Gilbert & Sullivan & Gamut: Gamut Theatre makes time for some innocent merriment

October 31, 2022 | by Francesca Amendolia

Sarah Anne Hughes & David Ramón Zayas

Events at Gamut Theatre often, well, run the gamut—from Popcorn Hat children’s shows to improv performances to Shakespeare (both indoors and at Reservoir Park) to original works to staged readings to Young Acting Company performances of classic stories.

And while there is often music as part of these events, rarely does the music take center stage. That’s about to (key) change from a minor background hum to a modern major musical production.

This fall, Gamut’s new core company member and trained opera singer, Benjamin Krumreig, is turning up the volume with “Innocent Merriment; Or, An Evening with Gilbert & Sullivan!” With songs and dialogue from 11 of the 14 operettas composed by the famous duo, “Innocent Merriment” is set to entrance, entertain, engage and enrapture theatergoers of all ages.

“I think audiences will be pleasantly surprised at just how familiar much of the music is,” offers Krumreig.

It’s true—Gilbert and Sullivan tunes and lyrics show up in the most unexpected places, from advertisements to movie soundtracks to “The Simpsons.” Every time someone hums, “Hail, hail! The gang’s all here,” or points out that they have “information animal, vegetable and mineral,” they’re testifying to the enduring impact of this Victorian duo. And that’s in addition to Gilbert and Sullivan’s profound influence on musical theater. Whereas opera is an entirely sung performance, operetta intersperses songs and spoken dialogue, which makes the modern musical a direct descendent of light opera.

When Krumreig first conceived of this project, his vision was for a revue—perhaps two weekends, a few singers, no costumes.

“Originally, I proposed a relatively small show, a gentle way to let actors and audiences alike dip a toe into the Gilbert and Sullivan waters,” Krumreig said, with a knowing grin.

However, as plans for Gamut’s 2022–23 season evolved, so grew the concept for “Innocent Merriment” until it became what is currently in the works: 14 singers, a four-weekend run, full costumes and a lot of very careful rehearsal.

“What mattered to me most going into this project was that the music was done well,” Krumreig explained.

Most of the participants are actors first, singers second. So, to ensure that everyone felt comfortable and confident, Krumreig devoted the first month of the rehearsal period to one-on-one voice training. Only now is he trading his vocal coaching hat for his director’s cap, though he’s got several more jobs to tackle before opening night. That’s because he didn’t just conceive of “Innocent Merriment”—he chose the songs, trimmed the dialogue, and wove those together into a seamless whole. He’s also the director, musical director and choreographer, as well as one of the 14 singers.

Despite juggling all those roles, Krumreig seems filled with energy and excitement.

“We’re creating a show anyone will enjoy, no matter how old, no matter how little or much they know about Gilbert and Sullivan,” he said. “The world is a little taxing right now. That makes this a perfect moment to offer people a bit of lighthearted joy—some innocent merriment.”

With a mischievous gleam in his eye, Krumreig then added, “there’s a rumor that Queen Victoria herself will be putting in an appearance. She was, after all, a huge Gilbert and Sullivan fan.”

In case you’re curious, the words “innocent merriment” come from “The Mikado,” but Krumreig’s favorite bit of Gilbertian wit is “airy persiflage” (also from “The Mikado”), a phrase that roughly translates to “cheerful, witty banter” (which would make “Airy Persiflage” an equally accurate, though more baffling, title for this show).

Something else fun? The two-part title for Gamut’s production is a direct homage to Gilbert and Sullivan’s titles, which also typically came in pairs—for example, “HMS Pinafore; or The Lass That Loved a Sailor” and “The Gondoliers; or, The King of Barataria.”

“Innocent Merriment; or, A Night of Gilbert & Sullivan!” might not, at first glance, seem like a typical Gamut Theatre offering. But, in fact, it’s right at home with a company that has long celebrated classic stories and enduring art. Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas explore timeless, universal themes—of love conquering all, of the tension between desire and duty, of the triumph of good over the banality of evil—and they do so with clever lyrics set to engaging tunes.

So, as autumn days grow shorter, what a joy that Harrisburg audiences will have some light (opera) to look forward to at Gamut Theatre’s production of “Innocent Merriment.”

“Innocent Merriment; or, A Night of Gilbert & Sullivan!” runs Nov. 5 to 27 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, visit www.gamuttheatre.org or call 717-238-4111.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT HARRISBURG’S PROFESSIONAL DOWNTOWN THEATERS

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

“Innocent Merriment; or, An Evening with Gilbert & Sullivan”

Nov. 5 to 27

TMI Improv

Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736

EFF Live!

Erotic fan fiction readings
Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Black NewsBeat with Dr. Kimeka Campbell

Join us in the live studio audience
Nov 9 at 7:30 p.m.

“Who’s Holiday!”

Cindy Lou is back in this comedic parody
Nov. 26 to Dec. 22

“A Christmas Carol”

Scrooge’s ghostly holiday adventure returns
Dec. 3 to 23

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

A Light on the Past: “Aftersun” glows with the beauty of memory

October 31, 2022 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photo courtesy of A24

“When you were 11, what did you think you would be doing now?”

This is the question that 11-year-old Sophie asks her father in the opening of “Aftersun,” Charlotte Wells’ devastatingly beautiful depiction of a father-daughter holiday. The pause from Sophie’s father after she poses the question speaks volumes about the story that follows.

The film weaves together memories that Sophie (Frankie Corio) has of the event—relaxing at the resort, playing pool, going on day tours—with camcorder footage of the trip, viewed by Sophie as an adult (Celia Rowlson-Hall).

Sophie doesn’t normally get the chance to hang out with her father Calum (Paul Mescal) in such long stretches of time as this, and he takes full advantage of their time together, trying to fill in the gaps of fatherhood that he’s missed. He wants to teach her things; he wants her to be good at things; he wants to make sure she can protect herself; and he wants her to have fun. Or at least, what he considers to be fun.

The relationship is heartbreaking and complex. It is clear that they are a loving pair, but the desires that Calum has for his daughter are idealistic and nearing perfectionist—a glimpse, perhaps, of what he wanted for himself and was never able to achieve. But while most fathers want the best for their daughters, Calum might be taking it a tad too far. It is clear that his ideals for Sophie are selfish and not remotely based on what she wants herself.

The two characters play a dance that many parent/child pairs know well. And the fact that we are able to see the camcorder footage alongside Sophie’s memory is brilliant, putting the complexity of the relationship on full display. Both Corio and Mescal have a subtle magic to their performance, and “Aftersun” is worth the watch for their onscreen chemistry. Don’t miss this poignant piece, playing at Midtown Cinema in November.

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

November Events At Midtown Cinema

Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m.

National Theatre Live
“Prima Facie”
Sunday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.

King Fest
“Carrie” (1976)
Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7:19 p.m.

Down in Front! Presents
“Maximum Overdrive”
Friday, Nov. 11 at 9:30 p.m.

National Theatre Live
“Jack Absolute Flies Again”
Sunday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m.

“Twilight” Saga Marathon
Sunday, Nov. 13

King Fest
“Misery” (1990)
Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7:19 p.m.

3rd in the Burg Movie Night Presents
“Weird Science” (1985)
Friday, Nov. 18 at 9:30 p.m.

Double Feature with Greg Sestero
“Miracle Valley” and “The Room”
Sunday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.

National Theatre Live
“Straight Line Crazy”
Sunday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.

King Fest
“Stand By Me” (1986)
Sunday, Nov. 20 at 7:19 p.m.

“The Room”
With Greg Sestero
Monday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

King Fest
“The Shining” (1980)
Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7:19 p.m.

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

The Painted Word: An artist’s master work takes form in “River Spirit”

October 31, 2022 | by Bob MacGinnes

It is impossible to separate the man from the sculpture.

Fully immersed in an epic project for 22 years of his life, Professor Steven Dolbin has forged a totem of mammoth proportion, “River Spirit.”

The larger-than-life work stands like a modern-day Colossus standing watch over the property near the Cumberland/Franklin county line that he and his wife, Robin, call home. Imagination has been the key component at work for Dolbin as he is accustomed to creating outsized treasures from concrete, stainless steel and found objects. As the former head of the art department at Shippensburg University, Dolbin has forgone teaching summer classes for the past number of years to exclusively devote his time to the completion of “River Spirit.” After two decades, the sculpture has taken on a life of its own.

In creating “River Spirit,” Dolbin was driven onward by ancestry and ideology, providing a historical timeline with its indigenous iconography stemming from all corners of the world. Stepping back to the dawn of time, humans were but one tribe, scattered by the winds, coming to settle and survive in separate subgroups across the globe, continent by continent, region by region, creating distinct nationalities.

“River Spirit” embodies those journeys in size, shape and scope.

Weighing in at about 7,000 pounds, standing 12-feet tall, 37-feet long and 5-feet across, the sculpture’s sheer physical presence is awe-inspiring. Humbled by this magnitude, one realizes that mortal man is but a speck. “River Spirit” defies description as it is of the elements combining earth, wind, fire and water.

Dolbin continues to fine-tune his masterpiece as it moves towards its final home. His wife echoes that goal, having taken the journey with him in every way imaginable. It has been a team effort together on their archetypal quest.

“River Spirit,” originally financed by an art patron from Harrisburg nearly 30 years ago, was to find its way to the City Government Center, championed by then-Mayor Reed to become the gatekeeper of Riverfront Park. Today, Negley Park is an option, as is High Point, part of Native Land Heritage Park in York. As massive as it is, it would be a lasting treasure in the Pennsylvania State Museum for all to share in its beauty. Hand-hammered, forged and hewn by Dolbin, it is a personal vision and dream that needs to be seen by visitors far and wide.

“River Spirit” is a story of all nations and all peoples. The sculpture is part raven, part whale—a shadowing shape-shifter in its malleable form. And like its many parts, the whole is greater than anyone could imagine. Embedded in the stainless steel structure are sacred images of various cultures, tribal wisdom and tributes to original cave paintings.

“There’s no perfection as imperfection illustrates true beauty within and without,” Professor Dolbin shared.

One marvels at the underlying theme of life’s circuitous route. It tells the tale of evolution, permutation and transcendence, triumphant over the obstacles often associated with the journey taken over a lifetime.

In the end, no matter where “River Spirit” finds its home, the question that echoes down through eternity is—what I have made, will it endure? Professor Dolbin can rest assured as “River Spirit” exists outside of time, forever in the firmament amidst great works of art.

Contact the artist via Instagram @stevendolbin or Steve Dolbin on Facebook.

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

Understanding Your Healthcare Coverage: Who Pays for What … and When?

October 31, 2022 | by Capital Blue Cross Staff

You visit your doctor and show your insurance card—and they tell you there’s a $25 copay.

You get a prescription filled, and the pharmacist says you owe $30, even with insurance.

You have a medical procedure and receive a bill for $300 after your insurance coverage is factored in.

What’s going on here? If you have health insurance, what exactly are you paying for?

Healthcare coverage, like many other forms of insurance, doesn’t entirely eliminate your costs. It’s a shared responsibility with your insurer, and understanding how it works can be confusing sometimes.

Generally, healthcare costs, when you have insurance, can be sorted into three basic steps:

Your costs– With the start of each new plan year, you pay for your healthcare services until you meet your deductible—a pre-determined amount that must be reached before your insurer begins sharing your healthcare costs.
Shared costs– Once you’ve reached your deductible amount, your insurer will start to cover a certain percentage of your healthcare costs, called your coinsurance, until you reach the maximum amount that you or your family pay during a benefit period, an amount called your out-of-pocket maximum. You also continue to cover any applicable copays during this period.
Insurer costs– Once you’ve reached your out-of-pocket maximum, your insurer pays all covered costs for the rest of the plan year. When the next plan year begins, so does this three-step cycle.

The easiest way to find out what your copay, deductible and out-of-pocket amounts are is to ask your insurer or employer for a summary of benefits and coverage, or SBC. This document shows how you and your insurance plan share costs for covered health care services, and it will list specific amounts related to your coverage.

Once you know which costs you are responsible for, you can take steps to save money by choosing the most affordable healthcare options that suit your preferences and needs.

To help you get the care you need at the most affordable price:

Look in your provider network– Insurers typically contract with numerous doctors, hospitals and health systems for more cost-effective services and treatments. These providers are referred to as being “in-network” and typically are less expensive than other, “out-of-network” providers. Capital Blue Cross, for instance, offers an online “find a doctor” tool where members can find in-network doctors by name, location, specialty and more.
Research potential costs– There are tools available to help you estimate costs before you seek non-emergency treatment. Again, Capital Blue Cross’ “find a doctor” tool can help. Members can use it to get cost estimates and compare prices for office visits, procedures, surgeries, tests and vaccines, and learn more about other treatment options before deciding where to go.
Choose the right place for the care you need now– Emergencies can happen, and in some cases, your nearest emergency room is the right place to go. But using other nonemergency options in some instances can get you faster, more affordable care. Consider these options:

Telehealth – Schedule a virtual visit by smartphone, tablet or computer on your schedule from wherever you are. The Capital Blue Cross VirtualCare app offers members round-the-clock access to doctors for many common healthcare needs, including behavioral health visits with counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists. The service even includes nutrition counseling.

Office Visit – A visit with your doctor can be a good place to start if you prefer in-person care. Your doctor can keep a history of your health and refer you to a specialist or hospital if needed.

Urgent Care – Visiting an urgent care center for nonemergency situations that require in-person treatment is two-to-three times less costly than an emergency room visit.

Emergency Room – In a true emergency, go straight to the nearest hospital ER.

Knowing how to get the right care at the right time can help you save money, while also ensuring that you or your family stay healthy.

For more health and wellness news and information that can benefit you, visit thinkcapitalbluecross.com. This column is sponsored content.

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 28, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg and Dauphin County officials announced Pete Baltimore (far right) as the new environmental enforcement officer for Harrisburg.

Happy Halloween, Harrisburg! Whether you plan to dress up, carve a pumpkin or head to a spooky party, make sure you catch up on this week’s news first.

Focaccia bread is versatile and can be topped with fresh rosemary, black olives, tomatoes and mozzarella. Our food columnist Rosemary has the perfect recipe for you to try making on a fall afternoon.

Harrisburg City Council voted to recognize two former city activists by naming roadways after them, our reporting found. A portion of N. 6^th Street will receive a secondary name as Rev. Billy Gray Way and a section of Harris Street as Judith C. Hill Way.

Harrisburg University announced two concerts for early 2023, our online story reported. Elle King will play at XL Live on Feb. 25 and indie band Dawes will return to Harrisburg on March 11 at XL Live.

Illegal dumping is being targeted by Harrisburg and Dauphin County with a new initiative, our online story reported. The city and county have jointly hired Pete Baltimore to be the new environmental enforcement officer in Harrisburg.

Jazzy’s Good Eats opened in August in Kline Village, serving up flavorful soul food, our magazine story reported. Head chef Jasmine “Jazzy” White has spent the past decade perfecting her family’s treasured recipes.

Joy Boudreau opened her event coordinating business, Joy of Events, in Camp Hill after years of experience in the hospitality industry, our magazine story reported. Boudreau also recently won a local competition for entrepreneurs.

Local artist Robin Wheeler discovered her love for pottery while attending school as an adult at HACC, our magazine story reported. In October 2021, she opened her own studio, Wheel of Light, in Halifax.

Parks in Harrisburg are set to receive major upgrades as the city announced that it was awarded a $13 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. In our online story, find out which parks will see improvements.

Robert Gaynes has spent his 30 years of retirement turning discarded wood into bowls, vases and candleholders, our magazine story reported. He has crafted hundreds of pieces and plans to give his entire collection to the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg.

Sycamore Homes, an affordable housing development planned for Harrisburg, ceremoniously broke ground last week, our online story reported. George Fernandez, CEO of Latino Connection, plans to develop the four-story building.

Sara Bozich has compiled all of this weekend’s spooky events for your perusal. Find them, here.

State Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant awardees were announced this week, our online story reported. Four Harrisburg projects were funded, including a large-scale apartment building by GreenWorks, restoration work at the King Mansion, renovation of the Harristown Agriculture Building on Market Street and a project to expand Millworks’ brewery.

Yuengling Brewery is the perfect fall day trip from Harrisburg. In our magazine story, read about the tour that the brewery offers and the history of the company.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Harrisburg parks to get major upgrades as city receives millions in state grant funding

October 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

7th & Radnor Park (pictured) is among several parks that will be improved with grant funding awarded to Harrisburg.

It’s looking greener on this side of the fence as Harrisburg has been awarded a large grant to upgrade several city parks.

According to the city, it received a $13 million grant on Tuesday 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, in a statement. “I want to thank Gov. Wolf and Secretary (Neil) Weaver for showing the people of Harrisburg that they are prioritizing our great city.”

The funds come from the state’s Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funding, money the state received from the federal government to address COVID. 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 amount of money.

With the funds, the city plans to upgrade 7^th & 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 7^th & 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 fully ADA-compliant, will be inclusive and will have increased safety measures, according to the city.

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

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.”

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

State grants to help fund four development projects in Harrisburg

October 27, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

A state grant will go towards the rehabilitation of the future Millworks Brewery (pictured).

Four Harrisburg projects will receive nearly $8.9 million in funding, as the state announced the first round of redevelopment grants for 2022.

Late on Wednesday, the commonwealth announced which projects would receive funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a matching grant program that helps fund the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.

In Harrisburg city, the following four projects were funded:

$3 million to Reily GreenWorks for the development of a 155-unit apartment building with neighborhood-oriented retail on the ground floor at a proposed project at 320 Reily St. This project has already received zoning board approval and, in 2019, received an initial RACP grant of $2 million.
$1.5 million to Harrisburg Events Center to complete extensive renovations at the King Mansion at 2201 N. Front St., including the replacement of windows and doors, replacement of roof, conversion of third floor into a hospitality suite, and the renovation of the basement to include a kitchen, distribution office, and meeting space.
$2.75 million to Harristown Enterprises for the renovation of the Harristown Agriculture Building, a proposed project at 221-223 Market St. This project entails substantial interior demolition and abatement of hazardous materials used in older building construction, as well as core and shell construction.
$ 1.6 million to Millworks Historic Campus Preservation for the rehabilitation of 1321 N. 4th St., the planned site of the relocated Millworks Brewery. Earlier this year, the Harrisburg Zoning Hearing board gave approvals to the project, located across Sayford Street from the existing Millworks restaurant and art space.

“This funding is incredibly important for Harrisburg’s growth,” state Rep. Patty Kim, in a statement. “I am happy to see these projects get the funding they need to break ground.”

Numerous other projects in Harrisburg applied for funds, but did not receive grants in this round. The commonwealth sometimes announces a second round of RACP funding later in the year or early the following year.

Click here to download a spreadsheet to see all the projects that applied for and received grants in this funding round.

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

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 27, 2022 | by 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 your weekend planning
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Like this content?

For something new: Honestly there is Halloween stuff daily – trunk or treats, parades, adult stuff, you name it.

Worth noting: Final days of Hersheypark Halloween and Creatures of the Night and other fun Hershey things.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Trick or Treat tonight, a friend’s birthday dinner tomorrow, Bo’s 5th birthday Saturday, and maybe Hershey on Sunday!

For your weekend planning

Get your skin fall-ready with this giveaway
Plan a holiday-themed trip 🎄
Market on Market now open Tuesdays in Camp Hill
View my local Restaurant Directory or Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

Top Weekend Recs

Check out AAA’s Pet Costume Contest!
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

What are you doing this weekend around Harrisburg? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Like this content?

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

Two Harrisburg streets to receive secondary names honoring city activists

October 26, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council legislative session on Tuesday

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

City Council, at a meeting on Tuesday, voted to recognize a portion of N. 6^th 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 at last week’s work session. “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. 6^th 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. Gray 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 was also a lifelong member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and, most notably, became the first Black woman to serve on Harrisburg City Council. Hill 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.”

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

Harrisburg, Dauphin County target illegal dumping with new city-focused enforcement officer

October 25, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg and Dauphin County officials announce Pete Baltimore (far right) as the new environmental enforcement officer for Harrisburg.

Harrisburg and Dauphin County are stepping up their battle against illegal dumping in the city, devoting greater resources and enforcement to the effort.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Wanda Williams and the Dauphin County commissioners announced a joint effort to address the issue through a new city-focused environmental enforcement officer.

“Illegal dumping ruins the quality of life for our law-abiding citizens,” Williams said.

Pete Baltimore, a Harrisburg native, has been hired for the new role. Previously, he served as the environmental enforcement officer county-wide. In his new, full-time position, he will devote his time solely to Harrisburg. Baltimore was also formerly a corporal in the Pennsylvania State Police, with an emphasis on forensic investigations.

The new officer will work to deter illegal dumping and catch those breaking the law by issuing warnings and citations, testifying in court, working with the Harrisburg Police Bureau and doing surveillance. He will also visit dump sites and disposal facilities around the county and help with concerns from private haulers, businesses and residents.

Baltimore’s position is funded half by Harrisburg and half by Dauphin County. The county commissioners are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding at their Nov. 2 meeting, designating the terms of Baltimore’s position. Also in November, the county will seek to hire a new county environmental enforcement officer.

“We could choose to ignore, or we could choose to take action,” said commission Chair Mike Pries. “We chose to take action. You’ve had enough, we’ve had enough.”

According to the city’s director of public works, Dave West, the new officer will help his crews continue to battle illegal dumping. Additionally, the city recently installed 12 surveillance cameras at illegal dumping hot spots around Harrisburg and plans to soon install another dozen.

But catching people dumping illegally also requires help from residents, West explained. That’s why he encourages residents to submit tips when they see illegal dumping activity, which can be done anonymously. To report suspicious activity, call 717-982-6772.

According to county District Attorney Fran Chardo, the penalty for illegal dumping can vary greatly depending on the case. However, he made it clear those who break the law will be punished.

“They are crimes and we are going to address them as criminal acts,” he said.

While Baltimore said that, based on his experience in forensic experience, the investigations can take time, he pledged that the city and county “will get to the bottom of it.”

“Whoever is responsible, we are going to come after them,” he said.

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

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Like this content?

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like