New Year’s Eve strawberry drop, fireworks planned for Harrisburg

Fireworks in Harrisburg (file photo).

It’s almost time to ring in the new year.

Harrisburg will hold its annual New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31 downtown, featuring the traditional strawberry drop and fireworks display.

The free event, which runs from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., will take place in the MLK City Government Center and on N. 2nd Street, between Blackberry and Walnut streets.

In addition to the midnight strawberry drop and fireworks, there will be a DJ, hot cocoa and a kids glow party, with balloon animals, face painting, a balloon drop, snacks, a kids’ dance off and more.

Community members and groups can submit photos of themselves, and short messages, to the city to be displayed on a big screen throughout the night. Photos must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 23 at noon.

Downtown street parking is free after 5 p.m. Parking at the Market Square Garage is $10 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., courtesy of Park Harrisburg. N. 2nd Street will be closed, from Chestnut to Walnut Street, beginning at 6 p.m.

For more information, visit the city’s website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

 

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Honey Bear Ice Cream opens at the Broad Street Market! Savor the Season Food Tours start in Hershey Worth noting: 3rd in the Burg (and last SoMa Pop-Up ever); loads of holiday activities Things on my agenda this weekend: A day in Lititz (stay tuned to IG), and then it’s Christmas, baby!

For your weekend planning

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

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Harrisburg council member announces bid for mayor

Lamont Jones

A Harrisburg legislator has thrown his hat into the ring for next year’s mayoral election.

City Council member Lamont Jones announced on Thursday that he would run for mayor on a platform of “change” and “progressive leadership.”

“Today, as I declare my intention to run for mayor, I do so with the utmost gratitude for a city’s faith in me to serve, and in their desire for me to lead,” Jones said, in a statement. “I believe running for mayor allows our city an opportunity for a new era–a new chapter in a city that for too long has operated on traditional, yet outdated and oftentimes counterproductive, policies and procedures.”

Jones has served one year on city council as the chair of public safety.

Following his nomination as a Democratic nominee for council during the primary, Jones’ eligibility was challenged by a lawsuit that cited his past criminal convictions as disqualifying him for office. However, Jones successfully defended his candidacy, was later elected to office and received a pardon from the state for his convictions, which dated back 20 years.

Jones is the founder of Jones Resources, which helps find jobs for people with criminal backgrounds. He has also served as an activist for those re-entering society after prison.

While on council, Jones has spoken in support of issues around combating gun violence and supporting local, minority-owned contractors in city construction projects, among other topics.

According to Jones, if elected, he will seek to provide a new vision and direction for the city.

“I’ve been honored to serve as an elected city councilman committed to ensuring that we see that change,” Jones said. “I’ve worked tirelessly with community residents and officials alike to bring fresh ideas and perspectives. Now the time has come to push the envelope further, with hopes of bridging a new gap—that of a mayoral leader working with its council.”

The primary election for mayor will take place in May, with a November general election.

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Burg View: Market on the Mend

What a difference a year can make.

At this time last year, Harrisburg residents were rightfully outraged by the state of the Broad Street Market.

The gutted brick building sat as a charred shell, untouched since the July fire. Work on the temporary market crept along at a snail’s pace. The market board was in disarray, its manager flailing. There was a question over whether the stone building, untouched by the fire, could even stay open, as the market had no money to pay its bills. It was down to its last $14,000, with a huge and growing operating deficit of $160,000.

Fast-forward 365 days, and the turnaround is remarkable.

Last week, the reconstituted market board approved a budget that anticipates a surplus for 2025. The temporary market tent is fully operational, new vendors are opening in the stone building, and all delinquent bills have been paid.

How did this happen?

Two words: community and competence.

Last year, faced with ineptitude, apathy and finger-pointing, the Harrisburg people revolted.

Upset, motivated residents stepped up, pushing to get appointed to the market’s board. They then opened the books, exposing the ugly truth inside, which, a few months later, led to the arrest of the former executive director.

The new board then put in financial controls, made changes to operations, opened up their meetings, and ensured adequate insurance coverage. Several members even volunteered to serve as de facto market managers, just to save the market money.

It was a painful, difficult process, but exposed just how terribly the market had been run and overseen. It was a necessary first step in righting the ship.

At the same time, individuals and organizations donated money. Businesses and tradespeople gave freely of their time and services. A property owner donated land for the interim market. Several creditors forgave or deferred payment. The city’s legislative delegation secured a state grant to help the market get back on its feet.

As a result, the market is looking at much brighter days. For 2025, the budget includes funds for infrastructure improvements, the hiring of a full-time manager and the resumption of marketing, with no rent increase for vendors, who, a year ago, were facing down a possible doubling of rents.

The market now expects to end 2025 about $100,000 in the black.

Almost exactly year ago, reflecting on the Broad Street Market’s horrendous 2023, I wrote these words:

“If I had one New Year’s wish for Harrisburg, it would be that, in 2024, the negative market news reverses, with the good making the bad a distant memory.”

Looking ahead, the market still may face difficult times, as the rebuilding of the burned-out brick building has just begun. We have a good two years of ups and downs before the work will be done and those big, heavy doors can open again.

Having said that, sometimes, wishes do come true.

Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.

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Dauphin County passes budget with first tax increase in 20 years

Dauphin County Administration Building

Dauphin County has a budget for the new year, which includes a tax increase for the first time in two decades.

The county commissioners on Wednesday approved a $222 million general fund budget for 2025, including a 21.8% property tax hike to address a budget deficit.

This is the first increase in the county portion of the property tax in 20 years.

The tax represents a 1.5 mill increase, taking the millage rate from 6.8 to 8.3 mills, a measure that county officials said is needed to fill a budget deficit. Without imposing the raise, officials said that the county would run out of general fund money this year.

According to Budget and Finance Director Chris Davis, the county originally projected that there would be a $54 million budget deficit for 2025, but reduced that number to $15.9 million using cost-saving measures, debt restructuring and increasing revenue.

“We have taken steps to restructure debt; we figured out a way to cut expenses; we figured out a way to eliminate positions; we figured out a way to make investments and see returns,” said Commissioner George Hartwick. “We’ve also figured out a way to put ourselves in a positive outlook moving forward. I would hope that this attempt to address the structural budget deficit won’t have to be revisited for a couple of future years.”

Hartwick said the county’s goal would be to not have to raise taxes again in the following year.

The budget and tax increase both passed by a vote of 2-1 with Commissioner Mike Pries voting against both.

This year’s spending plan is an increase from 2024’s budget of $220.7 million.

Salaries and benefits make up the largest portion, over half, of the budget. Salary increases are included for all union contract employees in line with the terms of their collective bargaining agreements. Non-union workers will get a 2.95% raise. The budget established a $16 per hour minimum wage for all county employees.

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Harrisburg passes 2025 budget; no tax increase in plan

Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday

Harrisburg has solidified a spending plan for the new year.

City Council on Tuesday approved a 2025 general fund budget of $86.9 million, which does not include a property tax increase.

The total budget equals $142 million, including a $21.7 million neighborhood services fund budget, among other budget categories.

Some of the largest expenditures in the 2025 budget include personnel costs and capital expenditures, such as roadwork and construction. Specific projects include money for the Broad Street Market rebuild and the FNB Field stadium upgrades for the Harrisburg Senators, which are both expenditures supported by grant funding.

City officials also previously told TheBurg that the budget is still impacted by post-pandemic challenges such as a loss in parking revenue, business privilege taxes and property taxes, all affected by remote work. This year, officials said, federal COVID funds, interest accrued from those funds and cost-saving measures like in-house construction work help offset the losses.

At Tuesday’s meeting, council members made amendments mostly to salaries and raises for city employees. Council eliminated proposed raises for several positions in the office of the mayor, saying that role responsibilities did not change to warrant an increase, and for the deputy director of treasury. For the latter, council expressed frustration that the treasury office’s hours would not be extended to match city hall hours. Council also lowered numerous other proposed raises for manager-level positions that were over 2%.

Additionally, council eliminated the city-funded portion of the interim director of building and housing development’s salary, about 10% of the overall salary, the rest of which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Council members justified the decrease by saying that they haven’t seen substantial work completed under interim director Gloria Martin-Roberts’ leadership and that they believed she has exceeded her time in what should be a temporary position, along with other concerns.

Additionally, council decided to remove funding for the Police Bureau’s director of community engagement and relations position, which has been vacant for several months, but was due to have a new director beginning work in the coming weeks. Council members said that they believed the position was repetitive and unnecessary.

In other small changes, council voted to add funding for two part-time advisors to council’s youth commission and added $59,000 to the host municipality fee funds, which may be used to help fund a new Harrisburg youth sports program.

Council made other small amendments before voting, 5-1, to approve the budget. Council member Shamaine Daniels voted against the budget, and Council member Jocelyn Rawls was not present.

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Harrisburg senior center appeals for city funds to keep it running

Executive Director Les Ford addressed media and community members at the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center.

A Harrisburg senior center is pleading with the city for funds to remain open.

At a press conference on Tuesday at the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center, Executive Director Les Ford made his case for why the center should receive a portion of Harrisburg’s federal COVID relief money.

In November, the city proposed giving $250,000 of its share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, which is currently in Harrisburg’s general fund, to the senior center. That money was originally earmarked by City Council to go to senior programming. However, council had concerns about how the decision was made to award the total allocation to Heinz-Menaker and why there was no application process for the funds.

City officials and Heinz-Menaker representatives stated that Heinz-Menaker is the only full-service, stand-alone senior center in the city, while members of council stated that according to Dauphin County information, there were several others.

According to Ford, the center, which opened in 1992, will not be able to operate for much longer without the funds.

“We are in a crisis right now. We accrued debt during COVID, specifically related to COVID activities,” he said. “We did our part to help during COVID. Now, we are looking to build back better.”

Ford said that the center has long relied on county, state and local funds to stay afloat, but began to really struggle financially during the pandemic, as they ramped up their Meals on Wheels services and other community assistance.

With the city money, Ford said, the center could pay off its debt accrued during COVID and begin building back its programming.

“It really shouldn’t be a discussion,” said Eric Jackson, a pastor at Kingdom Embassy Church in Harrisburg. “There should’ve been at the top of the list, a priority, this particular center.”

Without an infusion of funds, the center may be able to make it into the new year, relying on remaining county COVID-relief funds, but will likely run out of money to operate in the first quarter, Ford said.

“I would be downhearted,” said Mildred Watts, who crochets hats for premature babies and weaves mats for the homeless in the center’s craft room. “This is my life in here.”

Several council members have stated that they don’t have an issue with Heinz-Menaker receiving funds, but rather have concerns about why all of the money is being given to them.

Ultimately, council has to vote on how to distribute the $250,000 in ARPA money for senior programming.

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Open Stage, Dr. David Bronstein to receive prestigious “Arts Awards”

A pillar of Harrisburg’s theater scene and a long-time arts advocate are the 2025 recipients of the esteemed “Arts Awards.”

On Tuesday, Theatre Harrisburg announced that Open Stage and Dr. David Bronstein will receive Awards for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region.

Open Stage will receive the annual award to an “organization, company or group,” while Bronstein will receive the award to an individual.

Open Stage was founded in 1983 by Don and Anne Alsedek and Marianne Fischer to bring thought-provoking, socially conscious theater and education to the community. In 2017, Stuart Landon became producing artistic director, “broadening the theatre’s artistic scope, leading a renovation and expansion to three versatile performance spaces, and adding innovative new programming to celebrate diverse voices,” according to Theatre Harrisburg.

Dr. David Bronstein

Bronstein, a native of Ashland, moved to Harrisburg in 1956 for an internship in osteopathic medicine and soon became involved in the local arts community as a backstage volunteer at Harrisburg Community Theatre (now Theatre Harrisburg). His leadership roles include a board member and president of Gretna Theatre and the Art Association of Harrisburg, and a board member of Historic Harrisburg Association (HHA) and Mount Gretna Area Historical Society, among other credits, stated Theatre Harrisburg.

Since 1989, the Awards for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region have honored artists and arts leaders, philanthropists and visionaries, educators, organizations and companies. TheBurg received the award in 2020.

Theatre Harrisburg will present the 2024 awards on June 1 at a theatrical gala at Whitaker Center.

For more information on Theatre Harrisburg and the Arts Awards, visit their website.

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Broad Street Market launches search for new market manager

If you’re interested in food and community, the Broad Street Market may have the perfect job for you.

On Tuesday, Eric Hagarty, chair of the Broad Street Market Alliance board, said that the market has officially begun its search for a new manager, who will supervise the day-to-day operations of the historic marketplace in Harrisburg.

The market has been without a full-time, paid supervisor since February, following the resignation of its former executive director. With the new search, the position’s title will revert back to “market manager.”

The market, in Midtown Harrisburg, currently consists of three buildings and associated outdoors space. Two of the buildings—the historic stone building and the temporary vendor tent—are open from Thursday to Saturday. The brick building burned in a fire last year and is currently in the beginning stages of restoration.

According to the market, the new manager will be responsible for facility oversight, finance and human resource management, community engagement, vendor oversight, policy enforcement and board of directors coordination and collaboration.

The position will pay $65,000 to $75,000 per year, plus paid vacation and sick time.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to [email protected] no later than Friday, Jan. 17.

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The entire text of the Broad Street Market’s job posting follows:

Broad Street Market Seeks New Market Manager

Application window closes January 17, 2025

Harrisburg, PA — The Broad Street Market Alliance (“Market”) announced today that it has begun the process of recruiting a new full-time Market Manager to oversee the Market’s day-to-day operations.

The Market Manager is the most senior employee of the Broad Street Market, and is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning and success of the Market while aligning with the organization’s mission and goals. The organization is seeking a community-focused leader with a strong business acumen and a passion for the Market, its vendors, and its customers. Reporting directly to the Broad Street Market Alliance Board of Directors, the Market Manager will oversee a wide range of responsibilities that are essential to the day-to-day functioning and long-term sustainability of the market.

Responsibilities:

Facilities Oversight:

  • Ensure appropriate care is taken to manage the Market’s facilities.
  • Triage facility maintenance and repair needs.
  • Oversee supply management, purchasing, and other services required for the Market’s operations.

Finance and Human Resource Management:

  • Hire, train, supervise, motivate, evaluate, and work to retain competent, qualified staff.
  • Approve time sheets and oversee payroll.
  • Ensure contractors, suppliers, and others are paid in accordance with a Board-approved budget.
  • Work with the Board Treasurer to develop financial reports and aide in long-term financial planning.

Community Engagement:

  • Communicate the BSMA mission, standard of values, and accomplishments to vendors, pop-up vendors, community organizations, advocates, and government representatives at all levels involved with Market operations.
  • Plan and manage events tied to the Market, including the marketing of these events to maximize attendance and community engagement.

Board of Directors Coordination and Collaboration:

  • Coordinate and attend Board of Director meetings, providing a summary report of the general health of the Market and operational successes and risks.
  • Collaborate with board members to develop and refine operational policies, procedures, and long-term plans.
  • Provide comprehensive reports on operational performance, including key metrics, trends, and areas for improvement.
  • Collaborate with BSMA Committees, which have vendors and community members.

Vendor Oversight:

  • Evaluate the qualifications of prospective vendors to rent indoor and outdoor (when applicable) space, ensuring a diverse mix of vendors.
  • Assign stall space for vendors.
  • Provide guidance and assistance to assure mutual benefit and success of both the Market and the individual vendors.

Policy Enforcement:

  • Communicate and enforce Market policies and procedures as outlined in the lease agreements, rules, and regulations, when necessary.
  • Ensure transparency and accountability by keeping board members informed about significant operational developments and decisions

These responsibilities outline the crucial tasks involved in managing the operations of the Market, from overseeing personnel and payroll to maintaining vendor relationships and enforcing market policies for smooth and successful operation.

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in operations management, preferably in a similar setting.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong leadership and team management abilities.
  • Proficiency in budgeting, financial management, and strategic planning.
  • Experience working with a board of directors
  • Knowledge of local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and community development is desirable.

Hours:

The Broad Street Market operates from Thursday through Saturday. The Market Manager’s hours will be from Tuesday through Saturday, requiring them to maintain at least forty (40) hours of work per week onsite. The Market Manager should be present during the majority of operational hours, which are currently Wednesday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturdays from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Occasionally, evenings and additional time commitments will be required, especially concerning community engagement, such as meetings with the Board of Directors and events like “Third in the Burg.” Virtual flexibility may be allowed on days when the Market is not open.

Salary and Benefits:

$65,000 – $70,000 per year, plus:

  • $300 per month for health benefits.
  • $30 per month cell phone allowance.
  • Accrued annual vacation time of 15 days accrued bi-weekly.
  • Accrued sick leave of 12 days per year accrued bi-weekly.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to [email protected] no later than Friday, January 17, 2025.

The Broad Street Market Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of employment. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

The Broad Street Market, founded in 1860, is the oldest continuously-operated market house in the United States. It serves as the long-time anchor of retail activity in Harrisburg’s Midtown business corridor, with dozens of vendors providing locally-grown and organic produce, meats, baked goods, freshly-prepared meals, and more.

Despite the fire that burned down the Brick Building last year, the Stone Building remains open for business Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; the Tent is open Thursdays and Fridays from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Follow the Broad Street Market online at:

Twitter/X: @BroadStMarket

Facebook: facebook.com/BroadStreetMarket

Instagram: @BroadStreetMarket

 

 

 

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Bob’s Art Blog: The Closing of the Year–Hygge Market, A Mischief Maker and 3rd in The Burg

“Moonface” by Kirsten Olson

Yuletide is the archaic term that refers to the season of Christmas. It runs from the winter solstice on Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, New Years. It is a time of kindness and gentle spirit, a time for celebration and warmth, of community and sharing, and most of all, love.

As one year turns the page to the next, a time of reflection is the perfect prescription for appreciation of what was and renewal for what is to come–a commitment to growth and change. Carlisle artist, Kirsten Olson, a classic ceramist, with her own personal style, incorporates iconography of the far north into her creations by celebrating the season of peace and joy. What is now becoming an annual tradition at her studio, found at 34 W. Pomfret St. in Carlisle on Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21, is the second annual Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) Market. It will be set up on the patio behind her studio. Look for old-fashioned festive touches of bows, greenery, muted shades of red and ivory with sweet details to complete the ambiance. The Scandinavian concept and aesthetic of Hygge embodies coziness, comfort and contentment. Above all else, it embraces the simple pleasures of life.

Wool socks by Carol Reed

Partnering with textile tactician, Carol Reed, who specializes in natural dyeing that includes indigo, and eucalyptus, will provide beautifully created apparel. The market will highlight handmade ceramics, jewelry, wearables and an array of seasonal offerings perfect for gift giving. Having attended last year, I know there will be a wide range of giftware to choose from, including hand-dyed scarves, socks, sweaters and tops as well as place settings, vases and more. Market hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Contact @kolsonceramics.com and www.dyelab.org

 

 

 

PD Murray in his studio

A Mischief Maker, PD Murray

Elves are real, trust me, I know first-hand. Affectionately, I refer to the artist known as PD Murray as the professor, but, during the holiday season, he is the head elf. Having held court at Millworks Studios for years as a merry Mischief Maker, PD vacated its premises and now is Lord and Master of his art atelier in the annex to his abode. Recently, we were honored to be the very first guests to his garret as we watched him gavotte (thank you, Carly). Magic spilled over from stardust in the loft, leaving us feeling ever more ethereal than before we entered. His new body of work is so inspired it reaches beyond our grasp as fresh vistas and colors explore grand ideas. The professor intelligently interpreted his soon-to-be iconic works. The newest and perhaps boldest imaginary is a rich visualization of the Argosy from Greek mythology as the vessel makes its way through tempest and time, landing safely in port. Suspend disbelief momentarily for the latest chapter in PD’s life as he navigates land and sea in Colonial Park. His vision in the New Year finds his Etsy site lighting up the night sky. For now, we embrace our visit and intimate tour of his studio. For all his fans, the elf wishes everyone Happy Holidays and to all a good night, whatever night that may be. Visit his website or IG @Paul Murray

 

Special 3rd in The Burg Events

A trio of events for the final 3rd in The Burg for 2024 include a grand night of celebration at The Broad Street Market. “Holidaze” is a nod to chill with friends from 5 to 8 p.m. and find something special at the Stone Building. Stop by and support the market merchants. Be sure to have some fun “nebbin’ around.” Abstract artiste Ann Benton Yeager will be regaling all her painting admirers at the Art Association of Harrisburg from 5 to 8 p.m. Come out and meet Ann and view her blockbuster show with 90 of her works, now in its last two weeks. The eclectic boutique, The Meadow, found at 1126 N. 3rd St. has a special night planned with Secret Santa. Find one and get a special gift, not a lump of coal. Christmas games, snacks and drinks provide more fun than a barrel full of laughs. On a special note, as we say goodbye to 2024, this blog marks my 150th art column for TheBurg.

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