Harrisburg police community relations director Blake Lynch leaving for job with WITF

August 10, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Blake Lynch

After several years of working to build a bridge between the Harrisburg Bureau of Police and the community, Blake Lynch will transition out of his position with the city.

On Monday, WITF announced that, on Aug. 30, Lynch will become the senior vice president and chief impact officer for the media organization, overseeing community engagement, fundraising, corporate sponsorship and marketing.

“As a kid, I was privileged to glean and learn from a lot of the educational programming that WITF put on,” Lynch said. “I’m really grateful and excited for this opportunity.”

Lynch served in the bureau for over three years, first as the community policing coordinator before recently being promoted to director of community relations and engagement. In his position, Lynch worked to build relationships between community members and the bureau. He also oversaw initiatives like National Night Out, food distribution with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank during the pandemic and partnerships with the Harrisburg School District.

“It has been an honor to serve alongside our officers,” Lynch said. “We were able to really push forward community policing.”

A lifelong resident of central PA, Lynch served as the director of development for the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg before joining the police bureau.

With his recent promotion in the bureau, Lynch was responsible for overseeing and training the newly hired seven community service aides, civilian staff tasked with building relationships within the community.

According to police Commissioner Thomas Carter, the bureau expects to fill Lynch’s role.

“Blake would always go above and beyond what I would ask,” Carter said. “He is a very talented person. I’m going to miss him, but I’m happy for him.”

In his new position with WITF, Lynch said that he will oversee community engagement, fundraising, corporate sponsorship and marketing initiatives across the media organization’s 19 counties.

His work with the bureau, he said, helped prepare him for this role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Blake to the WITF team,” said WITF President and CEO Ron Hetrick in a statement. “Given his depth of experience in building community connections, fundraising for nonprofit organizations, and advocating for his neighbors, Blake is well-positioned to make a lasting, positive impact on our region. WITF looks forward to inspiring lifelong learning with him on board.”

Leaving the bureau wasn’t an easy decision, Lynch explained, but after consulting with his family, he decided it was the right move.

“I’m really going to miss the people—the residents and those who assist our city every day,” he said. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside them.”

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Serving up Soul: Nyree’s Restaurant and Lounge coming to downtown Harrisburg

August 9, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Joe Hobbs in front of what will soon be Nyree’s Restaurant & Lounge.

It’s easy to get hungry when Joe Hobbs starts listing off menu items coming to his soul food restaurant opening in downtown Harrisburg.

Nyree’s Restaurant & Lounge, with a location on the west shore, will soon expand to include a larger restaurant at the former Bridge’s Social Club at 321 N. 2nd St. in Harrisburg.

“I think Harrisburg needs this, especially downtown,” Hobbs said. “We have to get our feet on the ground over there.”

Nyree’s is leasing and will open in the three-story building that was on the market since early 2020, soon after Bridge’s Social Club closed after several instances of violence.

Hobbs said that safety will be his priority at the restaurant and that he will include security on the weekends.

The first floor of the building will be the main restaurant, which will likely open in the coming weeks, Hobbs said. It will feature favorite menu items from their shop in the Cedar Cliff Plaza on Carlisle Road. Hobbs said their popular dishes, such as barbecue turkey wings, catfish, fried chicken, baked mac and cheese and collard greens, will be served alongside new additions like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and alligator bites.

He especially hopes that people who haven’t tasted soul food will try Nyree’s plates.

“Harrisburg is a very diversified city,” Hobbs said. “You have people from all walks of life. We want them to experience our food.”

The restaurant will include live entertainment, as well.

Once securing a liquor license, Hobbs will open a lounge for jazz nights, couple’s dinners and other entertainment events. The lounge will be for customers over 30 years old and will implement a dress code.

He expects to use the third floor for private parties.

Nyree’s originally opened in Harrisburg from 2013-14 at the corner of Market and Cameron streets. In 2020, they opened in Camp Hill. That location will remain open.

Hobbs, a Philadelphia native and former Harrisburg resident, is excited to return to the city.

“I love Harrisburg,” he said. “I think being in downtown, we will really grow.”

Nyree’s Restaurant & Lounge will open at 321 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

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Harrisburg Mural Fest branches out to Penbrook, Steelton in August

August 9, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Artist Ralphie Seguinot stands next to his new mural, painted at Recycle Bicycle on Allison Hill.

Two community-focused murals—one in Penbrook and another in Steelton—are slated to be created in August, as the summer-long 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival by Sprocket Mural Works stretches into neighboring communities.

“While much of our work over the past seven years has focused on uplifting Harrisburg through art, it’s exciting to have the opportunity to spread the joy—through murals—to our city’s neighbors,” said Megan Caruso, Sprocket co-founder and president. “Our partners in Penbrook and Steelton could not be more positive and welcoming, recognizing the value murals will add to their vibrant communities and daily lives.”

Penbrook Borough Building: A montage of children’s faces will comprise a mural, to be created beginning Aug. 12, on the borough’s administrative building, 150 S. 28th St, Harrisburg. The mural, funded by a generous community donor, will face Elm Street Station Park, a small neighborhood park featuring playground equipment for young children.

“This mural is like a cherry on the top of our park rehab project,” said Ben Stokes, chair of Penbrook’s Parks Committee. “The park rehab finished in 2019 thanks to a number of grants, and this mural is the perfect ending. Every time I bring it up at our Penbrook borough meetings, everybody is excited about it.”

First-time muralist Sarah Fogg of Harrisburg is basing the mural design on photographs of actual Penbrook children who attended the borough’s summer camp. The mural’s theme—children—was the top choice of local residents surveyed.

“My approach is to use bright colors, so that the mural looks happy,” says Fogg. “I want to do these kids justice and make sure they’re proud of seeing their faces up on the wall. These kids represent the future of their community.”

Fogg has close ties to Penbrook. As a child, she attended the elementary school serving Penbrook, South Side Elementary, in the Central Dauphin School District. Seven years ago, Fogg returned to the school district as an elementary school art teacher—including a stint at South Side.

Mid Penn Bank, Steelton: Sprocket will create its first mural in the borough of Steelton, beginning Aug. 23. Sponsored by and located at Mid Penn Bank, 51 S. Front St, Steelton, a giant mural wall (124 feet in length, standing 10 feet high) will pay homage to themes chosen by surveyed residents—history, diversity and the people of Steelton.

“We are looking forward to showcasing a beautiful piece of public art at our facility,” said Heather Hall, Mid Penn Bank executive vice president and market president. “As the only bank in Steelton, we are dedicated to providing support to the community in many different ways. We see this mural as a way to honor Steelton’s history and inspire its bright future.”

The artist selected by this project, Matt Halm, hails from another town made famous by its steel production—Allentown. Halm, who has experience creating community murals, invites the public to come help paint the mural on Aug. 28 and 29.

Upcoming 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival projects include:

Mulberry Street Bridge: Murals will soon span one side of the bridge, in this apprenticeship-type project led by prominent New York City muralist and Harrisburg native Ian Potter, working in collaboration with up-and-coming local artists. One of the largest projects Sprocket has ever undertaken, the bridge project is sponsored by M&T Bank, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) and The Pennsylvania College of Art & Design.

Pocket park: Harrisburg’s Patrick Alley, already transformed by native pollinator-friendly plants donated by Manada Conservancy and planted by community volunteers including Friends of Midtown, will soon be graced by a large-scale floral and honeybee mural, thanks to grant funding by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Furry Friends: The importance and joy of pet adoption will be highlighted in a mural funded by corporate sponsor Chewy, located at Anastacia’s Restaurant, 1535 N. 6th St, in close proximity to the Friends of Midtown Community Dog Park. This mural is also being produced in collaboration with—and to raise awareness of—the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area.

Strawberry Square: Two new murals will brighten the Strawberry Square shopping district, thanks to development organization and longtime Sprocket supporter Harristown Enterprises.

Celebrating Black Lives: A steering committee of community members is developing a “Celebrating Black Lives” mural theme, identifying a location, and evaluating artist portfolios, from those who identified themselves as local Black artists during Sprocket’s call for artists.

Welcome back, Brandon Spicer-Crawley: One of the 2019 Harrisburg Mural Festival artists, Brandon Spicer-Crawley of the Philadelphia area returns to extend his mural on the Millworks Lumber Storage Building off 4th Street. Sprocket is proud to provide a platform for this both talented and intellectually disabled artist.

Completed 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival projects include:

Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg: Joyful children on bikes are depicted in a blue and purple-toned mural encompassing two sides of the nonprofit Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg facility, 1722 Chestnut St., in the Allison Hill neighborhood. The mural was completed by Harrisburg artist Ralphie Seguinot in July.

Planter project: Twenty Harrisburg artists completed 20 giant planters placed along Market and Derry streets in the Allison Hill neighborhood to launch the 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival by showcasing Harrisburg-based artists. The beautification project was in partnership with Tri County Community Action.

Background: The 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival is Sprocket’s third biennial summer festival. The majority of Sprocket’s 45 murals were created during the 2017 and 2019 Harrisburg Mural Festivals by local, regional, national and international artists. This year, rather than planning a concentrated 10-day mural festival taking place simultaneously at multiple locations, Sprocket is organizing continuous, summer-long mural projects popping up throughout the city.

The mission of Sprocket Mural Works is to uplift Harrisburg through art. Sprocket Mural Works is a citywide mural project that works with neighborhoods, artists and organizations to create vibrant community murals across Harrisburg, with creative action serving as a catalyst for increased community pride and civic engagement in Harrisburg. The organization’s roots go back to 2014, and Sprocket Mural Works became a nonprofit organization in 2019.

Sprocket welcomes additional partner organizations, volunteers, and corporate sponsors of all sizes to become involved in the 2021 festival. The best way to contact Sprocket is via email at [email protected]. For more information: sprocketmuralworks.com; @sprocketmuralworks on Instagram and Facebook; @SprocketMurals on Twitter.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 6, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Dishes from Tuskers Indian Fusion, which recently opened in Harrisburg. Photo by Rachel Lindsley.

It’s looking like a hot weekend ahead in Harrisburg, so find a pool, lake or AC unit to lounge by while you catch up on this week’s news, listed and linked, below.

Back-to-school checklists are back, but may look different this year. Our magazine story has tips for students and families on how to prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Bethel Village officials made some adjustments to their plan for an affordable senior housing development based on community feedback, our reporting found. At a zoning board meeting this week, they said that they may have some solutions for neighbors’ concerns around parking.

The Department of Education held a free vaccine clinic this week for children aged 12 or older in preparation for the upcoming school year, our reporting found. On Wednesday, kids received the Pfizer vaccine in the Keystone Building in Harrisburg.

Drew Wilburne, aka Big Happy, recently released his first single “Summer Sleep,” our online story reported. Wilburne, a Harrisburg resident, was inspired by his father who has Parkinson’s disease, to write a song about cherishing time with loved ones.

Three Harlem Renaissance poets had ties to Harrisburg and are still influencing the city, our magazine story reported. Now, 100 years later, local artists and teachers are using their stories to inspire a new generation of Harrisburg students.

The Harrisburg School District denied the application of a proposed nursing-focused charter school that hoped to open in Midtown, our online story reported. Pennsylvania Nurses Middle College Charter School officials are deciding what to do next.

The Jackson Lick Pool reopened this week after being closed for over a year due to the pandemic, our online story reported. The pool’s hours have been modified to allow for sanitation, and the Hall Manor pool remains closed.

Local news is at the heart of TheBurg, but does it have a future? Our editor discusses the challenges that small papers face, but also how unique local coverage may be what keeps them alive.

Sara Bozich has you covered, as far as your weekend plans go. Listen to some live music, shop at the HBG Flea, or find another fun event to attend from Sara’s Weekend Roundup.

Tuskers Indian Fusion recently opened in Harrisburg, offering traditional Indian food with a twist. In our magazine story, read about how owners Lycka and Sunil D’Souza made their restaurant dreams come true.

The Westshore Wildlife Center in Etters offers rescue, rehabilitation and conflict resolutions for wild animals, as well as education for humans, our magazine story reported. The facility’s most common clients comprise, but aren’t limited to, Eastern cottontails, possums, turtles, squirrels and ducks.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 5, 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:

For your weekend planning:
Top Weekend Recs
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Need something NEW to do? Shop a farmers market; stop by a brewery patio; try a new cocktail.

(Still) Worth noting: We revived our private Facebook group, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: A canceled trip replaced by HBG Flea and dinner + wine with a friend.

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

For your weekend planning:

Traveling? Don’t forget these essentials.
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

Grab tix to a summer concert (enter here to win some)
Try a new seltzer
Catch an outdoor movie
Explore the best local markets
Pick up a new-to-you 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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Proposed nursing-focused charter school denied by Harrisburg School District

August 4, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

The Midtown II building, the proposed site of the PA Nurses Middle College Charter School

A proposed charter school that hoped to bring nursing courses to Dauphin County students has struck out for now.

In July, the Harrisburg School District denied an application for the Pennsylvania Nurses Middle College Charter School, which had plans to open in Midtown for the 2022-23 school year.

“I have carefully evaluated the record based upon the standard set forth in the charter school law,” said Janet Samuels, the state-appointed receiver for the district. “It is my conclusion that the application does not meet those standards and should be denied.”

This is the second time the proposed charter submitted an application. The first, in February 2020, also was denied.

The district received the second application in March 2021 and proceeded with two hearings.

According to the charter’s CEO Betsy Snook, the school would serve as a pipeline for students in grades 9 through 12 to continue on potentially to obtain baccalaureate degrees and enter the nursing field. They also hoped to address the racial disparity in the nursing field by attracting and training minority students, she said. The district, she said, doesn’t have a program like this.

“I think it’s unfortunate for the Harrisburg School District students, and it’s unfortunate for our profession,” Snook said of the application denial, when reached by phone on Tuesday.

The school would have been located in GreenWorks Development’s Midtown II building, alongside the PA STEAM Academy.

The proposed school was founded by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, which Snook also oversees, and the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania.

Samuels said that, for numerous reasons, she had concerns with the school’s plans.

Those concerns included a belief that the charter did not provide demonstrated support from community members, teachers, parents or other stakeholders, she said.

Samuels also said that the school might not provide a comprehensive learning environment to students, stating that the district didn’t receive a complete curriculum that meets state standards from the charter. She added that the charter failed to provide a plan for its healthcare classes and components–the main aspect of the school.

Snook said that the charter did have a comprehensive curriculum, that she worked on it herself, but that they didn’t provide the district with all of the components of it.

“This curriculum has infused throughout it all of the nursing practices that are required within the profession,” she said. “But we neglected to get it all in there. That’s OK with us for now. I’m not sure I wanted them to have all of the curriculum that we proposed.”

Snook expressed concern that the district might take some of their ideas from the proposed curriculum.

Samuels’ other reasons for denial included concern over the proposed school’s budget and alleged inadequate support services for English language learners and minority students.

“I find that the proposed charter school would not serve as a model for other public schools,” Samuels said.

But Snook refuted that fact, saying that they had a sound budget and proposed student support systems.

“That budget was a good budget,” she said. “What they were concerned about was that we forgot to add a janitor.”

Snook said that the charter’s board plans to meet and discuss their next move in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Nurses Middle College Charter School, visit their website.

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Developers of proposed senior housing in Harrisburg address parking concerns, seek to move forward

August 4, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board meeting on Tuesday.

The developers of a proposed affordable housing development for seniors say that they’ve identified additional parking for their project, as they seek to gain approval from Harrisburg’s zoning board.

At a special hearing on Tuesday, Bethel Village officials explained additions that they made to their plan to try to appeal to neighbors for the proposed project at N. 6^th and Herr streets, especially regarding parking.

“Looking back, we would’ve benefitted from more outreach,” said Esch McCombie, an attorney with McNees, Wallace & Nurick, the law firm representing Bethel.

At last month’s Zoning Hearing Board meeting, the project received a range of feedback from residents, a majority of whom were opposed to the project. Most believed that the four off-street parking spots proposed for the 49-unit building were not enough.

Officials from RB Development and Gardner Capital, two of the partners in the project, maintained that few parking spots are needed, as they expect most residents will not own cars.

However, community members questioned where guests, nurses and staff will park.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Bethel Village officials said that they believe an agreement with nearby Tabernacle Baptist Church for use of 15 surface parking spaces will address the neighbors’ concerns. However, they do not yet have a lease signed with the church, McCombie said.

They also pointed out there are at least 10 on-street parking spaces on Herr Street and 38 newly constructed spaces on N. 6^th Street from Herr to Reily streets.

At the meeting, neighbor Stephen Rzonca said that he walked the street recently, taking pictures, and saw no open spaces.

“Consider this was on a Tuesday afternoon, when not all of the 20,000 state employees that were teleworking have returned,” he said. “Two, this was on a day when the Broad Street Market was closed. Thursdays through Saturdays, the parking situation gets considerably worse.”

The proposed site of Bethel Village at N. 6th and Herr streets.

However, for some residents, such as Olivia Rindfuss, Bethel’s additions to the plan were enough to gain their support.

“Previously, I attested that the plan in its current condition would not be to the best public safety of the city,” she said. “In correction of that statement, I am in support of this project based on improvements to the plan. I hope my neighbors will join me in support of this project.”

Overall, Tuesday’s meeting received more positive comments for Bethel, with a number of Bethel AME Church members voicing support. The church is a partner in the project, and their building formerly was situated on the land where the proposed senior housing would go.

In response to a petition opposing the project submitted by neighbors at last month’s zoning meeting, Bethel collected over 70 signatures on its own petition in support of the project.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the housing go up, and I’m looking forward to helping our seniors,” said resident Ruby Doub, who also is the communications liaison for Dauphin County.

Members of the zoning board said they were not ready to make a decision on the case yet and would continue it to the board’s Aug. 16 meeting at 6 p.m.

“It [parking] is not a safety and health issue. It’s a convenience issue,” McCombie said. “It’s having to walk further to find parking. It’s having to drive around for 20 to 30 minutes to find parking. I absolutely appreciate their concerns […] but at the end of the day, the application complies with the requirements.”

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Commonwealth to offer free vaccine clinic for eligible children as new school year approaches

August 3, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The Keystone Building in Harrisburg

The new school year is almost upon us, prompting the commonwealth to offer a vaccination clinic organized specifically for eligible children.

On Wednesday, Aug. 4, the state Department of Education will hold a free, walk-in clinic at the Keystone Building, 400 North St., Harrisburg, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring unvaccinated children, aged 12 and older, to the clinic, where the first dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine will be administered, according to the department.

“As we prepare for a return to teaching and learning in classrooms across Pennsylvania, it is critically important for children aged 12 and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the new school year,” said Secretary of Education Noe Ortega, in a statement.

At the clinic, appointments for the second dose of the two-dose vaccine will be made, the department stated.

Nearby, food and refreshments will be available in Soldier’s Grove. The Pretzel Spot Café food truck and the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to the department.

“Getting vaccinated gives us the power to fight COVID-19 and provides the best protection against the COVID-19 virus and variants, including the highly transmissible Delta variant,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said.

Click here for the PDE’s COVID-19 website.

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Harrisburg artist releases first single inspired by father with Parkinson’s disease

August 2, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Drew Wilburne. Photo by Amanda Mustard.

Harrisburg musician Drew Wilburne was in a few bands in the past and loved music for as long as he could remember, but it wasn’t until this past year that he realized he had his own message to share through song.

Under the name “Big Happy,” Wilburne released his first single, “Summer Sleep,” in June, accompanied by a music video featuring some familiar faces in the city.

“Over the past year and a half, I found that I really had something to say,” he said.

The indie/alternative song grew roots from Wilburne’s relationship with his father who has Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. During the pandemic, his father came to live with him when Wilburne’s mom contracted COVID.

“It was a very abrupt and quick situation,” he said. “It was a realization how hard caregiving is.”

With that in mind, Wilburne wrote the lyrics for “Summer Sleep,” which reflect on caring for others and recognizing that time with them is short. The single became his first solo project.

“Ultimately, it was about realizing what it means to care about people,” he said.

But for Wilburne, the meaning of the song grew to not only include his relationship with his father, but with his friends, as well.

Wilburne, center, with producers and actors in the “Summer Sleep” video. Photo by Legend Coleman.

The “Summer Sleep” music video was shot by Harrisburg residents Amanda Berg, a documentary filmmaker and photographer, and Amanda Mustard, a photographer whose work has appeared in the New York Times and the Associated Press, among others.

Other friends of Wilburne’s, some who you may recognize from Little Amps Coffee Roasters, are featured in the video, as well.

The video starts with shots of people asleep, in a pool, in a field, under a bridge. It’s an eclectic group. One by one, they begin to move–one person frolics in a grape costume, another lifts a barbell. The youngest of the group, a boy, lifts a scooter over his head, flinging it in circles.

Wilburne explained the concept behind the video as each person acting out their dreams. Again, the inspiration came from his dad, who has trouble sleeping, just like he does.

Throughout the process of creating with his friends, Wilburne came back to that feeling of caring for those around him.

“It was really a means of spending time with them because that’s all we really have,” he said. “It helped me reconsider what it means to be present for other people and what it means for how I live every day.”

Wilburne plans to release more singles in the coming months, with a full record at a later date. He’s grateful for the support he’s received this far, especially the support of his friends.

“I feel like I did have something to say, but you’re still self conscious,” he said. “For them to buy into it and to make it better, it just cemented and validated my feelings.”

Listen to “Summer Sleep,” here. Big Happy’s music can be streamed on all major music platforms. For more information, visit his Facebook page.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 30, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Artist Amie Bantz’s new exhibit “Lunchbox Moments” will soon open at the Carlisle Arts Learning Center.

Our August issue of TheBurg Magazine is being distributed today. Make sure you grab a copy and read about some talented kids and educators in the Harrisburg area—as featured in our Youth & Schools special section. In the meantime, catch up on this week’s local news, listed and linked, below.

Artist Amie Bantz tackles the culture clashes that can often happen in the school cafeteria in her upcoming art exhibit, “Lunchbox Moments,” our online story reported. The exhibit features around 90 lunchboxes painted by her and other Asian Americans with stories and phrases related to how they’ve felt when peers reacted to their traditional Asian lunches.

In his art blog, Bob assembles an elite group of Harrisburg artists that he refers to as “The Justice League of Art.” View the work of these painters, photographers and designers, here.

Our editor gets nostalgic thinking about Harrisburg’s young people, bringing him back to his own days of youth in his August Editor’s Note. He also pays tribute to TheBurg’s office pet, a lovable dog named Bernie who recently passed away.

Grandparents Involved from the Start (GIFTS) is a Harrisburg organization that seeks to support grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. In our magazine story, read about the women behind the organization and how they help others like them overcome challenges of self-care, guardianship and finances.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau hired seven new community service aides in an attempt to bridge the gap between police and the community, our reporting found. The full-time civilian positions were approved as part of the city’s 2021 budget.

Jamaican food is coming to Uptown Harrisburg, our online story reported. A popular Broad Street Market vendor, Porters House, is expanding and adding a standalone restaurant on N. 6^th Street.

LCSWMA recently launched a virtual tour of its Susquehanna Resource Management Facility, also known as the Harrisburg incinerator, our online story reported. Through the resource, community members can learn about where their trash goes and how it is turned into clean energy.

Moran Logistics, a major Harrisburg company, acquired a large industrial site off Cameron and Herr streets, our reporting found. Moran did not specify how they would use the site, but the company does already operate at the adjoining World Trade Center Harrisburg.

National Night Out will be celebrated next week at the Camp Curtin School Athletic Field to help connect neighbors and further relationships with the community, our online story reported. The Harrisburg Police Bureau will host the event, which will include fireworks, food and games.

Street parking rates will increase next week in much of downtown Harrisburg from $3 to $4 per hour, our online story reported. This is the first such rate hike since Park Harrisburg assumed responsibility for much of the city’s parking system in 2013.

Wolf Brewing Co. recently opened in Mechanicsburg, our magazine story reported. With a total of 24 selections on tap, ranging from lagers to pilsners to sours, saisons and IPAs, there’s plenty to choose from.

Our writer Karen Hendricks shares the story of her friendship with Jeff, a homeless man who lived at a Harrisburg truck stop before recently passing away. Karen attended Jeff’s memorial service, and in her story, reflects on his life.

Sankofa African American Theatre Company presents “Pretty Fire,” which takes audience members on a journey through the Jim Crow South. The show has traumatic, drama-filled moments, but also finds a way to elicit laughter and cozy memories, says our theater reviewer.

Sara Bozich has weekend recommendations including concerts, outdoor movie nights and farmers markets. Take a look and plan your weekend, here.

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For your weekend planning:

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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