Tag Archives: PinnacleHealth

Oasis of Hope: Paxton Ministries offers a home, a future for people in need.

September 29, 2017 | by Rachel Jenkins

A hand-painted picture of a sunflower field hangs proudly on the wall of Jodie Smiley’s office.

To an observer, it invokes an instant feeling of warmth and summertime serenity. To Smiley, it’s as much a piece of art as a symbol of the abilities in each resident under her care at Paxton Ministries.

Standing proudly on the corner of Paxton and S. 20th streets, Paxton Ministries has, for 36 years, served as a cornerstone of care for people in need. It’s an oasis of hope for those who may be impoverished, battling mental disability or seeking a second chance at new beginnings.

“Our mission from the beginning has been to care for people in need, whatever that need may be,” said Smiley, the organization’s executive director.

Along with providing a bedroom for those invited into the home, Paxton Ministries conquers the day-to-day challenge of fulfilling needs presented by the residents. That’s no easy feat, considering the immense variety in age range, education levels, mental or physical abilities and financial status.

Here’s what Paxton is not: a shelter. Residents, living communally, are there to help cope with psychological issues, overcome physical disabilities or gain financial independence. They will stay a few years or even a few decades. Smiley refers to the organization as a “safety net” for those with few options or financial resources.

Three meals a day are provided, as well as more than 100 activities each month. These are designed to cement a sense of community while creating lasting, positive memories among both residents and volunteers.

Paxton Ministries doesn’t offer direct medical care, but receives help in the form of nurse and doctor visits from PinnacleHealth and psychiatric and therapy services from Wellspan Philhaven. Additional community support includes food from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and the Dauphin County Technical School’s culinary program.

“[Residents] haven’t always been in life situations where they were treated with dignity and respect,” said Smiley. “Integrity is huge in everything we do. To be honest in our relationships with our residents, with each other and with those outside our walls, as well.”

In all, Paxton Ministries consists of four facilities. The Paxton Street Home, home to 85 residents, is a licensed personal care home, while the nearby Hudson Street Apartments offers independent living for people with mental health needs. The organization also runs the Boas Street Lodge and the Scenery Lodge, which employ the “Fairweather Lodge” group living model. Smiley explained the theory behind the model.

“People with a mental health diagnosis live in a peer-supported environment,” she said. “Some of the evidence shows they can speak into each other’s lives sometimes more effectively than others can.”

To maintain its status as a Fairweather Lodge, a model used around the country, the lodges need to offer employment. To that end, Paxton Ministries founded the for-profit Paxton Cleaning Solutions (PCS) and hired Michelle Rife to manage the staff and oversee job sites.

“If people can feel that they are contributing in a positive way, that affects all aspects of their life,” said Smiley.

“It’s a game changer,” added Rife.

PCS employee Jasmine came to Harrisburg for a fresh start and a second chance.

“Where I come from, everything is just really fast-paced, and no one really has time to understand about you and how it’s important to be around positive people,” she said.

Through a connection with Rife, Jasmine was introduced to PCS.

“Being here actually made me feel that I had family away from home, and I enjoy cleaning,” she said. “So, I’m doing something that I love to do.”

For so many, getting and maintaining a job is simply a part of life. For those working for PCS, it means overcoming the curveballs thrown at them by their disabilities or society’s stigma.

“We strive to make a difference for the individuals we serve, the people we employ, the families we touch and our greater community,” Smiley said.

Paxton Ministries is always looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of activities. To learn more, visit www.paxtonmin.org.

Medical Journey: As he retires, Dr. Domingo Alvear reflects on a long career in Harrisburg, around the world.

August 31, 2017 | by Karen Hendricks

People often talk about “finding their calling in life.”

Dr. Domingo Alvear’s began in his native Philippines, inspired by a country-doctor uncle who let his nephew tag along as he made house calls in a bouncing Jeep. Six decades later, Alvear is retiring after both a long career as a pediatric surgeon in Harrisburg and as a founder of the nonprofit World Surgical Foundation (WSF).

“Two things have guided me,” Alvear said. “One is vision and one is legacy. Most doctors—most people actually—have blinders like horses. They don’t want to see what’s on the side. They just want to see what’s in front of them.”

But, Alvear said, there’s a whole world around them that doctors should expose themselves to.

“My advice is to become part of the community,” he said. “Get involved and see where you can contribute.”

His Vision
Alvear began his career in medical school in the Philippines, guided by a professor who noticed he had “surgical potential.” A later internship at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines proved invaluable. It was 1964, and the Vietnam War was escalating. He served an extra year, performing about 3,000 operations on both soldiers and civilians.

Next, he arrived stateside for a residency at Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia, where a chance encounter with an infant patient opened his eyes to pediatric surgery. He shadowed the baby’s case and was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia under pioneering pediatric surgeon C. Everett Koop, who later would become U.S. surgeon general. Rather than returning to the Philippines, where a revolution was underway, he travelled to Harrisburg to set up his practice.

“My mentor from Clark AFB, Dr. Lewis Patterson, was here in Harrisburg,” he said. “He asked me to come, and, well, I stayed.”

In 1973, when Alvear established his private surgical practice serving Polyclinic and Harrisburg Hospitals—now PinnacleHealth—there wasn’t one neonatologist in the Harrisburg region. Today, he’s retiring as PinnacleHealth’s chief of pediatric surgery.

“Dr. Alvear is a pioneer in pediatrics for our community,” says Phil Guarneschelli, president and CEO of PinnacleHealth. “Because of his willingness to come to Harrisburg and grow his career in pediatric surgery, we’ve been the beneficiaries of his vision for better health for children locally and throughout the world. With his leadership, the first neonatal intensive care units in Harrisburg were opened, and thousands of children experienced healing at his hands.”

So Many More
Alvear, a longtime Silver Spring Township resident, said he enjoyed volunteering throughout the Harrisburg region, but hoped for even greater impact.

“Service is good, but it doesn’t do anything long term,” he said. “This is why you have to develop relationships and programs to improve care—that’s legacy.”

In 1997, he founded the World Surgical Foundation, which averages three medical mission trips annually to underserved corners of the world. That’s more than 60 trips to at least seven countries, including Alvear’s homeland of the Philippines. He has performed surgeries to correct malformations, cleft palates, abdominal and intestinal issues and more, donating his time and talents to each case.

About 20 volunteers join Alvear on each WSF mission—medical professionals across all specialties. Local (foreign) doctors also often receive training and equipment.\

“Dr. Alvear is a phenomenal surgeon—he does intricate pediatric surgery,” said Dr. Chinh Pham, a general surgeon at Geisinger Holy Spirit. “But he is also very compassionate, organizational and hard-working.”

Pham, a WSF board member, has joined Alvear on two trips, with a third planned this month.

“It’s a huge undertaking to go on these mission trips, with all the logistics,” said Pham. “Travel and airfare, supplies, equipment, paperwork—so many things are involved in surgeries. All things we take for granted when we operate in the U.S., we bring to remote locations.”

Although Alvear is retiring from PinnacleHealth, he may never truly retire from WSF. The organization is sending mission teams to Honduras in September and to Nigeria for the first time in November. Alvear is accompanying both.

“I just had this conversation with my wife,” said Alvear. “She said, ‘Why can’t you stay home?’ And I said, ‘We’ll be home, wherever we are [in the world].’”

A young Honduran girl, Kylin Velez, may be the most memorable of all the WSF patients Alvear has served. Her esophagus was shattered when she was shot in the chest as an innocent bystander to a drug bust.

“I saw her in a clinic in Honduras, and she was skin and bones,” Alvear said. “They wanted me to replace her esophagus, but she wouldn’t have made it.”

Alvear arranged for her to be brought to central PA, where she gained 60 pounds in three months on a nutrient-rich diet at York Hospital.

“Pinnacle allowed me to do a free operation for the first time, to give her a new esophagus,” he said. “She went home after six months. I saw her [back in Honduras] last time, and I hardly recognized her—she’s a beautiful young lady now.”

Then he paused, tears in his eyes.

“There are so many more,” he said. “So many more who need help.”

The World Surgical Foundation will hold its 20^th anniversary gala tribute and fundraiser, “We Are All One People: How the Power of One Can Change the Lives of Many,” on Sept. 17, at Whitaker Center, Harrisburg. The event also will recognize Dr. Alvear’s retirement. For tickets, visit www.whitakercenter.org. For more information on WSF, visit www.worldsurgicalfoundation.org.

August News Digest

August 31, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Councilman Baltimore Resigns

Harrisburg City Councilman Jeffrey Baltimore resigned last month from Harrisburg’s seven-member City Council.

In his resignation letter, Baltimore said he made a “difficult” decision after “person reflection” and “deliberation with his family,” according to Joyce Davis, the city’s communications director. He further said that he was “proud” to have served with “a creative, talented, caring and enthusiastic team” on council, Davis stated.

Baltimore was appointed to his council seat in 2014 following the death of Councilwoman Eugenia Smith. The next year, he was elected to a four-year term.

Baltimore has chaired both the Public Safety Committee and the Community & Economic Development Committee.

“Councilman Baltimore was a great asset to Harrisburg City Council,” said Council President Wanda Williams. “He is very passionate about public service, community development and an outstanding role model to the youth of our city. On behalf of City Council, we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Council now must pick a replacement for Baltimore. Council members have begun accepting applications to fill the vacant seat. The person selected will serve until January, and an election for a two-year council term will take place in November.

Security Camera for Midtown

A wireless security camera will be coming soon to Harrisburg’s Midtown neighborhood, as a community group last month received a grant to extend the city’s video surveillance system.

Midtown Action Council (MAC) announced it received a $15,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help fund the extension of Harrisburg’s wireless security infrastructure to N. 2^nd and Forster streets. Currently, the system’s downtown component ends at 2^nd and Pine streets.

“Safety is our No. 1 priority as a community group, and it’s on the mind of every resident in Harrisburg,” said MAC President Jonathan Hendrickson. “This grant will help us access the infrastructure we need to eventually place wireless security cameras in the neighborhood.”

Before the system can be installed, MAC must raise $4,120 in matching funds. However, the organization is confident it can secure the funding for deployment this fall, said Dan Fulton, MAC’s secretary/treasurer.

In 2013, Harrisburg began deployment of a wireless security infrastructure, including 10 cameras downtown, Uptown and on Allison Hill, which allow city police and Dauphin County to conduct real-time surveillance. The $425,000 system was funded by Dauphin County’s Crime Task Force.

In Midtown, the first wireless camera will be installed facing north on 2^nd Street, from the intersection with Forster Street.

Fulton said this project “sets the stage” for future wireless cameras to be installed strategically through Midtown.

“This is just a first step, but it’s arguably the most important step because it gives us a foundation to build on,” Fulton said.

Airbnb Confab

Proponents and opponents gathered last month in Harrisburg’s Government Center at a city-sponsored meeting on all things Airbnb.

Harrisburg officials hosted the gathering to hear from a select group of business owners, as to how—or if—the city should regulate the run-your-own hospitality service.

“We’re here tonight to take information from you, the current operators,” said Michael Hughes, Harrisburg’s tax and enforcement administrator.

Over 90 minutes, Hughes and other officials, including Fire Chief Brian Enterline, Planner Geoffrey Knight and Solicitor Neil Grover, heard arguments for and against so-called short-term rentals, which include Airbnb and other Internet-based room reservation services. The wide-ranging discussion included such issues as zoning, taxation and safety.

Dee Fegan, chair of the board of the PA Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns, was the first to speak up, objecting that Airbnb hosts do not currently pay the Dauphin County hotel tax or, in many cases, other taxes, such as sales and mercantile taxes, which apply to traditional B&Bs.

“I just want to point out that rules are already in place,” she said. “It’s just up to people to follow them.”

Ted Hanson, who owns a short-term rental on Boas Street, said that he long has leased out his two-bedroom Airbnb house, which is next door to his own home, on an annual basis, but now is just renting it in a different way. Besides, he said, he’s helping to stimulate the local economy.

“I feel like I’m doing a service for the city,” he said. “I send people to businesses all over Midtown.”

Following the meeting, Hughes said the city now needs to ponder what changes, if any, to make to laws and regulations to accommodate short-term rentals. He’d like any changes to take effect on Jan. 1.

“Airbnbs were never contemplated when the rules were passed,” Grover said. “Now, we have to answer the question—do those rules apply or not?”

Home Sales Flat

The region’s hot real estate market took a breather in July, with sales nearly flat compared to last year.

Residential sales totaled 936 units, two fewer than in July 2016, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors. The median price rose to $180,000 from $175,500, GHAR said.

In Dauphin County, sales actually increased to 317 units in July versus 308 the year earlier, with the median price jumping to $164,900 compared to $155,900 in July 2016. Notably, average days on the market fell markedly to 44 days from 72.

Cumberland County sales decreased to 323 units versus 374, though the median price rose to $199,900 compared to $190,000 in the year-ago period. In Perry County, sales totaled 52 units, a rise from 34 units, with the median price falling to $164,000 versus $187,400 in July 2016.

GHAR covers all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

So Noted

BI Solutions has received the 2016 Admiral Stanley R. Arthur Award for Logistics Excellence for its work on behalf of the U.S. Navy. The Harrisburg-based company is the prime contractor of the LOGCELL project, which supports the P08A Poseidon, the Navy’s maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

Harrisburg International Airport announced last month that it will receive a $10.9 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. HIA said it will use the funds to rehabilitate the airport’s primary runway, prolonging the life of the pavement, replacing centerline lights, upgrading lead-on lights, reconfiguring the Surface Movement Guidance and Control System and upgrading runway surface monitoring equipment.

Mecum Auctions reported $20 million in sales last month from its fourth trip to the PA Farm Show Complex. The company said the highest bid came in at $415,000 for a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird. More than 20,000 people, including spectators, bidders and consignors, attended the show.

Penwell Bowman + Curran LLC, a newly formed law firm, opened last month at 215 Pine St. in Harrisburg. Scott Penwell, Brandt Bowman and Matthew Curran are the founding partners of the firm, which specializes in business law.

PinnacleHealth plans to open a primary care doctor’s office inside Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg, according to the company. The 3,000-square-foot office, located next to Rite Aid, will have six exam rooms, a community/conference room, a patient check-in and waiting area, a laboratory area and several offices. It is expected to open in mid-November.

S&T Bancorp this month will complete the final stage of its acquisition of Integrity Bank. As of Sept. 5, all Integrity Bank branches will make the name change to S&T Bank.

Sara K. Weiser, PSECU financial education manager, was recently honored by Junior Achievement USA with a 2016-17 Bronze Leadership Award. This award recognizes people in the community who have demonstrated a sincere commitment to JA’s mission of inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy.

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg is the new name of the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitor’s Bureau. The organization changed its name to offer better and more consistent brand identity, said President Mary Smith.

Wildwood Park is seeking applications for its 2018 “Art In The Wild” environmental art exhibit, with the theme of “Natural Abstraction.” Most of the materials used for the installation should be natural. Exhibit applications and information can be found at wildwoodlake.org.

Changing Hands

Barkley Lane, 2505: E. & I. Gonzales to Y. White, $71,000

Berryhill St., 1944: G. Domon to E. Cruz, $72,900

Berryhill St., 2334: S. Kemble to W., J. & J. Morrow, $35,000

Caledonia St., 1921: M. Schreck to Cardinal Investments LLC, $32,000

Conoy St., 108: P. Marks to D. Noll, $114,000

Cumberland St., 272: M. Walsh to B. Hall & K. Humen, $128,000

Derry St., 2426: S. Rimal to P. & C. Ambrose, $38,000

Edgewood Rd., 2301: D. Butler to New Holland Enterprise Management LP, $144,000

Ellersie St., 2350: B. Fuhrman to PA Double Deals LLC, $44,000

Elm St., 1707, 1709 & 1711; and 1706 & 1708 Walnut St.: I. Cox to Q. Webster & N. Brunner, $45,000

Emerald St., 248: M. Chapman to C., A. K. & K. Thompson, $80,000

Forster St., 216: Thomas Mark Mustio Trust to F. Farry & K. Erway, $115,900

Green St., 1730: A.J. Fedore and Co. Inc. to T. Zingman, $199,000

Green St., 1816: G. Brown to D. Leaman, $92,500

Green St., 1938 & 1940: I. Brea & O. Sanchez to D. & C. Varno, $212,000

Green St., 2011: M. & E. Hunter to E. & S. Orndorff, $225,000

Green St., 2022: Cartus Financial Corp. to M. Crider, $224,000

Green St., 2152: Kusic Financial Services LLC to J. Barker, $54,308

Green St., 2438: Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to R. Diggs Jr., $60,500

Harris St., 240 & 242: David Kaminski IRA to Heinly Homes LLC, $215,000

James St., 1315: W. Cropper to J. Brinks & C. Wise, $40,000

Kelker St., 425: Wells Fargo Bank NA to D. & K. Steiner, $95,000

Maclay St., 330: A. Clay to Keystone Properties Group LLC, $35,000

Mercer St., 2430: M. Janos to PA Deals LLC, $40,000

Midland Rd., 2316: J. & S. Kalnasy to S. Agyeman, $280,000

Muench St., 276: K. Lannon to S. Garraty, $122,000

N. 2^nd St., 607: Bricker Boys Partnership to DelPenn Partners LLC, $335,000

N. 2^nd St., 2241: D. Kray to K. Shubert & L. Christopher, $165,000

N. 2^nd St., 2345: L. Whitcomb & M. Quinn to L. Vaughan & M. Henry, $193,000

N. 2^nd St., 2410: C. Bennet to M. Sheaffer, $167,000

N. 2^nd St., 2534: J. Erb to M. Tuck, $149,900

N. 3^rd St., 1308 & 1310; 1313 & 1315 Green St.; and 1318 Susquehanna St.: P. & M. Navarro to James Family Holdings, $415,000

N. 3^rd St., 1615: Joshua Group to Heinly Homes LLC, $75,000

N. 3^rd St., 1623½: G. Neff & J. Shopf to Heinly Homes LLC, $75,000

N. 3^rd St., 1625: Gary Neff Inc. to Heinly Homes LLC, $75,000

N. 3^rd St., 2116: Katamin Properties LP to N&R Group LLC, $47,500

N. 4^th St., 1644: 1515 Associates to Z. & L. Engle, $57,500

N. 4^th St., 2452: V. Burkholtz & D. Cooper to Lifeline 1 LLC, $47,000

N. 5^th St., 1702A: V. Dincher to S. Kent, $82,000

N. 6^th St., 3001: R. Vogel to B. Yanez, $75,000

N. 7^th St., 2632: P. Chacon to T. Krone, $62,000

N. 18^th St., 714: C. Frey to E. Sanchez & R. Hidalgo, $36,900

N. Cameron St., 1914: J. Pagliaro to E. Maher, $98,500

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 212: T. Grumbine to D. Taylor, $142,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 213: L. Mundy to B. Esworthy, $85,000

Penn St., 1928: LSF9 Master Participation Trust to S. Burgin, $125,000

Race St., 554: N. Batholomaei to T. Corl, $125,000

Reily St., 210: P. & H. Jackson to J. Manzella, $103,000

Rudy Rd., 2017: A. Meppurathu to A. Saldana, $177,900

Rudy Rd., 2307: C. & E. Kerns to J. & K. Klein, $162,000

South St., 110: E. Comp to M. O’Neill, $110,000

S. 13^th St., 445: RWM Properties LLC to H. Yap, $59,900

S. 13^th St., 30; and 401 & 403 S. 14^th St.: San Pef Inc. to Round Rock Investments LLC, $226,000

S. 18^th St., 1304: S. Lee to H. Noh, $120,000

S. 19^th St., 1215: F. & B. Matjasic to C. Turner, $102,300

S. Front St., 573: T. & C. Hinkson to B. & K. Crews, $144,900

S. Front St., 577: E. Taylor to M. Kuhns, $139,900

S. Front St., 633: T. Imswiler & H. Jones to S. & P. Benjestorf, $90,000

S. Front St., 635: T. Imswiler & H. Jones to S. & P. Benjestorf, $90,000

S. Front St., 705½: J. Foreman to J. & A. Juratovic, $125,000

Susquehanna St., 1610: S. Uhrinek to D. Lawyer & S. Flagle, $156,000

Susquehanna St., 1839: J. Cremo to S. Conover, $104,000

Tuscarora St., 104: J. Jones to S. Muniz, $189,900

Author: Lawrance Binda

Sunshine in a Pill: Do you need extra vitamin D? Or is it just hype?

August 31, 2017 | by . Rajinder Sahi

Are you getting enough Vitamin D?

If you’re a healthy adult, the answer is most likely yes. But like many vitamins and supplements these days, questionable sources and articles tout bogus benefits from taking vitamin D supplements—and potentially put your health at risk.

Vitamin D’s primary importance is that it influences how well your body absorbs calcium. If not enough calcium is absorbed, the body must take calcium from its stores in the skeleton, which weakens existing bone and prevents the formation of strong, new bone.

Inadequate calcium significantly contributes to the development of osteoporosis. Many published studies show that low calcium intake throughout life is associated with low bone mass and high fracture rates.

Calcium is also needed for our heart, muscles and nerves to function properly and for blood to clot.

The Hype

Vitamin D gets into the body three ways: sunlight, food and supplements. Sunlight on your skin causes the body to produce its own vitamin D—the reason it’s sometimes called the sunshine vitamin.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, adults should have a daily intake of 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D up to age 70. Men and women over age 70 should increase their uptake to 800 IU daily. Like any vitamins, the best way to ensure adequate intake is to eat a varied diet and receive proper nutrition from healthy foods.

Increasing exposure to the sun is not recommended as a way to increase vitamin D because it increases the risk of skin cancer.

Recently, websites and other sources have been teasing the public with ideas that vitamin D is a cure for multiple conditions from depression and fatigue to heart disease and multiple sclerosis. However, there are no studies to support these claims.

On the other hand, regularly consuming excessive amounts of vitamin D has serious health risks. Vitamin D toxicity can cause non-specific symptoms such as anorexia, weight loss, frequent urination and irregular heart rhythms. More seriously, it can also raise blood levels of calcium, which leads to vascular and tissue calcification, with subsequent damage to the heart, blood vessels and kidneys.

Deficient?

Most people in the United States are sufficient in vitamin D. Only about 8 percent of the population is at risk of deficiency, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to support routine vitamin D tests for healthy adults. People with signs or symptoms of vitamin D deficiency who have conditions that may require extra vitamin D, pregnant women, or people who live in a nursing home may require vitamin D deficiency screening.

So, who is most likely to have vitamin D deficiency?

Seniors. Their skin cannot synthesize vitamin D as efficiently, and they may not eat enough foods that have vitamin D.
People with dark skin. Pigment in the skin reduces its ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight.
People with certain conditions, such as liver diseases, cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, and its absorption depends on the gut’s ability to absorb dietary fat.
People who are have had gastric bypass surgery. Changes to the upper small intestine where vitamin D is absorbed can affect a person’s vitamin D levels.
People who are bed bound. Limited sun exposure can lead to low vitamin D levels.

In general, the recommendation for healthy adults is to consume between 600 and 800 IUs daily depending on age.

Ask your healthcare provider if you think you need more vitamin D. Vitamin D is naturally found in some foods, such as salmon, beef liver and egg yolks. Vitamin D is also added to foods and drinks like milk, orange juice and cereal. Milk products such as cheese and ice cream are generally not fortified. The best way to get the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is in your diet.

Most people in the United States are sufficient in vitamin D. Only about 8 percent of the population is at risk of deficiency. There are no studies that show that healthy adults need vitamin D sufficiency screening or vitamin D supplementation. In addition, taking too much vitamin D can make you sick. If you think you need supplements, talk with your healthcare provider before you start taking them.

Dr. Rajinder Sahi is a doctor of internal medicine at PinnacleHealth. For more information about preventive services for adults, visit pinnaclehealth.org/phmg.

Water & Wire: City Announces 2017 Kipona Festival

August 22, 2017 | by Lizzy Hardison

Alice Herrick, 21, walks on a tight rope outside of city hall today to promote the 2017 Kipona festival. Photo by Yaasmeen Piper.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse predicts a record-breaking Kipona celebration this Labor Day weekend—and not just in terms of attendance.

At the city’s 101^st annual Kipona festival, which will be held Sept. 2 to 4 at Riverfront Park and City Island, two tightrope walkers will strut across the Susquehanna in hopes of breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest wire walk in high heels. Stunt artists Alice Herrick, 21, and Rilee Gallagher, 16, both of the Finucular Circus troupe in Philadelphia, will attempt the feat at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Herrick, who was at the Tuesday morning press conference where Papenfuse announced the Kipona schedule, will be wearing 4½ -inch heels when she attempts to break the record. She said she is excited but nervous about executing the stunt.

“If I fall, I hope it goes viral,” Herrick said.

She and other wire walkers will perform additional walks (albeit in slippers, not heels) throughout the day on Saturday.

The tightrope walk is just one high-adrenaline event at this year’s Kipona, which is free and open to the public. On Sunday, the city and PinnacleHealth will erect a free, 28-foot high, 200-foot long zip line on State Street—the first of its kind at a Kipona celebration.

Some perennial favorites will return this year, as well, including the Native American pow-wow, Festival of India, the Dick Reese canoe race and fireworks on City Island at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday. Festival-goers will also be able to cool down at a Midtown Cinema movie tent, enjoy drinks at a beer garden, and view local craft goods at the artists market.

In all, more than 130 food and product vendors, artists and nonprofit organizations will be present at the event, Papenfuse said.

Kipona is presented each year by the City of Harrisburg in partnership with the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau and a number of corporate sponsors.

Sue Kunisky, vice president of the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau, reported that 55,000 people attended last year’s celebration, many of them from outside the city. This year, organizers are preparing for an even higher turnout.

“Kipona is a time to celebrate Harrisburg’s diverse cultures,” Papenfuse said.

Kipona 2017 will take place Saturday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 4 at Riverfront Park and City Island in Harrisburg. Visit Harrisburgpa.gov/kipona2017 for more information, including an event schedule and parking details.

Author: Lizzy Hardison

Strawberry Care: PinnacleHealth to open doc’s office in Strawberry Square.

August 10, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

PinnacleHealth Strawberry Square Family Care will occupy these storefronts next to Rite Aid.

At Strawberry Square, you can grab a bite to eat, buy a greeting card, deposit a check, get a latte, even rent an apartment.

And, come this fall, you’ll be able to get that bruise checked out or find out what’s wrong with your aching knee.

Around mid-November, following a build-out, PinnacleHealth plans to open a 3,000-square-foot primary care medical office, appropriately right next to the new Rite Aid store.

“I don’t remember the last time a family doctor’s office opened in downtown Harrisburg,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown, which owns Strawberry Square. “This is one more thing that will make your life easier if you live or work here.”

PinnacleHealth Strawberry Square Family Care will feature six exam rooms, a community/conference room, a patient check-in and waiting area, a laboratory area, and several offices. Six to eight employees are expected to staff the office at any one time, Jones said.

“PinnacleHealth is pleased to bring this full-service primary care practice to the community,” said Robert Nielsen, president of PinnacleHealth Medical Group. “We have a long-standing commitment to the health and well-being of the city, and providing patient-centered, integrated care reflects our focus on offering easy access to the right care when and where patients need it.”

The Pinnacle facility will take the space long occupied by Modern Jewelers, which is relocating just across the atrium, next to the PSECU branch, said Jones.

The new medical office continues the recent transformation and modernization of Strawberry Square.

This fall, an urban-style market, Provisions, will open on the N. 3^rd Street side of Strawberry Square, and, at 3^rd and Market streets, Freshido, a 2,200-square-foot fast-casual Asian restaurant, will debut in space once occupied by Plum Sports. Last year, numerous new businesses opened in Strawberry Square, including Fresa Bistro and the Flats at Strawberry Square, the first apartments in the building.

Click here for more information about Strawberry Square.

Author: Lawrance Binda

July News Digest

July 31, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Housing Funds Disbursed
Harrisburg City Council doled out some $1.9 million in federal housing funds last month, but not before making tweaks to the administration’s proposal.

Council provided $25,000 to the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center from the city’s portion of annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, a program of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The city administration had denied funding for the center, saying its application scored too low to merit a grant.

To make room for the Heinz-Menaker grant, $15,000 was taken from a proposed allocation for the city’s Police Bureau, which still will receive $90,000 to help pay for a new community policing van and a police cadet program.

Another $10,000 was taken from the city’s Department of Community and Economic Development, which still will receive about $43,000 to cover unreimbursed costs related to the sinkhole project on S. 14th Street.

Like last year, the greatest single amount of money, $562,248, went to repay federal loans the city backed during the Reed administration for several development projects, including the disastrous Capitol View Commerce Center project.

Other CDBG recipients included:

City Housing Rehabilitation Programs: $330,000
Tri-County HDC: $150,000
City Emergency Demolition: $120,000
Harrisburg Fire Bureau: $51,686
Habitat for Humanity Greater Harrisburg Area: $30,000
Rebuilding Together: $15,000
Christian Aftercare Recovery Ministries: $25,000
A Miracle 4 Sure: $25,000
Latino Hispanic American Community Center: $25,000
Fair Housing Council: $25,000
Mid Penn Legal Services: $15,000
Neighborhood Dispute Settlement: $3,900

While the city undertook the annual process of distributing CDBG money, funding is not assured as the Trump administration has threatened to end the program.

Riot Gear Debated

Harrisburg City Council last month left for summer break without voting on a plan that would supply the city’s police with new protective gear.

Council members said they would take up the matter once more after they returned from hiatus in late August and, in the interim, urged police to engage with residents to discuss the issue.

The Police Bureau is seeking to transfer $65,000 from unspent personnel funds to purchase 30 “top to toe” protective suits. The bureau’s current gear is old and inadequate, police say.

Some city residents have urged council not to approve the transfer, saying that so-called “riot suits” would escalate tense situations. Police, though, say that protests, particularly at the state Capitol, have become more frequent and more violent, and that officers need the equipment for personal protection.

College Plans Move to City Hall

Eastern University announced last month that it would like to move its satellite campus into the basement of Harrisburg city hall.

“I want to be in the city,” said Wesley Bunting, an official with the St. Davids, Pa.-based Christian college, whose satellite campus currently is located in Lower Paxton Township.

Therefore, the university approached the city with a novel offer. It would spend about $615,000 to fully renovate the mostly empty, worn-out basement of the MLK Jr. City Government Center on N. 2nd Street.

The city would be able to use a portion of the space for a new, state-of-the-art emergency operations center. It also would get access to classroom space when not in use and to the lounge, which could be used as a break room. The city would receive the improvements but no monetary rent during the 10-year lease term.

If approved by council, the project could start immediately and would take less than a year to complete, Bunting said.

“This is a substantial investment in the building with resources that we otherwise would have to draw from somewhere else,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said.

Papenfuse said the project also would bring more people downtown, would boost building security, especially after hours, would offer technology upgrades in the building and would help create a “critical mass” of colleges downtown, adding to the existing presence of Harrisburg University, Temple University and Messiah College.

HDID Seeks Renewal

The Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District last month asked City Council for a five-year reauthorization, a plan that would expand the district to State Street.

Executive Director Todd Vander Woude outlined a few recent activities by the group, including last year’s “Dino-Mite Summer” public art project, this year’s “Discover the Ducks Downtown,” the St. Patrick’s Day parade, several new murals, more bike racks, brightly painted planters and a new safety substation.

“Our focus is making downtown clean, safe and beautiful,” said Vander Woude, who received a generally positive reaction from council.

In 2015, council refused to grant a full, five-year term, offering only two years with instructions to become more visible and active. Back then, some council members said that HDID wasn’t doing enough to attract people downtown.

Getting firm council support is particularly important this year, as the HDID is seeking to expand its northern boundary from Pine Street to State Street, bringing 58 more properties into the district and upping the organization’s annual budget by $40,000 to $820,000. Each commercial property is assessed a 1.75 mil surcharge on its city property taxes to cover the cost of HDID services, which also include cleaning, safety and beautification measures.

Property owners within the proposed district have 45 days from last month’s council hearing to vote against the district. Forty percent of properties within the boundary must vote against it for reauthorization to be defeated.

City Payment Restored

Harrisburg will receive its full state funding after all, as the legislature passed a budget re-inserting a $5 million payment to the city.

The $32 billion state budget for 2017-18 includes full funding of the “Capitol fire protection” line item, a type of payment in lieu of taxes that the city counts on to help fund emergency services.

Gov. Tom Wolf included the payment in his proposed budget in February, but it was later stripped out by the state Senate.

Over the decades, this annual payment has ranged widely from nothing to the current $5 million, an amount decided upon while the city was under state receivership. However, the money is not guaranteed, meaning that Harrisburg isn’t certain it will receive the funds until the always-fraught state budget is passed.

The money lands in the city’s general fund, but Harrisburg officials say it offers compensation for services that the city provides to about 30,000 state workers. The state pays no property taxes on its massive holdings in the city, which include some 50 state-owned buildings on about 42 percent of the city’s land.

New Grocery Store

If you’ve been hungering for an urban-style grocery store in Harrisburg, your wait is almost over.

In a few months, Provisions will open in Strawberry Square, emphasizing natural, organic and locally produced goods, mostly sold in bulk.

Provisions will occupy 2,350 square feet of space next to Fresa Bistro with a storefront entrance on N. 3rd Street, said Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square.

“You’re going to be able to get fresh food that you can shop daily for,” said Jones, who described the market as a “locally grown Trader Joe’s.”

Jones expects the build-out of the space to begin immediately, with the store opening in mid-October.

Provisions is the brainchild of Shaun Donovan, the owner of the online grocery store Appalachian Organics, and Adam Porter, co-owner of the co-working space, StartUp Harrisburg.

Steelton Redevelopment

A new development called Renaissance Row soon will begin to rise in downtown Steelton, in part thanks to a tax incentive program.

Dauphin County and Steelton officials last month credited property tax abatement for enabling the project, which will feature 80,000 square feet of commercial space and 46 one-and two-bedroom apartments across the street from Steelton Borough Hall.

“Providing property tax relief for new construction and renovation can make the difference between making it viable to move forward on a project,’’ said county board Chairman Jeff Haste.

Philadelphia-based developer Chariot Companies will build Renaissance Row. A second development featuring 12 new townhouses on Adams Street should break ground later this year.

All of Steelton is part of a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program, which provides tax breaks on property improvements for 10 years.

Home Sales Climb

The Harrisburg area scored another solid month for home sales, as purchases increased 4.2 percent year over year.

The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors reported 1,147 sales in June compared to 1,101 sales in June 2016 for its coverage area, which covers all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

The median price also rose, increasing to $183,000 versus $175,000 in the year-ago period, GHAR said.

In Dauphin County, 389 homes sold, an increase of 23 units, with the median price rising to $163,500 from $160,000. In Cumberland County, sales totaled 398 units versus 388, with the median price jumping to $210,000 from $190,900.

Perry County had 51 home sales against 33, with the median price rising to $143,000 from $129,900 a year earlier.

So Noted

Fine Wine and Good Spirits will open an 11,500-square-foot retail store at the Capital City Mall this fall, according to mall owner PREIT. Next year, a Dave & Busters also will open, offering a casual dining and entertainment option.

Harrisburg University is relocating its Philadelphia campus, which will more than quadruple its space. The new site at 1500 Spring Garden St. in Center City will allow the university to offer full, four-year bachelor degrees at the campus without students needing to transfer to the main campus in Harrisburg.

Merit is the new name of the Harrisburg-based marketing and innovation firm, Sacunas. The company, founded by Nancy Sacunas, said it changed its name to better reflect its mission under now-owner Adam Vasquez.

Mom’s Tamales & Papusas is expected to open this month at 263 Reily St., across from Midtown Cinema. Owner Josue Osorto, a veteran of many Harrisburg restaurants, will run the eatery specializing in food from El Salvador.

PinnacleHealth has completed the acquisition of four hospitals in three surrounding counties. The Harrisburg-based company bought Carlisle Regional Medical Center, Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center, Lancaster Regional Medical Center and Memorial Hospital of York.

Rite Aid and Walgreens have dropped their plans to merge. Instead, Walgreens will buy 2,186 Rite Aid stores for $5.2 billion, leaving East Pennsboro Township-based Rite Aid with 2,350 stores after the deal is complete.

In Memoriam

Robert Marquette, long-time president and CEO of Members 1st Federal Credit Union, died last month, said the Mechanicsburg-based company. Marquette, 68, also was the face of the Members 1st, donning a superhero-type outfit and making homespun pitches during numerous advertisements.

Benjamin Olewine III, lifelong Harrisburg resident, businessman and philanthropist, has died at the age of 95. Olewine grew his family’s food business into one of the top food distributors in the country, selling it in 1988 to giant Sysco Corp., where he continued to work until a few years ago.

Changing Hands

Allison Ct., 7: B. Schaeffer to Flipside Home Renewal LLC, $32,000

Barkley Lane, 2503: F. Scott to L. Holloway, $62,500

Bellevue Rd., 2026: M&N Associates LLC to N. & S. Diehl, $70,000

Berryhill St., 1621: G. Campos to B. Brown, $30,000

Capitol St., 901: G. Ulrich to C. Lenz Jr., $117,900

Capitol St., 1003, 414 Forster St. and 919 & 923 N. 2nd St.: PLM Real Estate Investments & M. Stuski to AON LLC, $265,000

Chestnut St., 1822: G. Neff to A. Brown, $43,900

Derry St., 1408: M. Neidigh to J. & D. Judge, $30,000

Derry St., 2334: R. Miller & D. Shellenhamer to N. Hanna, $35,000

Derry St., 2400: J. Seibert to 2400 Derry Street LLC, $65,000

Edgewood Rd., 2315: R. Everngam Jr. & D. Bottini to I. & A. MacFarlane, $204,900

Fulton St., 1418: Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC to PA Deals LLC, $61,960

Fulton St., 1733: J. & R. Gregoire to M. Shelleman, $121,000

Grand St., 919: L. Bolan to A. Chen, $114,900

Green St., 1809: M. & R. Monticchio to D. Caley, $140,000

Harris St., 342: Keystone Properties Group LLC to D. Shelley, $89,000

Herr St., 211: M. Rudderow to G. Broome, $119,900

Herr St., 259: B. Eppley to J., J., & P. Millner, $150,000

Holly St., 1946: M. Naranjo to A. Mercado, $105,500

Hudson St., 1106: J. Raab to K. Fernandez, $60,000

Hudson St., 1215: A. Powers to PI Capital LLC, $33,500

Kelker St., 231: A. DeHoff to D. Rubenstein, $174,900

Lewis St., 303: E. Gadsen to E. Torres, $124,000

Market St., 810, 812 & 900; 24 & 26 N. 10thSt.; and 12, 21 & 23 N. 9th St.: Patriot News Co. to 812 Market Street LLC & Twenty Lake Holdings, $644,286

Market St., 1848: Kusic Financial Services to E. Lewis, $37,100

Muench St., 212: K. & K. Warner to C. Kim, $169,900

Mulberry St., 1162: Stoute Housing Inc. to Evidence Group LLC, $73,000

N. 2nd St., 1225: M. & L. Day to S. Shaffer, $125,000

N. 2nd St., 2011: M. Patterson to S. Gallagher & C. Prestia, $139,000

N. 2nd St., 2915: K. & K. Russell to L. Whitcomb & M. Quinn, $315,000

N. 2nd St., 3004: S. Jusufovic to L. Bolan, $219,000

N. 3rd St., 1722: M. Kravanis Jr. & N. Melton to A. Glickman, $112,000

N. 3rd St., 1728: Leonard J. Dobson Family Limited Partnership to Keystone Brothers Investments, $106,000

N. 3rd St., 1730: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development and Information Systems & Networks Corp. to S. Bernhard, $72,000

N. 3rd St., 1928: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development to J. Hobbs, $70,000

N. 6th St., 3107: E. Willis to S. & K. Wright, $99,500

N. 6th St., 3136: M. Naranjo to L. Seay, $55,000

N. 12th St., 47: Hobbeze Inc. to E&K Homes LLC, $35,000

N. 16th St., 521: D. Taylor to Wells Fargo Bank NA, $38,262

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 413: H. Michels to J. Becker, $93,900

N. Front St., 2201, 2225 & 2229; and 2200, 2214, 2216 & 2218 N. 2nd St.: 2201 Partners LP to 2201 NFS LLC, $1,800,000

Penn St., 1805: L. Urban to T. & K. Hand, $93,000

Penn St., 1933: WCI Partners LP to D. Ranson, $139,900

Rudy Rd., 2145: M. & K. DeRosa to G. Broadnax, $178,000

Rudy Rd., 2409: N. Ishman to W. & A. Krahn, $149,900

Rumson Dr., 2843: N. & I. Nanov to C. Rojas, $35,000

S. 13th St., 340: JKC Properties LLC to Round Rock Investments LLC,, $101,000

S. 17th St., 927: M. Maniari & Z. Erroudi to A. Mejia, $89,900

S. 18th St., 1128: J. Buzby to T. Ro & J. Musa, $95,000

Verbeke St., 116: H. Reynolds to M. Zecharya & B. Macavoy, $30,000

Verbeke St., 215: J. & S. Bircher to J. & & E. High, $215,000

Verbeke St., 235: S. Will to A. & C. Maset, $146,000

Author: Lawrance Binda

Runners without Borders: Harrisburg’s architecture, parks create a parkour playground.

July 31, 2017 | by Benjamin Miller

Photo by Ben Miller

I soared through the air across a 13-foot gap and jutted my feet firmly in front, aiming for a concrete ledge another 10 feet off the ground. In an ideal world, I’ll land on the balls of my feet on the ledge, sticking like glue to the cement.

“Parkour is an adrenaline rush, more than anything,” said Daniel Sorbello, a traceur, another word for parkour practitioner, from Maryland. “I’ve been training a little more than four years now, and I’ve never found something that quite compares.”

Since the sport’s birth in the late 1990s, parkour has spread around the world, even finding its way to Harrisburg. Daniel and a training partner, Patrick Smith, travelled up to give the city a shot. I met with the two of them at the Capitol Complex to kick off a session in May. With its refined and elegant architecture, the complex’s unique walls and ledges make it a perfect place to put theory into practice.

“It’s based around freedom,” Patrick said. “Your freedom to move and jump just the way you like. That’s what I like so much about it. I’ve got a lot of creative energy and parkour allows me to release it all.”

Tough One

The very essence of parkour—and what draws most traceurs to the sport—is the ability to break free from the conventional. Many athletes, like Patrick, have an innovative and creative style, their movement unique to themselves. The idea of something so exclusive is one of the compelling traits of parkour.

The pair spent longer than 10 minutes working on one jump. They took off from one leg to a wall, 8 feet away and 4 feet higher than the take off. A jump like this leaves potential for injury, making it necessary to focus very intently on everything that goes into it. Their dedication to the maneuver caught the attention of some government employees. Interested and astonished, they began to ask questions.

“What is it?” one asked.

“Um, that’s a tough one,” Patrick said. “It’s an expressionistic style of movement, one where you’re able to use the obstacles around you to jump and flip off from. It’s kind of like dance, almost, in an urban setting.”

Parkour is known for its showy features, such as roof gaps and unthinkable flips, which often get attention from onlookers. Thus, the sport is often misunderstood and seen as harmful. I feel a responsibility to educate people, to make them aware what we practice.

The workers’ interest grew. They asked if it was popular, and Patrick said, “Yeah. All around the world. It’s become a very widespread practice.”

So much so that Patrick and I travelled to Washington, D.C., in May for a parkour event called “Beast Coast.” There, I spoke with Mark Toorock, founder of American Parkour, a national parkour organization.

“I really, right off the bat, connected with it and thought this was going to be a thing that people really enjoy,” he said. “There are no boundaries [in parkour]. The world is so full of divisions. There is no division between us as people. Parkour is just about people wanting to move, and that’s a human trait.”

Mark began doing parkour in 2002 in London. Two years later, he created American Parkour and hosted one of the world’s largest events in 2016 with more than 650 people. Speaking with him opened my eyes to the vastness of parkour, that it helps people transcend what they once thought was impossible, both mentally and physically.

“We’re meant to explore,” he said. “We’re meant to play. We’re meant to skin our knees. That’s how we grow.”

Beauty and Wonder

A huge part of parkour circles around exploration. We, as athletes, take any opportunity given to us to venture to places we wouldn’t otherwise go. Parkour has taken me all over the East Coast and introduced me to many friends. The desire to explore is a trait that traceurs share.

Mark mentioned that some people have a negative image of the sport.

“I try to help them understand why there’s nothing wrong with parkour,” he said. “A lot of the negative perceptions come from things that aren’t actually part and parcel to parkour.”

Many in the community have dealt with people seeing them as mischief-makers who harm the environment and themselves.

After spending a couple of hours training at the Capitol Complex, Daniel, Patrick and I made a quick stop at Kunkel Plaza and finished our session at the PinnacleHealth building

on Front Street. That spot is so exposed that we attracted the attention of many passersby. After jumping for a while, a police officer pulled up.

“We got a call saying there were some kids vandalizing and loitering here,” the officer said, getting out of his car.

“We weren’t trying to vandalize anything,” Patrick said. “I understand if that’s what it looked like, but that’s the last thing we want to do.”

We mentioned parkour, and that rang a bell.

“I’ve seen that on the internet,” he said. “That’s awesome.”

We showed him a little of what we do, flipping off the walls and stairs. He appreciated our display and politely told us to find a different spot to train. We thanked him and were on our way.

“I understand it’s a liability issue,” Daniel said. “That’s why we leave when people ask us to. I don’t ever want to infringe. This kind of thing happens almost every time we train. I just like walking away knowing they understand we didn’t have any malicious intentions.”

Parkour, as a means of self-expression, has given Patrick, Daniel and me the ability to see the beauty and wonder in exploration. The sport provides a new appreciation for architecture and the simple structures in cities like Harrisburg.

“I hope to spread the knowledge of parkour with as many people as possible,” Patrick said. “I think it’s an incredible addition to society.”

Benjamin Miller will be a senior studying at the Capital Area School of the Arts Charter School (CASA).

Carnal Knowledge: What it is HPV, and how to prevent it?

May 31, 2017 | by Jose E. Misas, MD

Patient education and vaccine awareness campaigns are helping more people understand the connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) and reproductive cancers like cervical cancer. But fewer people understand the relationship that also may exist between head and neck cancers and this sexually transmitted infection.

About 80 million Americans are infected with one of the many types of HPV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus can infect the anus, genitals and oropharynx (tonsils and back of throat) as a result of genital, anal and oral sex. Certain HPV types can cause genital warts, which are considered low-risk.

But other types of HPV can cause cancer in different areas of the body, including the genitals and throat, and are considered to be high-risk. More than one in five adults in the United States has the type of HPV that can cause cancer, according to an April 2017 CDC report.

The incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been gradually increasing over the last three decades. About 7 percent of Americans have oral HPV, which is three times more common in men than women. In some people, oral HPV infection leads to HPV-OSCC (HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer) many years after contracting the infection.

Both head and neck cancers are treated similarly—whether or not they are caused by or related to HPV. Treatment decisions are based on:

Size of the tumor
Location of the tumor
Stage of the disease
Overall health of the patient
Patient wishes of the patient

Researchers are studying to determine whether cancer treatments should be changed based on the presence or absence of HPV. About 30 to 40 percent of HNSCC patients present with early stage I/II disease, usually using single modality treatments such as radiation or surgery alone. HPV-driven tumors are more sensitive to radiation and to Cisplatin or chemo-based therapy.

The vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix have been shown to help prevent cervical cancer. Gardasil also helps prevent vaginal, vulvar and anal cancers, as well as genital warts. To date, there are no conclusive studies that show similar protection against oropharyngeal cancer. However, with the availability of these vaccines, physicians are hopeful that the incidence of HPV-related throat cancers will decrease over time.

In all cases, vaccines are designed to prevent HPV infections and are recommended for boys and girls before they become sexually active. An open dialogue between patients and providers about HPV, testing and vaccines can mean a better prognosis.

Understanding how the infection spreads is important for prevention. HPV is not spread through touching or kissing. HPV is contagious through genital and oral contact, so the sexual partners of a person diagnosed with HPV also have been exposed. However, since some infections clear up on their own and not all viruses become cancerous, the chance of a partner getting an HPV-related cancer is low.

Still, precautions should be taken. Contracting the virus is avoidable when men and women practice safe sex and communicate about their health and partner history.

Symptoms of HPV may not be present, but this chronic disease stays with a person for a lifetime. So while treatments and breakthroughs can help manage the disease, there is no cure. Using a condom, understanding HPV and knowing one’s own and a partner’s health history is crucial—especially in avoiding a possible cancer diagnosis.

If a partner is female, she should follow normal women’s health guidelines, which include having a routine Pap test. If a partner is male, he does not need any special exams or tests, because there is no routine or standard HPV screening offered for men. Additionally, there is no effective screening test for head and neck cancer.

For more information about HPV or to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider, visit pinnaclehealth.org.

Jose E. Misas, MD, is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist at the PinnacleHealth Women’s Cancer Center.

FAST FACTS

HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses.
High-risk types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis and throat.
The type of cancer HPV causes most often is cervical cancer.
Men can get penile HPV cancer.
In women, HPV infection can also cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar HPV cancers.
Most HPV infections go away by themselves and don’t cause cancer; however, abnormal cells can develop when high-risk types of HPV don’t go away.
Genital warts appear as a small bump or groups of bumps in the genital area. They can range in size and shape.

Author: Jose E. Misas, MD

Community Corner: Notable June Events

May 31, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

June Community Corner

Health Screenings June 1: PinnacleHealth will hold free blood pressure screenings at the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more details, visit shopharrisburgmall.com.

Annual Breakfast June 2: The Nativity School will host its annual Breaking the Cycle Breakfast at Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 7:30 to 9 a.m., including an 8 a.m. program with Horace Madison. Visit nativityschoolofharrisburg.org for more details.

Trail Hall of Famers June 2: Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame inductees Harlean James, Charles Parry, Mildred Norman Ryder and Matilda Wood will be honored at the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet at the Comfort Suites, S. Hanover St., Carlisle. A reception begins at 6 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Visit atmuseum.org.

Free Shakespeare June 2-17: The annual “Free Shakespeare in the Park” returns this year with “Macbeth.” The Gamut Theatre production runs Wednesdays to Saturdays, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the band shell at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg. Visit gamuttheatre.org.

Health Event June 3: Black Girl Health, a minority women’s health outreach and awareness platform, hosts its annual “Kickstart your Health” wellness expo at Harrisburg Hilton, 1 N. 2nd St., 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes access to health and fitness workshops, food, prizes and health screenings. Visit BlackGirlHealth.com for details.

Back Pain Workshop June 3: Join Absolute Pilates for a free workshop on techniques to beat back pain, 10 a.m. at Zang Physical Therapy, 836 Market St., Lemoyne. Call 717-440-6197 or email andrew@zangpt.com.

Spring HBG Flea June 3: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hbgflea.com for more details.

Family Garden Day June 3: Penn State Master Gardeners in Cumberland County hosts a Family Garden Day, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Penn State Extension Office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. Enjoy free activities, make-and-take projects and visits with 4-H club animals. Visit extension.psu.edu for details.

Harrisburg Hoopla June 3: Harrisburg Young Professionals and the Foundation for Enhancing Communities will host Harrisburg Hoopla at City Island, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy a friendly track-and-field day for adults, organized to build community, boost the economy and raise money for local nonprofits. Visit hyp.org.

Bridges Ride June 3: Go on a leisurely sightseeing bike ride, 5:30 to 7 p.m., sponsored by Bike Harrisburg and Recycle Bicycle. Riders will travel over the Harvey Taylor, State Street, Mulberry Street, Market Street and Walnut Street bridges before heading back to Midtown. For more details, visit bikeharrisburg.org.

Night at the Museum June 3: Susquehanna Art Museum, 1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, will host “A Night at the Museum,” a festive benefit featuring cocktails, a silent auction and a sneak preview of the upcoming exhibition, 6 to 9 p.m. Visit sqart.org.

Tour de Belt June 4: The Capital Area Greenbelt Association will host its 17th annual Tour de Belt bike ride, which starts at 9:30 a.m. at HACC and follows the 20-mile Greenbelt trail. Lunch and post-ride activities provided to riders. Proceeds go to Greenbelt restoration and maintenance. Visit CAGA.org.

Plant Swap June 4: Head to Fredricken Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for a Community Plant Swap, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bring as many plants as you would like to take home. Plants should be divided in containers in advance. Penn State Extension Master Gardeners will be on hand to assist. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Painting Night June 5: SpiriTrust Lutheran LIFE will host a paint night fundraiser for its Alzheimer’s Walk “Lovin’ LIFE” team, 6 to 8 p.m. at LIFE Center, 1920 Good Hope Rd., Enola. Cost is $35, including supplies and a $10 donation to the team’s fundraising efforts. Painters can BYOB. Register at spritzandsplatter.com by June 4.

Summer Learning June 5-Aug. 10: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for a summer of reading, learning and events for adults, children and teens. Register in the first five days (June 5 to June 9) and/or register for a new library card to be eligible to win prizes. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Leads Over Lunch June 6: Mix and mingle with business leaders at this free lunch hosted by Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC at PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org for more details.

Women in Tech June 6: The Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania will host the 2017 Women In Technology Awards Gala at Spring Gate Vineyard and Winery, 5790 Devonshire Rd., Harrisburg, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit tccp.org.

Networking Mixer June 7: Join the West Shore Chamber and other local business professionals at the June Afternoon Networking Mixer, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Best Western Plus Harrisburg West, 4900 Woodland Dr. The event is free and open to chamber members. Visit wschamber.org for details.

Library Party June 9: Celebrate 60 years of Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, with an all-ages birthday party, 3 to 8 p.m. Enjoy food, music, giveaways, activities and games, a Quidditch exhibition, a preview of “Hamiltunes,” book character costume parade, mini book sale, birthday cupcakes and more. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.

Outdoor Movies June 9 & 23: Friends of Midtown and Midtown Cinema will host two free outdoor movies in June, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” on June 9 and “Superman” on June 23 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Both films begin at dusk and, in case of rain, will be delayed until Saturday. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Volunteer Work Day June 10: Head to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to help with continuing park and habitat enhancement projects, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snacks, tools and work gloves will be provided. Bring along a water bottle. Refreshments will be available. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Summer Soiree June 10: Art Association of Harrisburg will host a summer soiree at Marc Kurowski’s restored historic home at 1421 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 1 to 4 p.m. Featured artists will include Ann Benton Yeager, Brian Eppley, Danielle Klebes and Dalton James. Visit artassocofhbg.com.

Let’s Talk Race June 10-24: Fredericksen Library and the YWCA Harrisburg continue a six-week series on how racism reveals itself. Held on Saturdays at the library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., “Let’s Talk” is a dialogue intended to create change and eliminate racism in our community. Visit fredericksenlibrary.org or ywcahbg.org.

Explore Wildwood June 10-25: Celebrate summer with a family adventure at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grab a packet at the nature center, then walk the Towpath Trail to explore the natural world on a 2-mile hike. Stop at stations and use clues to solve nature’s mysteries. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Concert Series June 11: Harrisburg Young Professionals kicks off its free Italian Lake Concert series with The Jayplayers at Italian Lake, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, some picnic blankets and snacks. Visit hyp.org for the full lineup of summer concerts.

Garden Camp June 13-Aug. 8: Penn State Master Gardeners hosts a Summer Garden Camp for children ages 7 to 12 or in grades 3 to 6 at the Penn State Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. There will be five sessions on Tuesday mornings, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visit extension.psu.edu.

Horticulture Camp June 14 and 28: Master Gardeners of Cumberland County will host Summer H.E.A.T., a horticulture program designed for teens ages 12 to 15 (or grades 6 to 9), on June 14 and June 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Penn State Extension Office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. For details, visit extension.psu.edu.

3rd in The Burg June 16: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown. Check out all the action at thirdintheburg.org.

Civil War Days June 16-18: Immerse yourself in local history during a three-day event focused on the Harrisburg area’s role in the Civil War. Go on a battlefield tour, visit a re-enactor encampment and enjoy socials, among other activities. A roster of events is on the Facebook page: Civil War Days in Harrisburg.

Free Museum Day June 17: The National Civil War Museum presents its Community Free Day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join NCWM staff and volunteers to celebrate Civil War Days with a day of activities designed to present history in a fun and educational setting. Visit nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

Fairies & Flowers June 17: Kids can join the fairies at Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, for a hunt for the Magic Tree and to gather secrets about their favorite flowers, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children can dress in their favorite fairy costume and create jewelry and magic fairy doors. Visit hersheygardens.org for event details.

Garden Tour June 17: Visit 12 beautiful gardens, including a rooftop garden, a fairy garden and a mushroom garden on the New Cumberland Public Library’s Garden Tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of. Friends and members are $5. Visit cumberlandcountylibraries.org for more information.

Local Lunch June 17: Join Friends of Midtown at its community lunch, held this month at the Broad Street Market, 1233 N. 3rd St., 12 to 2 p.m. Support a Midtown business, meet fellow neighbors and enjoy a meal. 2017 Shop Midtown coupon books will be available. Email business@friendsofmidtown.org or visit friendsofmidtown.org.

Brewers Fest June 17: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Central Pennsylvania will host its 14th Annual Harrisburg Brewers Fest from 2 to 7 p.m. at 2nd and Locust streets. The $50 ticket price includes beer samples, a collector’s sampling mug and live entertainment. Food concessions will also be available. Visit harrisburgbrewersfest.com.

Fathers’ Free Day June 18: Head to Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., to celebrate Father’s Day and enjoy free admission for all dads. For more details, visit hersheygardens.org.

Art Tour June 18: Celebrate Father’s Day with a tour of Michael Ennis’s art collection, displayed in his historic home on Briggs Street in Harrisburg, 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Visit artassocofhbg.org for more details.

Day Camp June 19-June 30: Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, will host Wildwood Way Day Camp for children ages 6 to 8 in two sessions, June 19 to 23 and June 26 to 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration fee is $115 per camper and is required in advance. Visit wildwoodlake.org.

Business After Hours June 22: Mingle with business professionals at Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC’s free networking event at Sacunas Integrated Communications, 2201 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 5 to 7 p.m. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

Dress For Success June 22-25: Suits to Careers and Dress for Success will sell new and gently used professional clothing and shoes, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., on the lower level of Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., next to Payless Shoes. Make a donation of $20 on Sunday and receive a bag to fill. Visit shopharrisburgmall.com.

Summer Tea Party June 25: The Art Association of Harrisburg, 21 N. Front St., will host a traditional tea party in its garden, 12 to 2 p.m., with the choice of freshly baked scones, lemon curd, preserves, tea sandwiches, mini-pastries and individual pots of tea. Reservations are required and are $25 per person. Visit artassocofhbg.com.

Garden Tour June 25: Join Penn State Master Gardeners in Cumberland County, 1 to 6 p.m., for “A Summer Celebration” garden tour. Visit each of six unique private gardens in the Carlisle area, from Monroe to Dickinson Township, as well as the Master Gardener demonstration gardens, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. Visit extension.psu.edu.

Rock Band Camp June 26-30: Learn guitar basics in a classroom band setting and experiment with different arrangements of classic rock-and-roll songs, during this weeklong camp, held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Visit musicatmetropolis.com.

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