Bob’s Art Blog: All the World’s a Stage

September 27, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Act I: “Dramatis Personae” at Carlisle Arts Learning Center

When the curtain goes up, we have come to realize life is not a dress rehearsal. We present a different face to the world each day after the makeup is applied and the “costume” is assumed, for the part we play is but a fleeting moment.

Thus spoke the omniscient narrator in the voiceover for the production, “Dramatis Personae,” a one-woman show photographed, mounted and directed by Carlisle photographer Nicole Dube. For this behind-the-scenes look at the duality within us all, Dube mined the psychological theory of Erving Goffman’s dramaturgy. The theory regards the schism of the private face and the one that is presented to the world being radically different. “Dramatis Personae,” the Latin phrase translates to “reveal,” we are all “persons of the play.”

A diptych from Nicole Dube’s “Dramatis Personae” (and below)

Nicole’s influence for “Dramatis” was Annie Leibovitz’s “Showgirls,” featuring portraits of Las Vegas showgirls, behind the scenes, in and out of costume. The dramatic difference sans makeup was truly revealing. Dube shared that the most challenging aspect of her project “was rounding up the players to participate in the photographic journey.”

Over the course of six months, she put out a call for participants through Instagram, word-of-mouth and collaborators used in the past. In the end, 45 “hearty” answered, from heroes to villains, mermaids to monsters, royalty to re-enactors and drag queens to Disney characters. The gallery/art center doubled as a studio at times, and Dube “developed” a give-and -take relationship with the “sitters” before, during and after their photo shoots.

The takeaway, a commonality shared by most, was a certain level of discomfort and apprehension in the “before” shot. But once “in costume,” they came to life in their choice of characterization, fully embracing their stage persona. At the heart of it all, Dube chips away at the notion of the male gaze versus the female gaze as historically women have been viewed as objects and not as people. In sharp contrast, the “after” portrays the identity of the face one hopes to project on the stage as they imagine their adoptive roles. The artist/photographer shared that her favorite part of the project lay in the twilight moments “capturing the vulnerability, the insecurity and the glimpse into the psyches of the sitters” as they laid bare their souls. Truth be told, we are all sitters before and after. Presented in diptych format, the “before” picture is in black and white while the “after” is in color. In sharp contrast, the “after” reveals the inner self-identity, ready for the stage called life. The final presentation was a collaborative effort between Nicole and CALC curator, Cathy Stone.

Perhaps Shakespeare wrote it best, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances. And one man in his time, plays many parts.” (“As You Like It,” Act II, scene 7.) And as for the director, Nicole Dube, it is time to take a bow.

“Dramatis Personae” runs through Oct. 23 in the upstairs gallery at CALC, 38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle. For more information, visit their website.

Act II: The Further Adventures of Peabody and Sherman in the Plein Air

Peabody and Sherman here in the “Wayback Machine” (aka WABAC):

“Mr. Peabody, what are the hats the people are wearing, and what are in the little suitcases?”

“Sherman, those black little felt hats are called berets, and those little suitcases are referred to as a pochode box, better known as a portable easel to paint in the plein air. In case you haven’t guessed by now, Sherman, we are in Paris at the beginning of the Barbizon School in 1830. Plein air painting became the rage to capture beauty as it truly is—landscapes like never seen before, so close you can touch nature in the great outdoors.”

Paul Flury at his easel in Negley Park

Borrowing a page from history, almost 200 years ago, we find ourselves surrounded by a coterie of painters with easels a-right at work in the open air, capturing modern life. The Barbizon School advanced the notion that natural light is the best light to paint in—it allowed the artist to capture the emotional and sensory dimensions of a particular landscape at a particular moment in time. The portability of plein air painting emerged to become a revolutionary step forward in art. The Impressionist painters by the 1870s put their own stamp on it as plein air demonstrated a group committed to the craft of painting outdoors, no matter the obstacles. This movement of painting spread from Europe to the United States, with salons springing up in Cos Cob in Connecticut and even Taos in New Mexico.

Now Sherman, press the forward button on the WABAC, and set the year to 2021 as we are headed to Negley Park in Lemoyne. Arriving on July 24, a Saturday morning, Sherman asked Mr. Peabody, “Why here?” Sherman, if you use your powers of observation at the scene playing out before our eyes, you will find the answer to your question and more. That auspicious morning at Negley Park revealed a small group of artists with easels popped and poised to paint secluded in a perfect pocket of poetic charm facing the Susquehanna River. The artists assembled joined instructor Paul Flury, leading the class for this plein air exercise in capturing the scene before them, which evolved over the course of three hours.

This proved to be a regular occurrence as this small enclave meets twice a month, weather permitting, with locales changing on a regular basis. Paul collected this band of merry painters for their take on the west side of the river’s vista. He started out at the Art Association of Harrisburg 10 years ago when he instructed the “Landscape Plein Air” class. “To study the environment around you in real time to apply what one sees in nature” forms the basis of this style of painting, he shared.

Judging by the landscapes that evolved over the course of those few hours until the clock struck noon, theirs was a painterly persuasion that had been at their craft for some time. A true passion came through in the work, mostly untitled at that point, in the process as some varied from the rough-sketched stage to an in-focus dramatic study of the view in living color.

Kelly Charlesworth’s oil-on-panel painting, well underway, was titled on the spot by her own admission, “Morning at Negley Park.” Ann Bayne, an artist from Camp Hill, shared her rendition, “Glitzy Morning,” as the day, especially in those morning hours, was brilliant with sun shining through the trees. Both Cheryl Peters, whose work was in acrylic, and Lina Ferrara’s oil painting were untitled at that juncture. Instructor Flury’s painting was also in an unnamed state. All five artists viewed the same scene, yet their paintings were beautifully unique in their interpretive representation.

Sherman, I need you to hit the dial one last time to August 1970 as Quiksilver Messenger Service is telling us to “Have Another Hit of Fresh Air” in the morning.” Breathe deep.

To reach Paul Flury, email him at [email protected].

October Art Calendar: Dates to Note

Saturday, Oct. 2

Metropolis Collective plein air paintings of Paul Nagle, master in fine arts in photography and painting, opening reception 7 to 11p.m. Show runs through Nov 30.
Millworks First Saturday meet the artists in their studios

Saturday, Oct. 9

Odd Ones Fall Bizarre Part I on the lots at 3rd and Verbeke streets, 11a.m. to 5p.m.
Susquehanna Art Museum opening of exhibit, “Four Seasons and Seven Vices: Old Masters Prints in Series.” Also opening that day at SAM is “Tradition Interrupted.”

Friday, Oct. 15

3rd in the Burg

Friday, Oct. 22

Art Association of Harrisburg, “Nothing Pretty” opening reception 5 to 8 p.m. with artists Krissi Whiski, Sean Arce, Tina Berrier and Ted Walke
Susquehanna Art Museum exhibit opening “Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You” by visual artist Irvin Rodriguez

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New at the Top: Nate Spriggs appointed Harrisburg’s director of public works

September 27, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Nate Spriggs (right) was introduced as Harrisburg’s new director of public works on Monday.

Harrisburg has a new leader for one of its most visible departments.

In a press conference today, Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced that he has hired Nate Spriggs as the city’s new director of public works, the department that handles such critical services as trash pickup and snow removal.

“I’m looking forward to getting started,” Spriggs said. “I want to thank the residents of this city for having me, and I want to thank the mayor for calling me and giving me an opportunity to be the city of Harrisburg’s public works director.”

Spriggs replaces Dave West, who is retiring. West has served as director only since March, when long-time department head Aaron Johnson retired.

West will stay on until the end of the year to help transition the department before retiring, Papenfuse said.

“The residents of this city are the focus,” West said at the city hall press conference. “The residents have to continue to be the focus of this city. They’re first. We work for them. We’re servants to them.”

Spriggs may be a familiar name around Harrisburg. He worked for the city years for 22 years, including 19 in the Public Works Department, before leaving to become the public works director for Susquehanna Township in 2017.

As Harrisburg’s public works director, Spriggs will earn $120,000 a year, a jump from the position’s prior salary of $99,000 a year. Papenfuse said a raise was necessary to attract a high-quality candidate for the post.

Recently, Papenfuse has named new directors to lead several other departments. Earlier this month, he chose Ana White as the city’s new communications director and Otto Banks as the new economic development director.

Harrisburg’s department heads have to be confirmed by City Council, but can serve for up to six months on an appointed basis.

“I welcome Nate Spriggs as the city’s new director of public works,” Papenfuse said. “His previous experience working for the city and Susquehanna Township makes him the right choice for this position. He will be an asset to the city of Harrisburg.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 24, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The dastardly spotted lanternfly

Pawpaw season has hit central PA, prompting a feeding frenzy among fans of PA’s unique, native fruit. Amidst the feast, take some time to catch up on our week’s news, listed and linked below.

5G towers have sprung up all over Harrisburg in recent months. One was nearly constructed directly in front of one of Harrisburg’s grandest buildings, prompting the property owner to take quick action, according to our online feature story.

Harrisburg School District is updating its website to give parents and children information on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Our online story reported that the district is launching a COVID-19 dashboard to offer detailed case data for its buildings.

Ice-skating may not be on your mind in September, but a group of area women meets year-round to practice synchronized skating. Our feature story explains the unique sport and the camaraderie it fosters.

Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority members this week got an earful from Harrisburg’s financial advisor, who strongly advocated pursuing a proposed bond refinancing. According to our story, the issue has been hung up in City Council for several months.

King Mansion is one of Harrisburg’s most storied and stately buildings. In our magazine story, we explain how a new owner is bringing it renewed life and, for the first time, opening it up for public use.

Market Square Concerts is set to open its 40^th season in fine form. Our feature explains what listeners can expect from this music series that is growing older and better.

Nutrition and sustainability are in focus for an educational program called Ngozi’s “Let’s Get Dirty!” Our online story gives the details on this event dedicated to urban gardening and agriculture.

Rosemary says good-bye to the summer’s bounty with her final warm-weather recipe of the year. In her monthly column, she tells us to take those last vine tomatoes and stuff them.

Sara Bozich has a long list of to-do’s for this weekend. Festivals, music, dining—it’s all in her weekly column, just in time for some spectacular early autumn weather.

Spotted lanternflies have emerged as a menace in the Harrisburg area, which is infested by the non-native insect. In our online story, Harrisburg’s forester offers some tips, and the city is doling out free traps.

Steve Rudolph is practically synonymous with jazz music in the Harrisburg area. Our magazine story profiles the local legend, explaining how he came here and what he’s up to now.

Sushi Yatta is one of the newest entries to hit Harrisburg’s vibrant dining scene. Our feature story tells you what’s cooking (and what’s raw) at this takeout place in Midtown.

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City administration makes case for debt restructuring to Harrisburg’s financial oversight board

September 23, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Harrisburg at Wednesday’s meeting

The city administration took its case for a proposed debt refinancing to Harrisburg’s state-appointed financial oversight body on Wednesday, stating that time was running short to finalize an agreement.

Harrisburg’s financial advisor, Dan Connelly, told members of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) that the city must complete a planned debt restructuring by Dec. 31, when a deal negotiated with the city’s bond insurer, Ambac Assurance Corp., expires.

In a lengthy presentation, Connelly outlined various fiscal scenarios, three of which included a refinancing and three that did not include a refinancing. He emphatically stated that refinancing the city’s debt and paying it back over time made the most sense, especially when compared to paying off the bonds with cash on hand.

“Doing the Ambac deal results in less cost than foregoing the deal on virtually any scenario,” he told ICA members.

In early June, the administration introduced legislation that would allow Harrisburg to settle debt associated with the 2005 renovation of the city-owned minor league baseball stadium on City Island, as well as refinance debt incurred when the city defaulted on general obligation bonds in 2012, in the midst of the city’s financial crisis.

According to this restructuring deal, the city would retire the remaining stadium debt of about $5 million. Ambac then would offer the city an immediate discount on its remaining debt load, reducing it by up to $3.3 million, an amount dependent upon how much money the city pre-pays.

Under the deal, Ambac also would lower the city’s interest rate from 6.75% to 5% for up to three years on its remaining debt of about $25 million. According to Mayor Eric Papenfuse, another refinancing next year could lower the city’s interest rate further to the 3% to 3.5% range.

Under the proposed deal, remaining debt would be retired over 10 years.

“All that evaporates if we don’t do the deal by Dec. 31,” Papenfuse, who was not at the ICA meeting, said separately. “We still have to pay off all the debt, but we don’t get any of the benefit.”

However, several City Council members have balked at this agreement with Ambac, and council, so far, has not held a hearing on it. Instead, council leaders, including President Wanda Williams, have said that they prefer to use the city’s substantial savings to pay off the debt in full.

As of June 30, the city had a fund balance of $41.7 million, savings accumulated as the city has underspent its budget for successive years. Recently, city Controller Charlie DeBrunner told council that he expects the city to end 2021 with a fund balance of about $34 million.

On Wednesday, however, Connelly told the ICA that the city does not have sufficient money in the bank to pay off the debt.

Citing upcoming bond payments, capital expenditures and other expenses, he said that a debt repayment from available cash would deplete the city’s coffers and, in fact, would plunge the city into deficit, making it unable to pay its bills.

Notably, Harrisburg and the ICA have already provided for a debt refinancing as part of its five-year financial plan for the city.

“We think the plan going forward is basically the approach that it is outlined in the five-year plan,” Connelly said.

At the meeting, several ICA members urged the administration to cooperate with other decision-makers, such as City Council, in reaching an agreement.

“I would love to leave you with a politely worded urge to have a sense of urgency in engaging with all interested parties to make sure that a plan that everyone can sign off on is acceptable so it can be executed,” said ICA vice-chair Ralph Vartan.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

September 23, 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 start at LBC Harrisburg. HU presents PORTUGAL. The Man (NOTE: Cage the Elephant postponed until Monday.) 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: Last-min travel to Pittsburgh for family, then home for visiting family.

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

Add to calendar [NEW]

Wednesday, Sept. 29 – I’m doing an IG LIVE with Allie Doran from Miss Allie’s Kitchen, as we talk tapas (from her cookbook!) and Radio Boka wine (a super affordable and drinkable tempranillo).
Thursday, Sept. 30 – SoMa Block Party in downtown Harrisburg

For your weekend planning:

Sign-up for a FREE car seat safety check
It’s Hunger Action Month: Become a Friend of PA Eats
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

Pick-up a perfect fall beer
You need new shoes – why not try to win some?
Refresh with an Anti-Aging Treatment at Moxy #selfcare
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!

Thursday

Harrisburg University presents Cage The Elephant in Riverfront Park • POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY 9/27
Live @ The Shire: Sound Method at Boneshire Brew Works
Harrisburg Restaurant Week 2021
Mamma Mia! at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Cumberland County Best Kept Secrets Tour begins
Blaggards, Halfway to St. Paddy’s Day at The Englewood

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

Like this content?

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Building owner mounts fight to prevent construction of 5G pole directly in front of historic King Mansion

September 22, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Verizon workers outside of the King Mansion’s front entrance last week

Big white tents went up in the front lawn of the historic King Mansion last Thursday morning in preparation for a weekend wedding.

That same morning, construction workers began digging up grass and dirt directly in front of the historic N. Front Street mansion.

Hearing the sound of the equipment, building owner Marc Kurowski peered out the window and was shocked by what he saw.

Verizon was beginning work to erect a massive 5G pole in front of the century-old King Mansion, one of Harrisburg’s grandest and most notable buildings.

To Kurowski, this added insult to injury. Earlier in the summer, Verizon had installed a 5G pole directly in front of his other building—his recently renovated house down the street on the 1400-block of N. Front Street. Where an inconspicuous street light once stood, a thick pole with a bulbous antenna on top now stood between his home and his riverfront view.

“It’s starting to feel a little personal,” he said. “It was a complete surprise.”

The exterior of the King Mansion

But it was more than personal to Kurowski–it was detrimental to this important piece of Harrisburg history, he explained. He recently renovated the King Mansion, which for decades had been carved up into an offices, transforming most of the grand space into an elegant wedding and event venue.

The 5G pole, if installed, would replace a street light located on the public right of way in front of the mansion.

“You couldn’t have picked a worse spot to put it,” he said. “I will chain myself to the pole out there. This can’t happen.”

Verizon’s “small cell” poles have popped up at locations around the city over the recent months. According to Verizon spokesperson Chris Serico, these provide Harrisburg residents with access to the 5G Ultra Wideband network, which improves downloading and streaming speeds.

After a pole was installed outside of Kurowski’s N. Front Street home, he contacted Verizon to make sure that the King Mansion wouldn’t be next, and Verizon told him they wouldn’t touch that location until possibly 2022, he said.

When construction began last week, Kurowski said that he felt blindsided.

“It wasn’t under the cover of night, but it felt that way,” he said.

The interior of the King Mansion. Photos by Elliot Samuel from Hommati Photography.

Kurowski contacted Verizon when he saw the construction outside the mansion, and Verizon has since halted work at the site. He said that he has not received word on whether Verizon has future plans to construct at that location.

When reached by email last week, Serico did not confirm that this had happened, but said that there were no current plans to install a small cell tower in front of the King Mansion.

According to Harrisburg City Engineer Wayne Martin, 101 permits have been issued by the city for 5G pole locations, with another 15 currently under review.

In late 2019, City Council approved a resolution that allowed Harrisburg to enter into an agreement with Verizon to use certain street lights and utility pole locations to install wireless equipment.

“Our engineers analyze our current network usage and data trends to determine placement for small cells, including 5G Ultra Wideband technology in Harrisburg,” Serico said.

Martin’s office surveys each proposed 5G pole location and must approve them, he said. However, they may only reject a location if there is a safety or design requirement concern, such as if it interferes with access to an ADA ramp.

Over 100 small cell sites that have been installed so far in Harrisburg, but Martin said that he has received only a handful of complaints from residents and business owners.

“It has not been a very hot issue,” he said.

But David Morrison, executive director of the Historic Harrisburg Association, sees it another way.

“It’s been an ongoing problem,” he said. “These poles are a nuisance.”

Seeing the poles go up around the city, especially along N. Front Street, Morrison said that he worries about how they may affect his historic tours. He often takes bus tours down the riverfront street, pointing out historic buildings. The King Mansion is one of his favorites, he said.

“I call Front Street the most beautiful street in America,” Morrison said. “When we begin to clutter it up with these poles, it’s not just bad for residents, but for tourism.”

Morrison said that he is planning to contact Verizon about the 5G pole possibly coming to the King Mansion along with a proposed installation on the 2900-block of N. Front, which he’s suggesting is a historic district.

A public notice was placed in the Patriot-News in early August, making note of 11 poles that Verizon recently installed and explaining where public comments “regarding potential effects from this project on historic properties” could be sent within 30 days.

Kurowski’s home was one of the 11 listed sites.

He’s submitted comments and said he was told that other options will be considered, but that no promises can be made.

As for the King Mansion, Kurowski said he’ll be waiting by the window, watching to make sure a 5G pole isn’t installed.

“Every part of this is wrong,” he said. “I’m not letting it go. I’ll just keep making noise.”

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Spotted, Smashed: Harrisburg City forester offers tips for dealing with spotted lanternflies

September 21, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Spotted lanternfly

There’s a relatively new winged resident in town. If you see him, squash him.

The spotted lanternfly has made its way to Harrisburg, but according to city Forester Ellen Roane, the invasive insect is not a welcomed guest.

You’ll recognize the fly by its gray, black, red and yellow body and wings, covered in black spots.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), the flies cause major damage including oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling and dieback in trees, vines, crops and many other types of plants. They also excrete a substance, called honeydew, that can lead to the growth of black sooty mold that is harmless to people, but damaging to plants, the PDA said.

Additionally, they pose possibly a multi-million-dollar threat to the agriculture industry, according to the PDA.

In Harrisburg, Roane said that the flies haven’t been terrible this year, but she expects to see even more next year.

However, across the city, they’ve definitely been visible.

Walk down N. 3^rd Street, and you’ll see dead and living flies scattered on the sidewalk near the federal building. Stroll through Reservoir Park, and you may find some munching on leaves. Jog along the riverfront, and one might whiz by your face.

Roane said that the flies gravitate towards young trees, which they can damage more significantly than mature plants. They especially like to feed on the leaves of tree of heaven, silver maple, red maple and walnut trees, among others.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the flies are native to China and were first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014.

To protect Harrisburg trees from the flies, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Facilities is giving out free circle traps to residents. These traps are used to funnel the insects into a bag for capture, Roane explained.

There are other methods of dealing with flies, such as stepping on or swatting them, spraying them with mild insecticide or creating a trap with screening material. Trees can also be treated with a systemic insecticide that kills the insects when they feed on the tree, Roane said.

As winter rolls around, Roane advised residents to be on the lookout for the lanternfly eggs, which, she said, will likely appear in November and hatch in April. They appear as small, gray, putty-like masses, about an inch wide and can contain around 40 to 60 eggs, Roane said.

To prevent them from hatching, she suggests scraping them off the surface they’re found on and putting them in a bag of alcohol.

There are 34 counties in the commonwealth that are under spotted lanternfly quarantine, meaning the bug should not be transported out of the county. Dauphin County is under quarantine.

The bottom line? Roane says, if you see a spotted lanternfly, smash it.

Spotted lanternfly traps can be picked it up at 123 Walnut St., Suite 317, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Harrisburg School District to add COVID data, case numbers to its website

September 21, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Screenshot of Superintendent Eric Turman presenting the COVID-19 dashboard that will be added to the district’s website next week.

The Harrisburg School District is launching a new platform to keep parents and students informed about the impact of COVID-19.

At a business meeting on Monday night, Superintendent Eric Turman announced that a COVID dashboard will soon be available on the district’s website and include information on the number of cases per building.

“The dashboard would give us an opportunity, on a daily basis, to update the community in terms of what is happening in our schools,” Turman said.

On the dashboard will be a list of each school within the district, the total number of students in each and the number of COVID cases. It also will show what percentage of the student body those cases make up. Following those numbers will be a rating of the alert level for each school—low, moderate, high, very high or max.

According to their scale, a low case count of 0 to 1.99% of students is in the green, while a max level of 5% or higher is in the red. Turman explained that if the district reaches the max alert, they will move to remote learning for seven days.

The alert ratings will be updated every evening, Turman said.

The dashboard also indicates the number of students and staff who are quarantined. Turman explained that those numbers include anyone who may have been exposed to the virus, not only those who have tested positive.

The dashboard will likely be published on the district’s website next week, Turman said.

He also provided information about reporting COVID cases, symptoms and exposures.

If a student tests positive for COVID, a parent must report this to the school building leader, Turman said. They may only return to school after 10 days since the symptoms appeared, after 24 hours with no fever and after improvement in symptoms.

The school will then conduct tracing to identify children that were in close contact with the affected student, Turman said. Those students will remain quarantined in the building until a parent picks them up. The school community will then be notified, he added.

Also at the business meeting, Receiver Janet Samuels announced Dr. Lori Suski as the new chief recovery officer. She will work to continue with the district’s amended recovery plan, specifically focused on improving the areas of finances, academics and student stability. Suski previously served on the amended recovery plan advisory board for the district.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 17, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Midtown Cinema announced a change of leadership this week.

As the summer transitions into the fall, changing leaves and temperatures are just around the corner. Many of this week’s stories fall under the theme of change, as well, whether it be around perspective, leadership or development in Harrisburg. Read all of our coverage, listed and linked, below.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights two art exhibits in Harrisburg with spiritual themes. St. Stephen’s Riverfront Gallery is showing “De-Colonizing Christ,” and artist Kelly Curran’s exhibit, entitled “Purify,” is on display at the Millworks.

Charlie DeBrunner, Harrisburg’s controller, said that the city should end the year with enough money in the bank to pay off its accumulated debt, our reporting found. Appearing before City Council this week, he told council members that his office projects a $34 million fund balance by year-end, which could be enough to pay off the city’s bonds, he said.

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities will celebrate its centennial this year by welcoming several awardees of a local scholarship back to Harrisburg to demonstrate musically how well they’ve used the money. They will put on a free concert this month, our magazine story reported.

“The Hand that Holds the Quill” is a play that puts the spotlight on Jacob Shallus, who penned the original copy of the U.S. Constitution. Our magazine article tells the story of how Mechanicsburg playwright Cindy Rock Dlugolecki found out that she is related to Shallus and decided to tell his story.

The Harrisburg Book Festival will return this year with in-person and virtual activities, our online story reported. From Oct. 6 to 10, Midtown Scholar Bookstore will host a discounted book sale, as well as virtual author events.

Harrisburg-area developers have proposed a five-story, mixed-use building for downtown Harrisburg, our online story reported. This would require demolition of two derelict structures now at 512-514 N. 2^nd St.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse declared this week that he is running as a write-in candidate in the November general election, our online story reported. He stated that he decided to run for a third term, despite losing the Democratic primary in May, based on his track record of fiscal management and rebuilding the capacity of city government.

Harrisburg City Council passed a resolution that will begin the process of updating the city’s decades-old IT system, our reporting found. Over the next two years, Texas-based Tyler Technologies will phase in a new computer system.

Home sales in the Harrisburg area declined a bit in August, but prices increased considerably, our reporting found. Sales dropped to 810 housing units compared to 866 last year, but the median sales price rose by 9.3% to $235,000, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

Midtown Cinema has new oversight as former director Adam Porter has stepped down to focus on his business StartUp Harrisburg, our reporting found. Porter is replaced by Rachel Landon of Open Stage Theatre as the general manager and Stacey Werner as assistant manager.

Nyeusi Gallery opened this past weekend in Midtown Harrisburg. Our magazine article tells the story behind the gallery that seeks to showcase Black art.

Otto Banks, was named by Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse as the new economic development director, our online story reported. Banks, a former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development official, ran for the Democratic nomination for mayor against Papenfuse in the primary election.

Sara Bozich released her Weekend Roundup that’s full of fall activities for those ready for the cooler season ahead.

Sprocket Mural Works recently finished creating a pocket park in Patrick Alley in Midtown Harrisburg. Our magazine story outlines this unique project, which included a bright, floral mural with an environmental message behind it.

Wanda Williams, Harrisburg’s Democratic nominee for mayor and City Council president, announced this week that she is gearing up her campaign for the election, our online story reported. Williams said she will re-initiate her campaign by “month’s end,” following a mourning period for her mother.

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Urban agriculture group will teach Harrisburg kids about sustainability, gardening

September 17, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

File photo of the Camp Curtin YMCA community garden

Summer may be wrapping up, but Harrisburg kids will have a chance to close out the season by getting their hands dirty in the garden.

On Sept. 25, local urban agriculture group Ngozi’s Let’s Get Dirty! will host an educational and hands-on event to teach residents about gardening and sustainability.

“Our goal is to inspire, educate and empower the residents of Harrisburg most impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19),” said certified permaculture instructor Rafiyqa Muhammad of the agricultural organization, in a statement.

The Living Healthy Harrisburg event will take place at the Camp Curtin YMCA’s urban garden, in back of the facility, and run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ngozi instructors will teach students how to build a garden using a recycled chair and how to grow a strawberry plant in anticipation of next spring. The class is limited to 12 children.

They will also help youth build, design and paint compost containers for the YMCA garden.

“Living Healthy Harrisburg engages, demonstrates and educate local communities on how to reduce their carbon footprint as well as holistic approaches through green sustainable living,” Muhammad said.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. children’s author Danielle M. Jackson will read from her books, including her newest, “Lettuce Turnip at the Farmers Market.” The first 10 children will receive free, signed books. The author of “From Hurt 2 Healing,” Jamillah London, will be present as well.

In addition to learning about planting food, students will get to taste some from the YMCA’s garden harvest.

To help participants get some energy out, fitness instructors Charisse Grayer and Sandy Johnson will lead kids in wellness activities.

The YMCA, the Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg and Gateway Health Plan will also attend to provide education and information about their organizations.

Ngozi’s Let’s Get Dirty! Urban Agriculture is an initiative by local businesses, nonprofits, elected officials and community members to provide education on regenerative and economically viable urban permaculture farming practices.

For more information about Living Healthy Harrisburg, visit their Facebook page.

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