Community Corner: Notable November Events

October 30, 2024 | by Missy Smith

November Community Corner

Veterans & Voters
Nov. 1: Celebrate veterans and explore the power of voting through art during “We the People First Friday: Art for Voters & Veterans” at the Ware Center, 42 N Prince St., Lancaster, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Local artists and the League of Women Voters will encourage voter participation; a reception opens the “Veterans’ Visions” exhibit. www.artsmu.com

Autos & Ales
Nov. 1: Enjoy craft beer from 60 regional breweries, a catered dinner and live music at AACA Museum, 161 Museum Dr., Hershey, for their annual Autos & Ales craft beer festival. Event runs 7 to 10 p.m., with a VIP hour from 6 to 7 p.m. www.aacamuseum.org

HBG Flea
Nov. 2: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square, downtown Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

School Tours
Nov. 2: Join the Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr., for the 12th Annual Preservation Tour at the Hershey History Center, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This year’s tour revisits a series of local school sites like the M.S. Hershey Consolidated School, with a guest appearance by C. Emlen Urban. www.hersheyhistory.org

Meditation Workshops
Nov. 2, 9, 23: Find stress relief and improved well-being at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, during its free meditation workshops with a certified trainer, 1 to 2 p.m. No experience is necessary. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Soup Cook-Off
Nov. 3: Central PA Soup Cook-Off presents “Soups, Stews & Brews,” a charitable soup competition benefitting the Scleroderma Foundation, 1 to 4 p.m., at The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Co., 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. www.abcbrew.com

Happy Harvest
Nov. 6: Families with children ages 3 and older are invited to join Johnson Memorial Library, 799 E. Center St., Millersburg, for a harvest celebration, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Kids can enjoy fall-themed activities and crafts like painting sunflowers with real seeds, a corn sensory bin, pumpkin ring toss and apple cinnamon playdough. www.dcls.org

Evening Mixer
Nov. 6: Join West Shore Chamber of Commerce at an evening mixer at AES Hearth & Patio, 4303 Carlisle Pike, Camp Hill, 5 to 7 p.m. This free event is open to chamber members. Potential members are welcome to attend. www.wschamber.org

War Documentary
Nov. 7: Hershey History Center will screen a documentary about Major Dick Winters, “In His Own Words,” at Grace United Methodist Church, 433 E. Main St., Hummelstown, at 6:30 p.m. A panel discussion with World War II experts and those who knew Major Winters will follow. www.hersheyhistory.org

Film Friday
Nov. 8: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “Heavenly Creatures” from New Zealand at 2 p.m. Stick around for a discussion after the film. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Ladies Night
Nov. 8: Perry County Council of the Arts hosts its annual Ladies Night at PCCA Gallery, 1. S. 2nd St., Newport, and surrounding Newport businesses and local eateries, 5 to 8 p.m. Shop at local businesses and dress up in this year’s theme, “Lasso & Lace.” www.perrycountyarts.org

Craft Show
Nov. 8-9: Shop for handmade gifts, jewelry, décor, apparel, food and more by local artists and artisans at Winters Heritage House Museum, 47 E. High St., Elizabethtown, during its annual Heritage Craft Show, 4 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 8 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9. www.elizabethtownhistory.org

Christmas Show
Nov. 8-10: Explore the Distelfink Country Christmas Show at Thomas Brendle Museum, 106 N. Market St., Schaefferstown. The juried holiday show features local, handcrafted items in country, primitive style by more than 50 vendors. Shop for wreaths, baskets, gourds, needle felting, pottery, candles, stenciling, paintings and more. www.distelfinkcrafters.org

Volunteer Day
Nov. 9: Get outside and help with park and habitat enhancement projects at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves will be provided, and refreshments will be available. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Landmark Tour
Nov. 9, 16: Journey through local history with Historic Harrisburg Association’s tour of Harrisburg State Hospital, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Led by Facilities Manager Fuller Runyan, the tour explores the extensive campus before its closure next year. www.historicharrisburg.org

Harrisburg Marathon
Nov. 10: Celebrate 52 years of the Enders Harrisburg Marathon, beginning on City Island, Harrisburg. This fast, flat marathon winds through the capital city. Sign up for the full race, half marathon or four-person relay. www.hbgyrun.org

Author Talk
Nov. 10: New Cumberland Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts a lecture and book signing with David H. Peiffer, author of “Bonding with the William Black Homestead: Tales of Passion and Obsession,” at 3 p.m. Copies will be available for purchase from the West Shore Historical Society. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

20 in Their 20s
Nov. 12: Harrisburg Young Professionals hosts the sixth annual “20 in Their 20s,” 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St. The celebration honors young professionals who are having meaningful impacts on their community and workplaces. www.hyp.org

Be Mindful
Nov. 14: West Shore Chamber of Commerce hosts “Mind Your Business—Workplace Mental Health & Mindfulness,” at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, 5000 Marketplace Way, Enola, 5 to 7 p.m. Learn how mindfulness practices can impact mental health, reduce stress and enhance job satisfaction. www.wschamber.org

Food Rally
Nov. 14: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from food trucks or New Cumberland restaurants and enjoy shopping and special promotions. www.newcumberlandpa.org

3rd in The Burg
Nov. 15: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Western Gala
Nov. 16: Vista Autism Services hosts its annual fundraising gala, “Boots, Bowties and Bling,” at Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms, 338 Sunnyburn Rd., Elizabethtown, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Dress in semi-formal attire with a Western twist and enjoy a gourmet dinner, live music and more. www.vistaautismservices.org

Benefit Gala
Nov. 16: Join Wildheart Ministries at its benefit gala, “Celebrating Transformation,” at the Keystone Building, 400 North St., Harrisburg, 6 to 9 p.m., for cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, dinner and a silent auction and raffle prizes. Proceeds benefit Wildheart’s community-building projects. www.lovethehillpa.com

Hike Day
Nov. 17: Grab your hiking boots, family and friends for National Take a Hike Day. Explore the outdoors at Detweiler Park, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin, or Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 8 to 10 a.m. Or take a challenging hike at Fort Hunter, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 9 to 11:30 a.m. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Curiosity Kids
Nov. 17: Families with kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to the State Museum of Pa., 300 North St., Harrisburg, to learn about the wild turkey and its lifestyle, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Get hands-on with a turkey tail, wing and skull, and create a wild turkey to take home for Thanksgiving. www.statemuseumpa.org

Afternoon of Dance
Nov. 17: Join the Harrisburg chapter of USA Dance for an afternoon of dance, including country step and social dances. The event runs 2 to 6 p.m. at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. All levels welcome. Visit their Facebook page: USA Dance Chapter #3009-Harrisburg Area PA.

Tax Volunteer
Nov. 19: Join Tri County Community Action, 1514 Derry St., Harrisburg, to learn how you can volunteer for “Money in Your Pocket” to provide free tax prep in your community for low- and moderate-income families, 6 p.m. www.cactricounty.org

Civil Conversation
Nov. 20: Join National Civil War Museum, One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, for a free virtual “Civil Conversation” with Dr. Justene Hill Edwards, 7 to 8 p.m. Edwards will discuss the rise and fall of the Freedman’s Bank and its lasting impact on racial inequality. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Coffee House
Nov. 22: Join the Coffee House at Enola First Church of God, 9 Sherwood Dr., Enola, at 7 p.m. for fellowship and entertainment. This month, vocalist Codie Reed will be featured. www.enola.com/coffee-house

Holiday Parade
Nov. 23: Enjoy Harrisburg’s annual holiday parade with giant parade balloons, marching bands and dance team performances, decorated floats, characters, Santa Claus and more, starting at 10 a.m. After the parade, head to Strawberry Square to meet Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Friendsgiving Feast
Nov. 23: CWS Harrisburg hosts the 3rd Annual International Friendsgiving Feast, 2 to 5 p.m. Savor flavors from Nicaragua, Sudan, Belarus, Syria and Myanmar with pre-ordered, to-go meals, and discover the heritage of the recipe creators. Drive-through and pickup locations are in Harrisburg and Carlisle. www.cwsharrisburg.org

Art Tour
Nov. 23, 24: Explore Foothills Artists’ 17th annual studio tour throughout Adams County, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eight studio locations will feature a variety of art forms by 14 local artists. Limited refreshments served at several of the studios. www.foothillsartists.net

Anniversary Concerts
Nov. 23, 24: Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus presents “Pearl Jubilee—Celebrating 30 Years of Music” at Colonial Park UCC of Harrisburg on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. and St. Paul’s UCC in Mechanicsburg on Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. www.cpwchorus.org

Youth Concert
Nov. 24: The Susquehanna Chorale and three of its educational choirs will hold their annual Youth Choral Festival at 4 p.m. at the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts, Messiah University. www.susquehannachorale.org

Light Show
Nov. 29-Dec. 31: Experience the Christmas Spirit Light Show at Clipper Magazine Stadium, 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster, with a festive drive-thru light show, including hundreds of thousands of color-changing lights, synchronized to Christmas music. www.christmasspiritlightshows.com

Odd Ones Bizarre
Nov. 30: The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, hosts its annual Odd Ones Holiday Bizarre on Small Business Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop for unique, handcrafted items for the holiday season at this annual alternative arts and crafts event. www.millworksharrisburg.com

Wreath Workshop
Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Use natural materials to create an evergreen wreath at Wildwood Lake, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The workshop fee is $30 per person, which includes supplies to make a wreath with natural decorations like cones, berries, nuts and seed pods. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Festival of Trees
Nov. 30-Dec. 22: View Christmas trees decorated with handmade ornaments and trimmed by local garden clubs at the Fort Hunter Tavern House, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Trees will be up for raffle, and a selection of ornaments will be available for purchase. www.forthunter.org

Toy Train Exhibit
Nov. 30-Dec. 22: Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society returns to Fort Hunter Centennial Barn, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, with a display of HO gauge trains that travel over a large layout representing communities in central PA and interactive elements, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. www.forthunter.org

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Owners of Governor’s Square apartments will seek to have court-appointed receiver take control

October 29, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Governor’s Square apartments

A beleaguered affordable housing development in Harrisburg still doesn’t have a buyer, but has a plan to move a step forward.

Uptown Partners, the owner of the Residences at Governor’s Square, plans to file a motion to change the type of bankruptcy it’s in and to transfer responsibility of the property to a court-appointed receiver.

Uptown Partners filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, having converted from Chapter 7, in August 2023 and, since then, has tried to find a buyer for its properties, which have hundreds of code citations and condemnations. However, the owners have struggled for months to find a buyer that met their requirements and that has received U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approval, a requirement for a potential buyer.

At a hearing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, attorneys for Uptown Partners said that they reached an agreement with most parties on the case, including the city, to move towards having the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas appoint a receiver to take over the case.

Uptown Partners first plans to file a motion to convert its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case back to Chapter 7, according to Robert Chernicoff, attorney for Uptown Partners. Typically, in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a U.S. trustee is assigned to the case and the debtor’s assets are liquidated. However, in this case, Chernicoff said that a U.S. trustee would likely play a minimal role, and the debtor would remain in Chapter 7 only briefly. Then the county court would appoint a receiver to oversee Governor’s Square.

The receiver would also be responsible for appointing a management company and finding funds, such as state or federal grants, to keep the property operational, Chernicoff said. The current property manager, Landex Management, previously filed a motion to terminate its contract with Uptown Partners, with representatives explaining that they did not have sufficient funds to continue services. The decision on who to hire to manage the property would be up to the receiver.

Essentially, Uptown Partners would still own Governor’s Square, but would not have control over it, Chernicoff explained. He has shared previously that Uptown Partners was running out of money to maintain the property.

“My client doesn’t want the property anymore,” Chernicoff said.

If a receiver takes over control, they would be tasked with overseeing the operations of the property and with finding a buyer.

Governor’s Square consists of over 200 units, though fewer than half are currently occupied.

According to Chernicoff, Uptown Partners has recently received interest from another company, CIG Properties, information that it plans to pass along to a potential receiver.

At Tuesday’s hearing, Bankruptcy Chief Judge Henry Van Eck ruled several outstanding matters settled, including a motion to dismiss the case filed by the city, agreeing on the parties’ plan to move the issue forward.

Chernicoff said that the city agreed to issue code citations on Governor’s Square properties only until they’re under receivership. According to City Solicitor Neil Grover, Uptown Partners has received over 1,400 violations.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 25, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Judge William Tully swore in the Harrisburg School District’s new superintendent Dr. Benjamin Henry, who was joined by his family.

What a great sunny, fall week here in Harrisburg. Take this weekend to stroll around the city, shop local, enjoy river views and, of course, catch up on your Burg reading. You can start with all of our recent reporting, below.

Allen Theatre in Annville, which has decades of history, is now under new ownership, our magazine story reported. The theater and its new accompanying Salamander Bookstore offer movies, live music and magic shows.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region announced that it will expand its service area to include its York and Adams county affiliate, our online story reported. The organization will also rebrand at Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA.

The Broad Street Market announced that two new vegan vendors would join its stone building, our online story reported. Harrisburg-based Honey Bear Ice Cream and Ve’Lightfully Vegan will open in the market in the coming weeks.

Capital Blue Cross warns the community that measles and whooping cough cases are rising nationwide. Click here, to find out more about the viruses.

Dennise Hill recently became the executive director of Brethren Housing Association, which provides housing to single mothers and children, our magazine story reported. Hill left her city government director position to follow her passion and return to the nonprofit world.

Harrisburg School District swore in its new superintendent, Dr. Benjamin Henry, at a board meeting this week, our online story reported. Also that evening, the district approved the resignation of the John Harris High School principal.

Mayor Wanda Williams announced Samuel Sulkosky as her new business administrator, filling a position that sat vacant for several months, our online story reported. Sulkosky served in borough and city manager positions over the last several years, most recently as the interim borough manager of Punxsutawney.

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a press conference at the LGBT Center of Central PA to announce the recipients of a state safety grant, our online story reported. The LGBT Center, as well as community organizations and places of worship, were awarded money for safety improvements in light of a rise in hate crimes nationally.

Pittsburgh is the perfect place for a fall trip, offering delicious cuisine, museums and a conservatory, among other features. Click here, for recommendations.

Sara Bozich has the hookup for fun fall events this weekend. Click here for the list.

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Regional Big Brothers Big Sisters expands service area to additional counties, rebrands

October 24, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

A local mentorship organization is expanding its reach.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region announced on Thursday that it has acquired its York and Adams County affiliate and will change its name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA.

“We are now serving 7 out of 8 counties in the South-Central PA region,” President and CEO Amy Rote said in a statement. “Our new name aims to enhance our visibility and strengthen our connection with the community.”

According to Rote, the expansion will allow the organization to assist the York and Adams affiliate in growing its services and programs to address the needs of youth. BBBS of South-Central PA will bring its established programs to its new counties.

Through Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programs, they provide guidance, encouragement and positive role models for area youth.

The York office will continue to serve the two counties in a new location on Market Street in York. The organization cut the ribbon on the space this week.

“Our new office space is better suited for our growing team and expansion of our services,” said Marina Brown, director of the York & Adams County program.

Additionally, BBBS of South-Central PA will update its logo, website and marketing materials over the next few months.

BBBS of South-Central PA is seeking additional volunteers, partners and supporters to help with its now-expanded services. Those who are interested can visit their website.

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Broad Street Market to welcome new vegan ice cream, soul food vendors

October 24, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Honey Bear Ice Cream. File photo.

Two vegan food vendors are setting up shop in Harrisburg.

The Broad Street Market announced on Thursday that local businesses Honey Bear Ice Cream and Ve’Lightfully Vegan will open stands in the market’s stone building.

“The Broad Street Market can’t wait to welcome these new vendors to the market community,” said Eric Hagarty, chair of the market’s board. “We are excited that Broad Street Market customers will now have a greater variety of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from, and we are honored to be the first permanent home for Natalie and Marilyn, the inspiring women who run each respective business.”

Harrisburg-based Honey Bear churns up gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free vegan ice cream flavors, such as pumpkin cheesecake, lemon blueberry buckle and brownie fudge sundae. Currently, various regional stores carry Honey Bear pints, and the business holds regular ice cream trailer pop-up events. The market will be its first brick-and-mortar location.

“Since Honey Bear first popped up with a tent in the courtyard at Broad Street Market to scoop our ice cream in July 2021, we have long imagined having a stand inside the market buildings,” said owner Natalie Wallace. “Much of our loyal following began here, and we are honored to join its roster and become a part of the market’s rich history.”

Ve’Lightfully Vegan is also based in Harrisburg and cooks up vegan soul food. They were recently featured at Philadelphia’s Vegandale, the world’s largest touring vegan experience, according to the market.

Food from Ve’Lightfully Vegan

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining this incredible market as the owner of Ve’Lightfully Vegan,” said owner Marilyn Jackson. “Our goal is to offer a variety of vibrant, flavor-packed, soulful plant-based meals that everyone can enjoy, whether you are a long-time vegan or just curious about trying something new. I look forward to connecting with this community, sharing our passion for healthy, sustainable food, and making Ve’Lightfully Vegan a go-to spot for delicious, conscious eating.”

Honey Bear and Ve’Lightfully Vegan will both open in the vendor space previously occupied by Lovedraft’s Express. According to Hagarty, they will soon begin construction on their stands and should open in the following weeks.

In another market change, vendor Piper Belle’s Wood Fired Flatbreads announced on social media that it has closed permanently, but will open a new restaurant location in Mountville in January.

In addition, JB Kelly Seafood Connection announced on social media that it would close its market stand in November. Earlier this year, owner John Kelly and business partner Lauren Ellis opened a brick-and-mortar business, Red Raven Surf and Turf, in Dauphin.

The market’s stone building is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The market’s tent is open Thursdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Broad Street Market is located at 1233 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 24, 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: A Spooky Soirée on Railroad Ave (Mechanicsburg, Saturday); Youveau Aesthetics Autumn Event (Thursday)

Worth noting: Next weekend is the Walk to End Alzheimers. I’m walking in honor of my dad. If you’re so inclined, you can access my fundraiser here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: youth baseball and bday celebrations

For your weekend planning

Get your last-min Struts tix while they last (they play 10/29 at XL Live)
Calling my local business friends! My Holiday Gift Guide comes out next month! Contact me if you’d like to be included.
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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Local, state nonprofits, places of worship awarded funds to support safety

October 23, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

(From left) Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) and LGBT Center Executive Director Amber Roadcap at a press conference.

Several local organizations will receive financial assistance to support their safety efforts.

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis visited the LGBT Center of Central PA on Wednesday to announce a safety grant awarded to the organization, as well as many others in the state.

“As an organization serving a marginalized community that has experienced hate crimes in the past, the opportunity to have a more robust security measure is of paramount importance,” said Amber Roadcap, executive director of the LGBT Center.

The total $10 million in funding comes from the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program and benefits 208 nonprofits, places of worship and community centers with money for safety upgrades.

According to Davis, the commonwealth’s 2024-25 budget included twice the amount of funding for the security grant program as it did last year.

“Unfortunately, we are dealing with an uptick in crimes targeting marginalized communities,” Davis said. “Every Pennsylvanian should have the freedom to love who they love, pray how they want to pray, and be their most authentic selves, free from the threats of violence and harassment.”

The LGBT Center was awarded $25,000, which Roadcap said will help them upgrade their security system. And while the upgrade will help keep the physical space safe, Roadcap described how it will also help provide peace of mind to the center’s community members.

“We are on the precipice of a pivotal election for the LGBTQ community,” Roadcap said. “LGBT folks having a safe and affirming space where they can gather, not just for advocacy and resources and services, but to build community and connection is crucial.”

The following Dauphin County organizations also received grant funding:

Chisuk Emuna Congregation—$20,000
Jewish Federation Greater Harrisburg—$150,000
Kesher Israel Congregation—$25,000
Market Square Presbyterian Church—$25,000
SOAL: Saving Our Ancestors Legacy—$105,983
Temple Ohev Sholom—$18,180

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Harrisburg District swears in new superintendent; high school principal resigns

October 22, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Judge William Tully swore in Dr. Benjamin Henry as superintendent, who was joined by his wife and daughters.

The Harrisburg School District has officially sworn in its new superintendent.

At a school board meeting on Tuesday, Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Judge William Tully administered the oath of office to Dr. Benjamin Henry, the new superintendent, who said he “can’t wait to get to work.”

Henry was approved as superintendent by receiver Dr. Lori Suski in August and will officially begin in his role on Nov. 1.

“One of the things that drew me to this school district is, when you look at all the potential of this place, when you really look at the data and where we’re moving as a district, it’s amazing,” he said. “I’m ready to get to work on Nov. 1, getting to the schools, meeting parents, meeting some of our students.”

Henry fills the position previously held by Dr. Eric Turman, who resigned in May and by Dr. Marcia Stokes, who has assumed the position in an interim role.

Henry is slated to serve for a four-year term with a salary of $199,500.

According to the district, Henry has over two decades of experience in public schools. Most recently, he served as the regional assistant superintendent of Polk County schools in Florida. He has also previously held jobs as a special education teacher, a middle school math teacher and a principal.

Once Henry officially starts, his 100-day plan for the district will be posted publicly.

“This community is asking for something different, and I feel like I’m the leader that could really move the school district in the right direction, but I’m going to need everyone’s help,” he said.

Also on Tuesday, Suski approved the resignation of Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus Principal Laquan Magruder, effective Dec. 31. Magruder was hired in August 2023.

At the meeting, several district teachers spoke out in concern over the high turnover rates of principals at the high school.

“Students at our campus crave stability and consistency, yet, these two things, which are true at the majority of the high schools in our area, including our own Sci-Tech campus, are hard to achieve at John Harris due to the constant change of head principals,” said one teacher.

The teacher said that she believed there had been 13 principals in the position since 2009.

“We hear what you are saying,” Suski said, addressing the teachers at the meeting. “It is our goal, my goal as the receiver, the goal of this board […] and the voices of all of you, that we are going to find the best possible leader to lead John Harris.”

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Harrisburg hires business administrator, ending four-month vacancy for key post

October 22, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Samuel Sulkosky

Harrisburg has a new chief of staff.

Mayor Wanda Williams announced Samuel Sulkosky as her new business administrator during her State of the City address last week.

Sulkosky, who started on Oct. 9, fills a vacancy left by the previous business administrator, Dan Hartman, who stepped down in June.

Sulkosky served in borough and city manager positions over the last several years. Most recently, he was the interim borough manager of Punxsutawney and, before that, served as the city manager of Duquesne. He also held borough manager positions in Kittanning, Mount Joy and Columbia. He also worked as a self-employed financial advisor for over 17 years and as a county auditor in Indiana County for four years.

Sulkosky, during a phone call with TheBurg, said that he decided to take the job in Harrisburg, seeing it as an “excellent challenge.” He specifically liked the way the city has prioritized paying off large amounts of debt and felt that his experience with lower-income communities and those under Act 47, a state program for financially distressed municipalities, would be helpful.

“The main thing that drives me from a public service standpoint is the biggest interest I have, and concern, is doing what’s best for the community as a whole,” Sulkosky said.

In 2020, Lancaster Online reported that the Mount Joy Borough Council fired Sulkosky from his borough manager role, providing no explanation as to why. When asked about it, Sulkosky explained it as “local politics” that had nothing to do with job performance. Around that time, new council members were elected and wanted to bring in new staff members, Sulkosky said. He added that he was part of a “staff purge” that included dismissing the chief of police, codes officer, borough engineer and others. Sulkosky said that, in retrospect, he probably should’ve resigned, but due to a dispute about his severance payment, didn’t.

In 2023, the Leader Times, reported that the Kittanning borough council eliminated Sulkosky’s borough manager position, clarifying a previous article saying Sulkosky had been fired. Sulkosky told TheBurg that his position had been eliminated.

In his new role as business administrator in Harrisburg, Sulkosky will serve alongside Mayor Wanda Williams in overseeing day-to-day operations of the city.

Sulkosky said that, based on his experience, he’s accustomed to working with councils, mayors, vendors, stakeholders, state and federal agencies and community members. He’s also had extensive experience overseeing economic development, public works and recreational projects, he said.

“I’m sure there’s some things I haven’t seen, but I’ve seen a lot more than I haven’t seen, I can tell you that,” he said. “There aren’t too many scenarios I’m not used to.”

Sulkosky said he is specifically looking forward to working with City Council and building relationships.

“I think I can bring to the table the ability to communicate,” he said.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 18, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Holiday Parade 2022

TheBurg attended the Pennsylvania News Media Association’s 2024 Keystone Awards ceremony this week and received many awards including News Organization of the Year. We thank you, our readers, for your continued support, allowing us to do quality work, like our coverage from this week, listed below.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights the new, artsy and spooky around central PA. Find out what’s coming at the Art Association of Harrisburg and HIVE artspace, here.

The Eichelberger Distillery in Dillsburg has recently been restored and is open for tastings and tours, our magazine story reported. Visitors will find great drinks and a rich history.

Harrisburg’s Holiday Parade will return to downtown on Nov. 23 with floats, balloons and performances, our online story reported. The city will also host a tree-lighting ceremony the day before.

M.C. Walker Realty has operated for 47 years as a family affair. In our magazine story, find out how the agency has grown relationships with clients over the years.

Midtown Cinema will reopen this weekend, following a temporary closure due to damage from Hurricane Debby in August, our online story reported. The cinema also took the opportunity to make improvements to the theater.

Open Stage’s “Ride the Cyclone” is a dark humor musical showing through Nov. 2. In our online story, read a preview of the carnival-themed show.

Phil Broder of Mechanicsburg has a passion for kites, our magazine story reported. Broder has operated his kite-making business, Fly Market Kitemaking Supply, for a decade and has even consulted for movies and productions.

Rain gardens are increasingly being used by Harrisburg area residents as a tool to ease pressure on the region’s aging stormwater systems, our magazine story reported. Planting rain gardens is also a way for people to do their part in the climate change fight.

Room parents are crucial in helping classroom events run smoothly, our magazine story reported. Room parenting helps out teachers, while also giving caregivers a chance to get involved in their student’s education.

Sara Bozich has compiled a list of events happening in the Harrisburg area this weekend, here.

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

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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