Shalom House to open community drop-in center, possible emergency housing under new director

March 8, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Kyla Harvey, executive director of Shalom House

An Allison Hill nonprofit has a new initiative to make getting help more convenient.

While Shalom House is a nonprofit that primarily provides assistance and housing to women and children, the organization hopes to reach the wider community with a drop-in resource center.

“We just want to help people in the community,” said Mya Crawford, a case manager at Shalom House. “Anything people need help with, we will be here to help them.”

On March 14, Shalom House will open its community drop-in center to the public. Staff will provide assistance and resources for needs such as securing housing, managing finances, filing for disability and finding mental health services, among other things. Anyone in need of help is welcome to walk into the center, Crawford explained. Computers will also be available to access.

Additionally, Shalom House plans to offer monthly educational courses to the public.

The drop-in center will be open on Mondays, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Wednesdays, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The resource center is only part of a new vision and direction for Shalom House, which is under new leadership this past year.

Last September, former Shalom House board member Kyla Harvey took over as the organization’s new executive director.

Harvey has a degree in social work and has previously served as program director at the Camp Curtin YMCA and executive director of the Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church in Harrisburg.

Harvey’s own past experience as a single mother makes her passionate about Shalom House’s mission and helps her identify with the families they serve, she said.

“I’m truly passionate about helping women of all ages,” she said.

Shalom House currently operates a 22-bed emergency shelter for women and children near its office on S. 15^th Street. However, Harvey has plans to possibly expand the organization’s offerings by adding additional housing in their main building.

Shalom House purchased their building, formerly the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, in 2019 with plans to renovate the building for use as a community center. They also partnered with Capital Area Head Start which has offices in the building. Under the previous director, Denise Britton, Shalom House considered building transitional and emergency housing on lots behind the main building.

However, most of the plans were put on hold during the pandemic and much of the building still needs work, Harvey said.

Her new plan includes creating 12 apartment units for people in need of temporary shelter and two larger units for longer-term living. The additional units are especially needed, with the effects of COVID and a lack of affordable housing that makes securing housing more difficult.

“COVID has really created a huge issue for the homeless population,” Harvey said.

She hopes to begin work on the project before this time next year, she said.

It’s not just homelessness that Harvey is focused on in her role at Shalom House, but also what causes it. The new drop-in community center is one way to address those issues.

“My vision is to provide housing, but also to provide preventative measures so people don’t become homeless,” she said.

Shalom House is located at 9 S. 15^th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit https://shalomhouse.net/.

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PennDOT plans safety improvements for Derry Street in Harrisburg, intersection upgrades

March 7, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Intersection at Derry, 19th and Berryhill streets

Derry Street in Harrisburg soon may get needed improvements, as PennDOT has announced a major road construction project.

On Monday, PennDOT released proposed plans for an initiative to improve the safety of the Derry Street corridor, which runs through Harrisburg, Swatara Township and Paxtang. The project will extend from the intersection of 13^th Street and Derry Street, east to the intersection of 40^th Street and Derry Street.

According to a statement by PennDOT, a safety study was previously conducted along Derry Street. After discussions with the former Harrisburg city engineer and Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, PennDOT decided to improve the street.

PennDOT has proposed work that includes milling and overlay of the existing pavement, signage upgrades, and pavement marking improvements.

They also may make significant improvements at two intersection locations—the Derry Street, 19^th Street, and Berryhill Street intersection and the Derry Street, 21^st Street and Brookwood Street intersection. According to PennDOT, these intersections have multiple roads at skewed angles that cause safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists. Pedestrian traffic is also significant in the area of the intersections since both Rowland Intermediate School and Scott Elementary School are nearby.

PennDOT’s proposed construction project area

For these intersections, PennDOT is considering roundabouts, pedestrian facility upgrades and/or traffic signal improvements.

The project is currently in the design phase and construction work is expected to take place in 2024. Construction is estimated to cost $6.2 million.

PennDOT is currently accepting public input on the project, through April 8. Information on the project can be found, here.

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Death Cab for Cutie makes return trip to Harrisburg for summer concert

March 7, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Death Cab for Cutie

They’re back, baby!

Nearly three years ago, Death Cab for Cutie inaugurated the return of big-time, outdoor concerts to Harrisburg.

On Monday, concert organizer Harrisburg University Presents announced that the Grammy-award nominated band will return to the stage in Riverfront Park on July 14.

“We are thrilled to welcome back DCFC to Harrisburg this summer,” said Frank Schofield, Harrisburg University director of live entertainment and media services “They bond so closely with the community that I’m sure this will produce some of the best moments of our seven-show summer concert series.”

Illuminati Hotties will open for the featured band.

The Death Cab for Cutie concert is the second HU Presents Summer Concert Series show announced this year in partnership with Harrisburg city, Dauphin County, Clair Global, PNC Bank, and Troegs Independent Brewing. Indie rockers Lord Huron, with guest First Aid Kit, will play in Riverfront Park on Aug. 20.

Death Cab for Cutie tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on March 11.

“We would not be able to do it without our sponsors and greatly appreciate the help of the Dauphin County commissioners,” Schofield said. “These shows help boost the local economy, attracting thousands of guests downtown who will frequent city restaurants, businesses, museums and more, experiencing all the great things Harrisburg has to offer.”

For more information on all HU Presents shows, visit www.concertseries.harrisburgu.edu.

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Kim announces re-election bid for 103rd state House district

March 7, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

State Rep. Patty Kim

State Rep. Patty Kim will seek another term in the state House of Representatives, she announced today.

Kim (D-Harrisburg) will run for the Democratic nomination for a sixth, two-year term representing the 103^rd legislative district, which she has served since 2013.

“I am inspired by the work we have accomplished and the work we have yet to finish, and it is a humbling honor to serve the vibrant communities of Central Pennsylvania,” Kim said.

Due to redistricting, the 103^rd House district has changed considerably. It now represents about half of Harrisburg city then extends into the west shore communities of Lemoyne, Camp Hill, Wormleysburg and East Pennsboro Township. Formerly, it included all of Harrisburg and several east shore communities.

The primary is slated for May 17.

In a statement, Kim said that, if re-elected, she will advocate to increase the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour and will continue to oppose tolling the I-83 bridge.

“Creating a more fair and just society is a responsibility we share, and a goal we will strive to reach together,” she said. “Ending Pennsylvania’s unfair minimum wage is a change that needs to happen this year.”

Prior to her election to the PA legislature, Kim served for seven years on Harrisburg City Council. Before that, she worked as a TV news reporter.

“This campaign is about our future,” Kim said. “It’s about ensuring a brighter and healthier future for our children with stronger and responsible investments in our schools. It’s about protecting our environment and supporting unions and workers. It’s about enhancing the resiliency of our communities and upgrading our infrastructure to create more jobs and improve our quality of life in all areas.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 4, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Home 231 staff cut the ribbon on their reopened Harrisburg restaurant.

Our March edition of TheBurg magazine came out this week with lots of stories about people doing good in their communities. Pick up a copy while you’re out at the Ice & Fire Festival this weekend. As always, stay up to date on local news, with our recap of the week, below.

The Broad Street Market has some new vendors selling everything from burgers to smoothies to Asian cuisine and skincare products. Read about the people behind the businesses and what they have to offer, in our online story.

In his column, our editor compares the state’s relationship with the city of Harrisburg to having a bad neighbor. He implores the state government to own up to the responsibility that it has to this community.

Dauphin County paused its application process for the state and federally funded Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program as it nears the end of its funds, our online story reported. The county has disbursed over $16 million of the total $18 million that was allotted.

Our editor sets the tone and shares the background of our “Doing Good” special section of the March magazine in his Editor’s Note.

A GoFundMe created by a Dauphin County resident has raised thousands of dollars for Ukrainian families in need, our reporting found. Agata Czopek, organizer of the fundraiser, is originally from Poland, where many Ukrainians are seeking refuge.

Hamilton Health Center received a donation of 150 infant CPR training kits from Capital Blue Cross, our online story reported. Officials there hope that the kits will prevent injury and death due to choking or suffocation.

Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire Festival is this weekend, our online story reported. The event will feature ice sculptures, a street festival, food trucks and entertainment.

Harristown Enterprises announced that the Menaker Apartments would open for tenants in April, our online story reported. Originally constructed in 1906, the building is located on Market Square in Harrisburg.

Home 231 reopened on North Street in Harrisburg after weeks of limited hours, our online story reported. In January, the restaurant suffered extensive water damage, necessitating renovations.

March events are taking advantage of the warming weather and offering fun outdoor experiences. See our monthly Community Corner for nature, art and cultural events happening in the Harrisburg area. For a more extensive list, view our Happenings column.

Sara Bozich has a list of ways to enjoy the weekend locally. Find everything from art to music and theater events happening near you.

StartUp Harrisburg has rebranded to become Pursuit Coworking, a name that, the owners say, better reflects the company’s business model and growth strategy. The owners want to emphasize that they offer co-working space for many different types of businesses and jobs, not primarily for startups, our online story reported.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is returning to downtown Harrisburg with music, dance groups, floats and more, our online story reported. The parade will start at 2 p.m. on March 19, with a four-mile race kicking off at noon.

A new Susquehanna Art Museum exhibit zeroes in on the rich bounty of American landscapes from the early-19th century through the late-20th century. In our magazine story, read more about the “In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape” exhibit, on display now through May 22.

The Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg is off the sales market, as the fraternal organization has chosen to keep its building, our online story reported. After five years of looking for a new owner, the Zembo Shriners decided to restore the 92-year-old building as an events venue.

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Dauphin County resident with ties to Ukraine starts fundraiser for families seeking refuge

March 3, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Agata Czopek

Agata Czopek can hardly eat or sleep at night—just talking about what’s happening in Ukraine can elicit tears.

Czopek, a Halifax-area resident, is originally from Poland, where many Ukrainian families are seeking refuge from military attacks on their country by neighboring Russia. Some of these families are close friends of Czopek’s.

While she isn’t even on the same continent now, Czopek has found a way to help Ukrainian families through a GoFundMe fundraiser.

“This is not some far away war that we shouldn’t care about,” she said. “Each of us has an ability to make a difference.”

By Thursday afternoon, Czopek’s page had raised over $9,000 that she plans to give directly to Ukrainian families in need. It will assist them with things like food, housing, childcare and transportation, among other necessities, she explained.

Czopek knows many of these families through her previous position as the director of international programs at Harrisburg’s International House, which closed during the pandemic. In that role, she worked to recruit students from around the world to come to the Harrisburg area to participate in an international exchange program. Over the years, thousands of students from Ukraine enrolled, Czopek often taking trips to the country to work with recruiting partners. These business partners then became friends.

“It’s just so hard when people you love and know are affected,” she said. “The uncertainty is so threatening.”

Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown Enterprises, the former owner of International House, worked closely with Czopek and accompanied her on one of her trips to Ukraine.

“I have very fond memories of Ukraine,” he said. “When you meet the people and appreciate the culture, it gives you a much more personal connection.”

Jones donated to the GoFundMe saying that, “it’s a way to help in a very sad situation.”

Czopek is also helping connect Ukrainian families with her Polish family and friends, who can assist those seeking refuge.

“My country is united like never before,” she said. “I want to tell the world how proud I am to be Polish.”

Czopek hopes to raise even more than her $10,000 goal on GoFundMe for the Ukrainian families that she knows, some of whom have a connection to Harrisburg through International House. She implored people to think about the international students that once lived in their city.

“They worked in our businesses, they helped our economy, they lived in our community,” she said. “The more resources we have, the more help we can offer.”

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Frozen on Front Street: Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire Festival will feature ice sculptures, entertainment

March 3, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg held a press conference on Thursday in the MLK City Government Center.

This weekend, Harrisburg is set to get a lot cooler.

At a press conference on Thursday, the city announced details for the Ice & Fire Festival, which will bring ice sculptures and entertainment to the city.

“This is our fifth annual edition of this beloved winter festival,” said city Business Administrator Dan Hartman. “So get your mittens and scarves and prepare for a great time.”

On Saturday, March 5, Front Street will transform into a winter festival with food trucks and entertainment. Over 50 ice sculptures also will be spread around the city at locations in downtown, Midtown, Reservoir Park, Italian Lake, Shipoke and on City Island.

The festival will take place on Front Street, from Walnut to State streets, and include activities like an ice slide, fire pits with free s’mores kits, fire dancers and performances by local school and community groups. The festival will begin at 11 a.m. and run through 8 p.m.

That portion of Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 8 p.m. on Friday, March 4, to midnight on March 5.

Community members can view ice sculptures around the city from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They will be illuminated at 7 p.m. Sculptures will include a polar bear, throne, ballet dancer, carousel horse, peace sign and beer mug, among other shapes.

When visiting the ice sculptures, people can participate in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win gift cards from Harrisburg businesses. Each sculpture will have a QR code and participants must scan at least 10 different sculptures to enter the drawing.

“We love having this event,” said Nora Habig, regional president for M&T Bank, the main sponsor of the festival. “It brings everybody out during a time of year when it’s sometimes hard to find something to do outside.”

Additionally, local businesses will offer special fire and ice-themed cocktails and coffee drink specials.

At the festival, Harrisburg’s Urban Churn will host a “Frozen Inferno Challenge,” where participants will attempt to eat spicy ice cream to win a prize.

Organizations around the city, will offer children’s activities and crafts, as well.

Street parking is free after 5 p.m. on Saturday in the downtown area and free all day on Sunday. Get four hours of free downtown street parking using the code LUVHBG on the Parkmobile app. A discounted $10 daily rate is available at the Market Square Garage courtesy of Park Harrisburg on March 5. Parking on City Island is free. Check the city’s website for parking options in other areas of the city.

For a full schedule and map of the Ice & Fire Festival, visit their website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

March 3, 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: Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire Festival is Saturday. That night, you also don’t want to miss The Dirty Sweet at Appalachian Brewing Co.

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: We ended up hitting Tröegs and seeing family last weekend, and this weekend could be a repeat (our nieces are playing softball at In the Net). Otherwise, I’m working on booking some travel for later in the month (and year), plus the usual market/FLEA visits.

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

For your weekend planning

What is sip @ soma anyway?
Oh, and a little breakdown on SoMa Harrisburg
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

Top Weekend Recs

Make travel plans (with a discount + perks)
Dining at The Circular at The Hotel Hershey
High Road Brewing will open in Camp Hill this summer
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

COVID-19 Disclaimer: Masking and social distancing policies may vary per business, venue, and event. All events are subject to change. Please be considerate, follow the rules, and be nice. And tip extra!

Thursday

Caddy Shack Opening Day 2022
Live @ The Shire: Karaoke – Open Mic with Dave Gates at Boneshire Brew Works
Industry Night with DJ Caraby at The Englewood
Horse World Expo at the PA Farm Show Complex

Friday

Learn at Lunchtime with The State Museum of Pennsylvania: William Penn’s 1681 Charter
HYP Pitties and Pints at Midstate Distillery
Open Stage presents The Mad Ones
Court Street Cabaret at Open Stage
Murder at Mount Hope Mansion
Irish Fest kicks off at Appalachian Brewing Co.
The Divas Down Under Rehoboth Beach Queens Invasion! at Harrisburg Comedy Zone
Gamut Theatre Group presents TMI Improv
Mardi Gras Weekend! at SpringGate
March 2022: First Friday at Dill’s Tavern
Shrimp Band at Crostwater
Horse World Expo at the PA Farm Show Complex
IN-PERSON: An Evening with Shelley Puhak: The Dark Queens at Midtown Scholar Bookstore
Journey at GIANT Center
Open Mic at Elementary Coffee
Ace Frehley at HMAC

Saturday

Ice & Fire Festival #IceandFireHBG in downtown Harrisburg
HYP PA Food Bank Challenge at the Central PA Food Bank
HBG Flea – March 2022
Irish Fest at Appalachian Brewing Co.
Guided Walk through the Gardens at Hershey Gardens
Kegs & Eggs at Rotunda Restaurant & Brewery
York County Ale Trail: The Brew Bus!
York County Ale Trail: The Original Walking Tour
Hanover Brewery Tours: The Brew Bus!
Open Stage presents The Mad Ones
Court Street Cabaret at Open Stage
Popcorn Hat Players present 3 Billy Goats Gruff at Gamut Theatre
Murder at Mount Hope Mansion
The Dirty Sweet at The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Co.
Mardi Gras Weekend! at SpringGate
Shrimp Band at Reids
Horse World Expo at the PA Farm Show Complex
Il Divo Greatest Hits Tour at Hershey Theatre
Chris Lane in concert at American Music Theatre

Sunday

YOGA and Brunch at Hemauer Brewing
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
Irish Fest at Appalachian Brewing Co.
Open Stage presents The Mad Ones
Local HAAA artists featured at Hershey Library’s Hallway Art Gallery
Mardi Gras Weekend! at SpringGate
Shrimp Band Brunch @ Allenberry
Horse World Expo at the PA Farm Show Complex
Bill Engvall Farewell Tour at American Music Theatre

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

Like this content?

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Home 231 fully reopens in Harrisburg after water damage, limited hours

March 2, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Robert and Jessica Ayala, surrounded by county and city officials, cut the ribbon on their renovated restaurant

One of Harrisburg’s favorite brunch spots is back in full swing.

Home 231 staff, along with local officials, celebrated the North Street restaurant’s grand reopening on Wednesday, after weeks of construction and temporary hours.

“I’m excited to get back to normal hours and pick right back up,” said Jessica Ayala, who co-owns Home 231 with her husband Robert.

In January, the building suffered extensive water damage when pipes in the apartment above the restaurant burst. Much of the main dining room was damaged, requiring it to be stripped to the beams and reconstructed, according to Jessica.

During the weeks since then, the restaurant has only been open on Saturdays and Sundays.

But today, the Ayala’s opened for their first weekday lunch and resumed business as normal, with hours on Tuesday through Sunday.

The Harrisburg Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting to commemorate Home 231’s reopening, along with its 10-year anniversary.

“This hasn’t been the easiest time for restaurants,” said Ryan Unger, the chamber’s president and CEO. “[Home 231] has continued to evolve and it’s been great to watch. We will continue to frequently appreciate your investment.”

Before the water damage even hit, Home 231, like all restaurants, was already dealing with the negative impacts of the pandemic, but according to Jessica, they found ways to adapt. For a while, they set up tables, tents and fire pits in the neighboring parking lot to allow people to safely dine outside.

“COVID gave us a chance to reinvent ourselves,” she said. “It was hard, but it gave us a new set of challenges.”

The restaurant has certainly faced its share of difficulties over the past months, but that didn’t stop the Ayalas, who are just grateful to be back in action.

Not to mention, they opened today with a new menu debuting.

“We reopened up, so we might as well start off fresh,” Robert said.

Home 231 is located at 231 North St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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Harrisburg co-working business changes name, re-brands, plans expansion

March 2, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Co-owner Adam Porter in front of the newly installed Pursuit Coworking sign in Midtown Harrisburg

Harrisburg’s first co-working venture has undergone a rebrand and plans an expansion, as it responds to a quickly changing work environment.

Starting this week, StartUp Harrisburg is now Pursuit Coworking, a name that better reflects the company’s business model and growth strategy, according to co-owner Adam Porter.

The company’s owners made the change to emphasize that they offer co-working space for many different types of businesses and jobs, not primarily for startups.

“We wanted to steer away from the early 2000s tech scene that co-working started from to reflect the broader appeal that the concept has with a shift towards remote work,” Porter said.

Porter and co-owner Adam Brackbill began their business in 2013 in a building on the 1500-block of N. 3^rd Street in Harrisburg. Three years later, they moved into newly renovated space at N. 3^rd and Boas streets, into a 1920s-era building originally constructed as the Harrisburg Moose Lodge.

Porter said that business has been brisk over the past few years, especially after the pandemic pushed many workers from their traditional offices. Last year, Pursuit’s owners added a second location, taking space in a building on the 1000-block of N. Front Street.

“Even very traditional jobs aren’t in the office full-time, if at all,” Porter said. “That’s where we see the increase coming from.”

He expects this trend to continue, even as the pandemic eases after the winter spike in cases. Workers have grown comfortable with remote work, but many also can’t or don’t want to work at home all the time, Porter said.

Some workers, he said, prefer a hybrid approach, with a mix of office and remote work. Others work remotely full-time, with some living in the Harrisburg area even though their companies are located in other, often higher-cost cities.

“People expect flexibility in their working arrangements now,” Porter said.

In response, demand has increased for all three of their co-working options—dedicated offices, dedicated desks and hot desks—leading the company to pursue additional satellite locations in Harrisburg.

Currently, they’re focused on downtown, as that area has both an abundance of office space and proximity to amenities, such as coffee shops and restaurants, which is important to their members, Porter said.

He likes the prospect of bringing more people into the center city, as the pandemic has disproportionally hurt small businesses downtown that long catered to state government and other office workers.

“Once they’re here, they go out for coffee, lunch or to the (Broad Street) market,” he said. “So, we’re able to help drive customers to local businesses.”

He added that members are able to tap resources they may lack at home, while finding camaraderie and networking opportunities in a co-working environment.

“While many of us now work from home, the flexibility offered by co-working is a welcome benefit to those who crave connection and find productivity in a variety of settings,” Porter said.

Pursuit Coworking’s flagship location is at 922 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Like this content?

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