10 To-Dos October 2017

Lancaster will be hosting the Governor’s Awards for the Arts in Pennsylvania for the first time since it was launched by Governor Dick Thornburgh in 1980. During the week leading up to the October 26 awards ceremony, Lancaster will pay homage to the arts with a parade, exhibits, music, dance, a film festival and theatrical performances.

Originally called the Hazlett Memorial Awards for Excellence in the Arts (named in honor of Theodore L. Hazlett, the first chairman of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts), the awards honored individual artists in a variety of disciplines. The recipient of the Distinguished Pennsylvania Artist Award was selected by the governor. Look over the list of past winners of the various awards that comprise the program, and you’ll be impressed by the names that appear on it. It seems that Pennsylvania has nurtured some very talented people. Those who have been honored with the Distinguished Pennsylvania Artist Award include:

August Wilson (1990), a Pittsburgh native who was awarded two Pulitzer Prizes for his series of 10 plays that comprise The Pittsburgh Cycle. His works typically focused on the African-American experience, and he often talked of his grandmother, who walked from North Carolina to Pennsylvania in order to find a better life for her family.

Judith Jamison (1988), who was born in Philadelphia, made an impact on the world of dance through her performances and choreography. Much of her career was spent with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as a dancer, choreographer and artistic director.

John Updike (1983) was born in Reading and raised in various small towns in Berks County. His small-town upbringing influenced the novelist, poet, short-story writer and art/literary critic, leading him to champion middle-class Americans, notably his Rabbit series that followed the life of Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom. Updike is only one of three writers to win multiple Pulitzer Prizes for fiction.

Marian Anderson (1982) also hailed from Philadelphia. Anderson’s incredible voice broke barriers: When the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) barred her appearance at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in 1939, President and Mrs. Roosevelt provided her with a better venue: the Lincoln Memorial. It was estimated that 75,000 people were in attendance. She returned to sing at the memorial for the March on Washington in 1963. Anderson was also the first African-American to sing on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in New York (1955).

James Michener (1981) was born in Doylestown, Bucks County. The prolific writer penned such sweeping novels as Hawaii, Centennial, Chesapeake, Alaska and Texas. His writing career began during World War II, when he served as a naval historian in the South Pacific. After the war, he wrote Tales of the South Pacific, which inspired the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, South Pacific. Centennial also received star treatment, becoming a 12-part mini-series on NBC.

Andrew Wyeth (1986), who was born and lived all his life in Chadds Ford, Chester County, is considered to be one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century. The subject matter of his realistic paintings typically centered on the land (Chester County and Maine, where he summered) and the people who influenced his life. An exhibit that celebrated his 100th birthday (he died in 2009 at age 91) recently concluded at the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford.

James Stewart (1980) was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Considered one of America’s favorite actors, he discovered his acting chops as a result of joining theater and music clubs while studying architecture at Princeton University. Summer stock and small roles on Broadway prompted interest from Hollywood. His film roles led to five Academy Award nominations; his sole win was for The Philadelphia Story. He also received the Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1985. The American Film Institute deemed five of his movies as being among the best 100 American films ever made. Stewart was also beloved for being the first Hollywood star to enlist in the military during World War II. Stewart flew numerous missions over Germany.

 

Other notables who have had an impact on the state and have won various awards include Eugene Ormandy (1980), who led the Philadelphia Orchestra for 44 years; Fred Rogers (1982), who was born in Latrobe and is best known for the PBS show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; Andre Previn (1983), who was the music director for the Pittsburgh Symphony from 1976-1984; and director, producer, screenwriter and actor, M. Night Shyamalan (2002), whose supernatural thrillers include the movie, The Sixth Sense. Born in India, he grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, where he continues to reside.

Honorees with ties to Lancaster have included the late Caroline S. Nunan, who received the Outstanding Leadership & Service in Arts for Youth in 2009, and the band, Live, which received the Arts Innovation Award in 2013.

 

Through the years, the awards program evolved, as each administration tweaked the categories. The program is once again being administered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Five awards now comprise the program, and winners are selected in part by the public through the Council’s website.

This year’s honorees were announced in August. The recipient of the Distinguished Arts Award, which honors a Pennsylvania artist who has achieved “international fame, leadership or renown and whose creations or contributions enrich the state,” is artist Pepón Osorio. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1955, he moved to New York 20 years later to pursue an education. A degree in sociology led to a career as a social worker. However, his artistic talent emerged when he began creating what he called “assemblages” in which he initially used chandeliers as his canvas. Filled with objects and trinkets, he maintained that they represented the “dreams, hopes, humor and hardships” of Puerto Rican newcomers who arrived in America during the ‘50s and ’60s.

Eventually, Osorio combined his two careers. He now lives in Philadelphia, where he teaches at the Tyler School of Art (Temple University). Osorio is also a prolific artist whose large-scale installations continue to include objects that represent his cultural heritage, as well as video. His works typically focus on political and social issues as they affect the Latino community. He has partnered with 25 communities across the country on long-term art projects, and his work has been exhibited at major galleries and museums.

Lancastrians are also being honored. They include Barry Kornhauser, who is the assistant director of campus & community engagement at Millersville University. He will be receiving the Artist of the Year award, which is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the arts in the state. Mayor Richard Gray and his wife, Gail, who is an artist, will be receiving the Special Recognition for Public Leadership award.

In addition, Altoona’s Ann M. Benzel, who is the former chair of the Presidential Council on the Arts and the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, will receive the Patron Award, which recognizes an “individual, corporation or foundation that has made significant contributions to the vitality and availability of the arts in Pennsylvania.” George Junior Republic, a nonprofit residential treatment center for at-risk, delinquent and dependent youth in Grove City, will receive the Arts Leadership & Service Award.

The city, of course, is honored and excited to be hosting such an event. According to Annie Weeks, the director of Lancaster Office of Promotion, Bob Shoemaker of the Lancaster City Alliance and Paul Ware were integral in securing the event for Lancaster. “We’ve never hosted anything like this,” Annie notes, adding that part of the challenge is working with a blank slate. “Every city that hosts the event is free to make it their own,” she explains, pointing out that some host cities have staged week-long celebrations, while others have stayed low-key and kept it to one or two days.

Another challenge is to live up to First Lady Frances Wolf’s observation that Lancaster will be “the cultural capitol of Pennsylvania for a day.”

Annie also points out that the economic impact could be substantial. “Williamsport sold millions of dollars-worth of art during the week that they hosted the event,” she says, adding that restaurants and retail shops will undoubtedly benefit, as well.

Both the city and the arts community view the honor as an opportunity to showcase all genres of art. “We want it to be all-inclusive,” Annie says. “We want everyone to be involved.” As a result, she says the lineup of activities will be fluid right up to the event’s kick-off. “If someone has an idea, we want to hear it. We want artists to make use of public spaces. We want this town to resonate with art in all its forms.”

October 6 | Go Over the Edge & Rappel for a Cause

Ruoff Tower
SouthEast Lancaster Health Services wants to send you and your friends “over the edge.” Get your spot on the ropes to rappel down 11 stories, and by doing so you can help keep Lancaster healthy. Over the Edge is a special events company that sends participants rappelling down buildings as a unique, over-the-top fundraiser for nonprofit organizations. “Be awesome” with “a little help from your friends”; raise a minimum of $1,000 to enter. Event is open to anyone ages 18 and over. Proceeds benefit SouthEast Lancaster Health Services 315 N. Prince St. Information: 717-945-1553 or SELHS.org.

October 1 | 2nd Annual Renovators’ Home Tour

Various Locations
Take a first-hand look at the clever use of space and design in home renovations throughout Lancaster. Presented by PNC Bank and benefiting Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity, attendees will explore 18-20 homes that feature renovations ranging from smart small-space solutions to entire home rehabs.

This year’s event highlights DIY projects – in varying degrees of difficulty –
that homeowners have executed themselves. These homes will be located in Manheim Township’s Grandview Heights/Country Club Estates neighborhoods, along with Lancaster’s downtown and west side areas. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tickets are $45 and are on sale through renovatorshometour.com, or you may purchase them at David Lyall Home & Design or Penn Stone.

In addition, homeowners in Lancaster’s Box Company Flats will host a VIP Party September 23. Enjoy live music, food and drink in this urban living space. A limited number of tickets will be sold for the VIP Party.

Information: lancasterlebanonhabitat.org/renovatorshometour.

October 7 | Central Market Harvest Breakfast

Lancaster Central Market
This tasty event is a festive way to kick off the harvest season. Delicious breakfast items will be served in the market alleys. View a lovely array of flowers and harvest décor. Children’s events, activities and live music round out the fun-filled morning. 23 N. Market St. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Information: 717-735-6890 or centralmarketlancaster.com.

October 7-8 | Lancaster Fall ArtWalk

Downtown Lancaster
Take a self-guided tour through the downtown galleries and discover the city’s lively art scene. View special exhibits and live demonstrations, meet the talented artists and experience the tradition. ArtWalk provides children’s activities, as well. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Information: 717-413-0094 or lancasterartwalk.com.

Through November 4 | Cherry Crest Adventure Farm Amazing Maize Maze

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is the place to be this fall season. The farm features more than 50 family fun activities, games and rides. Experience this year’s new maze, designed as Charlotte’s Web. Throughout October, guests can explore the Flashlight Maze on Friday and Saturday evenings. Be sure to visit the Discovery Barn, the Farm Animal Center and Animal Grove. View the interactive Country Pig Races & Show and catch a Farm Tour Wagon Ride. Kids can experience the Rubber Duck Race, Hay Chute Slide, Round Bale Racers, the Straw Bale Tower and so much more. 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: 866-546-1799 or cherrycrestfarm.com.

October 23| A Conversation with Elizabeth Vargas: Behind the Headlines

Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
Moravian Manor proudly presents this engaging community program featuring award-winning anchor and correspondent Elizabeth Vargas, who is currently the co-anchor of ABC’s 20/20 with David Muir. She will share a behind-the-scenes look at today’s live news reporting and media, her experience with breaking some of the biggest stories and reporting from the front lines around the world, how alcoholism has affected her life and career, and her struggle with the disease and her ongoing recovery. 25 S. Queen St. Cash Bar: 6-7 p.m. Dinner served at 7:15 p.m. Seating is limited. Information: moravianmanor.org.

Through October 29 | Fall Corn Maze

Oregon Dairy
Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, this 20-acre corn maze is waiting to be explored. This year’s theme is a First Responder’s Corn Maze (first responders and military will receive a 10% discount with valid ID photo). Other activities included with Corn Maze admission are as follows: Pumpkin Bowling, Pumpkin Skee-Ball, the Jump Pad, Tire Pebble Playground, Replica Milking Cow, Straw Tunnel, Bean Bag Toss and so much more. Be sure to visit Oregon Dairy’s Food Truck, offering delicious items and assorted drinks. Group rates available. 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz. Information: 717-656-2856
or oregondairy.com/family-fun/corn-maze.

October 8 | 12th Annual Apple Fall Fest

Haldeman Mansion

All things apple will be celebrated at this event to benefit the Haldeman Mansion. Enjoy dumplings, cakes, apple crisp, applesauce and cider. Live music, silent auction, apple bobbing and a dessert contest, too. 230 Locust Grove Rd., Bainbridge. 12-4 p.m. Information: 717-426-3794 or haldeman-mansion.org.

October 14 | 2017 Millersville Community Parade

Millersville

One of the largest parades in Pennsylvania, the Millersville Community Parade is sure to bring fun for the entire family. “Celebrating Animation” is this year’s theme. Approximately 30 bands will be performing, as well as several other participants from across the mid-Atlantic region. The parade will also include numerous floats, inflatable costumed characters, color guards, equestrian units, motorcycle and mini-car drill teams, fire, police, EMS and military units, Star Wars re-enactors and much more. The day will also pay tribute to Vietnam veterans. In addition to the parade, a Toys For Tots toy drive and a coat drive will be conducted. The parade stages at Penn Manor High School located at 100 E. Cottage Ave., Millersville. 9 a.m. Information: 717-871-5926 or parade.millersville.edu.