Tag Archives: Cornerstone Coffeehouse

Turning a Corner: After decades, Cornerstone Coffeehouse has new ownership but remains a hub of Camp Hill

April 29, 2025 | by Rachel Curry

Al Pera, Sue Pera, Alexander Shover, Caleb Watters, Justine Welling

More than three decades in the food business is no small feat.

That’s why Sue and Al Pera, who led Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill for most of its history, were particular about who would run their café and community gathering spot upon their retirement.

“There’s always pressure to not screw it up,” says Caleb Watters, who finalized the deal to purchase the business in early 2025 with his wife, Alexandra Shover.

Still, Watters and his team plan to keep the essence of Cornerstone as is, hopefully satisfying the community that surrounds it.

“People here were very invested because they’ve been coming here for 30 years,” Watters said. “The first couple of months has proven that we’re not looking to do some monumental change, so I think that’s calmed a lot of nerves.”

Watters himself is not a restaurateur, but an operator. He also owns Valley Bistro in Enola and The Hershey Pantry in Hershey.

“I am buying a system,” he said. “I’m going to work within that system, and then we’ll improve it over time.”

Right now, that looks like rearranging equipment and processes in the back of house and investing in better equipment. The only thing guests will see from these changes, he said, is they’ll get their food and drink faster. Once all that is set up, he’ll move to the front of house, perhaps optimizing seating to fit more people (because, on a busy day, the place is packed).

Cornerstone is known for its espresso menu, breakfast sandwiches (like the bacon, egg, cheddar and avocado) and cooking classes in the back room. Customers also have the chance to browse art and goods from local creators amid a fun, laid-back vibe.

Then there are the intangible offerings, Watters said,

“If you’ve been in coffeehouses, there’s a buzz in certain places,” he said. “We’re always going to foster that.”

Full Circle

Shover said that they’re proud to continue the coffeehouse’s legacy, which she recognizes has become an integral part of the Camp Hill community.

“We even have a couple helpers who will be joining the crew when they are old enough,” said Shover, referring to her sons, ages 4 and 7.

Watters himself is from St. Louis. More recently, the family lived in Youngstown, Ohio. There, Watters worked as a Dunkin’ franchisee, with 12 locations under his charge, all of which had a full-production kitchen and 24-hour-a-day operations. His operations manager and self-proclaimed “right-hand person,” Justine Welling, helped him manage everything.

When Watters had an opportunity to get bought out of the Dunkin’ business, he took it.

“Sometimes, you’ve got to know when to exit,” he said.

Once he decided to move to Pennsylvania and start an independent restaurant venture, he offered Welling the chance to come with them. She took it and currently helps operate the ins and outs of his three businesses.

But Watters is heavily involved, too—though in his own way.

“There’s a lot of things I try not to know,” he said, leaving some of the day-to-day grind for Welling. “But I’m here every day.”

Watters has come a long way since his first job out of college working on the corporate side of Dippin’ Dots.

“You’re out of college, you don’t know what you’re going to do, here’s the opportunity, and it just snowballs,” he said. “Then you realize you’re good at it. If I was smart, I would have just left the industry after Dunkin’. But I like it, there’s money, and you learn how to cope with the stress.”

Expanding Cornerstone down the line isn’t necessarily out of the question, but that’s not on the table right now. For the moment, Watters, Shover, Welling and the rest of their team—including general manager Nicole Miller, who has been in her post for about 14 years—are just looking to make the café even better.

While Watters isn’t from the area, Shover is. Interestingly, she grew up just across the street from where they now live in Camp Hill—near their new coffeehouse.

“My friends and I used to walk to the Cornerstone for lunch,” she said. “To now own it feels like a full-circle moment.”

Cornerstone Coffeehouse is located at 2133 Market St., Camp Hill. For more information, visit www.thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com.

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Burg Review: Theatre Harrisburg’s “Next to Normal” packs a punch you won’t soon forget

January 26, 2024 | by Gina Napoli

If your family has mental illness sprayed all over your genetic code as if a fire hose let loose with boiling hot super glue, I’ll see you at the support group meetings. If not, watching Theatre Harrisburg’s rock opera “Next to Normal” will provide you a wonderfully compassionate empathy tool.

Directed by Dave Olmsted, with Music Director Mitchell Sensenig-Wilshire, (music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey), the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning “Next to Normal” presents mental illness as a heartbreaking family disease with tentacles that reach out and choke you well beyond the family boundaries. Like second-hand smoke in your house, mental illness affects all when it affects one.

In this tense drama, we meet the Goodman family, whose dynamics revolve on a tenuous axis around mother Diana’s (Christine Beutel) debilitating bipolar disorder, like running on a hamster wheel made of razor wire. Her highs fly higher than mountains, but her lows sink lower than the largest boulders in those same mountains’ valleys.

Simple, mundane tasks elude her: making sandwiches, driving a car or writing her daughter Natalie’s (Melody Carsey) piano recital on the family calendar. Husband/father Dan (Brian Fosnacht) cleans every literal and figurative mess to try to cobble his family back together, like the scratchy twine that chafes and unravels a little every time you try to tie a package. And then there’s Gabe (Ryan Smetzer), the older brother whose shadow Natalie lives underneath. Just outside the family is Natalie’s boyfriend, Henry, (Moses Handy), and psychiatrists Doctors Fine and Madden (Brian Silva), where the tentacles unfortunately reach.

The family drama unfolds through an exciting rock score with the entire cast showcased as strong lyricists who deliver performances raw and revealing, powerful and dark. A surprising five out of six cast members are making their Theatre Harrisburg debut, and that fact missed me until I read the program after the curtain fell. Their dynamics with each other contain that guarded, distant quality that develops so prevalently in dysfunctional families.

If you have a neuro-typical brain and you’re a little Type A (my, ahem, “friend” has this problem), and you’re trying to use the program to follow along with the music, take a beat. The songs are all there, just not in the right order. Taking a deep breath will help. Better yet, use those empathy muscles to step inside the scattered mind of a mentally ill person. How difficult it must be for them to follow along when their brains play tricks on them, when they’re confused, when they can’t seem to tune their inner radios to the same channel or frequency everyone else is listening to.

The above paragraph is my disclaimer, because… in my own program, which I notated in the dark, I mislabeled most of the standout songs that really sang to me. And I didn’t figure it out until the middle of Act 2. My brain-muddled confusion should not subtract from the satisfying quality of the play’s music. The entire score is relentlessly driven with angry, anthem rock songs that teenaged Gina would have cranked the volume to 10 on her fabric speakers, just after slamming her door shut and calling her mother an expletive. As the more refined (more, ahem, mature?) Gina, I now just tap my foot politely, with perhaps a minor chair dance wiggle if I forget myself. The uber-talented musicians produce such robust orchestration for a six-piece band, that I would have guessed they had 12, at least. They jammed with such high energy from opener to finale. So even if you aren’t clear where you are in the program, the arena rock musical style will rock you.

Although the mood of the play contains a notably weighted essence—the sort of gut-wrenching vignettes one doesn’t bounce back from easily, if ever—Theatre Harrisburg’s treatment of the subject matter includes partnerships with the Dauphin County chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), as well as Cornerstone Coffeehouse. Ticket-holders can visit the NAMI table to gather reading materials and speak to one of their representatives. Cornerstone Coffeehouse is drawing awareness to mental health by offering a drink related to the show, with a donation going to NAMI for every cup purchased.

Alexandra Johnson, Theatre Harrisburg’s marketing and box office manager, said Theatre Harrisburg’s goal was “to handle such stigmatized and heavy subject matter in a caring and uplifting way.”

If you and your support group (over age 16, please) do attend a production, remember your tissues. Bring the big box. And as my personal PSA, if you are concerned about your own mental health or that of someone in your circle, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.

“Next to Normal” runs Jan. 26 to Feb. 11 at the Krevsky Center, 513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg. For more information on show times and tickets, visit www.theatreharrisburg.com/shows/next-to-normal.

Happenings: Our September Calendar of Events

August 31, 2021 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Minibike Mania,” a display of more than two dozen miniature motorbikes, through Oct. 16

“Keep on Truckin’: Light Duty Trucks,” an exhibit focused on the history of pickup trucks, through Oct. 22

“Iconic Chevrolets,” an exhibit presented by the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, through Oct. 22

“Hershey’s History: Before & After Chocolate,” through Oct. 22

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

93rd Annual International Juried Show, showcasing the talent of local, regional and international artists of all ages and mediums, through Sept. 2

“Duality,” fall membership show that celebrates duality, which is the quality or state of having two different or opposite parts or elements, Sept. 12-Oct. 14

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

“Left Behind,” photography by Michael Hower and sculptural work by Steve Dolbin, through Sept. 18

“Lunchbox Moments,” an exhibition by Korean-American artist, Amie Bantz, memorializing a collection of stories from the AAPI community by painting their narratives on a series of lunchboxes, through Sept. 18

“Suspended Energy,” sculptures by Gregg Silvis and oil paintings by Hannah Steele, Sept. 24-Oct. 30

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

September artist of the month

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

“Remnant: Studio Majors Thesis Exhibition,” featuring projects by senior studio art majors under the direction of Rachel Eng with Todd Arsenault, Anthony Cervino and Andy Bale, through Sept. 11

“In Light of the Past,” an exhibition considering how we experience photographs, through Oct. 9

“Horace Pippin: Racism and War,” centering on Pippin’s “Mr. Prejudice,” representing the artist’s response to the discrimination of African American soldiers fighting in World War II, Sept. 24–Feb. 19

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

“Millersburg’s Own, ‘Duffy’ Miller,” featuring the artwork by Vaughn “Duffy” Miller, a founding member of Millersburg Area Art Association, through Sept. 11

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

The Hershey Story Museum Exhibit of HAAA Member artwork, Sept. 10-12

HAAA Member Art display at the Backstage Café at Allen Theater, through Sept. 30

HAAA Member Art display at Hershey Public Library, through Oct. 16

HAAA Member Art display at Campbelltown Academy, through Nov. 20

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

New works by Tara Chickey, Caleb Smith, Judy Kelly, Julie Iaria, Susan Bailey and Marsha Souders, through Sept. 12

New works by Pamela Black, Kelly Curran, Richard Souders, Reina 76 Artist, Tina Berrier and Lauren Castillo, Sept. 15-Oct. 10; opening reception of Kelly Curran’s exhibit, “Purify,” Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m.

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

“Art of a Pandemic,” group art exhibition examining the challenges and isolation; reality adjustments; and new experiences lived during the pandemic, through Sept. 18

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

Photo exhibit by Estelle Hartranft, Sept. 17, 6 to 9 p.m.

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

“Why Not in Pennsylvania? Campaigning for Women’s Suffrage in the Keystone State,” through Jan. 2

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

“Circle of Truth: 49 Paintings Ending with Ed Ruscha,” like a game in which a message is whispered in the ear of a first person, then relayed on, through Sept. 19

“Meanderings,” a collection of variable collagraphic prints by artist Valerie R. Dillon, who illustrates her journey of shifting between known and unknown spaces, through Oct. 17

“Mobility to Movement,” etchings by Isabel Bishop, Aug. 13-Oct. 17

“Unpredictable Nature,” works by Sandi Neiman Lovitz and Autumn C. Wright, who use gesture, shape, pattern and spontaneity to create abstract compositions, through Oct. 31

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

“Art in the Wild” exhibit of naturally inspired trailside installations inspired by the theme “reimagining,” through Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

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

Sept. 4: One Day Obvara (Baltic Raku) Alternative Firing Class, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11: Opposites Attract—Slip Inlay & Overlay Techniques, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Figure Drawing, 12-3 p.m.
Sept. 6-Oct. 9: Obvara (Baltic Raku)—Alternative Firing Process in the Fall
Sept. 7-28: Fall Pumpkins, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 9-30: Mosaic Stepping Stone, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 10: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
Sept. 11: Vintage Tin Earrings 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 14-Oct. 5: Plein Air Painting, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 15: Suicide Loss Survivors—Creating Together, 5:30-7 p.m.
Sept. 15-Oct. 20: Processing Photos in Lightroom Classic & Photoshop on Zoom, Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 16-Oct. 21: Shoot, Share Discuss Photo Workshop on Zoom, Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 18, 25: Clothing Up-cycling Workshop, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Sept. 7: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9: Dungeons and Dragons, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16: Morris Chest and the Grand Review, 4 p.m.
Sept. 16: McCormick & Olewine Library Friends, 6 p.m.
Sept. 21: Novel Thoughts Too!, 1 p.m.

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

Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23: Fiber Artists, 3 p.m.
Sept. 7-11: Fall Book Sale
Sept. 9, 23: Knitter’s Group, 5 p.m.
Sept. 10: Craft Fair, 5-8 p.m.
Sept. 11: Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sept. 11: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.
Sept. 18: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.

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

Sept. 1: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Language at the Library—Fluent Spanish Speakers, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sept. 2, 16: Language at the Library—Beginner & Intermediate Spanish Conversation, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 5, 24: Zoom STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
Sept. 7: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics on Zoom—”Fahrenheit 451,” 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 7-Oct. 26: Natalie Craumer Writers’ Workshop, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30: Curl Up with The Classics on Zoom—”Les Misérables,” 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 10, 24: Peaceful Poses Children’s Yoga Story Time, 10-11 a.m.
Sept. 10: Film Friday, 2-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 11: Library for Lunch (ages 3-6), 1 p.m.
Sept. 13: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
Sept. 13: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 13-Oct. 18: Intro. To Digital Photography, Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 20: STEM Grab & Go, 9 a.m.
Sept. 20: Zoom—Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Sept. 23-26: Friends Of Fredricksen Fall Book & Media Sale
Sept. 27: Virtual Fredricksen Reads—”The Tattooist Of Auschwitz,” 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 28: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sept. 29: Hear Me Out—A Discussion Series, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 18: Beginner Basket Weaving, 1-4 p.m.

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

Sept. 1-Oct. 20: Level 1—Introduction to Improv, 7-10 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

Sept. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 23, 28, 30: HYP Sand Volleyball, 6-10 p.m.
Sept. 12, 19, 26: HYP Flag Football, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 13: Heart of the Community Garden Clean Up, 5-7 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

Sept. 16-Nov. 4: Painting, Your Way!, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 2, 16, 30: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
Sept. 8, 22: Card Making Class, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10 a.m.
Sept. 11, 25: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
Sept. 11: Friends Children Program—Geology, 2 p.m.
Sept. 11: Zoom Friends—Women in Music, 2 p.m.
Sept. 18: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
Sept. 21, 28: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
Sept. 22: Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 23: Fear of Commitment Book Group at Cassel Vineyards, 6 p.m.
Sept. 25: Dried Floral Wreath Class, 11 a.m.
Sept. 25: Zoom Friends—Heros of Flight 93, 2 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Rhyme Time, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Story Time, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30: Story Time, 10:15 a.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Rhyme Time, 12 p.m.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.
Sept. 8: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 10, 24: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 11, 25: Block Party!, 10:30 a.m.
Sept. 13, 20, 27: Storybook STEAM, 6:45 p.m.
Sept. 13, 27: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10 a.m.
Sept. 16: Teen Third Thursday, 6 p.m.
Sept. 18: Discovery Club (K-1^st grade), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Sept. 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 22: Apple Users Group, 1 p.m.
Sept. 25: Trivia at Home— Schitt’s Creek, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 28: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Sept. 9: Aging with Pride Luncheon, 12 p.m.
Sept. 10: Open Mic and Coffee Cafe, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 14, 28: Queers and Quests game night, 6 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St., Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.

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

Sept. 9: Andrew Kaufman in conversation with Therese Anne Fowler, 7-8 p.m.

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

Sept. 18, 19s: Fluid Art Class, 12-3 p.m.
Sept. 24-26: 3-Day Cold Wax Workshop

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

Sept. 18: The Jubal Early School—How the Losers Wrote Civil War History,” 1-2 p.m.

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

Sept. 25: Fantastic Fungi and Where to Find Them, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Sept. 15, 22, 29: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 20, 23, 27, 30: Little Explorers Fall Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
Sept. 23, 30: Little Explorers Fall Early Learning Classes, 1:30-2 p.m.

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

Sept. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29: Highlights Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Explore! (grades 3-5), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Curiosity Kids (grades K-2), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sept. 3: Virtual Artists Conversations, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 3, 18: StoryTime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sept. 3, 9, 17, 23, 25, 30: Animal Adaptations Tour, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sept. 10: Adventures in Nature Lab (in-person and virtual)—Black Bears in PA, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 12: Animal Adaptations Tour, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: Learn at Lunchtime— Curator’s Choice, Extinct Birds of PA, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 24: Learn at Lunchtime— Virtual State Museum Perspectives, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Sept. 29: Explore! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 15: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

Sept 11: The David Bromberg Quintet at Allegro Winery, Stewartstown
Sept. 11: Virtual Emerging Artist Showcase

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

Sept. 5: Sunday Evening Bird Walk, 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 11: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept. 11: Fall Wreath Workshop, 8:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:45 p.m.
Sept. 11: How To Improve Your Home Garden in the Fall, 9-10:30 a.m.
Sept. 11: Kids Discover—Nocturnal Animals (ages 5-10), 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Sept. 12: Flower Walk—Goldenrods, Asters, and Other Fall Surprises, 1:30-3 p.m.
Sept. 16: Kids Discover—Creek Critters (ages 5-10), 2-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 18: Kids Discover—Dirt (ages 8-10), 1-3 p.m.
Sept. 29: Monarch Tagging, 12-2 p.m.
Sept. 30: How to Design a Home Garden Bed, 6-7:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

Sept. 3-5: Pennsylvania Gospel Music Festival
Sept. 8: Amy Grant
Sept. 9: Johnny Mathis, Gary Mule Deer
Sept. 11: Three Dog Night
Sept. 12: Straight No Chaser
Sept. 14: George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Sept. 15: Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle
Sept. 16: Ted Vigil John Denver Musical Tribute
Sept. 17: Blue Oyster Cult
Sept. 18: Gladys Knight
Sept. 19: The Temptations and the Tour Tops
Sept. 23: Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye & Sammy Kershaw
Sept. 25: Fall Doo Wop Cavalcade
Sept. 30: The Marshall Tucker Band w/The Outlaws and Molly Hatchet

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

Sept. 2: John Mayall
Sept. 10: Mark Klein
Sept. 18: York Symphony Open Air 2021-22 Sneak Preview

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

Sept. 16: DMC Duo
Sept. 23: Sound Method

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

Sept. 25: The Outlaws w/The Outcrops

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; [email protected]

Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Wednesday Jazz Series
Sept. 4: Durand Jones and the Indications
Sept. 16: Lara Hope and the Ark-Tones
Sept. 17: Cold Spring Union
Sept. 18: Ben Brandt & the Soul Miners Union
Sept. 23: Blaggards
Sept. 24: Funktion Band
Sept. 25: The Jellybricks

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

Sept. 2: Shea Quinn and Friends

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

Sept. 5: The Naughton Sisters
Sept. 12: Magical Mix of Music and Dance
Sept. 18: Dali Quartet and Wister Quartet

Harrisburg University Presents
www.concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

Sept. 4: Durand Jones & the Indications (The Englewood)
Sept. 18: Grouplove (XL Live)
Sept. 23: Cage the Elephant (Riverfront Park)
Sept. 24: Dawes (XL Live)
Sept. 24: Portugal. The Man (Riverfront Park)

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Sept. 4: Messer w/ Defiant and IfNotForMe
Sept. 4: Bear Grillz
Sept. 7: Lyndia Lunch
Sept. 9: Fozzy
Sept. 10: Slaves, The Maguas
Sept. 11: Steel Panther
Sept. 12: The Queers
Sept. 12: Japanese Breakfast
Sept. 16: The Early November
Sept. 17: The Mavericks
Sept. 18: Short Fictions
Sept. 20: Al Stewart
Sept. 21: Butcher Babies
Sept. 22: Mac Sabbath
Sept. 23: Bowling for Soup
Sept. 24: The Widdler
Sept. 24: The Motet
Sept. 25: Lez Zeppelin
Sept. 26: Thievery Corporation
Sept. 30: Field Day

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

Sept. 25: The Jazz Tributaries Project
Sept. 29: Skerryvore

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Sept. 24: Messiah University Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Winds

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

Sept. 10: Leblanc, Kissinger & Messano
Sept. 18: JJ Rupp

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

Sept. 11: David Bromberg Quintet
Sept. 26: Virtual Emerging Artist Showcase

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

Sept. 11: Candlebox
Sept. 22: Madeleine Peyroux & Paula Cole
Sept. 24: Los Lobos

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

Sept. 10: Pop Evil, Zero 9:36, BRKN
Sept. 17: Badfish, The Quasi Kings
Sept. 18: Grouplove
Sept. 24: Dawes

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

Sept. 1: Shrimp Ryan Jig Band
Sept. 8: Side of Yams
Sept. 15: Peter Stone

The Stage Door

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

Sept. 24: “Masters of Illusion”

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

Sept. 25: Brian Regan

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

Sept. 1-4: “Grumpy Old Men”
Sept. 9-30: “Mamma Mia”

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

Sept. 14-Oct. 2: “Aesop’s Fables” (Popcorn Hat Players)
Sept. 24: TMI Improv

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

Sept. 3: Divas Down Under “Slaying September” Drag Show
Sept. 3, 4: Josh Phillips and Moody Molavi
Sept. 7: Harrisburg Comedy Zone Local Talent Showcase
Sept. 10, 11: Alex Ortiz and TBA
Sept. 16: Earl David Reed
Sept. 17, 18: Joel Lindley and Bob Lauver
Sept. 24, 25: Matt Fulchiron, Chris Young
Sept. 27, 28, 29: Preacher Lawson

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

Sept. 25: Nate Bargatze

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Sept. 3: Fifty Shades Male Revue
Sept. 12: Queens Who Brunch

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

Sept. 3: Uptown Band
Sept. 4: Jess Zimmerman Band
Sept. 5: Let’s Ride
Sept. 10: Honeypump
Sept. 11: Last Shot
Sept. 17: Jason Dumm Band
Sept. 18: Grant Bryan Band
Sept. 19: Josh Squared Band
Sept. 24: Downtown Sound
Sept. 25: Light Up the Moon

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

Sept. 11: Concert at Good Shepherd Church

Keystone Theatrics
The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; keystonetheatrics.com

Sept. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Sept. 24, 25, 26: “13—The Musical”

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

Sept. 3-18: “The Importance of Being Earnest”

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

Sept. 4-26: “Every Brilliant Thing”

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

Sept 16: Boozy Bingo with Felicia O’Toole

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Happenings: Our July Calendar of Events

June 30, 2021 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Minibike Mania,” a display of more than two dozen miniature motorbikes, through Oct. 16

“Keep on Truckin’: Light Duty Trucks,” an exhibit focused on the history of pickup trucks, through Oct. 22

“Iconic Chevrolets,” an exhibit presented by the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America

“Hershey’s History: Before & After Chocolate,” through Oct. 22

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

“Free For All, 3rd Annual Student & Member Show,” through July 8

“93rd International Annual Juried Show,” July 16-Sept. 2; reception, July 16, 5-8 p.m.

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

“Ink/Glaze/Paper/Clay,” ceramic constructions by Beverlee Lehr and ink drawings by Jo Margolis, which are explorations of the interaction of shape and form, through July 24

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

July artist of the month

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

“Remnant: Studio Majors Thesis Exhibition,” featuring projects by senior studio art majors, Anthony Cervino, and Andy Bale, through Sept. 11

“In Light of the Past,” an exhibition considering how we experience photographs, through Oct. 9

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA member art display at Hershey Public Library, through Oct. 10

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

New works by Joelle and Justin Arawjo, Huckle Buckle Boys, Paul Gallo, Averil Shepps and PD Murray, through July 11

New works by Ann Benton Yeager, Paul Vasiliades, Rebecca Adey, Mary Gelenser, John Davis and Amie Bantz, July 14-Aug. 15

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

“Director’s Choice,” a selection of outstanding student artwork from Youth Art Day 2021, through July 17

“Art of a Pandemic,” group art exhibition examining the challenges and isolation, reality adjustments and new experiences of the last year, July 24-Sept. 18

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

“Persephone/Persephone,” a multi-panel collaborative installation by Elody Gyekis and Joanne Landis, through Aug. 8

“From Selfie to Community,” large-format woodcut self-portraits created by Bloomsburg University printmaking students, through July 18

“The Circle of Truth, 49 Paintings Ending with Ed Ruscha,” through Sept. 19

“Meanderings,” a collection of variable collagraphic prints by artist Valerie R. Dillon, through Oct. 17

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

“Art in the Wild” exhibit of naturally inspired trailside installations created by artists using mostly natural materials and inspired by the theme “reimagining,” through Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

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

July 12-16: Trash to Treasure! A Reclaimed Art Experience (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
July 13: All Day Plein Air Workshop, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 21: Collage & Paint, 6-8 p.m.
July 24: Experimental Mixed Media 1-Day Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 26-30: Pop Goes the Sculpture (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 26-30: Bookworm Boogie Bookmaking Workshop (ages 5-12), 1-4 p.m.
July 26-30: CALC & YWCA One Voice, Artistic Expression (rising 3^rd-5^th graders), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 31: Bundle Dye with Flowers and Herbs, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Discord Hangouts—Chat, 3-5 p.m.
July 1, 15, 29: Librarians on Twitch, 6-8 p.m.
July 2: Virtual Dungeons and Dragons, 7 p.m.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Preschool Storytime on Zoom, 10 a.m.
July 3, 10, 17, 24: Teen Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 3 p.m.
July 6: Novel Thoughts Book Club, 6 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Discord Hangouts—Gaming, 3-5 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Virtual Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Young Adult Book Club on Zoom, 4 p.m.
July 12, 19, 26: Virtual Born to Read (up to 18 months), 9:30 a.m.
July 12, 19, 26: Art Club, 4 p.m.
July 13: Virtual Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 7 p.m.
July 13: The Next Chapter Book Club, 4 p.m.
July 20: Virtual Animal Crossing with The Library, 4 p.m.
July 22: Lawyers in Libraries—Civil Legal Services, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
July 28: Spanish Language Conversation Group, 12-1 p.m.
July 28: Crafternoon with The Library, 4 p.m.

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

July 1, 15: STEM Stations, 2 p.m.
July 1, 15, 29: Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
July 6, 20: Teen Summerzine 2021 on Zoom (ages 12-19), 4-5:30 p.m.
July 10, 24: Make It, Break It (ages 5+), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 12, 19, 26: Baby Time, 10:30 a.m.
July 12, 19, 26: Make It! Mondays, 12:30 p.m.
July 14, 21, 28: Toddler Time, 10:30 a.m.
July 22: Forgotten Friends, Reptiles, 10:30 a.m.
July 22: Big Bubble Bonanza, 2 p.m.
July 22: Tales of Authors Movie Night, 5 p.m.
July 29: ZooAmerica Tales of Tails, 1 p.m.

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

July 13: Park Rx—Art Heals w/Susquehanna Art Museum, 6-7:30 p.m.
July 28: French and Indian War in America, Pa., and the Lives of Soldiers virtual illustrated talk, 7-8 p.m.

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

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Zoom Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
July 7: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
July 5, 19: Zoom—Fredricksen Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
July 5, 19: Zoom STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
July 12, 26: Teen Grab and Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
July 13: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics on Zoom—”Our Town,” 10-11 a.m.
July 26: Virtual Fredricksen Reads, 7-8 p.m.

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

July 10, 17: Fresh herb wreath workshop, 2-4 p.m.

Harrisburg Young Professionals
hyp.org

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: HYP Kickball, 6-9:45 p.m.
July 6: Trash Tuesday, 7 p.m.
July 11: Sunset Rocks Hike, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 11: HYP Book Club—“The Woman in the Window,” 2 p.m.
July 19: Wildwood Walk After Work, 6-8 p.m.
July 25: Little Buffalo Hike, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

July 10: Advanced Fluid Art Class, 1-4:30 p.m.
July 12, 14, 19, 21: 4-Day Drawing workshop, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 17: Sip and Paint, 3-5 p.m.
July 22-23: Watercolor Realism 2-Day Workshop, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

July 1: Longwood Gardens’ Community Read with Abra Lee, 7-8 p.m.
July 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies Together, 10 a.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22: Reading Garden—The Story Garden, 10 a.m.
July 2, 9, 16, 23: Virtual LEGO Club, 3:45 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19: Lose the Quarantine 15 Library Style, 9 a.m.
July 5, 12, 19: Facebook Live—Stories for Everyone, 10-10:30 a.m.
July 6, 13, 20: Read Stampede Walking Group, 9 a.m.
July 7, 14, 21: Reading Garden—Furry Tales, 6:30 p.m.
July 17: Fused Glass Class, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
July 20: Crafts in the Reading Garden (teens & tweens), 6:30-8 p.m.
July 27: Community Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
June 26: Family Book Group—“Mirrors, Windows & Sliding Glass Doors,” 2 p.m.

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

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Toddler Time (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Rhyme Time (18 months and younger), 12 p.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Story Time on Zoom (ages 3-6), 1:30-2 p.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Tea & Stitches, 10-11 a.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Try-It Tuesday, 1 p.m., 6 p.m.
July 9, 23: Dungeons & Dragons (grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
July 10: Block Party!, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 12: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
July 14: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
July 19: Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
July 24: Trivia at Home— Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?, 6-8 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St., Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Online Science Fiction Book Club
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Star Trek Rewatch online group
July 6, 13, 20, 27: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Wagging Tails Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

July 15: An Evening with Michael Pollan, 8-9 p.m.
July 20: Chuck Wendig in Conversation with Aaron Mahnke, 7-8 p.m.
July 28: Eddie Glaude Jr. in Conversation with Drew Hart, 7-8 p.m.

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

July 5: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
July 14, 28: Free Kids Class on the Roof, 5-7 p.m.
July 17, 18: Fluid Art Class
June 25, 26, 27: Abstract Workshop

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

July 17: “Shaping the Contours of Federalism: The American Civil War in New Prospective,” 1-2 p.m.

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

July 1-2: Dinosaur Tails and Tales Take and Make Activity Kit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 1-2: Grab & Go STEAM Jr. (ages 5-8), 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 1-30: Grab & Go STEAM (ages 8-12), 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 5-Aug. 2: Ready for K!, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 6, 13: Babies & Books, 9:15-9:45 a.m.
July 8: ZooAmerica Tails & Tales on Zoom, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 12: Farm Storytime (ages 3-6), 10:30-11 a.m.
July 12-17: Farm Tails Kit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 12-17: Tasty Take and Make, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 13: Nature Activity—Weather (ages 3-7), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
July 17: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
July 19-24: Jungle Tails Kit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 19-24: Superhero Take and Make, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 26-31: Pet Tails Kit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 29: Summit Search & Rescue: Rescue Dog Demonstration, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

July 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22: Little Explorers Virtual Early Learning Classes, 10:30-11 a.m.
July 10-15: Annual Used Book Sale
July 12, 19, 26: Tails and Tales Monday Morning Virtual Program, 11-12 p.m.
July 14: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

July 2, 17: StoryTime (age 2-PreK, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
July 2: Virtual Artists Conversations—Fashioning a New Nation, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Explore! (grades 3-5), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 8, 15, 22, 29: Curiosity Kids (grades K-2), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July 9: Virtual Adventures in Nature Lab—Fishes of the Susquehanna River, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
July 11: Virtual Tonight’s Sky—A Live Chat with the Planetarium Director, 2-3 p.m.
July 16: Virtual Curator’s Choice, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
July 23: Virtual State Museum Perspective, 12:15 p.m.
July 30: Virtual Treasures from the Vault, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

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

July 10, 17, 24, 31: Saturday Morning Art Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 10, 17, 24, 31: Young Artist Camp, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 21: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.

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

July 1: Bird Walk—Nesting Birds, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
July 1-31: Wildwood Park Coloring Contest, 10- a.m.-4 p.m.
July 9: Kids Discover—Nature Journaling (ages 4-6), 10-11:30 a.m.
July 9: Kids Discover—Nature Journaling (ages 7-10), 1-2:30 p.m.
July 10: Volunteer Work Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 15: Kids Discover—Outdoor Play, 5-7 p.m.
July 17: Sustainable Forestry—A Flower Arranging Workshop, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
July 18: Flower Walk—Still More Blooms, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 21, 27: Kayak the Swatara with Cocoa Kayaks, 5:45-7:45 p.m.
July 27: Detweiler Park Photo Walk, 8-10 a.m.

Live Music

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

July 1: Michael W. Smith
July 11: The Original Coasters, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters & Sonny Turner
July 17: Little River Band
July 23: The Lettermen
July 24: The Oak Ridge Boys
July 30: Mark Lowry
July 31: Resurrection, a Journey Tribute

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

July 1: Marrisa Porter
July 8: Jeff Seyfried
July 22: Shawan Rice

Central PA Friends of Jazz
friendsofjazz.org

July 10: Gretna Grooves—Jazzmeia Horn
July 16: Harrisburg Jazz Collective at Fort Hunter Park

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; [email protected]

July 11, 18, 25: Jazz Brunch with Central PA Friends of Jazz

July 7, 14, 28: Wednesday Jazz Series

July 10: Clyde Wrenn & Rebecca Gray

July 16: Teen Town

July 21: Big Band Jazz with The Harrisburg Jazz Collective (formerly River City Big Band)

July 24: Patrick Cusick

July 31: Crippled But Free

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

July 2: Sunset Series, Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame presents Dandy
July 16: Sunset Series, Central PA Friends of Jazz presents Harrisburg Jazz Orchestra

Gretna Music
gretnamusic.org

July 3: Gretna Music for Kids—Charlotte Blake Alston
July 10: Jazzmeia Horn
July 11: Allen Krantz and Julien Labro
July 25: Chanticleer
July 29: Mutts Gone Nuts
July 31: Gretna Music for Kids—Empire Wild

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

July 16: Open Mic
July 20: Mark DeRose

HMAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

July 2: Medusa’s Disco, Rascal Revival, Illusions of Grandeur
July 2: First Friday at The New HMAC
July 3: Breakfast with Tiffany
July 3: The Seldom Scene
July 9: Wildstreet
July 10: PNB Rock
July 11: Sevendust
July 16: In House We Trust, Mochahontas, Chocolate Diva
July 16: Babyface Ray
July 23: Laine Hardy
July 24: Struggle Jennings
July 24: Blunts & Blondes
July 31: Gemini Syndrome

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

July 21: Jasper String Quartet
July 24: Francisco Fullana
July 27: Harlem String Quartet

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

Live music on the roof every Thursday

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

July 23: Enter the Haggis

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

July 9-30: Carole King’s “Tapestry” Live

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

July 11: Happy Traum

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

July 1: 2nd Annual Central Pennsylvania Music Awards
July 17: Almost Queen

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

July 9: Big Fat Meanies, Wynton Existing, Wallace
July 10: Pentagon
July 16: Smooth Like Clyde
July 17: Defiant, If Not For Me, Gallowglas, Ultraviolent, Voice The Chaos, Dreams of Eden
July 23, 24: Yam Yam, Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer
July 29: Adelitas Way
July 30: The Amish Outlaws

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

July 7: Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band
July 10: Peter Stone
July 14: Side of Yams
July 15: Boozy Bingo hosted by Felicia O’Toole
July 28: Mark Santanna

The Stage Door

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

July 9: Corey Hunter

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

July 3-31: “Beauty and the Beast”

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

July 30: Sunset Series Gamut Theatre TMI Improv

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

July 14-Aug. 14: Popcorn Hat Players present “Thumbelina”
July 16-17: Shakespeare in the Woods at Ned Smith Center

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

July 2: Divas Down Under “Triumphant Return” Drag Show
July 9, 10: Andy Beningo and Tony Vihn

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

July 22-Aug. 1: “Rock of Ages”

HMAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

July 11: Queens Who Brunch

Keystone Theatrics
The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; keystonetheatrics.com

July 16-Aug. 1: “Grease”

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

July 16-17: Gamut Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Woods—“Hamlet”

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

July 9-30: Carole King’s “Tapestry” Live

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

July 9-17: “The Last Five Years” stream event

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

July 14: “Andy’s Wild Amphibian Show” livestream
July 14: “Liars Contest”

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Nuts, Candy, Family: Zimmerman’s celebrates a century-plus of creamy, chunky, salty, sweet

March 31, 2021 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Donna Zimmerman

If you’ve lived in the Harrisburg area for any length of time, you’ve likely heard of Zimmerman’s Nuts & Candies.

I have memories of shopping there with my health-conscious mother in the 1970s when she wanted to purchase their sugar-free peanut butter and all I wanted was everything else in the place. In our house, candy was pretty much forbidden, except for the Goldenberg peanut chews that were doled out meagerly. I have a big bag of them in my freezer today and still only allow myself a few a week—old habits die hard.

When I visited the shop in late February, I was surprised that it looked so much smaller than I remembered, but then again, doesn’t everything seem bigger when you’re a child?

Generations

Zimmerman’s Nuts & Candies is one of those rare family-owned businesses that has been operating for more than a century. In 1915, John S. Zimmerman began selling candy and homemade peanut butter in his Penbrook general store.

Over 100 years later, Lee S. Zimmerman heads up the operation, along with wife Donna and children Olivia and Christopher.

“My grandfather, who was orphaned as a teen, was adopted by Charles Fishburn, a local merchant who owned a feed mill and would roast corn and coffee,” said Lee, adding that John eventually began roasting coffee and peanuts and making peanut butter.

The store itself hasn’t changed much over the years, though tastes have.

“Over the years, the dried fruit and nuts didn’t support us, so we started adding confections like the Asher line, Swedish fish and other candies,” Lee said. “In the past, spiced jelly beans would also be a huge hit. Now, kids tend to go for the sour flavors.”

The shop is small but big on variety, from the aforementioned peanut butter to nut butters, coffee, dried fruits and a large variety of candy, like gummies in all shapes and sizes, ranging from Haribo bears to frogs and even octopi. Retro selections include items like teaberry gum, malted milk balls, Dum Dum lollipops and Cella’s chocolate-covered cherries, to name a few.

A selection from Lewistown-based Asher’s chocolate is on display in the case up front and includes items like salted caramels and almond bark. And if you know someone who is eschewing sugar, let them know that they will find a selection of sugar-free items at Zimmerman’s.

Those who enjoy making sweet treats during the holidays may be interested to learn that Zimmerman’s carries high-quality confectionery bars and disks made by well-known chocolate purveyors Wilbur and Merckens. An entire wall is dedicated to extracts to add to that homemade candy.

The family stays up to date with trends by making a series of their own items with chocolate as a base. Popular selections include a product called “Pudge,” made with white chocolate and peanut butter, pistachio clusters with dark chocolate, “Rocky Roads” crafted with pure milk chocolate, pretzels and marshmallows and “Harvest Bark,” containing two kinds of pepper, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed.

“We use chili powder, chipotle and a little bit of cinnamon to bring it down,” Lee said.

When I asked Donna what she likes about the business, she laughed, jabbed me in the arm and said, “I run it!”

With a chuckle, Lee agreed, adding that there’s something new to do every day, which keeps the job interesting. The entire family seems to enjoy the relationships they’ve cultivated with their customers.

“We hear the stories about how grandmothers and mothers brought their children and grandchildren to the shop, and that’s nice to hear,” Lee said.

Sue Pera, owner of Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill, is a proponent of supporting small businesses. She said that her family has been patronizing the establishment for decades.

“I buy BB Bats, Mary Janes, their peanut butter, and I just love their extra-large, salted premium cashews,” she said.

Pera also makes homemade treats at her business, which require almonds, walnuts, dates, raisins and currants.

“We buy through them, and they’ve always been so nice,” she said.

Shop Happy

The couple’s children said that their parents told them that they were free to choose whatever career path they wanted and that they never felt pressured to work at the family business.

“From childhood, we knew we were staying,” Olivia said. “And I think, for my brother and me, we always had many interests outside of work that we would pursue, with the goal of intertwining them with our family business to improve it.”

She added that she is creative with the chocolates and enjoys the everyday business operations, while her brother, Chris, is mechanically inclined and loves processing and producing.

“We are both ‘makers’ whose interests and skills complement each other,” she said. “He’s the nuts, and I’m the candy.”

The siblings confirm that the camaraderie is one of the best parts of the business.

“People shop happy,” Olivia said. “They talk to each other. They run into friends and acquaintances, and they leave content. We view them not just as customers, but as people. And we genuinely appreciate them.”

Zimmerman’s Nuts & Candies is located at 2701 Elm St., Harrisburg (Penbrook). For more information, visit www.zimmermansonline.com or call 717-232-6842.

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Happenings: Our January Calendar of Events

December 30, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Look . . . They Gave Me a Map,” an exhibit examining the enduring appeal of free road maps, through April 23

“Minibike Mania,” a display of more than two dozen miniature motorbikes, through April 23

“Yeah, It’s Got a Hemi!” an exhibit focused on Hemi engines, through April 23

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

“Observations & Experiences,” featuring the works of Peg Belcastro, Carden Holland, Maureen Joyce and Julie Riker, through Feb. 18

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

“SEEN TOGETHER—Conflict and Resolution,” an exhibition of Walt Nichols’ smaller works that reveal persistent elements of imagination and composition in seemingly unrelated large compositions, Jan. 8-30

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

January artist: Karen Sykes

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“6th Annual Juried Exhibition,” held virtually with the opportunity to view outstanding art in person at the Veterans Memorial Building, New Bloomfield, and a chance to vote for the People’s Choice award winner, through Jan. 22

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

“Artisan Marketplace,” featuring original and unique local artwork and handcrafted gifts for holiday gift-giving, through Jan. 9

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

“The Modernists—Witnesses to the 20th Century,” featuring works by a variety of Modern artists from around the world, drawn from museum and private collections across the United States, through Jan. 17

“Sun + Light,” works from the series “Everyone Loves Sunshine” by visual artist Charles Edward Williams that juxtapose his past and present encounters with the 1960s Civil Rights movement, through Feb. 14

“Country Charm” examines artist Sanh Brian Tran’s experience as a queer Asian man living in rural America, through Feb. 21

“Once A Future Kingdom,” sculptured materials and imagined relics by Anthony Cervino, through March 14

“Project Pattern” multimedia display, through August

Read, Make, Learn

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

Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Photography—Process, Share, Discuss on Zoom, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 9: Experimental Mixed Media 1-Day Workshop, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 12: The Joy of Making Paste Paper, 6-8 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Virtual Anime Club, 4 p.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Zoom Animal Crossing with The Library, 3:30 p.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Virtual Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Create Lab, 4 p.m.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Young Adult Book Club, 4 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Preschool Storytime on Zoom, 10 a.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 4 p.m.
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30: Dungeons and Dragons on Zoom, 3 p.m.
Jan. 11: Virtual Device Club, 1 p.m.
Jan. 12: Virtual Reading the Rainbow Book Club, 7 p.m.
Jan. 27: Knit One, Crochet Too! on Zoom, 6 p.m.

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

Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Virtual Get That Job! Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11: STEM Grab & Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Teen Grab and Go Bag, 9 a.m.
Jan. 4, 18: Zoom—Fredricksen Writes on Zoom, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 5: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics on Zoom—“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,” 10-11 a.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Career Exploration Workshop on Zoom, 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Career Exploration Workshop on Zoom, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 6: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Zoom Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Zoom Resume Writing Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Jan. 7, 21: Virtual Peaceful Poses Children’s Story Time, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Jan. 8: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2 p.m.
Jan. 9, 23: Easy Craft Grab and Go Bag (ages 4-7), 1 p.m.
Jan. 11: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 15: Zoom STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
Jan. 20: Zoom—Write On, 7:30 p.m.

Greenwood Furnace State Park
15795 Greenwood Rd., Huntingdon
717-248-5019; jvymca.org

Jan. 16: Polar Plunge, 1 p.m.

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

Jan. 7: Morning Contemporary Book Group on Zoom, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Jan. 9: Photoshop on Zoom, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 14: Evening Contemporary Book Group on Zoom, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Jan. 19: Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 19: Food Fight for Immune Health on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 21: Zoom Life Long Readers Book Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
Jan. 23: Children’s Carry & Craft—Pom Pom Book Mark, 10-10:30 a.m.
Jan. 23: Teen/Adult Carry & Craft Felted Ball Coaster, 11-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 28: Zoom Between the Lines Book Group, 6:45-8 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Association
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.com

Jan 25: Fourth Monday Program: Historic Harrisburg’s 2021 Preservation Priorities, 6-7:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Rhyme Time on Zoom (18 months and younger), 10:15 a.m., 5:15 p.m.
Jan. 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29: Toddler Time on Zoom (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Toddler Time on Zoom (18 months to 3 years), 6 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Story Time on Zoom, 1:30-2 p.m.
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: English Conversation on Zoom,
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25: Family Story Time on Zoom, 6:45-7:15 p.m.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26: Tea & Stitches on Zoom, 10 a.m.
Jan. 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Zoom Story Time (ages 3-6), 10-10:45 a.m.
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (meeting in person TBD)
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Zoom Toddler Time (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m., 6 p.m.
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29: Zoom Rhyme Time, 12-12:20 p.m.
Jan. 8, 22: Dungeons & Dragons on Zoom, 6-9 p.m.
Jan. 12: Tween Scene on Zoom—LEGO Challenge, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan. 13: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 16: Zoom Kindergarten Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 16: Zoom First Grade Club, 1-2 p.m.
Jan. 18: Virtual Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 19: Zoom STEM Club, 6-6:45 p.m.
Jan. 23: Trivia at Home—Friends, 6-8 p.m.

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

Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Passageways Transgender & Non-Binary Group via Zoom, 2-4 p.m.

Leadership Harrisburg
3211 N. Front Street, Suite 105, Harrisburg
717.216.5200; leadershipharrisburg.org

Jan 29: Beyond Leadership Virtual Summit, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St, Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Online Science Fiction Book Club
Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Star Trek Rewatch online group
Jan. 18: Mystery Book Club, 6 p.m.

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

Jan. 30: Livestream with Michelle Duster and Keisha Blain, 2-3 p.m.

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

Jan. 1: First Day Bird Walk, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Jan. 11: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 6-8 p.m.

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

Jan 12: Virtual Winter Lecture Series—Mountain Laurel, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan 26: Virtual Winter Lecture Series—Brook Trout, 7-8:30 p.m.
Jan. 30: Kids Discover—Owls (ages 4-6), 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Jan. 30: Kids Discover—Owls (ages 7-10), 1:30-3 p.m.

Live Music

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

Jan. 16: York Symphony Orchestra livestream

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

Jan. 13: Violinist Juliette Kang and cellist Thomas Kraines

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

Jan. 17: Reggie Harris virtual concert

The Stage Door

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

Jan. 14-17: “Fortress of Fandom”

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

Jan. 8-24: “Kafka’s Shorts” livestream

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Happenings: Our December Calendar of Events

November 30, 2020 | by TheBurg Editor

Museum & Art Spaces

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

“Look . . . They Gave Me a Map,” an exhibit examining the enduring appeal of free road maps, through April 23

“Minibike Mania,” a display of more than two dozen miniature motorbikes, through April 23

“Yeah, It’s Got a Hemi!” an exhibit focused on Hemi engines, through April 23

“Yes, We Drive These Cars!” an exhibit of the earliest automobiles, through April 23

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

“Annual Holiday Show,” featuring an eclectic display of unique and affordable art and crafts for sales, through Dec. 31

“Observations & Experiences,” featuring the works of Peg Belcastro, Carden Holland, Maureen Joyce and Julie Riker, Dec. 4-Jan. 7

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

December artist: Jessica Pietro

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

“Christmas at Fort Hunter,” a holiday tradition with new safety precautions that features traditional decorations of fresh greens and fruits, dried materials and fresh flowers, Dec. 1-23

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

“Annual Holiday Show,” an eclectic display of unique and affordable art and crafts for sale, through Dec. 31

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

Holiday group exhibition featuring the works of in-house Millworks artists, through Dec. 31

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“6^th Annual Juried Exhibition,” held virtually with the opportunity to view in person at the Veterans Memorial Building, New Bloomfield, and a chance to vote for the People’s Choice award winner, through Jan. 22

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

“Artisan Marketplace,” featuring original and unique local artwork and handcrafted gifts for holiday gift-giving, through Jan. 9

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

“Virtual Student Honors Photography,” through Dec. 3; Zoom reception and awards: Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.

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

“The Modernists—Witnesses to the 20^th Century,” featuring works by a variety of Modern artists from around the world, through Jan. 17

“Sun + Light,” works from the series “Everyone Loves Sunshine” by visual artist Charles Edward Williams, through Feb. 14

“Country Charm” examines artist Sanh Brian Tran’s experience as a queer Asian man living in rural America, through Feb. 21

“Once A Future Kingdom,” sculptured materials and imagined relics by Anthony Cervino, through March 14

“Project Pattern” multimedia display, through August

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

“Achievements and Aspirations” virtual exhibition highlighting virtual learning experiences the gallery has provided students over the last decade, through Dec. 13

Stone Gables Estate
1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown
717-902-9791; stonegablesestate.com

Third Annual Christmas Light Drive-Thru at Stone Gables Estate, Dec. 4-31

Read, Make, Learn

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

Dec. 3, 10, 17: Thursday Art Club, 3-5 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Dec. 1: Animal Crossing with The Library, 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 1: Family Storytime, 6 p.m.
Dec. 2: Toddler Storytime, 10 a.m.
Dec. 2: Banned Book Club, 4 p.m.
Dec. 2: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 6 p.m.
Dec. 4: Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m.
Dec. 5: Dungeons and Dragons, 3 p.m.
Dec. 10: Winter Wonderland, 6 p.m.
Dec. 17: Media Literacy Workshop, 6 p.m.

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

Dec. 1: Zoom—Curl up with the Classics—“Babette’s Feast,” 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Career Exploration Workshop, 10:30 a.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Career Exploration Workshop, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 2: Zoom—Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
Dec. 3: Peaceful Poses Children’s Story Time, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 3, 17: Zoom—Teen Book Club, 5:45-7 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25: Get That Job! Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25: Get That Job! Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Dec. 5: Easy Craft Grab and Go Bag (ages 3-11), 1 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12: Grab & Go Bag—Gingerbread Painting, 1 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Teen Grab and Go Bag, 9 a.m.
Dec. 7, 21: Zoom—Fredricksen Writes, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 7, 21: STEM Grab & Go Bag (ages 7-12), 9 a.m.
Dec. 9: Virtual Mock Interview, 2 p.m.
Dec. 10, 17, 24, 31: Resume Writing Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 11: Philosophers’ Roundtable, 2 p.m.
Dec. 14: Twisted Stitchers, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Dec. 16: Zoom—Write On, 8-9 p.m.
Dec. 17: Zoom—Plot Twisters (ages 15-18), 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: STEM Storytime, 10 a.m.
Dec. 24, 31: Resume Writing Workshop, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

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

Dec. 5: Virtual Workshop—Good Person-Prov, 2-4 p.m.

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

Dec. 5: SPLAT Studio for kids (ages 2-6), 2 p.m.
Dec. 5: SPLAT Studio for kids (ages 6+), 3 p.m.
Dec. 3: Virtual Between the Lines Book Group, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 5: Virtual Kids Carry & Craft Ornament Edition, 10 a.m.
Dec. 5: Virtual Carry & Craft: Teen/Adult Ornament Edition, 11 a.m.
Dec. 10: In-person Fear of Commitment Book Group at Cassel Vineyards & Winery, 5 p.m.
Dec. 10: Virtual Evening Contemporary Book Group, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 12: Friends Virtual Program: Colonial Christmas: Winter with Washington’s Army, 2 p.m.
Dec. 12, 14: In-person Christmas Wreath Making Class with Andrea Beitzel, 6 p.m.
Dec. 15: Blood Drive, 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 20: Virtual Christmas Special Trivia PJ Party, 2 p.m.
Dec. 29: Virtual Kids Carry & Craft Bullet Journal Jr. Edition, 10 a.m.
Dec. 29: Virtual Teen/Adult Carry & Craft Bullet Journal Edition, 11 a.m.

Historic Harrisburg Association
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.com

Dec. 5: Elegant Progressions virtual celebration, 7 p.m.

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

Dec. 1: Teen Game Night, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25: Story Time (ages 3-6), 1:30-2 p.m.
Dec, 4, 11, 18: Toddler Time (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m., 6 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21: Rhyme Time (18 months and younger), 10:15-10:35 a.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21: Toddler Time (18 months to 3 years), 11:10 a.m., 6 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21: Family Story Time at the Park, 6:45-7:15 p.m.
Dec. 8: Tween Scene, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Mad About Mysteries, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 11: Dungeons & Dragons, 6-9 p.m.
Dec. 15: Zoom STEM Club, 6-6:45 p.m.
Dec. 19: Kindergarten Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 19: First Grade Club, 1-2 p.m.
Dec. 19: Trivia at Home—Ugly Sweater Party, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 21: Virtual Monday Night Book Club, 7-8 p.m.

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

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23: Common Roads Youth, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Common Roads Youth via Zoom, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26: Passageways Transgender & Non-binary Group via Zoom, 2-4 p.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 20: Common Roads Young Adult, 4-6 p.m.

Leadership Harrisburg
3211 N. Front Street, Suite 105, Harrisburg

Dec. 8: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Racial Justice Workshop, 8-9 a.m.
Dec. 10: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Racial Justice Workshop, 12-1 p.m.

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

Dec. 1: Live with Fredrik Logevall and Michael Neiberg, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 2: Live with Philippa Gregory, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 8: Live with James Patterson, 7-8 p.m.
Dec. 10: Live with Yaron Weitzman, 7-8 p.m.

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

Dec. 5: Wreath Making Workshop, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

Dec. 3: Ruth’s Mystery Group via Zoom, 10:15 a.m.
Dec. 8: Grab-and-go STEAM Kits—Mini Zen Garden, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10: Librarians Around Town Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m.
Dec. 14: Palmyra Public Library Book Club, 6-8 p.m.

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

Dec. 16: Life Drawing Class, 6-9 p.m.
Dec. 19: Art Moves + Accompaniment, 10:30 a.m.

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

Dec. 1, 2: Wreath Workshop, 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m.
Dec. 5: Project FeederWatch, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 6: Natural Ornaments, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 pm., 2:30 p.m.
Dec. 12-Jan. 16: Winter Discovery at Wildwood Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dec. 13: Natural Ornaments, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Dec. 15: Winter Walk at Detweiler Park, 2-4 p.m.

Live Music

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

Dec. 5: The British Invasion Years

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd., Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

Dec. 4: Cold Spring Union

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

Dec. 6: Artists to Artists—A Virtual Residency Exploring Jewish Music Traditions
Dec. 13: John McCutcheon

The Stage Door

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

Dec. 1-27: “Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish”

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

Dec. 1-Jan. 3: “Elf”

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

Dec. 4-13: “The Adventures of Little Red Riding Hood” (live shows are TBD, depending on pandemic situation)

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

Dec. 4-6: “Moana”

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

Dec. 4: J Bliss
Dec. 11: Shaun Jones

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

Dec. 4-20: “A Christmas Carol” (live-streamed)

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Fosterthefoodie’s Holiday Gift Guide: 11 Local Gifts for the Food Lovers on your List!

November 19, 2020 | by Corinne Foster

From wine & pizza to sweets & treats, Fosterthefoodie has curated tasteful options to fit every budget!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and now more than ever, it’s important to shop local and support your favorite small businesses. With these 11 locally made goods, ranging from cider and cannolis to charcuterie and cookies, there’s something for everyone on your list. Trust me; in no time, you’ll have to find a gift for the foodies in your life, and you’ll realize that some of the best presents can come in small (business) packages!

Sweet717

Any candy lover will appreciate a gift basket from Sweet717! Create something special by mixing and matching some of Sweet717’s bestselling treats like the Festive Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Peppermint Dark Chocolate Nonpareils, Peppermint Fluffs, or my favorite – the Handcrafted Peppermint Bark Bars! Whether you’re grabbing a mix of festive treats or a box of their classic fudge, you’ll definitely find something to satisfy a sweet tooth!

Cornerstone Coffeehouse

Buying a gift for a coffee lover in your life? This year, give them something to make them feel close to chipper every morning: a gift basket from Cornerstone Coffeehouse! Nowadays, we have more time than ever to get serious about fresh grinds with the endless hours at home to drink it. So, give that special person in your life who cannot function without their coffee a new roast paired with bakery treats and a mug. Because an hour spent uncaffeinated is an hour wasted!

The Shoppe on Chocolate

We all have a person in our lives that loves to entertain, goes the extra mile for parties and really does it up for any occasion! You know the one: the hostess with the mostest. So, treat that entertainer to something they can help entertain you with this year – like a gift basket from The Shoppe on Chocolate. Gift them with a versatile tray that be can be used to serve drinks or hold food, pair it with some mulling spices to add a nice seasonal flavor to wine or cider and throw in some cheese markers for the finishing touch!

Tröegs Independent Brewing

For the biggest cheese lover on your Christmas list, a cheese sampler is a great way to treat them to their best present yet. This Beer Cheese Sampler from Caputo Brothers Creamery contains cheeses created with beers from Tröegs Independent Brewing – Mad Elf Beer Cheese, Troegentaor Beer Cheese, Perpetual IPA Beer Cheese and Cracked Elf. You can even add on some pepperoni from Salumeria Biellese to help create the perfect cheeseboard for an extra $10! It’s perfect for the beer lover or foodie in your life!

Wyndridge Farm

Raise a glass to celebrate the season with some amazing craft beverages from Wyndridge Farm! Hook up your boozy best pal or your classy coworker with some delicious hard ciders or some seasonal craft beers from Winding Path Brewing Co! Complete the gift with some Wyndrige Farm merchandise like koozies, glasses or clothing! This craft-beer gift will be everything you need to have a truly hoppy Christmas (sorry, I had to!).

Laurcuterie

What’s more impressive than a perfectly crafted charcuterie board? One that is made just for you! The Laurcuterie To-Go Box is perfect for any small gathering, whether you’re attending as a guest or hosting! The box includes a variety of meats, cheeses, produce, dip/spreads, nuts, pickled assortment, dried fruit and crackers, but can be customized just to your liking. This holiday season keep things simple and gift your charcuterie-loving friend one of these ready-to-go boxes!

Knead HBG

Is there anything more amazing than a sizzling pie fresh out of the oven? Look no further than Knead HBG! They now offer DIY Pizza Kits – complete with Pizza Dough, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese! For only $5, you can take the delicious goodness of a Knead Pizza to the comfort of your own home. It’s easy to make, cheap to buy, and even better to share with friends! It’s the perfect gift for every pizza lover on your list!

3700 Market Café

Celebrate the season by sharing one-of-a-kind bakery gifts everyone will love. Fill a gift basket with the best treats 3700 Market Café has to offer: mouth-watering brownies, cookies and decadent desserts galore! Comfort food is the fastest way to the heart, and during these unprecedented times, we could all use some holiday spirit! No matter what the holidays look like, 3700 Market Café will make sure there is something delicious to add to your gift list!

Grazery

Incorporating delicacies from Italy, Greece, Morocco and Spain, a Mediterranean gift basket is a healthy introduction to some of the unique flavors from this popular sun-drenched region. Grazery offers a selection of hand-picked Mediterranean pantry items that would be the perfect gift this holiday season! From olive oil, to forest honey and pistachio halva, you’ll find something for everyone’s taste buds! And – Grazery is now offering pre-made gift baskets to make it even easier to shop!

JB Kelly Seafood

Who’s ready for a seafood extravaganza? This may not be the year to take a trip to warmer weather, but why not bring a little bit of vacation into your kitchen with a seafood dinner for two from JB Kelly Seafood! Pick through dozens of offerings and treat your loved one with a meal they won’t forget – and enjoy it from the comfort and convenience of your own home!

Caputo Brothers Creamery

If you’re lucky, you have someone in your life who loves to bake. One super delicious and interactive gift is this DIY Cannoli Kit from Caputo Brothers Creamery! The kit comes with a 1lb. pastry bag of their housemade cannoli filling, made with their fresh ricotta, lightly sweetened, along with 12 mini cannoli shells. Think of it as a gift for them (and a gift for you)!

Stay tuned throughout the month on Fosterthefoodie for more info on each local business! And – if you make a purchase, make sure to say you found your present on Fosterthefoodie’s Holiday Gift Guide!

Fosterthefoodie is a food and drink blogger promoting the best dishes and drinks in Central PA for under $15. In less than two years, Fosterthefoodie has developed over 80 local partnerships and gained over 4,100 followers to become a top influencer in the Harrisburg region. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook!

Watershed Event: Despite the trials of 2020, a new restaurant/pub opens in Camp Hill.

October 30, 2020 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Scottish Poet Robert Burns once said, “The best-laid schemes of mice and men oft go awry.” It’s a phrase to which Josh Kesler can certainly relate.

Before opening the Millworks in Harrisburg, Kesler dealt with the vicissitudes of real estate. So, suffering the occasional setback was hardly a foreign concept to him.

But then came COVID-19, a wholly new challenge that hit the restaurant industry hard. Nonetheless, he continued to charge forward with plans to open a new restaurant in the heart of Camp Hill—The Watershed Pub. Kesler went so far as to put a sign out announcing a July 16 opening date.

But then the pandemic struck too close to home. An employee at the just-reopened Millworks tested positive, causing him to test all employees for the virus. When he discovered that he would have to wait two to three weeks for the results, he decided that it was time to pivot again. So, he put both restaurants on pause.

“I wanted to gain a little bit more of a comfort level,” Kesler said.

By the first week of October, the restaurateur was once again ready to host the grand opening of the Watershed Pub.

Science & Art

Kesler has long had a passion for preservation, rehabbing over a million square feet of historic properties over the years. So, when he heard that Creative Elegance Boutique was up for sale and that the building dated back to the 1800s, his interest was piqued. He made an offer, closed the deal, and got to work.

Customers will recognize the exterior.

“We worked hard to preserve the historic architectural integrity on the outside of the structure,” Kesler said.

Inside, things have changed quite a bit in the 3,500-square-foot building, which now seats 160. The pub features a bar on both the first and second floors, with white oak flooring throughout. Seating on both floors is a combination of tables and booths with lighting fixtures that vary from sconces to Edison bulb pendant lighting to colonial-style chandeliers. Kesler attributes the choice of wall color to his wife, who selected “Cushing Green,” a period hue for the building.

As for the cuisine, sustainability is infused into the heart of the menu.

“The Watershed Pub developed as we began to think about the impact of our region on the Susquehanna River Valley and, ultimately, the Chesapeake watershed,” Kesler said.

Diners have a choice of carefully selected seafood options that are regional, sustainably harvested and meet criteria from the NOAA fisheries guide, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Guide and others. Selections hail largely from the mid-Atlantic region and include oysters, blue crab, mussels, clams, rockfish and even Maryland snapping turtle, along with non-seafood items like vegan ravioli and country fried steak.

Kesler said that he strives to be environmentally responsible.

“It’s important to me to work with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to help support the organization’s mission to protect and restore the bay,” he said.

The Watershed Pub has something else that Camp Hill residents have longed desired for their downtown ever since they marched to the polls a few years ago to overturn the borough’s “dry” status—a place to get a drink.

The restaurant offers artisan cocktails crafted with Pennsylvania spirits, along with a selection of quality Pennsylvania wines and a wide selection of brews from the Millworks Brewery, with brew master Jeff Musselman at the helm.

“My passion for brewing is anchored in the fact that what we do is truly a combination of science and art, and there aren’t many careers where you get to combine those two things and make a product that customers are passionate about,” he said.

Sue Pera, owner of neighboring Cornerstone Coffeehouse, said that the Watershed Pub fills a need along Market Street.

“Camp Hill is super excited to welcome the Watershed Pub to the downtown business corridor,” she said. “It’s the first dining destination in Camp Hill since Prohibition to serve wine, spirits and beer, all locally sourced from PA.”

Homecoming

Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to hang like a specter in the air these days, especially for restaurants. So, Kesler took an action that he may not have considered a few years ago.

“I decided to install more sophisticated equipment in this restaurant,” said Kesler about the HVAC system that includes a UV purifier that kills up to 98.5 percent of airborne pathogens. “I started out with HEPA filters and began talking to contractors, who led me down the road to discovering this other system.”

It was expensive, he said, but worth the added “peace of mind.”

Otherwise, he’s happy to be contributing to downtown Camp Hill’s fabric, adding a food and drink option to the revitalized shopping district, and is optimistic about the changes being made to make the small community more walkable.

“When the weather warms again, we will also be able to accommodate an additional 90 customers who enjoy outside dining,” he said.

The restaurateur said that his family lived in Camp Hill for almost a decade.

“So, for me, it feels almost like a homecoming,” he said.

The Watershed Pub is located at 2129 Market St., Camp Hill. For more information, visit www.thewatershed.pub or their Facebook page.

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Bob’s Art Blog: The Signature Style of Pamela J. Black

August 23, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

“Another Story” by Pamela J. Black

Art lovers are no different than film lovers, music lovers, book lovers and the list goes on. No matter the discipline, great artists find their niche and stay true to that vision. It becomes their signature style, immediately recognizable as theirs and theirs alone. Think of Quentin Tarantino in film, Florence and the Machine in music and Edgar Allan Poe in literature (after all, Poe is timeless).

Pamela J. Black, prolific painter of beguiling backdrops that adorn homes and businesses up and down the Eastern seaboard, falls into that category of instantly recognizable. The subdued statement of colors, soft and serene, is immediately identifiable as a Pamela J. Black creation. She works from an ever-changing palette of seasonal colors and often from a select grouping defined by her clientele’s needs in commissioned pieces. It’s easy to lose oneself when looking at Pamela’s paintings. They draw you into the possibilities of what can be in their shades, shapes and subtleties.

The third Friday in August took us to Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill. It marked our first “3rd in the Boro,” where we caught up with Pamela’s exhibition that runs through August before traveling across the river to land at Cafe 1500 in time for fall.

Pamela’s palette takes colors of the summer found within the Great Barrier Reef in Australia–sea foam, coral, aqua and turquoise all awash in the shades of the season reflected on the ocean’s surface. A cohesive grouping of 13 paintings comprises the Cornerstone collection, which includes two larger works. Black’s addition of vibrant colors to the mix expands an otherwise restrained range into one of bidirectional bounty. “Another Story,” an apropos title for a painting that is dramatic with its incorporation of indigo, autumn gold and a softer shade of blue, scatters the three like a storm sweeping across the ocean out of nowhere. One can only begin to grasp its meaning up close, drawn into the eye of swirling symbolism. “Invisible” is built on imagery bold and boundless, balancing red and blue as if on a seesaw to determine which will come out on top. Putting aside their “primary” differences, they join efforts to attain peaceful harmony for the benefit of all.

“Slowing Down #3”

With fluid acrylics, the images appear to float on the paper or canvas as if a leaf, newly wet from rain, fell to the page and remained. Those images start from a “random point, a mark on the canvas” and evolve into timeless tropes. Black acknowledges that the process in creating her art is a natural path of evolvement in that it all comes out in the wash. The “wash” is the application of the acrylic paints once they dissipate in water for a perfect formula that gives her the texture and tones she desires. Her abstract approach to art is anything but. Aspects of movement and expression are conveyed from an intentional point of origin but then take on a life of their own. Her paintings indulge imagination and appeal to a wide variety of tastes. She remains steadfast and true to her vision creating variations on a theme, yet each work is uniquely individual. A sense of calm pervades every frame with a soothing quality that speaks to the viewer’s inner appreciation of beauty. Black espouses a painterly philosophy revealing the heart of a poet when she shares that, “My paintings serve as a reflection of my soul’s landscape.” She is “fueled by the need to find a sense of balance between chaos and control.”

Her caring nature extends beyond that philosophy as she puts thoughts into action. Giving to worthy causes for the good of the community is a priority for Pamela. Proceeds of some of her art sales recently went to aid the YWCA Greater Harrisburg, an organization near and dear to her.

Pamela, with two of her “assistants”

Awards and accolades locally and on a national scale pay tribute to an artist that has achieved the recognition through hard work and loving what she does. Graduating from Kutztown with a BFA in 2007 found her next five years teaching elementary art while attaining her master’s degree in education. For now, Black’s studio at Millworks #322 is temporarily closed, but that does not stop the process of creation. Since the closure, she has immersed herself in her paintings, aided by two assistants at her home studio. Her two young children help her in the meaning and motivation. Pamela is vitally aware of time management as she paints while the kids nap. She recently was part of a juried show at Cerulean Arts in Philadelphia and is the featured artist in the art opus, PIKCHUR Magazine, Vol. 8. In addition, the San Francisco-based design platform, Wescover, showcases her art for sale in its myriad presentations. Society 6 features the gamut from note cards, bar stools, throw pillows, coffee mugs and even credenzas, all with Pamela’s imprimatur of art. Her signature style greatly lends itself to objets d’ art used in everyday life.

Black’s goal is to give her audience the same sense of calm and peace that she feels when she paints. Her work centers her wholly like the gravitational pull of nature in righting itself after a storm, a feeling of renewal, refreshed to begin again. Fall under the spell of the paintings, to write your own story of what you see before you. To fully appreciate her work, one needs to see the paintings in person while they are on the menu for August exclusively at Cornerstone Coffeehouse. For art is subjective by design, and Black provides the necessary ingredients in one complete package always to be savored like a fine wine.

Pamela J. Black’s exhibition runs through Aug. 31 at Cornerstone Coffeehouse, 2133 Market St., Camp Hill. It then runs Sept. 18 to Oct. 15 at Cafe 1500, 1500 N. 6th St., Harrisburg.

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