Bob’s Art Blog: Nothing Pretty

October 25, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Part I — “Nothing Pretty” A surreal revisionist “Western” art exhibit

Take One: “All quiet on the set. ACTION!”

Renegades all, the four gunslingers rode into town on steeds snorting fire, seeking a corral that might, just might, be able to contain their own brand of art. Theirs is a movement that started out west in the late 1960s in the territory known today as Los Angeles, borne out of a culture found only in the underground strata of comics, punk music, graffiti, hot rods and everything but the kitchen sink. An amalgamation of art meeting street culture colliding head on at the intersection of imagination and immolation. Those roots establish the genre known as lowbrow art, a surrealism stampede.

Artwork by Ted Walke

The Art Association of Harrisburg (AAH) is excited to share this exhibit that opened Friday and runs through Nov. 24. Visitors to the gallery may be surprised by this latest offering in a setting that has built its reputation on classicism in its representation of art.

Carrie Wissler-Thomas, CEO and sheriff of the AAH, called to deputize her gallery curator, Rachel O’Connor, who mounted this guns-blazing show. It’s a brave new world as “Nothing Pretty’s” desperadoes demonstrate in their visual redefining of the parameters for open-ended art. If they can dream it, draw it or paint it, it helps to establish their brand of surrealism run wild. And that is the whole point of lowbrow art. It appeals to an audience looking for a “beyond the norm experience” in a gallery setting. It takes thinking way outside the box and lets the inner child take over as the imagination runs wild on both sides of the aisle.

It helps to have a sense of humor, as do these art outlaws. They are led by Ted Walke, owner/proprietor of Gallery@2nd, whose calling card in pen and ink depicts human forms that sometimes border on the fine line of what one would recognize as human—something you don’t want to run into in a dark alley. Walke’s “characters” are poster children for the adage, “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder,” faces and images only a mother could love.

Artwork by Krissy Whiski

Joining Ted in his impish imagination and dry humor is Tina Berrier, whose paintings occupy a space all their own and are instantly recognizable. Employing mixed media allows her to bridge street art to a painterly point of view considering “life, death and the theme of temporality.”

Sean Arce, a featured artist of Gallery@2nd along with Ted, draws from his imagination by illustrating creatures of all sizes and shapes. Using digital formatting and two-dimensional media, Arce creates organisms, otherworldly original. Last but not least, with a western surname if ever there was one, when this artist sidles up to the saloon’s bar, “Whiski, Krissy.” Like a passage from Stephen King’s “Gunslinger” series, “The Dark Tower,” Whiski’s art “paints the spaces that exist between dreams, death and delusions,” states the artist, who uses themes as “fringe science, hallucinations and fairy tales as inspiration.” This is an exhibit that begs to be seen.

“Nothing Pretty” plays exclusively in the main gallery at the AAH through Nov. 24.

Part II — Market Places Market Faces at Doggie Delights

“Give a dog a bone,” a line from a child’s nursery rhyme, could easily be the catchphrase for Doggie Delights at the Broad Street Market and the flagship store at the West Shore Farmer’s Market in Lemoyne. The front man, or in this case, the face at the Broad Street Market location is Aubrey McNaughton. now in her sixth month with the dog snack and treat purveyor.

Brielle Glumac and Aubrey McNaughton

Aubrey is a cheerleader for Doggie Delights and everything market-related. She loves educating owners who have concerns regarding pups with sensitive tummies who may have to go without goodies, as Doggie Delights offers “gentle on the stomach,” handmade biscuits and soft chews for older dogs. They hand-cut and hand-dip all the baked goods for our four-legged friends with all natural, fresh ingredients and no preservatives added with all other treats being sourced from U.S. companies.

Donnie and Kelly Farner are the heart and soul of the company with daughter Brielle Glumac playing a vital role able to work both sides of the river. The company had a setback when their barn suffered a major fire in January, which housed the inventory and equipment used in their business. Through the generosity of customers and friends with a GoFundMe fundraiser, a sizeable amount was raised to help offset their drastic loss. Rebounding for 10 months now, the Farners are happy to announce the opening of a new outpost at The Fresh Market at Town Square in Hershey later this fall. Brielle will be managing the new location.

Meanwhile, the Broad Street Market is in good stead as Aubrey is the person you see Thursday through Saturday. A dog lover since she was a little girl, she now owns a cane corso mastiff. “Baby Tonka” weighs 110 pounds and loves the long-lasting Yak chew. Aubrey takes great joy in greeting the customers at 3rd and Verbeke market weekly. During the summer season, both Aubrey and her protege-helper-daughter assisted her at the stand. Their smiles for miles brought a steadily growing clientele.

So, if you need a special birthday cake for the diva dog in your life, they offer customized peanut butter cakes with yogurt icing or “pup cakes” cupcakes. In addition, they have natural chews, snacks and smoked bones. Aubrey and Brielle will ensure they are downright dog-delicious, no matter which Doggie Delight you visit.

Part III — Calling Art in the Wild Adventurers

This special announcement goes out to “budding” artists. Learn to create landscape art from AITW award-winning instructors Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon with $20 registration fee for the workshop (all materials provided). Bring a friend and learn together in a preparatory class for spring 2022 of the 10th edition of “Art in the Wild.” Visit https://dauphincountyparksandrecreation.ticketleap.com/art-in-the-wild-workshop2021/

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Burg Review: Goofiness, joy await as Theatre Harrisburg reopens with “The SpongeBob Musical”

October 23, 2021 | by Gina Napoli

“The SpongeBob Musical” is Theatre Harrisburg’s first production after the widespread venue shuttering of March 2020. With its talented cast to bring general (and admiral) nautical nonsense, this comeback production was well worth the wait.

Broadway’s 12-time-Tony-nominated comedy script, based on the Nickelodeon cartoon, features original songs by 15-plus artists, including David Bowie, Aerosmith and Cyndi Lauper. I’m too “seasoned” to know who the other artists are, but my eye-rolling teenager assures me they’re all groovy. They must be, because the songs are as infectious as SpongeBob SquarePants (Nik Olson) himself. His optimism, high energy and silly gags all infuse themselves into the music and the story.

But the tale is more than just silly fun.

“The message of SpongeBob is all about the power of optimism,” Theatre Harrisburg’s Artistic and Production Director Kristi Ondo said. “It’s about how anyone with the right mindset can pull a community together.”

In Theatre Harrisburg’s rendition, Director Matt Spencer guides us through an undersea journey full of heart, with a can-do message of confidence that’s wildly inclusive and encouraging of everyone reaching higher, regardless of their intelligence, skills or whether they need a bubble and oxygen pack to breathe under water.

The fantasy experience starts immediately upon entering the Sunoco Theater at Whitaker Center, ahem, Bikini Bottom. Much in the same way the absurdity in the SpongeBob cartoon series starts with the theme song, we are greeted with mischievous characters and the setup of running gags while the audience filters in. The bright colors of the settings, props, costumes and decorations swirling around the audience feel like being inside a kaleidoscope or a circus (thankfully, minus the usual animal smells).

Our mainstage story starts out as just another day in Bikini Bottom. Fry cook SpongeBob aspires to be manager of the Krusty Krab, but the greedy and cantankerous Mr. Krabs (Bryden McCurdy) underestimates his cook’s abilities. Squidward’s (Sean Adams) prowess on the clarinet is also overlooked, and smart, sassy Sandy Cheeks the squirrel (Becky Mease) is shunned for being a land mammal. Then the friends hear urgent news–a volcano is about to erupt all over Bikini Bottom. What follows is a heroes’ journey, in which all must overcome their perceived limitations and work together to save their community.

Ondo said of the script, “The author’s notes read, ‘Embrace joy.’ No other notes.”

It’s clear that the actors blew life into that suggestion through their nose flutes. You don’t have to be 7 years old to enjoy the antics. Along with lots of lessons for the kids in the audience, the show has endearing moments and innuendo to draw in the adults. The action moves quickly, so you might need to swivel-chair to any corner of the theater to see where the actors may pop up and surprise you.

Although the songs aren’t sing-alongs you’ll recognize, they are seaworthy–packed with amusing slapstick, incorporating a range of musical genres. All–and I do mean all–the onstage players belt the score out with heart and flair during the production’s steady flow of dance numbers.

My only grief in the reef about attending opening night: not enough kids in the audience. So bring yours.

“The SpongeBob Musical” runs Oct. 22 to Nov. 7 at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. For more information on show times and tickets, visit the Theatre Harrisburg website or Whitaker Center website.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 22, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

“Over the Edge” is coming to Harrisburg on Oct. 29.

Whether you plan to head to the pumpkin patch, sit around the campfire or sip a latte at your favorite coffee shop this weekend, take time to get up to date on the current local news. Our week’s coverage is all listed and linked below.

Bethesda Mission will soon kick off its annual food drive, our reporting found. The nonprofit hopes to collect 120,000 pounds of food for those in need during the holidays.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region’s (BBBSCR) “Over the Edge” event is on Oct. 29, our online story reported. It will challenge participants to go over the edge of Harrisburg’s Fulton Bank building and rappel 21 stories, or 257 feet, down to the street below.

Federal and local law enforcement agencies are teaming up to target illegal gun purchases in Harrisburg, our reporting found. “Operation Scarecrow” seeks to track down people who illegally use a third party (straw party) to buy guns for them.

The Harrisburg School District may soon be adding increased mental health support to its students, our reporting found. They plan to work with Effective School Solutions (ESS), which provides mental health programming to K to 12 students.

The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board approved plans for a large apartment building proposed for Midtown, our reporting found. The project consists of one- and two-bedroom, market-rate apartments and a 3,000-square-foot commercial space.

The Hershey History Center tells the story of Hershey and Derry Township through exhibits and events, our magazine story reported. Currently, it’s showcasing an exhibit of locomotives and trolleys.

The LGBT Center of Central PA announced that it will move out of its current home on N. 3^rd Street in Harrisburg, our online story reported. According to the executive director, the center will continue operations remotely while looking for a new, larger building.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced his proposal to use over $12 million in federal funds to support seniors, our online story reported. The money would go towards creating a guaranteed income program for seniors, devoting money to a proposed affordable housing project and funding improvements to a local senior center.

Minority women entrepreneurs had a chance to network and learn at “EmergeHer,” a panel discussion, our online story reported. Harrisburg business owner Christine Titih held the event in hopes of providing resources to those looking to start a business.

The PA Farm Show is set for Jan. 8 through 15. However, the show can only go on if they can hire over 100 employees, our online story reported. Open positions range from part-time, temporary and permanent positions in security, maintenance and skilled trades.

Sara Bozich comes through again with her list of events in the Harrisburg area this weekend. Find something fun to do, here.

Seven Mountains Wine Cellars in Spring Mills offers 40 varieties on its wine list at any one time—many of them award-winners. In our magazine story, read about the father-son duo behind the brand and their mission to make great wine.

Small Business Saturday has created a platform for local businesses to get their name out during the pandemic. In our magazine story, read about founder Ashley Smith’s desire to support budding entrepreneurs through the monthly pop-up shops.

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Harrisburg mayor proposes using $12 million in federal funds for senior assistance, including direct monthly payments

October 21, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced, at the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center, his proposal to use American Rescue Plan funds to support seniors.

On a sunny Thursday morning, a small group of senior citizens gathered near the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center to hear a proposal that would benefit them.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced his proposal to use over $12 million of the city’s federal American Rescue Plan Act money to invest in senior residents.

Those plans would create a one-year, guaranteed income program for seniors, would devote money to a proposed affordable housing project and would fund improvements to the senior center.

“It is our seniors that have been most affected by this COVID crisis and could most use our assistance as we begin to bounce back next year as a city,” Papenfuse said.

The over $12 million in funding constitutes about half of the federal dollars that Harrisburg has already received. With additional money coming next year, the city is set to receive $48.8 million in total.

His proposal is to use $10.8 million to provide 3,000 Harrisburg senior residents experiencing poverty with a $300 monthly check. The payments would last for just one year, he said, explaining that this is a pilot program.

According to Papenfuse, a majority of Harrisburg’s seniors are facing poverty, living on 30% of the area’s median income.

Any senior 65 and older, whose income does not exceed $17,850 per year, would be eligible for the guaranteed income program. The program, he said, will accept all eligible applicants.

“The choice on how to spend that income rests with the individual, and this is something we believe very strongly in,” Papenfuse said. “If a senior needs to be able to spend that money on food or transportation or rent, whatever the issue is, that choice lies with the senior.”

The program would serve as a pilot, and the city would collect data throughout the year, Papenfuse said. There eventually could be a discussion about continuing the program in the future, he said.

The Harrisburg Housing Authority would help with marketing the program and assisting seniors with applying.

In addition to the guaranteed income program, Papenfuse proposed allotting $1 million for affordable housing development. Most of that would go to the Harrisburg Housing Authority for the recently approved Bethel Village project planned for N. 6^th and Herr streets, in partnership with local RB Development.

The affordable housing project received praise from city council members for its commitment to providing housing for low-income seniors. However, it solicited concern from the community over its lack of parking.

Papenfuse said that the rescue plan dollars would likely fund the creation of an underground parking garage at the site.

The Heinz Menaker Senior Center at 1824 N. 4th St., Harrisburg

The Heinz-Menaker Senior Center would also benefit from Papenfuse’s proposal as he suggested giving the facility $500,000 for building and program improvements and expansions.

“There’s a lot of deferred maintenance on this center,” said Les Ford, director of the senior center. “I want to make sure that, as we try this round of rebuilding, we focus on our senior citizens. It is money that will be well spent.”

A final $50,000 of the over $12 million total would be spent to purchase a senior shuttle for city residents, Papenfuse said.

As part of this initiative to assist seniors, Papenfuse proposed establishing a new senior services advocate position to help coordinate services for seniors and work with the state and county departments of aging.

Papenfuse is hoping to receive feedback from residents on his proposals through online surveys, comment drop boxes and pop-ups around the city.

“It would be nice if this happens,” said 83-year-old resident Phyllis Hinnant, who is also a member of the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center. “It would help all of us. We deserve that.”

Papenfuse recently announced his plan for another $13 million of the rescue funds. He proposed reconstructing the city’s Hall Manor and Jackson Lick pools, which are over 50 years old.

He plans to present both of these ideas to city council as part of the 2022 budget process in November, he said. Papenfuse stated that he believes council members are on board with the proposals.

However, city council has increasingly voiced frustration with the lack of communication from Papenfuse on his plans for the rescue plan money. Many members have spoken out at council meetings, asking to be included in the planning process.

City council will need to approve these proposals in order for them to move forward.

“I’m glad we are in the position with these American Rescue Plan funds to make a difference in this important way,” Papenfuse said.

To complete the senior assistance proposal survey, click here. For more information, visit the city’s website.

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Return of the PA Farm Show hinges on hiring

October 21, 2021 | by Karen Hendricks

The PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg

It could be considered the ultimate bellwether that Pennsylvania is plowing through the pandemic and getting back to normal.

The 106th Pennsylvania State Farm Show is set for Jan. 8 through 15 at Harrisburg’s landmark Farm Show Complex on Cameron Street.

But the success of the annual agricultural extravaganza could hinge on the hiring of more than 100 employees, now.

That’s because the state-run Farm Show Complex, like countless businesses today, is hiring.

“People don’t necessarily think about the Farm Show Complex in terms of jobs,” said Shannon Powers, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. “But there’s a mountain of planning that’s going on right now … and we are hiring in order to put on the amazing array of events that go on here.”

Open positions range from part-time, temporary and permanent positions in security, maintenance and skilled trades. All positions are available in a full range of shifts around the clock, which Powers said appeals to many retirees as well as “people who just love the Farm Show.”

“I can’t say enough about these positions—these are things you can’t automate. When there’s a lighting or a sound issue, or an arena needs to be turned over—all those things require people,” Power said. “Making the Farm Show the welcoming environment it is—that requires human power.”

In terms of security alone, there are currently 66 open jobs with a starting pay rate of more than $16 per hour at the complex, which needs 24-hour security.

Skilled laborer positions pay $14.61 per hour, with 62 people currently being sought for the facility’s maintenance, both inside and out. Those employees would be responsible for everything from event setup and teardown to groundskeeping. That includes snow removal—something “Farm Show Week” is notoriously known for.

The last time the Pennsylvania Farm Show was held in person was pre-pandemic, in January 2020. The show was held virtually in 2021.

All of the open positions are vital to the complex’s gearing up for the Pennsylvania Farm Show’s opening in less than three months, Powers said, plus additional events returning to the million-square-foot complex. When asked if she’s worried about filling the positions, Powers said, “Everyone is worried—everyone who runs a business is worried about hiring staff right now. It’s a challenge … it’s a concern.”

While many Pennsylvanians are excited about the return of the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the annual event’s return brings a swirl of emotions and tall tasks this fall, for staff.

“It’s a blend of excitement and fear and trepidation for the amount of planning that’s involved,” Powers said. “Figuring out the logistics—that’s a little bit of an amazing feat that’s more challenging right now than usual.”

For more information on the Farm Show Complex’s jobs, see: security officers, part-time permanent, and laborer listings. And to learn more about the 106^th Pennsylvania State Farm Show, visit https://www.farmshow.pa.gov/pafarmshow/Pages/default.aspx.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 21, 2021 | 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’s inside:

Add to calendar [NEW]
For your weekend planning:
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Like this content?

Need something NEW to do? SoMa Block Party; lots of live theatre; fall festivals.

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: Block Party tonight, of course. Otherwise low key weekend, probably market, soup-making, pumpkin-carving.

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

Add to calendar [NEW]

Thursday, Oct. 21 – SoMa Block Party, Take 2

For your weekend planning:

WIN tickets to Gamut Theatre’s take on Alice in Wonderland
Shop these great local markets.
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

Try a pumpkin cocktail
Go shoe shopping
Explore the best local markets
Stream episodes of Poured in PA: The Series

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

Thursday

SoMa Block Party (so good we’re doing it again)
Mamma Mia! at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Something Rotten! at The Ephrata Performing Arts Center
Bonsai Exhibit at Hershey Gardens
Throwback Thursdays with DJ Caraby at The Englewood
Girls Pint Out Meetup at Collusion Tapworks
Shrimp Band @ Cold Springs Inn

Friday

Learn @ Lunchtime with The State Museum of Pennsylvania:
Shoo-Fly Porter in Back! at Lancaster Brewing Co.
Open Stage presents White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
Mamma Mia! at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Bonsai Exhibit at Hershey Gardens
Hersheypark in the Dark
Halloween Hootenanny at FNB Field
Theatre Harrisburg presents THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
King Fest at Midtown Cinema
Night of the Living Dead | at Midtown Cinema
Club Villain Dining Experience at Greystone Brew House
Harrisburg University Presents SAINT MOTEL at XL Live
WGHSEA FAll Fest 2021
Opening reception: Nothing Pretty at The Art Association of Harrisburg
Hershey Balloon Glow Festival at The Vineyard at Hershey

Saturday

Friends of Midtown Personal Item Donation Drive @ The Ecumenical Food Pantry
Ashcombe Fall Harvest Days
For Women, By Women Hiking, Rappelling, Community with Adventure Explorations
The York County Ale Trail Brew Bus
The York County Ale Trail Original Walking Tour
Harrisburg Halloween Run
Open Stage presents White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
Hersheypark in the Dark
Market on Chocolate
The Coexist Farmers Market
New Cumberland Farmers’ Market on 4th – Find more local markets here
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Mamma Mia! at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Bonsai Exhibit at Hershey Gardens
Something Rotten! at The Ephrata Performing Arts Center
Theatre Harrisburg presents THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
FOOD TRUCK FALLFEST at Newberrytown Peddler’s Market
YPOC Boardgames & Brunch at Good Brotha’s Book Cafe
Cinderella’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Dining Experience at Greystone Brew House
Shrimp Band @ Hook & Flask
HYP Night at the Symphony feat. the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s John Williams Tribute Concert
Harrisburg University Presents Bishop Briggs with special gue s t SHAED at XL Live
Pumpkin Glow at Hershey Gardens
Fall Foliage Floats on the Yellow Breeches with Susquehanna Outfitters
WGHSEA FAll Fest 2021
Good Brotha’s presents Date Night with Koki Latin Cuisine
Night at the Nature Center
Club Villain Dining Experience at Greystone Brew House
Hershey Balloon Glow Festival at The Vineyard at Hershey
HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD Attraction Fall Baking Demonstrations with Godinger Bakeware

Sunday

Just Plain Yoga Virtual Monthly Yin Yoga
NFL Football on the BIG Screen at The Englewood
The York County Ale Trail Original Walking Tour
Sunday Family Day at Stumpy’s Hatchet House Hershey
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Mamma Mia! at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Ashcombe Fall Harvest Days
Hersheypark in the Dark
Open Stage presents White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
Bare Bones Ensemble presents The Rocky Horror Show at Federal Taphouse
Bonsai Exhibit at Hershey Gardens
Theatre Harrisburg presents THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
Halloween Radio Theater at Center Street Grille
Pumpkin Glow at Hershey Gardens
Fall Foliage Floats on the Yellow Breeches with Susquehanna Outfitters
WGHSEA FAll Fest 2021
Ales on the Rails
King Fest at Midtown Cinema
Hershey Balloon Glow Festival at The Vineyard at Hershey
HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD Attraction Fall Baking Demonstrations with Godinger Bakeware
Ride & Reset: Cycle/Yoga Combo Class at H2L Studio

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

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Bethesda Mission will begin annual food drive for those in need during the holidays

October 20, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Bethesda Mission

Every year, a local Harrisburg nonprofit collects thousands of pounds of food for people in need, and this year is no different.

On Oct. 25, Bethesda Mission will kick off its annual food drive, soliciting the community’s help in stocking up on food for city residents during the winter months.

“The food feeds people now through the holidays,” said Rebecca Clymer, event/volunteer coordinator for Bethesda. “The donations really enable us to do what we do.”

Clymer said that Bethesda’s goal this year is to collect 120,000 pounds of food by the end of the drive on Dec. 8.

Much of the food will be used to fill 500 boxes of Thanksgiving meals and another 500 for Christmas.

“Those end up in the homes of people in need for the holidays,” Clymer said.

Food will also be used to fill Bethesda’s food pantry and to make meals for residents at the organization’s men’s and women’s shelters.

Bethesda is accepting nonperishable food items such as canned green beans, boxed mashed potatoes, pasta and canned fruit.

These can be dropped off at the following locations:

Dauphin County Library System
- East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
- Kline Library, 530 S. 29^th St., Harrisburg
- Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library, 2410 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg
- McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg
- Northern Dauphin Library, 683 Main St., Lykens
- Elizabethville Area Library, 80 N. Market St., Elizabethville
- Johnson Memorial Library, 799 E. Center St., Millersburg
Gateway Health Community Connection Center, 1426 N. 3 rd St., Harrisburg
Bethesda Men’s Mission, 611 Reily St., Harrisburg
Sharp Shopper, 1577 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown

They will also accept turkeys and hams at their men’s mission.

People can also make monetary donations to help Bethesda purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products.

The food drive is especially important this year as many residents struggle from the effects of the pandemic, Clymer said.

“Especially around the holidays where the expectations are for bigger meals, it can be harder for someone who has lost a job,” she said.

Clymer is hopeful for another successful drive, noting that they have reached their goal in the past.

“We see the community come together each year to meet this goal,” she said. “It really does come down to each person who donates. We are really thankful.”

For more information about Bethesda Mission’s food drive and to find a list of food drop-off locations, visit their website.

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Large Midtown apartment building gets OK from Harrisburg zoning board

October 19, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

A rendering of the proposed apartment building at Reily and N. 4th streets

A large apartment building proposed for Midtown Harrisburg received a key approval on Monday night, as the project passed muster with the city zoning board.

The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board voted 2-0 to approve a variance and several special exceptions for the 155-unit project at 320 Reily St., currently a paved parking lot covering an entire city block at Reily and N. 4th streets.

Several issues were on the table, but most of the two-hour discussion centered on parking for the project, which consists of one- and two-bedroom, market-rate apartments and a 3,000-square-foot commercial space.

As currently configured, the project would be built with 86 parking spaces on site, considerably fewer than the 206 spaces required by city code.

The developer also proposes to use an adjacent parking lot that consists of 72 spaces. Those spaces would be shared with commercial tenants of GreenWorks Development, whose owner, Doug Neidich, is a partner in the apartment project, along with Baltimore-based Washington Place Equities.

The developers told the board that they believed that this amount of parking would be sufficient, saying that some tenants wouldn’t have cars and that most residential and commercial tenants would use the shared lot at different times of the day.

“Statistically, over the course of a day, we feel we have adequate parking for the residential uses as well as the commercial uses that will be … as efficient a use as possible,” Neidich told the board.

The current site of the proposed apartment building is a surface parking lot.

Zoning board members acknowledged that parking presented a difficult challenge.

“The 72-space lot being non-exclusive is sort of contrary to how I understand human nature to work,” said board Chair Thomas Leonard. “I could see squabbles over those spaces.”

The developers told the board that they’d consider other measures to alleviate parking issues, such as mass transit subsidies for tenants and/or a car sharing service like Zipcar.

Board member Shannon Gority added that the 72-space shared lot is lightly used currently and that she believed additional parking would be developed in the neighborhood as demand increased for it.

In fact, earlier this year, the city approved another apartment project two blocks up Reily Street that, under the current design, includes a 500-space parking garage.

In the end, the board voted to grant the parking exception, with the provision that the developers enter into a legally binding agreement linking the shared lot to the apartment building.

Before breaking ground, the developers now must submit a land development plan to the city, which must be approved by the city Planning Commission and City Council.

“It’s a matter of getting a couple of more steps done, and we’ll get moving,” Neidich said, following the meeting.

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Federal, local law enforcement targets illegal gun purchases in Harrisburg area through “Operation Scarecrow”

October 19, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Local and federal law enforcement officials introduced “Operation Scarecrow” at a press conference.

Getting illegal guns off the streets is the focus of a new initiative by federal and local law enforcement agencies.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Bruce Brandler announced “Operation Scarecrow,” which targets those who illegally purchase and possess guns.

The initiative is a partnership between the attorney’s office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Harrisburg Police Bureau.

“As we all know and read about far too often in the press, violent crime is rising around the nation,” Brandler said. “Unfortunately, Harrisburg is not immune to this trend and ‘Operation Scarecrow’ is part of our strategy to reduce violent crime.”

Under “Operation Scarecrow,” officials will focus on finding those who are prohibited from purchasing a gun due to a prior felony, but who use a third party, or “straw party,” to buy guns for them. All parties involved in these straw transactions are subject to criminal prosecution, Brandler said.

The initiative began this past April and will continue indefinitely, he added.

Since its beginning, officials have charged 10 people for 139 straw purchases. Only 26 of those firearms have been recovered, Brandler said, explaining how hard it is to track illegal guns.

Often officials are able to track down criminals involved in straw purchases through tips from gun dealers or colleagues of criminals who “snitch,” Brandler said.

“When you go to any neighborhood in Harrisburg, the question you hear is how can we get the shootings to stop,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said. “It is a complicated answer to those questions, but one of the things we have to focus on is getting the guns off the street that are being utilized illegally.”

This year in Harrisburg, there have been eight homicides, a decrease from last year’s numbers, Papenfuse said.

According to Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter, the police bureau has taken 153 illegal guns off the streets this year.

Brandler said that “Operation Scarecrow” has been started in other districts in the state, as well.

The initiative is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice program that aims to bring together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime.

“We routinely target and prosecute other violent criminals who plague our community,” Brandler said. “But prosecuting gun violence is the centerpiece of our strategy to reduce violent crimes in Harrisburg.”

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Harrisburg School District expects to offer additional mental health support for students

October 19, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg High School–John Harris Campus

Harrisburg students struggling with mental health issues may soon see increased support opportunities.

At a business meeting on Monday night, Harrisburg School District officials discussed working with Effective School Solutions (ESS), which provides mental health programming to K to 12 students.

District Receiver Janet Samuels approved the partnership, contingent on allowing the district’s solicitor to review the contract.

“The social and emotional wellbeing of our students and staff is essential,” she said.

ESS CEO Duncan Young explained that they plan to provide services to students who have faced trauma as a result of the pandemic, but also to students who already suffered from mental health issues before COVID.

“Even before COVID-19, the data clearly indicated that there was a growing mental health epidemic among K to 12 students,” he said.

The ESS programming will begin working with students and staff at Harrisburg High School—John Harris Campus and possibly expand to include Camp Curtin and Rowland Academy next year, Superintendent Eric Turman said.

Samuels pointed out that this partnership will increase the district’s capacity to address mental health, as it already works with several other providers.

The district may implement the ESS programming as early as December, Turman said.

According to Young, programming will address the needs of students facing mild to intensive mental health challenges. It will include individual, group and family therapy sessions, he said.

“What we’ve really seen in the last 18 months is a universal adverse childhood experience that many of our young people have faced,” Young said. “And now that we are coming back into what appears to be the first stages of a return to normalcy, we are hearing again and again from educators across all of our districts, that students are struggling with these challenges.”

He cited an uptick in behavioral challenges, depression and fighting as results of trauma caused by the pandemic. Academic stressors, social isolation, family and economic stressors, and anxiety over COVID all play a role in the trauma students have faced, Young said.

ESS works with 90 districts across the state, including local districts like Steelton-Highspire, Susquehanna Township and Middletown.

According to Michael Roseman, vice president of district partnerships, ESS has a 99% retention rate of keeping students in the district. They’ve also seen a 16% increase in grade point averages, a 35% reduction in student absences and a 38% reduction in disciplinary incidents, among students in their programming.

The district will utilize its federal COVID relief funds to pay for the over half a-million-dollar partnership.

In other news, Harrisburg High School—John Harris Campus will have a new assistant principal, Abigail Dougherty, who begins in November. Dougherty replaces Leni Cordero, who resigned.

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