Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett (top) light the capitol tree on the front steps of the capitol building in Harrisburg on Thursday. Also pictured, a spectator participating in the ceremony; and Central Dauphin high school singers, who provided the musical selections at the capitol tree lighting ceremony. Photos provided by Commonwealth Media Service The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett, along with First Lady Susan Corbett today unveiled a portrait of Hannah Callowhill Penn that will be placed in the Governor’s Office. This is the first time a portrait of a woman will be displayed among the portraits of Pennsylvania’s founders and former governors. Hannah Callowhill Penn was William Penn’s second wife. She played an instrumental role in the development of Pennsylvania. Raised to believe that men and women were created equal, Penn governed the Pennsylvania colony for six years after her husband was incapacitated by a stroke in 1712. After William Penn died, she governed for another eight years in her own name. Since the fall of 2012, First Lady Susan Corbett has led a team to examine Hannah Penn’s legacy. The team includes The State Museum of Pennsylvania, The Capitol Preservation Committee, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Pennsbury Manor, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commissio...

First Lady Susan Corbett, along with Governor Tom Corbett (not pictured) delivered Christmas cards to residents at the Delaware Valley Veteran’s Home in Philadelphia. The cards were signed by staff at the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs (DMVA) headquarters at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett were in Gettysburg today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, originally presented by Abraham Lincoln on Nov. 19, 1863. Photo provided by Commonwealth Media Services The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Governor Tom Corbett visited the Elk Country Visitor Center in Elk County last night to highlight the Pennsylvania Wilds as a top destination for travelers and mark 100 years since elk were reintroduced into the region. “Unique tourist destinations like the Elk Country Visitor Center support Pennsylvania’s tourism industry and help create and sustain local jobs,” Corbett said. “Attendance at the center has grown to 200,000 tourists annually, each spending money and supporting local small businesses.” The Elk Country Visitor Center is nestled on 245-acres owned by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in Benezette. The non-profit Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA), a Pennsylvania based wildlife conservation organization, operates the center using money raised from the private sector. Elk were hunted to extinction in the late 1800s; in 1913, the Pennsylvania Game Commission began an effort to improve habitat and reintroduce them. Pennsylvania’s elk herd now c...

Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett today served as Grand Marshalls of Tall Ships® Erie Parade of Sail. The event began four days of events marking the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie. The Flagship Niagara led nine tall ships from around the country and the world into Presque Isle Bay as Erie marks the bicentennial of the battle that was the turning point in the War of 1812. During the battle, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry of the U.S. Navy and his crew of the Niagara defeated the British fleet near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. This victory gave the United States control of the Great Lakes and secured the young nation’s western frontier. “As we stand here today with the Flagship behind us, we are reminded of the great sacrifices of Oliver Hazard Perry and his crew,” Corbett said. “If not for their bravery and sacrifice, the war would have turned out much differently. Their victory allows us to stand on the shores of Lake Erie, united as Americans and as proud Pennsyl...

Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett and Punxsutawney Phil visited with second grade students at Ben Franklin School in Harrisburg today. Corbett helps hand out hats to 2nd graders at Ben Franklin School, while Punxsutawney Phil and his handlers Ron Ploucha (left) and Bill Deeley talk about groundhogs. As part of the visit, Mrs. Corbett read a book about Groundhog Day to the students. Corbett gets a close up look at Punxsutawney Phil as handler Ploucha looks on. Provided by PA Internet News Service The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg - Governor Tom Corbett was joined today by First Lady Susan Corbett, Lieutenant Governor Cawley, members of his cabinet and staff to observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The governor also issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 21, 2012 as an official day of mourning in remembrance of those who were lost one week ago today. Pictured with the Corbetts is Pennsylvania State Trooper Adam Reed, who rang a bell 26 times in remembrance of the school's students and teachers who died on December 14. Photo provided by PA Internet News Service The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Governor Tom Corbett gets an assist from Lt. Governor Jim Cawley and his son Nicholas (5), along with First Lady Susan Corbett (right), and Suzanna Cawley (left) as they light the Capitol Christmas tree in a Tuesday evening ceremony on the Capitol steps. The ceremony, held outside for the first time in recent memory, brought together members of the community for a holiday celebration. The ceremony featured Christmas caroling led by the Hanover High School Victorian Singers. The 15-member vocal group specializes in singing acapella and they dress in Victorian-period garb. Photo provided by PA Internet News Service

Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett helped serve a Thanksgiving meal to about 600 people in need at the Water Street Mission in Lancaster earlier tonight. The Mission's annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet helps to feed hundreds of people each year. PA Internet News Service photo

Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett talks with Girl Scouts from Eastern Pennsylvania on their fall camping trip to Camp Wood Haven in Pine Grove. Mrs. Corbett spent the night at the camp and joined the girls in activities that helped them earn their 100th anniversary Girl Scout patch. Mrs. Corbett is Pennsylvania's Honorary Chair of the Girl Scouts 100th anniversary celebration. She is a former Girl Scout and troop leader. Commonwealth Media Services photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

First Lady Susan Corbett joined the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and former First Lady Michelle Ridge in front of the state capitol's War Veteran's Memorial Fountain dyed pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo provided by Commonwealth Media Services

Here are more pictures, provided by Commonwealth Media Services, from the first day of Governor Tom Corbett's three-day kayak tour of western Pennsylvania. Pictured, First Lady Susan Corbett makes her way down the Allegheny River near West Hickory, PA; Aboard the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, the Governor and First Lady had their State Park Passports officially stamped at the nation's only remaining, operating on-train post office. The Corbetts visited Oil Creek State Park and the Drake Well Museum during their three-day kayak tour. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett on Wednesday announced her "Opening Doors" dropout prevention initiative, which will focus on reaching at-risk students during their critical middle school years. Mrs. Corbett, a former high school English teacher, brought together state and national leaders in education and dropout prevention for a forum at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg. The group stressed the importance of identifying at-risk students early and providing the proper interventions to keep them on-track to graduate. Pictured, Corbett talks with Hannah Penn Middle School 7th-grader Elizabeth Ruiz, after Elizabeth told her story during a forum of State and national education leaders, addressing the importance of identifying at-risk students early and providing the proper interventions to help them graduate. Photo provided by Commonwealth Media Services The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – First Lady Susan Corbett today marked the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts by applauding the organization’s positive impact on girls throughout Pennsylvania. “I have fond memories of being a Girl Scout and a troop leader,” said Mrs. Corbett, who is Pennsylvania’s Honorary Chair of the 100th anniversary celebration. “I have seen first-hand how Girl Scouting builds confidence and leadership skills and provides young girls with experiences that last a lifetime.” Mrs. Corbett was joined at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg by 50 members of Pennsylvania’s 100th Anniversary Honorary Committee, which is made up of political figures, business leaders and community members from across the state. “Bringing together this group of women to celebrate Girl Scouts reminds us that for the past 100 years, it has prepared our girls to be the leaders of tomorrow,” said Mrs. Corbett. Harrisburg-area Girl Scouts kicked off today’s event with a flag ceremony. Centennial events will be ...

The First Lady Susan Corbett prepares her family's corn pudding recipe using PA Preferred products at the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show. The 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring more than 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs through Saturday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10. Photo provided by Commonwealth Media Services The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

First Lady Susan Corbett on Tuesday delivered hundreds of holiday cards to veterans receiving treatment at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. The cards, part of the American Red Cross “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program, were signed by people who visited the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg during recent holiday tours. “The men and women at the VA Medical Center served our country with honor,” said Mrs. Corbett. “During the holidays, it is especially important to remember their sacrifices and dedication to the United States. I’m honored to bring some holiday well-wishes from the people of Pennsylvania to our veterans.” Almost 900 holiday cards provided by the American Red Cross were signed during the holiday tours at the Governor’s Residence. Many of the cards were sent to men and women serving overseas. This is the sixth year the American Red Cross has partnered with Pitney Bowes to enable all Americans to send a touch of home this holiday season to members of the Armed Forces, veterans a...

PA Department of General Services Secretary Sheri Phillips, Governor Tom Corbett, 14-year-old Colin Vengen and Susan Corbett applaud after lighting the Capitol Christmas tree today in Harrisburg, honoring Pennsylvania's heroes who helped residents survive this year's storms and floods. In September, Colin, of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, was flown in a State Police helicopter to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to receive a liver transplant after flooding from Tropical Storm Lee made travel by vehicle impossible. Provided by Commonwealth Media Services The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – “A Pennsylvania Christmas,” a decorating theme celebrating official state symbols, will welcome visitors to the Governor’s Residence this holiday season, First Lady Susan Corbett said today. “The governor and I are excited to welcome Pennsylvanians to the Governor’s Residence during the holiday season,” said Susan Corbett. “We chose ‘A Pennsylvania Christmas’ to recognize the natural beauty and uniqueness of our commonwealth. We hope that visitors will enjoy this holiday tribute to Pennsylvania.” Christmas trees donated by the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association adorn the building’s public areas. Each tree has a specific theme, including White-Tailed Deer, Flagship Niagara, and Brook Trout -- among others. Several original pieces of artwork are also on display, including those of nature artist Ned Smith and artist Nick Ruggieri. Each tree has two ornaments featuring the Corbett’s Airedale puppies, Penny and Harry. The ornaments are hidden on the trees so that c...

Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett volunteered today at the Water Street Mission in Lancaster, as the mission held its annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet for the homeless and hungry. The mission serves approximately 200 people who are homeless or would otherwise go hungry on Thanksgiving. Governor and Mrs. Corbett felt it was important to volunteer and remind Pennsylvanians of the importance of community service. Provided by Commonwealth Media Services