The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 23, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams (left) and City Council President Danielle Bowers cut the ribbon on the new Chutes and Ladders Playground, along with other local officials and children.

It’s a rainy weekend around Harrisburg, which makes it the perfect time to visit a local coffee shop, art museum library or movie theater. Don’t forget to support small businesses! First, take the time to catch up on our local news coverage, below.

“Blue Jean” gives a “beautiful portrayal” of a woman struggling with sexual identity, says our movie reviewer. The film plays this month at Midtown Cinema in Harrisburg.

Chutes and Ladders Playground opened in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg this week, concluding a six-year-long project, our online story reported. The new $1 million playground is inspired by the children’s board game of the same name.

Harrisburg University announced a partnership with Recycle Bicycle, our online story reported. The partnership will provide free bikes, training and internship opportunities to students.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg announced David Cohen as its new president and CEO, our online story reported. Cohen will help the federation transition to the new Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life, which is slated to open later this year.

Juneteenth HBG organizers joined with Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus members on Monday for a press conference to celebrate the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, our online story reported. The press conference capped weeks of educational, artistic and musical events.

Mansion Concerts is bringing the house concert culture to Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. The performances, held at the Manor on Front, feature singer-songwriters and acoustic guitarists, among other musicians.

M&T Bank’s Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab concluded after seven weeks of courses for local entrepreneurs, our online story reported. The lab finished with a pitch competition, crowning three winners.

Panna cotta is the perfect summer dessert, says our cooking columnist Rosemary. Find the recipe for the Italian delicacy, here.

Pedal Pusher Bicycle Shop is celebrating 50 years of serving the Harrisburg area. In our magazine story, read about Ted Carskadon, the new owner, and the future of the shop.

Pickleball popularity is sweeping the nation and the Harrisburg area will soon have its first indoor facility devoted entirely to the sport, our magazine story reported. Smash Point Pickleball is expected to open the first week of July in Hampden Township.

Sara Bozich has a ton of great ways to spend the weekend around Harrisburg. Find them all, here.

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Capital Region Multicultural Business Lab concludes, awards several area startups

June 22, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Josue Osorto (front, third from right), pitch competition winner from M&T Bank’s Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab, among other officials.

Several Harrisburg-area startup businesses have received a financial boost after participating in a local small businesses training program.

M&T Bank’s Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab recently concluded with a pitch competition, crowning three local businesses as winners.

“The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab empowers Greater Harrisburg’s entrepreneurs and provides their small businesses with the resources to grow,” said Nora Habig, M&T’s regional president for Central and Western Pennsylvania.

The pitch competition, held on June 21, wrapped up a seven-week business accelerator program that began in May in partnership with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University. During the free program, local minority entrepreneurs attended weekly business classes at HU.

Josue Osorto, founder of Bespoke Vending, won the $6,000 grand prize for pitching his vending machine company that sells popular, trending, nostalgic and hard-to-find snacks from around the world. Osorto, the son of El Salvadoran immigrants living in Hummelstown, started his business in September 2022 and plans to use the funds to purchase more vending machines and create a website.

Coming in second place and winning $4,000 was Corey Dupree, owner of Men Raising Black Boys. BreAna Blount, owner of Bre’s Eats-n-Sweets, won the third-place prize of $2,000.

The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab launched in 2022 to provide minority small-business owners with free access to resources and education to grow their businesses. Last year, M&T Bank and the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University received the 2022 Catalyst Award from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC for its impact on the area.

“Supporting small businesses remains at the core of M&T, and we’re proud to invest in diverse small businesses within the Harrisburg community,” Habig said.

For more information, visit M&T Bank’s website.

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Education on Wheels: Harrisburg University partners with Recycle Bicycle, offers bikes, internships to students

June 22, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Recycle Bicycle at 1722 Chestnut St., Harrisburg

A new community partnership will let Harrisburg University students get hands-on experience in their wheelhouse of interest.

The college is teaming up with Recycle Bicycle in Harrisburg to provide students with education, internships and free bikes.

“I hope that all of our students take advantage of the opportunity,” said Dr. A.J. Merlino, associate vice president of Student Professional Development & Experiential Learning.

The partnership will allow all HU students access to bikes from Recycle Bicycle, which provides free bikes and maintenance assistance to the Harrisburg area community.

According to Merlino, who also coordinates HU’s Cycling Esports Club, more students are becoming interested in sustainability. Giving them access to a bike addresses their desire to live more eco-friendly, explore the city and save money, he said.

“I think that’s really the big goal, giving our students accessibility,” he said.

In addition to the free bikes, Recycle Bicycle will also give students a space to bring their classroom knowledge into the community.

According to Ross Willard, the organization’s founder, education is at the heart of their mission. Volunteers and staff at Recycle Bicycle will work with students on projects like creating bike repair stations around the city and building a computer program to keep track of bike inventory, among other initiatives. However, Willard is open to any ideas students might have for projects.

“We are a great resource,” Willard said. “We are a ready-made experimental lab for students. We want them to be able to use us to expand their world and help our community.”

Merlino said that he expects students studying digital marketing, manufacturing and environmental science, among other areas of study, to be involved in the partnership.

HU students may also hold events in conjunction with Recycle Bicycle to bring awareness to the organization’s importance in the community.

“Being good partners and neighbors is important,” Merlino said. “And who knows what this will allow students to do.”

For more information on Harrisburg University, visit their website. To learn more about Recycle Bicycle, visit their website.

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

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 22, 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: Take the kids to play at the new Chutes and Ladders playground in Reservoir Park Worth noting: A silent disco in Riverfront Park on Sunday Things on my agenda this weekend: idk I think PA Speedweeks! And the Friends of TheBurg soiree.

For your weekend(ish) planning

See lovelytheband with Beach Water with HU Presents at XL Live on Tuesday
See NYT Best Selling authors Ruth Ware and Riley Sager at Midtown Scholar
Great Catering Option for all your Summer Events
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

The June SoMa Block Party (aka Budget Bash) is June 29 – add to your calendar!
Market on Market, downtown Camp Hill’s farmer’s market, is now Tuesdays through October
Save the date for Plants + Pints!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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

Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg names new president, CEO

June 21, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

David Cohen

A major Harrisburg-area organization has announced a new day-to-day leader, just as it plans to make a big move.

On Wednesday, the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg announced the appointment of David Cohen as its new president and CEO, following a yearlong, national search.

According to the federation, Cohen, currently of Boston, has experience helping federations, JCCs, synagogues, summer camps, Jewish day schools and other Jewish organizations succeed.

Cohen will play a critical role as the federation transitions to the new Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life, which is slated to open later this year, according to the federation. In April 2022, the federation purchased the former Dixon University Center, located on the 2800-block of N. Front Street in Harrisburg, from the PA State System of Higher Education for its new home.

It will move from its long-time location on the 3300-block of N. Front St. in Harrisburg.

“We’re grateful to be bringing David on board. He’s someone with all the skills and expertise that you would want in a federation leader, and who’s also an incredibly down-to-earth, haimish¸ warm person who fits in with the culture and sensibility of our Harrisburg Jewish community,” said Abby Smith, federation board chair. “For him, it goes beyond working within the Jewish community, but also being a Jewish ambassador and leader within the community at-large.”

Cohen will join the federation in mid-August. He succeeds Arnie Sohinki, who has led the organization in an interim role since last summer.

Most recently, Cohen served with the Jewish Community Relations Council in Boston and as JCRC director in Richmond. He also has served as an administrator with the Shlenker School of Congregation Beth Israel in Houston and as the director of Congregational Learning at Temple Sinai Congregation in Toronto, Canada, among other prior positions.

“I am excited to meet with even more community leaders and a wide spectrum of community members to hear what they’d like the future of Harrisburg to look like,” Cohen said. “The Jewish Federation is already a great convener of different segments of the community and there are amazing people in leadership of the Jewish community—to take that to the next level is the goal, with even more support for learning, community and connectivity.”

For more information on the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, visit their website.

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

New Way to Play: Harrisburg cuts the ribbon on Chutes and Ladders Playground in Reservoir Park

June 20, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Chutes and Ladders Playground at Reservoir Park

Dozens of kids played, laughed and squealed with joy as Harrisburg cut the ribbon on its newest playground.

The city celebrated on Tuesday the grand opening of its Chutes and Ladders Playground at Reservoir Park, concluding a six-year-long project to upgrade a portion of the 87-acre park.

“The Chutes and Ladders Playground is unlike anything in or around the Harrisburg area,” Mayor Wanda Williams said. “This is innovation and creativity at its best.”

The new $1 million playground, near the Reservoir Park bandshell, is inspired by the children’s board game of the same name. The playground includes many different slides and rope ladders, as well as other play equipment.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams (left) and City Council President Danielle Bowers cut the ribbon on the new playground, along with other local officials and children.

Harrisburg broke ground on the project in April 2022.

The playground is one phase of the city’s Reservoir Park Master Plan, which aims to increase interest and traffic in the park. Later phases include creating a spray park, constructing a new pavilion, increasing parking, adding a “tot lot” playground for younger children, planting trees and increasing walkways in the park. Construction on the next phase will begin later in the year, according to the city.

During the Chutes and Ladders ribbon-cutting event, Mackenzie Boyd of Mechanicsburg watched her 3-year-old play on the new equipment.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said. “It’s bright and colorful and unique.”

Leah Fletcher came from Highspire to the park, where she often brings her kids.

“It’s nice to see it updated,” she said. “It’s great for the little ones.”

Her own “little one,” Alessandra, chimed in, saying, “I love everything about it.”

Kids play on the new Chutes and Ladders Playground in Reservoir Park

City officials said that upgrades at Reservoir Park are one of many recent initiatives to modernize and update Harrisburg parks.

In October, Harrisburg received a $13 million grant, which will support the renovation of 7th & Radnor Park, Wilson Playground, Gorgas Playground and Jackson Lick Pool. The money came from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s COVID relief funding.

“This is really just the beginning,” said Dave Baker, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “We really do expect to have some amazing things in the upcoming years.”

Reservoir Park is located at 100 Concert Dr., Harrisburg. For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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Local officials mark Juneteenth, celebrate progress, encourage continued activism

June 19, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Local officials discuss Juneteenth at a press conference in front of the K. Leroy Irvis building at the state Capitol complex.

Local officials gathered on Monday to recognize a holiday commemorating freedom.

Juneteenth HBG organizers joined with Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus members for a press conference at the state Capitol complex to discuss the importance of Juneteenth, June 19.

“Juneteenth is a day in which we remember America’s original sin—which is slavery,” said Rogette Harris, South Central PA Caucus chair. “However, Juneteenth also reminds us of our ability to heal, hope and emerge from our darkest moments with persistence and determination.”

The holiday, officially recognized as a national holiday in 2021, memorializes the day in 1865 that remaining Black slaves in Texas received word that they were free.

Monday’s press conference capped weeks-long Juneteenth HBG celebrations and events held by the Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg. Activities included educational, artistic and musical showcases. According to Dr. Kimeka Campbell, co-founder of YPOC, over 3,000 attendees and over 75 vendors participated in Juneteenth events.

“Look what we accomplished,” Campbell shared.

Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick also announced at the press conference that the county has designated Juneteenth as an official holiday, as well.

Other officials shared information about Juneteenth’s history and encouraged the community to continue social justice work by supporting local Black-owned businesses and advocating for equality.

“Today, as we commemorate Juneteenth, we are not just marking the end of the physical bondage that held our ancestors, but we are also celebrating the spirit of jubilee that continues to inspire our community in Harrisburg and beyond,” said Rep. David Madsen (D-104).

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 16, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

UPMC and Community LifeTeam EMS professionals showed Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams how to administer chest compressions, during a press conference about their Minutes Matter initiative.

There’s a lot to celebrate this weekend in Harrisburg! Enjoy the Juneteenth festivities and happy Father’s Day to all of the Burg dads. Kick off the festive weekend tonight with 3^rd in the Burg! Before you head out, catch up on all of our local news coverage below.

An apartment development project broke ground near the new federal courthouse in Harrisburg, our online story reported. Harrisburg-based developer Vice Capital, owned by LeSean McCoy, former NFL running back and Harrisburg native, plans to construct a 48-unit apartment building, called “Savoy 48.”

Author Floyd Stokes, executive director of the American Literacy Corp. in Harrisburg, hopes that his new book, “How We Found Our Pride: Letters to a Young Queer,” inspires young people to rise above adversity. In our magazine story, hear from some of the voices featured in the book.

Bob’s Art Blog discusses current exhibits at the Art Association of Harrisburg and the Carlisle Arts Learning Center. Read about them and view some of the art, here.

Capital Area Cleanup has worked for about four years to beautify the greater Harrisburg area, as well as educate participants on how to better care for the earth. In our magazine story, read about the organizers’ goals for the cleanups.

Carlisle school board member, Rick Coplen, announced that he would run for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 primary for the 10^th congressional district, our online story reported. Coplen’s announcement sets up a primary rematch with Harrisburg City Council member Shamaine Daniels who is also running for the seat again.

A Harrisburg area couple’s life as civil rights activists in the deep South more than 50 years ago connects to a current Susquehanna Art Museum exhibit, our magazine story reported. “Art and Activism at Tougaloo College” features pieces that the school has collected over the years, beginning when the couple, Barbara and Sterling Thompson, were students in 1963.

Harrisburg School District officials announced that the proposed 2023-24 budget now does not include a tax increase, our online story reported. They also weighed the possibility of demolishing the district’s long-vacant and blighted William Penn school.

Harrisburg University Presents added Trey Anastasio, co-founder of the band Phish, to its 2023 Summer Concert Series in Riverfront Park, our online story reported. HU Presents also announced that country musician Orville Peck, originally slated to play XL Live, is moving his concert to the riverfront.

Home sales fell, but prices held steady in May in the Harrisburg area, our reporting found. For the three-county region, 533 houses sold in May compared to 670 in May 2022, as the median sales prices rose slightly to $264,000 from $260,000.

Juneteenth HBG, an annual celebration spearheaded by Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg, has held events to commemorate Black history, art and culture. In our magazine story, find out what festivities are taking place this weekend.

Sara Bozich has a great lineup of events for the weekend, including ways to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday and Father’s Day.

Theatre Harrisburg’s show “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” is “hysterically funny,” says our reviewer. The show, which caps the theater’s 97^th season, runs through June 25 at the Krevsky Center.

UPMC launched its Minutes Matter campaign in partnership with Harrisburg to provide emergency medical training to the public, our online story reported. UPMC will offer online and in-person education on how to intervene when someone’s experiencing cardiac arrest, uncontrolled bleeding, opioid overdose or a mental health crisis.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 15, 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: Juneteenth event Friday at sip @ soma Worth noting: sip @ soma Thursday; Iron Bridge Music Festival Friday & Saturday; more Juneteenth events Things on my agenda this weekend: see above

For your weekend planning

Sly Fox Brewing is in Harrisburg this Thursday and Friday
New Cumberland’s Iron Bridge Music Festival – FREE
WIN tickets to see lovelytheband with Beach Weather on June 27
Great Catering Option for all your Summer Events
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

The June SoMa Block Party (aka Budget Bash) is June 29 – add to your calendar!
Market on Market, downtown Camp Hill’s farmer’s market, is now Tuesdays through October
Be sure the full SoMa Block Party Series is on your calendar
Save the date for Plants + Pints!
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

- Sly Fox Brewing at sip @ soma Tasting Room!
- Tröegs Grow @ Brewhouse Grille
- Juneteenth HBG: Evolution-The Revision of Black Art Expo
- Music on the Patio with The Barrelmen at Midtown Cinema
- Red Not Chili Peppers W/ Brass Monkeys @ XL Live
- Pat Cusick at The Sturges Speakeasy
- New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally
- Open Stage presents Poirot Investigates!
- The Little Dog Laughed at Ephrata Performing Arts Center
- Kaonashi at HMAC
- Poetry w/ Blacklisted Poets of Hbg at HMAC

Friday

- 3rd in the Burg!
- Sly Fox Brewing | 3rd in the Burg | Juneteenth at sip @ soma with YPOC and HYP
- Mend & Shop at Found Collab during 3rd in the Burg
- 3rd In The Burg – Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan at Midtown Cinema
- June Third in the Burg at Susquehanna Art Museum
- Live at the Beach: Kirk Wise & 3rd in the Burg at Harrisburg Beach Club
- Aortic Valve #3rdFridaze Nocturnal Harrisburg June Edition
- Iron Bridge Music Festival in New Cumberland Borough Park (Jazz Program)
- Sunset Charcuterie Night! at The Winery at Hunters Valley
- KIX @ XL LIve June 16
- Harrisburg Senators vs. Erie SeaWolves (AA Tigers)
- West Shore Symphony Orchestra Summer Concerts: EARTH, WATER, SKY
- Music in the Gardens at Hershey Gardens
- Kidd G at HMAC
- THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE presented by Theatre Harrisburg performed at Krevsky
- Richard III: 30th Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park with Gamut Theatre Group
- The Little Dog Laughed at Ephrata Performing Arts Center
- Open Stage presents Poirot Investigates!
- Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2

Saturday

- Iron Bridge Music Festival (FREE!) in New Cumberland Borough Park
- Barre On The Beach at Harrisburg Beach Club
- Millworks Music Festival benefiting the Broad Street Market!
- Backyard BBQ at Ashcombe
- SKINCARE BAKERY GRAND OPENING!
- Humane Society of Harrisburg Poochella
- West Shore Symphony Orchestra Summer Concerts: EARTH, WATER, SKY
- Juneteenth HBG Summer of Soul Concert @ XL LIVE
- Juneteenth Community Free Day at The National Civil War Museum
- Basic Fluid Art Class at The Millworks
- City Island Luau at the Beach Club
- Harrisburg Senators vs. Erie SeaWolves (AA Tigers)
- Friends of Midtown Labyrinth | FREE Outdoor Film at Midtown Cinema
- Bands on the Beach Concert: Smooth Like Clyde at Harrisburg Beach Club
- Emily’s ToyBox at Hollywood Casino Grantville
- WTF is B2B at HMAC
- THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE presented by Theatre Harrisburg performed at Krevsky
- Richard III: 30th Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park with Gamut Theatre Group
- Open Stage presents Poirot Investigates!
- The Little Dog Laughed at Ephrata Performing Arts Center
- Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2

Sunday

- POP2K Pilates at Harrisburg Beach Club
- Dads are Free on Father’s Day! at Hershey Gardens
- Juneteenth HBG: Jubilee
- Sunday Bloody Sunday: Bloody Mary Specials! at Harrisburg Beach Club
- Harrisburg Senators vs. Erie SeaWolves (AA Tigers)
- Drag Arena at Nocturnal
- THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE presented by Theatre Harrisburg performed at Krevsky
- Father’s Day Festival & Car Show at Wyndridge Farm
- Yoga and Brunch at Wyndridge Farm
- Drag Brunch Bingo at HMAC

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

Carlisle’s Rick Coplen announces candidacy for 10th congressional district

June 14, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Rick Coplen addresses attendees at his campaign announcement on Tuesday night.

A Carlisle school board member is throwing his hat into the ring for the Democratic nomination for Congress.

Late on Tuesday, Rick Coplen announced that he would run in the 2024 primary for the 10^th congressional district, which includes all of Dauphin County and parts of Cumberland and York counties.

In his announcement, Coplen sharply criticized the six-term Republican incumbent, Rep. Scott Perry.

“I’m not just running against Scott Perry and his extremism,” he said. “I’m running to restore common sense, common decency, and service to the common good in public life.”

Coplen’s announcement sets up a primary rematch with Harrisburg City Council member Shamaine Daniels, who announced in April that she would run for the seat again. Coplen and Daniels competed for the Democratic nomination last year. Daniels won that contest, but lost to Perry in the general election.

“People are tired of extremism,” Coplen said. “People want political leaders to come together in the sensible center of the political spectrum and move America forward. We have to stop listening to the extremists and listen more closely to each other, to the great majority of us who are eager for a normal normal.”

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

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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(ish) planning