Reaching Resolution: Got a problem? Don’t take ’em to court.

November 30, 2016 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

For years, Susanne Conner found herself in an extended child custody dispute with her estranged husband.

She wanted the problem resolved, but thought that going the traditional route would lead to even more complications and big legal bills.

“(My husband) was trying to get custody of our daughter, and I knew that he was doing it out of anger,” said Conner of Lower Paxton Township. “I knew that if we took it to the lawyers, it would just be business and anger and not a lot of negotiations.”

That’s when Conner discovered Neighborhood Dispute Settlement, or NDS, a nonprofit community mediation center based in Harrisburg since 1978. The free service helps residents in Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties resolve conflicts outside of the court system.

Conner and her estranged spouse each were assigned an NDS mediator, and a meeting was scheduled at a church located between their homes. When each party was given a turn to speak at the session, Conner was done “in about two minutes,” she said, while her husband took for the floor for about 45 minutes.

“I had a specific goal,” she said. “My husband had a lot of things he wanted to get off his chest. He needed to be heard and had some stuff to say and after that, our relationship improved. After two hours, things were settled. We were able to negotiate an agreement, and we were both very happy with what happened.”

Program Administrator Jacob Kanagy said that, like with Conner and her husband, resolutions often are reached quickly just by bringing the parties together, along with some skilled intervention.

“Many cases come out of miscommunications and people not understanding each other,” he said. “They often have assumptions about each other that are not true.”

Besides custody issues, NDS offers mediation for landlord-tenant, business, neighbor and family disputes, Kanagy said. NDS is funded through Dauphin County, local townships and boroughs, the Kline Foundation and other area organizations, and local police departments and district justices refer many of the cases.

“We see people of all ages throughout the economic spectrum,” Kanagy said. “The most common disputes are between landlords and tenants or neighbor to neighbor.”

In total, Neighborhood Dispute Settlement’s 22 volunteer mediators oversee a total of about 500 cases each year. Hearings usually last two hours and are held in a neutral location, such as a neighborhood church. If a matter isn’t resolved within two hours, a second session is offered.

Bob Aims started volunteering as an NDS mediator two years ago after moving to Lake Meade in Adams County. He served many years in a similar position while living in Harford County, Md.

“The service is very valuable and can save court time,” he said. “In Maryland, the judges sometimes requested mediation before court. It’s a great savings and makes sense for people.”

Aims said that he underwent 40 hours of training to serve as a mediator. He was taught that the job involves three principles: don’t give clients advice; remain nonjudgmental; and an agreement between parties is the ultimate goal.

During sessions, mediators work to remain focused on the topic, as well as on respecting clients’ feelings and values. At times, it’s a fine balance, Aims acknowledged.

“In the beginning of mediation, it’s not uncommon for (the clients) to shout,” he said. “We expect that each party will respect each other, but sometimes they need to vent, too.”

Kanagy acknowledged that sometimes emotions can get high.

“Part of mediation is to control how far things go,” he said. “But, in a way, it’s healthy to express emotions.”

As a volunteer mediator, Aims has overseen all sorts of conflicts—from neighbors with property disputes to landlord/tenant problems. He’s also overseen business cases and custody disputes, which he finds the most unpleasant.

He does like the “sense of accomplishment” he feels when dissenting parties are able reach an agreement through mediation, which is usually the result.

“I don’t care what the agreement is,” Aims said. “But, as long as (both parties) come to an agreement, then we were successful in that process.”

Kanagy said he enjoys seeing the positive impact that NDS has.

“I hope that people can walk away from this with a sense that conflict can be solved in a constructive manner,” he said. “I hope they realize that violence shouldn’t be the initial reaction to conflict and that there is an alternative. Positive things can come out of conflict.”

For more information about Neighborhood Dispute Settlement, visit www.disputesettlement.us or call 717-233-8255.

Author: Phyllis Zimmerman

Christmas Day Trip: The season is on display at Koziar’s.

November 30, 2016 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Every year at this time, the sleepy little borough of Bernville springs to life, attracting thousands to a winter wonderland that offers up a holiday helping of Christmas spirit.

Excitement builds as cars approach the crest of the hill that leads to Koziar’s Christmas Village. The blinking tableau of more than a million lights elicits wide-eyed amazement as sibling’s squabble for the best window position to lay eyes on the scene below.

The popular attraction, about 50 minutes from Harrisburg, has been bringing families together for 69 years.

“I grew up in the area and enjoyed Christmas Village as a tradition,” said Wayne Hoffman, who has since relocated to Florida. “It’s one of the fondest memories of my childhood.”

Hoffman returned to Bernville a few years back to take his mother on the pilgrimage for old time’s sake.

“I was happy to fly across the country to return and reflect on the past as I sipped on hot chocolate and viewed all the fun displays,” he said.

At Koziar’s, visitors are led on a journey around the village via painted arrows to view both indoor and outdoor displays, while music changes with each exhibit and Christmas characters like Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman greet children for photo ops.

“It all started as a ‘labor of love,’” said Sonia Koziar, recounting the story of how her father, William, would decorate the property known as Spring Lake Dairy Farm. “People started referring to our property as ‘The Christmas House,’ and, before long, people were parking on the hill and walking across the fields for a closer look.”

Each year, the project grew bigger until the family ended up planning their chores around it.

“We had to milk the cows before turning on the lights because we didn’t have enough electrical power to do both,” she said.

At the end of each year, the family would gather around the table to plan what new attractions they wanted to add the following year.

The tradition of adding items has continued since, and this year introduces a life-sized brontosaurus and a light show that takes place in the middle of the pond, which features a 30-foot-high twinkling tree that reflects off the water.

They join spectacles like Santa fishing off the pier, dolphins leaping out of the lake and a gargantuan American flag that lights up an 80-foot-high silo.

“We took the flag down temporarily to fix a few bulbs, and I asked our workmen to count the lights, and they counted 2,000,” said Koziar.

The “Kissing Bridge” is also popular, and, if it could talk, it would probably have a few romantic tales to tell.

“A lot of people meet here on their first date, and some return a few years later to pop the question,” Koziar said, with a smile. “We’ve even had a few weddings on it, which we now try to discourage, because, as you know, it’s freezing this time of year.”

Scores of handcrafted, wooden characters dot a landscape featuring a plethora of scenes in genres ranging from fairy tales to children’s books to farmsteads and Americana.

“We employ a full-time artist just for touch ups due to sun damage,” Koziar said.

The self-guided tour leads visitors to miniature buildings that feature various Christmas themes, many of which are just the right size for little ones to peer into via a picture window.

“The four of us donated our childhood toys for various scenes and most are still there,” she said.

Larger buildings are open for visitors to duck in out of the cold to view other attractions, such as train displays. If you get hungry, you can snack on hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, nachos and hot chocolate, which are available for a reasonable price in the refreshment barn.

Of course, no Christmas Village would be complete without Santa Claus, who has his own headquarters and is ready to hear the wishes of all the girls and boys who visit.

After the first of the year, Koziar’s goes through the annual ritual of tearing everything down again.

“It takes us four months to put it up and two to three months to tear it down,” said Koziar, adding that the property is used as a working farm during the year.

She said the family enjoys the enthusiasm of the crowd the most.

“We all love Christmas. It’s the pleasure we get from the people who come,” she said. “The children are ecstatic because they know Santa lives here, and we hear so many stories of people returning, year after year. That’s what makes it so rewarding.”

Koziar’s Christmas Village is located in Bernville, Berks County, at 782 Christmas Village Rd. To learn more, visit www.koziarschristmasvillage.com.

Author: Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Christmastime in Libraryland: Did you know that your local library is a center for holiday fun?

November 30, 2016 | by Don Helin

Bosler Free Library

When it comes to holiday outings, you might think of venturing over to the shopping mall, the town tree lighting, maybe a tree farm or a neighborhood party.

I would add one stop to that list: your local library.

In our area, the library is a special place come December, when you’ll find everything from harps to handbells, gingerbread men to secret Santas.

“December is a busy month in our town,” said New Cumberland librarian Joy Hassler.

And in her library, as well.

This month, the New Cumberland Public Library will host a Secret Santa workshop with small, wrapped gifts for children to buy for relatives, as well as a book and vintage jewelry sale, all during the first week.

Then, on Dec. 13, things get a little musical with a talk on “Christmas in The Great American Songbook.” Pianist Charles Stone will discuss well-known Christmas songs like “White Christmas,” “Let it Snow,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth.” The annual Holly Luncheon, a fundraiser for the library, follows.

“We’re a friendly, medium-sized library with a well-balanced collection of books and programs for all ages,” Hassler said.

Unique Creation

Nearby, the typically event-packed Fredricksen Library goes even further, featuring a smorgasbord of special programming.

The Holiday Book Tree is a new tradition at Fredricksen. The 6-foot tree is created entirely from out-of-date, withdrawn books otherwise destined for recycling. For a donation (minimum $10), the library will place your name or family name on the spine of a book, so that you or a loved one can become part of this unique creation.

Marketing Coordinator Cindy Smolinski said that one of Fredricksen’s most popular holiday programs is “Library for Lunch,” held this year on Dec. 12, 13 and 15.

“Children will hear stories about the Gingerbread Man, the classic holiday storybook character, then decorate their very own gingerbread cookie,” she said.

On Dec. 18, teenagers can build and create a gingerbread house of their own at the “Teen Gingerbread Extravaganza.”

The regular afternoon book club, “Curl up with the Classics” also gets festive, featuring a discussion of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 6. The following week, on Dec. 12, the library will host the annual Harp and Handbells Concert with harpist Louis Lynch and the First UMC Handbell Choir.

And here comes Santa! Over at the library’s East Pennsboro Branch, Santa will visit on Dec. 7, when families also can enjoy the annual tree lighting ceremony.

“Our holiday season is a special time for us,” Smolinski said.

Busy Time

Down the road a bit, the Bosler Memorial Library in Carlisle emphasizes music and the arts for its holiday programming.

On Dec. 16, the Vintage Brass Quintet will be put on a show featuring a variety of holiday tunes and traditional favorites.

Over the next week, the library twice will bring a holiday theme to its “Meet the Artists” format, giving children ages 7 to 12 an opportunity to explore various artistic styles while creating their own holiday projects. There will also be holiday-themed stories, craft-making and other arts projects.

Even Santa will make an appearance. Along with the Downtown Carlisle Association, the library will host a “Doughnuts with Santa “program on Dec. 3. So, children should be prepared to share their holiday wish lists with the jolly old man.

“The holiday season is an especially busy time at the library,” community manager Vallie Edenbo said.

The same can be said at the Hershey Public Library, according to adult educational coordinator Julie Brnik.

On Dec. 10, the library will host a wreath-making class and, on Dec. 12, “A Christmas Carol” will be staged—a one-man show starring Steve Anderson and featuring an entire Victorian village.

Of course, parents know that the holidays don’t really end until the kids go back to school. So, the library is planning a series of family-friendly movies to run over the last week of December.

Elsewhere in the area, the East Shore Area Library will host an hour-long Celtic holiday music performance by the Harrisburg-based Celtic Folk band, Seasons on Dec. 3. And, of course, the Elizabethtown Public Library will set up its always-popular train display, which opens Dec. 1.

So, folks, put on that ugly Christmas sweater, bundle up the kiddies and head on over to your local library for a month of holiday fun.

The events in this story constitute only a partial list of holiday happenings at local libraries. For all events and schedules, please visit the libraries’ websites.

GOING THERE

Bosler Memorial Library
158 W. High St., Carlisle
www.boslerlibrary.org

Cleve J. Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
www.fredricksenlibrary.org

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
www.dcls.org/esa

Elizabethtown Public Library
10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown
www.etownpubliclibrary.org

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
www.hersheylibrary.org

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Author: Don Helin

Community Corner: Notable December Events

November 30, 2016 | by TheBurg Editor

December Community Corner

Holiday Chocolate Labs
Dec. 1-Jan. 1: Guests of The Hershey Story, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., can enjoy classes to learn about chocolate and a treat. Class themes include “Candy Cane Bark,” “Chocolate Reindeer,” “Create a Kris Kringle,” “Make a Very Merry Bar,” “Let it Snow Chocolate” and “Marshmallow Mischief.” Visit HersheyStory.org.

Learn at Lunchtime
Dec. 2: The State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, will offer free admission, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., so lunchtime visitors can explore the museum and tour the “Sixty Years with the Seven Lively Artists: 1956-2016” exhibit. Visit statemuseumpa.org.

Elegant Progressions
Dec. 2-3: Historic Harrisburg Association and Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania will host its 25th annual “Elegant Progressions” black-tie progressive dinner at three country estates in Bowmansdale. Enjoy chauffeured service to the mansions for hors d’oeuvres and aperitifs, a formal dinner and dessert. Visit elegantprogressions.org.

HBG Flea
Dec. 3: The HBG Flea outdoor market will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Strawberry Square, bringing artists, small businesses and shoppers together to foster community. Shop for local art, handmade gifts and vintage wares. Visit hbgflea.com.

Diversity Luncheon 2016
Dec. 3: Join the Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network for its annual “Celebrate the Holidays with Diversity” event, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the State Museum, 300 North St., Harrisburg. Celebrate with music, singing, dance and food from around the world. Bring a cultural dish to share. Visit pairwn.org.

Market of Curiosities
Dec. 3: Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb presents the annual Market of Curiosities at Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K St., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This circus of imaginative holiday gifts will feature more than 60 independent artists, vintage dealers and DIY creators. Relish the tastes of micro-brews and food. Live music will play. Visit marketofcuriosities.com.

Spa Open House
Dec. 3: SPAtacular Escapes, 200 Technology Dr., Mechanicsburg, will host a grand opening and open house to showcase its facilities, talent and services, 12 to 8 p.m. The event includes refreshments, swag bags, a grand prize spa package giveaway, discounts on appointments, demonstrations and free massages. Visit spatacularescapes.com.

Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus
Dec. 3: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will host “Beyond the Hallelujah Chorus: The Life and Work of George Frideric Handel,” 1:30 to 3 p.m. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Holiday Soiree
Dec. 3: Art Association of Harrisburg will host a holiday soiree from 5 to 8 p.m. at Tracey Meloni’s Harrisburg home, with refreshments, music and artists. “Le Réveillon de Nöel” will be an elegant party inspired by a New Orleans tradition. $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Visit artassocofhbg.com.

Merry Kitsch-mas
Dec. 3, 4, 9, 11: The Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Merry Kitsch-mas” at four mid-state locations. The chorus will perform unconventional Christmas tunes with vocal stylings sure to amuse. Visit harrisburggaymenschorus.org for ticketing and locations.

Snowball Saturdays
Dec. 3-17: Kids participate in friendly indoor snowball fights, meet the Hershey Bear’s mascot and listen to stories about wintertime fun at The Hershey Story, 63 W. Chocolate Ave. Visit hersheystory.org.

Toy Train Exhibit
Dec. 3-18: Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society returns to Fort Hunter Centennial Barn, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, with a display of HO gauge trains, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Visit forthunter.org.

Festival of Trees
Dec. 3-18: Christmas trees trimmed by local garden clubs and decorated with handmade ornaments are displayed at the Fort Hunter Tavern House, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Trees are available for raffle. Ornaments will be for sale. Visit forthunter.org..

Anniversary Brunch
Dec. 4: To mark is 100^th anniversary, the Civic Club of Harrisburg will host a holiday champagne brunch at 12:30 p.m. at its historic headquarters, Overlook, 612 N. Front St., with music, entertainment and catering by Stock’s on Second. Tickets cost $35. Proceeds benefit the Civic Club. Visit civicclubofharrisburg.com.

Sugar Plum 5K
Dec. 5: Wear a holiday-themed costume for the 3^rd Annual Sugar Plum Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. The race starts at 11 a.m. at the Coffee Beanery, 1215 Research Blvd., Hummelstown. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center Children’s Hospital. Visit sugarplumrun.com.

Toys for Tots
Through Dec. 9: The National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, and the United States Marine Corps are collecting toys for Harrisburg’s children in need. Drop off unwrapped toys valued at $10 or more at the museum and receive one free museum admission for the day of donation or two coupons for 50 percent off a future visit. Visit nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

Foreign Film Friday
Dec. 9: Join Fredricksen Library for “Guten Tag, Ramón,” a PG-13 film about a young man from a small Mexican town who travels to Germany to find work to support his family, but becomes stranded without shelter or money. Showings are start at 2 and 7 p.m. Visit fredricksenlibrary.com.

Local Lunch
Dec. 10: Join Friends of Midtown at its monthly community lunch, which will be held at Yellow Bird Café, 1320 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg, 12 to 2 p.m. Contact [email protected] or visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 10-11 & Dec. 17-18: Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet will present an annual holiday tradition, the region’s only production of “The Nutcracker.” CPYB will perform at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, on Dec. 10 and 11, and Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey, on Dec. 17 and 18. Visit cpyb.org for ticketing information.

Community Breakfasts
Dec. 10 & 30: Join Common Grounds Café for free breakfast, 8 to 11 a.m., at the Common Ground Community Center, 1508 Market St., Harrisburg. The cafe serves a restaurant-style breakfast to residents. If interested in volunteering to serve, prepare or cleanup meals, email [email protected].

Candlelight House Tour
Dec. 11: Historic Harrisburg hosts its 43^rd annual Candlelight House Tour, 1 to 6 p.m., highlighting homes and businesses in Harrisburg’s Capitol neighborhood. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Visit historicharrisburg.com.

Christmas at the Mansion
Dec. 11: Join the Historical Society of Dauphin County for “Christmas at the Mansion and Holiday Market” at Harris-Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., 1 to 6 p.m. Tour the decorated mansion, view an exhibit of antique toys, visit Santa and shop a holiday market featuring local artists. Admission is $5 suggested donation. Children, society members and Candlelight House Tour ticketholders enter for free. Visit dauphincountyhistory.org.

Carlisle Passenger Stations
Dec. 13: National Railway Historical Society Harrisburg Chapter will host “The Passenger Stations of Carlisle,” an illustrated talk with railroad and fire department historian Randy Watts at Hoss’s Restaurant, 743 Wertzville Rd., Enola. The speaker starts at 7 p.m. Dinner begins as early as 5 p.m. Call 717-439-9744 or email [email protected].

Networking Mixer
Dec. 14: Join the West Shore Chamber of Commerce and other local business professionals at the December networking mixer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at PinnacleHealth System Fredricksen Outpatient Center, 2015 Technology Parkway, Mechanicsburg. The free event is open to Chamber members. Potential members may attend up to three free chamber events per year. Visit wschamber.org.

Climate Change
Dec. 15: Climate and national security expert David W. Titley will speak on “The Geopolitics of Climate Change” at 7:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill. Titley, a retired naval admiral, teaches meteorology and international affairs at Penn State. Guests enjoy a reception and dinner prior to the talk. Visit fpa-harrisburg.org.

3rd in The Burg
Dec. 16: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown. Check out all the action at thirdintheburg.org.

Mini HBG Flea
Dec. 16: A mini HBG Flea will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at St@rtup Harrisburg, 922 N. 3rd St., and will feature small tables of some old favorites and newcomers, along with an Elementary Coffee pop-up. Shop for local art, handmade gifts and vintage wares. Visit hbgflea.com.

Candlelight Concerts
Dec. 16-18: Susquehanna Chorale will hold its evening Candlelight Christmas concert series, featuring traditional and contemporary arrangements and carols, and holiday favorites. A pre-concert recital by cellist Lisa Caravan and pianist Daniel Dorty will be presented 15 minutes prior to each concert. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door; students are $5. Visit susquehannachorale.org for a listing of concert locations.

Holiday Celebration
Dec. 17: In conjunction with the Writer’s Workshop and Jump Street, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, will host a Holiday Celebration Market Place and Showcase with gift vendors and entertainment featuring local youth performers, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission is free for the day. Visit statemuseumpa.org.

Author Appearance
Dec. 17 & 19: Harrisburg author Eugenio Albano will introduce his newest book, “The Other Marconi” at two local venues this month: The Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill on Dec. 17, 1 to 3 p.m., and Café Fresco downtown Dec. 19, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Cornerstone appearance will include an author reading and discussion.

Winter Discovery
Dec. 17-31: Visit the Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, where exhibits will highlight Wildwood’s animals in winter, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in December, excluding Dec. 19, 26 and 26. Self-guided stations will teach visitors about natural history and enhance the outdoor winter experience. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Santa in Midtown
Dec. 18: Meet Santa, enjoy a free snack and get a museum tour at the Friends of Midtown event, Santa in Midtown, 1 to 4 p.m. at the PA National Fire Museum, 1820 N. 4^th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Christmas Service
Dec. 18: Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg, presents a musical worship service at 11 a.m. The church choir will perform selections from Robert Shaw’s “The Many Moods of Christmas.” A Christmas tea will follow. The South Street garage will have free parking. Visit pinestreet.org.

Teen Gingerbread Houses
Dec. 18: The Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, invites teens to the annual Gingerbread Extravaganza, 2 to 4 p.m. Teens will make a gingerbread house with a fully supplied kit. Enjoy music, hot cocoa, a s’mores bar and book prizes. This event, for ages 12 to 18, costs $3. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Photography Contest Display
Dec. 20-Jan. 15: Visit Wildwood Park’s Olewine Nature Center during regular business hours to view photographs entered in the Friends of Wildwood annual photography contest. On Jan 8 at 1 p.m., prizes will be awarded for winning entries, which will be displayed at the Olewine Nature Center. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Noon Year’s Eve
Dec. 30: The State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., welcomes the New Year with its annual “Noon Year’s Eve” for young children and families, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The celebration features dancing, crafts, snacks, live performances by Steven Courtney, seasonal planetarium show and the museum’s famous firefly drop. Visit statemuseumofpa.org.

New Year’s Eve Countdown
Dec. 31: Families celebrate the day of New Year’s Eve at The Hershey Story, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can make some noise with Hershey characters and “bubble-wrap stomps” at 11 a.m., 1.p.m. and 3 p.m. Visit hersheystory.org.

Children’s New Year
Dec. 31: Children will count down to a noon balloon drop at the Popcorn Hat Players’ New Year’s Eve party. The 24^th annual event begins at 11 a.m. at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, and includes a performance of “Cinderella.” Tickets are $12 per person. This event sells out fast; reserving tickets in advance is highly recommended. Visit gamuttheatre.org.

Harrisburg New Year’s
Dec. 31: Harrisburg will ring in the new year with fireworks and a celebration at the MLK Government Center, 10 N. 2^nd St., and in downtown Harrisburg. Watch the strawberry drop at midnight outside the Hilton Hotel. Visit harrisburgpa.gov.

Summer Songs: Amanda Carter teaches about music–and life.

November 30, 2016 | by Ashleigh Pollart

Amanda Carter is known by several very different names.

To her friends, she’s simply Amanda. To her students, she’s Ms. Carter. And, to her fans, she’s “330.”

Carter adopted that last moniker while a law student in Washington, D.C., where she began gaining recognition as a musician, writer and performer. She later moved back to Harrisburg to support her mom, who was going through a cancer diagnosis.

“At the time, I released a mixtape called ‘Sorry I’m Late’ because everyone was looking at me like I’m a lunatic, and maybe I am, but that’s what felt right to me,” she said. “I have my law degree, and I can use it whenever.”

As a substitute teacher at Camp Curtin Academy, she saw a need for an alternative after-school program to teach the fundamentals of songwriting to middle and high school students. With support from school administrators, HBG Summer League was born. In it, student artists, ages 10 to 13, displayed their talent for conceptualizing, songwriting and vocal performance on an eight-track mixtape.

“I was really proud of them because some of them had some behavioral issues, but they made a decision to keep it together so they could meet with us after school,” Carter said, beaming with pride. “I wanted those kids to have a tangible body of work that they could present to their friends and family. If you learn how to articulate yourself, you don’t have to resort to other outlets of expression that might get you in a lot of trouble.”

The group learned how to write original music, how to write authentically about their lives, how to perform and about studio etiquette.

“Studio etiquette is how to behave in a tiny space when you’re an excited middle school kid and there are a bunch of buttons,” she laughed. “Day one, they did an excellent job. Day two, I don’t know what happened. They completely unraveled.”

Other important factors in Carter’s program are respect and working as a team.

“Life is hard, and the world will tear you down. We’re supposed to be building each other up all the time,” she said, recounting the lessons she worked to pass on.

Carter also addressed the content and messaging of the music from the beginning of the program.

“There is so much negativity and age inappropriate stuff in music out here,” she said. “Let’s send a message that might empower our listeners—something that might spark a good idea or a positive idea to make them think. We don’t need to match what’s out there. Let’s put our own spin on it.”

Teriq (Lil’ Riq to his fans) was one of the students in HBG Summer League.

“He wants to be a rapper so badly,” said his mom, Jamala Glenn, who noted how the program keeps kids out of trouble. “It gives them a chance to be free in expressing how they feel in writing.”

Carter told me about one of these instances. She relayed the touching email she received following the terrorist attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla.

“‘Ms. Carter, I’m working on a verse for the people that got shot in Orlando,’“ she recited from memory. “This was a 13-year-old kid. It touched me that he felt what happened enough to be inspired to write about it.”

Teriq remembers it, as well.

“I did it for a lot of reasons,” he said. “Everyone’s dying. ISIS is killing people. Police officers are killing black males. There’s just a lot going on in the world.”

Carter is now casting her gaze to her next project. She hopes to turn a space on Allison Hill into “City Arts Space,” a safe place for middle and high schoolers to come and express themselves creatively through audio and visual arts.

“I want to encourage literacy,” she said. “Being able to read and absorb what you’ve read takes you to other worlds.”

She already has hold of the space. She just needs to transform it now.

“The property that we’re trying to convert is something that my grandmother gave to me,” she said, noting how important its preservation is to her.

Some media would lead you to believe that nothing positive happens in areas like Uptown Harrisburg and Allison Hill. Carter is aware of these prejudices and has addressed them head on.

“You can never say that the residents of Harrisburg don’t want to improve their neighborhood,” she said, explaining how she collected signatures to transition the property through grant funding. “There is a wave of millennials taking ownership of the city. We have these ideas, and we’re working together. It’s crossing color lines, and it’s crossing gender lines.”

To support HBG Summer League and to help make City Arts Space a reality, you can purchase HBG Summer League’s mixtape for $5 at www.hbgsummerleague.bandcamp.com.

Carter’s music can be found on any major music site or app, such as Spotify, by searching “330.”

Author: Ashleigh Pollart

Happenings: Our December Calendar of Events

November 30, 2016 | by TheBurg Editor

Happenings

Museum & Art Spaces

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

Holiday-themed group exhibition

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

“Sin City Tucker ’48 Replica,” through April 1.

“Magic Skyway 1964 Ford ‘World’s Fair’ Thunderbird Convertible,” through April 15.

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

“AAH Holiday Exhibition,” with archival pigment prints by J. Arthur Davis, photographs by Karen Kaiser, oil paintings by Christopher Lyter, watercolor paintings by Bob McCormick and oil and cold-wax paintings by Michele Taber, Dec. 2-Jan. 5; reception Dec. 2, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

“The Pursuit of Knowledge,” works by Phillip Singer; receptions, Dec. 16 and 17, 7-10 p.m.

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

Artist of the Month: Joe O’Donnell

Eckert Art Gallery
Millersville University
60 West College Ave., Lancaster
717-871-4633; artsmu.com

“Response as Catalyst,” a year-long conversation through drawings by artists Leslie Gates and Dan Clark, through Dec. 6.

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

“Downton’s Last Stand: A Reprise of the Fort Hunter Fashions of the Downton Abbey Era,” through Dec. 23.

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

Works by Rosanne S. Wolfe and Becky D. Shagin, through Jan. 14.

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

PCCA Juried Exhibition, featuring juried regional artwork in a variety of media, through Jan. 20.

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

Photography of Haley Harnad, through December; reception, Dec. 16, 5-7 p.m.

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

“Microcosm: Dioramas & Tiny Worlds,” an exhibition providing a window into the mind of each artist, through Jan. 1.

“Atomic Keeg,” a solo exhibition by Keegan Beinhower, Dec. 2-Jan. 29; reception: Dec. 2, 6-11 p.m.

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

Featured artists include Yachiyo Beck, Tina Berrier, John Davis, Fennec Design, Mary Olin Geiger, through Dec. 11.

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

“Tell Mother I’ve Been Good: Vice & Virtue in the Civil War,” illustrating the moral challenges faced by thousands of men in the ranks, through Dec. 31.

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

The art of Tom Wise and Yevette Hendler, through Dec. 26.

The Paper Lion Gallery
1217 Hummel Ave., Lemoyne
717-612-9950; harrisburgframers.com

“Ivan’s Swans,” featuring the paintings of Sandra Philpott and photography by Madeline Marie Wilson, through Dec. 23.

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

“Artisan Marketplace,” locally made fine art and handcrafted items for unique holiday gift giving, through Jan. 14.

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

“Student Honors Photography,” through Dec. 9.

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

“Pennsylvania at War: The Saga of the USS Pennsylvania,” Dec. 4-Dec. 30, 2017; reception: Dec. 4, 2 p.m.

“Working Together for Wildlife: Three Decades of Pennsylvania’s Nature in Art,” through Dec. 31.

“Sixty Years with the Seven Lively Artists: 1956-2016,” celebrating the 60th anniversary of central Pennsylvania’s plein air painting group The Seven Lively Artists, through Feb. 12.

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

“Despues De La Frontera (After the Border),”a bilingual group exhibition honoring immigrants who fled their homes in Central America, through Dec. 4.

“African American Art Since 1950: Perspectives from the David C. Driskell Center,” through Jan. 22.

“In the Vault,” a group exhibition of small magnetic works to be hung on the steel walls within the museum’s historic bank vault, Dec. 9-Feb 19.

Pictures by Mackenzie Younger, inspired by early American art and the prevalence of smartphone imagery in today’s culture, Dec. 9-Feb. 19; reception: Dec. 16, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Nyumba a Sanaa,” works from the Maryknoll Collection, through Dec. 18.

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

“Captured,” works by Claire Giblin, Dec. 2-Feb. 1.

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

Friends of Wildwood annual photography contest display, Dec. 20-Jan. 15; reception: Jan. 8, 1 p.m.

Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center
Millersville University
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Through Dec. 6: “Response as a Catalyst,” works by Leslie Gates & Dan Clark

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

Works by Amie Bantz, through Dec. 11.

Works by Paige Harkey, Dec. 16-Jan. 8

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

“Built to Last,” cigar boxes by Mike Orr, through Dec. 15

“Little Floaters,” works by Sean Arce, Dec. 16-Jan. 20

Read, Make, Learn

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

Dec. 6, 8: Feast of the Seven Fishes, 6-9:30 p.m.
Dec. 14: Holiday Party Appetizers, 6-9 p.m.
Dec. 30: Night Before New Year’s Eve, 6-9 p.m.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Dinner, 6-9 p.m.

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

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Device Advice, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 2: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 3: Cookbook Club, 1 p.m.
Dec. 4: Prime Time—Yoga for All Bodies, 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 5: Coloring for Grown-Ups, 7 p.m.
Dec. 5, 19: Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 6: Curl Up With the Classics—“A Christmas Carol,” 3 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Homework Helpers, 4 p.m.
Dec. 8, 22: Plot Twisters Teen Writers Group, 6 p.m.
Dec. 8, 22: Drop-in Story Time, 7 p.m.
Dec. 9: Foreign Film Friday, 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
Dec. 10: Adult Crafternoon—Rocks, 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 12: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 12, 13, 15: Library for Lunch—“The Gingerbread Man,” 12 p.m.
Dec. 18: Teen Gingerbread Extravaganza, 2 p.m.
Dec. 20: Fredricksen Reads—“Florence Gordon,” 7 p.m.

Healthy Living Kitchen
16 S. Rosanna St., Hummelstown
717-512-0077; healthylivingkitchenpa.com

Dec. 1: Holiday Baking, Alternative Approach, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 3: Soup Tasting & Open House, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24-31: Little Elves Workshop, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Snowball Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Countdown, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center
251 Wiconisco St., Harrisburg
717-232-2700; meditationpa.org

Dec. 6: Remaining Calm in Frustrating Situations, 10-11:30 a.m., 7-8:30 p.m.
Dec. 10: Meditations for Enjoying the Holidays, 1-4 p.m.
Dec. 13: Dealing with Desire & Learning to Feel Content, 10-11:30 a.m., 7-8:30 p.m.
Dec. 20: Breathe Away Holiday Stress, 10-11:30 a.m., 7-8:30 p.m.

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

Dec. 3: Holiday Drop-in Art, 1-4 p.m.

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

Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Dec. 6: Men’s Group, 6 p.m.
Dec. 7: LGBT Parents, 6 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Dec. 8: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
Dec. 13: Seniors Group, 6 p.m.
Dec. 20: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.

The MakeSpace
1916 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgmakespace.com

Dec. 3: Songwriting Workshop
Dec. 9: Knitting Workshop 2

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

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7 p.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 23, 30: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
Dec. 3: Health and Wellness Meet-up, 10 a.m.
Dec. 3: Good News Café, 6 p.m.
Dec. 5: Mindful Nutrition & Health Meet-up, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 6: Sci-Fi Writer’s Group, 7 p.m.
Dec. 7: Marketplace HOA Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.
Dec. 8, 15: Camp Curtin Toastmasters, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 10: Book signing w/Jan Helen McGee, 2 p.m.
Dec. 13, 27: Meet-up, 9 a.m.
Dec. 13: Dauphin County Young Democrats Meeting, 7 p.m.
Dec. 13: Men’s Conversation, 7 p.m.
Dec. 18: Midtown Writers Group, 1 p.m.
Dec. 18: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
Dec. 21: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7 p.m.
Dec. 25: Harrisburg Young Professionals Book Club, 2 p.m.
Dec. 27: Friends of Midtown Safety Committee, 6:30 p.m.

Miller Chapel
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

Dec. 4: Christmas at the Valley

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

Dec. 3: Children’s Workshop—Painted Box, 12-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Abstract Painting, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Movement Center
2134 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-238-0357; themovementcenter.net

Dec. 11: Community Yoga—Free Beginner Class, 10 a.m.

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

Dec. 2: Nature Lab—Color and their Light, 11:30 a.m.
Dec. 2: Learn at Lunchtime, 12:15 p.m.
Dec. 16: Nature Lab—Snow, 11:30 a.m.

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

Dec. 3: First Family Sunday, 2-5 p.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 14: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Dec. 3: Wreath Workshops, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.
Dec. 4: Mindfulness Hike, 10-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 4, 18: Natural Ornaments, 1-3 p.m.
Dec. 10: Scout Workshop—Bears, “Sharing Your World with Wildlife,” 10:30-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 17-31: Winter Discovery at Wildwood Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Live Music Around Harrisburg

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

Dec. 31: Jaimee Paul, Tribute to the Music of James Bond

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

Dec. 2: Still Hand String Band
Dec. 3: Jimkata w/Humandala
Dec. 9: Driftwood w/Rivers
Dec. 23: Colebrook Road
Dec. 31: NYE Extravaganza

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

Dec. 1: Jessica Perla
Dec. 2, 9, 15, 21, 28: Noel Gevers
Dec. 3, 17, 33: Roy Lefever
Dec. 6, 30: Daniel Sheahan
Dec. 7: Deborah Anderson
Dec. 8, 11, 29: Anthony Haubert
Dec. 10, 20: Corinna Joy
Dec. 12, 27: Christine Purcell
Dec. 14: Maria Battista
Dec. 16, 23, 31: Ted Ansel

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

Dec. 12: John Barry

Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus
cpwchorus.org

Dec. 4: Advent Series Concert at Dover United Church of Christ

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

Dec. 3: Tauk
Dec. 4: Queensrÿche, Armored Saint & Metalwulf
Dec. 10: I Prevail, Sleepware, Hotel Books
Dec. 11: Reverend Horton Heat
Dec. 16: The Badlees
Dec. 17: August Burns Red
Dec. 18: Bayside
Dec. 28: Galactic Empire
Dec. 29: The Holiday Jam

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

Dec. 2: Antonio Andrade
Dec. 3: Kevin Kline
Dec. 4: Steve Wilkins
Dec. 9: Jim Haas
Dec. 10: Steve Gellman
Dec. 11: Kirk Wise
Dec. 16: Sinclair Soul
Dec. 17: Doug Morris
Dec. 18: Crimson
Dec. 23: Dominick Cicco
Dec. 30: Paul Zavinsky

The Cumberland Singers
cumberlandsingers.org

Dec. 16-18: “Celebrate!” holiday concerts

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

Dec. 18: Triumphant Brass Concert

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

Dec. 12: Harp and Handbells Concert

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
harrisburggaymenschorus.org

Dec. 3-11: “Merry Kitsch-mas”

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

Dec. 3: Threesound w/Digital Davy
Dec. 8: Tenny & The Headroom w/ Carly Clark
Dec. 9: Off the Wagon and JT & The Mild Heat
Dec. 10: “Who The Hell is Sgt. Pepper?”
Dec. 15: Smoking Frog and Rabbit, And You Brutus?
Dec. 22: Plush Justice
Dec. 23: Morse Coda, Adam Stehr, Switch Fu, Mi Manchi
Dec. 30: Flexitone Records Showcase
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Bash w/Catullus, Medusa’s Disco, Humandala, YAM YAM

Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

Dec. 17: HSYO: “Ho! Ho! Ho!” (Strawberry Square Atrium)

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

Dec. 3: “Holiday Spectacular” w/Hershey Symphony
Dec. 4: Straight No Chaser
Dec. 9: Manheim Steamroller Christmas
Dec. 10: The Piano Guys

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

Dec. 2: Funktion
Dec. 3: DJ Dave Styles, Sapphire
Dec. 9: Mystery Machine
Dec. 10: DJ Ray Rossi, Vinyl Groov
Dec. 16: Gas Station Disco
Dec. 17: DJ Magic, Smooth Like Clyde
Dec. 23: Uptown Band
Dec. 24: DJ Forest
Dec. 30: Into the Spin, DJ Dave Styles
Dec. 31: The Luv Gods, DJ Magic, Green Eggs

Johnny Joe’s Sports Bar & Grill
5327 E. Trindle Rd., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2254; johnnyjoesbar.com

Dec. 3: Phipps III
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Open Mic, Walter DeWall
Dec. 9: Lazy Joe Fink
Dec. 10: Decipher Life
Dec. 17: Adrian Blitzer
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Live Music
Dec. 31: Observe the 93rd

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-421-1512; keystoneconcertband.com

Dec. 3: Concert at St. Andrew’s in the Valley Episcopal Church
Dec. 10: Concert at All Saints Church

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

Dec. 2: Brandon Lyons & Milo Featherburn

Dec. 9: David Dondero

Dec. 16: 3rd in the Burg Art Show

Dec. 23: Travis Pilsits

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

Dec. 10: Boffo, Human Hosts & Future Dinosaurs

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

Dec. 3: Art Garfunkel
Dec. 7: Melissa Etheridge’s Holiday Trio
Dec. 10: The Hit Men Rock ‘N’ Roll & Christmas Class
Dec. 13: The Lennon Sisters Christmas

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

Dec. 2: Wind Symphony Concert

The MakeSpace
1916 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgmakespace.com

Dec. 10: Haybaby + Concrete Beach

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

Dec. 4: Messiah College Christmas Concert
Dec. 5: United Voices of Praise Concert
Dec. 7: Musica Nova
Dec. 10: Guitar Ensemble, One College Ave Concert
Dec. 16: Susquehanna Chorale Christmas Concert

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

Dec. 10: Maria Wilson, Strangled Darlings

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

Dec. 3: Shea & Len (Luv Gods)
Dec. 10: Don Johnson Project
Dec. 17: Soul House
Dec. 22: Yukon Cornelius and the Bumbles
Dec. 31: Roy Lefever

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

Dec. 18: Hand bell soloist Eileen Smith

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

Dec. 2: Chris Purcell, Sea Offs
Dec. 3: Lovers of Music
Dec. 9: Michael Burton
Dec. 16: Middleton Brothers Band
Dec. 17: Des Sera w/ Les’ Bien
Dec. 19: River City Big Band
Dec. 26: Central PA Friends of Jazz Jam Session
Dec. 27: Ron Waters Tribute
Dec. 31: Nate Myers and the Aces

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

Dec. 2: Wild Adriatic
Dec. 9: Erin Condo
Dec. 16: The Black Lillies

St. Thomas Roasters
5951 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
717-526-4171; stthomasroasters.com

Dec. 2: Channalia
Dec. 3: Joe Conney
Dec. 9: Dan Zukowski
Dec. 10: Craig Lambeth
Dec. 16: Cotolo
Dec. 17: Joe T & Friends
Dec. 23: Craig Bonner
Dec. 30: Rhodes & Putt

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

Dec. 2: Natalie Ness
Dec. 3: Visitors Duo
Dec. 9: Music Thru Science Lite
Dec. 10: Songsmith
Dec. 16: Bisty and Im
Dec. 17: Houston Baker
Dec. 23: Us2 Duo
Dec. 30: Maria Wilson
Dec. 31: TBA

Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; mystrandcapitol.org

Dec. 1: Wizards of Winter
Dec. 2: Jazz in the City
Dec. 22: Darlene Love

Suba Tapas Bar
272 North St., Harrisburg
717-233-7358; mangiaqui.com

Live music: Friday, Saturday nights

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

Dec. 3: Riley Baugus & Dirk Powell

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

Dec. 8: Jazz in the Sky—Jonathan Ragon, Steve Rudolph Quartet
Dec. 13: Irish Christmas in America
Dec. 15: Terry Barber

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

Dec. 1-3: Get the Led Out
Dec. 14: Holidays w/ The Celtic Tenors

Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center
Millersville University
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Dec. 3-4: Glorious Sounds of the Season

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

Dec. 2: Skribe
Dec. 16: Rhythm & Reason
Dec. 22: Shine Delphi

The Stage Door

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

Through Dec. 30: “The 2016 Christmas Show—Winter Wonderland”

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

Dec. 11: Oxymorons Improv Comedy

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

Dec. 12: John Berry

Cedar Crest High School
115 E. Evergreen Rd., Lebanon
originalcicadamusicfestival.com

Dec. 4: “Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas”

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

Through Dec. 31: “Holly Jolly Christmas”

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

Through Dec. 17: “A Popcorn Hat Christmas Carol”

Harrisburg Comedy Zone
110 Limekiln Rd., Harrisburg
717-909-3637; harrisburgcomedyzone.com

Dec. 2-3: Mikey Mason, Pat House
Dec. 9-10: Grandma Lee
Dec. 16-17: Mike Eagan, Jared Horning
Dec. 30-31: Paul Hooper

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

Dec. 2, 4: Level 3 Class Shows
Dec. 17: Spacework

The Harrisburg Singers
theharrisburgsingers.org

Dec. 2-4 : Holiday With The Harrisburg Singers

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

Dec. 1-11: “Miracle on 34th Street”

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

Dec. 6-8: “Elf the Musical”
Dec. 17-18: “The Nutcracker”

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

Dec. 21: Cirque Dreams Holidaze

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

Dec. 8-18: Totem Pole Presents “A Christmas Carol”

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

Dec. 3: Carraig School Irish Dance
Dec. 16: Comedy Night

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

Dec. 2-23: “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas”
Dec. 9-22: “The Santaland Diaries”

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

Dec. 2-4: “Radio Plays”

Phantom Theatre Company
phantomtheatrecompany.org

Dec. 2-3: “Urinetown” at The State Museum

Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; mystrandcapitol.org

Dec. 1: Pat Godwin w/Liz Russo
Dec. 4: “Raphie May’s White Trash Christmas”
Dec. 9: “The Hip Nut” w/Greater York Dance
Dec. 10-11: “The Nutcracker” w/Midstate Ballet
Dec. 15: Derek Richards w/Herbie Gill

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

Dec. 10-11: “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 31: “Countdown to Noon” w/The Popcorn Hat Players

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

Dec. 9-11: “Big Band Christmas 2”

Hidden Oasis: Once again, the historic Lochiel Hotel welcomes you (but first you have to find it).

November 30, 2016 | by Courtney Gontz

I have a friend who lives by the belief that the best places are the ones that are a bit hidden, around the next bend, off the beaten path.

When he’s next in Harrisburg, I’m going to take him straight to the 901 Lounge at Lochiel Hotel, which opens this month on Shanois Street.

Where exactly is Shanois Street?

Well, that’s the point. It’s a small, leafy, dead-end road off Cameron Street that you’ve probably driven past a hundred times without knowing it. And it has exactly one building on it—the stately, historic Lochiel Hotel.

Originally built as a schoolhouse in the 1800s, it took the name of the Lochiel once the original hotel downtown was converted to the Colonial Theater more than a century ago. The second Lochiel later became a popular dance hall, bar, blues club and, for a short time, Italian restaurant. For the past few years, it’s sat mostly empty.

In September, Navy veteran Brian Douglas purchased the building, which is adjacent to the Capital Greenbelt and just two blocks from PennDOT, and now wants locals to rediscover its history and charm over a glass of wine, a cold beer or a signature cocktail, perhaps while listening to some music and having a bite to eat.

“Making good food is the key,” he said.

While you visit, Douglas hopes you’ll enjoy the beautiful, original crown molding, the old glass front bar and rustic hardwood flooring, all now restored.

His vision is ambitious.

The lounge will open at 10 a.m. every day, aiming to serve the area’s over-30 crowd. That includes lunch, happy hour, dinner, drinks and music. It will stay open late on Friday and Saturday.

“We will provide a clean, safe and fantastic environment for mature adults,” Douglas said.

He wants to keep the lounge simple. There are a lot of bars that try to be so much that it’s almost overwhelming, he said.

The grounds will be open, so guests are encouraged to come in, grab a drink and wander around the property. You’ll not only be surrounded by nature, but, if you look closely, you’ll glimpse traces of Harrisburg’s industrial past as Shanois Street, hard against two different railroad tracks, was once a corridor to several factories.

You can even relax under “Mother,” a tree that has stood tall and proud outside the building for about 100 years. It’s said that, if you sit quietly under the tree, you can almost hear the blues music in the air from Lochiel’s storied past, Douglas said.

Besides regular service, Douglas said he also will host different “theme” nights, from LGBTQ and Latin to old-school dance and comedy. On Sundays, brunch will be featured in one of the five different dining areas. Or you can sit at the bar and watch your favorite football team play.

“I want this place to be like a little oasis here in Harrisburg,” he said.

The 901 Lounge at Lochiel Hotel is located at 901 Shanois St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.The901Lounge.com, email [email protected] or call 771-770-9452.

Author: Courtney Gontz

Regret & Revenge: Tom Ford scores another masterpiece with “Nocturnal Animals.”

November 30, 2016 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

When Tom Ford makes a movie, he really makes a movie.

Stylistically sleek and visually stunning, “Nocturnal Animals” paints a thorough, heartrending account of the weight of guilt and revenge. It’s another masterpiece under his belt, striving to match the success of his first feature, “A Single Man.”

Amy Adams plays Susan Morrow, a soft-spoken woman who finds she cannot sleep at night. She’s lost all sense of purpose in her work as an art dealer, she and her husband (Armie Hammer) are suffering both financially and personally, and, now, her past is resurfacing to torment her—in the form of a manuscript.

Susan’s ex-husband, Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal) has written a novel and dedicated it to her, a peculiar thing given the context of the book. It is a tragic tale of a Texas family, whose late-night road trip goes awry with a tragic carjacking, resulting in the loss of the wife and daughter. Gyllenhaal plays Tony, essentially a metaphorical stand-in for himself in his own novel, and Isla Fisher and Ellie Bamber play his wife and daughter.

Not only does Tony represent Edward in this story within a story, but Fisher’s character is clearly modeled after Susan. The tale proves to be a work of catharsis as Edward mourns his and Susan’s relationship from 20 years earlier. But the extra kick is that Tony then spends the rest of his life consumed by a drive for revenge.

As Susan reads through the story, flashbacks to her relationship with Edward reveal the struggle that she has had to not become her mother, succumbing to her family’s wealth. Given Susan’s current lavish lifestyle, it seems that struggle did not continue after her breakup with Edward. And, while we get to know Edward through the flashbacks, present-day Edward remains a mystery—a detail that Ford uses to his advantage and to Susan’s torment.

Gyllenhaal gives a great performance as the feeble survivor, but Amy Adams’ nuanced expressions throughout the film provide the heart of the film. Michael Shannon offers a worthy performance as a frank, grizzled sheriff with little regard for the law. While there are a few extraneous details marring the surface of Ford’s sleek artistry, count this as another masterpiece. “Nocturnal Animals” starts at Midtown Cinema on Dec. 9.

MIDTOWN CINEMA
SPECIAL EVENTS – DECEMBER

The Late Shift with Zeroday
“Die Hard” (1988)
Saturday, Dec. 3, 10:30 p.m.

Down in Front!
“Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” (1964)
Friday, Dec. 9, 9:30 p.m.

Digital Theatre Series
“War Horse”
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m.

Classic Film Series
“The Bishop’s Wife” (1947)
Sunday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 5, 7 p.vm.

“Christmas in Connecticut” (1945)
Sunday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.

“White Christmas” (1954)
Sunday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
Monday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24, 7 p.m.

3^rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“A Christmas Story” (1983)
Friday, Dec. 16, 9:30 p.m.

Faulkner Honda Family Film Series
“A Christmas Story” (1983)
Saturday, Dec. 16, 12 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 17, 2 p.m.

Author: Sammi Leigh Melville

Get Down, December: Party like it’s 2017.

November 30, 2016 | by Kait Gibboney

Driftwood. Photograph by Marc Safran Photography.

As 2016 winds down, it’s the perfect time to listen to some vibrant music to get you into that new year spirit.

This month, I’d like to draw the focus away from the mindless holiday music this time of year. Don’t get me wrong—I like holiday tunes. But it’s rare to hear something new, unfamiliar and exciting among the repetitive classics. I mean, how many covers of “Santa Baby” have you heard in your lifetime? As a remedy, these bands promise to be lively and grab your attention. If you’re looking for something new and energetic to listen to, these three acts have some hot tunes to keep you warm.

THREESOUND, 12/3, 5PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $TBD
Threesound comes to the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center from Virginia on their “Different Spaces” tour. This quartet has an upbeat, happy sound paired with smooth guitar and solid drum rhythms. The band fuses genres together to create unique music that guarantees some groovy tunes. Their second album, “Different Spaces,” was released earlier in the fall. Also on the bill for the evening is DigitalDavy, a DJ from Pennsylvania playing what he calls a combination of Nu-Disco and Deep House. Both acts’ sweet sounds will undoubtedly stir up some dance fever in the audience.

SEASONS, 12/4, 1:30PM, PA FARM SHOW COMPLEX, $8
Taking place during the Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show, local Celtic folk band Seasons will play in the afternoon. This band is what you get when you mix contemporary folk to new-age Celtic music featuring exciting vocals and soaring strings. Seasons is made up of siblings Mary-Kate Spring, Peter Winter, Mary-Teresa Summer, Mary-Grace Autumn and Mary-Clare Chun Lee. The group is well traveled nationally and internationally and has opened for Grammy award-winner Ashley Cleveland. Celtic music isn’t too common around these parts, so it makes my inner-Irish self happy to hear a new take on a familiar sound. If you’ve never heard them before, you can find their self-titled album on their website for an introduction of a distinct take on the Celtic genre.

HUMAN HOST, 12/10, 7PM, LITTLE AMPS COFFEE ROASTERS, $5 suggested donation
This experimental New York jam band is accompanied by Lancaster experimental alternative rock band Future Dinosaurs and Pottstown alternative punk band Boffo. The group formed in 2002 and consists of members Mike Apichella, Steve Yankou and John Hollahan. This band is definitely worth checking out beforehand. Their album “Ophiopogon’s Blue Wonder” provides a surreal listening experience. Their bizarre style, blended with traditional rock, makes for an interesting sound, so swing by Little Amps Coffee’s Uptown location in the evening for a fun, house-style show.

Mentionables:
Get the Led Out, Dec. 1-3, Whitaker Center; Driftwood w/Rivers, Dec. 9, Abbey Bar; Strangled Darlings, Dec. 10, Midtown Scholar Bookstore; Corinna Joy, Dec. 10, Carley’s; Catullus, Dec. 31, H*MAC Stage on Herr

Author: Kait Gibboney

The Case for 15: If done right, $15 an hour minimum wage could make a lot of sense.

November 30, 2016 | by Mike McCarthy

You may remember Old Fezziwig as a young Scrooge’s generous employer in “A Christmas Carol.”

But, according to author and political commentator Michael Lind in a recent opinion piece in the New York Times, today’s employees cannot count on employer generosity for jobs with good wages or benefits. He believes that policymakers have abandoned the goal of good jobs and replaced it with a goal of “good lives” by providing federal subsidies for low-income earners.

This fatalistic perspective comes at a time when the median income has essentially remained stagnant for nearly two decades, consumer demand has flat-lined, interest rates are near zero, health care benefits have been spread unevenly, and retirement savings are, to say the least, precarious. All of this has led to an understandable feeling of insecurity about the economy, jobs and the future and in calls to have the government adopt programs to get the economy moving.

Suggestions for governmental stimulus include financial support for renewable energy, massive infrastructure spending and an increase in the minimum wage. While renewables and infrastructure spending are certainly worthy of consideration, nothing would stimulate a consumer, demand-driven economy more quickly and more broadly than a significant increase in the minimum wage. One study suggests that, for every dollar added to the minimum wage, there would be a corresponding increase of $2,800 in consumer spending.

Increasing the minimum wage to provide an annual income well beyond the poverty level would aid the “working poor,” stimulate the economy and give many more an opportunity to leave poverty behind. A stimulated economy would likely also increase the income for those in the stagnated middle as demand, profits and the need for labor would all increase.

Those who oppose raising the minimum wage and those who support a gradual increase put forward valid reasons to be wary of significant minimum wage increases. One concern is that employers will make investments in new technology rather than pay more money in wages and, in doing so, reduce employment. For example, a fast-food company might further mechanize its processes and decrease the number of its employees. Likewise, there is a concern that an increased minimum wage will mean higher product costs, fewer sales, less competitiveness and more business failures, reducing employment. The Congressional Budget Office predicted that thousands would lose their jobs if the minimum wage were increased. With these valid concerns, how can government nudge employers to pay an increased minimum wage of $15 dollars an hour?

It can do so by combining the mandated $15 minimum wage with a reduction in employer taxes through a doubling of an employer’s expense deduction for employee wages up to the amount that a full-time, $15 minimum wage worker would earn (a little more than $30,000 a year). The proposed deduction would be applicable to all wage deductions regardless of an employee’s total wages. The deduction for an employee making more than minimum wage and earning, for example $50,000 annually, would be $80,000 ($60,000 for the first $30,000 in wages and then the additional $20,000 difference). The money saved by an employer from the increased deduction and the resulting lower tax might also provide an impetus for an employer to raise that higher earner’s salary.

An increase in consumer demand could be expected because much of the extra money earned by an employee receiving the $15 minimum wage would go directly into the economy since low-income earners spend a high percentage of their income. The greater consumer demand would improve the economy and likely increase employment. It could also be argued that the doubling of the deduction might actually increase federal tax revenues because of increased employer income and new employees being added to the tax rolls, while reducing government (i.e. taxpayer) costs for public assistance, food stamps, Medicaid and health care subsidies. Similar revenue increases and reduced expenditures could also be expected for many state and local governments.

The same nudge of lower employer taxes through a doubling of the expense deduction could be applied to employer-provided health care and employer-sponsored retirement programs. A reduction in taxes might be particularly helpful in nudging small businesses to provide these benefits. In the long run, reducing employers’ taxes, in this manner, will save the government the cost of further subsidies for health care and public assistance.

It is unlikely that employers will turn into Fezziwig or wake up Christmas morn like a thrice-visited Ebenezer and provide the needed “good jobs” with good wages and benefits. But a mandated $15 minimum wage and a reduction in taxes for employers based on that increased minimum wage will provide the opportunity for the good jobs that Mr. Lind believes the public should give up on and give the economy a much needed boost.

Mike McCarthy previously headed a statewide business organization and held numerous positions in and out of state government, most recently with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

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