The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Lovedraft’s District Manager Joshua Stambaugh (left) and owner Justin Browning at their soon-to-open Broad Street Market stand.

We would like to wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas! Around this time of the year, we are especially thankful for your support. Our weekly gift to you—all of our recent news coverage is listed and linked, below. Curl up by the tree and catch up on stories from the Harrisburg area.

The Central PA MLK Day of Service is one month away, and organizers recently announced details of the event, our online story reported. Officials encouraged volunteers to sign up for the many service opportunities around the region to honor the holiday.

Harrisburg native Ricky Watters retired from the NFL over 20 years ago, but he hasn’t slowed down. In our magazine story, read about where Watters is now and the nonprofit work he is passionate about.

Lovedraft’s Express is set to open in Harrisburg’s Broad Street Market in the new year with burgers and brews, our online story reported. The stand will be the fourth location for the local alternative brewing business.

The Omni Bedford Springs Resort has historically been an escape for the Harrisburg elite during the summer. Our writer visited and shares her experience, as well as the history of the resort, here.

Pastor Thomas Sweet retired from leading Harrisburg’s Market Square Presbyterian Church after a decade of service, our magazine story reported. Sweet left behind a legacy of inclusivity and care for those less fortunate.

Presence Luxury Boutique in Camp Hill offers a variety of fine apparel, including clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts. In our magazine story, read about owner Ashley Sheely’s passion for fashion.

Rosemary uses a recipe shared with her by a reader for her cooking column this month. Find out how to make peppers with anchovies & black olives, a perfect dish for the Christmas buffet, here.

Sara Bozich has a list of weekend activities just in time for the holiday. Find them, here.

Warming shelters will open for the weekend in Harrisburg as temperatures are expected to drop, our online story reported. Local organizations announced additional resources for those in need during the holiday.

Whiskers Brewing became the first brewery in Newville since the Prohibition era, our magazine story reported. Before opening, the brewery faced a major setback when a fire engulfed their building. Find out how they made it to opening day, here.

 

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With freezing temperatures on the way, warming shelters will open this weekend in Harrisburg

309 Market St. in Harrisburg will serve as a warming shelter this weekend.

As temperatures plummet this holiday weekend, local groups are ensuring Harrisburg’s unhoused residents stay warm.

On Friday, Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area (CCU) and the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness announced a temporary warming shelter, among other resources for those in need.

The warming shelter will operate on Dec. 24 and 25 at 309 Market St., the former Rite Aid location downtown. The day shelter will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is open to anyone needing to get out of the cold.

According to Darrel Reinford, executive director of CCU, a lack of housing and increased rent prices have exacerbated the issue of homelessness this year and last.

At the beginning of the month, Harrisburg overnight shelters opened for the winter season. Downtown Daily Bread operates a men’s overnight shelter at 234 South St., with check-in beginning at 7 p.m. CCU hosts a men’s shelter at 1805 N. 12th St., with check-in starting at 7:30 p.m. and a women and non-binary persons shelter at Grace United Methodist Church, 216 State St. The women’s shelter will offer check-in from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 3 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Additional resources available during the weekend include:

Saturday, Dec. 24

  • 7:15-8:15 a.m., sit down breakfast at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 212 State St.
  • 8-11 a.m., warming center at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St.
  • 4:30 p.m., takeout meal at Bethesda Mission, 611 Reily St.

Sunday, Dec. 25

  • 8-10:30 a.m., sit down breakfast/warming center at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St.
  • 1:30-4:30 p.m., warming center for women/non-binary individuals and children at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front St.
  • 4:30 p.m., sit-down Christmas meal at Bethesda Mission, 611 Reily St.
  • 5-6 p.m., sit down dinner at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 212 State St.

 

For more information on Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area, visit their website.

To learn more about the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness, visit their website.

 

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

 

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

 

What you’ll find:

For something new: A couple holiday cocktails you can make this weekend Worth noting: There’s still time to shop my Gift Guide (below) Things on my agenda this weekend: Christmas!

 

For your weekend planning

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

    1. HU Presents announces spring 2023 lineup
    1. The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
    1. Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

Friday

Saturday | Christmas Eve

Sunday | Christmas Day

 

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Market Maker: Lovedraft’s Express to bring alternative vibe, famous burgers to Harrisburg’s Broad Street Market

Lovedraft’s District Manager Joshua Stambaugh (left) and owner Justin Browning at their soon-to-open Broad Street Market stand.

JB Lovedraft’s may be known for its dark vibe and skeleton logo, but business at the rapidly expanding eatery/brewery is anything but scary.

In less than a decade, Lovedraft’s has grown to include three locations, with a fourth coming soon to the Broad Street Market in the new year.

“We’re not very good at sitting still,” said owner Justin Browning. “We’re always brainstorming and thinking of new ideas.”

Browning first opened JB Lovedraft’s Micro Pub in downtown Harrisburg in 2016 and, more recently, opened a Mechanicsburg brewery location and Lovedraft’s Unplugged in York. The business has found a following for its punk rock atmosphere, live music shows and, of course, its craft beer and hearty food.

At the new Lovedraft’s Express, which Browning hopes to open in January, they will grill up their famous burgers, which have won local awards, he explained.

“We load them with toppings and make them look super delicious,” Browning said. “People definitely get their money’s worth.”

The Lovedraft burger is a crowd favorite, topped with bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions, fried egg, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and house sauce.

Lovedraft’s Express will also offer fries, plain or loaded with toppings, and plenty of beer options from their brewery. The list of brews will rotate and include everything from stouts to sours to lagers. They also plan to add breakfast items to the menu eventually.

Both Browning and Joshua Stambaugh, Lovedraft’s district manager, grew up in Harrisburg and always enjoyed visiting the Broad Street Market, they said. Deciding to open a stand in the market was an easy choice for them.

“To come here, it just felt right,” Browning said. “Everyone here has been really warm to us so far.”

While many small businesses have closed or scaled back operations during the past few years of the pandemic, Lovedraft’s has continually expanded. In fact, business at their Mechanicsburg brewery, which opened in 2021, is several years ahead of where they expected it to be at this point, Browning said.

He credits their success to good financial planning and saving and being able to pivot operations during the pandemic shutdowns. During the height of COVID, Lovedraft’s offered to-go beer and beer deliveries, while also running a food truck.

But, of course, their devoted customers have also kept them afloat.

“Having a loyal following helps as well,” Browning said. “The brand has really carried us.”

With the new market location, Browning hopes not only to provide another spot for fans of Lovedraft’s to grab a bite and brew, but also to introduce a new audience to their offerings.

To him it’s simple, he wants to reach “people that like good food and beer.”

Lovedraft’s Express will be located in the Broad Street Market’s stone building, 1233 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information on Lovedraft’s locations, visit www.jblovedrafts.com or www.lovedraftsbrewing.com.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Harrisburg City Council approved the 2023 budget at their legislative session on Tuesday.

It was a wintry, icy end to the week, but it looks like the sun will come out for the weekend in Harrisburg. Check out 3rd in the Burg tonight and enjoy the city’s music, art and food. Before heading out, catch up on this week’s local news, below.

Applications for a new Harrisburg City Council member will open in January, our online story reported. Council plans to select a new seventh member to fill Dave Madsen’s seat as he transitions off council and into a new state representative position.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights Carlisle artist Carrie Breschi and her “I’m Fine” project, which explores the topic of mental illness. Writer Bob also discusses other happenings in the local art world.

Christmas is coming, and we have a list of gift ideas for the nerd in your life. In our magazine story, find suggestions from board games to comic books to blacksmithing classes.

Gettysburg is the perfect place to finish up your holiday shopping, our magazine story reported. From its many shops and restaurants to its walkability and historic charm, the nearby town makes the perfect day trip from Harrisburg.

Harrisburg City Council passed its 2023 budget this week, our reporting found. The $74.9 million spending plan includes investments in public safety and infrastructure.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau was awarded over $3.3 million in grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, our online story reported. The grant funds will go towards crime prevention efforts, including hiring more staff and purchasing equipment.

Home sales declined in the Harrisburg area in November, but prices rose this month, our online story reported. For the three-county region, home sales totaled 616 units compared to 724 in November 2021, and the median price rose to $255,000 from $231,000.

HU Presents this week announced several upcoming concerts planned for Harrisburg in the new year. In our story, find out which bands are headed this way.

Liatra Sage loves all things kitschy for the Christmas season, our magazine story reported. The York business owner creates and sells colorful, vintage wreaths, while also operating a booth at American Daydream Antiques & Miscellanea.

Midtown Cinema this month is showing “The Inspection,” a film based on the true story of a queer Black man who joins the Marines. Read what our movie reviewer has to say about it, here.

Sara Bozich has plenty of holiday-themed events to add to your weekend plans. Find them, here.

 

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Central PA MLK Day of Service set for January, with regional volunteer opportunities

Central PA MLK Day of Service committee vice chair Mike Walsh at Friday’s press conference

It may still be a month away, but organizers are gearing up for Central PA MLK Day of Service in Harrisburg.

On Friday, the service day committee announced the details of its 14th annual event, set to take place on Jan. 16 around the region.

“This is definitely a day for parents and their children to roll up their sleeves, come out and make a difference in their community,” said Marisa Tokarsky, co-chair of the Central PA MLK Day of Serve committee.

This year’s theme will honor the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. It will be called “Making Real The Promise of Democracy, Jobs! Housing! Literacy! Voting!” and community discussions surrounding those themes will take place during the day.

On the committee’s website, volunteers can find activities to sign up for and participate in, including making no-sew blankets for the unhoused population, packing health kits and assembling literacy kits. There are also opportunities to help with voter registration, community cleanups and food bank organization.

“We are encouraging each person to make a decision to volunteer,” said local Pastor Earl Harris, who attended the press conference.

An opening ceremony will begin around 9 a.m. at the signature site for the event, the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life at 2986 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. At the ceremony, presenters will recite King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

From there, projects will begin at varying times, depending on the host organization.

“There are plenty of options to make it a day on and not a day off,” Tokarsky said.

For more information, visit the Central PA MLK Day of Service’s website.

 

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Harrisburg police awarded grants for violence prevention, technology upgrades

Harrisburg Police Bureau vehicle (file photo)

The Harrisburg Police Bureau plans to enhance its crime prevention efforts with money from two newly awarded state grants.

The city announced on Thursday that it was awarded over $3.3 million in a pair of grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency that will help the bureau hire staff and purchase equipment.

“The Harrisburg Bureau of Police is grateful to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency on their grant award to the City of Harrisburg to enhance our law enforcement efforts to reduce crime and gun violence,” said Deputy Police Chief Dennis Sorensen.

According to the city, $2.2 million originates from the state’s Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program and another $1.26 million from its Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution Grant Program.

With the money from the support grant, the bureau plans to purchase a license plate reader to identify plates of those suspected of illegal activity and a laser scanner, which will improve crime scene processing. They also will purchase additional body-worn cameras.

The bureau also plans to enhance its officer wellness program and hire a mental health professional to support officers.

The gun violence investigation grant will go towards overtime pay for officers for multi-agency saturation details in high-crime areas. It will also fund the purchase of a gunshot detection technology system to help determine where gunshots are fired in incidents when 911 is not called.

Additionally, the bureau plans to purchase video doorbell cameras for homes and install porch lights in high-crime areas.

“Our local police face a wide range of challenges every day and deserve the latest equipment and resources to help them protect our communities,” said state Sen. John DiSanto.

On Wednesday, DiSanto announced $5.3 million in grants from the local law enforcement support program for bureaus across Dauphin County.

The state commission on crime and delinquency received the money as part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. Harrisburg applied for the grants in October and received the most money in Dauphin County.

Additional Dauphin County grant recipients include:

  • Derry Township ($115,008) for automatic license plate readers, GrayKey digital forensics access tool, Axiom forensics analysis tool and training to utilize the digital forensics equipment.
  • Highspire Borough ($65,078) for portable radios and associated software, laptops and tablets and associated software.
  • Lower Paxton Township ($874,973) for records management system upgrade, license plate reader system, a co-responder position, a forensic staff position and interview room cameras.
  • Lower Swatara Township ($102,716) for retention bonuses, laptops, a mental health co-responder, partial police academy tuition fees and recruitment bonuses.
  • Middletown Borough ($41,562) for a stationary multi-camera license plate reader system and mobile data terminals for police vehicles.
  • Penbrook Borough ($210,238) for a part-time civilian accreditation manager, portable radios, mobile radios and associated installation and equipment costs.
  • Steelton Borough ($105,712) for office computers and monitors, software upgrades, in-car computers and associated costs, tablet, office laptops, a parking enforcement officer and an officer wellness program.
  • Susquehanna Township ($1 million) for the purchase and implementation of a new motor vehicle recorder and body-worn camera system, upgrade to the server/cloud retention systems, forensic cellular equipment, and the installation and implementation of license plate recognition devices.
  • Swatara Township ($549,016) for hard drive for data storage, drying cabinets, surveillance cameras, body-worn cameras, cellular phone analytical equipment, license plate readers, tablets, radios, a portable fingerprint scanner, an officer wellness program and additional training for officers.

 

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More Music: Several concerts announced for the the new year in Harrisburg

Punk, alternative, rock and singer-songwriter—2023 concerts in Harrisburg will feature it all.

Just this week, HU Presents announced six musical acts headed to the city in the new year.

First up will be punk-rocker jxdn, a 19-year-old from Texas who gained a following on Tik Tok in 2018. He released his debut single, “Comatose,” in 2020, which racked up over 20 million online streams. He will perform at XL Live on March 15, with band Beauty School Dropout.

The following day, on March 16, English indie-rock band alt-J will hit the stage at XL Live. The band has released four albums, most recently releasing “The Dream” in February. Their debut album, “An Awesome Wave,” won 2012 Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello awards.

Joywave, an indie-rock band from New York will bring dance music to XL Live on April 18 with special guest Elliot Lee. The band released album, “Cleanse,” this year, along with “Live,” which features live versions of their popular songs.

Next up, The Mountain Goats are set to perform their indie music at XL Live on April 21. The band released their most recent album, “Bleed Out,” this year.

Moving into May, Frank Turner will be joined by special guests Laura Jane Grace and Kayleigh Goldsworthy at XL Live on the 9th. The English punk and folk singer-songwriter will be accompanied by his backing band, The Sleeping Souls.

Later in the month, trio Waterparks will perform their genre-bending music, which draws on rock, alternative, electronic and pop influences. Waterparks will perform on May 24 with special guest Hunny.

HU Presents also announced American band half•alive earlier this month. The band will perform on May 3 at XL Live with guest Tessa Violet. Half•alive released their third album, “Conditions Of A Punk,” on Dec. 2.

The music doesn’t stop there. The new year will also bring rapper Rick Ross, country rocker Elle King and inde band Dawes to Harrisburg in 2023, HU Presents announced previously.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit HU Presents’ website.

 

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

 Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What you’ll find:

For something new: It’s a holiday sweater party tonight with Tröegs at sip @ soma — plus great wine down the block. Holidays in SoMa Harrisburg! Worth noting: Shop my Gift Guide (below) Things on my agenda this weekend: I’m in SoMa tonight and tomorrow (3rd in the Burg!) – Join me! Otherwise, I have a rare weekend alone for a long-overdue market visit, holiday shopping, and more unpacking.

 

For your weekend planning

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

    1. Tonight & tomorrow in SoMa Harrisburg
    1. The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
    1. Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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

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Applications for new Harrisburg City Council member to open in January

Harrisburg City Council (file photo)

Community members will soon have a chance to toss their hat into the ring for a spot in Harrisburg government.

City Council announced on Tuesday that, in the new year, they would begin the search for a new council member to fill a soon-to-be vacant seventh seat.

Council member Dave Madsen recently won the election for state representative of the newly redrawn 104th district. Tuesday was his last council meeting, as he is set to begin his new position in January.

According to council President Danielle Bowers, the applications for a candidate to fill the vacant seat will open on Jan. 3 and close on Jan. 13. Council will hold a public meeting to interview candidates and make a selection on Jan. 23. During a legislative session the following day, Jan. 24, council will swear in the new member.

Applications will be available on the city’s website and in the MLK City Government Center.

Madsen began on council in 2017 and served as the community and economic development chair and public works chair during his years.

“I want to say thanks to the administration and my colleagues for a great five years,” Madsen said on Tuesday. “When I look back over what we’ve accomplished in the last five years together, I think there’s a true story to tell.”

Like Madsen, state representative-elect Justin Fleming, who won a seat in the new 105th House district, recently left his role as a Susquehanna Township commissioner. He served as the Ward 8 commissioner for eight years.

On Dec. 8, the board of commissioners swore in attorney La Tasha Williams to fill Fleming’s seat.

Both Madsen and Fleming will assume their new positions as state Assembly members in January.

 

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