Help Around the Corner: Breaking The Chainz opens resource center in Uptown Harrisburg

January 7, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick and Kevin Dolphin cut the ribbon on Breaking The Chainz, Inc.’s resource center.

Kevin Dolphin never thought he’d be where he is today.

In the same neighborhood where he grew up–where he was involved in criminal activity as a young man–he now is counseling others.

Friday’s snow didn’t stop Dolphin’s nonprofit, Breaking The Chainz, Inc., from cutting the ribbon on a new resource center in the Camp Curtin neighborhood of Harrisburg.

“We are looking forward to helping people,” Dolphin said. “I try to give men and women the chance they need.”

The resource center is a place for community members to seek help in areas such as trauma, substance abuse, housing, employment, re-entry and financial literacy, among other issues. It’s a one-stop shop for community members in need, Dolphin explained.

Breaking The Chainz provides counseling and mentoring services, as well as adult and youth educational courses. For services that they don’t provide in-house, staff and volunteers will refer clients to partner organizations.

“It’ll bridge the gap between different organizations and bring us all closer,” said Dorothy Scott, the organization’s co-founder and chief officer of finance and operations.

Scott said that they acquired the building, which was previously a small restaurant, in 2020 and renovated the first floor into an office and meeting space. Funds from a Dauphin County gaming grant assisted in the renovations.

On an upper level of the building are four apartment units. Scott said that they plan to use those as housing for mothers and children fleeing abusive situations.

Also attached to the property is a large garage space that they plan to convert into community meeting rooms and a music studio in the future, Scott said.

Breaking The Chainz was founded in 2015 and focuses on re-entry services for men and women returning home from prison, as well as outreach to local prisons. In addition to their resource center, they have a facility on Division Street in Harrisburg. They also supply transitional housing for ex-offenders re-entering society.

Dolphin said that, as someone who was in prison for almost half of his life, he wants to help other people who are in those shoes. Helping others is something he learned while growing up, he said.

“My mother used to clothe and feed the homeless,” Dolphin said. “Those are the things that she was instilling in me.”

Breaking the Chainz, Inc. Resource Center is located at 2134 N. 6^th St., Harrisburg. It is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit their website.

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 7, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Mayor Wanda Williams speaks at her inauguration on Monday.

The first snow of 2022 kicked off an exciting weekend here in Harrisburg. On Saturday, the weeklong PA Farm Show returns after a year off due to the pandemic. Before you run out the door in search of a famous farm show milkshake, catch up on this week’s local news, below.

Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA), is an organization dedicated to giving people with limited mobility the joy of running. In our magazine story, read about the life-changing experiences of a few racers.

A Capital Beltway expansion project is poised to reshape the commercial corridor driving through the heart of Harrisburg. In our magazine story, read about how the I-83 widening project will impact the area, including businesses like the East Shore Diner.

Our editor published a Burg Blog in which he shares his thoughts on Harrisburg’s future with new city Mayor Wanda Williams. What might we expect with a new administration? Read, here.

The “Fill a Glass with Hope” fundraiser is an annual effort by local organizations to provide fresh milk to Pennsylvania families in need, our online story reported. On Friday, officials from Feeding Pennsylvania and the PA Dairymen’s Association kicked off the event at the PA Farm Show complex.

Fred Burton, a local author, explores the issue of fracking in his novel “Bountiful Calling.” His book sheds light on the human impact of fracking in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania, our magazine story reported.

Gamut Theatre is hosting the annual Shakespeare Theatre Association conference this week, our magazine story reported. The conference showcases the classics, with a twist, and hundreds of people from around the world have come to take part.

The Harrisburg Improv Theatre reopens this weekend, after being closed for almost two years due to the pandemic, our reporting found. The theater offers shows, as well as improv classes for all skill levels.

Janet Samuels, court-appointed receiver for the Harrisburg School District, announced her resignation as of Jan. 29, our reporting found. The district did not specify why Samuels was leaving.

Mayor Wanda Williams was inaugurated on Monday, becoming Harrisburg’s 39^th mayor, our online story reported. City Council also reorganized, electing Danielle Bowers as the new council president. View pictures from the mayoral inauguration, here.

The PA Farm Show is back, which means time for a farm animal reunion. Wondering what the cows might say to the horses? Check out our cartoon, here.

The PA Farm Show undertook $21 million worth of renovations to its building during its year off for the pandemic. In our magazine story, read about the freshly face-lifted facility, including façade improvements, floor replacements and lighting upgrades.

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

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Got Milk? Fundraiser to provide milk to families in need kicks off at PA Farm Show

January 7, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and other local officials celebrate the “Fill a Glass with Hope” fundraiser at the PA Farm Show complex.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show officially kicks off on Saturday, but the sprawling complex was already buzzing on Friday.

In the main food court, local officials toasted the “Fill a Glass with Hope” fundraiser, an annual effort to provide fresh milk to Pennsylvania families in need.

“Farmers helping farmers is what it’s all about,” said Dave Smith, executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. “And farmers helping neighbors is a big part of that.”

The initiative comes out of a partnership between the organizations Feeding Pennsylvania, the PA Dairymen’s Association and the American Dairy Association North East.

Funds raised will go towards providing milk to food banks across the state. Since the initiative started in 2015, it has provided 27 million servings of milk to underserved families.

The 2022 fundraiser kicked off with over $180,000 in donations from sponsors like FirstEnergy, Weis Markets, Columbia Gas, Coterra Energy and Land O Lakes. Organizers believe this year’s funds will supply around 700,000 servings of milk.

Public donations to the fundraiser can be made at the PA Dairymen’s Association’s milkshake stand at the Farm Show or online.

“Together, we are feeding those who are in need across Pennsylvania, and I’m particularly proud of the farming community,” said state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.

For more information, visit www.feedingpa.org/milk.

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

Harrisburg School District’s top official, Receiver Janet Samuels, announces her resignation

January 5, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

File photo of Dr. Janet Samuels, 2019

The Harrisburg School District is losing a top official come the end of this month.

On Wednesday, district Receiver Dr. Janet Samuels announced her resignation from her role, as of Jan. 29.

In a news release, the district did not specify why Samuels was leaving at this time.

In 2019, when the school district failed to meet academic objectives outlined in previous recovery plans for the district, the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas placed Harrisburg under the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s control. The court chose Samuels as the receiver of the district. The previous year, she served as the chief recovery officer for the district.

With the appointment of Samuels, the school board was stripped of most of its power, leaving Samuels as the sole vote on administrative proposals.

The receivership period was set for three years, and the district is currently about two-and-a-half years in. However, according to the district, Samuels only committed to serve for one year and agreed to update the district’s Amended Financial Recovery Plan.

In July 2021, the update was approved by the county court, the district confirmed.

“I am honored to have had the privilege of serving the Harrisburg School District, and I am extremely proud of the work completed since my appointment as receiver, especially in the area of the finance,” Samuels said. “Although there is still much work to be done, I am confident the recently approved Amended Financial Recovery Plan now in place, will serve as a framework to continue the positive trajectory of the Harrisburg School District.”

Samuels thanked the district’s staff, administrators and community stakeholders, along with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit team for the work they will continue in the district.

Under Samuels, the district has put a new leadership team in place, headed by Superintendent Eric Turman and Dr. Lori Suski, the district’s recently appointed chief recovery officer.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Comedy Comeback: Harrisburg Improv Theatre reopens after almost 2 years

January 5, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Improv Theatre

COVID-19 hasn’t been playing around.

And because of it, neither has the Harrisburg Improv Theatre, which closed for funny business for the duration of the pandemic. That is, until now.

This weekend, the wisecracking and laughter will resume for the first time since March 2020, with classes and shows re-starting.

“This was a weekly part of life for some people,” said HIT owner Jake Compton. “I think people are ready to come back.”

Improv is needed now more than ever, Compton believes. With division fueled by social media and politics, improv is a way for performers to step into the shoes of another, an opportunity to understand a different perspective, he said.

“The world needs improv right now,” he said. “In improv, it is your job to understand different points of view.”

Starting this weekend, shows will run every Friday and Saturday at 8 and 9 p.m. Every Saturday at 7 p.m., the theater holds a free mixer.

HIT also offers improv classes to both beginners and experienced performers. Their “Intro to Improv” course runs on Wednesdays from Jan. 12 to March 2.

Compton explained that improv isn’t just for aspiring comedians, but is a great way to gain confidence, improve public speaking skills and make friends. Before the pandemic, the theater had around 80 monthly performers, he said.

He was quick to point out that, for those who aren’t interested in being put on the spot, their shows are a perfect way to experience improv without actually participating.

Over the years, Compton has been to theaters in major cities across the country, but his community in Harrisburg still stands out to him.

“The funniest shows I’ve seen have been in Harrisburg,” he said. “I believe in the work we do.”

Harrisburg Improv Theatre is located at 1633 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. Tickets for shows can be purchased at the door. For a calendar of shows and class information, visit their website.

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

Burg Blog: New Year, New Mayor

January 5, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams speaks at Monday’s swearing in.

On Monday morning, Wanda Williams was sworn into office as the 39th mayor of Harrisburg.

Since then, a number of city residents have asked me what we might expect of the new administration.

My response has been twofold.

First, I said that, on some level, we don’t know what to expect. Every new administration—local, state, national, whatever—is something of an unknown. It will be several months before we can begin to assess how the mayor goes about her job: how she implements her priorities, how she manages the city’s workforce, how she relates to City Council.

If I remember correctly, I said something similar eight years ago and even wrote a column assessing the Papenfuse administration six months in.

Having said that—Williams is not an unknown quantity, as Eric Papenfuse, a newcomer to elected office, was back in 2014. Williams has served on council since 2006, including two terms as president. To some extent, Harrisburg is what it is today because of decisions she’s made and legislation she’s backed. Therefore, I don’t expect a major departure in direction, though some change is certain.

And that brings me to the second part of my response.

At her swearing in, Williams told us exactly which policies she would emphasize. During a brief, seven-minute speech, she outlined four priorities:

Enrichment opportunities for youth
Affordable housing
Better roads and bridges
Improving the city’s dysfunctional, aged sewer system

In my opinion, these are right on point. Harrisburg, of course, has many needs, but a mayor, faced with financial and other constraints, needs to prioritize. These four areas, in particular, stand out as vital and within the reasonable domain of city government. Success in these will require sustained focus, funding and effort throughout her term.

In a way, Williams is fortunate as she assumes office, with the city in strong financial shape. In addition to having money in the bank, Harrisburg has $48 million waiting to be allocated from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with perhaps even more money coming from other federal and state programs, including the recently passed federal infrastructure bill. Cities always face tough challenges, but I would argue that the wind currently is at Harrisburg’s back, strongly.

It remains to be seen exactly how Williams will go about allocating funds and implementing her priorities. In her speech, while discussing affordable housing, she mentioned helping residents achieve “the American dream.” I translated that to mean that she would try to encourage homeownership, an effort that I strongly support.

For ARPA-financed projects, the administration will need to move quickly, as the window to use those funds expires in just a few years. So, I expect we’ll know more soon about how that money may be allotted.

In her speech, Williams didn’t mention one other item that I expect will be a priority for the new administration—what to do with the city’s long-term debt.

Last year, the Papenfuse administration and Williams (backed by other city officials) had a prolonged dispute over how to retire the city’s remaining general obligation bonds. Papenfuse wanted to refinance them over 10 years, while Williams advocated paying them back more aggressively.

In the end, Williams’ position won out. Harrisburg made a large pre-payment in November, but didn’t refinance the rest, leaving the city with a debt load of about $19 million. The new administration and council, as one of their first acts, now will reopen the 2022 budget, which should offer insight into just how fast they can—and will—settle most or all of the remaining debt.

Near the end of her short inaugural speech, Williams said, “Now is the time to turn away from politics and focus on the real work that we must do together.”

Absolutely. For too long, Harrisburg has had mayors who’ve taken things too personally and made the job too much about themselves. Going forward, this city needs a healthy dose of “we” among its top leadership.

Lawrance Binda is co-publisher and editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

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

The inauguration of Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams, in pictures

January 3, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

On Monday morning, Wanda Williams was sworn in as the 39th mayor of Harrisburg.

Friends, family and supporters were on hand for the hour-long ceremony, which took place at Whitaker Center downtown. The following pictures depict some of what took place on the stage.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams delivers remarks following her swearing in.

Marcia Perry Dix served as mistress of ceremonies.

Rev. Walter R. Dockens Jr. delivered the invocation.

Harrisburg Poet Laureate Portia Bolen Geter delivered an inaugural tribute.

Harrisburg Treasurer Dan Miller was one of three speakers who shared personal stories of the new mayor.

Commonwealth Court Judge Lori Dumas delivered the oath of office to returning council member Ausha Green, who also was sworn in during the ceremony.

Mayor Wanda Williams took the oath of office.

Mayor Wanda Williams shared remarks with the audience.

The Rev. James Tate delivered the benediction.

As the ceremony ended, the city’s color guard retired the colors.

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

Wanda Williams inaugurated as Harrisburg mayor; city council president chosen

January 3, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Mayor Wanda Williams addressed the crowd at her inaugural ceremony.

Harrisburg’s new Mayor Wanda Williams vowed to be an “authentic leader” as she officially took office on Monday morning.

Commonwealth Court Judge Lori Dumas swore in Williams as the city’s 39^th mayor, along with Harrisburg City Council member Ausha Green, at an inaugural ceremony held at Whitaker Center.

Williams, a Democrat, won the November municipal election, dethroning previous two-term mayor Eric Papenfuse, who launched a write-in campaign after losing to Williams in the primary election.

Also in November, Green won re-election, along with incumbent council member Shamaine Daniels. Newly elected were Ralph Rodriguez and Jocelyn Rawls. Daniels, Rodriguez and Rawls were sworn in on separate occasions.

At the swearing in, Williams explained her inauguration as a new beginning for Harrisburg. She noted that, while the election season was taxing as she battled challenger Papenfuse and lost both of her parents, she was ready to get to work.

“I hope today that I made [my parents] proud,” Williams said. “We are here today because we came together and said that it’s time for a new dawn in Harrisburg.”

Williams, a lifelong resident of Harrisburg, served on city council from 2006 through 2021, and as council president for her last two terms.

At a reorganization meeting on Monday, council voted for member Danielle Bowers to take Williams’ former seat as council president. Council member Ausha Green was chosen to serve as vice president.

Harrisburg City Council reorganization meeting

Assuming her new role, Williams noted that some of her priorities as mayor will include building affordable housing, creating youth programming, improving infrastructure and fixing the city’s outdated sewer and stormwater systems.

“Now is the time to turn away from politics and focus on the real work that we must do together,” she said. “As we begin our new dawn, we must get back to the basics. Good enough is not good enough anymore.”

Much of the inaugural ceremony centered around Williams’ Christian faith, with local pastors and musicians offering blessings, prayers and song.

Family members also participated. Williams’ grandchildren led the Pledge of Allegiance, and her husband Jerome Williams held the Bible as she was sworn in.

Additionally, a few of Williams’ supporters took to the microphone.

“Wanda has great experience, she’s learned a lot, and I think she’s got the knowledge and experience to lead our city,” said Harrisburg Treasurer Dan Miller. “I, for one, am excited about the change in leadership.”

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

TheBurg Cartoon: “Farm Show Reunion”

December 30, 2021 | by Bradley Gebhart and Lawrance Binda

Farm Show Reunion

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 30, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Bryan Majors of Major Prep

There are a lot of things dropping locally this weekend: a Hershey’s Kiss, a strawberry and even a pickle. But we have something you don’t have to wait until midnight for.

Our January issue of the magazine just dropped! Start off the new year right and grab a copy or read online. But first, catch our last local news summary for the year, below, delivered a day earlier than usual. Happy New Year, Harrisburg!

As 2021 comes to a close, our editor reflects on the top 10 news stories of the year. What made the cut? Find out, here.

Art blogger Bob closed out 2021 by offering an update of one of our area’s most significant exhibits of the year and taking a gander into 2022.

January is packed full of events to add to your calendar. Find our list of happenings, here. For additional activities, check out our Community Corner.

Kwanzaa began Sunday and runs through this week. Our online story features two Harrisburg-based businesses, Major Prep Apparel and The Lotus Pot, both representing two of the holiday’s core principles.

New Year’s Eve in Harrisburg will be celebrated at FNB Field on City Island, a change from the traditional 2^nd Street venue. There will be fireworks, food trucks and a giant strawberry, which will drop to countdown to midnight, our online story reported.

A new year is ahead of us, and while COVID is still here, our editor is optimistic for the future of the city and TheBurg. Read his January editor’s note, here.

The Progress Grille in Harrisburg has kept loyal customers coming back for years. What’s their secret to success? Find out what owners Nick and John Karagiannis have to say, in our magazine story.

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society has a new executive director, our magazine story reported. Former director Jess Hayden retired after 20 years of leading the organization.

Our Year in Review features the most popular online news stories of 2021, click by click. To find out what story took first place and was viewed 26,000 times, click here.

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

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like