Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 7, 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.

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For your weekend planning:
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Need something NEW to do? Oktoberfest celebrations continue at LBC Harrisburg. Shop local with Cumberland County Best Kept Secrets Tour.

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: 1700 Wine Club tonight; chatting with Cicely Wong as part of the Harrisburg Book Festival on Saturday.

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

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

For your weekend planning:

Harrisburg Book Festival
3 fun new ways to use Spiked Cherries
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

Make the ultimate fall cocktail
Go shoe shopping
Grab tix to see the #1 DMB tribute band in October
Explore the best local markets
Pick up a local 6-pack and 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.

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Ballot drop box deployed in Harrisburg, mail-in ballots sent out

October 6, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The ballot drop box is located outside the Dauphin County Administrative Building in downtown Harrisburg.

Ballots have been mailed and a drop box has been deployed for the upcoming municipal election, according to Dauphin County.

County elections staff recently mailed out 17,200 requested mail-in and absentee ballots, which started arriving at homes over the weekend, the county stated today.

And, last Monday, a 24-hour, secure ballot drop box was affixed near the front entrance of the county building at 2 S. 2^nd St. in Harrisburg.

“Our elections office staff have been planning for the election, so we can ensure voters they will have convenience and a fair election process,” said county commission Chair Mike Pries, in a statement.

Other ballot return options in the county include the county elections office at 1251 S. 28^th St. in Swatara Township and the Northern Dauphin County Human Services Center in Elizabethville.

Starting Oct. 11, the elections office will extend its hours until 6 p.m. weekdays for ballot return and until 8 p.m. on Election Day, which is Nov. 2. The Northern Dauphin County Human Services Center is open for ballot return from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays, and until 8 p.m. on Nov. 2.

For those voting in person, the county also had made several polling place changes to ensure ADA compliance.

Derry Township, 3^rd Precinct, now at Hershey Volunteer Fire Dept., 21 W. Caracas Ave.
Lower Paxton Township, 24^th Precinct, now at Linglestown Middle School, 1200 N. Mountain Rd.
Swatara Township, 6^th Precinct, now at Rutherford Elementary School, 6500 Clearfield St.

Other dates to keep in mind are:

Last day to register to vote: Oct. 18
Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot: Oct. 26
Deadline for returning ballots: Nov. 2 by 8 p.m.

For more information about voting in Dauphin County, visit www.dauphincounty.org and click the “2021 Municipal Election Information” tab or call 717-780-6360.

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Contemporary design for downtown building gets nod from Harrisburg review board

October 5, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

A rendering of the proposed building for 512-514 N. 2nd St. Image: Chris Dawson Architect

A new, mixed-use building in downtown Harrisburg received its first city approval on Monday night, despite some lingering concerns over its contemporary design.

By a 3-1 tally, the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board (HARB) voted to approve a five-story residential and retail structure at 512-514 N. 2nd St. that includes an exterior of brick, glass and metal.

Currently, two long-empty, neglected buildings occupy the site. Under the plan by developer Derek Dilks, they would be razed and a new, 5,000-square-foot structure would be built consisting of first-floor retail space and seven apartments on four floors above.

“I think it’s great to see more projects that are going to improve the city and turn a couple of dilapidated buildings into occupied, new construction,” said architect Chris Dawson, following the meeting.

These two long-vacant buildings (right) would be razed for the proposed project.

At a prior meeting, several HARB members questioned the modern aesthetic of the design, saying that it stood in stark contrast with the streetscape, which largely consists of century-plus-old brick buildings.

However, at Monday’s meeting, a majority seemed satisfied overall with the project design.

HARB member Kali Tennis stated that cities need a blend of historic and modern architecture, with buildings not mimicking older styles but reflecting the times in which they’re constructed.

“My personal opinion is that it both blends and distinguishes itself,” she said, of the building design. “Our job is to thoughtfully look at a proposal like this and think about it in the context of the whole city.”

Another member, Camille Bennett, continued to voice concerns.

“It looks like it’s going to overpower all the buildings in the back,” said Bennett, who voted against the concept. “It looks like someone took a big, modern building and dropped it right there on 2^nd Street.”

The HARB approval was a first step forward for the project, which still must go through the city’s planning and zoning processes.

This is the second recent HARB approval for Harrisburg-based Chris Dawson Architect.

In June, the review board unanimously approved a proposal in Midtown that has some similarities to the one downtown.

Like the Dilks project, Harrisburg-based ModernRugs.com wants to demolish two small, long-vacant, dilapidated commercial buildings and build a new structure with a contemporary aesthetic, designed by Dawson’s firm.

A rendering of the proposed new building at N. 3rd and Basin streets. Image: Chris Dawson Architect

The ModernRugs proposal calls for a 10,000-square-foot structure at the corner of N. 3rd and Basin streets, adjacent to the company’s existing buildings along the block. The new building would feature a façade of dark brick, large windows and metal mesh screens.

The project also will need to go through the city’s land development process before it can move forward.

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Harrisburg names former HUD official Elvis Solivan as business development director

October 5, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Elvis Solivan

Harrisburg has a new top official overseeing business development in the city.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced Elvis Solivan as the new director of business development/LERTA administrator.

“He is an incredibly impressive person, and we are lucky to have him coming to work here,” Papenfuse said.

Solivan has experience in affordable housing, workforce development, government affairs and customer services, according to the city.

He previously served as the regional senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and as a communications specialist at the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Solivan also held the role of state director for employment opportunities for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Papenfuse said that Solivan was recruited by the city’s Director of Economic Development Otto Banks, who was just hired in September. Banks also formerly served as a top official with HUD.

Recently, Harrisburg has made a string of top-level appointments, including a new director of public works and a new director of community relations and engagement for the police bureau.

In his new position, Solivan will oversee business development and relationships in Harrisburg, while also managing LERTA, the city’s tax abatement program for developers.

Solivan said that providing education, technical support and resources to small businesses will be his top priorities for helping businesses coming out of the pandemic.

“I’m going to make a promise to you that I’m going to visit every single business to talk about what they need, what the problems are and how to resolve these issues,” he said.

Solivan speaks both English and Spanish and plans to focus specifically on reaching out to Harrisburg’s Latino population through focus groups and meetings with business owners.

He also talked about the possibility of starting a youth entrepreneurship program, as well as assisting veterans and people with disabilities who want to start a business.

“I’m facing the challenge, and I’m ready for it,” Solivan said.

Solivan replaces Jamal Jones, the former director of business development.

His salary remains the same as his predecessor at $57,977.

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At ceremony, Harrisburg Fire Bureau swears in new members, recognizes firefighters’ service during COVID

October 4, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Bureau of Fire officials honor members at their annual ceremony.

An annual Harrisburg fire department event took on new meaning this year as officials reflected on the impact of the pandemic.

At their 2021 awards ceremony on Monday, Harrisburg Bureau of Fire officials recognized many firefighters for their actions during the unprecedented year and swore in new firefighters.

“This year, our Bureau of Fire, as well as our colleagues across the country, and, quite frankly, the world, have valiantly served the citizens of Harrisburg and the Harrisburg region as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chief Brian Enterline.

Enterline awarded his annual “Chief’s Award” to all members of the bureau for their service during the pandemic.

Three new firefighters, Dylan Landuyt, Johnathon Felty and Codie Schaffner, officially joined the bureau on Monday. The swearing-in of these firefighters brings the bureau to a full complement of 90 personnel, Enterline said.

“That’s an extraordinary, extraordinary thing,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “We are going to invest in the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire.”

In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, the following awards and recognitions were given to firefighters in the bureau:

Award of Bravery—Kyle Paul
Award of Merit—Capt. Aldo Morelli, James Grundon, Zachary Miller, Patrick Giberson, John Peskie, Battalion Chief Jason Lloyd
Unit Citation—Lt. William Skinner, Nathaniel Barbolish, Justin Zimmerman, Michael Stender, Lt. Jeffrey Miller, Jared Day, Thomas Propst, Joseph Kuhn, Battalion Chief Brian Bastinelli, David Gilkey, Shane Conrad, Lt. Robert Lohin, Brandon Trygar, Jamie Kleckner, Thomas Cucchiara
CPR Save—Jared Day, Lt. Corey Stone, William Junkin, Shane Conrad, David Aguayo, Johnathan Little, Thomas Cucchiara, Austin Howard, Capt. Charles Zavrel, Richard Brocius, Nicholas Hurst, Lt. Brian Yonkin, Marty Henderson, Glenn Raudensky

Bureau members of the Pennsylvania Task Force 1 also received National Deployment Awards for assisting throughout the country. Six members received an award for assisting with the presidential inauguration. Another 12 were awarded for their assistance at the time of Hurricane Ida this summer. Eight more members of the bureau received the award for working to save survivors of the collapse of the Champlain Towers in Florida.

One firefighter, Brent Hill, received a National Deployment Award for the use of his skills to support the National Interagency Fire Center during California’s wildfire season.

The following firefighters were recognized for their years of service:

Battalion Chief Brian Bastinelli–25 years
Battalion Chief Cornell Bradford–20 years
John Matson–15 years
Jonathon Morrow–15 years
Lt. Corey Stone–15 years
Bobby Jones–15 years
Thomas Cucchiara–5 years
Michael Shaak–5 years
Kyle Paul–5 years
Pablo Passalacqua–5 years

Firefighter Deshawn Dennis was recognized at the ceremony for his retirement earlier this year.

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Harrisburg mayor makes appointments to police advisory board

October 4, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Anthony Burnett and Autumn Cooper

Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced two appointments for Harrisburg’s citizen’s law enforcement advisory committee, a new board designed to focus on police accountability.

At a press conference on Monday, he introduced residents Autumn Cooper and Anthony Burnett as potential board members.

The committee was approved by City Council in November 2020, after residents submitted comments at numerous meetings and town halls. In the end, all council members, except for council President Wanda Williams, voted in favor of the board.

Members of the board will “act as both a voice for the community, as a means of oversight for the police department, but also as a means of fostering dialogue,” Papenfuse said.

The board is designed to have nine members in total. It will begin with seven members, two appointed by the mayor and five by city council. Each of those appointees is required to be from a different policing district in the city. That group will then vote to add two more board members from the city at large.

Council has not yet made any appointments to the board.

Cooper is from the Uptown neighborhood, and Burnett is from Allison Hill, Papenfuse said. They are both Harrisburg natives.

Cooper has a master’s degree in business administration from Lincoln University and is working on her doctorate in business administration and management. According to Papenfuse, she is an advocate for education and literacy in the community and volunteers with the American Literacy Corporation for the Reading 365 Program.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to not only serve, but to serve as a liaison and advocate, and working to build and foster positive relationships between the Harrisburg Police Bureau and the community,” she said.

Burnett graduated from Harrisburg High School and works with the city’s department of parks and recreation as a coach. He also has experience working with the Police Athletic League (PAL).

City Council will need to approve both of Papenfuse’s appointments.

“I’m hoping these two appointments will inspire council to make theirs,” Papenfuse said. “We need to put this board in place now.”

In response, council member Ausha Green, chair of council’s public safety committee, said that council has been accepting applications and that she didn’t know that Papenfuse would make his appointments today.

“We had no idea that he was appointing anyone until we saw it come down, then he had a press conference,” she said. “So, I found out when you found out. It was an interesting political process.”

This story has been updated to include comments from council member Ausha Green.

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Burg Review: Unique, “exhilarating” “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” links actor, audience at Open Stage

October 4, 2021 | by Gina Napoli

Much like the movie “Fight Club,” the play “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” sets forth a few rules, the most stringent being a gag order on talking about the play.

If you ever decide to perform it, you may only do so once. And if you see the play, you may never perform it. Once you see the play, you’re in on the secret—and we do not talk about the secret.

But I can tell you that the secret is a real zinger—forbidden fruit even sweeter when revealed.

From Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour, “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” is a cross between a psychological thriller, a double-blind social experiment, and slightly disturbing performance art. Presented through allegory and stream of consciousness, the script brings the audience to the point in which the actor, audience and playwright meet.

Although the play isn’t that old (2010), the time of writing isn’t the same world as today. Even in 2010, our western nation is a chasm of differences compared to Iran, where Soleimanpour is denied many freedoms. This play presents a rare opportunity to strip away the dark veil of cultural secrecy, forging a connection over time and place.

Because the play has been translated into 30 languages, it stretches across cultural boundaries to meet audiences where they happen to be. Presented by a different actor with each reading, Open Stage has lined up 11 seasoned actors to read the script cold. At the beginning of each performance, the actor is presented with a sealed manila envelope and a mystery prop. All the instructions and stage directions are contained within the script. Each performance holds the promise of a different interpretation—no hints, no rehearsal, no giving your character backstory or motivation.

With a cold read, how does an actor find the character’s voice? For the actor, I imagine the scenario is something like being born. They burst forth into an unknown situation they did not design, into a family (audience) they did not choose. Then others they meet along the way either witness or become complicit in their harrowing adventures. Our heroes somehow navigate their way through to the end of their time. They make it up as they go.

If I were onstage, I would sputter and stutter like Foghorn Leghorn. Fortunately for all, the Open Stage actors are nothing like me. Each actor is a professional, bringing a solid foundation of experience. Most are local names we know: Chris Gibson, Benny Benamati, Karen Ruch, David Richwine, Sharia Benn, Caitlin Graci, Jennie Adams, Christopher Ellis, J. Clark Nicholson, Georgianna Hicks and Hanniel Sindelar.

Benamati, the second Open Stage actor to cold-read on the hot seat, delivered Soleimanpour’s script with raw emotion. While they admitted to feeling “way more intimidated than I thought I would be,” they quickly settled into the narrator’s compelling voice, showcasing a fair amount of range.

Gibson, the first Open Stage actor to perform the play, confirmed that “the script takes care of finding that voice.” To prepare for the role, Gibson spent his time doing vocal exercises, clearing his headspace of any pre-conceived notions. “Weirdest pre-show experience of my life,” he said.

Want to know the secret? I would write more, but we do not talk about the secret. “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” promises audiences 90 exhilarating minutes down several proverbial rabbit holes, followed by hours of deep contemplation about other topics we do not (but perhaps should) talk about.

“White Rabbit, Red Rabbit” runs Oct. 2 to 24 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. One ticket is valid for all 11 performances of this show. For more information and tickets, visit www.openstagehbg.com/show/rabbit. 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 Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 1, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Sprocket Mural Works’ latest mural at Anastacia’s Restaurant and Bar

Our October issue of TheBurg came out this week! Make sure you grab a copy, and don’t forget to catch up on this week’s local news, listed and linked, below.

An affordable housing development for seniors was approved by Harrisburg City Council this week, our reporting found. Bethel Village will be located at N. 6^th and Herr streets.

Bob’s Art Blog tells the story behind “Dramatis Personae,” a one-woman show photographed, mounted and directed by Carlisle photographer Nicole Dube. He also highlights artist Paul Flury’s plein air classes that take place in Negley Park.

The Brandywine Valley in Delaware has an interesting history and legacy that can now be toured. In our magazine story, read about all the best spots to visit on a trip.

It’s fall in Harrisburg, and TheBurg offers a smattering of fall-ish things to do around central PA, says our editor. He also reflects on the work that Sprocket Mural Works has done in the past months to beautify the city.

Harrisburg and Penn State will conduct free colorectal cancer screenings next week, our online story reported. According to Penn State, colorectal cancer cases are increasing in people younger than 50.

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra will open for its 2021-22 season, after going virtual last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read about what they have planned, in our magazine story.

Italian Lake in Harrisburg will open for fishing for a day, our online story reported. Instructors will teach kids the basics of fishing and let them try for themselves.

Lovedraft’s Brewing Co. recently opened a new location in Hampden Township, our magazine story reported. The unique, dark brewery, with a smaller micropub location in Harrisburg, cultivates a following comprised of people dedicated to art, culture and music

Nate Spriggs was appointed as Harrisburg’s new director of public works this week, our online story reported. Spriggs replaces Dave West, who is retiring.

Open Stage’s “White Rabbit, Red Rabbit” is hilarious, heartbreaking, disquieting, illuminating and absolutely transformative. But our theater reviewer can’t tell you anything about the plot. Find out why, here.

Sara Bozich is in full fall mode and has lots of ways for you to get into the spirit, as well. Her “Weekend Roundup” has everything from fall festivals to Oktoberfest celebrations.

Sprocket Mural Works celebrated the completion of its 50^th mural this week, our reporting found. The large-scale work of art at Anastacia’s Restaurant & Bar celebrates pets and their adopters.

Street paving began this week in Bellevue Park, as part of a plan to patch and repave several worn roads in Allison Hill, our reporting found.

Theatre Harrisburg announced Lorien Reese Mahay as its new executive director, effective Oct. 4, our reporting found. Mahay has over a decade of experience in theater management, education and fund development.

Village Artisans Gallery houses some of the best craftsmanship in central PA, our magazine story reported. It displays a wide selection of blown glass, pottery, turned wood, hand-woven apparel and jewelry, as well as illustrations, calligraphy and more.

Whit Waltman is a young, Harrisburg-based, art rock/indie rock band just beginning to find its way on the local music scene. In our magazine story, read about the friendship and music that define the band.

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NYC hip hop artist to open streetwear store, host music festival in Harrisburg

October 1, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

This colorful building is slated to become a shop for products from fltbys.

Harrisburg soon will have a new friend in town.

Brooklyn, N.Y.-based hip hop artist KOTA The Friend plans to make his way to Harrisburg next month to open a streetwear and skate shop in Midtown, as well as to perform a concert.

In early 2020, KOTA announced that he had purchased the Reily Street building that formerly housed the restaurant, Right on Reily, among others over the years. He said that his plans were to open a shop to sell products from fltbys (Flight Boys) Music and Entertainment, his streetwear brand. He had planned to open in April 2020 but the project was delayed.

“Midtown Harrisburg is one of my favorite low-key places to hang out. It’s like this secretly cool spot,” KOTA said in a statement.

In addition to fltbys apparel, the shop will sell skateboards, vinyl albums and local artwork. Last year, he discussed plans for a second-floor recording studio in the building, as well.

Before the shop opens later in the month, KOTA will headline the “Flight Night Global Hip Hop Festival” at H*MAC on Nov. 12. He will be joined by artist Drew Tyrell of Harrisburg, as well as Philadelphia artists Brianna Castro, J Radiant, Derrick Juwan, 10D4YS and Neptune the Poet.

KOTA The Friend

“It actually means everything to me that I’m able to open for Kota,” Tyrell said in a statement. “The opportunity is priceless, and I’m beyond grateful he is willing to share his fanbase. It is a blessing, especially here, in Harrisburg, where I come from.”

KOTA said that he hopes the festival in Harrisburg will eventually become a tour, making stops around the county and internationally.

KOTA released his first album, “Anything.” In 2018. He has since released four more albums, including his most recent, “To Kill a Sunrise,” in collaboration with Statik Selektah.

“Flight Night Global Hip Hop Festival” will be held on Nov. 12 at HMAC, 1110 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit fltbys’ website. The fltbys store is slated to open at 263 Reily St., Harrisburg.

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Allison Hill street paving project kicks off in Bellevue Park

September 30, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Street paving in Bellevue Park on Thursday

On a quiet neighborhood street Thursday morning in Harrisburg, trucks slowly laid hot asphalt.

Just before that, city officials ceremoniously broke ground on the “Allison Hill paving project” in the Bellevue Park community, which includes patching and paving many worn streets.

The $1.1 million project includes resurfacing on portions of 15^th Street, Midland Street, Rudy Road, Bellevue Road and Magnolia Road.

ADA-accessible ramps will also be constructed on sidewalks along the roads, explained Mayor Eric Papenfuse. Additionally, stormwater inlets will be evaluated to make sure they are functioning.

Much of the road patching will be completed in the next few days, while major paving and other improvements will take place in the spring, according to City Engineer Wayne Martin.

Earlier this year, ADA-compliant bus stops were installed on Market Street, Martin said. He added that York-based Shiloh Paving and Excavating will complete the road work.

If the road maintenance had been delayed for just a few more years, the damage would have been significantly more, costing the city up to 10 times as much as the current project, Martin said.

According to Papenfuse, the Allison Hill paving project is part of the administration’s goal to repave identified streets across the city in a $100 million initiative.

“This is due to years of deferred maintenance under the city’s compromised financial situation,” he said. “We are finally in a position where we can address that $100 million in streets and roads.”

While many of the recent road construction projects have focused on main streets in the city, such as N. 6^th Street or 2^nd Street, Martin said that many neighborhood street projects are in the works.

“It’s an astounding amount of streets and roads that need to be paved,” Papenfuse said.

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What’s inside:

Add to calendar [NEW]

For your weekend planning:

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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