Home sales, prices mostly higher in Harrisburg area in October

November 13, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

A house for sale in Harrisburg

Harrisburg-area home sales and prices both rose on average last month, though the increase was not distributed evenly.

For the three-county region, 546 previously owned houses sold in October versus 514 in the year-ago period, as the median sales price rose to $275,000 from $267,000, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

The Dauphin County market was strongest, as 258 homes sold versus 229 a year ago, and the median sales price increased to $255,000 from $229,000, GHAR said.

Cumberland County recorded 260 home sales compared to 242 in October 2023, though the median sales price dipped to $311,000 from $321,000, GHAR stated.

In Perry County, 31 homes sold, a drop of three, as the median sales price fell to $228,000 from $250,000 the prior year, according to GHAR.

For the region, the pace of sales slowed in October, as “average days on market” increased to 26 days from 18 days last October, GHAR said.

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Several market-rate, affordable Harrisburg housing projects get green light from city council

November 12, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Several housing projects in Harrisburg can move forward after gaining final city approval.

Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday approved market-rate and affordable apartment projects, as well as allowing a veterans housing project to take a step forward in the approval process.

Council unanimously approved a land development plan to construct around 60 units across multiple buildings in the Capitol Heights area of the city bounded by Logan, N. 5^th, Hamilton and Harris streets.

Midtown Redevelopment LLC plans to build seven apartment buildings.

Under the proposal, a building on the 1600-block of N. 4th St. would hold four units, and two six-unit buildings would also be built on the same block. Each of those buildings would include commercial space. An eight-unit structure would be built on the 1600-block of Fulton St., as well as two 12-unit buildings. Another 12-unit building would stand on the 1600-block of N. 5^th St.

The project also includes four affordable townhomes that would be sold. Two would front Clinton Street and two would front Logan Street.

Midtown Redevelopment’s project is one phase of an expansive plan that includes redeveloping vacant lots and constructing many apartment buildings and townhomes on land previously owned by the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority.

Another apartment project, slated for downtown, also received council approval on Tuesday to construct 48 units in a former office building. Harristown Development plans to convert the currently vacant “Veterans Building” at 112 Market St. According to CEO Brad Jones, Harristown is in negotiations with a senior living provider that would master lease the building and oversee operations.

In Allison Hill, nonprofit Wildheart Ministries can move forward with “The Gateway” project, following council approval. The construction project, planned for an empty lot at 1260-1270 Market St., would bring nine affordable two- and three-bedroom units to the neighborhood and would be for sale to lower-income residents.

“This is near and dear to my heart and I’m honored and privileged to be able to vote in the affirmative today on this project,” said council member Ralph Rodriguez.

Finally, council approved a lot subdivision for Tunnel to Towers, which proposes to construct housing in South Harrisburg for homeless veterans and first responders. The organization plans to build a 64-unit apartment building and 20 detached comfort homes along S. Front Street, near the PennDOT building. The project must still come before council for land development plan approval.

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Bob’s Art Blog: November’s Art Cornucopia

November 12, 2024 | by Bob MacGinnes

Sycamore Studios Mystic Realm at Millworks

“Mystic Realm”

In this gift called “life” that we are given, we all bring something different to the dance—talents shared with the world make us unique in our offerings. For the three Millworks artists that comprise Sycamore Shade Studio #215, singer Van Morrison laid the foundation for their latest installation, Mystic Realm #5. Morrison in his own stylistic manner sang, “as we sail into the mystic…let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic.” Valhalla! The philosophical double meaning of his song captures a journey across the sea on the surface but much deeper it relinquishes a life well lived coming to its end with no fear or trepidation. I envisioned Sycamore’s “Mystic Realm” sculpture as the portal to that glorious end.

For this trio of artists working in clay and glass and playing with fire, they have the science down to an artform as viewed in the Millworks Lobby, opening 3rd in The Burg this Friday. Justin Pettingell, Cindi Hardwicke and Kathy Mina, comrades in arms form a modern-day Three Musketeers. Cindi is the mother figure of the realm, literally, as Justin is her son and Kathy is her artistic cousin. The sculptures come full circle as Sycamore’s fantasy world is replete with landscape, loyalty and legend. Each realm builds upon the other in dramatizing its universe through clay creations, laser-cut wood, glass and jewels. Each artist is highly skilled in a specific area and their work all comes together beautifully, with multi-dimensional storylines, characters and “symbolic explanations of how the world came to be, mostly from Celtic origins,” shared Cindi. The latest edition of “Mystic Realm” focuses on the importance of trees in their world and ours. The Mighty Oak “provides protection and sustenance, its branches spread wide, and its roots run deep,” added Cindi.

Sycamore Shade’s overarching theme is timely and shares a cautionary tale for the ages, touching on issues like climate change, the environment, and how everything in our world is interconnected. We need to take special care of the gifts of nature, of what we have been blessed with, before it too vanishes, “Into the Mystic.”

Domestic Affairs at Susquehanna Art Museum

The irony of the exhibition title, “Domestic Affairs,” newly unveiled at SAM is not lost on the cognoscenti as its multiple meanings are waiting to be unpacked much like freshly laundered towels to be dispensed in the linen closet. With its broadside volley of shot, the theme is open ended with an allusion to clandestine trysts or a new paradigm in the delegation of daily chores in the home. The final decision is yours to make. You will be hard pressed for proof of any definitive answer upon viewing SAM’s ninth juried art exhibit. A modest gallery of 21 artists, crafters, painters, photographers and textile technicians all offer up their personal platform of persuasion. The well-spaced installations in the Doshi Gallery allow for freedom of thought and observation.

Standouts from our perspective are Jessica Shannon’s subtly mixed media piece, ‘The Cycle,’ which takes an impactful walk down a Shipoke-style block of colorful row homes. There’s a vacant address of residence, an idyllic home, a condemned house and a structure burned out next to it. They exist standing side by side without judgement or reprisal as this is a part of modern-day life. Photographs and paintings complement each other’s point of view depicting and questioning domestic life as we know it today. With every possible combination of familial roles on display, the domestic disquietude divides dramatically to a dedicated democracy between partners. Case in point are the works of photography and archival pigment prints by Seth Steven Bechtold, and work by oil portraitist and painter, Steven Pearson from Mechanicsburg. They let the viewer write the script from their own life experiences.

Voting at SAM is now underway for the public to choose their favorite. There are surprises, some surreal, that make this concise show a treat for the senses in its wide-open chess game layout. You have through Jan. 5 to make your move. And if you wait until Nov. 16, you get the added bonus of Edvard Munch: Works on Paper, coming to the Lehr Gallery.

Art by Ann Benton Yeager

Ann Without the E at the Art Association of Harrisburg

Abstract artist, Ann Benton Yeager doesn’t need any letters added onto her name or anything else for that matter as she has hit her stride as an artist of exceptional skill. Deeply entrenched at Millworks Studios for years now, she is currently spreading her wings in a one woman show devoted to her oeuvre of onomatopoeia in painting words, like ‘splash’, sizzle’, ‘pop’ and ‘pow’, just to name a few descriptive ‘zingers’ being bandied about at the AAH. This ‘humdinger’ of a show opens on Nov. 22 with a reception and runs through the new year ending Jan. 3, bringing ‘bubbly’ to 2025.

Carrie Wissler-Thomas, president of the esteemed association is excited to see how Director of Exhibitions Nate Foster hangs this show given the genre’s elusive air. Mounting a show of this ferocity requires putting your thinking cap on. The show will feature between 60 to 80 canvases, as it is an all-inclusive retrospective of the artist’s works. Ann, a self-taught artist now in her 15th year of creating, stands tall in a long line of skilled and renowned painters. Her mother, Linda Benton McCloskey is well known for her legendary landscapes, and her husband Robert is also an artist. The three share space in Millworks Studio 103. Ann’s great-great uncle is also the famous painter, Thomas Hart Benton.

Foster revealed that Ann works in acrylic, cold wax and oil, fluid art, mixed media and encaustic, a type of hot wax art. The artist feels strongly that “abstract art is endless in its possibilities and infinite in design.” Reserve Friday, Nov. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. to meet Ann in person.

Amie Bantz

Amie Bantz Art in a Vault in Lancaster

Art activist, muralist, and painter of great repute, Amie Bantz now calls Lancaster home and is excited about the new show that just opened at the Lancaster Art Vault, running through Dec. 28. The exhibit, “Embodied Emotions: Celebrating the Human Form” showcases Amie’s art, along with fellow practitioners Vikki Sloviter, Dan Graziano and Judith Gresh. Amie’s entries include “a girl, a cat, a painting…” Intrigued yet? We are.

Emerging artists Genevieve Sherman in November and Ceanna Davis in December add their perspective to what makes us human. In speaking with the Vault’s owner and founder, Victoria Abadir, she shared, “The gallery is concurrently holding another exhibit featuring the impressionistic stylings of painter, Christiane David, who recently returned from Burgundy in France.” David’s show is “Impressionists Celebration: 150th Anniversary of Impressionism.”

The Lancaster Art Vault, located at 100 N. Queen St., is well worth the drive. Plan on making a day of it exploring Lancaster. Queen Street is full of an eclectic array of galleries and restaurants no matter your tastes. Hankering for a slice of Brooklyn? Head to Brooklyn Pizza. Yorgos Restaurant and Lounge just doors away offers modern-day Greek fare plus breakfast. Sakuro Restaurant serves Japanese. It is obvious N. Queen is the scene for a day of adventure away from home.

Art Splash

Artist Carrie Wissler-Thomas and Jonathan Frazier of the AAH are featured for the month of November at Smith Fine Art and Custom Framing. The two were feted at an opening night reception this past week at the gallery in New Cumberland.

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Burg Review: Listen Happily Ever After with Theatre Harrisburg’s “Into the Woods”

November 10, 2024 | by Gina Napoli

Once upon a time, in a venue not far away, Theatre Harrisburg is regaling audiences with a musical fairy tale medley with more twists and turns than a huge beanstalk in your garden of greens: Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Broadway musical “Into the Woods,” directed by Theatre Harrisburg’s Brian Massey with pit musical direction by Mitchell Sensenig-Wilshire.

The 28-song score for “Into the Woods” showcases amazing talents of an ensemble cast that feels as cohesive as the correct foot sliding into a gold lamé slipper. (An insider shared with me that over 100 hopefuls auditioned for this musical.) Debuting vocal director Kristen Gaus brought forth the collective talents of the cast—many fellow newbies—in a beautifully blended way. With players both new and seasoned, each has their own style while still finding complementary harmonies with other cast members.

The main theme of deep and longing wishes skips along the wooded path of this two-act play like handfuls of breadcrumbs tossed over cobblestones. While singing through their separate and combined sylvan journeys, they encounter characters from other storybooks, also singing about their wishes with things around them going bump in the night.

The Baker (Eric Mansilla) and the Baker’s Wife’s (Sarah Pugh) wish for a child, sending them into the woods on a scavenger hunt for potion ingredients the Witch (Maria Petrilak) wishes for. Mansilla and Pugh harmonize nicely for duets “Maybe They’re Magic” and “It Takes Two,” the latter of which is a pleasant song about blending. Mansilla and Pugh’s onstage chemistry appropriately reflects a husband and wife living together for probably too long. This impatient detachment allows them both to easily slide into stride with other characters, especially Pugh’s duet with Cinderella (Kayla Capone Kasper) in “A Very Nice Prince,” the tawdry “Any Moment” with Cinderella’s Prince (Travis Pierce), followed by Pugh’s solo “Moments in the Woods.” Read into that chronology what you will about the scandalous story arc, but their singing lilted like mockingbirds in the nighttime.

Pierce, along with Rapunzel’s Prince (Ethan Goss), croon the hilarious “Agony,” with their comical use of stage space and bittersweet harmonies. Also bittersweet are the strains of Jack (Jay Falgo) singing “I Guess This is Goodbye” when he sells his pet. His “Giants in the Sky” is relatively peppier.

With her cackling prowess and witchy warble, Petrilak delivers a performance equal parts spooky and sexy, allowing her character simultaneous power and vulnerability. She emotes competing feelings during “Witch’s Lament” and the anguished “Last Midnight.” As a recent empty nester, myself, I understand the Witch’s fear of letting Rapunzel (Olivia Kane) go, along with protected pieces of her witchy self.

The Witch uttered the most profound moral of this bedtime story: “Children … grow from something you love to something you lose.” Kane’s bright vocals contrast nicely with Petrilak’s in their duets “Our Little World” and “Stay with Me,” a weighty ballad about a mother trying to prevent her child from leaving.

Who could blame the Witch for locking Rapunzel in a tower, with the big, bad Wolf (Pierce) skulking through the woods? If someone could sing an obscene phone call, it would be Pierce in the sinister “Hello, Little Girl,” which is well juxtaposed with the sweet vocals of Little Red Ridinghood (Zoey Bright). Bright receives extra credit points for singing while eating pastries, yet still being understandable. She especially shines in her solo “I Know Things Now” and heartfelt duet with Kasper, “No One is Alone.”

Fending for herself, Kasper shows growth throughout Cinderella’s hero’s journey. Although reserved at first in her duet with Nina Cline (Cinderella’s Mother) in “Cinderella at the Grave,” her confidence feels more obvious throughout her aforementioned duets, as well as her solo “On the Steps of the Palace.” Throughout the play, she becomes more comfortable in her own skin, although maybe less enthusiastic about her Prince Charming. Cline’s gnarled tree costume (John White) was my favorite of the production, adding to the overall ambience.

The setting itself for “Into the Woods” becomes a character all its own, hiding fugitives and an occasional fallen body, like so many secrets. This same setting allows the dreaded Giant to spring forth, its singular focus to exact revenge on Jack. The beast feels more gigantic than giant, requiring five people to move each puppeteer element together in synchronized fashion. Impressive in stature, each facet of the Giant is well designed. The constantly morphing facial expressions remain my favorite part. (Giant Puppet Designers: Kalina and Cole Barrett, husband and wife team.)

Over 20 years ago, the first time I saw Theatre Harrisburg perform “Into the Woods” at Whitaker Center, I brought one of my stepsons as my plus-one. At this point in our hero-plus-sidekick journey, Brandon was in single-digit ages, back before he started using my head as his armrest and giving me grandchildren. Back then, this Gen-Xer fan of dark humor didn’t think “Into the Woods” needed parental advisory. Admittedly, we probably left after Act I, which feels like a tame and complete story. But watching the musical through today’s more sensitive filters, some parents may feel vexed by the dark nature of Act II. Other parents may use characters’ bad decisions and resulting consequences as cautionary tales – the true origin of many Hans Christian Anderson and Brothers Grimm yarns. The Witch warns through song, “Careful what you say and do. Children will listen.”

All those years ago, my warning to Brandon began like this: “You’re likely going to see a few stepmothers onstage, and I might seem less evil in comparison…”

And we all lived happily ever after.

Theatre Harrisburg’s “Into the Woods” runs through Nov. 24 at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit https://theatreharrisburg.com/shows/into-the-woods/.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 8, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

A DJ, hired by nonprofit DJs at the polls, played music outside a Harrisburg polling place on Election Day.

We don’t blame you if you missed out on local news coverage this week, as there may have been national news claiming your attention. Don’t worry, we’ve wrapped the past week up for you, below.

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank named Shila Ulrich as its new president, our online story reported. The appointment begins a long-term succession plan in which she is expected to eventually replace the current CEO who plans to retire in 2028.

Democrats in Harrisburg performed well in statehouse races following Tuesday’s election, our online story reported. Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) took the open seat for the 15^thsenatorial district and newcomer Nate Davidson was chosen to take her former seat for the 103^rd legislative district.

Election Day had voters heading to Harrisburg polls on Tuesday, our online story reported. We spoke with both Democratic and Republican voters about their thoughts following a contentious campaign.

Harrisburg Area Police Athletic League has a new youth center, baseball field and playground, our magazine story reported. At the new location, the organization will use sports to mentor Harrisburg-area children.

Harrisburg’s Planning Commission approved two housing projects this week, our online story reported. Plans for a 48-unit senior housing project on Allison Hill and an eight-unit apartment project downtown will move forward in the approval process.

Harrisburg University announced that its long-time president, Dr. Eric Darr, would resign, our online story reported. The university did not share a reason for his departure.

Independent jewelers in the Harrisburg area provide customers with a custom experience. In our magazine story, read about several locally owned shops and how they seek to dazzle shoppers.

“Karma” announced that the grand opening of its LGBTQ nightclub will take place on Nov. 23, our online story reported. The club replaces the former Stallions club in downtown Harrisburg.

Live music suggestions from our concert columnist kick off this weekend in Harrisburg. Find out who’s playing locally in November, here.

Sara Bozich has a list of recommendations for how to fill your weekend in the Harrisburg area, here.

TLC Construction and Renovations cut the ribbon on their affordable housing development in Allison Hill, our online story reported. The project is located near N. 15^th and Walnut streets and features 50 units for lower-income residents.

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Central PA Food Bank names new president as part of succession plan

November 7, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Shila Ulrich

The Harrisburg area’s main food assistance organization has a new top official.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank on Thursday announced Shila Ulrich as its new president, following a several months-long search.

According to the organization, the appointment is part of a long-term succession plan, in which Ulrich is expected to eventually take the place of current CEO Joe Arthur, who has held the post for 12 years. Once the new CEO takes over, Arthur will become the chief development officer until retiring in 2028.

Ulrich most recently served as executive director of The Caring Cupboard, a Lebanon County-based organization that works to address food insecurity. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Temple University, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lebanon Valley College and a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University.

Ulrich has served on the Food Bank board and committees for several years. She was chosen, following a national search that attracted over 400 candidates.

“Shila has proven herself to be a strategic, dynamic and transformative leader,” said David Ark, Food Bank board chair. “She also shares the core values of our food bank and keeps our neighbors facing hunger at the center of her efforts. We look forward to the contributions that she will make in her leadership of our organization.”

For more information about the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, visit their website.

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Two apartment proposals receive approvals from Harrisburg Planning Commission

November 7, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

This building is slated to become Front Street Lofts.

A Harrisburg commission has approved two projects that would add more than 50 new apartments to the city.

On Wednesday night, the city Planning Commission approved land development plans for both a 48-unit senior housing project on Allison Hill and an eight-unit apartment project in a historic building downtown.

First, the commission unanimously supported the plan for an eight-unit office-to-residential conversion at 315 N. Front St., a circa-1850 building that long housed a law firm.

The project, called Front Street Lofts, calls for six one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units. According to developer Vernon Jones, six of the units would be market-rate and two would be deemed affordable.

The project also includes 10 parking spaces—four on site and six more off site, which would be leased.

“[Parking] is really, really hard for my neighbors,” said a South Street resident, who has lived in the neighborhood for about 30 years, at the meeting. “Some are elderly, and they have to park far, far away to bring their groceries home.”

Jones pointed out that 10 spaces exceeds the city’s requirements for the project.

“We want to go above and beyond,” he said. “We wanted to make sure we had more than enough parking to satisfy any concerns with the local community.”

With planning commission approval, the land development plan now goes before City Council for final approval before the project can begin.

Next, the commission considered the land development plan for Woodward Lofts, a proposed affordable senior housing development on a large empty lot at N. 18^th and Boas streets.

The site of Woodward Lofts (file photo)

The Latino Connection Foundation proposes building a 48-unit building on the former site of Woodward Elementary School. The building would include a community room, a small dog park and food and clothing banks for residents.

Last year, at a well-attended community meeting, the project received considerable pushback from neighbors, who expressed concern over parking, safety and preserving green space. Several neighbors reiterated those issues on Wednesday before the planning commission.

“Parking is horrendous,” said nearby resident Michael Brown. “What are we going do about the parking? They’re fighting for parking right now.”

The proposal includes 48 off-street parking spaces, which is more than required by the city for this type of project.

Another neighbor expressed concern over traffic and density, adding that area children often use the lot for recreation.

“We oppose this whole situation because we feel it’s going to have a negative impact in our community,” said resident Patricia Banks. “Our children use that space. They enjoy the green. Why can’t we keep it green?”

The grass-covered lot has been vacant since the school district demolished the century-old building in 2016. Fernandez Realty Affordable Homes purchased it last year from the Harrisburg School District for $240,000.

At the commission meeting, Amber Borelli, the foundation’s interim executive director, said that, in 2023, they held two community meetings, making some design modifications as a result.

“We presented the new design, and the neighbors seemed to be in agreement with that, the ones that were present,” she said.

Subsequently, they went door to door in the neighborhood and left door-hangers about the project, Borelli said.

Nonetheless, some residents at the meeting maintained that the outreach effort was insufficient.

“It was only a few people, it wasn’t the whole neighborhood, the second time that they met,” Banks said. “But the first time at the church, everybody was there, and there were like—no.”

Several planning commission members expressed sympathy for the neighbors’ concerns but added that the property is privately owned, so is eligible for development. In addition, they said, a senior housing complex should be lower impact than other types of lower-income housing or commercial development.

“Unfortunately, once the property left the ownership of the school district, the market will dictate what goes there,” said commissioner Shaun O’Toole. “I believe that this is definitely better than a Dollar General or Dollar Tree or even just a regular 40-unit apartment building.”

In the end, the commission unanimously approved the land development plan, which now goes to City Council for final discussion and approval before the project can break ground.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

November 7, 2024 | by 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: Catwalk & Cocktails at DaisyAge (Thurs) and Fall Pop-Up event at Apricot Lane Boutique (Sat) Worth noting: Enders YMCA Harrisburg Marathon on Sunday; Free jazz concert at Messiah Thursday Things on my agenda this weekend: A best friend’s birthday dinner at Greystone Public House (I can’t wait, it’s been ages!) and an otherwise chilled-out, rebooting weekend

For your weekend planning

See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Friendsgiving SoMa Pop-Up for 3rd in the Burg
Add the SoMa Christmas Market on Dec. 1 to your calendar
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

- November Keystone Merge at Pursuit Coworking
- Men’s Whiskey Night at Meeka Fine Jewelry
- Catwalk & Cocktails at DaisyAge
- The United States Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble at Messiah University – FREE
- Abbey Bar Open Mic and Jam hosted by Jason Mescia!
- Music on the Patio with Tony Wayne at Midtown Cinema
- State Ballet of Ukraine Presents Swan Lake at Hershey Theatre
- The 2024 Christmas Show: Joy To The World at American Music Theatre
- Adams-Ricci Farmers Market
- New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally

Friday

- 10-year anniversary and Monika Krol Trunk Show at Meeka Fine Jewelry
- Down in Front! presents BLOOD RAGE! at Midtown Cinema
- Make it and Take It! Crafts with CrossWinds Winery at Hershey
- Go Go Gadjet at XL Live
- Babel Map Album Release Party at Lovedraft’s Brewing Co
- Yacht Lobsters at Mickey’s Black Box
- Jim Gaffigan at GIANT Center
- Air Supply at Hershey Theatre
- Theatre Harrisburg presents INTO THE WOODS at Whitaker Center
- The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- The 2024 Christmas Show: Joy To The World at American Music Theatre
- Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2

Saturday

- Holmes Cycling & Fitness 50th Anniversary Party!
- 10-year anniversary and Monika Krol Trunk Show at Meeka Fine Jewelry
- Fall Pop-Up event at Apricot Lane Boutique
- Volunteer Work Day – Park Rx at Wildwood Park
- Birds & Coffee with Appalachian Audubon at Wildwood Park Nature Center
- Community Consciousness: Craft feat. Ivy House Boutique at Consciousness Coffee
- 717 Vintage Fest
- The Iron Giant | Saturday Morning Cartoons with Full Cereal Bar at Midtown Cinema
- Speranza Grazie Gala
- The Ten Band – Tribute to Pearl Jam at XL Live
- Creedence Clearwater Remixed at the West Shore Theatre
- King Buffalo at Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
- Creed Fisher at Mickey’s Black Box
- Hershey Bears vs. Springfield Thunderbirds
- Market Square Concerts presents Tempesta di Mare at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church
- Pirates of Penzance at Gamut Theatre Group
- The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- Theatre Harrisburg presents INTO THE WOODS at Whitaker Center
- The 2024 Christmas Show: Joy To The World at American Music Theatre
- New Cumberland Farmers’ Market on 4th
- Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walk-a-Bout!
- Brewery Tours: York City Walking Tour
- Brewery Tours: Cruise York County
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walking Tour

Sunday

- Enders YMCA Harrisburg Marathon
- 717 Vintage Fest
- Namaste Yoga with Sarah at Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
- New Cumberland Friends Cultural Series: Bonding with the William Black Homestead
- Fall Open Mic at West Shore Theatre
- Autumn Wonderland Tea at the Willows
- SUMMER OF SOUL | Sunday Docs Series at Midtown Cinema
- Hershey Bears vs. Springfield Thunderbirds
- Pirates of Penzance at Gamut Theatre Group
- Veterans Day Cabaret at Oyster Mill Playhouse
- Theatre Harrisburg presents INTO THE WOODS at Whitaker Center
- The 2024 Christmas Show: Joy To The World at American Music Theatre

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Harrisburg Democrats expand presence in PA statehouse with House, Senate wins

November 6, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Rep. Patty Kim (file photo)

Harrisburg-area Democrats performed strongly in statehouse races during Tuesday’s general election.

In a state Senate race, long-time Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) flipped the open seat for the 15^th senatorial district, defeating Republican Nick DiFrancesco, a former Dauphin County commissioner.

In a preliminary tally, Kim won about 60% of the vote, compared to about 40% for DiFrancesco in the redrawn district.

“After a hard-fought race, the people of Dauphin County have decided to elect Patty Kim as their next state Senator,” DiFrancesco said, in a statement. “I called Representative Kim this evening to congratulate her on her victory.”

The seat was open due to the pending retirement of current state Sen. John DiSanto, a Republican.

Local races for the state House of Representative also went to Democrats.

For the 103^rd legislative district House seat, newcomer Nate Davidson handily defeated his Republican opponent, Cindi Ward, taking about 59% of the vote to Ward’s 41%. That seat was open as Kim successfully campaigned for the area’s open state Senate seat.

For the 104^th and 105^th House seats, incumbents Dave Madsen and Justin Fleming, respectively, both won second terms running unopposed.

TheBurg will update this story as necessary.

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Harrisburg voters head to the polls, cast their votes following heated campaign

November 5, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Camp Curtin Middle School, a Harrisburg polling place

A steady stream of voters filed into Camp Curtin Middle School, one of Harrisburg’s busiest polling places on Tuesday.

All across the city, polling places opened at 8 a.m. for the 2024 general election, and by 10 a.m. around 200 people had voted at Camp Curtin.

While in Harrisburg city, voters tend to lean Democratic, a mix of both residents supporting Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump cast their votes on Tuesday.

Italian Lake-area resident Christine Myers said she voted for Harris, citing democracy, women’s health care and voting rights as important issues to her.

“I never would’ve voted for Trump, but I think she’s going to be a good president for all people,” she said.

Several other voters similarly said that they voted for Harris both out of a dislike for Trump, but also out of support for Harris’ policies and platform.

“I think she’s great for the country, and I can’t stand the other option,” said Nick Finniff.

Trump supporters also showed up on Tuesday motivated by issues like immigration and the economy, among others.

Republican Brendon Booz said that he was voting for Trump to get the country “back on track, as opposed to losing it forever.”

He said that, while he cast his vote, he doesn’t fully trust the election process.

Another voter, who asked that her name not be used, voted for Trump, but said that she wrestled with the decision for quite some time. She said that she doesn’t agree with Trump on every issue, noting that she is pro-choice, but didn’t trust Harris.

“It was a lot of back and forth,” she said. “It was a lot of endless nights. I think a lot about the future.”

DJ Wiskay outside Second City Church

While people came and went at Camp Curtin, a DJ, hired by nonprofit DJs at the Polls, played music. DJs at the Polls is a national organization that hires local DJs to play in urban areas with large numbers of underrepresented voters.

DJ Wiskay of Lebanon was set up at Second City Church in Midtown, one of three locations he planned to visit on Tuesday. His presence, he said, was just to encourage people to vote, no matter which party they voted for.

“I’ll play anybody’s [song] request, but they have to vote first,” he said.

Voter Zora Bullet went with a friend to help him vote in Midtown, but planned to vote for Harris later at her Allison Hill polling place.

“I’m for women,” she said. “Women have a tendency of getting things done. I have confidence that things are going to get turned around. She’s a true leader.”

Bullet said she was confident that Harris would win the election.

On the other side, first-time voter Larees Brooks said she was confident that Trump would win.

“We are going to win, the numbers say we are,” she said.

However, voter Arthur Smith, a “conservative Republican” who voted for Harris, said he believes it could go either way.

“I see it as a toss up,” he said.

In Harrisburg, the polls are open until 8 p.m.

As of Monday, Dauphin County officials said that over 37,000 mail-in ballots had been received.

“My staff has tirelessly prepared for this election for months and, with the help of more than 1,200 poll workers, we are ready to run a successful election day,” said Dauphin County Bureau of Registration and Elections Director Chris Spackman, in a statement on Monday.

For more information about voting and election results in Dauphin County, visit their website.

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