Getting in Some True Irish Entertainment

admin December 19, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Getting in Some True Irish Entertainment

When I relocated to Harrisburg a few months ago after the divorce, the last thing I could ever imagine doing was ever going out again, especially in an evening, to a pub or something else resembling entertainment.  I just couldn’t picture myself being happy again I guess.  I figured I’d just be one of those sad middle-aged men who sat at home with a microwave meal for one and see out the end of my days.

Thankfully it’s really true what they say about time healing.  Over the last month or so I’ve really changed my tune.  Now I’m always looking for something to do – with or without the kids.  And so I was absolutely thrilled when I recently discovered McGrath’s – the coolest Irish pub ever – right here in Harrisburg.  It really is great and it’s the city’s first ever real McDeal – true, authentic Irish pub.

The pub has been around for a while too; it opened nearly 10 years ago.  But I just hadn’t heard about it.  Now though, since the divorce is no longer so raw, after a long day at the office, especially when I’m alone (which is most nights; the kids just visit every other weekend and some Tuesdays), I love unwinding there.  It’s very friendly and pretty green too; so it just gives you an all-round feeling of feel good.  The brews are great and the food isn’t bad either, but truthfully I go for the mellow, relaxation element that you always get in a good Irish pub; no-one is judging me; everyone is there to chill out and unwind.  What more could one ask for? Perfect.

Harrisburg Kids’ Activities

admin December 18, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Harrisburg Kids’ Activities

I had a few ideas for this weekend for the kids, but in the end none of them seemed appropriate since the kids seemed particularly tired and asked if they could just chill out at home.  I was pretty happy about that actually because it showed that they are really getting comfortable in my home – something I was initially concerned about.  So we had a nice, relaxing time and I started looking into stuff for the next time they can.

My middle kid loves music so I was thrilled when I found out about the 96th Pennsylvania Farm Show, which is inviting kids to show off their musical talents after the New Year.  It really is kids from 8-18, but I think my youngest – being pretty tall – can pass for an 8-year old, providing they’re not so stringent on the age-thing. It’s set to take place at Harrisburg’s Expo Center.

I’m really proud of him actually.  He’s a good kid and it seems the divorce hasn’t affected him so much. I’m so glad he has his brothers – that for sure helps them all – but the fact that he’s always trying to do well and achieve something new, is really great and I’m glad the problems me and my ex had don’t seem to be affecting him too badly.

So that was my weekend; quiet but way nicer with the kids than being alone.

Flash Mob in Harrisburg

admin December 15, 2011 Harrisburg Shopping Comments Off on Flash Mob in Harrisburg

So I just spoke to my kids today after they got home from school about their weekend.  What an adventure they seemed to have had!  Joanne had taken them to the Harrisburg Mall for a spot of shopping (for her I suspect) and then a bite to eat. Just after they finished eating, a flash mob appeared!  They had absolutely no idea this was going to happen and were completely in shock. In fact, they had been so absorbed in their burgers, they didn’t even notice how strangely quiet the mall seemed to be for a Sunday afternoon or a bunch of kids decked out in bright orange shirts.

Moments later, Reel 2 Real song ‘I Like to Move It’ started blaring out from some speakers right by the movie theater.  The orange-shirt-clad-kids (it seemed from their description that there were some adults amongst them too), thereafter began moving and boogeying along to the music!

It sure was a first for my kids to see a real live flash mob.  They’ve heard about them and watched them on YouTube, but never actually seem them “in real life” as my 7-year-old enthusiastically said.  Well, good for them.  They can tick that off their “things to do while I’m alive” list!

Community Medical Associates

admin December 13, 2011 Harrisburg Health Comments Off on Community Medical Associates

I figured that since I’d already been in the hood for over six months, it was time to register with a family doctor.  I had heard some pretty good things about the Community Medical Associates so I went by and took a look. Conveniently located on N Progress Ave, the actual offices were very pleasant indeed. I liked the fact that in one place, there are both general doctors and specialists – I hate the idea of constantly having to go from one venue to another so this is appealing to me.  Before registering I read a great online review, giving a five-star rating, so was already optimistic. And, unlike a lot of the other practices, this one is accepting new patients.  So I’m hoping it’s going to be just what I need.

Taking in Some Culture

admin December 12, 2011 Society Comments Off on Taking in Some Culture

And Perhaps Giving Something Back?

Yesterday morning as I was reading the Harrisburg Magazine, I was considering what to do with the rest of my weekend.  Friday and Saturday had been good but I didn’t welcome the idea of just sitting around in my lonely apartment the night before heading back to work with a microwave meal for one.  So I decided to check out one of the museums I keep reading about in Harrisburg.

I took the plunge, didn’t procrastinate, got up and found myself at The State Museum of Pennsylvania so that I could find out a bit more about the entire state of Pennsylvania and its heritage.  Truthfully I don’t think I’d ever studied this subject – our American history lessons back in school weren’t exactly memorable – so since having been given all this extra time on my hands, it’s the perfect opportunity.

I was shocked that I found it pretty interesting!  I’d never exactly been the best History student at school but there you have it; perhaps a leopard can change its spots.  I saw some cool exhibits spanning geologic time all the way to the Native American experience, revolutionary beginnings and more. I also got a lot more information on the Civil War battleground via the industrial age, which I don’t think I knew anything at all about before.  It seemed to be that the museum is insinuating that “Pennsylvania’s story is America’s story,” so that made me feel like a pretty proud Pennsylvanian.

After my tour, I looked around some more and considered the possibility of – on those all too lonely long weekends – volunteering as part of the State Museum’s Volunteer Corps.  I could get to know a lot more about American history (and pass that onto my kids) and feel good about actually doing something for my new community.  I’ve not volunteered in years; this could be just what my self-esteem needs after the divorce.

So I asked around and it seems I have four options: I could get involved with educational programs and tours (that would require a fair amount of training); work on the events and hospitality sector (I can’t really see that being my thing) find out more about special projects (a possibility) or work in the State Museum Store (I think that appeals the most).  So it’s definitely something I intend to look into.  Anyway hope your first day back at the work week starts off on a positive spin.

Great Art Possibilities in Schools

admin December 11, 2011 Society Comments Off on Great Art Possibilities in Schools

It’s only ever really been my oldest kid – Matthew, who is now 11 – who has ever taken any real interest in art. So Joanne and I were delighted when we heard about the extra capital being injected into the art program at the Downey School where he attends.  In fact, it’s probably one of the first things we’ve agreed on in months!

His art teacher – Shannon Lippy – just received $400 worth of sketchbooks that he believes might begin to reveal some of their hidden talents.  Just last week he actually WANTED to go to school (he had art that day) and I don’t recall any of my kids ever actually being enthusiastic in the mornings.  The teacher is encouraging the kids to really create something on their own and I know that has to be good for self-esteem building.  So this teacher is purchasing 200 sketchbooks for his grade, seventh and eighth grade.  The money came from the Harrisburg Schools Foundation; it’d be great if we see more such incentives in other creative endeavors like those in the realm of physical education, such as judo or martial arts. It’s a great way for boys to get out their frustrations in a positive way and I’m always up for that kind of thing.

 

Harrisburg Weekend Activities for Lonely Single Dads

admin December 9, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Harrisburg Weekend Activities for Lonely Single Dads

I always start getting a little sad as the day draws in on a Thursday if the kids aren’t coming to stay for the weekend.  But, at the same time, in order to prevent myself from spiraling down into a depressive state, I start checking out what is going on locally. Unless of course I have a date, which, these days isn’t so often – I guess I’m hitting what they call in the dating world, a “dry spell.” Now that I’m back on “the scene” as it were, I’m learning lots of new phrases that I wish I didn’t have to become educated on.  But, alas, I must move on and resume some positive thinking.

I could join up with my group.  I recently discovered the Amici group which meets up near Harrisburg.  It was set up to help people develop interpersonal skills and relationships.  According to the ex, Joanne, I sure need some help in that area. And my therapist Michelle – although she doesn’t say it outright – seems to be in agreement with her.  So what I like most about the group is that it is non-judgmental and is a real way of getting out the house when I am stuck for something to do; it seems to give me that extra push that I need.  Everyone comes from a different place – and Amici seems to be the real equalizer for us.   I must check the schedule as they may have one of their dinners coming up over the weekend which is always a fun and relaxing way to spend a Friday or Saturday night. For those few hours I really don’t feel alone.

I also feel a sense of belonging at Amici.  There are some great people who go and everyone is just nice.  Yeah, I think I need a bit of that energy injection this weekend.  And then hopefully that will give me the strength to go optimistically into next week so that I can be all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for when the kids come.

Hope you have a good one too! Best, Alex.

Cutting Crime in Harrisburg

admin December 7, 2011 Harrisburg Police Department Comments Off on Cutting Crime in Harrisburg

There is now a new way to eliminate certain – minimal – crime, in Harrisburg.  A security hologram has been created by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that facilitates the recognition of fake drivers’ licenses and identification cards.  It is first being tried out by the state of Pennsylvania – no other state in America has used it yet.  According to Barry J. Schoch, PennDOT Secretary, these identity cards have always been “a trusted source for establishing a person’s true identity [and the state is now determined] to combat counterfeit forms of identification, which ultimately jeopardize lives and hold great potential for harm to our national security.”

The hologram works by suppressing the “rainbow” colors that are common with holographic images and thus the hologram seems to switch between black and white as the image is moved.  As well, since the new image has a much higher resolution, it is very easily visible in bright, moderate and low-light environments.

For sure Harrisburg – especially as of late – could do with cracking down on crime; there have been far too many criminal incidents in the city like burglaries and break-ins.  So hopefully this will be the start of something good for the city and Harrisburg will be able to finally crack its crime problem.

Santa Claus is Coming…to Harrisburg!

admin December 6, 2011 Entertainment Comments Off on Santa Claus is Coming…to Harrisburg!

It seems that Harrisburg is going to be privy to a great Christmas as the town’s Hershey’s Park becomes Candylane!  The town will be laden with fun events and entertainments as well of course, great candy.  Even if you’re not from the area, it might be worth booking into one of the hotels near the venue so you’ll be just a hop, skip and jump away from Candylane, where you’ll be privy to over two million decorative lights and other fun festive adornments.  As well, you can meet the characters famous in Hershey-land, and join your kids on all the cool rides there.  If you are going to be one of those fun parents, then you cannot miss out on the Twilight Express.

For the music-lovers amongst you, you can enjoy A Rockin’ Music Box Christmas Show and for the kids who love the whole Christmas spirit, the tales at Christmas Candylane Storytime will be a real hit.  Chocoholics will love Christmas in Chocolate Town (decadent meal with amazing chocolate dessert and live entertainment) and Hershey Sweet Lights is a great drive-thru from the comfort of your own car.

This really is a great outing for everyone in the family – be sure not to miss it.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

admin December 5, 2011 Society Comments Off on Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg Education Takes Financial Responsibility Seriously

Throughout America, there is a serious college debt issue.  Indeed, recent figures show that the nationwide debt is approaching $1 trillion.  As well, it seems that now, higher education is also going fueling this educational financial crisis. But in Harrisburg, the city does not appear to be falling into that same trap.  Indeed, the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) seems to be going in quite the opposite direction which will enable all those in the finance sector of the city to breathe a sigh of relief, especially given Harrisburg’s other monetary issues as of late.

Next month, the school will be marking the founding of its decade anniversary.  Last month, Jeff Selingo (from The Chronicle of Higher Education), mentioned the institute in a series on those bodies that “defy stale, burdensome academic traditions.”  What HU should be proud of, is how it has really focused on its academic and educational core, rather than getting side-tracked by all the extra-curricular activities that ultimately seem to lead educational institutes into debt.  It did this through a few different measures such as: getting rid of tenure, academic departments, dorming options and sporting teams; and encouraging corporate involvement as a money-saving educational-focused effort.  Through this, the HU has been successful in focusing on its education and “fulfill[ing] its mission as an economic driver in the heart of Harrisburg.”