No tax increase proposed in Harrisburg School District budget; board vacancy announced

May 17, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Screenshot from the virtual Harrisburg School Board meeting on Monday

Harrisburg School District Receiver Janet Samuels approved a proposed budget for the 2021-22 academic school year on Monday night, a spending plan that includes federal COVID relief funding.

The $174.7 million budget would remain balanced for another year due to $52.9 million in federal Elementary Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds headed towards the district. The one-time dollars would fill a $5.6 million deficit that the district would likely have had otherwise.

There will be no property tax increase this year, although officials warned that they may have to raise taxes in future years.

“That’s a big win for taxpayers in such a difficult year that we are coming through,” said George Longridge, the district’s financial officer.

At the meeting, the district also noted that school board Director Jayne Buchwach has resigned her seat.

This year’s school district budget compares to a $158.2 million 2020-21 budget, which was balanced using a previous round of ESSER funds.

District employee salaries and benefits make up the largest portion of the proposed budget. Longridge said he also expects that charter school costs will increase this year. He attributed this to the district funds that followed many students to cyber charters during the pandemic and to the new PA STEAM Academy charter, which will open this coming school year.

Part of the loss in revenue expected for the district comes from less state basic education funding (BEF) and special education funding (SEF)—large expenses for Harrisburg, according to Longridge. The state has not increased those funds because of the federal money schools are receiving, Longridge said.

ESSER funding is expected to make up for the loss, although it is one-time funding, which comes with possible future challenges, Longridge explained.

The district proposed spending the ESSER funds on items such as academic materials, social-emotional support for students, employee healthcare benefits, COVID testing, food services and HVAC upgrades, among other items. The district is required to spend at least 20% of ESSER funds to address student learning loss, according to the funding guidelines.

“This is an opportunity for our school district to address critical needs,” Longridge said.

However, he issued a warning that the district could face a “fiscal cliff” if the funding isn’t used wisely before it expires in Sept. 2024.

If state funding, such as the BEF and SEF, isn’t increased after the federal funds run out, the district’s budget may suffer, he said.

Longridge compared the current situation to federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding the district received in 2009, following a national recession. After these dollars expired, Harrisburg saw decreased revenue in subsequent years.

The district must also be careful not to use the ESSER funds for ongoing expenses that would be without funding once the money expires in 2024, Longridge said.

The district now will proceed with the budgeting process, holding a virtual public budget workshop on June 14. Officials will seek a final adoption of the budget by Samuels on June 21.

No replacement for Buchwach has yet been announced. School board Director Jim Thompson will fill her spot on the Dauphin County Technical School Advisory Board, the district announced. Buchwach took her seat on the board in December 2019 after she was elected as part of a reformist slate. An appointed replacement would serve the rest of her term.

For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.

Updated on 06/21/21 to correct the overall budget number.

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Bob’s Art Blog: Pop Goes the Easel

May 17, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Art pop-ups may well become the go to venues for featuring “of the moment art” that is here today and literally gone tomorrow. Promoting a capsulized version of an art fair into a one-day format, with a ticking expiration, brings urgency to the foreground.

Proving to be old hands at this, Charlie Feathers and Reina Wooden return to create a seasonal symphony at the Civic Club of Harrisburg for a May gala in the garden, as well as occupying The Overlook mansion for an afternoon tea party of art. Based on their two-day event at the Civic Club back in February, the couple felt it was the perfect time to reunite artists and art lovers for a spring fling, “Art of the Susquehanna.” The impetus behind the art pop-up is to showcase emerging artists creating diversity through art. There is no better place to do so than the spacious Civic Club and its sprawling grounds. With the backdrop of the rolling Susquehanna River, an outdoor party is perfect for the season even if the weather should turn playful. A veranda and porch will provide shelter just in case. Feel free to carry a parasol to stroll the grounds for that fashionable “Sunday in the Park with George” persona. And that Sunday is May 23, just days from now.

A painting by Ruby Doub

It’s always hard to top the one before, as in the Civic Club’s two-day event for February’s fete, but this edition does just that, as it is taking on the hoopla of a Hollywood movie production. The “Usual Suspects” will be there, of course, with only one missing—Keyser Soze—no surprise there. As before, the “Maestros of Midtown” will be there from the first show, plus a star-studded cast of new faces. From artists to musicians to poets to BBQ, it promises a day to remember. So come out and take part.

With any luck at all, mixed-media artist Nora Carreras will be tickling the ivories at the baby grand downstairs, vying for playing time with musical magician, Jonathan Frazier. Next to them are two of my personal favorites, my beautiful wife Jana and our granddaughter, “La Petite,” selling handmade soaps while the little one promotes her one-of-a-kind clay bead bracelets from kid to adult sizes. You better buckle in for a wild ride as the Huckle Buckle Boys, Zack Rudy and Garrick Dorsett, will be in high gear with their outsider art. Bethany Nicholle’s, abstract paintings are just one of her many offerings that include tongue-in-chic masks, buttons and magnets, et al. Larry Washington Jr. (aka Larry Lenzz) rejoins the “Maestros” with photographic panache of sights from around the city. Ghost Bae haunts the grounds with “art plus” beyond her tattoo prowess. Jelani Splawn, aka Jelly the photographer and man about town, always has his camera at the ready. Claudie Kenion’s Black Lives Matter will be spreading the word through his venture featuring masks and gear in his effort to Unite Central PA. Chad Whitaker’s art could make for a soft landing with his sculptures, puffy and playful. Charlie Feathers always brings surprises to the party and loves to catch the community off guard and avant-garde. Grace Robinson makes a plea to color.ur.soul with her passionate paintings poetically placed.

A work by Darius Davis

New faces joining the scene are Jeannine Marie with her fashion round up known as Savagehabitexchange.com, with uniquely upcycled wares. Darius Davis, acrylic artist and entrepreneur, will be certain to make a splash. Steve Zerbe is known for pen and ink and adds acrylics in his art, too. Brad Maurer, featured as TheBurg’s “Artist of the Month” in April, works wonders within illustrative insect entomology cartoons. Quincy Yates gets tie-dyed up with clothing for kids (Shopkidsinc.com), while Jamie Earl hawks custom buttons and pins under Keystonebuttoneer.com. The rose between two thorns, Ruby Doub, “sticks” to Keegan Beinhower and Donny Lyons as this trio artistically dabbles in acrylic paints among their other interests. Individually, acrylic is their go-to medium that rounds out and rounds up the Maestros of Midtown to a full roster of 24.

Tie-dye by Quincy Yates

Spinning vinyl will be an import from Carlisle, D.J. Joe George, while Ace Rhoad will be “grilling for chilling” with Smoking Aces BBQ, “where every day is a tailgate.” In fact, Ace will have that food truck card up his sleeve. They wouldn’t be called “the Maestros” without musical components, performances and artists. JAH the G.O.D is taking the stage, sharing a personal journey. In addition, Jonathan Frazier will be romancing art-goers at the piano indoors while, in the garden, violinist and trumpeter, Morgan Hackett, provides the sounds for the season. After sounding reveille, I am hoping for a rendition on the violin of “Moon River,” perfect for the backdrop of spring on the Susquehanna. Troubadours Cherry Springs and Winter Parks will be showcasing their musical talents, as well. Even Maria James-Thiaw, creative writing program coordinator for Capital Area School of the Arts, will be sharing her poetry. She knows art, too, as the CEO of the Reclaim Artist Collective.

Art by Donny Lyons

Again, no better venue for this one-day only special event Sunday, May 23, from 1 to 5 p.m., than the Civic Club of Harrisburg. A big thank you to the president of the oldest civic organization operating in Harrisburg, Marybeth Lehtimaki. And a round of applause to hostess, Reina Wooden (R76), for an art party like no other, perhaps the one of the spring season. No expense was spared in creating this Hollywood opus of a production that exceeds expectations on all levels. The event is free, with masks and social distancing mandatory.

This art blog comes to you special delivery as today I turn 70, which is the new 35. We are returning from art heaven in Asheville, N.C., full of inspiration and ideas. See you on Sunday at the Civic Club with a surprise (no, not a cake).

**************

3rd in the Burg Events: A “Free for All” at the Art Association (opening May 21)

Growing up as a kid in the ‘50s, when I heard the phrase “free for all,” it was code for anything goes, meaning all bets were off. One can only imagine what ensued…the gamut from brouhaha to brawl and anything in between. Better head for the hills! Or better yet, to…the Art Association of Harrisburg for their latest show, opening this Friday for 3rd in the Burg. This 3rd annual “Free For All” is a more well-mannered affair. After all, it is being held at the AAH. The only pugilistic posture, perhaps poised precipitously, portrays paintings packed peerlessly palatable. Where is Peter Piper when you need him? Perhaps you’ll find him perusing paintings patiently at 21 N. Front St., home of the AAH.

An image from “Free for All”

Prized juror and former art instructor at this venerable institution, artist Maaike Heithonig-Hickok, has a field of entrants to preside over, from members and students alike for this open show of artists. It allows for one work from each person in the juried venue. CEO Carrie Wissler-Thomas and curator Rachel O’Connor shared that this annual event is back by popular demand—and who is to argue that? Any discussion could very well lead to a free for all. So, come out and join this free for all at the AAH for 3rd in the Burg or anytime over the next seven weeks, as the exhibit runs through July 8. An appreciative note to gallery assistant Nate Foster for sending a photo preview of this upcoming show.

The Susquehanna Art Museum

The SAM at the Marty welcomes Midtown Property Management to the neighborhood in opening their courtyard as part of its welcoming party to this business for 3rd in the Burg from 5 to 8 p.m. Ralph Diekemper will be offering up on the piano, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, won’t you be my neighbor”? The evening’s festivities are sponsored by Messiah University.

The above events are just two of 22 venues open for this Friday’s 3rd in the Burg on May 21.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 14, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

The Broad Street Market

With warm spring weather in the forecast, it may be the perfect weekend to get out and about. Find a place for some weekend dining in our special food issue of the magazine. Don’t forget to catch up on this past week’s local news, listed and linked below.

Artists are putting together events to showcase their craft and support each other during difficult times. In our online story, read about a few upcoming events including dancing, music and art.

Baseball is back, as the Senators started off their season this week at FNB Field. Our magazine article tells the story of how the minor league team survived a year off the field and how they’re getting back into the swing of things.

The Broad Street Market launched a fundraiser to repair and upgrade the large sign attached to the front of the 160-year-old stone market building, our online story reported. In December, a windstorm damaged the sign, which is now missing two letters.

TheBurg Podcast came out this week! Click here to hear from Harrisburg Senators President Kevin Kulp, director of the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District Todd Vander Woude, and Amy Tiehel of the PA Lyme Resource Network. This episode features all things spring!

A charter school has its sights set on Midtown Harrisburg as its location, our online story reported. The nursing-focused school is seeking approval from the Harrisburg School District, which has been known to oppose charters.

Construction will begin in the coming weeks on a long-awaited project to convert N. 2^nd Street from one-way to two-way, our online story reported. Harrisburg plans to have the project completed by October 2022.

Dauphin County opened its application process for a new commissioner, our reporting found. At the end of May, commission Chair Jeff Haste will retire, leaving his seat vacant.

A development project is planned for downtown Harrisburg, our reporting found. City council approved Harristown Enterprises’ plans to convert an office building to apartments.

Friends of TheBurg is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Read the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s write-up about the program.

The Harrisburg-area housing market took flight in April, with both home sales and prices up substantially, our online story reported.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said he plans to trial a guaranteed income program in Harrisburg, our online story reported. He would seek to use federal American Rescue Plan funds to implement it.

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC announced their choice for a new president and CEO—Ryan Unger. The board has searched for 1½ years for someone to fill the shoes of retiring president Dave Black, our online story reported.

Harrisburg University is bringing acoustic rock duo Rodrigo y Gabriela and folk-band CAAMP to Harrisburg in the fall, our reporting found. HU Presents has added several dates for live music in the area recently, including outdoors in Riverfront Park.

Lyme Resource Network is the state’s leading advocacy group for Lyme disease awareness, education and support. Read in our magazine story how they’re educating Pennsylvanians on how to stay tick- and disease-free.

Public pools in Harrisburg will open next month in a step towards a post-COVID summer, our online story reported. Pools at the Jackson Lick and Hall Manor housing complexes will likely open for swimming by late June, according to city officials.

Rosemary has a springtime dish that she’s dying for you to try. Enjoy cooking and devouring her pasta with asparagus and salmon recipe, here.

Sara Bozich has a list of events perfect for this beautiful spring weekend. Check out what’s happening in Harrisburg and beyond, here.

A sidewalk expansion on 3^rd Street now completes the loop around the state Capitol complex, our reporting found. The new stretch of sidewalk is ADA accessible and safer for residents.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

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Harrisburg eviction, water shut off ban extended through mid-June

May 14, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Sign on N. 3rd Street

For the fifth time, Harrisburg has taken action to prevent residents from being displaced from their homes.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced on Friday that he would extend the city’s eviction moratorium and water shut-off ban for another 30 days, through mid-June.

“This moratorium on evictions and water shut-offs will continue to help protect our residents during these challenging times,” Papenfuse said in a statement.

Harrisburg first issued the moratorium in December, hoping to curb homelessness, which the pandemic has exacerbated.

The ordinance bans evictions for non-payment of rent and covers all city tenants or occupants in any residential dwelling unit or rooming house.

This does not cover evictions related to criminal activity, threats to the health and safety of other residents, or damage to property.

Any landlord in violation of the moratorium may be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned for up to 90 days.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control currently has a federal eviction ban in place through the end of June.

City residents in need of assistance or more information should email their inquiries to [email protected]. The City of Harrisburg Non-Emergency Information Help Desk can be reached at 3-1-1 or 717-255-3040. In case of emergency, residents should contact the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.

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Live music comes back strong this fall, with addition of Rodrigo y Gabriela, CAAMP

May 14, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Rodrigo y Gabriela (photo courtesy of Rodrigo y Gabriela and HU Presents)

If acoustic music is your jam, Harrisburg University is bringing two major concerts to the area later this year.

HU Presents today announced that Mexican acoustic rock duo Rodrigo y Gabriela will return to the Harrisburg area in October, followed by the folk band, CAAMP, in early December.

Rodrigo y Gabriela will play the historic Hershey Theatre on Oct. 8, following a sold-out show at the Forum in late 2019—one of the last major concerts in the Harrisburg area before the pandemic-induced shutdown of live music in early 2020.

The world-renowned duo is touring in support of their Grammy-winning album, “Mettavolution.” Multi-instrumentalist Silvana Estrada will open the show, according to HU Presents.

Then on Dec. 1, the American folk trio, CAAMP, will play at XL Live in Harrisburg. CAAMP features childhood friends Taylor Meier and Evan Westfall, as well as bassist Matt Vinson.

CAAMP is touring to support their first full-length release, “By and By,” an album that quickly entered the Billboard Top 200. The band also made their TV debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

Tickets to both concerts go on sale at 10 a.m. on May 21.

HU Presents recently has begun adding dates again for live shows in the Harrisburg area, most notably several concerts in Riverfront Park, including Young the Giant and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit on Aug. 27 and Aug. 28, respectively, and Cage the Elephant and Portugal. The Man, on Sept. 23 and Sept. 25, respectively.

For more information and concert tickets, visit www.ConcertSeries.HarrisburgU.edu.

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Stepping Out: TheBurg Podcast, May 2021

May 13, 2021 | by Karen Hendricks

Do you have a spring in your step?

Harrisburg’s street dining is back, with Saturday Nights in the City. Todd Vander Woude, executive director of the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District explains how dining alfresco may become a regular thing, post-pandemic, in the capital city.

The return of minor league baseball is major news for many. Kevin Kulp, president of the Harrisburg Senators talks about what it means to play ball once again.

May is when we see an uptick in tick activity. Whether you’re venturing out in your backyard or hitting the trails, your chance of coming into contact with a tick carrying Lyme disease is unfortunately on the rise in PA. Amy Tiehel of the PA Lyme Resource Network has tips on how to stay safe this spring and summer.

Plus: Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, casts his vote for May’s “Most Harrisburg Thing.”

Because “there’s more to the story,” this episode expands several stories from the pages of May’s magazine: Dining to Return to Harrisburg Streets / Back in the Swing of Things / Lyme Lessons

DYK? TheBurg Podcast recently received two prestigious awards:

First place, Excellence in Journalism Award, Society of Professional Journalists, Keystone Chapter

Honorable mention, Keystone Media Award, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation

TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by Karen Hendricks, a lifelong journalist who also dabbles in PR/Marketing. Visit her website here.

TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, Pa.; Lawrance Binda, co-publisher/editor.

Interested in sponsoring TheBurg Podcast? Contact Lauren ([email protected]).

Meet some of the Harrisburg area’s most fascinating people, and hear their own authentic stories, expanded from every month’s magazine, on TheBurg Podcast—because there’s always “more to the story.”

Harrisburg breaks ground on 2nd Street two-way conversion project

May 13, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

N. 2nd Street in Harrisburg

Harrisburg residents will start to see changes coming to N. 2nd Street as the city reconfigures it to be safer and more walkable.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse had no well wishes for N. 2nd Street as we know it, as he ceremoniously broke ground on the $5.7 million conversion project on Thursday morning.

“We are about to embark upon reversing one of the worst engineering decisions in our city’s modern history,” he said.

N. 2nd Street was long a two-way, neighborhood street. However, the state and city converted several streets to one-way traffic, including N. 2nd Street, in the 1950s to accommodate suburban commuters.

Harrisburg now will return the pattern back to two-way traffic from Forster to Division streets, adding pedestrian and bike-friendly elements, Papenfuse said. The switch to two-way will come near the end of the project on April 19, 2022, city Engineer Wayne Martin said.

Construction will begin in the coming weeks, as the city takes on adding over 100 ADA-accessible ramps to intersections along the corridor, in compliance with PennDOT’s construction guidelines, according to Martin. Portions of the brick sidewalk near the intersections will be replaced, as well.

“You’re going to see a much more accessible street for everyone,” Papenfuse said.

The city will then replace traffic signals with mini-roundabouts in the intersections at Kelker, Verbeke and Reily streets.

New traffic signals will be added to accommodate the two-way flow of traffic, along with new crosswalks and pedestrian refuge areas in the middle of the road. New markings on the road will remind drivers to share the road with bicyclists.

A rendering of the two-way street

During construction, sections of the corridor may shift to two lanes for brief periods of time, Martin said.

Once this work is done, the section of N. 2nd Street will switch to two-way traffic with a 25-mph speed limit. The entire stretch will be repaved, along with some sections of the cross roads. Martin expects all construction to be completed by mid-October 2022.

The city originally planned to convert the road to two-way at the beginning of the project, but construction plans changed for efficiency reasons, Martin explained. Officials said that they also wanted the conversion to coincide with a road width reduction project coming to Forster Street between the Harvey Taylor Bridge and N. 2^nd Street.

Wallace Montgomery is the designer for the project and JVI Group was awarded the contract.

The N. 2^nd Street project falls under the city’s Vision Zero initiative to reduce pedestrian fatalities in Harrisburg, city officials said.

Papenfuse highlighted some other upcoming road changes that are part of that plan.

A roundabout construction on 7^th Street is in progress and expected to be completed next year, around the same time as the 2^nd Street project.

This year, the city will start work on one of Harrisburg’s most dangerous roads, State Street, which will reduce the width of that corridor on Allison Hill.

Martin added that a mini-roundabout project at the intersection of Mulder and Derry streets will go up for bid today. The Allison Hill paving project, which will pave multiple corridors in the neighborhood, will also go to bid today.

During this year and next, Harrisburg will complete a number of paving projects totaling $10 million, Papenfuse said.

“We have a lot planned in the city,” Papenfuse said. “It’s all part of a comprehensive Vision Zero commitment to making Harrisburg more walkable and safer for all.”

To learn more about Harrisburg’s Vision Zero program, visit their website.

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Community connection takes shape in TheBurg’s new membership campaign: Friends of TheBurg

May 13, 2021 | by Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association

Editor’s Note: To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Friends of TheBurg, the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association has kindly allowed us to reprint their story about our membership program.

The role Pennsylvania newspapers fill in the communities they serve is a vital one, and readers are strongly aware of that importance.

The most common method for readers to express the value they hold for the paper is through a continued subscription, but what happens when the paper is complimentary for the community or readers want to contribute above and beyond a subscription?

Kelsey Tatge, sales executive for TheBurg, knows it is important to the publication’s fans and readers to show their support. With that in mind, in February 2020 she and her colleagues began developing the structure and preparations for a membership campaign, aptly dubbed Friends of TheBurg.

“It really stemmed from readers contacting us and asking how they can support TheBurg more because they are not business owners who can run ads,” said Tatge.

Tatge said that she and her colleagues decided it was important to meet with local leaders and businesses to determine their interest level and get their insight on the ideas for the membership structure the team had put together. They hosted a meeting in late February at a local co-working space and met with 20 different small business owners as well as other local leaders who had offered support for TheBurg in the past. Tatge said the feedback was invaluable and greatly aided in the development of the program.

“They helped us to flesh out the benefit ideas,” said Tatge. “Hearing from them, it really simplified it for us.”

Tatge says the discussion with the businesses owners and leaders also helped the team reconsider membership levels as supporters felt that the pricing should increase for most levels.

Initially, Tatge and TheBurg team planned to launch the program in June or July; however, with the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdowns it was launched in April. The program included six different annual membership levels, ranging from the base: an individual Friend of TheBurg membership at $30; to the top tier membership level: a community pillar II Friend of TheBurg membership at $1,000. Other membership level options include a family or household membership at $50 annually as well as two small business membership options.

Tatge said they used the Stripe platform for the backend of the program and that it has worked very well so far. All Friends of TheBurg receive at least one tote bag featuring a unique logo for the program that was designed by a local artist. Contributors are also listed on a page devoted to the membership campaign in the publication each month. The top two tiers of membership will also include tickets for events run by TheBurg in the future, as events are able to take place.

Tatge said the community’s response to the campaign was incredibly positive. She said that it in addition to local readers and regular advertisers, the campaign allowed her and her colleagues to open up conversations with small businesses that wanted to support TheBurg but couldn’t afford regular advertising options. The membership benefits for the program were met with a favorable response as well.

“It was really great,” said Tatge. “A lot of the business weren’t looking for much – they really just want to support us.”

Within the first month of the launch, the Friends of TheBurg had taken in more than $22,000 in additional funds for the paper. And as of February 2021, the program has received support from 300 new friends (members). Tatge said those funds made it possible for TheBurg to reach one of the first goals for the program.

“We were able to hire another city reporter,” said Tatge. “We were able to do that in summer 2020.”

Tatge said that while the first month of the program saw the largest growth, it has continued to steadily grow since the launch. She runs monthly email outreach to the email subscription list and continues to investigate local businesses that would be a good fit for community membership. Tatge said the page about Friends of TheBurg in each edition offers a bump in membership each month and the recent holiday season did as well, as some readers were purchasing the membership as a gift for a family member. She said the relationship that TheBurg, as a community newspaper, has with its readers is unique and valuable, which is truly the foundation for the membership program.

“We have a deep connection with our city and our readership,” said Tatge.

For additional information, contact Kelsey Tatge at (717) 991-1660 or [email protected].

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

May 13, 2021 | by Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, I got you! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:
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Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
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Need something NEW to do? Have you checked out Midtown Cinema’s renovations? Roundtop is open for paintball. Plus, check out our Spring Bucket List!

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: Planting my garden!

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

For your weekend planning:

Best things to read, drink, wear, and do this spring
Try this wine club
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

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Top Weekend Recs

My #1 wine storage tip
How to upgrade your seltzer
Book the tension remedy at Moxy
o b s e s s e d
New episodes of Poured in PA: The Series!

COVID-19 Disclaimer: As always, please click through the links or call ahead to get the most up-to-date information about venues and/or events below. It should also go without saying, but I’ll say it — Mask up, 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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Fundraiser launched to fix, upgrade damaged Broad Street Market sign

May 12, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The Broad Street Market sign suffered storm damage over the winter.

The Broad Street Market needs some help from the community—or at least, its iconic sign does.

The market is initiating an online fundraiser to help pay for the cost of repairing and upgrading the large sign attached to the front façade of the 160-year-old stone market building.

“The Broad Street Market’s sign is a very special symbol of Harrisburg’s Midtown community,” said Josh Heilman, the nonprofit market’s executive director. “We appreciate the support to rebuild it so that it can be enjoyed by everyone who visits our historic market and the city of Harrisburg.”

In December, a windstorm damaged the sign, which is now missing two letters. Upon closer inspection, the sign showed significant deterioration and was determined to be structurally unsound, the result of weather exposure over 25 years.

Funds raised will go towards repairing damage, updating the sign to represent the market’s current branding, adding energy-efficient lighting and making it more structurally sound, Heilman said.

Harrisburg-based RPM Signs & Lighting is slated to do the job.

The GoFundMe fundraiser officially kicks off on Saturday, though early donations are being accepted already.

The market hopes to raise $40,000 to pay for the work—$25,000 through the crowd-funding effort and another $15,000 through organizational sponsors.

According to Heilman, the market is self-supporting, receiving no funds from the city. He said that this is the first time in the market’s long history that donations are being solicited from the public.

Once the money is raised, the project should take four to six weeks to complete, he said.

The sign is actually much younger than the market, mounted only in 1996 during a general market renovation. However, it’s become a landmark of its own during that time.

“We want to take this opportunity to upgrade the sign’s materials and improve its durability,” Heilman said. “We hope then it’ll last at least another 50 years.”

To donate, visit the online fundraiser for the Broad Street Market sign.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Interested parties should visit www.broadstreetmarket.org for more information.

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What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Like this content?

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