January News Digest

December 28, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Projects Proposed to Counter Homelessness

There soon may be several new housing options for Harrisburg’s homeless population.

A group of local residents is proposing a tiny home village on six acres along S. Front Street to provide housing for those experiencing homelessness.

Additionally, the city has confirmed that another, separate group has proposed a development for homeless veterans for the same area.

Both of these projects would be located along S. Front Street, near the PennDOT building, and would neighbor Veterans Grove, a tiny home village for homeless veterans under construction.

If approved and built, three housing developments serving the homeless would sit along a short stretch of S. Front Street.

A group of local residents shared that they are purchasing a plot of land just past the PennDOT building. The group has partnered with Missouri-based Eden Village, a nonprofit that has built tiny home communities nationally, for the project.

“What we are excited about is that we are providing what we believe is the ultimate solution, which is permanent housing,” said Jon Bomberger, who is involved with the project.

The village would include 25 to 30 400-square-foot, single occupancy homes and a community center for those experiencing homelessness. Mental health, recovery and other services would be offered on-site.

The group expects to break ground on the $3 to $4 million project in the summer, should it receive the necessary city approvals.

Also proposed for the riverfront, near PennDOT, is a project by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides support services to homeless veterans and first responders.

The organization is proposing a 50- to 60-unit apartment complex and support service center, along with 15 to 20 comfort homes, on an 8.5-acre parcel.

Utility Rates Rise

Harrisburg utility customers will see their rates rise in 2024, with the average bill increasing by about 5.2%.

In late November, the board of Capital Region Water (CRW) approved new water, sewer and stormwater rates, effective Jan. 1.

Under the new rate structure, the drinking water charge will increase 3%, from $10.34 to $10.65 per 1,000 gallons consumed.

The wastewater charge will rise 8%, from $9.24 to $9.98 per 1,000 gallons used.

The stormwater fee also will rise, the first increase for most residential customers since the fee was first imposed in 2020. It will increase by 10%, from $6.15 to $6.77 per month for the majority of Harrisburg residences.

According to CRW, the average monthly bill for households in Harrisburg will increase a total of $4.56 a month, from $87.75 to $92.31, in 2024. From 2022 to 2023, the average bill increased about $2.60.

County Taxes Steady in 2024 Budget

Dauphin County last month passed a 2024 budget that holds taxes steady.

The general fund budget totals nearly $220.6 million and, for the 19th year in a row, does not include a property tax increase.

“A lot of hard work and careful review has brought us to the point where we can maintain this impressive streak of 19 years without a tax increase,” said Mike Pries, chair of the county’s board of commissioners.

The property tax rate for county services remained at 6.88 mills, with a mill representing $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

The budget is an increase from last year’s budget of $218 million. It includes salary raises for all union contract employees with 2.95% increases for non-union employees.

About 50% of the budget is spent on salaries and benefits for employees, with the other half largely going to areas like service expenses, debt service and grants to organizations.

Crisis Center to Open

In Harrisburg, there will soon be a new place for those with behavioral health issues to receive help.

Dauphin County announced last month its plans to create a Connections Regional Crisis Walk-In Center to provide 24/7 assistance and resources.

The 15,000-square-foot center will be located on the first floor of a building at 1100 S. Cameron Street, which also houses the county’s Case Management Unit.

“We are recognizing that we are not able to meet the needs of our community successfully,” said Annie Strite, mental health/intellectual and developmental disabilities administrator and mental health director for the county. “We want to do an excellent job serving our community.”

According to Strite, the need for the center became evident to the county as the number of people struggling with mental health issues has continued to rise nationally and locally post-COVID.

The new center is a joint project among Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and will serve as a resource for the region. The project will cost $17.5 million and utilizes state and federal funding.

The county expects the center to open by the end of 2024.

The crisis center will function similarly to an emergency room where people can receive immediate assistance in a crisis, but will be dedicated to serving those with mental health and addiction issues. Anyone can walk in to the center at any time, regardless of their insurance status.

The center will offer a new peer counseling program for those struggling with a mental health issue or walking through the recovery process.

“People want to talk to somebody who has walked that walk and has that experience,” said Andrea Kepler, administrator of Dauphin County mental health/autism/developmental programs.

People will also be able to receive emergency medication prescriptions and access psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and case management personnel. The center will be operated by national mental health care provider Connections Health Solutions.

Homes Sales Down, Prices Steady

Harrisburg-area home sales declined but the median price rose slightly in November, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county area, 492 homes sold versus 616 in November 2022, as the median sales price inched up to $259,500 from $255,000, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 250 homes sold, 29 fewer than in the year-ago period as the median sales price rose to $235,000 from $219,000, said GHAR.

Cumberland County tallied 214 home sales versus 295 a year ago, while the median sales price totaled $302,000, compared to $300,000 in the prior November, GHAR stated.

In Perry County, 32 homes sold, a drop of six, as the median price dipped to $205,000 from $239,750 a year ago, according to GHAR.

For the month, the pace of sales slowed somewhat, as the “average days on market” clocked in at 22 days versus 17 in November 2022, GHAR said.

So Noted

Anthony L. Loscalzo, Esq., last month was named Of Counsel for SkarlatosZonarich. Loscalzo brings 40 years of legal experience to the Harrisburg-based firm, joining the Elder Law, Estate Administration and Estate Planning departments.

Daniel Youngs has been named the next chief executive officer for the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA). Youngs, the current chief financial officer, will replace Robert Zorbaugh, who plans to retire at the end of 2024 after a 35-year career with the authority.

JoJo’s Barbershop debuted last month at 11 S. 3rd St., one of a string of new businesses to open recently in downtown Harrisburg’s SoMa neighborhood. From the storefront, owner Johanna Martin offers washes and cuts to men, women and children, as well as specialty services including coloring, undercuts and hair design.

Organic Remedies, a Carlisle-based medical marijuana company, has donated $62,250 to the PA Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), money raised from its second annual golf tournament. Separately, it raised $20,000 to support the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, which serves breast cancer survivors and their families.

Thomas W. Ford is the new owner and supervisor of the Michael J. Shalonis Funeral Home & Cremation Services, located in Marysville. Ford has more than two decades of experience in the industry, having worked as a licensed funeral director and served as a supervisor for funeral homes in York, Lancaster and Dauphin counties.

Ward of Health is opening in downtown Harrisburg, offering plant-based meals at 221 N. 2nd St. Owner Craig Ward began his business with a stand in the Broad Street Market before making the move to the brick-and-mortar location.

William Habacivch last month was named the new executive director of Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, which is building a “tiny home village” in south Harrisburg to serve homeless veterans. Habacivch, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, replaces Jordan Ames, who left the post in August.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2471 & 2473: Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg to Picadillis Real Estate LLC, $165,000

Allison St., 1514: L. Moyer to J. Rivas, $175,000

Bigelow Dr., 13: R. Love to J. Stevenson, $105,000

Boas St., 429: B. & A. Malia to R. Beaston, $240,000

Briggs St., 1822: HBG Rents LLC to L. Guzman, $155,000

Briggs St., 1834: BCR-2 Properties LLC to S. & L. Bethea, $156,000

Cumberland St., 119: J. & L. Weigle to J. Michel, $182,700

Curtin St., 539: J. Brito to Tinhel LLC, $52,500

Emerald St., 328: Jhonleo Home Renovations LLC to A. Corporan, $199,900

Harris St., 213: Braxley Renovations LLC to H. Belcher & R. Pegus, $249,900

Herr St., 308: RSB Real Estate LLC to V. Arkoosh, $188,908

Hoffman St., 3234: K. Bateman to T Wy Enterprise LLC, $85,000

Hoffman St., 3242: Hancock Investments Associates LLC to B. Jarkow & R. Reuveni, $81,453

Holly St., 1851: Hoffman Properties LLC to S. de Sosa, $75,000

James St., 1321: PA Deals LLC to B. Meador, $129,950

Kelker St., 218: A. Czopek to T. Finlan & B. Burgos, $240,000

Kelker St., 624: D. Diep to D. Steltzer, $104,900

Kelker St., 628: S. Orr to Pink Dahlia LLC, $95,000

Maclay St., 332: D. Jolley to W. & M. Hyatt, $90,000

Market St., 1639: Evangelical Methodist Church to E. Puente, $68,000

Market St., 1912: SJL Rentals 2 LLC to 1912 Market LLC, $195,000

Market St., 2048: Dreamland Investors LLC to A. Ashraf, $125,000

Market St., 2201: M. Stanisic to Lugos Home Improvements LLC, $179,900

Melrose St., 912: C. Morton to T. Yun, $145,000

North St., 228: The Berlin Group to S. Salaam, $278,000

N. 2nd St., 1518: W. Sturges & M. Gallagher to N. Ngwane, $290,000

N. 2nd St., 2410: M. Richards to R. & D. Zampogna, $260,000

N. 2nd St., 3301: K. & K. Eshenaur to S. Ellison, $315,000

N. 3rd St., 1124: Keaton & Friends LLC to Phoenix North Third LLC, $505,000

N. 3rd St., 2209: J. Alvarado & I. Rodriguez to S. Nelson, J. Brunson & M. Saeed, $235,000

N. 3rd St., 3020: D. & K. Borelli to Calcor Holdings LLC, $139,920

N. 3rd St., 3031: C. Penn to D. Webster, $185,300

N. 4th St., 2249: M. & F Cruz to L. Roman, $110,000

N. 4th St., 3213: G. Erdman & S. Ukodie to C. Shoemaker & K. Anderson, $190,000

N. 6th St., 1520 & 1528 and 1525 N. 5th St. : Buonarroti Trust to Savoy Harrisburg LLC, $350,000

N. 6th St., 2017: Mahalo Mart LLC to 2017 North Sixth Street LLC, $1,700,000

N. 6th St., 2605: R2 Property Group LLC to Sky Resort Rentals LLC, $78,000

N. 6th St., 3211: D. Colardo to NDTPA Properties LLC, $125,000

N. 17th St., 700: J. Andia to O. Quispe, $70,000

N. 18th St., 34: C. Boyer to D. Boyle, $62,500

N. 19th St., 706: L. Murrell to F. Salcedo, $53,500

N. Front St., 2147: First Church of Christ Scientist to Sanctuary on the Susquehanna LLC, $315,000

N. Front St., 2411: NG Properties to 2411 N Front Street LLC, $475,000

Peffer St., 613: A. Oeun to Q. Phillips, $87,500

Penn St., 1422: A. Drotor to R. Nickel, $155,000

Penn St., 2140: J. Gaidos Investments LLC to Asteriaru LLC, $65,000

Radnor St., 100: Kait Brocious Group LLC to V. Bandell & M. Tipton, $235,000

Radnor St., 102: Angdupe2011 LLC to A. Witte, $221,000

Radnor St., 127: C. Bone to A. & A. Stidfole, $355,000

Regina St., 1446: C. McMullen to R. Brown, $150,000

Ross St., 614: JMA Home Renovations LLC to E. Tesfa, $58,700

Rudy Rd., 2302: J. Chen to J. Montgomery, $225,000

Rudy Rd., 2307: J. Klein to C. & M. Freeman, $170,000

Rudy Rd., 2474: C. Tran to S. To, $95,000

S. 20th St., 23: J. & C. Ludwick to E. & C. Thuma, $115,000

S. 23rd St., 1: Lewis Trust & C. Thomas to A. Burris & R. Banai, $285,000

S. Front St., 587: M. Robert to B. & A. Gockley, $259,900

Swatara St., 2319: BDS Property Group LLC to A. McPherson, $224,900

Swatara St., 2245: G. Anochie to BDS Property Group LLC, $105,000

Verbeke St., 114: Silverstone Enterprises LLC to B. Gebhart, $190,000

Walnut St., 1214: R. & D. Requa to J. Perez, $70,000

Walnut St., 1702½: D&F Realty Holdings LP to H. Peguero, $139,900

Wayne St., 1724: MB Hess Realty LLC to T. Middleton, $55,000

Wiconisco St., 411: J. Weale to M. Riley, $106,000

Wiconisco St., 524: S. Orr to H. Davis, $107,000

Wiconisco St., 566: W. Chisolm to M. Lemons & A. Meadath, $159,900

Wyeth St., 1406: PA Deals LLC to D. Morgan & P. Dorofeeva, $185,000

Zarker St., 1420: GBSM Enterprises LLC to Fernandez Landmark Realty LLC, $60,000

Harrisburg property sales, November 2023, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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Find My Friends: Harrisburg community members share tips for getting connected as a newbie to the city

December 28, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Kellen Haile (far right) at a YPOC event

When Kellen Haile moved to Harrisburg from Houston, where he lived for two years, it was a little disorienting.

“Coming from Houston, the fourth largest city, to Harrisburg, which was much, much smaller, was a bit of culture shock,” he said.

He wasn’t a stranger to Pennsylvania, as he had attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg for college. But when a job brought him to Harrisburg in 2021, the city was new to him.

Other than a college friend who lived in Mechanicsburg, Haile had no sense of community here, wasn’t familiar with the city, and didn’t have connections. On top of that, he made the move during the pandemic, which didn’t help him to get plugged in.

It took nearly six months for Haile to really start to feel comfortable in his new city, he said. And there were times during his first winter in Harrisburg that he felt isolated. But fast-forward to this winter, and Haile has a close group of friends, has joined several organizations and social groups, and feels like he belongs in Harrisburg.

Like Haile, lots of people have moved into the city in the past few years, whether for work, for the affordability, or because they just think Harrisburg looks like a great place to live. But moving to a new city can be challenging, and getting connected takes effort. Even for those who’ve lived in Harrisburg for years, making friends as an adult can be a challenge.

And while statistics on loneliness have decreased post-COVID, some reports still show that nearly a quarter of adults around the globe are experiencing loneliness.

The good news is, in Harrisburg, there are plenty of ways to get to know your neighbors, and others, who have already done it, have lots of tips to help out.

Common Goal

For Haile, an engineer at TE Connectivity’s Harrisburg office, one of the first logical places to start plugging in was at work. He joined the company’s young professionals group and the African heritage group for employees, both of which include social gatherings, community service and professional development.

“I knew from my previous job that these type of groups do help you get more connected socially, but also it’s a great place to network,” he said.

Around the same time, he also started attending events held by Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg (YPOC) and, this past year, became an official member. And if that wasn’t enough, he also connected with Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) and participated in their kickball league this past summer.

“Definitely moving here was kind of daunting and especially since it was in the midst of the pandemic,” Haile said. “After I started to meet more people and make more friends, I feel like I’m able to navigate the city better.”

Like Haile, Olivia Edwards-Rindfuss connected with HYP soon after moving to Harrisburg in 2017. She quickly started building relationships that she’s maintained to this day.

“You can spend your time doing just about anything these days, and that’s why I think the plague of loneliness is so stark because we can spend our time on our own,” she said. “But there were so many people at HYP saying, ‘this gave me my start and helped me build friendships.’”

For 2023, she served as the board president of the organization, which has around 450 members and several thousand people who participate in its sports leagues.

One of her favorite aspects of the organization is the way that the members participate in community service and engage in making Harrisburg a better place. Working with others in a service role is also a great way to meet people and bond over a common goal, Edwards-Rindfuss explained.

Over at YPOC, co-founder Dr. Kimeka Campbell recommends starting small—finding one friend who you can do things with, ask questions of, and who can show you the area.

With YPOC, her goal has been to provide a safe place to meet people. The group, like HYP, provides a mix of networking, service and social gatherings catered specifically to Black and brown residents—although everyone is invited.

“We needed to create community in a specific way,” said Campbell of when she and her husband Basir Vincent started the group eight years ago. “We were extremely intentional about serving the Black and brown community.”

Once you find that one person, Campbell said, explore.

“Harrisburg is beautiful,” she said. “The area and the parks are gorgeous.”

Or maybe, check out one of YPOC’s movie nights at Midtown Cinema, which have become very popular and are a low-pressure way to make connections.

Discover Your Interest

Stefanie Bevins has lived in the area for about 11 years, but recently was looking for a way to push herself out of her comfort zone and meet people. She saw that the Harrisburg chapter of Gals That Brunch, a national organization dedicated to helping people make friends over brunch, had an opening for a leader.

“Sometimes as an adult, it is hard to meet people,” Bevins said. “But very rarely, in my experience, have I put myself out there and walked away being totally disappointed.”

Bevins suggested finding somewhere to get plugged in that aligns with an interest, hobby or passion you have, so that you’re more comfortable getting involved.

If brunch is up your alley, she may have just the right group for you. However, Gals That Brunch also hosts outings to do yoga, candle making and facials, among other activities.

Also for the gals is the Harrisburg Babes Walking Group, which Harrisburg-area residents Kristin Kellum-Shearer and Alyssa Shaffer started this past summer.

“Our goal is to empower women to come together and meet new people,” Kellum-Shearer said. “It’s also an opportunity to keep moving.”

The group hosts monthly walks around the city, sometimes ending at a local restaurant for a meal or trivia or at Midtown Cinema for a movie. Ladies of any age are welcome.

If you can’t find a group that fits your interests, maybe do like Jonathan Dunkleburger did and create one.

In 2022, he started the HBG Bike Crew, which holds weekly rides around Harrisburg. Anyone is welcome, no matter their skill level. Trying something new is also a great way to find a new hobby, he added.

“In the beginning, it was just me and one or two other people, but I kept at it,” he said. “I wanted to make sure people knew that I was sticking around. I wanted to build a group of friends for myself, but also create a space for others to do the same.”

Now, Dunkleburger shared, over half of his close friends are people he met through the group.

If you’re not ready to commit to a group, Haile recommends spending time in “third spaces,” coffee shops, bookstores, the gym, an art museum, etc., and be aware of who is around you. Say “hi” to that person you see frequently; start a conversation.

“That third space can be a good social plug,” he said. “Whether you’re extroverted or introverted, I feel like you can find something that fits you.”

For Haile, it took time and work to build the network he has now, but the effort has been worth it.

“I just feel more comfortable and confident in myself in the city,” he said.

Get Social

If you’re feeling friendly, here are a few places to start:

Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg
www.ypoc-hbg.org

Harrisburg Young Professionals
www.hyp.org

Gals That Brunch
@galsthatbrunchhbg on Instagram

Harrisburg Babes Walking Group
@hbgbwg on Instagram

HBG Bike Crew
@hbg.bike.crew on Instagram

HBG Sketchers
@hbg_sketchers on Instagram or visit Facebook page

Harrisburg Beer Runners
Visit Facebook page

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January Publisher’s Note

December 28, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

My, how the years fly by.

On a bitter cold night, just before New Year’s 2009, we distributed our very first issue of TheBurg.

As we dropped off copies throughout central Pa., I thought to myself that this might be the dumbest business idea ever. We were launching in the depth of the “Great Recession” and entering an industry that was contracting quickly.

Day one, and we already had two strikes against us.

Well, we’re now in January 2024, which, if my math is right, makes this month our 15th anniversary.

Most small businesses fail within a few years, and the survival rate for local news startups is even worse. But we’ve been able to build a solid business despite a couple of recessions, a horrible pandemic and the worldwide collapse of the newspaper industry.

I’ve often thought about what makes TheBurg so unique, such an exception.

I’d have to start with our staff. I’m blessed with colleagues who are truly world class, who could excel anywhere, but have chosen to live in Harrisburg and work here, for us.

Next, credit goes to our community. We are incredibly fortunate to have support from every segment of greater Harrisburg—from individuals and small businesses to nonprofits and large companies.

Third, we’re locally owned and run, which means that we don’t answer to some distant corporate master. In fact, TheBurg is employee-owned, so we’re able to do what we believe is best, everyday, for our product and our business.

Lastly, we maintain a community-focused approach to local news. We’re not out chasing clicks, but aim to publish meaningful, in-depth stories, packaged beautifully and available freely. That’s made us popular among readers, advertisers and other folks interested in building community.

I’ve sometimes wondered whether our model could be replicated in other towns and cities. The answer is yes, but a conditional yes. Reliable, responsible, professional community news is needed everywhere, but any startup would need a strong team, significant starting capital and continuing community support.

TheBurg is lucky to have all these, even if it took us a few fits and starts to get it right. We’re now headed into our next 15 years, a solid foundation beneath us, with hopes for an even brighter future ahead.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor

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Feeling Flexible: Local programs bring a growing trend to the area, offering stretching, mobility-focused workouts

December 28, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Fregm stretches Burn30 co-owner Nate Kresge

A trend has been emerging in the fitness world.

This is not a get-slim-quick method or five-step process to build muscle, but a slow, intentional form of healing and proactive health.

But slower doesn’t always mean easier or necessarily comfortable.

Stretching—it’s the practice everyone knows they should do, but never does enough. At least, I know I don’t.

At the end of a half-hour session with trainer Elijah Fregm at Burn30, I was close to laying my hands flat on the floor in a forward bend. That was an improvement from just being able to touch my fingertips to the ground 30 minutes earlier.

But the big difference was that my hamstrings, hips, calves and almost every other muscle had just been stretched. Not all pulls and bends were necessarily comfortable, but, by the end, I definitely felt more limber and less stiff for the long city council meeting I’d have to sit through that night.

Burn30, a small gym located in Lemoyne, picked up on the stretching trend and recently created Stretch30, which offers assisted stretching sessions, a program I tried for myself.

Fregm works with each client to identify their goals, areas of concern and limitations, then caters the stretching session to their needs.

Personally, my hamstrings tend to be the tightest from exercising and also from sitting for long periods of time at the office.

Fregm helped me through a series of hamstring stretches, using the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) technique, which involves stretching and contracting the muscle. So, Fregm stretched my hamstring then had me contract and push back against him, so that, as he stretched the muscle again, my brain allowed me to relax the area and stretch deeper.

After both lower and upper body work, I hopped off the treatment table feeling good.

Stretch30 offers one of the only programs dedicated strictly to assisted stretching in the area. However, around the country, this wellness trend has picked up speed as gym chains like Stretch Lab and Stretch Zone have opened locations nationally. A Stretch Lab is even slated to open in the Harrisburg area.

Nate Kresge, who owns Burn30 with wife Alicia Mills, saw the benefit of adding a robust stretching routine to his already active lifestyle, when Fregm introduced and demonstrated the idea to the team.

“Even just getting out of bed in the mornings, I feel so much better than before,” Kresge said.

Anyone can benefit from stretching, Fregm explained. From younger athletes looking to improve sports performance to seniors hoping to increase mobility.

However, getting the community to understand what the program is and how it can benefit them has been a challenge. Since there aren’t many other offerings like this in the area, there’s a lot of education to be done, Kresge explained.

“It’s definitely an uphill battle of trying to educate about stretching because there’s a lack of knowledge about it. It’s not emphasized as much as it should be,” he said. “The people who have tried it have had their eyes opened.”

Kelly Leighton, an avid runner, was struggling with some hip flexor discomfort and hoping to work on proactively preventing injuries. She gave Stretch30 a shot and saw results right away—her hip flexor pain was gone.

“He [Fregm] is really good about getting a deep stretch without pain,” she said. “I just feel better in general.”

More Aware

Out in Lancaster, another program is focused on a similar idea—helping people improve flexibility and mobility.

Inside Opex Fitness’ Lancaster gym, Excelsior Bodywork founder CJ Potter leads weekly dynamic stretching and strengthening classes.

At a Tuesday morning Kinstretch class, I rolled out a mat and joined in with a group of about five other participants, ranging in age.

Unlike Stretch30, I wouldn’t get to lie down and let someone else stretch me out. I’d have to push myself. One of my classmates, Susan Wood, 75, warned me beforehand that I was in for an arduous hour. Admittedly, I wasn’t too phased.

Potter led the class through a series of movements meant to be done slowly, encouraging us to squeeze our muscles tight. We practiced hip CARs (controlled articular rotations), by lying on one side and rotating the top leg, sweeping it back, up and forward within the hip joint. Other movements targeted the spine, shoulders and hamstrings. Like Fregm had me do at Stretch30, we practiced contracting the muscles to build strength while lengthening, Potter explained.

After class, I met back up with Wood and let her know, she was right—the class was definitely no piece of cake.

“It’s rigorous, but it’s doable,” said Wood, who has suffered from back and hip pain. “My flexibility has definitely improved. Bending over is easier, and I’m more aware of how I move.”

That’s music to Potter’s ears, as his whole goal is to help people feel better, be healthier and understand their bodies better.

Kinstretch is a national program, which Potter discovered and started teaching a few years ago. The practice targets the joints and focuses on end-range strength training—stretching as far as you can and then exerting force and contracting the muscle. The goal is to improve mobility and muscle control.

“It’s super beneficial for your body,” Potter said. “You’re training the deepest part of your joints. I don’t know of anything else like this.”

Both Kinstretch and Stretch30 were challenging in very different ways, but also helped me feel a little more flexible and in-tune with my body afterwards. Like some of those who have given the practice a shot, I’ve become more aware of the importance of making stretching a regular part of my fitness routine, not just tacking a few quick stretches onto the end of a workout.

While the sessions may look very different from the Lemoyne to Lancaster gym, both providers hope to normalize getting serious about flexibility and mobility.

“The things we do now set ourselves up for a better way of life down the road, and, I think, stretching is a huge part of that,” Kresge said.

Stretch30 is offered at Burn30, 836 Market St., Lemoyne. For more information, visit www.burn30.net.

Kinstretch is offered at Excelsior Bodywork, 1809 Olde Homestead Lane, Lancaster. For more information, visit www.excelsiorbodywork.com.

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HAAPI New Year: In 2024, you can stay local to celebrate the Year of the Dragon

December 28, 2023 | by Molly Pavlovich

Ellen Min, Sten Hartman, and their daughters stand at one of the Chinatown gates.

At the beginning of last year, Ellen Min, her family and fellow members of the Harrisburg Asian American Pacific Islander (HAAPI) community carpooled to Philadelphia to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

While there, they meandered the city’s Chinatown, ate a traditional 10-course Chinese meal, attended a Chinese opera, and waded through hundreds of people parading and dancing throughout the streets—gleefully garbed in vibrant reds, yellows and greens.

“I remember one HAAPI member who was adopted from China actually shared with me that they felt like part of their soul came alive as they experienced and explored parts of their culture for the first time during Lunar New Year,” Min said.

Afterwards, while gathered around the table for dinner, the group asked themselves a question: “Why don’t we have things like this in Harrisburg—events that celebrate our traditions and cultures?” Min said. “And we couldn’t come up with a good answer.”

While the Lunar New Year’s travels remain a fond memory for Min, she returned home with an energized ambition not to have to travel for the Year of the Dragon in 2024. A grant from the Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) kickstarted her Lunar New Year planning, followed by a generous offer from the downtown Harrisburg theater company, Open Stage, which agreed to open its space for the celebration.

“We’re privileged to be able to have the space and to share it,” said Stuart Landon, Open Stage’s producing artistic director. “I think it’s all of our responsibilities to create space for organizations like HAAPI.”

HAAPI’s inaugural Lunar New Year celebration will take place the evening of Feb. 10, and Min is encouraging guests to try out local AAPI restaurants in the area prior—arriving with full stomachs and open minds.

Staying true to the roots of HAAPI, which Min and a friend founded in 2021 to serve as a safe space for the local AAPI community to convene, promote visibility and combat stereotypes through cross-cultural knowledge sharing, the celebration will be an engaging educational experience.

Attendees will get a glimpse into east and south Asian culture through performances by Harrisburg Acehnese Girls, the Selahart Group, Sunshine Dance Club and individuals from the Chinese Culture & Arts Institute.

“The more we are authentically engaged with each other’s cultures, the more we can raise global citizens who are kind to others who don’t look and live like us,” Min said. “This is especially true for the AAPI population, which is the fastest growing population in the U.S., region and the state of Pennsylvania.”

Starting small-scale for 2024, Min hopes to rally excitement among AAPI community members, local businesses and allies—coming together to create an event in future years that rivals larger cities, in its own way.

“I hope they outgrow us, and I don’t mean that in a negative way,” Landon said. “I mean that in the most positive way possible.”

He means that this event could serve as a springboard for future success so that the group migrates to even larger venues in the coming years.

“The Lunar New Year celebration is going to be a great way to see beautiful cultural performances and learn about the AAPI community that exists in our own backyard in Harrisburg,” Min said.

HAAPI’s Lunar New Year celebration takes place Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For tickets, visit www.openstagehbg.com/tickets.

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Good & Healthy: Meal prep takes a nutritious turn at Clean Eatz

December 28, 2023 | by Kylie Stoltzfus

Photo courtesy of Clean Eatz.

Amidst a barrage of advice, especially on the internet, many people find eating well to be intimidating.

With a location now in Camp Hill, Clean Eatz owner-operators Steve and Tamara Dyer are determined to ease this burden for Harrisburg-area customers while providing a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment.

“Becoming a resource for the community [is] the most important thing for us,” Steve Dyer said. “That’s what kind of drives us on a day-to-day basis.”

Don and Evonne Varady launched Clean Eatz in 2013 with a goal of offering a tailored approach to balanced nutrition. After franchising in 2015, Clean Eatz locations began popping up nationwide.

The Dyers started their journey with Clean Eatz in 2018, with their first location in Lancaster. Through the business, the couple brings a personal approach to health and wellness, helping people pursue their goals and find support, while making healthy options delicious and convenient.

“Regardless of the journey that they’re on, we’re here to help them succeed and hold them accountable for it,” Steve said. “We’re just not another place to grab a bite to eat. We can help them get to where they [want]. We’re a partner in their success.”

Long before the Camp Hill location opened, the couple had begun servicing the local market through remote pickup locations. So, when the expansion conversation came up, a physical location in the Harrisburg area was the logical next step. Located near Trader Joe’s and surrounded by a handful of small businesses, including Nothing Bundt Cakes and Playa Bowls, Clean Eatz is a convenient stop for many shoppers.

“We have all collectively benefited from being the new kids on the block, so to speak,” Steve said.

Clean Eatz serves burgers, wraps, bowls, protein smoothies and more at the dine-in café. However, its weekly meal plan service sets the business apart from other health-forward eateries.

“There really is not an easy, convenient, locally produced meal-prep company,” Steve said. “What makes us so different and unique, number one, it’s all made here in either Lancaster or Camp Hill. It’s that personal touch of who Clean Eatz is. You get an opportunity to actually engage with somebody face to face on a weekly basis when you’re coming to pick up those meals, versus a box sitting at your doorstep.”

Each week, customers can choose from a rotating selection of entrées or opt for something simple, like a combination of brown rice, broccoli and salmon. With no subscription fee and complete control over which meals are incorporated into their weekly cycle, customers’ meal plans can be customized to their specific goals and nutrition needs. Most of the meals through this program are priced under $7 a meal and clock in at roughly 500 calories.

In addition to the pre-planned meal option, Clean Eatz has a “Grab n’ Go” freezer where patrons can select from over 60 frozen entrée options designed to last in the freezer for up to six months. Customers can place an order in advance and pick up their meals at Clean Eatz Harrisburg, with each meal prepared ready to heat and enjoy.

“If we start talking about our customer base, it’s extremely diverse,” Steve said. “It can be that high school student that’s taking frozen meals to lunch to the retiree that doesn’t know how to or want to cook. We kind of see a full gamut of customers come through the door.”

This mix includes competitive bodybuilders and athletes who want to fuel their bodies, busy professionals, parents needing convenient meal solutions, and people with medical conditions, among others. Regardless, Clean Eatz aims to provide nutrient-dense foods that leave people satiated, without sacrificing flavor. The company is careful to keep its food as pure as possible by not adding sodium or sugar to the dishes they prepare and by prioritizing low-calorie and low-fat options.

In addition to the in-house café and meal planning options, Clean Eatz offers catering services that provide healthy meals for local events. Clients can order boxed lunches, wrap platters, salads, bowls and various sides and snacks.

“Regardless of your journey, we’re there to set you up for success,” Steve said.

Clean Eatz Harrisburg is located at 3546 Gettysburg Rd., Camp Hill. For more information, call 717-824-4706 or visit www.cleaneatz.com.

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Mind Your “P’s”: New Harrisburg gym will personalize your fitness

December 28, 2023 | by Alex Hayes

Noah Parsons

Everyone, it seems, wants to know about the three “p’s.”

Why did Noah Parsons name his new gym Triple P Fitness?

According to the owner, the letters stand for preparation, process and purpose, and these concepts center his team’s work, helping people achieve their fullest fitness potential.

“We all enjoy pushing people and allowing them to see benefits of what personal training can do,” he said.

Parsons’ journey to fitness training began about five years ago when he was forced to overcome a personal setback. The lifetime football player was a member of the Lock Haven University Bald Eagles football team, but a concussion permanently benched him.

For Parsons, football was life. He had played since he was 6 years old, so being forced to face a new reality was jarring. Instead of giving up, he realized he could still feel good while focusing on fitness without contact. He honed in on his own personal fitness and then decided to use his knowledge to help others.

Parsons earned certifications as a personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and nutritionist from the International Sports Science Association. After graduating from Lock Haven in 2021, he returned to his hometown of Harrisburg to share his knowledge.

Personal training is just that—personal. Parsons’ clients appreciate his work, and one even gave him a gift certificate to Sculpt Pilates and Barre for Christmas. Parsons cashed in the gift certificate and soon more than his muscles gained flexibility.

He discovered there was available space adjacent to the studio. A dream of being able to control scheduling, workouts and staffing formed in his mind. He also envisioned a facility with brand new equipment and top-notch cleanliness. Opening his own personal training business had been in the back of his mind, so he seized the opportunity.

“We aim to be Harrisburg’s premier personal training studio, empowering our community through focused, innovative and results-driven fitness training,” Parsons said.

Sessions at Triple P are by appointment only, and no more than five clients are ever in the gym at one time. The other trainers—Adrian Orons, Tyler Freeman, Chris Thompson and Lauren Peterson—are friends, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

“When a client is working out, we all take time to encourage them and celebrate successes,” Parsons said.

Ultimately, personal trainers are guides. The clients determine their success, Parsons said, with support from the Triple P staff. He encourages everyone new to fitness to start with a personal trainer. Fitness experts, such as those at Triple P, can help clients set and meet reasonable goals and teach them how to properly use equipment while avoiding injury.

Personal training not only assists the body, but the mind. Regular exercise helps people achieve mental clarity and emotional stability, Parsons said. Exercise at any time of the day is better than nothing, but Parsons encourages activity in the morning.

“To set your day up with the hardest part from the start makes your day better,” he said.

The Triple P team is young—all under 26 years old—but Parsons said that they help clients of all ages and abilities, from couch potatoes to athletes.

“We help overcome preconceived notions by throwing them into workouts that relate to their life,” he said.

The trainers also help clients establish healthy eating habits so their diets complement their workouts.

As Harrisburg area residents start creating their 2024 fitness resolutions, Parsons and his team are excited to help them achieve their success.

Triple P Fitness is located at 2609 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.triplepfitness.com or call 570-502-7957.

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Skin in the Game: As med spas open in central Pa., practitioners talk skin, self care

December 28, 2023 | by Rachel Curry

Carmelia Rameau

If you’ve noticed medical spas popping up in the Harrisburg area at a faster rate than before, it’s not a figment of your imagination.

The med spa industry has grown by 20% year over year, excluding during the first year of the pandemic, according to the American Med Spa Association’s latest state of the industry report.

“It’s becoming more looked at like it’s self care,” says Alicia Stidfole, founder and CEO of Youveau Aesthetics Medspa & Wellness and certified registered nurse anesthetist who still works long hours in that profession. “It’s almost like going to the dentist now.”

Youveau, overlooking the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg’s Front Street, opened in February 2023 offering a range of injections, fillers, non-invasive facial services and other wellness offerings, with more options added on a regular basis.

Alicia Stidfole

“I love to educate, and I think that’s something that makes us stand out,” Stidfole said.

For instance, when asked about a popular procedure—Botox injections in masseter muscles for relief of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder—she quickly rolled off the benefits and risks. Those are nuances that social media resources may not provide.

Across the river in Camp Hill, Revived Medical Aesthetics on Hartzdale Drive offers its own suite of aesthetic and wellness services, ranging from injectables to microblading to vitamin injections.

Holly Drawbaugh, a registered nurse, launched the business as a single mom, still working full-time at a hospital. To add to the whirlwind, she went through chemotherapy, radiation and surgery for breast cancer—all while growing Revived.

Drawbaugh said that there are plenty of nurses looking to get out of the hospital setting and into the medical aesthetics field, but it’s not just playing med spa all day. It’s no small task to educate yourself for your clients’ sake in a field that’s, in many ways, unregulated.

“This business has kind of become my life, and I don’t stop at night,” Drawbaugh said. “Whenever I’m at home after the kids are in bed, I’m still learning.”

According to Stidfole, that gusto is consistent with other med spa owners.

“In injectables, you are as educated as you make yourself because no one’s holding you to a standard,” she said.

santāl skin team. Photo by Kinna Shaffer.

Another owner, Natalie Feaster of santāl skin on Gettysburg Road in Camp Hill, knows firsthand how the industry is constantly evolving, much like any medical environment.

Feaster takes the approach of treating the skin as a whole, whatever modality that may mean.

“It starts with skincare,” she said. “Putting them on a regimen so that their skin is the most healthy and balanced just enhances everything else that we can do in office.”

For people interested in these services, entering a med spa for the first time can feel intimidating. Feaster said that she prioritizes a collaborative approach, “figuring out what your skincare goals are and then how we can go about reaching them together.”

In downtown Harrisburg, C.R. Blooms Wellness Boutique by Carmelia Rameau takes a particularly holistic approach. The boutique combines custom facials and microneedling with pelvic yoga and meditation, among other services. With a Haitian background, Rameau feels her interest in apothecary and herbalism is culturally innate.

“I incorporated my holistic apothecary background with my esthetician title,” Rameau said. “I consider myself a student to the whole industry, and, while I learn, I’m offering the same education and lifestyle tips to my clients.”

Healers & Facilitators

In July 2023, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber announced Youveau received a loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA), which Stidfole says helped furnish the space.

For the coming year, Stidfole is considering adding services to Youveau like PDO threads—a non-invasive alternative to a face lift—as well as ketamine therapy, which is shown to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, according to a publication from the National Institutes of Health.

Holly Drawbaugh

Over at Revived, Drawbaugh plans to diversify offerings, including hormone and hormone replacement treatments in early 2024.

Rameau of C.R. Blooms recently opened a CBD shop directly next door, called Nesta Hemp Shop, to enhance her holistic approach to wellness. She already used CBD spectrum ingredients on clients in some of her skin care products, and the hemp shop has skin and body products as part of its repertoire as well.

With medical wellness on the rise in and around Harrisburg, professionals want to ensure clients are asking the right questions of their potential practitioners to ensure they get the service they deserve.

When it comes to injections, Drawbaugh said, “If they’re the right injector for you, they’re not going to have any problem answering any questions about their training.”

Rameau said that it’s important to find someone who you feel listens to you and really gets to know you.

“I don’t want to be the only esthetician in the Harrisburg area,” she said. “I want it to be a community filled with healers and facilitators. If you don’t feel like this person is going to know you by your name and really get to know your skin, that should be a red flag.”

Like many professionals in the field, Stidfole believes that all of her clients are already beautiful. In fact, she challenges everyone to tell her something they love about themselves in each consultation. At the end of the day, she views medical aesthetics and other aesthetic wellness services as a way to enhance how you look and feel, as the two are often inextricably linked.

“It’s just on an individual basis what makes you feel good,” Stidfole said. “If it’s going for a walk in the woods, go for a walk in the woods. If it’s getting your nails done, get your nails done. If it’s getting ‘tox on your forehead, get ‘tox in your forehead. Is it self care?”

Face Time

Recently, several med spas have opened around the Harrisburg area. These include the businesses mentioned in this story:

C.R. Blooms Wellness Boutique, 7 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, www.crblooms.love

Revived Medical Aesthetics, 3300 Hartzdale Dr., Camp Hill, www.revivedmedicalaesthetics.com

santāl skin, 3540 Gettysburg Rd., Camp Hill, www.santalskin.com

Youveau Aesthetics Medspa & Wellness, 2417 N. Front St., Harrisburg, www.youveau.org

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Anchovy Love: Try a rich pasta dish for a cold January evening

December 28, 2023 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

When I was young (long ago), I decided I didn’t like anchovies.

Now, I grew up with a father who was an absolutely devoted “small fish lover.” As an Italian immigrant who grew up on the Adriatic Sea coast, he relished all of his native seafood from clams, calamari and mussels to smelts, sardines and, of course, anchovies. To me, the thought of anchovies on pizza (especially our homemade pizza) was not acceptable. I was convinced they were definitely salty, possibly fishy, and I wanted no part of them.

But as the years have gone by and I have learned more about classic Italian cooking, I now know that anchovies play an important role in many recipes by providing a punch of flavor that is not at all fishy but unique. I use Worcestershire sauce in many dishes like summer marinades, meatloaf and crab cakes. Surprisingly, anchovies are an important ingredient in that popular condiment. And what would Caesar salad be without that sharp, pungent taste of the humble little anchovy?

Anchovies are sold in small oval tins, like sardines, or in small clear jars. Sometimes, you can find them wrapped around capers, and all are packed in either salt or olive oil. White anchovies are considered a delicacy and can sometimes be found in specialty food stores. And then there is anchovy paste. It comes in a tube, and you can find it next to the tomato paste in your grocery store. I consider it a magic ingredient as it keeps a long time in the fridge and melts easily in so many pan sauces for pasta (½ teaspoon of anchovy paste equals 1 whole anchovy).

The recipe that follows provides a burst of flavors: tomatoes, basil, anchovies, pine nuts and raisins, reflecting the Middle Eastern influence on the cooking from the beautiful island of Sicily. It is easy to prepare but does require three separate pots on the stove. You can cook the broccoli in the boiling water you are using for the pasta. Or you can steam the broccoli in your microwave. But it is everything you need for dinner in one dish, perhaps ending the meal with a little fresh fruit.

Pasta with Broccoli

Ingredients

1 head of broccoli, cut into florets, large stems discarded
¼ cup olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cups crushed tomatoes
Freshly ground pepper
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
6 anchovies drained or 3 teaspoons of anchovy paste
5 tablespoons raisins soaked in warm water for 15 minutes, then drained
4 tablespoons pine nuts
12 ounces pasta of your choice
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
¾ cup grated Pecorino cheese

Directions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the broccoli florets until crisp tender but still bright green. When done, remove from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside. Save the water for cooking the pasta.
Heat half the olive oil in a heavy skillet, add the onion and sauté gently until golden in color. Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste, and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes.
In a small saucepan or skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Saute the garlic until golden but do not allow to burn. Add the anchovies or anchovy paste and mash with a wooden spoon until broken down.
Add the garlic/anchovy mixture to the tomato sauce along with the drained raisins, broccoli and pine nuts. Cook gently for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Bring the salted water back to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and pour into a large serving bowl.
Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and add the chopped basil and Pecorino cheese. Toss well and serve immediately.

This is a wonderful dish for a cold January night. It uses ingredients that are easily found in the dead of winter and is definitely a one-dish meal. And if you are new to cooking with anchovies, see if you can detect that subtle richness they provide to what might be an ordinary pasta dish. You might be on your way to being an anchovy lover!

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Latin Flair: Surprises await as the Dalí Quartet takes the stage with the Harrisburg Symphony

December 28, 2023 | by Phyllis Zimmerman

Carlos Rubio

For Carlos Rubio, playing his native Latin American music is “very close to the heart.”

“That’s what we grew up with, and now we get to share it,” said Rubio, who is scheduled to play with the Dalí Quartet next month as part of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s ongoing Masterworks program.

For two performances in February, the HSO presents the Dalí Quartet featuring second violinist Rubio and Adriana Linares, viola. Both are Venezuela natives now living in the Philadelphia area who also perform with the Harrisburg Symphony.

Rounding out the Latin-oriented group are Puerto Rico native Jesús Morales, cello, and U.S. native Ari Isaacman-Beck, first violin.

The quartet is premiering a new work for string quartet and chamber orchestra by Anna Clyne, a Grammy-nominated composer, at the Forum in Harrisburg next month. The program also includes a Tchaikovsky composition based on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and “Symphony No. 6” by Dmitri Shostakovich.

“This concert has so many levels of ‘feel good,’” said HSO Music Director Stuart Malina.

To begin with, the premier of a new work is always electrifying, he said.

“Second, presenting the Dalí Quartet is very exciting considering the trajectory of their success and their local connections,” he continued. “Finally, and perhaps most satisfying to me, is sharing the stage with Adriana and Carlos, two beloved members of our orchestra and dear friends.”

Adriana Linares

Linares said that she’s “very proud to share our music” with American audiences.

“The music makes me feel very tender,” she said. “I feel its beauty, tenderness or happiness from dance. I feel all kinds of emotions whenever we play.”

Linares likes performing as part of a quartet, she said, because, “I get to play a soloist voice and still have a quartet to fall back on.”

In addition to her work with the Dalí Quartet, Linares is founding president and artistic director of the Arts & Community Network (ArCoNet), a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 and based in North Wales, Pa. Under ArCoNet’s umbrella, Linares has launched several music programs that include a 120-student string academy, a youth and chamber orchestra, solo boot camp retreats and other partnerships and collaborative projects.

Linares holds a master’s degree in viola performance from Temple University, where she studied with violist and Curtis Institute of Music President Roberto Diaz. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University where she studied with violist Atar Arad.

Likewise, Rubio said that he likes performing in a group of four because “you get to play in your own voice, and talk to each other and share and combine ideas.”

“I love the ambiance of it,” he said. “We’re four people playing together, and we get to put all of our feelings into it.”

Rubio began his musical career as a member of Venezuela’s Youth Orchestra System. With the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, he toured France, Japan, the United States, Mexico and Spain. He also was awarded the grand prize in the Spanish and Latin American Music Competition at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and was distinguished as the Ohio Latino Arts Association’s “Performing Artist of the Year.”

Rubio also performs with the Philly Pops and the Harrisburg and Lancaster symphony orchestras.

“It’s a different audience for us here,” Linares said. “In the U.S., our audiences are a little bit older than what we see in South America. In South America, we see a lot more children and college students and young adults… It’s music that not a lot of the people here would have heard of, so there’s more surprise. Maybe in Latin America, they scream a little more. Here, they just act very surprised.”

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and the Dalí Quartet perform Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. at the Forum, 500 Walnut St., Harrisburg. For tickets, visit www.harrisburgsymphony.org. For more information on the Dalí Quartet, visit www.daliquartet.com.

Images courtesy of Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra.

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