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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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Some displaced Broad Street Market vendors move temporarily into the stone building, others close up shop

December 8, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

J.B. Kelly’s new stand in the Broad Street Market’s stone building

Depending on what you like to eat, there’s either good news—or not such good news—from the Broad Street Market’s vendor community.

On the positive side, long-time vendor J.B. Kelly Seafood Connection has opened a small stand inside the stone building. The original, circa-1860s market building was not affected by the fire that devastated the market’s larger, brick building last July, displacing about two dozen vendors.

Since the fire, owner John Kelly and his team had been operating from a makeshift location in the open courtyard, but, a few weeks ago, got permission to install a large glass case just inside the west-facing door of the stone building.

“We’re happy to have a spot,” said Jenny Weiss, manager of the Broad Street Market location. “We’re happy to be inside.”

Like many displaced vendors, J.B. Kelly had been waiting months for space inside the market’s temporary building, a tent-like structure being built directly across Verbeke Street. However, that project has been repeatedly delayed, including, recently, by an inability to get electricians and plumbers to bid on work, according to the city. So, a planned opening has been pushed into next year.

Weiss said that, while the display case is much smaller than the stand’s former footprint, customers need to be able to view their offerings, which, on Friday, included beautifully colored, fresh-looking salmon, tuna and scallops. They couldn’t do that in the open courtyard.

“People couldn’t see what they were buying,” Weiss said.

While seafood-eaters can rejoice, candy-lovers have reason for despair. On Thursday, Jess Kost, owner of Sweet 717, announced that she would leave the market at the end of the year.

Like J.B. Kelly, the fire displaced the small-batch, craft candy-maker from the brick building, and Kost later took much smaller space inside the stone building. However, she’s decided to end her eight-year run in the market, “halt production,” and sell out her remaining inventory.

“Business has been suffering dramatically since the July fire,” she wrote on her business’ Facebook page. “This is my official announcement that my retail shop at the market will be out of business by the end of the year.”

Another popular, long-time vendor, Lil’s Pretzels, also recently re-opened in tight quarters inside the stone building, waiting for the temporary market building to open. There, you again can purchase their signature soft pretzels and other products.

In addition, mead purveyor Goblin Alchemy has set up in the stone building, in the former space of vegan food vendor Ward of Health, which left the market and is re-opening in a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Harrisburg.

To help spur business, the Broad Street Market announced on Friday that it would hold “Christmas at the Market” next weekend, on Dec. 15 and 16. According to market, the event will consist of various activities, including a community tree lighting, a choir and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

For now, the J.B. Kelly team is taking it one day at a time and will make a decision on whether to move again once the temporary market building is operational, Weiss said.

“We’re grateful to be here, inside, and to be with our market family until we find out what the future holds for us,” she said.

Likewise, Kost ended her Facebook post on a hopeful note.

“I will look forward to seeing you all again (if/when) the brick building is back up and running,” she wrote.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 8, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Kids took pictures with Santa at the Holiday Youth Health Fair on Wednesday.

As we inch closer to the holidays, make sure you check out all of our cheery stories and happenings in the December issue of the magazine. Additionally, we have plenty of news from the week for you to catch up on, below.

Broad Street Market’s opening of its temporary structure is delayed until 2024 as Harrisburg has struggled to find contractors to complete plumbing and electrical work, our online story reported. The city has widened its search, using a public platform to receive bids on the construction.

Choral groups in the Harrisburg area are performing plenty of concerts this December. In our magazine story, read about all of the musical offerings this month and how they may provide an escape from the holiday bustle.

At a City Council meeting, Harrisburg residents expressed opposition to the city’s notice that those living in Riverfront Park must move, our online story reported. Mayor Wanda Williams, who was at the meeting, said that while the city does have to move them due to sanitation issues, they are working with local service providers to assist those in need.

Concert tickets are the perfect gift to give to a friend or yourself this holiday season. Our live music columnist has a roundup of the best shows coming to the area this month.

“Fallen Leaves” will show at Midtown Cinema this month, depicting a love story—we think. Our movie reviewer was not a big fan of the film. Read her thoughts, here.

Harrisburg created a webpage to share updates on the Broad Street Market rebuild and temporary structure construction, our online story reported.

A Holiday Youth Health Fair, held by state Rep. Patty Kim and Latino Connection, provided families with access to wellness resources, our online story reported. Several hundred people attended the fair at the Allison Hill Community Center on Wednesday.

The PA Dairymen’s Association announced that they will offer a new salted caramel milkshake flavor at the 2024 PA Farm Show. In our online story, find out where you can sample the new treat this month.

Sara Bozich has found all the best events taking place this weekend in Harrisburg. Find them all, here.

Ukrainians have come to central Pa. over the past year to escape war back home. In our magazine story, read about the challenges many have faced and about one organization working to help.

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New milkshake flavor added to PA Farm Show lineup, sampling chances announced

December 7, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding (second from right) leads the team at Giant in announcing a new Farm Show milkshake flavor.

The 2024 PA Farm Show may be a month away, but you’ll have several opportunities for a tasty preview.

The PA Dairymen’s Association has announced four opportunities to sample their brand-new salted caramel milkshake, in partnership with the Giant Co.

“The 2024 PA Farm Show will be sweetened by the addition of our new, delicious salted caramel milkshake in celebration of the Giant Company’s 100^th anniversary,” said Dave Smith, executive director of the association.

The first pop-up event takes place on Friday at the Camp Hill Giant, 3301 Trindle Rd., starting at 10:30 a.m. with remarks by state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, along with a milkshake toast. Milkshakes will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the first 100 milkshakes given out for free.

Subsequent pop-up are as follows, with free milkshakes also available to the first 100 people:

Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lancaster Giant, 1360 Columbia Ave., Lancaster
Friday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 5p.m., Hershey Giant, 1250 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Carlisle Giant, 950 Walnut Bottom Rd., Carlisle

“We are grateful to wonderful businesses like Giant who invest in our communities, in our dairy industry and in our nutritious, wholesome foods and beverages we produce on our farms for families,” Smith said. “We are thrilled to celebrate with milkshake fans starting at our pre-Farm Show pop-ups.”

The 2024 PA Farm Show opens on Friday, Jan. 5, with a food court-only opening at noon with free parking. The Farm Show itself opens Saturday, Jan. 6, and runs through Jan. 13.

For more information, visit www.padairymens.com and www.farmshow.pa.gov/pafarmshow/Pages/default.aspx

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 7, 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: Merry Marketplace at Ever Grain Brewing is new this year, plus Winter Wonderland Tea at The Willows at Ashcombe Manor — both on Sunday Worth noting: Tonight: Holiday Evening Stroll in Camp Hill and The Maine at XL Live; HHA’s Candlelight House Tour on Sunday Things on my agenda this weekend: See above, plus Christmas tree decorating, and PSU Wrestling

For your weekend planning

Camp Hill’s Holiday Evening Stroll is tonight
HHA’s 50th annual Candlelight House Tour is Dec. 10
HU Presents The Maine on Dec. 7
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

Next week: December sip @ soma with Under the Bridge Cider Dec. 14-15!
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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

What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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