Author Archives: Maddie Conley

Disability Pride festival to celebrate community, cut the ribbon on new resource office

April 22, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

An upcoming event will encourage people to embrace what makes them different.

Thrive CIL announced that it will host a Disability Pride Harrisburg event on Thursday, April 24, also celebrating the grand opening of its new office location.

The event, hosted in conjunction with Disability Pride PA, will celebrate community members with disabilities, as well as the 35^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“It’s about our culture, celebrating the disability culture and who we are and that it’s not something to be ashamed of,” said Pam Auer, director of advocacy and community engagement for Thrive CIL.

The event, which runs from 12 to 4 p.m., will feature food trucks, games, arts and crafts, raffles and other activities.

Thrive CIL, formerly known as The Center for Independent Living of Central PA, recently rebranded and moved from its N. Front Street office to a space at 2601 Herr St., Harrisburg.

The center assists people with disabilities and seniors in the region and advocates for eliminating barriers to independent living for this community.

According to Genesis Taveras, director of core services, the move will offer the center an opportunity to expand services and give them a space of their own, as they’ve previously rented offices.

In the new office, Thrive CIL will have a fitness center, a kitchen for cooking classes, a job training space, a 3-D printing lab and a sensory room, among other features.

As for the updated name of the organization, Taveras said that they wanted to better represent their goal of helping community members do more than survive with their disabilities.

“We wanted to incorporate what it means to thrive in the community,” she said.

For more information about Thrive CIL, visit their Facebook page.

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Country artist slated to play in Harrisburg this summer as part of concert series

April 22, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Russell Dickerson

This summer, country music will ring out along the riverfront.

Country artist Russell Dickerson will perform on Tuesday, July 29 in Riverfront Park in Harrisburg, as part of the new Dauphin County Live Concert Series.

Harrisburg-based Grand Rising Curations, a concert promoter, announced the show on Tuesday, in partnership with the concert series, presented by Coors Light.

Dickerson, a Tennessee native, is known for his chart-topping songs “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma” and “Every Little Thing,” among others.

The show will take place at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 25.

In February, Dauphin County contributed $250,000 in county tourism dollars to the concert series, which replaces the former HU Presents summer concert series. Later that month, Grand Rising announced that indie band The Head and The Heart would take to the stage on Saturday, Aug. 2.

For more information on Grand Rising Curations or to purchase tickets, visit their website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 18, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline spoke to reporters following an arson attack at the Governor’s Mansion.

Happy Easter! We hope you have a nice holiday and maybe even take some time to “hop” around the city this weekend while the weather is good. Before you begin stuffing baskets and eggs, catch up on the news from the week, below.

Bob’s Art Blog previewed Friday’s 3^rd in the Burg events, including art, music and markets.

The Broad Street Market’s former executive director, Tanis Monroy, pled guilty to stealing from the market, our online story reported. Monroy was sentenced to one year of probation, 10 hours of community service, and he has already paid over $21,000 in restitution to the market.

Fort Indiantown Gap played a significant role in resettling Vietnamese refugees 50 years ago. Find out more about the history, in our magazine story.

The Governor’s Residence was the target of an arson fire that significantly damaged the historic mansion, but left no one injured, our online story reported. Police arrested Cody Balmer, 38, in connection with the arson.

Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline addressed the fire at the Governor’s Mansion at a press conference, our online story reported. He described it as a “surreal scene,” but said that it was close to being an even worse fire.

Home sales and prices in the Harrisburg area mostly remained the same in March compared to the previous year, our online story reported.

The LGBT Center of Central PA announced its spring slate of events, our online story reported. The center hopes that the festivities will bring the community together.

Local conservancies and nurseries hold native plant sales each year, our says our magazine feature. Our writer rounded up several of the sales that aim to promote the return of native habitats.

Midtown Cinema is showing “A Nice Indian Boy,” a modern rom-com. The film centers on a gay and intercultural relationship and touches on familial relationships. Find out more, here.

Penbrook man, Cody Balmer, was charged by the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office for the attack and arson at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, our online story reported. According to court documents, Balmer harbored animosity toward Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Restoration of the fire-damaged Broad Street Market has been slow to begin and still has a lengthy construction process ahead. Our writer reviews what has happened since the 2023 fire and how the community has stepped up to help and make their voices heard.

Sara Bozich has found plenty of fun events, including Easter-related festivities and listed them, here.

Tec Centro Capital Region ceremonially cut the ribbon on its job training office in Midtown Harrisburg, which opened several months ago, our online story reported. The organization offers employment services, adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and more.

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Former Broad Street Market director pleads guilty to stealing from market

April 17, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market

The former director of the Broad Street Market pled guilty to theft-related charges on Thursday.

Tanis Monroy pled guilty to stealing money from the market when he was the executive director, and was sentenced to one year of probation by Judge Deborah Curcillo in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas.

Monroy has already paid $17,000 in restitution to the market and, on Thursday, he paid another $4,939 that the court added to the original restitution amount, which will go to the market.

He was also issued 10 hours of community service.

Tanis Monroy. File photo.

Before the judge on Thursday morning, Monroy said that he was “deeply sorry” for his actions and that his “inexcusable actions” were the result of acting out of “fear and stress.”

Monroy served as the market’s executive director from October 2022 until he resigned his post in February 2024, citing health complications, including heart and kidney issues.

In August 2024, Monroy was charged with theft after the market board found a significant number of concerning transactions, totaling over $20,000, according to board Chair Eric Hagarty.

Monroy was initially facing one count of “other reason access device is unauthorized by issuer,” meaning unpermitted use of the market’s resources, as well as one charge of “theft by unlawful taking.” The first count was dropped as part of his plea agreement.

Monroy told the judge that he has undergone counseling and has begun to repair friendships and relationships.

He also asked “the Harrisburg community that once placed their faith in me” for forgiveness.

Monroy’s attorney noted that he has no prior criminal record, has paid all of the due restitution, and has expressed his regret.

Monroy’s actions came at a time when the market was already struggling financially, following a significant fire in July 2023. For months following the fire, the market was functioning on an operational deficit, as revenue had significantly decreased.

In January 2024, Monroy had proposed raising market vendors’ rents by almost double to make up for the loss. After the proposal faced backlash from the community and vendors, the market board decided to lower the increase to 25%, with consent from vendors.

Since then, the market’s financial picture has improved considerably, with the market board now projecting a budget surplus for the year. In addition, the board recently hired a new market manager, Cheranda “Cherri” Parks-Taylor, the market’s day-to-day operational position left open since Monroy’s departure. She is slated to start next week.

“With today’s guilty plea, this dark chapter in the market’s history is now over,” Hagarty said. “We are grateful for the Dauphin County District Attorney Office’s efforts, which have secured justice for the vendors, patrons, and supporters who make the Broad Street Market such a special place.”

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Workforce development center cuts the ribbon on location in Midtown Harrisburg

April 16, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Tec Centro and local officials cut the ribbon on the workforce development center.

A recently opened facility offers workforce development to the community.

Tec Centro Capital Region on Wednesday ceremonially cut the ribbon on its job training office in Midtown Harrisburg, which opened several months ago.

“The Tec Centro model is proud to offer workforce development opportunities for our community by helping our participants earn better wages and facilitating meaningful pathways towards new and exciting careers,” said Dr. Francia Henry, board president of Tec Centro Capital Region.

The new center on N. 3^rd Street is part of the Tec Centro Workforce Network, which has locations in several surrounding counties as well. The organization’s programming includes employment services, adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), basic computer skills, allied health occupation training, and other offerings.

All of Tec Centro’s classes are free or low-cost to community members.

One student of the center’s medical assistant class, Marwa Amini, said that she found Tec Centro after immigrating to the United States from Afghanistan. Back home, she had a high-profile career, but when she came to the U.S., she left everything behind and didn’t know what to do, she said.

“I felt hopeless, and I asked myself, ‘Where do I start, or when, how?’” she said. “I found Tec Centro and, slowly, hope began to return. The school gave me more than education. It gave me direction.”

Officials with Tec Centro said that Amini’s story is one of many where students were able to find assistance.

“Harrisburg represents more than just a new location. It’s a milestone that pushes our mission forward, one community at a time,” said Marlyn Barbosa, board chair of the Tec Centro Workforce Network.

Tec Centro is located at 1426 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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LGBT Center announces spring events for the community

April 15, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

LGBT Center

The LGBT Center of Central PA hopes that upcoming activities will help bring the community together.

The center recently announced its spring slate of events, which includes opportunities to learn, network and have fun.

“Spending time in community is as important as it ever has been, and we’re excited to open our doors to all,” said LGBT Center Executive Director Amber Roadcap.

All of the center’s special spring events are listed below:

Keystone Business Alliance Mixer

What: Meet like-minded community leaders
When: April 16, 6-8 p.m.
Where: LGBT Center, 1323 North Front St., Harrisburg
Cost: Free for KBA members. $10 for non-members

3rd in The Burg open house

What: History Project unveiling, book reading & more
When: April 18, 6-8 p.m.
Where: LGBT Center, 1323 North Front St., Harrisburg
Cost: Free

Commemoration of PA Gov. Milton J. Shapp

What: Commemorate the 50th anniversary of Shapp’s executive order prohibiting sexual orientation discrimination for state employees
When: April 23, Noon
Where: Capitol Rotunda, 501 North 3rd St., Harrisburg
Cost: Free

Hats, Heels, and Hooves: A Kentucky Derby Day Fundraiser

What: Drinks and hors d’oeuvres, hat contest, hobby horse race & more
When: May 3, starting at 4 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, 777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville
Cost: $50, purchase tickets here.

The LGBT Center also holds regularly occurring events each week through programs like Aging with Pride, Common Roads, GLO, Passageways and more.

For more information, visit www.centralpalgbtcenter.org.

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Harrisburg fire chief addresses arson fire at Governor’s Mansion, calls it “surreal scene”

April 14, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline spoke to the press on Monday outside Fire Station 1 on N 6th Street.

Fire affects everyone, from the regular city resident all the way to top lawmakers, explained Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline.

Yesterday, the commonwealth’s top official, Gov. Josh Shapiro, faced a weekend arson fire at the Governor’s Mansion. Enterline addressed the incident at a press conference on Monday.

“It put not only the first family of Pennsylvania, the firemen of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, but every Pennsylvanian on watch and in awe of how quickly the scope of that fire escalated and that we could have a fire of such substance in our historic Governor’s Mansion,” he said.

Cody Balmer, 38, of Penbrook, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary and terrorism in the attack. According to the charging documents, he climbed the fence and broke into the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion, throwing in “Molotov cocktails” that set the building on fire. The piano and dining rooms sustained most of the fire damage.

Enterline said that the fire bureau responded to the scene around 2 a.m. on Sunday after a Pennsylvania State Police officer on site called 9-1-1.

“It was a very surreal scene when I got there, seeing fire coming from the Governor’s Mansion,” he said.

The firefighters had to cut open gates outside the mansion to get hoses to the building and had to force entry into the building to begin fire extinguishing efforts.

Enterline said that, very shortly after they arrived, he had a feeling that this could be a case of arson, and called in arson investigators from PSP to preserve the crime scene.

The firefighters were able to contain the fire within about half an hour. Luckily, he said that the main doorways were closed between the affected rooms and the rest of the main house, which helped contain the flames. If that door wasn’t closed, the incident would have been much worse, he said.

“It would’ve been a totally different fire and a totally different outcome most likely had that door not been closed,” Enterline said.

In a separate press conference on Sunday, Shapiro heaped praise on the performance of the city’s fire bureau.

“I want to thank Harrisburg Fire and their chief, who was personally on the scene and spent time with me and my family,” Shapiro said. “He and the other firefighters from Harrisburg ran toward danger to help keep us safe and in quickly putting out the fire.”

Enterline added that the building did not have a fire suppression system, but did have fire alarms. He said that he hopes a fully functioning sprinkler system will be installed in the mansion during the renovations. He expects a rebuild to cost millions of dollars, considering the damage to the building, the historic artifacts and the paintings.

The Historic Harrisburg Association issued a statement on Monday, offering to help in renovation efforts.

“The Historic Harrisburg Association is deeply saddened about the recent arson attack on the PA Governor’s Residence, and we support Governor Shapiro and his family during this difficult time,” the statement said. “We continue to stand by our longtime friends at both the Governor’s Residence and Department of General Services and are willing to lend any and all support for the restoration and preservation of this beloved Harrisburg architectural landmark.”

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Harrisburg School District holds off on hiring police, as officials seek to exit receivership

April 11, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus

A plan to bring police officers into Harrisburg schools has been halted.

At a board meeting this week, the Harrisburg School District announced that it would hold off on a previous plan to establish a school police department, as it prepares to potentially exit state receivership.

“This is not a retreat from our commitment to safety,” Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Henry said. “Instead, it is a calculated decision to ensure we can responsibly fund such an initiative over a sustainable five-year period.”

In November, district receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved a safety plan that included hiring four police officers and creating a police station at the Harrisburg High School-John Harris campus, following a significant increase in violent incidents.

However, on Tuesday, district officials said that they would back down on that plan for now, as they need to be cautious with spending money, as the district could exit state receivership in the coming months.

Suski said that she is making the recommendation to exit receivership and is working on writing the petition to the state Department of Education. The district is “on a trajectory” to argue for exiting, she said. The receivership is set to expire on June 17.

“Part of the decision to move forward, it’s a fiscal decision,” Suski said. “And if the district is possibly looking at exiting receivership, or is desiring to exit receivership, we won’t know for sure until June. We will not be permitted to enter into any new initiatives for a period of five years.”

Suski said that, with that in mind, she doesn’t foresee policing coming up for discussion for at least five years.

Instead, Henry said that the district will continue to work with its safety monitors, the Harrisburg Police Bureau and with community members to improve safety in the schools.

“The safety and well-being of each of our students remains my top priority and we will continue to implement measures that ensure every child feels safe and secure in our schools,” he said.

For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.

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Tunnel to Towers breaks ground on Harrisburg housing community for veterans

April 10, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Officials ceremonially broke ground on the Tunnel to Towers project on Thursday.

Dozens of people gathered in south Harrisburg on Thursday to celebrate the beginning of a new residential construction project.

Tunnel to Towers, along with local officials, ceremonially broke ground on their project that will bring housing for homeless veterans to the city.

“The veteran’s village we celebrate today is more than a construction site, it is a commitment, a promise, a symbol of what happens when compassion, patriotism and action all come together,” said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams. “It will provide safe, stable housing for veterans in need.”

Tunnel to Towers CEO Frank Siller spoke at the ceremony on Thursday.

In November 2024, Harrisburg City Council approved the construction of a 64-unit apartment building and 20 “comfort homes” by New York-based Tunnel to Towers.

The riverfront location along S. Front Street, past the PennDOT building, is the newest location for the organization, which has housing communities across the country.

Tunnel to Towers in Harrisburg is the second project aimed at sheltering the homeless population on the large stretch of formerly vacant land. Veteran’s Outreach of PA cut the ribbon on its Veterans Grove tiny home community in May 2024.

Rendering of Tunnel to Towers in Harrisburg, provided by Tunnel to Towers.

While Veterans Grove provides transitional housing, Tunnel to Towers will provide permanent housing. Gavin Naples, vice president of Tunnel to Towers, said that the organization will work with VOPA to potentially provide housing for veterans who phase out of their programming.

According to officials, Tunnel to Towers will have support services on site, such as job training, financial coaching and case management.

“Our objective is reintegration back into the community,” Naples said.

The $20 million project is expected to take 12 to 14 months to construct. So far, the project site has been cleared and construction will now begin.

A third housing project is slated to be built next to Tunnel to Towers and VOPA. Eden Village’s tiny house community for the homeless was approved by City Council in March.

For more information on Tunnel to Towers, visit their website.

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Broad Street Market hires new market manager after long vacancy

April 9, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Cherri Parks-Taylor

The Broad Street Market has a new head of day-to-day operations.

Cheranda “Cherri” Parks-Taylor will serve as the new full-time market manager, as the market’s board approved her for the role on Wednesday.

Parks-Taylor previously served as the operations and facilities manager for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry. She will begin her position at the market on April 23.

“The Broad Street Market was fortunate to receive applications from dozens of amazingly qualified candidates who care deeply about this iconic Harrisburg institution,” said Eric Hagarty, market board chair. “Cherri is a truly exceptional candidate with extensive experience in operations, facility, financial, and supplier management in a variety of industries. We are confident that Cherri is the right person to take the Broad Street Market to the next level while providing the support and customer service our vendors and patrons deserve.”

She will fill a post that has been vacant since February 2024, following the resignation of former manager Tanis Monroy, who was later charged with stealing money from the market. In the meantime, volunteer board members helped fill in, along with temporary support from Ashlynn Buie of Midtown Property Management.

As Market Manager, Parks-Taylor will oversee facilities and payroll, help with long-term financial planning, plan events, coordinate and attend board meetings, manage vendors and ensure transparency, along with other tasks.

Parks-Taylor earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Hunter College in New York.

“I’m honored to step into this role at such a meaningful time for the Broad Street Market,” she said. “I believe deeply in the power of spaces like the Market to connect, nourish, and uplift communities. I’m excited to work alongside the vendors, board, and greater Harrisburg community to build on the Market’s incredible legacy and support its growth for years to come.”

For more information on the Broad Street Market, visit their website.

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