Painting the Town: The Susquehanna Art Museum’s new executive director got her dream job–and walked into the challenge of her life.

January 29, 2016 | by Lori M. Myers

Alice Anne Schwab is no stranger to the world just outside the doors of the Susquehanna Art Museum.

She grew up in Harrisburg, and her dream from the age of 12 was to work as a museum curator. So, she moved to New York, where she managed the day-to-day operations of a Soho gallery and thereafter worked as the assistant to a prominent hotel developer.

“Not Donald Trump,” she states firmly. “While working during the day, I attended culinary school at night. After 10 years in New York, I moved back to Harrisburg to be nearer to family.”

She became a caterer and eventually opened her own restaurant, Alice Anne’s Kitchen, on N. 2^nd Street.

“I had the restaurant with a wonderful staff and terrific customers for two years,” Schwab recalls. “It almost killed me. I got no sleep. I am still a recovering restaurateur.”

After a stint with the Harrisburg Symphony, she saw an opportunity to fulfill her childhood ambition when the executive director position opened at SAM, following the departure of Laurene Buckley. So, she applied, got her dream job—and almost immediately found herself in the midst of a firestorm.

After taking the position, she was told about a months-long struggle between SAM’s bank and its general contractor over a $1.2 million state grant. Soon, the story hit the press, and the museum endured months of negative publicity (and speculation about its demise) as the issue landed in court and was ultimately settled in negotiation.

Schwab now is faced with the raw reality of making sure SAM’s future extends well past its 26-year history, which will require planning, resourcefulness and a lot of money.

Schwab believes the museum is making progress on all these fronts.

First, there’s new leadership following the resignation of several board members linked to the financing controversy. SAM recently added five new members and, in December, embarked on a three-day strategic planning process with a consultant who had worked with the museum in the past.

“We have learned a lot that informs our ongoing budgeting process,” she says. “We have some major fundraising goals, but with the strength in leadership and the support that is growing in the community, I believe we are poised to be able to achieve our financial goals.”

Another major goal is accreditation, which will facilitate SAM’s efforts to borrow artwork for exhibits, a vital requirement for a museum that lacks a permanent collection. So, it is working towards membership in the American Alliance of Museums and solidifying its participation within the North American Reciprocal Museum Association.

“One of our goals is to become an accredited museum,” Schwab explains. “Accreditation is a process, not an achievement. We are in that process now. While having a facility that lives up to the standards is a first step, and we have achieved that step by creating this fine museum building, there are several other important facets of accreditation, including the ability to operate on an ongoing basis.”

Indeed, Schwab emphasizes that you can’t put the cart before the horse. SAM needed to have a world-class space that met stringent requirements for exhibits before it could even begin the accreditation process. It now has that with its sparkling, 20,000-square-foot facility at the corner of N. 3^rd and Calder streets that opened just a year ago.

While many of Schwab’s goals remain in progress, there is one area that she believes is firm and that she’s especially proud of—reaching out to the greater Harrisburg community.

As one of her first official acts, she supervised the installation and dedication of the iconic mural that now towers over the streetscape on N. 3^rd Street. She also expanded SAM’s educational and outreach efforts.

“While we enjoy the novelty of our Midtown Harrisburg location, and we are delighted to be a part of the Midtown renaissance, we are a resource and a touch point for the whole community,” Schwab says.

Last month, the museum invited that community along to celebrate a year of growth and healing (“We’ve had both,” Schwab remarks). And, on Feb. 13, to close its Dali “Les Diners de Gala” exhibition in the Lobby Gallery, SAM will host a special dinner re-enacting the Dali dinner party with recipes from the cookbook.

Coming up are Pennsylvania impressionist paintings, curated works on the topic of immigration and an exhibition of the work of important African-American artists.

“Each one of our exhibitions features several unique and specially designed educational engagement components, truly making Susquehanna Art Museum a museum of and for the greater Harrisburg community,” Schwab says. “Great things are happening at the museum. We love to facilitate opportunities for our community to be a part of.”

The Susquehanna Art Museum is located at 1401 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. To learn more, visit www.sqart.org.

Outshine with Outerwear: The weather may be ugly, but you don’t have to be.

January 29, 2016 | by Dave Marcheskie

“Cold enough for ya?”

It’s an odd expression that I loathe simply because it is cold enough. February is often the harshest, snowiest month around Harrisburg. When my meteorologist friends get geeked out by negative wind chills, I become frustrated with every alternative term to “the white stuff” during the wall-to-wall flurry coverage. It’s easy to ditch fashion for comfort—er, survival during this time of year. But we can try to make facing the bitter cold look hot.

Who didn’t have a Starter jacket in the ‘90s? Besides that lame Cowboys fan (emoticon winky face), everyone I knew had either had a Kelly green Eagles or a red Phillies pullover half-zip Starter jacket growing up. Just about every girl had a purple-and-teal Charlotte Hornets Starter jacket.

But, fellas—have you ever noticed that our female companions have a dozen different jackets hanging up in their closet? (Or slung over every dining room chair in my experience.) Women have moved on from athletic franchise billboards—shouldn’t we? Perhaps this could be a wise Valentine’s Day gift. Follow me.

It should be no surprise that many current men’s winter coats have a military background. The government-issued weather-beaters have kept many fighters alive in battle since the 17^th century. Still, today, there are slight differences between function and fashion.

Overcoats became popular after Napoleon’s military charge in frigid Russia. This type of outerwear extends below the knee and is usually constructed of a heftier fabric—wool, tweed or cashmere. Personally, I think Napoleon just wanted to appear taller. Not a bad trick if you have a similar complex.

Topcoats are the military’s dressier warm gear. Topcoats usually fall above the knee and are made of slightly lighter fabric. The topcoat’s cousin is called a covert coat, distinguished by a velvet collar—nice detail. These are great for your workweek. Go with black, navy or charcoal for a slimmer appearance ($55 Dobell.com). Go bold. English designers have perfected the topcoat in recent decades. This London-style twist offers glen plaids, windowpanes and herringbone textures in unique shades like camel-and-cranberry ($115 Samuel-Windsor.com). Many of these coats also feature an outer breast pocket for, say, a pocket square!

Another military-style staple is the tried-and-true, Navy-style pea coat that extends just below the waist. This double-breasted jacket worn by salty sailors will never have you looking like a boob. Keep it classic—navy or black. For a slight variation, I have one with a shawl collar ($79 Macys.com).

World War I was all about trench warfare, hence the invention of the trench coat. These extend nearly to your toe. Unless you want to look like Neo from the Matrix, I vouch for a shorter coat and tall socks to keep your calves warm instead.

Lastly, there’s the bomber jacket. This Maverick-must has roots in the Air Force. Leather and lamb’s wool acted as a good windbreaker in the open-air cockpit. They have an elastic band at the waist to keep Jack Frost from creeping up your back. To look like an ace aviator and not a “Top Gun” fanatic, there are slimmer, fleece-lined flight jackets that’ll keep you toasty and flying style high ($99 PXclothing.com).

While coat collars do their best to keep your neck warm, you’d better invest in a scarf. If you have two or three different colors, you can switch up the look in an inexpensive way while wearing the same coat. If you have a solid dark coat, go with a regal purple check scarf. If you went big on your coat, perhaps a dark solid scarf to balance out your boldness.

Bonus: Retailers say that this may be the best time of the year to buy new outwear. Most stores are trying to dump inventory to make room for happier spring things. Plus, warmer temps earlier this winter means there’s a lot of unbought jackets needing a back, which is why you could see major discounts.

Once you gifted yourself, it is time to offer your fancy new layer to your Valentine’s date while walking downtown. Perhaps, fashion and chivalry will not make you shiver alone on these cold February nights (emoticon winky face).

As a twist on the usual gentleman’s cocktail (which has become a tradition in this column), I want to pass along an adult V-Day dessert that’ll make your date melt.

AFFOGATO:

Two scoops of ice cream (try Urban Churn’s chocolate)
One shot of espresso (Made in a Moka pot, $9 Home Goods)
1 ounce of Avion Espresso Liqueur

Use a ground coffee of choice and make the Moka pot stovetop coffee. Pour the coffee and Avion over the ice cream and eat immediately—one spoon per couple (emoticon winky face).

Our Sharp Press Man, Dave Marcheskie, is a reporter and anchor for abc27 News. If you’d like to ask Dave a fashion question, please email it to [email protected]. He may use it in a future column.

A Sister Story: Delta Sigma Theta’s Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter offers service, leadership, support.

January 29, 2016 | by Bob Bunty

Whoever coined the phrase “blood is thicker than water” should have added this: sisterhood might be even thicker.

At least that was my impression after visiting with the “sorors” or sisters of the Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

“First and foremost, we are grounded in sisterhood,” said Kristal Turner-Childs, president of the Harrisburg chapter. “We love and support one another whether we are sick, bereaved or in time of joy. Everything else we do comes from our being sisters first.”

Turner-Childs offered her perspective last month as more than 50 local chapter members gathered on the steps of the state Capitol rotunda to mark the 103^rd anniversary of the founding of the national Delta Sigma Theta sorority, the single largest African-American women’s service organization, and the 57^th birthday of the Harrisburg chapter.

Perhaps more than anything, the event provided an opportunity for these women to reconnect with each other and to the shared commitment they have with more than 250,000 initiated members in 1,000 affiliated chapters worldwide who have embraced the Delta Sigma Theta mission of service, leadership and empowerment for African-American women.

“Many young ladies have tremendous potential,” said Turner-Childs. “However, they are not afforded the opportunity to broaden themselves, express their curiosity and experience new and different things early on.”

The Harrisburg chapter helps accomplish this through the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, a program for girls ages 11 to 14 that aims to shape well-rounded young women by focusing on African-American history, literacy, character development, healthy choices and service learning.

“The goals of the Academy are to enhance or spark interest in math, science, technology and/or careers where minority women are scarcely represented,”said Turner-Childs. “In addition to building character, self-esteem and giving back to the community through service learning, field trips are planned to museums and other sites designed to enhance the knowledge of the participants in the identified focus areas.”

Building upon this foundation, the Harrisburg chapter’s “Delta Gems” program focuses on providing real-world educational opportunities for young women ages 14 to 18. For instance, last summer, the local chapter conducted a “Coding Camp” to teach participants to write and build computer software applications.

The sorority’s Harrisburg chapter also has provided more than $175,000 in scholarships to African-American women in the community since its founding. Ongoing voter education and registration is another principal activity.

Of course, being a member isn’t all serious business. Delta Sigma Theta, like other Greek organizations, boasts an active social side.

For instance, each Tuesday night for the last nine years, members have met at the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg on Berryhill Street to kick up their heels for 90 minutes of “community soul line dancing,” one of the chapter’s most popular activities.

“It’s aimed at young girls, but helps the entire family by educating, through recreation, the importance of exercising, healthy eating and socializing,” said Turner-Childs. “Families who exercise together will likely do other activities together that support good physical, mental and emotional health.”

Closely Connected

Turner-Childs’s initial encounter with the sorority came through her teachers when she attended Harrisburg High School—and all quite by accident.

“I didn’t realize that the Greek letters I saw a number of them wearing on clothing represented the sorority I would come to admire when I went to college,” she explained.

A bit later, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, her roommate was a Delta sister.

“I learned about Delta Sigma’s dedication to community service,” she said. “I wanted to join, but did not have the initiation fee.”

Following college, Turner-Childs returned to Harrisburg, finding employment at the Dauphin County Prison and joining Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Around this time, she learned about the existence of the Harrisburg chapter, and, at the invitation of a close friend, attended a “rush,” or interest meeting.

“There, I became exposed to a lot of the members who I would come to admire for the things they did in the community and for who they were personally,” she said, becoming a member in 2007 and president in 2013.

From a personal standpoint, Turner-Childs, who is a captain and a division director with the Pennsylvania State Police, understands the role that service organizations can play in building community.

Membership has afforded her the opportunity to “stay closely connected to the community,” she said. “It is vitally important that law enforcement officers know and understand the issues and concerns of the citizens they serve.”

Through the years, the sisters have formed a very special bond, something readily apparent to me as I watched the members on the steps of the state Capitol and witnessed their enthusiasm.

“As an organization as large as 100 members locally, we have to come together to maintain our grounding and be successful,” said Turner-Childs, who smiled, and with a sense of deep satisfaction, watched her sisters gather together beneath the magnificent rotunda.

For more information on the Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, visit www.dst-hbg.org or their Facebook page.

Residence Artists: The Governor’s Mansion flings open its doors–and out comes art.

January 29, 2016 | by Valarie Potell

In Harrisburg, there’s a sprawling, brick building that often seems both close by and very far away.

The Governor’s Residence sits in a highly visible location, at the corner of N. Front and Maclay streets, right on the Susquehanna River, but it’s a building that area residents, historically, have rarely entered.

The Wolf administration is using the arts to try to change that.

This month, for instance, the residence will close out an exhibit featuring the work of the Pennsylvania Arts Experience, a group of artists from central and eastern PA.

That exhibit debuted during Gallery Walk last year, and thousands of people have seen it since during regularly scheduled public tours, as well as during special hours over the holidays. Last summer, the residence also featured “Second Sunday” events, with a program of special events from June through September.

“The first lady is interested in making the public area of the residence more of an exhibition space,” said Andrea Mead, chief of staff to Frances Wolf.

It makes sense that Wolf would want to increase access to the residence in this way. She is an accomplished oil painter who holds three arts-related degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in studio art and the history of art from Franklin & Marshall College and a master’s degree in the history of art from Bryn Mawr College.

She actually co-curated the recent exhibit at the residence, though did not include her own work. She selected the PA Arts Experience for her first exhibit because she likes the “diversity and depth of the experience in this group,” Mead said.

That exhibit features 70 pieces by Pennsylvania artists who work along three river valley “trails” in southeastern PA: the Lower Susquehanna, Brandywine/Schuylkill and the Lower Delaware.

Co-curator Rob Evans, a Wrightsville-based artist and founding artistic director of the group, said he put out a call to members of the organization and received a strong response, partly due to prominent location where the works would be displayed. Most members enthusiastically submitted a piece, he said.

“The challenge, once we got them all to the residence, was figuring out how to get everything in there,” Evans said with a laugh.

Evans and Wolf picked pieces to fill key spots and then found a home for each of the works. The exhibit at the residence fit perfectly with the mission of the PA Arts Experience, Evans said.

“We want to try to make this region and state an internationally recognized arts destination,” he said.

The exhibit will be open to the public once more, during 3^rd in the Burg on Feb. 19. For those who miss it, the Pennsylvania Arts Experience Gallery, located in York, will debut a new exhibit featuring members of the Rudy Collective on Friday, Feb. 5.

As for the residence, March will bring a new exhibit that will be open to the public throughout the spring and summer. Mead said that Wolf worked with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to create the upcoming textile-themed show.

The Governor’s Residence is open for free public tours with reservations available on select dates and times during the months of April, May, June, September and October. This year, the residence again will be open each second Sunday from June to September, when visitors are welcome to attend a series of free summer events without a reservation.

There are other select times and events throughout the year when the residence is open to the public. Mead added that, with Frances Wolf’s goal in mind, the residence is also exploring opening its doors regularly during 3rd in the Burg.

“The first lady and governor are looking for more opportunities to open the residence to the public,” Mead said.

The Governor’s Residence will be open during 3^rd in the Burg, Feb. 19, for the final public viewing of the Pennsylvania Arts Experience group exhibit. The residence is located at N. Front and Maclay streets, Harrisburg.

For more information about tours and other events at the Governor’s Residence, visit www.residence.pa.gov.

Bring in the Funk: Craft brewpub taps a new market in central PA.

January 29, 2016 | by Rebecca Hanlon

Step inside the old Elizabethtown Hotel, and you might find yourself overcome with the quaint, small-town intimacy it offers.

But instead of lining up around a check-in desk, guests pull a stool up to the bar and spend an evening pouring back the crafty brews of Funk Brewing Company—the latest business to take residence in the historic building.

When Jon “Norm” Norman moved to Elizabethtown six years ago, he often looked at the old maroon and green building and wondered why no one had scooped it up in the decade it sat vacant.

While running the company’s original brewpub outside Allentown, Norman couldn’t get it out of his mind that he could bring something to his new home.

“It’s really only because of the success of the brewpub in Allentown that I could even consider a location here,” Norman said.

Back to Life

Funk Brewing’s first location started as a production facility that today is a full brewpub that holds about 60 people. Guests sit in a room surrounded by the heart of the beer-making process. The industrial feel of steel beer tanks and equipment put Funk Brewing visitors in the middle of what these beer connoisseurs love most—the experimentation of craft beer brewing.

When Norman envisioned the Elizabethtown site, it was less about making beer and more about simply enjoying it, he said. A rustic, homemade feel from an original stone wall, as well as the additions of granite and pallet wood features, give the new bar a cozy atmosphere. A painting of the brewpub’s canned Citrus IPA graces an entire wall with orange and green.

“People should expect the same beer, the same great service and the same cool things Funk Brewing Company is known for in Allentown,” Norman said.

Guests will find new beers are released at the same time at either location, as well as the “Firkin Friday” specials made famous at the Allentown location—featuring specialty beer poured from a firkin, or a small barrel about one-fourth the size of a regular barrel of beer.

The response to the bar’s opening in mid-November has been great, not only from residents of Elizabethtown but from people from Lancaster, Mount Joy, Hershey and Hummelstown, Norman said.

“This place meant something to a lot people,” Norman said. “I hear people walk in here all the time and share a story about a college memory or a family event that took place in this building. Being able to bring the space back to life is something I’m really proud of.”

Great Feel

A lifelong resident of Elizabethtown, Cindy Lang was excited to see the spunk return to the old hotel, she said, as she sipped a South Mountain Stout at the bar.

Lang grew up around the corner, often riding her bike across the sidewalk back and forth in front of the hotel. When the doors closed more than a decade ago, she said, it was like the street lost its strength.

“It’s incredible how one building can have such power on a neighborhood,” Lang said. “We’re a small town here, for sure, but we have a lot to offer.”

Opening the bar made Norman feel like he wasn’t just adding a brewpub to the neighborhood, but that he was helping the greater good of Elizabethtown. He senses the support of the community each day he walks into the bar and sees people willing to try new things or latch on to a favorite.

“I feel like we owe it to the community to get this main street alive,” Norman said. “There is a great feel to this town, and I think a lot more could be happening here. I think we’ll get there, and hopefully we’re a piece of that.”

The Funk Brewing Company is located at 28 S. Market St., Elizabethtown. For more information, visit www.funk-etown.com or call 717-366-4352.

Happenings: Our February Calendar of Events

January 29, 2016 | by TheBurg Editor

Museum & Art Spaces

3rd Street Studio
1725 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
Facebook: 3^rd Street Studio

“Exploration of Emotions,” featuring acrylic paintings by Amy Powell, Jan.15-Feb. 12; reception: Jan. 15, 6-9 p.m.

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

“It’s a Small World: Micro & Mini Cars,” through April 22.

“Pioneers in African-American Auto History,” Feb. 1-April 30.

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

“Figuratively Speaking,” winter membership show highlighting the human form, through Feb. 18.

“5 Artist Invitational,” with Josephine Alexander, Matthew Bennett, Karen Commings, Francesca Pizzurro and Deborah Williams, Feb. 26-March 31; reception: Feb. 26, 5-8 p.m.

Brain Vessel Gallery
4707 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
717-350-2306; www.bvcargo.com

“Catch and Release: Fish and Lure Paintings,” works by Mary Anne Lard and Thom Glace, Feb. 5-March 11; receptions: Feb. 5 & 6, 7-10 p.m.

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

Artists of the Month: Taylor Brown

Gallery@Second
608 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-233-2498; galleryatsecond.com

“The Burg 2: About Harrisburg, For Harrisburg,” through March 12; reception: Feb. 19, 6-9 p.m.

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

“Chocolate Workers Wanted,” life in Hershey’s chocolate factory from 1905 to 1925, through spring 2016.

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

“Interior,” an exploration of physical, emotional, sculptural and pictorial aspects of interior space through sculptures and paintings by Brian and Naomi Menkis, Feb. 12-May 7; reception: Feb. 12, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

“A Wintry Mix II,” a group show with no theme whatsoever, through Feb. 26.

“Eros,” a provocative exhibit by fine art photographer Stewart A., which is intended for a mature audience, Feb. 5-March26; reception: Feb. 5, 6-11 p.m.

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

“The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls,” the story of a man born into slavery, who later rose to the U.S. Congress, through June 2016.

“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 Hidden Works of Jay N. ‘Ding’ Darling,” featuring personal works of the pioneering conservationist and cartoonist, through June 18.

PCCA Gallery
Perry County Council of the Arts
1 S. 2nd St., Newport
perrycountyarts.org

“Stories of Individual Struggles and Personal Growth,” featuring relief paintings by ZheKa, Feb. 12-April 2; reception: Feb. 12, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

“Prints from Poland,” through Feb. 12.

”Consequences,” photographs by Rita Bernstein, Feb. 19-April 1; lecture and reception: Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m.

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

“Pennsylvania Modern, A Juried Photography Exhibition of Midcentury Modern Architecture,” honoring iconic and modern architecture, extended through April 24.

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

“Les Diners de Gala by Salvador Dali,” featuring artwork from Dali’s cookbook, through Feb. 14.

“New Light: The Pennsylvania Impressionists, Highlights from the Woodmere Art Museum Collection,” Feb. 7-May 22; preview for members: Feb. 6, 5-7 p.m.

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

Works by Susan Getty, through Feb. 13.

Photography of Chris Kulfan, Feb. 17-March 13.

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

“Deep Cuts,” works by SR81, Feb. 19-March 17.

Read, Make, Learn

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

Feb. 3: “Wings, Sauces, Tailgate Party and Beer Pairing,” 6-9 p.m.
Feb. 9: “Mardi Gras on Market Street,” 6-9 p.m.
Feb. 12: “Early Valentine’s Day Celebration,” 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: “St. Valentine’s Day Celebration,” 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 19: “Garlic Lovers Rejoice,” 6:30-9:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 1: Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 2: Curl Up With the Classics—“Through the Looking Glass,” 1 p.m.
Feb. 5: Youth Chess Night, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13: “Getting Started with Crochet,” 1 p.m.
Feb. 12: Foreign Film Friday—“Priceless,” 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
Feb. 15: Kids and Companions Book Club, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 16: Fredricksen Reads, 7 p.m.
Feb. 17: Adventure Crafts, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 19: Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 21: Innovation, Discovery, Imagination, Design, 2 p.m.
Feb. 28: Teen Winterfest, 2 p.m.

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

Feb. 29-April 18: Improv Level 1, 7 p.m., offered on Mondays

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

Feb. 9: Sugar Cravings & Root Vegetables
Feb. 18: Easy Diet Changes for Heart Health
Feb. 23: Basics Cooking Class

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

Feb. 1-29: Chocolate Lab Classes
Feb. 1-29: Tastings—Chocolate from Around the World
Feb. 13-14: #IHeartHershey, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Common Roads Youth, 6 p.m.
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Weekly Meditation Practice, 11 a.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Alcoholics Anonymous, 12 p.m.
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Common Roads Young Adults, 4 p.m.
Feb. 11: Aging with Pride Lunchtime Discussion, 12 p.m.
Feb. 16: Women’s Group, 6 p.m.

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

Feb. 1: Midtown Writer’s Group, 1 p.m.
Feb. 2: Sci-Fi Writer’s Group, 7 p.m.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Midtown Chess Club, 11 a.m.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel, 7 p.m.
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Nathaniel Gadsden’s Spoken Word Café, 7 p.m.
Feb. 6: Good News Café, 6 p.m.
Feb. 9: Dauphin County Young Democrats Meeting, 7 p.m.
Feb. 9, 23: Meet-Up, 9 a.m.
Feb. 11, 18: Camp Curtin Toastmasters, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 13: Susquehanna Service Dogs, 11 a.m.
Feb. 14, 28: TED Talks, 1 p.m.
Feb. 17: Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Club, 7 p.m.
Feb. 19: Coffee Tasting with Café Staff, 12 p.m.
Feb. 19: Tea Tasting w/ Café Staff, 2 p.m.
Feb. 20: Coffee & Critique—Designer Workshop, 8:30 a.m.
Feb. 20: Storytime with Samantha, 11 a.m.
Feb. 21: LGBT Book Club, 5 p.m.
Feb. 22: Feminism Book Club, 7 p.m.
Feb. 23: Friends of Midtown Safety Committee, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 27: Children’s Author Book Signing, 11 a.m.
Feb. 28: Harrisburg Young Professionals Book Club, 2 p.m.

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

Feb. 9: Beginning Knitting: Simple Reversible Scarf
Feb. 26-April 1: Oil and Cold Wax 3-Day Workshop

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

Feb. 13: “A Novel Idea” writing workshop, 9:30 a.m.

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

Feb. 6, 13: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.
Feb. 20: Master Class with Painter Robert Dale Williams, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Feb. 21: Family Paint Party, 1 p.m.

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

Feb. 2: “Fire’s Role in PA Ecosystems,” 7 p.m.
Feb. 13: “Creative Feature: Life Cycle of the Lady Bug,” 10 a.m.
Feb. 16: “Owls: Soul of the Night,” 7 p.m.
Feb. 20: “Cabin Fever Walk,” 1 p.m.
Feb. 20: “Getting Started in Digital Photography,” 10 a.m.
Feb. 21: “Let’s Go Tracking,” 1 p.m.
Feb. 27: “Meet a Naturalist: Animals of Wildwood,” 1 p.m.
Feb. 28: “Conservation Video Series,” 1 p.m.

Live Music Around Harrisburg

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

Feb. 6: “The Godfather Live,” w/Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
Feb. 10: RAIN—A Tribute to The Beatles
Feb. 13: Tommy James and The Shondells, Herman’s Hermits
Feb. 20-21: Mark Lowry
Feb. 22: Home Free

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

Feb. 4: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
Feb. 12: The Dirty Sweet
Feb. 13: The Travelin’ McCourys & Driftwood
Feb. 14: Ethereal Groove w/Mister F
Feb. 19-20: Millennium Music Conference
Feb. 21: Tony Trischka Territory
Feb. 26: Big Mean Sound Machine
Feb. 27: Blind Owl Band & Still Hand String Band
Feb. 29: Badfish

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

Feb. 2: Daniel Sheehan
Feb. 3, 17: Christine Purcell
Feb. 4, 14, 25, 28: Anthony Haubert
Feb. 5, 23: Corinna Joy
Feb. 6: Jessica Perla
Feb. 9: Maria Battista
Feb. 10, 12, 16: Noel Gevers
Feb. 11, 24: Deborah Anderson
Feb. 13: Chris Emkey
Feb. 26: Ted Ansel
Feb. 27: Roy Lefever

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

Feb. 5: Zoso

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

Feb. 5: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
Feb. 12: Voivod
Feb. 13: For Today
Feb. 18: Chuck Ragan
Feb. 19, 20: KIX
Feb. 23: Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown

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

Feb 5: Antonio Andrade
Feb 6: David Fishel
Feb 7: Corinna Joy
Feb 12: Jim Haas
Feb 13: Paul Zavinsky
Feb 14: Dominick Cicco
Feb 21: Shelba Purtle
Feb 26: Kevin Kline
Feb 27: Josh Krevsky
Feb 28: Kirk Wise

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

Feb. 4: Bob Marley’s Earth Strong Dance Party
Feb. 5: First Friday w/Vetour Productions
Feb. 6: Andy Book Benefit Concert w/The April Skies
Feb. 12: Paul Collins Beat & The Split Squad
Feb. 19-20: Millennium Music Conference
Feb. 19: Mother Moses & Ellen Siberian Tiger
Feb. 20: Susan Giblin Foundation benefit: “One Hit Wonders”
Feb. 26: Andy Mowatt’s Steely Jam
Feb. 27: Hot Wing Jones
Every Monday: Barcrawler Karaoke
Every Tuesday: Open Mic

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

Feb. 20-21: Masterworks 4
Feb. 22: Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra

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

Feb. 2: O.A.R.
Feb. 19: “Warm & Snuggly” w/Hershey Symphony
Feb. 23: Il Volo

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

Feb. 6: TBA
Feb. 13: Colt Wilbur Band
Feb. 20: Bo Deadlys
Feb. 27: The Dirty Place

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

Feb. 5: Shawan and the Wonton, Silvas and Jewels, Hollan
Feb. 12: Evy Zee
Feb. 26: The Anthony Pieruccini Trio

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

Feb. 4: River City Brass
Feb. 13: Joe Nichols

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

Feb. 27: Sunderman Conservatory of Music 10^th Anniversary Concert

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

Feb. 28: Ensemble Epomeo

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

Feb. 3: Acoustic Stew Open Jam
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Open Electric Jam
Feb. 5: Marissa Elise & The Groove
Feb. 10: Blue Elephant Open Jam
Feb. 13-14: Gas House Gorillas
Feb. 19-20: Millennium Music Conference

Rubicon
270 North St., Harrisburg
717-317-9027; rubiconhbg.com

Feb. 9: Brazilian Carnival

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

Feb. 5: Music thru Science Lite
Feb. 6: JJ Gun
Feb. 12: Houston Baker
Feb. 13: Shea and Swish
Feb. 19: Visitors Duo
Feb. 20: US2 Duo
Feb. 26: Keith Goldstein
Feb. 27: Up Pops the Devil

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

Feb. 5: Jazz in the City
Feb. 13: “Beethoven in Buenos Aires” w/York Symphony Orchestra
Feb. 28: The Lone Bellow

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

Feb. 6: Mark DeRose
Feb. 20: Nate Myers & The Aces
Feb. 27: Blue Elephant

Susquehanna Folk Music Society
sfmsfolk.org

Feb. 6: Winter Coffee House
Feb. 13: RUNA
Feb. 21: Tony Trischka Territory

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

Feb. 5: Gospel Sounds of Lancaster
Feb. 6: Flor de Toloache
Feb. 13: James Tormé
Feb. 19: Jazz at the ‘Ville
Feb. 21: Allegretto Youth Chamber Orchestra

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

Feb. 5: Rivers
Feb. 12: Eli Charleston
Feb. 26: Shawan and the Wonton and Yairms/Alhhla

The Stage Door

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

Feb. 12: Masters of Illusion

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

Feb. 12-14: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

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

Through Feb. 14: “Smokey Joe’s Café”
Feb. 19-March 12: “Clue, the Musical”

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

Through Feb. 7: “Red Velvet”
Feb. 17-March 5: “Stone Soup” w/Popcorn Hat Players
Feb. 19-21: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

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

Feb. 5-6: Sid Davis w/Tommy Torres
Feb. 12-13: Julia Scotti w/Keith Purnell

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

Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26: Harold Hour
Feb. 6: Mary Todd Lincoln/Love Triangle
Feb. 6, 20: Monotone—An Improvised Musical
Feb. 20: Missed Connections
Every Saturday: Free Improv Mixer
Every Sunday: Open Mic

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

Feb. 13: “The Infinite First Date”
Feb. 13, 14: “Pretty Things Peep Show”

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

Feb. 11-21: “Godspell”

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

Feb. 12: Kathy Griffin
Feb. 20: “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live”

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
915 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0535; ltmonline.net

Feb. 5-14: “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress”

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

Feb. 19: Drew Thomas Magic “Materialize”
Feb. 26: Jack Hanna’s “Into the Wild Live”

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

Feb. 19: Comedy Night

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-732-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

Feb. 5-21: “Two Trains Running”
Feb. 26-27: “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” (staged reading)

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

Through Feb. 7: “All My Sons”

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

Feb. 17: Philadanco

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

Feb. 15: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Feb. 18: “Vocalosity”
Feb. 20: The Midtown Men

Theatre Harrisburg
513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; theatreharrisburg.com

Feb. 12-28: “The Velocity of Autumn”

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

Feb. 9: “Blue Fish”
Feb. 12: “Botanic Garden”
Feb. 19-28: “Rabbit Hole”

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

Feb. 20: Earl David Reed

York Little Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-5715; ylt.org

Feb. 4-7: “Sex Please, We’re 60”

January News Digest

January 29, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

Williams Named Council President

Wanda Williams will serve another term as president of the Harrisburg City Council, council members decided last month.

Williams was the only council member nominated for the position and received unanimous support.

Councilwoman Shamaine Daniels was elected council vice president by a 4-3 vote, narrowly besting Councilman Jeffrey Baltimore.

The vote was taken during the council’s reorganization, held with each new term. The reorganization followed the swearing in of three new council members: Cornelius Johnson, Westburn Majors and Destini Hodges. Baltimore, who has served for almost two years, took the oath for his first full term.

Council also announced the following committee chairmanships for the 2016-17 session:

Administration: Wanda Williams
Budget and Finance: Ben Allatt
Building and Housing: Shamaine Daniels
Community and Economic Development: Jeffrey Baltimore
Parks, Recreation & Enrichment: Destini Hodges
Public Safety: Cornelius Johnson
Public Works: Westburn Majors

Council Re-Opens Budget

The Harrisburg City Council last month began reconsideration of the 2016 spending plan passed in December.

The $60.7 million budget added 36 new positions, about half in a newly created Neighborhood Services Division, funded through city trash bills.

The administration also has proposed tripling the local services tax (LST) to $3 per week per worker. The Commonwealth Court must first approve the hike, which then must be sanctioned by council.

Council re-opened the budget to accommodate input from three new council members, who were sworn in last month. A vote on a revised budget is expected this month.

Free Downtown Parking

The Papenfuse administration last month announced a novel plan to allow free, short-term parking in select loading zones in downtown Harrisburg.

Under the plan, people are able to park for 15 minutes for free in eight zones located on N. 2^nd Street between Walnut and Pine streets. This will help customers who want to stop briefly to make a quick purchase or pick up food from restaurants, said Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

For the past two years, shop owners have complained that the cost of parking—$3 per hour—prevents customers from frequenting their stores.

The 15-minute time limit would be strictly enforced, said Papenfuse. After 15 minutes, parkers would face tickets with standard fines for parking in a loading zone.

Parking Breaks to Continue

An experimental plan that lowered some parking rates in downtown Harrisburg will continue this year.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that there are no plans to stop the program that lowered rates by $1 per hour on weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and provided four free hours of weekend parking through the Pango mobile app.

Papenfuse said that the changes were deemed successful because they didn’t lower meter revenue for parking operator, SP Plus.

Meanwhile, rates for garage parking for motorists without monthly passes increased last month to $9 for two hours, up from $8.

School Board Set

The Harrisburg school board is back to full strength as members last month selected community activist Alan Kennedy-Shaffer to join the body.

Members voted unanimously to appoint Kennedy-Shaffer, who also is a member of the Dauphin County Democratic State Committee. The seat was vacant after the sudden resignation in November of former board President Jennifer Smallwood.

Kennedy-Shaffer is a co-founder of the community group Harrisburg Hope and, last year, was forced to drop out of the primary race for City Council following a successful challenge to his nominating petitions.

Police Bureau Changes

A long-time Harrisburg police officer was promoted to captain last month, as five new officers also were sworn in.

Twenty-year force veteran Gabriel Olivera was named captain of the criminal investigation division, most recently serving as a sergeant in that division after rising through the ranks.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse also swore in the following new officers:

Christopher Palamara
Wesley Feduke III
Corre Sommers
Adrienne Monroy
Daren Sharp

Bar Denied License

Harrisburg denied a Midtown bar both business and health licenses last month, though the bar has remained open pending an appeal.

The Third Street Café appealed the denial to the city’s Tax and Appeal Board. Dauphin County Judge Andrew Dowling also issued an order so the city could not fine the bar for operating without a license until the board issues a decision.

The city last year ordered business licenses revoked for three bars it considered troubled. The Royal Pub closed immediately, and the Taproom shut on Dec. 31. The Third Street Café chose to fight the revocation of its 2015 license and now is opposing the denial of a 2016 license.

New Pumper Approved

The Harrisburg City Council last month voted to buy a new, $480,000 pumper for the city’s Fire Bureau.

The vote was unanimous, but made contingent upon receiving a matching grant from the Harrisburg Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association.

To pay for the pumper, the city had previously allotted $160,000, and another $90,000 was made available last year through a budget reallocation.

So Noted

The Harrisburg Carriage Company vacated the carriage house on City Island last month following the receipt of eviction notices by the city. The city and the company could not reach agreement over long-standing issues such as the payback of five years of delinquent rent, making fixes to the dilapidated stable and properly accommodating several horses.

Harristown Enterprises last month began a three-month project that will replace the escalator in Strawberry Square. The $350,000 project had been in the planning phase for the past two years, with the Dauphin County Industrial Development Authority providing a $100,000 loan to help finance it, said Brad Jones, Harristown president and CEO.

Zeroday Brewing has expanded its hours as it enters its second year of operation. The Harrisburg-based brewery is now open Tuesday through Sunday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Changing Hands

Alison Ct., 3: M. Malinov to D. Patrick, $69,000

Barkley Lane, 2511: V. & D. Rodriguez to K. Clement, $59,000

Boas St., 418: Newlands Asset Holding Trust to PA Deals LLC, $74,250

Chestnut St., 2405: T. & A. Sawyer to W. Majors, $140,000

Croyden Rd., 2778: Secretary of Veterans Affairs to PA Deals LLC, $38,000

Forster St., 1612: N. Combs to S. Mason, $82,900

Fulton St., 1405: A. Pagano to PA Deals LLC, $83,000

Green St., 1400: P. Misivich to S. Weiland, $118,900

Green St., 2245: Y. al-Refae to J. Smith, $56,000

Green St., 2952: S. Gassner & J. Morris to N. Williams, $185,000

Hamilton St., 271 & 275: W. Grace & J. Hadfield to K. Ayres & A. Gupta, $189,585

Herr St., 217: S. Grovers to K. & V. Land, $50,000

Industrial Rd., 3400: Exeter 3400 Industrial LP to Big Box Property LLC & Exeter Property Group, $17,600,000

Kensington St., 2153: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. NA to H. Marca, $31,000

N. 2^nd St., 400: GSO Real Estate Inc. & Realty Management Associates LLC to Murphy & Laus Real Estate LLC, $240,000

N. 2^nd St., 2127: J. Livingston to A. Graffius, $84,500

N. 3^rd St., 1700, L57: Bank of America NA to J. Cody, $75,000

N. 6^th St., 1408: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development to PA Deals LLC, $82,250

Norwood St., 947: C. & M. Morgan to PA Deals LLC, $32,000

Penn St., 1204: M. Mekilo & U.S. Bank N.A. to C. Wagner, $109,000

Penn St., 1317: L. Stickley to M. Wilkins, $62,500

Penn St., 1523: E. Jones & J. Lindgren to T. Smith & K. Leighton, $147,000

Reservoir St., 73: G. Neff to H. Rentas, $38,900

Rumson Dr., 353: A. Skillman to W. Assefa, $62,000

Rumson Dr., 2574: PA Deals LLC to R. Reeves, $80,000

S. Front St., 631: K. & A. Gulotta to A. Poindexter, $150,000

Harrisburg property sales for December 2015, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

Brain Gain: Exhibits, arts, crafts pour out of Brain Vessel.

January 29, 2016 | by Susan Ryder

When it comes to creativity, Carlisle Pike is not generally regarded as a center of innovation.

But about halfway between Camp Hill and Mechanicsburg, across from HoneyBaked Ham and Arooga’s, is a place that definitely doesn’t fit the usual mold. A huge, rusted anchor leans against the front of the building, giving a clue to what’s inside.

Jason Kreiger and Douglas Koozer created Brain Vessel, a branding business, in 2013, and now have expanded it to include an art gallery and crafty shop. Koozer said the name describes “a container of creativity, getting our clients to their destination.” He added that it is a metaphor for developing a product from scratch and experiencing unforeseen events along the journey.

The nautically themed (though not exclusively) gallery contains jewelry, glass, paintings, furniture and sculpture. Many of the pieces are functional works of art. The liar’s dice sets, for instance, have hand-stitched, vegetable-tanned leather cups and marble-finished dice. Koozer refers to the benches and stools wrapped in hand-forged, twisted wrought iron, created by Don Shelton, as “generational furniture.” Pewter jewelry includes rings and necklaces engraved with a compass rose, captain’s wheel and anchors.

The gallery’s foundation is its playing cards, ornately decorated with pirates, high seas adventures or creatures resembling the legendary sea monster, the Kraken, all original art work by Kreiger. Some of the decks are licensed by Bicycle. Licensed or not, they bring a “Pirates of the Caribbean” air to any Saturday night poker game. Koozer said the cards serve as a sustainable, go-to product for Brain Vessel, which has shipped sets to 20 different countries.

A few art pieces are designed specifically to house the decks of cards. The quadriptych holds four decks side by side in a superbly engraved wooden frame. The engraving resembles scrimshaw, an art form in which whalebone is engraved then ink applied to the etching. While in the frame, the decks create a complete narrative—whaling ships on the hunt. The decoration continues on the inside of the frame, when the cards are removed. Poster-sized sheets of uncut cards are available for sale, as well.

Koozer describes the gallery’s contents as being “about detail and quality. It’s affordable and collectible.”

The gallery, according to Koozer, “is a product of everything that I’ve ever experienced, put all into one.” Those experiences include his many business ventures, such as a sign business that he owned for 10 years, an events company, which he sold to Motorama Events, and Gotta Pea, a children’s entertainment property.

His combined business experience also has driven Brain Vessel’s branding expertise. Although it may not be obvious at first, art and branding work together, Koozer said.

“We want to build a community of artists, creatives and brands—have resources for them either that they wouldn’t normally know how to find or be able attract themselves,” he said, adding that artists and startups often know how to create but not how to get the word out.

Brain Vessel is in the process of building out studio space for artists and increasingly wants to host artists’ showings and events for area residents. In October, Shawn Feeney, an artist, musician and master vegetable carver, featured on Food Network’s “Halloween Wars,” taught a seven-hour pumpkin carving class. Classes like this aren’t just for artists—Brain Vessel welcomes and encourages participation by novices.

Upcoming events include a Feb. 22 and 23 show by Thom Glace, a local watercolor and oil artist who specializes in fish, dragonflies and landscapes. Local gear heads might be interested in an April exhibit by Casey Hall, who focuses on painting carburetors. This show coincides with the spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet.

Whether it’s branding businesses and products or providing space for events and artists, Brain Vessel focuses on collaboration. It doesn’t simply exist for itself, but desires to serve as an anchor in the artistic community, helping to brand artists and leverage its creative prowess to help businesses.

“I want to come into work every day, not even work—my space—and be able to love what I’m doing and inspire people and also be inspired,” said Koozer.

Brain Vessel is located at 4702-04 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg. For more information, visit www.bvcargo.com or Brain Vessel’s Facebook page.

Musical Notes: Heavy Feb–Rock it from Groundhog Day to Leap Year Day.

January 29, 2016 | by Andrew Dyrli Hermeling

Truth be told, I wanted to present a Valentine’s themed column this month. But, sometimes, things don’t go as expected. So, while I might not recommend these shows as the perfect date night, per se, I can confidently say that you won’t be disappointed. Instead, get ready to rock hard all month long, as all of these bands combine big hooks, instrumental athleticism and powerful melodies.

THE APRIL SKIES, 2/6, 9PM, H*MAC STAGE ON HERR, $5: This powerful rock band hails from Hershey. Huge guitars and soaring melodies could easily fool you into thinking they were an arena-ready opening act on tour with U2 or MUSE. April Skies’ most recent EP, 2013’s “Yet it Floats,” sees the band further reifying their sound. Sadly, tragedy struck the band as they recently experienced the unexpected death of their guitarist, Andy Book. The February show will therefore serve as a benefit to raise money for Book’s three daughters. So, while this is a band worth seeing any time they’re performing, it will be an extra special night in support of some artists playing with heavy hearts.

ETHEREAL GROOVE INC., w/MISTER F, 2/14, 9PM, ABBEY BAR, $5: This is a band that works hard to defy categorization. Fans of jam bands will find a lot to like here, but so will those who prefer funk or prog-rock. Super slinky slapped bass lines are laid over complex polyrhythms, and they’ve gathered a devoted following in the Midwest. They will be joined by another funky, high-energy band, Mister F. Hailing from Albany, N.Y., the band’s complex arrangements and start-and-stop rhythms reveal a high level of virtuosity behind the artistry. But don’t come expecting short, power-pop songs from either of these bands. Both are prone to letting their arrangements develop into lengthy jams.

THOSE MANIC SEAS, 2/25, 8PM, THE MAKESPACE, $5 SUGGESTED DONATION: Up from Richmond, Va., this post-punk band finds a wonderful groove somewhere between the danceable New Wave of the ‘80s and the more recent and noisier post-hardcore and post-rock. But their most defining feature is their unique take on touring. Formed by three musicians who couldn’t find a full-time vocalist, they recruited “Kilroy,” a pre-recorded video that is then projected through a television fixed atop a mannequin. The result is a bizarre and somewhat disjointed live show, full of energy yet very manufactured. While more cerebral music fans are sure to pull out themes of 21st-century digital alienation from the band’s live performance, in the end, it is just great, raucous music to shake your hips to.

Mentionables: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, 2/4, Abbey Bar; Shawan and the Wonton, 2/5, Little Amps Downtown; Millennium Music Conference, 2/19-2/20, various locations

City Snow Relief Expected to Hit Half-a-Million Mark

January 27, 2016 | by Paul Barker

Passersby try to push a car out of a snow bank on Sunday night in Midtown Harrisburg.

Clearing the 30 inches of snow that last weekend’s storm dumped on Harrisburg is expected to cost the city about $500,000, officials said today, just hours after ending the declared snow emergency and opening emergency routes like 2nd and 7th streets once again to parked cars.

The costs include city laborers working overtime shifts as well as special contractors the city hired to work 24 hours a day, transporting piles of snow from the streets to a collection site on City Island.

Trash service will continue to be suspended through the end of the week, with sanitation workers diverted to the snow-clearing efforts, said public works director Aaron Johnson. The city is asking residents to dig out a path so that workers can access their trash and recycling bins once service resumes next Monday, Feb. 1.

Johnson also reassured residents that they would be allowed to dispose of more than a single toter’s worth of garbage, the usual limit under city policy, given the week of missed pickups. “We’ll take everything you put out there,” he said.

Officials said they were optimistic that both Dauphin County and the state would pass the thresholds required for disaster relief funding, which would reimburse large portions of the costs of dealing with the snow.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse thanked city workers and private contractors for their efforts over the past several days, as well as Gov. Tom Wolf and PennDOT, who deployed vehicles to clear 2nd, 7th and Market streets. He also thanked residents for the “spirit of community” they demonstrated in shoveling out their streets and sidewalks in their neighborhoods.

The mayor urged people to continue clearing their walks, noting that the city was lenient in the wake of the storm but that it would begin to cite owners who neglected to remove snow and ice from their property. Property owners are responsible for clearing any sections of sidewalk falling within their parcels under city code.

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