Community Corner: Notable events in May

April 29, 2022 | by Missy Smith

Garden Faire

May 1: Kick off the gardening season and celebrate the opening of Fort Hunter Mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purchase plants, visit craft vendors, enjoy lunch, experience Victorian dancing and music, and visit the Paxtang Art Association’s show and sale. www.forthunter.org

Flower Walk

May 3: Take a walk at Detweiler Park, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin, during Wildwood Park’s Spring Flower Walk, 2:30 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk within meadows and forests. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Gala Cabaret

May 6: Cantate Carlisle hosts its 30th anniversary Gala Cabaret Night at Farm 1840, 101 State Rd., Mechanicsburg, 7 to 10 p.m., for ages 16 and older. Enjoy live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, adult and nonalcoholic beverages, entertainment and a silent auction. www.cantatecarlisle.org

Get That Job

May 6-27: Attend “Get that Job!” workshops virtually or in-person at Fredericksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, on Fridays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Learn how to present your best self with a strong resume, concise cover letter, targeted interview, good communication and more. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Garden Faire

May 7: Lebanon County Master Gardeners will hold its Plant Sale & Garden Faire at Lebanon Expo Center, 80 Rocherty Rd., Lebanon, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. More than 3,000 plants will be available for purchase, including natives, perennials, herbs, tomatoes and peppers. www.extension.psu.edu

POWER 5K

May 7: POWER (Professional Women and Women Entrepreneurs) hosts a fundraising 5K/3K Run & Walk event at Adventure Park, 1775 Lambs Gap Rd., Mechanicsburg, 9 a.m.

Proceeds go to cancer research and awareness. Participants can also enjoy a friendly volleyball match, warm-up Zumba and a raffle. www.power-women.org

Cherry Blossom Fest
May 7: The 33rd annual Millersburg Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on the square in Millersburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with family activities and live entertainment, food and craft vendors and a car show. www.millersburgpa.org

Community Day
May 7: Head to New Cumberland Community Day on 3rd, 4th and Market streets in downtown New Cumberland, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artists, food vendors, beverage trucks and area businesses will fill downtown streets with fun, food and festivities. www.NewCumberlandPA.org

Hershey Artfest
May 7: Enjoy an artistic day with the whole family at Hershey Artfest at the Cocoa Beanery and the Englewood Barn Complex, 1215 Research Blvd., Hummelstown, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features a large juried art display, entertainment, food, local beer and wine and kids’ activities. www.hersheyartfest.org

Park Painting

May 7: Join Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for its fifth annual “Painting at the Park” with Jenn’s Craft Parties to create a painting of a lotus flower, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. All experience levels are welcome; materials will be provided. Proceeds benefit Friends of Wildwood. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Native Plant Sale
May 7: Manada Conservancy hosts its 22nd annual Native Plant Sale at East Hanover Township Nature Park, 328 N. Crawford Road, Grantville, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with native plant vendors, art vendors and food trucks. Proceeds benefit Manada Conservancy’s mission of local land preservation and education. www.manada.org

HBG Flea
May 7: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Rhododendron Display

May 8: The Mason-Dixon Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents a rhododendron and azalea display in the Education Center at Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd, Hershey, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.hersheygardens.org

Tree Book Club

May 10, 13: Book clubs are invited to Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd, Hershey, for a group discussion on the book “The Songs of Trees: Stories from Nature’s Great Connectors” by David George Haskell. Refreshments will be served. Groups should register in advance. www.hersheygardens.org

Go Red for Women
May 12: Join the American Heart Association at the 2022 Capital Region “Go Red for Women” event at West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd., Camp Hill, 4 to 7 p.m. Hear educational and inspirational speakers, enjoy a heart-healthy meal, shop the silent auction and more. www.ahaharrisburg.ejoinme.org

Food Rally

May 12: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from area food trucks or New Cumberland restaurants and enjoy shopping and special promotions at local businesses. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Backyard Gardens
May 13: State Museum of PA hosts Andrew Rohrbaugh, ecologist for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry, for virtual “Learn at Lunchtime” about backyard gardening, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. He will discuss native plants, ecosystems and the importance of using our land for food. www.statemuseumpa.org

Anniversary Concerts
May 13, 15: The Susquehanna Chorale will celebrate its 40th anniversary with two concerts titled “A Celebration in Song!” The first takes place May 13 at 8 p.m. at Derry Presbyterian Church in Hershey and the second May 15 at 4 p.m. at the High Center at Messiah University. A reception follows each concert. www.susquehannachorale.org

Moviate Festival
May 13-15: Enjoy over 70 films from 12 countries at the 23rd annual Moviate Underground Film Festival at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Many filmmakers will attend and talk about their films, including a 40th anniversary showing of “Basket Case” with the director. www.moviate.org

Film Fridays
May 13, 27: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “War Witch” from sub-Saharan Africa on May 13 and “In the Mood for Love” from China on May 27. Showings are at 2 and 7 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Hunger Run
May 14: Support the Hummelstown Food Pantry at the 7th Annual 5K Hummelstown Hunger Run/Walk in Schaffner Park. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the race kicks off at 10 a.m. www.htownhungerrun.wixsite.com/hummelstown5k

Plant Sale

May 14: Penn-Cumberland Garden Club hosts its Plant Sale at Frankenberger Tavern, 217 E. Main St., Mechanicsburg, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with proceeds benefitting its community projects. A variety of plants, garden treasures and baked goods will be available. Consultants will be on hand to answer questions. www.penncumberlandgardenclub.org

Volunteer Day
May 14: Enjoy the outdoors and help with park and habitat enhancement projects at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves provided, and refreshments available. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Civil War Presentation
May 14: National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg, hosts the next presentation in its “Lessons in History” series, “Forgotten Fighters—Asians and Pacific Islanders and the Civil War,” with Steve T. Phan, 1 to 2 p.m. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

Anti-Racism Race
May 14: YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland Count hosts the annual Race Against Racism 5K run/walk at Dickinson Park, Carlisle. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the race starts at 10 a.m. Stick around afterward for a community party with music and food trucks. www.ywcacarlisle.org

Boat Race

May 15: Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat will host the first-ever 5K Float the Boat Race. The fundraising run/walk will be held on City Island and along the streets of historic Harrisburg. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the race kicks off at 9 a.m. All proceeds from the run benefit riverboat operations. www.hbgriverboat.org

Summer Bulbs

May 15: Join Penn State Extension Master Gardener Kevin Kelly at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, or virtually, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., to learn how to add summer bulbs to your landscape and containers to create eye-catching vignettes. Cost is $5, and pre-registration is required. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Business Women’s Forum
May 18: Carlisle Area Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce will host the Business Women’s Forum at Messiah University, 1 University Ave, Mechanicsburg, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference is designed to create opportunities for women to network and build leadership skills. www.wschamber.org

3rd in The Burg
May 20: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

AAPI Festival
May 20-21: Join the Harrisburg Asian American Pacific Islander (HAAPI) group in a celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month at events at various Harrisburg locations. For more information, see the story in this issue, visit Instagram @AAPIHBG or contact HAAPI at [email protected].

Plant Fest
May 21: Join Penn State Extension Cumberland County Master Gardeners for Plant Fest at the Cumberland County Service Center, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for native plants, browse a yard sale, and take home some educational resources for your own garden. www.extension.psu.edu

Restoration 5K

May 21: Join Greenlight Operation for its 2nd annual 5K at City Island, Carousel Pavilion, 25 Station Rd., Harrisburg, to help support human trafficking survivors, at 9 a.m. Participants can also register for the fun run. www.greenlightoperation.org

Sunflower Gala
May 21: Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties (DVSCP) hosts its Sunflower Gala at the West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd, Camp Hill, 5 to 10 p.m. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, a formal dinner and dancing in support of DVSCP’s work. www.dvscp.org

Night of Comedy
May 21: Join JFT Recovery and Veterans Support Services and Hero In the Fight for a Night of Comedy. Doors open at 7 p.m. at Fishing Creek Community Assoc., 520 Locust St., New Cumberland. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Food and beverages provided prior to the show. For tickets and information, contact JFT at 717-695-6253.

Organ Concert
May 22: Harrisburg Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) presents concert organist Michael Hey of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York on the four-manual, 83-rank Skinner-Möller organ at Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 4 p.m. Parking provided by the church in the South Street Parking Garage. www.harrisburgago.org

Tea Luncheon

May 22: Join Fort Hunter Mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, for a luncheon tea, an illustrated talk about PA Capitol muralist Violet Oakley and a tour of the mansion at Fort Hunter, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy scones, chicken salad, rolls, appetizers, fruit, cake, ice cream parfaits and endless cups of tea. www.forthunter.org

Celebration & Toast

May 22: Historic Harrisburg Association hosts the 2022 Preservation Celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. Set sail on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat to toast Harrisburg’s West Shore and the places and people that make it special. www.historicharrisburg.org

Apollo Awards
May 22: Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Way, recognizes local students and high schools for outstanding achievement in musical and play productions at the Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards, 7 p.m. Monetary awards given to further students’ education and encourage involvement in the performing arts. www.hersheyentertainment.com

State of Arms
May 26: Dr. Bratton, an associate professor of National Security and Strategy Studies at the U.S. Army War College, will discuss India’s foreign and security policy at West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd, Camp Hill, 7:30 p.m. www.fpaharrisburg.org

Garden Fest
May 28: Perry County Master Gardeners hosts a spring celebration at the Perry County Extension office, 8 S. Carlisle St., New Bloomfield, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visit the demonstration garden and educational booths, talk with master gardeners, and enjoy family activities. A limited number of plants will be available for purchase. www.extension.psu.edu

Iris Show

May 28: The Susquehanna Iris Society’s annual Iris Show returns to the Garden Cottage at Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd, Hershey, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Irises will be on exhibit for judging and awards. Tall, intermediate and miniature-tall bearded varieties will be featured. www.hersheygardens.org

Discover Songbirds

May 28: Young explorers ages 5 to 10 are invited to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for the “Kids Discover” series to learn about local songbirds and characteristics that make them easy to identify. There are two sessions: ages 4-6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and ages 7-10 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Artsfest
May 28-30: Celebrate the 54th annual Artsfest in Riverfront Park. The free event features juried artists and crafts people in a variety of mediums, live entertainment, Jazzfest, Kidsfest, HBGFest by The HBG Flea, food trucks, a community glass mural project, and more. www.artsfesthbg.com

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Jewish Family Services to celebrate 50 years of kosher meals on wheels program in Harrisburg

April 28, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

A Jewish Family Services volunteer delivers food to a community member through the kosher meals on wheels program.

Accessing kosher food can be hard enough for local members of the Jewish community, let alone for those who have trouble leaving their homes.

However, for the past 50 years, Jewish Family Services of Greater Harrisburg, Inc. has provided a solution with its Finkelstein-Cohen Kosher Meals on Wheels program.

“It’s such an accomplishment to do something well for 50 years,” said Steven Schauder, executive director of Jewish Family Services (JFS).

To celebrate, the organization will hold a “50 Years of Caring” event on June 9, featuring keynote speaker Michael Solomonov, an award-winning chef.

The Meals on Wheels program remained active, serving members of the community even during the pandemic. Those in need are given foods based on their dietary needs, whether that means providing kosher, low-sodium or gluten-free options, among others. The program is open to all community members, not just those in the Jewish community, Schauder said.

When the operation began 50 years ago, JFS served about four families a month. Since then, they’ve grown to deliver meals to at least 20 families a week and, in total, have served more than 250,000 meals over the years.

“If we weren’t there to provide these meals, there wouldn’t be many options,” Schauder said.

But the service is about more than just the food. It’s also a time for volunteers to check in with residents, talk and spend time with them. The organization also has social workers who visit with community members.

Schauder remembers a specific occasion when JFS delivered food and clothing to a family, after a house fire.

“It meant so much to them,” he said. “That was particularly meaningful.”

JFS also plans to expand the reach of its food pantry to assist more people struggling with food insecurity. Currently, they assist around 100 local families each year.

“We want to get the word out that JFS is here for the community,” Schauder said.

Jewish Family Service’s “50 Years of Caring” event will take place at the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life (formerly Dixon University Center) at 2986 N 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information and to purchase tickets and sponsorships, visit www.jfsofhbg.org/KMOW50 or call (717) 233-1681.

Modern building with restaurant, art space to replace blighted Midtown properties

April 28, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Blighted buildings on the 1400-block of N. 3rd St were demolished on Thursday, making way for a new project.

Two blighted buildings in Midtown met their fate on Thursday, as crews razed them in preparation for new development.

In their place, at 1414 and 1416 N. 3rd St., developers have plans to construct a three-story, multi-use building with art space and a restaurant.

Owners of Harrisburg-based ModernRugs.com, Zachary Nitzan and Tahirih Alia, purchased the two dilapidated buildings, along with two adjacent buildings, in 2016. Their online rug business is currently located in one of these buildings, at 1404 N. 3rd St. They are in the process of renovating the building at 1408 N. 3rd St., which was once a hardware store, as well.

The goal of the estimated $6 million project is to connect the two standing buildings with the new building, once constructed.

The plan calls for a 9,000-square-foot building, featuring a façade of dark brick, large windows and metal mesh screens. According to Nitzan, the first floor would likely feature a restaurant. The second floor would be an art studio, exhibit and workspace, extending through all three of the owners’ buildings, once connected. The third floor would house office space. The plans also call for a rooftop deck and bar.

Rendering of the project. Photo courtesy Chris Dawson Architect

“We are both really passionate about art and design,” Alia said. “This location is really ripe with possibility for being an arts district.”

In 2020, ModernRugs.com received $60,000 in Dauphin County gaming grant funding for the demolition costs. Before demolishing the buildings, they were deteriorating, Nitzan said.

The couple expects to break ground on the new building within a year and complete the project by 2025. In the meantime, they plan to conduct outreach with the community to hear what they would like to see, they said.

“We really love Harrisburg. It’s an amazing community,” Alia said. “We want to be mindful and make sure this is good for all parts of the community.”

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The Roots to play Riverfront Park this summer, as HU Presents brings in renowned hip hop band

April 28, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

You now can add one of the most influential hip hop bands in the country to the line of musicians headed to Riverfront Park this summer.

Harrisburg University Presents announced on Thursday that The Roots will play an outdoor concert on July 15.

Founded by Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Ahmir “QuestLove” Thompson, The Roots are three-time Grammy Award winners, perhaps best known for their long-time stint as the house band on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

The Roots concert is the sixth HU Presents Summer Concert Series show announced this year at Riverfront Park in partnership with Dauphin County, the City of Harrisburg, Clair Global, PNC Bank, and Troegs Independent Brewing.

Death Cab for Cutie, with special guest Illuminati Hottie, will perform in Riverfront Park on July 14. Icelandic rock band KALEO, with Special Guest White Reaper, will play Riverfront Park Aug. 17. Pop-rock band LANY, with special guest, Surfaces, will perform at Riverfront Park Aug. 19. American indie rockers Lord Huron, with special guest First Aid Kit, will play Riverfront Park Aug. 20. And HU Presents the National at Riverfront Park on Sept. 24.

Tickets for The Roots concert will be available to the public at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 29. For tickets, click here.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 28, 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:

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Top Weekend Recs
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For something new: Grab the Lancaster Brewing Co. Spring Variety Pack, check out the Prototype Brewery Invitational on Saturday, shop the Midtown Scholar Bookstore Outdoor Tent Sale.

(Still) Worth noting: Check out my private Facebook community, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: A Sip of Social PPRS event tonight, Mom’s 70th birthday on Saturday, maybe the Garden Faire on Sunday.

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

For your weekend planning

Add these Beer Fests to your calendar now
Call for sponsors and vendors: Plants + Pints 2022
View our local Restaurant Directory
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

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Shop my local Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Don’t miss this giveaway from Cornerstone Coffeehouse
Get the 411 on the SoMa Block Party Series (it starts next month!)
Make travel plans (with a discount + perks)
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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

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Town Hall for Justice addresses gun violence and its impact on youth in Harrisburg

April 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg activist Kevin Maxson addresses the panel at Wednesday’s Town Hall for Justice.

On a Wednesday night, community members and local officials gathered to discuss the issue of gun violence in Harrisburg.

Held in the Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus, the “Town Hall for Justice” was fittingly centered around helping the city’s youth, many of whom are touched by the violence.

“We have to stop looking at the other person for the solution,” said Harrisburg School District Superintendent Eric Turman, a panelist at the event. “Taking steps to solve the problem—that’s where it becomes different.”

This was the third town hall in a series of meetings organized by Harrisburg resident Lavet Henderson.

Panelists included Turman, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo, Magisterial District Judge Sonya McKnight, Pastor Eric Jackson of Heeding God’s Call and community advocate Patricia Reitzi. Each spoke on issues related to their field and work, mainly around problems facing Harrisburg youth and possible solutions.

Turman explained some of the initiatives that the school district is working on, including bringing back middle school sports, increasing after-school programing and installing security cameras in schools.

“I’m hoping that, going into the next school year, you will have solutions for our students,” Henderson said.

Chardo addressed the problem that local police face of people with information about shooting incidents refusing to come forward. He pointed out that the Dauphin County Crime Stoppers system allows people to submit anonymous tips.

A number of residents also spoke of their experiences with gun violence, asked questions and made comments.

Resident Tone Cook suggested more community policing efforts.

“In order to build relationships with the police in the community, they [police] need to come out not just when there’s a problem, but to interact with our youth in a positive way.”

Other residents urged parents to be more proactive in checking in with their children and to seek out resources and help from local groups. Several community organizations were represented at the event to offer assistance, such as Breaking the Chainz, Power to the Hill and Moms Demand Action

In the end, attendees agreed that more needed to be done to help youth in Harrisburg, as well as the importance of community involvement.

“It takes all of us to do this,” McKnight said. “Until we confront a thing, we can never conquer it. So tonight, that’s why we came out here. We have one common goal—our community.”

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“Hoop It Up Harrisburg” basketball tournament to give residents a chance show what they’ve got

April 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

For basketball lovers, an upcoming Harrisburg event will be a slam dunk.

On June 4, the city will host “Hoop It Up Harrisburg 3×3 Street Fest,” a single-day basketball tournament on City Island. The event is in partnership with Kevin Garnett’s Hoop It Up, powered by 3×360 Sports.

From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 28 basketball courts will be set up on City Island’s south parking lot, along with music and food vendors. Participating teams can win up to $1,000 in cash prizes.

Hoop It Up is open to youth, men and women. Divisions include: Under-8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18, 19+, 31+ and 45+, along with a Men’s FIBA (Federation of International Basketball) Pro Am bracket.

“Although basketball and my career have taken me out of the area, I grew up here,” said Drew Dawson, a Trinity High School graduate and co-founder for 3×360 Sport. “Harrisburg is home, and I have many great memories, family, and friends, as well as old teammates throughout central Pennsylvania.”

Prizes will be awarded to all winners. Champions of the 3×3 Pro Am will receive $1,000 and second place will win $500.

Youth and adult divisions cost $150 to register, while Pro-Am teams cost $200. Teams may have no more than five members.

According to Dawson, a portion of the proceeds will support a Harrisburg-based charity that is to be determined.

A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, June 5.

To register for the “Hoop It Up Harrisburg 3×3 Street Fest,” visit their website.

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

Local Ukrainian native to hold fundraiser dinner to benefit her home country

April 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Photo from a former rally to support Ukraine hosted by Mariia Anosova (middle, far right).

Mariia Anosova, a local resident, has always loved to cook and share meals with her family and friends.

“Ukrainian food and cooking is a love language,” she said.

When thinking of ways to support her native country during a time of war, it was this “love language” that she wanted to draw upon. On May 14, she will hold a dinner fundraiser and educational event to benefit Ukraine.

The fundraiser, to be held at Slate Hill Mennonite Church in Camp Hill, will include a cultural presentation and cooking demonstration featuring three traditional Ukrainian dishes. Following the presentation, guests will be served a three-course dinner of beet borscht soup, vareniki (similar to perogies) and blini pancakes.

Growing up in Ukraine, Anosova’s family would always eat at least one meal together each day, she said. Food brought them together. Now, most of her family is still living in Ukraine; some have recently sought refuge in Poland. Anosova came to the United States as an exchange student and remained here since.

“It’s been intense,” she said. “I’m trying to find a way to help even though I’m far away.”

She hopes she can do that through the fundraising event, as well as by spreading cultural awareness.

“Experiencing culture will help people understand that we are all human and we are all here for peace,” she said. “I want to make it more relatable.”

Registration for the dinner is required and costs $40 per person. All proceeds will go to the charitable organizations Come Back Alive and Stay Safe Ukraine. The event is limited to 40 participants.

Anosova plans to hold another fundraiser dinner on June 18, possibly with more to follow.

“People should come if they want to learn more, love to cook, or are willing to help Ukraine,” she said.

Slate Hill Mennonite Church is located at 1352 Slate Hill Rd., Camp Hill. To register for the Ukrainian fundraiser dinner, email [email protected].

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Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons receives key to Harrisburg, again

April 26, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams presented Micah Parsons with the key to the city.

Almost a year ago, Micah Parsons received a key to the city of Harrisburg, soon after he was drafted into the NFL as a first-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys.

On Tuesday, he was awarded a second key. According to Parsons, he misplaced the first.

In front of a small audience at city hall, Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams recognized Parsons, a Harrisburg native, for his achievements.

“Here is a man who is making the city of Harrisburg proud,” Williams said. “He’s a role model for young Harrisburg Cougars in the city.”

Parsons grew up in Uptown Harrisburg, attended Harrisburg High School and later played football for Penn State University. In 2021, he was unanimously named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.

He was awarded his first key to the city in May 2021 by former mayor Eric Papenfuse at a meet-and-greet event at H*MAC in Midtown.

“I was pretty upset when my first key went missing,” Parsons joked. “To some, it’s just a key, but to me, it means everything because of how much Harrisburg means to me. I hope I can be that person people can look up to.”

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Harrisburg’s Young Professionals of Color among recipients of statewide Juneteenth celebration funding

April 25, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

State and local officials announced the recipients of the Journeying Toward Freedom grant, on the state Capitol grounds

Several Pennsylvania organizations will receive state funding to support Black history celebrations in the coming months.

Among the recipients is the local group, Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg (YPOC), which has secured funding for its Juneteenth event, officials announced on Monday.

“This is such a blessing,” said Dr. Kimeka Campbell, co-founder of YPOC. “One of the hardest things is getting funding. This is a relief.”

YPOC is one of seven organizations to be awarded money from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s Journeying Toward Freedom grants to support Juneteenth celebrations in the commonwealth. Juneteenth, June 19, is recognized as the day when the last African American slaves were freed in the United States.

This is the state’s first year implementing the grant program, established in partnership with Chester County-based Voices Underground, an organization that helps communities promote Black history. In total, the state awarded $89,000 through the program.

YPOC received $15,000 to assist with the group’s week-long Juneteenth HBG event, slated for June 12-19, with events in May, as well. Campbell said that the money will support their Juneteenth conference, concert and Juneteenth Jubilee. The theme for the entire event is “One city. One team. One economic impact.”

“Juneteenth is about restoring economic impact and returning money to the Black community,” Campbell said.

With this in mind, Campbell, along with state representatives, hope the Juneteenth celebrations also help bring light to the importance of Black tourism to the commonwealth.

“The tourism office set an ambitious goal to make Pennsylvania the nation’s leader in African American cultural heritage tourism,” said Carrie Fischer Lepore, deputy secretary for marketing, tourism and film for the state Department of Community and Economic Development. “We want to be the state that best depicts the Black culture and history within our borders. The Journeying Toward Freedom grants […] are one step towards that goal.”

Recipients of the grant funding are as follows:

Juneteenth Lehigh Valley, $10,000
NAACP Johnstown Branch, $4,000
Sherman Theater, Monroe County, $15,000
Stop The Violence, Pittsburgh, $15,000
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, State College, $15,000
Welcome America, Inc., Philadelphia, $15,000
Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg, $15,000

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Saturday

Sunday

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