Pieced Together: Harrisburg School District unveils community-created mosaic in high school

August 25, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Artist Linda Billet in front of her mosaic in Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus.

Back to school is right around the corner in Harrisburg, and one of the district’s buildings will greet students with a bright new piece of art.

On Thursday, the Harrisburg School District unveiled a mosaic that now hangs in the lobby of its Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus. The glass pieces of the mural were created by community members and local students.

“This beautiful mural brings the community into our school in a very literal way,” said Michelle Felton, principal of the high school. “This has made such a difference in this lobby.”

The community mosaic, created by artist Linda Billet

At Harrisburg’s ArtsFest in May, event attendees created over 1,000 hand-designed tiles during an interactive art experience with local artist Linda Billet. Then in June, students at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit’s summer art camp also crafted tiles. Billet assembled all of the glass pieces into the mosaic, now displayed in the school.

The mural features six connecting circles, each a different color of the rainbow. Felton said that it depicts a sense of unity and collaboration.

“When I do these projects, I have no idea what I’m going to end up with,” Billet said. “That’s why these projects are so cool. It knits people together.”

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Ten Thousand Villages Mechanicsburg to celebrate 30 years of fair trade, community

August 25, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Ten Thousand Villages Mechanicsburg

For the decades since Ten Thousand Villages opened in Mechanicsburg, the store’s success has relied on community connections.

That’s what allowed the organization to grow, reach customers, bounce back post-COVID to an even better place than it was pre-pandemic and most importantly, to support fair trade.

“It’s been amazing,” explained Ron Hershey, a board member for the Ten Thousand Villages location. “There’s a solid customer base for this store, but there are still new people coming in.”

Ten Thousand Villages Mechanicsburg will hold a 30^th anniversary celebration on Sept. 17, featuring music, food and, of course, shopping.

The event will bring back those who originally helped organize the Gettysburg Pike store, along with past board members and volunteers, while welcoming customers and community members to participate.

The shop is part of a larger network of Ten Thousand Villages company-owned and board-controlled nonprofit stores across the country, which aim to support small producers and artisans around the globe through fair trade practices.

Originally called “Self Help Crafts of the World,” the store opened in Camp Hill in 1992 when area churches and community members saw the potential for a store in their town. Hershey was hired as the first store manager and, shortly after, they moved the shop to Mechanicsburg. Later, it became Ten Thousand Villages, as the national organization also rebranded.

“It’s the mission that drew me in,” Hershey said. “Knowing that we are making a difference in the world to families who are making these products.”

Items for sale at Ten Thousand Villages in Mechanicsburg

The Mechanicsburg store carries clothing, household items, coffees and teas, children’s items, woven baskets and jewelry, among other items. The products are imported from countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa and sold at a range of prices.

Since the store is one of the brand’s board-run shops, it functions with a board of directors, a team of 20 to 30 dedicated volunteers and a few staff members. Dan Alonso used to volunteer with Ten Thousand Villages at the Mechanicsburg location. This year, he took the title of CEO of the company.

“It all started here as a volunteer,” he said. “I’ve been impressed by them since day one.”

The store is unique, Hershey explained, in that it isn’t located in a downtown district, a shopping center or somewhere easily walkable. While it doesn’t attract foot traffic, being situated next to Route 15 draws in travelers and has made it more of a “destination,” he said. And, of course, there are the loyal regular customers, Hershey said.

On the day of the anniversary celebration, the store will open for its regular business hours, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities will extend until around 9 p.m. in the lot behind the store and include live performances by Ben Simcox and Brazilian Vibes, food trucks, henna art, coffee tastings and outdoor games.

All are invited, with the warning, that once you visit Ten Thousand Villages, you may find yourself coming back.

“Once a villager, always a villager,” Hershey said.

Ten Thousand Villages Mechanicsburg is located at 701 Gettysburg Pike. For more information on the celebration, visit their Facebook page.

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Portion of Harrisburg’s N. 2nd Street to transition to two-way traffic early next month

August 25, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Construction of a roundabout on N. 2nd and Kelker streets

Harrisburg’s N. 2^nd Street construction project is on its way to partial completion.

The section of the roadway from Maclay to Division streets is expected to go from one-way to two-way traffic in early September, according to the city.

Before that can happen, side road paving will take place on Aug. 29 and 30. Additionally, construction crews still need to paint lines on the road and install traffic signs and signals.

The two-way switch was initially planned for June. However, various delays have pushed back the project timeline.

The rest of the N. 2^nd Street corridor under construction, from Forster to Maclay, will not transition to two-way traffic until mid-fall, according to the city. Crews are currently installing roundabouts at the intersections of Verbeke, Reily and Kelker streets.

The project is part of Harrisburg’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate pedestrian fatalities and make neighborhoods more walkable.

Next week’s construction will impact parking on several adjacent streets on Monday and Tuesday. From Peffer Street to Shamokin Street, parking will be limited on all four street corners, about 50 feet from N. 2nd Street. This includes Peffer, Maclay, Woodbine, Emerald, Seneca, Schuylkill, Radnor, Wiconisco and Shamokin streets. No more than two parking spaces are expected to be impacted, according to the city.

Additionally, the south side of Maclay Street will be closed to parking from N. 2nd Street to N. 3rd Street.

Parking will also be affected on the following days:

Wednesday, Aug. 31: The south side of Verbeke Street will be closed to parking from N. Front Street to N. 2nd Street. The north side of Verbeke Street will be closed to parking from N. 2nd to Green Street.
Thursday, Sept. 1: The south side of Reily Street will be closed to parking from N. Front Street to Penn Street.
Friday, Sept. 2: The south side of Kelker Street will be closed to parking from N. Front Street to N. 2nd Street. The north side of Kelker Street will be closed to parking from N. 2nd Street to Green Street.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 25, 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
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For something new: Tonight’s SoMa Block Party; Saturday Plants + Pints

Worth noting: BIG changes are coming in this space! Check out my private Facebook community, Cheers Harrisburg to get the first peeks.

Things on my agenda this weekend: see above

Don’t forget to support your local brewery! Click here to find one near you.

For your weekend planning

FAQ for SoMa Block Party
Get your tickets for Plants + Pints Aug. 27
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.

Things to Do in Harrisburg + Central PA | Weekend Roundup | Sara Bozich

Top Weekend Recs

WIN a trip to Philly & Longwood Gardens with AAA Central Penn
Check out what’s next in HU’s Summer Concert Series
Make travel plans (with a discount + perks)
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

August SoMa Block Party
Harrisburg Senators vs. Erie SeaWolves (AA Tigers)
THE ULTIMATE RV SHOW at The Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg
Corvettes at Carlisle 2022
Elvis, My Way comes to Gretna Theatre
Curiosity Kids: Ice Cream at The State Museum of Pennsylvania
WXPN welcomes Amos Lee at American Music Theatre
Sunset Relaxation Float with Susquehanna Outfitters
HIIT @ Burn30
New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally

Friday

Saturday

Plants+ Pints at Strawberry Square
$20 Express Facials at the Broad Street Market with NuBorn Skin Care
Little Black Dress 8th Anniversary Event
Zumbathon Fundraiser for Abeer! at 5 Bridges Health & Fitness
Rubicon Birthday Celebration
Afro Flow Yoga at The Source Creative House
SteeltonFest 2022
Slavic American Festival at St Ann’s
Shippensburg Cornfest Cruz’n
Playeros De Harrisburg vs. Erie Pinatas (AA Tigers)
Friends of Midtown UP | FREE Outdoor Film at Midtown Cinema
Brewery Float on the Breeches with Susquehanna Outfitters
Super End of Summer Yard Sale at 32nd Street Mercantile of Camp Hill
The Great Front Street Dog Walk 2: Beach Club Edition
Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show at Hersheypark Stadium
Vendor Carnival under the Big Tent at Shoppes at Newberrytown
The Mighty River Band – Grateful Dead Tribute at The Englewood
THE ULTIMATE RV SHOW at The Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg
Corvettes at Carlisle 2022
Spin Doctors at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey
Beginner Pilates Workshop at H2L Studio
Texas Roadhouse Community Blood Drive
Dog Days of Summer w/ HOPE Cornhole Tournament at Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson
REPLICANT – A NIGHT OF DRUM N BASS! at HMAC
Yoga + Sip Saturday at The Winery at The Long Shot Farm
Frets With Benefits at Greystone Public House
Hetero: Straights in the Gay Bar at The Brownstone Lounge
Elvis, My Way comes to Gretna Theatre
Summer Sips & Sounds in Downtown York
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Barre Intensity at Burn30
Saturday Yoga at Zeroday
New Cumberland Farmers’ Market On 4th
Market on Chocolate
York County Ale Trail: The Brew Bus!
York County Ale Trail: The Original Walking Tour
Hanover Brewery Tours: The Brew Bus!

Sunday

HYP Book Club: “Where the Crawdads Sing”
HYP Italian Lake Concert Series – Rescheduled
Harrisburg Senators vs. Erie SeaWolves (AA Tigers)
Family Fun Day and Chili Cook Off at the West Shore Elks
THE ULTIMATE RV SHOW at The Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg
Drag Brunch Bingo at HMAC
The Rhythm Lounge Swing Dance Event at PaDanceSport
Elvis, My Way comes to Gretna Theatre
Lady Gaga at Hersheypark Stadium
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
YOGA at Hemauer Brewing
Sunday Yoga at Zeroday with Just Plain Yoga
Hanover Brewery Tours: The Brew Bus!
York County Ale Trail: The Brew Bus!
York County Ale Trail: The Original Walking Tour
Sunday Family Day at Stumpy’s Hatchet House Hershey

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

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Downtown Harrisburg apartment project to move forward following City Council approval

August 23, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Rendering of the building planned for 512-514 N. 2nd St. (image courtesy Chris Dawson Architect)

A mixed-use building project planned for downtown Harrisburg has the go-ahead to proceed with construction.

At a legislative session on Tuesday night, Harrisburg City Council approved a land development plan for a five-story residential and retail structure at 512-514 N. 2nd St. The resolution passed with a vote of 6-0, with council member Dave Madsen recusing himself due to a conflict of interest.

Developer Derek Dilks plans to demolish the two dilapidated buildings that currently sit on the property and build a new 5,000-square-foot building with first-floor retail space and seven apartments above.

According to Dilks, his company will construct six one-bedroom units and a penthouse suite on the top floor. Rents are expected to range from $800 a month to $1,900 a month for the penthouse.

The current dilapidated buildings at 512-514 N. 2nd St.

The project received approval from the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board in 2021 for its contemporary design.

In other news, council approved the submission of a grant application to the Dauphin County Gaming Grant Program requesting $300,000. The grant would fund the rehabilitation of the atrium floor of the city’s MLK City Government Center and the first-floor public restrooms, as well as the purchase of three police vehicles.

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Harrisburg pizza shop shuts down; employees had filed to unionize

August 23, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The Knead Slice Shop at N. 3rd and Boas streets

A growing Harrisburg pizza business has decided to close permanently, just after a group of employees announced that they would seek to unionize.

On Tuesday, Knead Pizza announced on social media sites its decision to shut both its original location in the Broad Street Market and Knead Slice Shop at the corner of N. 3^rd and Boas streets.

In addition, Knead, which was founded in 2016, was in the process of opening a third location on Cameron Street in Harrisburg.

Reached by TheBurg, co-owner Jennie O’Neill declined further comment, but confirmed that the social media posts were accurate and that the business had ceased operations immediately.

Last Friday, a group of Knead workers announced an effort to unionize the company’s 11 employees, stating that they had filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board to join Unite Here Local 274, which is based in Philadelphia.

The announcement stated that a majority of Knead’s employees workers approved of the unionization effort and that a petition requesting voluntary recognition of the union had been delivered to the company’s owners.

“Knead workers are committed to win job projections, including life sustaining work schedules and health benefits,” according to a press statement.

In its social media post announcing its closure, Knead referenced the unionization effort:

“We respect the right of workers to organize under the National Labor Relations Act or other appropriate law,” said the Instagram post. “We hope our workers will recognize our related right as an employer, especially a small employer, during these extremely difficult operational times, to close our entire business operation. We continue to wish our employees well.”

In its post, Knead said it was “heartbroken” by the closure, but would remain closed “regardless of the outcome or the occurrence of the requested union election.”

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Developer outlines plan for expansive Midtown project, prepares for city approval process

August 22, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

A rendering of the proposed “market extension” building near the Broad Street Market

About 200 new housing units are planned for Midtown, as a Harrisburg-based developer prepares to present its wide-ranging, multi-year building project to the city.

Over the weekend, Midtown Redevelopment LLC held the first of three public information sessions to share its plan, which includes apartments, townhouses, a grocery store and commercial spaces in dozens of long-empty lots in the unfinished Capitol Heights and MarketPlace neighborhoods.

The projects are slated to be on the agenda of the city’s Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board beginning next month, said Matt Long of Harrisburg Commercial Interiors, the project’s general contractor.

“We’re trying to reach out to anyone and everyone,” Long said. “We wanted to do these public meetings ahead of time.”

One of the lots in Midtown Harrisburg slated for redevelopment under the plan.

Halfway into the four-hour open house on Saturday, only a few people had trickled into Historic Harrisburg Resource Center to hear about the plans. Two more public sessions are scheduled—one for Aug. 27 and the second on Sept. 1 at the same location–before presentation to the city in September.

Midtown Redevelopment already has city approval for the first phase of its building project.

In early 2021, the company received the go-ahead for a 12-unit apartment building, with a community center, on the 1600-block of N. 3rd Street, as well as eight single-family townhouses on neighboring Logan Street. Long said that project will break ground next month.

Then, later in 2021, the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority (HRA) selected the company to complete the unfinished MarketPlace development located between the Broad Street Market and Reily Street. HRA also has given the company the right to develop additional lots in Capitol Heights, located on the other side of Reily Street.

According to Long, the project scope for Capitol Heights includes three smaller apartment buildings (four to six units each) with first-floor commercial space and four larger apartment buildings (12 to 16 units each).

A rendering of a small apartment building with commercial space in Capitol Heights

The scope for MarketPlace includes three larger apartment buildings, market-rate townhomes, affordable townhouses and a workforce housing building. The apartments will be a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, Long said.

Long added that affordable housing will constitute about 20% of the overall residential component, and the buildings will include off-street parking.

A rendering of new townhomes in the MarketPlace neighborhood

The proposal also includes plans for a grocery store and, near the Broad Street Market, a “market extension” building that will house several food vendors, be open seven days a week and include a rooftop deck.

The master plan also includes a senior living component, which will go through the planning and zoning processes separately, Long said.

The entire project may take seven or eight years to complete, he said.

“When you add it all up, it’ll be about 200 new units of housing,” Long said.

The Harrisburg Planning Commission next meets on Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council chambers. The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board next meets on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. in City Council chambers.

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Harrisburg to host parade for local RBI World Series-winning softball team

August 22, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

The Michael Stepp RBI of Greater Harrisburg softball team. Photo courtesy of Greater Harrisburg RBI.

This weekend, a home run event in Harrisburg will celebrate some local sports champions.

The city will host a parade on Aug. 27 to honor World Series champions, the Michael Stepp RBI of Greater Harrisburg softball team.

“We want everybody to come downtown and support these girls. These World Series champions from the Harrisburg area!” Mayor Wanda Williams said. “Every time they took the field, they wore H-B-G on their uniforms and represented our city with pride, and we couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The Harrisburg team won the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Softball World Series last weekend after defeating a team from Houston, Texas.

“We had a lot more energy than [Houston] knowing they had won three years in a row,” said Harrisburg shortstop Rachel Seneca. “We just wanted to end that. We didn’t want them to get a four-peat.”

Harrisburg’s RBI softball program is sponsored by Men of the South-East League Field (MOSELF), an initiative run by former city public works director Aaron Johnson, which supports the growth of baseball and softball in the capital region. The team received a new name last year in honor of Michael Stepp, a longtime local softball coach who died in 2020. The team’s tournament roster featured 15 girls from Dauphin, Cumberland and York counties.

For Saturday’s parade, players, coaches, staff and their families will make their way downtown, starting on the Market Street Bridge at 11 a.m. The parade will turn onto 2nd Street and go past City Hall, turn left on North Street, and left on Front Street. It will then turn back onto the Market Street Bridge and finish on City Island.

The parade will also feature Harrisburg Fire Bureau firetrucks and over a dozen antique cars.

The city will then host a celebratory picnic for the honorees and the public on City Island.

To learn more about the Michael Stepp RBI of Greater Harrisburg softball team, watch the city’s interview with the team on their YouTube channel.

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A Journey to Serve: Church offers backpacks, supplies, fun at back-to-school celebration

August 21, 2022 | by Susan Ryder

Karissa from Faded Precision gives a haircut to Bobby Thiaw.

Backpacks, not people, filled the chairs of The Journey Church’s worship space, ready to be distributed at Saturday’s “Back to School Block Party.”

During the pandemic, this 29th Street church held a community classroom, so parents could keep working while the schools were closed. This block party is a result of the relationships built during that time and a desire to continue to serve the community, said Pastor Kris Sledge.

“We know that there continues to be vulnerable students and vulnerable families… in light of inflation,” Sledge said. “So, how can we, in a very tangible way, respond and support our neighbors?”

This help came in the form of a free haircut, free clothing and a backpack full of school supplies to start the school year off right. In all, 375 backpacks were available.

“I’ve got kids, and I’m trying to keep them busy and get them some school supplies,” said Shakeela Rucker, as her three children tried to beat the sun as they devoured their cotton candy ice cream.

Free books lined the hallway toward the makeshift barber shop. Church member Maria James-Thiaw’s son, Bobby, hopped on the chair to get spiffed up for school. Thiaw reminded the barber, Karissa from Faded Precision Barbering, that her son really wanted to keep the purple peak that already topped his head.

“The block party gives an opportunity to meet our neighbors and helps a lot of us that need help with back to school,” said James-Thiaw.

The busy Rucker family attended the block party.

The Journey’s Jay’s Community Clothing Closet provided free clothing and shoes for all ages. The room overflowed with attire options for families. Folks took a bag and painstakingly made their choices, excited to find just the right thing.

“Take a coat, leave a hanger,” chimed volunteer Stephany Rudy.

About 60 volunteers made this event happen.

“This concept of serving our neighbors, I’m so passionate about it, and the Journey is, too,” said Jodie Gelnett, the church’s community development and engagement director.

Service represents a hallmark of The Journey, but the event isn’t transactional–it’s relational. We want to engage the community and “invite them into our space and get to know who they are,” said Brittney Ross Davis, director of children and justice ministries.

The stereotypical idea of church is that it’s stuffy and serious, a view that Sledge wants to change.

“A vision of The Journey for me has been when someone enters our space or when someone interacts with our church, they can experience a level of hope, if that’s what they need in their situation–but also just some fun,” Sledge said.

Backpacks await takers at the block party.

With people in and out of the building, sitting talking at tables, and socializing with each other and The Journey volunteers, as a DJ spun some tunes, it felt like community.

“We just continue the hope that we can be a hub in our neighborhood, for families, and for people, a hub of support, a hub of fun, a way in which that we can just build relationships and just connect and learn and grow because of these connections,” Sledge said.

This sunny, summer Saturday, doled out quintessential seasonal fun, before students need to crack the books.

The Journey Church is located at 750 S. 29th St., Harrisburg. To learn more, visit https://thejourneyharrisburg.org.

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Amid well-wishers, Shamaine Daniels launches fall congressional campaign, opens Harrisburg office

August 20, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Supporters of Shamaine Daniels left Saturday’s campaign kick-off with lawn signs.

An overflow crowd of supporters spilled out of a Midtown Harrisburg building and onto the sidewalk on Saturday, as Shamaine Daniels launched her general election campaign for Congress.

More than 100 people took time from their weekend to help inaugurate the campaign office at Verbeke and Penn streets, many leaving the building with campaign signs for their lawns and windows.

“I am here to meet Shamaine and to get the best candidate in Congress that we can possibly get,” said Sarah Pearce of Susquehanna Township.

In remarks to attendees, Daniels, the Democratic nominee, said that she’d work hard to represent the people of the 10th congressional district, a seat now held by Republican incumbent Scott Perry.

Afterwards, Daniels, an attorney and three-term Harrisburg council member, said that she wasn’t surprised by the large turnout of supporters.

“I kind of expected it, because people are really excited about this campaign,” she said.

Shamaine Daniels, far left, speaks with a supporter, as people stand in line (right) to sign up to help with the campaign.

The district, which includes all of Dauphin and parts of Cumberland and York counties, leans Republican in voter registration. Still, Daniels said that she believes that her stances on issues resonate well with the majority of voters, whether they’re urban, suburban or rural.

These positions, she said, include better roads, agricultural workforce stability and women’s health, especially in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent overturn of Roe vs. Wade, which removed a national right to abortion.

“The three things we’re focusing on are infrastructure, families and children and a broken immigration system,” Daniels said. “All of those affect large swaths of the district.”

Many attendees seemed to be equally focused on ousting Perry from office.

“I think Shamaine’s a great person,” said Susan of Harrisburg, who declined to provide her last name. “I think she has a lot of great ideas, and we need to get Scott Perry out of there.”

A bicyclist leaves the event with lawn signs.

Ellen Barry of Susquehanna Township said that she “was mortified” when the township became part of the 10th district following redistricting, which meant that Perry became her congressman.

“I don’t know Shamaine Daniels, but she seems qualified to beat him,” said Barry.

Pearce described Perry as “an embarrassment.”

“He is done, as far as I’m concerned, and [Daniels] has the best ideas,” Pearce said. “I want her to win.”

Daniels said that she hopes to win the Nov. 8 general election by boosting turnout of both voters who support her stances and who object to Perry’s conservative positions and his strong support for former President Donald Trump.

“We need to concentrate on voter turnout,” Daniels said. “If we get out the Democrats and independents and the Republicans who believe in our democracy, we’ll be in good shape. I think we’ll be able to win.”

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What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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