Author Archives: Maddie Conley

PennDOT sets move out deadline for Harrisburg encampment

August 20, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

South Harrisburg encampment in February.

Occupants of Harrisburg’s largest homeless encampment have one month to leave.

According to PennDOT District 8 spokesman Dave Thompson, signs were placed around the south Harrisburg encampment earlier this week, alerting people of a Sept. 22 deadline to move.

Officials have long said that the encampment, located near the PennDOT building on S. Front Street, would need to move as PennDOT begins construction on I-83, impacting the area.

Earlier this month, Dauphin County held a press conference to say that Harrisburg nonprofit Amiracle4sure purchased a plot of land to relocate unhoused community members to. The lot, near Cameron Street and off Shanois Street, began welcoming people soon after, offering assigned tent spaces. Amiracle4sure will manage and provide oversight at the location.

According to Thompson, occupants of the closing encampment are “encouraged” to relocate by Sept. 22. Early construction activities for the I-83 project will begin Sept. 23, he said.

“While PennDOT builds bridges and roads, we are also working to build partnerships with entities such as the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) and similar organizations across the commonwealth to ensure that unhoused persons are treated with respect, dignity and connected with the services offered by organizations, such as CACH,” Thompson said.

For those who need help relocating, Thompson said to reach out to CACH.

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Plant, crystal shop to open in downtown Harrisburg

August 19, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

The Plant Witch

Something new is sprouting downtown.

Strawberry Square Associates announced this week that a new boutique shop, The Plant Witch, will open in the Shops on 3rd at 11 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg.

The store will offer a selection of houseplants, plant care products, ethically sourced crystals, tarot decks, incense and other metaphysical items. Additionally, they plan to host events such as plant pot painting workshops and bingo nights.

The Plant Witch will hold a ribbon cutting on Monday, Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m. and a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Aug. 30.

“The Plant Witch is more than just a shop—it’s a celebration of nature. We’re thrilled to bring our unique collection of houseplants, crystals and metaphysical items to Harrisburg, and we’re especially proud of our commitment to sustainability,” said owner Ashley Zimmerman.

According to Strawberry Square, the new shop hopes to be a haven for plant enthusiasts and spiritual seekers, and to foster community and connection.

“We are very excited to have The Plant Witch joining us in the Shops on 3rd at Strawberry Square,” said Brad Jones, president of Strawberry Square Associates. “This unique and engaging boutique will encourage interactive in-store events and help to bring a new audience into the downtown.”

For more information, contact Ashley Zimmerman at [email protected] or 717-874-9552 or Brad Jones at [email protected] or 717-255-1041.

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Broad Street Market in search of board members to support, govern operations

August 18, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market

The Broad Street Market is looking for shoppers, locals and friends to get involved.

The market announced on Monday that it is in need of new board members to help make decisions and support operations.

“Serving on the Broad Street Market Alliance Board is a chance to help shape the future of a cherished community resource,” said Tashia James, chair of the board. “We’re looking for individuals who bring passion, commitment and creativity, people eager to share their time and talents to ensure the market continues to thrive and grow.”

Currently, there are three vacant at-large seats.

Volunteer board members are expected to participate in monthly meetings, serve on at least one committee, assist with fundraising and occasionally volunteer at the market.

Applications are due on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The board’s nominating committee will review applicants and make recommendations to the full board.

To apply to become a volunteer Broad Street Market board member, click here.

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Jazz Walk will bring back the beat to Midtown next month

August 18, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Musicians perform at a past Jazz Walk at TheBurg office.

Music will soon ring out across Midtown.

The Central PA Friends of Jazz will bring back its annual Jazz Walk on Sept. 5, with local businesses and venues hosting musicians.

The free Friday evening event, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m., invites community members to stroll the city and pop into venues to enjoy performances by local jazz groups.

The following locations and bands will participate in Jazz Walk:

Pursuit Coworking – Jazz Walk ‘Hub’ with The Organic Vibes Trio featuring Marko Marcinko (drums), Ron Oswanski (Hammond B-3 Organ) and Chuck Redd (vibraphone)
TheBurg – Nancy and Spencer Reed (vocal/bass/guitar duo from the Poconos)
Historic Harrisburg Association – The Wave Trio featuring Roger Harris (guitar), John Christopher (bass) and Dave Santana (drums)
Midtown Scholar Bookstore – Joshua Davis and Love Salad featuring Joshua Davis (bass), Todd Harrison (drums), Jonathan Epley (guitars) and An Lai (voice)
The Millworks – Vonada/Perbetsky Quintet featuring Jay Vonada (trombone), Bill Perbetsky (trumpet), Kirk Reese (piano), Steve Meashey (bass) and Dan Monaghan (drums)
Susquehanna Art Museum – David Ballou Avant Trio featuring Dave Ballou (trumpet), Mike Kuhl (drums) and Steve Arnold (bass)
High Dive – Hassan J.J. Shakur (bass), Gavin Horning (guitar) and Larry Marshall (drums)
Midtown Cinema – Mystery Guest Soloist to be announced

The event is presented in partnership with Dauphin County Parks & Recreation as part of the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival, which takes place Sept. 6 and 7 at Fort Hunter Park.

For more information about Jazz Walk, visit their website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 15, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Dan Miller announced his acceptance of the Republican nomination for mayor of Harrisburg.

Have you dug into our August issue of the magazine yet? If not, we have several stories linked below, as well as all of our reporting from this week.

August is best spent beating the heat with family by your side, says our columnist. She takes readers to the Poconos for hiking, swimming and crafting.

Bob’s Art Blog was on the road, traveling to North Carolina, Virgina and back to Harrisburg for a special ribbon cutting. He also previewed several upcoming art happenings, here.

College preparations should begin early, and our writer shares tips for saving from local financial planners.

Dan Miller, a Democrat, announced that he would accept the Republican nomination for mayor of Harrisburg, our online story reported. At his press conference, he made his case for how he would run the government better than the current mayor, who will be his opponent in November.

Home sales and prices both increased in July, our story reported. For the three-county region, 634 houses sold compared to 608 in July 2024, as the median price rose to $310,000 from $286,000.

Ice cream is art, says our columnist, and The Jigger Shop in Mount Gretna has some of the best. Find out more about the history of the café and about upcoming art events, here

International students and officials from local universities share their reactions to recent federal policy changes and rhetoric. Read our magazine story to find out more.

New Cumberland Music + Film Festival will return for its third year with indie movies and music, our online story reported. Organizers hope that the event showcases art and brings people together.

Public transportation in Harrisburg has a flawed past, but officials have positive changes in the works. Our writer takes a look at the system, in our magazine story.

Sara Bozich has a roundup of all of this weekend’s events in the Harrisburg area, here.

Wake & Bake Café recently opened in downtown Harrisburg, serving homemade treats and beverages, our magazine story reported.

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New Cumberland Music + Film Fest to bring art, community connection to town

August 13, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

A scene from last year’s New Cumberland Music + Film Festival

A local group is bringing a big city art fest feel to their community.

The New Cumberland Music + Film Festival will return for its third year, bringing indie movies and music to the neighborhood, with a goal to bring people together.

The festival, which runs from Sept. 5 to 7, is organized by the New Cumberland Collective and the West Shore Theatre.

“It brings something to New Cumberland that we didn’t see before,” said Pamela Cullen, vice president of the collective. “It gives us a lot of opportunities to showcase hyper-local talent, but also national talent.”

This year’s featured films all fit with a theme of small actions having the ability to make a big impact, a shared message that emerged while selecting the films, said Jonny Leahan, who co-organized the event with Cullen.

Kicking off the weekend is “Middletown,” a documentary in which a teacher inspires students to make a film, and they then uncover a conspiracy in their town. According to Leahan, the teacher from the film will be at the festival for a Q&A.

Other films will include “Obex” and “Speak,” as well as a selection of short films by Harrisburg-based Moviate. Several showings will include after-party receptions as well.

“We really wanted to bring brand new, interesting, award-winning films that would not play here otherwise,” Leahan said.

On the music side of the weekend, local bands Swoll and Hometime will play during Saturday’s Indie Music Night. Additionally, attendees can expect performances from DJ Raven de la Noir and Griefcat. And for those who’d rather stroll around town, buskers will play on downtown New Cumberland’s streets throughout the festival.

“It’s basically a three-day-long party,” Cullen said. “There’s something for everyone.”

While exploring and supporting the arts is a main priority of the festival, organizers also hope to draw neighbors downtown for fellowship.

“We’re just hoping people get out and realize there actually are some really cool cultural things happening here, and it’s a way to connect,” Leahan said.

To purchase tickets to New Cumberland Music + Film Festival events or for more information, visit their website.

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Dan Miller announces run for mayor as Republican nominee, criticizes incumbent

August 11, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Dan Miller, joined by supporters, announces run for mayor, at Vernon Street Park in Harrisburg.

Long-time Harrisburg public official Dan Miller believes he will beat incumbent Wanda Williams in November and become mayor.

Miller, a Democrat, announced that he would officially run for mayor on the Republican side of the ticket in the general election, at a press conference at an Allison Hill park on Monday morning.

Miller, the city treasurer and former city councilman, ran as a Democratic candidate in the May primary, but lost by under 100 votes to Williams. However, he secured enough Republican write-in votes to earn him the nomination on the other side of the ballot, and formally accepted the nomination, according to Dauphin County.

“I’ve got great energy. I’ve got lots of new volunteers, and we’re going to win this thing in November,” Miller said, as supporters cheered behind him. “I know conventional wisdom may be a little bit against me but I think we’re gonna do it.”

He acknowledged his primary defeat, and explained that he was not changing his party affiliation by running as the Republican nominee. He is still a registered Democrat and said that both parties should feel comfortable voting for him.

“The way I look at it, it’s really a runoff between the top two vote getters,” Miller said.

In 2013, Miller similarly ran as the Republican nominee after losing in the primary, and lost to Eric Papenfuse in the general election. But, when asked about that, Miller said that this time would be completely different.

“I didn’t really want to run. There was no way for me to win that election. But I felt like I needed to step up so there was a choice,” Miller said of the 2013 race. “So this is completely different.”

Miller’s main campaign message remains the same as it was during the primary—the current mayor is neglecting the city and Harrisburg “desperately” needs change.

“We know what the status quo is for the past three-and-a-half years,” he said. “If you want Harrisburg to move forward, there’s a huge difference between a Wanda Williams mayor and a Dan Miller mayor; it’s night and day, trust me.”

Miller took time to point out his opponent’s flaws, citing the fact that she is under investigation from PA Ethics Commission and is currently involved in a court case in which a former public works director sued her for allegedly firing him for failing to promote her son, who was a city employee.

“I think there’s huge animosity towards the mayor and there’s a huge amount of desire for change,” he said.

Miller criticized Williams’ handling of the Broad Street Market rebuild after the fire and the delays, saying it “wasn’t a high priority in the current administration.” He said that he would make it one.

Revitalizing downtown and Allison Hill were other priorities that Miller said he would work on, as well as fostering a collaborative relationship with City Council. Citing his back ground as a business owner and certified public accountant, Miller said he would reduce wasteful spending and address, what he called, “horrible” mismanagement.

Throughout the press conference, supporters cheered and chanted “Dan can,” several holding up “Dan Miller for mayor” lawn signs.

A city property owner, Vik Uppa, said he supported Miller, as he’s had a positive relationship working with him through the treasurer’s office. Uppa said Miller has been very responsive and feels that he would support Harrisburg property owners.

A Midtown resident Hana Zickgraf said that revitalization downtown and better pedestrian, bike and green infrastructure were important to her. Zickgraf, a member of the urban advocacy nonprofit Strong Towns Harrisburg chapter, felt that Miller best aligned with her and her group’s priorities and that Williams wasn’t supportive of them.

“He wants Harrisburg to be an attractive city, to have a thriving downtown and safe, prosperous residential neighborhoods, so, from an urbanist perspective, I think he’s the clear candidate,” she said.

Miller said that he already has the support of several local officials and business owners, as well as several city council members.

He also urged voters who supported one of the other Democratic candidates in the primary, Lamont Jones, Tone Cook or Lewis Butts, to vote for him, saying that he would bring the change that they desire.

“There’s 1,500 people that voted for change,” he said. “They don’t want the current administration, so I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”

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Bob’s Art Blog: A summer vacation full of art

August 11, 2025 | by Bob MacGinnes

Nags Head, North Carolina. Photo by Jana MacGinnes.

Of all the imaginable ways to celebrate one’s birthday, sitting behind the wheel of a car for nine hours would not be at the top of my list.

As we set out on the morning of my 74th birthday, the goal in sight was to follow friend, artist and gallery owner, Joan Maguire of Hershey Art Gallery and Gifts, to Nags Head, North Carolina. After a few stops along the way, we finally arrived at our destination. Tired, yet full of excitement and wanting to celebrate the occasion, we shared a toast. “Here’s to good friends and never growing old!” Peter Pan, that’s what they call me. Our out-of-a-storybook setting found us staying at an old fishing cottage from 1930, right on the water, looking out over the sound with a birds-eye view of an Osprey family as father and mother kept watch over their three fledglings. Never have we witnessed anything more precious, as the baby birds’ parents took turns feeding and nesting their young. Our spacious porch and deck led us straight out onto the boardwalk close to their handcrafted nest, beautifully curated high above the water. It didn’t matter, sunrise or sunset, both were equally astounding in their magnitude of sheer beauty. The real meaning of this life experience was seeing the tender care mom and dad provided in a rhythm all their own.

Bob MacGinnes at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum

The very best art resides in nature. Looking out over the vast expanse of water at night with the lights beckoning from miles away was the very best entertainment we could ask for. And like the surreal scene before our eyes, the three of us fell into our own special cadence of conversation and companionship. Joan Maguire is the consummate hostess, and the birthday week was our best getaway yet. After a week of fun, frivolity and even a fashion runway show, the vacation, at least that part of it, came to a close. Joan provided the fashions as she needed a “high summer” wardrobe, heading even further south to Cuba for an art appointment (more on that in an upcoming blog). Mission accomplished as we gave her a big thumbs up on the attire she chose for Havana’s blazing heat and humidity. As we said our goodbyes, Joan shared, “I know a place there where they make a mean Mojito!”

Jana and I were back on the road, headed for Richmond, Va., to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. Poe and I have a history that dates back to my middle school days. This fascination carried through to my master’s thesis at Penn State. Small but mighty, the museum did not disappoint. The grounds surrounding it were all that Poe could dream of…ever the romantic, something we share, a wedding was about to take place, and I even got to give the bride-to-be well wishes for the future as I whispered “Evermore.”

Edgar Allan Poe Museum

3rd in The Burg and August Art Events

Megan Caruso and Reina R76 in front of Reina’s mural

Stop the Presses!! Breaking News! Ribbon cutting ceremony at Strawberry Square on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 4 p.m. (that’s tomorrow) in the arcade walkway between Strawberry Square and the Hilton Hotel. Art advocate, activist and ambassador, Reina (R76), now adds one more “A” to her many appellations, “achiever,” as a dream of hers has come true…completing her first mural.

Reina and Megan Caruso of Sprocket Mural Works invite the public to Reina’s ribbon-cutting event. The artist shared, “I always ask myself, how would my artwork be received in the community as a mural? Living as an abstract artist, I wanted my mural to reflect the complexities of my personality. It is due to Megan Caruso’s belief in me as a muralist. Today I am able to say I have finished my first mural, and the experience still feels so surreal.” Come and see Megan and Reina in person at the arcade in Strawberry Square.

The end result of Reina’s mural journey reminds me of a Lesley Gore pop song from the 60’s: “sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows,” as the mural’s many colors lift one to a special place created just for you. Reina has captured happiness in her own inimitable style.

Mt Gretna Art by Milan Michaud at MG Mercantile

Extra! Extra! Mt. Gretna is proud to announce its 51st Annual Outdoor Art Festival this coming weekend, Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday the 17th. As an added bonus, the second annual Mt Gretna International Film Festival will be held in conjunction at the Playhouse. Look for over 200 art vendors from around the country displaying their works “Under the trees of Old Chautauqua.”

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) is set to “Elevate: Honoring the Ordinary” in its two-person show now through Sept. 13 at the GB Stuart Gallery. Scott Meier paints in the style of the Old Masters, while metalsmith Becky McDonah is an alchemist creating reliquaries using everyday objects.

Seven (+) Lively Artists & The Art Association of Harrisburg

17 Lively Artists in Black and White at the AAH

The black and white photograph depicts 17 faces posed for posterity. This August body of gentlemen artists comprises a moment-in-time glimpse of “The Seven Lively Artists.” This celebrated group of Plein Air landscape painters has engaged in the fine art since 1956, a total of 70 years. In recognition of their supreme artistry, The Art Association of Harrisburg hosts a comprehensive retrospective exhibit showcasing their works over that time frame. Director of Exhibitions, Nate Foster, has assembled this austere collection, which is a time immemorial tribute. Over the years, the number of participating artists has waxed and waned, but this coterie has always painted, traveled and exhibited their works together. To view this creative company under one roof is not only a historical achievement but is thrilling to view up close and personal.

Over seven decades, 35 Plein Air painters have been a part of the illustrious group. Still lively today are Bob Lackhove, Bruce Johnson, Bill Kocher, Jonathan Frazier, Robert Hughes, Brian Eppley and Paul Gallo. In addition, among the quick are Steve Wetzel, Dave Henry, Ralph Hocker, Bill Kerman, John Hassler, and John McNulty. The exhibit will also feature works from the likes of Earl Blust, Meade and George Logan, Don Lenker, and J.D. Wissler, among others who count themselves amongst the gallery of angels.

Opening night reception is this Friday from 5-8 p.m. for 3rd in the Burg. Look for Jonathan Frazier, artist/musician, who will be providing the soundtrack for the evening. Come out and meet him as one of the Seven Lively Artists. Join me in getting the up-to-the-minute head count. Carrie Wissler-Thomas will have the tally card at the ready.

Civic Club of Harrisburg Community-Wide Event

The master artist created us all with the ability to leave our “mark” on the world. In the spirit of humanity and creation, artist and cultural visionary, Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman, invites one and all to the Civic Club of Harrisburg’s first-ever Community Art Project for 3rd in the Burg this Friday at 612 N. Front St. It promises to be an evening of art, music and culture, from 7-8 p.m. The club’s public relations guru, Dena Jangdhari, extends the opportunity “to help create a historic art piece by leaving your mark on what will be a work for Harrisburg’s history book.” Come out and celebrate community, creativity and connection. The finished work will be presented to the City of Harrisburg.

“LORE” @ Hive ArtSpace

Since the dawn of time, man has been fascinated with retelling the adventures of specific encounters exclusive to culture and traditions. They encompass beliefs, customs and stories. The oral traditions are handed down from generation to generation. Legends, myths and folk tales all add to the body of knowledge and information. Susan Scofield and her Hive ArtSpace in York is the queen of theme for art exhibits, and for August, she came up with “Lore,” an out-of-the-box exhibit.

Hive, at 126 E. King St. is buzzing with 85 works dedicated to the theme from a group of 40 artists. The exhibit runs through Aug. 31. Susan has received juried entries from the West Coast to the eastern seaboard. Perennial favorites include Bel Air’s Alana Beall and Paulette Smyth. Closer to home is Millworks’ multi-faceted folklore painter, Tina Berrier. The Harrisburg area is well represented with Caroline Booth, Alexis Manduke, Annie Nann and Hannah Waddington. Lancaster weighs in with Rachel Hoffman, Kristin Reynolds and Daphne Watts. The York area holds bragging rights with 16 artists that include Helen K. Wonders, Jimmy Weiner, Wendy Lane Smith, Kate Rush, Frances Pugh, Jess O’Connor, Tim Myers, Stormi Vaughn Morgan, Andrew Murphy, Jenna McFarland, Jess Landis, Joan Inman, Mariah Hertz, Sam Georgieff, Riley Deckard and Alex Bastian.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 8, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

315 N. 2nd St., the site of a proposed apartment project

The weather in Harrisburg has been perfect, so make sure you get out and about in the city. Before you head out to one of our local parks or businesses, make sure you’re all caught up on our news from this week.

Affordable housing funds will be available to developers through a new program that Harrisburg announced this week, our online story reported. Developers will soon be able to apply for financial assistance for construction projects.

The Broad Street Market rebuild will have its groundbreaking at the end of September, our online story reported. Harrisburg has reviewed the final design for the project and will solicit bids from contractors in the coming weeks.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning cut the ribbon on its third Early Childhood Education Center, this time in Middletown, our online story reported. The schools offer free admission and instruction for children.

Events are plentiful in August. As always, we have our comprehensive listing of happenings.

The Harrisburg Planning Commission threw its support behind two projects to convert vacant offices into apartments, our online story reported. They also recommended approval of a project to construct a new transportation center on Cameron Street.

The Harrisburg School District has exited state receivership after six years. For our magazine story, we talk to district officials about how far the district has come and where it’s headed.

Midtown Cinema is showing “Folktales” this month, which features the story of a remote school in Norway at which students care for sled dogs. Find out more, here.

The “Miracle Community” saw its first occupants over the weekend, welcoming people from Harrisburg’s PennDOT homeless encampment, which is required to vacate. In our story, hear from organizers and residents of the new community.

The Neighboring Academy at Steelton-Highspire High School aims to break cycles of poverty by creating pathways to homeownership for students. In our magazine story, read about founder Chad Frey’s passion for the initiative.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup has you covered on plans, with a listing of Harrisburg area festivities.

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Harrisburg to offer financial boost to affordable housing development

August 7, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg’s City Hall

Harrisburg plans to lend support to developers providing housing to lower-income residents.

The city announced on Thursday that it would launch an $8 million Affordable Housing Development Fund to financially assist developers and to expand housing options in the city.

“We are taking bold action to support the kind of housing development that meets the real needs of our community,” said Mayor Wanda Williams, in a statement. “This is about putting resources where they will have the greatest impact—on the people who call Harrisburg home.”

The Affordable Housing Development Fund is open to qualified developers with experience building or expanding affordable housing within the city. Developers may apply for funds for new construction, expansion of existing units or enhancements. Applications will be reviewed and scored by an independent committee appointed by the mayor.

The money for the initiative came out of the city’s grants fund, but was made possible through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program. Harrisburg opted to put $31.4 million of its total $47 million share of ARPA money into its general fund to replace revenue lost during the pandemic. That money then went to pay for regular budget items, such as salaries, therefore freeing up money that usually paid for those things to be allocated to special projects, such as the affordable housing program, said Business Administrator Sam Sulkosky.

City Council, in July 2023, approved moving that money into the general fund, but designated certain projects that the money should fund. One of those was the $8 million for affordable housing, in addition to other projects, such as $8 million to replace the Hall Manor pool.

Applications for the affordable housing funds will open following a press conference at City Hall on Monday, Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. and will be due by Sept. 5.

Application guidelines and more information will be available on the city’s website.

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