Harrisburg’s Walnut Street will receive additional name to honor Black historical figure

October 13, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Walnut Street

A downtown Harrisburg street will get a new name to recognize Black history in the city.

At a legislative session on Tuesday night, City Council unanimously approved a resolution to designate a section of Walnut Street as T. Morris Chester Way.

“I think it’s important that we recognize and highlight the contributions of African Americans in the city of Harrisburg and what we’ve done to improve Harrisburg despite the odds,” council member Westburn Majors said.

The idea was brought to council by the IIPT Harrisburg Peace Promenade, which is responsible for the recent installation of the Commonwealth Monument on 4^th and Walnut streets.

According to the Commonwealth Monument Project, Chester was a prominent figure in Harrisburg history during the 1860s. He was a lawyer, soldier and the only Black war correspondent during the Civil War.

Chester is also recognized as one of the bronze figures in the Commonwealth Monument.

Walnut Street will keep its name, but, from Commonwealth Avenue to Front Street, it will gain T. Morris Chester Way as a second name. This will allow addresses to remain the same and avoid confusion, city Engineer Wayne Martin explained to council at a previous meeting.

Lenwood Sloan of the Peace Promenade and executive director of the Monument Project said that the name “would concretize our designation as a national heritage site.” It will help create a pathway that connects several of the group’s African American history memorial sites, which include the Commonwealth Monument and the Bethel Heritage Trail, which commemorates the Bethel AME church in Harrisburg, he said.

Sloan also emphasized the partnership between the Peace Promenade and the Dauphin County Library System. Recently, McCormick Riverfront Library officials announced a building expansion project that includes creating a T. Morris Chester Welcome Center. Sloan said that the library also provided space for the organization to utilize as its meeting place.

The naming of T. Morris Chester Way, he said, will bring all of these sites together.

Harrisburg has given city streets surnames in the past, explained Martin, naming Mary Sachs Way, on N. 3^rd Street, and Dennis Green Way, the 1100 through 1300 blocks of Walnut Street, as examples.

He added that the renaming comes just as the city is moving forward with its East-West Multimodal Connection Project, which will include construction and resurfacing on Walnut Street, from 5^th to Front streets. Martin expects construction to begin next year.

“I think it’d be a perfect opportunity to tie all of these projects together,” he said.

For more information on the Commonwealth Monument Project, visit their website.

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Home prices up, sales dip in September in greater Harrisburg area

October 12, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

A house under contract in Harrisburg

Harrisburg-area home prices continued to climb while sales dipped in September, according to the most recent report on existing home sales.

For the month, 757 houses sold in the three-county region compared to 812 in September 2020, but the median sales price surged to $231,000 from $204,200 last year, said the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 356 homes sold for a median price of $205,000 in September, versus 370 homes at $178,000 last year, GHAR stated.

In Cumberland County, 347 houses sold, a drop of 21 units from last year, as the median price climbed to $255,000 compared to $226,250 in September 2020.

Perry County saw sales of 34 houses for a median price of $217,450. Last September, 51 houses sold at a median price of $180,000, according to GHAR.

Houses were also selling more quickly than last year, as the “average days on the market” dropped to 20 days versus 33 days the prior September, GHAR stated.

For September 2021, the months-long trend remained intact, with slightly lower year-over-year sales for existing homes but much higher prices.

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Bob’s Art Blog: 3rd in the Burg Preview & Millworks VII

October 11, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Prelude to the Season: October Burns Orange

Every year since I was a wee lad, I’ve had a love affair with the month of October. When the first of November rolls around, I have that bittersweet feeling of the realization the searing beauty of October has come to an end.

When I picture the month and its arrival, I see trees full of leaves in a mixed medley of autumnal shades of oranges, golds and purples. The changes in the atmosphere bring about bursts of color as seen in the setting sun that dips below the horizon, the vermilion shade subject to alchemy and its association with eternity, and the terracotta of clay, a dusty orange created over time highlighting the passages of ancient civilizations. It is a palette that conjures pumpkins ripe for carving, Indian corn resplendent in a patchwork of rust and saffron, purples, marigold and goldenrod. They all combine to portray a poetic profusion of dazzling brilliance until the last leaf of autumn falls to the ground, blanketing the earth.

3rd in the Burg, Oct. 15

Illustration by Brad Maurer

When one contemplates the number “3,” a triangle may pop up as a visual representation. For this art blog, the third time is the charm for this Friday’s 3rd in the Burg at the Civic Club. A certain group of artists like to get together as a collective seasonally, and it is now officially fall in all its glory.

This Friday marks the third occurrence of this group hanging out together to hang art. This special night is a continuation of diversity through art, showcasing emerging artists with their collections for sale as part of this one-night-only happening. They’re inviting you, the “3rd in the Burg-ers” to drop by, drop in and “see what condition their condition is in …” or so sang the late Kenny Rogers in his psychedelic daze as the front man for the First Edition.

Master of ceremonies duties have been passed from Civic Club art organizers, Reina Wooden and Charlie Feathers to Brad Maurer. A consistent coterie creates the core group, which features Maurer’s “Insect Infantry Illustrations” as The Cercus. Joining him will be a “Harrisburg Artist of the Year” Bethany Nicholle and her award-winning abstract paintings, notecards, pins, magnets and masks. Nora Carreras, mixed media artist, and Jonathan Frazier, multidimensional man about town, both share a love and talent for the piano, and art will be their forte at the Civic Club, showcasing paintings-a-plenty. Grace Robinson adds portraiture in her soul searing art that goes well below the surface in her color.ur.soul collection. Donny Lyons proves he is an artist to be reckoned with as his abstract expressionistic paintings see the future, and it is here. Darius Davis, entrepreneur and fashion videographer, returns as well with his acrylic paintings, and Quincy Yates tie-dyes clothes for the younger set (Shopkidsinc.com). Jamie Earl also returns, selling red-hot buttons and pins custom-made for his Keystonebuttoneer.com. Reina Wooden (R76) past hostess of the first two Civic Club art fetes, held in February and May, is now focusing on her new art. Her genre defies labels as the mediums of mixed materials combine clothing and painting as “statement studies.” These 10 artists collectively form the nucleus of “The Maestros of Midtown.”

Painting by Carrie Feidt

New to the mix is Jemar Sweets, photographer of “escapism” as in land ‘scapes’, city ‘scapes’ and architectural prints. Mansa Abuchi Mawakili knows that his abstract art and Afro-centric styled jewelry encompasses crystals, holding the power to heal. Carrie Feidt cannot be pigeonholed as her art flies from painting to music. Lily Roque rounds out the new quartet as a humble tattoo artist who enjoys “expressing herself through her paintings which include imaginative creatures, popular manga and comic art.”

3^rd in the Burg takes place on Friday, Oct. 15, at venues throughout downtown and Midtown Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.thirdintheburg.org.

The Civic Club of Harrisburg is located at 612 N. Front St, 5 to 9 p.m., free admission and free on street parking.

Millworks Chapter VII: Objects That Don’t Fit On a Wall

This fall chapter of the Millworks artists’ series includes four artists whose works are physically impossible to hang. It is not problematic as visitors to the Millworks emporium can view this quartet’s work in the art shop and in their respective studios.

Meg Caruso pottery

“Creative” Meg Caruso is synonymous with art in Midtown. With her hands, she puts in motion the wheels of Sprocket Mural Works and sets the artistic tone for TheBurg as its creative director. Her “Quiet Clay” sits on the shelves in the Millworks store whispering to passers by “hold me, touch me and more sweet nothings…” The great thing about fine art is that it never needs trumpets announcing its arrival. Quiet Clay is ceramic creme-de-la-creme. The palette of natural shades is perfect for its very being, yet Meg elevates it through its functionality, too. The pieces become sculpture as treasures to admire and use. The porcelain vessels are hand-painted with 22 karat gold luster. Objects of desire that may be whispering to you.

A.A. Milne of “Winnie the Pooh” fame and Beatrix Potter’s “Peter Rabbit and Friends” have nothing on Lauren Castillo’s endearing children’s books with her text and illustrations as a Caldecott Honor author of Nana and the City. Lauren operates out of Studio 322 and has illustrated other books for high-profile authors, Jane Smiley, Eve Bunting and more. With her latest offspring, she shares a “story of us,” with a loveable hedgehog as the central character in “Our Friend Hedgehog,” and his boon companion, Mutty, the dog. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York City, Castillo fortunately chose Harrisburg as her base of operation.

Erin Musselman’s studio

Erin Musselman’s Lupine Ceramics can be found on Millworks first floor, Studio 104. In all likelihood, no clay pigeons will be found there, but the compendium of ceramic wares may astound the shopper as her creations are in the “energy of the everyday.” Her goal is to have a connection with every piece bringing a sense of the artists’ purpose in presenting pottery that places equal emphasis on form and function. As a retired teacher, at least for the time being, Erin has the blessing of a creative clock with no hands to limit her.

Paul Zemiatis and son, Alexander, pool their talents as management and creatives with a product that functions for the everyday home but elevates it to an art form for the senses. Olfactory neurons lift the mood to manipulate memories with aromas from natural ingredients used in the process of creating Moonrise Candle Co. In dreaming up romantic combinations of raw honey and cinnamon among a plethora of other herbs and botanicals, the team has no ceiling on creating unique pairings and hand illustrating each amber glass jar. Paul’s a master woodworker as he hand wrought the stage set found in Studio 104. In addition, his hobby entails Pysanity, the art of Ukranian Easter eggs. Alexander, a student at New York University majoring in drama, creates clothing for movies sewing costumes and set design on a custom basis. Be sure to stop and smell the candles.

The Millworks is located at 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.millworksharrisburg.com.

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LGBTQ historical markers installed in Harrisburg to honor trailblazers in PA

October 11, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Historical marker honoring Gov. Milton Shapp at N. 3rd and North streets.

Harrisburg made a stride this weekend in recognizing a portion of history that local activists say is often ignored.

On Sunday, the LGBT Center of Central PA’s History Project unveiled two state historical markers in downtown Harrisburg honoring local LGBTQ history.

“People look to these historical markers as a window into our state history,” said Barry Loveland, chair of the LGBT History Project. “It’s really rewarding to know that finally some of this history will get recognized.”

The plaques, one at N. 3^rd and North streets, the other at 205 State St., tell the stories of past Pennsylvania Gov. Milton J. Shapp and Richard Schlegel, a pioneering gay activist, respectively.

These are the first historical markers for LGBTQ history in the commonwealth outside of Philadelphia, Loveland said.

The LGBT History Project started in 2012, and since then, Loveland and others have uncovered and documented many stories from LGBTQ history. Shapp and Schlegel’s stories were two that had huge impacts in central PA, and nationally, Loveland explained.

Loveland said that he was surprised to find out about Shapp’s advocacy for the LGBTQ community.

“He’s not particularly known for gay rights accomplishments,” he said. “That’s something we were surprised by. Shapp was really ahead of his time.”

In 1974, Shapp met with activist Mark Segal, which is believed to be the first meeting of a sitting governor with a gay activist, according to the history project’s findings. Shapp later appointed a task force to study and advise him on improving public policy for LGBTQ people, Loveland said. Shapp then issued an executive order in 1975 banning discrimination in employment for LGBTQ state employees, making Pennsylvania the first state in the nation to do so, he added. In 1976, he created the Pennsylvania Council for Sexual Minorities, the first official governmental body in the United States for improving public policy for LGBTQ people, according to the history project.

Schlegel, a graduate of Penn State University, worked for the federal government in Washington, D.C. in 1951 before he was fired for being gay, according to Loveland. Schlegel took his case to the U. S. Supreme Court and lost, but Loveland said that the arguments he made in his case were influential in later cases of employment discrimination.

Schlegel began working for the PA Department of Highways (now PennDOT) in 1963. He became active in the Janus Society, one of the first LGBTQ organizations in the state, and established a central PA chapter in 1964. The group met at Schlegel’s apartment at 205 State St., Loveland said. Schlegel was investigated for his involvement in gay activism and fired from his state job. He later retired to Lewisburg and set up a foundation to benefit LGBTQ organizations, according to the project.

“To finally have this history being told as part of the overall history of PA is really inspiring,” Loveland said.

Mark Segal, the gay activist and publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News who met with Shapp, and Robert Deibler, a relative of Schlegel, were in attendance at the unveiling on Sunday.

The markers were approved earlier this year by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Loveland said.

Loveland hopes that these markers are just the start of a larger initiative to recognize and memorialize LGBTQ history in the state.

“These markers are the next step in trying to get a public face on this history,” he said.

The history project also currently has its “With Open Heart and Open Arms: LGBTQ Cuban Refugees and the LGBTQ Community’s Response to the Mariel Boatlift” traveling exhibit on display at Elizabethtown College’s High Library. The exhibit is also available virtually on their website.

For more information about the LGBT History Project, visit their website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 8, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Capital Rebirth’s Superhero Day will return to Harrisburg this year.

TheBurg Podcast came out this week and has a few quirky Harrisburg tales for you. Before you tune in, catch up on this week’s news, listed and linked, below.

A ballot drop box was deployed at the Dauphin County Administration building this week in preparation for the upcoming municipal election, our online story reported. County elections staff recently mailed out 17,200 requested mail-in and absentee ballots, the county stated.

TheBurg was named “News Organization of the Year” in Pennsylvania, an annual honor presented by the state press association. The award recognizes excellence in all aspects of a news organization’s operations, including for editorial, art, design and sales, our online story reported.

Our editor, in his monthly column, reflects on what Harrisburg’s growing population means for the city. Builders are responding to increased demand for housing, presenting an opportunity to think about what the city wants and needs. Read it here.

Elvis Solivan was named Harrisburg’s new director of business development/LERTA administrator, our online story reported. He previously served as a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) official and as a communications specialist at the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Fall events take the spotlight in our October Community Corner. Harvest festivals, a flea market and a fall storytime all made the list.

Gamut Theatre will feature all-female directors for its mainstage season. In our magazine story, read about what they have up their sleeves.

The Harrisburg Architectural Review Board approved a five-story residential and retail structure at 512-514 N. 2nd St., our reporting found. At previous meetings, HARB members questioned the modern aesthetic of the design, but now, most seemed satisfied.

The Harrisburg Fire Bureau held an awards ceremony and swearing-in of new firefighters this week, our online story reported. Chief Brian Enterline presented the “Chief’s Award” to all members of the bureau for their service during the pandemic.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse made two appointments to the citizen’s law enforcement advisory committee this week, our online story reported. At a press conference, he introduced residents Autumn Cooper and Anthony Burnett.

Hip hop artist KOTA The Friend plans to open a streetwear store in Midtown this November on the 200-block of Reily Street, our reporting found. He will also headline a music festival at H*MAC on Nov. 12.

Sara Bozich has festivals, markets and tours on tap for the weekend in Harrisburg. Take a look and take your pick, here.

Sprocket Mural Works artists created their largest mural yet on the Mulberry Street Bridge in Harrisburg. The project gave budding artists a chance to be apprentices under Brooklyn artist Ian Potter, our magazine story reported.

Steven Williams, a local author, recently released his debut novel “Skadi,” our online story reported. The novel, although set in a fantasy world, touches on many real-life themes.

Superhero Day returns to Harrisburg this year with a mission of preventing bullying, our reporting found. Capital Rebith’s festivities begin with a city-wide parade and end with a superhero-filled celebration on City Island.

One woman’s quest for a missing elk statue leads her down a path of discovering a piece of Harrisburg history and family history. Read about her hunt, here.

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Burg Review: Wit and fancy take the stage with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Gamut Theatre

October 8, 2021 | by Gina Napoli

Methinks the Bard overindulgeth in his snuff box when he quill-penned this script.

By its very nature, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a farce: play within a play, a dream within a dream. You may recognize some lines that have been both emulated and parodied in contemporary culture, the play’s five interconnecting sub-plots themselves are only loosely cohesive, because dreams usually are.

Using an ensemble cast, the play’s sub-plots revolve around an aristocratic wedding. A troupe of six actors, each awkward in their own delightful way, are preparing a play as a wedding gift. Playing out in other scenes, a love parallelogram shifts dimensions several times when spirited woodland creatures cast love/hate spells and spread general confusion and mischief.

Directed by Melissa Nicholson, the Gamut actors deliver their audience clever interpretations of their roles and confident delivery of Shakespeare’s signature iambic pentameter, with moments on a sliding scale of sinister and silly.

The absurd comic relief Nick Bottom (Nick Wasileski) is by far the character that commands the most attention. During the troupe’s rehearsal for the wedding play, Bottom’s obnoxious grandstanding evoked hilarity and made me feel grateful that I didn’t have to personally work with him. The scene in which he tries to kill himself in the most blundering way possible had me laughing so hard I snorted in public. (I only embarrassed my teenage daughter sitting near me, so it was worth it.)

Part of that same scene was the bumbling play actor Flute (Ross Carmichael). Extra kudos to Carmichael for rocking a Brian May wig, and for showcasing his range in also playing the play’s more hardened characters (Oberon, Theseus). His performances were each so convincing that I didn’t realize he played multiple characters until I read the program after the fact.

Romantic rivals Hermia (Abby Carroll) and Helena (Najuma Norman) engage in stage combat over their love interests before the spirits make things right again. (Read: a good old-fashioned catfight.) Although analysts of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” can point to many aspects of this play that promote feminism, this scene is likely not one. Still, both actresses battle each other compellingly from the first lunge to the last hiss.

The eventually empowered Puck (Kim Greenawalt) gave a spritely performance, playing harmful pranks, yet somehow emerging as cutesy and flower-smelling in the end. A special round of applause goes to the student actors in the forest for serving their masters as both supporting characters and a capable woodlands decorating crew (Daniel Hutchins, Leighann Koppenhofer, Georgia Bailey, Eurya Aviles, Rio Gonzales, and Adam Bateman).

As an honorable mention, a character interpretation I particularly enjoyed was the play actor Starveling (Christopher Ellis). Not only did his uptown costume give off a swagger opposite of the word “starve,” he was the only character to briefly stray from iambic pentameter, oozing “too cool for school” sophistication in his brief, measured dialogue.

Before you “whither wander you” to Gamut Theatre to see “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” it might help the course run smoother if you brush up on your Shakespeare. Click through Wikipedia for the synopsis, or break out your old Cliff’s Notes, if you’re my age. The play-by-play reads like the latest episode of your favorite soap opera meets Downton Abbey, with just a wand-ful of Harry Potter to make it fanciful.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs Oct. 8 to 17 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, visit www.gamuttheatre.org. Prior to each show, check the website for specific show dates and times, as well as any late-breaking COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.

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The Elk Lives On, and Other Quirky HBG Tales: TheBurg Podcast, Oct 2021

October 7, 2021 | by Karen Hendricks

Art is at the heart of this month’s podcast.

First, Crystal Skotedis of Harrisburg recounts her quest to find a long-forgotten elk statue. She takes us along for all the twists and turns—with a surprise ending that adds to our magazine story.

What was it like to see 230 feet of the Mulberry Street bridge transformed by murals? Harrisburg native Ian Potter shares his reflections on this incredible experience—and he explains how painting sets for Gamut Theatre propelled him into a career as a muralist in New York City.

Harrisburg area kids can’t get enough art, especially amid the pandemic, and that’s why business is booming for Maureen Marks Art of Harrisburg.

People and politics: Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, shares two “Most Harrisburg Things” for October.

Backstories: This episode is based upon the following October magazine stories:

A Statue Story | Portrait of the Community | Art on the Mark

TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Visit her website here.

Every month, TheBurg Podcast introduces you to some of Harrisburg’s most fascinating people. Their stories start on the pages of TheBurg magazine, and are expanded here on TheBurg Podcast… because “there’s always more to the story.”

DYK? TheBurg Podcast received two prestigious awards in 2021: First place, Excellence in Journalism, Society of Professional Journalists, Keystone Chapter; and Honorable mention, Keystone Media Award, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation.

TheBurg Podcast is welcoming sponsors and/or advertisers: Contact Lauren ([email protected]). TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, PA; Lawrance Binda, co-publisher/editor.

Harrisburg author and school board member releases debut novel with advocacy theme

October 7, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

“Skadi” book cover

In his debut novel, a local author uses the adventure and whimsy of a fantasy world to communicate real-life lessons.

Steven Williams will begin his book tour in Harrisburg on Thursday for “Skadi,” a book inspired by his passion for advocacy for the vulnerable.

The novel, rooted in Norse mythology, follows Skadi, a skilled warrior who sets out to save a village from torment and death. On her quest, Skadi learns of the lengths she must go to care for others, while also mending her relationship with her son.

Williams, a Harrisburg school board director and associate director for the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network, said that both of his positions inspired his storyline.

“Both of these roles are advocacy focused,” he said. “That was the lens through which I wrote this book.”

Williams specifically cited his experience as a school board candidate during the 2019 campaign. He was inspired by the grassroots efforts of his small group of candidates to replace several board members and reform how the district operated, he said.

“I want people to take away that being an agent of change means stepping outside of your comfort zone,” he said.

In “Skadi,” the protagonist has to face the challenge of persevering with her mission to help the vulnerable, even when her own passion diminishes, Williams said. That’s a lesson that he hopes readers can apply to current issues.

“If you want real change to happen, you have to be persistent and find a calling beyond yourself,” he said.

In “Skadi,” readers also see a mother-son relationship played out that Williams said was inspired by his own sometimes rocky relationship with his mom growing up. In the book, Skadi and her son learn to appreciate each other’s points of view, something Williams and his mom have learned to do over the years, he said.

Even with all the underlying themes in the book, Williams said he never wanted to write a “preachy” book. He wanted to write something that people would be entertained and mystified by, he said.

Williams was inspired to write a fantasy book based on Norse mythology after getting married and spending time in Iceland, which is where the mythology originates, he said.

“The folklore in Iceland is pretty interesting,” he said. “I want people to get a feel of this mythology.”

Williams begins his book tour at Elementary Coffee Co. in Harrisburg on Thursday at 6 p.m., before traveling to venues around the area. Other Harrisburg stops include Good Brotha’s Book Café, The Vegetable Hunter and The Fix Café, among others.

Williams already has his next two books in the series written, he said. But for now, he’s still in awe that he’s published his first.

“It’s surreal,” he said. “Sometimes, I still have to remind myself that I did this.”

For more information on “Skadi” and the book tour, visit Steven Williams’ website.

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TheBurg named “News Organization of the Year” by the state press association

October 7, 2021 | by TheBurg Editor

The cover of TheBurg’s October issue

TheBurg has been named “News Organization of the Year” in Pennsylvania, an annual honor presented by the state press association.

The PA NewsMedia Association Foundation today announced the award, which recognizes news organizations “for overall excellence across all departments,” according to the foundation.

“This is a very special honor,” said Lawrance Binda, co-publisher and editor-in-chief of TheBurg. “It speaks to the talent of our staff and helps affirm the work we put in each day to make TheBurg a high-quality news product for the greater Harrisburg area.”

TheBurg won News Organization of the Year in the “weekly” category. Last year, TheBurg was runner-up for the award.

PennLive/The Patriot News, also based in the Harrisburg area, took first place in the “multi-day” publication category, with the Philadelphia Inquirer as the runner-up statewide.

Overall, 120 news organization across Pennsylvania competed, said the PNA Foundation.

“It’s remarkable to receive this recognition in Pennsylvania, which has so many high-quality newspapers and news organizations,” Binda said.

The award is comprehensive, recognizing excellence in all aspects of a news organization’s operations, including for editorial, art, design and sales.

“News organizations are judged not only on their journalism and writing, reporting, photography, video, digital products and design, but also for their sales strategies, innovation, community impact and their relevance, integrity and initiative in serving readers and audiences,” according to the PNA Foundation.

TheBurg began publishing in 2009 as a monthly community magazine for the greater Harrisburg area and since has expanded into daily news reporting. It also sponsors and supports many events in the area, including 3^rd in the Burg, the monthly cultural and nightlife event in Harrisburg.

Over the past seven years, TheBurg has received over 100 individual press awards for reporting, writing, opinion, art, design, photography and advertising. TheBurg also received the 2018 Catalyst Award from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC and the 2020 Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region from Theatre Harrisburg (to be awarded in 2022).

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

Super Fun: Harrisburg’s Superhero Day returns with anti-bullying message

October 7, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Members of the Capital Rebirth team at a past Superhero Day

For one day, superheroes will descend upon Harrisburg to unite for a special mission.

At Capital Rebirth’s 4^th annual Superhero Day in Harrisburg on Oct. 16, that mission is to discourage bullying and support kids who have been bullied.

“You see parents posting about kids being bullied, and it’s becoming a big issue,” said Mikell Simpson, founder and CEO of Capital Rebirth. “Our goal is to educate and stop it.”

Simpson said that the message is even more important this year, as kids deal with the effects of the pandemic and being home from school for over a year.

Superhero day will begin at 11 a.m. with a city-wide parade including 16 superheroes, exotic cars, bike groups and community organizations riding through every neighborhood.

The festivities will then continue on City Island at 1 p.m.

Characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, Black Panther, Storm, Deadpool, Thor, Flash and Catwoman, among others, will attend.

Attendees are also encouraged to dress up as their favorite superheroes.

Additionally, there will be face painting by Ebony’s Magic Brush, a superhero-themed obstacle course presented by Crunch Fitness and rock climbing with the U.S. Army. There will also be a 360-degree photo booth by Roman Empire Media Group, yoga with Soul Smirk Yoga and Mindfulness, bounce houses, field games, food and live music and performances.

Simpson said that he also hopes to bring resources to parents and children who may not know where to go for help.

Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, Salvation Army, Camp Curtin YMCA, Harrisburg Bureau of Police, Tri County OIC and Breaking the Chainz will be in attendance.

“It is up to us as leaders in the community–nonprofits, businesses, and resource centers–to step in and show our kids that they aren’t alone and that they have places to go and people to talk to for help,” Simpson said in a statement. “Superhero Day is an opportunity for us to bring all of our services to one place and share what we can with the families who really need them.”

The event is sponsored by the Black Voters Matter Fund, First National Bank and D&H Distributing.

Past Superhero Days have drawn crowds of over 500 families, Simpson said, and they hope to see those numbers again this year.

“Come out because you want to be a hero, not a bully,” he said. “Who doesn’t love superheroes?”

For more information on the Anti-Bullying Superhero Day, visit Capital Rebirth’s website.

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