparisons, not being taken seriously, or pitting other women against her (the housekeepers, Elizabeth and Nancy, played by Barbara Everest and Angela Lansbury, reflect the complexity of these relationships in such a subtly hostile environment). And as Paula is slowly convinced of her insanity, Bergman lets loose with her character, driving home the point that, with a little conditioning, you can turn into exactly what you insist you are not. There is a reason Bergman won an Academy Award for her performance, and Boyer’s straight-faced manipulation complements it perfectly.

There are so many facets of this screen gem that make it applicable to current events. We see clearly the battle that women fight every day of their lives, trying to contradict the accusations against womanhood that have been reinforced for centuries. In a world where women are told they are being fanciful, or lying to make a scene, or remembering the facts wrong, or even that they are not strong enough to be out in the real world, this film says, no. This is not your imagination; your voice matters, and we believe you. Just like Paula’s house in the square, this world can be more than just your place of psychological trauma.

Despite this reviewer’s dislike for Hollywood remakes, perhaps a story that remains so painfully relevant needs to be revisited again—or at least replayed on the big screen.

“Gaslight” will be shown on Jan. 28 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

JANUARY SPECIAL EVENTS
Oscar Winner January!

“All About Eve” (1950)
Won: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound Mixing, Best Costume Design
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m.

“The Departed” (2006)
Won: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing
Sunday, Jan. 14, 2 p.m.

“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
Won: Best Original Score, nominated for Best Picture
Friday, Jan. 19, 9:30 p.m. (3^rd in the Burg)
Saturday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m.

“Gaslight” (1944)
Won: Best Actress, Best Art Direction, nominated for Best Picture
Sunday, Jan. 28, 2 p.m.

One Book, Your Community: Local readers feast on a single novel by a Lancaster author.

December 29, 2017 | by Catherine Jordan

Ever wonder how authors get those great ideas for their novels?

“Boredom,” says Maria V. Snyder, author of 15 novels, including “Poison Study,” a fantasy book just selected for the 2018 “One Book, One Community” (OBOC) program.

OBOC is a community-wide reading program that includes more than 40 public libraries in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and York counties, along with individual colleges and specialty libraries.

This is OBOC’s 15th year, and Snyder’s “Poison Study” joins the ranks of such past esteemed selections as “The Kite Runner” (2006), “The Help” (2011) and “The Orphan Train” (2015).

OBOC launched in Seattle in 1998 and has been adopted by other cities like Chicago, New York and Philadelphia (to name a few). The idea is to promote a book that will engage readers in a common discussion.

Participants in the 2018 program will read during the month of January and then attend free programs and discussion groups in February. This marks the first year that a local author’s book has been selected for OBOC in central PA.

Snyder, a Lancaster resident, began writing while working as an environmental meteorologist at a consulting firm.

“In my line of work, summers were our down time,” she said. “I was always a big reader and a creative person. So, out of boredom during slow times at work, I started jotting down ideas for short stories. I’ll admit they were what I’d call, ‘cheesy sci-fi.’”

She took one of her pieces to a Philadelphia writer’s conference and submitted it for critique.

“I struggled in high school with grammar and essays, and, if my submission had not received the mark that it did—a 7 out of 10—I would’ve given up, thinking I didn’t have what it takes to become a writer,” she said.

Snyder took time off from her job as a meteorologist to have children. In the meantime, she sat on the board of the Elizabethtown Public Library as a member of the programming committee. One of her program ideas was to offer writing classes at the library.

She had to overcome two hurdles. First, the library didn’t have a room for the planned six-week course, and, secondly, she couldn’t find anyone interested in teaching. Snyder called Elizabethtown College, hoping to rent a classroom. Interestingly enough, the college also wanted to introduce an evening creative writing course, but could not find an instructor. So, she volunteered to teach the classes.

“In 1997, I began writing my first novel, “Poison Study,” she said. “I attended a monthly critique group and submitted one chapter at a time for review. I couldn’t find an agent or publisher—no one was interested. I didn’t want to go back to work as meteorologist, and I liked teaching, so I decided to go back to school and get my MA in creative writing from Seton Hill University.”

Snyder put in her application for Seton Hill, a liberal arts college located in Greensburg, Pa. She also sent out query letters to write nonfiction in Harrisburg Magazine while she searched for an agent for her middle-grade novel, “Storm Watcher.”

“Crickets—I heard nothing from anyone,” she said.

But then, in October 2003, she received the call that every aspiring author dreams about.

“When I answered the phone, I was confused at first because the lady had a British accent, and I thought she wanted to talk to my husband—he worked for an international company,” she said. “But she was from the U.K. office of Harlequin, and she wanted to publish ‘Poison Study.’”

They loved her novel and wanted another. A few days later, an agent called about “Storm Watcher” and offered to take her on as a client. That same month, Harrisburg Magazine invited her to a meeting to discuss her articles. And she received an acceptance letter from Seton Hill to attend graduate school.

“They say someday your ship will come in,” she said. “Well, that month, a whole flotilla arrived!”

Snyder’s been busy writing and teaching ever since.

“Poison Study,” published in 2005, has become part of a New York Times bestselling series. Originally geared toward adults, the book has a garnered a strong young adult following. She has penned several additional award-winning series. Her novels have been translated into 17 languages, are sold in 24 countries and have even received a movie rights option.

“Though that never went anywhere,” she said.

Snyder also teaches creative writing and mentors at Seton Hill’s low-residency (non-campus) MFA program. She facilitates various workshops and speaks at schools and libraries. She loves to travel and uses her jaunts as an opportunity to gather story ideas and write articles about her experiences.

She hopes that her selection in OBOC will give her more notice locally.

She especially would like more schools to become aware of her middle-grade series, “Storm Watcher,” which allowed her to put her knowledge of weather and meteorology to use. The series includes a fact-filled appendix and focuses on a young boy who is fascinated by the weather, though he has a severe weather phobia.

“I’m a rock star in Australia,” she said. “But it’s rare for me to meet someone who’s heard of me as an author within my own community.”

With “Poison Study” as the official selection of the 2018 “One Book, One Community” program, that’s now about to change.

Learn more about “One Book, One Community” at www.oboc.org.

Happenings: Our January Calendar of Events

December 29, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Happenings

Museum & Art Spaces

3rd Street Studio
1725 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-385-3315; Facebook: 3^rd Street Studio

“Imaginative Spaces,” featuring the art of Joan Maguire, Christine Goldbeck and Elaine Brady, through Jan. 15.

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

“Getting the Job Done—Vehicles that Earned Their Keep,” through April 23.

National Corvette Restorers Society Exhibit, through April 23.

“DeLorean Prototype & Production,” through April 30.

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

“Linear Juxtaposition,” the art of Jim Caufield, G. Mark Schwager, Pamela J. Souders, Wendy S. Sweigart and John Wright, through Jan. 4.

“Figuratively Speaking,” the human form in a variety of art pieces, Jan. 12-Feb. 15; reception: Jan. 12, 5-8 p.m.

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

“Juried Exhibit: Square One,” featuring juried artwork prompted by the concept of “square one,” Jan. 12-Feb. 3; reception: Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m.

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

Artist of the Month: Kirk Kulgavin

Gallery@Second
608 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
galleryatsecond.com

Works by Carrie Wissler-Thomas and Peg Belcastro, through Jan. 13.

“Nothing Pretty,” works by Tristan Bond, Tina Berrier, Aron Rook, Rance Shepstone, Sean Arce and Ted Walke, Jan. 18-Feb. 10; reception, Jan. 19, 6-9 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

“Nature’s Art,” Jan. 12-15 at the Hershey Gardens Conservatory

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

“Third Annual PCCA Juried Exhibition,” featuring juried regional artwork in a variety of media, through Jan. 19.

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; Facebook: Metropolis Collective

“Night Visions,” a solo exhibition featuring the art of Hannah Dobek, through Feb. 5.

“A Wintry Mix IV,” an open theme group exhibition, Jan. 5-Feb. 25; reception: Jan. 5, 7-11 p.m.

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

Group cash and carry show featuring The Millworks’ artists, through Jan. 15.

New works by Lauren Castillo, John Davis, Bob McCloskey, Paul Vasiliades, Ann Benton Yeager

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

“Honored Veterans: Fraternal Organizations Borne of the Civil War,” through June 2.

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

The Kopp Collection, featuring 30,000 species of butterflies and moths, through April.

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

“Artisan Marketplace of Perry County,” showcasing unique local art and handcrafted items for holiday gift giving that supports regional artists and crafters, through Jan. 6.

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history.

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

“The Art of the State Purchase Award Collection,” showcasing Art of the State works that were purchased by the museum, in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the juried exhibition, through Feb. 18.

“Every Thing of Interest Show: T.M. Fowler’s Pennsylvania Bird’s-Eye View, 1885-1905,” showcasing Thaddeus Mortimer Fowler’s lithographic prints with bird’s eye views of American towns and cities, through May 6.

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

“Ansel Adams: Early Works,” through Jan. 21.

“Neil Anderson—Quartet for America,” contemporary paintings inspired by natural landscapes, through Jan. 21.

“Memory and Invention,” landscape and cityscape paintings by Robert Andriulli, through Feb. 11.

“Tropical Wasteland,” abstracted landscapes by Vu Nguyen, through Feb. 25.

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

“Sacred: Image, Text, Ritual,” exploring sacred art of five major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, Jan. 19-March 18.

Yellow Bird Café
1320 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-635-8991; yellowbird-cafe.com

Works by Emmeline Zhu, through Jan. 14.

Works by Peg Belcastro, Jan. 19-Feb. 11.

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

Art by Ryan Spahr, through Jan. 18.

“Eclectics,” art by Keegan Beinhower, Jan. 19-Feb. 15.

Read, Make, Learn

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

Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Basic Drawing Class, 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 8-Feb. 12: Fundamentals of Photography, Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 9-Feb. 13: Advanced Photography, Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.

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

Jan. 3: Healthy and Delicious, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 10: Comforting Soups, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 24: Mid-Winter Comforts, 6-9 p.m.

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

Jan. 12: Getting to Know Your Computer I, 11 a.m.
Jan. 14: Crazy for Coloring, 2 p.m.
Jan. 20: Giant Pennsylvania Map, 2 p.m.
Jan. 26: Getting to Know Your Computer II, 11 a.m.

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

Jan. 2: Curl Up with the Classics—“Cheaper by the Dozen,” 10 a.m.
Jan. 4: Never Too Old—Young Adult Book Club for Adults, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Blood Pressure Screenings, 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 5: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 8: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2 p.m.
Jan. 8: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 10, 11: Library for Lunch—Bring Your Dinosaur, 12 p.m.
Jan. 12, 26: Foreign Film Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.
Jan. 12: Central PA Blood Bank Drive, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 13: Getting Started with Tai Chi, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 13: Trivia After Hours—Simpsons (BYOB), 7 p.m.
Jan. 16: Fredricksen Reads—“Hillbilly Elegy,” 7 p.m.
Jan. 18: Harry Potter Fandom Frenzy (ages 10-13), 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 19: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 20: Traditional Chinese Dumpling Workshop, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 21: Game Day for All, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 22: Lego Club, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 28: Adult Crafternoon—Play with Clay, 1:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 15-March 5: Improv Level 1, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 9-Feb. 27: Improv Level 2, 7-10 p.m.
Jan. 20-March 10: Kidprov (ages 5-8), 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 20-March 10: Kidprov (ages 9-12), 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

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

Jan. 2: Tabletop Games, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 3: Intro to Apple MacBook, 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 4: Learn to Knit, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 5: Coloring for Adults, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Jan. 8: iPad/iPhone Beginners, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 10: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 11, 25: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 15: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 17: Planning Financial Goals for 2018, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 18: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 22: English Conversation Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 23: Tea & Stitches Extended, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jan. 24: Apple Users Group, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 24: Yoga for Beginners, 7-8 p.m.

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

Jan. 16: A Very Merry Unbirthday, 6 p.m.
Jan. 17: Friends and Readers Book Club, 2 p.m.
Jan. 30: Cocoa and Snowflakes, 6 p.m.

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

Jan. 6: Drop-in Art, 1-4 p.m.
Jan. 14: Central PA Potters Association, 2-5 p.m.

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

Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Queer People of Color, 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Jan. 11: Aging with Pride Lunchtime, 12-2 p.m.

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

Jan. 8, 22, 29: Video Game Club, 4 p.m.
Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31: After School Hangout, 3 p.m.
Jan. 22: Cookbook Book Club, 6 p.m.

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

Jan. 17, 24, 31: Mid-Day Getaway, 11:30 a.m.

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

Jan. 2: Sci Fi Writers Group, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Coffee, Cake and True Islam, 5-7 p.m.
Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 26: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 14: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
Jan. 21: Midtown Writers Group, 1-3 p.m.
Jan. 27: Story Time w/St. Stephens, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 28: Harrisburg Young Professionals Book Club, 2-4 p.m.

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

Jan. 6: Fluid Art Painting Class, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Jan. 27: Creative Art Journaling, 1-5 p.m.

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

Jan. 4: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 5: Library After Hours—Library Scavenger Hunt, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Preschool Storytime, 10:15 a.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Toddler Storytime, 11 a.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: 1-2-3 Library, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 9: Book Review Program, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30: Book Babies, 11:15 a.m.
Jan. 10, 15, 24: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 13: Write-On Writer’s Workshop, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: How to Keep the Pre in Pre-Diabetes, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 17, 24, 31: My First Book Club (ages 5-8), 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Jan. 18: STEM Club, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Jan. 20: Couponing For Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 26: Baby Open Play, 11-12:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 18: Nature Lab—Craters! (ages 3-5), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Jan. 19: Learn at Lunchtime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Jan. 25: Nature Lab—White-Tailed Deer, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 17: Life Drawing, 6-9 p.m.

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

Jan. 7: Mindfulness Hike, 10-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 16: Winter Lecture Series—Northern Bobwhite Quail, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 27: Cadette Girl Scout Workshop—Night Owl, 4-8 p.m.
Jan. 30: Winter Lecture Series—Amphibians and Reptiles of Dauphin County, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 31: Preschool Storytime—Winter at Wildwood, 10-10:45 a.m.

Live Music

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

Jan. 12: Mike Albert’s Elvis Gospel Show
Jan. 13: Elvis Birthday Bash w/Mike Albert & Scot Bruce
Jan. 19: Kashmir, Tribute to Led Zeppelin
Jan. 20: The O’Connor Band
Jan. 28: The Man in Black, Tribute to Johnny Cash

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

Jan. 5: Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart, Vulcans, Justin Angelo Band
Jan. 19: Driftwood, Mountain Ride
Jan. 20: Andy Mowatt’s Steely Jam, Appalachian Gypsy Tribe
Jan. 27: Will Jack & The Northern Light

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

Jan. 20: York Symphony Orchestra

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

Jan., 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Lizard Lounge Open Mic
Jan. 6: The Speedboys
Jan. 12: Serenica, American Lions
Jan. 15: centerfolds
Jan. 17: Neon Dreams
Jan. 19: Twiztid
Jan. 20: Royal Thunder, Spafford
Jan. 27: Whiskey Myers

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

Jan. 5: Caroline Rose
Jan. 6: Janie Womack, Jody Echterling
Jan. 7: Simple Tenants
Jan. 12: Antonio Andrade
Jan. 13: Ever Since Summer
Jan. 19: Alex McQuade
Jan. 20: Doug Morris
Jan. 21: Shelba Purtle
Jan. 26: Joe Cooney
Jan. 27: Jeanine & Friends
Jan. 28: Colette Eckert

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

Jan. 14: Susquehanna Folk Music Jam

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC)
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Jan. 5: Masterglass, DJ Thrwback, Sleezy D.
Jan. 6: Tragedy: Metal Tribute to The Bee Gees & Beyond
Jan. 13: Minshara

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

Jan. 6: Jeremy Gill’s “Ainulindalë,” Adam Golka

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

Jan. 5: Lima Bean Riot
Jan. 6: DJ Magic, The Luv Gods
Jan. 12: Janelle Verones Band
Jan. 13: DJ Matrix, Sapphire
Jan. 19: The Big House Band
Jan. 20: DJ Styles, Smooth Like Clyde
Jan. 26: Uptown Band
Jan. 27: DJ Ray Rossi, Honeypump

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

Jan. 5: Hot Jam Factory, Port Ellis, Search Party
Jan. 19: Jelli Suzi Brown

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

Jan. 9: Jake Bellissimo, Bluffs, Jim Carrey Ego
Jan. 16: Bless, Ulta Beauty
Jan. 28: Sarah M. & Ramona Cordova

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

Jan. 21: Jasper and Jupiter String Quartets

The Mill in Hershey
810 Old W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey
717-256-9965; themillinhershey.com

Jan. 6: Kelsee Sweigard
Jan. 13: Corinna Joy
Jan. 27: The Jayplayers

Palmyra Church of the Brethren
45 N. Chestnut St., Palmyra
717-838-6369; palmyracob.org

Jan. 7: Palmyra Community Band Concert

River City Blues Club & Dart Room
819 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg
rivercityhbg.com

Jan. 27: Jarrad Briggs Album Release

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

Jan. 12: Badfinger’s Joey Molland
Jan. 26: Johnny Winter All Star Band

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

Jan. 10: Steve Rudolph and Keith Cheng

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

Jan. 6: Open Mic
Jan. 7: Roy Book Binder
Jan. 14: Jam Session

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; millersville.edu/muarts

Jan. 5: Gospel Sounds of Lancaster
Jan. 7: Roy Book Binder
Jan. 12: Allegro’s Music in the Round—Brass Night
Jan. 26: Julie Keough “Crossover”

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

Jan. 5: Skribe
Jan. 19: Strangest Hearts

The Stage Door

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

Jan. 14-15: “Dancing with the Stars Live”

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

Jan. 4: “STOMP!”
Jan. 28: The Illusionists

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

Jan. 12-21: Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite”

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

Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Comedy Night Open Mic
Jan. 18: Henry Rollins
Jan. 28: Creed Bratton

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

Jan. 11-Feb. 3: “Something’s Afoot”

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

Jan. 10-20: “Little Red Riding Hood” w/Popcorn Hat Players
Jan. 12-21: “Gallathea”
Jan. 25: TMI Improv January Show

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

Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Open Mic
Jan. 14: Oxymorons Improv Comedy
Jan. 18-20: Kountry Wayne

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

Jan. 5: Oppositional Defiants/Hawkward, Name That Tune/Ferd Majelly, Jam
Jan. 6: Love Triangle, Last Resort, Bandito/Fours Company 2: In Addition Too
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Improv Mixer
Jan. 12: What’s the Matter With Henry?, HAI/Brainwave Aftershave, Tristitia
Jan. 13: Zesty!/Bandjob, Ferret Prom/Solo Sleepover, Spacework
Jan. 19: Oppositional Defiants/Hawkward, Images, Jam
Jan. 20: JohNathan, Tony Stanza, Spank’d
Jan. 26: What’s the Matter With Henry?, Tiny Town, Hit Bits
Jan. 26, 28: Level 1 Class Show
Jan. 27: Zesty!/The Fourest, Introduce A Self, The Actor’s Craft/Pillow Talk

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

Jan. 14: “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live”
Jan. 24-28: “Something Rotten!”

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

Jan. 12-28: “The Bad Seed”

Live at Rose Lehrman
One HACC Dr., Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Jan. 31: Lehrer Dance

Midtown Cinema
250 Reily St., Harrisburg
717-909-6566; midtowncinema.com

Jan. 11: “Truth or Dare” w/Untitled: A Storytelling Project

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

Jan. 5, 12, 26: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7-9 p.m.
Jan. 19: Comedy Night, 8-9:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 12-13: “Court Street Cabaret: Unsung Edition”

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

Jan. 26-Feb. 11: “Go Back For Murder”

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

Jan. 19-28: “God of Carnage” at Whitaker Center

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; millersville.edu/muarts

Jan. 27: “Broadway’s Next Hit Musical”

Untitled: A Storytelling Project
untitledhbg.com

Jan. 11: “Truth or Dare” at Midtown Cinema

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

Jan. 18: Henry Rollins
Jan. 19-28: “God of Carnage” w/Theatre Harrisburg

Musical Notes: Joyous January–New music for a new year.

December 29, 2017 | by Kait Gibboney

It’s another year, and, with it, I believe, should come new experiences. Therefore, I’m here to help you catch some fresh music in the city.

As the year begins, I enter it with hopes that the Harrisburg music scene will continue to grow and thrive, with new artists and venues for you to enjoy. So, I offer some classic venues, some new spots, and some familiar corners to check out this month. Stay warm out there and Happy New Year!

MINSHARA, 1/13, 8PM, H*MAC CAPITOL ROOM, FREE
As you may know, I love local bands, and I love highlighting the talent that lives here in our community. Minshara is an electronic pop group from Harrisburg made up of Aaron Miller on vocals and guitar, Tom Hand on bass and vocals, Evan Kirkley on drums and Liam Shatzer on guitar and vocals. They’ve been featured on TV and radio programs, including “Warped Tour,” and their music has been spreading. Check out their high-energy performance at the Capitol Room or watch them on YouTube for their song “The Void.” Their genre-defying sound, paired with catchy melodies, are definitely worth a night out at H*MAC.

HENRY ROLLINS, 1/18, 8PM, WHITAKER CENTER, $30-35
I’m pumped to share this show with all of you, and it’s not even a music event. You might know Henry Rollins from his career as Black Flag’s frontman or maybe from his show, “The Henry Rollins Show.” His contributions to music throughout his life are significant, and he’s bringing some new material to Whitaker Center for one night only. While traveling around the world, Rollins has documented his journey through photography. Throughout the evening, Rollins will present a unique performance incorporating his photographs and experiences abroad in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, South America and Antarctica. This truly unique evening of storytelling is bound to be a captivating experience.

JELLI, 1/26, 7PM, THE VEGETABLE HUNTER, FREE
The Vegetable Hunter is a snug vegetarian restaurant that has made waves not only with its cooking but with its support for the local art scene. Performing at the restaurant for the evening is the acoustic/electric trio known as Jelli, and they’re bringing some fresh originals for your dining pleasure. This self-styled “acoustic hodge-podge” is comprised of Shelli Merrifield on world percussion and vocals, Jarrett Sumner on guitar, kazoo and lead vocals and Jeff Burfield on bass, guitar and vocals. This relatively new group has been making their way around the local circuit, spreading their refreshing and eclectic style. Their funky and energetic stylings in this colorful venue will bring some energy into your new year.

Mentionables:

Giddy Hop & Leeyuh Neptune, Jan. 5, River City Blues Club

Tragedy: All Metal Tribute to the Bee Gees and Beyond, Jan. 6, H*MAC Stage on Herr

Kool-Aid Kids, Jan. 13, The Abbey Bar

Suzi Brown, Jan. 19, Little Amps Downtown

Jarrad Briggs, Jan. 27, River City Blues Club

Ramona Córdova & Sarah M., Jan. 28, Little Amps Uptown

Soup Salve: A hearty minestrone to cure the wintertime blahs.

December 29, 2017 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

My sweet mother, Rose, was definitely the “soup lady.” No matter the season, there was broth or “brodo,” as she called it, in the refrigerator.

Like so many Italian immigrants before her, she considered soup true sustenance— nourishment if you were not feeling well, warmth on a cold winter day and healthy nutrition from its many vegetables and greens.

My father’s family loved soup, too. They never started a holiday dinner without a bowl of homemade chicken soup. Sometimes, it contained asparagus (usually at Easter) or escarole during the winter months.

The “classic” soups of Italy are fairly well known.

Stracciatella, which in Italian means “little rags,” is rich chicken broth with shreds of cooked egg. My mother made this often.

Pappa al pomodoro is tomato-and-bread soup made with either fresh tomatoes in the summer or roasted Roma tomatoes in the winter. This soup bears no resemblance to the canned tomato soup we are all accustomed to eating with our grilled cheese sandwiches.

Pasta fagioli, or pasta and beans, is what many of us call “pasta fazool.” It is thick, rich and hearty. Cooks in different regions of Italy argue over which bean is best to use for this cold weather favorite.

And then there’s tortellini in brodo—cheese-filled purses of pasta dough in simple, clear broth, either chicken or beef. My husband cherishes every last drop of this soup when I make it.

But one could argue that the best known and perhaps most loved Italian soup is minestrone, a thick vegetable soup that has been described as a “soup for all seasons.” It differs from other Italian soups in that it must contain beans, a “thickening vegetable” such as potato, and either rice or pasta.

Like so many other Italian dishes, there are likely as many versions of minestrone as there are cooks. Minestrone is considered Italian peasant food (cucina povera), usually made with seasonal vegetables and often whatever the cook might have in the fridge. Along with good, crusty bread, it is a meal in itself.

My mother’s version of this soup was made from homemade beef broth, which she made with a variety of bones and a huge piece of beef chuck. But minestrone can be made with ham, chicken or a simple vegetable broth and is delicious that way, too. Homemade broth is best, but there are many brands of good, lower-sodium broths on the grocery shelves today. My mother’s soup seemed to get better each day after it was made as the soup thickened and the flavors melded.

The recipe that follows is from Liguria, a coastal region of northwestern Italy. It is a good one. I have changed some of the ingredients to shorten preparation time; you can substitute vegetables as well, according to your own taste.

Ligurian Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

2 cups of broth (chicken, beef, vegetable or ham)
1 onion, chopped (I use sweet onions rather than “cooking onions.”)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
¼ cup olive oil
1 bunch Swiss chard chopped (you can also use spinach or kale), tough stems removed and chopped
3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
1½ cups peeled and diced squash such as butternut (You can also substitute green beans cut into 1-inch lengths or chopped green cabbage.)
2 cups canned beans rinsed and drained (cannellini, borlotti or navy)
Piece of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rind (optional but a wonderful touch)
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ pound small pasta such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, tubetti or even spaghetti broken into small lengths
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for sprinkling on top before serving

Directions

In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the onion, carrots and celery in the olive oil until golden about 10 minutes. Stir frequently.
Stir in the Swiss chard or spinach, potatoes (or green beans or cabbage), tomatoes, beans and cheese rind (if using).
Add enough broth to barely cover the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low.
Add the salt and pepper and cook uncovered until the soup is thickened and the vegetables are soft, about 1½ hours. Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.
Add the pasta and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
When ready to serve, sprinkle grated cheese on top.

It’s fun to play with this soup. Add the vegetables you like. My mother used corn and peas. Some recipes call for chopped mushrooms. If you have made homemade broth, you can add some shredded chicken, beef or ham. You can even cut the cooked cheese rind into pieces and eat it with your soup.

Italian soup may not cure your case of wintertime flu. But it certainly will warm you up and make you feel better. Don’t forget the Italian bread for dipping!

History & Community: Der Harrisburg Maennerchor marks 150 years of fraternity, service.

December 29, 2017 | by Jen Fertenbaugh

Sometimes, you want to go where everybody knows your name. Luckily, you only need to travel to North Street in historic downtown Harrisburg to find it.

“It’s like Harrisburg’s version of Cheers,” said Barry Dobb, president of Der Harrisburg Maennerchor, the city’s oldest fraternal organization that recently celebrated its 150th consecutive year of operation.

The members-only club operates out of a renovated cathedral, its architecture and décor reflecting its history, culture and values. A mahogany staircase leads to a second floor used for private parties, monthly membership meetings and corn hole tournaments. Large, cathedral-style windows line the north wall, inviting in an abundance of natural light and a clear view of the state Capitol.

The main floor consists of a horseshoe-shaped bar and a game room with family-style seating, pool tables and an oversized Jenga. Coats of arms decorate the walls, representing various regions of Germany—a symbolic nod to the club’s beginnings.

Whether a bartender, business owner or government official—the Harrisburg Maennerchor offers fellowship, great prices and a variety of other amenities to its nearly 800 male and female members.

“Three words come to my mind when I think of the place,” said Bryan Robinson, who joined last August, “economical, pleasant and entertaining.”

“As far as I’ve been told,” Dobb added, “it’s been like that since the beginning.”

Same Cause

Der Harrisburg Maennerchor—literally “The Harrisburg Men’s Choir”—formed in 1867, one of many German-American clubs that sprouted up across Pennsylvania in the 19th century to share and preserve a common heritage following mass migration from Europe.

“Each club operates independently, but they all started for the same reason, the same cause,” Dobb said.

Club records indicate meetings were originally held at Eby’s Place, located on Market Street across from the railroad station.

According to the “Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania,” community advocate Eby Byers erected the building in 1862 to care for wounded soldiers during the Civil War. It later evolved into a meeting place for immigrant groups, including the Maennerchor, where men could commune for fellowship and fun.

The club secured its official charter in 1890 and purchased a building at Walnut and River streets, now the location of the McCormick Library. Membership increased, and the club sold the Walnut Street property to the Dauphin County Library System in 1901, buying the cathedral at North and Church streets.

“We’re one of the oldest continuously operating clubs of its kind in the country,” said Dobb. “We’re part of Harrisburg’s history.”

Club activities evolved in response to the changing political climate, yet it remained operational.

“We survived Prohibition,” Dobb said. “Rumor was they used to run booze through the catacombs in the basement.”

Although the Prohibition-era activity is part of many members’ narratives, Dobb emphasized that no records document any unlawful alcohol transport.

In the 1940s, membership declined.

“They began downplaying the German aspect, and that’s when focus shifted to core values, to caring for the community,” Dobb explained.

Later in the 20th century, membership expanded again when women could join. In 1980, the Women’s Auxiliary gained momentum. Dobb said that the group supports the community and the club, selling baked goods at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and sponsoring various events.

Looking after their community is important.

“Members take care of one another,” Dobb said. “People come for the great prices, the fellowship and the food—and, of course, they enjoy the gambling.”

More than half of the gaming proceeds go to fund the club’s charitable giving. To date, the Maennerchor has donated more than $329,000 to numerous nonprofits, including the American Cancer Society, the Harrisburg Public Schools Foundation and the Salvation Army.

Volunteer committees also organize events and fundraisers throughout the year, celebrating the club’s culture and values. Most recently, it hosted an Oktoberfest that included an outdoor biergarten along Church Street. In November, it held a celebratory dinner to commemorate its 150th anniversary.

Friendly People

Robinson said that the club offers much to members.

Dinner is served five nights a week, along with a weekly Sunday brunch and bloody Mary bar. The private club designation permits alcohol to be served until 3 a.m.

“It can be two or three deep at the bar, and all the tables full on any given night,” said Vice President Georg McLaughlin. “But everyone respects the rules.”

Dobb, McLaughlin and Robinson agreed that the rules are part of the tradition. These include no hats or tank tops for men and no foul language.

“There’s a swear jar the bartender will get out if you forget,” McLaughlin warned.

Long-time member and former manager Paul Baldari also believes the club’s friendly atmosphere stems from a universal respect of its policy. Throughout his 27-year involvement, Baldari has held numerous leadership posts and was instrumental in many changes in the club. He attributes the Maennerchor’s long-term success to one major factor.

“It’s the people—the members and the staff,” he said. “Someone is always willing to step up.”

Baldari is part of the club’s modern history. He has seen business ebb and flow, yet one thing remains consistent.

“It’s always been a nice place to go,” he said, noting that many members often refer to it as Harrisburg’s “best kept secret.”

Dobb pointed out that too much of a secret can be a bad thing.

“When you’re private from everyone, you’re going too far,” he said. “We want people to know what we stand for and what we do.”

Membership expansion continues to be a priority. Robinson said he plans to use social media to increase outreach and share the club’s community events. According to Robinson, new members can expect to find camaraderie in an easygoing atmosphere—one that has been 150 years in the making.

“This is no longer a German club,” Robinson said. “It’s a club for every race and religion—a friendly place for friendly people.”

Der Harrisburg Maennerchor is located at 221 North St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.hbgmaennerchor.com or their Facebook page.

Park Place: In Harrisburg, a foundation is helping city parks make a comeback.

December 29, 2017 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

A late autumn chill lingered in the air on a recent morning in Harrisburg’s Reservoir Park, but the small crowd gathered around Rebirth Fountain didn’t appear concerned about getting wet from the spray.

In fact, some might even welcome it.

It was Nov. 14, the first time the landmark fountain had worked properly in 15 years, thanks to a restoration project coordinated by the Harrisburg Parks Foundation.

To get the 23-year-old city fixture up and running, the volunteer foundation partnered with the Special Projects Committee of the Greater Harrisburg Area, which helped raise funds. The foundation acted as a “coordinator” between all parties involved with the project, which included the city, said foundation member Scott Shepler.

Folks gathered on that day, including Mayor Eric Papenfuse, seemed very pleased with the result.

“This is a clear example of what we can accomplish if we unite the public and private sectors in beautifying our city,” Papenfuse told the crowd.

Foundation chair Jeb Stuart later added his own words of encouragement.

“Our whole thing is to improve the city one way or the other,” he said. “It’s a marriage of historic preservation and restoring and enhancing our parks.”

In Tandem

Many of Harrisburg’s parks took shape or were improved during the City Beautiful movement of more than a century ago. At that time, Harrisburg’s community and business leaders joined forces to improve sanitation services, clean up toxic waterways and restore natural elements to the city’s dense urban landscape.

Today, the city is recommitting to its parks and green spaces, and the Parks Foundation is playing an increasingly critical role in that effort.

The foundation, which operates under the auspices of the nonprofit Foundation for Enhancing Communities, has a layered mission, Stuart said.

Primarily, it supports Harrisburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Enrichment to help preserve, maintain and develop the city’s parks and playgrounds. But it also works to improve recreational opportunities in Harrisburg generally.

Besides the city itself, it operates in tandem with several other local organizations, including Dauphin County Parks and Recreation, Capital Region Water, Capital Area Greenbelt and Historic Harrisburg Association.

The foundation, just three years old, already has taken on several high-profile projects.

Besides the fountain restoration, it raised $8,000 in 2015 to purchase a new swing set for a city playground on Vernon Street in Allison Hill. In 2016, members accepted a $15,000 check from PPL Utilities for renovating the pavilion at the 4th and Emerald Street playground. The foundation also played a role in creating the Reservoir Park master plan, which was released earlier this year.

In addition to grants from various organizations, the foundation raises money from the annual Jack Crago Memorial Golf Outing, held each summer, which is its principal fundraising event.

Environmental education is another focus for the foundation.

This past October, it began sponsoring a free environmental film series, which takes place at the Civic Club of Harrisburg.

The next film in the series, “Water Blues, Green Solution,” will screen on March 22. That movie tells the story of communities that create green solutions for water “blues” like flooding, pollution and scarcity.

“Cities of Trees” follows on April 22, a tale of how a nonprofit worked to reduce poverty in Washington, D.C., by offering jobs to the unemployed while improving parks. “How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things That Climate Can’t Change” is also on the docket for 2018.

The film screenings were inspired by the foundation’s previous presentation, “Hometown Habitat” at the Appalachian Brewing Co. in Harrisburg. Upwards of 100 people came to see the environmental film by the Meadow Project and Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council.

Admission to all films is free and open to the public, courtesy of the foundation.

A Marriage

For such a young organization, the foundation has made quite an impact, which is even more impressive as its principals are very busy people.

For example, Shepler is known for his work with the Capital Area Greenbelt Association. He’s also a founder of the nonprofit Trips for Kids, which organizes bike trips for area youth, and was involved with the Reservoir Park master plan.

All in all, Shepler’s civic duties don’t leave him with much spare time on his hands.

“It’s a good thing I don’t have a job,” he quipped, referring to his “retirement” a few years ago.

Harrisburg Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Sanders sits on the parks foundation’s 15-member committee, offering suggestions about potential city projects.

“From our standpoint, we try to provide projects that the city might need help with,” he explained. “We try to guide certain things.”

Stuart, a long-time city activist, historian and preservationist, added that the foundation’s mission ultimately is to help the city progress.

“We’ve already had a lot of successes,” he said. “We’re up and operational and have all our pieces together.”

For more information about the Harrisburg Parks Foundation, visit www.harrisburgparksfoundation.org.

Stories on environmental topics are proudly sponsored by LCSWMA.

Forever Young: At Market Square Concerts, a celebration of youth turns 20.

December 29, 2017 | by Lori M. Myers

Jasper String Quartet

Peter Sirotin, artistic director of Market Square Concerts, remembers growing up in the Soviet Union and discovering the challenge of being a young, aspiring professional musician.

While his violin-playing days began in his childhood, as it does for many musicians, the reach for that gold ring would demand quite a stretch.

“Russia had a much more rigorous pre-college professional music training,” Sirotin said. “The mastery of craft was always prioritized over artistic originality. You had to earn the right to introduce new ideas by mastering tradition.”

There, the path to a performance career was mainly through winning competitions. Here, he said, there are awards that offer professional performance opportunities for young musicians.

Which is why Market Square Concerts is one of eight presenting organizations nationwide, including Carnegie Hall and others in Michigan, Texas and elsewhere, which bestow the Cleveland Quartet Award on a promising young string quartet biannually.

This month, Market Square Concerts will celebrate the 20th anniversary of this award with a program featuring two former winners, the Jasper String Quartet and the Jupiter String Quartet, which have gone on to develop major international recognition. Both of these groups have garnered prestigious awards, commissioned new works, and expanded their teaching careers through residences at various universities.

“All of the past winners of the Cleveland Quartet Award have blossomed into a major presence on international stages and some have won Grammy awards,” Sirotin said.

The award is not only a way to honor and promote a rising young string quartet, but it also assures the quality and legacy of chamber music so that young performers may continue to perfect their art for the enjoyment of current and future audiences.

Notably, the January concert features a sort of “youth” theme in its musical choices. One piece, the String Octet, was composed by Mendelssohn when he was 16 years old. Another, Mozart’s D Minor String Quartet, was inspired by the birth of his first child.

“You could definitely say that it is consistent with the youthful theme because Mendelssohn created one of the most exciting and intricate works in chamber music using eight instruments to expand expressive range to orchestral richness and brilliance at the age of 16,” Sirotin said. “Mozart’s music in general has a youthful energy even though it is often deeply insightful and wise. The D Minor String Quartet was written while his wife was in labor with their first son in the next room. This piece combines emotional intensity and depth with classical elegance and poise—a true masterpiece of the classical era.”

The Jasper and Jupiter quartets will also join forces to perform Debussy’s groundbreaking String Quartet in G Minor, which represents, Sirotin said, “a young composer’s rebellion against the constraints of generally accepted rules of composition in his day. The piece is widely considered to be a watershed moment in the history of chamber music.”

If you’re not familiar with chamber music, this Market Square performance is the perfect way to experience a program of classical, romantic and modernist styles. The performance will introduce audiences to up-and-coming talent and have them experience a variety of moods. The music is intimate, like having a conversation with a few close friends, Sirotin said.

Sirotin knows what he’s talking about when it comes to chamber music. He recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his own chamber ensemble, the Mendelssohn Piano Trio, which has performed more than 500 concerts and recorded 15 CDs.

He remembers his trio’s start when every performance offered a learning opportunity that proved invaluable. The Cleveland Quartet Award and the Market Square Concert featuring the Jasper and Jupiter string quartets does just that by giving them and future chamber music quartets the chance to grab that gold ring.

The Market Square Concert featuring past Cleveland Quartet winners, the Jasper String Quartet and the Jupiter String Quartet, takes place Sunday, Jan. 21, at 4 p.m. at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.marketsquareconcerts.org.

Student Scribes: “Terry Cloth Robe”

December 29, 2017 | by Sally Choueka

Philadelphia looks busy through the window glass. It is a strange thing, she thinks, to be in a city with nowhere to go. There would be commuters and students and officers patrolling the streets at this early hour, no doubt on their way to someplace. She decides to wait, an hour or two, until they are completely gone.

She sips coffee slowly from a ceramic mug with the hotel name on its side. She considers. If she had a job, she would be walking through a marble atrium, heels clacking on the floor. There’d be a security turnstile and a guard, nodding her through with the simple flash of a badge. She’d done an internship once, and she had worn deep maroon jeans and tops with v-necks.

“What do you want to do?” A driven person had asked her this question, many years ago.

“I want to be a teacher.” She had answered too quickly. Too quickly to reconsider, too quickly to ask why.

“Oh.”

They were standing in a marble atrium of a New York City news corporation. She did not know where the nearest public school was or that she would ever care to find out. She held a spiral notebook with scribbled notes and had just filed her college major as “journalism.” But even then, it seemed to her in retrospect, even then she knew.

She knew by the shine of the marble and the smoothness of the escalators and the golden elevator doors. She knew by the TV personalities and the live cameras: the view was too blinding. There were moments late at night, post-show production, when she would lean her forehead against the glass, breathing deeply at the lights in the skyscrapers and the taxi cabs below. “It’ll all be over soon,” she whispered. Her breath came in spurts, and her heartbeat was fast.

Here in Philadelphia, she sits in a terry cloth robe for several hours. She sips more coffee and types keywords into his computer. His computer is the latest model, and she is his wife. She is the wife of a man with the latest model computer. The corners of her mouth turn upward at the thought. There are six hours to go until he returns.

“Just enough time,” she says aloud, to no one in particular. She looks for jobs at the Philadelphia museums. She looks for jobs at the libraries. She dares to glance through a list of reporting jobs, all of which require late hours and derring-do.

By the third hour of terrycloth and coffee, she has three potential jobs. All are to do with children, and none require late-night work. She imagines a 19-year-old version of herself sucking in her cheeks, pursing her lips, flapping her arms and making chicken noises.

“You don’t understand,” she whispers fervently at the 19-year-old, “I don’t want to be a reporter anymore.”

“What do you want to do?” The 19-year-old asks, dropping her imaginary chicken arms.

“I want to be a teacher.” Again, without thinking.

New York CIty rises like a mirage from the reflections on the Philadelphia skyscraper glass. In New York, there are more people and more buildings. She watches the multitudes rush to catch the trains, honk their horns and shout at pedestrians. The Philadelphians below try to do the same, but are more polite about it.

“Someone should write about that,” she thinks.

She imagines herself in front of a classroom. “You know,” she tells her future students, “you should write about that.” She twirls the belt of the robe, and glances down into an empty cup. Leaning her head back and counting the minutes, her breath comes in steady streams, and her heartbeat is slow. “You should write about that,” she murmurs.

Sally Choueka is a master’s student in humanities at Penn State Harrisburg.

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