One Hundred Stories: Sankofa and Gamut Theatre amplify the “Voices of the Eighth”

January 31, 2023 | by Francesca Amendolia

James Mitchell, Sydney Crutcher & Latreshia Lilly. Photo courtesy of John Bivins Photography.

“If you deny people their own voice, you’ll have no idea of who they were.”

—Alice Walker

New York’s Little Italy once stretched from Worth to Houston, from Lafayette to the Bowery. It’s now a scant three blocks and a cannoli from Ferrara’s. That’s OK—neighborhoods naturally come and go as populations change, as immigration patterns shift, as children leave home and new hopefuls arrive.

It’s one thing, however, to accept that the natural ebb and flow of urban life shifts neighborhood cultures and boundaries. It’s entirely another to confront the loss of a diverse and thriving district that was abruptly razed to make way for the edifices of power.

That’s what happened to Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward with the expansion of the Capitol Complex between 1913 and 1919—then again in the 1950s. When the Eighth Ward was claimed by the commonwealth, its inhabitants (many of them African American) lost their homes, their livelihoods, their neighbors and their connection to their own history. This kind of disruption doesn’t just fragment the stories of those living through it but also the stories of their ancestors and descendants. Those once-strong voices become whispers and then those whispers are lost, blown away on the winds of “progress.”

Sharia Benn, the founder, president and executive artistic director of Sankofa African American Theatre Company, saw a pressing need to salvage those stories. She delved into the history, and the result is her ever-evolving theatrical project, “Voices of the Eighth,” something she describes as a tapestry of storytelling.

“I believe in the power of local history and truth,” Benn said. “I’m trying to connect people, especially local people, to their local roots, their local stories.”

The first iteration of “Voices of the Eighth” was performed in 2020, the second in early 2022. By then, it was clear to Benn that, if she wanted to tell a hundred stories, one for each of the hundred names on the “Gathering at the Crossroads” monument at 4th and Walnut, it would need to be a multipart, multiyear project. The name of this year’s installation reflects that intention: “Voices of the Eighth: Chronicles II; Stories from Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward.”

Wherever possible, these productions—which combine storytelling, video imagery, movement and song—draw on primary sources such as diaries, letters, poems and published works. In this way, “Voices of the Eighth” is not just telling stories about historical Harrisburg-connected African American abolitionists, artists and changemakers such as Alice Dunbar Nelson or Maud Coleman. It is letting those people speak for themselves.

“These aren’t made-up stories but the erased histories of actual people,” Benn said. “We give the audience facts and then let them deal with those facts in whatever way makes sense to them.”

People have come to productions and recognized the names of their ancestors. Benn is thrilled when that happens because it means that her plays are connecting people to their roots, connecting them to greatness.

“Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass are, of course, amazing,” Benn said. “But they’re not the only stories of Black folk doing great things. When people hear stories that come from local history or even their literal families, they feel inspired. These stories are in their blood.”

But Benn has found that this project inspires more than audiences (though audiences have been passionately appreciative).

“We cast actors from all over, and we create this collaborative process,” she said. “The play is fully written and scripted, but I leave room for actors to contribute, and I‘ve so enjoyed over the years hearing actors who were like, ‘I didn’t care about history—I just wanted to act—but now I learned something.’ Sankofa artists embrace these stories, learn from them, and then they themselves grow into agents of social change—they become artivists.”

Benn sees a pressing need for artist-activists. The arguments justifying the erasure of the Old Eighth Ward are not confined to history—gentrification is still dislocation.

“If we don’t see it for what it is and if we don’t connect things, it will continue to happen,” she said. “But if you know your history, you can be prepared for it. You can speak out with power, knowing these patterns are not unique to you or your community.”

“Chronicles II,” which will run at Gamut Theatre in February, will entertain as well as educate, of course, or what’s the point? Theater is meant to be enjoyed, but it can be so much more. Benn sums it up like this: “That’s the work of Sankofa. We use theater as a vessel to pour into people and make them stronger.”

“Voices of the Eighth: Chronicles II; Stories from Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward” runs from Feb. 3 to 12 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.gamuttheatre.org/vote or www.sankofatheatrehbg.com/general-8.

UPCOMING EVENTS

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

“Voices of the Eighth: Chronicles II”

Feb. 3 to 12
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

TMI Improv

Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

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February Publisher’s Note

January 31, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Officials. Activists. Business people. Artists.

Our February issue is, you might say, profile-heavy, featuring accomplished people doing amazing things in our area.

We have unsung heroes and newly elected representatives. We have creators and mentors. We have folks who have given their lives to the service of others.

We are so fortunate that they call Harrisburg their home, that they’ve decided to settle here or, in many cases, were born and raised and never left.

We started TheBurg with the belief that too many of these stories were going untold. We thought that, when it came to news coverage locally, the bad often overwhelmed the good—and undeservedly so.

As a lifelong journalist, I’ve never understood my media peers’ fixation with deviance and dysfunction. I guess it sells, as the cliché goes, but it also doesn’t represent the reality of most people’s lives. And, I don’t know about you, but reality is where I spend most of my time.

Besides that, I believe that we should give recognition to people who are trying to build up, not tear down.

They’re not hard to find at all. Maybe they’re your co-worker or family member or neighbor—or you. All you need to do is flip through the following pages to discover a few more. Even better, please listen to the special February edition of TheBurg Podcast, which features a number of unsung heroes in our midst.

I want to wrap up this introduction by thanking everyone who reached out to us last month after we announced our partnership change. We were overwhelmed by the good wishes and messages of support from Harrisburg and beyond. It’s amazing to know that so many people are on our side, rooting for us.

Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor

Click here to read the digital version of our February magazine.

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A Mug & a Mission: Down to Earth Café embraces coffee culture, with a nod to sustainability, community

January 31, 2023 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Americans drink 517 million cups of coffee every day, making it the most popular drink in the United States, according to the National Coffee Association.

Water comes in second, eliciting a big “meh” from most, as it isn’t nearly as interesting a beverage as its caffeinated counterpart. “A yawn is a silent scream for coffee,” reads one popular quip on the brown beverage.

Alex Rojohn is among the many who are passionate about coffee. In November, he opened Down to Earth Café in Legacy Park in Mechanicsburg and now is working to share his enthusiasm with others.

The 19-year-old caught the coffee bug while volunteering at the Cracked Pot Coffeeshop in Mechanicsburg.

“I was attracted to the coffee shop atmosphere, before realizing the love and passion I had for making drinks and talking to customers,” he said.

After his stint at the Cracked Pot, he moved on to become a barista at IDEA Coffee before assuming the position of manager. Before long, he was managing both IDEA locations at the walkable, planned west shore communities of Arcona and Walden.

Today, Rojohn finds himself in yet another planned community, joined by his parents and partners, Jules and Jeff Rojohn, who previously worked in retail management.

The family chose Legacy Park for the rapidly growing community that eventually will house more than 450 households, as well as the shop’s location on a main drag there. It’s also a very attractive space, with an openness that allows customers elbowroom to the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the establishment with light, allowing the social media crowd to post the most Instagram-worthy shots of latte art.

As for décor, Rojohn chose earthy colors in hues of orange and brown, which, in turn, give the place a bit of a mid-century modern vibe.

“Much of our furniture is upcycled,” Rojohn said.

A standout feature, which immediately catches the eye, is a dramatic, backlit metal sign that hangs above the orange couch in the middle of the room and contains their logo—a cup of coffee with steam rising up, which morphs into plant shoots. Rojohn explained that the carving was done with high-pressure water.

Seating is a combination of couches, wooden tables and chairs (engraved with coffee cups) and a bar up front so customers can chat with baristas while watching the action.

Always Testing

Down to Earth Café offers a full coffee menu, everything from drip coffee to espresso, macchiatos, cappuccinos and lattes, with coffee sustainably sourced from Lemoyne’s Lonely Monk Coffee Roasting. Also on the menu is a selection of seasonal kombuchas and teas ranging from black to green to herbal from Camp Hill’s One Good Woman.

For breakfast, the shop features avocado toast, frittatas with seasonal ingredients, breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls and a selection of “breads and spreads.” Lunch is comprised of paninis, seasonally changing soups and a selection of sandwiches.

With the menu, Rojohn’s goal is to provide the customer with healthy and flavorful options.

“I’m always testing, trying to make high-quality, gluten-free items,” Rojohn said.

Jeff Palm, executive director of the Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce, said that an independently owned shop helps to enhance the community feel of Legacy Park.

“Not having corporate affiliation will assist in building the sense of belonging as its offerings can be developed to the local residents and patrons’ tastes,” he said. “It is a welcome complement to nearby Wolf’s Brewing and the other incoming options that make up the expanding landscape of Legacy Park.”

Chris Moulton, who lives in the area, said that he stopped in recently and felt very at home.

“It’s a great atmosphere,” he said, choosing a peppermint mocha latte and a slice of banana bread. “It was a great way to start the day.”

Rojohn said that he’s excited to embark upon this new journey where he can make a difference.

“I feel like I’m making an impact with our mission, which is running a business while implementing sustainable practices that are eco-friendly,” he said.

Rojohn loves the community aspect, too.

“I meet people from all around—Messiah students, Mechanicsburg High School students, office workers and Legacy Park residents and enjoy building those relationships,” he said.

Rojohn added that he couldn’t do it without his team.

“They are amazing, and it’s great to work in such a friendly environment,” he said. “That’s so important, and our team is one of my favorite things about this place.”

Down to Earth Café is located at 100 Legacy Dr., Mechanicsburg. For more information visit www.downtoearthcafeco.com.

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The Painted Word: Jonathan Diggs Duke—Harrisburg’s Duke of Jazz

January 31, 2023 | by Bob MacGinnes

Jonathan Diggs Duke plays piano at the Art Association of Harrisburg.

Music is an art form unto itself, with jazz playing a special role in the world it encompasses. For a precious few, those born under a lucky star may be blessed with an extra gift or two.

Such was the case for multi-talented local musician, Jonathan Diggs Duke. Recently, he revealed, “I sang before I talked,” according to his parents. Blessed with a family who supported his unique way of communication, they encouraged their son to pursue music full-time. His dad was fully invested as an established artist in that field, and his mother loved music in all its forms. When one is surrounded in such an enlightened environment, magical things happen.

His father instructed him in the fine art of musical composition. Growing up in Baltimore, the young man witnessed streets full of impromptu performers—from song-and-dance men to women breaking out in performance art, all inspiring the artist. With a natural proclivity for music, Diggs Duke was shaped into a force to be reckoned with in his formative years.

As fate would have it, the trumpet was the one instrument readily available to play and, since the day he picked it up, the two have been inseparable. He’s equally skilled at the piano, playing classics articulated with his own musical interpretations. Duke Ellington tops his list of musical influences, and Felix Mendelssohn and modernist composer Charles Ives also hold cherished spots.

Three years ago, feeling the need to expand his musical reach, he moved to Allison Hill in Harrisburg and since has become a regular performer, “busking on trumpet” outside the Broad Street Market to crowds of listeners captivated by the sounds emanating from his horn. That journey started upon his arrival in Harrisburg, via the train depot on Market Street, playing to those new to the city or headed out to follow their dreams.

Diggs Duke, well accustomed to playing booked venues, cited “the excitement of playing in an uncontrolled environment, never knowing exactly what may take place in the moment.” Those moments become transcendent based on his connections and audience appreciation. He embraces the philosophy that art overcomes barriers of the everyday. With two recent albums under his belt, one with a nod to Scott Joplin’s ragtime tunes, Diggs Duke then switched gears to play and record ambient sounds, playing all instruments. He looks positively to the coming year with local nightspots on his “to do” list.

I had the distinct pleasure of hearing Jonathan at the piano during a reception last year at the Art Association of Harrisburg. Smooth is an oft-overused term in jazz circles, but Diggs Duke takes it to new heights. I tripped the light fantastic for the time he improvised at the keyboard, getting lost in the moment. I thought of Bobby Short, the epitome of grace and style, playing the piano at The Café Carlyle in New York. Witnessing and listening to a man of musical gifts beyond the ordinary, I believe that Jonathan Diggs Duke is fast becoming a Harrisburg treasure. Jazz impresario, man about town, and a true bon vivant, he has attracted a fervent following of fans.

When asked about his future and his role in the area, he waxed poetic on the spontaneity of busking to an ever-changing audience, as well as the impact it makes on kids who are amazed when they see and hear a trumpet for the first time. “The influence and opportunity to inspire a young person to dream, ‘that can be me someday’ and pursue a career in music” takes him full cycle to when he was a little boy at his father’s side.

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Layers of Truth: “No Bears” feels like real life, which it sort of is

January 31, 2023 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photo courtesy of Janus Films.

“There are no bears. Nonsense! Stories made up to scare us! Our fear empowers others. No bears.”

Promotional content of the Iranian film, “No Bears,” claims the film is composed of two love stories thwarted by societal demands. But I would go so far as to claim that there is a third love story—that of director Jafar Panahi and his craft.

All of these love stories are tragic.

Panahi takes to the screen, at least in fictionalized constructs, as our main character, and, in fact, the entirety of the story is seen through his eyes as he attempts to make a film remotely from another country.

Short note: outside of this fictional story, Panahi actually was arrested in 2010 for supporting protests and was barred from making movies and leaving Iran for 20 years. While it is clear that he has defied the former restriction (he has made five films since then, all of which were smuggled out of the country and screened at film festivals), he seems to be stuck by the latter point, or at least as far as the narrative of this film goes.

There are three narrative tracks to the film. The first is Panahi’s journey as he attempts to direct a film without crossing the Iranian border, using video chat to give direction to actors miles away. His film crew, recognizing the less-than-ideal situation every time the wifi in Panahi’s village goes out, offers to smuggle him across the border, but Panahi refuses, worrying about what might happen if he’s caught. But even his small attempts to film in the village cause more trouble than satisfaction for the filmmaker.

Which leads us to narrative number two: the reaction of the village to a woman, Gozal (Darya Alei), who was promised at birth to a man, finding love with another man, Solduz (Amir Davari). Panahi takes a photograph of the forbidden couple on the street, and the villagers appear at his door, demanding the photograph as evidence against Solduz. Everything Panahi does to fix the problem seems to get him into further trouble. The narrative focuses less on the forbidden lovers than it does on the tension in the village and the promised man’s bruised pride. Perhaps the love story here is more about the village’s love for tradition.

The third story is that of a couple, Bakhtiar (Bakhtiyar Panjeei) and Zara (Mina Kavani), who are trying to emigrate out of the country and flee to a better place, but are having a difficult time securing a second fake passport for the trip—and Zara refuses to leave the country without Bakhtiar. Theirs is the story that Panahi is filming via video chat, taking their situation and turning it into a nicely wrapped version of itself for the camera. But it becomes clear that the outcome of the couple’s illegal immigration will differ greatly from the outcome of Panahi’s film—that is to say, not happily ever after.

At times, “No Bears” feels like a slice of life. But there is so much packed into the film that will leave you plenty to think about long after the credits roll. It is a film that insists, though it is framed as fiction, that there is more reality to it than initially indicated. Though cloaked with this heaviness, the film is still refreshingly beautiful, and Panahi makes quick work of making the cast of characters come to life.

The end of Panahi’s love story is not over yet. However, as “No Bears” plays in theaters across the United States, he has reached a low point in his arc, now in prison for a sentence of six years that the Iranian government states was previously handed down. While we hope for his release, we may as well enjoy “No Bears” for the dark, barely fictional piece that it is.

Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.

February Events At Midtown Cinema

First Run Film Opening

“Saint Omer”
Friday, Feb. 3

National Theatre Live presents

“Much Ado about Nothing”

Sunday, Feb. 5, 5 p.m.

First Run Films Opening

“No Bears”

“Turn Every Page”
Friday, Feb. 10

Down in Front! riffs on

“Streets of Fire” (1984)
Friday, Feb. 10, 9:30 p.m.

FraserFest presents

“Blast from the Past”
Sunday, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Valentine’s Day Film

“When Harry Met Sally” (1989)
Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

3rd in the Burg Movie Night

“Pink Floyd: The Wall”
Friday, Feb. 17, 9:30 p.m.

National Theatre Live presents

“The Seagull”
Sunday, Feb. 19, 5 p.m.

First Run Films Opening

“Close”

“Emily”
Friday, Feb. 24

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A Vodka Valentine: Share your love with this spirited sauce

January 31, 2023 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

There are many wonderful city and suburban restaurants in our Harrisburg area that will plan special Valentine’s Day dinners.

Restaurants will likely suggest early reservations, as it’s a very popular night out. Special menus may include lobster, crab cakes, steak Diane, osso bucco, and other items to splurge on.

While wishing all our favorite restaurants well on this special February day, how about a little Valentine’s dinner for two at home this year? We should look for something easy because, for many, it’s a “work day” or a “school night,” but it still can be elegant. Perhaps a little table could be set up by the fireplace, with prosecco or champagne on hand for cocktail time.

When I went looking for an appropriate choice for my Valentine meal, I came across a pasta dish that many restaurants do serve. It is not an unusual find on an Italian menu, but the addition of vodka lends it a touch of elegance.

As is the case with many Italian classic dishes, disagreements exist as to the origin of “penne alla vodka.” I did a little research. A chef at Orsini’s restaurant in New York has claimed inventing it in the 1970s, while a restaurant in Bologna, Italy, has made a similar claim. It doesn’t matter, of course, and you, as a home chef, can prepare several variations to make the dish your own.

My recipe is from the Italian classic cookbook, “The Silver Spoon.” Because it contains only a few ingredients, use real butter and cream, good imported pasta, fresh parsley and a high-quality vodka. It really makes a difference. This is a very basic and simple recipe. You can be a little innovative by substituting prosciutto, bacon or pancetta for the cooked ham or even smoked salmon if you like. Many recipes call for a little chopped garlic or onion to be added to the sauce, as well as chopped fresh herbs like chives, basil or oregano. This is one dish you can have fun with.

Penne alla Vodka

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup diced ham (small dice)
2 tablespoons tomato paste (I use Cento double concentrated)
1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
5 tablespoons heavy cream
3 tablespoons vodka
12 ounces penne pasta
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Melt the butter in a large, deep-sided pan over low medium heat. (I use an All Clad “Everything Pan.” It is perfect for tossing sauces and pasta together.)
Add the chopped ham, tomato paste and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the cream and vodka and stir for a few more minutes. (The alcohol will evaporate a little, but the taste and aroma of the spirit will remain.)
Meanwhile, cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
Transfer to the pot of warm sauce on the stove and toss gently to incorporate.
Place in warm bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

So, back to our Valentine’s Day dinner.

A wonderful accompaniment to this pasta is a crisp, chilled arugula salad. Dress it with a balsamic or lemon vinaigrette. There are lots of recipes out there for homemade salad dressings, and they are easy to make. Shave some Parmesan cheese over the salad or, instead, toss in some Mandarin orange slices. Both of these salads really complement the vodka sauce. Fresh berries, tossed with a little chilled limoncello, is a perfect dessert.

Your ”Valentine,” whomever they might be, will love you for this dinner. No need for roses or chocolate. But don’t forget the “bubbly!”

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How to Help Contain Thyroid Issues

January 31, 2023 | by Capital Blue Cross Staff

For such a little gland, the thyroid sure causes some big problems.

We’re just past January’s Thyroid Awareness Month, but it’s never too late to talk about this potentially pesky, butterfly-shaped organ wrapped around the windpipe. The thyroid makes and releases hormones that keep your body humming along normally—metabolism control, for instance, is among its main jobs. When something is askew, it can release too many or too few of these hormones.

That can create havoc.

“Thyroid issues can put patients at risk for a broad range of conditions that can span everything from weight variation and exhaustion to cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis, even infertility,” said Dr. Jennifer Chambers, chief medical officer at Capital Blue Cross. “The good news is that most thyroid issues—while they’re usually life-long conditions—can be successfully managed through proper treatment, often including medication.”

The key, Dr. Chambers said, is getting to your doctor for the right tests that lead to the right diagnoses, which then ripple to the right treatments and medications.

Trouble is, roughly 12 million of the 20 million Americans with thyroid conditions don’t even know they have them, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA). The ATA also reports that 10% of Americans will develop thyroid issues in their lifetimes, and that they’re far more prevalent—by a factor of 5 to 8 times—in women than men.

Two Main Types

While there are various subtypes of thyroid disease across a broad spectrum, there are two primary types: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid makes too much of its hormone, causing the body to burn energy more quickly than it should. This can exhaust you, accelerate your heartbeat, cause unintended or unwanted weight loss, and even spike nervousness.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid produces too little of its hormone. This also makes you tired, but may lead to weight gain and an intolerance for colder temperatures.

A wide variety of other symptoms specific to a particular thyroid condition also can signal thyroid disease, and these issues can affect anyone, though they’re more likely to afflict women, people with family histories of thyroid problems, those with certain conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, those on medication high in iodine, and people over 60.

How to Help

You can cope with and catch thyroid issues by educating yourself about the many signals and perils of the problems, and through proper screenings and exams.

While thyroid diseases can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because they mirror other conditions, blood tests, imaging tests and regular physicals can lead doctors to accurate conclusions. Of course, having health insurance that helps cover screenings and prescribed medications obviously goes a long way toward helping you contain any thyroid issues.

Capital Blue Cross offers many employer group and individual benefits that may cover a variety of thyroid screenings, treatments and medications when medically necessary.

“So, if you’re suffering from one or more thyroid-condition symptoms, see your doctor,” Dr. Chambers said. “Many times, the right medical recommendations or prescriptions can keep thyroid conditions in check, and keep them from impacting your quality of life.”

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

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Tax preparation office set to debut in downtown Harrisburg

January 27, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

The location of the new H&R Block office

A new tax preparation office is set to open in downtown Harrisburg just as tax season kicks into gear.

H&R Block will open on Feb.1 at the corner of Market and S. 3^rd streets, according to building manager, Harristown Enterprises.

“With the influx of new residential tenants in the SoMa neighborhood over the past five years, having this reputable tax service location will be invaluable,” said Harristown president and CEO Brad Jones.

H&R Block will occupy about 1,180 square feet of space at 225 Market St., which, in recent years, has housed a number of businesses, including a couple of coffee shops.

From this location, the company will offer services including tax preparation, tax audit assistance, electronic tax filing, refund transfers, refund anticipation loans and similar financial services, according to Harristown.

Recently, several other businesses have opened in the neighborhood, including Tamara Boutique, and Harrisburg University is finishing construction of its new academic building a block away.

“This addition helps to solidify the concept of a walkable community, where everything you need is in a few blocks’ walk,” Jones said.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 27, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Robert Lawson was appointed to Harrisburg City Council last week.

The last week of January delivered a busy news week for Harrisburg. In case you missed any of our reporting, we have it all wrapped up, with our stories listed and linked below.

Harrisburg officials offered an update on the Mulberry Street Bridge homeless encampment as the city prepared to clean up the site. They provided details on where occupants went and what the city’s next steps would be.

Harrisburg University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is on a growth path, about to open a new facility in Strawberry Square. Our magazine story explains how this incubator is helping to stoke new businesses in central PA.

Historic Harrisburg Association released its annual list of “preservation priorities,” bringing to public attention its concern for some of our area’s historic buildings and structures. Read our online story to find out which local properties topped the list this year, as well as recent “successes” and “losses.”

Jay’s Boutique is a snug shop that specializes in affordable, fashionable clothing and accessories for women. In our magazine story, read about owner Janica Wright and why she believed a store like hers was needed in the Harrisburg area.

Life Lion roars through the air, rushing to save lives. Our magazine feature tells the story of the helicopter ambulance service that quickly delivers patients to Penn State Health’s Hershey Medical Center.

Mulberry Street Bridge homeless encampment was in the process of shutting down last weekend. One of our writers was there to offer a firsthand report as the last occupants searched for a new place to go.

Robert Lawson is the newest Harrisburg City Council member, appointed Tuesday night to fill an open seat on the body. Find out who applied to be a member of city’s legislative body and how sitting members chose Lawson.

Sara Bozich has a full lineup of fun things to do this weekend in her “Weekend Roundup.” This week, she also has embedded her podcast in the column, so readers can learn even more about what’s up in and around Harrisburg.

State Street in Harrisburg’s Allison Hill neighborhood has a reputation for being a dangerous road. However, the recent death of woman hit by a car has been ruled a suicide, according to city officials.

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Coroner rules suicide in death of woman hit on State Street in Harrisburg

January 26, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

State Street in Harrisburg (file photo)

The death of a woman killed after being struck by multiple cars on State Street has been ruled a suicide.

During a Thursday press conference, Harrisburg police Lt. Kyle Gautsch said that the woman, whose name has not been released, purposely lied down in the middle of the eastbound lanes of the 1600-block of State Street, where she was struck by two vehicles on Tuesday night.

The 24-year-old woman was rushed to the hospital, where she died of her injuries.

“The adult female did intentionally enter into the roadway and did intentionally lie down in front of traveling vehicles when she was struck by two different cars,” Gautsch said. “That is the unfortunate circumstance.”

According to Gautsch, eyewitness testimony and video evidence both support the finding of death by suicide, which also was affirmed on Thursday by the Dauphin County coroner’s office.

He added that police are not currently pursuing charges against the drivers who struck the woman.

“There have been other accidents in the State Street corridor area, but this is not one of those that, unfortunately, in my opinion, could have been avoided without some kind of intervention with this young lady,” Gautsch said.

Over the years, a spate of accidents and fatalities has given State Street in Allison Hill a reputation for being dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists. At least five people died on the street over a short time period in 2017 and 2018.

The accidents prompted the city to draw up plans to improve safety on the street, in conjunction with the PA Department of Transportation, which owns the road.

PennDOT began construction last year, but the city halted the project after some residents complained that the re-designed road would force them to move their parked cars twice daily.

Ultimately, the city outlined a new plan that retained full street parking, eliminated proposed bicycle lanes and kept the current configuration of two eastbound and two westbound lanes. The new lanes, however, would be reduced in width from 12 to 11 feet, with a 10-foot-wide turning lane.

At the press conference on Thursday, Matt Maisel, the city’s communications director, said that contractors are slated to resume work this spring on the project, which also includes new ADA-accessible intersections, brighter lighting, textured crosswalks and new pavement.

Maisel said that the original plan did not include repaving the road, but, following an analysis, PennDOT determined that the street needed to be repaved and will pick up the $1.5 million cost.

The project should be completed by the end of 2023, he said.

Gautsch urged anyone contemplating suicide, or if they know anyone who is, to contact Dauphin County Intervention or the PA Suicide Prevention Task Force.

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