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Civil War Museum Opens
After seven years, the National Civil War Museum can officially call Reservoir Park its home. The only of its kind in the world, the Museum is not only the largest focusing on the War it is also the only to comprehensively cover both the North and the South. The 65,000 square feet of space will house more than 18,000 artifacts and documents, many of which are rare and have never before been seen in public.
“[The National Civil War Museum] is the only museum to portray this great American tragedy from start to finish, and in a national context,” said Mayor Stephen R. Reed. “Portrayals of battles and leaders are objective and factual. It is about the lives and humanity of the people involved in the conflict, and its long term and even present day effects upon our nation.”
At the February 12 Grand Opening, Reed was joined by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, State Senator Jeffrey Piccola, State Representative Ron Buxton, and Dauphin County Commissioner John Payne as well as a number of others.
Reed also unveiled a distinctive new sculpture from renowned sculptor Terry Jones. Entitled “Moment of Mercy,” the sculpture depicts Confederate soldier Sgt. Richard Kirkland’s heroic efforts to save the lives and provide comfort to the fallen Union soldiers at the battle of Fredericksburg in December of 1862.
The National Civil War Museum is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-5p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission price is $7/adults, $6/seniors, $5/children over 12. Children under 12 are admitted free. For more information, call 260-1861 or check the website,
nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.
iWon.com Big Money Winners in Harrisburg
Launched in October 1999, iWon.com is the first and only Internet portal to award its users with guaranteed chances to win cash prizes from $10,000 to $10 million. It’s one of the fastest growing websites in the Internet’s short history, ranking number one with the most repeated visitations (Media Metrix) last year. Two of the visitors who won are Harrisburg residents Susan Talian who won $20,000 on February 10 and Shawntel Morton, who was told by iWon officials on February 13 that she was the 16th $1 million winner.
Talian, 36, was able to double her $10,000 prize by registering with Sprint Long Distance off of the iWon website. “I will pay off my car loan, some bills,” said Talian, “and then save the rest for a nice vacation.”
Morton, 28, says that the million-dollar prize is “a blessing. It was a Godsend.” Morton, an avid parishioner, plans on giving back her newly found fortune to those less fortunate through her church and other charities.
Since its unveiling, iWon website has been awarding $10,000 a day, a monthly $1 million cash prize, and an annual $10 million prize given away on tax day.
African American Chamber of
Commerce Throws Annual Bash
On Friday, February 23, The African American Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Black History Month by throwing its 3rd Annual Dinner Dance Fundraiser at the Ballroom of the Harrisburg Marriott. Described by AACC officials as “an elegant, semi-formal affair to remember,” the fundraiser will begin with cocktails at 5:30pm, followed by entertainment at 7 supplied by Ricky Rags and the Stevenson Twins while a dinner entrée of stuffed shrimp and grilled chicken is served. Tickets are almost gone, and none will be sold at the door. Call the AACC at 238-9804 or leave a message at the Jackson Group at 236-2643 to reserve your seat.
New Businesses Sprouting Up Before Spring
Harrisburg area has had many new businesses cutting ribbons on the eve of the new Spring season. Here’s a rundown of just a few:
The 10th Muse (Harrisburg) is a new and unique art venue on Second Street, described by owners/artists Ann E. Balmer, Selin Strait, and Staci Basore as a union of their talents. “We work with rescued, salvaged recycled, and green materials to create designs and accessories for living spaces,” says the Muse’s mission statement. In addition to local artisans, the Muse also features Fair Trade items from artists around the world, supporting artists in politically conflicted countries like Tibet and Nepal, as well as exotic places like Bangledesh and Indonesia. They deal directly with the artist, which allows the artist to benefit where often a corporation would. “We strive to create a different shopping experience,“ said Strait. Contact the Muse at 441-0656.
Your Du Beauty Supply (Steelton) is a beauty salon and resource located right next to the Borough Building on N. Front Street. African American-owned and operated by area native Lisa Briggs, Your Du offers many wares for customers and just as many opportunities for beauticians and cosmetology students to showcase their talents. Contact Your Du at 939-9570.
The Gallery at Crossroads (Mechanicsburg) is a new consignment art gallery working in cooperation with the well-known Crossroads Café. Owners Shelly Moore, Dave Bretz, and Heather Schmuck present an artful café in which good food and fine art can be enjoyed in a communal setting. Public art lessons and open poetry readings are planned for the Gallery’s agenda. Contact The Gallery at 691-2004.
MarketPlace Gourmet (Hershey), a fine food store and demonstration cooking school, will be opening early this spring in the Hershey CocoaPlex Center. MarketPlace, subtitled “Purveyor of Fine Food & Culinary Secrets,” will feature specialty food products of exceptional quality, kitchen utensils of semi-professional timbre, and a school where visiting chefs will conduct classes. Contact Kim Brown at 583-0335.
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