Harrisburg’s “Merchant Princess”: New book explores the fascinating life of retail pioneer Mary Sachs.

January 29, 2016 | by Rebecca Oken

Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary Sachs.

As a Jewish kid growing up in Harrisburg, I went to the Jewish Community Center on Front Street multiple times per week.

Often, I would end up in the main auditorium, more commonly known as “The Mary Sachs,” for the woman whose Mona Lisa-like portrait hangs above the doorway. It wasn’t until many years later that I realized she was a Jewish woman and entrepreneur whose story is woven into the fabric of Harrisburg.

“She was seen as a merchant, philanthropist and benefactor,” said William Greenberg, Sachs’s grandnephew and chairman of the Mary Sachs Trust.

Now, a new book details her life and success in this city’s heyday. Barbara Trainin-Blank’s “Mary Sachs: Merchant Princess” (Sunbury Press) takes us back to the first half of the 1900s, when Harrisburg was a bustling, industrious city.

Trainin-Blank describes her book as a second edition of sorts to Bern Sharfman’s 2003 book, “Their Gifts Keep Giving: The Saga of Mary Sachs and Her Two Co-worker Sisters.”

“What else was there to say?” Trainin-Blank said she remembers thinking after reading that book.

Quite a bit, it turns out. Using resources like the Mary Sachs Trust, the Dauphin County Historical Society and Pennsylvania State Archives, Trainin-Blank focuses mainly on Sachs and her entrepreneurialism, while incorporating details about her sisters and their collective philanthropy.

Commanding Respect

Born on March 10, 1888 in Lithuania, Sachs immigrated to the United States with her mother and two sisters—five more siblings would be born in this country—in 1892. After living in various places around Maryland and Pennsylvania and gaining experience in retail, she settled in Harrisburg around 1916, writes Trainin-Blank.

The Mary Sachs Store opened in Harrisburg on Sept. 6, 1918, with Lancaster and Reading locations following in 1921 and 1923, respectively. According to Trainin-Blank, success came quickly, as the store grossed more than $200,000 in sales during its first year.

Between 1955 and ’58—the “high water mark,” Greenberg said—Sachs employed about 200 people. Initially selling just women’s apparel, the Harrisburg location at 208 N. 3^rd St. eventually expanded to include men’s and children’s clothing, a home goods section, a paper shop and a candy shop.

Aunt Mary was Ms. Sachs in her store, recalled Greenberg, speaking of his days as a store clerk in the 1950s. Her demeanor commanded respect, but she was personable, friendly and caring toward those around her, he said.

The stores’ advertisements reflected those values, often boldly and unconventionally. In reference to her refusal to join the “Chain Store Age,” one of her ads, included in Trainin-Blank’s book, stated, “I am too individual in my approach to fashion to be a link in a chain. And the women I cater to are too individual in their requirements to be counseled by proxy…I have a fierce attachment to Harrisburg…It’s my town, and I love it.”

Ahead of the Curve

The Mary Sachs Store was the first in central Pennsylvania to carry certain high-quality, unique designers and manufacturers, said Greenberg, a federal judge in Washington, D.C. Sachs traveled with her sisters, Hannah and Yetta, to New York several times per year and Paris annually to purchase merchandise.

“She was ahead of the curve of what was going to sell and be popular,” Greenberg said.

He remembers “many an afternoon” working on his aunt’s personal delivery vans, and the stores’ distinctive gray-and-red wrapping paper was held as a status symbol.

Sachs’s personal attention to both her customers and clothing earned her acclaim beyond Harrisburg. First ladies Eleanor Roosevelt and Mamie Eisenhower were both customers and personal friends, and she often welcomed important public figures to Friday night dinners at her Front Street mansion. Along with promoting her business, Sachs used her ads to appeal to the public and comment on current events, Greenberg said.

“I wish she was better known,” said Trainin-Blank, a long-time Harrisburg-area writer and contributor to TheBurg. “That was the purpose [of the book].”

Trainin-Blank’s connection to Sachs goes back to her early years in Harrisburg in the late 1980s when Hannah, Mary’s youngest sister, approached her about the book that Sharfman would later write. Almost a decade later, after a meeting with Sunbury Press founder Larry Knorr to discuss another of Trainin-Blank’s books, the two mutually agreed that a Mary Sachs monograph was needed.

Sunbury Press, based in Mechanicsburg, often publishes local historical books, and Knorr wanted to do one involving Harrisburg’s Jewish community.

“This was a woman in the early 20^th century who owned her own retail business,” Knorr said. “There’s something there.”

“Mary Sachs: Merchant Princess” contributes to an often-quiet legacy that has spanned decades since Sachs’s death in 1960. That legacy now largely rests with the Mary Sachs Trust, on whose board Greenberg has sat since 1973. He said that Sachs was as much a philanthropist as she was a businesswoman, and the trust aims to support organizations and institutions that she supported in her time.

“What would she do and observe as a need?” he said, regarding the trust’s mission.

Today, Mary Sachs’s place in history reaches beyond the auditorium at the Jewish Community Center or the downtown building that still bears her name. It reaches to local colleges and universities, to girl and boy scouts, and around the world.

“Mary Sachs: Merchant Princess” by Barbara Trainin-Blank can be found at local bookstores, online and at www.sunburypress.com.

King Cabernet: All hail the wine that would rule the world.

January 29, 2016 | by Steve Juliana

In the world of wine, there are seven grapes designated as “noble,” two of which are white and five red. They are called noble because they have spread worldwide and produce not only good wine, but, in some cases, the very best that can be found.

The five reds are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Syrah. These grapes have formed the idea of what we expect in wine across the globe, as well as in their homelands.

The number-one red grape in all temperate growing areas is Cabernet Sauvignon. The history of this great fruit starts in the 17^th century in southwestern France, where an accidental cross of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley with Cabernet Franc from the Bordeaux region produced a grape that was greater than the sum of its parts.

The vine is vigorous, hardy and stands up to frost, as well as some diseases. The berries are small but thick-skinned and tolerant to many different weather conditions. The grape reaches its pinnacle in the Medoc and Graves regions of France, with the wine taking on flavors of black currant, spice and cedar wood. Combined with other Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet adds depth, structure and age-worthiness to blends.

In the New World, Cabernet is the darling of Napa Valley. The grape takes on its own personality in a region referred to as its “second home.” Growing conditions are so benign that it can overproduce with very little flavor on the fruit side of the wine spectrum, where the quaff can taste tannic and vegetal.

On the bright side, growers have learned to tame these tendencies, which allows one to find excellent wine the length and breadth of the valley. The sub-regions of Stag’s Leap and Rutherford Bench are where Cabernet reaches its cult status. The wine usually needs aging and is very expensive, so don’t look for it on the Wine Train. That said, the demand is high, and there is no dearth of wine drinkers who are more than willing to take the plunge to experience some of the greatest Cabernets in the world.

If you find yourself in the position where you would like to try this kingly quaff but don’t have the deep pockets that France or California require, look to other regions. Plenty of good wine is coming from Washington state these days, as well as unique bottles from the Coonawarra area of Australia with its “terra rosa” soil.

South African Cab is light and elegant with its blend of balanced fruit and tannic structure. I am also a big fan of Chilean Cabernet, specifically from the region known as the Maipo Valley. These wines have dense, dark fruit matched with dusty tannins, don’t usually need a lot of aging and are very affordable. They are, in my opinion, the ultimate match for grilled steak. Try them.

In wine history, as in human history, we see the offspring of two divergent parents rise—and become the king.

Keep sipping, Steve

A Harrisburg Valentine’s: On this special day, Rosemary dines out–and finds much to recommend.

January 29, 2016 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

Duck breast with blood orange gastrique, note.

For such a long time in Harrisburg, there was little to celebrate.

In the early ‘70s, the floodwaters from Tropical Storm Agnes all but decimated the city. Continuing into the ‘80s, as many residents left for the suburbs, the city was a ghost town after 5 p.m. There were a few bright spots, such as Strawberry Square, but it, too, became deserted when the state workers left for home. Two tiny restaurants, Caruso’s and Au Jour La Jour, lured patrons back to the city for a time. They were wonderful places, but were just not around long enough.

So here we are in 2016, and it’s almost Valentine’s Day. I am happy when I think of how far our little city has come. Often, we take a few steps back, but, in the restaurant department, we seem to keep adding more terrific places as each year goes by. This month, I would like to share with readers some of my favorite places to go for Valentine’s Day and some of my favorite dishes offered by each place. If you don’t normally come to the city to dine, you might be surprised.

Qui Qui Musarra, Mangia Qui.

Mangia Qui. Located on North Street, Mangia Qui is one of three restaurants co-owned by expert chef Qui Qui Musarra. It is the most formal of the three. The others are Suba (a Spanish tapas bar upstairs at the same location) and the French-inspired Rubicon right next door. Mangia Qui’s theme is Italian and Mediterranean, and the quality of the food is superb. Qui will often serve dishes that are rarely found elsewhere in the region, such as true Dover sole, whole branzino and dry-aged, hand-cut, Tuscan rib-eye steak.

Here are my recommendations for a Mangia Qui Valentine dinner started with a glass of cold Prosecco.

Musticanza: a salad of baby greens with gorgonzola crostini and marinated tomatoes dressed with a fig balsamic vinaigrette.
Gnocchi all’Amatriciana: homemade gnocchi that are light as a feather tossed with a sauce of San Marzano tomatoes, onions, guanciale and pepperoncini (nice to split or request a half-order).
Anatra: a grilled duck breast and stone fruits served with polenta and a balsamic drizzle.

Desserts change with the day, but I would hope for a lemon tart back there in the kitchen. The espresso is excellent, with many different types to choose from.

Note. Bistro and Wine Bar. This little gem of a restaurant is located at the corner of N. 2^nd and Harris streets and is relatively new. It is a warm and friendly place anchored by a small but lively bar offering some of the best cocktails in town. Wine choices, usually from Italy or France, can be found on a large chalkboard that occupies an entire wall at the back of the restaurant. At note., I would order:

Caesar Salad: hearts of Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing (on the side), focaccia croutons and shaved Grano Padano cheese.
Berkshire Pork Chop: Pork chop served with butternut squash, risotto, pancetta, pearl onions, thyme and caramelized brussel sprouts, all topped with a maple Bourbon glaze.
For dessert, some homemade gelato and note’s excellent French press coffee.

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar. We have gone to Carley’s for many years so, for us, it always seems like we’re going to the legendary Cheers, “where everybody knows your name.” Carley’s makes very good veal, and that’s what we usually get there. So, to end my Valentine’s Day culinary tour, I would order:

Baby Arugula Salad: a salad served with Gorgonzola cheese, candied walnuts and pears tossed with mustard vinaigrette.
Veal Marsala: tender veal cutlets sautéed in butter with mushrooms, garlic and shallots in a hearty Marsala wine. (This dish can also be prepared with chicken, if you prefer.)
Peanut Butter Pie: Carley’s (and its sister restaurant Stock’s on 2nd’s) signature dessert. It is very rich and can easily be shared with your Valentine’s Day partner.

The pianist at Carley’s will keep things lively, but you can always request a slow romantic tune.

If you are out and about in Harrisburg on Valentine’s Day, there are other choices. I also recommend Pastorante on N. 3^rd Street, a casual and inexpensive choice for homemade pasta, Café Fresco for wonderful Asian-inspired dishes like salmon with black rice, and Home 231, which serves farm-to-table food that is unique and delicious.

Brighten your Valentine’s Day and the waning days of winter with a visit to one of these special Harrisburg eateries. They are truly something to celebrate.

Heart of a Community: A century old, the Jewish Community Center continues to foster unity, identity, memories.

January 29, 2016 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

The Jewish Community Center is more than a physical space.

Since its inception in 1915, the JCC has been the focal point of the city’s Jewish community. Not surprisingly, then, a Dec. 5 celebration of the center’s 100^th anniversary drew hundreds of people.

Margie Adelmann, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg—the umbrella organization that supports the JCC—calls the JCC the “central unifying organization, where people come together, where all are welcome for cultural, fitness and educational opportunities and to learn more about Jewish life and traditions—regardless of how they practice Judaism.”

“No matter which synagogue a family was affiliated with, Harrisburg Jewry joined together at the JCC,” noted Marian E. Frankston, co-chair with Marcia Cohen of the celebration.

Throughout its history, the JCC’s programming has been “extensive and eclectic,” including pottery, photography, dramatics, gala dances, bowling, basketball, gymnastics, swimming and handball. Adult classes have ranged from philosophy to politics.

“When I was a youngster, my brothers, sisters and I were at the JCC six days a week,” Frankston recalled. “We attended the Yeshiva Academy, now Silver Academy. One of the most popular activities was ‘iddy biddy’ basketball. There was a program called ‘Sunday Funday’—for children with teen counselors—and an active teen lounge for meetings, dances and games.”

Milestones

A Jewish community existed in Harrisburg before 1915, boasting several communal organizations and businesses and three synagogues.

However, it lacked a central building. Community leader Louis Brenner formed the local Young Men’s Hebrew Association, which provided Jews with recreational, educational, social and cultural activities, and Leon Lowengard became its first president.

In 1921, these community leaders purchased a large private house on N. 3^rd Street. That building, now the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, remained the JCC venue until 1958, when the current structure was built Uptown. In 1995, the federation launched a campaign to renovate and expand it.

Over time, services and programs were added, including the Community Review, a bimonthly publication “reflecting a true cross-section of Jewish life”; the Early Learning Center; the day camp, now at Green Hills Swim Club; and the Yeshiva Academy.

During the turbulent times of the Holocaust and World War II, Rabbi David L. Silver, spiritual leader of Kesher Israel Congregation, established the Yeshiva, a Jewish day school, in the JCC. Harrisburg became the first American city with a population of fewer than 5,000 Jews to have a school teaching both Judaic and secular studies.

“Rabbi Silver was a special man,” said Merv Woolf.

Woolf, born and raised in Harrisburg, started using the JCC at an early age.

“I went to Hebrew School and to the gym,” he recalled. “I was on the basketball and swim teams. It was a place to go when my mother took ill when I was 7. I’d walk there and spend the whole evening.”

Later, Woolf got involved in theater, including an elaborate production of the musical “Pal Joey.” He also recalled the JCC’s New Year’s Eve gatherings.

Over the years, Woolf and his wife DeDe have served on “every committee.” He was on the board of the Yeshiva Academy and the building committee that oversaw the 1996 renovations.

In addition to historic events, the community was besieged by natural disasters, including the massive flooding of the 1972 Tropical Storm Agnes and by Tropical Storm Lee in 2011.

In 2004, the community mourned the passing of Albert Hursh, who had worked at the JCC and the United Jewish Community (the predecessor to the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg) for more than 70 years, serving as executive director of both.

Hursh was a “dominant leader who will long be remembered,” said Morton Spector, who was born in Williamsport but moved with his family to Harrisburg in 1948.

Melting Pot

Shortly after his father’s heart attack in 1956, Spector was asked to get more involved in the community.

He chaired the annual campaign and was president of the JCC and later, a board member and chair of the United Jewish Community. The JCC’s Freda and Harry Spector Room is named for his parents.

“The center was always the melting pot, able to maintain visibility for both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities,” he said. “All the organizations, such as Hadassah, Anti-Defamation League and Israel Bonds used it as a home base. It was for Jews of all religious denominations.”

For Spector, the heart of the JCC is the Yeshiva, of which he was a president.

“It brought kids and their parents into the building,” he said. “The Yeshiva and its mission embody the JCC.”

Like Home

Alyce Spector, married to Morton for 65 years, grew up in Paxtang and took two buses to N. 3^rd Street to Hebrew School at the JCC five days a week. She remembers basketball games, fraternity and sorority meetings and Broadway shows at the JCC.

Always active, Spector was president of Young Judaea, a Zionist youth movement, a Hadassah member, and president of the PTA at Yeshiva and of Israel Bonds, among other positions. She founded a program promoting tolerance and diversity in public schools through the federation.

She has vivid memories of collecting money to settle immigrants in Israel. During the Six-Day War in 1967, “an emergency campaign raised the highest per capita contributions of any community in the country,” she said.

Lillian Rappaport heads the Hebrew High for public school students and the federation’s Holocaust education programs. The latter include the annual “March of the Living” to Poland and Israel for teens and the “Reading of the Names” of Holocaust victims. The community also built a Holocaust Memorial in Riverfront Park.

A Harrisburg native who returned after years in New York, Rappaport loved growing up in a small, close-knit community.

One “profound memory” was the center. She took art, bowling and trampoline classes and attended the Yeshiva and after-school program.

“After doing my homework, I went to the JCC,” Rappaport said. “It had everything, but the activities were secondary. Everyone was there.”

The younger generation is represented by Emily Doctrow Freeburn.

“My parents and I were born in the city, and three-quarters of my grandparents were raised here,” she said. “Many of my aunts, uncles and cousins also chose to raise their families in Harrisburg.”

Freeburn considers herself “lucky” to have grown up in a tight-knit community where many people feel like family and the JCC feels “like home.”

She participates in the young adult leadership cohort, which helps train leaders, and serves on the board of the Silver Academy.

“I feel like I spent my entire childhood at the JCC, between attending the ELC [Early Learning Center] and the Yeshiva Academy to after-school activities like swim team and basketball, to community/family activities such as the Purim Carnival,” Freeburn said. “I would also go to the JCC to watch my dad play basketball or to hang out while my parents were in meetings.”

As an adult, she uses the gym, and her husband has participated in sports leagues. The couple is expecting a first child this month and is looking forward to raising a family at the JCC.

“Because we all felt welcome at the JCC, we experienced a real sense of unity,” concluded Frankston. “We were a community who joined together in joy and in sorrow.”

The Harrisburg Jewish Community Center is located at 3301 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-236-9555 or visit www.jewishharrisburg.org.

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”

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