March News Digest

February 27, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Housing Project Approved

The housing stock for seniors in Harrisburg may soon grow, as a developer has received the green light on a building project.

Harrisburg City Council has approved the construction of a four-story affordable housing apartment for seniors at 1001 N. 18th St., a vacant lot that once housed Woodward Elementary School.

“Woodward Lofts,” a plan by Harrisburg-based Latino Connection Foundation, will offer 48 one- and two-bedroom apartment units, a community room, a dog park and 47 off-street parking spaces.

The project initially received pushback from neighbors who were concerned that the housing would increase traffic in the area, cause parking and safety issues, and potentially decrease neighbors’ property values.

However, Dr. Amber Borreli, interim executive director of Latino Connection Foundation, said that she has met repeatedly with residents to address their concerns and even make changes to the initial plan proposal.

Originally, Latino Connection said it would build first-floor commercial space into the structure for possible use as a clinic, daycare and food bank. After speaking with residents, Borreli said they cut the commercial space from the project, to address traffic concerns.

Borelli estimated that the project would break ground in October and take about 12 to 18 months to complete.

Soccer Returns to Harrisburg

Soccer is back on the roster in Harrisburg.

The Capital City Islanders, a recently formed professional men’s soccer team, is set to kick off a new era of the sport on City Island this spring.

“We are just trying to bring something positive to the area and hopefully we can do that through the game of soccer,” said team founder and owner Alex McGee, of Capital City Sports Group.

The team will play at the island’s Skyline Sports Complex, a field that once hosted the Harrisburg City Islanders, a professional league that ceased operations in 2019 after 16 years of operation. McGee said that his team has no affiliation with the Harrisburg City Islanders.

The team will play as part of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) Division 1 American Conference, the fourth tier of the U.S. Men’s Soccer Pyramid. McGee hopes that the team will eventually advance to the USL League One, a tier above.

McGee, a Lebanon native, is a long-time soccer lover, player and coach, who coaches for Milton Hershey’s high school team, his alma matter.

“Myself and a couple of the guys who are part of the ownership group […] just understood the need and the calling for a team to return to the island and reconnect the community and bring soccer back to Harrisburg,” he said.

According to McGee, while Central Pa. is a soccer-loving region, there are no major professional outdoor teams.

“Central Pennsylvania is a soccer hub and the area loves soccer,” he said. “It was a no brainer.”

Adam “Johnny” Morris will serve as head coach. Morris has over 20 years of coaching experience in Europe and the U.S., most recently serving as the assistant coach for USLW Lancaster Inferno.

“To coach this team is more than just the wins we will achieve, it’s about reigniting Harrisburg’s soccer spirit and bringing the game back to the island,” Morris said. “I’m excited to get started and to see the Capital City Islanders rise to new heights.”

Underpass Closes

The pedestrian underpass on Cameron Street near the PA Farm Show Complex has closed until further notice.

PennDOT last month stated that they discovered concrete deterioration on the ceiling of the walkway, which goes under Cameron Street. Access to the corridor will be temporarily restricted.

Repairs to the underpass will begin later this year, as part of an already planned pavement preservation project that PennDOT is currently performing on Cameron Street. The total project, which includes making repairs and upgrades to the road, intersections, traffic signals, drainage and other areas, is expected to be completed by September 2026.

In the meantime, a contractor will install temporary shielding and supports in the Cameron Street underpass, which will remain until permanent repairs are made.

An alternate pedestrian crossing is located to the north of the tunnel at the intersection of Azalea Drive and Farm Show Drive.

Additionally, the left turn lane from westbound Cameron Street into the Farm Show Complex at Farm Show Drive will be closed until the permanent repairs are made. The lane is located directly above the deteriorated concrete and will be affected when concrete removal in the tunnel begins.

Home Sales, Prices Higher

Harrisburg-area home sales and prices both rose in January, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county area, 398 homes sold in the month, 40 more than in January 2024, while the median sales price increased to $277,000 from $258,000, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 221 houses sold versus 187 in the year-ago period, as the median price rose to $245,897 from $229,900, GHAR said.

Cumberland County had 161 home sales compared to 146 the previous January, while the median sales price went to $335,000 from $297,450, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, 16 homes sold, a drop from 24 in January 2024, as the median price increased to $283,500 from $263,450, GHAR stated.

The pace of home sales slowed as “average days on market” rose to 35 days from 31 days a year ago, said GHAR.

So Noted

Abigail Fortino has been named president of Conrad Siegel, replacing Mark Bonsall, who served as president since 2011. Fortino brings more than 20 years of leadership and consulting experience with the firm to the new role, according to the Harrisburg-based employee benefit and investment advisory firm.

Angela Capeles, CEO of Capeles Agency, last month was named the 2025 board president of Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP). In addition, Kelly Smith and Rebekah Harriger will serve as co-vice presidents, Andrew Essis as treasurer and Alexandria DeCicco as secretary.

Eric Hagarty last month was hired as the new chief clerk for Dauphin County, serving as chief of staff for all three commissioners. Hagarty said he plans to continue as the volunteer chair of the Broad Street Market Alliance, the nonprofit that oversees the day-to-day operations of Harrisburg’s historic city market.

Kara Beem has been named president of the Harrisburg Chamber board of directors for 2025, while Shawn K. Leppo will serve as president of the CREDC board for the year, according to the chamber. Beem is president of Keystone Ingenuity, a state and local government affairs firm, while Leppo is an attorney for McNees Wallace & Nurick.

Members 1st Federal Credit Union last month announced two promotions in their leadership team. Christy Pavlakovich was named chief administrative officer, and Karen Roland was promoted to chief marketing officer.

Robert Kennick has been named Harrisburg’s new budget and finance director, a key city post that had been vacant for months following the resignation of Marita Kelley. This is Kennick’s first government position, as he previously held accounting and finance jobs in the private sector.

Sharon S. Myers last month was selected as the new president and CEO of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg (VHH), the tourism agency for Dauphin County. Myers has over 38 years in the hospitality industry, most recently as executive director of the PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, and replaces longtime VHH CEO Mary Smith.

Soles4Me, which sells new and pre-owned sneakers and designer clothes, opened last month at 9 N. 3rd St., adjacent to the 3rd Street entrance to Strawberry Square in Harrisburg. This is the retailer’s second brick-and-mortar location, the first located in Buford, Ga.

Team Pennsylvania last month celebrated the opening of its new downtown Harrisburg headquarters in the Bowman Tower of Strawberry Square. The nonprofit organization works to boost Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness, convening business and policy-makers to help foster long-term change for the better.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2241: M. Boyle to Alexs Rentals LLC, $116,000

Balm St., 23: D. Fernandez & H. Valverde to PACC Homes & Development LLC, $84,700

Balm St., 60: Zion Management LLC to Number Realty LLC, $175,000

Balm St., 119: Bridger Investments LLC to K&M Home Investment LLC, $77,000

Bellevue Rd., 1833: Mau Properties LLC to Penn RM Properties LLC, $115,500

Berryhill St., 1520: J. & W. Colon to Carvcam Properties LLC, $72,500

Berryhill St., 2247: MidAtlantic IRA LlC to Normans Realty Services Inc., $130,600

Bigelow Dr., 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 16, 17, 19, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40 & 3, 5, 42, 44, 46, 47, 48 Bigelow Ct.: VAB Investments LLC to Berkshire Twins LLC, $1,004,129

Bigelow Dr., 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 1300: VAB Investments LLC to Berkshire Twins LLC, $1,038,612

Boas St., 226: L. Morrison to DC Terra LLC, $120,000

Boas St., 235: M. Ruiz & K. Hillman to A. Sheinvold, $233,000

Boas St., 413: H. Townsend to J. Kirtchuk, $310,000

Boas St., 1500: Capital Realty Guild LLC to D. Adain, $290,000

Boas St., 1714: R. Howard to Culcay Remodeling Guagua LLC, $130,000

Calder St., 208: K. Landers to B. & L. Snyder, $160,000

Camp St., 623: J. Gulbin to MAT Holdings LLC, $127,000

Chestnut St., 2310: B. & L. Kitlinski to G. Oritz, $257,900

Crescent St., 446: Crescent Street Associates to B. Gounongbe, $60,000

Curtin St., 551: K. Compres to Val de Vie Estate Investment LLC, $85,000

Derry St., 1230: M. Rodriguez to TMH Family Trust, $84,000

Derry St., 2330: Star & Star LLC to E. Ramirez, $118,000

Dunkle St., 558: T. Sherard to J. Hall, $100,000

Green St., 1406: Pine Asset Management LLC to M. Wolfe, $165,000

Green St., 2010: G. Neff & City Limits Realty to L. Sandelli, $205,000

Hamilton St., 340: PD Estate Properties LLC to Y. Adams, $163,500

Hamilton St., 342: T. & M. Sneidman to J. Stevenson, $156,000

Howard St., 1332: M. Nichols to Penn RM Properties LLC, $95,000

Hummel St., 233: B. Ortega to A. Ulerio, $60,000

Hummel St., 250: M. Fragoso to Amazing Rentals LLC, $450,000

Kensington St., 2304: C. Diaz to W. Rivas, $55,000

Lenox St., 1906: T. & P. Gragg to D. Harrison, $55,000

Lenox St., 2001: PKN Real Estate LLC to S. Acharya & S. Ghimire, $200,000

Lexington St., 2546: Elevation Properties LLC to Cyprys Property Group LLC, $118,000

Logan St., 2013: L. Blanton to Home Like Rentals LLC, $115,000

Logan St., 2157: Donald F. Kick Trust & Natalie M. Kick Trust to B. & T. Bender, $123,000

Luce St., 2301: E. Farjado to C. Rosado, $199,900

Market St., 2105: A. Acanda to L. Nyabinghi, $400,000

Market St., 2201: Lugos Home Improvements LLC to S. Goodwin, $375,000

Meadowlark Pl., 186: T. & T. Powers to Theta One LLC, $112,000

Muench St., 427: M. Carter to D. Glick, $107,000

Mulberry St., 1841: Offer PA LLC to A. Dominguez, $100,000

Mulberry St., 1945: J. McLamb to House Cash LLC, $80,000

Nagle St., 106: T. Edwards to I. Charles, $199,000

N. 2nd St., 234: Goodman Real Estate to Second & Pine Ventures LLC, $1,600,000

N. 2nd St., 1803: Z. Gause to D. Taveira & S. Morrow, $192,400

N. 2nd St., 1833: K. Kiely to Glanzair Properties LLC, $52,750

N. 2nd St., 1911: J. Rotz to Third Street Realty Co., $335,000

N. 2nd St., 2321: Elite Remodeling Realty LLC to J. Sivak, $270,000

N. 2nd St., 2343: I. Stubblefield to K. & J. Vang, $245,897

N. 4th St., 2308: J. Torres to T. Gaines, $165,000

N. 4th St., 2316A: N. & L. McCoy to D. & L. Lucier, $112,000

N. 4th St., 3231: Family Tree Holding LLC to S. McArthur, $176,900

N. 5th St., 2318: Tassia Corp. to Breneman Properties LLC, $162,500

N. 5th St., 2554: JTA Consulting Group LLC to A. del Rosario, $165,000

N. 5th St., 2622: US Bank National Association Trust to C. Drayton, $92,500

N. 6th St., 2933: J. Ryan to J. Watson, $184,999

N. 7th St., 2632: T. Krone to F. Ashenafi, $110,000

N. 15th St., 18: Lorfax 1 LLC to Sunnyside RE Enterprise LLC, $115,000

N. 15th St., 515: Stoute Housing Inc. to C. Rodriguez, $165,000

N. 17th St., 711: Property Connect LLC to K. Lopez & S. de la Rosa, $160,000

N. Front St., 1617: C. Cumming to S., A., A. & I. Troy, $465,000

N. Summit St., 125: M. Carmona to Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach, $55,000

Norwood St., 902: A. Mohamed to A. Pizarro & A. Ordonez, $110,000

Park St., 1930: Mau Properties LLC to Penn RM Properties LLC, $118,965

Peffer St., 216: 216 Peffer LLC to Breneman Properties LLC, $260,000

Penn St., 2149: M. Spicher to Knight Development & Management LLC, $71,250

Radnor St., 411: 2020 Real Estate Ventures LLC to T. & A. Sanders, $211,000

Reel St., 2736: T. Thompson to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $162,000

Regina St., 1612: Mau Properties LLC to Penn RM Properties LLC, $74,844

Reily St., 331: Q. Zhou to NK Enterprises LLC, $140,000

Rudy Rd., 2133: C. Weaver & A. Shughart to S. Isaacs, $210,000

Rudy Rd., 2452: G. & K. Stine to PACC Homes & Development LLC, $97,000

Seneca St., 253: G&W Rentals LLC to S. Clissaint, $162,900

S. 13th St., 1285: D&F Realty Holdings LP to Kian & Lian Houses & Apartments LLC, $210,000

S. 13th St., 1461: I. Colon to G. Alemnji, $75,000

S. 14th St., 406: G. Garcia to K. Rojas, $90,000

S. 16th St., 534: G. Neff to T. Cisse, $75,000

S. 17th St., 24: I. Colon to Capital J Holdings LLC, $92,000

S. 27th St., 710: D. Barrick & A. Toci to R. Barnes & J. Brubacher, $290,000

Susquehanna St., 1911: S. Umble to R. Cortina & E. Hennessy, $225,000

Sycamore St., 1712: J. Gorka to Centric Property Group LLC, $140,000

Sycamore St., 1724: L. Reed to Centric Property Group LLC, $95,000

Verbeke St., 122: U. King to Z. Elliott, $185,000

Verbeke St., 266: J. Huff & Huff NC Homes LLC to E. Murray, $224,900

Walnut St., 1423: E. Shephard to G. de Leon Amador, $110,000

Waldo St., 2655: Fowler Investments LLC to GR Investments LLC, $82,000

Zarker St., 1929: S. Dunbar to PACC Homes & Development LLC, $81,700

Harrisburg property sales, January 2025, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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Taking Care of Businesses: As small business goes, so goes Harrisburg

February 27, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck

Callie Alvanitakis gave it her all.

For the past four years, the Harrisburg resident ran Deco Grab & Go, a snug café and sandwich shop located just across the street from the state Capitol Complex.

She fashioned an artsy, inviting décor, created a tasty menu, and worked long hours, but, ultimately, couldn’t overcome the forces arrayed against her.

“It’s been such a struggle,” she told me, just before shutting her doors for the final time last month. “I have to move on to something else, something more stable.”

Running a small business is always tough—few survive long-term. But, in downtown Harrisburg, it’s become even more challenging, as owners face the potential knockout punch of stubborn inflation, sky-high parking rates and a state workforce that has largely abandoned the city.

“I can’t continue on, given this work-from-home trend,” Alvanitakis said. “It may be more efficient and offer a better work/life balance, I get that. But state workers are hardly here anymore, so it’s become impossible for me.”

Without customers, even a well-run business can’t survive.

Historically, Harrisburg’s small businesses drew customers from three distinct groups: workers, visitors and residents.

A hundred years ago, the city’s economy was powered by heavy industry. When the steel mills and railroads collapsed, the growing state workforce helped fill the gap. But now, that labor force also has dissipated, leaving behind the moms and pops that once made their lunches, poured their beer and sold them everything from chewing gum to finely tailored suits.

Likewise, Harrisburg’s visiting population has been dinged. In-person business meetings have gone remote, meaning fewer hotel nights, catered lunches and expense-account meals. The Capitol Complex once crawled with long-term government contractors, but much of that work is now done somewhere else—Florida, India, who knows?

This leaves the city’s small businesses more dependent than ever on locals. In other words, it’s up to us, as a city, to ensure the survival of our own small businesses.

Are we up to the job? Regular readers of this column may not be surprised that I have a few ideas.

As residents, we can boost our commitment to patronizing our shops and restaurants. I’m almost hesitant to ask this, since residents already carry much of our city’s economy on their backs. On the other hand, I know people who reflexively jump in their cars and head off to the soulless suburban supermarket every time they need a loaf of bread, a carton of eggs or a bag of coffee. Meanwhile, there are wonderful alternatives, of even higher quality, right here in Harrisburg—in interesting, well-curated stores and stands that likely are run by your neighbors.

As businesses, we can be more proactive and collaborative. Our small business community has many strengths, but cooperation is not among them. As a small business owner myself, I get it—you’re so busy that it’s tough to see outside your own four walls. However, greater cooperation (events, cleanups, marketing, lobbying, etc.) and more community involvement and outreach would benefit everyone. Truly, we’re all in this together.

As a city, we should always keep our small businesses front of mind. Our elected officials, for instance, could make development easier, craft a robust economic development plan and take other measures to help small businesses. If I were an official, I would focus on infrastructure improvements and residential development since, without office workers, we need more people to live in and visit Harrisburg. More people equal more customers for our strapped, struggling small businesses. Recently, someone suggested to me that the city should have a point person for Harrisburg’s three main small business districts: downtown, Midtown and Allison Hill. I think that’s a great idea to help make the city more responsive to owners’ needs.

Harrisburg is a city of small business. With industry and offices in decline, shops, restaurants and other small businesses have become the driver of our local economy. We must do everything we can to help them survive and thrive.

Lawrance Binda is the publisher and editor of TheBurg.

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March Publisher’s Note

February 27, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Many folks around Harrisburg are very interested in local history.

I know this because I’m contacted often to try to answer questions about this or that historical tidbit. Why, just last month, I was asked for information on a statue in Reservoir Park, an obelisk at Italian Lake and an old building in south Harrisburg.

Sometimes, I have the answers, sometimes I don’t. But, when I don’t, I know who to call.

In Harrisburg, we’re lucky to have several people who are founts of local historical knowledge. These include (but are not limited to) David Morrison, Jeb Stuart, Calobe Jackson Jr. and Ken Frew. I’ve referred folks to them repeatedly, and their names have appeared again and again in the pages of TheBurg.

These local historians have served our area for decades. We should be grateful for their deep knowledge of our past, which, as Harrisburg changes and evolves, informs our present and guides our future.

This month, I also mention local history in this space because Historic Harrisburg Association recently released its “Preservation Priorities,” an annual list of our area’s endangered buildings and structures.

For 2025, HHA’s “top five” list starts with the Broad Street Market then continues with William Penn High School, Balsley House, the Lochiel Hotel and the Riverside and Paxton firehouses. The list includes about two dozen other structures on a “watch list.”

“This is how we alert the entire community and potential buyers and developers of their opportunities for preserving these buildings,” said Morrison, HHA’s executive director.

Indeed, bringing these structures into the public conversation is a vital first step in historic preservation. “That has proven to be very effective,” Morrison added.

Maybe you have a desire (and a budget!) to carry out a historic restoration project? If so, please visit the HAA website and/or our online story to view the full list of Preservation Priorities.

With that, I welcome readers to our March issue, which is focused on some of the many wonderful nonprofit organizations in our area. I’ve already mentioned one (Historic Harrisburg) but turn these pages to learn about many others and the good work they’re doing.

Remember, most nonprofits need your help as a volunteer, board member and/or donor. So, if you can, please give generously to the organization of your choice.

Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor

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No Apologies: Harrisburg has many strengths; we should be proud of them

February 27, 2025 | by Ryan Unger

Photo by Michael Yatsko

“Our city nearly went bankrupt from a previous mayor, and we’re dealing with the legacy of that.”

This was the response from a community leader last year when asked, “What do you think of Harrisburg?” It was part of a broader effort to better align our region’s business, talent and tourism attraction strategies. Or, to use a favorite sports analogy: making sure we are all calling plays from the same playbook.

As part of that work, we underwent an intensive process, led by our partners at Visit Hershey Harrisburg (our local visitor’s bureau), to bring in placemaking experts who interviewed stakeholders, surveyed regional visitors, and conducted a data-driven assessment of who and what we are as a region.

Their top recommendation? Stop apologizing for Harrisburg.

Not better marketing. Not focusing on a single strength. Just a shift in mindset—because there’s no reason to apologize.

Yet, stakeholders told us again and again, “Downtown Harrisburg used to be a great place to go; it’s not what it used to be.”

Let’s look at the numbers. Dauphin and Cumberland counties outpace our neighboring peers in the number of nightlife experiences, restaurants and events. Our region outpaces benchmarks in population growth and talent while maintaining a low unemployment rate.

Do we have work to do? Absolutely. Our remote workforce has grown faster than our peers, primarily because of our strong industry mix. This changes the way we plan our communities, and we need focused efforts to rethink places that were intended to house workers and commuters.

But here’s the good news: we get to do it right here in Harrisburg—a region that offers a rich diversity of opportunities that allow visitors and residents to live fully. Our region is one of very few places that beautifully balances a high quality of life, low cost of living, and vibrant cultural and outdoor programming.

We sit at the keystone of the Keystone State, a hub of national and international logistics. That asset sometimes leads people to sell the region by saying, “You can visit Philly, NYC, Baltimore or DC every weekend if you want.” Instead, I challenge you to flip that and say, “All of your friends in the East Coast’s biggest cities can easily visit you for a fun weekend getaway.” Harrisburg can be the destination.

A core value of the work I do every day is to be unapologetically positive about our region. Why? Because I noticed the same thing that the consultants found when I started in my role at the chamber three years ago—too many people leading with apologies for Harrisburg instead of pride. To be clear, that’s not blind optimism— I’m not burying my head in the sand. I am not saying we are exactly where we need to be as a city or a region, but why not focus on what we have rather than long for what we don’t?

As residents and lovers of Harrisburg, if we can’t shed the apologies and start by celebrating our community, then who else will?

Ryan Unger is president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. For more information, visit www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org.

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Arts Assist: The Charles Bruce Foundation offers a boost for writers, artists, musicians

February 27, 2025 | by Susan Ryder

Charles Bruce

For 10 years, a local foundation has been making the idea of the “starving artist” less of a reality.

The Carlisle-based Charles Bruce Foundation supports musicians and artists by providing them with paid work opportunities through performing at local nonprofit events and illustrating books for its nonprofit publishing house.

“Everybody wants you [artists] to work for free,” said Pat LaMarche, the self-proclaimed “chief cook and bottle washer” for the foundation.

Nonprofits simply don’t have funds for the luxury of music at events, so the Charles Bruce Foundation assists by providing those funds. Libraries, shelters and the Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) have been on the receiving end of that assistance.

“Because they support writers, artists and musicians, if we are having an event, they will pay for a musician,” said Catherine Stone, CALC executive director. “Because, of course, we all believe artists should get paid for their work.”

In a collaborative effort, CALC hosts book launches for the foundation. Last fall, CALC facilitated an art show focused on the Charles Bruce Foundation book, “American Roulette,” which highlights gun violence in America.

“Many times, we have a book come out, and we have the artists provide the artwork and then do an art show,” LaMarche said. “Then you can buy the book and maybe a piece of original art.”

Revenue from books provides a portion of the funding for the foundation. These books include “The Priscilla” series, which addresses family homelessness; “The Doody Story,” which, as the title suggests, is about potty products; and “Humble Pie,” which offers stories about hunger and recipes that stretch the dollar.

“What we offer to authors is the opportunity to be published,” LaMarche said.

Literacy is another important focus of the foundation, which has given away over 10,000 books through its 10-year history. Children can walk into a Cumberland County system library and request a free copy of a Charles Bruce Foundation book.

“We want to get books into the hands of kids,” LaMarche said. “When you read the studies, if a child owns 12 of their own books, they’re twice as likely to finish high school.”

Really Proud

All this writer, artist and musician aid began with the foundation’s namesake, Charles Bruce.

Charles Bruce was a lieutenant colonel who, with his wife, helped rebuild Austria after World War II. While there, they visited an orphanage and met a little boy, who became their son, Chad Bruce. Chad was the opposite of his father.

“This military man who fought in World War II, Korea and four tours of Vietnam, he was highly decorated, adopts a kid who likes to draw pictures and sing songs,” LaMarche said. “And he doesn’t get mad at him. He takes the door off the hinges and makes him an art table.”

Chad birthed the Charles Bruce Foundation from an intense gratitude for his parents’ support of his artistic nature.

“I feel fortunate that I was given opportunities to pursue my creative goals, and the extent that I can provide others with similar opportunities is my desire,” said Chad Bruce, the foundation’s executive director.

His parents would likely be proud of his awards that came in the form of musical accomplishments as a harmonicist, playing at President Barack Obama’s inauguration, and his exceptional talents as a book designer and artist.

The foundation began out of Chad’s dream to help artists, but with no real plan for how to do that. Then he met LaMarche.

“Before, I was just hoping something would happen, but I didn’t quite know what,” he said. “Patty showed me, and, together, we worked on it and have made a success of it.”

Today, Chad uses his skills on the drawing board, doing much of the book designing. LaMarche contributes as a writer, but also as an organizer and logistician.

LaMarche employed the latter skill three years ago to begin the Homeless Memorial Blanket project. This social justice art display involves coordinating and collecting hundreds of hand-crocheted, knitted and quilted blankets and uniting them on the ground to make a giant art memorial to those who have died homeless on the streets. The project grew from an interaction that LaMarche had with a young woman with an intellectual disability who told her, “I just want to crochet all day,” LaMarche said.

The Charles Bruce Foundation receives blankets from this young woman each year, and it is taking the project to Denver in 2026.

People interested in assisting young artists, promoting literacy, or publishing a book can do that by donating, by contacting the foundation about receiving books for a class or group, or by sending a book proposal.

The Charles Bruce Foundation brightens the area by making it more financially feasible for artists to ply their craft.

“I’m a musician, and my wife is a writer,” Chad Bruce said. “To be able to help young people to further their interests and careers in those areas and do that to a successful degree, that really makes me proud.”

For more information on the Charles Bruce Foundation, visit www.charlesbrucefoundation.com.

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Seasonal Solutions: Leveraging a HELOC for Year-Round Home Maintenance and Upgrades

February 27, 2025 | by Members 1st Federal Credit Union

As the seasons change, so do the demands of your home. From tackling winter weather to preparing for warmer months, your home requires ongoing care to stay comfortable and efficient. Whether you are maintaining your house for the winter’s chill, planning for spring renovations to freshen up your space or looking to consolidate high-interest debt, a Home Equity Freedom Line of Credit (HELOC) can be the key to turning your plans into reality.

You may be wondering, what is a HELOC and how can it help me reach my goals? Let’s break it down.

What is a HELOC?

A Home Equity Freedom Line of Credit works like a credit card, giving you access to funds that you can borrow, pay back and borrow again. Unlike a credit card, a HELOC is a line of credit issued based on the equity you’ve built in your home. Use as much or as little as you want—for whatever you want.

No matter what you have planned, our freedom line of credit offers you the best of both worlds—a variable-rate line of credit that adjusts over time and the option to lock in a fixed rate¹ when you need extra stability. Whether you are funding a one-time project or planning for ongoing expenses, this type of flexibility can make managing your finances less stressful. Keep in mind, however, that with a variable rate, your interest rate (and your monthly payments) may fluctuate.

How can I use a HELOC?

One of the biggest advantages of a HELOC is its flexibility. Here are some practical ways to put your equity to work:

Prep Your Home for Winter: As winter approaches, protect and enhance your home with smart improvements. A HELOC can help you tackle essential projects like replacing drafty windows, upgrading your HVAC system or repairing your roof. These updates not only boost energy efficiency but can increase your home’s value too.

Bring Your Spring Renovation Dreams to Life: Is a spring refresh in your future? Look no further. Whether it’s creating a backyard oasis, modernizing your kitchen or landscaping your yard, a HELOC can fund renovations that enhance your home’s functionality and appeal.

Consolidate High-Interest Debt: Use your HELOC to pay off credit card debt at a lower interest rate, simplify your payments into one manageable payment and save on interest overtime. Debt consolidation through a HELOC is a smart way to reduce financial stress, while taking advantage of lower rates.

Why is now the perfect time for a HELOC?

With the holidays behind us, now is a great time to look at your financial goals for the year ahead. Winter is ideal for tackling any necessary indoor repairs when the weather is cold, while spring invites a fresh opportunity to invest in the exterior of your home. Take advantage of competitive interest rates and explore the benefits of using your home’s equity.

Why work with Members 1st Federal Credit Union?

At Members 1st FCU, we understand that as a homeowner, your needs are all different. That is why we offer a HELOC with:

Competitive rates to save you even more
Flexible borrowing limits to fit your project goal
Customized service to ensure you have what you need

A HELOC is not only powerful in the winter and spring but any season for achieving your financial and home improvement goals. Whether you’re preparing for colder weather, planning spring upgrades or consolidating debt, we are happy to help make it happen.

Contact us today to learn more about how a HELOC from Members 1st Federal Credit Union can work for you and your goals. Let’s use this year to improve not only your finances but your home too!

*Note: A HELOC cannot be used to finance the purchase of a new primary residence, swing loan or bridge loan. Please contact us to discuss other options.

¹You may lock in all or a portion of your line as a fixed term loan up to three fixed terms at one time. Terms available from 1 year to 15 year maximum. Minimum $5,000 to lock-in. Fixed term APR may vary based on term chosen. Your first fixed term lock option is free and subsequent lock options are subject to a $100 processing fee. Balances you choose to lock in at the fixed rate of interest must be repaid in substantially equal monthly payments of principal and interest. The total monthly payment under the Line of Credit will include repayment of the total of all advances under the Line of Credit to date, in addition to and including the advance(s) for fixed term lock option(s).

We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Federally Insured with NCUA.

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Big Lift: Big Brothers Big Sisters expands, addresses growing need

February 27, 2025 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Every two weeks or so, Ariana, an 11-year-old from Mechanicsburg, eagerly awaits a fun-filled visit with Jamie, her Big Sister mentor.

“I get out the house, and Jamie’s so sweet and nice,” Ariana said. “I spend time with her and Amelia (Jamie’s niece) and go eat or do something fun together.”

Ariana and Jamie were matched nearly five years ago by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA, which serves more than 1,300 young people throughout Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties.

“I’ll never forget when I got the call from BBBS, and they said, ‘We’ve found the perfect little sister for you. She is energetic, loves crafts, and is full of personality,’ Jamie said. “We know you guys will be great together—and boy, were they right.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nationwide federation comprising 230 affiliates throughout the United States, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA. Each affiliate has its own budget, board of directors and set of operational procedures.

“We have our own fundraising, grants, donations, corporate partners, events and separate event sponsors,” said Krystina Shultz, BBBS of South-Central PA’s marketing and communications manager.

One of the South-Central PA agency’s biggest fundraisers is “Bowl for Kids’ Sake.”

This year’s event takes place throughout March and April, with each participating team asked to raise a minimum of $500 to support the agency’s many youth mentoring programs. Teams comprising five bowlers each may raise the requested total as a group, or individuals may participate for a minimum goal of $100.

Fundraiser success is vital because the need in our area is growing. Last year comprised “our greatest number of youth served in a single year over the last 20 years,” Shultz said.

Extending Reach

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ national origins trace back to 1904 when New York City Court Clerk Ernest Coulter noticed an increasing number of young boys coming through his courtroom. Through observation, Coulter decided that caring adults could help many of the youngsters stay out of trouble. He then took action with the beginning of the Big Brother movement.

Concurrently, a Ladies of Charity group, later to become known as Catholic Big Sisters, was befriending girls coming through New York Children’s Court. The boys’ and girls’ groups continued to work independently until joining forces to become Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in 1977.

Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters operates in all 50 U.S. states and 12 countries worldwide, continuing its mission to “create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.”

The local organization was first established as Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region in 1981, activating the belief that “every child possesses the potential to succeed and thrive in life.” At that time, the affiliate serviced Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon and Perry counties.

In October 2024, the Capital Region affiliate officially changed its name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA upon expanding its service area to include York and Adams counties.

“We extended our reach into York and Adams counties because it was the right thing to do,” said Mary Murphy, the affiliate’s vice president of development. “We changed our name to better reflect our coverage and are now BBBS of South-Central PA.”

Positive Change

Program services provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA include:

Community-Based Program. Bigs and Littles meet two to four times monthly, with both deciding activities and times and places to meet. The Bigs’ goal is to “expand their Littles’ world view and introduce them to new experiences through community activities and everyday conversation,” according to the organization.
Site-Based Program. Bigs and Littles meet at a designated location, with several sub-programs falling under this category. Subprograms include Bigs in School, which involves meeting at a Little’s school before, during or after school hours.
High School Bigs & College Bigs programs, where high school and college students “learn leadership skills while volunteering as mentors at nearby elementary and middle schools.”
Bigs in Blue program, which introduces youth to active-duty law enforcement officers who serve as mentors. Officers meet with Littles each month at the child’s school.
Beyond School Walls, a workforce development program introducing high school students to professionals from area businesses, trades and higher education. Students and adult mentors meet bi-monthly at a corporate, educational or community location “to inspire and prepare students for their future.”
Sports Buddies, where Bigs and Littles meet at a local YMCA to swim, work out and participate in YMCA-hosted activities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters also offers field trips, career exploration opportunities and educational opportunities year-round, including a Historically Black Colleges & Universities Fair, Graduation Recognition & Scholarship Presentation, Back-to-School Block Party, Youth Leadership Summit, Bigs in Blue field trip, and other customized activities.

As for Little Sister Ariana, her mother Mary said that she’s noticed positive changes in her daughter since Ariana and Jamie started spending time together.

“Ariana’s always been an outgoing person. I mean, she’s not a shy person,” Mary said. “I think Big Brothers Big Sisters is a good program. I think it’s helped Ariana’s self-esteem. I think there’s change for the better.”

For information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA, or to register or donate to Bowl for Kids’ Sake, visit www.capbigs.org.

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For the Love of Movement: The Harrisburg chapter of a national nonprofit keeps dance alive

February 27, 2025 | by Rachel Curry

Jennifer Kokoski did not grow up dancing, but the creative outlet was often on her mind.

“I know a lot of kids do ballet and jazz and tap. I was never that kid,” she said. “I’ve loved music and dance and thought, well, maybe now is the time.”

Kokoski signed up for the Harrisburg chapter of the national nonprofit, USA Dance, less than a year ago. Not long after, she became a board member, helping spread USA Dance’s mission to improve the quality and quantity of dance in the country.

Even though USA Dance has been around since 1984, and Harrisburg’s local chapter has operated for decades, Kokoski’s status as a newcomer was anything but daunting.

“It’s a very welcoming, warm, energetic community,” she said. “If you don’t know anybody, you can still come and find your place.”

You can even come without a partner, she added.

The organization hosts monthly meetups on the third Sunday of every month with dance lessons and practice, focusing on a range of ballroom styles like the foxtrot, waltz, tango, cha-cha and more.

“We also include a lot of pop dancing, such as the Hustle, more known as disco in the dance world, and some country dance, line dance,” said Ken Pandozzi, president of USA Dance’s Harrisburg chapter and vice president for social dance for the national organization.

The group holds all their events at PA DanceSport Ballroom in Hummelstown, and anyone is welcome. Kokoski said that the group is especially in need of leads, even those who are new to dance.

“It’s a wonderful skill to have,” she said.

Lots of Smiles

Pandozzi started dancing about 31 years ago and has served as the chapter president for a decade. To add to it, he’s a local dance instructor and ballroom DJ for the area. Besides his love of dance, Pandozzi is in it for the health of it all.

“There’s a lot that’s going on with the human body,” he said.

Research shows that dance provides both physiological and psychological benefits to people who are otherwise healthy, as well as those struggling with medical issues. Dance is known to have a positive effect on people with Alzheimer’s disease, improving their physical and cognitive function as well as quality of life. It can also help improve functional mobility for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Besides her work with USA Dance, Kokoski participates and volunteers with Move A-way Parkinson’s Disease. Move A-way PD is central Pennsylvania’s only musical and movement program for adults with Parkinson’s Disease. The group hosts weekly movement classes featuring live music accompaniments.

“Even with the challenge of a neurological disorder, there are health benefits for this type of movement,” Kokoski said.

Harrisburg’s USA Dance has a waltz lesson planned for their March meetup. While the pandemic threw off their ability to plan special events outside of the regular monthly meetups, they’re currently in talks to bring those back.

How are they different from a standard dance studio? It centers around their status as a nonprofit organization.

“We’re not in business for profit,” Pandozzi said. “We are just trying to promote the sport and the hobby and keep it alive.”

Modest entry fees simply allow them to cover their costs, he added.

Less than a year after joining, Kokoski said that there are times when she can be quite critical of herself.

“You always want to be better, or you admire people doing more complicated moves,” she said. “But just being out there, there’s a lot of smiles.”

And, for most, dancers, that’s enough.

“I didn’t start this to be a competitor or win a mirror ball,” she said. “Quite frankly, if you’re going to a bolero lesson, and you’ve never done the bolero, in a 45-minute lesson, you can learn a pattern. That doesn’t mean you can do every formation but you’re like, ‘Okay, I got this.’”

To find more information about USA Dance local chapters, including Harrisburg, Lancaster and York, visit www.usadance.org/page/USADanceChapters. You can also join the public Facebook group, USA Dance Chapter #3009 – Harrisburg Area PA, or simply stop by the PA DanceSport Ballroom, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown, 2 to 6 p.m., on the third Sunday of each month.

Find more information about Move A-way PD at hbgarts.org/move-a-way-pd.

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Peak of Flavor: Mount Everest Nepali & Indian Cuisine debuts downtown

February 27, 2025 | by Kylie Stoltzfus

Shree Paija and Sarita Lama wanted to fill what they saw as a big gap in the local dining scene.

So, recently, they cut the ribbon on Mount Everest Nepali & Indian Cuisine, re-introducing south Asian flavors to the capital city.

“There’s no Indian restaurant in Harrisburg’s downtown,” Paija said. “There’s a lot of people who [love] Indian food there, so I decided to open [a restaurant].”

The new Strawberry Square space is an ode to the fragrant flavors of Paija and Lama’s home country of Nepal, and its namesake pays homage to the world’s tallest mountain, which runs along the border of Nepal and China.

“[Mount Everest is] just so famous in our country,” Paija said. “If you go over there in Nepal, then [you are] visiting Mount Everest.”

While it may be the couple’s first entry into the city’s food scene, it’s hardly their first experience in restaurant ownership.

Ten years ago, they opened Khana Indian Bistro in Hershey after working extensively in other central Pennsylvania restaurants. Now, they are bringing their wealth of hospitality experience to Harrisburg’s central business district.

For Brad Jones, president & CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square, Mount Everest Nepali & Indian Cuisine is a win for not only the square but for the community at large.

“We’re footsteps from the Capitol. We get a lot of visitors from the Whitaker Center, a lot of visitors from the Hilton Hotel,” Jones said. “People love downtown because they can walk to a lot of different offerings.”

Jones is not just the landlord, but a happy customer. A self-described devotee of Indian cuisine, he’s eaten in the restaurant many times since it opened in late January.

“The quality of the food is tremendous, and the offering of Indian and Nepali food provides a really nice diversity of food offerings here,” he said.

Previously home to Fresa Bistro, which closed during the pandemic, Mount Everest’s sit-down space is a welcome addition to the fast-casual dining options available elsewhere in Strawberry Square.

“People have talked a lot about [the] pandemic kind of taking [a] bite out of the city’s restaurant scene,” Jones said. “This is a great example of a strong comeback.”

Among Mount Everest’s curated menu, a dedicated section highlights traditional Nepali dishes like momo, a steamed dumpling stuffed with chicken or vegetables, and sekuwa, meat marinated with traditional spices and grilled over a wood fire.

For first-time patrons, Paija recommends the chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken and palak paneer, a North Indian curry dish, or garlic naan, a fragrant flatbread. Guests can also sample a selection of rotating signature dishes at the restaurant’s lunch buffet to find their favorites.

“People will crawl through hot lava to get to good Indian food, and I’m one of them,” Jones said. “There are other Indian restaurants outside of the city, but this is the only one in the city. That’s really important.”

Mount Everest Nepali & Indian Cuisine is located at 19 N. 3rd St. (Strawberry Square), Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.mounteverestcuisinepa.com.

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Bartender’s Choice: McGrath’s mixes it up for St. Patrick’s Day

February 27, 2025 | by Randy Gross

Matt Yaple

“There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet.”
-William Butler Yeats

Surely, Yeats could have been talking about a typical Irish pub on a typical Irish day. But if the famed Irish poet were still composing verse—and composing it in our capital city—it’s highly likely he would be sharing similar sentiments about downtown Harrisburg’s one-and-only place to enjoy a wee taste of the Emerald Isle, McGrath’s Irish Pub.

McGrath’s, a long-time local staple located on Locust Street, isn’t just a pub.

“We consider it the hub,” said manager/bartender Matt Yaple, this month’s “Bartender’s Choice” subject. “All the politicians come here, and all the bartenders when they’re done with work—it’s where you come to hang out, and that’s one of things I love about it.”

Yaple has been loving his job at McGrath’s for nearly a decade, as he’ll be celebrating his 10-year anniversary this month. Which, of course, seems appropriate, what with March’s annual festivities making Guinness (and yes, for some, green beer) lovers out of all of us.

Yaple, one of a team of five to 10 bartenders (not counting the so-called “utility bartenders” who help to fill in at all three of owner Adam Sturges’ establishments—The Sturges Speakeasy and Mad Moose Tavern being the other two) said that McGrath’s seasonal and themed drinks are created as a group, and, on this visit, we got to sample a pair of expertly crafted cocktails.

For starters, there was the Espresso Martini, “a recipe that has been here longer than I have,” mused Yaple, and apparently one of McGrath’s most popular cocktails.

“Very simple, basic recipe: crème de cacao, vanilla vodka, espresso and some espresso liqueur, just a simple ratio,” he said. “We do a little cream drizzle on top and, I don’t know what it is, but everyone says ours is one of the best.”

That was followed by March’s “drink of the month,” a flavorful and colorful Irish Cosmo.

“It’s realistically just a Cosmopolitan, but instead of vodka, you’re subbing out with Jameson Orange,” Yaple said. “It’s a real traditional cocktail just with whiskey instead of vodka.”

Another drink Yaple recommends for St. Patrick’s Day is a Peanut Butter Car Bomb, made with Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey and Baileys Chocolate.

Wait, did someone mention St. Patrick’s Day? As always, McGrath’s will be open early, around 7 or 8 a.m., on both the day of Harrisburg’s holiday parade (March 15) and on the day itself (March 17), serving an Irish breakfast all day long.

“We’ll probably be full capacity from open till close,” Yaple said. “It’s just gonna be chaos all day. That’s our Super Bowl.”

Hungry for some traditional Irish fare to go along with those Irish Cosmos and pints of Guinness? Yaple recommends their very popular shepherd’s pie and McGrath’s unique take on fish and chips, made with fresh, beer-battered salmon in place of the typical haddock or cod.

YAPLE’S CHOICES

Words of advice to home mixologists

Keep it simple. Learn to appreciate the base alcohol before messing with too many flavors.

Favorite spirit straight

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Recommendations for two or three spirits to try

Illegal Caribbean Cask Finish Mezcal; Redbreast 12-Year Irish Whiskey

Most commonly ordered drinks at your bar

People love our espresso martinis. They are definitely one of our top sellers.

Your day job

I work full-time at McGrath’s. However, I am known around town for producing some pretty popular artisan beef jerky.

Days/hours you normally work at McGrath’s

I’m here Monday to Friday every week, but you can catch me behind the main bar Tuesday nights.

DRINK FOR MARCH

Irish Cosmo

2 ounces Jameson
½ ounce Triple sec
½ ounce lime juice
Splash cranberry juice

McGrath’s Irish Pub is located at 202 Locust St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page. Photos by Will Masters.

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