Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 14, 2023 | 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: “An Olde Town Christmas” at The Link in New Cumberland Worth noting: 3rd in the Burg Friday! Things on my agenda this weekend: sip @ soma tonight and Friday (followed by The Dirty Sweet at XL), two kid parties, and a made-up holiday event.

For your weekend planning

December sip @ soma with Under the Bridge Cider Dec. 14-15!
Sara’s 5 Favorite Local Places to Buy Clothing
9 Foodie Trips Not to Miss | AAA Central Penn
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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

Harrisburg issues order to demolish portion of William Penn building damaged by fire

December 13, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

The front of William Penn school (file photo)

A fire-damaged portion of the long vacant and blighted William Penn school building is set to be demolished.

According to the Harrisburg School District, the city issued an emergency declaration on Wednesday to raze a portion of the building, which was heavily damaged by fire on Monday morning.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau has confirmed that the fire was arson, district officials said.

Demolition will focus on the portion of the building that formerly housed the automotive and welding instructional programs when the school was open. The state Department of Environment Protection (DEP) is involved in monitoring and regulating the demolition process.

In addition, the district will immediately move forward with cleaning out the entire school, including asbestos and lead abatement, and removing environmentally hazardous materials. According to fire Chief Brian Enterline, the sprawling building contains “thousands of tons” of debris, even though the school has not been in use for a dozen years.

For weeks, the William Penn task force has been meeting to help determine the future of the building. District Receiver Dr. Lori Suski originally approved the demolition of the building in June, but halted it soon after, stating that she wanted to give the community a chance to weigh in on the decision.

The task force was appointed in September and is slated to make a formal recommendation for the future use of the property to Suski on Jan. 18. At a Dec. 7, meeting, the group recommended against demolishing the entire structure and is examining ways to renovate and repurpose the building.

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

Carpenters volunteer time, build out interior of Broad Street Market’s temporary structure

December 13, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Brian Pomeroy inside the Broad Street Market’s temporary structure.

As a young man, Brian Pomeroy lived in Harrisburg, often shopping at the Broad Street Market for his meat and produce.

Pomeroy no longer lives in the city, but on Wednesday, was back to show off the work of his fellow carpenters, who have volunteered their time to build out the interior of the temporary market, a tent-like structure being constructed across the street from the main market complex.

“At the end of the day, our members are proud to be part of this,” said Pomeroy, the council representative of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “And they can’t wait for it to open because a lot of them go to the market for different things.”

About two-dozen market vendors were displaced by the July fire, which shuttered one of the market’s two buildings. The temporary market will house some of those displaced vendors until the brick building is restored, a project that could take two or more years.

On Wednesday, the city opened up the temporary structure to show the work that has been done by the volunteers. City officials also wanted to share what they considered to be a good news story about the market project, which recently has been marred by negative news and public perceptions of project delays and departing vendors.

Pomeroy is part of the union team, many from Lebanon-based Local 431, that has volunteered their time in the evenings and weekends since late October. The city puts the value of their work at about $40,000 so far, all freely given.

And they’re not the only volunteers performing critical work on the temporary building. The Iron Workers Union Local 404 installed the metal roof at no cost, Pomeroy said.

As a union official, Pomeroy helped put out the call for volunteers. Jeremy Herman of Mechanicsburg, a union carpenter with Local 431, was one of the carpenters who responded to the call. He said that he’s volunteered on four separate occasions, providing about 15 hours of volunteer work.

“It’s a shame that a historical building like that came down in flames,” Herman said. “But if this can help some of the local vendors get through until that building is rebuilt and they can reoccupy that, that’s our main goal.”

A view of the inside of the temporary market

A look inside the temporary market on Wednesday showed a work in progress. Many of the walls and vendor stalls had been constructed, though much more work needed to be done.

According to Pomeroy, most of the remaining work will have to wait until building’s systems have been installed.

For electrical and plumbing work, the city currently has a request for proposals listed on the public platform, PennBid, having failed to secure bids using the private platform, the Keystone Purchasing Network. Once that infrastructure is installed, the carpenters will return to finish the job, Pomeroy said.

“Once their work is done, we’d need about two weeks to button everything up,” he said. “It’s going to depend on the other crafts who have to get in here and do the work.”

As a council representative for Local 431, Casey Sipe also has volunteered his time to the project. He said that he feels sympathy for the vendors who have lost their livelihoods due to the fire.

“It’s a shame they had to endure that,” he said. “But it’s our pleasure to come down here to do what we can to get them back up and running and start making a living again for their families.”

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

Two new projects to house homeless, veterans proposed for Harrisburg riverfront

December 13, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

An Eden Village tiny home

There may be several new options for Harrisburg’s unhoused population in the near future.

A group of local residents has proposed constructing 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 that is currently under construction.

If the two newest proposals are approved by the city, this would total three housing developments serving the homeless along S. Front Street.

A group of local residents shared that they are purchasing a plot of land just past the PennDOT building, at 1103 S. Front St. from Harrisburg philanthropist Peggy Grove. The group has partnered with Missouri-based Eden Village, a nonprofit organization 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, one of the people involved in the project. “What we are looking to provide right out of the gate is somewhere that somebody could live forever, if they want to.”

According to Bomberger the group of friends, many of whom work in real estate, was looking to find a way to help with the current housing shortage in their city and heard about Eden Village’s mission to support the chronically homeless. The group decided to partner with the organization and build its own village in Harrisburg.

The village will include 25 to 30 400-square-foot, single occupancy homes and a community center for those experiencing homelessness. Unlike the Veteran’s Grove project, residents are not required to be veterans. Each house will include a full kitchen and bath. Mental health, recovery and other social and health services would be offered on-site as well.

The group expects to break ground on the $3 to $4 million Eden Village project in the summer, should it receive all of the necessary city approvals. Currently, they are fundraising for the project.

The application process for Eden Village will likely be open closer to the groundbreaking, said Khary Lane, another member of the group.

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 shared on its website a proposal to construct a 50- to 60-unit apartment complex and comprehensive support service center, along with 15 to 20 comfort homes on an 8.5-acre plot of land along the riverfront.

City Communications Director Matt Maisel confirmed that Tunnel to Towers is working with the city on its proposed project.

A representative from Tunnel to Towers could not immediately be reached for this story.

Lane said that the team from Eden Village is excited to join possibly two other developers in providing housing for the homeless in the area, especially at a time when the homeless situation in the city has been in flux.

Recently, Harrisburg officials shared that encampments along N. Front Street have increased, causing sanitation concerns. A few weeks ago the city notified occupants of the encampments that they would need to move on. In response, a group of residents spoke out at a city council meeting in opposition to the city’s notice, which was the third time Harrisburg asked homeless encampments to move within the year.

City officials have also shared that the large encampment near the PennDOT building would likely be dispersed in another year or more, due to PennDOT’s I-83 widening project.

The group with Eden Village feels positively about the several projects aimed at addressing the issue that are in the works.

“I would say it’s hopeful,” Lane said. “It’s exciting. Harrisburg was looking for solutions and now we have options.”

For more information on Eden Village, visit their website. To learn more about Tunnel to Towers, visit their website.

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

Harrisburg community activist announces run for 103rd district House seat

December 12, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Laura Harding

The field for a Harrisburg-based state House seat has grown again, as an area community activist today announced her entry into the race.

On Tuesday, Laura Harding said that she would run as a Democrat for the open seat for the 103^rd legislative district.

A Camp Hill native and Navy veteran, Harding is a long-time Harrisburg resident. She currently serves as the president of the community group, Camp Curtin Neighborhoods United, and is a member of the William Penn High School task force, a 26-member body tasked with offering recommendations for future uses for the shuttered Uptown school building.

With her announcement, Harding joins an increasingly crowded field of candidates for the seat, which is being vacated by long-time Rep. Patty Kim, who is running for the 15^th district state Senate seat.

Several other Democrats have previously announced for the 103^rd district House seat, including Tina Nixon of Harrisburg, Camp Hill council member Mercedes Evans and Lemoyne council member Jesse Monoski.

The 103^rd district represents about half of Harrisburg and the west shore communities of Camp Hill, East Pennsboro Township, Lemoyne and Wormleysburg.

The Pennsylvania primary is currently slated for April 23, and the general election is scheduled for Nov. 5.

For more information, visit Harding’s campaign website.

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

November home sales dip, prices steady for greater Harrisburg area

December 12, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

A house for sale in Harrisburg

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.

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

Regional mental health, addiction crisis walk-in center slated to open in Harrisburg

December 12, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

The Connections Regional Crisis Walk-In Center building

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

Dauphin County announced on Tuesday 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 between 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 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.

Both Strite and Kepler recognize that often law enforcement officials have had to perform the role of mental health providers, which has led to criminal justice-focused responses to behavioral crises, rather than clinical approaches. They also have seen how often people with serious behavioral issues end up in emergency rooms, which don’t always have the resources or capacity to help them.

At the new center, they hope to create a place where people can get help that is catered to their needs, and fast.

“We envision a comforting environment where you are greeted and addressed as a human being within minutes,” Kepler said. “We will say ‘yes’ to helping everyone.”

Additionally, mobile crisis intervention units will respond to 9-1-1 calls regionally, around the clock.

Within the center, there will be separate areas for children and adults to receive assistance. According to Strite, the county has seen a significant increase in the use of crisis intervention for children under 13 years old over the past few years.

The facility will include interview rooms for providers to meet with clients and lounge areas for people to sit.

While there is currently a national shortage of psychiatric care and those seeking help are often placed on long waiting lists to get help, the center fills that gap locally, providing immediate resources to those in need.

“This is a center for everyone,” Kepler said. “We will challenge ourselves to create a pathway for everyone looking for services.”

For more information, visit Dauphin County’s website.

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

Bob’s Art Blog: Elves on the Shelf & In His Service

December 12, 2023 | by Bob MacGinnes

Artsy “Elf on the Shelf,” aka Joan Maguire of Hershey Art Gallery and Studio

You can tell it’s that special time of year—the elf in the box is busy hatching his plan to hop out and pop up at the least expected hiding spot. That darn rascal…where to perch away from little eyes? It always poses a challenge. My bet is to hide in plain sight, anywhere but the shelf.

The “Art Elves,” a select group, handpicked by the lead elf, aka Joan Maguire of Hershey Art Gallery and Studio, manned the new shop while she vacationed in the islands before the big holiday rush. Truth be told, it was a working holiday as Joan went to paint wistful watercolors of sea creatures, beach life and sandy shores.

Her showcase gallery is a gem for local artists of renown and Joan is as generous as Santa. Sharing the spotlight, she filled the shop with an entire teapot of talent. Starting with guest appearances by Linda Benton McCloskey, painter of textured treasures in acrylics, cold wax and oil, kicked off a series of trunk shows for a post-Thanksgiving event. Linda’s works defy the laws of nature. Her multi-layered appeal of color and oil, rich and regal, her paintings range from winter scenes to far-reaching mountain vistas.

Mary Kandray Gelenser, collage fabricator of textile dreams, traffics in adorably adoptable dogs and cats stuffed for canine/feline fantasy friends, perfect for pillow-placing posthaste or just strewn about on their own. Mary K. also offers a forest of felted trees and handcrafted wool hats. In addition, she creates tantalizing, patchwork, trend-setting cross body bags. Her collage cards of flora and fauna capture the fancy of young and old alike.

Holiday gift table at the Hershey Art Gallery and Studio

Very early December found repurposed objects sculptor, Jason Lyons, showcasing his collection of whimsical tree ornaments fashioned from old spoons, forks and knives. Uniquely individual, they embrace the charm of Old World gifts that get handed down from one generation to the next. His eye-catching array of angels, snowmen, sleds, reindeer and flowers clamor for a special place on any tree. Jason took the reigns of Santa’s sleigh on the first two Saturdays of December at the gallery.

Sundays in December, an artist near and dear to my heart, my wife, Jana, will be holding all-day trunk shows stocked to the rafters with artisanal soaps, culinary salts, sage smudge bundles, handcrafted leaf and flower gift cards and grab-and-go vintage teacups filled with butterscotch candy for those last-minute gifts. The holiday season is full of star-studded appearances by the ever-elusive elves of excellence at the Hershey Art Gallery. The best part is their creative collections remain for sale at the art emporium available for purchase through Christmas Eve. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

By chance, if you find any of these elves out and about during the holiday season, do not be tempted to put them back on the shelf. That includes gallery owner Joan Maguire, now back from her sojourn. Just make sure you put them in that special nook away from little eyes—their delight in finding them will be equally special for the artists themselves. Rumor has it an elf is running amok at Millworks and will be through Christmas Eve or until P.D. Murray runs out of his handcrafted clay rascals! One hides in a different spot within the building each day until it is found. Happy Holidays from the elves on and off the shelf!

In His Service

“Upon This Rock” by David Hilsinger

In a profession as old as time, at least in the Biblical sense, carpentry holds a treasured place among many. The hands of a carpenter, once skilled from toil and hard work, turned to wood carving as a true art form. After decades of honing raw wood into individual iconic chisel and awl pieces, artist David Hilsinger has crafted a lasting monument called “Upon This Rock,” hewn out of English walnut from a tree stump that made the journey back to Pennsylvania in the 1970s from California. In a professional career that has spanned nearly six decades, Dave has seen and done it all. From his early days as a “roadie” for the Beach Boys to working with the legendary Phelan brothers, crafting the ornate bars of wood for the Gingerbread Man chain of restaurants in Mechanicsburg and Carlisle, “Hil” put his stamp on many local landmark watering holes and residential custom woodworking projects. The world-traveled craftsman, having been drafted into the Army in 1968, served his tour of duty and then ventured west. Berkley called to his political nature, and he ended up at Merritt College. Like the lifetime education that became a part of his fabric, the stump has been a work in progress over the course of 50 years. As a union carpenter, the projects never stopped long enough to devote the time, energy and thought to completion until the past year. A car accident in 2018 changed Dave’s life forever as he is no longer able to lift anything over 25 pounds. The desire to return to woodcarving ran deep and, by fate’s hand, it was destined to be that way.

David Hilsinger’s studio

Dave dedicated much of 2023 to work on the “Rock,” remembering his childhood as his mother was a devout Catholic and she often quoted the scripture, “Upon this rock I will build my church.” Many religious elements are carved into the rich walnut wood, taking on a life of its own in beauty and meaning. Visitors to his studio from the community are deeply moved in its simple yet powerful message. Many feel it should be in a church or museum for all to see. It is a fitting tribute to his mother and for this season of love and peace. Viewing it up close is spiritually humbling and uplifting as a tree became the focal point of salvation over 2,000 years ago.

Contact the artist, Dave Hilsinger at 717-377-5226.

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

A Mental Health Expert’s Plan to Battle Her Holiday Blues

December 11, 2023 | by THINK Capital Blue Cross

Karie Batzler

Karie Batzler isn’t exactly savoring this holiday season.

For starters, it will be her first without her sister, Judy, who died Aug. 7 in a house fire.

“It was incomprehensible,” recalled Batzler, director of behavioral health at Capital Blue Cross. “I had just spoken with her the night before, making plans for a visit. It was such an incredible shock that it didn’t feel like it was possible. Judy was the most generous, kind-hearted person I’ve ever met.”

Judy’s loss isn’t the only emotional struggle Batzler faces this holiday season. Her niece, Judy’s daughter, lost her battle with alcoholism in 2021. In addition, she and her family are dealing with serious medical issues.

As so many do this time of year, Batzler must cope with the compounded challenge that comes when acute loss, grief, or sadness collides with what’s supposed to be a joyous season. But Batzler can take something from her coping toolbox most people cannot: She’s spent decades as a psychotherapist.

“One of the things about being a behavioral health professional,” she said, “is it helps me understand that I’m NOT going to be OK. I’m not expecting to walk through my everyday life in the same way that I did before my sister passed.”

’Tis the Season

It’s hardly “the happiest season of all” for everyone.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people with a diagnosed behavioral health condition say the holidays make things worse. And the American Psychological Association says that 38% reported higher stress levels when the holidays hit.

Batzler said acknowledging your sadness, rather than avoiding it, is critical to coping with holiday depression.

“People worry that if they give into the sadness and let themselves sink into it more deeply, they’ll go too far into the sadness to come back from it,” she said. “Avoiding the feelings doesn’t work. The feeling will find a way to resurface, often when you least expect it. Making time and space for your emotions and leaning into the grief allows you to acknowledge and work through it.”

Additional Coping Advice

Batzler also urges people to schedule time to talk about their sadness with loved ones, friends, or a behavioral health professional.

“Be with other people,” she said. “That makes a big difference.”

She suggests those with diagnosed behavioral health conditions pre-assess their holiday needs by talking to their provider about the possibility of adjusting medications or therapy sessions during the holidays.

Other coping suggestions include:

Begin a new tradition – Perhaps plan a family outing or vacation, instead of staying home.
Don’t succumb to the season’s pressures – It’s OK to limit uncomfortable social events. Sometimes smaller holiday gatherings feel more manageable.
Volunteer – Helping others can be uplifting.
Immerse yourself in nature – A walk, run or drive in the woods or a park can work wonders.

Batzler said Capital Blue Cross helps its members cope with the holiday blues via its Virtual Care telehealth option and a behavioral health toolkit for certain employers. Capital also can connect you to a behavioral health professional online, or by calling 866.322.1657.

Karie’s Plan

Following her own advice during this year’s holidays, Batzler intends to lean into her pain.

“My plan is to tell my sister’s story,” Batzler said. “To reminisce with others. To wear Judy’s perfume, display things she loved and sing her favorite song. To bring her with me, instead of leaving her behind.

“It’s bittersweet, but it also can be comforting to remember those times, or to hear that song or wear that scarf. I’m carrying a little bit of her forward into the future.”

(For more health and wellness news and information that can benefit your business and employees, visit thinkcapitalbluecross.com.)

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

William Penn building heavily damaged by arson fire; school district vows to continue work of task force

December 11, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline and school district Superintendent Eric Turman spoke to the press on Monday at city hall.

A serious early-morning arson fire at the former William Penn High School has not lessened the school district’s hope of formulating a long-term plan for the future of the building.

On Monday morning, district Superintendent Eric Turman said that the William Penn task force will continue to meet as scheduled, with the expectation that it will release a report next year on future plans for the long-shuttered building.

“We have another task force meeting in January,” he said. “During that time, the administration and the task force will come up with a possible way to move forward.”

The 26-member task force began meeting in October. District Receiver Dr. Lori Suski appointed the temporary body following community uproar to a previous plan to raze the 98-year-old building.

At about 6:15 a.m. on Monday, the Harrisburg Fire Bureau responded to a call of a fire on the north side of the sprawling building, near the former football field. According to Fire Chief Brian Enterline, the fire was purposely set. It took the bureau about 2½ hours to bring the blaze under control, and firefighters still were extinguishing hot spots throughout the day.

In addition, the district cancelled classes at the nearby Camp Curtin campus due to heavy smoke from the fire, which infiltrated those school buildings. Turman said that he hoped classes there would resume tomorrow.

The fire broke out in the former auto mechanics repair shop portion of William Penn. The school, originally built as a high school, was used a vocational school for years before its permanent closure in 2011.

Since then, the school has been the site of many break-ins, acts of vandalism and arson fires. Most of the fires have been minor, but Enterline said that this fire was serious due to all the debris that had never been removed from the building after it closed.

He said that he was considering issuing an emergency decree to have the building cleaned out. He added that, seven or eight years ago, he asked the district to remove everything from the building, but that was never done.

“There are literally tons, thousands of tons, of debris inside that building that need to be taken out,” he said. “If we get that done through an emergency order, we eliminate the potential for any death or injury from a fire at the William Penn campus.”

Enterline said that the district had taken measures to seal up the building, but that there are limitations to how effective any barriers could be.

“The school district has done everything that they can to keep people out,” he said. “The problem is that nefarious residents want to keep going into this building and wreaking havoc on the fire department and the neighbors.”

Enterline implored residents to contact the city police if they know who was responsible for the fire.

“If you know these kids who are going in there, please call down to the Harrisburg police department, so we can bring them in and talk to them,” he said. “We don’t want anyone to be killed. I don’t want to pull anybody out of that building in a body bag.”

Turman said that the fire did not dent his optimism that the administration and the task force can agree on a plan to bring William Penn back as a usable facility.

“We all really want to see something at William Penn, which will have a great impact on the students,” he said.

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

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

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like