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.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

LGBT Center of Central PA to move out of Midtown building, looking for new home

October 18, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

The LGBT Center of Central PA

A prominent Harrisburg organization that supports the LGBTQ community will leave its current location in search of a new home.

The LGBT Center of Central PA announced its plans to move this month from its location at 1306 N. 3^rd St, where it has resided since 2012.

“A number of factors have aligned to indicate that now is the right time to make this move,” said Amanda Arbour, executive director of the center, in a statement. “While we’re excited about the opportunity to find a new, larger space to support our growing staff and programs, we recognize that this was the center’s first home of our own and leaving it is bittersweet. We’re grateful for all of the work that went into creating this space for the center.”

The center has been closed to the public throughout the pandemic, opting instead for virtual programming.

“Our goal was to reopen for in-person programming again, but our plans have changed,” Arbour said.

The center staff will work remotely out of the GLO-Harrisburg building on N. 3rd Street until they find a new, larger home. Arbour said that they plan to solicit community feedback about what people hope to see in a new space.

A farewell party will be held on Oct. 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. across from the center, in the grass lot at N. 3^rd and Verbeke streets. Past and present staff and board members will be recognized and there will be an “open mic” time for people to share memories and reflections.

Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees are asked to wear masks.

The LGBT Center provides programming for LGBTQ youth, transgender and non-binary people, queer and trans people of color and LGBTQ older adults. It also provides virtual training and education sessions for the community.

For more information about the LGBT Center of Central PA, visit their website.

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

Edgy Event: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Capital Region is taking “Over the Edge” to new heights.

October 18, 2021 | by Karen Hendricks

A past “Over the Edge” event

Everyone faces challenges in life.

In a nutshell, that’s what Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region’s (BBBSCR) “Over the Edge” event is all about.

The nonprofit organization’s fundraiser and adventure, set for Oct. 29, challenges participants to go over the edge of Harrisburg’s Fulton Bank building and rappel 21 stories, or 257 feet, down to the street below.*

“Everyone who’s done it says it’s exhilarating,” said Rich Carroll, BBBSCR’s events and engagement manager. “Overcoming fears is important, and the importance of the matter will overshadow any fears I personally have.”

This is Carroll’s first time managing the event, as well as his first time being an “edger”—the term BBBSCR uses to describe participants brave—or crazy—enough to take a leap of faith, with safety gear of course.

Although the Fulton Bank building—as one of Harrisburg’s tallest buildings—dominates the skyline, he puts the tall task in perspective.

“We’ve all been kids at some point, or we have kids, so we know the challenges kids face and how those challenges can be tough to support through mentoring—especially in today’s world. The bullying problem is so huge and kids feel sometimes as though they don’t have somebody to connect with, so having a mentor helps empower them to power through it,” Carroll said.

Over the Edge is expected to raise about $50,000 toward the program Big Brothers Big Sisters is nationally known for—matching “bigs” and “littles,” or community mentors with area kids. BBBSCR serves five counties—Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and Perry.

“Building those positive relationships—that’s why we’re here, setting these kids up to defend their potential. We want that to be protected,” Carroll said. “And that’s what we’re going down the side of a building for.”

Fulton Bank building

To date, 45 “edgers” are signed up, with about 30 spots still available. Participants are asked to fundraise a minimum of $1,000. To up the ante, corporate sponsors can pay for the “toss your boss” option. And donations can underwrite the cost of allowing an area police officer to rappel, heightening the awareness of BBBSCR’s “Bigs in Blue” mentoring program.

Fundraising stands just over $35,000 currently—a total that Carroll said is no small feat during a year that’s presented seemingly insurmountable issues and obstacles.

“Right now, it’s a pretty good cross-section of the community—some hometown heroes, EMTs, several of our ‘bigs,’ even Sharkman has signed up,” Carroll says. “To be at this point with these kinds of numbers and support is exciting, especially since we got a late start planning.”

The event typically requires a solid year’s worth of planning, but during this pandemic year, the groundwork was laid in late summer.

“The building we’ve used in the past didn’t work out, so we say we’re going higher with the Fulton Bank building this year, in celebration of our 40th anniversary,” said Mary Murphy, BBBSCR’s development director. The organization is gearing up for its 40th anniversary celebration on Dec. 7.

Over the Edge began several years ago as a counterpoint to its nationally-known Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser. Amid the pandemic, Bowl for Kids’ Sake has been canceled.

“We started Over the Edge as a way to recognize the adventurous side in many of our supporters. Bowling is on the safe side, but we want to provide different groups of people the opportunity to support our mission,” said Amy Rote, BBBSCR’s president and CEO.

As a thank you to all edgers, especially edgers who may be second-guessing their adventurous abilities, BBBSCR is holding a “Liquid Courage” event the night before Over the Edge. It’s set for the Capitol’s East Rotunda, sponsored in part by Boneshire Brew Works and The Vineyard at Hershey.

Carroll said there will be a handful of spots available for anyone who musters up last-minute courage—along with a check for $1,000—to go over the edge, even on Oct. 29.

In the meantime, he’s hearing incredible stories from edgers going to great lengths—actually great heights—for area children.

“One young lady is excited to do it because she’s deathly afraid of heights,” Carroll said. “She’s a ‘big,’ and she told me, ‘It’s important to support you guys and face my fears, because the kids do it all the time.’ Another woman is a breast cancer survivor, and to her, going over the edge is a unique way to continue her cancer survival story as well as wanting to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Personally, Carroll admits he’s afraid of heights and “slightly nervous” about his own journey over the edge.

“I was at Negley Park last week, and seeing the building from over there—I was asking myself if I was insane,” Carroll said with a laugh. “I think if I can get over the edge of the wall I should be ok, it’s going to be that first step that’s the toughest.”

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, including Over the Edge, see capbigs.org.

* Due to a forecast of inclement weather, the event was held one day early, on Oct. 28.

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

Local business owner to hold networking event for minority women entrepreneurs

October 18, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Christine Titih

While many businesses have faced closure during the pandemic, for some entrepreneurs it was the perfect time to start a business.

The organizer of the upcoming panel discussion, “EmergeHer,” hopes to encourage and provide resources to those budding business owners, specifically minority women.

“I’ve enjoyed seeing the number of new businesses that have developed during the pandemic,” said local business owner Christine Titih, organizer of the event. “I felt like there may be minority women that may be looking to get into business and don’t know how to start.”

Titih founded CT Home Care Services which provides assistance to people with intellectual disabilities. She also started Oaks of Central PA, a nonprofit that advocates for the African immigrant and refugee community of the Harrisburg area.

Her panel discussion, on Oct. 21 at Capital Blue Cross Connect in Enola, will feature minority women business owners who will share their stories of success and answer audience questions, Titih said.

Titih said she remembers how important it was to have business owner friends she could ask questions of when she started her home care service.

“It helped to be able to have that information and encouragement from someone who knows the field,” she said.

That’s why creating a space for networking and mentoring is important to her, she said.

The panel will feature the following speakers:

Hagir Elsheikh, owner/CEO of HSE Staffing Agency, founder/CEO of Tomorrow’s Smile
Emelia Kah Makor, co-owner and founder of Reves Etheres
Shariah Brown, president of Personal Touch Professional Cleaning Services, chairperson of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central PA
Dr. Robyn Joppy, founder of Visionary Pearls Management and Project Cultivate Inc.
Moriah Hathaway, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women

Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Titih said that while registration for the in-person event is almost full, people can join the discussion via Zoom.

There will also be two grant giveaways, sponsored by Giant and Belco Community Credit Union. Attendees can apply for a $1,000 grant for a startup business that is less than two years old or for a $1,000 grant for an existing business.

“It’s all about giving women the tools, encouragement and connections to not only start a business, but sustain it,” she said.

“EmergeHer” will take place on Oct. 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Capital Blue Cross Connect, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola. For more information, contact Christine Titih at [email protected].

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!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 15, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Local officials ceremoniously broke ground on an expansion project at the McCormick Riverfront Library on Thursday.

Tonight is 3^rd in the Burg, which means it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy some of the best art, music and food that Harrisburg has to offer. While you’re out, grab a copy of the magazine at one of our distribution locations. And don’t forget to check out the most recent local news, listed and linked, below.

“Bergman Island” is playing at Midtown Cinema this month. Our movie reviewer says the film is slow at times, but beautiful to watch.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region is ready to meet the needs of children dealing with mental health issues, our magazine story reported. According to organization officials, kids need mentorship now more than ever.

Bob loves October almost as much as he loves art. In his art blog, he shares a 3^rd in the Burg preview and highlights artists from Millworks.

The Community Check-Up Center offers medical care in the Hall Manor community for those who may not be accepted elsewhere due to a lack of insurance or available funds. In our magazine story, read about the history of the center and its upcoming fundraiser.

The Dauphin County Library System broke ground on a major expansion project of the McCormick Riverfront Library in Harrisburg, our reporting found. The $3.5 million project partially renovates the library and connects it to the neighboring, historically significant house.

Gamut Theatre is presenting “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” our online story reported. Actors give their audience a confident delivery of Shakespeare’s signature iambic pentameter, with moments on a sliding scale of sinister and silly, says our theater reviewer.

Harrisburg-area home prices continued to climb while sales dipped in September, our reporting found. For the month, 757 houses sold in the three-county region compared to 812 in September 2020.

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC announced its 2021 Catalyst Award winners, our online story reported. Eight community members and organizations were selected for the awards, which recognize positive forces in the community.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced his proposal to use $13 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds to reconstruct two city pools, our reporting found. However, City Council members expressed concern that they aren’t being included in the planning process.

The LGBT Center of Central PA unveiled two new historical markers in Harrisburg to honor LGBTQ state history, our online story reported. The plaques tell the stories of past Pennsylvania Gov. Milton J. Shapp and Richard Schlegel, a pioneering gay activist.

Maureen Marks Arts in Lower Paxton Township encourages children and families to create, our magazine story reported. Classes cover topics such as drawing, painting, clay, printmaking, pastel and crafts such as jewelry making.

Radish & Rye Food Hub in Harrisburg is facing a challenge that many small businesses are dealing with right now—staffing shortages. We published a blog post written by co-owner Julia James to give readers a sense of the difficulties local businesses deal with as they try to adapt to an uncertain, rapidly changing economic landscape.

Sara Bozich has the Weekend Roundup of local events, as always. Click here to find a fun way to enjoy fall.

Sip@SoMa is back, reopening just a few doors down from its original location on S. 3^rd Street in downtown Harrisburg, our online story reported. The tasting room will feature products from a rotating lineup of Pennsylvania brewers, vintners and distillers, in limited engagements.

TheBurg Podcast takes several of our magazine features and expands upon the print story. This month, we feature stories of a lost-and-found elk, a very large mural and a place for kids to create art, along with the monthly fan favorite, The Most Harrisburg Thing.

Walnut Street in downtown Harrisburg will receive a secondary name to honor a Black historical figure from the city, our online story reported. It will be named T. Morris Chester Way in remembrance of the prominent lawyer, soldier and the only Black war correspondent during the Civil War.

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!

Harrisburg mayor proposes using federal funds on new pools; council members ask to be included in planning

October 14, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Mayor Eric Papenfuse held a press conference at the Hall Manor pool on Thursday.

As Harrisburg finds itself swimming in federal COVID relief money, the mayor has some plans for how to use it.

At a press conference on Thursday at the Hall Manor Pool, Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced his proposal to use a portion of the city’s allocated American Rescue Plan money to rebuild Harrisburg’s two public pools.

“Those pools have served the city well for five decades, but they are now officially beyond their useful life,” Papenfuse said. “The American Rescue plan funds […] are designed to help people who need help the most. This is the perfect use for those funds.”

Papenfuse said that he intends to use $13 million of the city’s rescue plan funds to renovate both the Hall Manor and Jackson Lick pools, which are both over 50 years old.

In total, Harrisburg is set to receive $48.8 million in American Rescue Plan funds. The city has received half of the total funds already and expects to receive the rest next year.

Papenfuse said that rebuilding the pools will provide a form of safe recreation for children and families in Harrisburg.

The city is currently soliciting feedback from residents on what they would like to see incorporated into the designs of the pools, however, Papenfuse already has some ideas.

Proposed plans for the Hall Manor pool

Proposed plans for the Jackson Lick pool

Harrisburg has worked with engineering firm Brandstetter Carroll Inc. to draw up plans for the pools that include water slides, splash pads, lazy rivers, picnic pavilions and lap pools, among other features. Pool houses will be reconstructed, as well.

“The constant feedback from the community has been just how important the pools are to our civic life,” Papenfuse said. “The community would like to see these pools reinvigorated for the next generation.”

He added that, for the past eight years, the city has conducted various studies on the pools. While there has been demand for the pools, the city has never had the funds to reconstruct them, but rather, patched and repaired wherever they could over the years, Papenfuse said.

Both pools have been closed for the majority of the past two years due to COVID. The Jackson Lick pool only opening briefly this past August, after facing a shortage of lifeguards. Parks and Recreation Manager Kevin Sanders said that he thinks finding staff will continue to be an issue even after the reconstruction.

Papenfuse said that the construction would take about three years to complete and that they would stagger work on the pools so that one is always open.

Admission to the pools would be free during construction and for at least a year after, Papenfuse said.

The new pools, Papenfuse said, would last for years to come.

Under the rescue plan fund guidelines, there are rules for how the money can be used. Papenfuse said that this project complies.

“The pools are going to benefit some of the folks who were affected by COVID the most,” he said. “It’s about racial equity; it’s about social justice.”

Harrisburg’s City Council would need to approve the plan, which Papenfuse said he will propose as part of the 2022 budget. He said that he has spoken with members of council about his plan.

“I think they will be very supportive,” he said.

City Council member Westburn Majors said that he had a brief conversation with Papenfuse last week, but that overall, communication with the administration has been lacking.

“It’s extremely frustrating that the first time we formally hear about the plans, it’s at a press conference,” Majors said when reached by phone. “Since the rescue plan money got passed, I have repeatedly asked for the administration to have a conversation with council.”

Majors said that, historically, council has been supportive of renovating and keeping the pools, even when the administration has pushed replacing the pools with splash pads.

“I don’t think anyone is opposed to looking at pools as an option,” he said. “But I want to have a larger conversation. Everyone should have a stake in how this is spent.”

Several other council members have voiced concern about the lack of communication, as well. Most recently, council member Danielle Bowers publicly shared her sentiments towards Papenfuse at a legislative session on Tuesday.

“We are ready and waiting to meet with you to discuss a spending plan for the American Rescue Plan funding that makes sense for the longevity of the city,” she said. “My colleagues have politely inquired about the mayor’s absence and have received radio silence.”

In addition to the pool proposal, Papenfuse has also discussed using about $12 million more in the federal funding to create a guaranteed income program. Under that initiative, the city would provide monthly payments to possibly thousands of qualifying low-income families for a multi-year period, he said.

In addition to the online survey, residents can comment on the pool proposal at various outreach opportunities throughout the city.

The dates for outreach pop-ups are listed below:

Oct. 14, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Broad Street Market
Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Broad Street Market
Oct. 16, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Broad Street Market and from 1 to 4 p.m. at Capital Rebirth’s Superhero Day on City Island
Oct. 23, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Broad Street Market and from 1 to 5 p.m. at Southside Fiesta-Hall Manor Apartments

To complete the pool survey, click here.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Two new tasting rooms to open in downtown Harrisburg, part of “tasting row” in SoMa

October 14, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The interior of the new Sip@SoMa

Last April, downtown Harrisburg lost Sip@SoMa, a rotating, limited-engagement brewery concept on S. 3^rd Street.

This was actually good news, as Swatara Township-based Boneshire Brew Works opened a permanent tasting room in the space.

But now Sip@SoMa is back—times two.

This week, Harristown Enterprises will debut a new Sip@SoMa just a few doors down from the original location. In addition, it plans to open another tasting room on the street, Sip@17, which will cater to small-group gatherings and tastings.

Both locations will feature products from a rotating lineup of Pennsylvania brewers, vintners and distillers, in limited engagements.

The bar at the new Sip@SoMa

“Harristown is thrilled to add these two new tasting rooms to this thriving neighborhood,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown. “The first Sip@SoMa was a great success. These two new tasting rooms will add to the vibrancy of this block and create a destination tasting row for the SoMa neighborhood.”

Located at 23 S. 3^rd St., the new Sip@SoMa is larger than the original location at about 1,000 square feet, plus a 600-square-foot patio in the back, which together seats about 40 customers. The industrial-style design also features a small bar and performance stage.

It will be open on Friday for 3^rd in the Burg, featuring beverages from Adams County-based Ploughman Cider, the art of Sarah Fogg and live music from Shine Delphi. The Ploughman Cider engagement runs from Thursday to Saturday, Oct. 14 to 16.

Sip@17, located at 17 S. 3^rd St., is a smaller space of about 600 square feet. It is intended mostly for special, more intimate events, such as wine tastings.

Sara Bozich will be responsible for booking vendors and promotion.

“We’re excited to again partner with Harristown with these new tasting rooms,” she said. “Adding to the success of the original Sip@SoMa will continue to grow this neighborhood and showcase downtown Harrisburg’s potential. We’re looking forward to introducing brewers and producers from around the state to the SoMa district—and vice versa.”

Longer term, Harristown’s plan for the two spaces is the same as for the original Sip@SoMa, now occupied by Boneshire—to lease them permanently and turn S. 3^rd Street into a “tasting row,” according to the company.

“Harristown intends to offer these spaces for lease eventually and will be looking to build additional tap rooms in the neighborhood at other storefronts it owns,” Jones said.

To follow what’s happening at Sip@SoMa, visit www.sarabozich.com.

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

Harrisburg Chamber names recipients of 2021 Catalyst Awards

October 14, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

George Nahodil has been named the 2021 Catalyst Award winner, as the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC today announced its annual list of people and organizations serving as positive forces for our area.

Nahodil, CEO and president of Members 1^st Federal Credit Union, is one of eight awardees for the prestigious award.

“We are incredibly proud to honor this group of individuals and businesses for their commitment to our region,” said Ryan Unger, president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. “This past year and a half has been challenging for everyone, and this group of individuals and businesses were able to step up and represent the best that our community has to offer.

In addition, to the Catalyst Award itself, the chamber and CREDC announced the winners of additional awards under the Catalyst framework. The honorees are:

Athena Award: Lisa Stokes, owner and president, B.R.P. Entertainment
Corporate Diversity Champion of the Year: Gannett Fleming, Inc.
Diversity Influencer of the Year: McNees Wallace & Nurick’s Task Force for the Legal Equity Advancement Program
Entrepreneur of the Year: Amma Johnson, owner and designer, AJ Brands LLC
Government Leader of the Year: Tim DeFoor, Pennsylvania Auditor General
Small Business of The Year: Macris Chocolates
Volunteer of The Year: Karen Young, founder and president, HR Resolutions, LLC

Each year, a panel of local business and community representatives selects the recipients, according to the chamber.

In 2018, TheBurg received the Catalyst Award.

The annual Catalyst Awards ceremony will take place on Dec. 14 at the Hilton Harrisburg and is open to the public. For more information and tickets, visit www.HarrisburgRegionalChamber.org.

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

Officials stress connections across time, community as Dauphin County library expansion breaks ground

October 14, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

State, county and local officials today officially broke ground on a major expansion and renovation to the McCormick Riverfront Library in Harrisburg.

Construction has commenced but the fundraising continues, as the Dauphin County Library System today officially broke ground on a major expansion of its flagship library in downtown Harrisburg.

State, county and local officials were all on hand to ceremoniously turn the dirt on a $3.5 million project that partially renovates the existing McCormick Riverfront Library, completely renovates the neighboring Haldeman Haly House and connects the two buildings.

“It’s a physical connection, but it’s very symbolic of the connections we expect to happen … connecting all of us with a much deeper and more comprehensive understanding of our shared past so it can better inform our shared future,” said Karen Cullings, DCLS executive director, before a large assembled crowd.

At the rear of the library, an addition is set to rise to connect the buildings, which today’s groundbreaking marked.

The project also includes renovating the two-century-old Haldeman Haly House, transforming it into event, meeting and office space, and extensive renovations to the main library building, which will include a new children’s section, a new welcome center and an area dedicated specifically to the city’s African American history. It also will serve as a permanent home for the Harrisburg Past Players, which represents figures from local history, often in period costume.

A rendering of the planned expansion that will connect the two buildings.

Several speakers remarked on the deep historical connection between the two buildings. The McCormick Library was built on what was the garden of Sara Haldeman Haly, who, in 1896, bequeathed the property to the library system.

Dauphin County Commission Chair Mike Pries read a proclamation to honor the groundbreaking, and both Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse and City Council President Wanda Williams mentioned that the city next year will rename a portion of neighboring Walnut Street to honor pioneering Black lawyer and journalist T. Morris Chester as it makes major improvements to the street, a project that will include new bump-outs, crosswalks and sidewalks.

“It will be easier to get to the library than ever before,” Papenfuse said.

To date, DCLS has raised nearly $2.7 million towards its $3.5 million goal. Several speakers appealed for additional donations to close the remaining funding gap.

“I absolutely love the city of Harrisburg, and the city of Harrisburg deserves nice things,” said Andrew Enders, a member of the DCLS board of trustees. “These are shining examples of a nice thing that a capital city needs. Each of you is making that happen. We need community support.”

To learn more about the Dauphin County Library System and to make a contribution, visit www.dcls.org.

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

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 14, 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? sip @ soma featuring Ploughman Cider — we have a little something extra planned for 3rd in the Burg. Central Penn College celebrates 140 years with a DMB Tribute, Fall Harvest Fest, and more. Oktoberfest celebrations continue at LBC Harrisburg (final weekend).

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: sip @ soma, obviously. Say it with me, “Hunting Widow Status Engaged.” That said, fingers crossed for a healthy kid (we missed the last two weekends) so we can do some fun fall stuff.

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

Add to calendar [NEW]

Thursday, Oct. 14 • Friday, Oct. 15 • Saturday, Oct. 16 – sip @ soma featuring Ploughman Cider
Friday, Oct. 15 – 3rd in the Burg in SoMa Harrisburg
Thursday, Oct. 21 – SoMa Block Party, Take 2

For your weekend planning:

Win some spicy Howie’s Spiked to warm the cool nights
Enter to win a AAA Central Penn travel duffel packed with goodies
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
See the #1 DMB tribute band
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!

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

Like this content?

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

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

What’s inside:

Add to calendar [NEW]

For your weekend planning:

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Like this content?

You May Also Like