Warming Up: Harrisburg overnight shelters prepare to open for the winter months

November 30, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Grace United Methodist Church, a winter overnight shelter location for women and non-binary persons

As temperatures begin to drop for the season, Harrisburg shelters are preparing to open their doors to those who need a place to escape the cold.

Three overnight shelters are set to open in the city on Dec. 1 to provide a haven for unhoused residents during the winter months.

Downtown Daily Bread will open its men’s shelter at 234 South St. on Thursday. Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area (CCU) will host a men’s shelter at 1805 N. 12^th St. and a women and non-binary persons shelter at Grace United Methodist Church, 216 State St.

“It’s an essential safety thing,” said Darrel Reinford, executive director of CCU. “On really cold nights, being outside can be a risk to life and health. Having a warm place is important.”

This past winter season, the need for shelter was great and strained organizations as they tried to meet the demand. Reinford isn’t quite sure what will happen this winter, but still expects full shelters.

Factors such as a lack of affordable housing and increased rent prices are still exacerbating the issue of homelessness, according to Reinford. CCU also continues to receive a high volume of calls for assistance regularly.

“There are a lot of vulnerable people out there,” Reinford said.

Both of CCU’s shelters will begin check-in at 7:30 p.m. and have a capacity for around 20 to 25 people each night, and Downtown Daily Bread will check people in at 7 p.m. and can service about 30 to 35 people. Check-out time at all three locations is 7 a.m.

All of the overnight shelters will remain open through the end of March.

Additionally, Downtown Daily Bread offers breakfast from 7 to 8 a.m. on weekdays, lunch from 12 to 1 p.m. daily and runs a day shelter, seven days a week.

Each organization relies on staff members to operate the shelters, but also utilizes a small team of volunteers to help support staff and those staying in the shelters. The overnight shelters also provide a way for staff to connect community members in need with additional resources, Reinford explained.

For those who remain outside during the winter months, the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) conducts weekly outreach along with other local nonprofits.

Families with children in need of shelter can call CCU’s HELP Ministries at 717-238-2851 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. At all other times, call Dauphin County Crisis Intervention at 717-232-7511.

For more information about Downtown Daily Bread, visit their website.

To volunteer with Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area or for more information, visit their website.

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Greetings, Governor: We roll out the welcome mat for our newest Harrisburg resident

November 30, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck

Soon after I moved to Harrisburg, I went to the annual Pride parade to take a few pictures to post to TheBurg’s Facebook page.

Stationing myself along the route, I was surprised to see a familiar face marching at the head of the parade: then-Gov. Ed Rendell.

I liked this for two reasons. First, it showed his support for central PA’s LGBTQ+ community, and, secondly, it showed his eagerness to get involved in such a local event.

Here was the governor of the commonwealth walking casually down Front Street, taking time from his Saturday to be part of this fun, colorful, joyous and very Harrisburg happening and, from what I could tell, enjoying every minute of it.

I would soon learn that, for Rendell, this was nothing new. A gregarious, old-time pol, he loved shaking hands and kissing babies, as they say. On any given day, you might find him anywhere around Harrisburg, from a local restaurant to an arts event to a stroll around the neighborhood.

Rendell’s buttoned-down successor, Tom Corbett, didn’t have as strong of a local presence, but he still made Harrisburg his home, living with his family in the stately Governor’s Residence. Not so Gov. Tom Wolf, who, right from the start, made a show of commuting each day in his Jeep between his Capitol office and his house in York County.

You might like Wolf—you might not—but there’s little argument that he’s been a ghostlike presence in the capital city, even more so after the pandemic hit.

We now have a new governor-elect, Josh Shapiro, who takes office in January. With that, I’m hoping for a renewed relationship between the commonwealth’s chief executive and our shared home of Harrisburg.

For the past eight years, I’ve found passing by the Governor’s Residence to be a dismal experience—the lights are out and, literally, no one’s home.

So, my first hope is that Shapiro enlivens what’s been a sprawling dead zone at the corner of Front, Maclay and N. 2nd streets—invigorates it with meetings, visitors, social events and just by people living there. At one time, the residence hosted art exhibits, outdoor receptions and many other parties and gatherings. In contrast, for the past few years, I’ve witnessed little more there than bored security guards, leaf-blowing gardeners and lots of squirrels.

Having said this, I also hope that Shapiro doesn’t cloister himself within the mansion. Harrisburg has a long history of hosting governors, their families and their entourages. Shapiro may never be as social as the extroverted Rendell, but it would be great to see our governor out and about the city once more.

Moreover, I hope for good—and better—relations between the state and city governments.

Too often, the state’s approach has been a one-way street—it took what it wanted from its host city and, otherwise, just sort of neglected it. A Jeep-commuting governor was simply the latest, most manifest sign that Harrisburg was a place for state workers to drive through, not spend time in.

In short order, Shapiro could take a number of actions that would signal a fresh start between commonwealth and capital.

1. A liaison. The state needs to communicate and coordinate better with the city. A positive first step—designating a specific person who can meet regularly with the mayor and other local officials. We need to avoid absurd situations like the one a few years back when PennDOT drew up plans to double I-83, taking Harrisburg houses, businesses and taxable land, without first getting local officials on board.

2. Workforce. The governor needs to set a plan to get state workers back to the office, at least part time. I realize that times have changed, and many employees may opt for a hybrid office/home work situation. But a solid plan is needed, as Wolf’s on-again/off-again return to the office hasn’t served anyone well.

3. Stormwater fees. Gov. Shapiro should make sure that the state pays its share of the local stormwater fee, which, so far, it’s refused to do to the tune of $387,000 a year. In Harrisburg, state facilities are major sources of polluted runoff into area waterways, including the Susquehanna River. The commonwealth cannot claim to be a good environmental steward and continue to refuse to pay this fee, which everyone else must, to upgrade our outmoded sewer infrastructure.

4. PennDOT secretary. The PA Department of Transportation needs new leadership that doesn’t view widening roads as its answer to almost everything. It may be tough to change the engrained auto-centric mentality at PennDOT, but we need an agency that cares just as much about transit, bicycles, pedestrians and other modes of transport, aside from one person in one car. Longer term, I urge the new PennDOT leadership to right-size its roads in terms of what’s needed for the 2020s, not the 1950s. Harrisburg’s state-owned roads are too wide, too fast and too dangerous. They’re vastly overbuilt for the existing traffic volume and are detrimental to the city’s welfare—its people, its safety, its economy.

With that, I warmly welcome our newest neighbor, Harrisburg resident Gov. Josh Shapiro. As attorney general for the past eight years, he’s surely familiar with the capital city. But now he’s in a prime position to help make it even better.

Lawrance Binda is co-publisher and editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

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December Editor’s Note

November 30, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

As a news editor, I receive an avalanche of unsolicited emails every day.

Many are from PR firms and publicity agents, pitching me this or that story: a book, a trend, a personality. A distinct subset involves lists—lists that rank cities.

It can be for almost anything. I’ve received lists on America’s greenest cities, most vegan-friendly cities, fattest cities, sexiest cities, etc.

These rankings typically focus on major urban areas, so Harrisburg often doesn’t make the cut. However, when it does, it typically scores well on topics like affordability, retirement and quality of life.

Recently, the website neighbor.com ranked Harrisburg in the top-10 (No. 9) among “most neighborly cities in America.”

I never know how seriously to take these lists, but this one seemed more solid than most, combining national data on factors like volunteering and charitable giving, along with a survey of 1,000 Americans.

In any case, it did cause me to think about Harrisburg, whether I considered it to be a friendly place. It didn’t take me long to conclude that, yes, I do—strongly so.

Now, maybe my life experience is skewed, having lived my younger years in famously unfriendly places like the New York area and Washington, D.C. But, here in Harrisburg, I’ve never had better neighbors, more caring friends or closer colleagues.

Has my experience been perfect? Of course not, but I think that this city’s high ranking for neighborliness is well deserved. So, at least for this particular metric, score one for the random lists that pop up in my email nearly every day.

The topic of “neighborliness” seemed appropriate to introduce our December issue, given that it’s the season of goodwill and charity. We hope you’ll enjoy the many holiday-themed stories that we’ve packed into the issue and perhaps find some great ideas for your own holiday giving and gifting.

And if you’re strolling by our office this month, pop in and say, “hi.” We can even exchange hopes for a great holiday. As I’ve learned by living in Harrisburg, that’s what neighbors do.

Lawrance Binda
Co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

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

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December News Digest

November 30, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Major Grant for Harrisburg Parks

Harrisburg last month was awarded a large state grant to upgrade and enhance several municipal parks.

According to the city, it received a $13 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for city park improvements.

“The pandemic highlighted not only how much our residents wanted to use our parks, but how much those parks desperately needed improvements,” said Mayor Wanda Williams.

The funds come from the state’s Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV), money the state received from the federal government to address the COVID pandemic. Harrisburg applied for this round of funds, requesting $18 million in late July.

A total of $45 million was awarded to 15 entities, with Harrisburg receiving the largest sum of money.

With the funds, the city plans to upgrade 7th & Radnor Park, Jackson Lick pool, Wilson (Rumson) Playground and Reservoir Park. According to the city, the parks were chosen based on their need for immediate repairs.

“These areas are in critical need of updates,” said Dave Baker, parks and recreation director. “Some of the playground and park equipment is dangerous and unusable. The pandemic showed us an unprecedented number of people are using our parks, so we need to meet their needs with the necessary updates.”

Improvements will include new playgrounds and park equipment at 7th & Radnor and Wilson parks. Jackson Lick pool will be converted into a spray park, and a spray alley will be added to Reservoir Park. The parks will also be ADA-compliant, will be inclusive and will have increased safety measures, according to the city.

Harrisburg also is currently creating a comprehensive recreation, park and open space plan, using a $58,900 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. That plan will help identify additional needs for future city park projects, according to city officials.

While Harrisburg officials do not yet know how long it will take to complete these park and pool construction projects, they expect that this will be the largest city park project since the modernization of City Island.

“These parks will look nothing like they do now once we’re done with them,” Baker said. “We’re going to undergo a complete rehabilitation to bring them up to modern requirements and expectations for what our residents deserve.”

Kim, Madsen, Fleming Win PA House Seats

State Rep. Patty Kim last month secured another two-year term in office, soundly defeating her Republican challenger.

Kim, a Democrat, received about 65% of the vote, versus about 34% for David Buell, the Republican candidate.

Kim won despite facing many new voters, as the 103rd legislative district was redrawn to include a portion of Harrisburg and the west shore communities of Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Wormleysburg and East Pennsboro Township. Previously, it consisted of all of Harrisburg and several other east shore communities.

As of January, the Harrisburg area also will have two new Democratic members of the state Assembly.

Harrisburg City Council member Dave Madsen won a seat in the redrawn 104th House district seat, which now includes the east portion of Harrisburg and several neighboring towns. He defeated David Kocur of the newly formed Keystone Party of PA by greater than a 2-to-1 margin.

Similarly, Susquehanna Township Commissioner Justin Fleming bettered his opponent, Republican Therese Kenley, by nearly a 2-to-1 margin in the new 105th House district, which includes all of Susquehanna Township and Penbrook and parts of Lower Paxton Township.

For the 10th congressional district, Republican incumbent Scott Perry held off a challenge from the Democrat, Harrisburg City Council member Shamaine Daniels, by a margin of about 54% to 46%.

Successful Year for Riverboat

The Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat last month wrapped up its best season in years, taking in more than $200,000 in ticket sales.

The iconic red-and-white riverboat hosted more than 20,000 passengers and sold about $215,000 worth of tickets in 2022, according to the nonprofit operator, the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society.

“The community has really stepped up to help us keep the boat afloat this year, and we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said board President Kim Rice.

Besides ticket sales, riverboat revenue comes from such sources as donations, grants, sponsorships, fundraisers and concession sales, according to the society.

The success of the 2022 season follows several challenging years for the 34-year-old paddlewheel boat, which, over the years, has become a symbol of Harrisburg. In 2018, the Pride lost numerous sailing days due to extended high water on the Susquehanna River, followed by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

In 2022, though, the Pride enjoyed a full sailing season, and patrons and sponsors responded, said Rice. In addition to daily cruises and many special events, the Pride held two successful fundraisers, the Float the Boat Race in May and Boatoberfest in October.

“Many people rode the Pride for the first time this past summer, and many generous businesses helped to sponsor events,” Rice said. “We appreciate every ride and every expression of support.”

In addition to keeping the Pride operational, the revenue enabled the society to make much-needed repairs and upgrades, according to the society. The boat now is in dock on City Island until next year.

“Please plan to ride the Pride in 2023!” Rice urged.

More Apartments for Midtown Project

A developer has revised a plan for a proposed mixed-use building in Midtown Harrisburg, removing hundreds of parking spaces but adding significantly more apartments to the project.

Philadelphia-area businessman Kevin Baird last month resubmitted an application to the city for a variance and special exception for a seven-story building on the 400-block of Reily Street.

The revised plan calls for 142 apartment units, a restaurant and coffee shop, a commercial space and a 171-space parking garage.

In April 2021, Baird received approval to construct an 85-unit apartment building alongside a 500-space parking facility. That plan had to be adjusted after the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) did not select his project to provide parking for the future federal courthouse, located two blocks away from the site, according to the new application.

GSA expects the courthouse to be “substantially complete” this winter.

The project also dropped a proposed grocery store because the developer wasn’t able to secure a tenant, according to the application.

“Therefore, redevelopment of the property with the current project—less parking, no grocery store and more apartments is proposed,” according to the applicant.

While the new plan includes 171 parking spaces, on-site parking still falls short of the 231 off-street spots the building would require. Therefore, a special exception is needed for relief from the parking requirement. In addition, the zoning variance is necessary because the project exceeds the city’s residential density regulation.

To mitigate the parking loss, the developer is proposing including a car-share service on site and/or a transit subsidy, although the application didn’t specify how that would operate.

Last month, the Harrisburg Planning Commission approved the zoning relief, which then moved to the city’s Zoning Hearing Board.

Approval was granted with conditions listed by the city’s Planning Bureau. These include details regarding the proposed car-share service and transit subsidy, incorporating a second entrance to the retail space, landscaping requirements and installing a secure bike storage area.

Streets to Honor City Activists

Two Harrisburg roadways will receive secondary names honoring the legacy of city activists.

City Council voted to recognize a portion of N. 6th Street as Rev. Billy Gray Way and a section of Harris Street as Judith C. Hill Way.

“I always love to hear the history of our community and the players that made it happen,” said council member Dave Madsen. “It’s important to celebrate our history.”

Both corridors will keep their original street names, but a small sign will be added under the current street signs designating the honorary names.

N. 6th Street, from Forrest to Woodbine streets, will now receive a secondary name, Rev. Billy Gray Way. Gray, born in 1929, was a water safety instructor at the Camp Curtin YMCA, a Golden Glove boxing champion, a Harrisburg historian, an activist during the civil rights movement and a pastor. He died in 2013.

Additionally, the 600-block of Harris Street will be recognized as Judith C. Hill Way. Hill was born in Harrisburg in 1928. She was a student in the Harrisburg School District and later a teacher in the district. Hill also was a lifelong member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and, notably, became the first Black woman to serve on Harrisburg City Council. She died in 2014.

“Several members of council are literally standing on the foundation that Miss Hill has set for us as the first Black woman to serve as a member of this legislative body,” council President Danielle Bowers said. “Representation matters.”

House Sales Down, Prices Up

Home prices ticked up, although sales dipped, in October in the greater Harrisburg area.

For the three-county region, 589 previously owned houses sold, a significant drop from 741 houses in the year-ago period, though the median price rose to $245,000 compared to $229,500 in October 2021, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, sales totaled 302 houses versus 376 last October, as the median price increased to $218,500 from $210,000, GHAR said.

Cumberland County had 254 home sales, a drop from 330 last year, but the median price rose to $283,000 compared to $259,750 the prior year, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, home sales fell to 26 units versus 35 in October 2021, as the median price decreased to $229,000 from $239,900, said GHAR.

For the region, houses were selling relatively quickly, as the “average days on market” stood at 19 days compared to 20 days the prior October, GHAR said.

So Noted

Central Penn College is now offering classes leading to a physical therapy degree, taking place in the evenings on the Summerdale campus. Created with working adults in mind, classes for the spring semester begin Jan. 9, according to the college.

Christina Stetler has been promoted to director of communications and engagement for the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. In this role, she will oversee external communications and patron and donor relationships, while continuing to work in development and as a liaison with the Symphony Society. She previously served as the HSO’s assistant director of development.

Harrisburg renewed its agreement with Swatara Township last month to continue to use its compost facility. Under the two-year agreement, the city will pay $50,000 per year to dispose of its compost material at the township’s site.

Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District last month was re-authorized for an additional five years, through 2027. Harrisburg City Council reauthorized the nonprofit district, which focuses on safety, beautification and economic growth throughout most of the city’s central business district.

Hooker’s Seafood Joint opened last month at 405 Walnut St. in downtown Harrisburg. Owners Robert Bryant and Kendale Harris of York offer numerous seafood options, as well as cheesy grits, sides and treats.

Marie’s Kitchen debuted last month in the stone building of the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. From her stand, owner and chef Marie Anne Hartlaub offers cuisine from her native country of Haiti, including chicken, beef and vegetarian dishes.

Midstate Distillery last month closed its Cameron Street tasting room to expand its production space at the site in Harrisburg. It also recently debuted a new tasting room at Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square and expects to open a second location in December at Windsor Park Shopping Plaza, 5234 Simpson Ferry Rd., Mechanicsburg.

Suba Tapas reopened last month following an extended closure dating back to the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020. The snug restaurant and cocktail bar, located on the second floor of Mangia Qui at 272 North St. in Harrisburg, is currently open on Friday and Saturday nights.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2450: R. Mondesi to T. McCrae, $130,000

Barkley Lane, 2501: O. Nguyen & T. Dang to L. Gonzalez, $151,000

Barkley Lane, 2513: L. & T. Pham & K. Truong to Biyaki Enterprises LLC, $115,000

Benton St., 607: R. Wilder to J. Vargas, $150,000

Berryhill St., 1253: McCoy Rentals LLC to SJJR LLC, $45,000

Berryhill St., 1614: L. Brown to JST Affordable Homes, $44,000

Berryhill St., 1735: T. & S. Kauffroath to I. Khan, $90,000

Boas St., 1954: M. Brown to Hardeep Gill LLC, $85,000

Brookfield St., 2322: C. & H. Le to S. & M. Mejia, $110,000

Brookwood St., 2443: N. Richards & R. Bush to J. Rivera, $100,000

Calder St., 256: S. Galbraith to E. Gross, $184,900

Carnation St., 1731: P. Sizemore & K. Hugo to Carnation St LLC, $60,000

Conoy St., 115: R. Rodino to B. Connor, $175,000

Crescent St., 311: S. McGarvey-Schockley to D. Boyle, $56,650

Crescent St., 346: San Pef Inc. to N. Brunache & L. Exume, $89,900

Croyden Rd., 2998: U. & D. Fraser to V. Thompson, $143,100

Derry St., 2330: R. Smith to Star & Star LLC, $72,000

Derry St., 2716: J. & M. Weaver to Investpower LLC, $80,000

Duke St., 2520: A. Biessar & S. Gharib to S. & M. Mejia, $112,000

Emerald St., 228: A. Almonte to C&A Fix Hold & Flip LLC, $123,000

Forster St., 1916: B. & T. Smith to T. Fitzpatrick, $133,500

Forster St., 2011A: Neidlinger Enterprises LLC to PA OGM Group LLC, $135,000

Forster St., 2013: Neidlinger Enterprises LLC to PA OGM Group LLC, $135,000

Fulton St., 1721: J. Cruz to D. & E. Stevenson, $199,900

Green St., 2043: D. & T. Schutt to G. Kabakjian & A. Becker, $250,000

Harris St., 238: W. Davis & T. Helwig to J. Brownsing, $242,250

Holly St., 1922: E. Jeter to Jhonleo Home Renovations LLC, $85,000

Jefferson St., 2643: D&A Homes LLC to Faraone Properties LLC, $75,000

Kensington St., 2136: L. & J. Echols to J. Saeteros, $83,500

Kensington St., 2262: D&A Homes LLC to Faraone Properties LLC, $94,900

Kensington St., 2322: JAK Investment Properties LLC to T. Reinhart & S. Heckman, $60,000

Kensington St., 2325: S. Brown to Natalie Grace Apartments LLC, $99,000

Kensington St., 2342: D. Vasquez to Coopers Hawk LLC, $69,500

Kensington St., 2362: B. Machamer to K. Rentas, $105,000

Logan St., 1927: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to J. Tseng, $144,995

Logan St., 2011: MLP LLC to C. Little, $53,000

Logan St., 2101: R&R Sweet Home Investments LLC to M. Badrani & Z. Alkubaisy, $45,000

Market St., 1738: J., T. & T. Williams to G. Ajakaye, $110,000

Market St., 2015: T. Evans to SPG Capital LLC, $585,000

Market St., 2048: R. Monzon & L. Trinh to Dreamland Investors LLC, $45,000

Mercer St., 2447: JAK Investment Properties LLC to T. Reinhart & S. Heckman, $60,000

Muench St., 424: 2013 M&M Real Estate Fund LLC to B. Black, $125,000

Mulberry St., 1164: M. Mignogno to D. Vigilante, $90,000

Naudain St., 1429: Shope Rentals LLC to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $40,000

Naudain St., 1627: MLP LLC to Sanders & Sanders Properties LLC, $58,000

North St., 257: Preservation PA to K. Bailey & J. Dao, $125,000

North St., 1940: L. & E. Keefer to B&E Development LLC, $140,000

N. 2nd St., 701: D. Miller to A. Reber & C. Dietz, $600,000

N. 2nd St., 711: Belvedere Properties LLC to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $1,100,000

N. 2nd St., 1101: T. & A. Ntzanis to Sturges Property Management LLC, $800,000

N. 2nd St., 1112: Peleton Investments LLC & G. Rothman to Fancy Homes Harrisburg LLC, $138,000

N. 2nd St., 2011: Grentals LLC & Wix Wenger & Wenger to Green Scapes Investments LLC, $225,000

N. 2nd St., 2337: S. Miller to A. Cain & S. Joyce, $223,000

N. 2nd St., 2846: C. Souchek to J. Biboso & R. Gabriel, $242,600

N. 3rd St., 2233: S. Bowman to A. Jimenez, $145,000

N. 4th St., 2135: JP Investment Holding LLC to Equitable Rentals LLC, $100,000

N. 4th St., 2137: JP Investment Holding LLC to Equitable Rentals LLC, $50,000

N. 4th St., 3010: L. Fitzgerald to Eruv Development 1 LLC, $115,000

N. 4th St., 3025: R. Andrews to V. Paredes, $115,385

N. 5th St., 2422: C. & B. Watson to A. Okubanjo, $92,000

N. 6th St., 2318: Phoenix Housing Inc. to R. Harvey, $40,000

N. 14th St., 62 & 64: S. Elazouni to D. Boyle, $104,000

N. 15th St., 1120: Top Notch Rentals LLC to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $90,000

N. 16th St., 1203: D. & M. Ellis to A. Iagnemma, $108,000

N. 17th St., 49: V. Castillo & E. DeJesus to A. Perez & M. Ramon, $45,000

N. 17th St., 91: L. Morales to A. Diaz, $40,000

N. 18th St., 719: I. & L. Jacob to D. Bensinger, $99,900

N. 21st St., 904: KDR Investments LLP to R. Womack, $49,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 101: A. Mohanavel to G. Vanegas, $187,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 509: D. Kyle & D. Holland to R. Price, S. Bychowski & S. Price, $205,500

N. Front St., 2709: Claudia W. Jackson Trust to EI 2709 North Front Street LLC, $225,000

N. Front St., 2931: W. Peters & C. Wasilefski to Maple Equity Group, $310,000

N. Front St., 3101: Central Dauphin Realty Partners LLC to Torio LLC, $2,800,000

Norwood St., 927: E. Salazar to S. Porter, $134,000

Park St., 1626: E. Qureshi & Revive Our City LLC to Blue Botia Properties LLC, $75,000

Peffer St., 214: JPR Properties LLC to CWJK Holdings LLC, $214,000

Penn St., 2135: V. Williams to AGXN Ventures LLC & Law Office of Andrew H. Shaw, PC, $40,000

Penn St., 2447: C. Cavalovitch to M. DePhilip & J. Reed, $52,500

Race St., 610: T. & V. King to A. Carollo, $205,200

Radnor St., 512: Divergent Estates LLC to E. Chattah, $45,000

Reel St., 2616: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to Pitzer Property Penn LLC, $134,995

Reel St., 2621: MidAtlantic IRA LLC & Paul Rawls IRA to F. Alqasim & E. Chattah, $75,000

Regina St., 1827: S. Elazouni to D. Boyle, $55,000

Revere St., 1719: Z. Roudi & M. Maniari to A. Yuschock, $210,000

Rolleston St., 1218: Operation Elevation LLC to A. Grant, $103,500

Royal Terr., 153: D&A Homes LLC to Faraone Properties LLC, $64,000

Rudy Rd., 2245: E. Brown to A. & C. Belle, $185,000

Schuylkill St., 319: T. Colden to G&W Rentals LLC, $120,000

S. 13th St., 446: H. Pham to P. Tejada, $70,000

S. 13th St., 1039 & 1300 Sycamore St.: Brooks Property Holdings LLC to Indigo Foods USA LLC, $960,000

S. 23rd St., 529: L. Hart to J. Rodriguez & A. Aguilar, $50,000

S. 23rd St., 616: D. & N. Gonzalez to M. Lopez & C. Tejada, $150,000

S. Front St., 589: E. & J. Vey to 30×30 Investments LLC, $120,000

S. River St., 306: M. Terry to R. & T. Gerlach, $132,500

S. River St., 313: K. Grant to A. & R. Bomberger, $122,000

Spencer St., 1853: G. Boylan & T. Hardison to A. de la Cruz, $143,000

State St., 205: M. Three Properties to Sierra Real Estate LLC, $192,500

State St., 1918: D&A Homes LLC to Faraone Properties LLC, $184,900

State St., 1924: M. Duvall to CLR Holdings LLC, $450,000

Swatara St., 2019: R. Hendrix to A. Rahman, $58,000

Swatara St., 2047: SR Homes LLC to SJJR LLC, $64,900

Swatara St., 2134: M. Lalmohamed to B. Lemelle, $123,000

Vine St., 115: D. Walker & J. Alwine to V. Paredes, $154,000

Wiconisco St., 622: McCoy Rentals LLC to SJJR LLC, $45,000

Harrisburg property sales, October 2022, greater than $40,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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Committee Commitment: Harrisburg community members work long hours, for no pay, on important city boards and commissions. What motivates these volunteers?

November 30, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Ausha Green

When Ausha Green first joined the Harrisburg Planning Commission in 2015, she questioned whether she belonged.

“Everyone here is either an engineer or architect, and I’m just a community member,” she remembered thinking.

Although Green, now City Council vice president, had served on the Harrisburg School District’s board of directors, the planning commission was much different and, admittedly, she had no idea what the planning commission did. But, always eager to serve the city she was born and raised in, she jumped right in.

Getting up to speed on the functions of the board, which reviews construction and development proposals, took many months. Fortunately, her fellow commission members eagerly provided guidance along the way.

Seven years later and Green is still serving, even though her term has expired. She plans to stay on until her seat is eventually reappointed. Green views a big part of her role as making sure that proposed projects don’t negatively impact her community and its residents.

“I think I bring a different perspective to the board, which I think is important,” she said. “I’ve learned so much being on the board. It’s been a joy to serve.”

Green is just one of many local community members who choose to volunteer their time to serve on the city’s various boards, committees and commissions. Most of the time, these boards go unnoticed, flying under the radar though vital to the city’s functions and to its future.

Besides the planning commission, there are over 25 boards listed on Harrisburg’s website, although some are likely defunct or not meeting regularly. Among the more active groups are the Zoning Hearing Board, the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) and the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority board.

Members of the city’s boards are most often appointed by City Council or the mayor’s office and usually are chosen based off a relevant expertise, skill or passion. While board members don’t get paid, let alone get many thanks for their dedication, most do it gladly and, like Green, have even served past their original terms.

“The best way to make a change in your community is to be a part of it,” Green said.

Alex Reber

Reflect the City

Alex Reber not only serves on one board, but three. For the past eight years, he has sat on the audit committee and, for about a year, on the redevelopment authority board and the Harrisburg Land Bank.

He was asked to join the audit committee since he is licensed as a certified public accountant, as the committee is required to have one such professional. The board, he said, chooses and hires auditors, making the selection process more independent of the city. They also review the audits. It’s a way to keep checks and balances during the city’s financial reporting process, he explained.

Those meetings usually take place quarterly, but, with only two members on what should be a five-person board, the group hasn’t really been able to conduct business.

Similarly, on the redevelopment authority’s board, only three out of five seats are filled.

Having vacant seats or members with expired terms are problems across several of the city’s boards and commissions. Mayor Wanda Williams has recently moved to fill seats on a few boards, including the Capital Region Water (CRW) board, zoning board and LERTA Appeals Board. City Council has not yet voted on the CRW board appointments, but the zoning and LERTA board appointees have filled their seats.

Reber hopes that, as seats are filled, boards will become more diverse. He encouraged city residents who have skills or passions related to any of the boards to reach out to city staff and officials. Some boards require city residency, while others may only require that members work or own property in Harrisburg.

“It’s important that these boards reflect the city,” he said.

Reber more recently joined the redevelopment authority’s board, which works on revitalization and housing development, out of his passion to help increase and improve affordable housing in the city.

“It’s exciting to be a part of trying to work to accomplish that goal,” he said. “I find it really fulfilling.”

Trina Gribble

Like Reber, HARB chair Trina Gribble decided to serve out of a passion and skillset. With her background in architecture and experience on the Historic Harrisburg Association’s preservation committee, she decided to join HARB after she was asked by the previous mayor.

Gribble views her role on the board as helping to maintain and preserve Harrisburg’s historic streetscape and “unique identity,” she said. The board does this through examining and voting on proposed building projects within Harrisburg’s historic districts.

“I play a little role in helping to keep that urban fabric together,” she said.

Leading from Behind

For most volunteers who serve on Harrisburg’s boards and commissions, their willingness to dedicate hours every month comes from their love for the city.

Capital Region Water board Chair Marc Kurowski draws inspiration from a program he attended through Leadership Harrisburg Area, an organization that teaches servant leadership and community service.

“You’re leading from behind, doing it in no way to further yourself, but to do it for the greater good,” Kurowski said.

He has served on the board since 2008, lending his skillset as a civil engineer. Even with his professional background, Kurowski said that it took him about three years on the board to wrap his head around all that CRW does. The board makes decisions around policy, conducts community outreach, and votes on changes to water and sewer rates, among other functions.

Marc Kurowski

Over the years he’s served, CRW has made strides in diverse hiring practices, in controlling costs, in hiring quality top officials and, recently, in finalizing an agreement to reduce contaminated stormwater runoff, he said.

Like some other city board members, Kurowski’s term has expired, but he continues to serve until reappointed or replaced, he said.

“I enjoy being able to be part of a bigger thing that can be beneficial to a community,” he said.

According to Green, she was raised to understand the importance of volunteering. Her mom was always serving in the community and runs a food pantry, which Green and her siblings volunteer at regularly. Her mom’s example is what has inspired her to be civic-minded.

The same goes for Reber, who was also taught at a young age to give back.

“It’s important that, if you have a skillset, to give back to the community,” he said. “Anything I can do to help, I want to do.”

For more information on Harrisburg’s boards and commissions, visit www.harrisburgpa.gov/boards-commissions.

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New Energy, New Cumberland: Revitalization efforts are creating a buzz in the riverside borough

November 30, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

New Cumberland has a new identity.

A brightly colored logo proclaiming, “New Cumberland Borough: Old Town, New Energy” is coming to banners and flags, signs, borough newsletters and “everywhere we can put it,” said Valerie Copenhaver, the Cumberland County borough’s first-ever director of community and economic development.

Like a mosaic, each color and shape on the new logo represents a fresh look at the town’s longtime landmarks: frontage along the Susquehanna River and meandering Yellow Breeches Creek, the beloved New Cumberland Borough Park, and uniquely shaped intersections radiating out to neighboring communities like rays of sunlight.

Branding the borough is just the beginning. There’s an explosion of projects underway, sparked by borough officials, business leaders, residents and community volunteers alike.

“This community is engaged—they’re excited,” Copenhaver said. “One of the reasons why I chose to accept this position is there was so much excitement and energy and such an engaged volunteer base. People just love this community.”

She’s been on the job for about a year, but her economic development roots were planted in the county more than a dozen years ago.

“Back in 2019, the borough realized—in order to continue from a sustainability perspective—they needed to invest in a full-time position to focus on revitalization,” said Copenhaver, who previously worked at the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation.

Her first two projects are big ones—overseeing borough branding and creation of a master plan—following a plethora of community input, via a series of surveys and community meetings.

“What can New Cumberland do to revitalize?” That was the question put to residents, community leaders and business owners.

They had inspiration, seeing the recent successful rehabilitation of their beloved downtown West Shore Theatre by the nonprofit Friends of the West Shore Theatre—and they had plenty of ideas.

One that rose to the top: the creation of a new annual festival in the borough, the Iron Bridge Music Festival. Launched in June 2021, the two-day music festival is coordinated by the New Cumberland Olde Towne Association, which has also organized the borough’s most iconic event, the New Cumberland Apple Festival, every September for 34 years.

“We’re building on the framework of arts and culture that’s already thriving here,” said Nate Dysard, New Cumberland’s borough manager, referencing what he calls a “strong artist community” within the population of 7,500.

Valerie Copenhaver & Nate Dysard

Outdoor recreation is also a priority. In 2021, the borough began leasing land from railway company Norfolk Southern to create Riverside Park. As a result, two additional projects are underway: improving Third Avenue—leading to the river—with a pocket park, string lights and benches, and adding a pedestrian and bike path.

Big picture borough planning is expected to launch in early 2023, when the master plan is unveiled.

“The complete master plan will provide architectural guidelines, some catalyst projects, facade recommendations,” Copenhaver said. “It will touch on floodplain and parking issues, the entire downtown footprint, and as we continue to grow and revitalize, how our downtown should shape itself.”

Flurry of Activity

As the town’s revitalization efforts were kicking off in 2019, borough council member and lifelong resident Chad Wilson became “enthralled” with traditional Christmas markets—inspired by a trip to Germany.

“I came back home and said, ‘We have to have this in New Cumberland,’” Wilson said. “It’s an experience—handmade crafts, phenomenal food, the smells and sights, the crisp air, people getting along—setting aside their differences and having a great time together.”

Under his leadership, New Cumberland’s Christmas Market is set to debut on Dec. 3 from 3 to 8 p.m. on Market Square.

“It’s going to be lit up as brightly as we can, with live Christmas music,” Wilson said. “I would like this to become a marquee event for the borough. What we’re trying to do is bring residents together to have a greater sense of community. But I also think it will bring people in and showcase New Cumberland’s positive changes that are happening—not that we were depressed—but that there are some pretty cool things happening here.”

Drew Lawrence

Another cool thing is the creation of a new nonprofit—The New Cumberland Collective—in 2022. Founder and borough resident, Drew Lawrence, said that it all started when he and his wife noticed the borough’s public parks didn’t allow dogs.

“We asked borough council members if we could change that, and when we were successful, that’s what hooked us—knowing we could have an impact in our community and bring about changes,” Lawrence said. “We just kept looking for things we could do to fill gaps, to make things happen.”

Those things included partnering with the Olde Towne Association to bring outdoor summer movies to borough parks.

“One of the first big things we wanted to make happen was a pride festival. We pulled that together in 80 days, and it was a beautiful event on July 23,” Lawrence said.

The Collective’s latest event was the Merry Merchants Holiday Market on Nov. 20, showcasing about 30 local arts and crafts vendors in the Neato Burrito parking lot.

And there’s so much more in the works, across New Cumberland.

The membership-based New Cumberland Business & Professional Group organizes the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally on Market Square, on the second Thursday of every month, March through December. The Block on Bridge is a collective marketing initiative that freely promotes borough businesses and events.

Whether you call it good vibes or positive energy—it seems to be contagious.

“Each group has their strengths,” Copenhaver said. “I’m just so happy we have so many people that want to give their time to do good things for New Cumberland.”

For more information, visit New Cumberland’s borough website, newcumberlandborough.com and the New Cumberland Collective’s website, newcumberland.co.

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A Real Joy: Pastor of Market Square Presbyterian Church, Thomas Sweet, retires after years of inspiring inclusivity and service

November 30, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Rev. Thomas Sweet

There have been plenty of big, defining moments during Thomas Sweet’s time as pastor of Market Square Presbyterian Church.

Renovating the sanctuary, installing a new pipe organ and continuing services during the pandemic are a few. But that’s not what he thinks of when he reflects back on his time at the church.

It’s the regular interactions and acts of kindness among church and community members that have made an impression on him—like when a congregant takes a seat next to a visitor or someone volunteers their time in service.

“Really, it is just in the day to day,” Sweet said. “It’s that sense that we are all one. To care for one other in the little ways has been most special to me because those little ways, for the people on the receiving end, it’s a big thing.”

On a chilly November morning, Sweet sat at his desk in the large church, built in the 1860s, on S. 2nd Street in Harrisburg. Out front, passersby might notice the sky-high steeple, stained glass and the “Black Lives Matter” painted on the entrance steps—the perfect picture of the church’s traditional style and progressive ideals that it’s known for.

With only days left in his role, Sweet reflected on his time as pastor.

After 10 years as pastor of Market Square Presbyterian Church, Sweet retired in November. He came to the house of worship in 2012 after long tenures at churches in the Baltimore area and in New York. It felt good to be back in central Pennsylvania, as he had grown up in York, he said.

Market Square was already steeped in social justice and service work—a passion that Sweet had developed while working at previous churches—which attracted him. The mission statement of the church is the best he has seen, he said. It states that the church’s goal is to “proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ by welcoming friend and stranger alike into our diverse and inclusive family of faith,” among other sentiments.

Sweet took that mission and ran with it, continuing to build upon Market Square’s outreach programs, including its breakfasts for the unhoused population, partnership with refugee-resettlement agency International Service Center and Korean language services. The church has also embraced the LGBTQ community, environmental initiatives and racial justice efforts under his leadership. Sweet’s wife Lori also served in many ministries and as the curator for the church’s Arts on the Square gallery.

“We like to think anyone can find a home here,” Sweet said. “When the Bible says to welcome the foreigner and the stranger, that’s what we do.”

Choreographer

While the church has around 500 members, a regular Sunday morning service typically draws around 150 in-person attendees, a number that has decreased slightly since COVID, according to Sweet. They also broadcast their services on the radio. It’s the church’s openly progressive stance and emphasis on service that attracts people from the city and surrounding areas, he said. Because Market Square is so upfront about what they believe, there fortunately haven’t been many conflicts over ideals, Sweet said.

Those stances of inclusivity and justice have become a non-negotiable part of leading a church for Sweet. To him, it’s simple—those things were important to Jesus, so they’re important to him.

“Church only seems to make sense to me if we are seeking to follow Jesus and loving our neighbors, seeking the welfare of the city, all of those Biblical teachings,” Sweet said.

John Robinson has been a member of Market Square Presbyterian for about 15 years and was on the committee that originally interviewed Sweet for the position. He remembers hearing Sweet preach for the first time and being impressed with the way he could take Biblical teachings and relate them to everyday life situations.

As the years went on, Robinson saw Sweet’s gentle way of caring for church members and his passion for welcoming the less fortunate.

“I think what we will miss about him is a quiet kind of leadership,” Robinson said. “He never said, ‘This is what we are going to do.’ He’s always collaborating.”

That’s also the way Sweet saw his role in the church—as a “choreographer” who gave leadership to all of the already flourishing programs that congregants served in.

While Market Square searches for a new lead pastor to fill this role, one of the church’s other pastors, Kim Wadlington, will serve in the interim.

As Sweet has stepped away from his role, he knows that it will be difficult to leave his church community and the pastoral life behind. But he leaves with two words, “thank you,” to his congregation and community. After 43 years as a pastor, he’s grateful to have finished this chapter in Harrisburg.

“Market Square, for me, was the epitome,” Sweet said. “To be able to end here, in this congregation, has been a real joy.”

Market Square Presbyterian Church is located at 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.marketsquarechurch.org.

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Passion for Fashion: Presence Luxury Boutique has the high-end goods

November 30, 2022 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Ashley Sheely

You know you’re in the company of a fashionista when you hear terms like “pieces” and “investments” used to refer to apparel.

These are just some of the words that Ashley Sheely said when I visited her shop, Presence Luxury Fashion Boutique, located on Gettysburg Road in Camp Hill.

Sheely’s passion for fashion goes way back.

“I knew I wanted to work in the business from the time I was 4 years old,” she said.

Describing her fashion background, Sheely became so animated that you could tell right then that she was in her element.

“In high school, I worked for Maggie Adams, a high-end boutique, which gave me great experience,” she said.

Sheely didn’t stop there. She went on to earn three degrees in the fashion and merchandising fields to add to her bona fides. She then did stints in retail environments to learn about leading, hiring and developing a team and networking.

Finer Things

Sheely purchased the 5,100-square-foot shop last December from the previous owner, who retired and moved to Florida. The exterior is an attention-commanding shade of purple, designed to get the attention of passersby.

“It used to be gray and wasn’t painted in decades,” she said. “I had an epiphany and decided to paint it the color of royalty. Now, people come in just to check out what’s inside.”

The roomy interior is also done in hues of purple, with rich grays and metallics rounding out the color scheme. Inviting and attractive couches and high-backed chairs scream lux.

“Our women tend to love and respect art, culture, travel and the finer things in life, and we want to make them comfortable here,” Sheely said.

She sells a variety of fine apparel, including shoes and accessories, costume and fine jewelry, handbags, scarves, blouses, sweaters, blazers, outerwear, skirts, pants, belts, pajamas and gifts.

“I’m bringing my clients the crème de la crème of high-end brands from all over the world,” she said.

Two brands that fly out the door are Joseph Ribkoff and Frank Lyman.

“Ribkoff and Lyman have 1,000 pieces in their collection on a quarterly basis, and I’m selecting the best 150 of those styles from each brand to carry here,” she said.

Others include Diane von Furstenberg, Johnny Was, Zadig and Voltaire, Lisa Todd, Margo Morrison jewelry, Vilagallo, Joe’s Jeans, AZI, Mac Duggal and more.

Trade show travel is something that she does often, visiting New York’s Javits Center twice a year for the Coterie and Magic Show, which attracts thousands of vendors. She also visits showrooms—Mac Duggal is up next on the calendar.

“He’s one of the top dress designers in the world, and they usually ask for my feedback during private appointments,” Sheely said.

Most Rewarding

Debbie Beutler of Mechanicsburg is a client, having purchased her 46th reunion dress and her mother-of-the-groom dress at the boutique.

“She helped me with the dress, shoes and accessories,” Beutler said. “The minute I walked in, we really connected. She’s so genuine, and we’re fortunate to have such a great store in this area.”

Leslie Semones of Camp Hill said that she knew Sheely from her time at Talbots and followed her when she discovered that she was buying a boutique. As a result, she decided to treat her mom to an outfit there.

“I told her that the gift would be her Christmas, Mother’s Day and birthday gift,” said Semones. “Ashley spent so much time making my mom feel like an absolute movie star, and my mom was just delighted.”

In addition to regular hours, Sheely schedules private personal styling appointments throughout the week on request.

“I also help women select a few pieces and show them the many ways they can be worn with our look-books,” she said.

For Sheely, the most rewarding part of owning a store may be the personal connections she makes.

“When you have a private boutique, you form a connection with clients so that you end up knowing about their family, careers and aspirations,” she said. “They trust us for some of the most important events in their lives or sometimes just for a pick-me-up. It’s been an extremely rewarding experience.”

Presence Luxury Fashion Boutique is located at 3580 Gettysburg Rd., Camp Hill. For more information, call 717-761-8875 or visit www.presenceboutique.com.

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The Gift of Gettysburg: Count this historic town among your holiday shopping destinations

November 30, 2022 | by Alex J. Hayes

The Christmas Haus

Gettysburg is best known as the site that changed the course of the Civil War in July 1863 and home of the cemetery where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address.

But it may surprise some that this historic town is also full of restaurants and stores, making it the perfect place to visit during the holiday shopping season.

“Shopping in Gettysburg is truly a unique experience where shoppers will find a variety of eclectic household items and décor, clothing, handcrafted artwork and more,” said Carl Whitehill, vice president of the marketing agency Destination Gettysburg. “It truly is like stepping back in time and immersing in the traditions of the holiday season.”

The historic borough is a 45-minute drive from Harrisburg, with most of the trip occurring on smooth U.S. Route 15. The easiest way to access downtown is to enter “Race Horse Alley Parking Garage” into your GPS, since the four-story structure is a short walk from many attractions.

The Majestic Theatre

Next to the parking garage is the Majestic Theater, which has stood in the center of town since 1920. Tickets to the theater’s many 2023 offerings, including The Met Live in HD, National Theatre Live, Trinity Irish Dance Company and the Ken Burns Film Festival, are easy gifts to carry around while exploring other stores.

“Performing arts and cinema are so powerful because audiences are left with lasting memories of the experiences they shared with artists and each other,” said Jeffrey Gabel, Majestic Theater’s founding executive director.

The theater is a few steps from the picturesque Lincoln Square, the site of a large Christmas tree and “Santa’s Shanty,” where youngsters can share their Christmas wishes with the jolly man himself. The square is also home to several unique offerings, including Lark Gifts, Oh, Man! Gifts for Men, and Ploughman Cider Taproom.

Lark Gifts is located inside a former home that was built in 1885. The building rests on the foundation of one of the first houses built on the Square in 1799. Despite its history, Lark owner Timbrel Wallace takes pride in being “a modern marketplace.” Here shoppers can find almost anything, including home decor, whimsical socks, books, puzzles, treats from nearby Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium, and practical items such as earbud cleaning kits and tick-removing tools.

“I listen a lot to customer feedback,” Wallace said. “I try to find what qualities of a product attract customers while focusing on giftability.”

Four streets extend from Lincoln Square—Carlisle (north), York (east), Chambersburg (west) and Baltimore (south).

Shopping options are sparse on Carlisle Street, but Local Flora and Plant Design offers beautiful centerpieces that will add pop to a holiday dinner table. Kip & Idle Home touts itself as a “one-stop shop for designs and decor as unique as you.”

Heading west, Chambersburg Street is home to Adams County Winery, Fresh Boutique, A&A Village Treasures, Sunrise Soap Company and Sweet Repeat Records. The history lover on your list may enjoy a gift from the Army Surplus Store. Dining options here include Gettysburger, Ragged Edge Coffeehouse, Food 101 and Garryowen Irish Pub.

“We have a lot of customers who purchase fresh-roasted, whole bean or ground coffee as stocking stuffers,” said Ragged Edge owner Jacob Schindel.

Nerd Herd Gifts & Games

Returning to the Square and heading east on York Street, Nerd Herd Gifts and Games is a fun spot with a giant chessboard and cornhole games outside of its entrance.

Lea Haskins, Nerd Herd daytime manager, said that the store offers fun for all ages and interests. This year’s hottest game is “Mind the Gap, A Trivia Game for the Generations.”

“It is a great game for families who are getting together,” Haskins said. “You can work cooperatively or pit the generations against each other.”

Artworks Gift Shop and Gallery 30 are must-stops for those with finer tastes. Our four-legged friends are also part of our holiday gatherings, so a visit to The Lucky Paw will make it easy to check them off your list.

If your arms are tired by then, the parking garage is located directly behind York Street so you can unload your treasurers before continuing.

Baltimore Street is the historic corridor President Lincoln traversed on his way to deliver the Gettysburg Address. Many of the buildings Lincoln saw still stand, but our 16th president did not have the opportunity to shop at Four Corners Comics and Games, Dirty Billy’s Hats, Sweeet! The Candy Store in Gettysburg, Gettysburg Polish Pottery, Martin’s Family Shoes or The Antique Center of Gettysburg.

Sweeet!

Madi Eckard, Sweeet! employee, said the store prides itself on using more than 20 different candy distributors so it can offer items not available anywhere else in the area. Leninade, a communist-themed red lemonade soda, is the store’s most popular item.

“We probably go through a case a week in the slow season,” Eckard said.

Lincoln Square and its adjoining streets are Gettysburg’s most popular area, but there is another shopping district visitors often overlook—Steinwehr Avenue. It is walkable from the parking garage, but those who have difficulty spending extended time on their feet would be better off moving their car from the garage to Steinwehr’s on-street metered parking.

Town leaders improved the Steinwehr Avenue visitor experience about five years ago by widening the sidewalks, adding streetlights and bike ramps, and repaving the road. The enhanced features make it easy to shop at the street’s many stores, including Rosie’s Collection, Kilwin’s Chocolates, Civil War Store Gift Shop and Jenni’s Funhouse. If you are on Steinwehr after 6 p.m., celebrate your shopping success with a drink at the unique Reliance Mine Saloon, an underground bar that resembles the interior of a coal mine.

Hopefully, your shopping is complete after a trip to downtown Gettysburg. If a few items remain on your list, the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg, three miles south of town, offers dozens of retailers. Another option is to head east on York Road toward New Oxford, eight miles east of Gettysburg, home to dozens of antique stores with truly unique offerings.

For more information on visiting Gettysburg, visit www.destinationgettysburg.com.

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Season’s Geekings: Have yourself a nerdy little Christmas

November 30, 2022 | by Matt Caylor

James T. Hirt, local board game expert at The Adventurer’s Guild, showcases top picks for the holidays.

Are you looking for a gift for the geek in your life?

During this holiday season, finding the perfect gift for friends and loved ones can be difficult, particularly if they don’t share the same interests as you.

This gift guide is for all of you shopping for that special someone who can name their favorite “Star Trek” episode or tell you the challenge rating of a goblin in Dungeons & Dragons. Allow this guide to help you find the perfect gift to celebrate a very geeky Christmas.

Experiences

Escape Rooms

Imagine you have 60 minutes to escape a locked room. You are pitting your mind against a set of structured tasks, racing against the clock to find the hidden clues that will earn your freedom.

Does this sound like it would appeal to someone you know? Then look no further than the numerous escape rooms offered across central Pennsylvania.

Escape Games Live in Lemoyne offers two different rooms to experience, with prices starting at $125 for a five-person experience.

Do You Even Escape? in Camp Hill offers three different rooms, ranging from two- to 10-player experiences, with prices averaging around $25 per person.

Escape Room | Hershey will take you from an enchanted forest to the roaring ‘20s and finally through a museum of magic. On Saturdays and Sundays, your adventure will cost $108 for four people.

Epic Nerd Camp

Nearby in Maryland at Camp Ramblewood, Epic Nerd Camp delivers “an adult summer camp program for geeks ages 21-plus who enjoy gaming, fantasy and sci-fi.”

Murder Mystery Dinner

Does that special someone fancy themselves a detective on par with Sherlock Homes? Are they obsessed with true crime podcasts? Then they may be a perfect candidate for a murder mystery dinner.

Locations like Bube’s Brewery in Mount Joy and the Pride of the Susquehanna in Harrisburg offer scripted experiences for a group to participate in. No need to play a role when you can watch performers act out the mystery for your entertainment.

Blacksmithing

Embrace your inner dwarf and forge weapons in nearby Palmyra. The Drunken Smithy offers the opportunity to work on an open forge to create a unique weapon. Prices vary between $100 and $300, but, by participating in one of their “pick a project” sessions, attendees can build whatever suits their fancy.

It is disappointing that they do not offer a Klingon bat’leth, but perhaps, if enough of us make the request, that can be changed.

Products

Board Games

Nothing excites a nerd more than the smell of a freshly opened board game. Consider the following games to drop under the tree this holiday season:

7 Wonders: Architects
Repos Games
2-7 players
60 minutes playtime

Construct a wonder so magnificent it will leave your mark on history! In 7 Wonders Architects, build one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and gain as many victory points as possible to win the game.

Ark Nova
Capstone Games
1-4 players
150 minutes of playtime

Design a modern zoo and run a successful park to support conservation projects.

Wingspan
Stonemaier Games
1-5 players
90 minutes of playtime

You are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves.

Connect with your friendly local game store to find the best game for the audience. Visiting The Adventures Guild, Blue Moon Games or Lazarus Games in the capital region will help ensure you pay the best price and avoid over-inflated costs that can be seen online, particularly during the holidays.

Geek Jerseys

Is your special someone sick of never having anything to wear to “jersey” day at the office? Pick up a Geek Jersey and offer an alternative that will let their geek flag fly. With options ranging from ‘80s pop culture classics to video games to science fiction classics, Geek Jerseys will delight for around $100.

Classic Toys

A gift of a classic toy from the ‘80s or ‘90s is a gateway to the joy of the past. From vintage toys to classic video games, visit Retro & Rad in New Cumberland or The Tatted Toy Guys in Elizabethtown to take a time machine to the past.

Comic Books

Comic books have long outgrown the realm of children and are currently producing in-depth, well-constructed stories for adults. For example, the following encapsulate complete stories that offer unique perspectives.

Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites
Dark Horse

Black magic, demonic frogs and zombie road kill are just a few of the problems plaguing this seemingly sleepy little town. Beneath the quiet streets, a rat cabal plots vengeance, while the dead leave their graves in the local cemetery. With the human residents unaware of the supernatural danger, it’s up to a determined crew of dogs (and one cat) to keep their community safe.

A Man’s Skin
Ablaze

Tackling universal themes through a captivating and subtle fairy tale, Hubert and Zanzim brilliantly question our relationship to gender and sexuality—but not only that. By mixing morality and humor, A Man’s Skin invites us to the mad and noble quest for love.

Mech Cadet Yu
Boom Studios!

Once a year, giant robots from outer space come to Earth and bond with young cadets from the elite Sky Corps Academy to defend the world from the terrifying aliens known as the Sharg. It’s a great honor to be chosen, but this year, well, the wrong kid was picked.

Not sure these suggestions are the right fit for the reader in your home? Visit a local comic store like Comix Connection in Mechanicsburg to ask their in-house experts to discover the best-fit story.

Do you have a perfect gift for that special nerdy someone in your life? Please share it with the community by sending a message to the Harrisburg Board Game Day through email, Facebook, or Instagram.

Harrisburg Board Game Day can be reached via email at [email protected].

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