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.

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

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.

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

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.

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? 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.

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

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.

Like this content?

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

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.

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

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.

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

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

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like