August Publisher’s Note

July 30, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

At TheBurg, we have what’s called a “high-class problem.”

Try as we might, we can’t seem to print enough copies to meet the huge and constantly growing demand for our monthly magazine.

Every month, we get emails and phone calls from folks who are having a hard time hunting down a copy of the current issue.

For example, last month, one reader complained that she tried three different spots on the west shore, but all were out within days of our initial delivery.

We’re so sorry!

Trust me—we are out there delivering. Each month, we print upwards of 20,000 copies and distribute to over 500 locations in seven counties across south-central PA

But folks often scoop them up as soon as we drop them off. Our distributors have many stories of people literally yanking copies from their hands as they try to make a delivery.

So, if you’re having trouble finding a copy, I have a few tips:

Start early. Our initial delivery run takes place the last few days of the month for the following month’s issue. Early bird gets TheBurg.

Search out alternatives. Our distribution locations are listed on our website, so you may find another spot near you.

Subscribe. On our website, you can subscribe to our magazine, and we’ll mail it right to you every month—guaranteed!

Read the digital issue. You can read the entire issue in its digital form on our website.

Visit us. There’s a street box right outside our Harrisburg office. Each month, we hold back a bundle or two so that that box is always stocked.

Support us. We’d love to print and distribute even more. It’s one of our long-term goals, but it’s also very costly. By joining Friends of TheBurg, you can help us grow. Details are on our website!

Anyway, if you’re reading this, you’ve successfully snagged a copy of our August issue, where you’ll find our customary mix of community news, high-quality features and must-do events, along with a special focus on youth and schools. Enjoy—and, when you’re done, please generously pass along your copy to a Burg-less friend.

Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

August News Digest

July 30, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

South Bridge Funding Announced

A major project to replace Harrisburg’s I-83 South Bridge has received a significant funding boost of $500 million.

At a press conference last month, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced that federal infrastructure funds will help support the $1 billion bridge project.

“There was a clear need for bridge repairs to overcome the decades of underinvestment from Washington, and nowhere is that need greater than the I-83 South Bridge right here in Harrisburg,” Buttigieg said.

The full project includes work on the east and west shores of the Susquehanna, including widening the highway and reconstructing interchanges and bridges along the route.

According to PennDOT, the 64-year-old South Bridge, between Harrisburg and Lemoyne, is aging and no longer meets current design standards. Over 125,000 cars drive over the bridge every day, officials shared.

PennDOT originally proposed tolling the bridge to support the costly construction, but that plan died following widespread local criticism and a lawsuit filed by several western PA towns opposing the state’s bridge-tolling plan. At the press event, Gov. Josh Shapiro confirmed that there is, in fact, still no plan to toll the bridge.

The bridge replacement is slated to begin in 2026 and take two to three years, said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. Traffic flow will be maintained during construction, as the new bridge will be built next to the old bridge, before it is torn down, Carroll said.

The funding is part of $5 billion in Large Bridge Project awards through the Federal Highway Administration’s competitive Bridge Investment Program, which will benefit 13 bridges in 16 states.

“This really is an example of how things should work as local, state federal, county, everybody works in unison to deliver something important that no one party could do alone,” Buttigieg said.

According to Shapiro, this is the largest federal grant for a single transportation project that Pennsylvania has ever received.

No Tax Hike in School Budget

School property taxes will not increase for Harrisburg residents this year.

At a board meeting in late June, the Harrisburg School District passed its $211.7 million 2024-25 budget, a spending plan that does not include a tax increase.

Taxes will remain at 30.78 mills, as the school board voted to approve the tax structure. School property taxes are the only matter that the district’s board votes on while under receivership.

Dr. Marcia Stokes, the district’s chief financial officer, noted that, while the rate will stay the same, Harrisburg taxpayers who qualify for the Homestead Exemption may actually see a decrease on their tax bill in the coming year. This is due to an expected increase in state tax relief funds for the district.

The largest expenditures in the budget include salaries and benefits for employees, debt payments, charter school tuition costs and renovations and HVAC replacements.

This year’s budget is lower than the previous year’s budget of $222.8 million, mostly due to less federal COVID-relief funds available to the district this year. The 2024-25 budget includes $8.5 million total in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, the remainder of that money available to the district.

Building Demolition Denied

A proposal to demolish a building on N. Front Street in Harrisburg has been denied.

Harrisburg City Council voted 4-2 last month to reject a proposed demo for 1511 N. Front St., expressing concerns about taking down a building in the city’s historic district and replacing it with parking.

Council members Crystal Davis and Ausha Green voted in favor of approving a certificate of appropriateness to demo the building.

Currently, 1511 N. Front St. consists of a 5,144-square-foot, two-story building. Owner Guy Cipriano of New Jersey-based EI Realty proposed demolishing the building and expanding the current parking lot.

“Just knocking down a building and not putting anything back is something I don’t think our city needs at this time,” said council member Lamont Jones. “We really need business and living space.”

The proposal for a certificate of appropriateness to raze the building, built in 1957, was denied by the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board in April. The applicant filed an appeal to have the application reviewed by council, according to city Solicitor Neil Grover.

Governor’s Square Still in Limbo

A blighted, bankrupt affordable housing development in Harrisburg is struggling to secure a new buyer.

The Residences at Governor’s Square, owned by Uptown Partners LLC, has several bidders and interested parties for its 200-plus-unit apartment complex, but none have yet received required federal approvals, Uptown Partners’ attorney said during a court hearing last month in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Uptown Partners filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2023 and has since sought a buyer for its properties, which have hundreds of code citations and condemnations and have long struggled with safety and quality-of-life issues for residents.

In January, the owner identified New Jersey-based real estate company ANCDI as the proposed buyer with an offer of $9.6 million, submitted through an auction. Additionally, 2087 Market Street LLC offered $9.5 million and Woda Cooper Companies, an Ohio-based affordable housing provider, offered $9.1 million.

However, the sale is still pending as none of the bidders have received federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approval, which is required in order for the buyer to operate the affordable housing complex.

At a hearing in April, Uptown Partners’ attorney Robert Chernicoff explained that 2087 Market Street LLC moved into the top position as a buyer, being the only company working actively with Uptown Partners and HUD. However, on Tuesday, Chernicoff said that HUD has not yet received all required documents from any of the potential buyers.

The hearing to determine a buyer for Governor’s Square was continued to Sept. 10.

Chernicoff also noted that there are now two new interested buyers, but declined to say who they are.

If no progress is made with the current bidders, Chernicoff said that he would need to get the court’s approval to consider other interested parties, possibly through another auction.

“Sober Ride” Program to Launch

A local organization is offering to be the designated driver for nights out downtown.

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC) announced last month the launch of its pilot program, “Sober Ride Home,” which aims to reduce the number of impaired driving incidents by offering free rideshare vouchers for those consuming alcohol at local bars and restaurants.

“In our region, about 40% of fatal crashes and 30% of serious injury crashes involve impaired drivers,” TCRPC Executive Director Steve Deck said. “The majority of these crashes happen between Thursday and Saturday.”

Rideshare vouchers will be available on weekends via QR codes placed in bars and restaurants, and the code will direct users to the Uber app where the ride will be free. There is a maximum allowance of $40, which Deck said covers about the distance from Harrisburg to Hershey. Vouchers will be offered in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties. To start, users cannot exceed one voucher per day.

The program’s trial run is slated to begin before Labor Day and will run for a year, with a larger goal of implementing a permanent system in the future.

“People have tried things like this before and found it difficult to sustain over the long term,” Deck said. “That’s really one of the things that we hope to learn from this process, whether it’s public-private partnerships, a variety of different things—how do we make a program like this last?”

New Gym Debuts Uptown

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg has opened the new Symons Family Fitness Center at its Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life.

The federation moved into the Alexander Grass Campus at 2986 N. 2nd St. in October 2023 and has been expanding its services at the location since.

The 11,750-square-foot space includes brand new bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, free weights and weight machines with access to personal trainers. It features two locker rooms with saunas, family and gender-neutral changing rooms and studio spaces for group and personal training sessions. Class offerings include yoga, spin, strength training and dance exercise.

The federation’s former location on N. Front Street included a fitness center, which inspired the organization to update the new campus with the same amenity.

“In this new space, we are able to offer a completely different facility that I think now better represents who this community is on the outside and who we’ve always been on the inside,” said Abby Smith, chair of the board of directors. “It’s a testament to the way the Jewish community has evolved and the way the greater Harrisburg community has evolved to different needs.”

The gym is located on the second floor of the Grass Center Building, which is the most central building on the campus.

Memberships start at $35 a month for an individual membership, and the gym is open to people of all faiths, backgrounds and abilities.

“We have something for all people, whether you’re a fitness guru or fitness novice, at any age,” Smith said.

Home Sales Dip, Prices Rise

Harrisburg-area home sales were generally lower in June, but prices were up, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county region, 593 homes sold compared to 659 in June 2023, as the median sales price rose to $290,000 from $273,000, said the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, GHAR reported 291 home sales in June versus 332 in the year-ago period, as the median sales price increased to $280,000 from $242,500.

Cumberland County had 264 home sales in June, a decrease of 30 units from a year ago, but the median sales price rose to $320,000 from $315,000, GHAR said.

In Perry County, 38 houses sold in June, an increase of three, as the median sales price dropped to $230,000 from $249,275 the prior year, according to GHAR.

The pace of sales picked up, as the “average days on market” dropped to 20 days in June versus 23 days a year ago, GHAR said.

So Noted

Amber Roadcap last month was named the new executive director of the LGBT Center of Central PA. Roadcap replaces interim director Amanda Carter, who has served in the role since January, following the departure of long-time director Amanda Arbour.

Hamilton Health Center last month cut the ribbon on its newest facility, a 20,000-square-foot location at 120 N. Front St., Steelton. The new center is part of a mixed-use development, The Steel Works project, developed by Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners.

Jennifer Doyle last month was appointed the new president and CEO of the Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), a regional nonprofit that manages charitable funds, assets and investments while serving to build community. Doyle fills the position following the departure of Janice Black, who retired in January after 29 years in the role.

Premier Arts and Science Charter School will cease operations, months after the Harrisburg School District denied its charter renewal. The school, in operation since 2013, opted not to oppose the non-renewal and, instead, began the “winding down” process.

Ron Leitzel and Tonia Leitzel Ulsh, the brother/sister co-owners of Mountz Jewelers, have been selected as 2024 inductees for its Retailer Hall of Fame, an honor given to jewelers who’ve made significant contributions to their communities and industry. National Jeweler, an industry trade publication, names inductees annually.

TheBurg last month was named “News Organization of the Year” by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation. This is the fourth straight year that TheBurg has received this top recognition, which honors excellence in all aspects of a news outlet, including editorial, design and sales.

Zach Benjamin last month was named the new president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg. Benjamin, who replaces David Cohen, will continue overseeing the organization’s transition to its new location at the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life in Uptown Harrisburg.

Changing Hands

Berryhill St., 1510: J. Zabala to M. Khan, $57,000

Berryhill St., 1533: Smart Realty Pros LLC to Martinez & Guaman Associated LLC, $75,000

Berryhill St., 1639: 4 Star Properties LLC to Dreamland Envision Properties LLC, $72,000

Briggs St., 1921, 1923 & 1926 and 1916, 1918 and 1920 North St.: United Holy Church of America, Northern District Inc. to Living Christian Church Ministries, $195,000

Brookwood St., 2022: A. Almabruk to Magous Properties LLC, $135,000

Burchfield St., 315 & 317: Zook Rentals to Eshnest LLC, $320,000

Chestnut St., 2027: C. Watson to A. Paulino, $118,000

Crescent St., 226: D. & S. Zimmerman to B. Thermozier, $135,000

Derry St., 1605: A. Davis Jr. to T. & N. Celestin, $140,000

Derry St., 2025: A. Almabruk to Magous Properties LLC, $135,000

Derry St., 2624: P. & J. Lewis to J. & M. Garcia, $125,000

Emerald St., 319: R. Payne to Fourvision Consulting LLC, $60,000

Graham St., 500: R. Goad to J. Queen, $200,000

Green St., 916: Capozzi & Ehring Realty LLC to Titania Real Estate LLC, $225,000

Green St., 920: C. Korinda & J. Frankenburger to W. & T. Wood, $274,230

Green St., 922: S. Winkeljohn & D. Black to K. O’Flaherty, $285,000

Green St., 1209: TOIV LLC to ARM 1209 Green PA LLC, $330,000

Green St., 1621: J. Warren to Empower Estate Properties LLC, $150,000

Green St., 2122: S. Laroc to R. Nunez, $200,000

Greenwood St., 2103: G. Wingert to Stein Equities LLC, $77,000

Herr St., 258: Fratelli Property Investments LLC to A. Prime & N. Chauvin, $258,750

Hoffman St., 3105: M. de la Rosa & F. Molina to E. Klinger & Z. Rouse, $285,000

Holly St., 1837: E. Torres to J. Villa, $107,000

Hummel St., 238: Tri County HDC Ltd. to Y. Estevez, $126,900

Hunter St., 1617: S. Scott to A. Norris, $86,000

Jefferson St., 2922 & 2940: 2940 Jefferson Street Associates LLC to RAKD Properties 2 LLC, $405,000

Kelker St., 636: Buonarroti Trust to W. & J. Dallas, $86,000

Kensington St., 1926: Maco Properties LLC to Kroxlie Properties LLC, $115,000

Kensington St., 2258: C. Mundy & L. Barrelet to New Ventures Investments LLC, $85,000

Lenox St., 2030: R. Hippensteel to Burama Enterprises, $100,000

Nectarine St., 346: A. Williams Jr. to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $115,000

North St., 262: Spuntina LLC to Titania Real Estate LLC, $285,000

North St., 1619: A. Hoskote to Aponte Family Homes LLC, $120,000

N. 2nd St., 936: B. Spurrier to Elite Skyline Residences LLC, $305,000

N. 2nd St., 2321: Central PA Buyers LLC to Elite Remodeling Realty LLC, $117,000

N. 2nd St., 2842: Grentals LLC to T. & T. Tran, $235,200

N. 2nd St., 3028: K. Harmon & T. Little to D. Bradley & E. Berry, $236,000

N. 3rd St., 2227: C. & A. Smucker to GJD 2020 Trust, $230,000

N. 3rd St., 3106: T. Gazette & R. Long to L. Beiler, $189,000

N. 4th St., 1703: S. Bradley & R. Daman to P. Gibson, $232,500

N. 6th St., 3142: S. Hazelton to EA Capital LLC, $118,000

N. 7th St., 2712: Merrick Solo 401K Trust to New Ventures Investments LLC, $94,000

N. 13th St., 121: A. Collins to M. Gehman, $130,000

N. 14th St., 1208: JTA Consulting Group LLC to B. Johnson, $145,000

N. 15th St., 917: JTA Consulting Group LLC to E. Cowfer, $169,900

N. 16th St., 918: Upscale Properties LLC to G. & G. Belfort, $235,000

N. 16th St., 1208: HLI Properties PA LLC to M. Blank, $165,000

N. 20th St., 20 & 22: ILL Holdings to DKH Homes LLC, $160,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 507: X. Samuel to R. Cohen, $160,000

Penn St., 1204: S. Kirkpatrick & C. Rowe to S. Sircar, $255,000

Penn St., 1317: D. Reinhart to M. James, $170,000

Pennwood Rd., 3137: H. Benner to D. Benford, $178,900

Regina St., 1446: R. Brown to J. Monegro, $215,000

Ross St., 622: Peart Investment Partners LLC to Y. Morgan, $57,500

Rudy Rd., 2101 & 2107: Bomadeck Home Care Services LLC to J. Dobson & D. Kimble, $230,000

Rumson Dr., 273: A. McGraw to G. & M. Romero, $150,000

Sassafras St., 205: C. Perry to J. Muskovitz, $157,500

Schuylkill St., 526: Sangrey Properties LLC to 526 Schuylkill St. LLC, $600,000

Seneca St., 601: Ultra Renovations & Investments Inc. to C. & S. Amalinze, $167,000

Showers St., 716: L. Kraynak to R. Keener, $225,000

S. 14th St., 230: Lorfax 1 LLC to M. Cade, $130,000

S. 14th St., 447: Gary Neff & City Limits Realty to B. & A. Muzirwa, $68,500

S. 15th St., 316: Cooperwink LLC to HSP Real Estate LLC, $70,000

S. 18th St., 14: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to L. & R. Newswanger, $169,000

S. 18th St., 23: Val de Vie Estate Investments LLC to E. Applyrs, $145,000

S. 19th St., 260: CRS Housing LLC to P. Falisiewicz, $147,000

S. 24th St., 628: Central PA Buyers LLC to J. Barrios, $158,000

State St., 202: WCI Partners LP to D. & L. Butcher, $465,000

State St., 1304 & 1308: R. & L. Goldberg to AAA Bouslama Property LLC, $208,000

State St., 1624: WLW Holdings LLC to B. Smith, $60,000

State St., 1920: O. & R Bower to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $56,500

State St., 1922: O. & R Bower to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $56,500

Summit St., 30: R. & D. Waibel to B. Uppalapati & S. Adusumilli, $55,000

Susquehanna St., 2006: PD Estate Properties LLC to M. Parker & B. Burke, $60,000

Swatara St., 2051: K. McClain Jr. to K. McClain, $135,000

Thompson St., 1540: A. Reid to G. & S. Rodriguez, $75,000

Walnut St., 1702: D&F Realty Holdings LP to P. Peguero & M. Smith, $132,000

Wiconisco St., 610: R. & D. Requa to MAT Holdings LLC, $70,000

Wiconisco St., 612: R. & D. Requa to MAT Holdings LLC, $80,000

Wiconisco St., 614: R. & D. Requa to MAT Holdings LLC, $80,000

Wiconisco St., 616: Dauphin County Technical School to Brethren Housing Association, $145,000

Woodbine St., 334: R. Kumar to A. Troyer, $120,000

Harrisburg property sales, greater than $50,000, June 2024. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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Burg Review: Orville Peck ‘saddles up and rides’ at Riverfront Park

July 29, 2024 | by Kawena Jacobs

Orville Peck performs in Riverfront Park (photo: Skye Leppo)

Sure-footed showman and 1970s-country disciple Orville Peck gave concertgoers a night full of unbridled energy and authenticity on Sunday.

The concert, a continuation of Harrisburg University’s Summer Concert Series in Riverfront Park, included a lineup with two openers preceding Peck.

First was LA-based artist Gold Star, whose mix of time-honored country rock and fresh indie provided a solid warm-up for the crowd. For only having a bassist and drummer to back up the musician and his guitar, the sound did not lack size or enthusiasm. Gold Star’s sonic sweet spot and the set’s closer was his January single “Wild Boys,” his nostalgic ode to a rowdy childhood.

Next up, with a band donning various kinds of animal print shirts, was the effortlessly cool Jaime Wyatt. From her pastel pink get-up to her deep, warm tone that invoked artists of years gone by, she oozed star potential. I would not be surprised if Wyatt found herself back at Riverfront Park in a year or two as the headline act.

Jaime Wyatt (photo: Skye Leppo)

For the time being, though, she and her band were all smiles for what she said was their first night on Peck’s tour. They looked and sounded best when they got lost in the groove—the band tossing riffs back and forth, Wyatt strutting around the stage and belting it out to her songs like “Back To The Country” and “Love Is A Place.” If you’re a fan of earnest lyricism and smart outlaw country, I recommend you keep her on your radar.

The crowd grew bigger throughout the two opening sets, with many fans wearing replica masks like Peck’s—long, leather or rhinestone tassels hanging from the bottom—while others opted for glittery cowboy hats and boots.

Everything lent itself to an electric environment by the time Peck graced the stage. His set began with the mysterious and sultry “Big Sky,” a tale of wandering and woeful past relationships. “Turn to Hate” followed, which upped the tempo and lit a fire under Peck, who tapped a crash cymbal with the heel of his boot as he ran by the drum kit.

Hearing Peck’s rumbling, low voice in recordings does not compare to the shock of hearing it live, nor the delight each time he added grit for the dramatic effect. Between that and his infectious spirit, I was hooked in just two songs.

What really sealed the deal for me was “How Far Will We Take It?” in which he featured his background singer Emily Rose, singing in place of Noah Cyrus who sings on the recording. The country ballad was tender and warm, their tight harmonies punctuated by bending steel guitar notes and ringing toms. Whether the song is lively or soft, Peck has the chops.

His signature cowboy aesthetics were fun and flashy in performance, but they also acted as a vessel for his exploration of the queer experience. Peck is openly gay, an identity that has not historically been welcomed in country music, yet his best songs showcased why they really should go hand-in-hand.

Orville Peck (photo: Skye Leppo)

For instance, “Dead of Night,” which stretched Peck to both ends of his vocal range as he sang of longing for a lost love, or his and Willie Nelson’s cover of “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other.” Before doing the song solo, Peck pointed to the wings and jokingly began to introduce Nelson, one of the many crowd interactions he laced into his performance.

He also had several “rose ceremonies,” in which he gave roses to audience members, and even dedicated his song “Drive Me, Crazy” to a truck driver in the audience named Jim. In between songs, he cracked several jokes, but also opened up about his mental health as it related to his songwriting and the cancellation of his tour last year.

Most important were his three rules for those who attend his concerts: sing every song even if you don’t know the words, dance if you are able to, and cry if you need to cry. All this considered, it’s no wonder he’s developed a cult-following—and I just might be joining.

SET LIST

Big Sky
Turn to Hate
Roses Are Falling
The Hurtin’ Kind
C’mon Baby, Cry
No Glory In The West
Hexie Mountains
How Far Will We Take It?
Conquer the Heart
Drive Me, Crazy
Blush
The Curse of the Blackened Eye
Lafayette
Any Turn
Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other
Outta Time
Kalahari Down
Dead of Night
Daytona Sand

ENCORE: Bronco

For more information on Harrisburg University Presents and upcoming shows, visit their website.

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Back to school supplies drive to benefit Harrisburg area students

July 29, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Officials with Renewal by Andersen, All You Can Inc. and local students.

As the school year approaches, local families in need can find peace of mind about school supplies shopping.

“Back 2 School Drive 4 Success,” run by Renewal by Andersen and Harrisburg-based All You Can Inc., is currently accepting donations of school supplies for students in need.

The drive will be open for donations of school supplies, gift cards and checks from now until August 9. Donations can be dropped off at Renewal by Andersen’s Mechanicsburg Showroom at 4856 Carlisle Pike during business hours, Monday through Saturday, or ordered online and shipped directly to their address.

“By furnishing these basic school supplies, all of us better prepare these students for a positive start to their school year,” said Renewal by Andersen Central PA Owner Joe Zisman, in a statement.

The items collected in the drive will be given to students currently being served by All You Can Inc., a local nonprofit whose mission is to provide basic needs assistance and emergency resources to at-risk families in the Harrisburg area.

“We are extremely grateful to Renewal by Andersen for continuing to empower our youth,” said Ralph Rodriguez, president of All You Can Inc. “We are asking Central PA to also join us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families who struggle to provide these back-to-school essentials.”

As inflation has driven up the cost of daily living, buying back-to-school supplies puts even more strain on families living in poverty, Renewal by Andersen officials stated in a press release. Studies show that having their own school supplies tends to improve students’ grades, creativity, attitudes towards learning, behavior, peer relationships and self-image, the company stated.

“Many families struggle with the cost of food and in paying their household bills so sadly are unable to afford school supplies,” said Linda Johnston, chief culture officer at Renewal by Andersen of Central PA. “Our Renewal team is happy to assist these students and families by equipping them with essential educational supplies to set them up for a successful start to the school year while showing them we care.”

To view a list of supplies needed, visit Back 2 School Drive 4 Success’s Amazon gift list. To learn more about All You Can, Inc., visit their Facebook page.

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National Night Out will return to City Island with food, games and community building

July 29, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

National Night Out 2023. Photo courtesy of the City of Harrisburg.

Next week, first responders and the community get a chance to eat, play and have fun together.

The city’s annual National Night Out, hosted by the Harrisburg Police Bureau, will take place on City Island on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

National Night Out block parties take place annually across the country on the first Tuesday of August. Last year was Harrisburg’s first time holding the event on City Island, and thousands of residents attended, according to the city.

“We had such a great turnout last year, so we thought, let’s do it again, and make it better,” Harrisburg Police Captain Russell Winder said. “Now, people have heard about it, and if they didn’t get a chance to experience it, now they can take advantage of it.”

Police officers, firefighters and EMTs will participate in National Night Out, which will include family-friendly activities and games, food and music. There will also be over 50 nonprofit organizations onsite to provide information and resources.

Ten food vendors, including food trucks, will serve up bites in the Harrisburg Beach Club and in the Harrisburg Senators VIP parking lot area. Representatives with the Salvation Army will man the grill, and additional offerings include tacos, empanadas and Farm Show milkshakes. Additionally, Blue Bear BBQ, a food truck operated by Harrisburg Police Officer Wesley Feduke, will be onsite.

“This will be the most diverse offering of foods we’ve ever had for National Night Out,” Winder said.

Attendees can board the City Island Railroad, which will make stops at its main station, outside Water Golf and the old arcade building to help people travel around the island. The City Island Carousel is also expected to be running on National Night Out.

Near the carousel, the police K9 division will offer demonstrations with police dogs, and a helicopter will land on the soccer field around 6 p.m. for tours. The Harrisburg Fire Bureau will also offer opportunities to hop in a truck’s bucket, along Championship Way outside the FNB Field third baseline.

Harrisburg police will make a splash at a dunk tank. Community members can take a chance at dunking Deputy Police Chief Kenny Young and other officers. Kids can also enjoy free face painting, balloons and entertainment from a magician.

For live music offerings, jazz performers will play by the island’s east end overlook deck. Additionally, the Harrisburg Cougars Cheerleaders will perform cheers along the festival route.

Participants can get a move on at a new jazzercise class in the pavilion between the carousel and FNB Field. Former Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Colonel Kristal Turner-Childs, the first Black woman in the department to attain the rank, will teach the class.

The north side of City Island, along Riverside Drive and Championship Way, will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event, although cyclists are welcome to bike throughout the island.

Free parking will be available in both north and south parking lots, with sections for handicap parking and golf carts to transport those who need assistance.

Capital Area Transit, a service of Rabbit Transit, will provide free bus service on city routes from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A shuttle at the Market Square Transfer Center will take people across the river.

For more information on National Night Out, visit the city’s website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 26, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Downtown Daily Bread and local officials cut the ribbon on the center’s new food pantry.

What’s your weekend vibe? Shopping local businesses? Visiting your favorite restaurants? Taking a riverfront walk? Reading your favorite local magazine? We hope it’s all of the above! Whatever your plans, make sure to first catch up on this week’s news, below.

Animal advocate Essie Petrovich has spearheaded an initiative to spread the animal welfare message of spaying and neutering, our magazine story reported. Petrovich created a spay/neuter license plate that the public can purchase to benefit the cause.

Cleve J. Fredricksen Library’s “Read to Dogs” program allows kids to read to furry listeners, helping them become more confident in their skills. In our magazine story, hear what participants have to say about the benefits of the program.

Dog Safety is an important lesson to teach kids. In our magazine story, find tips and tricks for introducing kids to dogs that will keep everyone safe, smiling and tail wagging.

Downtown Daily Bread cut the ribbon on its new Renewed Hope Food Pantry in its Harrisburg facility, our online story reported. The pantry will serve clients who may not feel comfortable coming into the center for hot meals, but need grocery assistance.

Fireworks at Harrisburg’s Labor Day weekend Kipona Festival are canceled, the city shared this week, our story reported. Mayor Wanda Williams said that she would halt the display in light of incidents involving guns at previous city firework displays.

Harrisburg is seeking expressions of interest for architectural and engineering services for the market’s brick building rebuild, our online story reported. The city plans soon to open the request for proposals (RFP) process, which will be by invite-only.

The Information Technology Bureau in Harrisburg completed a critical piece of its years-long IT upgrade, our online story reported. The new protections put in place will help defend the city’s data against cyber attacks and allow operations to be maintained if city hall ever shuts down during an emergency.

Mecum Harrisburg’s collector car auction returned to the PA Farm Show Complex, starting on Wednesday and running through Saturday, our online story reported.

The Paris Olympic Games begin on Friday. While you may not be able to make it to Paris, there are still many options to get a taste of French cuisine locally. Find some recommendations, here.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup gives you plenty of suggestions for how to have fun in and around Harrisburg.

UPMC and Penn State College of Medicine launched a “Health to Go” vending machine outside its emergency department, our online story reported. The machine, one of the first of its kind in the state, offers 24/7 access to free items like naloxone, pregnancy tests and personal care items.

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Let the Games Begin: Local French businesses highlight 2024 Olympics in Paris

July 26, 2024 | by Sylvia Grove

Chef de Crêpe is decked out for the start of the Olympic Games, including its featured, “White Chocolate Cheesecake” milkshake, on the right.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will take place from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 11, featuring over 10,000 athletes and 1.8 million international visitors. For a taste of Paris without the plane ticket, check out the following regional eateries with a passion for filling your plate with global flavors.

Bistro Barbaret & Bakery
26 E. King St., Lancaster
(717) 690-2354
https://barberetlancasterpa.com/

Bistro Barbaret & Bakery is located in downtown Lancaster, run by the award-winning French pastry chef Cédric Barbaret and his wife Estelle. The bakery features classic French macarons and pastries – such as the coffee-and-chocolate layered “L’opéra” cake – alongside Pennsylvania-inspired desserts, including the “Snickers” made with peanut butter mousse, salted caramel and a hazelnut dacquoise.

For a quick meal, grab any number of the bakery’s ready-made baguettes, sandwiches, salads or quiches. For a heartier option, schedule brunch, lunch or dinner in the bistro, where classic French appetizers like escargots (snails) and Lyonnaise quenelles cozy up with entrées like mussels, steak-frites, and bouillabaisse fish stews (weekends only). Bon appétit!

Chef de Crêpe
2017 Market St., Camp Hill
(717) 603-3821
https://chefdecrepes.com/

Inspired by the Chaverez family’s passion for study and travel in Europe, Chef de Crêpe serves up sweet and savory crêpes with fun American twists alongside French-themed burgers, salads, sandwiches and coffee. For the best of Pennsylvania and France, order the Philly steak crêpe with angus beef and sautéed mushrooms and finish with the seasonal peach cobbler crêpe with dulce de leche and a shortbread crumble.

For the Olympics (known in French as “les Jeux Olympiques”), the restaurant will be featuring themed stuffed croissants on Saturdays starting July 27, and a towering “White Chocolate Cheesecake” milkshake topped with a French flag sugar cookie.

Mandros Imported Foods
351 N. Charlotte St., Lancaster
(717) 397-8926
www.mandrosimportedfoods.net/

Mandros Imported Foods offers one of the region’s best and fairly priced selections of international treats, including a rich selection of Greek olive oils, Italian pastas and barrel feta. For a taste of France, look for jars of zippy mustard from Dijon, jam from the Pyrennées mountains near Spain, and paper-wrapped packets of golden-hued Isigny Ste. Mère butter. Ask for French cheese advice at the counter at the far end of the store, where brothers Bill and Dino will guide you from triple crème brie to lacy blue Roquefort and everything in between.

Au Bon Lieu
110 Rear W. Chocolate Ave,, Hershey
Strawberry Square, 1 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
https://aubonlieu.com/

You may have to drive past the entrance once before you find it, but this small crêperie behind the Knock Knock Boutique on West Chocolate Avenue has been a Hershey staple for 10 years. Serving a focused menu that includes French-pressed coffee and light salads, Au Bon Lieu’s savory crêpes prize Mediterranean ingredients like pesto, olives and mozzarella. Their dessert crêpes feature Belgian chocolate, homemade caramel, and fresh fruit. Can’t get to Hershey? Visit the Strawberry Square location in Harrisburg instead. At either location, mention the 2024 Olympics Games and receive a free Classic Crêpe – flavors include the iconic French combination of butter and lemon – on the house.

Frédéric Loraschi Chocolate
4615 Hillcrest St., Harrisburg
www.fredericloraschichocolate.com/

Owner Frédéric Loraschi has been crafting artisanal chocolates and single-origin bars in the Harrisburg area since 2005. Only recently has he added an exceptional array of French viennoiseries, like croissants or pain au chocolat, on Saturdays. Visit his sleek boutique off of Jonestown Road for rich ice cream sold by the pint, luxury hot chocolate and classic truffles, caramels, macarons and pâté de fruits. For your Olympic watch party, order a decadent Banoffee (feeds 6-8) with coconut, caramelized bananas and passionfruit cream. If you’re not one for tropical fruits, consider the “Blueberry Cloud” cake featuring toasted almonds, a moist vanilla sponge, and white chocolate mousse. Either cake will be likely to convince you that French baking merits its own Olympic category.

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Harrisburg health vending machine offers free naloxone, personal care items, anonymously

July 25, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Dr. Alice Zhang of Penn State College of Medicine demonstrated the new “Health to Go” vending machine at UPMC Harrisburg.

A new device at UPMC Harrisburg brings healthcare to the community in a unique grab-and-go format.

UPMC and Penn State College of Medicine officially launched a “Health to Go” vending machine, one of the first of its kind in the state, outside its emergency department.

The vending machine, an interactive, touch-screen device, allows 24/7 access to free health items such as naloxone, fentanyl test strips, wound care kits, personal care items and pregnancy tests, among other items.

The machine is one of two smart devices of its kind in the commonwealth, which Penn State has deployed, according to officials. Another is located in Reading, and one will soon be stationed in Millersburg.

Penn State officials shared that the project has been in the works for years, but the need for he vending machine became even greater during COVID and as overdose deaths increased.

“There was a need for low-barrier access to naloxone and other life-saving items, and then it grew to include other health items because we really want to include other items to reduce the stigma of naloxone and substance use,” said Dr. Alice Zhang, co-lead investigator and assistant professor of Family and Community Medicine at Penn State. “The whole goal and point is to help the community and meet them where they’re at.”

“Health to Go” vending machine

Products in the vending machine are completely free and can be accessed by anyone, anonymously. All that is required is to create a username, using a birth year, a color and an animal.

Penn State and UPMC deployed the machine outside its emergency department over a month ago. In the first month, over 100 people accessed more than 500 items, including about 200 hygiene kits, 150 safer sex kits, 75 wound care kits and 60 naloxone kits.

“You are seeing a lot of issues with opiate misuse disorder,” said Dr. Anthony Guarracino, chair of emergency medicine at UPMC Harrisburg. “In addition, Harrisburg does have a prominent homeless population […] so meeting those needs this way, relatively simply, at no cost to the individual using it to meet some of those needs […] it was just a no brainer to partner with Penn State.”

Additionally, the vending machine includes a list of local service providers that offer food, housing and social services, with information on how to contact them.

UPMC and Penn State will also track information about what items are being taken and at what time of day, and when items need to be restocked.

Guarracino explained that, currently, if someone needs naloxone or a sexual health item, for example, they would have to go to a pharmacy, which may be difficult for those with financial or transportation barriers. This initiative removes those barriers and stigmas associated with accessing them, he said.

“This removes the stigma, and also I think it provides the individual with a sense of independence, they can come and obtain the resources they need at any time, in a private manner,” he said.

The vending machine is funded by Penn State, UPMC and Dauphin County.

UPMC Harrisburg is located at 111 S. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information about the “Health to Go” vending machine, click here.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

July 25, 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: Check out jazz harpist (!) at Mt. Gretna Playhouse on Saturday. Details + tix here. Worth noting: HU Presents 2024 Summer Concert Series continues with Black Pumas (Thurs) and Orville Peck (Sun); SoMa Block party tonight! Pride events! Things on my agenda this weekend: see above

For your weekend planning

July SoMa Block Party is TONIGHT!
Black Pumas in Riverfront Park TONIGHT!
Jazz harpist Brandee Younger in Mt. Gretna on Saturday
Orville Peck in Riverfront Park Sunday!
Register TODAY for the 2nd annual Project Senior Golf Tournament
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

We just added the SoMa Christmas Market to the event calendar
Join me for this (FREE!) dinner with Chef Corrie
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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Harrisburg cancels fireworks show at Kipona festival, officials work on safety plan

July 24, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Fireworks over the Susquehanna River

Harrisburg’s end-of-summer festival will not include its traditional fireworks show this year.

Mayor Wanda Williams announced on Wednesday that the city would cancel fireworks at the Kipona festival over Labor Day weekend, in light of incidents involving guns at previous city firework displays.

Earlier this month, Harrisburg’s July 4th fireworks show was halted early due to police spotting and apprehending several people carrying guns, many of whom ran from officers. During July 4^th fireworks in 2022, hundreds of spectators fled Riverfront Park after someone in the crowd yelled “gun,” although there was no shooting.

“The City of Harrisburg prides itself on providing family-friendly events multiple times a year,” Williams said, in a statement. “These events provide affordable fun while providing a boost to the local economy. However, after serious incidents during the fireworks displays at two of the last three July 4th shows, we realize we need to make this portion of the event safer.”

There will not be a drone show either.

In her statement, Williams said that she hopes the fireworks cancelation will not be a permanent decision, but a temporary break as Police Commissioner Tom Carter works to develop a new safety plan for fireworks shows.

Officials will also consider if fireworks should be part of the plan at all, she said.

“This is a chance to reimagine event programming,” she said. “We will not let a few bad apples ruin these opportunities for Harrisburg to come together.”

Harrisburg’s Kipona Festival will run from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 and feature a family fun zone, multicultural celebration, Native American pow-wow, live music, food trucks and more.

For more information about Kipona, visit the city’s website.

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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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