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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March Publisher’s Note

February 28, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Recently, a friend told me that March was her least favorite month.

The damp. The fog. The cold rain.

Sure, I get it. March can be all those things, but it also is a first step in the long slog to spring and summer. The days lengthen, the flowers begin to bloom, and, amid the chill and clouds, we usually get a preview of the warm days ahead.

Count me in—I’m a fan.

In Harrisburg, March also is noteworthy as the only month with two major festivals.

The first one is the family-friendly, city-sponsored Ice & Fire Festival, which is slated for March 4. Actually, this year, a first-ever chili cook-off at the Broad Street Market will bring the heat the day before, followed, on Saturday, by a host of winter-themed activities downtown.

My favorite part of Ice & Fire may be the ice sculptures placed throughout the city, including right in front of TheBurg’s office. Heed my wise counsel—plan to get an early start on your sculpture tour, as they may begin to lose their shape in the mild afternoon sun.

The second big March event is the annual bacchanal known as St. Patrick’s Day, and you old-timers know how this goes down. It’s a party twofer—first on March 17 then again over the weekend, whenever the parade is held.

This year, actual St. Patrick’s Day lands on a Friday, which is also 3rd in the Burg. The parade is the next day, on March 18. Can downtown Harrisburg survive so much merriment? Of course it can, though a thorough, post-party scrubbing may be in order.

March also is the month of—well, our March issue, of course.

This month, we feature a variety of nonprofit organizations—and highlight the good works they do. We also have the second installment in our yearlong examination of climate change in the Harrisburg area. Otherwise, you’ll discover our usual monthly mix of news, opinion, features and events, and the price is right, too (free!).

Have a great March, everyone. I’ll catch you soon in downtown Harrisburg!

Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor

Click here to read the digital version of our March issue.

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Reaching Up, Reaching Back: As George Fernandez achieves success, he vows to support the community that supported him

February 28, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

George Fernandez

When George Fernandez first started his company, he heard a lot of “no’s” from potential investors and partners.

He knew which skills he brought to Harrisburg, but other companies and executives weren’t quite seeing it themselves.

So, he brought his own seat to the table. Literally.

He recalled times when he would have to pull up a chair at networking events in order to get in on the conversation.

“Every time I got a ‘no,’ I saw it as an opportunity to continue to educate people,” he said.

Fernandez, 33, founded Latino Connection in 2014 as a marketing and communications agency focused on reaching underserved communities, specifically the Latino community. He wanted to fill a gap in services that he witnessed firsthand growing up as an immigrant to the United States.

It took time and lots of convincing to get people on board with his vision and mission, but over the years, Latino Connection grew.

“There’s a few people that may say I’m persistent,” he said.

These days, Fernandez not only runs Latino Connection, but also recently acquired PPO&S, a Harrisburg-based advertising and marketing agency. Both of his firms now operate under the newly formed umbrella company, Color & Culture. Outside of the marketing world, he also recently dove into affordable housing development.

For Fernandez, all he does springs from his love for his city.

“I’m able to give back to the same community and people that helped me,” he said.

Passion & Compassion

Fernandez has an electric kind of energy. If you’ve met him, you know. He always sounds so excited about his work—because he is. You most likely won’t escape a meeting with him without a hug, and for as busy as he is, it always feels like he has plenty of time to chat.

Fernandez immigrated to Harrisburg from the Dominican Republic with his single mother when he was 8 years old. He became resourceful quickly and, out of necessity, began translating and interpreting for his mother, who only spoke Spanish.

Through his work at Latino Connection, Fernandez is often reminded of his mom. He assists many clients who face language and cultural barriers like she did, he explained. It’s what inspired him to found the company.

Before beginning Latino Connection, Fernandez worked at Highmark as a member outreach analyst, where he educated clients on their healthcare benefits.

“It was like full closure for me because, at the age of 11 or 12, I was that kid having to interpret for my mother what her health benefits were,” he said. “But it wasn’t until then that I realized all of the gaps that existed after I was providing the education. I knew I wanted better for my community.”

Fernandez attempts to fill those gaps at Latino Connection, providing interpretation services and public health programming and by helping marketing clients better reach underserved communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his organization also operated mobile testing units in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

As his business grew over the past few years, especially since the COVID initiatives, Fernandez knew Latino Connection was stretched too thin. At the same time, PPO&S CEO Virginia Roth was considering the future of her company and how they could better serve their clients, while reaching a wider audience.

After meeting over glasses of sweet tea (Roth) and red wine (Fernandez), the two decided to join forces under Color & Culture, with Fernandez at the helm.

“George is certainly mission-driven—the guy is passionate,” Roth said. “He is evolving as a tremendous leader and CEO. He’s compassionate and devoted to his community.”

At a younger age, Fernandez never could’ve imaged himself here, he said. It’s been a long road, from having to pull up a chair to the table to sitting at the head of the table.

“It’s very humbling and rewarding,” he said.

Give It Right Back

When he’s not in Harrisburg, Fernandez is likely in one of two places—the Dominican Republic or Disney World.

If it’s the latter, it’s because he’s “a kid at heart” and secretly loves Mickey Mouse.

If it’s the former, it’s likely a trip to visit his mom, who now lives back in her native country.

“Some people think I’m sitting on a beach with a mai tai, but I’m actually in my mom’s living room or running to Costco to buy her napkins,” he said.

His mom was always the provider for their family growing up, but, these days, Fernandez is grateful that he gets to be that for her. She’s grateful for the people who did believe in her son’s vision and invested in it, Fernandez said.

As much work as it took to get his business off the ground, Fernandez has felt support from his community along the way—from his high school teachers who bought his family groceries to the staff at the YWCA who provided shelter to his mom, a victim of domestic violence, and him.

“We’re surrounded by a very authentic, tight-knit community here in Harrisburg,” he said. “I love Harrisburg. It’s created so many opportunities that I never imagined.”

One of the newer opportunities that Fernandez has jumped into is affordable housing development, starting his company, Fernandez Realty Group. In late 2022, he broke ground on his first project, Sycamore Homes, a building that will house 23 apartment units for low-income residents in Allison Hill.

In addition, he recently proposed a 48-unit affordable housing development project on the 1000-block of N. 18th Street in Harrisburg.

Through his buildings, he aims to provide a high-quality living experience for renters, to promote dignity and pride, he explained.

For as much as Fernandez feels his community in Harrisburg has helped him, he’s motivated to do the same for others—for families like his who need a boost.

“I’m surrounded by a lot of loving people,” he said. “Why leave that behind? What a great way to give that right back.”

For more information on Color & Culture, visit www.colorandculture.co. For more about Latino Connection, visit www.latinoconnection.org.

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Life Lift: Medard’s House offers young people a place to go, to grow

February 28, 2023 | by Susan Ryder

Saundra Colello“We’re in the prevention business.”

“We’re in the prevention business.”

So says Saundra Colello, executive director of Medard’s House, a New Cumberland youth center that focuses on giving youth productive, supervised things to do during the after-school hours—as opposed to “getting into stuff.”

Kylee Thompson, Cedar Cliff High School senior, is one of those young people.

“I just really love the people,” said Thompson, of the reason she goes to Medard’s House.

She also loves Mexican Wednesday, when chef Andre Young fixes one of his delicious recipes of enchiladas, tacos or quesadillas. A meal is provided each Monday through Thursday when the center is open.

Mealtime is part of the programming at Medard’s, which concentrates on life skills.

“We provide a place for the kids to come that is not only a safe place, but it’s a place where they can learn life skills and learn about who God is in their life,” said Bruce Chambers, program director.

These life skills are on full display in the kitchen.

A young woman carries a tray of garlic bread through the kitchen to the broiler, proclaiming, “Watch out!” Then Young gives her instructions on setting the broiler. “You keep your eye on it,” or it will burn, Young explains. Some youth are washing dishes from the lasagna and chicken broccoli Alfredo that are already in the oven.

These teens also need to clean up after themselves. After dinner, it’s all hands on deck.

“It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” Young said.

With Young’s help, youth are also growing food. This spring, it’ll be herbs, which they’ll then incorporate into a dish for a cook-off. In the summer, they’ll participate in the “Garden-to-Table Program” and grow their own food in a garden on the campus.

Food is just one aspect of the life-skills fun. Participants have learned to change a tire, change the car oil, and do light electrical work.

“They jump right in,” Chambers said. “I think they enjoy the change…because it’s not the same old routine.”

A Real Passion

Medard’s is a safe place to learn, grow and sometimes fail, while staff strives to cultivate leadership skills.

“What we’re trying to do, more and more, is identify who will be leaders and allowing them the opportunity to step into some of those roles,” Chambers said.

Thompson has done just that. Serving as an intern this school year, she participated in most aspects of the center, from the more enjoyable after-school-program to the more mundane paperwork and office duties.

Medard’s has certainly stuck with her.

“I hope to pursue Medard’s House at a different level,” she said. “I hope to come on the staff eventually.”

When Thompson described how she feels at Medard’s, you can understand why she wants to make this her work.

“When you walk through the doors and you meet the staff and the other kids, I just feel like there’s a weight lifted off of everyone’s shoulders,” she said. “Like you can really be yourself.”

She described that, in school, students put on a persona, based on the environment. Not so at Medard’s. Thompson said that the musical kids, the sports kids, the band kids and the academic kids all come to Medard’s. The center has a basketball court, climbing wall, homework tables, board games and the like. It provides homework help for those who desire it.

“We’ve helped quite a few kids through tests they thought they weren’t going to pass,” Colello said.

Twenty to 45 young people gather at Medard’s on any given afternoon. When they arrive, their cell phones go into a pouch on the wall.

Medard’s provides transportation to, and if necessary, from the center. Students from Allen, New Cumberland and Crossroads middle schools attend, as do those from Red Land and Cedar Cliff high schools. During the darker winter months, staff provides rides to kids who live within walkable distance.

“We even take kids that are living right here in the New Cumberland area—safety first,” Chambers said.

The center invites groups or individuals to come and share their particular skill or knowledge, to teach a trade, or to inform them about their organization.

Medard’s House is named after Medard Kowalski, who was part of a group of kids who regularly hung out at Colello’s house.

“He had a real passion for life,” Chambers said.

He tragically lost his life in a canoeing accident on the Susquehanna River in 2014. The following year, the Kowalski family and Colello formed Medard’s House in his honor.

“I think Medard would be really, really pleased about Medard’s House,” Chambers said.

Data can help describe the success—how many young people attend, how many meals are served, how many programs are offered, etc. But some important things are immeasurable.

“It’s very hard to calculate that kids aren’t doing something because you exist,” Colello said.

However, for each hour that youth are at Medard’s, one can gauge what they aren’t doing. They aren’t fighting, on social media, being bullied, scrolling, or “getting into stuff” that young people often stumble into.

For more information on Medard’s House, visit www.medardshouse.org.

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Keeping Company: As Pursuit Coworking celebrates 10 years, the founders find new opportunities in a quickly changing work culture

February 28, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Adam Brackbill & Adam Porter

It began as one of those “classic napkin moments,” Adam Porter explained.

He and friend Adam Brackbill were searching for a way to bring more community to the work environment. They had both experienced the quiet, sterile, cubicle-style offices and were left wanting.

Instead, they decided to create a place where professionals could gather to work, but also to interact and form friendships. Out of the napkin moment came a coworking space in Harrisburg called StartUp in 2013.

Ten years later and the business has changed locations and changed names, but has also grown significantly. After a decade, Porter feels that their company, now called Pursuit Coworking, is needed more than ever.

“We’ve realized, despite how connected we are, we are still really disconnected,” he said. “The biggest problem coworking, not just Pursuit, but any coworking space solves is loneliness.”

In a society forever altered by the pandemic, that need for connection is great, Porter believes.

People have started to realize that working from home isn’t as comfortable as it may have once seemed, despite the casual dress code. Additionally, more companies are selling offices as employees utilize a more hybrid or completely virtual work environment. Porter describes this emerging phenomenon as the “fractionalization of work.”

Pursuit’s business reflects that change, as the demand for memberships has significantly increased. And Porter doesn’t see the trend stopping anytime soon, but actually accelerating.

“Work is now not just a place you go, so how can we meet that demand?” he said.

Since 2016, the co-working company has operated in a grand, historic building at N. 3rd and Boas streets in Midtown Harrisburg. But recently it has also expanded into a building on N. Front Street and into space on the corner of N. 2nd and State streets.

As quickly as the Pursuit team can list office space, they’re renting it. In the early days of the company, they would have around 20 to 30 members, but now there are close to 200 professionals who use their office space.

Video Production company Cap Collective has been a member of Pursuit from the start. Owners Christian and Krista Imbesi remember the days of running their small, blossoming company out of the coworking venture’s previous office a few blocks up the street from the current location.

“We had just started, so everything was too big and too expensive,” Christian said. “They came with a built-in company culture. Having that, especially in a small business, was great.”

As Pursuit has grown, Cap Collective has also made strides. But rather than leave to find their own office, the production company has stuck around and now occupies one of Pursuit’s largest office spaces.

“We were excited to stay here,” Christian said. “We like the people here. It was important to us to have the extra networking, the extra events and also the location.”

That sense of community is one of the major reasons people choose coworking, according to Porter. At Pursuit, they attempt to foster that through the open layout of the building and through events. They regularly hold happy hours, potlucks, group walks and other get-togethers. But many members also plan social gatherings themselves. The owners of Cap Collective host a regular whiskey tasting event and often get lunch at the Broad Street Market with others on Fridays.

“The challenge we’ve solved for people isn’t Wi-Fi; it isn’t coffee,” Porter said. “But it’s meeting other people you wouldn’t otherwise have gotten to know.”

When the company switched names and refreshed its branding a year ago, the team was hoping to better reflect where they were headed. With the new name, Pursuit, Porter said that they wanted to make it known that their space wasn’t just for tech startups, which was a common misconception, but for any professional.

On any given day, there are professionals in finance, engineering, healthcare and nonprofit work, among other fields, in the office. Members continue to diversify even more, Porter said, as people realize their need for community in the current “fractionalized” world of work.

“You spend roughly half your waking hours working,” Porter said. “We think it’s important that you’re happy with what you do. And if we can help in that pursuit, all the better.”

Pursuit Coworking’s flagship location is at 922 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.pursuitcoworking.com.

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Way Above O.K.: Holmes-O.K. Lettershop is an institution in Lemoyne—and so is the owner

February 28, 2023 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Arlene Holmes

Some people, approaching retirement, look enthusiastically to the days when the trusty alarm clock can be decommissioned and life can begin to feel like one long holiday.

Arlene Holmes isn’t one of them.

“[Working] keeps me out of trouble,” said the nearly 90-year-old owner of Holmes-O.K. Lettershop.

Holmes has been at the helm of the Lemoyne design and print shop ever since her husband Bob died 57 years ago.

“Bob owned the business and worked at United Telephone, and I decided to help him, and we ended up getting married,” she said, with a smile.

And if you’re wondering how they landed on the name “Holmes-O.K. Lettershop,” it’s not that they do mediocre work. Instead, it’s a stipulation that was added to the sales contract to keep the shop’s legacy alive, as the original name was O.K. Lettershop.

Originally, the shop was located on Walnut Street in Harrisburg across from the former Dauphin County jail. One day, her husband saw the business go up for sale and decided to purchase it. The rest, as they say, is history.

Those who pass by the Lettershop might see the oversized mailbox on the porch out front, or may, in the summer, be pulled in by the striking and unusual flowers that Arlene grows called “Red Hot Pokers.” Upon first impression, it may appear that the house, which dates back to the 1920s, is diminutive, but it is actually deep on the inside, with several large rooms leading back to what was once a yard.

Holmes raised three children in the family house in New Cumberland. After her kids were out of college, she moved above the shop.

“It’s convenient just to head downstairs for work,” she said.

Willing to Learn

Over the years, the business changed with the times.

Equipment, once standard, became obsolete, such as mimeographs and graphotypes, which embossed metal plates. Later came offset printing, where the inked image is transferred to a plate. This soon gave way to a cut-and-paste method and eventually to computer design and laser printing.

One might wonder how Holmes kept up with the dizzying pace of changes in the printing industry. She credits her former years as a teacher.

“I taught school for six years, two years in Hamburg and four years at William Penn, and I now teach Sunday school at the United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg,” she said. “These jobs taught me that you have to be willing to learn, change and try different things or you aren’t going to survive.”

Over the years, she’s also had to employ fewer people to get the same amount of work done. What was once a team of eight dwindled down to two, with Holmes being one of them, along with her loyal employee of 30 years, Andrea Leach.

Andrea, who lives in Lemoyne and studied commercial art at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, said that she enjoys her job working on newsletters, letterheads and other projects.

“Arlene is fun to work with, and I like the variety,” she said. “You never know what challenges you’re going to have.”

Holmes’ clients read like a “Who’s Who” of area civic clubs, like the Kiwanis, the West Shore Lions and the Distinguished Daughters of PA, to name a few. The business also completes tasks that club secretaries or members don’t often have time to do, like collating newsletters, then folding them and stuffing them into envelopes and driving them to the post office.

Sheri Goff, who is a member of the Penn-Cumberland Garden Club, said that her club has been using Holmes-O.K. Lettershop for many years.

“They print our annual yearbook, which is a 70-page publication, and they also print our newsletter, advertising flyers for fundraisers, our tickets and our club brochures,” Goff said. “If we’re in a bind, they always accommodate us for last-minute things, and their prices are more than fair.”

Likewise, Holmes said that she enjoys working with the public and doesn’t intend to retire anytime soon.

“Why would I?” she asked.

And the question is left hanging there. Indeed, why should she?

“I’m surprised at so many people who don’t want to work,” she said as she climbed the steps to her apartment upstairs, satisfied at the end of her day with a job well done.

Holmes-O.K. Lettershop is located at 409 Market St., Lemoyne. For more information, call 717-761-0864 or visit their Facebook page.

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Have a Rice Day: Making risotto is easier than you may think

February 28, 2023 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

I realized recently that, despite ordering risotto at many of our favorite restaurants, I hadn’t made it at home for a very long time. My family prefers pasta, I suppose, and I guess we all have this perception that risotto is time consuming or difficult to make.

Often, people think that risotto is a dish that is rich with cream when, in fact, risotto’s “creaminess” is the result of slow cooking short grain rice until its starch is released. The most frequently used rice for risotto is known as “arborio” and it is now widely available in most grocery stores.

When I was young, I remember my mother telling me (in a very wistful way) about a wonderful dish she had while traveling to Italy with my father. It was “Risotto Milanese” and was served with its traditional accompaniment, “osso bucco,” or braised veal shanks. She was describing what is likely the most well-known risotto preparation made with chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, the golden herb saffron, butter and a little bone marrow from the veal or beef shanks.

I’m seeing more and more risotto on restaurant menus. Beef, chicken and fish entrees are being paired with risotto rather than the ubiquitous baked potato or little roasted red-skinned potatoes. And what a vast number of risotto combinations there are—risotto with vegetables like peas and asparagus, risotto with crab and shrimp, and risotto that turns a brilliant, rosy hue with the addition of red wine. I recently found a recipe for a very “upscale” risotto made with champagne and truffles.

As noted above, many home cooks might think that risotto is difficult to make. It is not. But it does require patience because risotto needs to be watched and stirred for about 20 minutes. You must use “risotto rice” like arborio and will get the best results from using sweet cream butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Saffron threads, an expensive spice, take risotto to a new level. Little packets of it can be found in the spice section of most supermarkets. I use canned or packaged beef, chicken or vegetable broth all the time. Unlike my Sicilian mother, I don’t make homemade broth every week. But it works just fine, especially the reduced sodium versions.

The recipe I am sharing this month is from Biba Caggiano, cookbook author and restaurant owner from Sacramento, Calif. It is a simple risotto that is based on the traditional Milanese way of preparing it. Make it one time, and you will be an expert!

Milanese Risotto

Ingredients

7 cups lower sodium chicken or beef broth
½ teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
½ small onion, minced (½ cup)
2 cups Arborio rice (use dry measuring cup)
½ cup dry white wine
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese
Salt to taste

Directions

Heat the broth in a medium saucepan and keep warm over low heat.
Transfer 1 cup of the broth to a small bowl, stir in the saffron, and set aside.
Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large, deep, heavy skillet or a high-sided sauté pan. When the butter begins to foam, add the onion until pale yellow and soft (4-5 minutes).
Add the rice and stir until it is well coated with butter and onion, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the wine and, when it is almost evaporated, add 1 cup of the hot broth (I use a large ladle).
Cook and stir until most of that first cup of broth is absorbed.
Continue cooking and stirring the rice, adding the broth 1 cup at a time. This should take about 15 minutes.
Then add the broth with the saffron and continue cooking and stirring until most of the broth has been absorbed. The rice should be tender, but still firm to the bite (al dente, just like cooking pasta).
Swirl in the remaining tablespoon of butter and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir briskly until the butter and cheese are melted and the rice is creamy and still moist.
Taste for more salt if needed. Serve the remaining cheese on the side.

This simple risotto dish can be served alone with a green salad or with any protein you might like. Once you are comfortable making this Italian classic, try some variations. Easy things to try are mixing in some baby peas (despite spouse protests), asparagus tips or some diced pancetta or bacon. For entertaining, top the finished risotto with beautiful sauteed scallops or a small crabcake.

A perfectly made risotto will transport you to Milan, thought by some to be the most elegant city in Italy. My mother, Rose, would likely agree.

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