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Changes Coming to Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting

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There’s a renewed focus on family for this year’s lighting of the state Capitol Christmas Tree, as the ceremony is being moved outside and to the evening hours to allow for greater public participation.  Among the activities slated for the capitol steps in Harrisburg: Christmas caroling. 

Governor Tom Corbett says this year’s events will capture the true essence of the holiday – bringing families together.  He and First Lady Susan Corbett hope to make this year’s event fun, festive and more family-oriented. 

It’s happening at 5pm on Tuesday December 4th.  There will be free parking throughout the Capitol Complex for anyone who wants to attend. 

Next week also marks the start of the 2012 holiday tour season at the Governor’s Residence on Front Street in Harrisburg.  The tours are free, and First Lady Susan Corbett says they’re again partnering with the American Red Cross for a “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program, which invites guests to send holiday messages to servicemen and women.

State Capitol Fountain

Honoring Pennsylvania through Poetry

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The Keystone State is rich with both poets and inspiration.  “When you look at the landscape and the beauty of the state, you begin to realize how diverse she is,” explains former Perry County Poet Laureate Melanie Simms.  “We’ve got mountains, we’ve got rivers.  Aesthetically, it draws the artist’s eye.”  For Simms though, it’s Pennsylvania’s history that she finds most intriguing.

Simms is eager to honor Pennsylvania through poetry at an upcoming capitol event, which she hopes can bring a sense of unity and pride.  “We can do that reminding each other of our great heritage, and doing that through poetry.  I mean we’re going through some divisive times right now.” 

Simms’ poem titled “Sunbury” is just one of the works to be shared:SUNBURY

Organizers hope the event will inspire others to try their hand at poetry as well.  Bloomsburg University English professor Jerry Wemple has been helping students find their inner-poets for years, and he tells Radio PA that poetry is more accessible than many people think.  “Sometimes people are turned away because they’re looking for a secret meaning, but a lot of times it’s just right there.  It’s not a puzzle to unlock, it’s something to enjoy.” 

You can enjoy Pennsylvania-themed poetry on October 11th, in the State Capitol East Wing Rotunda, from 12 – 1:30pm.  The event is free and open to the public.

Pennsylvania Remembers Pearl Harbor

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Pennsylvanians are pausing to remember Pearl Harbor, 70-years after America came under attack.  “We affirm our commitment to carry forward the lessons of that day to all who follow,” says Navy Rear Admiral (Select) John King , the keynote speaker at the state capitol remembrance program. 

Pearl Harbor -- Richard Schimmel

Richard Schimmel of Allentown shared memories with other Pearl Harbor survivors at Wednesday's capitol ceremony.

It was a time to honor the Pennsylvania survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack; one speaker called them the first of the Greatest Generation.   Many were in attendance at Wednesday’s ceremony, including Richard Schimmel of Allentown.  “It’s my country and I’d gladly die for it,” Schimmel tells Radio PA.  “Every time I talk about it I get choked up.”  Schimmel was just 19 on December 7th, 1941. 

Donald Connor of Allensville, Mifflin County was a 22-year-old private getting ready for breakfast when he heard a bomb drop.  “I looked out and saw the Japanese ball on the airplane,” Connor remembers.  “That told me all that I needed to know.” 

The survivors of that fateful day are America’s living history.  3,500 Americans were killed or wounded during the Pearl Harbor attack.  Every December 7th is marked as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Holiday Season Officially Arrives at State Capitol

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The Governor and Mrs. Corbett honored first responders for their work during this year’s storms and floods as they lit the state capitol Christmas tree Tuesday afternoon.    The 23 foot Concolor tree was donated by Strathmeyer forests in York County. It’s decorated with 800 LED lights and more than 300 handmade ornaments donated by Pennsylvania senior centers.

The theme for this year’s tree lighting was “Hope for the Holidays”.  It honored the three state agencies directly involved in rescues during the severe weather this year; the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania National Guard.

14 year old Colin Vengen of Pottsville helped light the tree. He was flown to Philadelphia for a liver transplant in a state police helicopter when the organ became available during Tropical Storm Lee.

Governor Corbett thanked first responders for everything they did during a very trying year, starting with severe weather in the spring, followed by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee and the October snowstorm.

The Governor says the tree speaks to our optimism, it speaks to our tradition, it speaks to our faith; that we can put aside our differences, set aside our arguments, forget our politics, remember our humanity and celebrate each other’s company in this season.

The Governor told first responders they proved in deeds and with willing hearts that we’re all in this together.

The tree will be on display in the state Capitol Rotunda until January 7th.

VA Quake Felt at PA Capitol

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Today’s magnitude 5.8-earthquake may have been centered in Virginia, but it was felt across the Keystone State.  That includes the state capitol complex in Harrisburg.  Minutes before 2pm, fire alarms sounded in several buildings, prompting an evacuation.  “All of a sudden we just heard a big boom, it sounded like someone had dropped something off of a crane,” says Kathy Hale, who was working at the State Library circulation desk. 

Hale did not feel any shaking, but over in the Finance building Auditor General Jack Wagner did.  “I immediately felt a shaking of the room, visually seeing the walls vibrate, and actually the table that I was sitting at,” recalls Wagner.  This was the Auditor General’s first earthquake experience.  While parts of the capitol complex were evacuated, state workers were given the all clear after about 40-minutes outside.