Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

March 2, 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: Catch an upcoming band before they make it big: HU Presents Certainly So at XL Live on Friday Worth noting: The City’s Ice & Fire Festival is Saturday (plus Chili Cookoff Friday at Broad Street Market) and loaded with activities Things on my agenda this weekend: HU Presents Certainly So at XL on Friday; Ice & Fire Festival Saturday (come see me at sip @ soma!)

For your weekend planning

HU Presents Certainly So at XL Live on Friday
sip @ soma with Castlerigg Wine Shop during Ice & Fire Festival
View my local Restaurant Directory or Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

An interview with Dawes’ frontman Taylor Goldsmith
HU Presents announces spring 2023 lineup
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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Proposed apartment project in Harrisburg receives final city approval

March 1, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Architectural rendering of the Savoy, a proposed apartment building in Harrisburg (credit: Warehaus)

An apartment project near the new federal building in Harrisburg will move forward as it received the final green light from the city.

Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday approved a land development plan for the Savoy, 48-unit apartment building proposed for the 1500-block of N. 6^th Street.

Harrisburg-based Vice Capital, a firm headed by retired NFL running back LeSean McCoy, plans to demolish three existing buildings at 1522, 1524 and 1526 N. 6^th St. in late March.

On the property, which includes several adjoining grassy lots, developers plan to construct a four-story, 62,370-square-foot building that will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Ten of the units will be designated as affordable. It will also include first-floor commercial space.

Construction for the $8 million project is expected to begin in mid-to-late summer and will likely take a year to complete, according to Jonathan Bowser, managing partner of Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners, the project’s general contractor.

In other news, council voted to appoint Dr. Kent Hurst to serve on the city’s Historical Architectural Review Board. He will serve a three-year term beginning this month.

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HPV Vaccines are Vital for Adolescents and Young Teens

March 1, 2023 | by THINK Capital Blue Cross

Five friends enjoying a hike in a forest, California, USA

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) will afflict about 8 in 10 people during their lifetime and will cause more than 35,000 new mostly genital and throat cancers this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world, and while there is no treatment for HPV, there is a vaccine that can prevent 90% of HPV-related cancers if given at the right age, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Getting your 9-to-12-year-old son or daughter vaccinated now is the best way to prevent HPV cancers and can help keep them healthy well into adulthood,” said Kristy Houston, an educational consultant in Capital Blue Cross’ Health Promotion and Wellness department, and Capital’s representative in the cancer society’s HPV Learning Collaborative.

Though an effective HPV vaccine has been available since 2006, vaccine awareness has declined in the past several years, especially among minorities, rural populations, males, the poor, and those over 65, the CDC says.

While vaccinations have led to a decline in cervical cancer, especially in younger women, the Journal of the American Medical Association reports the rate of oral and anal/rectal cancer has increased among men.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine say flagging HPV vaccine awareness is due partly to concerns about vaccine safety and, to a much smaller degree, fears that vaccine protection could encourage sexual promiscuity.

Vaccine Facts

With more than 270 million doses distributed worldwide since 2006, including 135 million doses in the U.S., the HPV vaccine has a long and reliable safety record, and is proven to be highly effective, according to data from the CDC, ACS, and World Health Organization.

That vaccine led to an 88% decrease in infections of HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts among teen girls, and an 81% drop among young, adult women. The percentage of cervical precancers caused by HPV dropped by 40% in vaccinated women.

Ideally, the HPV vaccine should be given before potential exposure to sexual contact, according to the CDC:

Two doses for all children 9-12, with at least five months between the first and second shot.
Three doses for 15 to 26-year-olds with at least four weeks between the first and second shot, and five months between the first and third shot.
Unvaccinated adults aged 27 to 45 should speak to their doctor about the risk of new HPV infections and the benefits of vaccination.

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

The Roots, The Struts added to summer concert lineup in Harrisburg

February 28, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

It’s time to add some more Harrisburg summer concerts to your calendar.

Harrisburg University Presents announced on Tuesday that it would bring two iconic bands, hip hop group The Roots and British rockers The Struts, to the city.

The Roots, set to perform on July 29, went platinum and gold with successive studio releases and have won several Grammy Awards. The band is also known for its role as the house band on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

The band will perform as part of the concert organizer’s 2023 Summer Concert Series. Just last week, HU Presents announced that Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and The Head and The Heart will also hit the riverfront stage this summer.

The Roots return to the riverfront after their concert last summer.

Rock-and-rollers The Struts, will return to the city for the third time on July 14 at XL Live. They will be joined by a special guest, rock band Mac Saturn.

Formed in 2012, The Struts have opened for rock legends The Rolling Stones, The Who and Guns N’ Roses, among others. They released their most recent album, “Strange Days,” in 2020.

Tickets for both shows will go on sale to the public on March 3.

HU Presents has also recently announced a long lineup of concerts headed to Harrisburg in the coming months, including Rick Ross, Dawes, Joywave and alt-J, among others.

To purchase tickets or for more information on Harrisburg University Presents, visit their website.

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A Change in the Weather: Pennsylvania’s emergency management and environmental experts explain climate change: Why flooding is our top risk—and it’s not the Susquehanna they’re most worried about. But they are floating a number of solutions.

February 28, 2023 | by Karen Hendricks

Flood risks are among the top three hazards in nearly every Pennsylvania county, in this map recently released by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

It’s one of Harrisburg’s most treasured, beloved landmarks.

The Susquehanna River is the longest river east of the Mississippi. Its basin—an immense 27,510 square miles—encompasses half of Pennsylvania, along with portions of New York and Maryland. It’s an area that 4 million people call home, including those who live along its picturesque shores from Cooperstown, N.Y., to Havre de Grace, Md.—including Harrisburg’s rocky riverbed stretching nearly a mile wide.

“We are unique, in that we’re a river city—and that has inherent issues,” said Brian Enterline, Harrisburg Fire Bureau chief and head of emergency management.

That’s because the Susquehanna is considered one of the most flood-prone watersheds in the nation, averaging $150 million in flood damage annually—a fact that Ben Pratt thinks about daily.

“I’m the point person here at the commission for all things related to flooding,” said Pratt, a water resources engineer of 17 years with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC). “So my day job is flooding. I get up every day concerned about flooding, and then climate change adds another level to it.”

As iconic as the Susquehanna is, what are the risks swirling within its basin amid climate change? What changes are we experiencing in Pennsylvania’s weather and climate? And how are those changes connected to flooding? We set out to answer those questions from local, state and regional experts at top emergency management and environmental roles.

A Perfect Storm

Geography and weather patterns provide the perfect storm of ingredients for the basin’s flood-prone tendency, even before climate change enters into the mix.

“We’re always at risk for tropical storms and hurricanes in the summer seasons,” Pratt said. “And with west-to-east weather patterns, we pick up moisture from the Great Lakes, which produces summer thunderstorms with heavy rain.”

Perhaps no one understands flood risks better than residents and businesses located in floodplains—areas designated to be most at-risk for flooding by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). But weather events and climate change don’t adhere to boundary lines drawn on maps.

“The biggest concern with climate change is the heavy, extreme events, even to those who aren’t in a floodplain,” Pratt said. “You have to expand the area of concern, and frankly it’s everyone now that has a flood risk of some sort. And that’s a real challenge … it’s an expansion of what we’ve known historically as the 100-year floodplain. It’s pretty much everywhere now—not just along the rivers.”

Before we go further, let’s explore flooding’s connection to climate change.

Warming Up

You’ve likely noticed changes—some of them extreme—in our weather. For example, Harrisburg has experienced little snowfall—even some 50-degree days—this winter.

“It’ll probably go down as one of the warmer winters we’ve had,” said Jeff Jumper, Pennsylvania’s state meteorologist working under the umbrella of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

But changes in the weather don’t exactly equal climate change. Weather is what happens on a daily basis. Climate is the big picture—a long-term average of weather over decades and centuries.

Worldwide, the average global temperature—after being historically stable over the course of modern human civilization—began warming during the 1880s amid the Industrial Revolution, when the burning of fossil fuels accelerated. The earth has warmed 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900.

“Harrisburg’s annual average temperature went up .3 degrees per decade,” said Jumper. “We’re in the category of [temperatures] climbing at a rate we’ve never seen before.”

If we continue on this trajectory, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) estimates that Pennsylvania’s temperatures will warm another 5.9 degrees by 2050.

“The idea is the rate at which we’re seeing those temperatures rise. How quickly are we going to lose winter? How quickly are we going to be more like Richmond?” Jumper said.

In the Atmosphere

Changes in climate are being driven by the atmosphere.

Scientists first noticed the greenhouse effect in the 1820s, and, today, more than 99.9% of all scientists who have published in the field agree that climate change is real, and human activity—primarily emissions from the burning of fossil fuels—is the cause. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of those greenhouse gases, so when experts talk about “de-carbonization,” it refers to lowering CO2 emissions.

And Pennsylvania is one of the leading emitters of CO2 in the nation. As one of the top three energy-producing states, the Keystone State is also the top electricity-exporting state, sharing 30% of its energy with neighboring states, according to DEP data. Pennsylvania is actually responsible for nearly 1% of total global emissions.

Additionally, the state’s industrial sector contributes about one-third of its greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to processes used in manufacturing concrete and chemicals, along with mineral extraction.

As greenhouse gases propel climate change and warmer temperatures, how does this tie into increased precipitation? Warmer air holds more water vapor, so when storms form, there’s more water vapor available, compared to 50 or 100 years ago.

“Our 2021 Climate Impacts Assessment found that currently our [Pennsylvania’s] biggest hazard is flooding. Across the state, we have the second-most miles of streams in the U.S.,” said Lindsay Byron, DEP environmental group manager. “And we can expect an 8% increase in precipitation by 2050.”

That’s on top of an already-observed 10% to 20% increase in Pennsylvania’s precipitation. The sum result? Pennsylvania’s heightened risk of flooding. PEMA recently worked with each county’s emergency management agency to identify their top three hazards—and the resulting map displays flood risks throughout the state.

In a Flash

“The other challenge is predicting flash flooding, and that can happen anywhere in the state,” said Jumper, who points to 2018—Pennsylvania’s wettest year on record. “We had no major snowstorm, no major tropical system. We just had a pattern that supported tropical moisture coming out of the Gulf and Atlantic, a setup that dumped a season’s worth (three months’ worth) of precipitation over days.”

The power behind flash flooding brings additional concerns.

“Our tributaries and watersheds have become more volatile—think of Ellicott City, Md.,” Jumper said. “They had a heavy rain event, a lot of development [meaning less green and more gray, impervious surfaces] further up the watershed, and a heavy rain event came down and washed out the town.”

More examples hit closer to home.

“With Hurricane Ida, we saw Philadelphia’s Vine Street Expressway filling up with water, and we saw Route 283 under water near Mount Joy in 2018,” said Pratt, at the SRBC. “These extreme events are going to overwhelm our existing infrastructure.”

Between 1978 and 2020, Susquehanna River basin municipalities received $832 million in FEMA flood insurance payments—“which actually makes it more interesting to think Hurricane Agnes isn’t included in those totals,” said Pratt.

Within the Lower Susquehanna River Subbasin, four of the top five payments went to Dauphin County municipalities, including Harrisburg.

In the capital city, flooding is typically triggered by three sources, according to Chief Enterline: the Susquehanna River, generally affecting Shipoke; Paxton Creek, which floods Cameron Street; and localized flooding primarily due to the city’s “built environment,” focused on Allison Hill, Market and Derry streets.

“Just a localized thunderstorm can put the city upside-down,” Enterline said. “Cars driving into standing water account for our highest volume of water rescue events every year—not water rescues in the river.”

Water woes are currently dominating western U.S. headlines, as climate change brings drought conditions to that region. Here in Pennsylvania, it might be easy to dismiss these things as NIMBY events—those “not in my backyard.” But climate change adjustments across the nation and world are interconnected.

“There are concerns about the capacity of the Colorado River as a source, and that’s concerning because, ultimately, that could impact things within the Susquehanna River basin,” Pratt said. “It’s hard to think about, but— recognizing the agricultural production that comes out of California—if that would go away, where does that go, and [if production relocates here] does that become a stress on our water resources?”

Solutions

Not all climate change news is gloom and doom. Every one of our experts cited hopeful solutions being studied and implemented to mitigate or adapt to climate change.

Many are cited within the state’s 2021 Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan, a DEP roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by hitting benchmarks in 2025 and 2050. The plan calls for a 26% reduction in Pennsylvania’s greenhouse gases by 2025, over 2005 emissions. That would, in essence, take some of the wind out of climate change’s sails.

“We will meet that 2025 goal,” said Byron, who led the plan’s development and is currently launching work on the next iteration. “We publish a state inventory of greenhouse gases annually, and looking at that data—there’s a little bit of a data lag—as of 2019, we had reduced greenhouse gases by 18%. The vast majority of the reduction in greenhouse gases has been in our electricity sector—we’ve reduced emissions about 40%—and that’s largely due to switching from burning coal to burning natural gas in our power plants.”

On the emergency management side, Jumper, after serving as the first state meteorologist under PEMA, is moving to another newly created role as emergency management program manager for resiliency.

“I’ll be creating a playbook that helps us provide assistance to individuals, communities, counties and state agencies recovering from disasters,” Jumper said. “Basically, how do we prevent, and then how do we get back on our feet after disasters such as flooding?”

At the SRBC, Pratt is focused on improved and innovative forecasting and warning capabilities, including the debut of the 100-mile-long Susquehanna Floodwater Response System near Wilkes-Barre. He’s also looking forward to the rollout of powerful new forecasting tools to better detect potential flash flooding, such as the National Weather Service’s upcoming National Water Model.

In Harrisburg, water rescue units are at the ready.

“Over the past 10 years, we have invested tens of thousands of dollars into water rescue response boats and training equipment,” Enterline said.

In the meantime, a comprehensive project involving state, county and city officials has produced the Paxton Creek Master Plan, calling for the creek’s de-channelization to decrease flooding and increase ecological benefits. The city is also writing grants to replace manual water gauges with city weather stations.

What about the power of one—decisions within our own grasp?

Jumper recommends all home or business owners consider flood insurance, even those not located in floodplains. Pratt encourages people to pay more attention to forecasts, recognizing there’s uncertainty and danger in flash flood warnings, in particular. And then there’s education.

“What I do now is all about education and outreach,” said Stacey Hanrahan, SRBC spokesperson. “Half of my meetings are about, ‘How do we tell the public the facts about climate change in a way that makes them care?’ And at the end of the day, sometimes that comes down to your wallet, through higher energy bills, farmers’ growing degree days, environmental justice issues and how poorer communities are affected. And there’s hope with the kids—they have more of an immediate concern, which is promising. At the end of the day, it all comes down to education.”

To hear more from Jeff Jumper about how PEMA is responding to climate change, tune into TheBurg Podcast’s March episode, available March 10.

This is TheBurg’s second in a six-part, Pennsylvania-focused, climate change series by freelance writer Karen Hendricks, publishing through 2023.

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Downtown Funk: Harrisburg’s center city needs two things most—people and a plan

February 28, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck

In the early days of TheBurg, I helped out with our monthly distribution, delivering copies to hundreds of locations throughout central PA.

Not that we founders wanted to do this dirty, tiring work ourselves, but we really had no choice, given the tight finances of our start-up newspaper.

But this exhausting, tedious task had an upside. Relatively new to Harrisburg, I met many interesting and hard-working people, mostly small business owners who agreed to carry our new publication.

I tell this story now because one of those people was Bill Cologie, the long-time owner of Transit News, a newsstand/convenience store tucked inside of Harrisburg’s historic train station. Right from the start, TheBurg went like hotcakes from his stand, offering me some hope that we could make this Burg thing work, if only we could stick it out.

Once, I joked with Bill that we were in this terrible news business together. It’s just that I published it and he sold it.

Nearly 15 years later, Bill believes that he’s reached the end of his news-selling line. In January, he said that he was looking for a buyer and, if he didn’t find one, would shut down his stand.

His business, he said, never recovered from the pandemic, as commuter traffic coming through the station has not fully bounced back.

“Our customer count is only two-thirds of what it was before the pandemic, and we’re only seeing a small fraction of the state employees, most working from home, who used to commute to work daily by bus or train,” he said.

At one time, you couldn’t walk half-a-block in downtown Harrisburg without running into someplace selling a newspaper. Today, the city’s last remaining newsstand soon may shut down for good.

My general opinion is that cities always are changing. It’s one of their defining traits. People move in, people move out. Businesses open and close. A neighborhood may change so much to be almost unrecognizable from one generation to the next.

Sure, we old-timers may be nostalgic for the days when we could stroll down the street, plunk down some spare change and walk away with a paper thick with articles, features and ads. But is the potential loss of Harrisburg’s last newsstand really a tragedy?

Maybe not, but Bill’s situation is indicative of something much larger—the crisis facing urban cores, emphatically including Harrisburg’s, from the continuing fallout of COVID-19.

“I confess I am still surprised that they aren’t treating the remote work revolution like the five-alarm fire it is,” wrote Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle in a recent piece urging the country’s mayors to take seriously the threat to their cities from workers no longer commuting to their jobs.

So, what’s to be done? How can downtowns, particularly Harrisburg’s, adjust to this new reality? Regular readers of this column may not be surprised that I have a few thoughts on the matter.

First, I would like to see Harrisburg publicly commit to increasing the population of the center city, as downtown’s future is almost certainly more residential than office. Moreover, I think that setting a definite number, however speculative, would help keep eyes fixed on that goal.

Recently, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, faced with a similar challenge, asserted that she wanted 15,000 more residents in her downtown. I’ve often called Harrisburg a micro-version of D.C., so I would suggest a goal of 1,000 residents here, an ambitious, yet achievable goal over the next decade.

Secondly, Harrisburg should do what it takes to make downtown development, especially residential development, more attractive. This could mean loosening density restrictions, making office-to-residential conversions less cumbersome and revisiting other aspects of the zoning code that dampen development.

Harrisburg also should consider adjusting its tax abatement rules. The program, in place since 2016, has worked fairly well for rehabbing existing structures, but less so for new development. Developers have complained that the program contains mandates that significantly increase their building costs, nullifying any potential benefit. And what’s the point of a program if it’s not being used?

Thirdly, I suggest making downtown a more attractive place to live by paving alleys, fixing sidewalks, putting in bike lanes and slowing down traffic on 2nd Street, perhaps even eliminating a through-lane. A small road or alley could be closed to traffic and turned into an attractive, pedestrian-only restaurant/shopping street. A few pocket parks and more public art also would soften up the landscape and contribute immensely to downtown’s look and livability.

Lastly, Harrisburg, while boosting population, should not forget about downtown’s appeal as a tourist and nightlife destination. People still want to visit urban centers, even if they don’t especially want to work there anymore.

In fact, the city, along with the Downtown Improvement District, has been adding events to draw people in. Now that the pandemic has abated, there may be opportunities to add to this calendar. Harrisburg should also focus like a laser on recruiting businesses related to entertainment, dining, culture and the arts.

Recently, Harrisburg City Council held interviews to select a new council member to fill an open seat. During this process, one council member, Jocelyn Rawls, asked all the candidates to share their “vision” for Harrisburg.

I thought this was an excellent question, one that all of our elected officials should ponder and articulate. If I were to answer that question, I would certainly have a lot to say about housing, streets and economic development, but, right at the top, would be this—what comes next for downtown Harrisburg?

Lawrance Binda is publisher/editor of TheBurg.

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Community Corner: Notable March Events

February 28, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Legislators’ Forum II
March 2: Join the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 2022 Legislators’ Forum II, with area members of the PA Senate serving Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 8 to 10 a.m. Cost to attend is $70 or $45 for members. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

Calm the Mind
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Learn short, easy 15-minute calming meditations on Thursdays from 12 to 12:30 p.m. at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. Led by Buddhist nun, Kelsang Chonzdin, a teacher and practitioner of almost 20 years, these meditations are suitable for people of any religion. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Film Friday
March 3, 4: Head to Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for a special Film Friday of 2023 Oscar-nominated short films. View documentary short films from 1 to 4 p.m., live action short films from 6 to 8 p.m., and animated short films from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 4. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

HBG Flea
March 4: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Kids Discover
March 4: Kids ages 5 to 10 are invited to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to learn about woodpeckers and their adaptations, make a craft, and take a walk to look for signs of woodpeckers, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per child; one chaperone per child attends free. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Ice & Fire
March 4: Harrisburg’s annual Ice & Fire Festival returns with ice sculptures, fire dancers, food trucks, fire pits, s’mores, an artist market, kids’ activities and more. Sculptures will be on display along N. 2nd St. as well as City Island, Midtown, Italian Lake, Shipoke and Reservoir Park. The sculptures will be lit from 7 to 9 p.m. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Spring Gardening
March 4, 11, 18: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners hosts its Spring Gardening Symposium at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Session topics include “Creating a Native Garden—My Journey,” “Growing Berries” and “Small Area Gardening.” Cost is $5 per session. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Book Sale
March 4, 18: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House, across the shared parking lot from the library. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, music, puzzles, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Maple Sugar Festival
March 5: Enjoy the annual Maple Sugar Festival at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 12 to 4 p.m. Learn the mysteries of maple syrup making and Native American sugar making, and have fun with tree tapping and children’s activities. Taste syrup and shop for Pennsylvania maple products. www.forthunter.org

Purim Carnival
March 5: Have family fun at the Community Purim Carnival featuring fun, games, costumes and more, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Harrisburg JCC, 3301 N. Front St. Cost is $18 per family in advance, $20 at the door. www.jewishharrisburg.org/purim-2023

Let Music Live!
March 5: Harrisburg Choral Society presents a concert, “Let Music Live!” at 3 p.m. at Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N. 23rd St., Camp Hill. The program features songs of comfort and inspiration by famous composers. Tickets available online, from Choral Society members or at the door. www.harrisburgchoralsociety.org.

Roots & Shoots
March 6: Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to “Roots & Shoots,” a youth service program developed by Jane Goodall, at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 6 to 7 p.m. Kids learn how to foster respect and compassion for all living things, promote understanding of cultures and beliefs, and take action to make the world a better place. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Mini Med School
March 7, 14, 21: Penn State College of Medicine presents the 24th annual Mini Medical School, with a unique curriculum on the field of medicine and the college’s contributions to research and healthcare. This free, virtual event is open to everyone, 6 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. med.psu.edu/mini-medical-school

Girls who Code
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey, hosts Girls Who Code, a program for girls in grades 6 to 12 to use computer science to impact their community, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Girls will build skills in teamwork, confidence, time management, communication and more. www.hersheylibrary.org

Food Rally
March 9: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from area food trucks or New Cumberland restaurants and enjoy shopping and special promotions at local businesses. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Library Pups
March 9, 16, 30: Meet library pups with their registered therapy team at
Frederickson Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 10 to 11 a.m. Children can interact with dogs and build self-esteem. All ages welcomed. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Curious Kids
March 10: State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, invites kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade to “Curiosity Kids” to “Have Fun in the Sun” in the planetarium, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Learn about the sun, its basic motions in the sky, and why it is so important to humans and make a suncatcher to take home. www.statemuseumpa.org

Spring Wreath
March 11: Drop by Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to decorate a wreath with natural materials. Cones, nuts and seedpods supplied. Participants may bring additional items and ribbon. Sip tea or coffee while adding finishing touches. Workshop fee is $25 per wreath. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Train Show
March 11: Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will host a Railroad and Model Trains Show at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 and kids under the age of 12 are free. www.harrisburgnrhs.org

Birds & Coffee
March 11: Stop by the Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, 10 to 11 a.m. Discover which birds visit our feeders most often and learn how to identify each one. Join the Appalachian Audubon Society to observe and count common feeder birds for Project FeederWatch. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Red Tie Gala
March 11: Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in partnership with Delta Research and Educational Foundation, hosts its 65th Anniversary Red Tie Gala at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel, Harrisburg, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tickets are $100 and include dinner, dancing and a silent auction. [email protected]

PA Birthday
March 12: Join the State Museum of PA to celebrate Pennsylvania’s birthday, 12 to 4:30 p.m. View William Penn’s personal copy of the 1681 Pennsylvania Charter, sometimes referred to as the state’s birth certificate. State Archives staff will be on site to answer questions. www.statemuseumpa.org

School Open House
March 12: The Circle School hosts an open house, so visitors and families can learn about the school’s democratic approach to education. Event takes place, 2 to 4 p.m., at the school, 727 Wilhelm Rd., off Progress Avenue, in Susquehanna Township. Light refreshments served. www.CircleSchool.org

Foreign Policy Talk
March 16: Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a senior fellow with the Center for a New American Security, will discuss “The Rise of Authoritarianism” in a Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania free talk at the Susquehanna Club, New Cumberland, 7:30 p.m. www.fpaharrisburg.org

Peaceful Poses
March 17: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, hosts Peaceful Poses Yoga for adults, 9 to 9:45 a.m., to explore yoga poses, breathing techniques and ways to deal with stress and anxiety. From 10 to 10:45 a.m., kids ages 2 to 5 can participate in mindful movement and deep breaths. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

3rd in The Burg
March 17: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

St. Patty’s Parade
March 18: Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 2 p.m. with Irish dance groups, pipe and drum bands, festive floats, famous characters, cool cars, marching bands and more. The “Lucky Charm” 5K/10K precedes the parade at 12 p.m. www.harrisburgstpatricksdayparade.com

Flower Walk
March 19: Take a walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1:30 to 3 p.m., to seek out skunk cabbage, other cold tolerant plants, and anything left over from winter. You may even spot a few flowering trees. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Empty Bowls
March 20: Fight hunger one bowl at a time at Carlisle Arts Learning Center’s Empty Bowls, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Project SHARE, 5 North Orange St., Carlisle. All proceeds benefit Project SHARE. Tickets are $25. www.carlislearts.org

Driver Safety Class
March 20-21: Refresh your road skills at the AARP Smart Driver Safety Class, 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Harrisburg JCC, 3301 N. Front St. Review the rules of the road and learn how to compensate for age-related changes. www.jewishharrisburg.org

Spring Auction
March 20-26: Shop Vista Autism Service’s online auction to support individuals living with autism. Vacation rentals, gift cards, event tickets and more are up for grabs. Proceeds will help Vista fill service gaps, provide scholarships, improve facilities, provide transportation and expand programming. www.vistaautismservices.org

Networking Event
March 21: Join TCCP TechNet for the first TechNet of 2023 and meet TCCP’s new President and CEO Alexis Gosik. TCCP TechNet is a great place to reach new customers or re-establish connections. The event will be at Dukes Riverside in Wormleysburg, 5 to 7 p.m.
Registration is required. https://members.tccp.org/events/Details/technet-847100?sourceTypeId=Hub

Tonight’s Sky
March 22: Families are invited to join the planetarium director at the State Museum of PA, 300 North St, Harrisburg, at 2 p.m. to explore what you can see in the night sky. Learn about the basic motions of the sky, visible constellations and planets and special celestial events. www.statemuseumpa.org

Art Auction
March 24: Join Harrisburg Habitat for Humanity for its 18th annual “Art Builds Homes” art auction in the Empire Room at Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., starting at 6 p.m. The event includes an artist reception with hors d’oeuvres, tastings, raffle tickets, a cash bar, a silent auction, a dessert bar and a live art auction. www.harrisburghabitat.org

Bowling Benefit
March 25-April 28: Register your bowling team for Bowl for Kids’ Sake to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region’s one-to-one youth mentoring program. Enjoy pizza, drinks, raffle prizes and bowling. Teams of five are asked to raise a minimum of $500 or $100 per person. More details are online. www.capbigs.org

Women of Excellence
March 29: YWCA Greater Harrisburg presents its annual “Tribute to Women of Excellence” awards dinner at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The tribute will honor 27 outstanding women who dedicate time and talent to making a difference in central PA. Cost is $100 per seat. www.ywcahbg.org

Music Awards
March 30: Save the date for the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards and its Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the red-carpet pre-show. The Englewood, 1219 Research Blvd., Hummelstown, will host the after-party. www.cpmhof.com

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Happenings: Our March Calendar of Events

February 28, 2023 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

“Racing to the Finish Line,” through April 22

“Corvettes Celebrate 70!” through April 22

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“Reinterpretations” artist invitational includes mixed media and sculptures by Jeffrey Equality Brooks, James Gallagher, John Guarnera and Joseph Mayernik, through April 20

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

Paintings by Carol Mayer and photography by Jim Whetstone, through March 12

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

“Green Energy—Annual Member’s Exhibit,” through March 11

Celebration of Student Art, showcasing the talents of Carlisle Area School district students, March 23-April 15

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

March artist of the month

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Millersburg Area Art Association

Upper Dauphin Area High School Student Art Show, March 1-April 8; reception: March 5, 3-5 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyareaartassociation.com

HAAA Member Show at The Cocoa Beanery, through March 6

Backstage Café at the Allen Theater, featuring the artwork of Brenda and Alli Abbott and members of the Hershey Area Art Association through March 31

HAAA Rotation Exhibit Galleries, through April 8

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

“Senior Exhibition I,” final work from senior students in the B.A. studio art and B.S. art education programs, March 18- April 2, reception: March 18, 4 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St.; Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

New works by Caleb Smith, Ann Benton Yeager, Tami Bitner, Kelly Curran and Mary Gelenser, through March 12

New works by Tara Chickey, Averill Shepps, Rebecca Adey, Paul Gallo and Richard Sauders, March 14-April 16

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

“Robotiks,” found object sculptures by Mark May, March 1-31

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts (PCCA)
PCCA Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

“Suspended Beauty,” a solo exhibition by Michele Randall, through April 22

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

“Perceiving Emptiness,” works by Jayoung Yoon, through March 17; public lecture: March 2, 6 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

“Game Changers: Pennsylvania Women Who Made History,” celebrating women from across the state in diverse fields and detailing the contributions they made and challenges they faced in their lifetimes.

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

“Explore—Classroom Ephemera” by artist and educator Paul Nagle, illustrating the variety of demonstrations art teachers utilize to help guide young artists, through April 2

“Souls Shot Portrait Project” brings attention to and memorializes the lives lost and altered due to gun violence, through April 16

“Layered Artifacts,” featuring a range of abstract and non-representational works by Brian Truesdale, through May 7

“Intent/Content—Celebrating Woman Artists,” through May 21

“Valery Sutherland—Paintings,” illustrating the artist’s investigation into the passage of time and its reflection on nature, through June 18

“The Hidden Museum, 2018,” installation in which viewers are challenged to locate “hidden” works of art, through Dec. 31

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“Under the Mexican Sky,” vintage photographs by Edward Weston, Tina Modotti and colleagues, through April 2

The Trout Gallery
Dickinson College
240 W. High St., Carlisle
717-254-8159; troutgallery.org

“Noise,” drawings, paintings, prints and photographs by Dickinson Professor Emeritus of Art Ward Davenny, through April 15

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

“Keisha Finnie—Brown Skin Girl: The Evolution,” March 3-31; reception: March 3, 6-8 p.m.

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

The art of Linda Shuey, through April 1

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

“The Interrogators—Read. Question. Think. PLAY!” is a bilingual exhibit based on “The Questioneers” bestseller series, through May 31

Read, Make, Learn

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

March 4: Music Composition Workshop—Tell the Story (ages 8-13), 2-3:30 p.m.

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

March 4, 11, 18, 25: Landscapes in Color Pencils and Pastels (ages 9-14), Saturdays, 12-2 p.m.
March 11: All About You! (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 16, 17: Lucky Leprechauns! (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 23-April 27: Play with Clay at the End of the Day, Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m.
March 24-April 21: Friday Art Club (grades 3-5), 3:45-5 p.m.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
717-737-5026; thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

March 9: Best of Brunch, 6-9 p.m.
March 30: The Korean Kitchen, 6-9 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
Virtual events; dcls.org

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Teen Dungeons and Dragons, 4 pm.
March 3: Supporting Women in STEM, 6 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24: Toddler-Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m.
March 7, 14, 21: Baby-Toddler Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Tween Dungeons and Dragons (Zoom Group #1), 4 p.m.
March 9: Dungeons and Dragons (Zoom Group #1), 4 p.m.
March 16: Career Exploration at The Library, 6 p.m.
March 21: Dungeons and Dragons (Zoom Group #2), 7 p.m.

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

March 1, 8, 15, 22: Toddler Storytime, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
March 2: A Celebration of Friendship and Family, 5:30 p.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23: Anime Club, 4 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24: Preschool Storytime, 9:30 a.m.
March 6, 13, 20: All Ages Storytime, 10 a.m.
March 7, 21, 28: Born to Read, 9:30 a.m.
March 11: Native Storytelling with Dovie Thomason, 10:30 a.m.
March 11: Jump Into Graphic Novels, 2 p.m.
March 16: Sip & Speak, 3 p.m.
March 18: Junior Engineers with Snapology, 9:30 a.m.
March 25: STEM Technology Open House with Snapology, 3 p.m.

Elizabethtown Public Library
10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown
717-367-7467; etownpubliclibrary.org

March 1: Toddler Time Winter, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 2: Family Storytime Winter, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 28: STEM Stations, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

March 8: Virtual Illustrated Talk—The History of Women in Beer Making, 7-8 p.m.
March 19: Little Friends Kids’ Tea Party, 2-3:30 p.m.

Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

March 1: Moving Forward Book Group w/ Hospice of Central PA, 1-2 p.m.
March 1: Teen STEAM Meetup, 5-6 p.m.
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Spring Children’s Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23: Language at the Library—Spanish, 10-11 a.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
March 3: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Spring Baby & Toddler Story Time, 10-10:30 a.m.
March 6, 20: Frederickson Writes on Zoom, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
March 7: Curl up with the Classics—“A Little Princess,” 10-11 a.m.
March 7, 21: READ to Dogs, 6:30-8 p.m.
March 9, 16: Meet and Greet Library Pups, 10-11 a.m.
March 11: Young Explorers (ages 6-8), 1:30-2:30 p.m.
March 11: Tween LEGO Club, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 14: Teen Writers’ Meetup, 6-8 p.m.
March 15: Tween STEAM Meetup, 5:15-6 p.m.
March 17: Family Paint & Pix, 6-8 p.m.
March 24: Peaceful Poses Adult Yoga, 9-9:45 a.m.
March 24: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime, 10-10:45 a.m.
March 25, 26: Paint with Us, 1-3 p.m.

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

March 5: Introduction to Pastel Painting, 1-4 p.m.
March 11: Create a Spring Flower Pot, 1-4 p.m.
March 19: Barn Star Workshop, 2-4 p.m.
March 25: Basket Weaving Workshop, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

March 19-April 23: Kidprov (ages 6-9), Sundays, 2-3 p.m.
March 19-April 23: Kidprov (ages 10-14), Sundays, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
March 27-May 15: Level 1 Intro to Improv, Mondays, 7-10 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

March 2-April 6: Water Media, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

March 1: LEGO Club, 4 p.m.
March 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28: Penn State Hershey—Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.
March 2, 16: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
March 4: Local Author Talk—Science Fiction & Fantasy, 3 p.m.
March 4, 18, 25: Chess Club, 1 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Books and Babies, 10:15 a.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Storytime for Everyone, 11 a.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15 a.m.
March 8, 22: Artisan Wednesday, 3 p.m.
March 13: MOMS Club of Derry Township, 10 a.m.
March 13, 27: Movie Monday, 3 p.m.
March 14: Philosophers’ Round Table Discussion Group, 2 p.m.
March 14, 28: Girls Who Code, 6 p.m.
March 18: Poet Talk, 2 p.m.
March 21: Local Author Talk—Romance & Historical Fiction, 6 p.m.
March 22: Science for All, 4 p.m.
March 25: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.
March 25: Fused Glass Class, 1 p.m.
March 27: Bricks & Brews—Adult LEGO Club, 6:30 p.m.
March 28: Silent Book Group, 10-11:30 a.m.
March 28: Toastmasters, 5:45 p.m.

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

March 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27: Rhyme Time (18 months and older), 10:15-10:35 a.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23: Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Toddler Time (18 months-3 years), 10:45-11:05 a.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Tea & Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 8: Crazy 8s Math Club, Grades 1-2, 4:30-5:15 p.m.
March 8: Crazy 8s Math Club, Grades 3-5, 4:30-5:15 p.m.
March 8: Mad About Mysteries on Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
March 13: English Conversation Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 14: Tween Scene, 6-7 p.m.
March 16: Thursday Morning Book Club, 10-11 a.m.
March 17: Apple Users Group, 1-2 p.m.
March 18: Discovery Club, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
March 18: Adventure Club, 11:30 am.-12:15 p.m.
March 20: Monday Night Book Club, 7 p.m.
March 23: STEAM Club (grades 1-2), 6 p.m.
March 23: STEAM Club (grades 3-5), 6 p.m.
March 25: Trivia at Home—True Crime, 6-8 p.m.
March 28: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-3 p.m.
March 28: Tabletop Game Night, 6-8 p.m.

Kline Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

March 2: Book Bingo, 5:30 p.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23: All Ages Storytime, 10:15 a.m.
March 4: Suessical Birthday Party, 10:30 a.m.
March 9: Jump Into Graphic Novels, 5 p.m.
March 25: Tolkien Reading Day Celebration, 12 p.m.
March 31: Kline Friend’s Book Sale, 10 a.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
717-409-5781; centralpalgbtcenter.org

March 1, 8, 15, 22: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25 Passageways, 2 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
March 11: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 North 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Speech Links to Literacy, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 4: How to Improve the Quality of Your Life, 1 p.m.

McCormick Riverfront Library
101 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-234-4976; dcls.org

March 7, 14, 21, 28: All Ages Storytime, 10:15 a.m.
March 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28: Calling Coders (grades 6-12), 5 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Calling Coders (grades 6-12), 2 p.m.
March 16: Medical Play Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
March 16: Live and Learn—Animating Democracy, 5 p.m.
March 17: STEM Open Play Night, 5:30 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St., Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

March 2: Book Club, 6-7 p.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: LEGO Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24: Online Science Fiction Book Club
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Star Trek Rewatch online group
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Free Tax Preparation, 5-8 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Teen STEM, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: STEM Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Cafe
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

March 7: Lucy Snyder w/Tara Stillions Whitehead, 7-8 p.m.
March 10: An Evening w/Rebecca Serle and Kate Baer, 7-8 p.m.
March 12: An Afternoon w/Hannah Whitten and Sasha Peyton Smith, 4-5 p.m.
March 22: An Evening w/Matthew Desmond and Malcolm Kenyatta, 7-8 p.m.

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

March 1-31: Art in the Stacks
March 1-31: Beanstack Challenge—For the Love of Reading (ages 0-18)
March 1-31: Spring Scavenger Hunt (ages 0-12)
March 2: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 2, 16, 30: Block Party! (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 3-31: 1, 2, 3 Play With Me, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
March 4, 18: Library Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 6: St. Patrick’s Day Slime (ages 4 and older), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
March 6, 20: Monday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 8: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
March 8, 22: Wednesday Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 9, 23: Movers & Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
March 11: Teen Take & Make (ages 13-17), 10 a.m.
March 13: CareerLink Community Access Point, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 14: Book Review Program, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 14: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 18: Couponing for Extreme Savings, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 18: Crafting for Adults—Book Page Fold Art, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 18: Children’s Book Writers Critique Group, 2-4 p.m.
March 19: Friends Cultural Series—Camp Security: The History and Archeology of York County’s Revolutionary War Prison Encampment, 3-4 p.m.
March 20, 27: Storytime & More (ages 2-5), Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
March 21, 28: Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.
March 22: PennWriters Writing Group, 6-9 p.m.
March 25: LEGO Madness, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 25: Crafty Crafters Club, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Perry County Council of the Arts (PCCA)
PCCA Gallery, 1 S. 2nd St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

March 2-April 6: Inclusive Art Classes, Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m.
March 4-April 29: Plein Air Group, 9-11 a.m.
March 10: Paint & Sip—Cherry Blossoms, 6-8 p.m.
March 26: Art Talk—Let’s Talk Critique, 1-4 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

March 1: Family Gallery Tour—PA Icons, 11:30 a.m.
March 1-5: Animals of the Night
March 1-5: SEASONS
March 3, 18: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
March 4: PA Geography with the Giant Map, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 8: Curiosity Kids—Fun in the Sun, 11:30 a.m.
March 8-31: Who Am I?
March 8-31: Oasis in Space
March 11: Daily Life in Colonial Pennsylvania, 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
March 15: Homeschool Program—Celebrate Pennsylvania’s Birthday, 10 a.m.
March 18: Mapping Mammal Hall with the Giant PA Map, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 22: Tonight’s Sky Live Chat, 2 p.m.
March 23: Planting a Seed, 11:30 a.m.
March 24: Virtual Program—GreenGov Overview, 12:15 p.m.
March 25: PA Fossils, 10:30 a.m.
March 29: Explore! Magnets, 11:30 a.m.

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

March 4: Abstract Painting with Acrylic, 1-4 p.m.
March 8: Foundations of Drawing—Perspective, 7-9 p.m.
March 11: Kids’ Art Club—Abstract Glue Drawings (ages 6-10), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 22: Open Figure Drawing (ages 18 and older), 7-9 p.m.

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

March 1-29: Kids’ Art Classes, 4-6 p.m.
March 11: Second Saturday Workshops—ceramic plant markers, wood burning cheeseboards, and artist demonstrations, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
March 14: Halifax Garden Club Tour and Plant Marker Workshop, 10:30 a.m.
March 17: Irish Spring Paint Party, 6-8 p.m.
March 25: Intro to Hand Building with Clay, 1-4 p.m.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; wildwoodlake.org

March 4: Kids Discover—Woodpeckers (ages 5-10), 1-2:30 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18: Penn State Extension Spring Symposium, 9:30-11 a.m.
March 8, 15, 22: Cat in the Cat Learning Series, 10-10:45 a.m.
March 10: Astronomy Program at Detweiler Park, 8-10 p.m.
March 11: Spring Wreath Workshop, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
March 11: Birds & Coffee with Appalachian Audubon Society, 10-11 a.m.
March 11: Litter Clean-Up, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 18: Backpacking 101, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 19: Flower Walk—Cold Tolerant Plants, 1-3:30 p.m.
March 23: Skunk Cabbage Walk, 2:30-4 p.m.
March 23: Build-a-Bug House Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
March 26: Cub Scouts—Tigers in the Wild, 1-3:30 p.m.

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library
200 W. Second St., Hummelstown
717-566-0949; dcls.org

March 1, 8, 15, 22: Born to Read, 10:15 a.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23: Preschool Storytime, 10:15 a.m.
March 4: Financial Literacy Workshop—All About Budgeting, 11 a.m.
March 7, 14, 21: Toddler Storytime, 10:15 a.m.
March 11: Native Storytelling, 2:15 p.m.
March 25: Crafternoon, 11 a.m.

Live Music

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

March 3: Newsboys, Adam Agee
March 5: The Simon & Garfunkel Story
March 9: Brit Floyd
March 11: The Oak Ridge Boys
March 12: Il Divo
March 17: Diamond Rio
March 18: Little River Band
March 19: Mark Lowry, Endless Highway
March 24: Tusk, Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

March 3: Jazz in the City
March 10: Adam Weiner (Low Cut Connie)
March 11: Start Making Sense
March 12: York Youth Symphony Orchestra
March 16: Tartan Tenors
March 18: York Symphony—A Tribute to Aretha Franklin

Arts on the Square
Market Square Presbyterian Church
20 S. Second St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270 ext. 18; marketsquarechurch.org/concerts

March 5: Rhonda Sider Edgington
March 12: Tyler A. Canonico
March 19: Peter Yardley-Jones
March 26: Isabelle Demers

Boneshire Brew Works
7462 Derry St., Harrisburg
717-469-5007; boneshire.com

March 2: Shawan Rice

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; [email protected]

March 3, 4: The Badlees, Cold Spring Union
March 9: Joshua Ray Walker & Vandoliers
March 16: On The Lash
March 17: Kilmaine Saints, Mighty Joe Castro, The Gravamen

First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster
140 E. Orange St., Lancaster

March 10, 11: Lancaster Symphony Orchestra

Greystone Brew House
303 Golf Club Ave., Dillsburg
717.347.0632; greystonebrewhouse.com

March 3: Curtis Smith
March 10: Tony Catalano
March 17: Tim Colgan
March 24: Zack Nyce
March 31: North Mountain Ramblers

Greystone Public House
2120 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg
717-829-9952; www.greystonepa.com

March 3: Curtis Smith
March 10: Tony Catalano
March 17: Tim Colgan
March 24: Zach Nyce
March 31: North Mountain Ramblers

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

March 1: Grateful Shred
March 4: Begonia
March 4: Mac Miller Night
March 5: Kings of Thrash
March 8: Convictions w/Earth Groans
March 11: Consider the Source
March 17: Yam Yam
March 18: Jon Garcia & The Hopeless Romantics
March 25: Blue October
March 28: Elise Trouw

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

March 11-12: Masterworks—Mozart’s Jupiter

Harrisburg University Presents
concertseries.harrisburgu.edu

March 3: Certainly So
March 11: Dawes
March 15: I Hope This Never Ends, Beauty School Dropout

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

March 23: Third Eye Blind

Hollywood Casino
777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville
717-469-2211; www.hollywoodpnrc.com

March 3: Smooth Like Clyde
March 4: Separate Ways The Band
March 10: Central City Orchestra
March 11: Colt Wilbur Band
March 17: The Luv Gods
March 18: Light Up The Moon
March 24: Vertigo Vultures
March 25: Josh Squared Band
March 31: Honeypump

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

March 3: Rumours—A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
March 17: Tauren Wells
March 19: Ireland with Michael LIVE
March 27: Jazz Ambassadors

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

March 31: Wind Symphony Masterworks

Market Square Concerts
www.marketsquareconcerts.org

March 22: Vesna Duo

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

March 19: Messiah University Concert Choir
March 27: Messiah University Chamber Ensemble
March 30: Messiah University Jazz Combo

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

March 5: Open Mic Night at West Shore Theater
March 8: Karen Casey
March 12: March Jam and Song Swap
March 26: Maire Ni Chathasaigh Celtic Harp Workshop
March 26: Maire Ni Chathasaigh & Chris Newman

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

March 18: Brinae Ali Quartet

West Shore Theater

317 Bridge St, New Cumberland

717-759-5464; www.westshoretheatre.org

March 12: “Back in Baby’s Arms”—A Tribute to Elvis and Patsy Cline
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day concert w/Seasons and Summer on Duke
March 19: Sweet Baby James—James Taylor Tribute
March 24: Corinna Joy Band, Shine Delphi
March 25: Jeffrey Gaines
March 26: Sempre Dolce

XL Live
801 S. 10th St., Harrisburg
717-409-8975; xlhbg.com

March 2: Everclear
March 3: Certainly So
March 4: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
March 8: The Wood Brothers
March 10: Power Hour Live w/GoGo Gadjet and GoGo Retro
March 11: Dawes
March 15: JXDN
March 16: alt-J
March 17: Shamrock ‘n Roll
March 18: Railroad Earth
March 23: Papadosio
March 24: Grant Bryan & Friends
March 25: Spafford

The Stage Door

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

March 9: Rhythm of the Dance
March 10: Michael Harrison and Andrew Lee

The Belmont Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; thebelmont.org

March 24-April 2: “All My Sons”

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

March 24-April 2: “You Can’t Take It With You”

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

March 31: Jeff Leeson

Gamut Theatre Group
15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamuttheatre.org

March 4-19: “Thistle & Salt—The Ireland of J.M. Synge”

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

March 12: Queens Who Brunch

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, Middletown
717-939-9333; thehcpac.org

March 10-12: “Hansel and Gretel”

Harrisburg Comedy Zone
110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland
717-920-5653; harrisburgcomedyzone.com

March 3: The Divas Down Under—Spring Spectacular Drag Show
March 3, 4: Sean Finnerty, Jordan Scott Huggins
March 10, 11: John Moses, Ken Kranz
March 15: Magic Hunks—Girls Night Outrageous!
March 17, 18: Patrick Garrity, Trish Smart
March 24, 25: Larry XL, Tate Griffen
March 31, April 1: Chris Harvey, Wyatt Cole

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

March 3: Level 1 Class Show, Level 2 Class Show, Hoagie’s Heroes, Ham Juice
March 4: Level 1 Class Show, Level 2 Class Show, Musical Level 2 Class Show, Solo Sleepover, Baby, Love Triangle, Uncomfortable, Tiny Town
March 10: Musical Level 2 Class Show, Is That Beef?, House Team Z, Leg of Lamp, Phil’s Arcade, Variety Show
March 11: Improv to Sketch Class Show, This Show Will Self Destruct, Marry Todd Lincoln—The Real Babe-raham Lincoln, Barbra, Tiny French Cigarettes
March 12: Improv to Sketch Class Show
March 17: Musical Level 1 Class Show, Hoagiee’s Heroes, Ham Juice, Cosmic Trash, The Bondfire Society
March 18: Free Mixer, Baby, Sunday School, Rockstar Goes Supernova, JODY, Barn Bitches presents The Haircut
March 19: Musical Level 1 Class Show
March 24: Free Improv Jam, Is That Beef?, House Team Z, Midtown Funk, Merely Players

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

March 3: “Lucy Loves Desi”
March 23: Trinity Irish Dance Company
March 25: “The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon”

Narçisse Theatre Company
[email protected]; www.narcissetheatre.org

March 4-19: “Thistle & Salt—The Ireland of J.M. Synge”

Open Stage
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

March 2-11: “Into the Woods”
March 14-19: The Good at Heart Festival
March 15: “The Diary of Anne Frank”
March 17-26: “Anne & Emmett”
March 18: The Obstructed View

Oyster Mill Playhouse
1001 Oyster Mill Road, Camp Hill
717-737-6768; www.oystermill.com

March 10-26: “The Savannah Sipping Society”

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

March 2: “All Things Equal—The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg”
March 3: We The People First Fridays Presents Thunda N. Mimosas—”This One’s for The Girls”

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

March 11: “HITS The Musical”

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A Past Preserved: Historic Harrisburg Association celebrates 50 years of fighting, saving

February 28, 2023 | by M. Diane McCormick

Historic Harrisburg
Association Resource Center

When Tropical Storm Agnes descended on Harrisburg in 1972, the Shipoke home of Bob and Eileen Young flooded 8½ feet on the first floor.

“It strips wallpaper beautifully,” Young recalls today. “Let’s look at the positive side.”

The Youngs and their determined neighbors fished another positive from the floodwaters—the 1973 founding of Historic Harrisburg Association. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary as a catalyst for historic preservation and urban revitalization, Historic Harrisburg can say that it has saved significant buildings and lost a few, led formation of the city’s historic districts, and created a space where developers and preservationists alike can agree on the value of smart growth.

In Historic Harrisburg’s first days, the Youngs were in on the ground floor (yes, pun intended). The flooded homes of Shipoke were slated for demolition. Citizens rallied, canvassing door-to-door to raise awareness of the threat and packing City Council meetings. In response, the city adopted the first of its historic districts and created the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board to encourage historically sensitive maintenance of homes and businesses.

“I think Harrisburg was one of the first in the state to enact municipal legislation,” said Preservation Advisor Jeb Stuart, in those days a city Planning Bureau staffer fresh out of college.

Historic Harrisburg Association incorporated on Feb. 22, 1973. Some of the same people cross-pollinated the city’s planning bureau and this new historic preservation movement, bringing the two “together for a common purpose,” Stuart said.

Eileen Young got involved because she never wanted to look at a new development and wonder who once lived there.

“I wanted to see those old homes stay there because they were the root of the history of Harrisburg,” she said. “Even though they weren’t the elite of Harrisburg in our neighborhood—they were working-class steel workers and shop owners—they were still a key part of what happened here.”

At about the same time, the official association took shape over the fight to save the State Theatre movie palace on Locust Street in downtown Harrisburg. A battle raged, but the building came down in 1974. (“Poor choice for Harrisburg,” opined a blogger on www.cinematreasures.org. “It would have made a wonderful downtown performing arts center.”)

There were other losses. The original Penn Harris Hotel came down in 1973. But there were many wins, too.

Two historic Pine Street homes were saved, as City Council upheld the validity of HARB’s rulings against demolition. The Tracy Mansion on Front Street also dodged the wrecking ball. As for the Charles Howard Lloyd-designed Old City Hall on Walnut Street, now an example of adaptive reuse through its conversion into apartments, Historic Harrisburg “fought like hell to get that off the demolition list,” Stuart said.

As suburbanization was draining city centers, cities “realized they had to do something extraordinary,” said David Morrison, executive director of Historic Harrisburg.

“Of all the things that happened in Harrisburg, historic preservation wound up to be, in the long run, the most valuable strategy rather than redevelopment or urban renewal or any of those things tried around the country,” he said. “Historic preservation proved itself to be not only economically sensible but also kind of what the people preferred.”

But enough of the “wayback machine.” Today’s Historic Harrisburg leads partnerships and gets calls from developers and agencies seeking guidance on historically sensitive approaches to their projects. PennDOT sought input on options for blending an unsightly conduit for utilities into its rehab plans for the Market Street Bridge.

Historic Harrisburg’s independently managed Community Historic Preservation Fund— created from funds earmarked after an agreement with a developer to preserve the façade of the Senate Hotel literally crashed to the ground—distributes grants for preservation projects, initiatives and advocacy. A consortium of historic and environmental preservationists is tracking the fate of the Harrisburg State Hospital’s recreationally and historically significant grounds.

“Historic preservation started out as kind of a fringe element of investing in the city, sort of a novelty,” Morrison said. “Now, it’s a mainstream concept that’s embraced by government as something important that should be incorporated into comprehensive planning and individual development proposals.”

Changing Perceptions

Morrison, who began his second stint as executive director in 2014, has led Historic Harrisburg’s readiness to yoke preservation with urban revitalization. He credits a team effort of board members and volunteers in building membership, hosting events and “expanding our role and influence in the community.”

Today, Historic Harrisburg is leading a capital campaign to restore its own home, the former Central Trust Building in Midtown now known as the Historic Harrisburg Resource Center. Already a spot for history exhibits, community organization meetings and developers’ listening tours, restoration is expected to elevate the circa-1893 building, donated in 1993, into an income-producing venue for receptions and other gatherings.

Historic Harrisburg’s annual “Preservation Priorities” list draws attention to historic properties endangered by neglect or imminent demolition. Harristown Enterprises checks the list every year for potential projects, said president and CEO Brad Jones. Historic Harrisburg has inspired Harristown’s many adaptive reuse projects, which recently included the conversion of the Victorian-era Plum building downtown into three boutique apartments.

“If we don’t do that, maybe no one else will,” Jones said.

Preservation of yesterday’s buildings creates opportunities for today’s residential redevelopment amid the character that people crave, Jones added.

“People love the architecture of Harrisburg,” he said.

Jones credits one of Historic Harrisburg’s “most heroic efforts” in helping the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency expand while preserving a Front Street mansion and two small clapboard houses—charmers from a bygone era—on Locust Street.

“In the long run, everybody wins in that kind of situation,” Jones said. “They did it collaboratively and thoughtfully together, still maintaining the ability to do an important project to create more economic development for the city but also in a way that preserved a pretty block.”

Now that Historic Harrisburg’s original focus areas of downtown, Midtown, Shipoke and Olde Uptown “are far above and beyond crisis mode,” Morrison said that he hopes to focus “more of Historic Harrisburg’s energy” on the historically significant but maintenance-challenged Allison Hill. Historic Harrisburg has given tours to draw attention to the area and supported such projects as restoration of the Allison Hook & Ladder Company firehouse.

“The cultural tapestry of Allison Hill is just amazing,” Morrison said.

At 13th and Thompson streets, the breathtaking Christ Lutheran Church came to Historic Harrisburg’s attention around 2018 through a window restoration project. The pastor, Rev. Drew Stockstill, said that tours that Morrison gave raised awareness of “this gem of a church” and, just as significantly, its free medical and dental clinics serving between 10,000 and 22,000 people a year.

“David brought that whole community of the Historic Harrisburg board and people invested in Harrisburg and its architecture and its history, so we were able to showcase the physical building and the service it provides,” Stockstill said.

Gloria Vázquez Merrick, executive director of the Latino Hispanic American Community Center, serves on the Historic Harrisburg board and sees a place for preserving the built environment as a means toward teaching young people the stories and lessons of the past.

“We’re so busy trying to instill in our kids their heritage, their culture, but let’s talk to them about their environment, where they grew up, how things have changed, and let them know that this will not always look like this,” she said.

Fifty years ago, Historic Harrisburg’s first Candlelight House Tour—still going strong—attracted throngs of people pleasantly surprised that the once-flooded homes of Shipoke weren’t teardowns but were beautiful arguments for moving back to the city.

“Whatever little role Historic Harrisburg has played and continues to play in showcasing the city as something to embrace and not something to steer clear of is really something we’ve been doing from the get-go,” Morrison said. “It’s about changing people’s perceptions. I think we’ve been very good at changing perceptions for 50 years and getting people to view the future in an optimistic way.”

Historic Harrisburg Association Resource Center is located at 1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.historicharrisburg.org.

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March News Digest

February 28, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

City Council Fills Open Seat

Robert Lawson is the newest member of Harrisburg City Council, as he was appointed in late January to fill a vacant seat on the seven-member legislative body.

Lawson’s appointment capped a four-hour meeting that started with a large field of 16 hopefuls and involved multiple interviews throughout the night.

“City Council has been a goal of mine because it’s one of the most visible ways that I can serve my fellow citizens,” said Lawson, who was raised in Harrisburg, following the vote. “I’m nearly speechless.”

During his interview with council, Lawson stressed that he’s especially interested in helping to grow and strengthen the city’s small business environment, find solutions to affordable housing and encourage young people to stay in the city.

“My heart is with making this a city that thrives and making this a city where people can come here and improve their life situations,” said Lawson, a salesperson for Keystone Custom Homes and president of Lawson Group Insurance Agency.

The council seat was open following the resignation of former council member Dave Madsen, who was elected to the state House of Representatives. Lawson, 50, will serve the remainder of Madsen’s term, which expires in January 2024.

Historic Harrisburg Outlines “Preservation Priorities”

A Harrisburg-based historic preservation group has released its annual list of endangered and threatened area landmarks, and, this year, a century-old bridge tops the list.

For 2023, Historic Harrisburg Association’s top “preservation priority” is the Market Street Bridge, a 95-year-old stone arch structure that spans the Susquehanna River.

Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation unveiled a multi-year plan to restore the bridge, which includes constructing a separate utility bridge along the bridge’s southern façade.

Sara Sweeney, chair of HHA’s preservation committee, said that the organization has been in discussions with PennDOT regarding this proposal.

“We continue to applaud PennDOT for its plan to restore the bridge and hope that, in the process, the original design and features are maintained,” said Sweeney.” “We will continue to monitor progress as the design progresses.”

This is the first year that the Market Street Bridge has been a top priority for HHA. In 2022, Balsley House, one of the oldest structures in Harrisburg, topped the list. This year, it ranks second.

The remaining three “preservation priorities” also made last year’s top-five list. They are:

The former William Penn High School at Italian Lake
The former Harrisburg State Hospital complex
Prospect Hill Cemetery Gatehouse near the city line

In the presentation, Sweeney also noted several recent preservation “successes” and two preservation “losses.”

The successes include:

The former Lemoyne Middle School, which has been renovated and converted into an apartment building
The former Gerber’s Department Store, also known as the “Carpets and Draperies building,” which was renovated into a mixed-used structure in Midtown Harrisburg
The former Milestone Inn, which now serves as headquarters for Dilks Properties in Uptown Harrisburg
The Harrisburg History Project, a series of historical markers in Harrisburg that needed replacement and updating

Sweeney also noted two recent “preservation losses”:

Beidleman House, an Allison Hill structure on Market Street that was razed last year
The Jackson Hotel on N. 6th Street in Harrisburg, which collapsed in early 2021

Moreover, HHA put about 30 structures in and around Harrisburg on its “watch list,” meaning that they’re historic properties of concern. These range widely, but include such landmark buildings as the Broad Street Market, the former Coca-Cola bottling works on Allison Hill, the Riverside firehouse and even HHA’s own Historic Harrisburg Resource Center.

Riverfront Apartment Building Proposed

A new apartment building may be coming to Uptown Harrisburg, as a New Jersey-based developer is proposing a 21-unit structure along the riverfront.

Last month, the city’s Planning Commission heard the proposal by EI Realty of Cedar Knolls, N.J., which wants to raze two mid-century office buildings and build “Dauphin House Apartments,” a modern-style, glass-and-masonry apartment building in their place.

“We believe we’re really going to improve the lot and really it’ll be an asset to the neighborhood,” said Christine Hunter, project manager for the site designers, Harrisburg-based H. Edward Black and Associates.

The building plan consists of six, two-bedroom and 15, one-bedroom units located at 2709 and 2717 N. Front St., according to Adam Kerr, vice president of the Harrisburg-based architect EI Associates, an entity affiliated with the developer. The units would rent at market rate.

The project also features 44 parking spaces. These include sheltered parking beneath the three-story building, which would be elevated due to the flooding risk.

The site currently features two small, mid-century office buildings.

According to the city’s Planning Bureau, the existing, “nondescript” buildings were constructed in 1956 and 1965 and do not contribute to the city’s historic or architectural character.

The apartment project still would need to go through the city’s land development process before it could break ground.

Affordable Housing Projects Planned

Two new development proposals aim to bring additional affordable housing to Uptown Harrisburg.

At a Planning Commission meeting last month, developers with Harrisburg-based Vice Capital shared their plans to construct lower-income housing on the 2200- and 2300-blocks of N. 6th Street.

“The Uptown Harrisburg area hasn’t had their fair share of new construction and affordable housing,” said Ryan Sanders, vice president of development for Vice Capital. “We believe the residents deserve to live in homes that are clean and safe.”

The project, named JMB Gardens, would include the construction of five rowhome-style buildings on several currently vacant lots along the corridor. In total, they would feature 41 affordable units, a community center and 21 off-street parking spaces. According to the proposal, units would include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Vice Capital expects the project to cost about $15.7 million, and they hope to break ground in September, according to Sanders.

Vice Capital, which is owned by former NFL player LeSean McCoy, plans to purchase the properties from the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority and the Harrisburg Housing Authority.

The Planning Commission voted to approve a zoning variance and special exception for the project, which still needs to go through the city’s land development process.

Additionally, last month, the commission approved a zoning variance and special exception and land development plan for a proposed affordable housing project on an overgrown lot on the 2100-block of N. 4th Street.

Harrisburg-based nonprofit Tri-County HDC shared their proposal to construct five, single-family townhomes. According to Executive Director Gary Lenker, the homes would be sold to lower-income families for around $100,000 each. Each 1,500-square-foot home would include three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths.

Tri-County plans to purchase the land from the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority.

Lenker expects the $1.3 million project to break ground in 2024, assuming it receives final approval from City Council.

Commonwealth Purchases River Islands

Last summer, two unique pieces of real estate splashed onto the sales market in Harrisburg—they now have a new owner.

In January, the commonwealth purchased Independence and Bailey’s islands, both located in the middle of the Susquehanna River near the Harvey Taylor Bridge, with the intention of conserving the land.

The islands were listed in August by owners Robert and John Ensminger, whose family had owned them for generations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the larger of the two, Independence Island, operated as a bathing and entertainment resort for visitors. Today, the islands have no permanent structures and are mostly visited by boaters.

Now, the state, led by its Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), has purchased the pair of islands for $160,000. According to Seth Cassell, the Bureau of Forestry’s director of planning and administration, DCNR bought the islands to conserve the land and keep it public.

“We saw it as an opportunity to bring state forest land closer to our Capitol and to conserve the islands for future generations,” Cassell said.

As the state takes ownership, Cassell doesn’t predict that much will change with the use of the islands. They’ll likely remain a place for boaters and kayakers to stop for a picnic or a rest, he said.

DCNR owns many river islands across the state and several in the Susquehanna region already.

“They’re great ecological resources and scenic places to preserve,” Cassell said.

Home Sales Down, Prices Up

Sales declined but prices jumped for previously owned houses in the Harrisburg area, according to the January sales report.

In the three-county region, 389 homes sold in January, compared to 499 in January 2022, but the median sales price rose to $245,000 from $211,900 the prior year, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, home sales totaled 186 units versus 240 the prior January, as the median price increased to $204,000 from $200,000, GHAR said.

Cumberland County also experienced a sales decline, to 174 houses versus 215 a year ago, but the median sales price leapt to $290,000 from $235,000 in January 2022, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, 27 homes sold, a decline of two, as the median price rose to $191,000 versus $184,500 the previous January, stated GHAR.

The “average days on market” went up to 34 days, versus 20 days in the year-ago period, GHAR said.

So Noted

Corrie Lingenfelter has been named the new executive director of Downtown Daily Bread, a Harrisburg-based shelter. Previously, Lingenfelter served as food service operations director at the facility on South Street before being promoted to interim executive director last year.

Garden plots of varying sizes are available this spring for free at the Atlas Street Garden, located in the 2200-block of Atlas Street in Harrisburg. Free parking and water are available on site. Interested gardeners should contact Dan Miller at [email protected].

Genevieve Fitzgibbon has been named the new president and CEO of Keystone Human Services International. Fitzgibbon has been with the Harrisburg-based multinational human services organization since 2006, most recently serving as deputy director.

George Hartwick last month announced that he would seek another term as Dauphin County commissioner. Hartwick, an incumbent Democrat, will compete for his party’s nomination during the May 16 primary election. Republican incumbents Mike Pries and Chad Saylor previously announced their intention to run for re-election to the three-member board.

Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC in Central Pa. recently became the first in Pennsylvania to use the new Edwards PASCAL Precision transcatheter valve repair system to treat mitral valve regurgitation. This is a common condition in which a valve connecting two chambers of the heart does not fully close, allowing blood to leak backward in the valve and impairing blood flow.

Kimberly A. Selemba will serve as 2023 board president of the Dauphin County Bar Association. Selemba, an attorney with Saxton & Stump, replaces the 2022 board president, Scott Cooper, according to the association.

Major Jordan Ames has been hired as the executive director of Veteran’s Outreach of Pennsylvania, a group planning to build a “tiny homes” village for veterans in south Harrisburg. Ames is a retired, 21-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a native of the Harrisburg area.

One+ Strategies last month announced its launch as a new government and public affairs firm. According to the Harrisburg-based company, the firm brings together seasoned legal, political and government relations professionals under one roof. For more information, visit www.onestrategies.com.

Renee Custer Yamani has joined Team Pennsylvania as vice president of strategic and external affairs. She previously served as chief operating officer for the Custer Group and as executive director of Harrisburg Young Professionals.

Sen. John Fetterman has leased a regional office in Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg. His staff is occupying space on the fourth floor of Lerner Tower, previously rented by retired Sen. Pat Toomey.

Unleashed Grooming Company opened last month at 3 N. 3rd St. in Harrisburg, part of the Shops at Strawberry Square. From the storefront location, owner Alexandra Lauch offers dog and cat grooming services, along with related pet care items for sale.

Wendell Hoover will serve as 2023 president of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors, according to the organization. Other officers include vice president Tracy Klinger, secretary/treasurer Jimmy Koury and past president Sylvia Hess.

Changing Hands

Catherine St., 1632: SR Homes LLC to Dalilas Home Makeover LLC, $58,000

Derry St., 2001: M. Martinez & M. Marte to H. Alarcon, $159,900

Derry St., 2200: J. Chirdon & M. Gordon to R. Campbell, $210,000

Derry St., 2701: D. Nagle to S. Knowles, $115,000

Grand St., 918: Bridger Investments LLC to B. Scelta, $150,000

Grand St., 920: E. Fisher to T. Burrell, $148,000

Green St., 2329: G. & L. Calloway to W. & K. Rider, $110,000

Harris St., 220: H. Merkt to R. Perez, $240,000

Harris St., 236: K. Kinyua to D. Edwards, $190,000

Hummel St., 354: San Pef Inc. to J. Bencome, $45,000

Independence Island & Bailey’s Island: R. & J. Ensminger to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania & Department of Conservation & Natural Resources: $160,000

Jefferson St., 2123: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development and ISN Corporation West Operation to S. Baba, $42,050

Jefferson St., 2618: R. Cruz to Elgamwo LLC, $56,500

Kelker St., 634: PA Deals LLC to D. Kirk, $100,000

Kensington St., 2026: S. Rivera to H. Marca, $40,000

Kensington St.., 2034: J. Prol & A. Seroskie to AP Properties Services LLC, $55,000

Kensington St., 2304: D. Boyle to C. Diaz, $55,000

Lenox St., 2001: Global Reach LLC to PKN Real Estate LLC, $165,000

Lexington St., 2606: R. & V. Schweitzer to Balaci Properties LLC, $75,000

Luce St., 2312½: R. Valentine to Bermuda Land LLC, $85,000

Market St., 221: White Cross Stores Inc., CVS Pharmacy Inc. to Market & Court LLC, $850,000

Market St., 1919: T. & W. Torchia to Scarlettmoon Capital LLC, $215,000

Muench St., 413: Munoz4HProperties LLC to Castro Investment Group LLC, $65,000

North St., 1938: Paul Winka Trust to A. McKee & I. Diaz, $183,000

N. 2nd St., 236: D. Farrell & Kenil Associates LLC to Second & Pine Ventures LLC, $750,000

N. 2nd St., 1815: M. Temba to I. Ritzman, $190,000

N. 2nd St., 3119 & 3123: D. & N. Leppo to B. Gilkerson & M. Heinaman, $245,000

N. 2nd St., 3228: Toch Investments LLC to T. Underkoffler, $249,900

N. 2nd St., 3232: Alkaline Properties LLC to S. Kent & J. Swoyer, $369,900

N. 3rd St., 512: RLJG Inc. to Duong Properties LLC, $275,000

N. 3rd St., 910: Balfour Street Investments LLC to Ramsey Rhoads Group LLC, $145,000

N. 3rd St., 2011: S. & K. Weinstock to MC Real Estate Holdings LLC, $500,000

N. 3rd St., 2223: D. Toro & S. Ortega to G. Galaxy & B. Scelta, $195,000

N. 3rd St., 2317: DAG EKG Properties LLC to V. Heard & C. Moton, $125,000

N. 4th St., 1620: Acharya Rentals LLC to Venus Properties LLC, $65,000

N. 4th St., 2318: M. Roark to Dreams 2 Reality Services LLC, $45,000

N. 4th St., 2404: A&K Investments Partnership LLC to Y. & G. Hernandez, $140,000

N. 5th St., 2719: C. Gardner to M. Gallick, $77,500

N. 6th St., 2947: D. Wenger to A. Collado, A. Cruz & A. Reyes, $172,900

N. 14th St., 211: C. Kicas to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $45,000

N. 14th St., 213: C. Kicas to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $45,000

N. 14th St., 1118: JTA Consulting Group LLC to Brito Mezon Property Investment LLC, $48,000

N. 15th St., 1403: F. & L. Stevens to Triple S Real Estate LLC, $71,000

N. 17th St., 707: G. Lyman to P. Reyes, $110,000

N. 18th St., 710: PI Capitol LLC to I. Rhodes, $102,000

N. 19th St., 34: F. Kephart to K. Ferrera, $40,000

N. 20th St., 20 & 22: W. Griffin to ILL Holdings LLC, $132,000

N. Cameron St., 1825; 1817 & 1833 George St. and 1118, 1120, 1122 & 1124 Kelker St.: Santanna Banana Company Inc. to Anrel Holdings LLC, $825,000

Oxford St., 615: SR Homes LLC to K. Cooke, $62,000

Park St., 1635: Eden Bridge Foundation to F. Ruiz & C. Zapata, $48,000

Peffer St., 435: R. Clymer to J. & D. Cummings, $150,000

Penn St., 2111: Leonard Dobson Family Limited Partnership to Equitable Rentals LLC, $69,000

Penn St., 2140: S. & J. Compton to PA Deals LLC, $54,250

Penn St., 2145: J. Lucas to T Wy Enterprise LLC, $62,000

Pennwood Rd., 3205: T. & A. Wolfe to M. Fenster, $177,500

Radnor St., 100: S. Santos to Kait Brocious Group LLC, $110,000

Radnor St., 102: J. Alibrio to Renovations RE LLC, $70,000

Reel St., 2416 & 2418: J. Johnson to Balaci Properties LLC, $190,000

Reel St., 2468: M. Graybill c/o City Limits Realty to D. Boyle, $60,000

Royal Terr., 157: Seneca Leandro View LLC to W. & S. Wyche, $99,900

Rudy Rd., 2415: R. Heaney to A. Hernandez, $185,000

Rumson Dr., 381: S. & A. Sloane to PA Deals LLC, $66,000

Rumson Dr., 2639: T. & J. Morra to Z. Guzman & Y. Mamolar, $147,000

Sassafras St., 257: LJC Properties LLC to J. Reapsome, $115,000

Seneca St., 262: C. Drayton to L. Maynard & K. Fox, $156,600

Shanois St., 901: Cash Flow Management LLC to Bethel Inc., $450,000

S. 23rd St., 543: J. Suhr to J. Avila & J. Barrios, $40,000

S. Front St., 803: E. & J. Vey to T. Edwards, $105,000

S. Summit St., 37: Sunnyvale Properties LLC to 1214 Bailey Street LLC, $97,000

Spencer St., 1841: Ausy Properties LLC to J. Diaz, $60,000

State St., 205: Sierra Real Estate LLC to Fernandez Investments LLC, $250,000

State St., 231, Unit 606: P. Ovide to R. Leadbetter, $165,000

State St., 1715: O. & L. David to L. Allki, $150,000

Susquehanna St., 2022: P. Sisemore & K. Hugo to P. Honesty, $132,500

Swatara St., 1221: Y. Perez to S. Infante, $95,000

Swatara St., 1434: M. Perez to DCPL 1434 Swatara St. LLC, $140,000

Swatara St., 1922: J. Soriano to Hamar Constructions Inc., $90,000

Verbeke St., 126: K. Kassmel to Wright Restoration Properties LLC, $76,000

Waldo St., 2610: Tassia Corporation to D. Boyle, $58,000

Woodlawn St., 2714: V. & N. Tran to Cambridge Rental Properties LLC, $425,000

Wyeth St., 1410: R. Harvey to E. Williams, $165,500

Zarker St., 1921: S. Atiyeh to R. Albayero, $77,000

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