New program will offer free rides to local bar patrons, aims to deter drunken driving

July 2, 2024 | by Kawena Jacobs

(From left) Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Steve Deck, Harrisburg Police Deputy Chief Kenneth Young, and Commute PA Executive Director Matt Boyer at the “Sober Ride Home” press event.

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

The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC) announced at a press conference on Tuesday the launch of its pilot program “Sober Ride Home,” which aims to lessen 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 cost 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?”

Project planning included efforts from the TCRPC, the Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS), traffic reduction-focused nonprofit Commute PA, and a roughly $300,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The grant will cover the full costs of operation, including the vouchers.

The Harrisburg Bureau of Police also supports the program, according to Deputy Chief Kenneth Young.

“This proposal, it’s an excellent idea,” Young said. “I’ve worked in the traffic unit for 15 of the 24 years I’ve been here, investigated fatal accidents, minor accidents. Anything we can do to bring those numbers down, we welcome that.”

To get their start, Deck said they intend to do outreach, such as tabling, placing posters in bars and restaurants and potentially online advertising. Commute PA Executive Director Matt Boyer encouraged any interested restaurants or establishments that serve alcohol and have an interest in the program to contact TCRPC.

“I’m looking forward to [trying] to make some positive impact on the Harrisburg area through this program,” Boyer said.

For more information, visit the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission’s website.

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The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg opens new fitness center to the community

July 2, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

The Symons Family Fitness Center. Photo by Michael Yatsko Photography.

A new gym in Harrisburg offers something for everyone.

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

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg moved into the Alexander Grass Campus at 2986 N. 2nd St. in October 2023 and has been expanding its services at this location ever since. The federation’s former location on N. Front St. included a fitness center, which inspired the organization to update the new campus with the same amenity, according to federation officials.

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.

“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 Symons Family Fitness Center. Photo by Michael Yatsko Photography.

The gym, which opened on Monday, 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.

The fitness center also offers programs for specific target groups, such as classes for young children, seniors and people with Parkinson’s.

“Within these walls, we have everything you need to reach your health and wellness goals, regardless of age or ability,” said Susannah Gillespie, newly-appointed health and wellness director. “But this fitness center is more than just weights and treadmills – it’s a place to build friendships, to challenge yourself and to find support in your wellness journey.”

The gym was named in honor of Adam Symons, who passed away in 2009, and his father Stephen Symons, who passed away at the end of 2023. Adam and Stephen, active members of the Jewish community in Harrisburg, were both avid fitness and wellness enthusiasts.

“Having a space that will always be connected to their name felt really exciting,” Smith said. “It’s a space that Adam’s mother stepped into and said, ‘this is a space Adam would have loved.’ It’s a new chapter for Harrisburg in a way that honors the past while figuring out what the future looks like.”

For more information about the gym’s amenities and membership packages, visit The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg’s website.

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Hold the Hurt: 4 Ways to Help Employees with Chronic Pain

July 2, 2024 | by THINK Capital Blue Cross

Its causes are too numerous to list. It can cripple a person’s body, state of mind, bank account, quality of life and job productivity.

It’s chronic pain, and in so many ways it’s the hurt that keeps on hurting.

“Chronic pain’s causes are truly limitless,” said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Capital Blue Cross Chief Medical Officer. “The cause could be orthopedic, neurologic, or even cancer. But whatever triggers it, chronic pain takes a huge toll, and not just on the body. Coping with the challenges that come with constant pain mean its harm can often extend to people’s mental and financial health.”

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that those with chronic pain are four times likelier to suffer from depression or anxiety. And according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, people with chronic pain carry twice the suicide risk.

Then there’s the pocketbook pain. Research published by the NIH concludes that people suffering from severe pain spend $7,726 a year – or $644 per month – more than people without pain.

Chronic Pain’s Many Costs

Those extra bills aren’t limited to an unfortunate few; chronic pain afflicts nearly 52 million American adults, according to the U.S. Pain Foundation. And the NIH says insufficient or unnecessary efforts to mitigate that pain account for more than half of the country’s wasted healthcare dollars.

All of which makes for bad math for U.S. businesses: The Journal of the American Medical Association calculates an annual hit to the U.S. economy that easily exceeds a half-trillion dollars.

Given the sizable swath of the workforce with chronic pain, it’s likely impacting someone at your company, which means your healthcare spend – and bottom line – is also suffering.

Contain the Pain

But employers may be able to help by considering these options:

Offer flexibility: Many suffer spans where their chronic pain is more intense. Allowing remote work or flexible hours during those spans can make employees feel supported.
Urge employees to take their regular breaks: Encouraging employees with chronic pain to listen to their bodies and take time to pause can help them recharge when the hurt is at its worst.
Educate: We often cannot see what causes chronic pain, and the pain itself is invisible. So some employees may struggle to fully understand its impact on their coworkers. Educating your staff about chronic pain can help reduce stigma.
Offer health plan options: This begins with a health insurance plan flexible enough to offer a variety of coverages and approaches to address an employee’s specific chronic pain.

Capital Blue Cross offers many members with chronic pain:

network specialists that can help determine treatment recommendations;
comprehensive pain-management program arrangements with respected regional providers;
coverage of many prescription medications to manage the pain; and
help in navigating a variety of available resources, such as transportation assistance.

“The key to managing chronic pain is identifying its true cause, and then navigating through what can be a confusing maze of care options toward the treatment that best suits the individual,” said Kathy Wolfe, Capital Blue Cross Senior Director of Care Management. “And that’s precisely what we help our members do here at Capital.”

THINK (Trusted Health Information, News, and Knowledge) is a community publication of Capital Blue Cross. Our mission is to provide education, resources, and news on the latest health and insurance issues.

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities announces new president and CEO

July 2, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Jennifer Doyle

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has announced a new top official, following nearly three decades under the same leadership.

Jennifer Doyle, who has worked for the organization in several roles, will take over as the new president and chief executive officer for TFEC.

Doyle fills the position left open by former CEO Janice Black, who retired in January after 29 years in the role.

TFEC, a regional nonprofit organization, works to manage charitable funds, assets and investments and strengthen local communities.

Doyle has been serving as interim president and CEO of TFEC since early 2024. She previously held various roles during her 15 years at TFEC, including vice president of philanthropy and community investment.

“I am deeply committed to TFEC’s mission of inspiring giving and partnering with donors to achieve their charitable goals,” Doyle said. “Our focus on strengthening local communities by investing in them now and for future generations is more important than ever, and I look forward to actively pushing forward our mission to make a lasting impact.”

Doyle holds a master’s degree in health administration, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology and an associate’s degree in business management.

She has previously served in leadership roles at Goodwill Industries Keystone Area and Northwestern Human Services and volunteers with several organizations, including Speranza Animal Rescue and West Shore Wildlife Center.

For more information about TFEC, visit their website.

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Harrisburg Police Bureau officers sworn-in, honored at annual awards ceremony

July 1, 2024 | by Kawena Jacobs

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams swore in four new police officers at a ceremony on Monday.

Harrisburg gained several new police officers and recognized others for their efforts of bravery at a ceremony.

The Harrisburg Bureau of Police held its annual new hire swearing-in and awards ceremony Monday at Whitaker Center. Eleven awards were presented, along with the honoring of a retiree and the swearing-in of four new officers.

Mayor Wanda Williams swore in cadets William Cartwright, Rebekah Chrisman, Yulmi Garcia-Lorenzo and Gurleen Grewal, all of whom will undergo six months of police academy training at Harrisburg Area Community College.

With the new hires, the bureau now has a complement of 140 sworn-in officers.

Additionally, bureau officers received awards on merit, bravery, valor and lifesaving efforts, and units were honored through distinguished unit citations.

“I thank you for your undying love for the city,” Police Commissioner Thomas Carter said. “Without you, our city would be suffering.”

One award commended a long list of officers for their collective work on an armed hostage situation involving children. Williams encouraged the audience to give the group a standing ovation, referring to the case as an example of how policing “takes a village,” which she stated in her opening address.

Detective Dennis Simmons, an officer since 2005 and the orchestrator of hundreds of successful narcotics investigations, was awarded Officer of the Year.

Police officers were awarded at Monday’s ceremony.

The following awards were presented by the police bureau:

Award 1: Domestic with Shots Fired
- Merit: Officers Sethton Wiest and Brendan Kovach
- Distinguished Unit Citation: Officers Brian Stright, Erik Henry, Corey Masse and Garrett Miller

Award 2: Armed Burglary with 3 Suspects
- Distinguished Unit Citation: Detective John Rosinski, Lt. Scott Johnsen and officers Cody Geier, Timothy Cheng, Nicholas Herbster, Marc Hall, Martise Scott and K-9 officer Eddie

Award 3: Armed Suspect with Child Hostage
- Bravery: Dauphin County Probation Officers James Robbins and Cale Hoover
- Valor: From Dauphin County Crisis Response Team (DCCRT), Sgt. Alex Wagner, Deputy Director AJ Somma and officers Pat Walsh, Shayne Barber, John Miller and Anthony Glass
- Distinguished Unit Citation: Harrisburg Police Bureau’s Street Crimes Unit, Uniformed Patrol Division (UPD) 2^nd Platoon and Criminal Investigation Division, and Pennsylvania State Police, Dauphin County Crisis Response Team, Pennsylvania State Parole, Dauphin County Probation

Award 4: Mental Health Violence
- Merit: Cynthia Kreiser

Award 5: Suicidal Male on 83 Overpass
- Lifesaving: Sgt. Tony Elliott and officers Nicholas Herbster, Cody Geier and Jarrod Haar, and Dauphin County Co-Responder Jorge Collazo-Gonzalez

Award 6: Gunshot Victim
- Lifesaving: Officers Timothy Cheng, Haden Landis, Christian Ribec, Caleb Tanner and Edgar Taylor

Award 7: Aggravated Assault Victim
- Lifesaving: Schuyler Glotfelty

Award 8: Unresponsive Child
- Lifesaving: Officers Nathan Ishman and John Doll

Award 9: Shots Fired at Officers
- Bravery: Detective Michael Rudy, Sgt. Matthew Novchich, Cpl. Travis Banning and officers Marc Hall, Steven Gray and Christopher Palamara

Award 10: Shots Fired
- Bravery: Cpl. Esteban Restrepo and officers Timothy Cheng, Haden Landis and Michael Fischer

Though not in attendance at the ceremony, the bureau also honored Officer Robert Fleagle who retired in May after 24 years of service.

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Broad Street Market tent name to be decided by community, five options up for a vote

July 1, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

The Broad Street Market tent structure

It’s the community’s turn to make its voice heard in the naming of the Broad Street Market’s temporary structure.

The tent-like structure opened in May as a place to house a few vendors displaced by a fire in the market’s brick building in July 2023, as well as a few new vendors.

The market announced in May that it would take community suggestions of names for the tent. Since then, community members submitted names, which were then voted on and narrowed down by a panel of judges, made up of market officials and friends. Now, voting is back in the community’s hands.

Voters can choose between five names: “Tenty McTentface,” “Tent to Table,” “Little Broad Street Market,” “The Pavilion” and “The Farmer’s Phoenix.”

Voting is open from now through July 6. To cast a vote, people can visit the Broad Street Market tent’s merchandise stand, where they can make a cash donation towards their favorite name, with one dollar equalling one vote.

The panel will announce the winning tent name at a market board meeting on July 10, which will mark the one-year anniversary of the fire.

For more information, visit the Broad Street Market’s website.

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Premier Arts and Science Charter School in Harrisburg will close

July 1, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Premier Arts and Science Charter School

A Harrisburg charter school will soon close.

Premier Arts and Science Charter School in Allison Hill announced that it will not reopen for the 2024-25 school year, opting to not oppose charter non-renewal proceedings issued by the Harrisburg School District.

In March, the district commenced proceedings to not renew the school’s charter, which was originally granted in 2013. During a renewal evaluation period, district officials found issues such as students underperforming academically, low staff retention and non-compliant programs, among others.

According to a statement by Premier’s president of its board of directors, Pamela Spencer, the board voted at a June 27 meeting to cease opposition to the proceedings and immediately begin its dissolution, or “winding down,” period.

“Due to the timing of the non-renewal proceedings, the board of directors determined that it would be in the best interest of our families to cease our opposition and assist them in finding a new school for the 2024-2025 school year,” Spencer’s statement said.

Under Pennsylvania Charter School Law, Premier must follow a “winding down” process. The school will create a transition team consisting of a representative from the administration, teaching faculty and support staff, a student transition team to assist families in finding new schools and a staff transition team to help staff find employment elsewhere.

Premier’s prior charter term expired in June 2023, but the school was legally allowed to continue operating while the district conducted its review.

This was the second time that the district initiated non-renewal proceedings against Premier, the first being in 2018. However, at that time the district reached an agreement with the school to renew its charter with certain conditions like transitioning from a K-5 school to K-3 school.

While the school begins the closure process, Premier’s office hours will remain the same for now. Additionally, its summer enrichment program and extended school year services (ESY) will continue as scheduled.

School officials will also work with internal and external resources to support students’ social-emotional health and wellness, according to Spencer’s statement.

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LGBT Center of Central PA appoints new executive director

July 1, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Amber Roadcap

The LGBT Center of Central PA has a new top official to lead its community-building work.

The Harisburg-based organization announced on Sunday that LGBTQ+ advocate Amber Roadcap will serve as its new executive director.

Roadcap will oversee services at the LGBT Center’s new location on N. Front Street in Harrisburg, which it cut the ribbon on in May. The center offers services such as support groups and housing programs to the LGBTQ+ community.

The new director replaces interim director Amanda Carter, who has served in the role since January, following the departure of director Amanda Arbour.

A longtime resident of Harrisburg, Roadcap brings leadership experience in mental health services and a background in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Most recently, she worked to develop an LGBTQ+ specific behavioral health program for southeastern Pennsylvania-based Malvern Health. Additionally, she has volunteered with other LGBTQ+ organizations, such as GLO Harrisburg, and as a volunteer substance use support group leader.

“I am both thrilled and deeply humbled to have the opportunity to lead this organization in its next phase of growth,” Roadcap said.

As executive director, she will oversee daily operations for the center, including settling into the new building and starting new programs.

“Amber Roadcap brings determination, empathy and a genuine sense of joy to her new role,” said Wallace McKelvey, co-chair of the center’s board. “She also has a long track record of advocating for LGBTQ+ people. We’re proud to welcome her to our team.”

The Center will host a welcome reception, open to the public, to celebrate its new home and new executive director from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 19, coinciding with Harrisburg’s Third in the Burg. The event will be held at the center’s facility at 1323 N. Front Street.

For more information, visit the LBGT Center of Central PA’s website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 28, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Fleet Foxes performed last weekend as part of Harrisburg University Presents’ Summer Concert Series in Riverfront Park.

Our July issue of the magazine came out this week with a special focus on our furry friends. Make sure you grab a copy and check out all of our pet features, as well as lots of summer and community stories. But first, find all of our news from the week, here.

Fleet Foxes performed in Riverfront Park last weekend as part of HU Presents’ summer music series. Our reviewer shares her thoughts on the concert, here.

Harrisburg School District passed its 2024-25 budget of $211.7 million this week, our online story reported. The budget does not include a property tax increase for city residents.

Harristown Enterprises announced that it would renovate 104 and 106 Walnut St., which have long been vacant, and transform them into four new apartments, our online story reported. The new units, called Charming on Walnut, will each include two bedrooms and two baths.

July Fourth festivities will take place in Harrisburg next week, featuring food trucks, music and fireworks, our online story reported. The city will also kick off its free July Music Series next week, with events throughout the month at Reservoir Park.

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis hosted a roundtable conversation to discuss gun violence, with local officials and community members commenting on the initiatives they’re taking to find solutions. Click here to read about the statewide and local grants and projects to address the issue.

Mt. Gretna’s Outdoor Art Show is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year with special programming throughout the summer, our magazine story reported. The outdoor art show itself will take place in August.

The Ned Smith Center has a full slate of summer concerts lined up with special activities to celebrate the 10^thanniversary of its DeSoto Amphitheater, our online story reported.

A park planned for a vacant, blighted lot in Allison Hill has garnered support from neighbors, along with some concern from city officials, our magazine story reported. Community members have joined with the city and nearby nonprofits to create the park, which will include native plants and rain gardens.

PennDOT announced that the 29^th Street bridge, spanning I-83, will close from the evening of July 8 through Nov. 12, 2025, as work is done to replace it. Read our online story to find detour information.

Our publisher introduces our July issue of the magazine in his Publisher’s Note. Read what he has to say about the pet-filled issue, here.

Purple Lizard maps are crawling with ideas on everything from a hiking or biking trail to a boat launch ramp to a picnic or campsite area. The maps offer a physical alternative to phone apps like Google Maps, our magazine story reported.

Sara Bozich has a list full of recommendations for ways to spend your weekend, here.

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Two Harrisburg locations to accept old, unwanted electronics in new recycling intiative

June 28, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

The Camp Curtin Y is one of two new drop-off points for e-waste.

Harrisburg-area residents soon will have a couple of new options to recycle unused and unwanted electronic items.

Ngozi’s Let’s Get Dirty!, the Bridge and Harrisburg Area Camp Curtin YMCA are partnering with Harrisburg-based Precision Recyclers to create two sites for the free disposal of end-of-life electronics.

“We are extremely excited about our new partnership with Precision Recyclers Inc.,” said Rafiyqa Muhammad, Camp Curtin YMCA’s Urban Ag coordinator. “This gives us an opportunity to educate our residents about e-waste, and the environmental impacts that this type of illegal dumping has on our community’s health, water, soil and air quality.”

On select dates from July through October, people can drop off their e-waste at the two locations of Markets on the Farm: The Bridge, 2200 Market St., Harrisburg, and the Camp Curtin YMCA garden on Jefferson Street, off of N. 6^th Street, Harrisburg.

The dates for The Bridge drop-off (2 to 6 p.m.):

July 14 & 28
Aug. 11 & 25
Sept. 8 & 22
Oct. 13 & 27

The dates for Camp Curtin Y drop-off (2 to 6 p.m.):

July 17 & 31
Aug. 14 & 28
Sept. 11 & 25
Oct. 16 & 30

The following types of items will be accepted:

Small household appliances
Computer equipment, including monitors
Consumer electronics, including televisions
Lamps and luminaires
Toys and tools
Medical devices
Monitoring and control instruments
Automatic dispensers

The Harrisburg School District receiver, Dr. Lori Suski, introduced Precision Recyclers to the partnering organizations, according to Cynthia Craig, Precision’s recycling coordinator and compliance officer.

“This is why we see this type of waste in our streets. We realize, in most cases, our residents may not have the ability to get to recycling centers or some may need a little education on proper disposal,” Craig said.

In addition to Precision Recyclers, the initiative is sponsored by GIANT, the PA Department of Agriculture and Clark Resources.

“When you come to Markets on the Farm, not only can you drop of your old or unused electronics, you can also support local vendors or become a vendor, enjoy families activities, purchase organically grown whole food, participate in workshop help us keep our city clean,” Muhammad said.

If you have any questions or would like to make a donation, please contact NGOZI c/o Rafiyqa Muhammad at [email protected] or 717-255-9739.

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