Art Becomes Reality: Twists, insights, laughs from “Official Competition”

June 30, 2022 | by Sammi Leigh Melville

Photo courtesy of Media Pro.

From directors Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat comes “Official Competition”—a film within a film and an act that turns into reality.

Humberto Suárez (José Luis Gómez) is a wealthy businessman who wants to leave an imprint, not by donating to a children’s center or funding medical research, but by funding a hit film. He pays an egregious amount of money to buy the adaptation rights to the book, “Rivalry,” which he has not read, and hires Lola Cuevas (Penelope Cruz), an eccentric director who takes uncharted paths when it comes to finding the heart of the scene.

Two actors are hired to play rivaling brothers: Félix Rivero (Antonio Banderas), a blockbuster actor, and Iván Torres (Oscar Martinez), an esteemed theater actor/acting professor. Lola’s hope is that they will butt heads naturally and be able to appropriately capture the headspace of the roles they play. She puts the two actors through a series of unconventional exercises that she is certain will get them to where they need to be. But her methods may push things a little too far as the actors find themselves gliding into their roles, even outside the contexts of the film.

The film toes the line between silly and uncomfortable in a beautiful orchestration of pride, ambition and art becoming reality, portraying a side of humanity that we always hope to ignore. Banderas’ and Martinez’s tense chemistry and Cruz’s surprising idiosyncrasies will leave you laughing throughout the whole movie, and the story holds plenty of emotional twists and turns. What a bizarre film to sink your teeth into this summer.

“Official Competition” will play at Midtown Cinema this July.

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

July Events At Midtown Cinema

3rd in The Burg Movie Night
“Flash Gordon”
Friday, July 15 at 9:30 p.m.

Free Outdoors Film Series
“Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Saturday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m.

National Theatre Live
“Henry V”

Sunday, July 17 at 5 p.m.

eSports Demo Day
With SNDBX Gaming
Monday, July 18

Down in Front! Presents
“Mac and Me”
Friday, July 22 at 9:30 p.m.

Free Outdoors Film Series
“The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”
Thursday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Down in Front!
Pride Edition presents
“Mommie Dearest”
Friday, July 29 at 9:30 p.m.

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Federal Building owner details plans for “luxury” apartment conversion, rooftop restaurants

June 29, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The federal building in downtown Harrisburg

The owner of a landmark downtown building says that he’s ready to proceed with a “luxury apartment” project for Harrisburg.

On Wednesday, developer Justin Etzin stated that he’s preparing to move forward with a plan for “The Federal,” a proposed 200-unit apartment building, which also would include several restaurants, at the corner of N. 3^rd and Walnut streets.

“The 200 apartments will bring much needed residential space to Harrisburg and be the most luxurious available,” said Etzin, CEO of Global Ocean Investments, which is based in the Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean.

In February, Etzin bought the 56-year-old, 251,000-square-foot building for $10 million from the U.S. government. It currently is listed back on the sales market for $22 million. Etzin has said previously that having the building on the market is “standard practice” as he gets investors onboard and the project underway.

The U.S. government is currently finishing up a new federal courthouse at N. 6th and Reily streets, where it soon will move courthouse staff. Other federal agencies in the downtown federal building are also slated to relocate.

Etzin stated that he would begin to seek city approvals, including from the city’s Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission, for the project, which includes construction of a new, split-level, 8,000-square-foot addition for two rooftop restaurants–an American-style steak house and a “luxury” Italian restaurant.

“This new glass-top pavilion we are proposing will house a top restaurant with sky bar and gardens, allowing visitors and residents of Harrisburg to dine overlooking the Pennsylvania Capital Complex,” Etzin said.

A rendering of the proposed rooftop addition to the federal building (credit: Global Ocean Investments)

In a news release, Etzin said that the apartment units will include high-end finishes, eat-in kitchens, master suites and dens. The building also will include a movie theater, fitness center, lounge and nail and hair salon, he said.

According to Etzin, construction would begin once the federal government vacates the building in early 2023 and would be completed by 2025.

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Proposed Uptown Harrisburg residential project struck down by City Council

June 29, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

The site of a proposed apartment building project (2463 Jefferson St.), which Harrisburg City Council denied.

A proposed residential project for Uptown Harrisburg has hit a major obstacle, as City Council unanimously voted it down on Tuesday night.

At a legislative session, council opposed the project, by local developer D&F Realty, to transform a warehouse into apartment units at 2463 Jefferson St. According to council member Shamaine Daniels, the developer had at least 80 recent citations for code violations on other city properties.

“Generally speaking, there’s a presumption that when applicants come before this body that they come in good faith,” Daniels said. “However, given the circumstances […] I would recommend that given the history of this applicant, we can’t make a presumption of good faith.”

The project originally came before council in March, with David Peffley of D&F Realty explaining that it would include constructing and rehabbing 22 apartment units in total.

In November 2021, D&F received Zoning Hearing Board approval for the building, permitting a multi-family dwelling use and offering parking relief.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, Peffley said that, since the March meeting, D&F had addressed a majority of the code violations—paying fines, renewing licenses and appealing citations. However, council was not satisfied and expressed doubt over whether the company would remain in compliance with city codes in the future.

“If this is approved, are we going to end up in the same situation?” council member Ausha Green said.

When council rejects a land development plan, the applicant does have the option to appeal the decision.

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Harrisburg announces plans for July 4th festival, including food trucks and fireworks

June 28, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

Mayor Wanda Williams announces the July 4th Food Truck Festival at a press conference on Tuesday.

Harrisburg will celebrate the Fourth of July this year with a bang.

The city will host its annual July 4th Food Truck Festival and Fireworks event, Mayor Wanda Williams announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

“Downtown Harrisburg is going to be a party for the 4th of July and I can’t wait to celebrate,” Williams said. “Harrisburg is at its best on days like this, when families can experience our city together. We really can’t wait to see the fun they’re going to have when they come to Riverfront Park.”

From 1 to 9 p.m. on Monday, July 4, over 45 food trucks will line N. Front Street. Harrisburg festival classics, such as funnel cakes and Farm Show milkshakes, will be offered, but new food options will be available as well. Additionally, there will be vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Beer and wine gardens will feature drinks from five different breweries and vineyards.

Local businesses such as Yellow Bird Café, JB Lovedraft’s Micropub, Stock’s on 2nd and others will also offer unique items that can only be found for the holiday weekend.

Six musical acts will perform on the Capital Blue Cross Live Music Stage, including groups like Big Sky Quartet and Big Fat Meanies. This year, the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast will be performing onstage between Liberty and State streets beginning at 2:15 p.m.

For families with small children, there will be a Kids Zone where children can get free balloon animals and face painting.

City Island businesses will also be open for anyone who wants to take a ride on the railroad, play a round of Water Golf, or cruise the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna.

To conclude the evening, at around 9:15 p.m., the city will shoot off fireworks, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. The show, produced by Bixler Pyrotechnics, will last 15 minutes and include 2,000 shells. The city’s fireworks display will commence after the Harrisburg Senators’ own fireworks display following their game against the Erie Seawolves.

At 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and by candlelight at 8 p.m., a John Harris Jr. re-enactor will read the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion.

Street parking is free during the holiday. Parking on City Island will cost $5 and Market Square Garage parking from 1 p.m. to midnight will be $10. Handicapped parking is available on State Street, and free bike parking is available at Walnut Street. Front Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to midnight, and the Market Street Bridge will be closed westbound from 6:30 p.m. to midnight.

For more information on Harrisburg’s July 4th celebration, visit their website.

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H*MAC inks agreement, announces partnership with concert promoter, booker Live Nation

June 28, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

H*MAC in Midtown Harrisburg

More national musical acts soon will be making stops in Harrisburg, as the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC) today announced a strategic partnership with Live Nation, a leading live entertainment company.

Under the multi-year agreement, Live Nation will be H*MAC’s exclusive booking partner for the 1,200-person capacity Capitol Room, the largest of several performance spaces in the sprawling Midtown entertainment and dining complex.

“We have a beautiful venue, and now with our new partnership with Live Nation, we’re looking to take H*MAC to the next level with even more concerts and performances,” said Chris Werner, H*MAC’s president of entertainment. “This new relationship will help drive the ongoing revitalization of the city’s live entertainment scene.”

H*MAC opened in 2009, with the original partners mounting an extensive, multi-year renovation of the 34,000-square-foot space that once housed Harrisburg’s first Jewish Community Center. In 2019, a new partnership assumed control, purchasing the venue for $6 million and continuing the building restoration.

H*MAC now includes several entertainment spaces, art galleries, bars and a restaurant, Zachary’s BBQ & Soul, which opened last year.

H*MAC’s smaller, 350-person capacity space, Stage on Herr, also will undergo improvements, including a wider stage, permanent seating and sound system upgrades, according to Live Nation.

“H*MAC is a fantastic space for live music, and we look forward to working closely with the team in creating new and exciting opportunities connecting artists to artists with their fans here in the capital city of Pennsylvania,” said Geoff Gordon, regional president, Live Nation Northeast.

According to Gordon, Live Nation was attracted to H*MAC due to its extensively renovated and upgraded facility, as well as its location in central PA, which offers a strategic stop for national touring acts.

“Our team currently books shows across the state in Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Allentown, Reading, Hershey, State College and Pittsburgh,” he said. “By adding H*MAC, we can provide an additional tour stop for artists traveling between cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, connecting them with a new and engaged audience.”

In conjunction with the partnership announcement, Live Nation today unveiled the first shows that will be a part of the ongoing live performance series at H*MAC, including Jamaican reggae singer Beres Hammond on Aug. 23, Italian goth-metal band Lacuna Coil on Sept. 8, Finland’s symphonic metal band Apocalyptica on Sept. 11, and American punk rock band Dead Boys on Oct. 20.

“H*MAC is a fantastic space for live music, and we’re looking to increase opportunities to connect music fans with some of their favorite artists here in Pennsylvania’s capital city,” Gordon said.

H*MAC is located at 1110 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.harrisburgarts.com. For more information on Live Nation, visit www.livenationentertaimment.com.

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Harrisburg School District passes 2022-23 budget, includes property tax increase

June 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District officials at a school board meeting on Monday.

Some Harrisburg property owners soon will see a tax increase, as the Harrisburg School District has approved a 3.36% hike for the coming year.

At a board meeting on Monday, Receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved a $223.8 million 2022-23 budget, which includes an increase in the school district portion of the property tax.

The school board voted 6-1 to increase the property tax millage rate from 29.78 in 2021-22 to 30.78 in the coming fiscal year, exercising the one major power it holds under receivership. Board Director Roslyn Copeland voted against the increase; directors Jaime Johnson and Terricia Radcliff were not in attendance.

“I am very happy that the board saw fit to approve of the tax structure because that enables us to have a balanced budget and enables us to move forward with some necessary projects for the district,” Suski said.

With the increase, taxpayers will pay $30.78 per every $1,000 in assessed property value. However, the 5,609 households in Harrisburg that receive the homestead exemption will actually see a decrease in their taxes, according to Dr. Marcia Stokes, the district’s business administrator. Additional property tax relief funds this year will increase the exemption, she said.

At a previous board meeting, Stokes said that annual tax increases are part of the 2021 Financial Recovery Plan for the district and that the raise was necessary for the operations of the district.

The district’s 2022-23 budget includes the use of millions of dollars in federal COVID relief funds, making the spending plan much higher than last year’s $184.8 million budget.

The approved final budget is slightly lower than the district’s originally proposed $224.2 million budget.

Harrisburg received an influx of about $50 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding, which it plans to use on projects such as the renovation and reopening of the district’s Steele Elementary School. The district also plans to replace HVAC systems across schools with the funding.

The budget also pays for day-to-day expenditures like instruction, special instruction and staffing costs.

As the district moves forward into the next school year, it will remain under state receivership. The Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas approved the extension of the receivership, which was set to end on June 17, for another three-year period. Suski was reappointed as the receiver for the district through June 17, 2025.

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Conservation Education: City and state to offer youth summertime work, educational experience

June 27, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

Students in DCNR’s PA Outdoor Corps program

This summer, young adults in Harrisburg will be put to work taking care of our environment.

Harrisburg is teaming up with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to offer youth a glimpse into conservation careers through its national PA Outdoor Corps job development program.

The initiative will run as a pilot program in Harrisburg from July 5 to 8 this year, but if all goes well, the city hopes to make it a permanent program each summer.

“We want the next generation of conservationists to come out of our diverse city,” said Mayor Wanda Williams. “This program, should we be so fortunate to make it an annual event, will give kids here something to do in the summer when they’re out of the classroom, as a way to put back into the community and make it more beautiful and safer.”

DCNR’s PA Outdoor Corps engages youth from around the commonwealth to complete recreation and conservation projects on the state’s public lands.

Harrisburg will split youth and young adults into age groups of 15 to 18 years old and 19 to 25 years old. Participants will be paid around $13 per hour. They will work at Reservoir Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, learning things like invasive pest control, mulching, tree pruning and planting. Youth will specifically learn how to deal with spotted lanternflies, as well.

The goal of the program is to expose young adults in the Harrisburg area to the PA Outdoor Corps and to provide them with workforce experience, according to DCNR.

“What we want to do is to educate our youth and our young adults about taking care of our planet, taking care of their neighborhoods, and taking care of our trees or forests,” said Harrisburg environmental advocate and program organizer Rafiyqa Muhammad. “This is an opportunity that they can look at other alternatives, and make changes in their lives.”

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Harrisburg Area YMCA names new top official to replace long-time president set to retire

June 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

David Ozmore, the Harrisburg Area YMCA’s incoming President and CEO.

The Harrisburg Area YMCA recently announced a new head of the organization, after two decades under the same leadership.

David Ozmore, a long-time YMCA staff member, is set to become the organization’s new president and CEO. He will take the place of Richard A. Curl, who will retire on Aug. 1, after 25 years as the nonprofit’s top official.

“On behalf of the Harrisburg Area YMCA Board of Directors, we are excited to welcome David to our YMCA,” said Mike Cleary, board chair, in a statement. “David’s long history of service to the YMCA mission will bring new ideas to our strong organization. His leadership will build upon Rich’s long history of excellence at the Harrisburg Area YMCA.”

The Y selected Ozmore after a months-long search for a new president to take Curl’s place. Curl has held the position since 1997, pioneering programs, conducting capital improvement projects and growing the organization’s charitable efforts through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility initiatives, according to a statement from the Y.

Ozmore has held leadership positions in Ys throughout the country, starting his career as director of operations/youth sports with the YMCA of the Triangle in Raleigh, N.C. Following this, he served as chief operating officer at a Y in Cleveland County, N.C. David also previously held the position of CEO for the YMCA of Greater New Orleans, for the YMCA of Greater High Point in North Carolina and for the Kentucky/West Virginia Regional Alliance of YMCAs.

“I am very excited and honored to be chosen to lead the Harrisburg Area YMCA,” Ozmore said. “As an organization with 168 years of service to the Harrisburg area, I know that we all share our desire to make our community stronger. We will continue to enhance relationships with partners, members, donors and community leaders. As a YMCA we hope to continue providing quality programs and services for all to enjoy!”

For more information, visit the Harrisburg Area YMCA’s website.

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Plant-based food, vendors to be spotlighted at Plants + Pints Harrisburg event

June 27, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

The 2019 festival, then known as Veggie Fest.

Harrisburg, chew on this: a festival devoted to healthy eating will return in August following a pandemic-induced hiatus.

Plants + Pints Harrisburg, formerly called Harrisburg Veggie Fest, plans to bring the community together to educate people on living a healthy and eco-conscious life by highlighting local farms, vegan and vegetarian businesses and other plant-based products. And, in a unique, central PA twist, there also will be craft beer.

“It’s a wellness community event with a focus on wellness, PA agriculture and craft beer,” said organizer Sara Bozich, CEO and founder of Sara Bozich Events.

The festival will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Strawberry Square.

The event, produced in partnership with Harristown Enterprises and presented by UPMC in Central PA, will benefit two local nonprofit organizations: Downtown Daily Bread and Harrisburg River Rescue and Emergency Services.

Bozich said the idea came from Harristown Enterprises CEO and President Brad Jones, who has vegan family members and loves craft beer. Jones attended an event in Philadelphia spotlighting plant-based companies and local craft breweries and wanted to bring it to Harrisburg.

So far, organizers have two dozen plant-based vendors selling food and products lined up for the event, as well as DJ duo His&Hers and six craft breweries. Bozich also stated that, although everything is plant-based, anything not vegan will be very clearly specified.

General admission tickets for adults are $20 and youth ages 12 to 21 are $10. Anyone under 12 years old is free.

Both benefiting organizations of the festival fundraiser are close to Jones and Bozich’s hearts. They have both partnered with Downtown Daily Bread and Harrisburg River Rescue and Emergency Services previously. The head chef of the Downtown Daily Bread’s soup kitchen will be onsite at the festival giving a cooking tutorial on how to make vegan dishes.

Bozich reminds Harrisburg residents that this is an event for everyone, not just those who live the plant-based lifestyle.

“It’s a community event,” she said. “And proceeds are going back to the community.”

Tickets to the Plants + Pints festival can be purchased online. More information can be found on their website. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are still available by emailing Sara Bozich at [email protected].

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 24, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Representatives from Dawood Engineering Inc. explained the updated proposal for State Street at a public meeting on Wednesday.

Our Friends of TheBurg program is growing! Thanks to those who support us and believe in the importance of local news. If you’re not a Friend, please consider joining and see your name printed in our monthly magazine. Otherwise, enjoy our weekly news digest, right here.

Art House offers visitors an “adventure to a magical land of imagination and meaning, a world of enchantment full of treasures,” says our arts blogger Bob. In his magazine story, read about the artists behind the Fairfield Valley gallery, Michael McCullough and wife, Sharon Pierce McCullough.

Capital Blue Cross shares the story of how CPR saved one local bicyclist’s life. In our magazine story, read about the importance of CPR certification.

A disparity study conducted by Harrisburg will move forward as the city has asked local business owners to complete a survey, our online story reported. The survey will help identify the area’s diverse businesses to provide them with more city contracting opportunities.

Dr. Lori Suski, receiver for the Harrisburg School District, explained why she believes the court-approved three-year extension of the receivership will prove beneficial, our online story reported. A school board director also shares his thoughts.

Harrisburg Beach Club brings a bit of the shore experience to the city, our magazine story reported. City Island’s newest hangout spot has drinks, snacks and beautiful riverfront views.

The Harrisburg School District’s receivership period will be extended for another three years, our reporting found. The Dauphin County Court of Common Please approved the extension, which was set to end on June 17, and reappointed Dr. Lori Suski as receiver.

Harrisburg Young Professionals will host its annual Italian Lake Concert Series this summer, our online story reported. The series will begin on June 26 with Shine Delphi.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg dedicated its new building, The Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life, and unveiled a flag this week, our online story reported. On the six-acre campus, the administration building will now host meetings, federation staff and a 15,000-square-foot fitness center with river views.

The Millworks will host a music festival to benefit the Broad Street Market on July 9, our online story reported. Art vendors, food trucks and a beer tent will also be onsite.

The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is the only lodge located in a Pennsylvania state park, our magazine story reported. With an environmentally inspired design, the lodge is tucked in the mountains among wildlife.

The PA Downtown Center (PDC) works with communities and community organizations to help them undertake strategic revitalization plans. In our magazine story, read about how PDC helps communities reach goals like increased quality of life, sense of place, long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

The Rolls-Royce Foundation in Mechanicsburg exhibits a stunning collection of the world-famous motorcars. In our magazine story, read about what the showroom, art gallery and garage have to offer to visitors.

Sara Bozich, as always, has a great listing of this weekend’s events in and around Harrisburg. Find them, here.

A State Street redesign project will move into the final stages after undergoing changes based on community feedback, our reporting found. The project, with the goal of making the roadway safer, will incorporate additional signage, crosswalks and parking lane buffers, among other upgrades.

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