Burg Review: Tiny person, big chuckles with Gamut’s “Thumbelina”

July 16, 2021 | by Gina Napoli

One of the more obscure Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales, “Thumbelina,” is the story of a tiny, yet fierce heroine who is kidnapped and then begins an epic adventure homeward to her mother.

You can always count on the Popcorn Hat Players, the children’s outreach arm of Gamut Theatre, to encourage plenty of audience participation. The players approach all their audiences with enormous enthusiasm and silliness aplenty. If you’re in the audience and you’re not dancing and singing along with the cast, you might just be the odd one out. (Go ahead and groove; no one’s looking, and I won’t tell anyone.)

For the adults watching the play alongside their little ones, “Thumbelina” delivers slapstick comedy, familiar dance tunes, and Charlie Chaplin plunked right into the storyline. (Story adaptation by Melissa Nicholson.)

The story of Thumbelina (Abby Carroll) begins the way most fairy tales do: deep in the woods where we meet talking animals and super sketchy people. The beautiful ones are trustworthy, and the evil ones have ugly costumes, facial warts (usually), and ulterior motives. It’s easy to tell apart good from evil.

Thumbelina’s beautiful mother (Erin Shellenberger) wishes for a child. From stage right, enter an old witch (Lyeneal Griffin) who lives down the lane, who—poof!—grows a tiny daughter from the center of a flower.

Because Thumbelina was no bigger than her mother’s thumb, she could not help much with the housework. So, she entertained her mother instead, with endearing ballet and jazz dancing to songs best described as reworked vintage genre bends. (Think Postmodern Jukebox.)

Then Thumbelina gets kidnapped by some ugly toads (Shellenberger and Griffin), one of whom wants to marry her. (Talk about built-in facial warts!) This plot twist transports the audience into a world where all the characters are Thumbelina-sized.

Then Charlie Chaplin (Ross Carmichael) comes to the rescue, arms and legs flailing, to “The Sting” theme, “The Entertainer,” as he runs. Carmichael showcases an excellent command of silent movie-era non-verbal communication, miming through the entire show, and making use of every speck of stage space to get his ideas across.

Together, Thumbelina and Charlie brave the elements—snow, wind, a near-drowning in the bog. Their adventure takes them to live with a cute Field Mouse (Shellenberger), who puts Thumbelina to work sewing and storytelling. They all live happily until Field Mouse whips out her ulterior motive, proving that sometimes characters with beautiful outsides aren’t always the good guys.

Thumbelina and her new friend, Charlie, follow their tiny hearts back home where her mother awaits her.

To give the audience perspective on how small Thumbelina’s world is, the characters crowd underneath a butterfly kite, reminiscent of walking below the huge monarch-patterned butterflies that used to hang in the breezeway to Strawberry Square.

Before the pandemic locked us all down, I would not have identified so hard with Thumbelina, who lamented, “We are so little, and the world is so big.”

Thumbelina and her world may be small, but the Popcorn Hat Players deliver her story with loud laughs and a huge amount of fun.

“Thumbelina” runs on Saturdays, July 17 through Aug. 14, at 1 p.m., and on Wednesdays during that date range for select school groups. For more information and to order tickets, visit www.gamuttheatre.org or call 717-238-4111.

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Harrisburg’s Kipona festival set to return to the riverfront with cultural performances, food trucks

July 15, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

A past Harrisburg Kipona festival

Harrisburg’s festivals have kicked into gear this summer, bringing back a tradition that was missed during the pandemic.

Returning to Riverfront Park and City Island from Sept. 4 to 6, Harrisburg’s Kipona festival will feature art and food vendors, Native American and Indian cultural performances, fireworks and more.

“Kipona is a longstanding tradition within the community,” said Megan Roby, the city’s director of special events.

Last summer, the festival was altered to make it more COVID-friendly, limiting the in-person festivities to one day and moving many events to a virtual format. This year, many of the familiar Kipona experiences will return.

The annual Dick Reese Kipona Canoe and Kayak Races will take place at the northern tip of City Island on Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. Although racers typically face off in a sprint, this year the modified competitions will feature an 8-mile canoe and kayak race on the Susquehanna.

Celebrating Indian and Native American cultures is also a major focus of Kipona. These will be spotlighted through various performances and events, including a “Ratha-yatra,” or the Festival of Chariots, and a Native American pow-wow.

Festival attendees can also shop at an artist market with over 40 vendors selling handcrafted items.

A variety of food trucks will be onsite as well, serving funnel cakes, burgers, cheesesteaks and other favorites. A biergarten along the riverfront will feature selections from Zeroday Brewing Co.

Other activities include a Duck Derby, where people can purchase rubber ducks to float down the Susquehanna to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Harrisburg. Also on the river, American Tightwire performers will take a precarious walk across the Susquehanna from the Walnut Street Bridge to the riverbank.

Over 30 local bands will perform throughout the weekend, and a wine garden will feature acoustic performances.

Children are invited to enjoy free kids’ activities and carnival games at the festival, as well.

On Sept. 5, fireworks will shoot off at about 8:15 p.m. and can be viewed from Riverfront Park and City Island.

The city plans to release a complete schedule of events for Kipona in mid-August.

Street parking is free on Sunday and Monday. The code LUVHBG can be used to receive four hours of free street parking on Saturday. Parking at the Market Square Garage is $10 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday courtesy of Park Harrisburg. Recycle Bicycle will also provide free bike parking at the event.

Other recent city festivals included Artsfest on City Island, which showcased a range of artist vendors, and Harrisburg’s 4^th of July Food Trucks and Fireworks festival. Both, in person for the first time in a year, were very well attended, Roby said.

“People seem to be ready to get out and enjoy festivals this summer,” she said.

For more information about Harrisburg’s Kipona festival, visit their website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

July 15, 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
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Like this content?

Need something NEW to do? Dauphin County BrewFest. Get travel-ready. Hit up my Summer Bucket List (how many can you cross off?)

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: Beach-bound. DND. Note: There will not be a Weekend Roundup next week. OOO.

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

For your weekend planning:

Try this easy cocktail
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

BrewFest at Fort Hunter Park
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.

Like this content?

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Impact Harrisburg rolls out new grant program to small businesses in the city

July 14, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Sheila Dow-Ford and Gloria Martin-Roberts with Impact Harrisburg announce a new round of small business funding.

Through a local grant program, some Harrisburg businesses have a chance at receiving financial support.

Impact Harrisburg is rolling out its “Making an Impact” funding to benefit projects that impact the city economically.

“We can affirm that access to our funding has been a benefit to the economic structure and overall wellbeing of our community,” said Gloria Martin-Roberts, board chair of Impact Harrisburg, at a press conference in the Harrisburg Uptown Building (HUB) on Wednesday.

The program will distribute $300,000 to eligible businesses and nonprofits. Eligible projects include those that wouldn’t have adequate funding otherwise and will be started immediately. Businesses must also contribute a match to the project, financial or otherwise and have annual net revenue of $500,000 or less.

The Impact Harrisburg board plans to focus on assisting minority-owned businesses, Martin-Roberts said.

Applicants may request up to $25,000 for activities such as minor construction, building façade improvements, equipment purchases, furniture and fixture purchases, installation costs and job training, explained Sheila Dow-Ford, executive director of Impact Harrisburg.

In May 2020, Impact Harrisburg, along with the city, distributed around $1.5 million in “Neighborhood Business Stabilization” grant money to 314 small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. That program allowed businesses to utilize funds for general administrative expenses like rent, mortgage and payroll. This new round of funding cannot be used for those purposes, Dow-Ford said.

Dow-Ford described the “Making an Impact” program as “small, but mighty,” with the possibility to uplift often overlooked organizations in the city.

“This is a good news story in Harrisburg,” she said.

The program application opened on Wednesday and will be available until 5 p.m. on Aug. 2.

Juanita Edrington-Grant of HUB said that they will be applying for the funding and explained the positive experience that they’ve had with Impact Harrisburg previously. TLC Construction & Renovations received a grant from a prior round of funding that allowed them to finish constructing the HUB building.

“I am very grateful for organizations like Impact Harrisburg,” Edrington-Grant said. “It pushed us over our [capital] campaign.”

Impact Harrisburg was created in 2015 as part of the Harrisburg Strong Plan to promote economic development and infrastructure improvement within the city. Dow-Ford said that the organization is nearing the end of its original funding pool of $12.3 million, so its future is uncertain.

For more information, visit Impact Harrisburg’s website.

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Restaurant, retail, apartments headed to Harrisburg’s 3rd Street, following bar closures, sales

July 14, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Two former Harrisburg bars, Third Street Cafe (left) and the Taproom (right), have been sold and are slated for restoration.

Two Midtown bars once targeted for closure by Harrisburg’s mayor have been sold, with plans to create a restaurant, retail space and apartments.

On Tuesday, restaurateur Josh Kesler bought 1400 N. 3^rd St., which most recently housed the Third Street Café, and, before that, the 1400 Club and Club Wanda’s.

Kesler, who owns the Millworks in Midtown and the Watershed Pub in Camp Hill, said that he would like to open a two-floor restaurant/bar, but doesn’t yet have a firm plan for the two-story, 2,500-square-foot space.

“I want to do something cool and creative, something that adds uniqueness to the neighborhood,” said Kesler, who paid $153,000 for the building. “It could be a great asset to the commercial district there.”

He expects to complete the renovation and open in 2022, perhaps with a business partner.

The Third Street Café has been closed since April under terms of a conditional licensing agreement between the owners and the PA Liquor Control Board (see CLA – LID 64506 (1).). The owners since have placed the license into safekeeping, according to their attorney, Chris Wilson.

The co-owners of the Third Street Café, Anthony Paliometros and the heirs of the late Frank Karnouskos, also owned the building next door, 1402 N. 3^rd St., once the home of the Taproom bar.

On Tuesday, Sean Linder and his Bethlehem-based investment group, SJL Rentals LLC, bought that building for $231,000. Paliometros and Karnouskos purchased it in 2016 for $92,000, according to Dauphin County.

Reached by phone, Linder said that he plans to undertake a restoration of the three-story, 4,000-square-foot building, creating five market-rate apartments with commercial space on the first floor. He also plans a small addition in the rear, which would add another 350 square feet of space.

“Midtown is obviously an up-and-coming area,” Linder said, when asked why he was interested in the building. “There’s a lot of great development going on in the city.”

Linder credited Justin Heinly of Midtown Property Management for bringing the property to his attention and mentioned that anyone interested in the first-floor retail space should contact Heinly.

“If there’s any retailer or tenants looking for space, this would be a great opportunity for them,” Linder said.

He said he expects to complete the building renovation by spring 2022.

Notably, in 2015, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse tried to revoke the business licenses of both bars, claiming that they were “nuisance bars.”

Dave Larche, then the owner of the Taproom, agreed to close his bar and later sold his building to his next-door neighbors, Paliometros and Karnouskos. For their part, Paliometros and Karnouskos repeatedly appealed the city’s business license revocation, eventually winning their case in court.

Alice Anne Schwab, the executive director of the Susquehanna Art Museum, located directly across the street from the bars, said that she looks forward to the renovations of the two buildings.

“We’re super-excited about something positive happening there,” she said. “The proposals I have heard about are really very much in keeping with businesses that are above board and operate with the public interest in mind.”

Kesler said that, in part, he was motivated to make the purchase in order to add to the growing vibrancy of the Midtown commercial district on 3^rd Street, where numerous small businesses have opened recently.

“[The bar] was making walkers feel uncomfortable and affecting the businesses around it,” he said. “I think this a good step for the neighborhood.”

Linder added that he also wanted to ensure that the block retained its architectural character.

“For years, they just let their beautiful buildings deteriorate,” he said. “There’s so much historical integrity there that needs to be preserved.”

This story has been updated.

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Monthly home sales, prices up again in greater Harrisburg area

July 13, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Houses, like this one in Harrisburg, were selling quickly in June in the metro area.

Harrisburg-area home sales continued to show strength in June, in terms of both transactions and prices.

The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR) today reported that 819 housing units sold last month, compared to 530 in June 2020, while the median price rose to $228,000 from $199,900 a year ago.

Last year, the number of home sales was depressed due to the pandemic. A better comparison may be June 2019, when 850 houses sold for a median price of $190,788.

In Dauphin County, 376 homes sold in June for a median price of $209,000, versus $179,950 the previous year. In Cumberland County, 394 houses sold for a median price of $258,500, compared to $224,900 in the year-ago period, according to GHAR.

Prices also were up in Perry County, where 35 houses sold for a median price of $200,000 versus $175,900 last year.

Houses were also selling quickly. According to GHAR, the “average day on market” dropped to 16 days in the three-county area, compared to 45 days last year and 41 days the year before.

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Bob’s Art Blog: The Art of Vegetables & 3rd in The Burg preview

July 12, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

The beauty of art can be found just about anywhere we look.

Art is a tangible commodity normally found in museums, galleries, restaurants, public spaces and even on buildings. It can be viewed from a distance or up close and personal. There is also art that is found outside of mainstream thinking—an idea whose time has come. Art lies in the mind like beauty itself, in the eye of the beholder.

During the pandemic, the big outing for many may have been a weekly trip to the grocery store. It became our “date go-to” as everything else was closed down due to restrictions. I felt a true sense of euphoria when gazing upon rows and rows of fresh vegetables at places like Karns, Radish & Rye Food Hub and local farm stands such as Veg Out. Colorfully wild in their assortment, ever changing with the seasons, vegetables hold the unique ability to lift spirits, provide inspiration in the kitchen and can even produce smiles.

So, it is really with a debt of gratitude to the farmers, growers, merchants and, most of all, to the master gardener for helping so many during this difficult time. Vegetables, as a contained community, sometimes get the short end of appreciation, at least historically from me. Truth be told, I’m a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. Except when I am in the grocery store, then vegetables are my mood enhancer. As a whole, the compendium of colors buoyantly lifts me to the clouds and, to see them arranged on the shelves artfully, gives my life a deeper meaning. The presentation proffered either clicks or it doesn’t. But, when it does, it is like gazing upon a masterpiece of art—a prize painting, a sensuous sculpture, a well-turned bowl, a thing of beauty. And like John Keats eloquently wrote in “Endymion,” “a thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

Vegetables and their artistic attributes are an affair of the heart, with an ever-growing appreciation of the bounty that gives us so much in return. They incorporate color in every shade and tone, and their consumption is good for what ails us.

It all started earlier this year when we ventured to Karns Quality Foods on Jonestown Road. It was there that I became smitten. Entering the vegetable aisle, my heart skipped a “beet.” My eyes traveled from artichokes to asparagus, broccoli to Brussels spouts, cabbages to carrots, corn to celery, parsnips to potatoes, radishes to rutabagas, salad greens to spinach, tomatoes to turnips, and, I am sure, a grocery list of others I have overlooked.

A vegetable display at Karns

The artful presentation of freshly scrubbed vegetables lent a pristine purity, looking like they belonged as a still life masterpiece in a museum rather than a grocery store. Chris Nelson, the produce manager and a 12-year veteran at Karns, shared that the layout “stems” from a floor plan devised by him and associates Daniel Jacobs, assistant produce manager, and Christine Comley, head of floral display, in its final rendering. The Karns produce team in its entirety is comprised of 18 associates, each contributing their share to the overall display.

Radish & Rye’s owners, Dusty and Julia James, put their stamp of approval on everything within its four walls of freshness at its1308 N. 3rd St. outpost, offering heirloom vegetables of every variety, artisinal breads and farm-to-table meats and cheeses. On the day we visited, store associates were busy merchandising the shop, and we were greeted with open arms and infectious smiles by the shopkeepers. They both shared with us that the presentation is a team effort, with all lending a hand in completing the visual array at Radish & Rye—“All for one and one for all,” much like the musketeers of Dumas novels. We swash-buckled our way through a wide selection of vegetables throughout the store as well as a battalion of veggies we held captive in our bags. (Pictured: A display at Radish & Rye)

Veg Out, the new kid on the block at the Broad Street Market, with its owner and front woman, Melissa Barrick whose mission is to provide locally grown vegetables, herbs and plants, goes one step farther by selling plants to grow in your own garden to patrons in the brick building. Boasting a dozen varieties of tomatoes, eight types of peppers, squash and seasonal fruits, she will have pumpkins, Christmas trees and lavender wreaths to join her regular repertoire as seasons come to pass. Veg Out is part of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and even anticipates being part of the SNAP by this winter. (Pictured: The Veg Out stand at the Broad Street Market)

In 1967, the Beach Boys penned a paean to “Vegetables” which simply stated, “I love you most of all, my favorite vegetable.” This off-the-wall, musically diverse song featured none other than Paul McCartney chomping celery throughout the two minutes of musical mayhem. As for me, my romance with romaine will continue as I stroll the aisles of vegetables far and wide. For now “lettuce” keep this secret between us.

Images by Jana MacGinnes

3rd in the Burg, Friday, July 16 (Before, During and After)

Celebrate early before the evening unfolds at Midstate Distillery, opening at 4 p.m. with a flight of spirits to share with friends before going out on the town. From its 1817 N. Cameron St. location, it’s minutes away from the evening’s main attractions. Just halfway through the month finds July’s 3rd in the Burg featuring two events that vie for top billing on the marquee. It’s a flip of the coin as to which one is the hot ticket ending this workweek, with distinct audiences for art appreciation.

It very well may be an overflow crowd at the Art Association of Harrisburg due to its longstanding reputation and the 93rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition. However, there is plenty of space to mingle and be seen. Almost 17 months to the day, this Friday celebrates the first art exhibit reception in the garden at the AAH, located at 21 North Front St. The event unfolds at the dot of 5 p.m. for this traditional blockbuster that features some of the best art from around the country. CEO Carrie Wissler-Thomas and curator Rachel O’Connor have pulled out all the stops for this meet-and-greet celebration. Robert Eichinger of Cumberland Financial Group will be the reception host for the evening. Artist-musician Jonathan Frazier will bring music in its many forms to punctuate the great art within the gallery till 8 p.m. Artists worldwide were eligible to digitally enter the exhibit, which runs through Sept. 2.

The front of the postcard for the Art Association’s “International Juried Show”

An equal amount of fanfare and cause for celebration marks the return and reopening of Gallery@2nd for the first time in ages, starting this Friday night and for every 3rd in the Burg thereafter. A huge Harrisburg welcome back to Ted and Linda Walke, gallery owners. The Gallery@2nd features on-site artists, Sean Arce, Keegan Beinhower, Chad Whitaker and owner Ted. Gallery@2nd offers a unique perspective on art, taking its outside-the-mainstream thinking from its freewheeling proprietor. The presentation at the gallery is representative of what art unrestrained resembles, appealing to likeminded individuals and artists. The quartet comprises artists who break from the rank-and-file consortium and march to their own anthem of art abstractedness. The avant-garde ensemble of patrons, whose appreciation starts at the door and ends with the last call for art at evening’s close, may be queuing up in line as the ink is drying on this blog. It will be open to the public from 6 to 9 p.m. Drop by and say “hi” to this eclectic group of artists and owners at 608 N. 2nd St.

The exterior of Gallery@Second

After, venture out to (I already gave you a clue up above) the Vegetable Hunter at 614 N. 2nd St., open until 9 p.m. to take your favorite date for more art on the walls. A cozy table awaits with a menu that offers a vegan’s dream with a small-batch craft brewery, offering plant-based ingredients for its inspired beers. With small plates, bowls and tacos, it is a cool vibe “vistro,” offering vegetables galore even in dessert form. How can you go wrong? If you are traveling to or from the west shore, check out their newest location at 46 W. High St. in the heart of downtown Carlisle, which closes at 9 p.m. The Vegetable Hunters owners, John and Kristin Messner-Baker, have set the table with a summer banquet of healthy vegan and kosher fare to eat, drink and enjoy. The restaurant officially opened on July 1 to the public.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 9, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The new superintendent of the Harrisburg School District, Eric Turman, was sworn into office this week.

We’ve definitely made it to the dog days of summer here in Harrisburg. That’s also the theme of this month’s TheBurg Podcast, out now. If you liked our July magazine stories, the podcast digs even deeper into several of them. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, but first, catch up on the latest local news, listed and linked, below.

COVID-19 vaccines are being offered in the Harrisburg area at two upcoming clinics, our online story reported. On July 14 and 15, Harristown Enterprises will sponsor a clinic inside of Strawberry Square, and Central Penn College will hold one on July 16 and again on Aug. 6.

Eric Turman was sworn in as the new superintendent of the Harrisburg School District this week, our online story reported. Turman was the former principal of Reading High School before starting his position with Harrisburg on July 1.

Gun violence awareness will take center stage at an event at Italian Lake Park this weekend, our online story reported. A Harrisburg mother planned the event to honor those affected by gun violence in the community.

H*MAC’s former owners were awarded millions in a defamation lawsuit, our reporting found. Judge John McNally awarded them about $4.7 million in combined damages, ruling that they were defamed in online comments.

Harrisburg City Council approved two development projects, including a community of tiny homes for veterans on S. Front Street and a mixed-use office and apartment building on N. Cameron Street. For more information on other approved resolutions, read our online story.

Harrisburg City Council’s finance chair, Ben Allatt, voiced concern over a proposed debt repayment plan, our reporting found. He and council President Wanda Williams say the city can settle its debt with cash on hand, rather than through a proposed refinancing.

Harrisburg Young Professionals’ Italian Lake Concert Series kicks off this weekend, our reporting found. Local musician Shine Delphi will perform for free on Sunday.

Levi Fetterman has touched the hearts of many of his Twitter followers, even without opposable thumbs. Our magazine article tells the story of the lovable pup who was rescued by Giselle Fetterman, the second lady of Pennsylvania, and her husband John Fetterman, lieutenant governor.

Low-end real estate in Harrisburg attracts buyers from all over the country. In his column, our editor reflects on why this happens and the impact it has on residents of the city.

Murals are coming to Allison Hill and Steelton as part of the 2021 Harrisburg Mural Fest, our online story reported. Sprocket Mural Works will paint murals at the new Recycle Bicycle location in Harrisburg and at Mid Penn Bank in Steelton.

Sara Bozich highlights live music events in the Harrisburg area this weekend. Take a look at her Weekend Roundup, here.

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Community Comment: Extreme weather fuels investments in innovation infrastructure

July 9, 2021 | by Charlotte Katzenmoyer

A CRW rain garden in Midtown Harrisburg

From heat wave to drenching downpours—welcome to summer in central Pennsylvania. But these recent weather events are more than just standard issue for our region; they also remind us that our infrastructure needs to be built to withstand extreme conditions.

Managing stormwater remains our biggest challenge—and we are not alone. Harrisburg is one of 800 cities nationwide with a combined sewer system. The same pipes that carry away household sewage and wastewater also carry stormwater from rooftops and pavement.

Capital Region Water captured and treated 92% of all combined sewage and stormwater in 2020, and on average treats 90% annually. The 8% that went untreated was primarily the result of heavy rains overwhelming Harrisburg’s aging and undersized infrastructure.

The summer months are when we typically see these cloud bursts, heavy runoff and localized flooding, drawing attention to the work we do year-round to protect our local waterways.

During dry weather or light rainfall events, both stormwater and wastewater go to the authority’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility for treatment before clean water is released into the Susquehanna River. During moderate to heavy rainfall events, as we just witnessed, or due to pipe obstruction caused by debris or commercial fats, the combined system reaches capacity and a mixture of sewage and stormwater overflows into the Susquehanna River and/or Paxton Creek.

These combined sewer overflow (CSO) events are a symptom of our aged infrastructure, not an operational choice, and there is no easy solution or cheap fix to the problem. While more certainly needs to be done, much has been accomplished.

Since its inception in 2013, Capital Region Water has invested more than $130 million to improve our water and wastewater infrastructure, address a backlog of deferred maintenance projects that stretches back decades, and collaborate with ratepayers and stakeholders to meet our most pressing local needs while fulfilling state and federal clean water requirements.

But wet weather events remain a unique challenge. To address the issue, Capital Region Water is rehabilitating existing infrastructure and installing new systems that collect and convey stormwater and wastewater, increasingly limiting overflows into the Susquehanna River and Paxton Creek.

Some of that work is already under way, and you can see progress in every city neighborhood.

System rehabilitation by way of cleaning, flushing and rebuilding pipes, inlets and manholes is occurring throughout our service territory. Capital projects at our primary pumping station on Front Street are increasing by 50% the volume of flow that reaches our treatment facility; improvements at the treatment facility optimize the process.

Perhaps most visible are the decentralized projects occurring on our streets and at our playgrounds. These green and gray infrastructure projects capture stormwater where it originates. Not only are some of these smaller but highly effective projects more affordable for a financially challenged city like ours, but they also provide local benefits by reducing street flooding and greening communities.

In Summit Terrace, for example, Capital Region Water along with neighborhood partners transformed 12 vacant lots into a community amenity. The associated rain garden and infiltration system captures and manages 1 million gallons of stormwater each year from the area but also features remediated soils, a pollinator habitat, and green space for the community.

Finding equitable, affordable ways to manage stormwater and polluted runoff is a priority. Every property owner must pay their fair share and every dollar must be invested in solutions.

Capital Region Water has developed a long-term financing plan that utilizes state revolving loan funds at sub-market rates, relies on strong local banking relationships to establish lines of credit for interim borrowing, examines other state and federal funding opportunities, and offers a robust customer assistance program that aids residents who are already in the high-burden rate category based on federal financial capability guidance.

As one of Harrisburg’s anchor institutions, we are ensuring minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBE) have equal opportunity to participate in all related construction contracts while balancing the long-term capital and operational needs of the utility with the ability of our customers to pay. Residents will have a say in any plan to meet CSO regulatory requirements.

Just as we have done over the last seven years, Capital Region Water will continue to complete projects that ensure system resiliency and efficiency while reducing combined sewer overflows. In understanding the problem and challenges, together we can implement solutions that repair aging infrastructure, rebuild our communities, and improve the health of local waterways.

Charlotte Katzenmoyer is chief executive officer of Capital Region Water.

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Live from the Lake: Music returns to Italian Lake in Harrisburg this weekend

July 9, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Italian Lake Park in Harrisburg.

This weekend, music will be in the air at Italian Lake Park in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg Young Professionals will kick off their annual Italian Lake Concert Series on Sunday with musical artist Shine Delphi.

“It’s such a great opportunity for people to get together and enjoy the space outside and to showcase local artists,” said HYP President Sydney Kyler.

From 6 to 8 p.m., residents can set up their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a free performance from local singer-songwriter Shine Delphi.

Burger Yum will be onsite with food, as well.

The concert series comes back to Harrisburg after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic. Now that people are itching to get out and experience live music again, Kyler believes the event will be a hit.

“It’s so exciting to be a part of the return of live music to Harrisburg,” she said.

The series includes two other concerts at Italian Lake, on August 8 and 22. The musical guests will be announced at a later date.

“It is a really nice way to end the weekend on a Sunday and relax before the week ahead,” Kyler said. “It brings the whole community together.”

For more information, visit Harrisburg Young Professionals’ Facebook page.

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